Reflecting on a successful year in Sierra Leone

Bear Valley Bible Institute Sierra Leone

18A Harding Street, Kenema, Eastern Province, Sierra Leone

(An Extension of the)

Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, Colorado, USA

ACTIVITY OPERATION REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2025

Full Time and the Extended Programs

INTRODUCTION

The peace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be upon us today and forevermore.  It always feels good to end a great year with appreciation and gratitude. Our Lord has been merciful to us from the beginning of this year, 2025 until this 31st day of December 2025. We are highly grateful to Him.  In addition, we continue to mention and register our appreciation to our beloved brethren who are directly or indirectly supporting our work here. Thank you for your love for the souls across Sierra Leone. In this report, we will be updating you on what happened here in December and we will also summarily highlight our achievements in 2025. Please continue reading as we begin. 

STUDENTS AND ACADEMIC UPDATE

In December 2025, our 12 final year and 14 first year full time students at the main campus in Kenema were diligent and steadfast in the pursuit of their Christian knowledge. The final year students started their 8th quarter which is their final one before graduation, whereas the junior full time students ended their second quarter. On the other  hand, the part time students remained consistent as well in their academic endeavors. It sounds great to report to you that they have been with us for almost 4 years and are in their final quarter that is expected to end in February, 2026, Lord willing.  

 EVANGELISTIC EFFORTS AND CONVERSION OF SOULS

Here is the summary of conversions and restorations for the month of December 2025:

A.     The school had 6 conversions

B.      The evangelistic teams had 22 conversions and 5 restorations

C.     The total conversions were 28

D.     The total restorations were 5

THE HIGHLIGHTS OF 2025

The year 2025 was a great and a successful year for the BVBISL family. In 2025, we laid hold of the following:

A.   135 Souls were converted

B.    15 Christians were restored

C.    1 Congregation was restored

D.   5 New Congregations were planted

E.    4 Lectureships were held

F.   A first year class began with new students (including international students) in year one while the final year students continued (this is the first time we achieved this. Every year, we graduate a class before admitting another).

G.   A new part time program was begun in Freetown

H.   Evangelistic efforts being doubled across the country

I.       10 Full and part time staff were maintained

J. 10 Bags of Rice were produced from our Agricultural Farm

This is how the year ended with us through God’s help. We remain hopeful that 2026 will be better than 2025.

STUDENT’S PROFILE: Isaac Samawona

Isaac, age 25, is a fine young man, with a zeal to pursue the things of God. As a final year student he has displayed exemplary character, determination and discipline during his studies that earned him the position of the janitor in the student prefectural body. He is one of those student leaders who has demonstrated integrity, character and fortitude.

He was born on 30th October, 2000 in Segbwema town, the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone. His father is Richard Samawona and mother Amie Samawona. He is the first born of four siblings: two girls and two boys. As the eldest child, he has set a good example for his young ones to follow.

Conversion and Christian Journey

Isaac was a member of the New Apostolic Church for years. As the school usually sends staff and students to various locations in Sierra Leone, one of those being sent, Abu Missailie, found himself at Segbwema, in Isaac’s community. On one occasion, Epaphras preached the gospel to him and he expressed interest in being baptized. By the close of 2022, he became converted.

Bear Valley Experience

After some months of fellowshipping at the congregation in Segbwema, he expressed another desire to be enrolled at the KBVBI. After due processes, he was given a scholarship to study at the Institute, the experience which he describes as, “The greatest opportunity of his life.” Regarding campus life, this is what Isaac has to say:

The learning environment is very conducive. The lecturers are impactful while the students, my colleagues are friendly. I am having a wonderful time of my life on campus. I have learnt a lot during these past two years that I have been here. Going on mission work, lecture sessions and chapel, where we prepare and present sermons routinely have really equipped me for service in the Lord’s vineyard. I have learnt punctuality, neatness, discipline and self-control on campus. Not everything that is done to you should provoke you to react. These qualities will remain with me for a lifetime.

It is so encouraging to acknowledge how true those words that are echoed above by Isaac are when you personally know him. Isaac is so evangelistic, humble and hard working. He is not ashamed of the gospel at all. He will be graduating soon, Lord willing and we hope that he will be a great evangelistic vessel. Please keep remembering Isaac in your prayers.

Our Appreciation

No matter the desire one has to work for the Lord, one needs a push or partnership with others. It is this partnership that you all have extended to us throughout 2025. We appreciate all the support from Brothers Francis Musa, Steven, Keith, Reynolds, the local and international school staff, the alumni, the evangelistic teams on the field, the local congregations all over Sierra Leone and all our family members. Thank you for the regular receipt of operating funds, prayers, guidance, sending us students and strengthening us in the Lord. We anticipate another great year ahead in 2026!

UPCOMING GRADUATION

We have planned to have our 4th graduation exercise from April 2 – 4, 2026. If the Lord wills, we will be graduating two sets of students: full time and part time. We invite you all to be part of the convocation.

CONCLUSION

Thank you for reading this report to this point. May the Lord provide more opportunities to continue to be useful in His service! Till we come your way again in the first month of the year 2026, Lord willing, stay blessed and loved by God.  

Your brother,

Peter Sahr Makundu,

Director,

Sierra Leone Bear Valley Bible Institute