DECEMBER 2023 NARRATIVE REPORT
INTRODUCTION
2023 has come to an end. We, therefore, use this report to appreciate everyone who has made it possible for BVBIZ to reach this far. A few activities that took place in the month will be highlighted. We shall also give summaries of what transpired in 2023 and some expectations for the coming term.
EVANGELISM: HOLIDAY PREACHING
Most of our students were very active in congregations during their December break. Seven of our students chose to forego their holiday and got involved in work. Great appreciation goes to the congregations and preachers who hosted them. During the December break, 29 were baptized and souls were strengthened.
BLOCK CLASSES
Every school break presents an opportunity for students who are on the parallel program (part time) to come to Gweru for their classes, besides the weekend classes in Harare. Subjects that were done include; Marriage and Family development, Christian Spiritual Formation, Church History, Greek, Major Prophets and homiletics and 1-3 John.
END OF YEAR STATISTICS
Practicum at BVBIZ is done in the following manner;
1. Weekend Evangelism (Saturday and Sunday)
2. One week Campaigns (at least 2 per each term). The school (both students and teachers) is joined in this effort by at least an average of four experienced preachers from Midlands province.
3. Holiday Preaching (for students who volunteer themselves to forego their break.
4. Field program (attachment in a particular congregation for 12 weeks after 4 terms and 6 months after 6 terms).
The following is a summary of what transpired in the field in 2023
Total hours 2300
Counselling sessions 55
Bible classes taught 310
Total prospects 1620
Church Sermons 320
Restorations 31
Baptisms 251
New congregations established 4
BVBIZ MARKETING
BVBIZ is making itself known to the people through a number of strategies and programs. In December, much effort was put in advertising the school at the National Youth Lectureship held in Masvingo and the National Men’s lectureship at Nhowe Mission. These occasions saw the school getting some slots to speak about its activities and recruitment of students. There was distribution of the school’s brochures and selling of regalia (caps and T-shirts).
2024 CALENDAR
The following is the tentative calendar for 2024
SIXTH TERM (4TH INTAKE)
7/1/2024 Students arrive
06-14/01/24 Chinhoyi campaign
06-14/01/24 New life behaviour seminars-S.Shereni
8/2/2024 Ambassadors day
12/4/2024 Term Ends
1/5/2024 Field program commences
FIRST TERM (5TH INTAKE)
15/05/24 Students arrival
16/05/24 Orientation
17/05/24 Classes begin
21-28/07/24 Evangelism campaign
9/8/2024 Classes end
SECOND TERM (5TH INTAKE)
9/9/2024 Lessons Commence
18/10/224 AGM
19/10/24 Graduation
28-31/10/24-3/11/24 Evangelism campaign
8/11/2024 2025 Planning Session
6/12/2024 Term Ends
NEXT TERM CURRICULUM
The following subjects are going to be taught; Christian Evaluation of Contemporary Ethics, Revelation, Geography of the Bible, Preacher’s Life and Work, Church Administration and Governance, Community Development and Poverty Alleviation, Theology of Missions and Phenomenology of Religion. There shall be a seminar on New Life Behaviour and another on Chaplaincy Studies. There shall be a week long campaign in Chinhoyi. The term will start on the 7th of January and ends on 12th of April.
APPRECIATION
BVBIZ would like to thank many, far and wide, who made contributions to the school. Contributions came both in kind and money. Some provided lessons and materials to use in the learning process. Great appreciation goes to Woodland Oaks church of Christ, our main sponsors. Appreciation also goes to Bear Valley Bible Institute International, Healing Hands International, Partners for Africa, Zimbabwe Missions, Forestry Commission, Pact Missionaries, World Evangelism among other organizations. The following individuals played a huge role as well; Chirenda family, Manyati family, Mpofu family (K & N), Sande family, Itai Mazambani, Stephen Mazambani, David Walker, Violet Mazambani, Tinashe Moyana, Mlangeni family, Dururu family, Ovious Kufa, Petros Kufa, Gedion Madyira, Masvaya family, Mudhlozera family, Daniel Chikware, Godknows Madamombe, Joshua Kumunda, Gray Ndoro, James Abraham, Maxwell Chitendeni, Zvishavane Church of Christ, Gokwe Centre church of Christ, Nashville Church of Christ, Buhera Church of Christ, and several others not mentioned by name.
Great appreciation goes to the school Board who continue to provide oversight over the school’s activities and operations. Teachers (both full time and part time), who taught in 2023 including our ancillary staff and the ambassadors are greatly appreciated as well including students who put in their best to make the year 2023 a success.
CONCLUSION
As we look back into the past year, we give all glory and honour to God for taking us this far. The progress made with the curriculum, in evangelism, to donations, and projects all show God’s guidance in this endevour. Your support financially, morally or in kind propelled BVBIZ towards the achievement of her goals. This support is enabled the training of preachers for the salvation of many. To God be the glory!