Mourning losses in Guinea

Hello brethren.

Hope you all are doing well. Here is the report of activity for the month of March 2023.

Introduction

Every day that God makes is an opportune day for us to do His work. We are sharing with you what has occupied us during the 31 days of March 2023 in the vast field of the Lord. The activities took place as follows:

I - Teaching

In this month of March 2023, the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Gueckedou, Guinea taught 3 lessons to edify the students, so that they are able to function in the required capacity of evangelistic mission for the salvation of the world.

The lessons taught were the following:

1-  1 Corinthians by Antoine Fassa TOLNO

2- The Gospel according to Mark by Niouma 2 KAMANO

3 - The Poetic books by Balla KAMANO

Il - Evangelistic campaign

To put into practice the biblical theories learned in class, we started the evangelistic campaign on March 28, 2023 which should extend until April 5, 2023. We have video projections in the evenings followed by preaching the following day.

The days are being dedicated to a door to door evangelism and with the support of the Holy Spirit of God, a total of 14 people thus far have obeyed the gospel having been baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.

III- Construction .

Before the heavy rains started, five local congregations seize the opportunity offered and started to build their worship halls. But due to some difficulties, only one congregation among 5, the assembly at Fouedou was able to reach the level of roofing in March to benefit the required assistance.

IV- Black page

The experience of life shows that there is not only happiness or good things and events that happen, but that man some times expect the undesired surprise. Job had answered his wife by the question "...Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" - Job 2:10.

Indeed if last month, February 2023 left us with a smile and gladness in our hearts, then the month of March 2023 surprised us with sad news that brought down our joy.

Firstly, on March 01, 2023 we learned of the death of brother, Emmanuel Foko who was the Assistant Director of Sunset Bible lnstitute in Koindou, Sierra Leone.

Secondly on March 03, 2023 we were shocked by the cruel death of Tamba Emmanuel KAMANO in Gueckedou, Guinea.

He was an instructor at Bear Valley Bible Institute in Gueckedou, Guinea

Subsequently, Abel Lelano, one of the graduates of the 2nd class, was severely hit by a vehicle. He was in coma for 7 days in the hospital at Gueckedou before he was evacuated to a special hospital in Zao, N'Zerekore. We thank God for his case, because he is recovering little by little.

V- Suggestions and recommendation

We want  to take advantage of this report to ask all people of good will to take a positive look for possible support at the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Gueckedou. The reason is that we are in a favorable area for the gospel of the Lord.

We ask all the brothers and the sisters to pray for brother Abel Lelano who is till sick.

Conclusion.

In the image of all that precedes, we thank God for having kept us alive to do his work.

We thank Bear Valley International in general for their incessant spiritual, moral, financial and material support and in particular we thank our tireless coordinator Steven Ashcraft for the strategic management of the school.

We also thank the one who is financially assisting the construction of the houses of worship in Gueckedou.

Finally, we thank all those who contribute in any way to the development of the Lord's church in Guinea.

May God render to each one according to his works.

Amen.

Niouma 2 Kamano

Gueckedou, Guinea conducts successful leadership seminar

Introduction

Since the Bear Valley International lnstitute is our main supporter in this noble work of training preachers, as we share the updates, it remains our duty especially to faithfully and sincerely report to them the activities that we do. Thus, below are the works realized here during the month of January.

I-Classroom

After a month's break for the end of year season, we resumed classes on January 10, 2023 to continue our work and the following courses were taught:

1- Christian evidences. From 10 to 23 January 2023, by Niouma and Kamano.

2- Hermeneutics 2. From January 23 to 27, 2023, by Antoine Fasa.

The evaluation results of the written and oral exams were notable and they proved to us that the students have understood the lessons.

II-Evangelism 

The month of January 2023 is certainly the beginning of another year of great previlege for us here at the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute to make Heaven rejoice. We are pleased to inform you that by His divine power, the Lord  translated 8 precious souls into his Kingdom  having confessed His Name and going through the waters of baptism. This is the result of the different evangelistic efforts of brothers Eloi Tolno, the preacher at Fassaba, Francis Musa and the staff at the Institute.

III-Training of local congregational leaders.

After a meeting with our coordinator, Steven Ashcraft, when he came here in October 2022 and then in an audiovisual conversation last December, he encouraged us to do a rapid training program for the leaders of local congregations for their edification.

With his material and financial support, we had this training done from January 15 to 29, 2023. Twelve individuals took the training and were taught the following courses:

1- The 2 covenants by Francis Musa from 16-18/01/2023

2- The New Testament worship by Antoine Fassa from 19-21/01/2023

3- The New Testament Church by Emmanuel Kamano on 23-24/01/2023

4- Overview of the Bible by Robert Kamano from 25-26/01/2023

5- Homelitics (public speaking) by Niouma 2 Kamano from 27-29/01/2023.8

With regard to the result of this training it has been such an interesting program of edification and production of leaders capable to lead local congregations. We are eager to manifest all our appreciation for it.

This program is very beneficial for the churches at Gueckedou and will no doubt be for all the country of Guinea in that:

- Men are edified and turned into leaders or preachers in a short time.

- Some of these leaders are put on the waiting list for a full-time program of 2 year study. 

- It encourages and promotes the establishment of new assemblies.

IV-Construction of Worship halls 

Through the good management of our valiant Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft, the churches in Gueckedou continue to enjoy the grace of God through the willingness of a brother in the Lord to assist the local congregations in the construction of houses for worship. After the 2 congregations of Damas and Bandainin in 2022, three other congregations - Fassaba, Ledoumboulo and Dento began to build in January 2023.

V-Suggestions

While we engage to climax the remaining activities of the first batch of those who just completed the rapid training, our suggestion is for another of the same program to be organized for other leaders of local congregations from March 1 to 15, 2023.

Conclusion

As usual, for all the above, we thank God first, because without him we can do nothing. Then we thank Bear Valley International for the spiritual, moral, financial, and material support for the advancement of God's work in Gueckedou and in Guinea. We also thank our coordinator Steven Ashcraft for his unwavering love in technically supporting the Church of Christ in Guinea.

Finally we say thank you to Ken, Barry and to all other people of good will, for supporting the work of God in Guinea.

May God render to each one according to his works. 

Niouma

More progress in Guinea

Introduction

In order to maintain a good collaboration, there must of necessity be a good communication. That is why we at the Bear Valley extension lnstitute in Gueckedou report to the International school the results of our activities at the end of each month. Now for the month of November 2022, you will see below the activities carried out by the Gueckedou, Guinea school.

Teaching / Classroom

In 1 Corinthians 11 :1 Paul tells us to « be imitators of me as I am of Christ » and later in Acts 19 :9 we learn that Paul taught daily in the school of a man named Tyrannus. In this same spirit, the Bear Valley Extension School in Gueckedou teaches students daily for edification. During the 30 days of November we had the following 4 lessons taught : 

1- Old Testament 2 – History By Saa Robert Kamano

2- Life of Christ 1 – Matthieu by Antoine Fassa Tolno

3- Godhead, french by Niouma 2 Kamano

4- The New Testament Church 1 (One True Church) by Antoine Fassa Tolno

Evangelism

In order to multiply disciples, the Lord has commanded us to go all over the world preaching the good news and baptizing those who will believe for their eternal salvation. In obedience to this commission we have adopted several methods in the process including mass evangelism, door-to-door and public evangelism. Thus, it is our pleasure to inform you that the results of these different methods mentioned above yielded a satisfactory result because 20 persons accepted Jesus Christ as their savior and were born again in the waters of baptism.

Of this total;

 2 souls are from the village congregations of Kendessoua,

4 from N’Dendessou and

12 other people from the village of Kole Kama which formed the nucleus of a new congregation in that area.

 It is important to note the contribution of 3 plus 1 graduate of the second and first batches of the Gueckedou Bear Valley school namely : Abel Lelano, Elie Dembadouno, Alexis Dembadouno and brother Justin Malaya Simbiano respectively. This dynamism shows that the Bear Valley Gueckedou Extension School and her graduates are working as a team to rescue lost souls to the Lord.

Building

We wish to inform you that the local congregations established here as a result of our evangelism are now on their feet gathering materials to build worship shelters. Among these we can mention the villages of Fouedou, Fassaba, Dakadou, Koindou and Ledoumboulo.

Agriculture

Through this report, we wish to reiterate our commitment with Healing Hands International to resume her agricultural activities with the Gueckedou Bear Valley lnstitute starting with the training of personnel. This is important for the development of the school and the church.

Personal Profile

We would like to introduce you to a brother in Christ, Eloi Tolno, a graduate of the 2nd class of the Bear Valley School in Gueckedou, Guinea. He was a leader in the Protestant Church before his conversion to the Lord’s Church. Today, we are please to testify of his faithfulness, his love and his motivation to serve the Lord. Brother Eloi played a great role in the planting of the Church in his and the neighboring villages of Fassaba and Dakadou respectively. He is a prospect in whom we see a lot of potentials for the growth of the Church of Christ in his community.

Other information

We will like to inform you that evangelistic teams are being formed in Guinea for the growth of the church of Christ. These teams, though independent of the Bear Valley school nevertheless have the same goal, the saving of lost souls and it’s through the Bear Valley West Africa Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft that the supports are being obtained. Hence, there are times when we not only exchange ideas with the men of these teams, but also collaborate. It is for these and other reasons that we are giving you a briefing and to let you know that funds were provided to purchase 3 motorbikes plus an additional amount to complete for a fourth one to facilitate the movements of the evangelic teams in Gueckedou and Conakry. We are grateful to those generous men who desire to boost the work of God in Guinea. The beneficiaries with joy commit themselves to use these machines in good faith for the work of God.

Thanks / Appreciations

As in all things, God must be the first to give thanks to for his mercy in making us live to serve him. Then, we thank the Bear Valley International for their spiritual, moral, financial and material support through our valiant coordinator Steven Ashcraft. We also thank  Ken, Barry and all the other people who are working for the flourishing of the Lord’s Church in Guinea.

We humbly ask that you continue to also support us spiritually – in prayers for the flourishing of the Lord’s Church in Guinea.

Guinea school conducts their second graduation

Introduction

The greatest work that man should embrace in this world is to serve God, not only to save his own soul, but also to help other lost souls to be saved.

This is also how the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute is and we work together with the same feeling and spirit in carrying out the various activities that are detailed in this report.

Teaching / Classroom :

To build up and enlarge the church, we must first train and or edify evangelists; and to edify the evangelists, we must teach them the word of God. That is why during the 31 days of October, the Gueckedou Bear Valley school taught the following subjects :

-The plan of Salvation by Balla Kamano from the 26th/9/ to 3th/10/2022

- Hermeneutics 1 by Antoine Fassa Tolno from 4th to the 10th/10/2022

- Homiletics 1 by Niouma 2 Kamano from the 11th to the 17th/10/2022

- The Gospel of Matthew by Antoine Fassa Tolno from the 18h to the 21th /10/2022

A written evaluation was done at the end of the teaching of each course and the results were satisfactory.

Evangelism :

The heart of our activities is evangelism. This is so because evangelism is the mission that the Lord Jesus Christ entrusted to the disciples to lead lost souls on the way to eternal salvation.

During the month under review, this mission was carried out in several forms, namely, door-to-door personal evangelism, the radio gospel broadcast and the gospel campaign all of which yielded to the conversion of 20 precious souls who accepted Christ under the following descriptions :

1. A new congregation was planted in the village of Kendessoua. This was possible as a result of a strong contribution of student Balla Frangadouno, one of those currently in studies here at the Bear Valley school and through the support and preaching done that night resulting in 7 baptisms by our brother, Francis Musa.

2. The productive presence of our Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft who gave a strong hand in the conversion of 9 souls – 6 and 3 on Sunday October 30, 2022 in the villages of Kendessoua and Bouliedou respectively.

We are proud to mention and appreciate the great courage of our Coordinator, Steven who despite the bad state of our roads went with us to the distant villages to preach the good news during his brief visit.

Graduation ceremony

As it is customary with Bear Valley, at the end of the training of each class, a ceremony must be organized for the official presentation of the diplomas to the graduates.

Such a ceremony was therefore held on October 29, 2022 for the graduation of the second batch of students from the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute here in Guinea. This ceremony was preceded by a day of Bible teaching in a seminar on October 28.

We are pleased to inform you that the ceremony was successful to the glory of the Lord. About 850 persons were present among which were the representatives of the Prefectural and Communal authorities.

Thanks

We thank our God the Alpha and the Omega for his infinite love to help us in our weaknesses through Jesus Christ our Savior.

We thank and give appreciation with special emphasis to our Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft for his courage and determination to be available night and day in seasons, favorable and unfavorable conditions to serve Christ in the context of flourishing the church of God in Guinea.

We also thank Bear Valley International for their unconditional support of God’s work in Guinea through its extension school in Gueckedou.

In short, we are thankful to all those who contributed in any way to the success of the graduation ceremony of the second class of students here at the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Gueckedou, Guinea.

May God abundantly bless each one of you according to your works of labor.

10 more baptisms in Guinea

September 2022 Activity Report

Introduction:

The Christian's work is one of imitation of the Lord's way of life recorded on the pages of the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians 11:1 the apostle Paul said to imatate him "even as l also am of Christ". Thus, the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute composed of staff, students and other workers is no exception. In the month of September, we have amongst other activities endeavored to imitate the Lord in teaching, in prayer and in charitable works as outlined below. Follow with us as we enlighten you in a 6 points report of what transpired here in September.

I- Teaching / Classroom:

Since we are to entrust the word of God to faithful men who will be able to teach others also, and as part of our obligation for which we are supported, our staff members engaged the students in the following 4 courses:

1- Discipleship from 01 to 07 September, taught by Tamba Emmanuel Kamano

2- Personal Evangelism from 08 to 15 September, taught by Niouma 2 Kamano

3- Hermeneutics 1 from 16 to 23 September, taught by Antoine Fassa Tolno.

4- Scheme of Redemption from 26 Sept to 03 Oct 2022 taught by Balla Kamano.

Due to the necessity of required credit hours, the last course extends until October 03.

There was an evaluation of the students following the end of every course and the results were satisfactory.

II- Evangelism:

One of the major activities which we as Christians can and should do to imitate the Lord who went about everywhere preaching the kingdom is to evangelise for the salvation of lost souls. In the month of September, the Bear Valley Bible Institute conducted various preaching activities in different areas all of which resulted to 10 baptisms. May God be glorified for this.

III- Youth Bible camp:

To express our heart felt desire for the oneness in faith and practice as examplified by Jesus with the Father, the Gueckedou Bear Valley students also attended the "Youth Bible Camp" in N'zerekore. Indeed a number of participants of several congregations in Gueckedou responded massively to the invitation of our brethren, the Bellevue church of Christ - N'zerekore to share the word of God on the theme "Salvation and the Christian's Responsibility".

A 20-seated minibus vehicle and 4 motorbikes each carrying 2 persons were made available through financial support for all the above named participants by the top administration of the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute.

A special prayer period was observered before the trip and the gracious Lord answered it to his glory. It was such a favorable time so that the evangelists who were present ceased the opportunity to preach peace and unity in the faith.

IV- Spiritual working materials /Bibles:

In order to facilitate further research work for our next coming graduates, we have asked and received 12 copies of the "Thompson Chain References Bible". These will be a general award or gift, an encouragement to the 12 students who will be certificated on graduation day.

V- Graduation:

We will like to use this means through this report to inform and cordially invite you to the graduation ceremony of the second batch of students from the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute. The program is scheduled to take place here at the Institute's premises at Bambo Antenne in Gueckedou on 29th October 2022.

We also solicit your spiritual, moral, material and especially financial contributions for the success of the ceremony.

VI- Thanks and Appreciations:

We thank the God that we serve for his infinite love.

We also thank the Bear Valley International for the unending moral, spiritual, material and financial support by which we are further motivated to work for the salvation of lost souls.

Our appreciations to our Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft for his love and determination to grow the church of Christ in Guinea.

We thank brother Francis Musa for his willingness to share with us his technical and spirituel experiences in the work of God.

Brothers Barry Baggott, Ken Stanley and all other brothers and sisters are to be commended for their every support in the work of the church of God in Guinea

We pray that God will bless you all abundantly and that God may use us mightily in His vineyard for the glory of His name.

Preaching the gospel in Guinea

Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute Activity Report - August 2022

Introduction

We rejoice greatly for the good things which the Lord has done through his generous servants who finance the work of Christ in Gueckedou.

The Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute is pleased to report and share those glad events of various activities as articulated below.

1. Teaching / Classroom :

Following our last report that a new batch of students have been recruited to start another 2 years of study, we are pleased to annonce that with the help of God we have started the training of the third batch on August 04, 2022 with 15 students.

Two courses were covered in August namely :

Research and writing from the 4th to the 12th - taught by Niouma 2 Kamano.

Pentateuch, the 2nd course was taught by Antoine Fassa Tolno from August 15 to September 31, 2022.

Each course was followed by an exam to evaluate the understanding of the students and the results were satisfactory.

2. Evangelism

Almost everything we do here such as teaching in various assemblies and the planting of new congregations is measured and accounted for the evangelization of lost souls. For the month of August though with heavy rains, food shortage etc. we baptized 4 persons which the Lord added to his church. Within the framework of mass evangelism, the radio program through public gospel proclamation is reviving the defense of the holy doctrine.

3. Building

Even though the worship hall construction program is of paramount importance, yet due to heavy rains at this time we are constrained to suspend those activities. However, many congregations are getting ready to resume work right after the rains. Main while construction aggregates are being assembled.

3. Work Equipment

Here is one of the reasons for our joy as highlighted earlier in this report. To carry out the activities of evangelism, congregational teaching and the plantating of new congregations, we have received the sum of $4,500.00 for the purchase of three (3) motorcycles with all legal documentation. This donation has moved our hearts with exceeding gladness and we wish to assure you the donor for the correct use of these motorbikes in the work and fear of the Lord.

4. Booklets and tracts Needs

We want to use this opportunity in reporting to remind our brother in Christ, Barry Baggott whom we appreciate for previous offer that again we need the following French documents which are not for sale else where, but produced only by the brethren of the Lord's church:

- Bibles Nouveau Testament avec petite index

- L'église du Nouveau Testament (J C. Choate)

- Culte du Nouveau Testament (JC Choate)

- Nous étions Catholiques (tracts)

- Noël (tracts)…

5. lnvitation lnformation

The Gueckedou Bear Valley school administration wishes to inform everyone that the lnstitute is invited and is pleased to take part in the Bible camp organized by the congregation at Bellevue, N’Zerekoré from September 08 to 10, 2022. By the grace of God we shall be with our brethren to promote the gospel work in that area.

6. Thanks, Appreciations and Prayer Request

Firstly we thank God for his goodness, his infinite love to sustain and protect us in his vineyard.

We thank and appreciate the Bear Valley International for the spiritual, moral, financial and material support to us in order to save lost souls.

We equally thank our Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft for his tireless efforts day and night for the growth of the church of Christ in Guinea.

Great thanks to the donor(s) of the three motorcycles, as well as Ken Stanley and the church at Niceville for the support of preachers and the radio program.

In short, we thank all those from near and far who contribute to the peace, unity and growth of the church of Christ in Guinea.

Our Request for your prayers is for a successful outcome of the forth coming graduation ceremony on 29th October and for the new batch of 15 students to remain focus and in good health.

May God bless each one accordingly.

Gueckedou, Guinea school holds graduation and begins new year

Report of Activities for July 2022

Introduction 

According to the apostle Paul, we have the obligation to preach the word, to be ready in season and out of season. To convince, rebuke, exhort with all gentleness and instructing. This, we have done even though the months of July, August, and September are rainy months are difficult. Nevertheless, we are happy with what has been done as you will see in the content of this report.

Teaching / Classroom 

The month of July had fewer classroom activities than the previous, because there was only 1 course, the book of Revelation left to end the training of the second batch. Brother Emmanuel Kamano took 10 days to teach and complete the material. The outcome was successful with all the students. 

Evangelism

Just after the classroom session, the team of evangelists accompanied students in two different areas for the evangelistic campaign for the month under review. This evangelistic campaign has two beneficial results, especially for the students. The first one is the practical application of theoretical training. The second is equal and seems even more important for this month because 7 persons accepted Jesus as their Savior and were baptized in Christ. In addition and even before the evangelistic campaign, we also do door-to-door evangelism and radio broadcasting which is also to defend the holy doctrine of Jesus.

Construction of worship halls

It is important to point out that the need for worship halls has been a paramount issue, a problem that has affected many congregations. Now with this help rendered there is a positive impact in the Lord's church in the Gueckedou area, strengthening those who are like the apostle Thomas.

Because this construction program started here at the beginning of the rainy season when brethren were active on their farm work, only two congregations, Damas and Bandainin, were able to reach roof level which is the requirement before BearValley will be involved to assist.

However, several other congregations are in the process of gathering all the necessary materials (sand, gravel, stone blocks) to begin construction after the period of heavy rain (July to September).

Recruitment / lntake of New Students

With the completion of the course study of the second batch, the need to recruit new men for the Lord's army is evident and the Gueckedou Bear Valley school administration had been on the search. There were some 23 candidates who applied, but when it was time for the written evaluation or test and interview which was conducted on 20th July 2022, 17 candidates responded present. Others were prevented by some social or cultural reason, but some wish to follow soon for the training. By the grace of God, classes started with this new batch on August 4, 2022.

Thanks / Appreciation

We thank God for his mercy in accepting us in our weaknesses and forgiving us our transgressions through Jesus our advocate.

Thanks to the Bear Valley Bible Institute International for their moral, spiritual, material and financial support to the church of Christ in Guinea.

We sincerely thank our coordinator Steven Ashcraft for his willingness to seek resources to boost the work of God in Guinea for church growth.

We thank brother Ken Stanley and the Niceville church. 

Finally, we thank our brother in Christ who through our Coordinator financed the covering of worship halls.

We also thank our donors who are joyfully supporting the work of God.

May God bless everyone abundantly in the Lord.

Big improvements in Guinea

I-Introduction

Every day that God gives for us is an opportunity for us to glorify, worship and serve Him. Although each day's outcome of activity was different depending on the circumstances, in all the average result has borne us fruit as you will see in the content of this report. The writing of this report is articulated as follows:

II-Teaching / Classroom 

This component which contributes to the edification of the students took place during all the working days of the month with four teachers handling the following subjects:

Development of local assemblies - taught by Antoine Iffono; the Epistle of James - taught by Balla Kamano from Kissidougou;

Principles of Biblical Counseling - taught by Antoine Fassa Tolno and 1, 2 and 3 John which were taught by Niouma 2 Kamano.

The students' evaluation result of each course was successful. 

III-Evangelism

Evangelism is at the center of our mission. We are happy of the fact that there is harmony amongst the staff to carry out this activity in several forms.

Firstly, we do door-to-door and personal evangelism in homes not only to convert new members, but also to edify older ones.

Secondly, the radio program is our mass evangelism broadcasting the gospel every Tuesday in defense of the faith and announcing the Lord's Church to all. This activity has a possitive impact in the Gueckedou area. 

The result of all our evangelistic sessions resulted to 11 baptisms that the Lord Jesus has added to his church.

III-Building / Worship hall construction 

We are glad to hear from our Coordinator and to express our gratitude that a certain American brother (unknown to us) has expressed his good will and has committed to finance the cost of a good number of worship hall roofs. In response to that good news the congregations are full of joy and even though we are presently in the wet season, some have begun to put up structures. The congregation at Damas immediately started and has now reached the roof level.  We are optimistic that in the days to follow other congregations will also reach wall height.

IV-Suggestions and Recommendations

By the grace of God, the Almighty who has granted us life and health, we will do His will by serving Him according to the gifts He has accorded us. 

Notwithstanding, as humans we are limited. That's why we need your spiritual /prayers and material support. We also have need for Bibles for the new converts as well as some means of transport - motorbikes to facilitate our movements. Your moral and technical support is as well expected.

Lastly, but not least we need your prayers for our brother, Francis' evangelism plan to be commenced soon in the Kissidougou area which is less evangelized. Pray that the plan be realized with great success to the glory of God

V-Thanks/Appreciations 

We thank God first of all for his great love to give us breath and health and to serve him. We also thank the Bear Valley Bible Institute Administration for the spiritual, moral, material and financial support in order to train evangelists to save souls and to build the church of the Lord in Guinea. We say thanks to our kind and able Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft for his love and effort for contributing to the growth of the church of Christ in West Africa and especially in Guinea. We also thank the cheerful donor for his willingness to help the congregations to make permanent metal roofs.  Barry Baggott and Ken Stanley are to be thanked for their commitment to God's work in Guinea.

Finally, we thank all who contribute in any way to the growth of the church in Guinea.

May God bless each one accordingly. 

In Jesus name.

Amen

Evaneglism and Seminar in Guinea

Introduction

We begin this report with a proverb that says: After the rain comes the weather becomes good. Satan's plan is always to destroy God's work in many ways, but we are also always more than victorious. We are expidient that the information below which make up this report will please you with the good news that enriches in its content.

I-Teaching / Classroom

According to the program schedule, only six (6) days - from the first to the 6th of May 2022 were devoted to the teaching of Bible Geography finished with the evaluation of the students to determine their levels. The results were satisfactory.

II-Evangelism:

The value or importance of this report lies in the result of the evangelism exercise. It is to be known in the activities that follow.

Apart from the door-to-door, personal evangelism and radio gospel broadcast which has now resumed after some technical issues, a special period of seven (7) days was allocated to an evangelistic campaign. That is from May 7 to 13, 2022 in three (3) different prospective areas namely Dakadou, Bandainin, and Koindou. The latter is a new zone, but favorable for our gospel mission.

The combined result of all these evangelistic activities came up to twenty (20) baptisms of which a local assembly was planted through the great contribution of brother Saa Many Koundouno, one of our current students at the Bear Valley school in Gueckedou. The new congregation was established in the sub-préfecture of Koundou Lengo Bengou located some 44 km from the school. Indeed the zone is favorable and we want to mobilize brethren and apply all our efforts to accompany brother Koundouno as he is motivated for the blossoming of the church of Christ to save souls in this new zone.

The following evangelists also participated in the above discussed evangelistic campaign: Saa Robert Kamano, Tamba Emmanuel Kamano, and Antoine Iffono.

III- Bible Seminar

Another important activity that took place during this period of our report was a Bible teaching Seminar that took place at the congregation of Bandalo Bengou. This has been planned as part the framework of the spiritual edification and the fellowship of the members of the Churches of Christ in the Gueckedou area.

Three (3) topics listed below were taught by three (3) evangelists according to the times allocated:

1. The Autonomy of local assemblies: by

Tamba Emmanuel Kamano

2. How to support the church: by

Francis S. Musa

3. The Christian home: by

Niouma 2 Kamano.

The local congregations in the Gueckedou area were invited and the people massively participated in this teaching.

Each session was concluded with pertinent questions and answers and it was such an interesting gathering.

Indeed the program was successful to the glory of God.

IV-Suggestions and Recommendations

Beloved in Christ, brethren of the United States, Australia and other parts of the world, we want you to know once again that the harvest is great in Guinea, but there are few workers. Therefore we ask you in the name of our Lord Jesus to help us spiritually - in prayers for more laborers.

V-Thanks / Appreciations

We, first of all, thank God for his grace which makes us live, and his Spirit which allows us to realize all our projects in Christ.

We also thank the administration of the Bear Valley Bible Institute for their unfailing love to continue God's work in Gueckedou under the coordination of our kind and tireless brother in Christ, Steven Ashcraft.

Amongst others not named here, we wish to thank our beloved brothers in Christ, Ken Stanley and Barry Baggott for their spiritual and moral support in every way in the Lord's work in Guinea.

We also thank Brother Francis Musa for his unwavering love and passion to support God's work in Guinea to the best of his ability.

Finally, we thank all those who contribute in one way or the other to the flourishing of the Lord's church in Guinea.

May God grant us longevity in health and peace in order to do His work.

Amen!

Back on track in Guinea

Introduction.

This report will cover the following highlighted points: Evangelism; Classroom or teaching activities; Suggestions / Recommendations; Our Appreciations and lastly Photos attached.

1- Evangelism

We thank God for His Spirit who works in giving us the health, strength and knowledge required for effective evangelism. As soon as the normal activities of the school were resumed, we started the exhortation and encouragement of brothers and sisters who had fallen to come back to the house of God to continue the worship together in the interest of our eternal salvation.

Then, with the help of God through the Holy Spirit souls were convicted as a result of our evangelistic efforts. We succeeded in implanting a new assembly in the village of Dakadou. This was possible especially with the great contribution of Brother Eloi Tolno, one of the current students of Bear Valley School in Gueckedou. We are therefore glad to inform you that during this preaching sessions (6) six people accepted the gospel of salvation and were baptized in the name of our Lord Jesus - pictures below.

2-Teaching / Classroom Activity

After the remarkable and successful mission visit to Guinea of our Coordinator Steven Ashcraft last March, we resumed the activities of the school on April 04, 2022. This was according to the planned schedule by the Coordinator which was also unanimously accepted by students and instructors.

Preceded by reorientation of students, four (4) subjects were successfuly taught during the past month of April. These were :

1- The Epistle to the Romans - taught by brother Antoine Fassa Tolno, the Dean of Students.

2- The Pastoral Epistles - taught by brother Saa Robert Kamano.

3- The Intertestamental Period - taught by brother Emmanuel Kamano.

4- Computer courses - taught by brother Antoine Iffono.

It should be noted that of the 14 students on roll before the 7 months cessation of activities, 12 (twelve) students answered the call to return to finish the training. The other two (2) have not yet returned. One of them is sick and the other went on an adventure in the mines. Let's pray for the sick for healing and the other so that they realize the importance of this important biblical training.

3- Suggestions and Recommendations

We are asking all the brothers and sisters in Christ in the United States, Australia, the Bear Valley administration and elsewhere to support us in prayers for the complete restoration of peace and understanding in the Lord's church in Guinea.

We still need your continues financially and material support - logistics, not forgetting our worship hall needs.

4- Thanks

We could not end this report without thanking all people of good will and faith for the Lord's work in Guinea. We especially thank the Bear Valley school administration for their financial and material support in the training of evangelists in Guinea. We personally thank our Coordinator Steven Ashcraft for his technical and managerial support in the management of the school in Gueckedou. We also thank Barry Baggott for his didactic support and Ken Stanley for his good role to ensure that Guinea move forward especially in spiritual things.

Training preachers in an Islamic country

Gueckedou BVBI Activity Operations Report for October 2021

Once again we are writing to give you an update of events during the last month - October at the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute. This will include 2 main items namely classroom and evangelism.

Classroom: Although there were some challenges regarding the absence of some of the students, all was put under control and all 14 students went through courses administered during the month. This include Hermeneutics 2, the book of Romans and Old Testament 4 – Isiah – Daniel.

Evangelism: One of our students, EloiTolno is to be commended for taking the lead thereby accessing a group of other evangelists to some 7 prospects in a nearby village. After discussing a series of Bible topics including the plan of salvation 4 of the prospects yielded to the gospel call and were therefore immersed for the remission of sins on the 4th of the month under review.

Then in the village of Dendesou where 3 of our students lead an assembly, 2 other conversions took place on the 24th of this month. Thus, for the month of October 2021 our evangelistic efforts resulted to 6 conversions! God is to be glorified!

Personal Profile – EloiTolno: Brother EloiTolno was born in 1977 in the village of Fassaba, Gueckedou, Guinea. He was yet in high school when he accepted the Protestant faith where he stayed till elevated to a leadership position. On July the 26thhowever, this brother, his wife and their first son obeyed the gospel. Our evangelical team had made several preaching visits to his village and Mr. Tolno had always welcomed and offered us gifts, but made no attempt to accept the gospel until 10 months later when he himself visited the school campus to declare his faith in Christ and desire to be trained. He was baptized the same day and started training the very next day with a high courage to catch up with courses offered before his arrival. This, brother Eloi has done and is now up to date with his course study.

It was only a month later after his conversion when Eloiwith the help of other brethren started a congregation with 3 baptisms in his village. Since then both old and young people in and around his village had been encouraged to accept the gospel. The number of converts so far registered for the Fassaba congregation is 21 with an average attendance of 35. The congregation meets in the house of brother Tolno, Eloi. What is impressive of this brotheris the fact that he is very evangelistic and a trainer. His first son, Emmanuel - age 19 is not only a great song leader, but one of the 3 able men who help to lead Sunday worship service.

This year 2021 with the encouragement of Eloi, the assembly embarked on a rice farming project as a means of securing some income for a propose future worship hall construction. Brother Elio will be graduating from the Bear Valley extension program in Gueckedou, Guinea in about 5 months. He is to be commended for his great determination for gospel service!

Thank you for your support and for your prayers

Antoine

Good in Guinea

Gueckedou, Guinea BVBI Activity Operations Report for Sept 2021

We bring you greetings from the Gueckedou, Guinea Bear Valley Bible Institute in the name of Christ.

After another 30 days of classroom and outdoor activity, we feel compel to give you an update of events that took place here during the month of September 2021. On the overall it was well with all 14 students going through their courses and with a good result of a 10 days “special evangelistic campaign” in 3 different areas. Here are the details below.

Classroom: During September our students completed the required courses bringing up good results with the least of them being on average. There were some students who reported a little late from their second quarter break for which reason they were assign some extra work to cover up. To this date we still have 14 students on roll.

Evangelism: Our evangelistic effort did not yield as much fruit this month as in the previous except that we were encouraged by the warm reception of some prospects and that is what gives us hope for the future.

Special Campaign: Our failure to convert souls during September-evangelism as compared to previous months was the occasion to invest more energy into a special evangelistic campaign supported by certain ones who invest uniquely in this area of gospel work for soul saving. It was in the month of July when our Coordinator wired some amount of funds for “special needs” one of it being this special campaign. A 10 days period was allocated and planned to visit some 4 villages, 2 of which were new areas. In the later, we succeeded to start 2 congregations by 7 and 4 baptisms. Then 3 baptisms in each of the other 2 villages with existing congregations. In all this “special evangelistic campaign” resulted to 14 baptisms.

Conclusion: There were not many activities during September and results in some of the areas did not fully meet our expectations. However, with your prayers and support we were able to accomplish the above including the 14 souls converted during the month under review.

Thanks to you all.

Francis

Salvation for many in Guinea

Gueckedou BVBI Activity Operations Report for August 2021

Precious greetings to you all, our supporters and those of you who always wish us well at the Guinea Bear Valley Bible Institute in Gueckedou. As part of our responsibility, we have come again to report the events and or activities that transpired during the last month, August 2021 which were comparatively few, but especially successful in terms of soul winning.

Classroom: In addition to the permanent staff courses such as Hermeneutics II by Antione Fassa Tolno, short course instructors, Mr. Nestor Tonguino and Emmanuel Kamano also completed their lessons on “Marriage and Family Life and the Major Prophets of Isiah and Jeremiah respectively. These courses were started in the previous month, but assignments and other requirements could not be completed until August.  The final results of all these were good as all 14 students came up successfully.

Evangelism: Except that hearts are hardened by the enemy who most often than not “taketh away the word …lest they should believe and be saved”, evangelism – gospel proclamation is our business. In many of the areas where our students are stationed for weekend gospel work, preaching by different methods is being done and with some fruitful results. The month of August registered a total of 8 baptisms 3 of which were in the village of Fassaba.

Repair of Old Vehicle: While it is true that the first mission vehicle was worn off and that we had ask for a replacement and the request honored by a few benevolent hands as detailed in our previous report, we had not still completely given up with the old vehicle. It was at “such a time as this” when some ‘’special needs” were granted so that the request to at least once more repair the old vehicle was honored. Through our Coordinator, Mr. Ashcraft the minimum needed funds to upgrade it were provided and the repairs effected so that it is now available to satisfy certain rough road missions and transport of fire wood for the Institute’s kitchen.

Conclusion: We are truly thankful to God and grateful to you all for the tireless spiritual and material support which has kept the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute going. God is to be glorified for the men being trained and for the regular conversions here at Gueckedou and around.

Thanks

Continued progress in Guinea

Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute Activity Operations Report for July 2021

The month of July has since ended and we have not only the obligation, but the privilege to report and share with you those major events that transpired during that period at the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute. As usual, the events in question include our regular classroom and evangelistic activities, but especially the success of replacing the mission vehicle which had worn off during the 14 years of gospel service in Guinea and the countries neighboring. We are delighted to give an account of these and other happenings in the subheadings below:

Classroom: Courses covered during the month include Marriage and Family Life and part of Old Testament Part 4 – Isaiah and Jeremiah. There were 14 of the 16 students who participated and performed well. The other 2 students, those involved in disciplinary acts as mentioned in our last report for which reason they were sanctioned did not return from their second quarter breaks. Apparently unwilling to repent, these young men preferred to not show up rather than expel publicly. Until they return, we are left with 14 students.

Evangelism: Our usual evangelistic efforts did not yield as much fruit this month as in the previous. Procrastination and unwillingness to repent from polygamy – a practice which is common in this Islamic dominated nation on the part of our prospects were the result of unfruitful labor. We did go out to preach in and around existing congregations, but could convert only 1 soul because many of our prospects were Muslims with multiple wives. On the other hand, there were delays by the other group of prospects, but we hope and expect a positive answer by the end of August to the question of “why tarriest thou”.

Vehicle for Mission Work: We must confess that perhaps our ambitions were higher and even ignored the present virus crises affecting the economy also in the brotherhood when we requested for a Toyota Land Cruiser. Contributions did come from 2 sources, but the funds were inadequate for the request. Then in response to an appeal to complete cost for a Toyota pick-up, a dear brother in the US proposed an option to partially offer a 4WD Honda – 8 passenger seat vehicle as his godly contribution to my ministry work. Hence, the 2 contributions from the Bear Valley and the Niceville brethren facilitated the customs and other Government vehicle documentation. The vehicle has since been ready and is now in service with us at Gueckedou.

We are so grateful to bro. Ishmael Kendor for the offer and to brothers Steven Ashcraft and Ken Stanley through whose hands the contributions from benevolent hands reached us. May God reward you all. Pray with us that the tool will continue to be used to the service and glory of God!

Special Needs Assistance: Another blessing received during the month was a financial response for some special needs at the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute. Again, through the hand of our Coordinator, Mr Ashcraft some well-wisher provided us with funds to purchase a freezer for our kitchen which is 1 of 3 requests submitted.  An attempt to repair the old vehicle and a special evangelistic campaign are the other 2 requested items answered on the list of our special request. These last 2 will be implemented in the months to come.

Our special thanks to you, our supporters and to those of you who have made special contributions to this work. It is our prayer that God will reward you abundantly and bless all of our combine efforts as we all aim toward enlarging the Lord’s kingdom through preacher training for the harvest!

Francis Musa

More baptisms in Guinea

Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute Activity Operations Report for May and June 2021

It has not always been easy to catch up with time when extra and or unusual activities fall into a prepared schedule of things. That has been the case during the months of June and July, a period when our May and June reports should have been submitted respectively. We apologize for the delay. Following the positive response of certain brethren to whom we are grateful for a replacement of the Mission Vehicle with me which has worn off, the process needed more than the 3 weeks of our break period. Details are soon to follow in our July report.

Now the months of May and June had but a few activities with a break period of 3 weeks.

Classroom, evangelism and temporal campus assembly hall and kitchen completion / renovation were the main activities of the period which are detailed below under these subheadings:

Classroom: The months of May and June fell in the closing and opening of the first and second quarters of our second year course schedule respectively and the materials covered include:

Personal Evangelism 2 – Church Planting

Life of Christ 3 – Luke

2 Corinthians, 

Computer courses, etc.

Each of the 16 students on roll had done their best in almost all the courses. The 11th of June was the close of our first quarter - 2nd year course study and the students went on break for 3 weeks - 14th June to 4th July.

Evangelism: During the period under review our students, especially those assigned to lead and conduct worship services in various local congregations, also succeeded in their evangelistic work. It was in 3 such congregations plus the campus assembly that our men in collaboration with members of those congregations before and during the 3 weeks break period converted a total of 13 souls.

Temporal Worship Shelter and Kitchen Completion /Renovation: A temporal worship shelter had been built to satisfy the Covid -19 distancing requirement for the campus assembly where the school also now conducts classes. Since May this year the worshipers and students – we have observed rain flashes from the Eastern direction right into the hall thereby disturbing the gatherings. This has necessitated the closure of that open space and the project was accomplished in June

Then with the same rain flashes on the firewood side by the kitchen we also attached a zinc shelter to protect and secure the woods.

Conclusion: We are grateful to you, our able supporters whose spiritual – prayers and material – finance continue to be a blessing to upkeep the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute. To you our well wishers, your partnership is appreciated. 

The activities of the months of May and June were successful. While training is ongoing we also have the privilege of converting precious souls to Christ. There were 13 persons baptized during the period and God is to be glorified for all this.

Thanks

Francis

More souls saved in Guinea

Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute Activity Operations Report for March 2021

Once again we have reached at the time of privilege whereby the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute while reporting to her sponsors can share with you the activities that transpired here during the month of March 2021. As in previous reports there are 2 main areas of paramount concern, namely the indoor or classroom and outdoor activities. While the former is a priority, the later carries with it events of equal importance including especially the act of evangelism. All of this went well as outlined in sub headings below.

Classroom: Until the close of March this year 16 students are still committed to the task of studies at the Gueckedou BVBI and this month was the close of classroom activities for the first year. Academic performance for the most part was good. Notwithstanding unwarranted behavior on the part of 2 students necessitated a special disciplinary measure against them. Following this, students are sent on break to resume classes in April.

Evangelism: Those of our students who are assigned to various congregations have always made an effort to increase the number of save souls. This time around it was in 3 such congregations including the campus assembly that we converted 3 persons.

Campaign: In order to help build up the small congregation in the sou-prefecture headquarters of Ounde kenema the Gueckedou Bear Valley courageously decided to drive the 55 kilometers rough road. It was quite a challenging campaign because despite the double methods of open air or public proclamation and the house to house preaching the efforts resulted in only 6 baptisms.

Special Training: Just before we finally closed for the end of first year activities, a special training of 7 candidates of the 14 previously proposed attended a 1 week workshop. The purpose of the training was not only to enable these new leaders of their new congregations to conduct worship services , but to equip them to teach and to defend «the faith».

A Special Social Event: One of our able staff members, the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute Head of Evangelistic Team, our Secretary and Right Hand Man, Mr Niouma 2 Kamano entered into a lawful matrimonial relationship with Marie Tonguino on the 5th and 6th of the month under review for customary and civil rites respectively. We encouraged, embraced and supported the occasion because of the simple fact that the act is geared towards a good moral needed for perhaps every young christian man and woman especially for those who serve in a Biblical Institution and Administration.

Conclusion: Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute has completed the course study for the first year with 16 of 20 students who initially started the class. There were 3 of the 4 students who had retreated immediately after the Covid 19 shutdown period of some 4 months.

We are especially proud and thankful that our combined evangelistic efforts here at the Gueckedou BVBI have always yielded fruit to the saving of souls. As in the previous month, we did make Heaven rejoice by the conversion of 9 souls in March.

May God bless you as you seek to help promote His work.

Francis

More conversions in Guinea

Gueckedou, Guinea Bear Valley Bible Institute Activity Operations Report for February 2021

Precious greetings come to you all our supporters and friends from the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute. Following is the report of activities which took place here during the month of February 2021. We have had some difficulties and irregularities with some of the students, but it ended well to the good will of God for whose cause we face challenges. We still have 16 students on roll and they have done their best again both in the classroom and on the field of evangelism which was fruitful and to the glory of God.

Classroom: Courses covered during the month include the second part of Christian Evidences, New Testament Church part 2 –the worship, Leadership principles, etc. Each of the 16 students did his best. Those with references due to lateness and or the like were required to cover up by specific assignments which required them some extra time and effort.  We are left with a few courses for a few weeks in the next month to finish the first year course materials and will be on break for 3 weeks.

Evangelism: The work of gospel preaching is perhaps the one and only activity besides the classroom work which will always appear in every month’s report from the Gueckedou BVBI. Our hope and strength is in the Master of the vineyard, King Jesus.  We started this month’s evangelism with one former student, brother Robert Kamano whose invitation we accepted to help teach and exhort some of the prospects in the village of Dento where he preaches. The outcome was a great success with 6 conversions on the 7th of February. Also in 3 other villages where our students are assigned for every weekend congregational visit we baptized 3 souls making a total of 9 conversions for the month.

Agriculture: Since the completion of the virtual workshop in December last year the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute is eagerly awaiting the return of brother Ebenezer for a full or adequate  training of our personnel so that the land allocated for this purpose can be put to use. The virtual workshop was essential, but inadequate for us alone to effectively continue and utilize the field in this capacity. We also need other support – financial and material from Healing Hands International for a successful outcome of the project. It is for this reason that we are writing to remind and encourage you, the appropriate persons to consider our call.

Main while, the water well which was drilled last May (2020) is in good condition and of great benefit to the nearby community members who are regularly fetching water from it. Please let HHI accept a share of these words of appreciation, “thanks to you, Gueckedou Bear Valley”.

Vehicle for Mission Work: Lastly we are appealing to you all to help us secure another vehicle for this all important work. Gueckedou is an interior area and needs a solid means of transport for a successful gospel work. The cost of the present vehicle purchased in 2007 was a joint-hand project by the 9th Ave and Niceville churches of Christ congregations. It was already in circulation - a used car, but it has served it's purpose during the 14 years with us. Right now, breakdowns are too often and costly. Please contact Niceville and 9th Ave. and help.

Conclusion: There were only a few activities conducted at the Gueckedou BVBI during the month of February. Notwithstanding, all was well and especially we were again able to make Heaven rejoice by bringing at least a few, that is 9 souls to the Lord. Our course study is kept going and by now our students are on break for the end of first year activities. Since it is by your prayers and support that we are able to make progress, we want to say thank you and God bless you!

A student in Guinea is persecuted

Gueckedou, Guinea BVBI Activity Operations Report for January 2021

It has always been a pleasure and a privilege rather than a duty for us here at the Gueckedou BVBI to report to our supporters on what we are doing here in Guinea. By the same token we are pleased to share these updates with those of you who are wishing us well in this all-important work which by the grace of God is moving forward. The month of January has just ended and there were only a few activities, but we are glad to let you know that for the most part all was well – both in the classroom, with one exception and out there on the field.

Classroom: Because we had only two-third of the period due to our 3rd quarter first year break, we were able to cover 2 courses – (a) Personal Evangelism II and (b) 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Peter and Jude. Unfortunately, 15 of the 16 students on roll attended. The one exception was student Tamba Salomon Tonguino who had kept the issue of his persecution from our notice for nearly a year. Salomon is troubled by a great persecution from his predominantly Islamic family for not only becoming an Ex-Muslim, but especially now wanting to be a gospel preacher. His attempt to begin holding worship services in the family house during the last break period aggravated the situation as anger and persecution increased against him thereby hindering his return for this quarter. He did manage to come see us on Monday of this week - 1st February to explain all this, but was unprepared to stay being morally disturbed. We are therefore calling on you all to pray for this brother who is one of our best students in the present batch.

Evangelism: As part of our regular preaching program we have had students and staff also going out to worship and strengthen new congregations. During such times we do get the opportunity to share the saving gospel to lost souls. On the 22nd of the month under review 2 of our men responded to a call for us to share the gospel message in a Sub-prefecture town some 60 kilometers from Gueckedou. The missionaries came back with a fascinating report after a 2 days visit. We are planning for a quick return, but cautious of the fact that immediate follow up is needed for especially newly converted souls.

Evangelism Equipment: From the list of material request forwarded to the Bear Valley Administration and for which funds were wired to us in December, the Gueckedou School was able to purchase 2 additional items – a video projector especially for evangelism and 4 used office chairs.

Personal Profile: Niouma 2 Kamano is to be commended for his great and tireless service in promoting the Lord’s work in the circle of activities at the Gueckedou BVBI. He was the young man at the top of the first batch of students (2018 -2019) here at the Gueckedou School in nearly every commendable aspect – academic, personal and public evangelism, eloquence and obedience. Even before but especially after his graduation we, the administrative body of this institute in collaboration with members of the church in the school premises requested for him to serve as the evangelist for the congregation. After a period of about a year brother Niouma 2 began in some way to encourage the congregation for him to be replaced by one brother George, a fellow graduate of his batch so that he (Niouma 2) could continue the exercise of his outdoor missions or evangelistic trips which he desires so much. This Niouma 2 and another brother, Francios his former classmate, now serving in Conakry were the main instruments for the multiple conversions at Gueckedou School in 2018 -2019 school year. No sooner after his graduation was he adopted into the school staff where he now serve in addition to leading the Institute’s evangelistic team as Secretary.

Niouma 2 is a university graduate, a zealous evangelist, the computer teacher at Gueckedou BVBI and with the backing of his Bear Valley training has the adequate requirement to also offer other courses here. This, he has demonstrated to our satisfactory testimony!!

Conclusion: Besides the successful work of training men for the plenteous harvest we have always gotten the privilege of contributing to the joy of Heaven by the regular conversions taking place here. We are thankful to God and wish to express our gratitude for your support which also resulted in the conversion of 10 souls in January. As we hope for more success in the remaining months of this year, we are reminding you once more to pray for brother Tonguino, our student who is going through a family persecution for the Christian faith.

May God heal and protect his people. May he eradicate the pandemic.

Francis

More baptisms in Guinea!

Gueckedou, Guinea Bear Valley Bible Institute Activity Operations Report for November 2020

The Director, Staff, Student body and all of us who make up the Gueckedou, Guinea Bear Valley Bible Institute are pleased to submit and share this “Activity Report” for the month of November to you all, our supporters and friends. There were a hand full of activities which occurred during the month under review and for the most part the results were successful. Here are the summaries of those events outlined below under subheadings.

Classroom:  There were 3 majour courses covered during the month of November. These were: Old Testament 2; Life of Christ 2 and Old Testament 3a (Job). Due to the act of unfaithfulness on the part of one students’ wife – a matter still on course, 16 of the 17 students returned from their second quarter – October end break. These are the ones who took the aforementioned courses and the results were very good.

Evangelism: As we went out into various villages strengthening the new congregations, our students especially with the help of Niouma 2 Kamano, a staff member were able to convert a total of 6 persons - 3 of which were baptized in Gueckedou.

In addition, we had gone out into new villages not only to evangelize, but to pre-announce a special gospel campaign surrounding the village of Bandalo-leh where the Niceville church had put up a worship hall - scheduled for inauguration on Saturday, the 21st November. The outcome of those special combined events are detailed in our next subheading namely-

Campaign/Worship Hall Inauguration: Preceded by a 2 days preaching in and around the village of Bandalo-leh where the church was planted since May 2018, the Bear Valley team along with the church members succeeded in assembling an audience of some 250 invitees for a public preaching and the inauguration of the worship hall in that village. There were 3 speakers for the following topics: (1) Why Should One Be a Member of the Church of Christ? (2) How can one be Saved According to the New Testament? And (3) How Should We Acceptably Worship God Today? Each of the preaching was followed by a question-answer period. Finally, we concluded by a brief act of inauguration. The program was successful and 6 of those who worshiped with us the next day, Sunday, the 22nd of November 2020 were baptized!

Agriculture Update: Even though all the preliminaries had been put in place there were still some obstacles hindering the progress of the agriculture work. Healing Hands had introduce us to Ebenezer, the brother in charge of the training and we have been in contact to settle nearly all that is required before the training. But until now the border closure due to the Covid - 19 pandemic followed by the high tensions of presidential elections in our country in September and especially October were the main obstacles.

However, the well itself which had been drilled since last May is being used to serve the nearby community. One Madam Youmbouno and her family who live some 200 kilometers are the main beneficiaries who fetch the water. Also we have just received the Agric-kit from the trainer who has planned to later visit Gueckedou after a virtual workshop this December.

Dining Hall Repair: Our dining hall is a temporal – wooden shelter built on wooden poles which are often eaten by termites thus demanding changes. This time around it has become a necessity and we were obliged to replace the sticks with at least 2 iron ones.

Vehicle Repair: During November we had a lot of movement also with the vehicle especially during the campaign – the pre-inauguration week. And with the bad roads, vehicle repairs were necessary and successfully done.

Conclusion: The month of November had some obstacles hindering some of our activities, but because of your prayers and material support all of it came up successful. Our special thanks and appreciations to the Niceville, Florida CoC through the benevolent hand of Brother Ken Stanley for the worship hall constructed at Bandalo-leh where a graduate of our first batch is serving. Let the Niceville church be sure that Brother Michel and his congregation at Bandalo-leh are most grateful! That inauguration exercise together with our evangelism efforts resulted to a total of 12 conversions in November.

May the Lord heal, protect and bless us all.

Francis

21 more converted in Guinea

Gueckedou, Guinea Bear Valley Bible Institute Activity Operations Report for September 2020

It is time again to share briefings of the activities taking place here at the Gueckedou BVBI with our dear supporters and well-wishers. The month of September has covered several activities including classroom work, evangelism, gospel campaign and the construction of a temporal worship/ceremony shelter. On the overall it was successful and we want to thank and appreciate you all for the spiritual and material support. Now here below in sub-headings are the details of the activities for the month under review.

Classroom: During the second quarter which started in July we were able to cover a lot of courses including Hermeneutics 1, Christian Evidence 1, the Godhead and the New Testament Church. For the most part the results were good with the exception of a few needing to do extra assignments to meet requirement. All 17 students reported since August are still on roll. Classes have stopped and our second quarter breaks for 3 weeks started on October the 5th.

Evangelism: As part of our regular routine, we did go out around town and in the villages to preach the word. Responses were only appreciations. Some have promised to try to pay visit to the church in the coming days and weeks. Nevertheless 2 persons were converted to Christ.

Gospel Campaign: Just before the close of the second quarter, we organized a 3 days gospel campaign dividing the students along with a few of the previous graduates in 3 groups to attend 3 quarters of the town. This campaign was not as the usual ones when we made public proclamation of the word. Rather, a type of evangelism, a house to house preaching. Again, 1 soul was converted with others promising to visit the church. Then by the close of the month, we resumed the preaching campaign - this time in the villages. A total of 19 souls resulted to another 3 days of work to mark the beginning of 1 new congregation in the village of Bouliedou.

Worship/Ceremony Shelter Construction: Even though the Covid-19 barn was lifted to allow public worship, the announcement came along with strict restrictions of health measures such as distancing between worshipers. And with the increase of membership of the congregation meeting in the classroom of the school building, the need arose for a wider space. For this reason our request for a temporal, but durable shelter was granted. It will henceforth serve not only for the congregation’s meeting or the Covid-19 distancing, but for any eventual gatherings such as for seminars and graduation ceremonies. So far we have planted and roofed the 12 meter by 7.5 meter structure on iron poles. The church members are now gathering local materials – gravel and sand so that we can finish up – lay the floor with cement.

Purchase of EPSON Printer: The small size printer which was in the list of “Start Up Materials” purchased in early February 2018 had required too much maintenance and repairs and therefore ineffective to satisfy our needs. For this reason, a high quality printer, EPSON was purchased to replace it.

Mini Office: In order to protect certain secretarial materials and especially the EPSON printer we thought to make a closure of what was meant to be a dining room in the upper apartment of the house. This room will also server as an office for the school secretary where certain stationary materials are also safeguarded. The cost is far more less than the purpose it serves!

Proposal for Temporal Training: We are experiencing problems for the upkeep of the newly planted congregations especially during our break periods when we, the staff and all students are on holidays. Gospel Campaigns are usually conducted at the close of the quarter followed by a 2 to 3 weeks break period. Now when new congregations are planted at that time we often have the problem of who takes care or make the follow up while we are on holidays. Therefore we are planning if permission is given to conduct a temporal training and or offer certain essential courses to certain ones of the new congregations who will eventually satisfy that need. Financial requirement proposal for whatever number of such persons will be detailed to the Bear Valley Administration when we return from our second quarter breaks in the last week of October.

Conclusion: The month of September was another successful month for the activities at the Gueckedou BVBI. Courses for the second quarter were completed. Our evangelism efforts resulted to the planting of 1 new congregation with a total of 21 persons converted. We have gotten the needed office or printing material. Also, the need for additional space and mini-office are being satisfied. We are grateful to the Bear Valley Administration and to all of you who support this work in any way.

Photos attached

Wishing us all good health                                                                                               

Francis