MONTHLY REPORT – JULY 2025
Bear Valley Bible Institute – Kara, Togo
Date: July 31, 2025
1. Introduction
We give thanks to God for His continued faithfulness toward the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Kara. The month of July 2025 was marked by the continuation of our courses, evangelistic activities, and strong collaboration between teachers and students. Although some students experienced mild health issues (headaches, dizziness, abdominal pain), each of them received appropriate medical care at the hospital. We consider this part of the normal human experience, and we praise God for their quick recovery.
2. Student Enrollment and Follow-Up
At the beginning of the month, we had 19 students enrolled. However, a newly admitted brother struggled to adapt to the academic pace and training requirements. After discussion, he decided to withdraw. Currently, 18 students are continuing their training with regular attendance, strong commitment, and discipline.
In addition to classroom instruction, students are actively involved in fieldwork, including:
· Door-to-door evangelism in nearby neighborhoods,
· Visits and teaching in local congregations,
· Organizing Bible study groups.
These activities allow students to apply the lessons learned, improve their communication skills, and confront the spiritual realities of ministry work.
3. Central Mission of the Institute
The Institute’s goal is to train balanced evangelists – men who can faithfully present God’s Word, lead exemplary lives, and contribute to the spiritual and numerical growth of the churches. Our motto remains:
"Train to preach, preach to plant, plant to strengthen."
We emphasize a holistic formation, combining rigorous biblical instruction, missionary practice, spiritual discipline, and Christian character.
4. Internal Organization
· Monthly Teachers’ Meeting: A meeting was held to plan, delegate tasks, exchange pedagogical ideas, and improve coordination.
· Housekeeping and Maintenance: At the end of each month, students carry out regular cleaning and maintenance of the dorms, bathrooms, kitchen, and library.
5. Courses for the Second Quarter (June 16 – October 30, 2025)
The six current courses focus on Bible understanding, personal ministry development, and the ability to evangelize and plant churches.
Course/Teacher/Objective
Introduction to the New Testament
Nicodème
To provide an overview of the 27 NT books, their historical context, and key messages.
Acts of the Apostles
Cephas
To study the missionary model of the early church and the principles of church planting.
The Ministry of Multiplication
Kpelevi
To train students in disciple-making who will train others.
Homiletics II
Fidèle
To improve preaching skills with faithfulness and clarity.
Establishing Biblical Authority
Cephas
To understand the inspiration, reliability, and sufficiency of Scripture to guide the Church.
The Gospel of Matthew
Fidèle
To deepen Christ’s teachings and their application in Christian life and ministry.
6. Suggestions to Improve Mission and Teaching Work
1. Create weekly evangelism teams, supervised by teachers, to reinforce student mentorship during outreach.
2. Organize a monthly public seminar, led by students, to enhance their teaching experience before a general audience.
3. Launch small church planting projects in unreached areas of northern Togo under the Institute’s supervision.
4. Increase the use of visual and digital tools in classes: Bible maps, timelines, PowerPoint presentations, etc.
5. Train students in local church administration, including report writing, financial management, and communication.
7. Conclusion
We are grateful to Bear Valley for its faithful support. The work is progressing well, though there are always challenges. We remain committed to upholding the vision and standards of Bear Valley while adapting to our local context.
We are available for any needed clarification or support and continue to pray that God will bless this work for His glory.
In Christian fellowship,
Cephas ESSOTENA
Coordinator – Bear Valley Bible Institute – Kara