Monthly Report – April 2025
Bear Valley Bible Institute – Kara, Togo (Northern Region)
Introduction
April began under favorable conditions at the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Kara. Both instructors and students maintained consistent attendance, participating in theoretical lessons and practical activities such as devotionals, personal studies, and evangelism in homes, on the streets, and in public places.
The overall goal of the Institute remains the same: to train evangelists rooted in the Word of God, capable of proclaiming the Gospel with zeal and competence across all layers of society.
Student Health
Most of the students come from various regions of Togo, and two are from neighboring countries (Niger and Burkina Faso). This change in climate and diet initially caused some health discomforts. Thanks to appropriate care, the situation is now under control.
One student from Burkina Faso was referred to the hospital in Kara for more advanced medical care. Despite this, he continues to attend classes diligently, except for two mornings per week when he must go to the hospital at 8:00 a.m. for treatment, then returns to continue classes later in the day.
Theoretical Courses (April 2025)
The subjects taught during the month of April were:
· Survey of the Old Testament – Instructor: ATOKI Nicodème
· French Language – Instructor: KPELEVI M.
· God’s Plan for the Salvation of Humanity – Instructor: BEDJELSI Fidèle
· Homiletics I (Art of Preaching) – Instructor: BEDJELSI Fidèle
· Singing in Christian Worship – Instructor: NYEMANTA Céphas
· The Holy Spirit of God – Instructor: NYEMANTA Céphas
Academic Evaluations
At the end of each module, an evaluation was conducted to assess the students’ level of understanding. These evaluations are essential tools for identifying each student’s strengths and specific challenges. It should be noted that intellectual capacity varies from one student to another, and some show timidity in class. To address this, weekend tutoring sessions are regularly organized to reinforce learning and help unify the class level.
Practical Evangelism (Fridays)
Since the launch of this new cohort on February 24, 2025, evangelism has been at the heart of the training. It represents not only a fundamental Christian duty but also the main driving force for the spiritual and numerical growth of the Church.
Evangelism Training Tools
A practical 87-page manual has been designed and adapted for various contexts to help students effectively share the Gospel with all segments of society, regardless of religious affiliation. This material is used alongside the official academic program and aims to encourage preaching in schools, homes, and any setting where a spiritual conversation is possible.
Outreach Results
· First evangelistic outing: 1 person baptized
· Second outing: 5 people baptized, including one woman named LYDAWOU and four men
Upcoming Public Evangelism
Following these initial experiences in personal and group evangelism, public evangelism campaigns will be organized. These events will give students the opportunity to speak before larger audiences in preparation for future seminars and conferences.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Each student is required to plant at least one church during their training in order to graduate. This requirement is consistent with their calling as evangelists—not as pastors or church administrators. It is essential that they be equipped for practical mission work.
Birth of a New Congregation: BOHOU-TOZIDE
Following the baptisms recorded, a new congregation has been planted in BOHOU-TOZIDE. This mission field will serve as a practical training ground for students. Additional church planting and evangelism projects are currently being planned to support the growth of existing congregations in the region.
Conclusion
We give glory to God for the grace shown throughout the month of April. The progress observed both academically and in missionary work is encouraging. The Institute remains committed to its mission of training qualified laborers for the Lord’s harvest.
We thank all our partners, instructors, brothers, and sisters for their spiritual, moral, and material support.
Your brother in Christ,
N. Céphas
For the Bear Valley Bible Institute – Kara, Togo