Grace and Peace to you friends. The theme of this week's report is finding silver linings!
We start this week with an update from the farm. Though we've been praying for rain, the unseasonably dry weather has resulted in losing this year's corn crop. The positive side of that is we have enough corn stored up from previous crops to last us for two years. The dry weather is driving up the price of corn which puts us in an advantageous position since we have plenty of reserves. Nevertheless, we continue to pray for the rains!
We continue by expressing our sympathy for Amos Kinasa, the evangelist at the Lulembela church, on the sudden passing of his wife of more than 30 years, Magreth. Despite the great grief, I appreciate Amos's attitude. As family and friends gathered to mourn Magreth, the gospel was shared. In Amos's own words, "I give God thanks because during the time of the event of my wife passed away one believer has come again into the church... and two souls obeyed." We pray for God's comfort for Amos and his children.
Including these two souls, in recent weeks 6 of the congregations have told me of 14 baptisms and 7 restorations between them. We praise God for giving the increase! May He continue to do so.
Till all have heard,
Daniel Gaines
Director
Tanzania Missions
A new class of students in Tamale
BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, TAMALE GHANA
MARCH REPORT 2019
Glory be to God for the successful operation of yet another two year studies for our beloved brothers who have dedicated themselves to the course of His work in the northern Ghana. We enthusiastically rejoiced with them for the perfect love and grace of God He bestowed on us through His son Jesus to witness yet another completion.
We are at this time want to express our appreciation for your perpetual prayer and support, we cannot reckon or enumerate the indisputable works you have done in Africa, either can we recompense your kind or cash but what we do have is that May God who has dominion over all things remunerate you for your faithfulness.
STUDENTS BACK TO SCHOOL
Our 6th butch of students were able to finish the remaining four courses for their two year studies in school. Brothers Albert Malir treated the book of Revelation in the first week with students, James Legend treated English four with students, Francis Ayine treated 1st & 2nd Thessalonians with students and Adjei Mensah treated marriage and home and all tests and exams conducted respectively. Hence, they have finished their two- year school.
CLOSING CEREMONY
Cleaning up exercise took place on Saturday the 30th March, 2019 and farewell service held on 31st March, 2019. It was a ceremony done to usher them into the world of preaching what they been taught and done during the two years of being in school. The students have since departed and have all reached home safely to carry on with their farming activities alongside the preaching work until the graduation day
NEW SCHOOL YEAR
Next butch of students being sixth {6th} will have reported to school on 7th of April, 2019 and classes in progress. Over twenty students supposed to have reported for next academic year 2019, but thirteen have reported so far. There are more assurances from most of the students, until one week after reporting we may not be able to give a precise number.
DOCUMENTATION OF THE LAND
We visited THE lands commission with the coordinator Kojo Beenyi Acquah to check on school / church land documentation process. The document was given to us to send to court for court registration and their seal as part of documentation. We did, sent it back to lands commission, and they assured us that the document would be completed shortly. They however, told us to get the Tax clearance certificate ready.
May the unconditional love of Christ richly dwell among us all now and forever.
CONTINUES VISITATION AND CAMPAIGN FOR STUDENTS
We embarked on our first visitation and campaign for students for the incoming academic year in the Upper East, Upper West and some part of the Northern Region on the 4th of March to the 10th of March, 2019. Our journey was through Bolga, to Navrongo, Sandema, Tumu, to Heing, Wa, Ponyentang, Nyoli, Through to Bole, Damongo, Back to Tamale.
The journey was embarked by James Bisong Legend and Jacob Awintoya, a past student of the school who now preaches for the Sunbrungu congregation in the Upper East Region. It was a very inspiring journey that gave us the opportunity to meet several preachers in these locations above.
I left Tamale around two pm on the 4th (Monday) of March, 2019 to meet Preacher Jacob in Bolga. I arrived at Bolga at exactly 4:12pm. We rested and drew our plan for action.
We had a very busy day on the 5th, Our first call was to Preacher Rodger Ayila, of the Bolga Central, who happens to be a board member for the school. We had a brief meeting with him and he promised to advertise the school to his congregation. We went to Sunbrungu congregation which happens to be Jacob’s local congregation where we interacted with some youth and also booked an appointment to meet them on the following day which is one of their weekly meeting days.
From Sunbrungu, we passed through Navrongo to Sandema where we visited Elijah, one of the passed students of the first butch. We met him with some leaders of the Sandema congregation and had fruitful discussions with them. They took four forms and promised to also persuade some youth who are in the church leadership and have the desire of working for the Lord to take up that responsibility. They also advised us to make it a point to visit them time to time as other Bible schools have been coming to them; they also urged us to participate in their Bible Camps. Brother Elijah also led us to other congregations around Sandema locality. There are four congregation; Sandema town, Wiaga Central, Farinsa, and Sinisi congregations, with only one trained preacher in the person of Elijah.
From Sandema, we came back to Navrongo where we met the Navrongo preacher, Brother Peter, a health worker. Brother Peter was very zealous to come to the Bible College but, was constrained by his work as a married man with a child. Brother Peter wished for a weekend course even if it’s going to be in Tamale, he could come. It was there some contacts were made to other congregations like, Paga and other places and we had seventeen people who came to meet us and were ready for a weekend course. Since when we left Navrongo, Brother Peter kept calling on us on the possibilities of the weekend course for Navrongo or the Upper East Region. Some six forms were also given to them as we ended our activities for the day. We came back to lodge at Bolga.
On the 6th morning, we visited Tongo congregation as we have informed their preacher, Rockson to prepare to meet us. Brother Rockson also happens to be a product of the school. We met him with some of his leaders and youth and told them our mission and they also welcomed the idea and promised to pass the information to other congregations nearby. They have six congregations around Tongo locality with only Brother Rockson as the only trained preacher. They also took two forms. From Tongo on the same 6th, we contacted Isaac Ayamga from Shirigu and also went back to Sunbrungu in the evening and met with their congregation, where Jacob spoke extensively with them and also encouraged them to take up the opportunity. We had three people who were willing to come but said; the time was very limited for them to prepare themselves in terms of caring for their family whiles in school. However, we gave some four forms to them. We therefore brought our meeting to end and we lodged to Bolgatanga again.
On the 7th of March 2019, the Navrongo brethren called on us to meet them before moving on to Upper West Region as we scheduled to move to Upper West. We met them briefly to have another successful discussion on the possibility of a weekend classes for them. This time, there were brethren from Paga, who also put in their voice. From there, we moved to Tumu straight, which is about 124kilometers, about 77miles, on a very bad road. We stopped at some villages anyway, enquiring of the possibilities of the Church around, to no avail. We got to Tumu late in the evening, where we met Preacher Anthony Antunwini, preacher for Tumu congregation, who is also a Board member of. We passed the night there, where he gave us information about a seminar coming on where the Upper West preachers and leaders were to attend on the 9th of March, 2019. We added that to our program.
We left Tumu on the 8th of March, 2019 for Wa. We got to Wa around 11am. We decided to go to neighboring communities where there are Churches, whiles putting Wa town congregation on a hold because of the leadership seminar coming up on the 9th. We went to the University of Development Studies congregation around Bamaaho, where we met some brothers and had a discussion with them, they had no train preacher. From there, we moved to Ponyentang and had successful discussion with them and they needed four trained preachers, one for them and the rest for other communities around them that they have established congregations. Preacher Albert Akoa Adjei, who happens to be an old preacher around that area, who was part of the meeting. He is the only preacher helping all these churches around that area, They took six forms from us.
From there, we went to Nyoli and had another successful meeting with them, proceeded to Gyidabor and Kolmasah as well. All these congregations don’t have preachers and promised to encourage young men who have the interest to take up the opportunity. From there, we lodged at Tuna. We had fuel shortage at this stage and called on our able Coordinator (Kojo), who was quick to come in to help us through our administrator (Albert).
On the 9th, our major program went towards the preachers Seminar at Wa. We left Tuna around 5am to go and participate on that program to make good use of it. It was well attended, the Auditorium full to capacity. Two of our board members were present (Preacher Anthony Atunmini and Thomas Donzie). The program started around 8:48am. We were given the opportunity to meet with the preachers at noon around 1pm to discuss our agenda with them. They were happy after our presentation and asked some few questions, which we did answered. 22 forms were taken by some of the preachers who pledged to announce to their congregants. That ended our program for the day.
On the 10th of March, being the first day of the week, we went to worship with the Bole congregation, where preacher Ali is the preacher. We left there around 11:18am, and drove straight to Tamale around 3pm.
Exciting News From Cambodia
From the Directors
Exciting news from Cambodia. Shortly after Wes Autrey and Wayne Burger departed we had two baptisms. Just a few days ago we baptized four more souls into Christ. They are all from Banteay Meanchey Province. This is the hometown of one of our students. The new Christians all studied with our student and Chann (our local preacher in Siem Reap). All four decided to get baptized and drove 100km to be immersed into Christ in Siem Reap! Their names are Pheng (boy), Seoung, Seaiv, Monica (girls). This is a beautiful thing. Praise to our Lord Jesus Christ. Please keep them in your prayers.
We are doing good here and are close to the Khmere New Year, so the students are heading to their home towns for the holiday. Our second trimester will officially end on May 3. We have four courses in one trimester. Currently we have been studying about Christian Evidence 2, and Fundamentals of the church 1.
We did have two students recently drop out and we ask for prayers on their behalf so that they will return to a life of following God. We pray that God will open their hearts in order to let them back to study His word.
During this month the students attended a seminar in Phnom Pehn at the Best Center. The main topic was about the Present Decision for the Future Result (How to choose the Right Partner) and it was taught by our very own director Darat Run.
We also had another seminar in the city of Battambang on Leadership where our brother Phanat is working with more bible students and starting a new congregation. It was very uplifting to everyone and we learned some good ideas and concepts.
We are expecting Wes and another group to come visit us in June to teach and begin a girls camp for spiritual maturity in girls. We look forward to that very much. (See Wes’ Report Notes below).
We thank everyone involved with the work in Cambodia as we strive to do God’s will.
IBISR Staff - Darat Run, Piseth Rin, Pros Rok, Vannak Yeng
______________________________
Excerpts from From Wes Autrey Report - Coordinator
I returned home from a recent stay in Cambodia of about 3 weeks. I traveled with Wayne Burger, who is a preacher, teacher, evangelist, and everything good in between kind of servant for God, Wayne taught for a week on Hermeneutics. The new students, staff, members of the church, and a group from Battambang City learned a great deal from Waynes wisdom and teaching skills.
I stayed a week longer after Wayne returned home and taught a morning class on How We Got The Bible and afternoon class on English. It is a joy to teach eager minds that want to learn.
Both of our new directors are working hard to make this a better than ever school. Taking on new responsibilities and learning management skills that they have never performed before. Both Darat and Piseth are up to the task as we had multiple meetings involving student management, curriculum, money management and staff responsibilities. Please keep these young men and their families in your prayers as they face many obstacles in leading the school and influencing the lost souls in and around the Siem Reap area
My next trip will be in June, and I am happy to be traveling with my wife, daughter and mom along with Tyler King. Tyler is a recent Bear Valley Bible Institute graduate and current BV staff member. He will be teaching class to the men and also be training them how to weld in the evenings. Tyler is a multi-talented young man who will inspire the students in Cambodia.
Attached are a few photos that speak more than my words. I hope they inspire you to live faithfully until He comes again - so that we may all be His family in Heaven.
God bless all of you and your love for the kingdom of God.
Wes Autrey - Coordinator Cambodia Bible School
Christian Evidences taught in the Philippines
It was again my joy and honor to teach the outstanding students in Cebu, Philippines. Under the leadership of Director Neil Emperado, this school, and its students, has continued to improve every month. It has been enjoyable to witness the improvement every time I am back.
This month the course was Christian Evidences, and we studied evidences for the existence of God, the reliability of the bible’s Divine inspiration, and proofs to believe the biblical account of the resurrection. Most of the students did very well, with three of them doing better than almost any student ever has. One student went home and immediately began teaching a class study on Christian Evidences for the church where he preaches. That’s what it’s all about!
Keith Kasarjian
Tremendous progress in Zimbabwe
MARCH NARRATIVE REPORT
March has not been a pleasant month for Zimbabwe due to the devastating effects of Cyclone Idai. This cyclone left a trail of destruction. Over 200 lost their lives. Homes, infrastructure and sources of livelihood were also destroyed. Despite this sad event, the training of students continued at BVBIZ as follows;
1.0 VISIT BY DAVID WALKER
BVBZ was blessed to have David Walker from the 12th -28th of March. David comes from Coalmont Church of Christ in Tennessee, U.S.A. Besides staying with the students, sleeping where they sleep, eating what they eat, walking on foot to and from town, David taught the books of 1 & 2 Corinthians and 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Students also benefited from clothes that he made available for them. David lectured some time back at the School of Biblical Studies in Jos, Nigeria and was happy to interact with some of his former students who are now teachers at BVBIZ.
2.0 EVANGELISM
Evangelism continued in the month of March. Students have continued to visit various areas within Gweru. The places include places around Nashville, Mkoba 12, Mkoba 4, Ascot and MSU. There are congregations within these areas. This is done every Saturday and then on Sunday, the students will meet with the congregation. Some of the students had an opportunity of moving around with David Walker as they spread the Word around Mambo and Ascot.
3.0 NEW TERM BEGINS
Due to a number of factors, BVBIZ has been forced to forego its April break. Students will start their second year first term on the second of April. This has largely been necessitated by the developments taking place at the permanent site and the field practicum that shall commence from mid-June to late August. More visits need to be made at the site and this will be uninterrupted by classes as students will be away during field program serve for the follow-ups that will be done. The following subjects are going to be taught.
Church History
Wisdom Literature 2
Marriage and Family Development
Greek 1
Church Leadership
Advanced Homiletics
Gospel of John, 1, 2, and 3 John
Christian Spiritual Formation
4.0 ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Cabbages that were planted in December were sold along the month. Though planted on a small area, students were able to benefit from the knowledge they acquired in raising cabbages.. A few cabbages have been left out for the students’ subsistence. Tomatoes have now been planted on the land to replace the sold cabbages.
5.0 DEVELOPMENTS AT BVBIZ
Many things are happening at BVBIZ especially at the site. The following developments took place in March;
· A topographical map showing the school’s boundaries has been made.
· Drilling of a 60metre borehole by Healing Hands International on the 4th of March with a capacity of producing over 10000 litres of water per hour.
· Installation of a solar pump and its related solar system to pump water into a 5000 litre tank through the efforts of Healing Hands International.
· A 9 (nine) meter long hole for a pit latrine (commonly referred to as blair toilet in Zimbabwe has been dug). It has a depth of 3 metres. Construction of its walls to be done later if funds are available.
· A security cabin measuring 3m x 4.5 m made of precast panels has been put up.
· Materials for the construction of the first structures were in the process of being put together when the month ended. The first structures would allow BVBIZ to relocate to this site.
At the end of this report, are pictures showing some of the above
CONCLUSION
At BVIBZ, we are very grateful to God who has enabled us to go this far. In March we were amazed by the pace that things were going especially at the school’s site. This could not be possible without the sponsors who have stood in the gap for BVBIZ (Ezekiel 22.30). Thank you for the funds and encouragements we continually receive.
Mathew Muchingam
Director, BVBI-Z
32 baptized in Cameroon
Dearest in Christ,
Greetings from Cameroon. It is always great to stop by and to say hello to you for all that you do for the work here. We are fine although still in the crisis but our God is still sitting on the throne. Thanks for your prayers so far and keep your prayers going up to God.
I am pleased to report to you the very first mission work from the EPSILON batch as they just returned from their first mission work in 20 different villages and towns. The van was available to take some students to a reasonable distance with tracts from Mission Printing and some Bibles for new converts. Thanks for the presence of the van that is helping to transfer more students at a time. THE FIELD IS RIPE BUT LABOURERS ARE FEW so this is a great tool to help in our evangelistic efforts.
Where motor bikes cannot go and where vans cannot continue, students will carry tracks on their heads and trek long distances because souls are important. We do all that is in our power to preach so as to eliminate all excuses.
Our students are so zealous! They penetrate villages and they meet villagers still in their very primary harbor like this one. But, in these very enclaved villages, the people will still open their hearts as well as their doors of their houses to still listen to the gospel. We want all ears to hear the truth.
The students returned with joy because God added 32 souls precious to the Church who will be worshiping the various congregations they are around. There was also a total of 26 restorations. We have discovered that the crisis has affected the many areas because the number of restored Christians has reduced drastically since we started in 2011 because we are able to fill up empty pulpits with trained preachers less Christians are falling away. The crisis has displaced many people so that now some have move into areas where they could not identify find the church. Backsliding therefore is also an aspect the church is suffering from as a result of the crisis. We are doing our best to establish congregations in as many new places as possible as well as help congregations and displaced members find each other. Please pray for our country. We have been neglected by the international communities and our neighbors.
PLANS
I am invited to speak in a lectureship in the French speaking part of Cameroon in the north. I will be speaking on “CHILDREN OF GOD AND SUFFERING.” Please keep me and my wife in your prayers as it is a very long distance to make it there.
We shall soon be back in our west coast mission.
APPRECIATIONS
Thank you for helping in the many ways you are helping this work. If not of you, it would not have been possible. God brought you for a purpose. Keep up the good work. His reward is sure.
Do your best to share with our reports with others.
Elangwe and family,
By His grace director BVBIC - Wotutu
Upcoming plans in Lima, Peru
A FRATERNAL HUG,
The BVBI - Peru concluded the course "Personal Evangelism" with Brother Andres Nuñes, and at the same time let us know that we will begin this Saturday the "Homiletics 1" course with Abraham Alata. With this course we would be closing our first semester.
EVANGELISTIC ACTIVITY
On March 2, the students of the institute had the opportunity to participate in an evangelistic activity in the Church of Christ the Crown - Pachacamac, we had a very profitable day visiting the community, encouraging them to study the bible and visit the church. Some 250 houses were visited, we had 10 studies with 18 people and 3 contacts were won interested in continuing to study the bible.
The students experienced evangelism as a group for the first time and as a prelude to the "personal evangelism" course. The church greatly appreciates the support received.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE APRIL 2019 CONFERENCE
Our first Biblical Conference scheduled for April 18 - 19 is near and we have everything almost ready: teachers, literature, advertising and evangelistic brochures, t-shirts and banners. The conference is about the book of Philippians "prisoners of joy", we want to set a precedent for future events of this nature and take the opportunity to continue publicizing the institute among the brotherhood. We ask for your prayers for this event to be a success for the glory of God.
Brotherly,
Juan and Abraham
First ever "Study Abroad" student goes to Fiji
April 2, 2019 Fiji Update of the Bible Institute at Raiwaqa
The 2019 1st Term of the Bible Institute at Raiwaqa is about over. We are down to the final two weeks of our long courses. We have 12 students in the program this term. Semi and Lency went through the graduation line in November of last year, but both have a few classes left to finish up their studies. We had 4 returning students and 5 new students.
We have been privileged to host Bear Valley’s first study abroad student, Kaleb Cutter. Kaleb is a 2nd Year student at Bear Valley Bible Institute, Denver from California. He is taking the last term of his program here in Fiji and will return at the close of our short courses to graduate in Denver. He is a real joy to have in our program.
Our new students have been taking English Comp 1. Emosi, our new teacher, has just about completed teaching his first course on the Life of Christ and is doing a superb job. Jason completed a class on Preparation and delivery of sermons and is now teaching a class on the Backgrounds of Early Christianity. I am currently teaching a class on the Christian Home after having finished a class on the Pentateuch.
One thing that is different is that we have four female students in the program this year. Most are wives of students who graduated last year. It is difficult for some of the wives to attend at the same time as their husbands because of the need for one to look after the children. Tupou, the wife of Semi, is attending the program so that she can be better equipped to teach children’s classes at the Naila Church of Christ. Her husband, Semi, graduated last year and has been charged with overseeing the Bible school program at Naila. He teaches the older youth and she the younger. Nancy is the wife of Emosi, who was our top student last year and now teaches in the school. Nancy also teaches a regular children’s class at the Raiwaqa Church of Christ. Moira is the wife of Peter, who also graduated last year. She is one of the teachers in the Bible school program at Raiwaqa. Peter currently is in charge of the Bible school program at Raiwaqa and serves as the financial officer for the school. The last woman in our program is Jacinta who is married to Lesio. Lesio is currently being considered for an elder at the Raiwaqa congregation. He has taken a two year sabbatical from his work in order to go through the program so that he can be a better elder. His wife teaches one of the children’s classes at Raiwaqa.
We will highlight some of the men in the next update.
Rocco Pierce
Director, BVBI-F
Evangelism in Zambia
Report
March 2019
Greetings to you all Brothers and Sisters in the Lord!
We are always humbled and thankful to God for the great privilege He has given to us to work for Him. Once again it’s that time we make a report on what has emerged at BVBI-Zambia.
It has been another busy month both for students and Teachers as we just concluded the third quarter, the students have gone on a two week break and when they return they will be completing their first year of studies at BVBI-Zambia. It is indeed unbelievable that time is running so fast and these students have grown both physically, mentally and spiritually. The vivid example of this, their busy month of studies have also turned in good evangelism which has resulted in five souls added to the Lords Church. We are so excited to announce the spiritual births of Matha Mwape, Izukanji Ngosa, Patricia Banda, Innocent Lukwesa and Patrick Banda. Inocent was one of the strong holder of Denomination teaching called Seventh Day Adventist and he finally surrendered to the true teaching of the Lord’s Church. Please pray for these souls as we continue to grow and share God’s loving words.
On the other development Kenny Kondowe a student at BVBI-Zambia who just relocated from Ndola to Luanshya fourteen months ago. According to him, Kenny was not a very active member of the church while he was in Ndola. But when he met Brother Cephas and started going to Mikomfwa and enrolling in the school, he has become active to the church. He is also active and committed to his studies here at BVBI-Zambia. He is the oldest student in class and he is not letting his age to impede his studies. He is very studious and remains committed to complete what he has started. Kenny’s intention is to go back to Ndola and strengthen the Church in His area upon graduation. This can also be spoken concerning all the students that we have at present. They are all equal to the task. The one word that can be highlighted in all this is growth.
As indicated in our previous communiqué most of our students attend their Church services in Mikomfwa and Luanshya Central congregations while they are here at school. But we have other students who opt to go back to their respective congregations every other week for their Church services. And to this end, we have kept on receiving very good reports each week from their leaders concerning the steady progress that these students have made in their preaching, presiding on the Lord’s Table and leading in singing. They are even able to lead a profitable Bible study.
As mentioned in our past report the National Youth Conference for Churches of Christ is fast approaching. The Institute is invited and Brother Fred Kanangu will be speaking during the conference. There will be evangelism going on at this meeting and the Institute Administration is expected to give guidance on the process of application and enrolment. Brother Cephas Mwamba and Kennedy Mukuka will be in-charge of this process. We look forward to this meeting that starts on 19th April 2019 and ends on 22nd April, 2019.
We continue to be very grateful to the Woodland Oaks Church of Christ for the continued support of the work here, and the Bear Valley Bible Institute at Large. Without which the work that the school is involved in this part of the world would be very difficult to accomplish. Moreover, all your efforts and prayers for the work are highly appreciated. We rejoice with heaven.
Brotherly,
Cephas and Fred
Annual lectureship in Nigeria
Beloved in Christ,
Greetings from staff and students of Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria & Southwest School of Evangelism, Ibadan and my fellow WBSFUW in Southern part of Nigeria.
Below is the summary of our activities for the month of March 2019:
1. OVERVIEW:
i) Evangelism in Jago 1 & 2 and Butubutu village- Oyo state and Ikoyi and Ikire-Osun state
ii) Third Semester Classes begins.
iii) 17th Annual Leadership Seminar, a great success.
iv) Agricultural Seminar by Healing Hands International. Kenya
2 . EVANGELISM:
The staff and students of BVBIN & SWSE,Ibadan and fellow WBSFUW in Western States of Nigeria are very busy in evangelizing their community, most especially Jago 1 & 2 and Butubutu village of Ona-Ara Local Government ,Oyo state and Ikoyi and Bale Ayo of Osun state throughout the Saturdays in the month of March 2019 and the Lord crowned our joint effort with a convert in Jago on March 21 and three convers in Bale Ayo in Osun State on March 24,2019.
3. THIRD SEMESTER CLASSES BEGINS:
Our third semester classes begins as scheduled on March 18 and we shall be closing on May 10,2019, Lord’s willing .Our instructors for this semester are Bro.Isaac Olaniyan, Bro.Abiola Joseph Olusoji, Bro. Gbenga Ojo, Bro .Emmanuel Godwin, Bro.Silas Guda , Bro.Kayode Solomon Eniafe, and myself- Bro.Makinde Ebens.
4. 17th ANNUAL LEADERSHIP SEMINAR: This year annual leadership seminar held in our main campus at Doug Wheeler Event Center was attended by over 100 brethren from 13 States of the federation and from over 50 congregations. Over 30,000 of our local tracts and ten gospel booklets from Mission Printing International were freely distributed with 315 Bibles to all the participants..We thank you all for your partnership and support. Most especially we appreciates the financial support from Bro.Steven Ashcraft and associates and that of Bro. Chad Wagner and associates for the fund raised for us to purchased Bibles.
5. AGRIC SEMINAR : The resource person for the one day Agric Seminar, Bro.Ebenezer Udofia of Healing Hands International, Kenya arrived Ibadan city on Thursday evening. The one day Agric Seminar centered on How to raise Poultry and Piggery farm .The seminar started as early as 8.30am and come to an end by 1.30pm. 68 brethren from 13 States and 60 congregations participate in the seminar.
6. ABOUT A STUDENT: Bro. Samson Paul is one of our Year 2 students. Born in the year 2001 at Ibadan. And presently serving as our Campus Minister. His mission is to be one of the competent ministers of God within and outside Nigeria.
7. SPECIAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: With the help of the Almighty God, coupled with the supports of Brother Steven Ashcraft and that of Brother Chad Wagner, we were able to provide a two meal per day from Monday through Wednesday and 3 meals on Thursday and Friday for all the participants in the just concluded 17th Annual Leadership Seminar 2019 at BVBN and SWSE, Ibadan and 315 Bibles freely shared plus 10 carton of Mission Printing International booklets and tracts.
8. OTHER COMMENTS: Lord’s willing, we are starting the BVBN degree programme on April 1 through 12,2019 at our main campus in Butubutu, Ibadan. The first two speakers for April classes are Brother Isaac Olaniyan who will be handling Research Method-1 from April 1-5 and myself, Brother Makinde Ebens who will be teaching Fundamentals of Faith -1 from April 8 through to 12, 2019. Presently, 15 gospel ministers /our graduates across the country have indicated interest in the training.
Also, I taught in Onikokoro-Ibadan congregation on Favouritism Forbidden on March 3, Faith in Action on March 10, Control your Tongue on March 17 and Controlling your passions, lust, and desires.All from the book of James under the theme ,Practical Christianity. Average attendance is 40 with average contribution of N4,000=.
9. CONCLUSION : We thank you all for your partnership and love. May the Lord keep on blessing all our work together in Jesus Christ name (Amen).
Sincerely His & Yours……MAKINDE Ebenezer Olufemi (Director of Studies, BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN and WBSFUW)
Rain needed in Tanzania
Greetings friends,
Grace and peace to you all. Here's the latest from Tanzania Missions.
The farm is still awaiting badly needed rains. Not only for the sake of the school, but for people across Tanzania, please pray that the Lord will send a healthy rainy season soon.
However, God is still providing a spiritual harvest. Our brother David Bayi reports that there have been four baptisms and a restoration recently at the Kioga church. May God continue to give increase.
We are grieved to mention the passing of two individuals close to the mission. First, we send our sympathies to the family of Ken Upchurch, who passed away earlier this month. Ken was a tremendous friend to the work, and an enthusiastic encourager to missionaries. I have very fond memories of him, as I'm sure that many of you do as well. He will be missed.
We also give prayers of comfort for our brother Ishmael who recently lost his son, Paul. Ishmael keeps the books for the farm, and has proven to be a valuable worker. May God be with both of these good families.
Till all have heard,
Daniel Gaines
An update from Nepal
Nepal Center for Biblical Study
Lalitpur, Nepal
March 2019
Respected brothers in Christ,
Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. May grace of God, love and peace always be with you.
Seminar
We had Brother Jerry Bates and Sister Paula Bates from USA. We had three days of Bible seminar from March 12th -14th. Fifty people were participated on the seminar. He presented nine lessons.
Churches visited
Soon after Bible seminar I traveled for 11 days of visiting different churches at mountain. People began to construct their houses. Some of the places have completed their homes. I have added some pictures of the houses.
Three weeks of holidays
We will begin our three weeks of short holidays from March 29th –April 19th. We will revisit with our graduated students for recruitment in this holiday camp.
Thank you all of your prayer, support, love and guidance.
I will sent you another report in next month.
Brother in Christ,
Gajendra Deshar
Souls saved in Malawi
Bear Valley Bible Institute - Ekwendeni
March Report
Great joy! We are glad to share the joy we have as a Bear Valley Bible institute Ekwendeni (Malawi). The Lord is still using the school to keep the gospel reaching more souls. Within the period of one month, students have baptized 7 souls around Ekwendeni. We also have good news from Brother Saliwa Nkosi one of the former students from our school. He challenged one prominent member of Presbyterian who has been a member of this denomination since 1976. But when she met our former student, whom I nicknamed him as a weapon of mass destruction as far as preaching door to door is concerned, she didn’t resist the power of the gospel to save her. She is our sister in Christ now! This happened on Sunday as brother Saliwa was on his way to worship and the denomination member was also on her way to worship, it happened just as it was with Philip and the Eunuch in Acts chapter 8. Instead of proceeding to worship God unacceptably she changed her mind and was baptized, at the same time asked the preacher man to allow her go to worship with the Christian family, tthe Lord’s church. He, has baptized 3 souls in total this month. What a joy to share! The gospel truly is the power to save Romans 1:16. As we are rejoicing, we know full well that theres great joy in heaven, for one soul saved.
Teaching
As we are cruising to the end of our first semester, many courses have so far being taught. So far 9 courses have been taught. In two weeks time, we are hosting Brother Navie Theu again to teach Hebrew History this time as short course. We are always happy to have him teach. He is such a good teacher. More to this we are very proud of our students who are always ready to learn and demonstrate a Christ like spirit. The students reputation is all over Ekwendeni congregations for their zeal to teach and preacher to the lost souls.
Outreach
We are more than happy to share our joy over the saved souls this period of one month. Due to hard working spirit of our student, using their weekend time, have managed to lead 7 souls to Christ and some more restored to Christ, while brother Saliwa Nkosi our former graduate has shared us the good news that he has baptized 3 souls. We give glory and praise to God for the job done. We are also reaching to some young congregations with communion cups, trays and Bibles in local language. Brother Dale Kastner a missionary in the central region of Malawi gave us Bibles in local language of Chitumbuka to be given to poor village Christians who could be able to memorize all the books of the Bible as a condition to have one for free. This has also helped to put the name of the school on the map.
We are very thankful to Bear Valley International for your many prayers and support! We still need your involvement. On our own, we could not reach where we are. Help us praying for transport, as we need a car of a van type to use it going preaching door to door as the potential is high. We have requested to go and strengthen young congregations in some areas in our district and beyond. We have one place where we have also been called to plant a church but transport is a challenge. We believe God is able and God will help us what we need not what we want!
The song of the month, Lead me to some soul to-day; o teach, me Lord just what to say; friends of mine are lost in sin, and cannot find their way. Few they are who seem to care, and few they are who pray; melt my heart and fill my life: give me one soul to-day. The one who wins soul is wise! Rise up and join us reach many. Eternity is Forever, Think Souls!
In His service,
Ephron and Clergynton
ITL Lectureship is a success
This year marked the 10th anniversary of the lectureship at Instituto Teologico Latinoamericano (ITL) in Guatemala City, Guatemala. It was my pleasure to attend the President’s banquet and also the lectureship. Hawathia Jones and Byron Benitez, both Bear Valley alumni, have been in Guatemala City for 19 years and have done untold good in that time.
The lectureship was outstanding, with excellent topics and a through exposition of 1 John. A number of speakers were from the U.S. and did a great job with their passages. The lectureship was very well attended and I am confident all benefited greatly from having attended.
A new class in Liberia
GREETINGS BRETHREN
Everyone connected to Bear Valley in Liberia extends their sincere greetings to you and appreciate you for all you are doing for the Lord in this part of the world.
1st Quarter Completed
We are happy to inform you that our second batch of students just completed the 1st quarter lesson for the 1st year program. The quarter went well with all the staff playing their parts very well and our remaining 23 students taking nothing for granted. Beside their class room work, they were involved with weekends evangelism in the communities around the school . The month of February has been very successful so far.
AGRICULTURE
Our second batch are also introduced to the studies of agriculture as it was with the first set of students and they are taking it very serious. They are preparing the ground for the upcoming rainy season as seen in the photos.
CLOSING STATEMENT
We appreciate highly your continued support and prayers for this work in Liberia. With all the economic challenges in this part of the world, we are still grateful that with your help we are able to do the Lord's will. We won't have don't this work without your involvements. Thank you so much for your love for God and your desires to see His will on earth be done.
Thank You,
Your Brother For Christ Sake,
Robert P. Dahn, Jr.
Director-Bear Valley Bible Institute- Liberia
An update from Tamale
BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, TAMALE GHANA
TAMALE GHANA
FEBRUARY REPORT 2019
We again sincerely express our profound heartfelt gratitude to you all for your prayer and support for successful operation of the school through the two year study and learning. May God who owns all things grant you your heart desire in all you do to enable you extend that same helping hand to other brethren like us in Africa for the expansion of His Church.
STUDENTS ON VACATION
As reported last month, the remained course was treated and the test conducted. Students are on three weeks break and will be back on 4th March 2019 to finish their last four courses for the two year study. It is our prayer and hope that these students will be back safely to finish these courses in good faith.
ADMINISTRATIVE WORK
All things are working together for good in the school when it comes to teaching and learning as well as recruitment for students. God has enabled us fished out twenty legitimate students, interviewed and filled and more five yet to come for interview. We also visited Land Commission on school / Church land documents completion and they assured us that the documents would be completed in due time.
May the peace and joy of God rest upon you all.
Yours beloved in Christ
Graduation in Mbanga
Things are going great in Mbanga Cameroon. The last few weeks were filled with many activities and celebrations. Brother Todd Crayton taught the final short course entitled, “Marriage and Family.” Following the class, there was a great celebration of marriage along with the registration of the marriages with the country of Cameroon. The couples had already followed the traditional marriage customs but took the opportunity to register with the state and celebrate with the church.
It is always great to have souls added to the kingdom. Pray for Juliette as she grows in the faith. The water is flowing well in the campus from the water tower. An addition filter for drinking water is not necessary but caution is always a good measure. The outdoor toilet is for the congregation and visitors as the inside toilets are reserved for the students.
The soon to be graduates were gave a defense of their research to the staff. They did a great job. We are proud of the students and staff of BVBIC-Mbanga.
The Bear Valley Cameroon Alumni Association met in Mbanga. It was great to see about thirty graduates some from each of our schools. They meet quarterly, if possible, to do mass evangelism together. This was a special meeting close to graduation to elect new officers.
The campus is getting some new looks with new paint, tiles, room labels, and sign boards. It is good that the people of Mbanga can follow the new signs to the building.
Graduation and matriculation went great. We graduated 9 and admitted 16. The school is growing. We will have 6 students from the country of Chad and 4 students from the far north of Cameroon. We are seeing our dream of spreading the gospel into French Africa coming to life. The chief of the village thanks us for the many amenities like a gravel road, a night light, and available water. He congratulated the students and staff for their success and influence.
The students received an Advanced Diploma in Biblical Studies and their wives received a Certificate of Completion of the Preachers’ Wife Program. We have sent them forth to win souls and nurture congregations.
I enjoy taking off my coordinator hat and my teacher hat and putting my brother in Christ hat to enjoy door to door evangelism with my brothers. It is such a blessing to go to work with these guys in the field. Even those who a starting their two years of training are already able to give a great defense of their faith. As always brother Todd did a great job of teaching and preaching.
Brother Clinton was converted in the Mbanga prison and is now a student at Wotutu. He was assigned to evangelism in Mbanga. He is helping some brethren find a pair of glasses that will allow them to read their Bible.
Brother Clinton’s wife Juliette is the one that was baptized by Todd. I went to the school where she is the discipline master and greeted many children and teachers. We pray that these community connections will also help in the winning of many souls.
We ask that you continue to pray for the work. We appreciate your support,
In Him,
David
New beginnings in Takoradi
We greet you all our dear sponsors and thank you most sincerely for keeping faith with us all through these years. We pray that all of you are doing well.
I am grateful and thankful to God for the opportunity to be sending reports on behalf of the West Coast School of preaching, Takoradi, Ghana, West Africa for the month of January and February, 2019. It has become necessary at this point for me to send the reports due to the absence of Brother Ebenezer Amable who was responsible for sending them.
Due to the administrative changes that took place in the school from the beginning of September 2018 followed by the long break in school work, the school re-opened on the 7th of January, 2019 with eight (8) new students. On re-opening, we needed to do general thorough cleaning in the school.
ORIENTATION FOR NEW STUDENTS
From the 8th to the 11th of January, 2019, the new students were taken through orientation for them to be conversant with what they are required to go through while in the school.
CLASSROOM WORK
Classes for both regular and part-time students began immediately the school re-opened.
EVANGELISM / BAPTISMS
The orientation for the new students included the need to continue evangelizing the area around the school. There was one (1) baptism during the period. On re-opening, we agreed to revive the five (5) out of six (6 ) congregations which were established by the school. We were able to go to Sofokrom for which we now send some of the students to visit with the congregation.
OPERATING REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2019
CLASSROOM WORK
Classroom work for both regular and part-time students went on successfully. All students and instructors were on hand which resulted in a successful teaching and learning
CAMPAIGN FOR CHRIST
Students from the West Coast School of Preaching joined in a campaign for Christ at Ankaful near Cape Coast which was organized by the congregation at Ankaful. The campaign took the form of night-street preaching and personal evangelism during the day. By God’s grace we were blessed with seven (7) souls. Also, one of the students went to his village on one weekend, had personal studies with his prospects, and God rewarded his labor with one soul.
POULTRY PROJECT
During the month of February, 2019, we took delivery of five hundred (500) day old birds on the 14th of the month. This is the 5th week and we thank God they are growing well. Attached are photos of them
Hope this brief information about the school’s activities from January to February will encourage the brethren, God bless you for your wonderful contribution.
Thank you.
Joshua Aidoo.
Graduation upcoming in Sierra Leone
Dear Brethren in the Vineyard,
We are glad to report to you our end of program and activities undertaken for the month of February in the field of evangelism in Kenema. We have completed a routine exercise of our new students admission in this month and preparing for the graduation of the outgoing students at the same time.
ACTIVITY UNDERTAKEN
Student recruitment has been done by the Dean and Director in different regions taken the school to the less privileged and deprived communities for christ. We went as far as the northern part of Sierra Leone where there is less concentration of churches of Christ on the ground. Magburaka town in the Bombali District has given us three students to be trained whereas Freetown in the Penisular area has given us three to be trained as preachers for the Lord's work respectively.
In the southern and Eastern region we have eleven potential students to be trained this time again and all of them will be coming to school this academic year. We have one student from KAMAKWIE far north a converted through the World Bible School lessons and has apply for our course to further study God's word with us, two from Kenema.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Students from these places will take the gospel message to other parts of the country. This will give more room for church planting in the Lord Vine yard. More soul will be won for Christ in the vineyard..
RESTORATION MOVEMENT
The congregation at Lungi needed restoration and unless we intervened there will be no member to be saved under the Lord's church at that part of the vine yard. Because it has ceased its meetings due to lack of leadership to lead its members. Most of the members I spoke to said the congregation came to a stand still due to lack of leadership who will continue to teach and preach the undiluted word to them.
I visited the ground twice to see possible means of helping to restore its old members and start the church through effort with a congregation in Freetown.
Suggestions were made with the church of christ at Tengbeh town in Freetown to send two preachers coming from Freetown to help evangelise on saturdays and passes the night over there and preach on Sunday. As one preacher will not be enough to carry out this function we are asked to take care of an additional preacher by providing his travelling expenses which will cost (200.000) Which is equivalent to $25 monthly. Fifty thousand leones weekly inclusive lodging and feeding for a day which the preachers have already accepted in good faith for the sake of the gospel
All these were suggestions put together to see how we could help restore a dying congregation in that part of the country where all the sheep had gone astray. There is an unfinished building standing there empty without utilizing it for the purpose it was built. Most of the old members are willing to come back provided they have a preacher to feed the congregation. Our effort will not go in vain as we look forward to promote GOD'S work in this part of the Vine yard
GRADUATION PREPARATION
We are sending our students home to prepare themselves for the 13th of April to come and witness the graduation celebration.
At the same time preparing ourselves to receive our potential incoming students for the next intake of students for 2019/2020 program of studies on the 5th of April 2019 at our school campus in Kenema.
We have completed a round trip admission of twenty students for the program this year. We hope all of them will turn up for school at the stipulated time. We will send their names on the next report after completing the final process of enrollment.
CONCLUSION
“A journey of a thousand mile begins with the first step” We are almostly coming to the end of our journey with the help of you people who have supported our effort in taking us where we are today.
We will continue to pledge our loyalty in the lord as long as we live to see the school succeed in Sierra Leone in training preachers for the work.
We thank you all for putting your resources together to support our effort in training our country men for the service of God
SUBMITTED BY
ISHMAEL S.BANGURA
DIRECTOR BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE-SL
A guest teacher in Accra
Prologue:
Another new moon the Lord has made and seen us through massive activities successfully, may His name be honored forever and ever, Amen.
It is always appreciable for such a wonderful period with its trips, support in prayer and in kind. We extend our thankfulness to all brethren.
CLASS ACTIVITIES & TRAVIS HARDESTY’S VISIT
During our school activities we were blessed to have one of our brethren, bro. Travis Hardesty, where he partook immensely in the teaching of the course of Intertestamental Period of the Bible, both at the extension programme and the full time as short course.
With the much love for the progress of the school, he did not only impart knowledge but he also donated greatly to the School by providing Air Condition for the instructor’s and guest room and a large Industrial Sink for use in the kitchen with its installation funds.
Furthermore, he visited the following churches: Achimota, Nsawam, Agona Swedru and Kasoa to exhort and teach them the way of the Lord.
STUDENT’S APPRECIATION TO HIS VISIT
To the students, he has been helpful to us for these first and second visit in Ghana, especial for the school. They also appreciated him with gift of Ghanaian dress by the full time and words of citation by the weekend students. We all say, may the Lord bless him.
BEREAVED KOJO ACQUAH
Sadly, and to thank our Lord for whatever happens in our lives, bro Kojo’s sister sadly passed away just some few months, the staff and students joined in to mourn with him and the burial services. God being great in all things, we successfully brought it to a peaceful completion.
VISIT BY STEVEN, MAX ROBERTSON, MARK TUCKER AND THEIR WIVES
This is a wonderful visit I have ever experienced that brethren came to Ghana to evangelize and organize a programme for the Women Bible Class in Cape Coast, Chapel Hill Church of Christ, with their wives. This is impressive to have brethren evangelizing effectively both in house-to-house and public preaching.
To the glory of God, during the evangelism activities, I recorded seven (7) baptisms for the Lord’s church at Ankaful in Cape Coast. These faithful brethren worshipped with the congregation in Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipality, church of Christ-Adoagyiri, were the extension programme of BVBI is established thus “Sammy’s Congregation.” Our brothers participated in most of the church worship; Bible class, Exhortation, Prayers, the Lord’s Supper and Giving.
CONCLUSION
We humbly thank our Lord for all activities which He journey with us successfully. Greetings to you all both in Ghana and in USA for such wonderful love shown to us.
We always ask you to pray with us.