Big plans in Zimbabwe

MARCH 2017 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

In Luke 10:2, Jesus raised a concern which keeps ringing in an evangelist’s mind. He said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest RSV). Bear Valley Bible Institute Zimbabwe exists to train faithful men towards the harvesting of souls for Christ.  In this report we give a glimpse of what transpired throughout the month of March 2017. The goal is to train men and woman who will become useful vessels and as answer to Jesus’ call.

1.0 DONNIE ESTEP VISIT

As reported in our last report, BVBIZ was privileged to have Donnie Estep from the 26Th of February to the 4th of March. Donnie is the regional coordinator for Bear Valley Bible Institute preacher training schools Southern Africa. During his stay he taught “World Religions,” to our students. Donnie had an opportunity to preach mid-week service at one of the congregations here in Gweru. In addition, he had an opportunity to go and see our maize and bean crop.

3.0 INTENSIVE TRAINING IN MUSIC

One of the important components in worship is singing. At BVBIZ we take music seriously as a component that can either wake or sleeps a congregation. This then demands that preachers be adequately taught this area. This was part and parcel of the subject “Worship” that was being done this term. To fulfil this requirement, we had a guest teacher, Joshua Jubane, a preacher in Victoria Falls and an expert in music. He was at BVBIZ from the 20th -24th of March.  Students were taught to read musical notes and also song leading. We hope to bring him back for another round before the students graduate.

The following was his overall assessment of students after having adjudicated each student; “I want to thank BVBIZ for affording me this chance to impart musical skills to my fellow preachers. I had an easy time teaching the students because their response was very good. None of them had done tonic sofa notes before but they showed a good effort. I was able to leave them with four songs which they mastered well.”

4.0 SPORT

After, much work and pressure, the body needs exercise. This month students started playing soccer at one of the open spaces near our campus. Appreciation goes to Brother O. Kufa for providing a ball for use.

5.0 CHICKEN PROJECT

Our second batch of chickens is almost ready. They reached the 5th week on the 31st of March. The mortality rate so far has been 0.02%. This batch was being taken care of by two of our students.

6.0 TERM ENDS

Our term came to an end on the 27th of March. Examinations were written successfully. Grading of answer sheets is in progress. Students shall be taking a month long break and will be back on the 25th of April. They have now completed their first year studies. We wish them a well-deserved but fruitful rest.

CONCLUSION

As BVBIZ goes for a break, we would like to thank everyone who has contributed one way or another to BVBIZ, materially, financially or morally. The school could not be where it is now without your support. May the God of heaven remember you all as you do your part in the furtherance of this noble work.

In His service,

Mathew Muchingam

Outstanding first quarter in Chimala!

CBI REPORT MARCH 31, 2017

Greetings! Hello to everyone we here at CBI we are doing 

CLASSES:

The first quarter students did very well and no one failed. This encouraged the teachers and we were very thankful for everyone to do his part. From March 13 we started second quarter we are doing well also on this today in the morning we had a meeting with faculty members to make sure we are the same page. 

EVANGELISM:

We thank God for His will upon us and the dedication of students in His work. Since we started the school we did a lot concerning evangelism through WBS Lessons, House to house preaching, seminars, and evangelism Camps.

As the results of the whole work From January until March 31 we do have 169 Baptisms and 67 restorations. We have also met with more than 45,000 peoples, given 15,000 tracks and 797 WBS Lesson and 1 Return Bible seminar for this first quarter. We also had 1 week Camp for practical evangelism which very was good everyone enjoyed it. The results were 22 baptisms and 2 restorations.

Here is a list of our summer activities:

SEMINARS & GOSPEL CHARIOT 2017

The Seminars this year will be:

Youth Seminar June 6 – June 8

Ladies seminar June 13 – June 15

Preacher seminar June 20 – June 22

Gospel Chariot July 24 – August 28

Here is a report on the radio program that is being broadcast in southeastern Tanzania.

Report of Radio Program – VWAWA

Feb 15 – March 15

Lessons presented for four weeks

1. The Unity of believers
2. Why am I a member of the Lord’s church or church of Christ
3. What does it mean to worship in Spirit and truth?
4. Does Instrumental music authorized at the Christians service?

The following places are the place we have follow up to answer various questions and sending lessons

1. We went Utambalile
2. We went Ipunga
3. We went Mbewe village
4. We went mawanda Momba.

ABOUT QUESTIONS:

1. If Christ built one church mention its name?
2. Another question if there is one true church where did the plurality of churches come from?
3. We were asked any question by calls and to speak face by face

THIS REPORT IS PREPARED WITH

ELIA VUNDWE AND FREDY MWASHIWAWA

Radio evangelism preachers 

Thanks for your support and prayers,

Joseph James Haonga

An ending and a beginning in Tamale

The school in Tamale, Ghana (the far north) is eagerly sending soon-to-be-graduates out into the field, while simultaneously preparing to welcome a new batch of students. Read about the work these good brethren are doing in a difficult place. See their latest update HERE.

28 baptized in Liberia!

The new school in Liberia has just finished a campaign and the results are incredible! You will just have to read the account and see the pictures to appreciate it! Read all about it HERE

More souls won in Nigeria!

Beloved in Christ Jesus, 
Greetings from students and staff of BVBIN AND SWSE, here is our end of March report. 

END OF THE MONTH EVANGELISM REPORTS :This weekend evangelism in Asejire, Osun State and Igbara -Odo and Osi Ekiti resulted in the conversion of three souls. 
Bro. Kayode Eniafe led the Asejire group while Bro. Emmanuel Godwin led that of Igbara -Odo in Ekiti state and Bro. Akilapa Timilehin led that of Osi -Ekiti. 

The majority of the students were all busy for the cause of out Master Jesus in various congregations preaching and teaching the WORD. Bro. Johnson Godwin in Alapata-Ikoyi congregation, Bro. Samuel Effiong in Asejire congregation, Bro. Lucky Stephen Onya in Bale -Ayo, Bro. Festus Ayoo in Idah, Bro.Samuel Peter in Jago and Bro. Anana Abasiama Effiong and Bro. Ohaebuka Philemon in Egbeda congregation and so on...... To God be the glory that all our students and instructors are useful unto the Lord! 

At Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation in Ibadan, I taught the men sessionof Sunday morning Bible class on "What the Lord require of thee" in reference to giving, while one of our year two students named Bro. Moses Bamidele admonished the saints from Luke 6:38. There were 45 in attendance with total collection of N4,500.
Brethren, we appreciates you all for your partnership and love. May the Lord of blessings continue to bless all our joint efforts in Christ Jesus, amen. 

Your fellow labourer in Christ Jesus.... Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi

Campaign success in Takoradi

The students at the West Coast School of Preaching in Takoradi, Ghana have just finished their mid-term exams and are in the second half of their quarter. Their campaign efforts have also continued to yield fruit. Read all about it HERE

Hungry souls in Tanzania

Mason and Haley Norman have been involved in a number of Bible studies recently in and around Arusha, Tanzania. Read their report for a reminder that some souls are hungry for the truth! See it HERE. 

A great start in Sierra Leone!

The Bear Valley Bible Institute Sierra Leone is one of the schools opened in the West African sub region by the West Africa coordinator of Bear Valley- Colorado U. S. A. This is the last school opened to train preachers and evangelists for the promotion of the gospel in Sierra Leone.  It is situated in the Eastern Region of Sierra Leone in a District Head Quarter town called Kenema.

ACTIVITIES UNDER TAKEN

Bear Valley Bible Institute was formally opened by the Director and Dean of students and two lecturers on the 9th of January, 2017 in Kenema town. Under the instruction of Bro. Steven Ashcraft who is the pioneer of the school in Sierra Leone through consultative meetings held with brethren of various churches of Christ sometime in February, 2016.

The event climaxes the arrival of students from the various congregations to enroll for school session. Amongst them were church leaders who accompanied their students coming from their congregations to grace the occasion. 

OREINTATION WEEK

As students continue to arrive in campus for enrollment, they interacted with their lecturers, cooks and securities for better acquaintance with each other. During this period, preparations were made for the resumption of classes on the 16thjanuary, 2017 by the Director and the Dean under the instruction of Bro. Steven Ashcraft. However, all twenty students turned up for school on the week of orientation.

FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOP.

As classes began preparation was also on the way for the Healing Hands International Agricultural Workshop to be held on the 26 and 27 of January 2017.  The workshop deals with a specialize method of farming system in composting, bed raising, irrigation farming and other techniques.  The workshop was conducted by Bro. Ebenezer representing Healing Hands International. He was accompanied by our West Africa Coordinator Bro. Steven Ashcraft from the United States of America. Below is a photo of both Ebenezer and Steven at the workshop.

The workshop attracts participants from various congregations from the region. At the end of the workshop, certificates were distributed to participants for completion of the workshop by Bro Ebenezer.

CERTIFICATION: The certificates presentation was done by the Dean of students after the workshop.  Brother Steven officially opened the school after the agriculture workshop conducted by HHI.

DONATIONS:

During the month of January the school received assistance from our funding partners complementing our effort for preaching the gospel with ease of movement around towns and villages on campaign trips. This money is meant to purchase a motor bike and a PA system for school campaign to nearby villages. The school appreciated the effort made by the donor partner and promised to wisely use these items for the furtherance of the gospel in this part of the vineyard.  We have bought both items and now making good use of them. We thank them once more for their good gestures in supporting the ministry in Sierra Leone. 

CAMPUS MINISTRY

The campus ministry is an initiative from students to empower themselves in preaching and teaching sound doctrine as every student is likely to participate during worship services.  The preaching and teaching is done rotationally among them.

This action has helped them to evangelize within the campus community in order to grow the congregation. Their number is growing gradually. Quite recently, six souls were added to their number through baptism.  They hope to maintain the chapel as a legacy for other students coming after them. To see the report with pictures, click HERE. 

Your brother,

Ishmael Bangura

Director, BVBI-SL

Short courses taught in Kenya

KSOP Gamma Class

The third class of the Kenya School of Preaching began October 3, 2016 with full capacity of twenty students.  Nineteen returned for the second quarter which recently ended March 3, 2017.  I had the privilege of teaching two short courses (Godhead and Christian Evidences) to this bright and energetic class which was eager to learn.  In each class a typed research paper was required.  While there are no polished scribes yet, each student worked very hard to properly format the paper, write a proper introduction, develop their points, and give a proper conclusion.  By graduation in August 2018I anticipate each student writing fluently and clearly articulating their points.

Much of Kenya is well represented with students from Rift Valley, Maasai Mara and the Tsavo area, as well as Kakamega, in addition to the Western region.  The selection committee of Charles Ogutu, Director, Elias Omalo, Dean and other special advisors are to be commended for the quality of students selected for the current Gamma class.  Only eternity will measure the positive impact the Kenya School of Preaching will have on the Lord’s Kingdom.

Milliscent, (KSOP secretary) and Charles Ogutu have begun the arduous task of cataloguing and organizing over 2500 volumes in the KSOP library according to the Dewey decimal system.  (Thanks Karen Watson of BVBID for your invaluable assistance in this project.)

Graduates of the alpha and beta classes are busy in their local ministries with many sending regular reports of numeric and spiritual growth in the congregations they have planted or existing congregations.  Several of the graduates have started schools where they are training preachers and church leaders for works of ministry.  Others, who have not founded schools are training in the “Paul – Timothy” model.  These men have taken 2 Timothy 2:2 to heart.

In my limited work in Kenya I have already seen the Kenya School of Preaching impact the Lord’s church in this wonderful country in a powerful way.  May God continue to bless the Kenya School of Preaching and the church she serves.

In His Service,

Michael P. Reese, Ed. D.

Coordinator Kenya School of Preaching

preachermiker@frontier.com

304-282-7712

Farming and Faith in Tanzania

Justin and Anna Maynard are asking us to continue to pray for rain in Tanzania. They also have an encouraging update on their evangelistic efforts. You can see their update HERE. 

Great 1st quarter in Wotutu

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from this part of the globe. In Cameroon we are doing better in health and other aspects of life except, the political atmosphere in the English speaking part of Cameroon where we still don’t have internet. Please pray for the leaders of our nation to be human and God fearing. .

Last week was a busy one for us here as our students finalized their first intensive quarter of studies. It was great to see some of them who have grown and some still struggling to grow, but their overall assessment is promising.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Please join my family to pray for our first son Ray who was 7 on March 13th. I pray God to give me the grace to continue praying for him as I nurture him to be a great christian and for him to impact his generations with the great christian values .

Our students will be back in school and we shall move to Mbanga to be part of the graduation ceremony there come the 29 of March 2017.

God bless you in particular for all your prayers, deep concern, and support to make this work be what it is. If not of you and your good hear,t I doubt what would have been happening now. You are in our prayers that God bless you and keep you strong. Share our reports with many others.

Elangwe and family

By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu

My visits to New Zealand and Fiji

I have just returned from a successful visit to two of our newest schools - New Zealand and Fiji. While in New Zealand I was blessed with the opportunity to preach for three congregations in the Auckland area, as well as conduct a Leadership seminar for area congregations. In addition to strengthening the churches there, this was used as a platform for showcasing the school, with the goal of increasing attendance. I enjoyed working with Trevor Major in Auckland.

From there I went to Wellington, which is the site of the other NZ center. While there I was able to meet with some students and teachers, as well as some of their families. (pictured above) It was incredibly encouraging for me to hear so many speak about how much good has already been done in the short time since the school began. Three more full-time students will begin their studies next month. I enjoyed seeing John Jones and John Grubb, but missed seeing Director Lance Mosher, as he was in the States.

In Suva, Fiji, I was able to visit the school in session and to even teach two classes on Leviticus and another on sermon preparation and delivery. Rocco and Jason Pierce have things moving along very well and the students expressed to me their gratitude for the school. The school is already receiving interest from students in other islands, which has been one of our goals all along.

All in all, I was blessed to be able to preach and teach 15 times, and to meet with some dedicated teachers and students. God is doing great things in these two countries!

Until all have heard,

Keith

Seminar success in Nigeria

Beloved in Christ Jesus, 

Good evening from Nigeria. The combined class of both Ibadan and Lagos campus students that was held in the BVBIN AND SWSE, IBADAN main campus, where Bro. David Ballard taught extensively on The Scheme of Redemption form Monday morning till this Friday evening. It was attended by 45 out of our 50 students, 52 of our graduates and foundation members, and few others.

Our 3rd WBS seminars for this quarter of March 15,2017 was at Butubutu village where Bro. David Ballard spoke on The Scheme of Redemption, while I served as his interpreter, was witnessed by over 60 people. A lady named Rosemary Ezekiel was converted some minutes to the program as a result of Bro. David discussion of the scriptures with her .

Brethren, we appreciate so much the present of Bro. David Ballard and we are praying for his successful trip back to USA, after the two weeks preaching and teaching assignment in Cameroon. 

We thank you all for your partnership and love. May the Lord continue to bless all our joint efforts in Christ 's name, amen. 

Your fellow labourer in Christ 's vineyard.....

Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi

Plans and prayers in Chimala

This past week we started our second quarter and the students are still excited about the opportunity they have to learn more about God’s word so that they can share it with others and also help their congregations back home to grow.  

Each weekend a number of the students are going out with the teachers and working with various congregations in the area. Nearly every Monday as the weekend reports come in we are excited and encouraged to hear about how the gospel had fallen on receptive hearts and we have new brothers and sisters in Christ.  

Joseph Haonga, our Bible School director has been busy working on plans for the summer.  Summers in Chimala are always a busy time, especially with the WBS Gospel Chariot being here for most of the month of August.  On a separate note, we still have not heard back from the regional head of immigration on the changes that the government has made in their immigration rules that may affect both the work here in Chimala.  

It seems that much like what is going on in the US right now is also going on here in Tanzania and the government is cracking down on everyone who is in the country and is not a citizen of Tanzania. We are praying that we will get some favorable answers this coming week.  

On a separate note, after many problems with the hatchery we finally got our second batch of baby chickens to continue our chicken project.

An additional report (and pictures) can be seen HERE. 

Brotherly,

Richard Rogers

16 baptisms in Togo!

As mentioned recently, we send our sympathy to Wlliie Gley, Director of the school in Togo, on the loss of his father. It has been a hectic time for him, but he has sent an encouraging update that I think you will enjoy. See it HERE.

A new outreach in Ukraine

The school in Ukraine continues to do well in the classroom (they've recently had two guest teachers) and to make a difference in their community. They've started a new outreach that you can read about HERE. 

Big plans in Wotutu

Dearest in Christ ,

Greetings  to you all from this part of the globe - we are sure you are doing great. We are doing our best. God is doing His best and satan on the other hand is also busy to distort all of our efforts and that is why your prayers and encouragement are most welcome.

Last week was a busy one here as our students started taking their first short course which is the GODHEAD  and thereafter they will continue with the COST OF DISCIPLESHIP. That will be the end of the first quarter for the Delta batch students.

I am also busy to make arrangements for students to go to 18 locations for campaigns and house to house evangelism. We have a new location in Owe village and the gospel is calling there for the establishment of a new congregation. Please keep this dream in your prayers.

PLANS

I am invited for a 3 days lectureship in Bamenda. Please keep me in your prayers as I do much traveling  for the gospel sake.

APPRECIATIONS

Thank you very much for you standing with us as we work daily for our God training men to preach, taking care of orphans and widows, and also help many , many underprivileged to attend school which is influenced with much of Christian education.

Pray for our country Cameroon , we still don’t have internet in all of the English speaking regions because of the strike actions that is going on in Cameroon.

    Do your best to share our reports with others .

     God bless you 

    Elangwe and family.

   By His grace director BVBIC-wotutu 

WBS seminar in Nigeria

Dearest in Christ Jesus.
Greetings from Nigeria. I'm glad to inform you that the second WBS SEMINAR in Jago village results into three conversions. 
Bro. Godwin Johnson served as the moderator, another student named Akilapa Timilehin was our song leader, while Bro. Abiola Joseph opened the program with prayer and closing prayer by Bro. Isaac Olaniyan. 
Bro. Kayode Eniafe spoke on Sin and it's effects while I spoke on God's plan of salvation. 
The program was attended by all our students and instructors while the villagers were listening in their corridors to the gospel. Three souls were added to the Lord 's Church at the end of the exercises. TO GOD BE THE GLORY AND HONOR. 

Big thanks for your partnership and encouragement. May the Lord of blessings continue to bless all our joint efforts in Christ Jesus. Amen. 
Your fellow labourer in Christ....

Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi

Muslims reached for Christ in northern Ghana

FEBRUARY REPORT.

Our gospel campaign trip to Kukpalgu has been very successful in the sense that all the preachers with their members around Zabzugu and Tatale came to support the program.

The chief of the community, who is a Muslim, received us with a great joy and also asked us to pray to God to bless his people and that alone contributed to the greater part of our success.

We had two days public preaching in the evening with video show on the passion of Christ in their native language and many people came around and heard the message. Brother Francis Ayine preached on the first day and I also preached on the second day. On the third day those who heard the message were touched in their hearts and 11 souls were baptized and one soul also restored and now we have the newly planted Church in Kukpalgu in Zabzugu district. The number of brethren who participated in the program was 51 and our Sunday total attendance was 67. 63 adults and 4 children.

The leadership meeting too was held with the preachers and Church leaders. At the meeting, Francis Ayine spoke on the leadership lifestyle that can lead to Church growth. In fact, they were all very happy for the teaching and the learning materials were made for them to continue learning as they also teach the congregations.

The students are on break to see their families and they will be back next month.

The tiling of the six units of the students bath house is completed and now ready for use.

The fixing of the headlight and the hanging wire is also completed and working.

STEVEN AND ALEX VISITATION AND CAMPAIGN FOR STUDENTS.

On the 26-2-2017, we visited and worship with Isaac, one of the past students at Kulpi-Salaga. On the same day we also proceeded to Grusizongo to pay a visit to another past student called David. One brother picked a form from here.

On the following day 27-2-2017 we went to Kpandai to see Michael the past student at Tengilinto. We also made our way to Lugni to meet Godwin the student.

Finally, we came down to Bimbilla on 28-2-2017 to see Lot who is also one of the past students where we had two brothers who filled the form for the next enrolment. We also went as far as to Gunguni to see how we can plant a new congregation in April 2017.

On our trip we also met some old preachers like Thomas and Samson in Salaga, Daniel in Kpandai, and David in Lugni to discuss on how we will all work together to sustain the local congregations in the Northern Ghana.

Your brother,

Jabado Alex

Tamale, Ghana

Incredible campaign in Ghana!

SOUTHERN INSTITUTE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES (SIBS) ACCRA

BEAR VALLEY EXTENSION PROGRAM

REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2017

GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION

So soon the month February in the year 2017 has come to an end. We have a good course to praise and thank the LORD God for such a blessing found in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Having said that as usual, the student body, teaching staff, non-teaching staff and management wish to thank our sponsors and donors to the SIBS for the wonderful contributions being made towards the welfare of students, workers and to the growth of the in particular and the kingdom of God in general. 

We would like to draw our ccoordinator Brother Steven Ashcraft into the picture for his tireless efforts he is putting into the growth of the school and to make sure students and workers needs are met. We are much grateful. 

CAMPAIGN AND EVANGELISM

There was a "Macecedonian Call" from the Central Region of Ghana to the students of the SIBS to join other preachers in that region to spread the powerful and saving message of the Lord Jesus Christ to the losing souls and to establish the Lord's church in a twin-town known as Gomoa Ada-Ngyiresi. 

On the 13th on February, the entire regular students with their cook, left the campus to the twin-town. Information reaching the office indicated that, no sooner had they arrived in the town than it started to rain. As result no campaign was made on the first day. However, as from 14th the campaigners started their work to the end of 18th. The campaign was divided into four sections on each day as follows under the leadership of Brother Kojo Acquah Beenyi (one of the instructors of SIBS):

Section #1: Dawn Preaching between the hours of 5:00am -5:30am

Section #2: House to House Evangelism from the hours of 8:00-12 midday

Section #3: House to House Campaign Continued from 2:00-4:30PM

Section #4: Open Air Preaching as from 7:00-10:00pm

BAPTISM AND CHURCH PLANTING

The Lord blessed the efforts of these able men from the period of 14 to 18th (Tuesday to Saturday) with a total number of BAPTISMS were twenty-one (21) souls. It would interest all to note that, since there was not found in the twin-town the Lord's church, on the 19th (Sunday), the church of Christ met for the first time to worship the Lord. Total attendance was one hundred and sixteen (116). The break down were as follows: 59 Males; 29 Females; 17 Children and 11 Visitors made up of both males and females.

Praise the Lord, just after the worship, two other souls were baptized. Given a total baptisms of twenty-three (23). On that note the Lord's church is now established in the twin-town of Gomoa Ada- Ngyiresi. 

Attached are Pictures of a soul being baptized; after church service; ladies about to be baptized.

WEEK-END STUDENTS

The name of SIBS continues to travel far and near within the country. As a result of this, the students' population has increased from twenty-two (22) to twenty-five (25). Management has decided not to admit anymore students for now till current students complete their courses. 

Compiled by: Emmanuel Amoo-Gyimah