Student body growth in Trinidad

The school has renewed its determination to return to the path of evangelism. This emphasis has created a stir with the introduction of “TS ops” earlier this year. To date, the school has been involved in at least five gospel meetings and several revivals. Several souls were won and some restoration is happening. The passion of the students and teachers is outstanding as it is quite normal to hear about contacts made and interesting encounters in the field. 

We now have an amazing nine students in first year and six in second year! This makes our population fifteen!! We are so excited about this growth as we aim to have a complete set of twenty regular in the classroom. 

Our future student list is also growing as young boys and girls are expressing their desire to come in the next few years.

Interestingly, we launched our TSOP Online program through links with World Video Bible School. We now have Fifteen registered students. This includes one from Florida and another from Romania! 

Our Saturday school hosted a two part series on church financial accounting. This was taught by brother Shammeen Mohammed. Those who attended truly appreciated the initiative as some congregations lack the skill set that is so necessary.

We launched our new logo. This will be printed on shirts for when we make formal visits. We are hoping that lapel pins will be donated to help promote our school.

Visiting brethren from Canada were invited to participate in chapel. They were visiting to attend the funeral of sister Patsy Babooram who passed away on Monday 3rd September. She was the dormitory supervisor for several years. Her grand daughter’s fiancé spoke in chapel encouraging students to hold on.

Brotherly,

Dominic dos Santos

Director, TSOP

Posted on September 24, 2018 .

New students in Ukraine

Ukraine students.JPG

Hello, dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

This time I will share with you the news about our August and beginning of September events.

Undoutedly, the major event for this report is the beginning of the new school year. This year we have 6 new students. Mostly they represent Central and Eastern parts of Ukraine. They have good reference letters, desire to study and have the goal of getting good quality Biblical education.

I will briefly write about each of them.

Ruslan Gaevskiy is a young Christian man. His family are members of a charismatic church. However, he has been in disagreement with their teaching for a while. Some time ago he was baptized for the remission of his sins. Before coming to Bela Tserkva he was a member of Konstantinovka Church of Christ.

First year students

Rosa Valkova is a Christian from Kramatorsk but lately she attended services in Slovyansk. She helped with ladies and children's classes.

Lena Stupa is a long time member of Kramatorsk Church of Christ. She is a very compassionate and timid lady willing to discover her talents and use them for God's glory.

Vitality Melchin is a member of Dnipro Church of Christ. His whole family is very active in their local congregation. He's had a dream to be a minister in the church since he was young. He's always been actively involved in church activities. He wants to become a preacher.

Masha Rodicheva is the daughter of Kramatorsk Church of Christ preacher Vitality Rodichev. Masha loves God and desires to teach children in her home congregation. She's been involved in children ministry before and taught lessons in Sunday school and VBS.

Eldjune Aliev is our brother from Kamenskoe. He is a very active Christian man. He used to be a professional basketball player. He has a unique approach to teenagers and hope to use this skill to establish good relationships with young people. His dream is to preach and spread the Gospel.

As you see this year we've got a group of young people with a lot of potential. We are very excited that they want to study the Word of God and teach it to other people.

We are very thankful to God and you that every year we have our new students who desire to learn the will of God. The economy of Ukraine is improving and if these young people just got a worldly job they would be paid more and they would get work experience but they chose to work for the Lord. God will continue to bless any nation as long as it has faithful Christians.

As for our local congregation we had a wonderful VBS in the end of August. Every day we had about 35 children. It's a very good number because VBS lasted three days and not many parents are willing to let their children attend all the activities.

My family, our church and our students' body send their greetings. We are very appreciative of your efforts and faithfulness in helping our ministry.

Your co-worker in the Lord's vineyard,

Dennis Sopelnik.

Posted on September 24, 2018 .

Masters level courses taught in Ghana

PROLOGUE:

We shall always be thankful to Him for He has made a successful endings. Glory be to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for all the wonderful activities He paved for its successions.  

JERRY BATES’ ARRIVAL IN GHANA

We were grateful to the Lord for the safe arrival of our brother Jerry Bate on Sunday morning, 5th August. On his arrival, he first worshipped with the Teshie Mains Church of Christ, Accra, Brothers Emmanuel Odeng Larbi and Kojo Acquah Beenyi. Emmanuel preaches for this congregation.  

Jerry taught for two weeks in Bear Valley master’s program. The total number of 23 students attended and the courses were Advanced Homiletics and Hermeneutics.

Having completed his lessons for the MBS program, he left for USA on Friday night, 17th August.

CLASS ACTIVITIES 

Normal classes were completed on the following courses: Hermeneutics 2, The Life of Christ 2, The Gospel of John, The Book of Acts, Communication Skills, ICT and finally, two short courses of “Prison Epistles” prepared and taught by Kojo Acquah Beenyi where as the “First Epistles to the Corinthians” was prepared and taught by bro. Emmanuel Amoo Gyimah.

Thirteen students were present with the exception of bro Steven Gedza who was absent owing to health problems. Thank God he was able to report to school before the end of the term.

DONATION

Great thanks to the Lord for a heartfelt giving by our brother Jerry Bates, who supported the Master’s program with an amount of GHC 2,100.00 to cater for part of their feeding cost.

We are grateful to what the Lord has done through the hands of the MBS students who donated sound system to aid instructors for the teaching and learning in the classroom and other important gathering. The master’s students donated the equipment to the school for the school’s use and also for evangelism.

The board of the school, staff and the students expressed their profound appreciation to these brethren who made the donation to the glory of God and the progress of the school. We say God richly bless you and restore in abundant what you have produced.

EXTERNAL ACTIVITIES – SCHOOL LAND

The school is making a regularly visit to the schools’ property (land) as a way to protect it.  Tall pillars are made to mark the boundaries. Wall fence will be made when funds are available.

GRADUATION AND SEMINAR IN TAKORADI-WESTERN REGION

We are thankful to the Lord for bringing us safely to the graduation and seminar programme and back home. These were accomplished successfully followed by a four (4) day Annual Seminar for Preachers and Leaders on the topic: SACRIFICAL GIVING, which was taught by speakers Toby L. Soechting; David Savage; Steven Ashcraft; Charles King Arthur; and Kenneth Gyan Kesse, Snr.

Also, our students had the opportunity to visit one of the pioneer preachers who by his effort established the church of Christ in Accra, the Nsawam Road Church of Christ. He is in the person of bro Daniel Ampadu Asiamah, whose health status is not permitting him to further his preaching work.

We were glad to see a man whose effort and teaching qualities have been periodically announced national in Ghana. This has been the wishes and expectation of most preachers to see such a hardworking man of God and a role module.

Keep praying with us as we do also in our various and daily prayers.


Posted on September 24, 2018 .

The newest Bear Valley school

WEEKENDS EVANGELISM AND OUTREACH

The month of August saw us engaging the students to different congregations.

1. The 18th and 19th saw the first team of four students going to Mufakose area in Harare for evangelism, and they did great work. Eight hours of service was given to the Lord during the two days (Saturday – 10:00 to 16:00 hours; Sunday 14:00 to 16:00 hours); forty-six (46) people were taught and one soul was added to the Lord.

2. On the 25th and 26th, five learners joined the Manyame area preacher in evangelism. The hours of service were from 10:00 to 16:00 hours on Saturday and 14:00 to 16:00 hours of Sunday. Fifty-eight (58) people were reached with the gospel and we thank God three people accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour.

3. In Dzivaresekwa the evangelism program was done on the 25th and 26th. This was a women outreach program in which the target group was the widows and the disadvantaged ladies and women. My wife was leading this group of five. The aim was to give a hand of fellowship and a listening ear to these ladies. Eight (8) families were visited on the day. Please see the attached report which I received from the group.

4. Macheke area was another place which the weekend (25th and 26th) outreach program was held. The ladies, with the help of the local preacher did a good job and we thank God for the efforts. Two ladies managed to give seven (7) hours of service to the Lord. From their report, the outreach took them into eleven households and thirty-four (34) people were blessed with the Word of God, the Good News.

UPCOMING EVENT AND PROGRAM

1. On September 22 and 23 we will be going with all the students to Mazowe (about 40km North East of Harare) for an evangelism outreach.

2. As indicated in my last report we would be starting a new class on the 15th of September 2018. We had initially scheduled to start this weekend but due to a clash with Greater Harare men’s workshop and women fellowship we are forced to push our dates to the 15th of September.  We pray for God’s hand in this noble service.

OBSERVATION

1. The experience brought about by the weekend evangelism is driving the students to be evangelically responsible. The Dzivaresekwa team said this has to be done more often and the Manyame spoke the same words and added that meeting and teaching people stirs up the sense of purpose.

2. Movement from one place to the next was made easier by the availability of cars owned by some of the students. This made the movement from house to house much easier. When the group that was here in Dzivaresekwa enquired from us how we travel during evangelism and home visits, we told them that we foot from house to house. Yes the distance on foot affects the time factor and we get tired too quickly and this limits the quantity and quality of the work done.

CONCLUSION

We continually give honour and praise to God for His presence among us. The school’s practical approach is already bearing fruits. Many congregations are already appealing for evangelical help from the students.
Thank you for your prayers and your unwavering support.

COMPILED BY: 

H. SUWARI
BVBIZ – HARARE EXTENSION                  

Posted on September 24, 2018 .

A new campus in Sierra Leone

Hello brethren.      

We are very grateful to you for the support of the work here in Sierra Leone. May God richly bless you for your relentless efforts towards the School. May our Lord continue to keep you from danger and tribulation wherever you may be.

We are pleased to report to you about the events undertaken during the month of August this second year in our third quarter of school.

Number of students remaining in school

There are sixteen students remaining in school at the moment.  Mohamed Gassama has deferred the course due to his long standing ill health. Since his surgical operation he has not been regular in school.  He has now taken two consecutive quarters without reporting for classes. He is still undergoing his medical treatment as he told us when we contacted him.

Transfer of school:

On the 29th of August, 2018 we transferred the school to our new location with the help of students engaging in the packing of school items for the new place. We hired two vehicles to convey the items to the new site. The students were so happy as they left with joy to their new destination. It was a lovely moment to see them all over the place carrying their personal effects into the vehicle.

Agricultural farm:

Immediately after the transfer to the new place we had to go ahead with our garden work. Students participated in the uprooting and plucking of the groundnuts in the farm. We have completed the exercise and ended up having four bags of unpeeled groundnuts. We are now going to dry it under the sun and store it for our next cooking season.

Students Profile:

Jacob Jusu is born of Kailahun District on the 15th day of MAY, 1980 to a Christian family and follows the foot step of his parents. He was converted on the 7th October, 1999 at the Gueckedou church of christ in Guinea.

He is a very dedicated member of his congregation and for that reason the congregation decided to send him to school to study more about the word of God. His class participation is good and he is a very obedience servant of God.

Conclusion:

After sorting and packing of our properties in the new place we have today launched a week campaign around the surrounding villages to climax the end of this quarter’s event.

We will update you on the outcome of the campaign as soon as it ends.

Thank you.

Submitted by Ishmael S. Bangura

Local director of extension studies.

Sierra Leone

Posted on September 24, 2018 .

Short courses in Fiji

SECOND TERM SHORT COURSES

We finished our third term on Friday, the 13th of July.  The students are in the tougher second year of our program, but are very much up to the challenge.  The second term saw our students completing courses in Bible Geography, Acts, 1 Corinthians, Greek, Expository Preaching, and the Minor Prophets.  We then took a week break before beginning our short courses.  

We had Brother Paul Merideth, from Temple, Texas conducting one of our short courses.  Paul is imminently qualified to teach and is currently writing his dissertation for his PHD. More importantly, he is a faithful gospel preacher with a love for God’s word.   Paul taught the course on the Cost of Discipleship and was well received by our students.  Jason and I co-taught the second short course on New Testament Worship.

CAMPAIGN TO WESTERN SAMOA

We finished up our short courses on Thursday, the 2nd of August.  Part of the class on New Testament Worship was used to get our students prepared for the campaign to Western Samoa.  We had been invited by the Goodwill Church of Christ in Aleisa, Samoa to conduct a workshop on the Old Testament book of Job.  10 of our 11 students committed to the trip.  (The one who was unable to attend had just returned from a 6 week mission effort in the neighboring country of Tuvalu.)  

Students attending the workshop: Asher, Alphonsus, Emosi, Kitione, Lency, Movono, Peter, Samuela, Semi, and Va

There were regular classes and services on Sunday, the 5th of August, with our students doing the teaching and preaching.  Monday through Wednesday we had classes at 9:00, 10:00, 2:00, and 7:00 each day.  The afternoon sessions were broken down with a men’s class and a ladies’ class.  In the evenings we also had classes for the youth and the children and a key note speaker from our students for the adults. 

Each of the students taught at least one class.  Our second year students taught two classes.  It was a real joy to see these students take what they have been learning and use it in the field.  The lessons were well organized and utilized material they had gotten from their text course on Job, Expository Preaching, Biblical Interpretation, and General Homiletics classes.  Many of them also drew from personal experiences in their lives to bring to life the message of Job. 

I was also able to talk with Paulo who is a school principle in Samoa.  He is interested in attending the school.  He is looking at starting the program in 2020.  He is active in preaching and teaching at the Vaimoso Church of Christ and comes highly recommended by the local leadership.

THIRD TERM

We are now well into our third term.  This is the most challenging yet.  Jason is teaching our third course in Greek.  4 of our students have opted to take a course I am teaching on Introduction to Critical Thinking instead of the Greek class.  The other courses being taught this term are Revelation, Bible Basis for Missions, History of Preaching, World Religions, and Timothy and Titus.

Vinaka vaka levu for your prayers, words of encouragement, and financial support.  May the fruit born from our efforts together be credited to your account!

Rocco Pierce, Director

Posted on September 10, 2018 .

Great things happening in Ghana

The months of August and December are very busy months for some of us who have devoted our lives full time for the Lord’s work here in Central Region in Ghana. Whereas I am not invited to speak, they invited us to be present to grace the occasion. In this past August, the feast of the Youth Vacation Evangelism was cerebrated. It is a yearly Follow Up on existing congregation and Edification of the Saints.

This year, it took place at Breman Asikuma in the Central Region. It is a youth program where they are camped from Monday to Sunday. There are cooks, adults members of the church, who cook three times a day for them and these youth’s work is to go out to preach the Gospel, share tracts, make contacts for Bible Studies and to invite people to “come and see” Church of Christ.

43 congregations with about 300 youth attended and there 56 baptisms and one congregation established. On Sunday worship the total attendance was 540. I was able to get enough tracts and booklets from Mission Press and Bobby Dockery-Arkansas for the entire program. We had 5 preachers and some 50 adults that were able to make the program with them.

Bible School 

The third term of the eight terms of our Accra Bible School ended with a trip to Takoradi to be part of a graduation of another Bear Valley Bible School there. They also attended an annual lectureship of the school. The School in Tamale is on holidays after a week long campaign which resulted in restoring a congregation with 16 baptisms and 15 restoration of members. 

Our Children – School

The basic schooling system in Ghana have their long break from July to September. We are doing much work on our building, preparing for the arrival of the new academic year.

Womens Fellowship

The women in the Central Region had their annual Women’s Fellowship in Mankessim at the premises of the Gov’t High School. Ladies from 36 congregations attended with the following attendance records on the last day which was Sunday: Ladies 345. There was quiz on The Book of Hebrews and six (6) congregations contested. 

Baptisms

Our Mission congregations’ activities recorded 5 baptisms whereas the Campus Ministry is on hold as the students are on vacation.

Please pray with us, we really need it. Thanks.

 Kojo Acquah Beenyi,    Minister,   Church of Christ,   Agona Swedru,  C/R,  Ghana,  West Africa

Posted on September 6, 2018 .

Continued progress in Zambia

Warm greetings to you all brothers and sisters! We always give God the praise and honor for granting us this rare opportunity to work in His kingdom. We always depend upon His unfailing grace and His eternal Word as we strive to humbly serve Him.

The students are back for their second quarter. They reported back from a two week break on 6th August, 2018. In the first two weeks of the quarter, they took their short course in Personal Evangelism with Brother Kennedy Mukuka. And now they are taking five normal courses of the quarter.

Brother Cephas Mwamba is taking them in the Life of Christ 1 and the Book of Acts. He has also continued teaching them Koine Greek. Brother Fred is taking them in Homiletics 1 and Hermeneutics 2.

Friday afternoons are dedicated to personal evangelism for all the students. This is the time given to the students to do practical work of evangelism because we believe that people learn better by doing than just listening. So we are trying as much as possible to engage our students in practical ministry so that when graduate they will fully prepared for work. In addition to ministry related activities, the Institute has decided to involve her students in other activities that can help them survive as they do God's work. On Saturday mornings students help with projects that the school is currently involved in to help students acquire survival skills. The school is molding some bricks for a chicken-run (poultry building) to be built on the premises of Mikomfwa church of Christ. This is in line with the school program of survival skills development. Additionally, the school is working with Cephas Mwamba at his vegetable garden just near the church building. These ventures will definitely supplement the school budget.

The Institute is privileged to go out on 29th August, 2018 for a five day National Men's Conference to be held in the town of  Mansa in the Luapula Province of Zambia. The conference will give the Institute a great opportunity to meet with men in the Church from all the provinces of Zambia that will be represented at this meeting. We are taking all our students to participate in this meeting which starts on 30th August 2018 and ends on 2nd September 2018. A meeting like this one gives the school an opportunity to be known by the churches of Christ in Zambia. This meeting is intended to strengthen working relationships of the Church and serves to be a good platform for the institute to be known throughout the country. We believe something good is going to come out of this meeting. This is our first major campaign we are involved in since the school reopened. Mansa is 168 km North of Copper Belt Province. We know the trip will be financially costly but it's worth the sacrifice. During the meeting, students will have a chance to preach the word as they have been taught so far.

We thank God every day for our brothers and sisters at Woodland Oaks Church of Christ for their continued support of the work here and for the partnership we enjoy with our sister Institute in Denver. Moreover, all your efforts and prayers for the work here are highly appreciated. 

God bless you all. 

In His service,

Cephas and Fred   

 

Posted on September 6, 2018 .

Agriculture projects in Zimbabwe

INTRODUCTION

Students at BVBI-Z are currently on break. Classes are set to resume on the 10th of September. Whilst they are on break, they are expected to be active in the churches. However, there are some activities that took place as the students were on break. In this report, we highlight these activities with gratitude to our Lord Jesus Christ in whose cause BVBIZ exists to fulfil. 

NEXT TERM COURSES

The following are the subjects that will be taught next term with their possible teachers. Classes shall start on the 10th of September.

Homiletics 1                                            M.Muchingami

Acts of the Apostles                                   I.Mutichu

OT History (Joshua-Esther)                       I.Mutichu

Galatians (SC)                                              H.Suwari

Godhead (SC)                                              I.Mutichu/D.Estep

Entrepreneurship Skills Development         P.Toperesu

Hermeneutics                                                 M.Muchingami

Denominational Doctrines 1                       M.Muchingami

Gospel of John                                   T.karikoga

DRIP IRRIGATION

Following the training that Healing hands rendered to the school in June, the school has installed a full drip irrigation system on the available space we have. A total of 1200 plants of tomatoes were planted. This is very little, compared to the ideal situation of full-fledged projects we would want. However, the system shall provide the necessary practical to the students in line with the schools strategic plan of producing highly competent servants of God who will impact communities positively for the master.  The other intention is to lower food costs through local production, and were possible, increase cash inflows into the school.                                 

POULTRY PROJECT

In the July report, we reported on a poultry project the school had started. The first batch which had 150 birds is currently being sold. Our appreciation, goes to Healing Hands International for providing funds for this project.

SCHOOL NEEDS: COMPUTERS

The school greatly needs a set of computers for use by students. Our main thrust is to produce highly qualified, equipped and competent servants of God through a robust training and development program. A lot is being done to achieve this. However, computers are the missing link and is one of the greatest needs for the school. This is in line with modern learning trends. At least 6 will place us on a better platform. Any help to get these will be greatly appreciated.

WHERE ARE THEY?

We are pleased to give a report on the whereabouts of our first graduates who graduated on the 2nd of June 2018. Almost all of them are on ground working for the lord. Our request is that you pray for these young people, the congregations they are working with and the work they are doing. The following are the names and their whereabouts;

  1. Happison Bvukumbwe: Happison is now preaching at Deure Church of Christ, Jerera, Masvingo.
  2. Innocent Stima: Innocent is currently working with his home congregation, that is, Morris Church of Christ in Murewa, Mashonaland East..
  3. Thomson and Victoria Mlawuzi: The couple is now working with Hatcliff Church of Christ in Harare.
  4. Tafadzwa Maseko: Beginning 1 September, Tafadzwa shall be working with Chivero Mission Church of Christ in Mashonaland West. There is an orphanage at the mission.
  5. Daniel Chikware: Daniel is working with Mambo Church of Christ in Gweru, Midlands Province.
  6. Partmore Simbi: Partmore is now preaching at Dandara Church of Christ in Murewa, Mashonaland East.
  7. Tinashe and Linda Mazhambe: The couple is now preaching at Maware church of Christ in Chikomba district of Mashonaland East.
  8. Kudakwashe Madyira: Kudakwashe went to the School of Biblical Studies in Nigeria to read for a Bachelors degree in Christian Religious Studies. He claimed the valedictorian award at their graduation in June.
  9. Divine Jana: Divine was meeting with the Warren Park congregation but has not been well. He is still to find his feet and needs your prayers.

CONCLUSION

We praise God for what we were able to achieve in August. More activities shall start in September as classes are set to resume. Thank you for your financial and the moral support we are receiving. To God be the glory!

Brotherly,

Mathew Muchingam, Director BVBI-Z

Posted on September 6, 2018 .

Successful campaign in northern Ghana

The renewed mercies of God Almighty have seen us through the month of August 2018 successfully. We are grateful to Him for your life. We continue to thank you for your sacrificial efforts in helping us “Bear Valley Tamale” run our activities effectively. We pray the blessings of our Lord Jesus be with you now and forever.

STUDENTS ON BREAK.

The sixth term has successfully come to an end. Students are currently on break. All things went perfectly as scheduled for the term. All courses have been treated. Students went on break on the 27th of August, 2018. They will be returning on 16th of September, 2018.

CAMPAIGN

Our termly Gospel campaign took place at Kparibontaabo, under Zabzugu-Tatali district after Yendi. We arrived there on the 14th August, 2018, around 2pm. On the first day as we needed to organize ourselves and report to the custodians of the land and the necessary authorities (Tindaana and the Chief).

Kpaibontaabo has a five year old congregation established by the congregation in Tatali. It was necessary for us to divert our campaign there in order to restore that congregation. Preacher Samuel Kolinba, who graduated from Bear Valley Tamale, who is a preacher for Bikpajab congregation, a community nearby, doubles to overseer that of Kaparibontaabo.

Kparibontaabo congregation almost collapsed when a claimed prophet, Emmanuel, popularly called, “Odiifuo Blackey” (Black prophet) opened a prayer camp at the community and is performing magic (claimed to be miracles), and drew away almost all the members including leaders of the Church. Our presence was a timely one, and a successful restoration of the congregation.

All students (18) were part of the campaign team, led by Preacher Ayini, Alex and James. Preachers from Zabzugu, Tatali and neighboring villages and some brethren also joint us. On the 15th, we did a house to house evangelism in the morning till afternoon, followed by the public preaching in the evening. Preacher Ayini of Accra Road congregation preached on sin and its consequences. We had no questions asked. Attendance was great. We however had no baptism in both first and second days.

Door to door evangelism continued on the 3rd day as usual, morning till noon (16th August, 2018). All praises to God, we had eight (8) Baptisms during the door to door studies. We equally ended our activities for the day in the evening with teachings on the plan of salvation, taught by Brother James of Bear Valley Tamale staff.

On the 5th day (17th August, 2018), our popularity had taken over the whole community as we continued the house to house studies, as many were confirming we came with the truth. However, many said we came late to them, and it was hard for them to denounce their denomination to join the true church. Odiifuo Blackey (Black prophet), came to our camp, and told us, we were baptizing his members, and at that point some three people were ready for baptism, which he forcedly stopped us from baptizing them. However, we had seven baptisms.  We rounded up the day with the evening studies, which was led by preacher Ayeni. He taught worship of the church. The place almost turned upside down, as questions were thrown here and there. Women challenging why they can’t lead in church, others were fighting why instruments are not permitted to be used during worship. Countless questions were asked. Commendably, our leader (preacher Ayeni) did very well. Most questioned were asked with anger, but answers were properly given to calm them. At the end, the preacher for E.P Church came for the microphone and attested that, he believe all what we were teaching was the truth, and all should listen to us. Glory to God alone.

On the Sunday early in the morning, a young lady also came and requested for baptism, and was baptized. We ended our campaign that Sunday (18th August, 2018). Worship began at 8:30am with devotion (singing and prayers) till9:00am. At 9am, we divided ourselves into two classes, where we combined the visitors and the new converts in one class for basic teachings and the rest for the adult’s class. Preacher Thomas from the Tatali congregation taught the new converts and visitors class, whiles brother Samson Bisigma, the students leader for Bear valley Tamale taught the adults class. We all came together to continue worship around 10am. Eric Bintim (Student BVBIT) led songs, Vifa Benard read the Bible (BVBIT), Preaher Ayeni gave the sermon, and the Lord Supper was led by Samuel Saakuu, assisted by Shei Labueri David and Neina Alex (all students of BVBIT). Fifteen out of the sixteen baptized came for the Sunday worship. Attendance was 108. 46 of them were males, 32 females and 40 children.

Indeed, we had a very fruitful and successful campaign. The school was not forgotten, campaigning for new students was prioritized every day after the evening teachings. Preachers who desire to come to the school took some forms and their records are kept for follow up. The campaign was very committed and participatory as they were taken through a routine lectures every morning after devotion before field work. It was a nice and fantastic experience. The church had eleven members before our visit who were not worshipping every Sunday due to leadership challenges as well as Odiifuo Blackey’s deception and other denominations. A week after our visit (26th August, 2018), attendance was forty (40) from our follow up calls. There is certainly hope for this congregation.

Meeting with the few leaders of the congregation before we left, their major challenge was iron sheet and some woods to put up a meeting place. The congregation meets under a tree to worship due to some challenges they had with the Roma Catholic Church who was sharing a school block with them. We humbly appeal for your support in this line if possible to assist them get a meeting place, in order for your sacrifice and our efforts to be more fruitful. We as well believe, if possible, time to time visitations by the school to this congregation and many others, to strengthen them could also be a good idea of maintaining them. We as well wish and believe in the near future, our students should be in charge of most of these congregations if not all possibly. We appreciate for helping able to take the students into field to demonstrate what they have learned in class in pragmatic way. We pray God increase your source to increase our campaign support. We had some few challenges financially when we were in the field. We appreciate so much our able coordinator (Brother Kojo Aquah Beenyi) for his wise counsel, before, during and after the campaign. He was very instrumental. Preacher Ayeni, Alex and the team all were very sacrificial when things were turf in the field. All in All, God showed us mercy, and gave us the victory.

ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES

We remain committed in doing our best in the interest of the school and its growth. Now that school is on recession, much emphasis will be placed on advertising for new students, continues studies to build the local church, and the documents for the school land and that of the worship site. 

SCHOOL/CHURCH LANDS

We have submitted the documents that the land commission requested, which you sent to us to them, remaining only the tax clearance certificate. Follow up visits have also been done, and we are still awaiting results from them.

Posted on September 6, 2018 .

Guest teachers in Sierra Leone

Dear Brethren,

We thank each and every one of you for supporting our efforts in this part of the vine yard. May God prolong your lives in order to see the fulfillment of the “Great Commission” being accomplished through the sacrifices you are making for the promotion of the gospel in this part of the Vine yard. 

ACADEMIC WORK

Moving lecturers from Bo and Freetown to teach our students has made significant impact in the learning process of students with a performance increased in knowledge of the bible.  We are making the mark towards Bear Valley requirements for preachers with the method of learning outlined in the curriculum as spelt out in each class module such as assignments, research work, memory verses, essays writing, quizzes, devotions as well as pulpit preaching and teachings on a daily routine basis.

We have come to the end of this quarter’s teaching exercise which ended with a short course on “Mission in the new testament " I have prepared the first year’s results in which almost all the student passed.

We have one lecturer from Bo city who is Bro Banya for short course, Bro A.J.S. Koroma from Freetown, and Bro Samuel Bangura from Freetown.

We are also sending students on personal work to various congregations to preach at the end of every month. A memorandum of understanding has been established between us and congregations in the communities they belong to give them the chance to do their practical work when they are on vacation break.  The unfortunate part is one student had dropped out of the course half way this second quarter which is due to his persistent ill health. However, he completed the first year successfully and started half way in the second year. His name is Mohamed Gassama. We are now left with fifteen students. we hope and pray that these ones will make the journey to the end.

AGRICULTURE /FARMING PROJECT

We are hereby drawing your attention to a small scale groundnuts farm that we planted on the new land bought for the school. The purpose of this farming is to secure the land from intruders or trespassers till the time comes for a building project. Even though we have prepared all the necessary documents but yet we need to secure the land by occupation. We have planted three hundred cups of groundnuts in this plot which will supplement our feeding program for students. We are yet to harvest this groundnut farm but hope to do so before we go for break.

NEW CONGREGATION    We have planted a new congregation outside Kenema town which lies about a mile from the center of the town. We have presently an average of forty worshipers in this congregation. We were meeting inside a house of one family member, because of the increase in the number of members each Sunday, we have the cause to move out of the house and pitch a tent outside the building where the congregation is presently meeting.  The school is using this opportunity to send student preachers every Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays to conduct service as part of their practical work. 

SCHOOL STAFF  

We have the Director for local studies, the Dean of students’ affairs, two long course teachers, two short course teachers, one cook, two security men, one in the day and one at night, and one computer lecturer.  All of these staff belongs to the Lord’s church which makes us unique at work.

STUDENT PROFILE

Joseph Missailie was born on the 22ND September, 1992.

He attended school in the city of Kenema

He was baptized on the 8th December, 2008 at the Church of Christ Kissy town,  Kenema.

He became interested in the work of the lord and decided to be enrolled in the school last year to pursue his dreams in the lord’s vineyard.

He is married with one child. Before then, he has been working as a teacher and an associate minister in the Lord church, because of his heart burning desire to do God’s work, he decided to come and gain more knowledge. Joseph is presently participating in the grooming up of the Church we have planted in the BURMA community. Since there is no preacher in-charge yet Joseph and his other colleague’s preachers are mending the flock at the moment.

CONCLUSION                      

We have done lots of conversion over the one and half years of our program and handed them over to the various churches we visited during our campaigns.  We have planted one church at Burma Community.

We have restored a congregation from Kono District at Gbaneh village to the Lord’s church.

We have been participating in cooperative evangelism with churches of Christ in Kenema on weekends.

We have also been taking part in church programs such as lectureship, seminars, weddings, funeral service. etc,  etc,    

We are also planning on another campaign this week and will give you an update on the outcome. We are moving the office next week to the new building site we rented and will inform you after the transfer

SUBMITTED BY:  Ishmael S. Bangura, Director, BVBI-SL

Posted on September 6, 2018 .

Many activities in Liberia

Dear Brethren,

We bring you greetings from Liberia west Africa to all of you who continue to support the work in this part of the world. Almost approaching the close of the two years prescribed curriculum of the Bear Valley, lots has happen during the month of July 2018.

EVANGELISM

Since our students are expected to complete their studies and leave Ganta, the administration have gavin them each assignments to go out to all their contacts made through evangelism efforts. During their period of studies here they are to bring back all the addresses of all their prospects and those added to the church through their efforts so that our new group of students can continue to visit and encourage their prospects to continue come to the church. Also, as a group, went out every weekend in July on a house to house Bible studies and got lots of people visiting the campus ministry.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

The month of July was a very very busy month for everyone, both the instructors and the students had lots to do towards the end of the two years program. Among what the students had to do included the following:

  1. Group works

  2. Research work

  3. Individual Assignments and presentation

  4. Final examinations ( Practical and theory).

  5. Cleaning the campus etc

The 14 students left have completed all the courses prescribed by Bear Valley and are therefore qualify to be graduated on the 15th of September, 2018.

RADIO PREACHING

We made it possible by allowing each of our students to appeared on the radio preaching program to present a lesson or two to the public which in fact, has help to exposed them in public speaking and presentation. The radio program is a live program which give out time to the public listeners to ask questions and make comments to the topic discussed. It has been a great help to our students. If we can have support for our radio preaching program, it will go a long way in helping our out going students and the present ones preach the gospel to many through the airwaves.

NEW STUDENTS

Thirty (30) Students are expected to form part of our new class. There where in total forty eight (48) applicants, but after the entrance examination and interviews, we are left with 30 qualified brethren for our next batch of students. Please pray for these men as they start classes on the 17th of September 2018 just two day after the graduation of our old students.

APPRECIATION AND CONCLUSION

We want to thank all of you so much for supporting the work in Liberia. Without you, this effort would not be possible. May God richly bless you.

In Him,

Robert P. Dahn, Jr.

Director- BVBI-L

Posted on September 6, 2018 .

Graduation in Nigeria

(1) OVERVIEW: From the report reaching us from our 40 students that served in different congregations of our Lord Jesus Christ from July 13 till August 12, 53 souls were converted and twenty (20) erring brethren returned to the Lord as the result of their effective work with the preachers and teachers of the different congregation where they served.

(2) SPECIAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: By His grace coupled with the support from Bro. Doug Wheeler, the Lough family and Bro. Steven Ashcraft and associates we were able to host over 250 brethren from 68 congregations across the country of Nigeria in the just concluded 16th Annual Bible Lectureship & graduation of 33 successful soldiers of Christ Jesus. The program started on Wednesday evening through Friday evening in BVBIN & SWSE, Ibadan at Butubutu village, where 15 men of God ministered to the spiritual needs of people and 2 sisters taught the women. 3, 000 VOTI vol. 97, mission printing tracts and books by Bro. Sylvester Imogoh were freely distributed to over 8 0 congregations present.

Different Books, such as Bible dictionaries, Bible concordance, Thompson Reference chain Bible and other books from Bro. Steven Ashcraft were presented to fourteen out of the 33 graduating students as special gifts. Fifteen (15) cartoon of preacher’s book from mission printing was presented to our 15 students that graduated with BVBI certificate.

(3) EVANGELISM: The year 2 students and staff of the school will embark on a journey this weekend to visit Ekiti State so as to preach the good news, while the year1 students under the leadership of Kayode Solomon Eniafe will work with Ikoyi congregation -Osun State in house to house evangelism during the morning time and open air Bible Lectureship in the evening. We hope to return back to Butubutu campus on Sunday evening Lord’s willing.

(4) ABOUT A STUDENT: (pic 5) Bro. Nsini Udo is from Cross River state happily married and blessed with three children. He is presently one of our year 2 students. His mission is to become one of the effective evangelists in Cross – River after his two years training, Lord’s willing on August 2019.

(5) OTHER COMMENTS: We appreciate the partnership with the Bear Valley Bible Institute International, World Bible School, and Truth for Today, Mission Printing International and you our American brethren. May the Lord keep on using us all for the growth of His Kingdom. 

 Conclusion: Big thanks for your labour of love.May the Lord keep us safe in His loving way in Jesus Christ name,amen.

 Sincerely His & yours .......Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi(Director of Studies )

Posted on September 6, 2018 .

More conversions in Guinea

A number of different activities occurred during the month of July 2018 at the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute. Here are those events in brief summary under various sub titles:

Classroom: All courses of the second quarter were completed, but by 17 of the 19 students with an acceptable class average performance. There are 2 of the average students whose performance is excellent. Two others were unable to go through as a result of illness on the part of student Nestor and some weakness by student Nfaly who has been warned and later disciplined. Due to these problems, we are now considering that this class is left with 17 students.

Evangelism: In the home village of a student of our school and where we had preached and converted 5 souls during our May campaign, a follow-up work has resulted to another 9 conversions.

Our radio program is making an impact in the minds of several persons in and around Gueckedou. We will be preparing to visit a nearby sub-prefecture where one of our short course staff visited and made some contacts for possible evangelism. Guinea-Conakry is about 90% Islamic dominated and therefore quite difficult to bring people to Christ. There are those who are interested, but for fear of persecution from their Islamic family members and friends, they hesitate to confess Christ.

Campaign: We had 3 days of gospel campaign in the month under review. One of our regular staff members, Philippecould not participate because he has been very ill and taken to Conakry, the capital for proper attention. The rest of the staff and students were divided into 4 groups for 4 different areas in and around Gueckedou. In my group we converted one soul who was very bold coming out of the crowd to confess his faith publicly. The other 3 groups had no conversions, but some of the people in one of the groups in a nearby village have started coming to visit at our Sunday worship in the congregation at the school premises. It is our prayer and hope that conversions will follow sooner or later.

Temporal construction projects: Through the help of brother Steven who made appeals to Bear Valley and certain ones, we were able to put up a temporal kitchen, dining and generator shelters enough to accommodate other things such as motor bikes as well.

Transportation assistance: Also bro Steven sent and instructed us as per our appeal to get a motor bike needed to facilitate some minor transportation cost and to run other school errands and services. A standard TVS motor bike has been purchased. It has begun and certainly, will be of great service to the institute.

Computer class equipment : Still further, with the funds sent for the purpose, we were able to purchase 8 next-to new desk top computers for our students to be trained in that area. Necessary accessories such as voltage regulator and extension cords for the computers are being bought so that installation is done to begin the training soon.

 Our copier has been repaired and is now working. However, our library shelves are empty and we will appreciate any literature and Bibles.

Our copier has been repaired and is now working.

Conclusion: I am thankful for the spiritual, moral and academic improvement of our students and the few souls being snatched from Satan. We are very grateful to Steven and to all Bear Valley supporters for these projects and for all other support gear toward training Guineans to save their countrymen.

 

Posted on September 6, 2018 .

Graduation upcoming in Mbanga

The students are preparing for their upcoming exams and short courses. You can imagine how that the conversation of the students now in school is all about graduation. Oh! How time flies and things keep on changing day by day. They have now been on a special mission for two good years and week evangelism even to very far places of the country. They are still welcomed and they are even solicited by other preachers to come and help their congregations for some time. The harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few. But, the Lord is in control. We attended to a lot of mission work these last few days ranging from lectureships to youth programs. Souls were added in the kingdom in various areas of the country. 

There is joy in the presence of God over one sinner that repents and sister Therence decided to shun the devil on a blissful Sunday morning. She is à French speaking sister and the French are attached to a lot of traditional background things that do not really correspond with Christianity. She needs some encouragement so as not quench the Spirit.

My family and I have been doing well even though with a lot of responsibility in my home. Lately most of the children who are living in my home have fallen sick but God is restoring their health situation. On one of the trips visiting at the hospital, we encountered bro Eugen who was hospitalized with the daughter. It is with this brother that we established this young congregation at Kompenia. The situation of the child was horrible and I ended up by donating my own blood to the child in order for her to survive. God help that baby! We praise God that she is still alive today.

Upcoming events:  

The students and the church shall attend our next lectureship, which is in our zone this week-end. We shall be planning to host the Fako and Littoral lectureship in the month of October 2018. Field work is at- hand and we pray for safety.

We urgently as for you to for our country. Pray for the people who are suffering in the bushes. Pray for the country during the up-coming elections in Cameroon. Our God is a good God. We thank you for all your efforts. 

Evangelist Ititi Bénédict

Posted on August 28, 2018 .

Appreciation expressed

APPRECIATION LETTER FOR A 4 YEARS SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM IN GHANA

To God be the glory for granting us a successful trip to and fro Ghana republic. We also thank all that have made the two weeks spiritual exercise a big success.

Thanks to our able instructor Bro. Jerry Bates who subsidized our cost of feeding during this period. Thanks to bro Steven Ashcraft for paying part of our transport fare for the period of four years program in Ghana. Thanks goes to Bro. Chad Wagner and Bro Doug M. Wheeler for connecting us with the Bear Valley Bible Institute International in USA. Thanks to Bro Seth Larbi family and Sarpenman congregation for their brotherly love and cares throughout our four years program. Thanks to the new local director of BVBI-GHANA, Bro Kojo for his determination for Excellency.

Lastly we thank you all for your partnership since the inception of SWSE-IBADAN in august 2003. The SWSE-IBADAN will be celebrating her 15years anniversary with a special theme on “restoring the church of the bible”.

May the Lord keep on blessing our joint effort in Jesus Christ name amen.

I remain yours in His Grace as Servant......Makinde Ebens 

Posted on August 28, 2018 .

Courses completed in Togo

Dear brethren in Christ,

Let us return thanks to God for all of His kindness. It is not only about having blessings as God’s friends as tests are also parts of the life of a Christian.

Gradually we approach the results of the first period of two institutions (CBS Center of Biblical Studies) and BVBI (Bear Valley Bible Institute). Teachers made a big effort to give their best for this first quarter. I thank all teachers for this work, especially the professor AKOVI Mensah Esparance the evangelist of NUKAFU to Lome.

Here are topics that are taught during the two quarters:

First quarter courses:

1. Alliances

2. Church of the Bible

3. The How and the Reason of the Biblical Baptism

4. French

5. Seen of the Bible

6. God's Plane for Redemption

Second quarter courses:

1. The Christian home

2. Christianity without denomination

3. Spiritual maturity

4. A study on sin

5. New Testament Worship

6. Christian influences

The exam: the final exam has ended well. Every student wrote his exam.

From the staff of Center for Biblical Studies

Posted on August 28, 2018 .

Campaign success in Malawi!

What a POWERFUL God we are serving! His love is manifested in our lives and in many ways. Just recently, we went back to our preaching campaign. Preaching campaign is part of the BVBI-Malawi practical work. We are very excited to report that God opened the hearts of His people and keep serving those who obeyed the Gospel.

For sure, the harvest is plenty but the laborers are few! We went to a village where many houses did not be visited, we still continues asking for your many prayers and support that can help to train more laborers to go in the fields and harvest. This time, the Lord has saved 65 souls! We thank God for giving our students a spirit to work hard in class as well as a spirit of feeling pity and merciful to for the lost souls.  

Classes and Teaching

The teaching work is going on well and very great enthusiasm from the students for studies. The time table is well followed and many lessons have been covered. More than ten courses have been covered. We are glad that working as a team makes the work easier.

God brought Joy when we worried about our lives

Every time we have campaign, we divide our students into two groups. This time some went to Kafukule the Northern region of Malawi and some went to Kasungu the Central region of Malawi. I went with the Kasungu group, and guess what? We found no good houses to be accommodated in; no doors and roofs, and we started worrying with our safety during the first day. It was cold and good accommodation was need for our nice sleep. The Lord reminded us that same first night, the reason why we went to Kasungu. As we were just chatting with few people who came to greet us that night, we didn’t withhold the saving message into our hearts and started preaching, in that first night, the Lord added to His church 4 souls and we went to baptize them around 9:30 Pm. With this, everyone was happy and recognized the reason we went there – preaching and winning souls to Christ not looking for nice accommodation☺! However, we wish we could have two tents for our students

Preaching in Kasungu ended with 27 souls baptized and 18 souls restored, while at Kafukule 10 souls were baptized and 10 souls were restored.  Once again, without your support and prayers nothing would have been achieved. “……..He who wins souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30), Think Souls!

Prayer Request

One of our Bear Valley student lost his dad when we were at the preaching campaign. Please remember his family in your prayers!

On-behalf of Bear Valley Staff,

Ephron Vincent Mbano (Director BVBI-M)

Posted on August 28, 2018 .

Graduation in Cambodia

We are glad to serve the One Living God and work with you in service to Him.

We just completed a short course on Revelation taught by Donnie Bates from the Bear Valley congregation in Denver Colorado. We want to thank him for taking the time to visit and share his knowledge to the students and staff here. We also received warmth fro brother Wes Autrey, whom we discuss much fore the Lord’s work.

We have been preparing for the day when the students graduated. That day arrived on July 28th where 9 students completed three years of full time Bible study at the International Bible Institute. Many friends and relatives came from many miles around to be present at the ceremony and participate in the celebration meal to follow.

We are happy that all of the students are ready to go preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ as savior.Most will go into the villages to do this work where it is most receptive. Almost all of our students will be finding work in the area of missions, some combined with regular jobs to support them in saving souls.

We are now n the process of recruiting new students for the next class.We already have 5 students committed to the school for the beginning of classes on September 10th. We are utilizing the past grads, the church, the staff and nearby university to recruit.Visits to the villages and leaders of those villages to evangelize and persuade to a Christian life is also taking place.

We still ask everyone to remember us in your prayer that we are the servants of God in Cambodia.As the leaders of the school and church we ask for your prayers for wisdom to serve God in the best way possible.

Directors Piseth Rin and Darat Run.

Posted on August 14, 2018 .

28 baptisms in Chimala!

The work at Kapunga finished well as you can see the pictures with 12 souls in total saved this makes 22 peoples in gospel chariot campaigns and today we had  two people at Tukuyu and those 4 at Usalimwani = 28.

At Ngonga we distributed 2500 tracts and had several Bible studies with invitation at Gospel Chariot meeting campaign on August 21, Many people enjoyed our messages and they welcoming us very much. 

Keep praying for the campaign. 

Thanks,

Joseph Haonga, Director CBI

Posted on August 14, 2018 .