43 more baptisms in Malawi

Bear Valley Bible Institute

Ekwendeni - Malawi

Introduction

We are of great joy to be back at school again after a long holiday. The students are happy to start their many assignments, memory work again and many quizzes . 

It is amazing to hear from the students how their holiday never enjoyed as a holiday. With the reports they have shared, no one seems was just resting. Everyone was busy, preaching, teaching and more to this farming making sure they have food for their families. But the good news is that they have reported 30 souls restored during holiday and 43 baptisms. We are proud of them for the good work they are doing. This makes the school to be recognized by those who hears them teach and preach.

Teaching

We are in our second year, and at the end of this year this class we are having will graduate. The work of teaching is at its boiling point. This being the final year for our students we are making it possible that they are taught the remaining courses in time. In this month of February, 2 courses have already been done.

Evangelism

As stated in the introduction part, the students have been preaching and teaching during their holiday session which resulted into 43 souls being added to the Lord's church and 30 more restored. We had 21 students and now we are having 17. The 4 students have dropped out of school due to other issues about their families, which we couldn't get involved for them to stay at school. But we pray that one day they will think of coming back to finish their studies. The report about 30 restoration and 43 baptisms is from our 17 students home congregations and places where they have been going preaching and teaching.

Prayers needed,

We ask your prayers as our country Malawi is experiencing dry spell in many areas which gives fears of having hunger this year through next year. Our students being bread winners in their homes they are deeply worried. But we hope God will not allow His people to starving . We need to approach Him in prayers .

We are thankful to the Bear Valley Bible Institute International and the Hillcrest church. We appreciate the love, support and many prayers you offer for this work! Your partnership with Hillcrest church is helping us greatly. We always need your involvement in this work of saving souls to Christ and training men become faithful preachers. As long as there are people who cannot find their way, we have the responsibility! Eternity Is Forever Think Souls!

Your fellow workers in Christ;

Ephron and Clergynton

Tirupati, India students learn the personal side of evangelism

Reporting Letter for the month of February-2024

Respected Keith kasarjian our director, Mr. Markreynolds our coordinator and all the prayers partners of BVBI- Tirupati-India -extension Centre greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ. We pray that this letter may serve us to find you well. We sincerely thankful to you for your prayers and encouragement for the smooth and successful function of BVBI ‘s extension centre at Tirupati. I would like to share brief report for the month of February-2024.

Classroom work:-   Our classes are running seriously and educating young people in India for eternal life. Teachers are very much dedicated to complete the syllabus prescribed by the BVBI. Appreciative students are dedicated to study the word of God and share with others (2 Timothy 2:2).

Students involvement in the  distribution of Bible correspondence course :- We are happy to share with you that world Bible School bible correspondence course is very much useful to distribute and help new souls to win for Christ . We have started this bible correspondence course distribution work where students and faculty are actively involved.

Bible Seminar:- We have conducted 2 days bible seminar in the month of February first week 2nd and 3rd. We have selected the book of Romans . The Theme of the seminar was “Gospel of  God”. We have presented these following topics 1. Paul , the apostle of God, 2. The righteousness of God , 3. The Gospel of God , 4. The love of God, 5. Faith, works and grace of God.6. The Mind of God , 7. The spirit of God, 8. The gift of God, 9. The Peace of God and 10. Born of God . Our beloved brother Mr. Damon Vincent presented 4 topics, and we had six Indian speakers for the seminar. Bear Valley students and staff have cooperated with the local church for the grand success of the meeting.  We are very much delighted to share with you that we had more 120 people for the seminar who were benefited for their spiritual growth.  We share with you that Mr. Damon Vincent has prepared excellent study material and translated into Telugu  and distributed to all the participants .

Conversions :- In the month of February 3 souls were baptized and added to the body of Christ. We request you to pray for the newly baptized souls so that they may grow in the image of His son Jesus Christ.

Two memorial services :- In the month of February we were able to visit two places for the comfort of the families.  First one was a  teenage girl was died with cancer  in last one year back. The family members had get together meeting on February 1st  as memorial of the girl. We travelled about 100 miles to attend for the meeting and comforted  the family members, local church and village people.  We appreciate Mr.Damon Vincent for encouraging them by preaching from Psalms 23.  The other one was our church member Mr. Sudheer died with heart stroke,  they had memorial meeting . We visited their family members and offered prayers for the family members.

Engagement t Event:-   On February 1 st evening we organized an engagement that helped students learn to give better service for the local church members.

Restored one local church:- One of the local preachers has been sick, this effects the church ministry to be dull, we visited this local church on February 6th and restored the work by encouraging the preacher’s family members and church members.

Women seminar :-  One of the local churches at Venkatagiri town has conducted women bible seminar on February 10th. Saturday. We attended for the seminar and presented a topic “the role of the women in the local church”.

Zoom meeting:- Tirupati Church of Christ & Bear Valley Bible Institute are conducting zoom meeting on every Thursday at 7am , we have 76 members in our zoom connection. There are other new members who are interested to join. We request you to pray for this zoom meeting.  Right now we are studying the book of Acts.

US visitors:- We are happy to share with you that in the month of February four brothers and two  sisters visited our  town from Graymere Church of Christ and Foothills Church of Christ . We all met at our Tirupati Church of Christ’s church building. All our students and staff were able to attend for the meeting. We have received good encouragement by their fellowship and preaching.

Benevolence:- In the month of February we drilled 2 bore wells and  conducted one A.G. Work shop by partnership of Healing Hands International. This benevolence work helps people to get clean drinking water and healthy organic vegetables  . Ever grateful to HHI for their great efforts and love for neediest people.

We trhink BVBI is the best platform to educate young people. We are ever grateful for your continual prayers and encouragement. We need your continual prayers and encouragement.  We love you and appreciate your love.

Thanking you.

Yours brother in Christ.

Vijay&staff from BVBI-extension centre –Tirupati-India

Nearing another graduation in Zimbabwe

FEBRUARY 2024 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

February was a very busy month at BVBIZ. Since this February was the second from the last month before the 2022-2024 class goes for their final attachment, serious effort was put in classes. Parallel classes proceeded on as well. Progress was also registered on the projects and infrastructure side of things. These and more are reported hereunder.

1.0  CURRICULUM PROGRESS

By the ending of February, several subjects were done and completed. These include; Preacher’s life and work, Church administration and governance, Strategic Management for churches, Teacher training, Bible Geography and Christian Evaluation of contemporary ethics. A few others are still ongoing. Great appreciation goes to both teachers and students for the efforts they put in to ensure the smooth flow of classes. Weekend evangelism continued as well. Some of the congregation that benefited in February include Lot 64, Choto in Gokwe, Shurugwi, Nashville, Kwekwe and Plasworth.

PART TIME CLASS

The 2021 class has progressed well in terms of its classes.  Their practicum has also continued in various areas. The October 2023 class has continued on the same path as well. This last class has two batches. The first class is done at Dzivarasekwa in Harare whilst another one is at Nhowe Mission in Macheke. The Nhowe class delayed to start but had its first class in February 2024. Twelve students are expected to make up the class. More details to follow in the subsequent reports.

2.0  GREATER HARARE LADIES REQUEST

The women’s fellowship in Harare had been facing a few challenges in their fellowship. Some of these are doctrinal with others having to do with their roles in church. They came up with their program and requested BVBIZ to send some teachers to help them teach and clarify issues. Though this is not at BVBIZ program, the school was willing to assist. Lovemore Manyanhaire, was the first teacher. The venue for the classes is Highfields Church of Christ and classes are done one Saturday per month for 12 months.

AMBASSADORS DAY

The 24th of February was a BVBIZ ambassador’s’ day. Of the 10 ambassadors. 6 succeeded in coming to the school with some arriving on the 23rd whilst others arrived early morning on the 24th for their day. Those who came include brothers Nqobani Ndlovu, Tawanda Chimedza, George Muhura, Lovemore Manyanhaire, Tinashe Mazhambe and Ovious Kufa. The team interacted with management and several discussions took place to shape this important office. The school always appreciates this team for working closely with the school in various areas.                                                   

3.0  PROJECTS

Projects remain an integral part in the training of preachers. They give the school an opportunity to provide hands on experience to them besides the theory they learn in class. They also enable the school to provide better nutrition to the students including giving an extra dollar to the school when sales are made. In the month of February, sales were realized in cabbages, eggs, tomatoes, okra, covo, maize and green paper.      

4.0  INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

There was movement in the area of infrastructure in February. Great appreciation to Woodland Oaks Church of Christ for providing money towards some specific needy areas. These areas are reported below;

6.1 TEACHERS HOUSE

The teacher’s house had remained incomplete for a few years. Outstanding issues included the floors, solar system, ceiling and painting. The solar system was the one that was installed first. It has 8 solar panels, a 5KVA inverter and lithium battery. The ceiling was next then followed by the floor tiles. Painting could not be done as the first three developments took more funds than anticipated.

6.2 CLASSROOM BLOCK

Preparations to lay the foundation of the much anticipated classroom block are at an advanced stage. We are currently waiting for the approval of the plan. Work should commence in March. Most of the material needed for the foundation have been acquired and a builder identified.                                         

7.3 FENCE

The school site had remained open since 2018 when we got the land. A great need to protect the investments being made was there for all to see. Both people and animals would walk freely inside the property. Cattle in particular would cause havoc on our grounds and projects. This is becoming a thing of the past as half of the land is being fenced. 500m shall be covered with a diamond fence whilst 470m shall be covered using game/field fence.

8.0 MATTRESSES

Through the assistance from Woodland Oaks Church of Christ, the school was able to acquire 20 quality mattresses. The ones that were in use had been with us since the inception of the school in 2016 and were slowly becoming unusable. Challenges were also being seen whenever numbers increase. This will now be a thing of the past as 20 single mattresses have been acquired.

9.0 MAY 2024 INTAKE

Recruitment for the May 2024 intake is still in progress. From the interviews done, 11 prospective students have been accepted. Four more slots remain.

CONCLUSION

Having looked at what BVBIZ could do in the month of February, we conclude by expressing our gratitude to everyone who made this possible. Your financial, moral and spiritual support is greatly appreciated. May God bless you all!

New church planted in Uganda

We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,  praying for you always, for your strength which originates from God our Father, which makes this work a success. Greetings from the students and the entire staff at large at the Bear Valley family in Uganda here.

The school is steadily progressing and students are taking their classes as usual. Concerning the academic,  I thank the staff both non-teaching and the teaching. They are working hand in hand for the betterment of the school, men who are laboring to see that these preachers are equipped with every good work. They work tirelessly for the good of these men and the furthering of the gospel. 

We are happy to report to you that this time round we haven't had any cases of our students getting sick. They are all in good health.

Reports coming from our alumni  gives us courage that our labor did not go in vain. Three of the men joined efforts and planted a new congregation where they stayed four days doing door-to-door preaching.  Keep on praying for them in the field. 

Where there are good things, challenges will always find a way to come in. I lost my paternal Uncle,  who died  a sudden death,  and was a member of my home congregation, Maliba church of Christ.  The man has left children some of whom are very helpless.  Pray for brother William’s family. 

On the academic side, we are pleading for the library, it will increase on the performance of our students.  Reading books if possible. It is difficult to be a great student without a library.  If we are anticipating for the e-library,  it our request that you provide us with five sets of computers such that our men are equipped fully with the best knowledge. 

The problem of high prices in commodities, if any thing can be done to help us. And also water being the greatest of all. We spend a lot of money on water which affects our budget. 

Thank you once again.

Your brother in Christ,

Raymond

Bear Valley President and Coordinator visit Kisumu

Dear brethren,

I hope this email finds everyone generally well in the Lord. We at KSOP have on this Friday 1st  of March 2024, closed the school for break. Our Bible students have left already and we pray for their journey mercies. We will begin classes again from April 8th, 2024.

This quarter had began very well with two instructors from Bear Valley Bible Institute: Dr. Denny Petrillo and Dr. Michael Reese. These two,  in the first two weeks, taught two courses in the undergraduate class and one graduate class as well. We appreciate their capability and willingness to occasionally grace this instituition with their Bible knowledge.

The local instructors we appreciate as well , Charles and Phabian, who have taught Greek II, Bible Geography and World Religions. May the Almighty God cause His face to shine on them all into eternity.

This time,  even though the school was not able send the students to help local congregations, some went to visit sister congregations and baptized 4 souls into Christ.

I have attached some pictures of the students and their teachers outside the hall, of the 4 baptisms, of students taking with themselves boxes of tracts meant for evangelism and of us all sitted together at a Chapel time, with our graduate class students and American instructors present.

May the good  Lord bless  abundantly  your efforts which you have towards the Kenya school of Preaching and elsewhere for his name's sake.

Thanks so much and be blessed forevermore, 

In His service,  

Elias Omollo.

More souls added to the church in Zambia

February 2024

Report

INTRODUCTION

Warm greetings to you all Brothers and Sisters! We give honor and glory to God our heavenly Father who has granted us this rare opportunity to work in His Vineyard.

This report has been written in an effort to provide some insights into the accomplishments that Bear Valley Bible Institute-Zambia has continued to experience throughout the month of February, 2024.

Students return

Since we resumed classes in this final year of studies for our current students here at Bear valley Bible Institute. They have all but one reported and they are diligent in their work.

Arnold Silangwa has not yet reported due to some hardships that he is going through at home. As we reported in our previous reports, the passing away of his only daughter has really affected him immensely. We continue asking your prayers for Arnold and his entire family.

Crisis in Zambia

Zambia is currently facing a serious crisis with the challenges of the economy, while the disease outbreaks such as cholera, Covid 19 etc is slowing down. The country is also passing through the worst cost of living in many decades. We understand that these hardships are not happening only in Zambia but globally. 

At present, the nation is facing the threat of food insecurity following the drought in almost all the Provinces of Zambia. The report from the Ministry of Agriculture in Zambia says that the prolonged dry spell in the nation has affected nearly 84 of 116 districts with one million of total of 2.2 million estimated planted hectors across the country being affected.

The weather forecasters have also announced that there will be some rains in some parts of the country. But these rains will not mitigate the already ravaged crops. Without other interventions, Zambia might face hunger once again. That is why the President of Zambia and other stakeholders have declared this as an emergency and a national disaster. We continue to solicit for your prayer regarding this state of affairs.

Bear Valley Bible Institute Zambia invited

We were invited as a school by Twapia church of Christ leadership to conduct some series of lessons on “Eldership.” The lessons were taught to Twapia congregation for four consecutive Sundays. We as evangelists from Bear Valley Bible Institute were honored to teach at the said congregation in Ndola

And they had set 3rd March as the day for ordination.  This ordination came to pass in a very colorful way, most of the current serving Elders among the Lord’s church here on the Copperbelt province were invited to attend.

Bible Studies

The students have continued with their personal evangelism. They have come in contact of many people through this avenue. Once again forty-two households have been contacted and had Bible studies with them. And they have set up notable Bible studies with a number of people in nearby communities. They have also continued conducting the mid-week service at Mikomfwa church of Christ and this service is bearing much fruit now.

During these studies we came in contact with people from Mpongwe district, Mpongwe district is 65 kilometers south of Luanshya district, we have continued to do evangelism in this area and we have already planted a new congregation. It was very easy for us to direct these people to our newly established congregation there. It is indeed a great thing to note that our students have really grown so much in the work that they desperately want to graduate and be more in the vineyard of our Master.

Baptisms-

We have recorded three Baptisms in Baluba of Luanshya District, and we have also recorded two baptisms in Kitwe district of Kanfinsa.

Restorations-

We have had thirteen (13) restoration just in Luanshya district and three in northern part of Zambia. Together we have recorded sixteen (16)

Sad news!

We lost a brother who was very committed at the church of Christ in Mikomfwa Luanshya brother Uegen Ponga. We had three days of mourning and as an Institute we took our students there for the encouragement to the family and the community at large. Six of our students had time to preach the gospel to the gathered people for three days after classes; once again we had a great response and follow ups are being made now.

May our God continue to strengthen the family the brother has left in this world.

Visiting of Bear Valley Bible Institute International Coordinator (Donnie Estep)

We look forward to the visit of our Coordinator Brother Donnie Estep in March 2024. As scheduled, Brother Donnie will arrive in Zambia on 18th March, 2024. He will be teaching a short course during his visit. It is always a wonderful time to have Donnie come and pay us a visit. May God continue blessing all his efforts! 

Conclusion

Thank you kindly to all who have continued helping with the training of these men for the deep and meaningful task of preaching the Gospel. Special thanks go to Woodland Oaks Church of Christ for their continued financial support, Bear Valley Bible Institute family and indeed everyone involved in this very important work. May our God continue to bless you all! 

 Brotherly,

Cephas and Fred 

Students in Takoradi begin second year of training

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR JANUARY, 2024

Dear Brethren,

This is our report for the month of January.                                        

1.     CLASSROOM WORK

The students resumed on Monday, 15th January, 2024 as indicated in the last report. Tuesday was used as a cleaning day. They cleaned their rooms and the campus.

Classes started on Wednesday, 17th January. This is the first term of the 2nd year, meaning that they will complete the school at the end of this year. We are happy to announce that, we have admitted a new student this year. The number of regular students now stands at nine (9).

Teaching and learning has begun and the students are going to be taken through courses like, hermeneutics-2, homiletics-2, life of Christ-3, Old Testament-4 and Preacher and his work.

The part-time students have also resumed classes; they did that on Saturday, 13th January 2024. They wrote examinations on some of the courses they did before the end of year break. Now the courses they are studying are epistles of John and Jude and denominational doctrines.

2.     PERSONAL EVANGELISM AND BAPTISM

A new year is upon us and our good God has given us strength to continue with the work of evangelism. Our current and past students are seriously spreading the good news of salvation. In order to inculcate the spirit and attitude of evangelism into our current students, Mondays are now used for personal evangelisms. The students go out into nearby communities to spread the good news. So far, many people have heard the gospel and God has blessed their effort with a soul.

There was a week-long evangelism organized by the Church at Nsein where Douglas Armah preaches. He invited nineteen (19) old students of the school to help him out. Many people were privileged to hear the undiluted word of God during the public preaching as it was live on a radio station. The Lord has so far added ten (10) souls to His Church.

Old students are still using social media and other avenues to proclaim the gospel.

Evangelism in Togo

Report for January 2024

After the end-of-year and end-of-first-year exams, the students were dismissed on December 22, 2023. They were in groups for public evangelism in TCHABOM and the Nyivème district. A good result marked the end of each part with 2 baptisms in Kpalimé and 4 baptisms in TCHABOM. It was on these activities that they left to resume classes on January 15, 2024. Last year, the eighth promotion began classes in January 2023, and has just successfully completed one year. We are counting on God's help for the second year, which will last 12 months.

Students:

Numbering 15, they started until December 22, 2023, when they went on leave. When classes resumed, one student from BLITA and two students from ATAKPAME did not return. According to the student from BLITA, his wife prevents him from returning to Kpalimé, because his wife and children are neglected, the children are often ill, and the family lacks the means to support the children at school. The two students from ATAKPAME went to Lomé and haven't come back since, but they may be prevented from doing so by family matters.

Friday evangelism:

Never losing sight of the objective for which they have been at the Bible Institute for a year, the students are still in ZOMAYI every Friday to plant a new one planned for this year 2024. A woman has just been baptized and 4 people in TEMEDJA.

Zone evangelism (teams).

On Tuesdays, evangelists from the Kpalimé zone, every Thursday for evangelists from the KPELE zone, and on Tuesdays, evangelists from the AGOU zone take to the streets and homes to reach every person with the gospel. Evangelists from the Atakpamé and TEMEDJA zones continue their evangelizing mission in AMLAME. In TSEVIE, the team works every Monday and Tuesday. In Lomé, the team's evangelism work varies according to the neighborhood and the program established for each month.

1. Zone Kpalimé

2. Zone KPELE

3. Zone AGOU

4. Zone ATAKPAME

5. Zone TSEVIE

6. Zone LOME

7. Zone AMAKPAPE

BVBI :

The program 8th Class, 2nd year

Part one:

1. RTAO (Traditional Religion of West Africa): ESPERANCE

2. I&II Corinthians : ESPERANCE

3. Gospel according to John: ATTAH

4. Galatians to 2 Thessalonians: ATTAH

5. Hebrews: CEPHAS

6. Denominational Doctrine: CEPHAS

Public evangelism:

As part of this year's program to promote evangelism in Togo and encourage evangelizing teams, an evangelistic campaign is planned in DALAVE and TSEVIE from February 29 to March 2, 2024.

Denomination program:

A pastor from the "foursquare" church in BURKINA-FASSO is so interested in training that he has asked to come to Kpalimé for Bible training. Through the evangelist ESPERANCE, the pastor has been trying for a long time to get the Church of Christ to come to BURKINA.

1. They are numerous and he is looking for training

2. There is a possibility of starting a program to teach denominational people in BURKINA.

3. Plant the churches of Christ by converting denomination churches with their pastors.

4. In a short time, set up work teams (evangelism) in BURKINA and join the program recently established in LIBERIA.

5. Some students (denominations) wanted to come from Niger, so we can also extend to NIGER.

A challenge

The denomination program is a challenge for us to go further with denominational leaders, and above all it is a very effective form of evangelism.

MOTORCYCLES

The price of the motorcycles is 680,000 f cfa, we need them for the work of the teams in Togo and also a tricycle.

NEED: students need glasses to read lectures

Thanks, your brother in Christ,

CEPHAS

Many more conversions in Nigeria

Beloved in Christ Jesus.

Compliment of the season to all our supporters and well wishers from students and staff of BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan. Here are some of our activities for the month of January 2024:

OVERVIEW:

1- End of the year program results to conversions of many

2- Second semester classes concluded

3- Weekend Evangelism Outreach

4- Great Workshop 2024

END OF THE YEAR PROGRAM

The just concluded end of the year program that begins on December 20,2023 through January 05, 2024 at Oyo, Ogun,Osun,Lagos,Kwara and Edo States of Nigeria was crowned with fifteen conversion and ten restoration according to the report from both the students and the instructors.

SECOND SEMESTER CLASSES CONCLUDED:

All classes and examinations for second semester of 2023/24 session came to an end as scheduled on January 19,2024.

Bro. Eniafe Olukayode handled Evangelism-2 and OTP(Major); Bro. Odeyemi Durojaiye handled Acts of the Apostles and Hermeneutics -2; Bro. Makinde John handled, How We Got The Bible and Basic Bible Doctrine; Bro. Samuel Effiong handled World Religions, Book of James and Cost of Discipleship; Bro. Israel Tajomavwo handled Christain Evidence and Hermeneutics-1,, Bro. Isaac Olaniyan handled Life of Christ-2(Mark) and Galatians(Relation to Hebrew); Bro Makinde Ebens handled Homiletics 1&2  and Ministerial Counseling; while Bro Folorunsho Richard and Sister Oyenuga Esther were our computer operators.

The students are now on a month vocational studies. All students, according to the school tradition are expected to assist the congregations around their study center in evangelism and other church activities during their one month vocational studies.

Third Semester classes will begin Lord’s willing on February 19, 2024

WEEKEND EVANGELISM OUTREACH

All our students were actively involved in this month weekend evangelism outreach in Butubutu,Jago,Ibadan,Badeku,Egbeda,Ajia,Felele-Rab,Asejire-Osun State,Ayekale-Kwara state,Ifo-Ogun tate,Owode-Yewa-Ogun State,Benin-Edo State,Lagos Island-Lagos State and Aramoko-Ekiti State.

Even though, no restoration was recorded in this month weekend outreach, nevertheless, we thank the Lord for adding eleven souls to His body and giving us an opportunity to be a tool in His kingdom.

GREAT WORKSHOP 2024

2024’s Great Workshop for ministers of God in Southern States of Nigeria and some Northern part of our country,Nigeria, such as Benue, Nasarawa ,FCT- Abuja and Taraba ,came up at the premises of Nigerian Christian Bible College (NCBC),Ukpom-Abak,Akwa-Ibom State between January 22 and 27,2024.This year workshop focused on Evangelism through the WBS program . About 600 brethren from 25 states of the Republic of Nigeria graced the occasion.

2,000 copies of VOTI Vol.118, 2,000 copies of How God Speaks Gospel literatures and many other materials were freely distributed to all the participants of this year Great Workshop.

The BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan and WBS-Ibadan and Osun were represented by five ministers.

Some of the dignitaries at this year Great workshop were Bro. Monday J. Akpakpan(The National Coordinator of WBS-Nigeria), Bro Chad Wagner (The International Coordinator of WBSFUW-Nigeria), Bro .Brain Davis (International President of WBS) , Archer Horner, Bro. Biodun Owolabi (The President of WNCC and SBS, Abeokuta, Ogun state)and many others.

ABOUT A STUDENT

Bro. Osarenren Nosakhare Joshua is presently in his two years of studies with BVBIN &SWSE-Ibadan, born on May 19,1999 at Eyaen Community of Benin City in Edo State, converted into Christianity at Ogbesan Congregation,Benin,Edo State where Bro John Ehimiyein and Bro Robert Ekpe is ministering.

His mission after his study is to assist and planting of the Lord’s Church in rural area of Edo State where the Lord’s church does not exist.

CONCLUSION:

From the bottom of our heart, we write to appreciate you all for being there for us in time of our needs. May the Lord of blessings continue to bless all our work together in Christ Jesus Name, Amen.

I remain yours in His Grace & Love as a servant, 

Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi

The Chief Servant of BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN and WBSFUW 

Off to a great start in Guinea

As always, we extend our warmest greetings in Christ.

Here is the activity report for January 2024

Introduction

One year passes, another follows with different events and realities. This report is the first of those that will follow for the rest of the eleven months of 2024. In the three following parts, teaching, evangelism, working visit ,we Bear Valley of Gueckedou give you the essence of the activities carried out during the 31 days of January 2024.

I-Teaching

After a 3-week vacation, we resumed classes on January 10, 2024.

Two courses were taught by two different teachers, one of whom was a visiting teacher.

The 2 courses are :

The Preacher and his Work, taught by Niouma 2 Kamano.

Ethics of Preachers taught by Balla Kamano.

Note that, Saa Michel Kamano was absent due to illness.

II-Evangelism

We are happy to see that every day, there are new citizens entering the kingdom of Christ through water baptism after believing in the Gospel of Jesus.

Many efforts, methods and strategies are deployed to carry out this activity, through which mankind can gain access to the kingdom of God.

A total of 10 persons men and women were baptized in the following villages

-Gbolonin, a village about 30 km from the northern town of Gueckedou.

-Yende Bawa, a village some 55 km from the town of Gueckedou in the south.

Through this report, we welcome the new converts to the kingdom of Christ.

III-Working visit

A people is strong when it is united in good cooperation.

This month we were visited by our coordinator Steven Ashcraft with a team of three Bible school Director :

Fidèle Bedjelsi from Togo

Cephas Nyemanta from Togo

Koffi Roger from Ivory Coast.

Their stay was very beneficial for us in Guinea.

During four days (25 to 28/01/2024), we shared our work experiences, and they were also able to resolve certains problems or misunderstandings between the brothers. That's also the beginning of good new season for the progress of God work in Guinea especially in Gueckedou.

IV-Suggestions and recommendations

We ask all our brothers and sisters in Christ to help us in prayers for unity and peace, without which we won't be able to do God's work effectively.

Let us also pray for the steadfastness of the new citizens of Christ's kingdom, so that nothing will shake their faith.

Conclusion

In view of the above-mentioned results, we continually give thanks to God for health and his protection in the spiritual warfare we are waging under his control.

We also thank Bear Valley International for their financial, material and spiritual support.

We also thank the brothers in Christ Fidèle, Cephas, both Togolese, and Koffi Roger from Ivory Coast for all their efforts during their stay to exhort and motivate brothers and sisters to work hand in hand for the progress of the Lord's Church.

We sincerely thank our coordinator Steven Ashcraft for his love in mobilizing financial and material means to boost evangelism in Guinea.

We would also like to thank all those who contribute in any way to the development of the Lord's Church in Guinea.

Finally, know that all the churches of Christ in Guinea greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Niouma 2 Kamano

Administrative Assistant 

First ever graduation in Lilongwe!

Power-Packed Potential

Standing before you is the Class of 2023, the school’s very first graduates!  For at least 1,500 hours, the men have been immersed in the Word of God… searching, studying, and seeking to grasp its true meaning.  For over 350 hours, the women have done the same while also cooking, cleaning, and caring for their families.  They will never be the same!  Prayerfully, with the addition of seven more families in ministry, Malawi will never be the same!

Every Rose has a Thorn

The rose was in full-bloom as the students sat for final exams, took class pictures, and walked through the graduation ceremony.  Relationships were being knit together more and more tightly as everyone realized our time together was coming to an end.  

Dale’s final chapel talk was about building a R.A.F.T.  This acronym that stands for Reconciliation, Affirmation, Farewell, and Think Destination is a healthy way to leave.  It makes sure any hard feelings can be mended, those embarking on new territory as well as those who would remain behind could be encouraged, the painful goodbyes would be said, and all could look forward to being together in heaven again once our work on earth is done.

Immediately following graduation (Saturday), one family needed to leave.  In order to register their child for school, they had to be back in their home village the very next day.

The largest group of 5 families left together early Monday morning on a private bus that would take them to the largest city in the North.  It was a mass exodus of 22 people who had come as strangers but left with part of our hearts.

The final family stayed until Friday morning.  After receiving public school grades, they too packed up their things and left.  

This was the goal.  Students would come, grow as individual Christians, make life-long friends they could lean on in ministry, and then go home.  All of that has happened.  

What we didn’t fully anticipate is that with the curtains gone in the 10 houses, the lights that don’t come on, the jungle gym unoccupied, and no one meeting under the mango tree, we feel not only a sense of accomplishment but also a sense of loss in many areas of our lives.  We belonged in a village, as part of other people’s lives, and a part of something much bigger than we could have ever done.  

Please pray for our family as we feel the thorns that come with every rose.  We will need to grieve the loss of the departure of these 33 people in our daily lives in a healthy way so that when the next group of students comes another rose will bloom and fill our lives with its beauty.  

Supporting the Students

As we are between groups of students, we have two sets of people on our minds. One set includes those we know dearly, have walked beside, and are waiting to hear how God is going to use them to grow His kingdom.  The other set is the next student body whose names are unfamiliar and the mere mention of them doesn’t bring a flood of memories because we have yet to meet them.  Both need our support.

The recent graduates have returned to their homes and planted their farms and/or started back up the businesses they had before coming to the preaching school.  Every man had a job before he came to the school and was providing for his family so financial support is not what we mean when we say “supporting the students”.

Prayer is the best way to support the recent graduates.  These families are doing something even Jesus struggled to do… be effective in their own hometowns (Mark 6:4).  They have moved back to the same places they came from initially.  They are working among people who have known them in some cases since birth.  They need our prayers to keep studying and to keep growing spiritually so they can accurately handle the word of truth in each situation that presents itself (II Timothy 2:15).  The graduates also need our prayers as they strive to be the pillar and support of the truth as we learn the church should be from I Timothy 3:15.

The student applicants also need our support.  They have taken the first step by submitting an application which expresses their interest in being a student at the preaching school.  Like all of us, they don’t know what the future holds.  They don’t know the sacrifices it may take to transition well or what it will require of them to stay for the duration of the program. 

Next month we will begin student interviews.  We will be looking for the ones who are already working in the kingdom, have hearts characteristic of a servant, and seem most able to thrive despite whatever obstacles may arise.  

Please pray for the student applicants in these ways:

Honesty - telling the truth during the interview process

Transparency - identifying the foundational reasons they want to attend the school

Pliability - being able to adapt to a new culture (both physically and spiritually)

Humility - willing to put others before themselves

Teachability - accepting the truth even if it differs from their original understanding

Competency - showing whether they understand English (men) or Chichewa (women), respectively

Thanks for joining us in prayer on behalf of both types of students:  those who have just graduated and those who will be the next graduates from the Bear Valley Extension School - Lilongwe.  

Dale Kastner

Five more souls reached in Ghana

CAMPUS OF BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE INTERNATIONAL

SUNYANI, GHANA

REPORT FOR 4TH QUARTER (OCTOBER- DECEMBER)

INTRODUCTION

To God be the glory for the wonderful things He has done and for successfully  bringing us to the end of the fourth quarter of 2023. We are very grateful to Bear Valley Institute for their consistent support throughout the fourth quarter of the year 2023.

ACTIVITIES DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2023

I. COURSES TAUGHT

Three courses has been completed. These are;

The New Testament Church II, Homiletics II and Personal Evangelism II

II. STUDENTS VISITATION AND HOUSE TO HOUSE EVANGELISM

All students continued with visitation to their area congregations as well as  house to house evangelism which is still ongoing.

III. NUMBER OF BAPTISMS

Through the efforts of staff and students, five souls were baptized during the fourth quarter of 2023.

IV. PREPARATIONS FOR CHURCH PLANTING

The plan of planting a new church in the fourth quarter was not fulfilled in 2023.

Initially, the proposed location for the new church planting was Alaska area, however, in view of certain inconvenience the location has been changed to Dr Berko area.

Feasibility study has been made and a meeting place in the pipeline as it is being worked on. All things being equal, the church should be planted in the first week of February, 2024.

STUDENT PROFILE FOR FOURTH QUARTER 2023

We are glad to introduce to youngest student on the Sunyani Campus by the name Evans Yeboah. Evans Yeboah is a second year student. He is a single young man of twenty- five(25) years. Evans comes from a Kutre No2 a suburb of Berekum Municipality. He was baptized on 26th August, 2018 by the Kutre No2 Church of Christ.

He attended Kutre No1 Roman Catholic Junior High School. He proceeded with his Senior HighSchool at Berekum Senior School is currently opting for a Laboratory Technician Studies at University Of Energy And Natural Resources(UENR) in Sunyani. He is very grateful for the support of Bear Valley, an promises to be a vocational preacher after he graduates

IN CONCLUSION

We are grateful to The Almighty God for bringing us to the end of the quarter successful. We pray that the coming years would would be fruitful so that we work steadfastly towards building the kingdom of God

Making an impact in Peru

Dear brothers,

Please receive our cordial greetings, we hope in the Lord that you are all in good health, both physically and spiritually, and that your respective ministries are being for the honor and glory of God.

We are happy every time we read some of the reports they share with us on extension updates. We hope that to some extent these lines instill some encouragement in your hearts.

Since my last report in November, we have concluded two courses (Leadership and Church History), two very exciting and enriching courses for our students, the courses were taught by Brother Abraham Alata and by myself (Juan Abanto). We have had 13 students between the two classes; Of course some of them are taking the classes as free students (5).

As a sequel to my leadership class, I received an invitation from the Church of Christ in America (where the in-person classes are taught) to give a leadership workshop to the members of the church, which I gladly accepted. We have had some assignments and I consider that they have been very useful for all of them, of course, the real challenge for them is in using what we have shared in their respective areas of work.

At the beginning of January we started two new courses (Wisdom Books 1 – Job with Brother Andres Nuñez) and the Life of Christ 3 with Abraham Alata. They are currently in the middle of the course, due to some activities in the congregation where we work we have had to teach night classes on some occasions to make up hours since Saturdays have been used for these local activities. The students have been and agree to these arrangements and continue with their classes.

At the end of the month we will have a new workshop at the Church of Christ in Villa Alejandro. This workshop will focus on the study, organization and presentation of sermons. The teachers of the institute have been invited to share this with the brothers there. We are also preparing for our annual intercongregational conference scheduled for March 29-30. The conferences will be presented by the institute's professors and one of our graduated preachers (Alejandro Berrío).

A fraternal hug to all, thank you for the time you take to read these notes and for all the spiritual and physical support you send us.

Juan Abanto
Co-director of extension in Peru

Progress in Kumasi

INTRODUCTION

Our deepest appreciation goes to the Almighty Father for bringing us to an end of the year peacefully. Kumasi campus also acknowledge the wonderful support from the Bear Valley Bible Institute in this final quarter as well.

ACTIVITIES                                                               

·     Two (2) new courses have been completed (World Religions and Pastoral Epistles)

·     Two Instructors and two Students embarked on a weeklong evangelism at Dambai in the Oti Region of Ghana

ACHIEVEMENTS

·     Pioneer students are done with 34 courses out of the 48

·     A room has been rented at Wamahiniso for follow-ups

·     2-set of Student’s mattresses has been purchased.

·     A timetable for the remaining courses in each quarter has been designed

·     A good reporting system

New church plant in Ghana

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – PAPAASE (KASOA, GHANA)

REVIEW FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER (OCTOBER TO DECEMBER) 2023

Starting with the review of the period stated above, I would like to quote from the prophet Isaiah, “O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things. Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” – Isa. 25:1. Despite the ups and downs of life, the Almighty God’s counsels and faithfulness had taken to the end of the year 2023.

Nevertheless, the review cannot be done without first of all expressing our gratitude to the Almighty God for His love and heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to brethren who had over the years continue sponsoring all Bear Valley Institutions throughout the entire world.

I.        CHURCH PLANTED AND CHALLENGES

It is almost six months the school per supports from Bear Valley USA and Evangelical Team in Ghana put in place planted the Lord’s church at Mankomeba the next town after Papaase in the Central Region of Ghana. With this the school is much grateful to all personalities for making this possible.

So far four baptisms had been recorded. About seven members who were then worshipping at other towns had now placed their memberships with the Lord’s church at Mankomeba.  On every Lord’s Day, some of our students do worship with the newly established church to strengthen her till she is able to stand her feet.

Nonetheless, the preacher in this newly established church needs financial support. He was before the establishing of the church, running his own work-shop of constructing iron gates and doors for houses. Of late, the work-shop is closed down temporally, as a result of the preacher preaching from house to houses in order to win souls into the kingdom.

II.            CAMPAIGN FOR NEW STUDENTS

Last April, about six of our students graduated. As such campaign is ongoing for more students. Current population of students is eight (8). There is much hope that more students will be admitted. Two prospects had already submitted their admission forms. 

III.            DISTINGUISH STUDENTS

Brother Shadrack Essel is ongoing student at the Bear Valley Bible Institute, Papaase-Ghana. Shadrack is a Banker. He was baptized on 9th August, 2015. He is yet to marry. He is one of brilliant students. 

I would like to recommend Brother Moses Addo, even though he graduated last April for wonderful he is contribution towards the spread of the Gospel of Christ. Through his own effort, he has established a “Local FM” where every dawn between the hours of 4:00 to 5:00am preaches the message of God.

Cape Coast school plans campaign

BEAR VALLEY, CAPE COAST

REPORT FOR FOURTH QUARTER OF THE YEAR

DECEMBER 2023

PREAMBLE

The Bear Valley School in Cape coast has finally completed two years of academic work as at the end of the year. By hard work and perseverance the school has managed to grow through from its initial setbacks of limited resources and enrollment and is now brooding and flourishing with much attraction.  We praise and thank God for helping and guiding us to achieving such a wonderful feat. We are also grateful to our benefactors who are constantly and expeditiously responding to our needs. God bless them indeed.      

OVERVIEW

Starting with just a little over ten students in February of the year 2022, the school keeps on attracting students from across the region. Our numbers now stands at 38. As at the writing of this report, three new students have picked up forms to commence studies with us from the January of next year. It is our hope that more students will be joining our ranks for deliberate and effective biblical studies. 

Lecturers from other church of Christ bible schools have also expressed various interest in our school and their documentations are currently under review for onward approval from our coordinators. The improvement in our students’ work rate, participation and output in their various congregations is a testimony to the good works we are putting in here as we keep attracting interest and attention of the people of the central region. Brethren from all around the region keep calling to make inquiries about our programs and activities. 

As stated in earlier reports, the school is fast gaining notoriety with very sound Christian doctrine at the heart of everything we do here.

SUPPLY OF RESOURCES

During the year we also reported on the breakdown of our computer system which has been delaying our reports and also our printer. It is with much gladness that I report that the printer has been replaced with a new one which is even better than the old one. We are very much grateful to our benefactors as this will go a long way to help augment our activities here. 

The year review also saw the supply of various literature to our school. These supplies greatly helped in our evangelistic drives as we were able to supply and share with the people we evangelized with. We however run out of these supplies and requested for additional ones which are yet to be delivered. Sometimes it is sad when prospects keep requesting for bibles and we are not able to give them.

I must however acknowledge again the wonderful help that we had when we received the supplies of the Preacher’s Box. We are so much grateful for it, and we request more supplies of it in the future so that we can give it to those joining us. They have been very helpful to all our students. 

COURSES 

As at the end of the December 2023, we have successfully completed 19 courses from our course outline and syllabus. We have also entered 17 of those courses successfully in our data system which forms part of the students’ academic records. We are currently waiting on two of the records from our external lecturers. Hopefully they should be ready in our report for the first quarter of next year.  

PREPARARTIONS FOR EVANGELISM 

Our previous report has indicated that we intend to embark on a weeklong evangelistic campaign in the Gomoa District of the Central region. Mankoadzi Township has been selected for this program. Student are prepared and ready for this adventure in this year as well. The experiences from last year’s campaign will be brought to bear on this one as we hope to fine tune and make corrections from last year’s setbacks.

PROJECTIONS FOR NEXT YEAR / QUARTER

As a school we have strategized and agreed on some evangelistic missions in the next quarter. We have had some practical training for the students, and we will be kicking off in MARCH. We hope to invite and collaborate with Preachers and church leaders who are closer to this place to help augment our activities during the one week evangelism at Mankoadzi. The Mankoadzi area comprises of about five adjourning communities and suburbs. 

It is our hope that our benefactors will make available both financial and material resources for such exercises when the time comes, because these exercises has to be sustained until a total growth is realized. Already the school has elected two people from amongst them to be in charge of the new church that will be established and it gladdens my heart the seriousness these students put into it. 

STUDENTS ON TRANSFER

I announce here joy the advancement of some of our students within their employment agencies. Two of our students have had promotions in their work places and as a result have been transferred to new places. This makes it very difficult for them to attend classes on regular basis. Though they have been asked to defer and concentrate on their work, they insist on being part of the school and will continue to study until they have completed all their courses.

One other student has also just been employed, but he is also outside our jurisdiction and is difficult for him to also attend classes. 

Though both are good news in their entirety, the students are sad because they will not be able to learn from their diversified views during class debates and discussions. 

ATTENDANCE TO BIBLE CAMP

The school went on recess in the third week of December. This was because our host church was preparing to attend the annual gospel meeting in another district. Students were thus encouraged to attend this program to familiarize with activities at this program and also to meet seasoned gospel preachers. 

It was a great joy as students were able to attend this program to the amazement of our Ghanaian Coordinator, Brother Kojo Acquah who is one of the Chief Patrons at this program. We hope to keep using such opportunities to learn anytime the chance comes. 

STUDENT PROFILE

RICHARD COBBINA

Introducing our student of the month RICHARD COBBINA. 

RICHARD is a product of the University of Cape Coast. He is originally a catholic but was moved by the sound teachings of the church and converted to become a member of the true church in the bile. He is currently unemployed and single. 

He joined the bible school two years ago with the sole aim of studying to gain adequate knowledge and understanding of the scriptures. Richard yearns to share the true and undiluted message of the cross and as such he wants to learn more so that he can be an effective worker for the Lord.

Due to his dedication and hard work in the church's activities, he is always given various roles to perform in his local church by the leadership. He has served as the secretary for his church and he is an active youth member of his local church. 

His desire is to complete his course of studies and keep on spreading the gospel message as effectively as he can so that lost souls would also have the opportunity of repentance.

Thank you again for your continual support and prayers.

Yours in Christ,

Daniel

A well-spent quarter break in Chad

Dear brother,

  Allow us once again, before talking about our activities, to send you and to the entire Bear Valley Family, our best wishes for health and happiness. Also receive heartfelt greetings from the Bear Valley-Chad family.

Indeed, dear Coordinator, the first month of the new year is not bad in terms of results. The work went well despite some difficulties. Speaking of evangelization, our students all completed the internship on site in Moundou. The sharing of the gospel was at a high level compared to previous months. We had two baptisms. The number of visitors to worship has also increased.

Talking about academic work, the result is better compared to the first three quarters. Currently. Presently, students are on vacation. They will return for the fifth term on February 25. Let us pray for their vacation stay and their effective return.

Concerning the projects, the staff of the Center's instructors, the students, and the different congregations of the Church of Christ in Chad, ardently pray for the mission of the Coordinator of the Bear Valley Bible Institute Moundou-Chad and his entire team in Chad next month.  May God make this first mission of the Coordinator in Chad effective!  

Be sufficiently blessed for the work of the Lord throughout the world.

In Christ,

Datoudji

Challenging times in Ukraine

In my report I would like to share with you the news of the latest developments in regards to Ukraine and the Bible Institute of Bear Valley. The New Year was not peaceful; the entire territory of Ukraine was pounded with missiles that were launched by the Russians. Because of the artillery shelling we experienced blackouts; no electricity, no heating, no gas, no running water. More than forty of the innocent civilians were killed in the recent attack. The enemy tries to destroy infrastructure (so far, $100 billion in infrastructure damage and counting). It’s very harmful especially now when we are having sub-zero temperatures outdoors. This is why we are very grateful for your aid and the donations that you contribute to  congregations and to the entire Ukrainian nation.

The classes in the Bible Institute have started in the beginning of January. Currently, we have four students who are taking the classes. The current curriculum is the Book of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth. The instructor is Denis Sopelnik. Next, the students will be studying the 1st and 2nd Book of Kings which will be taught by Vladimir Paziy. One of our students (Victoria Radkevich) did finish her studies in December. She completed all the classes, and in May she will receive the Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies degree.

Unfortunately, the military mobilization campaign in Ukraine is in the next phase, and many Ukrainian men are pressed into service. There have been cases when Ukrainian military recruiters used harsh tactics to fill ranks. The troops’ losses in Ukraine are huge and many men are trying to stay at home and not venture outdoors. This is why we are utilizing on-line studies.

At the moment, my family and I are living in Germany; we are helping the local church congregation in the city of Leipzig. We continue to conduct Bible classes for the Ukrainian children and their parents. Last Sunday I was preaching in English for the first time; I was mainly reading my sermon outline on a piece of paper. I hope that soon I will be able to say a few phrases in German, too.

I am very encouraged that our instructors and graduates are able to conduct worship services in Ukraine (in Bila Tserkva, Chernovtsy, Uzhhorod, Kiev, Skvira and other cities). In these cities the local Christians are distributing humanitarian aid, while sharing the gospel with the refugees.

We are very thankful to the American churches which are continuing to help  Ukraine and the Bear Valley Bible Institute. We  persevere in our efforts to prepare the future ministers, even in these difficult times.

Your brother, Dennis Sopelnik

Students making a difference in Uganda

Greetings in the mighty name of our lord and father Jesus Christ.  I bring you Greetings from my family. 

Bringing you Greetings from the students at Bear Valley Uganda and the staff at large.  The school was able to begin the  second  year  with zeal, all men had arrived and on 8th January classes started with master Emmanuel. He was able to go with them for two weeks taking  classes. His report was good  and that men were more even stronger as they went for holidays. The love of the word increase in these me.

Good reports have been getting to us from  the congregations where these men are members.  They are recommended for the good work done during holidays. Let's pray hard that this zeal follow these men and so will the kingdom grow. 

Not only these who are studying, I have been with some of the students of last intake at least all of them in all the regions beginning from December last year to this January.  From December to 2nd February  2024 have been able to count 42 souls in the campaigns we have had with the former students and the current ones who were able come to our area of carrying out evangelism.  Prayers are needs for the lords work in Uganda . 

We greatly thank you for the great support for the school to have these men trained. 

Thank you so much May the almighty God bless you so much. 

Until all have heard 

Raymond

A guest teacher in Sierra Leone

ACTIVITY OPERATION REPORT FOR DECEMBER, 2023

Full Time and the Extended Programs 

INTRODUCTION

It always feels good to end a great year with appreciation and gratitude. Indeed the year 2023 was a great and a successful year for the KBVBI family. December ended the year with a leadership seminar at the school campus, with our new students (in the full time program) and our extended students continuing their classes, with new souls being added to the Church, and massive evangelistic efforts being doubled across the country. The wife (Patience) of the school Director gave birth to a baby girl. Beloved brethren, we encourage to keep on reading for more information on the highlighted activities.  

LECTURESHIP

On December 17, a one full day leadership seminar was held at the school campus. This seminar was held in order to continue to teach and train leaders within Kenema for better service in the Lord’s vineyard. All our students also attended and benefited from the seminar greatly. We had the school director, Brother Peter Sahr Makundu as one of the speakers and our visiting lecturer, Mike Udam from Nigeria. All the Church leaders who were present appreciated the school for such an instructive program.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

Brother Mike Udam, one of the regular and knowledgeable instructors from Nigeria visited and taught our full time students “Personal Evangelism.” Our students in both programs continued their classes. On December 20, the school went on a Festive break and was scheduled to resume classes on January 6, 2024.

EVANGELISTIC EFFORTS AND CONVERSION OF SOULS

During the month of December, the school continued with her evangelistic efforts, and 8 souls were converted as a result. Apart from that, the evangelistic teams that have been set up throughout the country have been making a lot of efforts. With their persistent efforts, one new congregation was planted at Kono and another restored at Mende Buima. May God be glorified for the increase. Please continue to pray for those congregations to be sustained as we map out plans for that.

SUMMARY OF 2023 YEAR

1.     Number of Present Full Time Students ---21

2.     Number of Current Part Time Students--13

3.     Number of Graduates 2023----------------- 17

4.     Number of Campaigns 2023----------------- 4

5.     Number of Lectureships---------------------  4

6.     Number of Baptisms--------------------------195

7.     Number of Christians Restored------------ 30

8.     Number of Congregations Restored------- 2

9.     Number of Congregations Planted--------- 2

AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Samuel Tamba Fayia

Samuel T. Fayia is one of our new students in the full time program who was born in 1987 in Buedu town, Kissi Tongi Chiefdom, Kailahun District, Eastern Sierra Leone. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fayia Borbor are late and were non-Christians before their demise. Tamba is the second child of the five children of the Borbors. He grew up in Pentecostalism and became obedient to the faith in 2012 in Guinea through the preaching of one of Philip Sakilla, one of the converts of Brother Francis Musa. Three months later, he left Guinea for his home town, Buedu, Sierra Leone. Upon his arrival, he couldn’t trace the Lord’s church there since there was none in existence then, hence resolved to return back to the denomination where he was converted. In 2022, KBVBI decided to direct her campaign to Buedu town. Around that time, Brother Samuel was restored back to the Church. Since then he has been so much committed to worshipping the Lord, helping others to love God and has been involved in some evangelistic activities, teaching, and handling some other Church activities. There was no doubt that Brother Tamba wanted to be enrolled in the school at that time but there was no space anymore for him. So he kept being patient and committed to the Church activities till now that he is being enrolled. He is going to do a lot for the Lord. This has been proven over the years in his contribution to the Lord’s Church at Buedu. We are excited to have a student like Tamba in our institution. We pray that his zeal continues.

THANKS GIVING FOR THE GIFT OF A CHILD

You would remember that on December 2022, Brother Peter Sahr Makundu tied a knot to Sister Patience. Therefore, through God’s providence, Sister Patience gave birth to a baby girl on December 26, 2023. Your prayers have been very helpful, so please keep on pleading on our behalves. We thank God for the gift.

CONCLUSION

If 2023 has been successful for us, then there are higher hopes that 2024 is going to be more successful. We pray that the Lord keeps us all to witness what will unfold in 2024. Thank you, our patient readers!