Gweru graduates are making a difference

FEBRUARY 2023 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

The month of February saw BVBIZ moving to another level in terms of its activities. It brought new experiences to students as they began their evangelism season. Progress was registered as well in terms of the curriculum and projects. This report, as has become the trend, will also trace the whereabouts of one of the school’s graduates. These and more are reported hereunder.    

1.0 CURRICULUM PROGRESS

Classes continued in the month of February very well. Some subjects have already been done and completed. These include 1-2 Corinthians, 1-3 John, Denominational Doctrines and Pastoral Epistles. Those that are still ongoing this term includes Greek, Introduction to Computers, Wisdom Literature, Research Methods, Islamic Studies, 1-2 Peter and Jude.

2.0 CROPS UPDATE

2.1 THE GARDEN

The month of February has seen increased activity in the school’s garden. Many different types of seedlings were planted. These include 1200 potatoes, 600 cabbages, 1000 tomatoes, watermelons, cucumbers and butternuts. The objectives of these projects is to improve nutrition among students, provide students with life survival skills and at the same time, help the school to get extra income through sales of these crops.

2.2 MAIZE

Maize is a staple crop in Zimbabwe. The school places more emphasis on this crop as it dominates students’ meals. Only about 1.2 hectares was made use of as we had challenges with inputs. The growth of the maize crop planted in late November is satisfactory. For the past 3 years, the school has never bought maize due to this effort. We are very hopeful that this will be the case again this year

3.0 TRANSPORTATION

The school’s Nissan Caravan, which has been down since October 2022 began to be worked on in February. Outstanding issues on it are the turbo, new suspension and labour charges. Close to a $1000 is needed to get it back on the road.

4.0 EVANGELISM

From the 18th -26th of February, BVBIZ team consisting of teachers, students and five past graduates camped at Buhera center. The task was to evangelize and assist in the establishment of  a congregation there. This was the first ever evangelism effort for the school’s 2022-2024 class. Other experienced preachers in the field namely brothers Siwedi, Mashaba, Zvinzvebu, Zimwasha, Abraham and Jongwe borught in a wealthy of experience as well. Great appreciation to the Marenga and Sadzi congregations for providing food to the preachers. Services were done everyday in the evening whilst every household within the vicinity was reached with the word. Within the 8 days, the whole area was reached by the Gospel. 24 were baptized during the week leading to the establishment of the congregation. Blessed Marufu, the school’s 2022 graduate was eventually left as the preacher there. The congregation was officially launched on the 26th of February. Several congregations that came to witness this development include Chivhu, Avondale, Marenga, Sadzi, Muzokomba with other individuals coming in their own capacities.

5.0 WHERE ARE THEY?

5.1 THE LAST GRADUATING CLASS

An attempt was made to trace the whereabouts of the last batch of students who graduated on the 28th October 2022. The following is the list and their whereabouts;

Bongani Sithole- Bongani is now working with Arisvale Church of Christ in Esigodini.

Thomas Musongora- Thomas is assisting with the work at Tsvingwe congregation, Penhalonga, Mutare

Christopher Mutambirwa-Christopher is working with Acturus congregation in Harare

Tinashe Moyana -Tinashe is working with the Zvishavane congregation

Method Moyo- Method is working for Cure Zimbabwe Children’s Hospital as a chaplain and assisting with the work at Nkulumane congregation in Bulawayo as well.

Edson Julius-Edson is the associate minister at Chivero Mission

Simbarashe Chitanda- Simbarashe is in private practice but is assisting with work at Hatcliff congregation in Harare

Thabani Dlamini-Thabani is working with Amazon congregation in Filabusi, Matebeleland South.

Tonderai Kafile-Tonderai is in private practice but at the same time assisting with the work at the Mabvuku congregation in Harare as there is no preacher there presently.  

Isaac Chipendo-Isaac is in private practice but assists with the work at Manyame congregation whilst at the same time worshipping at least once every month with Ziko congregation where he did his attachment during his school days.

Kudakwashe Simemeza-Kudakwashe is in private practice but assists with the work at the Highfield, Harare.

Tawanda Tinofa -Tawanda  works for an organization called Young Africa in Chitunwiza but assists with the work at the Chitungwiza congregation whenever opportuned.

Remember and Melody Mhlanga-The couple is working with the Glenview congregation in Harare

Michael and Samandra Kasimu-The couple is working with the Shurugwi congregation in Midlands.

Blessed Marufu- Blessed is now the preacher at the newly established congregation at Buhera Centre

Eric Mushonga-Eric began to work with Centenary congregation in Mashonaland Central but is moving to Karoi to join the prison ministry and assist with the work there beginning in March

CONCLUSION

We thank God for what He has been able to do for the school in February. We look back and see God’s favour following us. This would not have been possible without your financial, moral and spiritual support.To the partners and sponsors, may God continue to bless you.  We always look to the future with hope that indeed, through these efforts, the gates of hades will not prevail against the church (Mt 16.18).  To God be the glory!

Posted on March 13, 2023 .