25 baptisms in Gweru, Zimbabwe

AUGUST 2025 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

August was a month of both excitement and challenge for the staff and students at BVBIZ. In the field, 25 souls were added to the church, with 6 restored to the faith. On campus, preparations were in full swing as the school proudly hosted the Men’s National Lectureship. Alongside this, regular activities continued successfully. The details below highlight the month’s key developments.

1.0 AUGUST CLASSES

The parallel class was at the BVBIZ campus in August. The main subjects under consideration were homiletics, Scheme of Redemption, New Testament Church, and How We Got the Bible. Homiletics is still ongoing. The second class focused on Research, Fundamentals of Faith, and Church Development. Some of these subjects will be completed during the weekend classes. One of the major highlights during their session, was a funeral that took place in the community. BVBIZ was tasked to handle the funeral. The students did the work professionally under the guidance of their tutor, bro. Kudakwashe Madyira.

2.0 NATIONAL MEN’S LECTURESHIP

From August 21st to 24th, BVBIZ had the honour of hosting the Men’s National Lectureship, welcoming nearly 300 attendees—our largest gathering to date. Despite our facilities still being under development, we were humbled by the willingness of participants to use the semi-finished facilities. For many, it was their first visit to BVBIZ, making the event a blessing for both the school and the attendees. Looking ahead, we envision hosting even larger lectureships if our infrastructure develops beyond its current level.

3.0 PROJECTS

Income generating projects continue to be a main component at BVBIZ. The main objectives of these projects are the exposition of students to life survival skills, provision of nutrition, and generation of an extra dollar to the school over and above what the school receives monthly. In this report, we focus on crop and cattle production

3.1 HORTICULTURE

The school’s two gardens and 2 greenhouses have the following crops; cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, butternuts, cucumber, cabbage, tomatoes, green pepper, peas, onions, and other vegetables. Previously, cabbage, tomatoes, and green mealies were top earners. However, bird and monkey invasions have forced us to scale down. Investing in additional greenhouses or shade nets could help us overcome this challenge and restore productivity.

3.2 CATTLE PROJECT

Our cattle herd now stands at five from three. Following the lectureship, the organizing committee generously donated a heifer to the school. Additionally, Bro. Wilbert Manyati (Class of 2024), passionate about this project, contributed $150 as a deposit, towards another heifer. Great appreciation goes to the organisers of the lectureship and bro. Manyati for boosting this project. Our goal is to reach seven heifers and one bull.

  4.0  FIELD UPDATES/INTENSHIP

Fieldwork remains a cornerstone of our training program, offering students hands-on experience under seasoned preachers. The students have been distributed in various areas. In August alone, 355 prospects were reached with the word. Of these, 25 souls were added to the church whilst 6 were restored back to the faith. 

5.0 MAY 2026 INTAKE AND INTERVIEWS

Recruitment for the May 2026 intake is underway. In August, several candidates were interviewed, with eight already accepted. Our target is to enrol 2 couples and 11 single students. Applications remain open, and we encourage interested individuals to submit theirs promptly.

6.0 PREACHERS’ RETREAT

From the 14th to the 17th of October, BVBIZ shall host its annual Preachers’ Retreat. This will be a time for renewal, networking, socialising, empowerment, rest and sharing of ideas. The invitation is open to all preachers. The theme for this year is “Navigating the Transition: Towards sustainable solutions in a metamorphosing theological and ministerial environment.”

Some of the lessons and sermons to be covered include;

·         Leadership crisis: The roles of the preacher in stabilising the ship

·         The Home: Maneuvering through current challenges confronting the preacher’s home

·         The Home: Maneuvering through current challenges confronting preachers’ wives

·         Maneuvering through current theological developments in Christendom

·         Building resilience in ministry

·         Finding Guidance in uncertainty

·         The God who never changes

·         The waymaker in the wilderness

·         From projects to business

CONCLUSION

August was a vibrant and fruitful month at BVBIZ. From hosting a national lectureship to advancing our academic programs and fieldwork, the momentum continues. We remain grateful for your prayers, partnerships, and generous support. Together, we are shaping future preachers and strengthening the church.

To God be the glory!

Posted on September 8, 2025 .