Campaigns in Takoradi, Ghana

Dear Brethren,

We greet you all, fellow workers in the Lord’s vineyard. By God’s grace another month has ended and we are very thankful to the Lord for His guidance and direction and grateful to you all our brethren for your continuous prayer and support to us at West Coast School of Preaching here in Takoradi, Ghana. This month under review also is the last in the year, 2018. Very thanked again to our Maker.

We give below, the report of activities by the school during the month of December, 2018.

PART-TIME CLASSES

The part time classes continued till the third Saturday of the month. Twenty two continually reported for classes all through the period. It continued to be the tur of Joshua Aidoo who took them through the classes.

CAMPAIGN FOR CHRIST

As part of the School’s evangelism campaign, we collaborated with both Mpintsin and Kojokrom congregations to assist them in a major campaign for Christ. All the immediate past students and the current students who had been offered admission were invited to join in. In all about thirty men participated in the campaign. The church at Mpintsin paid for the cost of a live broadcast on a particular radio station here in Takoradi which made it possible for most residents in both the Western and Central Regions to be able to listen into the program. At the end of each day's presentation, time was allotted to the listeners to ask questions and also give directions as to their locations for a possible follow-up. This lasted for five (5) days.

This was continued with another five (5) day campaign at Kojokrom. For lack of funds this last one could not be aired live on the radio. It also streamed live on both Facebook and YouTube. All these were followed with house to house evangelism during the day.

LECTURESHIP

Two lectureships were held at Aiyinase and Kojokrom during the period. In all these brother Joshua Aidoo was part of the speakers.

RECRUITMENT

Recruitment for the regular classes also continued and all prospective students were contacted and interviewed.

His servant,

Ebenezer

Success in Guinea

Gueckedou BV Activity Operations Report for December 2018

Dear brethren, here is the activity operations Report for the month of December 2018. During this month all of our usual activities plus 1 week of evangelism were conducted. There were 4 souls converted plus 3 during the campaign week which were not part of our year end numbers reported before the 15th. Below are the details of these activities under subheadings.

Classroom: The month of December was the close of our classroom activities with all 17 students attending all the subject materials for the month. We had 2 weeks of class work and the other 2 weeks were scheduled for campaign and part of the year end break.

Evangelism: By the grace of God all efforts, the house to house and the air time radio gospel broadcast put together during the month under review resulted to 4 conversions. We went out in smaller groups of 2 by 2 in some of the quarters of the town and in a few nearby villages. Sometimes we met with encouraging reception especially in the villages, but the people would say “be patient and continue coming. What you are saying is right, but you people met us already tied up in other churches and that is why it’s not just that easy”. So we are going steadily and wisely.

Campaign: Just before we closed for the year 2018, the 17 students and staff were divided in smaller groups of 3’s and 4’s so that we can touch as many people as possible. Some went in a few quarters of town and some in villages making follow up of previous evangelism.

The 3 men who went to the village of Botema in the Prefecture of Macenta baptized 3 persons. This is where there exists a congregation that is irregular in meeting and for that reason we will make every effort to ensure a proper footing by the end of March this year.

As for the other groups, we had no conversions, but we have some prospects to make follow ups.

Conclusion: We are thankful to God and we also appreciate all of the men and women, supporters of Bear Valley making our program of training and conversion a success. We had reported 71 baptisms before December 15 for our year end numbers, but we later converted 7 more in December therefore these will be counted as part of our 2019 year end numbers.

Thanks to you all for the support for the year 2018

Francis 

Expecting a "guest" teacher in Malawi

Bear Valley Bible Institute – Ekwendeni, Malawi. 

Quick – update!

We hope this finds you enjoying God’s blessings in this first month of the year 2019! We are glad to announce that the holiday is over and we are about to step on the battle line again. The past year of 2018, was a successful year to us. We witnessed many souls being saved, restored and churches established. We hope this year will bring us more good news. If Paul and other Christians in the early church did it, we can also do it.

We are starting receiving students on 2nd and 3rd of February, 2019 and the classes’ resumes on 4th of February. All students are eager to come and finish their 2nd year of their classes and look for graduation to the end of this year.

We are gladly waiting to see Brother Donnie Estep coming and teach the short-course on Hebrews. We are always thankful for his love of training men become faithful and strong vessels for taking the gospel where it has never been preached before! Brother Donnie will arrive on 9th of February, and start teaching from 11th through 15th of February.

We are grateful for those faithful brothers who always stretch their hand to support and pray for this work. Without your support nothing could have been done in the past years. We still need your involvement in this work. We also continue pray for your families, that God should keep on blessing you all. We appreciate, that you always think of winning souls to Christ, (2 Timothy 2:2). The Bible says “He who wins soul is wise”, (Proverb 11:30).

Christian regards!

Ephron V Mbano. (On-half of the staff)

Email: mbanoephron@gmail.co

Progress in Philippines

The school in Cebu, Philippines is now on its ninth month since it started in May 2018. We started with just seven students and since then our number has multiplied. Our gracious God has truly blessed us last year.

New Year is here and what a better way to start the year than to study the life of our Savior Jesus Christ. This week, we have examined the “Life of Christ” through the lens of the four gospel writers. Although we only study the first part, which is His birth and the commencement of His ministry but the lessons we gained are innumerable. Our students capped off the week by applying what they have learned in their final exam.

We have purchased 14 arm chairs in exchange for the tables that we have been using for the past months to make more room for future students. This is one of the few improvements that we have planned this year.

God has blessed the work in this part of the world and we are excited for His plans for us this New Year. Thank you for all your prayers and support.

God bless us all! 

Neil Emperado, Director BVBI-P

Back in class on Mbanga

Greetings from Cameroon and from Mbanga in particular,

We hope all is well for you since we got into 2019. We are faring better and work continue both in the school and in the church. Our theme for this year 2019 is, My Year of Uncommon Transformation.”  (2 Corinthians 3:18) Our goal and objective is to transform our communities and the church, including the leadership of the congregation. Keep us in your prayers.

We glorify the almighty God for bringing us back safely to begin this academic year. All the 9 students who traveled out on December 13 arrived to their destination safely and engage themselves in serious work. We too, in the other part, were busy for our mission trip to Nigeria. Our students went into 8 different assemblies within 2 weeks on mission while assisting on lectureships and forums and visiting other congregations in their localities. À total of 22 souls were converted and 6 restored into the church while many people who had the privilege to hear the them speak the gospel became interested. Some even heard them over the radio and other medias. I think this was a great way to end the year.

We are back to school and studies continue with our last quarter and preparation for graduation. Recruitment for the new batch of students is also on going. We already have about 15 brothers who are interested in coming to begin studies by March 2019. 

God is great and we appreciate all His works in our lives. We pray that this year should be a successful one.  

Remain blessed,

Ititi Benedict Director BVBIC-Mbanga

New students are being challenged

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings to you all from your brothers and sisters in Wotutu and Cameroon at large. We do hope this report finds you well as well as all those around you. We are on here and life is going ahead amidst the struggle and ongoing crisis.

God is giving us the mind to be okay with the ongoing socio-political crisis because even though some part of the work of His vineyard in other parts are slow, we can still preach and teach in other areas where our lives are not in total danger. Please keep us in your prayers. We are praying that God will send peace makers to intervene and help brings things back to normalcy.

Last week in BVBIC-Wotutu went on well although it was characterized with some sad atmosphere as we lost some dear Christians who were sick and died. Apart from that, all is well. Students are getting settled into the new environment and studies are sounding good to many although some are feeling it is above what they expected. We are encouraging them to keep looking in front as they hold the plow because if they start looking behind it will provoke discouragement for them. Keep these students in your prayers.

The atmosphere in Wotutu is calm and the Bible Institute is going on without any problem as the military guys will always appreciate our early morning preaching and our fervent prayers for the nation for peace to return. Please pray for our daily efforts with the current situation.

PLANS

Evangelism in other locations has been requested as congregations have started making demands for our students to come, but we cannot start sending them alone to places for now. We need to train them and nurture them a little longer but pretty soon  we shall start sending them out alone.

APPRECIATIONS

God bless you for all that you are doing for the work here. We are blessed to have you all in our work. Keep standing with us.

Do your best to share our report with others.

 Elangwe and family

 By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu

Very busy in Nigeria!

Beloved in Christ Jesus;
Grace, peace and mercy unto you all from God our Father and from Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior, who saw us through year 2018 all Glory and Honor to his name.
A big appreciation to those who were there for us and all who played vital roles in helping us to achieve our aims of training more soldiers of Christ at BVBIN and SWSE, Ibadan , may God in his abundant blessings continue to bless our works together in Jesus Christ name.
May this new season bring you dew from heavens, give you peace and joy to take you and all yours through the year 2019. HAPPY NEW YEAR
Below is the summary of our activities for the month of December 28, 2018:
1 OVERVIEW: 
I  Evangelized in Butubutu and environment, Asejire-Oyo & Osun, Igbara-Odo in Ekiti State
ii End of the year program resulted into conversion of Five and restoration of a family of Four.
iii BVBIN-IKORODU, 3rd annual Bible Lectureship held at Lagos 
iv SW 2nd Building near  completion.
v 17th Annual Leadership seminar themed “Go yea unto the world and preach”
2 EVANGELISM:
As usual, the staff and students of the BVBIN & SWSE, Ibadan were busy every weekend in evangelism and campaigning for Christ. We were graced to evangelized villages around Butubutu Jago and Badeku. Also, we extended our work to Asejire town in Oyo and that of Osun state,the lord crowned our joint effort with total conversion of Five brothers and a family of four was restored unto the lord in Badeku.
3 END OF THE YEAR PROGRAM: 
I, Bro.Kayode S Eniafe, Bro Gbenga Ilori and Bro Emmanuel Godwin spoke at a Three days mass evangelism and Open-Air Bible lectureship organized by Igbara-Odo congregation, Ekiti state between December 6-9, 2018 and a soul gave his life to Christ after the program and also I, Bro.Dele shotola and Bro. Kayode spoke at the end of the year gospel campaign at Jago-Ibadan.
4 BVBIN-IKORODU, LAGOS STATE:
Bro,Augustine Odo served as the moderator, Bro. Mfon Etim- the director of BVBIN – Ikorodu spoke on ”The New Testament Conversion” while I(Bro. Makinde ebens) spoke on “Working together with God” during the 3rd Annual Bible Lectureship centered on “WHAT THINK YE OF THE CHURCH?”. The program was attended by over 150 brethren from congregations of our Lord around Lagos state. Among the dignitaries were Bro.Akinyemi, Bro.Abiola, Bro.Ufot, e.t.c
Bro.Okoro Chinyere, one of the organizers of the program reported that six preachers enrolled as students of the BVBIN-IkORODU after the seminar. The new students will join the next class of January 5,2019. Lord’s willing.
5 SPECIAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: To God be the Glory we will soon complete the second structure for the Southwest Nursery& Primary school. All that is left for the completion of the second structure are; Desks for Student, White board and other amenities.
6 SPECIAL CHALLENGE: We are still in need of a bigger generator plant to supply electricity to the school community.
7 ABOUT A STUDENT: Bro.Smauel Sunday Moses is a year one student. He is from Ikwe Omua L.G.A, Akwa-Ibom State. He is happily married and blessed with children. He is here to be train to become a competent ministers. His mission is to acquire more knowledge in the work of Christ, most especially in evangelism.
8 OTHER COMMENTS: I taught on “The Origin of Evil” at Onikokoro,Gbongudu Congregation on December 23 and 30, 2018. The book of Job was used as our lesson background with the aim of aiding God’s children to remain faithful during tough time.
CONCLUSION  We are very much grateful to you all for your moral and financial supports toward Evangelism in both rural and urban area of the country. May the Lord continue to bless our works in Jesus Christ name, amen.
I also thank those that sent words of comfort to me and my wife (through sms, calls and email) over the untimely departure of our first son, Emmanuel Anuoluwapo to the land of glory on October 2018. May the Lord keep us fit and sound in the loving way till the end is our fervent prayer. Amen.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL
I remain yours in the grace as a servant
Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi
(Director of Studies)

Big campaign in Tamale

DECEMBER REPORT

Help us shout hallelujah to the glory of our heavenly father for how far He has brought us to yet another new year. Not all who have had this opportunity to see this year but we are the living testimony to attest to the fact that God is our refuge and salvation Amen!

We shall never forget to say thanks for your consistent support and prayer for the survival of Bear Valley Bible Institute in Tamale, for we have nothing to offer you than to say; may God replenish you all for your generosity for His work in West Africa. 

STUDENTS ON VACATION

The term has come to an end successful and the students have gone home for four weeks to visit their families and the church and also to the spend New Year with them. They also use this period to harvest their farms produces and other activities like building and farm land preparation. God’s willing the school will be reopened on 13th January 2019 and we wish all these students happy and prosperous New Year and safe journey back to school.

ADMINISTRATION WORK

We are keeping no stone unturned on campaign for students, still thirteen students submitted their application forms and are waiting for interview, and three more forms assured to be submitted when students report to school in January. 

CAMPAIGN FOR STUDENTS AND BIBLE CAMP

The school embarked on a seven days (one week) campaign for students for the 2018, 2019 academic year on December. Preacher Francis Ayine, Preacher Alex Jabado and Brother James Legend embarked on the journey. This campaign took place on the 17th to 23 December, 2018.

Preacher Ayine who preaches for the Accra Road Church of Christ arrived at the Bear Valley Bible Institute, Tamale campus around 5 am on the 17th of December. We set off the same day  and visited one brother shortly at Nyankpani congregation and took off to Saboba.

GREETINGS

We salute you all and wish you happy and prosperous New Year. It is our prayer and hope that God keeps you healthy and strong in 2019 so that you can achieve your goals, happy New Year to you all in Jesus name Amen!!

Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies

Prayers requested from Ukraine

Dear brothers and sisters,

I'd like to share with you some latest news from Ukraine. It's winter time here and the temperature outside drops below zero. Nobody minds it really and in a couple of days the schools and Universities will resume classes after the winter break. Our Bible Institute classes started on January 8th. So students had got two weeks for winter break. Most of them left Bela Tserkva to go back to their home towns.

I request some special prayers for our second year student Sergiy Omelchenko. He had high fever for more than three weeks and the doctors could not determine what was causing it. Eventually he was hospitalized in Kiyv and they ran more detailed tests. As the result they found some specific virus in his lungs. I'm not a doctor and I can't explain it better but as far as I understood it the virus resembles a form of hidden tuberculosis. It's very sad indeed because his family can't afford any extensive treatment. Of course, we try to help them out but it's very expensive and will take a few months.

In December we had Ukrainian members of our staff teaching the courses. So, the first year students had the book of Genesis (by Viktor Semikoz), Exodus - Deuteronomy (Dennis Sopelnik), Godhead, Angels and Satan (Vitaly Rodichev), Gospels by Matthew and Mark (Albert Bagdasaryan) and the second year students had 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus (Dennis Sopelnik), Book of Acts (Vladimir Paziy) and Denominational Doctrines (Andrew Zhuravlev).

We are planning on having a one-day seminar in February where we want to discuss the subject of appointing elders in Ukrainian congregations of the Church of Christ. As of now, there are a few congregations with potential candidates. Our brother Mike Underwood agreed to share his experience and insight on this matter. I hope when everything falls in place we will have sound and mature men to lead the congregations and encourage us to follow the Lord.

Before the beginning of the winter break we traditionally had a lot of fellowship with our students and spend our time in encouragement, prayers and discussions. In my opinion the strong ties between our students and Instructors are very important. Friendship that started in the Institute will last for years to come. We have graduates who stayed so close that they went together to establish new congregations of the Church of Christ.

The Commentary on the Book of Daniel was sent to the publishing house and we are very excited to get the books soon. Undoubtedly it helps many preachers thoroughly ponder the Word of God. We are thankful to everyone who participated in the project.

In this report I'd like to thank all brethren who generously sacrifice their funds to support the ministry of the Bible Institute in our country. Ukraine is pretty much the only country in Europe where the true meaning of Christianity became wide spread. And we owe it to a lot of you.

My family sends their greetings. Your brother,  Dennis Sopelnik.

An outstanding year in Zimbabwe!

DECEMBER 2018 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

2018 has come to an end. We, therefore, use this report to appreciate everyone who has made it possible for BVBIZ to reach this far. We shall also give summaries of what transpired in 2018 and some expectations for the coming term.

END OF YEAR EVANGELISM STATISTICS

2018 has been a year filled with practical. Both the class that graduated in June and the current one that started in May contributed to this year’s statistics. However, there was not much activity between June and August as the current class dwelt more on theory in preparation for evangelism practicums that were to begin in September. In terms of evangelism, there are three levels;

·         Weekend evangelism (every Saturday, besides leading worship in various congregations, when the school is in session, students do evangelism)

·         Field program (this took place from the 1 April to -29 May)

·         One week campaign programs (27September-7 October) and 18 November-25 November).

Among other results, 2018 saw 141 baptisms, 351 sermons preached, and 2 congregations planted.

AUDIT OF BOOKS

BVBIZ’s books were audited. This was for the two year period which ranged from May 2016 to June 2018. Our appreciation to the Board that made this to happen. This is in line with the school’s strategic plan which mandates management to be as transparent as possible with the financial resources placed under our care.

NEXT TERM CURRICULUM

The following are the subjects going to be taught next time and their teachers

Denominational Doctrines                 Mathew Muchingami         

World Religions                                Donnie Estep

1-2 Corinthians                                  David Walker

1-2 Thessalonians                              David Walker

Greek I                                               Mathew Muchinagmi

1, 2 Peter, and Jude                            Howard Suwari

Wisdom Literature                             Ishmael Mutichu

Prison Epistles                                   Ishamel Mutichu

Introduction to computers                  Hailey Mlangeni

ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS PRACTICUM

The theory of entrepreneurship has been taught for a while in the school. Part of this theory has been put into practice through the few projects BVBIZ has been carrying out. However, a new practicum shall start on the 3rd of January. Students shall be going to various areas where projects are being carried out and will be there for three weeks. These will provide labour, whilst at the same time, learning how things are done. At the end of the program, the student should have an appreciation of how things are done.  Several enterprises are happening at each centre. These range from crop production, poultry production, piggery, fishery, welding, nurseries, cattle breeding, bee keeping amongst others.

Our appreciation goes to the families who have accepted our students. Besides the knowledge to be acquired by students, these families will provide accommodation and food. The January report shall carry out a report on what would have transpired during this practicum. Students are expected to do another practical in January of 2020. The idea is to equip students with skills that will eventually help them to survive as they preach after graduation.

BROILERS

After having stopped the broiler project for a while due to shortage of chicks, we received a batch of 100 on the 14th of December.  The intention is to raise broilers at a large scale once the conditions that are needed are now available at the permanent site.

CABBAGES

After, the small tomatoes’ project we had, cabbages have been planted. The tomatoes’ project raised $620. Due to limited space, like the tomatoes project,  only 1400 plants of cabbages were planted. These are under drip irrigation.

DONATIONS

As the year comes to an end, we wish to thank all those who have donated funds towards the operations of the school. Our appreciation goes to those who donated money towards prizes for graduation and those who made one time donations but chose to remain anonymous. We remain humbled. BVBIZ would also want to categorically thank the Sande family and Dururu family who were very consistent with their donations. This is a big example to many. Their figures ranged from $5 to $25 monthly but it made a lot of difference.

Many have also gave different items that kept BVBIZ going. Appreciation also goes to them. This has been  a way of partnering with us in this endeavour.

CONCLUSION

Finally, we thank God for the journey traveled. We also thank Woodland Oaks and Bear Valley Bible Institute International  for their unwavering support. To the teachers, students, board , the church and all potential partners, thank you. We keep wishing all of you a blessed and prosperous 2019. To God be the glory!

In Christ,

Mathew Muchingam

New students in Wotutu, Cameroon

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings and happy new year to you and your family. That is what we say here as we enter into the new year by the special grace of God.

  We trust God allowed you and your family to be partakers of this new year without any major problems. We are sincerely grateful to be safely into a new year regarding the ongoing crisis where many have fled their homes, many are still in the bushes, and many have suffered loss of property and other things. But, with His grace we are strong and still remain focused on the work of preaching, teaching, and saving souls in the midst of dangers and struggles.

Thanks very much for your prayers for and support to the many internally displaced persons in our area. We are accommodating some now even in our old dormitories who moved to Wotutu for safety. We thank God that Wotutu is serving as a refuge area for many. We bought some pots for some sisters whom we don’t know when they can ever leave Wotutu for their homes. Thanks for your support because your kind support has put food in their mouths, clothes on their bodies and medications to keep them healthy. Please continue! This gesture is a mile stone in our work.

20 new students made their way to Wotutu safely. Some took risks to pass through bushes as many roads at times are still being blocked by the separatist fighters. When I saw the new students making their ways to Wotutu and listening to the struggle they had to make it here, it brought out tears but gladdened my heart that we still have men with very strong faith.

Today the Wotutu congregation, as is their normal tradition, welcomed the students officially into the Wotutu congregation which will be their family for the two years they will stay in Wotutu. Please keep them in your prayers as they have already started classes on the 3rd of January 2019.

The Wotutu congregation organized a special fellowship meal as they welcome these students. It is always a thing of joy for us to see new students. We realize that we shall start knowing them personally as the days go by.

PLANS

Evangelism is our mission and that is our focus. We cannot miss that. This week we shall attend an alumni evangelistic meeting in Mbanga with these new students. We shall join with the old graduates to evangelize the area over the weekend.

APPRECIATIONS

God bless you more for all you are doing for the work here. Keep up the good work because without you we doubt how possible this work would have been. Share our report with others.

Elangwe and family

By the grace director of BVBIC-Wotutu

Future Preachers Camp in Arusha

ACSOP January 2019 Report.

I would like to salute you and thank our God for the blessing of new year. Happy new year 2019 to every one. God have blessed us with new year again so we have all reason t o thank Him. Without doubt God is blessing every one who loves and serving Him. I hope this year will be bright toward those who will be serving Him. And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28.

I would like to share with you what happened on the end of December. December was busy month when every one was working had to serve the Lord in Tanzania Christian Camp. Tanzania Christian Camp is one of the program that is run by Andrew Connally School Of Preaching for the purpose of creating good relationship with congregations and help young  men to desire to join ACSOP one day. We thank brother John Rice and Burt Fuller for join us in this camp. It is not easy for someone to leave  his home at the end of year to travel away from the family, but these two men did that for the Lord. This camp was able to accommodate one hundred and eighty campers and twenty three teachers and chancellors which total of the attendance was two hundred and three. Most of these campers their of twelve year above, who most of them were able to understand  what was taught. One of surprising thing, I and brother Koimere from Monduli we picked long and tough memory verses which we thought are tough for them,  but over one hundred campers finished memorizing their verses.

Another thing that have touch every ones heart is the way this young men receive the word and applied it. After teachers and chancellors saw there numbers of campers are not Christian we set a special class for them. We had one class of thirty five people who were learning the Gospel. After serious Bible class in two days with a lot of questions twenty four of them  obeyed the Gospel. One of those who were baptized is a boy of twenty years old from Mombasa Kenya who is coming from a Muslim family. Personally I thank God for this new Christian generation. Theme of this year was “spiritual glasses”, this can help us to have more knowledge.

     For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (Col 1:9-10. NKJV)

Please let us continue to pray for the Lord’s work in Tanzania, especially the Andrew Connally School Of Preaching. We have all reason to thank God and you for the big role that you are serving in ACSOP and in His kingdom. Its my prayers that all goes well with you and all may be for the glory of our Lord.            

In His service,

Ahimidiwe Kimaro

 Director, Andrew Connally School of Preaching

A Bear Valley Bible Institute International extension school

Arusha, Tanzania

Evangelism in Sierra Leone

Happy new year to everyone in the lord as we ended this year's program without misfortunes in the brotherhood. We hope and pray for a successful 2019 as we start the journey to meet our lord in this challenging world.  We are not better than those who have died during the course of the ministry  work but we are spared by the lord to continue in his work to fulfill the Great Commission of our lord in Matt.28:18-20. It is because God wants to begin with us that’s the reason he spared us to see the new year. As God has  began with us, may He ends with us for the rest of the year 2019. May we live to see another   New Year in Jesus’ name? Amen.

ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTED

-On the 3rd Dec, 2018 the school started its last campaign for the year with  students participating in three areas of evangelising the vicinity of Kenema by making disciples. On a joint cooperative evangelism with the churches of Christ in Kenema, they are able to launch an operation house to house campaign lectures on one on one basis. This has proven successful for the newly established congregations in the areas whereby their numbers keep on increasing as a result of the moves and strategies undertaken by the school.

-Our campaign lasted for one week in three areas KAMARA TOWN, DAUDA TOWN, AND GBEYTAYMA

CAMPAIGN EXERCISE

-During our campaign to the above area ,students were divided into three groups : one group went to Kamara Town another went to Dauda Town and the last group went to Gbeytayma. At the end of the day they meet and share experiences among the groups and forged ahead the following day. They explained  success stories to one another. They confined on each other for strategies and methods to be used for a successful campaign. The groups ended up converting souls for Christ in these area.

IMPACT/ OUTCOME

-More  practical field work done as a result of an effective team work in the campaign launched.

-It Helps the school to be known by members of the Churches of Christ in various congregations

-It  also gives the students an advantage to master their practical work.

Students are now conducting home lectureship and worship service in their own local villages.

CHALLENGES

-Sustainability of regular worship service in newly established congregations during break while students have gone home for break.

 -Congregations that are newly planted with the effort of the school  in villages  are seen as Bear Valley own congregations and are therefore looked upon to support them with preachers and other materials such as Bibles, Hymn Books, Tracks, Benches, Fruit of the Vine and so on.

RECOMMENDATIONS

-Our Future campaign programs should  be held in villages or places where  churches of Christ have already been in existence. This is simply because we cannot plant without watering, however, we cannot be selective in our work but this will save us from church support as the case may be with us.

-We should  first trained  new converts who are willing to pass the message over to their people before  planting a new congregation elsewhere.

SUCCESSES

-During our campaign periods we have been able to convert souls for Christ through efforts made by our students and restored members to churches.

-We have organized an evangelism team of youth fellowship from house to house on every weekends.

-We have  sustained both Tilorma and Burma congregations through efforts of our students.

-With the help of Bear Valley Bible Institute and our Regional coordinator, we have acquired an acre of land for our school within this shortest possible time.

CONCLUSION

-As we move  closer to the end of the second year program of studies, we have been able to ensure the survival of the school regardless of the challenges faced on the way.

- During the period under review, we have been able to sustain a program  of studies for all our students.  We want to thank our sponsors for supporting the school in a very special way in  accomplishing the great commission of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. We also want to thank our  Regional coordinator and Director of extension studies for Bear Valley for their continuous support of the program in our country. 

SUBMITTED BY

Ishmael S. Bangura

Director BVBI-SL

Success in greater Accra

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ….” Eph. 1:2.

We are always grateful to the Lord for the series of activities He has seen us through for this month. Though school is currently on vacation yet there were other activities organize within this period.

CHILDREN’S BIBLE CLASS

This class though not part of the Bear Valley programmes but this was instituted by Alex Sah, a former student of SIBS who graduated in 2015, had the interest to help nourish the children of the Lord’s church and non-members in the community in the word of God. 

His aiming factor is to begin strengthening and winning the children when they grow up.

They have also appealed to the school of New Testament Bibles and other journals that may help in their studies.

With such initiative, the authority of the school has permitted them to use the school’s facilities to support their learning. We are hoping it will grow effectively in the faith. 

ACCOUNTS AUDITING OF ACCRA SCHOOL

As part of the school’s financial accounting activities, this department has made submission of the 2017 and 2018 account report to be audited and to filing of returns to the Registrar General’s Department.

Kojo and Sammy assisted in this process seeing to it that the right thing is done to avoid penalty that may result for not obeying the law of the state.

BIBLE CAMPING IN MANKESIM

The churches of Christ in Central Region of Ghana organized a three-day Bible Camp for its members with the aim of education the church to be one and edify its members. The theme for the programme is “that ye may be one” as request by our Lord Jesus Christ from the Father.

This three (3) day programme was successful with nine (9) baptisms announced during the closing session of which seven (7) were capture by Sammy. The school helped with the van, of which was a great blessing.

PAUL ADOM IS BEREAVED

The wife of brother Paul Adom, an evangelist at Nkonya Wurapon, Volta Region of Ghana, has passed away. He is currently, teaching in a Bible School as well. Sadly, she has been in sick bed for about 10 years before her call by our Lord. The staff of the school also participated immensely and mourn with our dear brother during the funeral.

With all these activities in this month of December, joy fill our heart that everything was done peaceful without cut on anyone. We are highly thankful to the Lord for His mercy.

Keep praying with us.

Classes resume in Zambia

Warm greetings to you all brothers and sisters!! We wish you all happy holidays and a very prosperous 2019!!! We give honor and glory to God who has given us the opportunity to work in His Kingdom.

We have received confirmation from all our students that they are ready and cannot wait to report back to school. Two more new students have also affirmed their readiness to be part of the school body. 

The school resumes on 7th January, 2019. And this will be the third quarter in their first year. The courses that will be offered are as follows:

Old Testament 2 is a course that covers the history of the Jews from Joshua to Esther. Brother Cephas Mwamba will teach this course. And he will also be teaching Old Testament 3a.  This is a study of Wisdom literature with special highlights on the book of Job. Brother Cephas is also teaching Greek language (1) for one year, we have noticed good progression in students understanding of common Greek of the New Testament. We believe this helps to our students who would want to further their education in the Bible.

Life of Christ 2 is a course that deals with the life and teachings of Christ. This covers the Sermon on the Mount, Parables of Jesus Christ and Judgment. This course will be taught by Brother Fred Kanangu. And he will also teach the World Religions.

Brother Donnie Estep will also teach 1 Corinthians as a short course during the quarter.

We have added five more class chairs and tables, we have also added two more bed bankers during the school break, in addition, good fruits have come up with the work of Teachers, brother Cephas and Kennedy went on the evangelistic trip to a nearby Township of Mufurila on the copper belt, as a result a 37 years old man George Chileya was baptized. And Cephas has continued teaching and restored three more men back to the sheepfold. Brother Fred and Cephas had time to travel to Chingola on the copper belt were brother Fred had time to speak to the audience at the funeral.

On the other development Joseph Ilunga one of our students from DRC. Has reported that fighting in many places of Congo has continued and it has become extremely dangerous for anyone to travel there. This is due to the fact that the country just had general elections, let’s continue to pray for his safety returns as class resumes.

We have three students who come from villages bordering DRC. These are Gilbert Mulubwa, Daniel Kasonkomona and Fred Mwansa. They all confirmed what Joseph says. And they added that even the Pedicle road which is the short-cut route from their villages passing through DRC coming here is temporally closed. Brethren, we solicit for your prayers that peace and stability returns to this area.

As our third quarter resumes we anticipate more evangelistic efforts in 2019 and truly thankful for your financial support and all the encouragement in this noble work. We will likewise pray that God will bless the works that you all are involved in as well.

In His service,

Cephas and Fred

15 more baptisms in Liberia

Greetings from us here at the Bear valley Bible Institute- Liberia, hoping that all is very well with you and your families by the special grace of God. We want you know that we sincerely appreciate you so much for the level of partnership in this great work of His.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

The month of November was a very very busy month for everyone. Both the students and the instructors had lots of work to be done since we are just beginning with the new batch of students. The new students are introduced to taking their studies very seriously. Right from the beginning, they are made to be part of group works, research works, individual assignments, daily quizzes and memory work among others. Frankly, I am very proud of the new batch of students because they are very active in everything.

EVANGELISM & BAPTISM

It will surprise you to know that the new batch of students have already converted through water baptism 15 persons from their weekend evangelism efforts. The campus ministry is now well attended weekly with around 60 person due to their zealous evangelistic efforts. Its truly a blessing to have these men as students.

COMPUTER TEACHER

We are also very happy to inform you that Mr. Amos Dolo who has been teaching our students computer in the school finally accepted the gospel and was baptized in to Christ. It took over two years talking to him and finally the Lord has converted him. The last person is the Agriculture Instructor ( Mr. Meantor Bembo) yet to be converted.

ABOUT A STUDENT

Winston M. S. Carrick is one of our new student who from the look of things is doing very well as far as the school instructions are concerned. Winston is a young man, born Sept. 11, 1994 in Gbeh, River Gee county, located in the southeastern part of the republic of Liberia. Since he became a christian in February 2017, he has been very active in the church and working with the evangelist that baptized him. That's one of the major reason who he was recommended to the school to have him train for the future of the church in that part of the country. Winston is a high school graduate and has some extra training in community mobilization. He is not married and does not have any children

Meanwhile, When I questioned him on what plans he has after school? He said he want to be a worker of the Lord in helping to spread the gospel, especially in River Gee county

LIBRARY BOOKS AND TRACKS

Our library shelves are now with books by the special grace of God and by the help of brother Steven Ashcraft and brethren from the mission printing organization. Many thanks and appreciations to brother Steven Ashcraft for all the contacts that made this possible for the school to have a library..

APPRECIATIONS

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

Exciting news from Ukraine

Dear brothers and sisters,

In this report I'd like to share with you the latest news from some local congregations of the Church of Christ and our Bible Institute.

In November our first year students had Genesis (taught by Viktor Semikoz), Godhead, Satan and Angels (Vitality Rodichev) and Deuteronomy (Dennis Sopelnik). And the second year students studied 1 and 2 Thessalonians (Dennis Sopelnik), Book of Acts (Vladimir Paziy) and Denominational Doctrines (Andrew Zhuravlev). This year Exodus-Deuteronomy was to be taught by our Instructor and Chernivtsy Church of Christ Minister Dmitry Galuik.

 Our second year students are doing great helping with the church activities. One of them, Taras Danilenko goes to Skvira Church of Christ every Saturday to help the congregation. He teaches children Bible class. Our student Masha Rodicheva help them with crafts part of the lesson. It's a huge encouragement for the brethren of Skvira. The other student Eldjune Aliev started youth group meetings in the local congregation. He attracts young people through his professional basketball career. They study the Bible, have fellowship and encourage each other.

I'm actively searching for the new recruits for the next school year. From time to time I contact different preachers and church members to check on the congregation, sometimes I visit them and meet potential recruits. Occasionally I will get recommendations, the other times I have to keep my eyes open for new contacts. It's a lot like fishing. You have the best bait but still don't know for sure if you get the catch. I ask you to pray that our Institute will find people who like to save souls.

The other good news to share is that next month we will publish next book (commentary on the book of Daniel) with the help of brother Jim Mettenbrink. This is the second book to be published in Bela Tserkva. This project is interesting in the sense that we ship the books to the individuals who requested it as well as to the congregations that require them as assistance in their Bible study. We still have about 60% of the first book left but the churches occasionally request additional copies. We also pray for finding ways to ship the books to the congregations in Russia. The problem is their customs ban on spiritual literature.

Our Bible Institute was first registered in Ukraine in 2007, more than 10 years ago. Every year I have to report our activities to the government. Most of the time, it's a brief report to prove that we are not a commercial establishment and we do profit financially from our activities. So I was genuinely surprised to find out that our Diploma gives our graduates credits that will allow them to continue their studies in other Institutes that support their major. Thus, four of our graduates study Christian Education in the University of Kiev. They have a unique opportunity to influence secular education. God is abundant in His blessings and merciful!

Thank you for your prayers and your support of our students. Generosity of so many of you is a great example for us.

In Christian love and with the deep appreciation,

Your brother Dennis Sopelnik.

Bear Valley serving the young church in Myanmar

Dear brethren,

I am so glad and honor to inform you about the work in Myanmar. We had another good classes from October 1 to November 9 for six weeks and covered six subjects. We are going to have another classes from December 31 2018 to January 18 2019 for three weeks, to cover three subjects and another classes in March 18 to April 20 2019 for five weeks to cover five more subjects. 

We have thirteen students in Myanmar but only eight could come this time. For those students who could not attend regularly, they will take the subjects that they missed later when we teach again. 

After the school, students went out to do practical work and learn to grow. Five of us went to the delta area called laputta on November 10-12 and did some evangelical and edification work.  The students in Kalay and Chin state are visiting some congregations and do night Bible study. Some of them are still traveling to villages distributing correspondence courses and correcting them as there is no good post office. This help the students have personal discussions and contacts. 

In last January and February, some of us had traveled to four different villages In Magway and Rakhine regions ( there will be no test on the name of the places that we visited) and did Bible Camps and in April and May we could visited some other villages in Chin state. On that trip in khawdar village, a young girl was baptized. Then upon invitation we went to another village in Tedim township and had four days and five nights Bible study with so called Christians but never heard of the pure plan of salvation of the Bible. We should focus to this place for future work plan as well. 

Some of us visited the eastern part of our country Shan state on November 22 to December 3 and had some Bible discussions and visited a new city called keng Tong and planned to have one week camp there in the first week of February 2019. From December 17 to 23, next week, we (with two other brothers) will be going to a Buddhist village  in Magway region where we had gone before and hold night camps. Cover your prayers.

There are many many cities in Myanmar where there is no church which means we have a big and great responsibility and so few people are willing and capable of doing it. Therefore, this is my hope and prayer that the BV in Myanmar will meet some of the needs and fulfilled the great commission. 

May God bless our effort and partnership. My heartfelt appreciation to all of you who made the Bear Valley school possible in Myanmar.

Yours in His kingdom work

Philip Van Biak Lian.

13 earn their Masters degree

13 STUDENTS FINISH MASTERS LEVEL CLASSES AT CHIMALA

Recently, at the Chimala Bible Institute in southern Tanzania, we were blessed to have a class of students from three different countries! There were students from Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia. Thirteen masters level students gathered for a month-long of classes during the month of November 2018. There were four classes taught. Chad Wagner taught the first two classes and Gary Fallis taught last two classes.  

At the end of the courses, the students graduated from the Bear Valley masters program with their degrees. The students have been going through a serious level of classes for the last several years in this study which culminated in the graduation ceremony. Gary Fallis was in attendance for the ceremony where the degrees were given. 

Those students came from a great variety of backgrounds: some were preachers and church planters, one ran a radio program, two operate and teach at a bible school, and many other very worthy roles for the Kingdom of God. 

It was a pleasure teaching those students and getting to know them and their works even better. We now commit them to God and will continue to pray for them in the Lord's work. 

Until all have heard,

Chad Wagner

Outstanding news from Harare, Zimbabwe

INTRODUCTION

Towards the end of His earthly physical ministry, Jesus Christ is quoted by John the apostle in his gospel record, praying, “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” (17:4 - KJV). As we keep going doing the Lord’s work, how often do we ask ourselves soul searching questions in relation to this verse in doing the work and finishing our part of the work? Bear Valley Bible Institute Harare Extension continue to look into the future asking ourselves, where is our next evangelical mission? Where are we spreading our wings to next month? With this in mind, we always keep ourselves on our toes ready to take-on our next mission.

LEARNING PROCESS

We are always encouraged to learn from the learners that they are truly being equipped and the Word which they are receiving is sound and true. During the second weekend (13th and 14th) of October 2018, Brother Donnie Estep visited, for the first time, Harare Extension School. The two classes were merged into one and they were taught part of The Prison Epistles by brother Estep. It was good to have him for the whole weekend (see photo A1). Besides being in class teaching, Donnie also took to the pulpit on Sunday the 14th and he blessed the church in Dzivaresekwa with the message, “Is Your Name Written in the Book of Life” (see photo A2). The message was received with all gladness.
Matthew Muchingami and Evans Nyamadzavo managed to complete the Prison Epistles. 

OUTREACH

Our planned outreach in partnership with Borrowdale church of Christ to Munyawiri in Domboshawa, on 20 and 21 October 2018 was cancelled at the last minute due to protocol observance challenges. The area is in rural setup so going into the area need formal arrangements through the office of the local chief and village heads. So this process was not done properly and on realization Borrowdale church of Christ cancelled the outreach.
In November 2018, we partnered the Church of Christ in Westgate for a week’s gospel outreach (19 to 25 November 2018). We are also so grateful for the Gweru team who did a great job in this area. As Harare school we managed to come for evangelism and also participated in preaching and teaching. We had three slots of preaching during the week’s daily devotions and on Sunday, Stephen Mazambani taught during the Bible study and Shine Murambiwa was on the Lord’s Table (see photo A3). Gweru was represented by the Director, Mathew Muchingami who gave the sermon of the day. It was a gospel week well planned and God’s knocked on the hearts of those taught the Word. The public address system was so helpful and it really added relevance to the gospel week outreach as some people were reached with the messages preached whilst in the comfort of their own homes. Comments from the homes of the people who were close to the assembly point, testified to this, they heard the Word also.
This work in Westgate produced four baptisms and three expected baptisms (see photo A5). Forty-two (42) people were taught the word and the average attendance for the daily devotions was sixty (60). 
We are so grateful to the Gweru team and all the efforts made in reaching out to the lost, the backsliders and those who needed encouragement.

CONGREGATIONAL COMMITMENTS

In their local congregations, our students are doing their best in improving congregational responsibilities. Our students, Tawanda Tinofa, Shine Murambiwa and Charles Mugadza are members of the church at Chitungwiza church of Christ and through their efforts they managed to lead the church into a week (29th of November to the 04th of December) of daily worship and outreach. The results of the work done produced seven (7) baptisms and six (6) more promising baptisms. It has been such an experience for them and accordingly Tawanda had this to say, “This was a pilot program to prove that its possible, everyone is happy in the church and we want to build on the momentum and win souls.”

HARARE GOSPEL LECTURESHIP – 2018

The Harare annual gospel lectureship was held from the 07th to the 09th of December 2018 at Seke church of Christ. Harare Extension School was represented by Sajeni Nyakadzumbu and Shine Murambiwa who managed to participate during the lectureship. Besides their participation, we also managed to bring our relevance in the life of the church in Harare by providing the Public Address system.

2018 OVERVIEW

ENROLMENT
The year 2018 marks the year in which the church of Christ in Zimbabwe history book added a script which enabled the church to be equipped from within. In January BVBI-Z Harare Extension was born with an enrollment of twenty (20). Four (4) out of the twenty dropped along the way and in that class we now have sixteen (16).
In September 2018 we opened our doors to another class which has an enrollment of eleven (11). This brings our total enrollment to twenty (27).

SUBJECTS COVERED
Hours covered (or to be covered) to the end of December 2018 are 396 hours and we have so far done sixteen (16) subjects, which are: 
New Testament Church
Old Testament Law/Pentateuch
Christian Evidences 
How We Got The Bible
Personal Evangelism 1 & 2  
Public Speaking 
Life of Christ 1 
Hermeneutics
Homiletics  
Godhead
Hermeneutics
Homiletics
Acts 
Books of History – Joshua to Esther
Prison Epistles
Galatians
The weekends 01 and 02, 15 and 16 December are reserved for examinations. I am grateful that the students are managing to meet their assignments deadlines and are doing very well. But there are a few who need a small push and encouragement so that they catch up with others. 

OUTREACH PROGRAMMES HELD
In August we started programmes of going out to evangelise, programmes which I prefer to call Weekend Evangelism and Outreach Programmes. The places that we managed to work in are:    Mufakose, Manyame, Dzivaresekwa, Macheke, Mazowe and Westgate. We are grateful to the preachers in these areas who were mentoring the students on the practical part of personal evangelism. In these areas, members were strengthened/encouraged, the Word was planted into the hearts of the lost and powerful sermons were delivered. Since we started weekend evangelism and outreach programs in August, one hundred and eighty-eight (188) people were directly taught the gospel in the areas mentioned above; and six (6) souls were added to the Lord’s body. 

MATERIALS ACQUIRED
The Harare Extension School would like to appreciate the help and assistance offered by Bear Valley Bible Institute International in buying materials. 
Our current asset register consist of:
•    25  Desks
•    25 Chairs
•    1 White Board
•    1 Projector
•    1 Wooden Cabinet
•    1 Desktop Computer
•    PA System.
We are also grateful to Brother Donnie Estep who personally helped us to install WIFI. We are now connected and we are so grateful to him for helping us this way.


FUTURE PLANS
1.    Solidifying our relationship with congregations and give room for more work to be done. In our quest to fulfil this, we will be requesting congregations to focus on backsliders and the lost. The local church to be fully involved in the work.
2.    Work on establishing two congregations in 2019.

CONCLUSION

As we close the first year of our existence we are grateful to the Almighty for taking us this far. As BVBIZ Harare Extension we are so indebted to you. Your coming on board in support of the Harare extension work is so much appreciated and what we can guarantee is our continued dedication and conviction for the Lord’s cause. True and sound teaching is all what we stand for.

COMPILED BY:
HOWARD SUWARI