Another term completed in Fiji

Greetings!

Bula Vinaka from Fiji! We hope that our latest report finds you all doing well. Things are going great with work of the Bible Institute at Raiwaqa here in Suva, Fiji. We have completed our first regular of classes of the year, participated in the Fijian Workshop, and are winding down the last week of our short courses. Even as I write this report, our students are busy taking their final exams for the short courses.

The last couple of months have brought us plenty of excitement! We have been visited by two tropical cyclones (Josie, a Category 1 storm, and Keni, a Category 3 storm). But, we have also enjoyed some much more pleasant visitors who have come to help with the work! We look forward to sharing more information with you in this report!

Term One is in the Books

Over the last couple of months we experienced what I believe was our best term yet. Last year, we ended the school year with eight full-time students. This year, we began the term with twelve full-time students! Three of those students are new students: Asher Abraham from Pohnpei in Micronesia, Alphonsus Rickimae from the Solomon Islands, and Samuela Tupou from Suva, Fiji. Our fourth addition is a returning student, Brother Kitione Salinadrontini. Brother Kiti is from the Naila congregation in Fiji. He began the program last year, but he had to withdraw in the middle of the year due to a work commitment. We are glad to have all of these students with us.

The first term has been a very challenging one for our students. Dad taught Sermon on the Mount, Congregational Development, and Introduction to Greek. The students were especially engaged during the Congregational Development class, where they asked a large number of questions about how to develop leaders in the church. They particularly asked challenging questions about how to appoint elders in the church and what is their role in the church. They were also asked to complete a group project in which they had to design a year-long Bible class program for a local congregation. The students took the project very seriously and turned in some excellent programs. We hope to encourage them to implement some of their ideas in their own local congregations in the future. But, the most challenging of Dad’s courses was Introduction to Greek. It is never easy teaching a foreign language, but it is especially difficult when teaching it to students who speak English as a second language. But, Dad did a great job in teaching the course. While the students definitely found the class to be challenging, they worked hard and did a great job with it. I taught Old Testament Prophets I (Isaiah – Daniel), General Epistles (Philemon, James, 1-3 John), and Christian Evidences. By far, the most challenging of the courses was Christian Evidences. But, as it is with the U.S., it is a very important topic for Christians living in the South Pacific. In recent years, there has been a strong push to introduce evolution and atheism into the local schools and universities. Our goal is to equip our students with the information they need to answer these challenges. Overall, our students had an outstanding first term!

Visits from Short Course Teachers

We are just finishing up our first round of two-week short courses. This month, we have been blessed to have brother Terry Pafford teach a course on OT Poetry I (Job-Psalms). Brother Pafford lives in Midland, Texas, where he serves as an elder in his congregation. His congregation has been a generous supporter of the Bible Institute. Brother Pafford has done an excellent job in covering his topic. He has also been known to share a few of his jokes with my sons during his stay! We have really enjoyed having him visit the work.

Our second teacher this term is Randy English, who is teaching Preacher and His Work. Brother English has spent twenty-nine years working full-time in the South Pacific, so he is no stranger to the work. We were really excited to be able to get him to teach the course on Preacher and His Work, because his experience working in the South Pacific has given him a great insight into what the work of preacher in this part of the world really involves. We were also blessed to his wife, Sharon, and their daughter, Cassie, with him on this trip. Randy and Sharon were my parents next door neighbors for five years while they worked in American Samoa, so it was great to be able to visit with their family.

We had an additional special visit during the short courses this year. Aaron and Cindy Baker spent seven years working as missionaries in Vanuatu. They were traveling back from a two week trip to work with the church there when they stopped over for a few days in Fiji. Aaron was especially interested in visiting the school to see what our program has to offer. It was such joy to be able to spend a few days visiting with Aaron and Cindy.

Our New Library has Arrived

In our last report, we mentioned the fact that our school library had just shipped from the U.S. I am excited to announce that our library has arrived in Fiji and cleared customs! The delivery was delayed about a week and a half due to the two cyclones, but it arrived safely. We were just finishing up our last day of final exams when they contacted us that it was ready to clear customs. So, Dad and I loaded up and headed to the customs office to pick up our shipment. After a couple of hours of processing the customs paper work, they released the shipment to us. We had just over seventy boxes of books for our school library! We hired a truck to deliver them to the school, where we were met by some of the students to unload all of the boxes. Over the next couple of days, my oldest two boys (Austin and Cory) unpacked and shelved all of the books. We still have to catalogue all of the books and organize them, but we hope to soon be able to give our students full access to this valuable resource. Again, let me offer my sincere thanks for all who made this possible!

Brotherly,

Jason Pierce

New staff members in Tamale

So soon it is one year since the new year of our sixth batch of students began. We thank God for His blessing and for you the wonderful people who keep on supporting us in prayers and financially. 

STUDENTS ON VACATION

The fifth term classes came to an end rather shorter as this is the farming season for the people in the northern part of Ghana. As part of their support the students do some farming in their villages to help feed their families. So the students are on long break from now to July 1st when they will come back to school to continue with their academic work.

STAFF

Albert Tamanja Malir and James Bisong Legend have joined the management and are now the core staffs of the school in teaching, security and handling the day to day activities as they staying in the school. They are also to see to the growth of the church that meets in the school that serves as the immediate training ground for the students.

EVANGELISM AND VISITATION

As part of the school’s mission of growing the work of Our Lord in the northern part of Ghana, visitation to all the congregations in the area is put in place as well as visiting all our graduate preachers and other preachers working in the area. Already visitation is done on the road from Tamale to Bimbilla, a journey of three and a half hours on the motor bike.   

Many people are also being contacted for Bible studies in Tamale township and also in the vicinity of the school and the responses are favorably.  

STEVEN AND WIFE VISITED

Steven and Karen Ashcraft visited us at the school for three days. The progress of the school, the management of the school, maintainace of the school and the welfare of the students were all discussed. Even though Karen was not part of our meeting her interaction with us and her fellowship with us was great and inspiring.

Thanks for your support and may the Good Lord richly bless you.

A new congregation is planted in Zimbabwe

INTRODUCTION

Jesus’ great commission remains pivotal at BVBIZ. Though many efforts are taken to equip students for the ministry, the end result is always to obey this commission. In brief, BVBIZ exists to fulfill this endeavour. Students, whom we take as Jesus’ foot soldiers are currently at various centres doing their practicum. This is the main activity that transpired in the month of April.

APPRECIATION

This year’s field program runs between April and May. Deployment was done on the 4th of April. This is an opportunity for students to put into practice what they have been learning in class and during their weekend practicum. Our appreciation goes to the congregations that are hosting the students and the individual men and women who in their capacities are trying to meet the needs of the students.

FOLLOW UP

Teachers have succeeded in making their first follow up of students. Another follow up shall be done in May. At each follow up, teachers will identify weaknesses, challenges, strengths and evaluate each student. The teach will assist each student on the practical aspect. The director also made independent visits to almost every camp.

CAMPUS CONGREGATION

A campus congregation at Midlands State University has now become a reality. Authorities at the University had taken long to grand the permission and several Church of Christ students did not have opportunity to worship. BVBIZ shall be working with the University students buoyed by the Nashville church of Christ congregation here in Gweru. The school shall use these students as a pivot for evangelism. The picture below speaks a lot about what these students were missing.

NORA VALLEY CONGREGATION

A new congregation started at Nora Valley near Ruwa. This has been made possible by BVBIZ students who were posted to the area. The Nyakudya and Zungunde families have been behind this vision. Please find attached, a report from students at Nora Valley.

GRADUATION

The graduation ceremony for our first batch of students shall take place on the 2nd of June 2018 beginning at 10am. BVBIZ, therefore, invites you to witness her first ever graduation ceremony.

CONCLUSION

Finally we would like to thank you all for your moral, spiritual and financial support. Our request this

month is that you keep remembering the students who are in the field. Our desire is that the world be won to Christ. To God be the glory!

Mathew Muchingham, Director, BVBI-Z

A new campus in Kenya

Beloved,

Greetings from the Kenya School of preaching faculty and students. We are very excited to report that we have moved to the new location and building. We are proud to be working in such a great place now. 

When we look back to where we began in October 2012, we thank God for such a humble beginning, we also thank the brethren who support the work and the trust that they have in us to lead the training of preachers. 

All the 18 students are back from the break and zealous to take the few more classes remaining before graduating on 25 August. 

We closed the last quarter by attending a three day gospel campaign in Lieta, the students had an opportunity of going door to door and sharing the gospel before assembling in the evening for a gospel meeting. The campaign despite being in Lieta where two former KSOP graduates serve as ministers, the current KSOP students led in teaching. We are thankful to the brethren who love and support such a great cause, we are thankful to Dan and DJ for being part of the campaign. We pray we will be able to have more of such campaigns. 

The students are thrilled with the new facility and can’t hide their joy in and outside class. Brethren, everyone is thrilled with the new school, the students are attentive and focused as they look forward to joining the Lord’s field. Thanks to Christians for Kenya for such a wonderful facility, we can’t thank you enough but God will reward all. 

We keep on working hard to see that we have a good environment for learning and evangelism by planting trees in the new facility and providing water to the community. We pray another congregation of the Lord will be planted in the new Location as we did with the previous place.

This quarter we have six classes, minor prophet I and II being taught by Elias and Charles continues with Greek III and Denominational Doctrines. Wayne Burger will come and teach two short courses, Scheme of Redemption and Revelation in May – June. 

During the break, Elias and I visited different congregations and gospel meeting, we led teaching and recruitments for the next class in October. It is always great to meet former graduates who are still faithful and keeps working in the Kingdom and more so it’s inspiring to here reports from the congregations how our students are sound in doctrine and industrious. 

The students were very fruitful in leading and being part of 15 different gospel meetings and campaigns during the break that led to 16 baptisms, 12 souls restored and one congregation of 50 in Nakuru restored to the Lord’s worship after many studies done by Zachariah.

The classes taught so far have a great impact in these students and we appreciate the foreign short course teachers for coming to teach and providing study materials. 

Brotherly,

Charles Ogutu, Director KSOP

Campaign success in Trinidad

The TSOP had a blast on the island of Grenada!!! Both faculty and students were engaged from as soon as we landed till the hour we left! The Marian congregation hosted a revival with the theme “Exhausted but in pursuit” reflecting Gideon’s battles. 

During the revival, Annie and I were able to conduct personal Bible studies with a young lady, Trudy, whose husband came in later on. They are both searching in a time when they lost a close friend who passed recently. They are still in personal contact and looking promising. 

The revival was well attended and resulted in one restoration. We left several Bible study contacts with the preacher there, Levaughn Lewis. We continue to send study material for Trudy and Leron and also directed them to World Video Bible School material especially Fundamentals of the Faith. Please join us in prayer for them.

The students were exceptional in their efforts to win souls and braved the hot sun (hotter than Trinidad) and hills to reach as many as possible. I’m personally emotional about this as this is what it used to be in the early days of our school and to see it happening again brings joy, even to tears.

We then left Marian for Archibald Avenue congregation in St Georges Grenada.  Students and faculty hit the streets in a small village called Belmont. Studies were arranged in advance as for the last three weeks, members were visiting the area to make contacts. This way, at least twelve personal Bible studies were conducted each day. The seed was sown and the church there continues to water, we wait God’s granting of the increase

The studies done by TSOP in the area resulted in three souls being won for Jesus. Three precious souls ages 15, 30 and 56 were added. Nathaniel Hall, a first year student performed his first baptism and to date he is still rejoicing that he did well. The ocean was rough though and the area dark but we completed the task any way and sang on the beach for about half an hour after!

We are noticing through these gospel meetings that people are searching for truth and we know that the Word is truth so our job is easy – present truth. Continue to pray for TSOP as we march for the Master. Our search is also on for new students for September. We already have four registered and seeking another six to make a full class of 10 for 2018-2020. May God continue to bless you richly in all you do for us and know that we are eternally grateful for your love and support.

Dominic Dos Santos

A new well in Haiti

The International School of Theology is nearing the end of its fourth year.   These men are serious about their studies and dedicated to the word of God.  It takes all of our students at least an hour to reach IST; some travel three or four hours each way and they do this four days per week.  

We are now looking to the next year at IST.  The new year will bring with it, many challenges and a lot of excitement.   One class will be entering their senior year with graduation set for May 2019.  The freshman students will be coming in August, as we look to enroll fifteen more students.  This will also call for the hiring of one or two new Haitian teachers for IST.  Our directors will do the vetting to make sure each teacher is sound in the faith. 

Healing Hands International recently conducted a dip irrigation seminar for our students and a few visitors.  This will help to provide food for our students and faculty.  HHI also drilled three wells in our area to provide fresh, clean drinking water for the community; one of the wells is just outside our front gate.  John 4 tells us, the women at the well was first introduced to Jesus and then she told others; which led to several believing in Jesus.  IST plans to use the three wells in LaTremblay to reach the lost.  Our students and faculty will visit the wells regularly to offer Bible studies and invite them to visit the church.

Please pray for our students, teachers, directors and the people of Haiti.  Haiti is a great nation with many wonderful people.  The people are hardworking and have a desire to better their lives and their relationship with God. 

January 14th saw a congregation was planted on the campus of IST.  So far there have been five baptisms through their efforts.  There is a regular attendance of about 50.  Each week new visitors from the neighborhood come to visit.  Four of our graduates are working together to lead this work in a positive direction.

Larry Waymire

Coordinator

Campaign in Sierra Leone

Dear Brethren in Christ,

I am sending you photos of my visit to the church at Babuibu in the Taiama region where three of our students came from.

There is a river crossing before you get to the village where the church resides.In my four miles journey walk to the village ,I had to on board  a boat that ferried me across the river that morning.

My dean of students also visited  Segbema church of Christ where he  worshiped also with the church.

Our students are doing great work in these areas .There are five churches of Christ existing in this region.We hope to pay another visit with the hope to restore the other churches.

There are two soul of convert baptized on that mission by the students.

Thank You

Yours in Christ

Bro,Ishmael S Bangura

Studying hard in Togo

By the grace of God, we have completed the first quarter of the first year. The first year is offering CBS courses to prepare students for the two year Bear valley courses. At the close of this year we shall determine those who have the capacity to start the two year Bear Valley program. We shall present Certificate of leadership to those who did not make it. This first year is to screen, make them Christians and prepare them for two year program. The students were given a two week vacation on March 30 and are to resume for the Second Quarter on April 16.

Willie Gley, Director

My visit to Nepal and India

It was my pleasure to return to Kathmandu, Nepal after a 3 year absence. The last time I was there was only 5 weeks after the catastrophic earthquake they had suffered. Much has changed! In addition to rebuilding in the city, more importantly, the Nepal Center for Biblical Studies has a new facility to meet in and house the students. The building is also used to host various area wide church activities.

I was able to meet with Director, Gajendra Deshar, Arun Ree, and Jerry Golphenee regarding how the school is doing and also discuss plans for the future. Nepal is 95% Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim. Pray for our brethren ae have certainly have our work cut out for us.

After leaving Nepal I was able to visit the Visakha Bible College once again. I had been asked in advance to teach the students "Homiletics", which I always enjoy doing. I was impressed by the students! Their level of knowledge coupled with the complete attention was encouraging.

Also, I was blessed to be able to address the topic of "Leadership" to an area-wide meeting of preachers that exceeded 75 in attendance. There is a lot of good being done in and around this metropolis of several million souls.

Brotherly,

Keith Kasarjian

Director, Bear Valley Extension Studies

Campaign results in Mbanga, Cameroon

We bring to you Calvary greetings from this end of the globe. We are doing pretty good both from our congregation and from our school of preaching in Mbanga.

We are glad to report to the world this day that the Lord is doing marvelous work in our country of Cameroon even though it is in the midst of discord. We have been wise and hard-working just like Nehemiah. Nehemiah 4:17 says, "à hand for God and a hand for work." Keep on praying for our country and the spiritual leadership in the church in Cameroon. 

We went through a successful internship with our students in which I visited some of the areas of work. Even though we are few in number, we went across 5 French speaking regions which are the Littoral, the Centre, the East, the South, and the West. The work was grandiose as the students got back safely.

The final report for this end of fourth quarter is as follows: 

  Number of of congregations that we worked in:  10

  Number of baptisms recorded: 12

  Number of persons restored: 8

How time flies! We are now in the fifth quarter and preparation towards graduation is on-going as well as a campaign for new students that is reaching from North to South and from East to West.

We also attended the youth forum in Kumba with six of our students where we actively took great part in singing, translating from English to French and in teaching lessons that maybe the speaker could not make. Evangelism was also part of our mission during the youth forum.

How good it is to be in among brethren. It was great for some of them to have experienced this.

We are still doing weekend evangelism to assist some congregations that need help from us.

Preach the Word in Season and out of Season!  Brother Giress also accompanied the students on evangelism campaigns in Mbanga and out of Mbanga. Preaching is our vocation.

Next month we will be at the preacher’s forum in Buea and the Scholarship Lectureship in Kumbo were Paul Kee is operating a school preaching.

Thanks for your great support for the work in Cameroon.

Remain blessed

From Ititi Bénédict evangelist with the church of Christ in Mbanga and director of the BVBIC school of preaching in Mbanga. 

Prayers for Cameroon

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from the beautiful country of Cameroon. We thank God we are up and doing in the midst of political confusion in our country, but we remain thankful to God for making it possible. We hope this report meets you in good health and sound faith as usual .

We always appreciate your prayers over the work we do and now over the political situation of our country , the country that we love so much .

Classes in the Bible college are all moving on well without any major problem. The students are in school without any threat and  are free and learning in an environment of serenity. We give the glory to God .

Health wise, we are having issues about some of us , two students were out to see the doctor in the hospital for eyes problems and others went there to do some laboratory test on health issues and sister Senge  will continue treatments at home on issues that she can handle and we are always thankful to God for His Divine care.

I am teaching advance homiletics this quarter and it is more easier for me as I was suppose to ask my students to produce visual aids but I have this that came through mission printing container which is helping my class a lot.

Because of the current situation in Cameroon , where many live with fear in some areas mostly in villages ,the Wotutu congregation decided last week to make it a week of prayer,for the nation of Cameroon , we suspended all other activities in the church and to spend time to pray and pray.My son needed my attention , but my attention was for many who live in fear in villages so that our God will act as it pleases Him.

PLANS

Nso is inviting us for evangelism in May

We are planning mass evangelism to idenau west coast region where the new congregation established there is in a good footing.Keep our dreams in your prayers.

Thank you very much for standing with us .God bless you , share our reports with others.

Elangwe and family

By His grace director BVBIC-wotutu

Evangelism plans in Arusha

STUDENT EVANGELISM PROGRAM CONTINUE

As we continue daily to equip these  39 faithful men with the word of God in the class, we also thought it is necessary to send them out to our nearest congregations and serve God. The student outreach program has been fruitful in many ways in congregation around the area.  This is a win win evangelism program that involves ACSOP students and congregation around the area. The students will have opportunity to participate in local outreach program while they are at school. It is a direct benefit both to the students and congregation. 

Students will be required to attend worship service and assist the local men growing the church they will also visit two Saturday of the month for evangelism program. It is our hope that congregation will take this ministry for the betterment of the church and participate in one of the expenses, either food or transport. We always send our students in pair and both are required to write a short report to what they have done in the field. Please prepare to  be hearing these incredible report from our students as the come each week. 

Here are the congregations that will participate in the program, KIYOGA, KWA MOROMBO, KIYOGA, ILKIUREI, KISONGO, MONDULI JUU, MONDULI CHINI, 

ARUSHA MJINI, KING’ORI, MUNGERE AND LERAI.

I hope you will continue to pray for this great effort as we train these men both in the class and in reaching out the lost souls. 

Godfrey Mngoma

Dean of Students

Andrew Conally school of preaching- Bear Valley international Extension School.  

The first Masters degree graduation in Nigeria

Beloved in Christ Jesus,

Greetings from BVBIN AND SWSE, IBADAN and my fellow WBSFUW in South West of Nigeria.
We (I and Bro. Isaac Olaniyan) traveled on April 7 in continuation of our three years Master's degree program at Bear Valley Bible Institute School of Graduates,Accra -Ghana and thanks be unto the Lord for granting of a sweet journey.And we deeply appreciate Bro.Seth Larbi and family and the Church at Sarpenman for extending their hands of fellowship to us.

Brethren, big thanks to the Almighty God for granting us a successful week in which our able instructors and the director of BVBI extensions programs, Bro. Gary Fallis extensively handled the book of John between the hours of eight in the morning and five in the evening.

All the fifteen qualified students and the other students  under the new leadership of Bro.Kojo Acquah Beenyi were blessed with Bro.Gary's wonderful experience in the field of preaching.
And on Saturday, I and Bro.Isaac Olaniyan were graciously part of the twevle graduates with Master Degree in Biblical Studies at Bear Valley Bible Institute School of Graduate, Accra-Ghana.To God be the glory!

Beloved, we appreciate you all for your partnership and cares.We thanks Bro.Steven Ashcraft and his associates for their moral and financial supports. Also,we thanks Bro. Doug Wheeler for connecting us with this powerful group, The Bear Valley Bible Institute International. May the Lord keep us safe till the end is our fervent prayers.

We have just printed ten thousand WBS introduction lessons for the recruitment of students for the free Bible correspondence courses from USA in next academic session which begins by May 2nd in Nigeria.

As for the BVBIN AND SWSE, IBADAN, the school end all third semester classes on April 13 to pave way for students one month vocational training. Fourth semester classes will commence Lord's willing on May 21,2018.

Brethren,we thanks you once again for your brotherly love and cares.

I remain your fellow labourer in the vineyard of Christ....... Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (Director of Studies& Chairman of Administrative Council, BVBIN AND SWSE, IBADAN AND WBSFUW)

Classes resume in Liberia

Greeting from your fellow laborers at the Bear Valley Bible Institute- Liberia, hoping all is well with you and your families in the Lord's name. It is ways a great joy to share with you the many happenings in my country and from the Bear Valley school in Liberia.

STUDENTS RETURNED

After a three weeks break our students returned to the campus on the 17th of March in a very high spirit appreciating the school for the level of education imparted to them because their performances and contributions back to their local congregations and other places have helped the congregations and many individuals greatly. The students reported seven (7) baptism in all from the work that they were involved in.

Meanwhile, our regular classes for our last and final quarter has started with all the students present and all our instructors coming on their appointment time.

STEVEN VISIT TO LIBERIA

On Tuesday April 28, 2018, brother Steven Ashcraft and I returned to Liberia after the opening ceremony of the new school in Guinea. He spent three days in Liberia helping us understand what is required by Bear Valley and how to prepared, keep and have a very good record system for the sake of the future and accountability. There were also discussions about the completion of the students and the graduation of the first batch of our students.

Brother Steven also donated some very beautiful neck ties to all the students and Instructors which we appreciated do much.

INSTRUCTORS MEETING

After Brother Steven left, the instructors gathered for a meeting, in which we discussed the progress of the school and each students over the period of time. We also discussed about the upcoming graduation and the intake of the new students. It was a very rewarding meeting because great ideas were brought forth that will help with the betterment of the school. We also set up from among the instructor and students a planing committee to plan the graduation.

CAMPAIGNS

As part of our plans to reach out to many with the gospel, the school has decided to carried out five (5) extra campaigns excluding the four (4) required campaigns of Bear Valley this year. We have already effected three successful campaigns this year that has resulted in twenty seven (27) baptism and two new congregations establishment.

CONCLUSION AND APPRECIATIONS

We want to thank all of you so very much for all you love and partnership toward the work and growth of the Lord's church in Liberia and Africa at large. Thank you so much and may the good Lord keep using you for the sake of His work in Jesus Name.

REPORT BY: ROBERT P. DAHN JR.

DIRECTOR- BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE -LIBERIA

Fruitful activities in Cambodia

So many good things are being accomplished through the teaching our students in Cambodia.

We just finished two classes with our students. They are the book of “James” taught by Darat Run and “marriage and family” taught by Piseth Rin. The students of IBISR enjoyed very much the classes and they study diligently.

We thank God for our students who a do very good job every Sunday. Some of our students went to a village after worshipping God. They share the word of God to many people in the village.

Another thing we give thanks to is our big brother Wes Autrey for always helping by speaking in chapel every Friday through skype. Our students hearts get a very good lessons every Friday. This is a good way to share God’s word.

Last week on Saturday we had a very good seminar with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Cambodia. The seminar was on the topic of “Secular Philosophy Vs Christian Ethics”.

The Church heard very good lessons from four different teachers. They are Phanat Ouch, Kim Chann Lork, James Lork, and Rich Dolan.

The Church heard the lessons and sang songs from 8:45am - 11:30am. From 11:45 - 12:45 all the Church and students had lunch and fellowship that was provided by the Church in Siem Reap. From 1:00 - 3:45pm the Church and students heard the  lessons and sang more songs.

After the lessons and songs were finished everyone engaged in lots of different activities like games, sports, and then we all ate a good meal.

We thanks God for this seminar, because some of people are not Christians and some were hearing about God for the first time. There are many who come because they are interested in learning about God’s word.

Since we have the most Christian families in any province, we try to be the best godly examples for those attending the seminar.

Please keep us in your prayers. - Piseth Rin, Director

11 souls baptized in Ghana

Dear Brethren,

Thank God another period for our report is here and we are glad to present to you summary of activities for the month of March, 2018

CLASSROOM WORK

          Classroom work for both the full time and the part time went on successfully. All instructors and students were present which enabled us have a successful teaching and learning session

PERSONAL EVANGELISM

          The students continue with personal evangelism/visitation in the villages around the school. We continue to receive good response from prospects as they invite us for further studies. We need your prayers as always.

HHI SUPPORTED POULTRY PROJECT

          We are glad to report to you that the last batch of three hundred (300) birds are growing well. They are in their four (4) weeks now. We need your usual prayers for the sustainability of this project.

FUNERAL INVITATION

          In the month of March, 2018, one of our immediate past students’ wife passed on in th Central Region. The school was invited. The figure stated in the financial report was the cost of our transportation to and from to mourn with our colleague.

CAMPAIGN FOR CHRIST

We were able to have the campaign for Christ at Axim this time around. As was reported to you earlier, this program had been postponed on two ocassions. Eleven (11) souls were baptized during the one week program. Again, we followed the usual partern of night preaching and house to house personal evangelism during the day.

After the program, all particulars of those prospects who could not immediately respond to the gospel were compiled by the school and handed over the church for a follow-up. We are yet to receive any report whether there has been anymore baptisms.

God bless you all.

CHARLES

Off to a great start in Guinea!

Dear brethren,

By the grace of God after the opening ceremony of 25th February Bear Valley Guinea successfully started classes and the school was able to go through the following activities during the month of March 2018.

Classroom: The first quarter classroom activities began with 15 students on 5th March while the other expected 4 arrived on later subsequent dates concluding the number to 19. Three of the 5 major courses are being taught plus the French language. There is the spirit of anxiety and enthusiasm in both the students and staff. Some 60 percent of the students are on a higher level of understanding while the others are to double up efforts. Our classroom (the second) devotion is at 10 AM and the preaching schedule include both staff and students. Most of the sermons from the staff are exhortations to the evangelist and his work of gospel preaching for which purpose the students have come to be trained.

Evangelism: We have grasped the opportunity of public preaching through the local radio made available to us, the school by the local church in Gueckedou.. Once a week we are on the air for 30 minutes. A few of our students are on this preaching schedule too. We have also done a personal one on one preaching, firstly with family members, relatives and friends of the students and staff and this resulted in the conversion of 3 souls and one restoration.

Challenges: Besides the surrounding villages, Gueckedou is a bigger town and the challenge is for us to explore the school (which is a great blessing for us) to seek and to save the lost.

In the absence of our own copier which was bought, but was damaged by the bus accident, we are faced with an inexcusable need to continue to make copies of students and staff study materials on a general commercial basis. The repairs of the copier have taken too long and we are doubting or rather lost hope that it can be done.

Accomplishments: Until February the 25th, all of our dreams and efforts to establish a Bible training center in Guinea were, but a shadow. But since March the 5th the reality of that dream has been made real and a school, “l’Institute Biblique Bear Valley” has been established with 19 students and classes are in full swing.

Personal profile: Student Niouma 2 Kamano is a member of the Solondonin, Gueckedou church. He was converted in February 2014 in Conakry at the time when I was trying to build up a congregation in the area called Faban. His conversion was long and I was losing patient, but today I realize through his dedication and service that he was investigating to ensure the faith into which he later help to bring other friends. In 2016 when I was on my way to the regional headquarters of N’zerekore for a bible seminar, he encouraged me to stop for a few days in order to discuss God’s word with some 7 persons he had assembled. 5 of these were converted after a 2 days discussion and his wife was a part. Even now in Gueckedou he is of great help in the church work. He is one of those doing the baptism of the 3 conversions mentioned above under “evangelism”. In the academic performance, he is in the top list. If we have 5 of such people in a local church, that congregation will not only grow, but active in many good things!

Brotherly,

Frances Sahr Musa, Director, BVBI-G

Student evangelism in Ukraine

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In the beginning of March, we had to unexpectedly deal with a housing problem. The landlords of the apartment we had been renting for the students for a few years sold it. We had to look for a new place. In Ukraine there are no strict laws about giving enough notice and sometimes they just give you no time. Thank God we were able to find a new place within a week and the problem was resolved. Sadly, if you are a renter in Ukraine you can be asked to vacate the premises by the end of the next day even though you had a legit rental agreement. The great news is the Jesus guarantees us a place in Heaven and He never neglects His promises.

In the end of the month our students had a week of practical evangelism in Kyiv, Konstantinovka, Bela Tserkva and Slovyansk. During the week our students distributed the tracts and had some personal approach conversations with public. In Bela Tserkva one lady with a child started coming to the church services. This was the second time they came, and she said she enjoyed the atmosphere in the Lord’s Church.

Also, the home study group brings good fruit. The students get together in the apartment that is rented by the Institute and have a Bible study. They invite neighbors to join. Starting from September of the last year they’ve had a regular Friday night study. The instructors helped them occasionally. But now more then ever some new visitors join them for the Bible Study.

In March our first-year students had the Book of Job (taught by Dmitry Galyuk) and the Wisdom Literature (Dennis Sopelnik), while the second year students had Religions of the World (Albert Bagdasaryan) and Contemporary Religious Thought (Dennis Sopelnik).

I had a wonderful opportunity to join Shevchenko District Church of Christ in Kiyv on the last Sunday of the month. Our graduate Yuriy Romanov is their preacher. He is working really hard and contributing a lot to the growth of the congregation. Yuriy graduated one year ago and since then he’s been teaching the sound doctrine to the brethren in Kiyv. Yuriy has a beautiful family with his wife Katya and their son Matthew. They do a lot for the Lord. This congregation numbers 25 people now. Since the history of this congregation is very complicated and they’d been through a few splits, in my opinion, all things considered, they are doing well now and work really hard on the growth of this congregation.

Our home congregation plans to host the Ladies Day in April. Our sisters do it regularly once a year. Usually we have a good attendance from different parts of Ukraine. We request your prayers for the event.

Our sincere gratitude goes out to all churches and individual supporters of the Bear Valley Bible Institute ministry. I’m very positive that so far we’ve accomplished so much due to your faithful sacrificial efforts and support.

God bless you, Your brother Dennis Sopelnik.

Making Plans in New Zealand

A few nights ago was my final class for Personal Evangelism 1 (Make Disciples Training Program). We will have a graduation of sorts for the class this coming Sunday, 15 April, where we will have our final numbers for religious conversations, Bible studies set, and Bible studies conducted. I hope to report on those next month.

We have begun seriously speaking to our full time students about their plans after graduation in July this year. One of them, Jay, will be working full time with the Porirua church after graduation. He will be preaching, teaching, leading singing, and conducting community evangelism. We really look forward to having Jay on our team full time!

We have been busy planning our upcoming campaign in May/June. We expect to have about a dozen Freed-Hardeman University students staying in Wellington to help us reach out to the community for two weeks. They will also attend our lectureship and camp. This year’s lectureship theme will be “Life After Youth Group: Growing Up With Our Faith Intact.” 

The staff has also been recruiting, and it looks like we may have four full-time students and a few part-time students joining BVBINZ in August. We are also drafting up the schedule of classes for the next school years.

We are excited about the things on the horizon for BVBINZ. Stay tuned. God bless you. Keep serving Him!
 
Lance Mosher, BVBINZ Director

Continued growth in Myanmar

We have had a great study for five weeks. The first two weeks was taught by Dr. Steve Christian from Double Springs, Al. The church of the Bible and The Life of Christ (four gospels). The third and fourth weeks were taught by Jerry Bates, Church planting and the book of Acts. The fifth week was taught by Jon Lucius from Florence, the Godhead. The students took as much advantage of the knowledge of the teachers as possible and busy with paper work and tests. 

We also had Myanmar Bible College at the same time  and seven people baptized during the session. 

Now I am in Kalay for Youth Camp with six BV students. After one week Youth Camp, we are planning to do some other campaigns in the hill areas as a part of learning and practical work. The other three students will do the campaigns at their places. 

My heart felt thanks and appreciation to Bear Valley. I hope and pray that this school will help the church in Myanmar a lot. 

Yours in His service

Philip, Director BVBI-M