Graduation nears in Gweru, Zimbabwe
JUNE 2026 NARRATIVE REPORT
INTRODUCTION
This report presents a narrative account of the activities, achievements, and developments at Bear Valley Bible Institute of Zimbabwe (BVBIZ) during the month of June 2026. It covers curriculum progress, updates from the practicum field, readiness of the 2024-2026 class for full-time ministry, and preparations for the school's upcoming graduation and tenth anniversary celebrations. The report is intended to keep stakeholders, partners, and friends of the school informed of its continued growth and the impact of its work.
1.0 CURRICULUM PROGRESS
The month of June was intense in terms of classwork, with students slowly getting used to the academic rigour at BVBIZ. Although the regular curriculum continued to be followed, the following developments can be reported:
1.1 Horticulture
In an effort to instill life-survival skills in students, BVBIZ has intentionally made horticulture one of the compulsory core courses at the school. From the 23rd to the 27th of the month, students were taken through several key topics in horticulture. The areas covered included horticulture segments, greenhouse maintenance, urban horticulture business, marketing and contracts in horticulture, and fruit-tree production and orchard maintenance. The course was taught by Grey Ndoro, a BVBIZ graduate who has advanced significantly in the field of agriculture.
1.2 New Life Behaviour
BVBIZ makes every effort to ensure that it produces well-rounded students who are exposed to a variety of programs and working environments. The New Life Behaviour program, run by the New Life Behaviour Ministry, focused on prison ministry and marriage. The guest teacher was Stanley Shereni, who has been involved in prison ministry in Zimbabwe for many years.
1.3 Personal Work I
With BVBIZ's strong emphasis on evangelism, personal work classes began in earnest this month. Lovemore Manyanhaire, the personal work teacher, guided students through the personal work sessions, which included theory as well as the presentation of lessons to the teacher and the director, who served as test prospects. Having satisfied the teacher, students proceeded to real practical sessions in people's homes in a rural setting, where they engaged with actual prospects. A further session was conducted in an urban setting, with students taken to the Nashville area in Gweru for door-knocking sessions. This has laid the foundation for the school's subsequent termly campaigns, weekend evangelism, holiday preaching, and field practicum.
2.0 PRACTICUM UPDATE
The 2024-2026 class completed its second month of internship. Reports from the field indicate that students have maintained a dual focus: keeping the saved grounded in the faith while sharing the gospel message with both unbelievers and mis-believers. Students spoke and taught at clinics, schools, funerals, in the streets, homes, churches, and wherever people were found. They also worked with the elderly, the youth, and women, including the less fortunate members of society. At Gokwe Centre, through one of the students' networks (Greatman Foundation), two disabled children received wheelchairs. According to the statistics gathered, 196 prospects were reached with the Word, while 5 souls were restored to the faith and a further 5 were baptized.
3.0 READY FOR THE FIELD
As graduation approaches in October, congregations wishing to enlist the services of a preacher are encouraged to reach out to the school using the contacts provided. The school has both married and single students who have made themselves available for full-time ministry and are ready to begin work in congregations immediately after graduation. Those wishing to establish new congregations and in need of a preacher are also welcome to contact the school.
4.0 UPCOMING GRADUATION AND TENTH ANNIVERSARY
The school wishes to invite all stakeholders, church leaders, church members, and the friends and family of the 2024-2026 class to its 5th graduation ceremony, scheduled for the 17th of October 2026. The ceremony will be held on the school's campus.
The year 2026 marks ten years of the school's existence. The school has come a long way, and this achievement is well worth celebrating. During the occasion, the school will recognize those who have played a part in bringing it to where it is today. The school therefore invites all partners, funders, BVBIZ alumni, the community, past and present board members, past and present staff members, and organizations to the event, which will take place on the 16th of October at 1400 hours.
CONCLUSIONS
June 2026 was a month of steady progress for BVBIZ, marked by continued academic growth, fruitful field practicum work, and active preparation for two significant milestones ahead: the graduation of the 2024-2026 class and the school's tenth anniversary. The dedication of students, staff, and partners continues to move the school's mission forward, and the school remains grateful for the ongoing support of its stakeholders, particularly through initiatives such as the truck fund. BVBIZ looks forward to the months ahead with gratitude and anticipation, and welcomes continued partnership from all who share in its vision.