Zambia Directors earn Masters degree

We (Fred and Cephas) have just returned from Chimala Bible Institute in Tanzania, East Africa. We had enrolled in the Masters program that Bear Valley Bible Institute offers here in Africa. We finally completed all the prescribed requirements and graduated on 24th November, 2018. The graduation was supposed to be on 30th November, 2018. It was indeed a momentous occasion for all the thirteen students that graduated. This class composed of eight men from Malawi, one woman from Tanzania, and two men from Zambia (i.e. Cephas and Fred). As the saying goes “Success in church or in any other business demands both knowledge and zeal. Take away one and you ruin the other. Zeal without knowledge is runaway energy, and knowledge without zeal is useless.” We want to keep the flame of enthusiasm burning here as we do the work of the Lord. And with His help and your prayers we are confident to succeed in this noble task here at BVBI- Zambia. Brother Cephas and Fred were involved in evangelism during their study and as a result seven souls were restored back to the church in Kimani Village.

While we were studying at Chimala, Brother Kennedy Mukuka was also in Mbeya, Tanzania conducting some workshops for ten days. He also had an opportunity to preach on one of the radio stations called Big Star FM. The station covers seven regions of Tanzania and has a population of over 16,000,000 listeners.

All our students are busy with teaching and preaching in their respective areas. In addition to preaching and teaching, some of our students are also involved in farming while others are advancing in other professions. Joseph Musonda is our alumnus who has been offered a place to study brick laying at Mansa Trades Training Institute in Luapula Province; this is the Institute at which we had our meeting in August this year for three days. This opportunity has given him also time to preach there and he has so far restored three of his friends back to the sheepfold. We believe more work will be done through him before he completes his course next year. We have also received reports from our two Alumni in Central province who are also studying to add to their preaching career Clive and Andrew. Clive has been involved in preaching besides their busy schedule at School and has since restored two older men from the nearby compound. Clive is studying auto mechanics and Andrew is doing bricklaying. They are determined that upon their completion they want to do more in serving our Lord.

We have received from Solomon Moyo report that since his return to Malawi for this break, he has been studying with a number of people. And he gladly reports that he has so far baptized four (4) people of which three are men and one lady. Solomon’s desire to just wanting to do more for the Lord should be promoted and as a school we shall do all we can to adequately prepare him for his calling. The church has appreciated much of his efforts and we have also received more interested prospective students from his place. He hopes and prays that more will be added to the Lord through such efforts before the school resumes next month.

Joseph Ilunga and Hornbye Mupengu joined forces as they went back to teach and preach in the Ndola area. They have started some Bible studies in different homes. They report that the potential is very high to have many people be converted.

Austin Musonda also reports that his congregation has stepped-up the program for home Bible studies. And through this effort three (3) people have since been baptized.

Brother Mulambia Komani lives in Nakonde, a town bordering Zambia and Tanzania. Mulambia started studying Bible at Chimala Bible Institute but the language barrier there caused him to stop his studies. We have given him an opportunity to join our intake raising the number of our students to 17. This is more than our budget covers but we are willing to take the sacrifice for him. We are very impressed with this brother’s spiritual progression and the potential of him preaching to his home town. Nakonde is a busy and vibrant business town but with a very small church. His training will help the church grow in Nakonde.  

We are sincerely grateful to Woodland Oaks for the financial support given to the school. We also thank you, brethren, for all the prayers and every encouraging word given for the work here in Zambia. May God richly bless all of you!

Cephas and Fred.

Students evangelism in Zimbabwe

The year is coming to an end. Students have completed their second term of learning. This term was dedicated to the increase evangelistic experience from the field and cement students into the subjects that were under consideration. These and more are covered here.

1.0 TERM ENDS

We ended the term successfully. Examinations were written and grading is in progress. Our appreciation goes to the students for the hard work. We also thank the teachers who worked tirelessly to make this a success. These teachers include I. Mutichu, M. Muchingami, P. Toperesu, H. Suwari and D. Estep. The following subjects were completed successfully;

Homiletics                             

Hermeneutics                         

Gospel of John                       

OT History                           

Godhead   

Entrepreneurship Skills Development

Galatians

Book of Acts

2.0 LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE

On the 7th and 9th of November we had brothers Stewart Nyarugwe and Tendai Jana to share their experiences. These men have been in the field for many years. Their experiences provided practical lessons to the young men and women.

3.0 PROJECTS

3.1 TOMATOES

The tomatoes we planted on a small space available went on sale on the 2nd November. We had a ready market for the crop. This project provided worthy experience to students. The crop was under drip irrigation. We appreciate Healing Hands International that provided skills to the students in the use of drip technology. We had a ready market for the crop. Besides meeting our kitchen requirements, a total of $510 was realised from the sale. This is one project we hope to undertake on a bigger scale at our permanent site. Drip equipment will be needed.

3.2 POULTRY

We were unable to start other batches of the project. It has been difficult to get the chicks. We have been on the waiting list for over a month. Once we get the chicks, the project will continue.

4.0 EVANGELISM

Weekend evangelism continued  within Gweru in the first two weeks. This component has been providing more experience to the students. Students are distributed to different areas. Between 1-5 November, 5 students went to Ndabazinduna for evangelism whilst others were in Gweru. We closed the term with another week of evangelism. Older and experienced preachers in Harare were also available to provide the much needed experience. Our appreciation goes to the hosting congregations for providing accommodation and food to the students. Sermons and lessons were taught to the church whilst evangelism was the order of the day. 7 souls were added to the lord.

CONCLUSION

We thank God for what He enabled us to do in November. Lessons were taught both in class, in churches and in the field. Souls were added to the church and projects continued, though in a small way. To God be the glory!

Mathew Muchingam

Director, BVBI-Z

Busy for good in Nigeria

Dear brethren,

Greetings from staff and students of BVBIN AND SWSE-IBADAN and fellow WBSFUW in Western State of Nigeria.Below is the report of activities for the month of November 2019.

OVERVIEW: 
i- Evangelism in Ibadan, Oyo State and Asejire, Osun State through out the Saturdays in November.
ii- Vocational Studies concluded successfully on November 23.
iii- Second semester classes begins as scheduled.

EVANGELISM:
The staff and year -1-students who are in Ibadan and Asejire-Osun State for a month vocational training were busy every Saturdays in the month of November evangelizing with the brethren in the nearest congregations to evangelized Onikokoro,Gbongudu,Aronfolu and Kute-Ibadan while those in Osun State evangelized Asejire-Oyo, Asejire-OsunState, Ikoyi and environment .Our joint efforts was blessed with seven conversion and two restoration.
Also,our year-2 students returned from their respective congregations where they are serving as an evangelist with the report of five conversions and restoration of fourteen erring brethren. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

ABOUT A STUDENT:
Bro.Oba Justice Ugochuckwu is one of our year -1 students that got admission in to the school in August 2017.Born to a Christian family in 1996. His mission is to be one of the competent ministers in the Eastern part of Nigeria .

OTHER COMMENTS:
The BVBIN AND SWSE-Ibadan were well represented in a three days gospel meeting held in Omu-Aran, Kwara State between November 15-18,2018 where I spoke twice on Back to the Bible and Restoring the New Testament Church on November 16.Morning session were designed for House-to-house Evangelism and evening session for Indoor Lectureship.Bro. Kayode S.Eniafe spoke on Sunday morning on Worship of the New Testament Church and a soul was converted and three restored.
On November 11 and 25, I taught the Sunday morning class on THE WALK OF FAITH and SPIRITUAL DISCIPLES at Onikokoro-Ibadan congregation.

SECOND SEMESTER CLASSES BEGINS:
Second semester classes begins as scheduled on November 26 ,2018 through February 8,2019 (*check the attached program for details)

CONCLUSION: We are very grateful to you all for your moral and financial supports. May the Lord of blessings continue to bless our work together in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

I remain your fellow soldier of Christ,
MAKINDE Ebenezer Olufemi (Director of Studies and WBSFUW)

Students doing well in Kenya

My beloved, 

Greeting to you, we at Kenya School of Preaching in Kisumu are grateful to be fellow workers with you. We thank God for the love and zeal that you have showed us in training of preachers and growing the local congregations here.

This is the fourth class since 2012, we selected 20 students from from a total of 62 applicants. Out of the 20, one student has requested to leave and not come back because the requirements for the training are high. So from next quarter we will have 19 students God willing and we will not lower our training standards.  Out of the 19 that we have, two are really struggling to cope and we will give them next quarter to settle down. The rest are good, capable and zealous to learn. 

During this first quarter, the students were taught seven courses, Homiletics 1, Acts, English 1, New Testament Church, Synoptic gospel, Genesis and Personal Evangelism 1.

Besides working hard in class, some have been very useful in personal evangelism around the new campus and in the congregations that they have visited.

Ten of them under the leadership of Elias went and helped in gospel campaign organized by Ebutera church and the seed planted led to several restorations.

The students are expected back to school by latest Jan 18, 2019. We can't wait to hear of the reports of the work they will do.

The former graduates have been in communication with us and they are contending for the faith. We are humbled by the work they are doing through the reports of souls saved and congregations established that they share. 

Do not miss Elias' final yearly report on what the former students, current ones and the faculty has been doing throughout the year.

The container from Mission Printing that has been in Arusha Tanzania for over one year now is 120KM away from Kisumu. The truck developed some mechanical problems and has been rectified. We expect the container and the contents to be delivered anytime and the materials distributed to the congregations for evangelism and KSOP. It's unfortunate that something do not go fast as they ought to be but God's time is the best.

Thanks to all for your support and prayers in this great soul saving mission. We welcome you to Kenya School of Preaching. 

God bless you and Happy Holidays all.

His servant and yours, 

Charles Ogutu - Director KSOP. 

A record enrollment in Liberia

GREETINGS

We bring you greetings from the Bear Valley Bible Institute-LIBERIA , hoping all is well you all by the special grace of God our loving and faithful Father in heaven.

BEGINNING NEW PROGRAM

We are very grateful to God for His special grace that took us through the past two of studies that saw fourteen (14) strong) men prepared and graduated. Most of these men are doing great work out there. We give glory and praise to God.

We are also very please to inform you that another two years journey has just begun with 27 new students at the Bear Valley Bible Institute-LIBERIA, West Africa. It is very challenging to have 27 students go through this program when we have a budget for only 20 students. We are trusting God to go through with these students with your support and the help of some local brethren. Classes are going on and are progressing very well.

Our instructors are all doing their very best to carry out their instructing responsibilities as appointed. Thanks be to God for everything.

YEAR-1- FIRST QUARTER COURSES AND INSTRUCTORS

• How We Got The Bible- -------Fester G. Lee

• Christian Evidence-------------- Robert P. Dahn, jr

• Cost Of Discipleship- ----------O.D.K.Zakamah

• Old Testament- 1- --------------Robert P. Dahn, Jr

• Personal Evangelism------------ Robert P. Dahn, Jr.

• (SC) Scheme Of Redemption- --Jonathan Cooper- Guest Teacher

• General Agriculture---------------- Meantor Bembo

• Computer Studies------------------- Amos S. Dolo

EVANGELISM

The new class since they started have taken upon themselves to visit the homes around the school after their daily classes and also get themselves involved into weekend house to house evangelism. Their efforts have already resulted into one baptism. They said they are ready and have decided not to rest on evangelizing the area.

APPRECIATIONS

Many thanks to all of you for your continued support and love for the work we are doing here in Liberia. May our good Lord continue to bless and keep you in Jesus name- AMEN!!

Your Brother For Christ Sake,

Robert P. Dahn, Jr

Director- BVBI-Liberia

The Director visits Philippines and Cambodia

It was my pleasure to again teach in the Bear Valley school in Cebu, Philippines. This time I taught “Comprehensive Leadership” which encompasses leadership principles, self leadership, family leadership, and church leadership.

While lecturing on the role of the evangelist in appointing elders, one student excitedly interrupted and exclaimed, "we have never heard these things before!” Indeed, we are trying to strengthen the church in this country through the training and grounding of quality preachers. Director Neil Emperado is doing a great job. Please pray for him and the students.

From there I went to Siem Reap, Cambodia to make a surprise visit to the school there. What do you find when no one knows you’re coming? I found was exactly what I was hoping to find!

Co-Director Darat Run was passionately teaching “Christian Evidences” and the new 11 students were engaged and actively taking notes. Darat and fellow Co-Director Piseth Rin are adapting to their new roles and doing a good job. I am thankful for these godly men.

For the Master,

Keith Kasarjian

Graduation in Chimala

CHIMALA BIBLE INSTITUTE GRADUATES EIGHT

We are very thankful to God that we've been able to graduate eight into the Lord's service! On Friday, November 2, 2018, we held our most recent graduation ceremony honoring those who have competed all two years in the Swahili program at Chimala.  In the graduating class, we had students from many parts of Tanzania and who will now depart the school and return to work with those churches.

We will also have 10 returning English students in January. Some of the students are from the Congo refugee camp on the western side of Tanzania. It is a great opportunity to train these men from the refugee camp as they, after graduation, will go back and preach in the refugee camp and eventually back in their home country of the Congo. What an opportunity that God has presented to us!

We are also thankful for Richard Rogers, who is currently in the US until school restarts in January, along with all of the CBI teachers for the good work that they do. To God be the glory in all things!

In Christ,

Chad Wagner

Chimala Coordinator

Conversions in Guinea

Gueckedou, Guinea BV Activity Operations Report for October 2018

Dear brethren, this is a report summary of the activities that took place at the Gueckedou, Guinea Bear Valley Bible Institute during the month of October 2018. By the good grace of God, for the most part it was well. Classroom activities, evangelism and the campaign conducted during the month were all successful with the conversion of 4 souls in one of the four groups dispatched on the field. 2 other persons who had been visiting the church on campus were baptized making a total of 6. Below are further discussions of such activities under sub-headings.

Classroom: All 17 students had gone through the last quarter which was concluded in September. Therefore in early October the following academic results were posted:

1.      10 students of “Excellent to Average performance or grades “A – C / 94.5 – 72.5%”.

2.      6 students of “Poor” performance or grades “D /66.7 – 61.1%”  and

3.      1 student of “Fail” performance or grade “F”/ 48.4%

  All other activities such as the regular students’ devotions are ongoing as usual.

Evangelism: Two souls who had been visiting the church for a while obeyed the Lord in baptism during the month of October. There are other efforts yet to yield fruit in around the town of Gueckedou.  

Air time Radio preaching: Evangelism by the air is for the most part in the hands of our students especially the one who has always top the class in academic performance. When he prepares a lesson it is edited by one staff member before preaching. My telephone contacts are given for any questions and comments. We are in a regular business of receiving calls and sms texts from our listeners.

Campaigns: The beginning of October, the first week was our gospel campaign for the third quarter this year. We had 4 groups to attend to 3 nearby villages and the quarter of the town where the worship hall of the host congregation stands here in Gueckedou. I was in the group that evangelized the worship hall area, but we and 2 village groups had no conversions except promises to visit the church. However, the 4th group was successful and was able to convert 4 souls.

Conclusion: We are grateful to God and truly appreciate the Bear Valley supporters for helping us train laborers for the Lord. The task is tedious, but our hope is in the Lord, who is Master of the vineyard.

In Christ.

Francis

Tremendous progress in Sierra Leone!

Dear Brethren in Christ,

Bear Valley Bible Institute Sierra Leone resumed classes on the 7th of October for the fourth quarter in their final year of studies. We have sixteen students present for the quarter we hope and pray that these students will make it to the graduation next year.   Below are activities undertaken for the month of October followed with photos.

INTER-CONGREGATIONAL MEETING.
Congregations in the western area  part of Freetown held their monthly meeting on churches cooperation to help promote the work in sierra Leone. We are invited to participate since we have an important role to play in building up the body of Christ. As stakeholder in propagating the mission of the church in this part of the country, We have to take part in that meeting and table the following points
(a) Admission of new intake students for 2019/2020 (b) Asking for trained and qualified lecturers from the church of Christ. (c) Graduation of completing students next year. All these points were discussed in good faith with churches present for the meeting.
IMPACT MADE 
Brother Samuel Bangura who has planted churches around the peninsula of Freetown consented to send seven potential students for the next intake from congregations he had planted to be trained as preachers to do the work.
We also received names of trained and qualified teachers to teach at the school next year. SAM BANGURA has been the only lecturer coming from Freetown to teach at the school.
The churches also promised to witness our first graduation celebration next year and to send students for the training program come next year. Looking forward to their commitment also as churches.
CHALLENGES 
The churches also complained about the distant from Freetown to Kenema  which is about 304KM which makes it difficult for lecturers to come and teach. However, we have resolved the matter with them as we promise to encourage them when they are here to teach our students. We are now expecting more lecturers to come by next year.  From  Kailahun,  Kono,  BO, and Freetown. As we crave their indulgence to make some sacrifices in order to see the sustainability of the school.
STRATEGIES PUT IN PLACE.
(a) Decent lodging for lecturers to stay during their teaching exercise. (b) Giving them transport to and fro, giving breakfast , lunch and dinner for the day.(d) Giving them five hundred thousands leones for a week teaching. 
SHORT COURSES
We completed two short courses for October, one course was conducted by Samuel Bangura while the other course was conducted by the regional coordinator Bro. Steven  Ashcraft  respectively. Bro. Samuel Bangura taught on the book of Revelation while Bro Steven taught on Geography of the Bible.
IMPACT MADE 
After the course students can now analyse biblical  locations between countries in the bible , event of happenings, cultural settings, background information , Traditional beliefs,  Social and economic activities. Etc.etc. They also passed the final examination with flying colors for both lecturers.
CAMPAIGN 
Our students have engaged themselves within the out sketch of Kenema at Burma and Tilorma environs where they have planted one congregation each. During  Bro.Steven's visit to Kenema, he visited both congregations and had to teach and preach in both  on Saturday and Sunday. 
CHALLENGES FACED
Sustainability of the congregations during students vacation is difficult especially where there is no train preacher to take up teaching and preaching on holidays. Distant to travel to these congregations to preach on Sunday has to be covered at our expense.
COPING STRATEGIES
Assigned two students to take up preaching and teaching when on holidays on cost for their travel expenses.
EVANGELISM EXERCISES
There is an ongoing evangelism undertaken by students on Saturdays from house to house teaching converts and inviting new membership.  At Tilorma Village, the township has offered us a big building to meet on Sundays and other subsequent days of our school activities for the preaching of the gospel.
IMPACT MADE
Conversion of souls by students from a denominational congregation through our teachings and tracks sharing.
STRATEGIES APPLIED
House to house visits and sharing the word of God with people in the village through tracks, one on one teachings and mid-week bible classes on Wednesdays.
STUDENT PROFILE
Bro Sheku Pessima was born on the 14th July, 1991 in a village around Taiama near N'jala University of Sierra Leone.
He was baptized on the 5th February,2017 at the campus ministry by a colleague preacher. Sheku Pessima is the youngest preacher among his colleagues but dedicated and hard working towards the furtherance of the gospel. Before this time , he has been working as an associate minister of the gospel in a small congregation at N'jala Church of Christ outside Taiama Town a place I visited last December.
CONCLUSION
Our prayer and aspiration for the gospel work in our country is to see sierra Leone dominated by Christianity. We hope and pray that these students will dominate in their locality after been trained for the preaching of the gospel.

Thank you.
Compiled and submitted by:
Ishmael S. Bangura

Real world evangelism in New Zealand

The first quarter continues well. We are grateful for our students, instructors, coordinators, and supporters!

The students in the Personal Evangelism 1 course have had 123 religious conversations, set fifteen Bible studies, and conducted nine Bible studies in the past month. Keep praying for them and the souls they reach out to!

Dora, one of our recent graduates, organised our presence in a local market in October. Our BV students participated by speaking to people and handing out literature. 

Thank you to everyone who is interested in our work.

Lance Mosher, BVBINZ Director

Evangelism in Ukraine

Dear brethren,

I'd like to share with you the news about our Bible Institute and some local congregations of the Church of Christ.

First of all, I need to clarify some details about the book publishing project. Jim Mettenbrink asked me to do so. He is not the author of the book that was published in Bela Tserkva. The Commentary on Isaiah was written by Homer Hailey and Robert Harkrider.

In October our first-year students had Christian Apologetics (Instructor Albert Bagdasaryan) and Hermeneutics (Dennis Sopelnik). The second-year students had Intertestamental Period (Dennis Sopelnik) and Minor Prophets (Andrew Zhuravlev).

Currently our students have a week of evangelism practice. They return to their local congregations and help the ministry of the Church. It is a wonderful opportunity for them to get real life knowledge of interacting with people in the church ministry. Ruslan Gaevsky and Oleg Fofanov went back to their home town of Konstantinovka where they work with the local congregation. They teach classes and do street evangelism. Our students Rosa, Lena and Masha went to Kramatorsk and Slovyansk to work with children. Eldjune Aliev who is a first year student managed to visit more than one congregation in Poltava and Kamenskoe. He does a good job encouraging the church members and many brethren are very thankful for his help. We made a few efforts of street evangelism in Bela Tserkva as well. People were curious, they would come and look at the Biblical literature, ask questions about the Church and promise to come but fail to keep the promise.

This week we host the Masters Program at the church building. This is the last in-class session for our future graduates. As far as I understand the big picture we have three graduates from Masters program in the upcoming year Uriy Romanov, Bogdan Chigvintsev and Dmitry Kuropiatnikov. I will try to involve them in the program upon their graduation, encourage them to help us out in the capacity of Instructors. During the 3 years of study they proved to be diligent students with good grades and they all have desire to use their talents in the Kingdom.

I'd like to request your prayers for Sveta who has been a regular visitor in the church for the last six months. We will schedule more specific Bible study on her personal salvation. Her daughter Katia and she come to all church activities and try to live Christian life. We introduced them to the Word of God gradually and now we need to encourage her to make the most important decision so she will have eternal life with God.

In November and December we usually have Ukrainian Instructors. These are the colder months of the year and it's reasonable to use local preachers and teachers. Beginning November 12 we start the second quarter that will end on December 21.

May God continue to bless you. Greetings to all churches, individual brothers and sisters who help us in our Ministry.

Your brother and co-worker,

Dennis Sopelnik.

A good harvest in Tamale

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, TAMALE

OCTOBER REPORT 2018

We once again thank almighty God for His protection and guidance throughout the term. For we know that we won’t be able to make it this far without your prayer and support, may the good Lord replenish you all for your brotherly concern for His work in Tamale, Ghana.

                                                    STUDENTS ON VACATION

Here comes yet another successful end of the term (seventh term). All the students went back home for three weeks break to visit their families and churches so they can keep their members active in the church activities and also attend to their farming activities. The students will be coming back on November 11th 2018 to continue their academic activities and it’s our prayer and hope that God keep all of them safe in their daily activities while they are away from school.

                                                         LECTURESHIP

The last two courses for the last term were prison epistles and Hermeneutics and were dealt with by brothers Adjei Mensah and James Legend. Class work and all exams conducted and students’ performance were encouraging.

                                                     ADMINISTRATIVE WORK

We are working closely to improve the image of the school in Tamale, our efforts concerning new recruitment for next academic year has yielded positive results.  Twelve legitimate prospective students have submitted their admission forms and we want to believe that we shall obtain require target of twenty students for the school for next academic year 2019.

LADIES SEMINAR

Church of Christ women in the three northern regions conducted marriage seminar and it was held at Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies facilities from 25th October 2018- 28th October 2018.

The participants arrived on 25th October 2018 and on that same day evening the program opened with songs and prayers and introduction was also made, and the next day Friday was used for fasting and prayers alongside with teaching. There was an intensive teaching and learning the next day and even in the night and series of questions concerning marriage were asked and properly addressed.

The fourth day Sunday was a fantastic Lord’s Day: East, West and T poly Churches of Christ attended and worshipped at Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies. Brother Nipak Laar from Saboba led in Bible studies, brother Andrews from Yendi led in sermon and brother Dasah from Tamale East Church of Christ led in the Lord Supper and giving. Attendance was three hundred and fifty six (356) and the giving was one thousand nine hundred and sixty eight Ghana cedis (¢1968.00) about $410.00

All the participants departed to their various homes after the worship except those from Kumasi and Accra who left the next day and have all arrived home safely.

                                        SCHOOL FARM

The school farm (maize) has been harvested and threshed, and God has blessed us with ten bags (10) of maize. The Thresher man took one bag as workmanship and one bag also shared among staff, security and students and left with eight bags (8).

From the staff in Tamale, Ghana

Continued progress in Cambodia

Warm greetings from Cambodia and the International Bible Institute of Siem Reap!

Our first trimester of IBISR's academic year ended on the 4th of November, 2018. Piseth Rin is one of our instructors and his course was about on Scheme of Redemption

Vannak Yeng is also one of our instructors and his course was about (How to study the Bible). We're having a break this week and we will resume on the 12th of November, 2018. 

PUBLIC HOLIDAY

On the 8th - 14th of October, there was a public holiday in Cambodia called (Pchum Ben festival). We were closed for that week. When the students returned we allowed them to share their experiences and how they felt between Christian and the people in their hometowns during that time. We truly received a lot of feedback about how our students had changed for the better, since having participated in the Bible school. 

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 

Thanks to Wes Autrey our coordinator for regularly staying in touch with us. Especially, as we are studying during our chapel times on Friday mornings via Skype. It was very helpful for our school because of the experienced teachers from overseas sharing Gods words with us. It has improved our understanding and relationship with God and one another. Our new students were very impressed with all of the efforts to help them in understanding, even we were far away from each other. 

CAMPING 

We are preparing for our annual Christian camp in Kampong Speu. We are exceedingly happy with the support help in getting some money to pay for the camp fees. If not for the support we could not take many people who want to learn about God in a friendly environment and influence them in a positive and spiritual way.  When we posted the camp logo on the messenger group, they were impressed and loved it so much

Last but not least, we would like to thanks for your support and kindness in helping out with the all of work in Cambodia. Without your help, we couldn't do all things. But we also surely know that God is the best one who made it happen.

God Bless His children,

Servants of Christ, 

Piseth Rin - Co Director

Pros Rok - Staff

Graduation upcoming in Wotutu

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings to you all from the beautiful Cameroon. We are up and going and are still very active with the work entrusted in our hands. Our God is still sitting on the throne and is watching. With the ongoing socio-political crisis in our country we still trust God and we are prayerfully waiting on Him to intervene and bring a lasting peace to the crisis. It seems that men are failing. Bigger nations who are supposed to intervene are still delaying to do so. WE AS CHRISTIANS ARE NOT PART OF THEIR CONCLUSION, WE KNOW WE ARE NOT CHILDREN OF A LESSER god. OUR GOD IS MIGHTY AND KNOWS THAT WE ARE HERE! Please keep praying for us.

All in Wotutu is well. Our students are busy with their studies without any interruptions from anyone. Our children at the orphanage are all well. Our Brightland schools will be on this week as we needed to take more care to get things going in the midst of the crisis.

Many displaced Christians from other areas who are in Wotutu can feel love among us. We are very thankful for your support both financially and prayerfully. Your financial support has help put food on tables, supply medicines to the sick and transportation for family members to move around to check on other displaced in other locations. It has also helped get minutes on phones for these displaced persons to communicate with love ones. You can see the wide range for which your financial support can touch lives. It not only goes for food, medicines, and clothes but it goes to every aspect of a needy displaced person. Please keep doing it. It is helping.

 PLANS

Graduation will be coming up on the 13 December starting at 12 noon. We shall also formally admit 20 new students who will start their journey in the Bear valley Bible Cameroon – Wotutu come January 2019. We have started preparing things for our graduation.

Thanks very much and God bless you.

Elangwe and family

By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu

Challenges and opportunities in Zimbabwe

OCTOBER 2018 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

The month of October has been a very difficult one for the country. When the new minister of Finance presented his monetary policy review which included 2% transfer tax on all transactions prices shot up within a few days. This also saw basic commodities including fuel disappearing from the market because of price uncertainties.. The school was not spared either as it exists in this environment. However, These commodities are slowly coming back on the market but with an increased price. But by and large, BVBIZ sailed through the month and we thank God for taking us this far despite these challenges even as we continue to seek for your prayers. The following are noteworthy;

1.0 CURRICULUM PROGRESS

Classes are progressing well. Three courses have so far been completed successfully. These are Books of Acts, Galatians, Godhead  and Entrepreneurship Skills Development. Our appreciation goes to Brothers’ Donnie Estep, Howard Suwari, Ishmael Mutichu and Panganai Toperesu for taking the students through these subjects. The other subjects are still on-going and will be completed in due course. These are;

Denominational Doctrines      l. Mutichu & M.Muchingami

Homiletics                              M.Muchingami

Hermeneutics                          M.Muchingami

Gospel of John                        I.Mutichu

OT History                              I.Mutichu

Godhead                                  I.Mutichu

2.0 DONNIE ESTEP’S VISIT

BVBIZ was blessed to have Donnie Estep, our regional Director,  from the 7th to the 12th of October. He had an intensive program. During his visit, he taught the Book of Acts daily. It was indeed a blessing to have him around. From Gweru, Donnie proceeded to Dzivarasekwa, in Harare, where he taught students on the extended program for two days. He taught a section of the Prison Epistles. This class started in January and will complete their second term soon.

3.0 EVANGELISM

The new class is now ready for full scale evangelism. Besides the normal weekend evangelism and field program, the school has also introduced a week long campaign. These campaigns can be done twice per term. Since the students will be having their teachers with them, some classes will be done whilst in the field. Those wishing to benefit from the program need to meet the cost of food and accommodation.

3.1 MAZOWE OUTREACH

On the 28th of September, students and teachers travelled to Mazowe for a week long evangelism Campaign. Mazowe is a mining and farming community. It was a moment for students to put into practice the theory learnt in class. The students were also opportuned to learn from other senior preachers from Harare who came to Mazowe on the 3rd and 4th of October. These were Brothers Jana, Botoman, Mukondwa and Mhindirira. Our great appreciation goes to them.

Several methods were used at Mazowe. Most of the houses were reached with the word as students moved in pairs. Services were also held every evening where the community was invited to attend. Each day saw many thronging the venue of the services. Several came for prayers and counselling. Brother Panganai Toperesu also came for an intrepreneurship skills development workshop which was also meant to benefit both the community and students. From all these efforts, 17 souls were added to the church.

Our appreciation goes to the local preacher, Lovemore Manyanhaire and his family for their sacrifices in feeding the students. We also appreciate some students on Harare’s extended class for sponsoring the program.

3.2 OTHER EFFORTS

Several other efforts were also done in Gweru and outside Gweru. Some students had a weekend in Chivhu and others at Mupfure church of Christ. Weekend evangelism in Gweru continued well. On the 27th of October, the students joined youths who converged at Mkoba 17 church of Christ for an evangelism outreach around the area. They provided worthy guidance to the youths who went around the area sharing the message of the cross. All these efforts saw 7 souls being baptized. This brings the total number of those who were baptized in the month to 24. To God be the glory!

3.3 UPCOMING EVENTS

Students shall complete their term with another one week campaign in two places. Students shall be subdivided into two groups and each will be having a teacher with them. Areas under consideration shall be Westgate and Kambuzuma. Another area shall be Ndabazinduna where few students shall spent three days evangelising the area from the 1st to the 4th of November. Weekend evangelism in Gweru will continue as normal. Please keep praying for these young men as they penetrate society with the saving message of Christ.

4.0 DONATION

The school would want to extend her profound gratitude to Brother Lawrence Chipunza for donating a desktop computer for use by students. It came at the right time. We also thank those who continue to extend their hand financially and in kind. May God continue to bless you all.

5.0 LAND

Great news! We have finally been given papers for the land we had been anticipating for long. Developments can now start on the land. Our activities including projects will need to be shifted there gradually when conditions permit. The land is 6 hectares and is located  at the outskirts of Gweru. We shall be writing more about this in the next reports.

CONCLUSION

As we look back into the past month, we give all glory and honour to God for taking us this far. The progress made with the curriculum, in evangelism, to donations and land all show God’s guidance in this endevour. The presence of you’re your support financially and in kind always propel BVBIZ to greater heights. To God be the glory!

Your brother,

Mathew Muchingam

Director, BVBI-Z

New student interviews in Accra

We are thankful to the Lord for reopening and have seen us through all the quarters and finally in our fourth quarter of the year 2018. Glory be to God in the Highest and our dear brethren.

BEGINNING OF NEW QUARTER

Hopefully, we have resumed back to school thus 7th October, 2018 and classes begun on 8th October, 2018.

Lessons as per the schools’ curriculum: Personal Evangelism 2, Homiletics 2, The New Testament Church 2, Old Testament 3, Bible Geography and 2 Corinthians respectively are being handled this last quarter of the year, 2018.

Instructors are all present and carrying out their teaching responsibilities. Our full time students are doing well but it is rather unfortunate that two of them – Steven Gedza and Baodi Samuel - are no longer with the Southern Institute of Biblical Studies - SIBS. Boadi Samuel has been admitted at the WESTCOAST whereas Steven Gedza has left for a company work.

Currently, the full time class are eleven (11) in number pursuing this fourth quarter’s courses.

STAFF MEETING

As by the school’s schedules for the staff meetings, it is the last but one staff meeting for this year, 2018. Agendas discussed at the meeting were evangelism programme in Tema C3, review of curriculum, staff visitation activities, graduation procedure for the weekend students, and preparation for new schools.

Staff Visitation

The instructors per the director’s order, have been instructed that they should visit all the congregations of which our students preached for. The instructors have been charged to encourage the churches and her leadership to support their preachers in school in terms of pocket money, transportation, etc.

Interview with New Students

As God richly blessed the school with will hearted instructor, supporters, and providential control so also the students increase in their numbers. These brethren were interviewed last Wednesday, 24th October, 2018; Kofi Antwi, Emmanuel Yao Ahorklo and Ransford Addai Adams for the weekend programme and Nana Adjei for full time programme.

OUR BEREAVED BROTHER

Brother Samuel Assifuah, one of our students’ father passed away and by the Grace of God the students, staff members and some of the church members went to Cape Coast on 27th October, 2018 to participate in the final funeral activities. We are most grateful to the Lord for safe trip.

Please continue to pray with us as we strive to serve Our God by training men to preach the Word of God.

From the staff of BVBI-N (Accra, Ghana)

A well rounded program in Nigeria

Beloved in Christ Jesus.

 Greetings from staff and students of BVBIN & SWSE IBADAN and fellow WBSFUW in Western State of Nigeria.

i. Evangelised Jago,Kupalo and Asejire on October.

ii.Practical week: October 22-26

iii.Vocational Training begins on October 27-November 23,2018

iv. Second semester classes begins on November 26,2018 Lord's willing.

2. SPECIAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: We have succeeded in repairing the South West Nursery and Primary school's van to our taste.

3. EVANGELISM : The staff and students and co-WBSFUW  evangelised at Jago and Kupalo village of Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State in the evening of  October 13 & 20,2018 and Asejire-Osun State on October 19-21. Three souls were added to the Lord's church in Asejire and two in Jago /Kupalo on October 20,2018

4. ABOUT A STUDENT: Bro.Olugbenga Ebenezer Ojo is one of our year two students.Born in year 1960 in Ife-Osun State. Added to the Lord's church in 2015 during our August annual Bible Lectureship and graduation. His mind is to serve the Lord in the Western state of Nigeria after his graduation on August 2019 Lord's willing.

5. OTHER COMMENTS: I taught on Godhead in the Sundays on the month of October using Bro.Jerry Bates book on Godhead at Oniyere-Ibadan,Isheri Oshun-Lagos state,Mile12 -Lagos and Agege congregation-Lagos state.

 A fellow WBSFUW and one of the major recipients of VOTI named Bro.M.B.Archiborn  reported the conversion of five souls as a result of the WBS seminar held in the Lord's church where he is ministering .

 CONCLUSION: We are very grateful for your moral and financial supports toward the growth of the Lord's church in Africa and the world as a whole. May the good God we are serving continue to bless all our works together in Jesus Christ name, amen.

I remain your fellow soldier of Christ,

MAKINDE Ebenezer Olufemi( Director of Studies & WBSFUW)

Successful agriculture projects in Zimbabwe

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.

1.0 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.

2.0 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

3.0 EVANGELISM

3.1 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.

3.2 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.

3.3 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.

4.0 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.

4.1 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.

4.2 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.

5.0 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!

Your brother,

Mathew Muchingam

Director, BVBI-Z

A special guest in Zambia

We bring warm greetings from Luanshya, Zambia to you Brothers and Sisters!

It is always a great pleasure to write and inform you brethren in this report about what is happening here at Bear Valley Bible Institute-Zambia.

The month of October started on a very high note.  We had Brother Donnie Estep who came and taught the students from 1st October to 5th October 2018. Brother Donnie taught the Prison letters. It is always a great delight to have Brother Donnie come over and teach. We forever look forward to his visit. He is a great encouragement not only to us but to all our students. And all his visits will indeed make an indelible impression on the work of the Lord in this part of the world.

The students are on long break. The break started on 12th October, 2018. This allowed our students to go back home in good time for farming activities. The early rains have already started in some parts of Zambia. November and December are months that the rain is expected to be in full swing here in Zambia.

Gilbert Mulubwa one of our students, reports from Chiengi district in Luapula Province that three members of the Church perished on Luapula River. These members were from his congregation who wanted to cross and go on the other side of Luapula River to visit their relatives. Transportation remains a challenge to most of the people living in some of these areas. They sorely depend on water transportation. We pray for God’s comfort and strength to the bereaved families during this difficult time. We are planning to have on evangelistic campaign in this district next year.

On the other good news, we would like to announce the birth of the New family in the house of the Lord. The entire family that is, husband and wife including their lovely daughter were on 21/10/18 put on Christ. Mathew Sampa and Lilian Sampa and their Daughter Brender are the new born babies in the Lord.  We also had two Old women in their late sixties restored back to sheepfold of the Lord on 7th October, Matha Mubanga and Grace Chanda both of the same compound here in Luanshya had wondered away for the past thirteen years from the Lord and now they are back and active. On 27th October brother Cephas Mwamba Spoke on a funeral of the late Pilius Mwewa of Mikomfwa at the graveyard two members were restored back making the total number of restoration to four (4). We would also like to mention Joseph Musonda one of our former students, he is doing recommendable work for the Lord while working as a bricklayer to keep his family. He is currently enrolled at Mansa Trades Training Institute to advance his building career.

Frederick Mwansa one of our students from Luapula has also continued to heal from his swollen knee. And he prays to join the rest of his fellow students next quarter. Fredrick injured himself after coming from the school campaigns in Mansa, Luapula Province. His injury caused him to miss most of the classes. But he is very much eager to return and continue where he had left. This can also be said about Stanley Masambani who happens to be the oldest student at school. Immediately after coming back from Luapula campaigns, Stanley’s daughter became critically unwell in Lusaka. She was consequently admitted to University Teaching Hospital. Stanley rushed there to be with his daughter. This caused him to miss most of the classes. His daughter has completely recovered, and Stanley looks forward to join his fellow students in the next quarter. He has expressed his gratitude to all the brethren for the thoughts and prayers offered during his daughter’s illness

The rest of our students continue to fare very well in the service of the Lord in their respective congregations. As administration of the school, we will be visiting some of these congregations as a way of encouragement to them.

We are sincerely grateful to Woodland Oaks for the financial support given to the school. We also thank you, brethren, for all the prayers and every encouraging word given for the work here in Zambia. May God richly bless all of you!

Brotherly

Cephas and Fred

Celebrating a new facility in Cameroon

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Cameroon. It has been a while since I have sent my report due to my trip with my wife and also the current crisis in Cameroon. The crisis has greatly affected most businesses. There are times that some internet cafés are not open because of fear of the unknown. Therefore, I must drive to Douala to send my report. I am sending this report now from Douala. Please keep our country in your prayers during the ongoing crisis that there shall be a solution in the shortest possible time. Our God is watching and there is nothing He cannot do.

Our students were out for mission work in different locations. They are back safe and sound and classes are on again as they are working to finalized their stay in Wotutu. Graduation will be on the 13th of December 2018 starting at 12 noon. You are highly invited to grace the event with your presence.

Cameroon organized a presidential election and our president, who has been there in power for the past 36 years, still won again. His winning has provoked angered and loss of hope to many Cameroonians who are begging for peace and for change now. Keep our situation in your prayers as we continue to serve Him.

Our new campus has a beautiful and spacious lecture hall. Each student has his own individual seat to keep the spirit of self-development and independency in their work. The lecture hall has a space for the air condition which will serve us a lot when the heat will be over head. The air conditioners will be mounted in the days ahead.

The dining section is great!  It has enough space for everyone to enjoy their meals and to enjoy fellowship with one another.

Evangelist Nda Mesack is teaching now in BVBIC-Wotutu to replace brother Norbert, one of our instructors who passed away in August.  As a first batch student, Brother Mesack has been able to see the development of BVBIC-Wotutu as we have gone from renting a small place and having classes in the worship hall to the present location with a fully enclosed campus. All glory goes to God.

This is the new campus. We are not done yet with the painting, but it looks beautiful already. This building is dedicated purely for the study of the Bible as men are being trained and prepared daily for the Master’s use. Many thanks to STC for their support to make things happen.

 PLANS

Our graduation is coming up on the 13th of December. Please, we are pleading for a gift of megaphones. We will need 19 of them. The graduates will be using them during evangelism in their different places. Please help equip these men with some tools for their work in the field.

 APPRECIATIONS

Thank you very much for your time when I was there with my wife. We appreciate all you did for us and we enjoyed our time together. Thank you for helping to make this work continue. May God’s blessings be with you until He returns to reward His servants.

Elangwe and family

By His grace director of BVBIC-Wotutu