Steven Ashcraft is a tireless worker and serves primarily in west Africa. In his work he works with several of the Bear Valley extensions and have sent a comprehensive update. You will enjoy this! Simply click HERE.
Prayers requested for sick students
May God continue to bless the congregation of the saints. We bring our sincere salutation from this part of the cosmos. Again the students send appreciation after their first quarter exams which gives us an assurance of their willingness to do the work of an evangelist.
Our young congregation is doing her best. We are today the 4th of June and our goal for this week is accomplish with the struggle for restoration and we realized 3 of the backsliders were present in worship and promised to always be with us. In the midst of two visitors we have been having studies for some time now. We keep on praying for the our congregation because in reality the work is very tedious and different been in French speaking area in Cameroon with some people still having very strong belief on tradition of which they have no problem the denomination.
The school of preaching in Mbanga is preparing for her first mission work into 6 different congregations of the Lord with a special campaign in Ntiem and Sanke with the first alumni from the Mbanga graduates.
Our greatest problem is just that most the students are still not responding to treatment,but are able to attend classes every day. One of them who is a student and registered his examination as an entrance to the university just finished his exams fare away in Garoua. We pray for his safe trip to Mbanga by this week. The sad news is about one of the students who have abandon his course before exams so probably will be left with 11 students,.
The lord is good and all the time the Lord is good.remain blessed my beloved.
Your brother,
Ititi Nimending
Much progress in Zimbabwe!
At the end of each month we look back and reflect on the level we would have taken our students to. We also look back and reflect on the roles we would have played in the expansion of God’s kingdom here on earth. In the month of May, as usual, God helped us achieve another level. This is despite the various challenges the country is experiencing. In this report, we give highlights of those activities that transpired in the month of May and a brief on the upcoming field practice for students.
LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
A well qualified and competent preacher is never trained in one day. Several building blocks are needed. A two day seminar was held on the 12th and 13th of May. This time around BVBIZ students and our usual leadership class which comes once a month benefited from the seminar. Brother Howard Suwari is a part time teacher at BVBIZ whilst Isaiah Machingura serves as an elder at Bulawayo Central church of Christ. Attendees were taken to a higher level of understanding and the school appreciates the sacrifices made by these two great teachers.
A new Congregation is Born
It is with joy that we report the starting of another congregation in Gweru, Habben Park church of Christ. BVBIZ students have been going to the area for evangelism. Her first attendance was 26. We remain grateful for what God has been doing through BVBIZ. As a temporal measure, Nashville church of Christ, a close by congregation, is partnering the school in the development of the congregation. Two souls were added to the church in May even as we pray for many more to respond to the Gospel call.
Married Students
Our married students shall be joined by their wives for the field program. These ladies are expected on campus on the 1st of July, that is, 2 weeks before the program. They are going to be prepared for the task that lies ahead of them.
CHICKEN PROJECT
In May we started another batch of our chicken project. Each batch is taken care of by two students. The previous batch was being taken care of by Godknows Mutambara and Tinashe Mazhambe whilst the present one is being taken care of by Simba Madyira and Happison Bvukumbwe. By the end of each round the concerned students would have an appreciation of how these are raised besides the theory learnt.
MAIZE
Harvesting of the maize crop started towards the end of May. The work is being carried out by students. Please note the picture above showing part of the harvested crop;
CONCLUSION
The few things that we were able to do were because of the financial, moral, and spiritual support we keep receiving. BVBIZ remain grateful for all of you as you partner with us one way or another. It is our prayer that God continues to bless you all even as we solicit for you prayers so that we do even better in the things we do. To God be the glory!
In Christ,
Mathew Muchingam
Director, BVBI-Z
Another successful quarter in Kenya
Kenya School of Preaching students have gone home for break and will come back to begin Year 1 and quarter 4 on June 30. The 19 students have been great in class and have shown the zeal to learn and apply the knowledge to themselves and others.
Every weekend the students led by the faculty have been doing door to door evangelism in Migosi area where the school is situated and the response is good. Others also had the opportunity to visit local congregations and serving in various capacities and being part of 8 souls that were baptized into Christ. We are glad to called them very responsible students and preachers who have also shown a lot of care for the school properties.
Through the 8 weeks, the students studied the book of Joshua – Ruth, Writing Skills, Matthews, Prison Epistles, 1&2 Corinthians during the regular period. They then had two short courses on Leadership by Mike Rowand and 1&2 Thessalonians by Ralph Williams. The growth at the end of the quarter is incredible.
The two Maasai students went home happy with 20 Maasai bibles to give to the church members, the Kalenjin students also went home with 48 Kalenjin bibles while other students carried Swahili and Luo bibles. There is still a great need and desire for bibles and it’s encouraging to hear members request bible. Thanks to all who have been giving to put a bible in someone’s life in Kenya.
During the break, Elias and I will travel to Nakuru for a gospel seminar,. The congregation is led by one of KSOP students called Zachariah. We will also visit various congregation preaching and recruiting prospective students for 2018 class.
We look forward to hearing great report from the students when they come back, let’s keep them in prayers.
Next quarter we will have two breaks in between, this is to allow the students to travel back home to vote. We will have our presidential election on August 8 and we pray it will be peaceful as the last one of 2013.
We cannot thank you enough for being involved in this soul saving and edifying work. God grant you all peace, good health and prosperity in all you do.
Fellow servant,
Charles Ogutu – Director KSOP.
Graduation in Ukraine!
Graduation is always special time for students, their families, and the faculty. The first Bear Valley extension has experienced that joy, once again. The Director has sent us this exciting report and you can see it by clicking HERE.
Preparing for a new class in Accra
I wish to borrow the words of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians as my prologue: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION
As usual, the month May has ended and that calls for joy and appreciation to our Maker for all the spiritual and physical blessings He showered on us.
Having said that, on behalf of the entire staff and students, I wish express our profound gratitude and appreciation to our donors and sponsors.
Within the period under review, information reached the college that some brethren are ready to offer a helping hand to the school. Management quickly made choices from the areas of aids that were made to. Management in turn sent to those brethren. Again, we are much grateful to them. We ask God's guidance and blessings on them.
PROGRESS IN SCHOOL
By the grace of God through His Son Jesus, I would not be far from wrong to say that teaching and learning were at its best within the period.
At both departments (Regular and Week End) students submitted their assignments to their instructors on time and students are improving in their studies. This could be found out from the class tests.
NEW ADMISSION
Hopefully, by the end of December, the regular students will be completing their two year course. As a result of this, management sent out information seeking for new students. So far a number of potential students that had filled and returned their admission forms are very encouraged. Management is optimistic that by the end of July or August more had returned their forms to pave way for an interview. Interview as scheduled by management would be in September 2017.
Your brother,
Emmanuel Amoo-Gyimah
Course completion in Tamale, Ghana
The students have finished with the two-year studies and are out on the field of work waiting for their graduation in November. The new class of 14 students is to start in July this year.
Up Keeping of the School
The management team of the school ensures that the school compound always keeps clean as an Institution. This is done by spraying the weeds with weedicides in the compound just to make the school looks attractive and clean.
More Campaign for Students
The team continues with the campaign for more students as it has been our vision to meet the mark of the set goal. One Moses from Kpalisugu who came to the school two years ago and could not complete the two year studies has been visited and was given some encouragement and on his part he also promised to join the school in July 2017 enrollment.
Team continues to recruit more students and has contacted two more students this month to be enrolled. It is our prayer that God would touch all those picked the forms and give them the desire to come and study His in other to better themselves save the lost.
Loss of a Strong School Board Member
It is a bit sad to report the unexpected and untimely death of a strong and active board member of the school, brother Fushieni alhasan who slept in Christ in Kolebu Teaching hospital on Thursday 11th May 2017. We may feel sad in the flesh, yet his death is a glory to the name of our Lord.
Welcoming New Students
The management team is planning to meet in the school for some days to put things in order in preparation to welcome our next batch of new students who are to commence with their two-year studies in July. Please pray with us.
Your brother,
Alex Jabado
New quarter to begin in Nigeria
Beloved in Christ Jesus,
Greetings from fellow soldier of Christ.
Our students start returning to the BVBIN AND SWSE IBADAN main campus on Sunday evening and those that are now in campus reported the conversion of ten souls and restoration of twelve souls as a result of their joint efforts with the ministers of the congregations where they went for the vocational training.
Last Saturday, I taught twelve students at our satellite campus in Ikorodu Lagos on Research methods between 9:00am and 4:00pm.
On Sunday, one of our year two students named Bro. Makinde John taught on “The Image of Man” at Onikokoro / Gbongudu congregation in Ibadan while Bro. Dada Lawrence, one of our graduates and the church youth minister, served as the interpreter while I admonished the church on “Love.....The greatest need in the world today.” We are sixty in attendance with total collection of N6,700 only.
Brethren, classes begun as scheduled at Butubutu main campus on May 22, 2017. Bro.Kayode Eniafe will be teaching on OTP-Major and Practical (Expository sermon), Bro. Isaac Olaniyan on Church Leadership & Administration and Romans, Bro. Abiola Joseph Olusoji on Revelationand Hermeneutics-2, Bro. Ilori Gbenga on Evangelism -2, Bro. Abraham Idu Yeje on Pastoral Epistle, Bro. Silas Guda on Greek -2, while I, Bro. Makinde Ebens will be teaching on Research methods, Discipleship Training, Methodology, Homiletics -3, Evangelism -3, and Psychology / Christian Disciplines.
Our WBSFUW team will be visiting some schools Lord willing on Thursday and Friday this week to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and recruiting students for free WBS correspondence courses from USA.
In conclusion, we deeply appreciate your partnership and love. May the Lord continue using each and every one of us for His glory in Jesus Christ name, amen.
I remain your fellow laborer in Christ 's vineyard..... Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (Director of Studies and Chairman of Administrative Council, BVBIN and SWSE IBADAN)
Big plans in Cameroon
Jesus Christ is Lord. We praise His name. Special greetings from our country Cameroon and from Mbanga were the church is gradually going to maturity and the school of preaching is preparing brothers for a lovely ministry entrusted to us by the almighty God.
We are happy to report again this week even though a bit late due to other circumstances beyond our control but we thank God for His grace. We are happy to say we no longer have two years in school and no longer eight quarters, because we have gone through our first two months in school and have started with our first quarter exams. We will begin with short courses come Monday 5th of June.
It has not been easy with our students most especially with the change of season. Right now we a retired nurse from our neighborhood is taking care of two of them with their dally treatment. Some students are also been traumatized due to numerous call back at home which might hinder their studies if care is not taken. We shall need serious prayers on behalf of this brothers.
David will be teaching on the God Head this June in Mbanga and we shall also be planning for a grand evangelism at ntiem or nsanke where Abraham is working presently. This is an extension of his work that is to establish a new assembly in that area may be he will now have three congregations while waiting for the next batch to graduates and help him in that area were there is a lot of work. God blessed you.
It is again time for to prepare our entry into our new side even though some little delayed,we strongly believed that by the end on this quarter,all will be fine nevertheless we still appreciate the hand work of God upon our lives.
New grounds for mission work
It is our plan this year and with this new set of students to go as far as to the hinterland of the center region to plant new congregations. This is a dream and I pray you join me to realize that dream with your prayers and support to go and preach th gospel to the lost souls.thanks for your corporation.
Remain blessed from your faithful servants and wife
Successful first term in Fiji
It is hard to believe, but the first term has come and gone in the new school in Fiji. Time flies! The beginning has been successful in every way that you can gauge success and you can read about it HERE.
39 baptisms in Chimala!
Greetings! Hello brothers I’m very glad to give thanks for your prayers and support of Lord’s work, here is a report for this month in different areas.
First we had a trip l and Frank to Kyela for Gospel Chariot Campaign and visiting Mwangonde family for encouragement. After sharing the information about the campaign the church said they will meet and discuss them they will let us know.
On May 14 we went at Chimala A Church of Christ with Peter, Lenkos, James, Xavier, Frank and I to talk with the church about a preacher misunderstanding, but we did not have our planned meeting because one of the preachers went another place for Sunday. When we discussed their problems and the conclusion was the church decided to stop their position as the congregation’s preacher and having a time for choosing another for a while. The church appreciated very much for CBI caring them and bring the comfort and unit to the congregation because the situation was not good to them most of the time, but they believe the steps we suggested will help them.
On 16 of May I , Lenkos, and Ezekiel we travelled to Chamwino Dodoma and met there with brothers from Temeke, Dar es Salaam, to solve the problem of Sadala with the Congregation. We thank God we had a great day and wonderful meeting with the Church, after the whole day having information from both side. Sadala asked forgiveness to the church and he said all of the problems were caused by him instead of being a good advisor he became trouble maker. Now, he decided to change and co-operate with the church and he was ready to bring back church registration, the church’s Lord’s Supper trays and every thing he took from the church to his house. Yesterday I received the call from Chamwino that he did on Sunday every thing as he promised the congregation. We thank God that unity and fellowship is alive and well in Tanzania.
On Friday may 19 – 21 we had a wonderful meeting with Mbozi preachers I, Peter Kamatula and Naaman we were teaching about Obeying the authority, economy and preaching methods. Really we had good time exchanging ideas and bringing our unity together for helping the churches to grow and being strong. After finishing the three days, all asked to have that kind of meeting for one week so we could go deeply in every thing because the things we covered it seems are most of them hindering the work to go forward.
On of the way, I am making following to the students locations and what they are doing when they are back homes. I found some of them doing a great job in the Lord’s Kingdom. One of them is Yakobo. He is preaching and he had baptized 4 people. Another by the name Fredrick is doing great and wonderful job at Isakajoma at Shinyanga region near by Mwanza region he accompanied with Joseph and worked hard. Twenty-nine people obeyed the Gospel by being born again into the Lord’s Kingdom. Also, reports from the Radio program was that 4 souls were added to the church, one at Mengele and one at Matebete.
Really even the angels at heaven are very happy to witness 39 souls to be added in the heavenly Kingdom. Let us continue praying for their souls to grow and glorify our Creator.
JOSEPH HAONGA, DIRECTOR
A new building in Nepal!
NEW SCHOOL BUILDING IN KATHMANDU
After many months of planning, raising funds, and doing the 1,001 things necessary, we have happily and excitedly moved into our new school building. It is built on our own property. Not only are the facilities better and the location closer to an established congregation, we can also enjoy the other advantage of not paying rent, fully realizing there are responsibilities and expenses associated with being the owner. We are 100% moved in while we will complete about 10% of some finishing touches.
The old building was vacated just before the six students went on their three-week holiday over the Nepali New Year [Mid-April]. This group of students will graduate in late September. Some of their more difficult and challenging topics for class work greeted them upon their return. The first class was Christian Evidences and the present challenge is The Revelation of John. Considering the low literacy rate in Nepal, magnified by a school system that teaches reading to memorize without considering content or asking questions, the students are doing quite well. Their exposure to critical reading to understand, asking questions, and searching for truth began in November 2015.
In addition to the normal classes, a Saturday Ladies Bible Class was hosted and enjoyed by abut 12 Christian ladies. Sunita did most of the teaching, assisted by Jerry giving a summary of each section and helping to answer questions. They had some lively discussions and, as happens in most ladies classes, their enjoyment was obvious by the frequent laughter. The students cooked and served lunch, and then did all the clean up.
June 13-16 will be our first Lectureship with past graduates and other preachers invited. Some of our graduates, selected Nepali preachers, and also some of our present students will present the morning classes. Each afternoon Jerry will teach a class on fellowship, cooperation, and unity within the church. In addition four denominational doctrines that are gaining popularity within Nepal will be addressed. We will begin with questions to have the audience define the doctrines, identify what is based upon scriptural foundation and what is man-made tradition, and then we will teach what the Bible has to say on the topic.
Please remember us in your prayers.
In Christian service ………..
Gajendra Deshar, Director gajendra_deshar@yahoo.com
Jerry Golphenee jrgx21958@gmail.com
Another good month in Togo!
APRIL 2017
KLOTO CHURCH OF CHRIST LADIES HOLD FIRST ANNUAL LECTURE
One of the highlights of the month under consideration was the first Kloto Church of Christ ladies lectureship. The event took place on the April 15.One hundred and twenty four (124) ladies from thirteen (13) congregations participated in this first annual lectures, using the theme “The Role of a Christian woman in the home”
The Christian ladies of Grande Kloto are seeking other ladies groups in the US to partner with them in their development. They are seeking support to provide skills such as beads making, soap making, powder making etc. With such skills, the ladies would be able assist their husbands provide for their families.
KPIME- TOMEGBE CAMPAIGN
Our April campaign took place in Kpime- Tomegbe about twenty minutes from Kpalime. The campaigners included church members, preachers and students of BVBI. Activities included: house to house, open air preaching, tract distribution and it climaxed with worship service on Sunday. Though there was no baptism recorded during the campaign, there are several prospects. In view of this, students have been assigned to conduct bible studies weekly and lead the worship service.
DAILY ACTIVITIES OF THE CHARIOTIn order to keep the chariot busy, activities such as the dawn preaching is organized in some selected villages. These pictures were taken during one of such visits to Gbalave –Avenon near kpalime. Such activities are often used to prepare the town folks for a possible campaign and church planting. The dawn preaching starts at about 5:00 am and ends about 6:00 am. It commences with singing, followed with reading of scripture and then a short message of exhortation. All these take place over the chariots P.A system.
STUDENTS ACTIVITIES
As part of the practical training at BVBI, a day is set aside for student’s activity. Students are taken to a community to share the gospel message using tracts and personal one on one bible study. They visit homes, give out tracts on the streets and visit traders in the market place.
STUDENTS PERFORMING BAPTISM
WEEKLY RADIO PROGRAM
Our weekly radio program Planet FM 98.5 is on-going despite a few challenges. For the month of April the presenters responded to several questions received from listeners. The program is making impact in the communities we have been visiting. Students are invited sometimes to assist the speaker by reading scriptures. The airtime for 2017 has been paid but we shall need funds to pay for next year 2018. Most of the callers are directed to the resource centre where teachers are available to teach. Airtime per month costs $52.00, and that adds up to $624.00 per year.
NEW RESOURCE CENTER AND GOSPEL CHARIOT OFFICE
In order to better serve the public, we have relocated the Resource Centre and the Chariot office. Preacher Azuka and Agnala are the two workers in the office. Apart from tracts, we have other religious materials and have made provision for visitors to sit and read. The picture above shows Azuka stapling French tracts that have been printed in Ghana on Risso machine provided by Gospel Chariot Mission in South Africa.
Tract rack in front of resource centre
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The computer training class is a blessing to the students at BVBI. I had the opportunity last month to interview them about the class so far, and I was amazed at the progress they have made and the benefits.
YEAR TWO, SECOND QUARTER COURSES AT BVBI-KPALIME, TOGO
1 Christian evidences
2 1st , 2nd Timothy and Titus
3 Ethics of the preacher
4 The books of Ezekiel and Daniel
5 The book of Romans
6 The Minor Prophets
7 Maintenance of computer
In Christ,
Willie Gley
Campaign success in Ghana
Dear Brethren,
We are happy to report to you our operating for the month of April, 2017. We are thankful for God for His immense blessing during the period, and very grateful to our sponsors for keeping faith with us.
CLASSROOM WORK
Classroom work for both our regular and part time work went on successfully. All thirteen (13) regular students and thirteen (13) part time students were in attendance during the period. There was a terminal examination which all the students participated. This was for both regular and part time students.
CAMPAIGN FOR CHRIST
As indicated in our last report, follow-ups continue on our last campaign for Christ at Essipon by both instructors and students with much assistance from the church at Essipon. This and other evangelism efforts resulted in the baptism of eight (8) souls for the period. Attached are pictures showing some baptisms.
We thank you all for your prayer and great concerned for the work here. We pray the good Lord richly bless you and all of yours.
Your brother,
Charles
A new quarter in Sierra Leone
Hello Brethren in Christ.
We salute you in the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ as we start the second quarter of the first year program in 2017. The break is now over and we have resumed classes with seventeen students three more are yet to come. Their colleagues are skeptical about their coming due to their family commitment at home. However, we are still trying to reach them and see if we can give them some words of courage to continue their course.
FOOD SECURITY FOR STUDENTS
We thank God and our sponsors for their support in providing food to help our student to study the word of God here in the vineyard of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
We want to extend our profound gratitude to those who contributed in diverse ways in funding our school in Sierra Leone. Not forgetting our West Africa Coordinator for his relentless services renders in the sub-region. We give cheers to the Academic Dean who is purchasing our food items with good bargaining price in the market to make ends meet for the institution.
ARRIVAL OF STUDENTS ON CAMPUS
As the break is over, our students have started reporting for classes for the second quarter of the program which commences on the 24th April, 2017. Normal classes have resumed with two lecturers and students already responding to teachings with their new supplies of school materials for the course.
We pray for a successful class session for this quarter. As we plan ahead for our campaign trip to Segbema before the rains intensify. Hope to update you on this later.
Compillied by Bro. Ishmael
Director, BVBI-SL
A short report from Mbanga
The students of the bear valley preaching school in Mbanga just finished a month of intensive studies and will be preparing for for their first exams by the end of this month. They will immediately begin with their short courses and we shall soon finish the first quarter.
One of the students from Chad has been sick, but attending classes and just recently his child also fell sick. Please keep on pray for him. We started with the prison ministry this week and Bro Evaristus went yesterday with Nicolas for the prison ministry. Some were out for week end evangelism as usual like those of them who are or were good orators before coming to school.
We will be traveling to Bamenda this weekend with some students for the preachers forum. We are also planning for a mass evangelism in Ntiem where Abraham is working and establish a new congregation in his village at Sanke.
With many thanks and remain blessed from,
ITITI BENEDICT THE EVANGELIST AND WIFE.
A first in New Zealand!
For the first time since BVBINZ’s inception, all eight of the instructors were at the same place, at the same time. Every year, the New Plymouth church hosts a camp/lectureship during Easter weekend. I believe it is the most widely attended annual lectureship in New Zealand. Pictured above, from left to right are, Todd O’Donnell; Rod Kyle; Kent O’Donnell; Chris Herd; John Jones; Daniel Boyd; Trevor Major; and Lance Mosher. By the way, Daniel, Todd, Trevor, John and I were the speakers at camp.
The label on the photo above, “All of the instructors of BVBINZ,” will become outdated in a few months. In September, we will introduce a new instructor, Nathan Franson, of Sacramento, CA. Nathan will be teaching through Skype. It will be a new endeavour for us, but we are confident it will be a blessing for all involved. This time next month, our annual Queen’s Birthday Weekend Camp should be behind us. This year, it will be organised and led completely by BVBINZ staff and students. Thank you to all who make this school a possibility.
We love you. Keep serving Him,
Lance Mosher, BVBINZ Director
A solid foundation in Ukraine
Dear brethren, families and churches,
The Lord's church grows thanks to strong families and good leaders.
The time passed by so fast that it seemed like we had just started the new school year and yet in a month we should have our graduation ceremony.
This year we graduated 4 students and one more diploma will be given to a student who didn’t have the opportunity in 2014 because the warfare in the Eastern Ukraine had just commenced. Every year our Bible Institute graduates leave us and most of them start serving the local congregations. Since the foundation of the Institute about 200 students have been graduated. They were faithful men and women, well trained to labor in the Vineyard of the Lord. About 20of them became full time Ministers. At the first glance it may look like it’s not an impressive number but taking into account that the Church of Christ in Ukraine had been established only about 30 years ago, I think that we are on the right way to success. In additions to the preachers we have trained 9 Ukrainian Instructors. They are fully trained to teach our new students. And we are expecting our faculty to grow because currently we have 5 students in Masters’ Program.
The church in Ukraine, in my opinion, needs sound and wise leaders more than anything. It’s time for us to mature. And the congregations that are not taught right and not prepared to be independent are not able to function properly. Last week on April 29th we had a one day seminar in the city of Dnipro on the subject of “Godly Worship”. We studied all aspects of Sunday worship. It was a great time of fellowship for the church leaders and preachers who represented a lot of Ukrainian congregations. Some people have difficulties accepting the truth even in simple matters that are taught in the BIble. A lot of time they are motivated by their own understanding or influenced by denominational traditions. This is just one more reason to have sound schools of the Bible. The more well trained leaders the Church gets the better are our chances that the church will grow and get prepared to meet Christ.
For the next year we have 5 potential students. They are ready to join our program. These people are willing to sacrifice their time and their jobs to study the Bible extensively and get trained to be good servants. So we are starting our fundraising efforts for these people. Our Bible program lasts 2 years and we need to do our best to make sure we are faithful in keeping our promises to these people until they graduate.
We also have plans to establish a new congregation in the small town of Krevosheitsy, Lord willing. The town is located in about 1 hour drive from Bela Tservka. Our student Valery Nikora and his family are willing to relocate and buy a house. He knows many people there and we pray God will provide for this opportunity. We need to establish new congregations and we understand how much work we have ahead of us. Currently a lot of denominations are present in Ukraine. Most people have already made their choices about their religious preferences. It’s very difficult to find new people who are looking for truth. Please pray with us for this ministry.
We have a lot of exciting events scheduled for May. Brother Jim Sherman comes to teach, we are to host Youth Group meeting and also our graduation is on May 27th.
We are grateful to all of you who support our Bible Institute and encourage us to faithful service. We need your prayers and appreciate your help.
Your brother and co-worker in the Kingdom of the Lord,
Dennis Sopelnik.
Reaching Liberia for Christ
Dear Brethren,
We bring you greetings from west Africa Liberia , hoping this report finds you very well in Jesus Name.
RE-OPENING
On the 16th of April the students came back from our normal break at the end of each quarter to begin the 4th quarter in the first year of the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Liberia. To God be the glory that all of our students returned and each one of them is doing very well in health and in their lessons. They all returned with wonderful news from their vacations. They all reported being involved in Evangelism with 9 baptisms through this effort.
LIBRARY
With great anticipation to have books for the students to study and research from, we have in advance gotten ready two shelves for the safe keeping and proper arrangements for our future books to come. With this in place, we are kindly appealing to brethren to help the new school in Liberia with teaching and study materials to enhance the learning abilities of our students.
AGRICULTURE PRACTICAL
Our students are also doing very well with the agriculture training in the school as you can see . The are continually involved in the practical demonstration of the theory learned in the class room
GRATITUDE
No doubt we cannot do what we are doing out here with out your great love and support for the Lord's kingdom. Thank you so very much for your sacrifices that are making it possible for the work here to go on. May God richly bless you, your families, your jobs and whatever you are doing to raise support for this worthy cost. May God richly bless you.
In Him
Robert P. Dahn, Jr.
Director
Bear Valley Bible Institute- Liberia.
Another great month in Zimbabwe!
The month of April was without much activity at BVBIZ. Students were on a month-long break. However, we remain grateful for what God was able to do for school in April. The following is a brief report.
1.0 CLASSES RESUME
Students came back to school on the 26th of April, after a month long break. This marks the beginning of their second year of learning. The term did not start with classes as is the norm but with a lectureship as shall be reported hereunder.
2.0 LECTURESHIPS
Two provincial lectureships were held in April and BVBIZ students and teachers had an opportunity to participate in one way or another. These are some of the provinces in the country with less membership as compared to others. Lectureships present an opportunity to highlight school programs. They are also used as a stepping stone towards recruitment of new students for the school’s 2017 intake. The following is a capsule;
2.1 MASHONALAND WEST PROVINCE
At Mashonaland West Province, Howard Suwari, one of our lecturers presented BVBIZ to the province. The lectureship took place at Chirau church of Christ. The mission of the school, 2017 intake, doctrinal positions, partnerships in training, programs and many other issues were articulated. Two hundred and thirty (230) people from several congregations were in attendance.
2.2 MIDLANDS PROVINCE
BVBIZ is located in Gweru, Midlands Province. The school was heavily involved in some ways in the organisation of this lectureship. The director of the school, Mathew Muchingami , the full time instructor, Ishmael Mutichu, BVBIZ students were on the schedule teaching, preaching and leading songs. The faculty was pleased with the presentation of students. The theme was “Rebuilding the Fallen Walls-Lessons from Nehemiah.” The theme was geared towards church development.
3.0 SECOND YEAR FIRST TERM CURRICULUM
Church History, Marriage and Family Life, Church Leadership, Homiletics II (Advanced Homiletics), Gospel of John, 1, 2, and 3 John, Christian Spiritual Formation, Introduction Greek, Major Prophets
Besides the above, seminars on “The preachers life and work” shall be conducted as we continue to prepare students for their upcoming eight week practicum in July to mid-September. Preachers in the field shall be given a slot to share their experiences. These will come on a voluntary basis.
Furthermore, the following workshops (for both students and leaders) geared towards leadership development shall be conducted on campus.
· Financial Management and Accountability for churches
· Marriage and Family Development
· Conflict Management
4.0 PROJECTS
4.1 BEANS AND MAIZE
The maize crop is drying up and harvesting will be done probably towards the ending of May and during the month of June. One hectare of beans was planted. The crop is doing well. The following picture, showing a cross section of the crop, was taken at the beginning of April.
4.2 CHICKEN PROJECT
The second batch of chickens was a success. Most were sold in April except for a few that were reserved for the school. The school is currently receiving payments from customers who bought on credit. A brief trading account shall be made in the May report. We hope to start another batch in May.
5.0 FIELD PRACTICUM
This year BVBIZ shall have her field practicum for students. Congregations are being encouraged to apply. Each congregation will be expected to provide accommodation and meet the food requirements of students. About $1000, outside the school’s budget shall be needed on the part of the school for the program to run smoothly. The money will be used for the following;
· Surveying of areas and preparing congregations
· Travelling of students to centres and back
· Travelling of teachers and their subsistence when away
· Back up in terms of food and toiletries
· Medical expenses
· Other unforeseen issues that may arise
The director shall make independent follow up to monitor progress and do own evaluation. We shall also be privileged to have the Gospel Chariot in one or two of the centres where students shall be.
CONCLUSION
We are always grateful to God for what He has been able to do for BVBIZ. We also remain grateful for the support, one way or another; we keep receiving from all of you. To God be the glory.
In Him,
Mathew Muchingam
Director, BVBIZ