A change of location in Malawi

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – MALAWI

Greetings from Malawi! I hope this finds everyone while enjoying God’s blessings. We, the Bear Valley Bible Institute - Malawi, want to inform all people that the school has been relocated from the Mzuzu Bible campus to Ekwendeni which is 21km north of Mzuzu. This has been done in order to allow both schools work much more effectively. It has been a good partnership with Mzuzu Bible College, and as we are moving out from the campus, only the place has changed, but we still remain united in the same purpose. This move is with effect from the 31, October, 2018. Saving souls and training men to be faithful preachers is what both schools are aiming at. This news has been gladly received by the whole staff of Mzuzu Bible College and all the students. 

Student’s classes and Holiday!

The calendar of the school is always February to May being in class, and the whole months of June they leave for holiday. This is the first semester, which end up with a gospel campaign in the last week of May. From the holiday, July to October we are in classes, but still having campaigns in the last week of August and last week of September. We do the campaigning work as part of student’s practical work while at school, and this is part of their credit while they receive their training at the college. Right now our students are on holiday until the first week of February, 2019.  The next enrollment will be just after the graduation next year October.

The classes were very good and lot of courses has been completed. About 19 courses have been accomplished. We are looking forward to our Malawi school second graduation next year. Many things have been achieved this year; registration of the school, the new bank account opened under the BV constitution, the salvation for about 193 souls and many more. We thank God for everything. We are asking you brethren to put us and the Lord's work in your prayers as the apostle Paul also wrote to the church of Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2.

We thank all those who are always willing to support this work. You need to understand that we value your support and many prayers you offer for this work. Without you, nothing would have been accomplished. Eternity Is Forever, Think Souls!

Ephron Vincent Mbano (Director) - On behalf of Bear Valley Malawi staff.

Nearing commencement in Fiji

Graduation is a Week Away!

It has been a long process to get the Bible Institute at Raiwaqa up and going. From spending more than two years raising the funds to move to Fiji to jumping through all of the government hoops necessary to enter into Fiji and get the school registered with the local government, our efforts to establish a school for training preachers, teachers, and evangelists in the South Pacific has certainly seen plenty of challenges. But, all of those challenges are finally about to bear their first fruits! On Saturday, November 3 we will be celebrating our first graduation! Lord willing, we will have five students who will be graduating next week. By then, these students will have completed two years of full-time instruction in forty-eight different courses that have covered the books of the Bible, Bible backgrounds, and ministry related courses. They have worked hard, made great sacrifices, and proven their love for God’s word and kingdom time and time again. We are so proud of each of these students, and we cannot wait to see the great works that they will do in their future service to God’s kingdom! Please join me in praying for these graduates as they complete their two-year training and begin applying the things they have learned in their service to God! 

Campaign to Samoa

From August 3 to August 11, our students participated in a campaign to Aleisa, Samoa. Ten of our students were able to make the trip! They were joined by Rocco and Debbie Pierce (who led the campaign), four local members from the Raiwaqa church of Christ, and Devan, Austin, and Cory Pierce. The Samoa brethren had requested that our students conduct a workshop on the Old Testament book of Job. While our initial reaction was concern for our students being asked to speak on such a difficult topic, the students themselves were not the least bit concerned about it. By all accounts, the students did an outstanding job speaking on the workshop. The Samoan brethren were very pleased with the workshop. Perhaps the greatest thing to come out of this workshop is the knowledge that we have an absolutely outstanding group of students in this program. They are great teachers and leaders. But, more importantly, they are great Christians who love one another and love the Lord! 

Third Term of 2018

It is so hard for me to believe that the third term has already come and gone. Unfortunately for me, most of the third term was marred by sickness that made it difficult to teach and keep up with all of my other responsibilities. But, things worked out and the classes turned out to be some of our most popular classes yet. This term, I taught three classes: 1) 1-2 Timothy and Titus, 2) New Testament Foundation for Missions, and 3) Greek Grammar II. The students did an excellent job in all of these classes. Dad (Rocco) actually ended up teaching four classes this term: 1) Revelation, 2) Church History (A History of Preaching), 3) World Religions, and 4) Introduction to Critical Thinking.

A special note should be mentioned about the Greek and Critical Thinking courses. After two terms of offering Greek, we decided that some of the students might be better served with an alternative class. So, seven our students continued with a third term of Greek, while four students took the class on Critical Thinking. For those electing not to continue in Greek, if they thought they were choosing an easier option, they were mistaken! While the Critical Thinking course was challenging, all four of the students greatly enjoyed it. In fact, the course was successful enough that we have chosen to add it to our regular curriculum for all of our students to take in the future! I really appreciate Dad taking on the extra course load this term. In the future, we have been able to rework the schedule so that he will not have to take on so many classes while also trying to keep up with his responsibilities as the school’s director.

Jason Pierce

Special days in Nepal

Respected brother in Christ,

Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. May grace of God, love and peace always be with you.

We are extremely sorry for late reporting from our school. We began our new class from November 2017. We have nine students now.  We have finished our one year Bible study from the books of the entire Bible. Brother Jerry Golphenee had taken books of the Old Testament. Brother Arun and Gajendra had taken books of the New Testament. If the Lord willing our next graduation will be on September 2019.

Lectureship: There was a lectureship in our school on 20th-23rd of March 2018. We had lessons from books of Ephesians and Colossians. We had nearly fifty people were gathered in our class. Our graduated students and preachers were taken classes. 

Ladies seminar: I would like to write brief report about our school activities during last six months.  We had a ladies Bible seminar from June 12-15 of 2018. We had 50+ ladies were participated. We had chosen study books from 1, 2 & 3 John. Many ladies were encouraged from lessons.

Youth camp: We had a Bible study with small numbers of youth's groups in this year. 16-19 of October 2018 were the date of youth camp.  All of our graduated students took class. We enjoyed our classes.

Holiday: we began our five weeks of long holiday from 12th of October 2018. We will start our class from 19th of November 2018. School students and staffs are planning to visit some of our graduated student's home congregations for Bible study, recruiting students for next classes. 

We have Rs. 28,00,000/- (Twenty eight lakhs Rupees)  money from Healing hand international for earthquake affected areas. We will distribute them from October- December of this year. We will use wisely and honestly for the benefit of the people.

Thank you for your love and concern.

Brother in Christ,

Gajendra Deshar  

Making a difference in Togo

Dear brethren,

By the grace of God, we have just completed the month of September in the peace of the Lord.

The activities went well in the month of September.

The students were on break during the month. We had two baptisms at ATAKPAME, and studies with people at the tract distribution center. The students visited and worshipped with several different congregations. There have also been seminars in Lome during the month, where they developed on the theme concerning the maturity of the churches.

Jean-Marc, an evangelist for four years, accompanied one of our students, SABOTEY Koffi, to the town of ATAKPAME which is 102 km away for personal work and they planted a new congregation.

There is a great improvement in the activities of our students during this holiday time with each church visited giving a good testimony concerning the 17 students.

The challenges

We were called to answer a question that has been asked by the government to the men of God in Kpalime:  What contribution do denominations and religious leaders make?

They plan for the whole month to talk about the contribution of churches and religious leaders on 4 radio stations here in this city: radio Maria, Islamic radio, radio Planete Plus, and radio Zion.

We started with a Catholic priest, a Muslim Leader, two Pastors of the denominations, and we from the Church of Christ.

In the end, the ideas of the church of Christ was retained for the rest of the activities. The authorities found more satisfaction in our public teaching and our public conviction, so we were chosen from among all to present the following topics: The duty of the Christian towards his nation and should a Christian go to vote? I addressed these topics with former student HONKOU MAWUNYO.

Former student:

Every first Monday we do two hours of additional training for former students for the things they did not study completely while they were in school.

Evangelist OMOU KOKOU JEAN-MARC

He is a very talented evangelist who manages to set up a congregation quickly.  He is single with a child.  He is often asked to present studies at conferences. He leads a congregation with a membership of 45 members.  He was a pastor in 4 different denominations before he converted during his training here with his friends.  He has a very special talent to convince people with the gospel.  He can go far with the gospel.

Concerning the proposed Saturday program

With regard to the studies planned for members of the denominations on Saturdays, we have registered 16 students at Kpalime and 5 additional ones from ATAKPAME. 

The first ever graduation in Liberia

DEAR BRETHREN,

We wish we have all the right words to express how very grateful we are for your partnership with us for the past two years since the establishment of the Bear Valley bible Institute in Ganta, Republic of Liberia. There were many challenges along the way, but with our collective efforts and your selfless support, we have successful succeeded in training fourteen (14) preachers for the Lord's Work in this part of the world.

GRADUATION

After a successful two years of studies, we finally held our first graduation ceremony on September 15, 2018 at the school campus. What a program it was! We are so happy that everything went very well as expected and planned. In Attendance we had the following personalities:

Steven Ashcraft- West Africa Coordinator for Bear Valley Extension

Frances Musa- Director- Bear Valley Extension In the Republic of Guinea

Peter Barnett- The Dean of Students, Bear Valley Extension in the Republic of Sierra Leone

Churches of Christ ministers across the country

City Authorities

Parents and well wishers etc.

It was wonderful program well attended.

SPEECHES

We were privilege to have brother Steven Ashcraft serving as our graduation Keynote speaker and he did very well encouraging our outgoing students( Graduates) and our incoming students(New Students) to remain focus on the task ahead of all of us. There were also remarks made from Brother Francis from Guinea, Brother Peter from Sierra Leone and other representatives from Churches of Christ Bible Institutions in Liberia. We also heard from the outgoing students prefect (Presidents) encouraging his fellow graduates to be faithful to the Lord and His word they have learned and teach others also.

APPRECIATIONS

It is really a dream come true to have a training school established in Liberia that is a big bust to the Lord's work here in this part of the world. This is being made possible by you through your support and prayers. Our sincere thanks and heartfelt appreciations goes out to all of you involved in supporting this worthy cost around the world. Special acknowledgments goes to the following people:

1. The Elders of The Bear Valley Church

   Brother Keith Kasarjian

   Brother Steven Ashcraft

   My Able Teaching Staff

   The students for their corporations

   Thank you so much for your support and contributions in whatever way it was offer. Without you, this effort and achievements won't have been possible. May God richly bless you and continue to give all of us the require strength to do all we have to do since we still have life in us. Thank you for everything.

Report By:Robert P. Dahn,Jr.

Director- BVBI-Liberia

Muslim conversions in Guinea

Brethren, Guinea Bear Valley Bible Institute, Gueckedou has successfully accomplished the required activities for the month of September 2018. Our gospel radio broadcast continues to attract the attention of the people whose reactions for a greater part is encouraging! The personal evangelism program was also successful in making Heaven rejoice when 3 souls were converted. Below are some details of these and other activities conducted in September summarized under sub-headings.

Classroom: Again, all 17 students went through the period and attended all the required courses for the month of September which was the conclusion of our third quarter classes.

The students’ devotional preaching schedule remains as in the previous months. Namely,  6am, 10am and 8pm.

Our Dean had work hard to help ensure that courses initially assigned to bro Philip Tolno who has been sick were all covered. The brother himself has now returned from Conakry though not yet strong enough to resume work.

Evangelism: Three souls accepted the Lord in baptism. Two of them had started visiting the church for a while plus one who made just a brief visit were all baptized in the month of September.

Brief History of the Converted Muslim -The Lord’s hand against the chief persecutor

The young man, Moses who was converted from Islam in August has been experiencing family rejection, persecution and threats. Brother Moses had been driven from the home of his younger brother’s guardian, Mr Alagi Salu where he had attempted to introduce the gospel. He had been driven and so returned to his mother some 400 klm away, but the persecutor was not satisfied. He launched a threat that he would not rest till one of them depart (dies) this world. Coming to Mamou, where our brother was Mr Alagi encouraged an assembly of family members against Moses so that he (Moses) was insulted, slapped, etc. But this persecutor, Mr. Alagi on his return to Conakry was involved in a vehicle accident and he died on the spot. Fear came upon many!  We are finding ways for brother Moses and his younger brother, Sarju to come to Gueckedou. Please pray for them and their remaining family to see “this truth”.

Air time Radio preaching: Evangelism by the air continues to draw the attention of truth seekers. One young man, Adrien left some 20 klm to come to Gueckedou to see us. We had a good time of Bible discussion. He returned that day, but when he came back the second time Adrien was baptize after the worship on 30th September. Still another young man here in Gueckedou has started to visit the church and we have accepted his invitation to visit his family as soon as he himself returns from the farm.

Conclusion: We are grateful to God and appreciate the Bear Valley supporter for helping us train laborers for the Lord. Our appreciation to brother Steven who supported our travel mission to participate in the Ganta graduation. The Lord protected us through the bad roads! Please remember the Muslim young man, Moses and his younger brother in your prayers.

Yours in Christ.

Francis

Continued success in Accra

Glory to the Most High God and our Lord Jesus Christ for His mercies which abound on us. Peace be with you.

WEEKEND CLASS

The Accra school is always blessed by our Lord for the ongoing of class activities and increase in number. Almost monthly or more, we have an addition, sometimes one, two and three. We are grateful to the Lord and your prayer.

Peacefully, our students are doing well and instructors in good condition with their effective class activities.

Currently, we have 37 students for the weekend while one of them has had a chance to further his education circularly. Currently the class is studying II Corinthians.

WORK OUTPUT

Whereas they pursue their diploma course, they also work effectively at their various congregations as preachers and leaders. Weekly reports are submitted to the schools’ administration to check on their services rendered to the church.

Baptisms are reported when the Lord permits.

The baptisms recorded are Ten (10) persons: Syntyche Ayesu, Ayesu Serwaa, Lilly Mensah, Gakpe Abgeko,James Young Kertulah, Barnabas Manefaa, Juliana Ohenewaa, Happy Korkor and Comfort Tetteh.

ADMINISTRATION MEETING WITH BRO. STEVEN ASHCRAFT

As part of the discourse, issues addressed were new extension of schools in Kasoa, Nsawam, Koforidua and Kumasi; matters of school land, Degree programme and the progressive records of the old schools in Ghana.

Survey is ongoing to get on with the new extension and the Degree programme which is starting in 2019.

Greatly, the brethren are applying for the programme.

EXTERNAL ACTIVITIES

A press conference organized by the Greenfield Scientific Herbal Clinic, Accra as one of the best herbal clinic chosen for international award winning. This calls to the Director of SIBS, brother Emmanuel Odeng Larbi to participate in the officiating servanthood to committing and closing the programme in the name of the Lord in prayer and an exhortation to the members at the gathering.

Finally, we are thankful to the Lord for His mercies in terms of challenges which He sees us through.

As we pray for your growth, also pray with us.

The administration of SIBS

More good news from Ukraine

Dear brothers and sisters as well as anyone who reads Bear Valley Bible Institute in Ukraine news,

It's been a month since the beginning of the new school year. I mentioned before that we have 6 new students. All of them are young people and their grades are very good. In September the 1st year students studied Homiletics (taught by Stanislav Kuropiatnikov), Plan of Salvation and Family Life (by Jim Sherman) as well as How We Got the Bible and Christian Evidences (by Albert Bagdasaryan). The 2nd year students had Ezra, Nehemiah and Ester (Denton Landon), Leadership (Andrew Zhuravlev), Ethics and Intertestamental Period (Dennis Sopelnik) and Greek (Terry Harmon).  

It's a very intense schedule of studies. Every Instructor gives homework that includes writing plans of sermons and study papers. In our experience the first two months of the school year are extremely challenging for our students and later on they are getting used to work load and Institute's rules and policies. Many of our students learn patience, good time management and appreciate the importance of saving souls daily thanks to the rigorous schedule.

Because of such intense schedule our students can't work outside jobs. We are constantly looking for congregations and individual brethren who can help us support training of the future workers in the Kingdom. So, as you see, all parties have to work hard for the success of the Lord's work. Apostle Paul took no small efforts in training the next generation of evangelists. He left us an example of keeping alive and preserving the power of Gospel by teaching the next generation of disciples.

This month we have another great news to share with you. We were able to publish the Commentary on the Book of Isaiah by Jim Mettenbrink in Bila Tserkva. This project was initiated by the author and now a lot of congregations in Ukraine will have teaching aid for this prophetic book study. In the years before such publishing projects used to be carried out in Russia and the books would be shared with the congregations of the neighboring countries. Now Jim Mettenbrink decided to help the church in Ukraine and we are truly thankful for his work and good quality commentary to this Old Testament book.

Due to some logistic changes our Masters course will be taught in Bela Tserkva as well. We are expecting our Masters students in November and, as I understand, it will be the last in class session for them. And then in May of 2019 we have the graduation for both Bachelor and Master degree students. I have high hopes that some of the Masters will become our new Instructors and join our faculty.

Lately I had a very encouraging news. Our 2018 graduate Alexander Belorusov is successfully teaching and preaching in his home town of Zugress that is currently occupied by pro-Russian militants. He courageously meets with the local Christians every Sunday and because of his efforts the church still congregates. I ask for your fervent prayers for the Christians who are in danger of militant, political and religious persecution in the Eastern parts of Ukraine.

We are truly thankful for your support and prayers. We have done a lot together and yet we need to do a lot more.  God bless you!   

Your brother,   

Dennis Sopelnik, Director, BVBI-U

The 3rd graduation in Kenya

Beloved of God,

Greetings, and receive message of thanks and excitements from the Kenya School of Preaching family in Kisumu.

The training of 20 preachers that began two years ago in tiny place called Hellena court which some of you know finally came to an end colorfully in a new campus. Out of the 20 students that were selected, 16 graduated in a colorful event, in a new and more spacious campus that was graced by Dr. Denny Petrillo the president of BVBI as our key note speaker. The entire KSOP team besides being humbled by the tremendous growth is also very thankful and proud of all the brethren that believe and support the training of preachers.

We have high expectations from these men that they will be fruitful because prior to their graduation, they took part in the following:

Sermons preached - 361

Classes taught – 422

Baptisms – 220

Souls restored – 124

Churches restored to true worship – 13 

New Churches planted – 11

Join us in prayers that they will keep the fire burning and have the resources to keep on preaching the gospel of Christ.

During the graduation, we had a special session of dedicating the KSOP library in honor of “CY” Claude Welton Stafford III. I have much more to say on Cy on a personal level but all who know him will acknowledge that Cy’s magnitude of work in the Kingdom will only be known in heaven. His legacy will continue to thrive in the many many souls that he influenced. Thanks Dr. Mike Reese and Dr. Denny, Mike Rowand and Peter Ray for leading the program.

For the first time, KSOP also had two men, Charles Ogutu and Bwambale Raymond from Uganda who graduated with Masters in Biblical Studies from BVBI.

After every graduation, we have to again select other men who have the desire to be preachers to join our two years training program. This year we had the highest number of applicants who had interest in being trained. We had 67 applicants and 33 were serious men, we also had requests from South Sudan but the verbal request came late. 

All the 20 students that we selected have reported to the school and classes have begun. We have another group of great men with much zeal to study the word. God has been so good to us, we pray we won’t lose any of them through the tough journey ahead. Charles is teaching Homiletics, Acts, New Testament Church and English I. While Elias Omolo is teaching Genesis, Synoptic gospel and Personal Evangelism, not easy but we enjoy doing what we love.

Am sorry for not keeping it short. Mike Reese, I have to share this. I received a phone call from Joseph Musando former KSOP graduate giving thanks for the new bicycle. “Teacher Charles, please thank brother Reese for the new bicycle that enabled me to go preach in Kibuye and 8 souls obeyed the gospel” that was on Oct 7.

Blessings to you all brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

His servant and yours

Charles Ogutu – Director KSOP.

Classes resume in Tamale, Ghana

TAMALE GHANA

SEPTEMBER REPORT

We again appreciate and acknowledge your consistent support for Bear Valley Bible Institute in Tamale for its survival and growth.

It is our prayer and hope that the good Lord continues to make a better way of living for you all and sundry, may He also cause your daily activities to flourish to enable you to accomplish the good works you have initiated in West Africa some years back until now.

STUDENTS ARE BACK TO SCHOOL

As we last reported, the school has reopened on 16th September 2018, and fifteen students gladly and safely reported leaving three students, with the exception of one student who is yet to report the remaining two students had treated the courses that are in session this term according to them and our records.

LECTURESHIP

Lectures are ongoing successfully with three courses been treated by brother Albert Malir, Alhassan Musah, and Kojo Acquah Beenyi and the next course which is prison epistles is in progress with brother Adjei Mensah and we wish that by the grace of God the remaining one course for the term would be dealt with.

ADMINISTRATIVE WORK

Collectively, we are managing and ensuring that things work together for good for the progress of the Lord’s work in Tamale school and the Church.

However, over twenty admission forms had been distributed to some willing and prospective brothers who yielded a desire to attend the college. Six Applicants had filled their forms and submitted them, and we hope that with your support and prayer we shall be visiting some of the graduated students alongside with the admission forms to encourage some of these prospects who are willing or have the desire to undergo this training to also have access to the forms.

May the grace and mercies of God be upon you all from now and forever. Amen!!! 

Submitted by the administration of BVBI-Tamale

New students in Nigeria

Bear Valley Bible Institute - Ibadan (Extended Program)

Operating Report for the three months ending September 30, 2018

Overview: We are continuing with the third quarter lectures, the school just concluded lectures and conducted from the book of Job(old testament wisdom literature 3a) today.and by next week well be starting another subject ( Acts of the Apostle)that will be anchored by Bro Oladokun Samuel Olawale. 

Special Accomplishment: We are blessed with two new students within the month of September to add to the 13 students present. And we hope to admit more students before the end of this year.

Evangelism:   As part of the curriculum of the school, the students and staff's of the school works with the host congregation (Onikokoro/gbongudu Church of Christ) every first Saturday of the month in her evangelism, and this has been a joint effort to spread the Gospel within the community, Bro Oladokun Samuel has been working for one month past with the Akinmoorin Church of Christ,Oyo, teaching, equipping the saints towards the course of evangelism and has been active in the Church evangelism.

Conclusion:  We sincerely appreciate your unending effort to aid us in spreading the good news and building up a healthy church 

Sincerely,

Oladokun Samuel Olawale

Director, BVBI-Ibadan

Plans and changes in Takoradi

We are happy to report to you our operations for the month of September, 2018. We thank God for the strength and wisdom He bestowed on us to work hard in His kingdom. We give Him glory and honour.

CHANGES IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE SCHOOL

We wish to report that there has been changes in the school’s administration. Bro. Joshua Aidoo is now theAdministrative Assistant to Director relieving Bro. Matthew Ackah from position. Bro. Douglas Armah and Bro. Nathaniel Brobbey are the newly recruited instructors responsible for taking over the classes for Bro. Matthew Ackah and Bro. Charles Mensah.

CLASSROOM WORK

By God’s grace, classroom work for the part time students continued successfully in this month of September. The resumption of full-time classes will come on in January, 2019.

CAMPAIGN FOR CHRIST

Our intended campaign for Christ has been fixed to be held at Abbort, one of the villages around the school in October 22, 2018. We have organized to involve both the new students and the immediate past students in the pending campaign. 

PERSONAL EVANGELISM/BAPTISMS

Both instructors and the current past students continued to preach the gospel to the lost souls. At the end of the month of September, both teachers and the past students’ efforts resulted in the baptism of 6 souls.

Again we want to say “thank you” to you all, for your continuous support. May the good Lord richly bless and replenish you with all you are spending for this cause. Thank you.

For our Master,

Ebenezer

41 baptized in Malawi!

Glory is to God for the souls saved this last preaching campaign for the year 2018! We are always thankful for the zeal our students are having in sacrificing themselves to be part of winning souls to Christ. They are really doing a wonderful job. It takes a loving spirit full of pity to win souls to Christ.

We have travelled in all the 3 regions of Malawi from Southern, Central and Northern. As usual, we divide ourselves into two groups. This time, some went to Pharombe and some in Karonga. Souls are being added to the Lord’s church daily. The soil (hearts) of the people of Malawi is fertile. We are thankful again for the support you give for this work to be effective and successful.  

Preaching Campaign in Karonga and Pharombe

Karonga - This place is to the North of Malawi, and the weather is very hot this time of the year! The Lord gave us strength and He opened the hearts of the people to hear His words. The end result was that 14 souls were baptized and 3 souls restored.

Pharombe – This place is far South of Malawi bordering Mozambique, many people there are welcoming people and they gathered in a large number to hear the word being taught to them. The students went out preaching door to door, while teachers had a lectureship on Marriage Divorce and Remarriage (MDR), Church Leadership and the Worship of the Lord’s Church. About 40 leaders attended from more than 6 congregations around the district. The result was that 22 souls were baptized and 2 souls restored.

This campaign, we have witnessed 41 souls being saved for all the two campaigns. We praise God for the harvested souls! We will sum up the totals of souls saved this year at the end of November.

Classless for the Students!

We are also thankful to God that our school calendar has not been disturbed. We have managed to teach all the classes for this year as they were tabled. The last class will start on 8th to 19th of October whereby Brother Clegynton Harawa will be teaching them first Corinthians. After this class of first Corinthians the next class will be 2019 February.

Words of Thanks

We send our gratitude to all brethren who contribute to this work of training men to be faithful preachers. Your kindness and many prayers are highly appreciated. Without your support, we don’t think these many souls we are reporting to be saved would have been saved. We still continue praying for your families as the work still needs your involvement. Eternity is forever, Think Souls!

On behalf of Bear Valley Bible Institute – Malawi

Ephron Vincent Mbano (Local Director).

Door-to-door in Harare

The Harare Extension School continue to give the church more reasons to believe in it. Our focus on practical work in evangelism, inter-congregational approach to evangelism, the students’ work in their local congregations and the added knowledge base of the students, have led the Harare congregations to plan the evangelical programmes with the school in mind. As a school we will continue to give the students the necessary tools in content and practical, that will make them effective and noble tools in the Lord’s field.

CONGREGATIONAL EXPERIENCES

The work of the Lord is being done in the congregations and we are happy that the men and women being trained are very active in their respective congregations. Below is some of the work done:

1.      Stephen Mazambani of Borrowdale 
Besides participating in church worship service, he has been doing evangelism in his area. He has an ongoing study with a family of the African Apostolic Church or the Paul Mwazha sect. The discussions held so far are on dispensations, Sabbath, dietary laws and dressing. 
As Steve continues with the studies, we are persuaded to believe that he will do his best in teaching and (as it is surely God’s will) our God will let the seed germinate.

2.       Lavert Zungunde of Nora Valley
As the Nora valley congregation continue to grow, one soul (a male adult) was added to the Lord. Of major interest in the work of Brother Zungunde is the social media evangelical and edification route. Accordingly, he indicated that he is receiving amazing responses from members and non-members and due to this exercise; there are three (3) individuals who are being counselled on their family and general issues. We continue to be grateful that as BVBIZ, we always encourage on the ability to see opportunity and utilise it in our mission to reach out and edify the church. Our goal is to let the truth be told and let the truth lead and let the truth save God’s creation.

3.      Wellington Nyoni of Ruwa 
Congregational relevance in serving and aptness in teaching will remain some of the marks that will give the school and its products the worthiness we deserve. The Ruwa congregation could have noted these in Nyoni and during the month of September, he managed to teach three (3) Bible study lessons and preached twice on Sundays. During mid-week meetings, he taught for the four (4) weeks.
In doing all this, BVBIZ uphold the high standards of teaching and preaching. These are obtained through hard-work, study, doctrinal soundness and employing the correct hermeneutical and homiletical approaches. Delivering such healthy spiritual food will give spiritual satisfaction to the hearers. 

MAZOWE OUTREACH

On 22 and 23 September 2018 a team of ten (10) went for outreach in Mazowe. The local preacher, Lovemore Manyanhaire, started the work in this area in April 2018. Lovemore is such a hardworking preacher. According to him, the congregation now has a membership of nineteen (19). 
We divided ourselves into four (4) teams and each team was allocated an area to go. Each group was given a local person to accompany and give directions.
Team 1 – Wellington Nyoni and wife, and Mrs Manyanhaire
Team 2 – S. Nyakadzumbu, L. Zungunde and sister G. Chenche.
Team 3 – A. Fata, P. Toperesu, and L. Manyanhaire.
Team 4 – H. Suwari and wife, and D. Nyoni. 
The working hours were from 10:30 to 15:30hrs on Saturday and making follow-ups on Sunday after the church worship service.
The total number of people taught was thirty-six and the reception was generally warm and many of the prospects were so promising.
On Sunday service the worship was handled by the students, with brother Nyoni W. preaching; Brother Zungunde L. on Bible Study and brother Toperesu on communion and giving. Seven christians responded to the messages and pleaded for prayers from the church.

NEW CLASS

As indicated and promised in my August update, we opened our doors to a new class on the 15th of September 2018. Out of the eighteen (18) who had enrolled ten (10) managed to attend during the first weekend of the lessons. The following names constitute the new class as at 16 September 2018:
1.      CHITANDA SIMBARASHE     M                       
2.      JULIUS EDSON                    M                                                       
3.      MATUTU BRYAN            M                       
4.      MAZHANDE B.                     M                                                       
5.      MAZHANDE JOSEPHINE      F                                                       
6.      MOYO METHOD                     M                       
7.      MUGADZA CHARLES                 M                                                       
8.      MUTUMA BRIGHTON                 M                                                       
9.      SIMEMEZA KUDAKWASHE     M               
10.     SHUMBA THERESA G.               F 
The first subjects offered to this class are The New Testament and How We Got The Bible.

UPCOMING PROGRAM AND EVENT

1.      Donnie Estep will be visiting, for the first time, the Harare Extension School on 13 and 14 October 2018. He will be teaching a combined class and the subject will be the Prison Epistles. We wish Donnie a safe travel as he will be doing the work in Southern Africa.
2.      The Borrowdale church of Christ has extended an invitation to the Harare Extension School in the work of starting a congregation in Munyawiri area in Domboshawa on 20 & 21 October 2018. This is a new area and currently there is no congregation. 

APPEAL

I am appealing for a Public Address (P.A.) system which is very useful in our outreach programmes. The current price is $680.

OBSERVATION

1.      Our outreach programmes, and inter-congregational evangelical and edification activities continue to drive the students into true patriots of the church. The interest generated in our Mazowe outreach has produced many suggestions and proposals of starting new work, working with new congregations and boosting manpower in struggling congregations. 

2.      As a school our movement into all these, will be hinged on the transportation providence of the students. I am grateful that some of the students own cars and they are using these for the glory of God. The school is surely indebted to these men and women who are giving such resources for the advancement of the work of the Lord. It is not easy to move and travel but they are making it easy for us. We are grateful. 

CONCLUSION

As congregations continue to invite BVBIZ to partner them in the work of evangelism and edification, the future is truly bearing a bright light for us. The infusion of true and sound knowledge plus practical will truly produce a functional product that will fit in any environment. The local congregations and the church in Zimbabwe have truly been blessed.  
Thank you for your prayers and your unwavering support.

Stay blessed and be a blessing to all,

Howard Suwari                            
4277 First Street
Dzivaresekwa 1
Harare, Zimbabwe. 

Students in Zimbabwe are gaining practical experience

INTRODUCTION

Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” BVBIZ is part of the answer to this commission. The school exists to equip and mould labourers for this daunting task.   The agenda is to continue equipping faithful men and women for this cause. In the month of September, BVBIZ continued to advance this agenda in a variety ways. Of course, this could not have been possible without the partnership we share with you. This report is a capsule of some of the things we were able to do in September.

CLASSES RESUME

Students had been on break the whole month of August and the first week of September. All students came back for their second term of learning. Classes resumed on the 11th of September. The class is composed of 2 females and 12 males. We also have 6 students on our extended program. This brings our student complement in Gweru to 20.

CURRICULUM

The following subjects are being taught this term;

Denominational Doctrines                l. Mutichu & M.Muchingami

Homiletics                                        M.Muchingami

Hermeneutics                                   M.Muchingami

Book of Acts                                     D. Estep

Galatians                                           H.Suwari

Gospel of John                                  I.Mutichu

OT History                                        I.Mutichu

Godhead                                           I.Mutichu

Entrepreneurship Skills Dvpt.          P.Toperesu

EVANGELISM PREPARATION

Students are ready to start their evangelism proper. Since last term, it has been much of theory. A little bit of practice was done here and there.  As students are set to begin their weekend evangelism outreaches, we had Brother Ringisai Gushakusha, a knowledgeable man in this area, fine tuning them for the task ahead. He taught the students from the 19th-22nd of September.

WBS SEMINAR

On the 22nd of September, we hosted a World Bible School seminar at Booms Christian College in Mkoba. Students were exposed to this method of evangelism. Thousands of fliers were distributed by the students. They attended different classes which were subdivided according to denominational affiliation. Different teachers taught the classes. Two souls were added to the church that day with another one being baptized the following day. One is meeting with the Nashville congregation, another one at Mkoba 4 whilst the other one went to the Midlands State University (MSU) campus congregation.

The one who was baptised on the 23rd is a student at MSU. Besides this seminar, one soul had been added the previous week. Therefore, 4 souls were baptized in September.

MAZOE OUTREACH

To increase the students’ confidence and experience, Teachers and students went to the Mazowe area for a week long evangelism outreach. The program shall run from the 28th of September and is set to end on the 7th of October. Students on the extended program (Harare class) had been to this area the previous weekend (22-23 September). The outcome of this program shall be reported in the October report.

ENTERPRENEURSHIP TRAINING

The school seeks to produce highly competent preachers who would impact the community positively.  A great emphasis is also being put on the acquisition of entrepreneurship skills that will help them as they preach the gospel. Churches will also benefit in the end. In their first term, they were taught poultry production, drip irrigation technology and crop production. More life skills shall be taught in the course of their studies. Brother Panganai Toperesu is currently teaching these students, the theory of Entrepreneurship.

POULTRY PROJECT

The poultry project proceeded well. We had three batches. The first had 150 birds while the second had 100 and the third had 150. The last batch is ready for sale. Another cycle will start soon.

TOMATOES’ PROJECT

The tomato project which began in August is proceeding well. The crop is under drip. Due to limited space we were only able to plant about 1200 plants. Most of the work is done by students so that they get the skills needed in crop production. From the 24th-27th they were busy trellising the tomatoes.

DONATION

BVBIZ continues to welcome donations both in cash and kind. This month our appreciation goes to the Nation Lectureship for their donation of food items to the school. BVBIZ received the following;

20x500g baked beans,2.50g recoffy, 2x250g recoffy, 13x500g mayonnaise, 14x1l milk, 2x500g popcorn, 3 spice packs, 30 knor packs, 7x2l cooking oil, 1x5l cooking oil, 2x3kg tomato paste, 1x750g recoffy, 1x750g frisco and 4 bags of maize.

CONCLUSION

We praise God for what we were able to do in September. BVBIZ could not have reached this far without the unwavering support we have been receiving. Thank you for your moral, spiritual, financial and material support. We remain grateful. Please keep us in your prayers. To God be the glory!

Brotherly,

Mathew Muchingam

Director, BVBI-Z

Evangelism in Guinea

Dear brethren, Guinea Bear Valley Bible Institute has again successfully accomplished the planned activities for the month of August 2018. Of all the operations undertaken during the month, it was the positive and negative reactions of the public to our gospel radio broadcast by one of our students that attracted our attention. We are encouraged by the number of positive reactions! The result of our personal evangelism was also encouraging. Here below are the summaries under sub-headings of the various activities during the month of August.

Classroom: All 17 students went through the period and attended all the required courses. The 2 short courses previously scheduled for September were drawn and taught in August because the staff of those courses explained their unavailability due to family problems and other engagements in September. The average class performance was about 85 percent.

The students’ devotional preaching program remains to be respected at 6am, 10am and 8pm.

On the other hand, the Dean is taking over the “prison epistles” which were initially assigned to bro Philip Tolno because of his (Philippe’s) absence due to illness. Bro. Tolno’s health condition has not been good since July, but he managed to fulfill his course during the second quarter. He was unable to do so in the third for which reason he was taken to Conakry for a proper medical attention. He has not returned yet, but is now responding positively to treatment

Evangelism: The Lord’s commission to go preach the gospel is a regular assignment for our students and staff. Therefore we have grasped every opportunity that came our way to teach and encourage those we meet in this Islamic dominated country.

A. One on one / direct contact: In the village of Botema (where the church is already) 4 souls were converted by 2 of our students during the closing days of our second quarter break in early August. In another combine effort of students, staff and some congregational members 2 additional souls were snatched from the enemy making a total of 6 conversions in August. One of the converts was a Muslim from a highly Islamic dominated ethnic group, a Fula or Fulani in Guinea and the sub-region of West Africa. This young man who (age 23) changed his name from the Koran Moussa to Moses of the Bible is being persecuted with his younger brother by their family members especially for his action of trying to help him (the younger brother, Sarju) come to Christ. Please remember to pray for them as we try to encourage and help!

B. Air time Radio preaching - indirect to direct: Still further, evangelism by the air is making a greater impact on the community and the environs of Gueckedou. Even though we have a very limited time, (only 30 minutes a week), but our messages are attracting the populace. We receive many calls and SMS messages – some commending the truth and visiting the campus for detail discussions while others ask questions to understand and of course others to refuse or deny. We are impressed that the awareness of the existence of the church in this entire community is increasing on a weekly basis! Two of these radio listeners have started to worship with us at the school premises.

Personal profile: Sister Finda Kongodou is one of our cooks at the Institute. She was converted from Islam years back by the brethren in Gueckedou. Kongodou is the wife of brother Robert Kamano, founder of a small private school where he was also director and teacher. This sister and her husband played a great role along with the congregation towards the establishment of Bear Valley Institute in Gueckedou. She was and continues to be a strong encouragement for her husband to attend the institute for former biblical training. They are both active members and sister Kongodou is so far the best cook (of African dish) whose meals are highly desired by especially the students!

Conclusion: The month of August had only a few activities, but we are grateful to God for the laborers being trained, souls converted especially for the Muslim young man and are impressed that the presence of the church is gaining momentum in our community.

We are also thankful to God and appreciate the Bear Valley Administration / Supporters who are the instruments of God for the above achievements.

God bless you sirs.

Francis

Student body growth in Trinidad

The school has renewed its determination to return to the path of evangelism. This emphasis has created a stir with the introduction of “TS ops” earlier this year. To date, the school has been involved in at least five gospel meetings and several revivals. Several souls were won and some restoration is happening. The passion of the students and teachers is outstanding as it is quite normal to hear about contacts made and interesting encounters in the field. 

We now have an amazing nine students in first year and six in second year! This makes our population fifteen!! We are so excited about this growth as we aim to have a complete set of twenty regular in the classroom. 

Our future student list is also growing as young boys and girls are expressing their desire to come in the next few years.

Interestingly, we launched our TSOP Online program through links with World Video Bible School. We now have Fifteen registered students. This includes one from Florida and another from Romania! 

Our Saturday school hosted a two part series on church financial accounting. This was taught by brother Shammeen Mohammed. Those who attended truly appreciated the initiative as some congregations lack the skill set that is so necessary.

We launched our new logo. This will be printed on shirts for when we make formal visits. We are hoping that lapel pins will be donated to help promote our school.

Visiting brethren from Canada were invited to participate in chapel. They were visiting to attend the funeral of sister Patsy Babooram who passed away on Monday 3rd September. She was the dormitory supervisor for several years. Her grand daughter’s fiancé spoke in chapel encouraging students to hold on.

Brotherly,

Dominic dos Santos

Director, TSOP

New students in Ukraine

Hello, dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

This time I will share with you the news about our August and beginning of September events.

Undoutedly, the major event for this report is the beginning of the new school year. This year we have 6 new students. Mostly they represent Central and Eastern parts of Ukraine. They have good reference letters, desire to study and have the goal of getting good quality Biblical education.

I will briefly write about each of them.

Ruslan Gaevskiy is a young Christian man. His family are members of a charismatic church. However, he has been in disagreement with their teaching for a while. Some time ago he was baptized for the remission of his sins. Before coming to Bela Tserkva he was a member of Konstantinovka Church of Christ.

First year students

Rosa Valkova is a Christian from Kramatorsk but lately she attended services in Slovyansk. She helped with ladies and children's classes.

Lena Stupa is a long time member of Kramatorsk Church of Christ. She is a very compassionate and timid lady willing to discover her talents and use them for God's glory.

Vitality Melchin is a member of Dnipro Church of Christ. His whole family is very active in their local congregation. He's had a dream to be a minister in the church since he was young. He's always been actively involved in church activities. He wants to become a preacher.

Masha Rodicheva is the daughter of Kramatorsk Church of Christ preacher Vitality Rodichev. Masha loves God and desires to teach children in her home congregation. She's been involved in children ministry before and taught lessons in Sunday school and VBS.

Eldjune Aliev is our brother from Kamenskoe. He is a very active Christian man. He used to be a professional basketball player. He has a unique approach to teenagers and hope to use this skill to establish good relationships with young people. His dream is to preach and spread the Gospel.

As you see this year we've got a group of young people with a lot of potential. We are very excited that they want to study the Word of God and teach it to other people.

We are very thankful to God and you that every year we have our new students who desire to learn the will of God. The economy of Ukraine is improving and if these young people just got a worldly job they would be paid more and they would get work experience but they chose to work for the Lord. God will continue to bless any nation as long as it has faithful Christians.

As for our local congregation we had a wonderful VBS in the end of August. Every day we had about 35 children. It's a very good number because VBS lasted three days and not many parents are willing to let their children attend all the activities.

My family, our church and our students' body send their greetings. We are very appreciative of your efforts and faithfulness in helping our ministry.

Your co-worker in the Lord's vineyard,

Dennis Sopelnik.

Masters level courses taught in Ghana

PROLOGUE:

We shall always be thankful to Him for He has made a successful endings. Glory be to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for all the wonderful activities He paved for its successions.  

JERRY BATES’ ARRIVAL IN GHANA

We were grateful to the Lord for the safe arrival of our brother Jerry Bate on Sunday morning, 5th August. On his arrival, he first worshipped with the Teshie Mains Church of Christ, Accra, Brothers Emmanuel Odeng Larbi and Kojo Acquah Beenyi. Emmanuel preaches for this congregation.  

Jerry taught for two weeks in Bear Valley master’s program. The total number of 23 students attended and the courses were Advanced Homiletics and Hermeneutics.

Having completed his lessons for the MBS program, he left for USA on Friday night, 17th August.

CLASS ACTIVITIES 

Normal classes were completed on the following courses: Hermeneutics 2, The Life of Christ 2, The Gospel of John, The Book of Acts, Communication Skills, ICT and finally, two short courses of “Prison Epistles” prepared and taught by Kojo Acquah Beenyi where as the “First Epistles to the Corinthians” was prepared and taught by bro. Emmanuel Amoo Gyimah.

Thirteen students were present with the exception of bro Steven Gedza who was absent owing to health problems. Thank God he was able to report to school before the end of the term.

DONATION

Great thanks to the Lord for a heartfelt giving by our brother Jerry Bates, who supported the Master’s program with an amount of GHC 2,100.00 to cater for part of their feeding cost.

We are grateful to what the Lord has done through the hands of the MBS students who donated sound system to aid instructors for the teaching and learning in the classroom and other important gathering. The master’s students donated the equipment to the school for the school’s use and also for evangelism.

The board of the school, staff and the students expressed their profound appreciation to these brethren who made the donation to the glory of God and the progress of the school. We say God richly bless you and restore in abundant what you have produced.

EXTERNAL ACTIVITIES – SCHOOL LAND

The school is making a regularly visit to the schools’ property (land) as a way to protect it.  Tall pillars are made to mark the boundaries. Wall fence will be made when funds are available.

GRADUATION AND SEMINAR IN TAKORADI-WESTERN REGION

We are thankful to the Lord for bringing us safely to the graduation and seminar programme and back home. These were accomplished successfully followed by a four (4) day Annual Seminar for Preachers and Leaders on the topic: SACRIFICAL GIVING, which was taught by speakers Toby L. Soechting; David Savage; Steven Ashcraft; Charles King Arthur; and Kenneth Gyan Kesse, Snr.

Also, our students had the opportunity to visit one of the pioneer preachers who by his effort established the church of Christ in Accra, the Nsawam Road Church of Christ. He is in the person of bro Daniel Ampadu Asiamah, whose health status is not permitting him to further his preaching work.

We were glad to see a man whose effort and teaching qualities have been periodically announced national in Ghana. This has been the wishes and expectation of most preachers to see such a hardworking man of God and a role module.

Keep praying with us as we do also in our various and daily prayers.

The newest Bear Valley school

WEEKENDS EVANGELISM AND OUTREACH

The month of August saw us engaging the students to different congregations.

1. The 18th and 19th saw the first team of four students going to Mufakose area in Harare for evangelism, and they did great work. Eight hours of service was given to the Lord during the two days (Saturday – 10:00 to 16:00 hours; Sunday 14:00 to 16:00 hours); forty-six (46) people were taught and one soul was added to the Lord.

2. On the 25th and 26th, five learners joined the Manyame area preacher in evangelism. The hours of service were from 10:00 to 16:00 hours on Saturday and 14:00 to 16:00 hours of Sunday. Fifty-eight (58) people were reached with the gospel and we thank God three people accepted Jesus as her personal Saviour.

3. In Dzivaresekwa the evangelism program was done on the 25th and 26th. This was a women outreach program in which the target group was the widows and the disadvantaged ladies and women. My wife was leading this group of five. The aim was to give a hand of fellowship and a listening ear to these ladies. Eight (8) families were visited on the day. Please see the attached report which I received from the group.

4. Macheke area was another place which the weekend (25th and 26th) outreach program was held. The ladies, with the help of the local preacher did a good job and we thank God for the efforts. Two ladies managed to give seven (7) hours of service to the Lord. From their report, the outreach took them into eleven households and thirty-four (34) people were blessed with the Word of God, the Good News.

UPCOMING EVENT AND PROGRAM

1. On September 22 and 23 we will be going with all the students to Mazowe (about 40km North East of Harare) for an evangelism outreach.

2. As indicated in my last report we would be starting a new class on the 15th of September 2018. We had initially scheduled to start this weekend but due to a clash with Greater Harare men’s workshop and women fellowship we are forced to push our dates to the 15th of September.  We pray for God’s hand in this noble service.

OBSERVATION

1. The experience brought about by the weekend evangelism is driving the students to be evangelically responsible. The Dzivaresekwa team said this has to be done more often and the Manyame spoke the same words and added that meeting and teaching people stirs up the sense of purpose.

2. Movement from one place to the next was made easier by the availability of cars owned by some of the students. This made the movement from house to house much easier. When the group that was here in Dzivaresekwa enquired from us how we travel during evangelism and home visits, we told them that we foot from house to house. Yes the distance on foot affects the time factor and we get tired too quickly and this limits the quantity and quality of the work done.

CONCLUSION

We continually give honour and praise to God for His presence among us. The school’s practical approach is already bearing fruits. Many congregations are already appealing for evangelical help from the students.
Thank you for your prayers and your unwavering support.

COMPILED BY: 

H. SUWARI
BVBIZ – HARARE EXTENSION