Successful campaign in Gweru, Zimbabwe
BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE ZIMBABWE (BVBIZ)
MARCH 2026 NARRATIVE REPORT
INTRODUCTION
This report provides a comprehensive account of the activities, developments, and operational updates of Bear Valley Bible Institute Zimbabwe (BVBIZ) for the month of March 2026. It covers the academic, spiritual, evangelistic, and administrative dimensions of the school’s ministry during this period. March 2026 was a month of significant milestones for BVBIZ. The full-time class of 2024–2026 successfully concluded its final term of coursework and examinations, marking the end of a rigorous academic journey before graduation. The school also hosted a special visit by Donnie Estep, conducted an impactful evangelism campaign in Chitungwiza, welcomed an exchange delegation from the African School of Bible Missions (ASBM), and continued to make strides in leadership training for local congregations. At the same time, the month presented considerable economic challenges, as the global impact of the war in Iran significantly drove up fuel and food costs — affecting the school’s day-to-day operations. Despite these pressures, BVBIZ remained steadfast in its God-given mission to train men and women who will carry the Word of God to every corner of Zimbabwe and beyond. This report details these and other developments, and is shared with gratitude to all who continue to make this ministry possible.
TERM ENDS
The final term of study (classwork) for the 2024–2026 full-time class officially came to an end on 30 March 2026. Examinations were also completed successfully.
PRACTICUM
The 2024–2026 class will undertake its final supervised practicum before graduation. The programme will commence on 4 May and conclude on 11 October 2026. Some of the students will have to shift to other centers on the 11th of July 2026. The following are the placements:
Congregation Province Student Names
Murambinda Manicaland A & P Ndoro
Goredema Mash West S. Mandongwe
Budiriro Harare T & F Mabika
Plasworth Midlands A & P Ndoro
Shurugwi Midlands M. Mekeresi & B. Gonye
Gokwe Centre Midlands D. Nyirongo, G. Chitsiku
Nembudziya Midlands T.Chitura
Muzokomba Manicaland T. Marandure
Derembwe Manicaland B. Masango
Mupudzi Manicaland T.Matanhike
Nhedziwa Manicaland T.Chitura
Beitbridge Matebeleland South M.Mekeresi & D. Nyirongo
Guyu, Mutawatawa Mash East G.Chitsiku
Deure Masvingo T. Matanhike & T.Marandure
SPECIAL VISIT
From 22 to 29 March, Donnie Estep visited the school to teach the book of Romans to the full-time students and portions of the book of James to the part-time students. The school greatly appreciates his dedication in making the journey. Beyond the classroom, Donnie took time to familiarise himself with the developments that have taken place since his last visit, and engaged in meaningful interactions with both students and members of staff.
NEW INTAKE
The school’s new intake will commence classes on 12 May 2026. From the interviews conducted, fifteen prospective students were accepted; however, two subsequently withdrew. The school has re-opened the opportunity for either one individual student or a couple who may wish to fill the vacancies.
EVANGELISM CAMPAIGN
From 16 to 22 March, teachers and students were deployed to Chitehwe Church of Christ in Chitungwiza for an evangelism campaign. Doors were knocked, members were visited, and the friends and families of members were engaged with the gospel message. Due to local conditions unique to the area, evening services could not be held as is the norm with such outreach campaigns. Nevertheless, the effort resulted in 11 souls being baptised. With continued follow-up on those who were reached with the Word, further conversions are anticipated.
The school extends its deep appreciation to the Chitehwe congregation for generously providing food, accommodation, and a conducive working environment. Such campaigns consistently provide invaluable practical experience for students.
10TH ANNIVERSARY AND CALL FOR SUGGESTIONS
This year marks 10 years since BVBIZ was established in Zimbabwe. A great deal has been accomplished since the school’s inception in 2016. The school will be celebrating this milestone on 16 October 2026 at its Gweru campus. All stakeholders — including sponsors, alumni, current students, ambassadors, local congregations, friends of the school, various partners, and the broader community — will be invited to this momentous occasion. The school will use the event to recognise all those who have played a part in its development and operations.
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
BVBIZ continues to make meaningful inroads in the training of leaders across various congregations. Following its earlier training of leaders at Nhowe Mission, on 28 and 29 March the school hosted three couples seconded by the Warren Park Church of Christ. Several lessons on leadership were delivered as part of preparing the couples for effective church leadership. The school commends the Warren Park Church of Christ and all other congregations that are proactively sending their leaders for training.
EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
The African School of Bible Missions (ASBM) and Bear Valley Bible Institute Zimbabwe have a long-standing exchange programme. This year, it was ASBM’s turn to host the visit, and they came to BVBIZ from 12 to 14 March. The two schools engaged through devotions, games, shared meals, a lecture in Revelation, and many other fellowship-enriching activities. Staff members also interacted at their own level. The visit served as an excellent platform for cross-pollinating ministry ideas. The benefits of this programme remain mutual, and much more can be achieved through the continued pursuit of such exchanges.
CONCLUSION
March 2026 was a month that tested and testified — a month that laid bare the pressures of a turbulent world while simultaneously showcasing the resilience and faithfulness of the BVBIZ community. From the successful conclusion of the 2024–2026 full-time class’s final term, to the baptism of 11 souls during the Chitungwiza campaign, to the visit by Donnie Estep, to the donations made, to the warm fellowship of the ASBM exchange visit, God’s hand was evident in every dimension of the school’s ministry. The school successfully hosted Donnie Estep for a week of teaching, finalized practicum placements for graduating students across Zimbabwe, opened its doors to a new cohort of 13 incoming students, continued to grow its Truck Fund, received meaningful donations in the form of curtains and books, and trained church leaders from the Warren Park congregation. Each of these activities reflects BVBIZ’s unwavering commitment to training servants of God who will impact their communities and the nation. While the economic headwinds brought on by the global fuel crisis pose genuine challenges to the school’s operations, BVBIZ remains anchored in faith and sustained by the faithfulness of its partners. It is with profound gratitude that the school acknowledges all those who continue to walk alongside this ministry. Your continued support is always valued.
BVBIZ exists not because of one person or one organization, but because of a community of committed partners who believe that training godly ministers of the Word is worth every effort and every dollar. As the school looks ahead to its 10th Anniversary celebrations in October 2026 and the graduation of the 2024–2026 class, it does so with a full heart of gratitude. May God richly reward each one of you, and may the fruit of your investment continue to multiply in the lives of those who will preach, teach, and serve across Zimbabwe and beyond. To God be the glory!