Graduation in Cameroon

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Cameroon in the name of Jesus. We are doing great here and God continues His great works in our lives. We do hope you are doing great and God is blessing you.

We are thankful to God that the year was a successful one as we were living witnesses to all of the events that we planned to do as the year was ending. We are thankful to God for His divine protection over all of us and our plans to serve Him.

As I write this report, all the graduated GAMMA batch students have left Wotutu to their different villages and will prepare themselves to start a new work in their new locations by the grace of God come January 2017. Keep them in your prayers as we have done our part to train them, shape them, and make them vessels that is ready for use. They should position themselves for the Lord to use them to accomplish His mission on earth through them.

We pray and wait for 2017 to start, but we are planning to pay attention to more barren and virgin lands to establish new congregations and nurture them as we start a new batch DELTA batch of 20 students who have matriculated and will start their two years journey of Biblical studies on the 2 of Jan 2017,

From my heart, I say thank you Lord for using me to do what is entrusted in my hands. To preach and teach the gospel, train faithful men in the Bible college and other many congregations to preach, nurture and revive dying congregations. I thank you who are reading this report now and for all that you have done to make this assignment easier for me to do it.

God bless you all. God bless the churches of Christ all over the world, Pray for us as we pray for you. I shall take a short break if I have the means to leave my family to hide somewhere for some weeks before we start a new class to really refresh, reflect, and plan for a new work. God bless you for all you have done.

Your brother,

Elangwe

A time of transition in Paraguay

Troy and Andrea Spradlin have been serving as missionaries in Asuncion, Paraguay and Troy as the Director of the Bear Valley extension there. This is there latest report, which also includes plans for the school. You can read it HERE. 

More baptisms in Nigeria

Beloved in Christ Jesus, 
Greetings from BVBIN and SWSE,Butubutu village, Ibadan and from my fellow WBSFUW in Southern state of Nigeria.

Bro. Lucky Stephen Onya, one of our year two students, took our students to work with the Igbara-Odo congregation in Ekiti state in their 3 day mass evangelism from December 2 through 4 which resulted in conversion of five souls on Saturday evening. TO GOD BE THE GLORY. 

Due to my tight schedule, I travelled on Saturday evening to speak in a day Bible lectureship organized by Iyemaja congregation in Ondo town, Ondo state on December 4 on How to know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. We are 88 in attendance with total collection of N18,000.

On Saturday, December 3rd, Bro. Matthew Adeyemi, minister of Igbesa congregation in Ogun state and fellow WBSFUW worked with our students in Lagos campus under the directive of Bro. Dairo Abiodun Joseph to evangelize Igbesa town and the Lord crowned their efforts with four converts.

Beloved, we thank you all for your moral and financial supports for the Lord 's work in Africa most especially in Nigeria. May the Lord continue to bless all our work together in Jesus name, Amen.

Sincerely His and yours, 
Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi
(Director of Studies and Chairman of the Administrative Council )
BVBIN AND SWSE, BUTUBUTU VILLAGE, IBADAN

7th quarters completed in Mbanga, Cameroon

Dearest in the Lord,Greetings from Cameroon

Is really great to inform the Bear Valley family again after a successful graduation and annual lectureship that took place in Wotutu, in the presence of a lot of people both Christians and unbelievers from Cameroon, USA, Nigeria, and Gabon. By the grace of God, 5 souls were added into the kingdom of God and many others who had the opportunity to listen to the word of God.  We are happy because all the students from Mbanga were involved in the day to day evangelism which is the primary motive of our existence. "GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES"as you will see that as the motto of our school written in french "ALLEZ FAITES DES DISCIPLES".May His name be glorified.

We just finished our 7th quarter exams last Friday and we are going to conclude the last part of our short course this Thursday. By His grace, and immediately after exams, the students shall be traveling to various fields for an evangelistic campaign in several parts of this country. Two of the students shall be traveling to two separate parts of the Nord of Cameroon. Mamoudou Estephane will be going to Njola and Ngong congregations where he will take full time preaching after his studies in Mbanga, while Datouji Sylvanus will be going to Lagdo and Riao for a 20 day campaign. I wish we put these brethren in our prayers because our roads are really bad and these brothers are to use two days for this journey. The others will be going to our young congregations that we just established with in this period of two years.

The last quarter begins January 2nd and all our courses are already scheduled. The last course will be taught by Todd Crayton of the Frisco Church of Christ and he will be teaching Marriage and Family with all the wives of the married students. In March 2017 you are all invited,to attend this grand graduation that will be the first of its ind in French Cameroon .

The construction work in Mbanga is going on well and about 7000 blocks have already been made and this week will be the last week for the molding of blocks. By mid December, we shall commence with the foundation work. I shall be keeping you in touch as time goes on.

We thank the Bear Valley school in Denver and the Frisco and Pattonville congregations, and many others who are helping us to keep on doing the work of God in this part of the country. May God keep blessing us and give us the wisdom to go about this work.

Your brother,

Ititi

Extremely productive in Zimbabwe

INTRODUCTION

At the end of each month, we look back and thank God for what he has been able to do through BVBIZ.  BVBIZ remains humbled and grateful to our partners and sponsors. Economically, things have not been easy in Zimbabwe. Despite all this, God has seen us through another month. We can only thank Him that despite these negative pressures, BVBIZ continues to advance her agenda, that is, to train men and women for the furtherance of the Gospel in Zimbabwe and beyond.  The following is a capsule of what transpired in the month of November. 

END OF SECOND TERM

Our second term has come to an end. Teachers are currently grading the final examinations that were written. Continuous assessment of each student was satisfactory, that is, both in theory and practical. As usual, there are others who do better as compared to others. The students are full of potential and every effort is being put towards moulding them to become the foot soldiers for Christ. BVBIZ wishes them a well-deserved but fruitful rest during their break.

UPDATE ON THE SICK STUDENT

In September, we reported that one of our students who was not well went back home. Despite improvements in his health, Gift Mukhuli did not succeed in coming back to school. It appears his situation has been compounded by further family challenges. Unless he comes back, the number of our students has reduced to 12 from 13. 

LEADERSHIP TRAINING

BVBIZ shall be launching a leadership training program the first weekend of December on campus.  We hope to extend this program to Bulawayo, Harare and other areas in the near future. The program will run on a  block release basis. It will take place one weekend every month for 12 months. It is hoped that this program funds itself.

It is BVBIZ’s understanding that effective leadership is a prerequisite for a growing church. Leaders must be interested in growing dynamic and active churches. Behind every growing church is a dedicated leadership. Growth needs the blessing of a good, effective and efficient leadership. Because of the profound nature of the work involved in having growing congregations, BVBIZ sees good leadership as a catalyst for growth. Every congregation is in its present status because of leadership. In line with this view, some congregations can slow down, others die with others growing because of leadership. 

Few things are achieved without good leadership. For growth to take place there is need for an effective, efficient, qualified and capable leadership. Norman Hogan is convinced that, “An ineffective leadership is a scourge to the church” (2). Leadership ought to be a blessing for growth and to the church and not to be a curse. As Eddie Miller observed, the ultimate goal of every leadership should be to lead the church in growth (41). Growth therefore needs the blessing of a good leadership. This program will complement BVBIZ’s core business of training ministers of the Gospel. Our current students shall also be benefitting from this program as they are sent to attend some of the sessions. Through the production of good quality and well equipped preachers and leaders, the stage for winning souls would have been set. 

The following is the proposed curriculum which is divided into four quarters with each quarter running for 3 months. At the end of each quarter, final examinations will be written. There shall be continuous assessment based on tests, assignments and practicum. 

Q1

Denominational Doctrines

New Testament Studies I 

Evangelism and Church Planting

The New Testament Church

Worship

Christian Spiritual Formation

Church Growth

Q2

Christian Ethics and Moral Development

Conflict Management and Resolution

Project Management and Administration 

Marriage and Family Development

Old Testament Studies I

New Testament Studies II

Q3

Introduction to Biblical Interpretation

Leadership in the Local Church

Communication in Organisations

Introduction to Homiletics

Leadership Practicum and Fieldwork

Introduction to Financial Management & Accountability for Churches

Q4

Old Testament Studies II

Pastoral Care and Counselling

Religion, Society, and Developmental Issues

Introduction to Entrepreneurship Skills Development

Education Ministry in the Local Church

EVANGELISM

BVBIZ students only had only 2 weekends to do evangelism in November. From the 16th-20th we had a funeral. The preacher at Kwekwe, Brother Maxwell Chitukutuku had passed on. Two students have been working with the congregation at Kwekwe for the past 3 months. These students had to be part of those preaching during the funeral. Other students went to support their fellow mates. Whilst these are sorrowful moments, they provide our students with opportunities to excessive what they are learning at BVBIZ on how to handle funerals. The last weekend was also disturbed as students were writing some of their final examinations. The following are the statistics for the work done in November. 

Students had many opportunities of preach and teach in congregations during the month of November. 

Broiler Project

Our broiler project has been a success so far. We started with 100 birds. 94 of these survived. The mortality rate was 6%. The broilers were 5 weeks old as of the 30th of November 2016. They will be ready for sale from the 3rd of December. 2016. Real success will be realised when we are able to sale all these, which in turn will enable us to start another cycle. We kept the first cycle at campus. The second cycle will be at Julena, 20km away from Gweru. The fowl run is almost complete.                                 

Farming Project

Our faming project delayed a bit in starting because of rains which came later than expected. Planting of maize was done on the 25th of November.  Sweet beans shall be planted in early January as per the recommendation made. We have 2 hectares under maize while we expect to have 1 hectare of beans. The pictures show some of the planted fields.             

Garden Project

We started our garden project with the sole purpose of lowering our food budget and provide students with the necessary knowledge in vegetable production. Each student has 2 beds to take care of. We are no longer buying vegetables for students. The garden is providing all these. The month of November saw BVBIZ having excess vegetables than our kitchen requirements. The excess vegetables were sold and we are hoping to do more as we progress. 

BVBIZ does not currently have her own means of transport. Julena (the area we are temporarily using for our projects)  is not accessible without a vehicle. There is no public transport to the area either. It became necessary that we have a vehicle temporarily for use whilst meeting its running costs. We now have it and things have become a bit easy. However, the challenge of trasportation for the school remains. 

CONCLUSION

As has been noted above, the month of November added more value to the work at BVBIZ. We continue anticipating greater things to come even as we look towards the future. We continue to fine tune ourselves towards this noble task. We remain grateful to every one of you for your spiritual, moral and material support. To God be the glory.

Your brother,

Mathew Muchingam

Director, BVBI-Z

18 baptisms in northern Ghana

GOSPEL CAMPAIGN IN THE NANUMBA NORTH, 2016.

We did the campaign in the three communities in Bakpaba, Duuni, and Bincharatanga. All these towns are in Bimbilla district in the Northern Region.   

We campaigned and restored the Church in Bincharatanga. Bincharatanga is the third largest community in the Nanumba North. The Church has been in this community for over ten years and because there was no preacher or anyone taking care of it, it died. The Church needs serious attention, in other words; there is the need for a preacher to be located there or a regular visit.

The second community was Duuni where one of our past student, called Waaja Francis works. We campaigned here and baptized six souls into the Church. Francis is doing a good work there.

 The third campaigned was in Bakpaba where we lodged for two days and by His grace twelve souls were baptized into the Church.

The two congregations Bakpaba and Duuni gave us their support and took part of this great work. They contributed some food stuffs to help feed us. Also some of the past students came there to help us in this evangelical campaign. Their women volunteered and cooked for us.

Both the Churches and the past students contributed to our success in getting eighteen souls for the Lord in His Church.    

PREACHING EQUIPMENT.

We now have our equipment fixed and ready to work. They are; projector, amplifier with two box speakers and two horns, DVD deck, one self, standing screen, two wireless mics, and two other mics.

TEACHING AND LEARNING.

The school is in section and we are vacating for voting and Christmas holidays on second December. All the teachers were punctual and responded to their call to teach.

CAMPAIGN FOR STUDENTS.

In our effort to recruit students for the next batch, we have made a trip to Garunkuka in the Northern Region to pay a visit to one of our past students called Samuel Akom. We met the whole congregation and taught them how to support the preacher so that he can do the work for Lord.

We had a brother called Daniel Baloln who filled a form to be enrolled next year. Daniel is a very good church leader helping the Mulipido congregation and now wants to be trained as a preacher. So far we have five who have returned their forms. We have also given out eighteen forms to brethren who have expressed their willingness to come.

Good news in Zambia

Hearty greetings to you all brothers and sisters! We give honor and glory to God our heavenly Father who through His grace and the love fully expressed in Christ has granted us the opportunity to work in His kingdom. We are but mortal vessels who should strive to draw closer to God and imbibe on His eternal Word even as He uses us for His purpose.  

The men’s Conference in Lusaka

It was on Thursday, 29th September 2016 that together with other 13 men, we arrived in Lusaka. The reason for this trip was to attend the annual conference for men. The three days was indeed jam-packed with good lessons and wonderful fellowship. The theme of the conference was “Man That Leads.” All the Provinces of Zambia were represented with exception of North-Western, Western, and Muchinga Provinces.  There were 254 men in attendance, and at the end of the conference there were four (4) baptisms and three (3) restorations recorded. The Men’s National Organizing Committee ended its five (5) year mandate and another committee was chosen during the conference that will stay in office for the next five (5) years. The next conference for men will take place in August, 2017 in Western Province.  We were very glad to be given a slot also during the conference to talk and advertise Bear Valley Bible Institute-Zambia.

Ordination of Elders

On 30th October, 2016, the School was invited and asked by Chiwempela Church Christ in Chingola, to perform the ordination of their elders and deacons. This congregation has never had any elders and deacons since its inception almost twelve (12) years ago. The town of Chingola is about 40km south of DRC. We have many nationals from DRC living both in Chingola and other towns of Copper Belt Province. There are only few known churches of Christ in the entire DRC. The political instability there has made the establishment of both churches and mission points almost impossible. 

We have two known congregations near the DRC border. These are not big congregations, but they can serve as stepping stones for aggressive evangelism inside the DRC. Our purpose and determination is to work with these existing churches and raise men who can eventually work in Congo.

 The advantage that we have is that these people living near the border of DRC know and speak the language of DRC fluently. So it won’t be any problem when it comes to communication.  

Evangelistic Trips that took place this year

  The institute have had opportunity to strengthen local congregations here in the copper belt and outside the Copper Belt Province. The work has extended as far as Kawabwa in Luapula Province and Lusaka the capital of Zambia.  And as a result of these efforts three souls have been added to the Kingdom and four (4) have been restored back to the kingdom of God. As we enter 2017 we anticipate another good year of teaching and preparing those who want to be in Church leadership. The school have been invited to go to Mumbwa for series of evangelistic campaigns in April, 2017.  This town is in Lusaka Province.  Brethren in this town (Mumbwa) have been pleading to visit them from the time they heard about the school. This calling and pleading seems to be like the “Macedonian call” and we pray that this land is spiritually fertile.  

 Some happenings during holidays

The school is on break, and we took the rare opportunity to travel to Chimala Bible Institute in Tanzania for short courses of master’s program. Having previously taken the introductory work to graduate program last year, it was indeed a very intense two weeks of hard work. We covered the book of John and Advanced Hermeneutics. Brother Jerry Bates took us in both courses. He really did a terrific job! These two weeks flew just like two days because of the velocity of the program.

The students at Bear Valley Bible Institute Zambia are also on break and we have heard good things coming directly from all of them. They have reported that they have been quite active and very busy in several evangelistic preaching in their areas.

Boniface Sianjina went back to Kafubu Farming Block area within Luanshya district. As the name suggests, many residents of this area are primarily farmers. And Boniface has been doing a little bit of farming to sustain himself and his family while he is not at school. He is also active in spreading the gospel whenever he is not farming.

Albert Phiri is back at his home congregation in Mpongwe district some 50km from Luanshya town.  Joseph Musonda went back to Baluba where he is also preaching and he is helping his mother with a little bit of farming. He is also a bricklayer and sometimes he is hired to build in his area. Stephen Ngosa is also from Baluba and the report we have is that he is also very active with the church work especially on Sundays when he preaches, leads songs and serves on the Lord’s Table. Josephat Kantu is trying to support himself by working at one of the construction companies here in Luanshya. He comes regularly at Luanshya Central Church of Christ on Sundays.

Another interesting report comes from Andrew Mwila in Luapula Province of Zambia. This Province also has borders with DRC. He (Andrew) reports that he is very busy preaching and converting some people to Christ. When we read of another Andrew who brought his brother to Christ in the Bible, we are encouraged that our Andrew here is just doing the same, i.e. bringing people to Christ!!! Yes, Andrew is a little known man who brought a prominent man to Christ. He is overshadowed by his brother in every way, but yet he brought that brother to Christ. He did this because he had love for the lost. Equally Brother Andrew Mwila has the love for the lost.

Andrew is one of our best students here. We are so amazed to see his spiritual devotion and the depth of his maturity. He is a very serious student and he is highly respected by all his fellow students. Since he is also a bricklayer, he has started building a church building of one of the congregations he helped to start in his area. 

There is no question or doubt that lives have and will eternally be changed spiritually and enriched physically because of the efforts of these young men.  

We continue to be very grateful to the Woodland Oaks Church of Christ for the continued support of the work here. Moreover, all your efforts and prayers for the work here are highly appreciated.  

God bless you all. 

Your Partners in Christ, 

The Bear Valley Bible Institute Zambia Team

Great things are happening in Malawi!

One of the newest Bear Valley extensions is in Mzuzu, Malawi and is a vital part of a large, longstanding mission in that country. Read the latest update from northern Malawi by clicking HERE. 

Post-campaign work in Arusha

More good news from Arusha Church of Christ.

Today, I would like to write a few words for you so that you can continue to see how great our God is. For the past few weeks, evangelists from various congregations have been involved in reaching out to many souls with the gospel. This has led to a busy and blessed month which has resulted in a bountiful harvest. More souls are added day by day as we continue with the follow up studies. It is very encouraging to see people who have obeyed the gospel to attend various classes during the week. Our Wednesday Bible class is now back to its original size, and we expect more to attend in order to study together and worship our God. The Church here has introduced a prayer session in which everyone in the neighborhood are invited to attend and present their prayer requests for the men of the congregation are to pray about. 

As a preacher with help of the men, I now focus on training more men to take leadership positions, thanks to brother Marcel who is now developing a desire to serve in the Leadership position. These new people in the church need to be visited and encouraged because their denominational Pastors are not happy at all. This is why we fervently need your prayers. One thing that I have learned during this campaign is that new people are the ones inviting their new friends to come and seek the truth. This is wonderful for evangelism, but it also incurs ill behavior from some denominational leaders who are unhappy about this. 

Please continue to pray for the new 65 souls who have obeyed the gospel during our November campaign. We have been able to reach out to those who are not coming and keep teaching them the basic principles and the number of attendance now is 40. We have two from the list who are worshiping in the nearby congregation. 

 Radio program:

Just a brief word on the radio program! We have more people calling to ask for more studies, and we invite them to come to Bible classes at the church. Regardless of a few challenges the true gospel is being preached and according to the statistics from the radio station more then 400,000 people are listening to us. Keep this program in your prayer list.

Thank you again for your love, support, and prayer for this work as we all continue working for Him and the Kingdom.

In Christian Love,

Godfrey Mngoma

Dean of Students - Andrew Connally School of Preaching

A Bear Valley Bible Institute International extension school

Arusha, Tanzania

The school in Ukraine continues to grow

Dennis Spoelnik, the Director the extension in Ukraine has sent us an encouraging report on the progress of the school there. You will want to read it and you can by clicking HERE. 

Graduation in Wotutu

It was my distinct honor to attend and address the commencement ceremony of the 2016 graduating class in Wotutu, Cameroon. This class of 22 men represents unlimited potential for the Kingdom of Christ in this country for many years to come. This school has now sent 61 fully trained men out into the filed in its 6 year history. The dedication of the staff and students is both impressive and inspiring. 

One of the best stories to come out of this class relates to one of our students who was disowned by his family when he became a Christian. But he was not to be deterred and even enrolled in the preacher training school. Eventually his father became receptive to the gospel and was converted by his son. Isn't that wonderful?! But it gets even better, because the father is now enrolled in the next class of students and will begin his studies in January!  (they are pictured above)

I am thankful for our brothers Elangwe and Ititi (also pictured above) for their service as the Directors for the 2 Bear Valley extensions in Cameroon. (Ititi in Mbanga and Elangwe in Wotutu). Also, many thanks to David Ballard who does a tremendous job as the Coordinator for both of these schools.  Please continue to pray for them and all the other teachers as they fulfill the Bear Valley mission found in 2 Tim. 2:2.

Keith Kasarjian

Masters classes in Chimala

Report from Chimala, Tanzania

For the last two weeks we have been blessed to have 15 students from three different African countries on our campus for the Master’s program.  Jerry Bates was the teacher and his subjects were “The Gospel of John” and “Advanced Hermeneutics.”  In talking to the students it seems that all enjoyed the classes and were appreciative of this opportunity to increase their knowledge of God’s word.  One of the side benefits of having the students here is to get to hear about the work they are doing back in their home countries and home towns.  It is exciting to hear how God is working in other parts of Africa.  But Friday came so quickly and soon we were saying our good byes as they headed back home.  We look forward to seeing them again in May as they are back here for two more weeks of Master’s word.

This time they left with an added advantage to help them in their studies.  Here at Chimala we have been blessed with many donations of books, and some of the boxes are cases full of new books right from the publisher.  For the past few weeks my wife, Carol, has been going through all the boxes and we decided to make up a box full of new books and pamphlets for the students to take home with them.  In addition to a box for each student, we made up two big boxes of books that we have duplicates of in our Chimala library and we sent them with the students – One to the new school in Mzuzu, Malawi, and the other to the preacher’s school in Zambia.  We are excited to be able to share with our sister schools and help them establish their libraries.

Today, Saturday – November 19 – we had interviews for the new prospective students who will start their first year of training in January.  We have both the Swahili and the English Bear Valley programs.  While there are a number of Swahili students returning for their second year, this January will be the start of a brand new class for the English side of the program.  Our student capacity is 50 students, so in a couple of weeks we should know how many we will actually have coming to start school in January.

With the completion of the Master’s classes things will be quiet around CBI for the next month and a half, but that does not mean the work will cease.  In the last two weeks Chimala congregation here on the mission had had 11 baptisms.  This comes from their active evangelism program in the town of Chimala.  Some of the former graduates of the preaching schools here as well as some of the teachers are heading up this program.  While I have been invited to go with them, it is exciting to see the work that they are doing.

As of this writing we have been in Tanzania just 6 weeks and we are excited about the work here and the opportunities we see, especially in the way that the Tanzanians are taking leadership roles and taking ownership in the work.  This does not mean that there is not a lot more work to do, but it does mean that the work is headed in the right direction.

In Christ,

Richard Rogers

rogersafricanmission.wordpress.com

Campaigns and Classes in Nigeria

Beloved in Christ, 

Greetings from BVBIN and SWSE, Ibadan, Oyo State.

ANOTHER LORD'S CHURCH PLANTED

As God would have it, we started the two day mass evangelism and evening open air Bible lectureship at Alapata-Ikoyi, Osun State on Friday, November 18 between 4:00pm through 7:30pm.  One of our year 1 students, named Bro. Emmanuel Godwin, led the program in songs while I spoke on Friday evening on “The Unknown God.”

OnSaturday morning, we divided ourselves into five groups for house-to-house evangelism and the Lord crowned our efforts with three souls which was added to the Lord's Church. In the evening, I first spoke on “Scheme of Redemption” while Bro. Kayode spoke on “Worship of the New Testament Church.”  Lord willing, Bro. Kayode Eniafe will be leading five of our students to worship with this new congregation at Alapata-Ikoyi, Osun State. 

SECOND SEMESTER CLASSES COMMENCED

We commenced our 2nd semester classes as scheduled. Bro. Abiola Joseph Olusoji is handling Hermeneutics-1 and Denominational Doctrines. Bro. Isaac Olusoji is in charge of Life of Christ -2, Galatians and OT Wisdom -2.  Bro.Kayode Eniafe, Hebrews and OT history -1.  Bro. Abraham Idu will teach Acts of the Apostles and Prison Epistles while I (Bro.Makinde Ebens) will handle Homiletics 1 and 2, The Preacher's Life, NT Church -2 (Worship) and Evangelism Strategies. 

Brethren, our end of the year program will commence on December 23,2016 through January 4,2017 to enable the students settle down for the remaining subjects.

Makinde Ebens

More good news from Chimala, Tanzania!

Lately, the good news from Chimala, Tanzania has been both consistent and exciting. Read the latest report (with pictures) HERE. 

A good start in Fiji

Things are off to a good start at the new school in Fiji and you can read the good news HERE. 

Shaken, but not hurt in New Zealand

A recent strong earthquake shook our brethren in New Zealand, but everyone we know fared well. You can read about it and other good news HERE. 

A great start in Kenya

Dear Mike Reese,

Greetings from Kenya School of Preaching, we trust the Lord is taking good care of you as He is doing to us here.

The Gamma class if off to a smooth first quarter start. All the 20 students have been in class throughout the weeks and generally doing well. 

Some students have had problems adjusting to hot weather in Kisumu, but that's normal they will get used to it with time. 

For the first time we have two students who are Maasai from Maasai Mara region. They are average students in class and we trust they will be improve and be fruitful in evangelizing their community and beyond.

During the first quarter they studied; Homiletics I, Acts, Synoptic Gospel, English I, The New Testament Church and Personal Evangelism. Through the classes, they have shown a lot of determination and desire to go and share what they have learnt during the quarter with their communities and congregations.

During the first quarter, the students got great chance to visit the local congregation and the response has been amazing. They visited 13 local congregations, preached 36 sermons during worship, taught 23 bible classes, attended three gospel meetings which resulted into 9 baptisms and one church restored to New Testament worship. 

As we break for December Holiday, it's going to be a busy month for most of us here. 

I would have the honor to speak at the Kenya youths' meeting from Dec 7-12, Dominic a former KSOP graduate and Job a current student will be serving as organizers and speakers. 

On Dec 16-19 I will be in Homa Bay County soul harvesting mission working with Benard Kagaga, Elias and two other former KSOP graduates John Bosco and Aloo.

I will also travel to Lung'anyiro to work with Joseph Omondi, Boniface and Lucas all KSOP graduates who are keeping the faith among others. 

The second Quarter will begin on Jan 6 to March 6.

We thank you all for your love of souls and the trust you have bestowed on us to train men and evangelize. We are happy working together with God and you all. 

Keep us in your prayers as do for you over here, we are looking forward to a fruitful December holiday. 

Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving! 

Charles Ogutu

Campaign success in Cameroon

Greetings from Mbanga Church of Christ and the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Cameroon.

Great is thy faithfulness for He is worthy to be praised. We are happy to inform you of our recent development both in our school and the Church.The congregation is growing as our number has increased to 50 with the children. Please keep on praying for these assemblies in french speaking Cameroon.

Praise the almighty God for the students in the school of preaching who are doing their best to nurture and grow young congregations in our localities. We are preparing to begin with exams come December, then go through our last short course for the year 2016. You can't believe how time flies from 2015-2016 and very soon 2017, when, for the the very first time, students will graduate from the school of preaching in french speaking Cameroon. This will be a story to tell and encourage the work because we are really left behind but Gods time is the best.

We praise God for blessing our school with a school Van that will be transporting the students for evangelism and field work to some areas were we could reach. Also we have started with serious work in school land we are planning to get the orphanage ready before the start of the second batch. We pray for this project to be realized by this time and also for God to help us have the fundsfor this work.

Our trip to Garoua was a success! We visited some congregations like in Konne, Lagdo, Garoua, etc. It is good to think of souls than to have passion for money. 

Up coming events 

We shall be attending the next coming annual gospel lectureship in Wotutu come November 23th to the 27th and also planning to sent 2 students in the North for a 3 weeks campaign and also to help organized some congregations with no preachers most especially the one that was created some time ago by our brother and student Mamoudou Estephane.this will course us a lotof money.

We shall be looking forward to our graduation ceremony that we begin by sending invitation right now come and discover the another field full with a lot of work.

Your brother,

Ititi  

More good news from Togo

You might remember the incredible report recently from Togo about the conversion of an entire denominational church. Well, the good news continues to spread in Togo. Read the latest report from Willie Gley HERE. 

The students in Nigeria are busy

Beloved in Christ Jesus, 
 

Greetings from BVBIN and SWSE, Ibadan, Oyo State. Our school van broke down last week Saturday on our way to evangelize Egbeda town of Egbeda, but thanks be unto the Lord thatthe van is now back on the road after a thorough repair.

WEEKEND CAMPAIGN :We evangelised Oriokuta area of Ibadan this weekend while I taught on Where are you? at this evening open air Bible lectureship. 

SUNDAY WORSHIP :At Onikokoro /Gbongudu congregation, I spoke on What makes a strong church on Sunday, Nov. 6 while Bro. Makinde Emmanuel admonished the church from 2 Chro. 36:11-14. We were 47 in attendance.

SECOND SEMESTER CLASSES BEGINS: Lord willing, I shall return to BVBIN and SWSE  Ibadan campus tomorrow afternoon with the students who did their vocational studies in Ibadan in preparation for 2nd semester classes that will commence on Monday. 

SMALL CHANGES IN THE SCHOOL PROGRAMS: Due to several invitations from churches of Christ in Western states of Nigeria, the school now amend some of our programs. Planting of the church in village near Ikoyi and Asejire in Osun state will now come up on Nov. 18-20 while the school will be involving in a three day mass evangelism at Igbara Odo, Ekiti state from December 2-4, 2016. I will be speaking at a day Bible lectureship at Iyemaja congregation in Ondo town, Ondo state on Dec. 4 Lord 's willing. On December 16-18, our students will be working with churches of Christ in Ondo state in planting of the Lord 's church in one of the small towns of Ondo state while I will be speaking in a day Bible lectureship at Agric/Owutu congregation, Lagos. The seminar is organized by BVBIN and SWSE, ikorodu Lagos campus. Our December programs will commence on Dec. 23 through January 4,2017 Lord 's willing. Please, keep on praying for us(Eph.6:18-19,II Thess. 3:1-2).

IN CONCLUSION: We deeply appreciate you all for your moral and financial support for the Lord 's work in Africa most especially in Nigeria. May the Lord continue to bless our work together in Jesus Christ name, amen. 

Yours in His service, 
Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi