Evangelistic work results in Several Baptisms in Afikpo, Nigeria

REPORT FROM BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, AFIKPO CENTER, EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA.

1. Afikpo extension center of Bear Valley Bible Institute commenced her academic work on 4th January, 2025 of after conducting her exams and students admitted. Eighteen(18) students were admitted currently.

2. The center met for her academic and spiritual work on 4th January, 2025; 11th January, 2025; 18th January, 2025; 25th January, 2025; 1st February, 2025; and 8th February, 2025 with Students' attendance of 11, 13, 13, 14, 14 and 11 respectively.

3. Our collective and individual evangelical work from January, 2025 till this day, 8th February, 2025 resulted to a total of SEVEN (7) BAPTISMS.

4. Evangelism is scheduled to hold on 15th February, 2025 in the hours of morning before class work.

5. Matriculation ceremony of the new students is fixed to hold on 23rd February, 2025. Guest of Honour: Chad Wagner.

Reuben Uche Egwu, Director, BVBI, Afikpo Extension Center reporting today, February, 8, 2025

Updates from Extended School in Enugu, Nigeria

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE - NIGERIA

Enugu Study Center - First Quarter Report

*Introduction* 

All glory must be to the Lord Almighty, and to the management board of the international and national body of Bear Valley Bible Institute world wide.

The principal, goals, and objectives of BVBI Family was observed within the period of writing this report, and will continue to be the parament goal of the BVBIN Enugu Study Center.

We are grateful to God for another Year to work for Him.

 *I. ACTIVITIES* 

1. In January, we had our classes for the four (4) Saturdays of the month.

The course studied this Month is the Life of Christ Matthew.  By Onwuka SJ Kelechukwu (Evang./ Instructor).

2. We had one day Evangelism with the Church of Christ Garriki.

3. In this month of February the course under Study is Homiletics by Hillary Johnson C C. (Evang./Instructor).

*II. UPCOMING EVENTS.* 

Graduation of the first set of BVBIN Students in Enugu Study Center. 28/2/2025.

Students campaign by March.

*Summary* 

We appreciate your support in the program and pray that God will continue to bless your efforts and other supporters.

Thank you,

Onwuka SJ Kelechukwu

Director, BVBIN Enugu Study Center

Students continue their Studies and Outreach in Bor, South Sudan

Hello Keith.

I believe you are doing well there and we are fine by God's grace.

The school resumed in January 13th with classes taking effect.  

Courses 

First Year Quarter 1 have ended today and on Monday quarter 2 will start with 2 long courses.

Students Performance 

The students are going on well as we are trying our best to help those who have difficulty with English while they're good with local language. Only two students are very poor in performance during this first quarter, we will evaluate their overall grades and see if they will improve or will not make it.

Teachers

We now have another addition of one teacher whom we have assigned to teach Hermeneutics-Biblical interpretation. He is a graduate from Mutare School of Preaching.

Evangelism 

We have started last Sunday sending out students to evangelized and help 5 congregations that are in Bor. We arranged the tabletime to dispatch 2 fair which make 10 students each Sunday.

Students Health 

The students are all healthy currently only at the end of last month were one students was admitted in the hospital, and he has recovered now feeling better. We also have First Aid medicine that in the school which solves headaches, fever, and other small cases.

With that May God bless us all to continue do his work!

Have a blessed day and goodnight to others here!

Your Brother in Christ, 

Jacob Ajak.M

BV-SSSOP

Bear Valley Bible Institute in Benin City Continues its Successful work for the Lord

With a grateful heart to God Almighty and deep appreciation for the Bear Valley family and partners worldwide, I present the report of Benin City School for the last quarter of 2024 and January 2025. This period was filled with enriching activities, including classroom instruction, fieldwork, lectureships, revival visits to congregations, and baptisms.

Academic Activities

Our instructors, under my close supervision, diligently taught courses such as The Christian Home, Religious Dogma, the Book of Daniel, and Psalms. Examinations were conducted, and students actively participated, demonstrating their commitment to Biblical studies and spiritual growth.

Lectureship & Evangelism Efforts

One of the highlights of this period was on October 26, 2024, when BVBIN-Benin City hosted churches from across the city for a special lectureship themed "Polishing the Pulpit." The program was well attended, and by God’s grace, Brother Oronsaye was added to the Lord’s church through immersion baptism.

On November 30, 2024, in collaboration with the Church of Christ, Uwasota, we visited the Iyowa community to strengthen the young congregation there. Engaging in both door-knocking and open-air preaching, we were blessed to witness another soul baptized into Christ.

Impact & Growth

The presence of Bear Valley Bible Institute in Benin City continues to be a significant catalyst for the growth and development of the church in this region. Many young congregations are being established through the collective efforts of the school and its students.

As part of our commitment to nurturing these congregations, I personally visit them weekly to teach Bible classes and encourage the brethren, in addition to our quarterly evangelism initiatives. Some of the congregations on our regular visitation list include Utagban, Egbean, Egba, Ogbebuya, Ugbineh, Sule Camp, and Elele in far Edo North, among others.

Baptisms & Thanksgiving

We are witnessing a remarkable increase in baptisms, a testament to God’s work through Bear Valley’s influence in Benin City. We give all glory to God and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Bear Valley family worldwide for their unwavering support.

Dunia Christopher
Director, BVBIN-Benin City

Students in Lagos Island continue Studies and Evangelistic Efforts

SABO ONIBA/LAGOS ISLAND CENTERS REPORT  (September 2024 to January 2025 by Tim Iwe)

Introduction

The Lagos team is grateful to God for the opportunity to serve as workers in the kingdom, especially as local missionaries in Lagos and its environs. Witnessing God's work in the lives of individuals and communities has been a privilege. This report highlights the key activities and accomplishments of our work. Last year ended with a lecture in the Sabo Oniba Center with the theme: Effective Evangelism in a Digital Age. All the schools in Lagos were in attendance. It was a colorful gathering. The New Year also started in active service as some of us participated in the Ibadan Main Campus Leaders Seminar that just ended.

BEAR VALLEY WORK

We have just concluded the 32nd circle in our academic calendar in Sabo Oniba Center.  1 & 2 THESSALONIANS was facilitated by Chinyere Okoro as OLD TESTAMENT 3B (Job & Ecc.) was guided by Emmanuel Odo, while the book of HEBREWS was taught by Suleiman Yusuf and Revelation by Noel Brain Otuwho

In Lagos Island Center, we had presently concluded their 12th circle, which implies a year of academic work. Hermeneutics 2: was taken by Augustine Ani as Oluwafemi Adewuyi led the class on Denominational Doctrine, and the Book of Galatians was directed by Tim Iwe. Also, 1, 2 and 3rd John was led by Ibanga Udoh. 

Church Visits/Lectureship: 

Sabo-Oniba hosted this year's Lagos BVBIN Annual Lectureship. We had more than 100 youths from different parts of Lagos and other states in attendance. Also, more than 200 participants watched the program online, for it was streamed live. The goal was to call the attention of the youth to how they can use social media to do effective evangelism. Most of them are online daily; therefore, there is a need to call their attention to what they can do for God while online. Some of our best hands on the social media platform were used as facilitators during the event. 

WBS ENROLLMENT/SOCIAL MEDIA EVANGELISM/BAPTISM:

Bro Sadiq Bachure from Yola sent in 153 Introductory Lessons collected from schools in Yola. We are still expecting the ones from Bro Madaki from Taraba state. These are efforts to extend the WBS program once again to the Northeast. Thanks to Owen, Carla Jeffrey & Sharon Tomblin, and Bro Chad for their support of this work. Bro Mike Udam stopped over in December, spending two days training preachers in Lagos on how to do effective social media evangelism. This effort will be spread over the nation very soon.

LAGOS WBS ONLINE WORK: 

Active Online Study Helpers: 6

Online Students Active: 136

Under Follow Up: 2

Completed Lessons: 5,637

Certificates Awarded: 1,494 

Baptisms: 3

Appreciation/Conclusion

We are deeply grateful for the support and partnership of Sis Owen Carla, Jeffrey & Sharon Tomblin family, and Stoney Point Church of Christ, who have been supporting the Lagos Island Bear Valley project from inception. Your prayers, encouragement, and financial support have been invaluable in enabling us to fulfill our missionary calling. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve as a local missionary. I look forward to continuing to partner with God and with you to advance the Kingdom in Nigeria and beyond.

Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers.

TIM IWE

Positive Updates from Moundou, Chad

Dear beloved Coordinator,

On behalf of the staff of instructors of Bear Valley MOUNDOU-TCHAD, on behalf of the students of the second promotion of Bear Valley MOUNDOU-TCHAD, and on behalf of the assembly of the Church of Christ on Campus, receive my best wishes for health, peace, and joy for yourself, and for your biological and spiritual family for the year 2025 and the years to come!  If possible, please convey these same wishes to the Creekside congregation and the great family of the Bear Valley BIBLE INSTITUTE of Denver.

Mr. Coordinator, the purpose of this report is to update you on the activities and operation of our Bible training center. Indeed, our new students actually started classes on January 6, 2025. The classes are going very well. We have two weeks of classes left before going on an internship. The internship will begin next Saturday, February 15.

Speaking of evangelism, there were two outings on the weekends and God added a soul to his Church through the work of our new students. May God strengthen our new sister in Jesus Christ! We have planned a two-day evangelism seminar (on weekends) in a locality located 27 kilometers from Kelo (132 km from Moundou) when we return from vacation, but transportation is a challenge because the village is not on the main road. This outing is very important for the establishment of an assembly of the Church of Christ in this village. Pray a lot for us.

  Mr. Coordinator, allow me to also speak about the former students (the 7 graduates), trained in Chad. I had a meeting today, February 3, with the seven graduates and the teaching staff. I informed the graduates of the importance of reporting their work and their participation in the Alumni activities. I made the same remark to the instructors. I will keep you informed, in real time, of the progress of the work of these brothers.

  Such, Mr. Coordinator, is some useful information for the moment. May God bless you abundantly in Jesus for his ministry!

Fraternally in Christ, Datoudji

Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute celebrates a Successful Year

By His grace we, the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute, did come to the close of the year 2024. Yes, God kept us alive, in good health despite some challenges and in active mood of gospel services which include in and outdoor activities of lectures, trainings and evangelism during the month of December. All went well to the glory of God and we are glad to report and share some details of these events.

Classroom: 

We had brother Francis Lavaley who took the students on the course "the Life of Christ" with the books of Matthew and Mark.

Then brother Antoine Fassa Tolno continued with the last part of "Christian Evidence" part III. All 15 students were in attendance and in good shape.

Classes were closed on 20 December  for the year end season.

Evangelism and Church Leaders Seminar:

Once again in response to our invitation, brother Mike Udam travelled from Nigeria to Gueckedou which again was one of his evangelistic mission plans to Sierra Leone and Guinea.

In Guinea, especially around the Gueckedou area, some 30 brethren, church leaders, and evangelists from various congregations attended. We have been motivated and encouraged not only for what is our usual routine activity of preaching and growing congregations, but to also associate and conduct seminars in our various congregations on a routine schedule.

This exercise along with other activities are gear toward strengthening church leaders, evangelists and congregants.

It was a 1 day, but intensive and successful seminar.

Our first meeting for preliminary discussions is scheduled to hold in early February.

Evangelism:

There were various evangelistic missions of follow ups to help and build up congregations especially the newly planted at the villages of Katcho and Yiffo where we had some baptisms.

Mostly, it was our team leaders that were involved in these follow up works.

On the other hand, there was 1 evangelistic campaign conducted in the Kissidougou area, the village of Gbangbadou with 1 soul converted. Brother Balla Kamano who planned the campaign is the leader and evangelist in the central town of Kissidougou.

There were in total 6 conversions of all the said evangelistic missions.

Conclusion:

The year 2024 has ended and we are grateful to you the Bear Valley Bible Institute administration in the US for all the support rendered to us at the Bible lnstitute again in December and in Guinea during the year 2024.

This is a partnership that we have enjoyed for another 12 months and therefore fulfilled our duty of training and evangelism.  

As stated in our internal statistics report for December, the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute graduated 9 evangelists, planted 7 congregations, restored 2 others and in all baptised 143 souls not counting seminars and other related activities in 2024.

We are also grateful to our Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft through whom a lot other evangelistic works and worship hall roofings are being done. 

Special appreciations to the 9th Ave and the Niceville churches through Halley Dobbs and Ken Stanley respectively as well as the French World Outreach through brother Barry Baggott for their great contributions of various sorts.

May God bless all of you and keep us safe and strong to the glory of His name.

Until then, we remain grateful to you all.

Students in Kara, Togo work with local congregations

OPERATING REPORT BEAR VALLEY INSTITUTE KARA- TOGO (Fourth quarter 2024)

EXTENDED PROGRAM ; BVBI- KARA – TOGO

January 22nd, 2025

INTRODUCTION

Having arrived at the threshold of this new year 2025 in good health, please accept our best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year. We pray that God will grant you perfect health, great and much courage to continue fighting to expand God’s kingdom  together. We continue to encourage our students to make sure that at the end of their training they can be effective in the fight to win lost souls and enlarge the kingdom of God.

OPERATING REPORT

1-     The current number of students : 6

2-     The courses already taught the fourth quarter 2024 :

a-    Evangelical Ethics : by KAGNON Luc

b-    The Comparative Study of Religions : by TALAKI Nicodeme

c-     The Major Cult : by BEDJELSI Fidele

3-    The courses that will be taught during the first quarter 2025 :

a-    Biblical Doctrine : by KAGNON Luc

b-    Church Development : by TALAKI Nicodeme

c-     1-2 Timotheus and Titus : by BEDJELSI Fidele 

4-     Instructors’ meeting :

Teachers noted during their quarterly meeting the absence of three (3) students towards the end of December 2024. The reason for their absence is that the Togolese government organized civil service employment exams and three (3) of their students passed these exams and immediately left for their respective training. The teachers were not happy about this situation, but they made a commitment to continue encouraging and motivating the six (6) students to remain firm until the end of the courses.

The teachers noted with satisfaction the baptism of a denominational Young brother during our practical evangelism to the village of Lama. They also noted the visit of Evangelist Roger from Ivory Coast, who strongly encouraged the students who were very happy.

5-     Congregational Activities :

a-   Worship and edification :

During this quarter we selected the local churches of Kara University and Soumdina Pida for an edification campaign program. During the execution of these programs, we were able to restore who had abandoned the faith to return to the Catholic Church. They made a firm decision to worship in Christ’s church from now on.

We continue to salute the good collaboration between the Evangelistes. A teaching program is drawn up, and in turn evangelists, with the help of students, build up local churches.

b-     Denominational program :

With this program, we were able to plant two (2) churches : one in Lassa Lao and the other in Tchitchao Kigbeleng. In Tchitchao Kigbeleng we have baptized 4 people and one of them decided to study at Bear Valley Bible School.

c-     Door-to-door evangelism :

Under the leadership of evangelists, each local church has a program for door-to-door evangelism. Each local church program is supported by all the evangelists, who work together as a team with the other members of each local church. There is a very good influence of this work in each locality. We baptized a total of 5 people this quarter, including 4 in Tchitchao Kigbeleng and 1 in Lama, and restored 1 person at the Kara University local church.

d-   Seminar :

In November 2024, we held a seminar for evangelists from the north and some from southern Togo to discuss unity and relational leadership for three days. The number of participants was 30 evangelists. And here we salute the efforts and wisdom of Missionary STEVEN in supporting this seminar.

e-     « Read and speak kabiye program » :

This program is designed above all to help the brothers in each local church master the local language to help during worship. They will also help as monitors in each local church. Each member must be able to read and understand God’s word in his or her own language. This will help each member grow spiritually. Each participant in this program is very diligent in mastering the language.

f-      Prayers for newborn babies :

God has blessed two families with new babies at Lama and Kara-University. These moments of prayer were moments of joy that saw the participation of members of other churches. These were moments of advice given to these families.

g-     End-of-year camp :  

This program brings together all the brothers and sisters of each local church for nearly three days around a special theme that the chosen preachers will help the members to fully understand. This program helps the members towards spiritual maturity. This year’s participants numbered around 150. The general topic was : The Church of Christ.

h-   Radio Program :

This program continues to help us reach the most remote villages with the gospel. It also helps us to make contact with certain members of the denominations with whom we organize study programs. Some accept and appreciate the teachings, but reject these comprehensive study programs.

i-       End-of-year program :

Some churches gathered on the night of December 31st, 2024 in Kara-University local church, singing and thanking the Almighty for his protection and blessings for the year 2024. The new year 2025 was greeted with a cheerful atmosphere, and everyone made a commitment to make a little more effort in their service with the Lord in 2025.

In Christ,

Fidele

Ukraine Updates

Bear Valley Bible Institute Report – 2024-2025

The year 2024 has come to an end. Currently, three students are studying at our institute, and two of them will graduate this year. We continue to make every effort to increase the number of students.

Initiatives to Attract Students

To attract more people to the institute, we have launched online courses on various topics, such as Time Management and Financial Stewardship. People are joining these courses and participating remotely.

At the end of January, we will also begin an in-depth Greek Language Study course. These efforts aim to keep the institute visible and help people learn more about our programs.

Courses Taught This Year

This year, we have offered the following courses:

• In January, I taught the course on World Religions.

• Alexander Ratkevich taught the second part of Homiletics.

• Currently, Michael Underwood is teaching the course on Prison Epistles.

Visit to Missionaries in the Czech Republic

During the winter break, we visited Bear Valley missionary Tony Orlean and his wife, who are currently serving in Olomouc, Czech Republic. They are in the early stages of establishing a church there. While their congregation is still small, it includes a Ukrainian family and a few local Czech individuals.

We pray that the Lord blesses their ministry. We hope that our visit was an encouragement to them, as they were to us.

Churches in Europe remain very weak, as many people are primarily focused on earning money and material pursuits. Please continue to pray for the church in Europe, that materialism and distorted worldviews do not consume the hearts of its people.

The War in Ukraine

Unfortunately, the war in Ukraine continues with no visible changes on the battlefield. Soldiers and civilians lose their lives daily, and the frontline is gradually moving closer to central Ukraine. Large parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as parts of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, remain under occupation.

We ask you to continue praying for the following:

• The recruitment of new students for the upcoming academic year.

• The Church in Ukraine during these challenging times.

• Wisdom for preachers and teachers as they carry out their ministry.

Family Update

My family and I remain in Germany, where we attend a church in Leipzig. We also have a small Bible study group at our home, for which we are very grateful.

Encouraging News from Uzhhorod

In Uzhhorod, our brother and teacher, Oleg Fofanov, continues to baptize new believers, and the church there is growing steadily.

Special thanks to Brother Terry Harman, who has been holding online classes to support this church.

Gratitude

We are sincerely thankful to all sponsors, teachers, institute staff, preachers, and everyone who supports our work. Your contributions and prayers are invaluable to us.

With love and respect,

Your brother in Christ,

Denys Sopelnyk

Another new school in India starts strong

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – CHENNAI

WORK REPORT

SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER, 2024

The Extended School Programs:

We are so happy to inform you that in the past four months we have worked hard to get the success in completion of four months (September - December 2024) in Extended Program, the conversion of souls and the nurturing of congregations through Special Bible studies, Gospel Meetings, Lectureships and Seminars etc.,

Academic Updates:

The students were fully committed to their studies and wrote the exams successfully. Our hard-working staff also continued to be very busy both in the classroom and on the evangelistic field.

So far, we completed Three Courses:

1.        Biblical Studies: OT Survey 1 - Study of Law: Genesis to Deuteronomy

2.       Apologetics: How We Got The Bible

3.       Apologetics: Christian Evidences

Currently we are studying the Fourth Course

4.       Elective Course: Cost of Discipleship

The students also completed writing exams on Three Courses:

1.        Biblical Studies: OT Survey 1 - Study of Law: Genesis to Deuteronomy

2.       Apologetics: How We Got The Bible

3.       Apologetics: Christian Evidences

 Conversions:

In the past four months (September - December 2024), 04 people were baptized.

 Conclusion:

We are so eager to use every opportunity which our Lord grants us, to work even more harder to train the students in the best way and also to edify the congregations.

Thank you.

In Christ,

Bro. G. J. Prabhudoss

(Director, Bear Valley Bible Institute – Chennai)

New Indian school begins strong

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – ARAKKONAM

No. 6, Jayaram Nagar, Maveripettai, Ammanur, Arakkonam

WORK REPORT

OCTOBER TO DECEMBER, 2024

 The Extended School Programs:

We are so happy to inform you that in the past three months we have worked hard to get the success in completion of three months (October - December 2024) in Extended Program, the conversion of souls and the nurturing of congregations through special Bible studies, Gospel Meetings, Lectureships and Seminars etc.,

 Academic Updates:

The students were fully committed to their studies and wrote the exams successfully. Our hard-working staff also continued to be very busy both in the classroom and on the evangelistic field.

So far, we completed Two Courses:

1.        Biblical Studies: OT Survey 1 - Study of Law: Genesis to Deuteronomy

2.       Apologetics: How We Got The Bible

Currently we are studying the Third Course

3.       Apologetics: Christian Evidences

The students also completed writing exams on Two Courses:

1.        Biblical Studies: OT Survey 1 - Study of Law: Genesis to Deuteronomy

2.       Apologetics: How We Got The Bible

 Conversions:

In the past three months (October - December 2024), 04 people were baptized.

Conclusion:

We are so eager to use every opportunity which our Lord grants us, to work even more harder to train the students in the best way and also to edify the congregations.

Thank you.

In Christ,

Bro. G. P. Shyam Sundar

(Director, Bear Valley Bible Institute – Arakkonam)

Campaign in Tirupati, India

Reporting Letter for the Month of January-2025

Date : February 1st, 2025.

Respected beloved brother Keith Kasarjian our director , beloved brother Mark Reynolds- our coordinator and all the prayer partners,  greetings to you in the matchless name of Jesus Christ. We pray that this reporting letter may serve us to find you good health. We thank you very much for your prayers and encouragement. We would like to share brief report for the month of January -2025.

Classroom work:  BVBI-Tirupati-India  classroom works are seriously going on. Our teachers are dedicated to teach and students are active in attendance as well as following the teachers, doing their memory work, taking tests, writing assignments, and taking notes while teachers are teaching .

Note Book writing:  Students are writing good notes and all the teachers are active in checking their notebooks and giving marks for the notebook writings.

Campaigning : January 18th, 2025 we have conducted campaigning at Chillamathru village. This village is located about 100 km away from the Bible school. It was the first time the village people heard about Jesus Christ. About 75 people from the village attended the meeting but several people heard the gospel message by our  sound system.

Three funerals: In the month of January there were three funerals that we attended . We were invited to share the word of God. We have noticed that during funerals the hearts of the people are very tender and receptive to receive the word of God even though we never expected to stand in the funeral service.

Two comfort meetings: In India it is our culture  to conduct prayer meeting after two weeks of the funeral service.  During the prayer meeting all the relatives, village people, friends and church members gather to comfort the family members. I had an opportunity to share the word of God at two comfort meetings in the month of January.

Zoom Bible Classes: In the month of January we conducted zoom classes every Tuesday and Thursday. We have completed the book of Acts, Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon and are currently studying James.

Bible Seminar: In the month of January 20th&21st we participated in the Christian Growth Bible Seminar at Rajamandry.  We are very happy to report to you that Dr. Damon Vincent was the resource person for the seminar.  He invited me to present

Baptisms: In the month of January three souls were baptized and added to the body of Christ. We request you to pray for the new souls.

 Our Coordinator Mr. Mark Renolds’ Indian mission trip:- We are very happy to report to you that our coordinator Mr.Mark Reynolds has visited India safely in the month of January-2025.  His trip has been a great encouragement. I was happy to translate his lessons on Sunday worship service at Nellore.

Home Bible studies: We conduct home Bible studies regularly. Right now three newly connected families are studying, and Lord willing soon they will be baptized.

Staff meeting: We are happy to inform you that we had a staff meeting to discuss a few agendas for the welfare of the students and their progress .

Extra subject: out of students interest during the weekend, we introduced the hotel management subject  for the students so they might be able to support their work as preachers after they graduate.

We thank you for your prayers and encouragement. The Bear Valley Bible Institute is a wonderful plant farm to train the young people. We are ever grateful to you for your prayers, encouragement and assistance for the smooth function of the project.

Thanking you.

Yours brother,

Vijay

Visitors in Cebu, Philippines

Highlights of Year 2024 for BVBI-Phils

International Teachers

This year is a very special for the students Bear Valley Bible Institute Philippines for we were visited and taught by several international instructors from the US. In February, our students had a privilege to study the Minor Prophets with Jonathan Moore. Brother Moore has been travelling to Israel and other Biblical places for many years and his knowledge on Biblical Archaeology helped our students more on what happened during the life of the minor prophets.

We had another set of guest instructors in July as brothers Greg Pollock and Jon Lucius took turns in teaching our students the Scheme of Redemption. We have several young people from Dumaguete City auditing this course.

The following month, brother Shane Fisher and his wife Emily visited Cebu and Shane taught a course on 2 Corinthians. This is their first time visiting our Cebu and we had a good time working together.

Finally, Jerry and Paula Bates came back to Cebu and taught again for our students at BVBIP in November. Jerry taught on the course Personal Evangelism - Foundation of Missions. Our students learned a lot in this course and Jerry did a wonderful job teaching this course. We greatly appreciate the work of our fellow brothers and sisters travelling hundreds of miles teaching the word of God.

Worship Leading Seminar

I had the opportunity to conduct a 2-day Seminar on Worship Leading this December 9-10, 2024, to the students of PIBS and BVBIP. We had great a seminar and we also talked on how to improve our leadership skills and encouraging them to share these things to the men who are leading in their own congregation.

Baptisms

Our God has truly blessed our ministries this year and we have several people who responded well to our evangelistic efforts. We have a total of 30 baptisms this year which resulted from personal Bible studies and visitations. We pray that God will continue to bless our ministries this coming new year.

Neil Emperado

New students arrive in Uganda

Greetings in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus. 

The love of God that surpasses everything. God  has dressed us with joy in that we are still called His children. I bring you greetings from my family,  though we have had some challenges of sicknesses but our God is faithful. He is leading us through. 

We are more than glad to tell you that we are now having our third intake in class. The reporting started on 17th January 2025. Fifteen students have arrived to begin their study in the word of God.

All in all the school is going well and classes are running smoothly. 

Thank you so much for all the support you give to let us run this work smoothly. 

May the almighty God bless you. 

Six new students start classes in Trinidad

Greetings to all. Happy New Year!

Classes began January 6, 2025, with our six first-year students. They pursued Sign Language, the gospel of John, Ezekiel, and the Christian Home. These six students from Trinidad (3), St. Lucia (1), and Grenada (2) have meshed into one of our most cohesive classes in recent years. One of the Grenadians is originally from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, giving a nice cross-section of the Caribbean.

After completing about three months working in a neighboring congregation, they worked in the Panco Lane congregation, where they conducted the song services for the month of January.

January also saw the beginning of another Master's Class. Six students, which rapidly expanded to eight, took the beginning classes. Denton Landon conducted the classes here in Trinidad. They are now working on all the assignments.

Kathryn Purdom

Students resume classes in Gweru, Zimbabwe

                                                             JANUARY 2025 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

We always give glory and honour to God who gives us the ability and zeal to advance the cause of His kingdom. The new year brings with it some renewed vigour to work for God and be busy in His vineyard. At the same time, we are always grateful when we look back in the month of January and see the hand of God in a number of areas. To Him, we remain grateful. This report gives a glimpse to some of the activities that transpired in the month. Classes began successfully, the youth transit program commenced well while the materials for the classroom block continued to be gathered. These and more are reported in detail below;

TERM RESUMES

The current term began on the 7th of January. All students who had taken a well-deserved rest returned to continue with their studies. The following subjects are being taught this term: Christian Evaluation of Contemporary Ethics, Wisdom Literature, Denominational Doctrines, Prison Epistles, Peter and Jude, 1 & 2 Corinthians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Sign Language, Entrepreneurship Skills Development, Horticulture and Greek 1. A chaplaincy and broiler-production workshop will also be done.

YOUTH TRANSIT PROGRAM

The youth transit program that the school hosts every January took place from the 7th January and will end on the 7th February. The following main issues were at the centre of program; moral development, career guidance, entrepreneurship skills development and doctrinal aptitude development. Core modules included the New Testament church and its worship, Christian Ethics, Denominational Doctrines, Study skills, Career Guidance and Entrepreneurship Skills Development. The youths were being prepared for life in college or university. Since the church loses a number of young people at this stage, it is hoped that this program will assist the youths to remain faithful and be agents of change to their mates.

PROJECTS UPDATE

The much anticipated cattle project officially took off this January with arrival of two heifers and a calf. One heifer was bought last year and gave birth to a calf whilst the other was bought in early January. Great appreciation to brother W. Manyati and I. Machingura for giving the seed to purchase the first cow whilst Woodland Oaks enabled the purchase of the second one. The next task is to get another heifer and a bull. These are small beginnings and a lot can be expected from this project.

The goat herd currently stands at 12. Five were slaughtered in 2024 alone. We are hoping the goats will increase in 2025. The school is also running a broiler and layers project. On the horticulture side, there are about 1600 plants in the greenhouse with almost the same number outside it. The school has maize, cabbages, green paper and butternuts as well.

CLASSROOM & OFFICE BLOCK PROGRESS

To date 34000 of the 35000 bricks needed to finish the structure have been bought. Pit sand, river sand, concrete stones, brick force, dump course, doorframes and cement were bought. Great appreciation to all who have contributed towards the construction of this structure. With these materials and others being mobilized, we are assured of completing the superstructure and fixing the roof. Builders are expected on site around the first week of February. Subsequent reports shall be highlighting the progress being made.

CONCLUSION

As we start this new year, we would like to thank everyone who contributed this far, one way or another, to BVBIZ, that is, materially, financially or morally. Your support this year will also go a long way in training workers for the Lord. The school could not been where it is now without your support. Our gratefulness will not be enough without Woodland Oaks and Bear Valley Bible Institute International. May the God of heaven remember you all as you do your part in the furtherance of this noble work.

New students begin classes in Zambia

Introduction

New Year’s greetings from BVBI-Zambia to you all brothers and sisters in the Lord and master Jesus Christ!  We hope and pray that you had a wonderful experience in the first month of the brand new year. We continue to pray that you have a year that is filled with things that mean most to you and energize you for a happy and healthy 2025!

The school has resumed classes besides the disturbance of cholera outbreak in Zambia especially in Lusaka province. All our students have come back in one peace and eager to complete their final year. We have had a good beginning of the year looking at the activities that took place with both our current student body and our Alumni. 

BVBI-ZAMBIA NEW SCHOOL YEAR

We have started with fifteen new students for 2025-2026 intake with two married students David Musmuko and Trust Siamachila. The rest thirteen are singles and come from five provinces of our country Zambia with the following names, Daliso Mbewe, Fenwell Sichoonda, Chalikosa Elvis, Lenard Chanda,Peter Chivumba,Warry Skalomo, Samwel Zemba Misheck Kapalu, Rupiya Masiye, Charles Mwape and Matthews  Chileshe. The school is going on well and we are very confident that we have another good year of teaching and preparing preachers. 

Our visitor

We were so delighted to meet with our Extension Director Keith Kasarjian from our main campus in Denver USA. Though it was just a one day visit we shared a lot as school administration and he also had time to teach our students on the Importance of Preaching. His visit was a great encouragement to us and we were invigorated.

In the same capacity we are looking forward to the coming of our Country coordinator Donnie Estep who we are expecting to visit in March this year. We just wish the two servants of the most High the blessings from above. 

New babes in Christ

We have recorded three (3) Baptisms in Luanshya through the preaching of our new students. And we have recorded one in Kanfinsa constituence of Kitwe where Boyd and Jally are preaching. We also recorded two from Northern province through Levy Silungwe and Reaben Museka In Mbala together we have recorded five (6) baptisms. God bless the new addition to the Church

Restorations

We visited Mufulira district on the copperbelt where we also distributed gospel literature at Church of Christ in Kamuchanga Township. Nine (9) restorations were recorded eleven souls had promised to be in worship service the following Sunday service. We gave contacts of every soul we came in contact with to the leadership of the church there. We also recorded three (3) restorations in Lusaka province where Daniel Manyoni our former student is preaching in Mtendere. On the same development sixteen (16)  souls in Baluba  Chibwe where Prince Chisupa, Joseph Musonda and Austin combined effort in preaching. Six  (6) restorations where recorded in Southern province were TRyvin, Abiton and Daniel our alumni are preaching now. Together we have had twenty (34) restorations. 

.Conclusion

May our God continue to bless you for Loving God, our prayer is always that those we train would like to see them all develop into great leaders in the Church of our Lord. Winning souls is our business, may God be with you always as we labor in His vineyard.

In His service,

Cephas and Fred

A great year in Arusha!

Grace and Peace to you friends. 

I hope that your year is off to a great start!  Today I’d like to offer you some highlights from the past year and an update on the special request that was made last month.  

2024 By the Numbers

Bible Training

• 21 Total Undergraduate students at ACSOP 

• 6 Bachelor’s Degrees Earned

• 12 Total Graduate students 

• 4 Master’s Degrees Earned  

• 6 Total Cy Stafford School of Leadership students 

• 4 Graduate of the Cy Stafford School of Leadership (Alpha Class)

• 3 Kisongo Bible School students 

Evangelism

• 483 Baptisms   

• 4 New Congregations

• 2 Restored Churches 

• 302 Restorations  

• 107 Seminars

• 1 Lectureship

Camps

• 216 campers at Tanzania Christian Camp

• 19 Baptisms

• 75 Campers at Future Preachers Training Camp

So many wonderful things happened in the Lord’s service in Tanzania this year, but I have to say that one of my favorite moments was seeing the first graduating class of the Cy Stafford School of Leadership.  Our team has been working toward that goal for several years now, and it is thrilling to see it beginning to produce.  I’m proud that two of our very first graduates are the co-directors of ACSOP, Charles and Ahimidiwe.  They’ve had the opportunity to learn and model leadership at the same time, and their involvement demonstrates the confidence that we have in the new program.

Thank you for being a part of the team through your prayers, support, participation, and encouragement. May God bless you!

Till all have heard,

Daniel Gaines
Mission Coordinator

Students in Tamale, Ghana value their education

BEAR VALLEY INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES, TAMALE - GHANA

DECEMBER 2024 OPERATING REPORT

The year 2024 ended gracefully by the special grace and mercies of God. We must admit God has been faithful to us in Tamale and by extension the Bear Valley Family. We must all therefore give glory to God for all the privileges granted us. We agree with the Psalmist in Psalm 107: “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His steadfast love endures forever!” The Lord indeed has been good to us all. May His name be praised in all the nations!

KPALSI SOUTH CHURCH OF CHRIST

In the month of December 2024, the congregation in Kpalsi South had been joyful to receive one successful baptism. A dagomba Muslim brother who happens to be a casual plumber, the school heeded to the gospel of Christ and was converted successfully to the glory of God. We praise the Lord for this great blessing.

BENEVOLENCE: In the efforts of the local church in Kpalsi South in evangelizing and strengthening members internally, a benevolent activity was carried out successfully in the month of December. It was a great time, seeing smiles on the faces of needy people within and across our neighborhood. We pray the Lord touch the unsaved who were and have been benefiting from these physical blessings from the Lord to accept the gospel of Christ Jesus with time. It is our desire to do our best to make an impact in the city of Tamale and its neighborhood with the message of Christ. Oh God, help us.  

SCHOOL GARDEN

We have started getting some vegetables from our irrigation work done in the school garden. The results are very positive and if we in the future could make a good investment on our irrigation efforts, we have a good support coming from there for the feeding of our students.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

The last course to end the two year run of the 2023/2024 batch of students was taught in the month of December, 2024. This course was taught by Brother Shadrack Oppong. Brother Oppong is one the sound and strong preachers from the southern part of Ghana. He taught Bible Geography.  

BIBLE CAMP

Brother James in the month of December 2024 participated in a Bible camp in Bazua in the Upper East Region. He was the main speaker of the event. The theme of the programs was centered on “Miracles in the Past, in the First Century Church, and in our Time. The program was well attended across the region. Brother James took advantage to campaign for students for the school.

We thank you Jesus for your protection for the year 2024.

Thank you,

Bear Valley Tamale

Mining souls in the Copper Belt of Zambia

December, 2024 

Introduction

We send seasonal greetings to you all brothers and sisters!! It is always a pleasure to have our time of writing this report and we always give honor and glory to God through our master and savior Jesus Christ who has given us the opportunity to work in His Kingdom. We write to highlight on the work as we ended the month of December in the year 2024.

We must mention that we have began and welcomed the new year of 2025 on a very effervescent note; very hopeful of good things to be learned. We pray for a fruitful year in His vineyard.  

Highlights of December

We as BVBI-Zambia have ended the month of December with several success which gives as a reason to say thank you heavenly Father. Here on the copper belt province we have had a good number of meeting with the seven congregations of which four are in Luanshya district and two in Mpongwe district, one in Masaiti District, our interaction with leaders and members have been a promise of the best relationship we are experiencing right now. It will improve even more

As we got deeper in the month, we took advantage of the festive season positive mood of wanting to do more for the Lord by many non Christians including Christians themselves. Women on the copper belt met in Luanshya and Ndola respectively and we as the Institute where there to coordinate their meeting, there was a spirit of excitement as they learned the word of God. It was an open meeting to the community too. They were hundred and ten in total who attended the meeting with seven (7) restorations.

In Kitwe we had the youths who assembled to evangelize in the community for one day and our former students where there to lead in doing the work for our master, Boyd Kalaba Jally Siawaza and Gershom Chansa did a wonderful work. They were two hundred and sixteen in total who gathered to hear the message and when evangelists went out for practsl work two (2) baptisms recorded and five (5) restorations.

We also had same meeting which took place in Zimba and Livingstone of southern province ,were four of our former students was in attendance and taught their fellow youths, In this meeting we had a record of eight (8) baptisms which were done by Daniel kapata working together with Tryvin and Abiton Siamachila. This was a perfect combination for our master’s work and the results were great. On the same development Vincent in Livingstone is doing a good work seven hundred youths gathered for one day in order to strengthen a work relationship of the Church in that area it was a great thing to see them preach as we begin the New Year.

 The planting season:

 When this season began we almost got the same experience as that of 2023/24 drought but, According to the National Metrological department of Zambia forecast of 2024/2025 rainfall season, the rainfall amounts are likely to be normal to below in most of parts of the country. And beside our busy schedule to preach, we are taking time also to make use of this season to plant seeds in the ground. We have planted soya beans, beans, maize and some sweet potatoes.    

Baptisms/restorations

We had a total of thirteen Baptisms. And we recorded twelve restorations. Please continue to pray for us and our former students as we do the work together and Zambia at large. 

Conclusion

We continue to believe that the school is on firm ground to training faithful men who are teaching others to remain and continue in His kingdom of light. Without Christian principles, we continue to give a special thank you to our amazingly supportive family and friends of Bear Valley Bible Institute-International and the Church of Christ at Woodland Oaks in Texas; you are always in our prayers!

In His service,

Cephas and Fred