New students begin studying in Gweru, Zimbabwe

APRIL 2026 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

This report covers the key activities, developments, and progress of Bear Valley Bible Institute Zimbabwe (BVBIZ) for the month of April 2026. It encompasses student activities during the school break, collaborative efforts at Nhowe, ongoing agricultural and livestock projects, the new intake schedule, practicum placements for the graduating class, a significant institutional visit, donations received, and preparations for the school's upcoming tenth anniversary celebration. This report is intended to keep all stakeholders — sponsors, partners, congregations, and friends of the school — informed and engaged with the mission and growth of BVBIZ.

1.0 PRACTICUM

1.1 HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Students were on school break from 30 March to 30 April 2026. Reports indicate that the students were very active within their home congregations during this period. Of particular note are two students, Bonwell Masango and Blessing Gonye, who remained on campus and were subsequently seconded to join the Mashonaland West team of preachers. The team was stationed at Biri Secondary School with the intention of establishing a new congregation there, and they conducted a week-long evangelism campaign. The combined efforts of the team resulted in 10 souls being baptised, marking the beginning of the Biri congregation. The campaign was followed by the Mashonaland West Gospel Meeting, which took place from 17 to 19 April. Students were given preaching slots on the programme, providing them with valuable practical ministry experience. 

1.2 NHOWE

For the first time, the Harare part-time class converged at Nhowe to join the Nhowe part-time class from 8 to 19 April. Brother Daniel Mayfield served as the guest teacher, instructing the students in the book of Romans. Also noteworthy was an evangelism campaign conducted during this period at Twist Farm, located near Nhowe. The two classes combined their efforts to share the Word of God with residents in and around the farm. The students were also involved in leading devotions at Nhowe Mission Hospital and conducting church services at both Nhowe and Barrymore Churches of Christ. This joint initiative provided a valuable opportunity for students from the two classes to meet, fellowship, and collaborate in ministry

2.0 PROJECTS

Our crops continue to thrive in the school garden. Sales of green pepper, cabbage, lettuce, and tomatoes were recorded in April. Additional crops that are yet to mature include broccoli, cauliflower, onion, and further batches of cabbage and tomatoes. Our goat herd currently stands at 11 animals, while two new calves were added to the cattle herd in April, bringing the total herd size to 7. The school continues to be in need of a bull to support the growth of its cattle programme

3.0 NEW INTAKE

The following courses and workshops have been scheduled for the new intake, along with their respective instructors:

Old Testament Law                                           I.Mutichu

How We Got the Bible                                      M.Muchingami

Christian Evidences                                           G.Dzuwanani

English and Writing Skills                                 I.Mutichu

Scheme of Redemption                                      Muchingami

Personal Evangelism 1: Personal Work             L. Manyanhaire

Public Speaking                                                  I.Mutichu

Life of Christ 1                                                    M.Muchingami

New Testament Church (SC)                              I.Mutichu

Workshops

Poultry and Goat production                              T. Tizora

New Life Behaviour                                           S. Shereni

Sustainable Gardening Skills                              J. Dube

4.0 PRACTICUM/INTERNSHIP

The 2024-2026 class will undertake its last practicum from the 4th of May to the 11th of October. As per the previous report, the centres have not changed for now.  

The next report will detail activities that would have transpired in the field

5.0 SPECIAL VISIT

BVBIZ has been providing intern students to the Beitbridge area, thereby building a strong and mutually beneficial partnership with the local congregation and its stakeholders. Through this partnership, the school has also continued to benefit from the use of a tent donated to the Nashville congregation in Gweru, which has been invaluable during evangelism campaigns.

To further strengthen this relationship, Brothers Machona Monyamane and Dale Breesee visited the school on 14 April. The visit included productive discussions on ongoing collaboration as well as a tour of the school campus. Such partnerships are vital to the school's operations, and BVBIZ continues to value and cherish them greatly. As a result of this partnership, two students will be stationed at Beitbridge for their internship placement.

6.0 DONATIONS

6.1 Classroom block

The school received a generous donation of $250 from Brother and Sister Stephen Mazambani towards the construction of the classroom and office block. This gesture is greatly appreciated, as there is still much work to be done on the structure. 

Once fully completed, the Administration Block will provide learning space for students, significantly enhance the operational capacity of the institution, provide a dignified working environment for staff and a welcoming space for visitor

7.0 TENTH ANNIVERSARY: 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 recognize all those who have played a part in its development and operations this far. The school is also receiving suggestions regarding this event

CONCLUSION

April 2026 has been a month marked by meaningful ministry, productive collaboration, and continued institutional growth. From the establishment of a new congregation at Biri, to the joint Nhowe classes, the steady progress of school projects, and the strengthening of key partnerships, BVBIZ continues to advance its mission of training preachers and evangelists across Zimbabwe and beyond. As the school approaches its tenth anniversary, it does so with a deep sense of gratitude for the journey thus far and with great anticipation for what lies ahead. The commitment of students, faculty, sponsors, and partners remains the foundation of everything BVBIZ is able to accomplish. The school is grateful for every contribution — in prayer, finances, and service — and looks forward to continued partnership as it presses toward the goal of spreading the gospel throughout the region