Local church helping in Liberia

Dear Brethren,

Sincere greetings to you and appreciation for all you are doing for the Lord in this part of the World. It is my pleasure to be able to share with you these good news from our work here in Liberia, West Africa. I hope you enjoy reading them and be encourage by them.

GOSPEL CAMPAIGNS

At the beginning of our first year second quarter activities in March, the staffs and students of the Bear Valley Bible Institute Liberia took on two towns that have been calling for the establishment of the church through the Radio program. We went in and stated a house to house evangelism and public preaching for a week. These two campaigns was very successful, being blessed with 43 person obeying the gospel through water baptism. Two new congregations were also started in these two towns with 9 old Christians restored to the church. Our new students are very zealous and I appreciate them so much for their hard work and love for the Lord's work.

Brethren, More campaigns could be done to many communities that have never hear the truth message of God if we can have the financial support to go. If you are interested in saving lost souls for God's kingdom, please partner with us.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

After the campaigns week, we are back in school and continuing our usual classroom activities with all 23 students present in school. All our instructors are also in readiness in Preparing our future ministers or preachers. Our focus for this quarter is on the following topics:

Homiletic-I

Hermeneutic -I( Biblical Interpretations)

The Book of Acts

The Life of Christ- I

The New Testament Church

The Godhead

HELP FROM LOCAL CONGREGATIONS

Since the school supported by you is a way of helping our own people in Africa, especially in Liberia to train men for our congregations here and compliment your wonderful efforts, we are taking the message to our people (local Congregations) to see the need to help the school with whatever they can to help your efforts. One congregation that have understood the message and have started helping the school every first Sunday of a month is the Ganta Church of Christ. They among themselves have decided to bring individually whatever they can on the first Sunday of every month to help the school. We ask that you pray for them and other congregations to follow suit.

APPRECIATION

We are so very appreciative for each of you as you make it possible for the work here to go on. May God richly bless you for the sacrifices.

In Him,

Robert P. Dahn, Jr.

Director- BVBI-L

Nationwide gathering in Zambia

We greet you once again from Luanshya, Zambia! Our prayers are that you and the rest of God’s family there are doing well both in your health and work.

We are also doing well and the work of the Lord is going on very well. We are very glad to report to you that we had a very successful gospel campaign which was held in Lusaka from 19th April, 2019 to 22nd April, 2019. We had a good number of both young and old from different Provinces of Zambia participate in program. The theme for the meeting was “Living the Calling” and each lesson taught emphasized the importance of living out the calling each one has received from the Lord. We also asked three of our former students Clive Kabika, Andrew Mwila and Albert Phiri to accompany as during this evangelistic tour. We were particularly impressed with Albert Phiri who has so far this year baptized two (2) people in his efforts of preaching Christ. We included the trio in our team because we believed that they could be a great encouragement to our current student body as they evangelized. We had a good experience for the work was well done and the students worked together in partnership with brethren from across the country. The meeting served as a reminder to all the youths who were present to be enthusiastic in their Christian living.

Brother Fred Kanangu was among the four keynote speakers who spoke during the meeting. And the lesson that was assigned to him was “Self-Examination”. Brother Cephas Mwamba in his capacity as Dean was asked to make a presentation about the school. In his presentation, Cephas explained the process of application and general entry requirements at BVBI-Zambia. His talk excited both youths and men who asked a lot of questions which he ably handled. At the end of the meeting the following statistics were recorded: Ten (10) souls were added to the Lord's body through water baptism, these were Prosper Kapinga, David Mulenga, Ruth Phiri, Mary Kaniki, Kama Zyu, Sela Nalomba, Stephany Chanda, Agatha Simukonda, Linda Kalebwe and Felix Mpundu. In addition twenty-two (22) peoplewere restored back to the Lord. Most of those who were restored had strayed Pentecostalism and Seventh Day Adventism. On Sunday during the worship assembly attendance we had 1,230 in attendance.

Our students participated immensely in most of the activities of the meeting including leading in singing and small group discussions. They represented the school very well. We will soon make arrangements for our next gospel campaign meeting; such meetings are helping very much on our practical work. We have already received a Macedonian call from Northern Province and we intend to do more on the Copper-belt Province where we are.

We continue to sincerely thank Woodland Oaks Church of Christ for the financial support and indeed their constant prayers for the success of the work here in Zambia. Without these the work of the school here will be very difficult to do and accomplish.  

We love you dearly and may God richly bless you all!

In His Service,

Cephas and Fred

Exciting lineup of classes in Nigeria

Beloved in Christ Jesus..

Greetings from your fellow brethren in Nigeria, most especially most especially the BVBIN and SWSE Ibadan main campus located in Butubutu Village via Badeku/Jago, Ona-Ara L.G.A Oyo State.

Here are some of the report of our activities in the lord for the month of March 2019.

1. OVERVIEW

i.  3RD semester classes continue

ii. Evangelism in Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Ekiti State

iii. Bachelor’s degree program commenced

iv. WBS Seminar in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

2. THIRD SEMESTER CLASSES CONTINUE:

This semester classes begins on March 18 and will be concluded on March 10,2019. A 3 days Mass Evangelism will hold in Odo-Sida area in Ondo town, Ondo State from May 3 through 5, 2019. The instructor for this Semester are: Bro Kayode S Eniafe who is handling OTP(minor) & OT Wisdom-2, Bro. Abiola J. Olusoji handling 1&2 Peter & Jude and Christian Home, Bro Isaac Olaniyan handling LOC 2 and Hebrews,Bro Ojo Olugbenga handling Biblical Eschatological and 2 Corinthian, Bro.Silas Guda handling Bible Geography and Romans, Bro Abraham Idu Yeje handling 1&2 Thessalonian while I, Bro.Makinde is handling NT Church-2(Worship),Preacher's Work & Life and Teach with Success

3.EVANGELISM: Our Students continued in  the evangelisation of cities and villages in Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Ekiti States throughout the weekends in the month of April 2019. We evangelized Gbongudu and Kute-Ibadan, Ikoyi-Osun State, Ajibawo-Ogun State, Adeyemi area-Ondo State and lastly, Igbara-Odo-Ekiti State and the Lord crowned our efforts with five restoration and a convert.

4. BVBIN BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAM. As the Lord would have it, the first two classes in the Bachelor’s degree program came up at Anuoluwapo’s library in BVBIN and SWSE, Ibadan compound between April 1 through 12,2019. Bro Isaac Olaniyan taught the first class on Research Method-1 while I, Bro Makinde took the second class on the Fundamentals of Faith. Sixteen Students registered for the degree program presently, more serving gospel Preachers are expected to join the August 19-30 classes which will feature Bro Isaac Olaniyan and Bro Steven Ashcraft.

5. WBS SEMINAR: The World Bible School Seminar held in Afaha Obio Eno, between April 12-14,2019 resulted into conversion of six souls and hundreds of WBS lessons were shared and One hundred and Fifty copies of VOTI Volume 99 were freely distributed.

6. ABOUT A STUDENT: Ohaebuka Chinonso Philemon is one of our year 2 students. Presently serving as an evangelist of a congregation in Adeyemi Aea of Ondo town in Ondo State. Born to the family of Bro Cletus Ohaebuka in April 1995 at Imo state. His mission is to be one of the competent gospel ministers in Nigeria in the nearest future.

7. OTHER COMMENT: I taught on Life Ordered by God’s will on April 14 and Patient in Suffering on April 28,2019 at Onikokoro/Gbongudu Congregation during the Sunday morning Bible Class . I’m now teaching on Prayer-Our great privilege in our Wednesday Bible Class. I started the class on April  17 and hope to conclude this class on June 2019.

CONCLUSION: We thank you all for your love and partnership, may the Lord continue to bless all our efforts in his vineyard in Jesus Christ name,Amen.

I remain your fellow servant of God, MAKINDE Ebenezer  Olufemi (Director of Studies, BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN and WBSFUW)

More conversions in Guinea

Gueckedou, Guinea BV Activity Operations Report for March 2019

About half way of the month of March was the close of our first quarter activities for 2019 which were commenced in January at the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute. During the month the school was involved in both classroom and outdoor activities including a week long gospel campaign all of which were successful even though we had a sudden health emergency case by one student who had fallen off while in class. We have experienced a greater number of conversions so far, 32 souls in all!  Below are the details of the events.

Classroom: To this date of the close of the first quarter of our second year, the Gueckedou School still maintain the 17 students on roll. All of them attended to the courses of the quarter. However, just before the evaluation student Nestor Kamano had fallen off his seat while in class. He was rushed to the central hospital, admitted for treatment and was discharged 5 days later. The rest sat to their evaluation tests and everyone did his best in the category of his study. Another schedule was proposed for brother Kamano to take his exam. So far all is well.

Evangelism: This time round a great effort has been applied by everyone to do his or her part to bring souls to Christ. One of our staff’s effort to convert an elderly woman in a nearby community who was baptized on the 2nd of March along with one young man led us to another older woman who was also baptized within a few days.

After the campaign week some of our students who are helping with the teaching and worship in the new congregation at Dentor also baptized 4 men and 1 woman on 24th and 31st March respectively.

Still further, our evangelical efforts and concerns increased especially by encouraging brother Saa Nestor Millimouno to work with us even though due to illness he had dropped out during the first year classes. We drew him closer because we saw greater potentials and a special gift of motivation in him. In the village of Bilin for example he and one regular student made their first trip to evangelize so that the second trip resulted to 8 conversions on 31st March. Putting all these together means that 15 souls were converted in March as a result of all our efforts in evangelism.

Campaigns: The week of 11th to 17th March was one of interest for our first quarter gospel campaign this year. Among the villages visited last year during our evangelistic trips we had encountered some obstacles in a predominantly Protestant village community called Foidou. We had gone there in the night on schedule, and the village chief, a non-Protestant had allowed us to preach to those who desired to hear us in the community hall. But soon the violent sounds of stone throw on the roof could not allow us to continue. Led in the home of one of the interested men, we did not sill only preach to them, but they in turn encouraged us to take heart, keep strong and to “come back”.

All along on campus from time to time we had discussed the possibility of returning to that village and to do so in the day time. Hence, the areas proposed for this campaign week included the return to Foidou. Therefore after attending to 2 sections of Gueckedou town by 2 different groups on 12th and 13th March, the  14th by 7:15 am 16 of the 17 students plus the staff on board the Directors’ car, the school bike plus 2 other bikes and where in that village by 8 am to broadcast the saving gospel of Christ! Three hours later by 11am that morning 8 responsible men of family heads surrendered to King Jesus and were baptized and that marks the beginning of another congregation. Since then worship services and other week day (Saturday) Bible classes attended by other adults and children are being held regularly.

The 15th to the 17th March were the days scheduled for Botema, a village where we had conversions in the past. There were 3 men on that mission and they too snatched 5 persons from Satan on 16th March.

 In all, 13 souls were converted to Christ during our first quarter campaign week.

Conclusion: We had a successful work in the month of March both in the classroom and out there on the field. Satan tried to obstruct the classes by the abrupt illness of one student, but the Lord came to our rescue and student Kamano has now recovered. On the battle field the struggle for souls led by Captain Jesus was delicate! The fight resulted to the surrender of both men and women in different times and at different fronts to our King, Jesus Christ. So far the month of March has carried the highest score of conversions – 32 persons since the establishment of the institute in 2018. We are thankful to all the leaders and supporters of the Gueckedou Bear Valley School. May God be praised for his grace!

Francis

A productive break in Malawi

Bear Valley Bible Institute – Ekwendeni

April Report

It has been a good and successful semester.  We started the school here at Ekwendeni the first week of February 2019. So far about 12 courses have been taught, we are thankful to all short-course teachers who sacrificed themselves to come and help us teach the students. In this semester, we have witnessed more than 10 souls being converted to Christ, and many other restored. We are happy to be part of them who love winning souls to Christ. Many thanks to the students; they have proved themselves to be here for a good purpose. Students have been preaching door to door every weekend and this has helped their experience in winning souls grow. Also, some of the students were invited to teach, preach and lead in songs one Sunday at “Katoto Church of Christ” which is one of a big congregation in Mzuzu city. We received a good report from the brethren that the students did a good job and that they will be asking them time to time to go help preach and teach the congregation. As school we are happy to hear this as it is part of our student’s practical work. We also have good reports from the congregations around Ekwendeni that the students are helping in serving on Sundays. We thank God that the school is a blessing to many.

School Plans for one month holiday

As the students are on holiday, we have planned to call some of our former student, to take them for a preaching campaign where the church will be established. This is one way to encourage them and see how they are progressing in their home congregations. The place we are going to start this congregation is called “Emandhloveni” which is to the north west of Ekwendeni about 40km away. This place there’s no Church of Christ, and we hope God will open the hearts of His people to heed to the saving message – the Gospel (Romans 1:16). Pray for us to be successful in this gospel campaign! 

Lastly, we want to thank all who support this work. Because without your support, we would not achieve all of this we are doing. You are the ones doing it, and we are part of you as vessels. God bless your families as this work still needs you to be involved. Your many prayers for this work are recognized, and your love for the lost souls has a greater reward hereafter – Eternal Life. Think Souls!

Yours fellow ambassadors for Christ,

Ephron and Clergynton

Peace, for now, in Cameroon

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Cameroon. We are doing better but still in the ongoing socio-political crisis in English Cameroon. God is watching as His children seek His face daily for help.

Wotutu is relatively calm and farmers and others are busy with their activities without fear, Keep Wotutu and our country in your prayers. Sickness is disturbing many now because of the change in climate as we are getting into the rainy season soon. Cough and catarrh are disturbing many. I am also having it which disturbs my smooth flow of teaching on the pulpit, but we shall make it.

Last week at BVBIC-Wotutu was successful even though we have some lock down days. Teachers from the BVBIC-Wotutu and the Christian schools were transported to and from Wotutu with the van which is highly respected by the military and the separatists. Whenever they see any of the cars with the inscription “church of Christ”, they know that these are people for mission either going for preaching or taking a sick person to the hospital. So, our van has helped many souls who are not members of the church of Christ on lock down days when no car is supposed to move but we can still help rush people to the hospital to save their lives.

The “Homiletics” class is going on well and is helping our students with practical and deep illustrations from the instructor. The students are testifying that the decision they took to be trained is a good one because some men are out there preaching without any formal or informal training and because of that a lot of false teachings have plaque congregations for the past 40 years or so. That is why many now prefer to come and gain knowledge so that they will return and teach the word aright.

PLANS

In the weeks ahead we shall be in Bota Land village for mass evangelism. The aim is to establish a new congregation. Please pray for our dream to be successful. We take our time to venture into some communities because of the insecurity in Cameroon, but we shall venture into Bota land to rob from the strong man’s house. Bota land is a coastal village.

APPRECIATIONS

Thank you so very much for your prayers. Two of our students had hernia surgery last week and they are recovering well. God bless you for all your prayers and support. Keep it up, because without it, we shall not move anywhere.

Elangwe and family

By His grace Director BVBIC-Wotutu

Classes in Myanmar

Dear brethren, 

I am so pleased to inform you about our school in Myanmar. We had five weeks classes from March 18 to April 19, and covered five subjects: I Corinthian with Dr. Steve, I&II Peter and Jude with Justin Guin, Christian Evidences with Jerry Bates, the Book of James with Jerry Bates and Personal Evangelism with Jon Lucius. Eight students could come this time. 

Now the students are going out to do practical work, as a team and also individual. Our next class will begin on October 7 and go until November 8 for another five weeks. The subjects and teachers are already scheduled by brother Wayne. 

I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for your insight in opening the school here in Myanmar and for financing the work. 

Yours in His service

Philip Van Biak Lian

Much good is being accomplished in Kenya

Dear brethren,

This is to share with you what transpires at the Kenya School of Preaching, a branch of BVII. The students went for March holidays and are now back to school. The classes began officially on 15th April, 2019 for 3rd quarter/semester. Charles Ogutu is teaching Old Testament 3, that is Joshua _ Ruth, The Gospel According to Mark and English skills 2. Elias is teaching 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Prison Epistles and 1st and 2nd Thessalonians in short course, with Mike Rowand teaching Leadership in short course.

As to what the Bible students had accomplished during the March holidays is impressing, they being twenty in number, had conducted sixty three (63) Bible classes with prospects and their church members. During their stay at home, they had preached fifty seven (57) sermons both in the local congregations and in Gospel meetings and in Mid-week prayer meetings. They had as well made forty nine (49) evangelistic trips and had attended nine (9) Gospel meetings during their March holidays.

The much good done by the students service at the local congregations had resulted in;  forty two (42) baptisms, twenty six (26) individuals restored back to fellowship and one (1)  local congregation planted.

Local congregations  and preachers still come KSOP to pick boxes of tracts ( Mission Printing Materials) for their own use/reading and for evangelizing their areas. We at the school have got a unique blessing _ pure water by C.R.F. in connection with Hope Water International. Locals now come to fetch pure water and in that way, the  preaching school benefits the community both spiritually and physically.

We are very much thankful for what the Lord has done with the KSOP students, and it is our request that brethren throughout the globe may continue to keep KSOP in their prayers us to remain faithful and that many may be reached with the saving gospel and be edified.

Thanks to all who participate in one way or another in supporting the preaching school.  May you be all blessed,

In His service, Elias.

Door to door in New Zealand

Some students and staff from BVBINZ participated in a campaign this past month in Palmerston North. The majority of the work revolved around door-knocking and offering the community personal Bible studies. It’s normal in these campaigns for about a dozen people to say yes to a Bible study, and then most of them tapering off, until the local worker is left with two or three Bible studies.

This campaign was different. Even now, weeks after the campaign ended, Kent O’Donnell is studying with thirteen people originally contacted through the campaign! Because of that, our full-time student, Joziah, has stayed in Palmerston North to help with the studies, where he has been taking his courses with us online.

Lance Mosher

Inspiring dedication in Ukraine

Dear brethren, churches and everyone who is interested in the news from Ukrainian,

Currently our country is electing the President who will be in the office next five years. It's very important for our people. A lot will depend on the person in power. Only two candidates are left for the second round. They are our current President and a professional comedian. Please pray for us, for the future of the Lord's church.

Last month our students had a week of practical evangelism. Most of our students went back to their home congregations and helped their local ministry. I was very impressed by the work of two of our students Lena and Rosa in Slovaynsk. They had Bible lessons for kids in the local boarding school and taught ladies class in the church. Our young men were productive as well. Eljune, our first year student, is very active with teenagers. By the way, he visits his local congregation in the city of Kamenskoe every weekend not wanting to miss the services there. The distance to cover from Bella Tserkva to Kamenskoe is 380 miles one way.  He doesn't own a vehicle so he catches night trains to be back in time for classes. I appreciate his desire to help the congregation where he grew up and was converted.

Vitaly and Ruslan helped their local congregations as well. Vitaly taught classes and helped with the Sunday services in the city of Dnipro.  Taras is still working with children in Skvira. He tries to get our students involved in children's ministry. He has good leadership qualities and I hope he will become a great servant of God.

There are some encouraging news from our student Sergey Omelchenko. The treatment course for his TB is over and now he is allowed to take his meds at home. His kind of TB is not contagious so he is back to the classroom since April, 1.

I'm actively searching for potential students for the next school year. As of now, we have 2 candidates. Last month and in the beginning of this month I visited the congregation in Lviv and two congregations in Kamenskoe. And I have a list of other congregations I am to visit by the end of summer.

This school year we encountered a few situations when our Ukrainian Instructors couldn't come and teach their courses due to their health issues and the notice was very short. Of course, I had to make adjustments in the schedule and a lot of times teach the additional courses myself. It made me think that we need a permanent member of the teaching faculty in Bela Tserkva. As of now, it's only my hope and dream. However, we are working on it. Our local Minister Konstantin Kisilenko joined the Masters' Program so I hope he will be able to teach soon.  He's been helping us a lot over the years interpreting courses of all of our American Instructors. Please join me in prayer for this need.

We are grateful to everyone who actively helps the Ministry of our Bible Institute. Your help is deeply appreciated. It's great to know people who have our back and ready to step in at any moment.

Your brother and co-worker in the Lord's vineyard,

Dennis Sopelnik

Souls won in Accra

CLASS ACTIVITIES

All courses were successfully taught throughout the first quarter of the year 2019. This is to apprehend that all students were successful in the participation of the courses except Joseph Appiah who missed some of the classes which by the administration, he will not be able to graduate at the end of the year, 2019.

Also, per the administration of the school, both regular and all extended schools have been well informed of their academic performance to buck up and fulfill all the academic requirements of the school pertaining to the award of certificate.

LAND

The director of Dobro school (regular class), has made the administration aware that due to the litigation of the first land, the land owners have secured the school with another on at the same area of Papase. The owners have agreed to prepare new indenture and site plan for the school. Currently, the administration has decided to start the project on plan this year.

CAMPAIGN / OTHER BAPTISMS BY STUDENTS REPORT

This is a follow up campaign which was organized by the Nungua Church of Christ, bro Amoo-Gyimah Emmanuel being the preacher, requested the school to join the church to evangelize, a house to house and open air evangelism.

Under assessment, the people were receptive in the word but there were many promises of visiting the church on Sunday and three (3) souls got baptized. The church extends her appreciation to the school authorities for accepting their request for the student’s participation in the activities. Their expression of appreciation is that may the Lord bless you in your effort for an effectiveness and succession of the program.

Hopefully, some of the weekend students in Adoagyiri Church of Christ won two (2) souls whereas Panpanso No.1 Church of Christ won one (1) soul. Two souls were able to be capture but per the report I had from brethren other three got baptized during the campaign and one in the weekly activities.

CONCLUSION

The staff and all the schools are thankful to the Lord and our Saviour Jesus Christ for successful activities this quarter and ask the Lord’s blessings for you.

Keep praying with us.

Good news from Arusha!

Grace and Peace to you friends.  The theme of this week's report is finding silver linings!

We start this week with an update from the farm.  Though we've been praying for rain, the unseasonably dry weather has resulted in losing this year's corn crop.  The positive side of that is we have enough corn stored up from previous crops to last us for two years.  The dry weather is driving up the price of corn which puts us in an advantageous position since we have plenty of reserves.  Nevertheless, we continue to pray for the rains!

We continue by expressing our sympathy for Amos Kinasa, the evangelist at the Lulembela church, on the sudden passing of his wife of more than 30 years, Magreth.  Despite the great grief, I appreciate Amos's attitude.  As family and friends gathered to mourn Magreth, the gospel was shared.  In Amos's own words, "I give God thanks because during the time of the event of my wife passed away one believer has come again into the church... and two souls obeyed."  We pray for God's comfort for Amos and his children.

Including these two souls, in recent weeks 6 of the congregations have told me of 14 baptisms and 7 restorations between them.  We praise God for giving the increase!  May He continue to do so.

Till all have heard,

Daniel Gaines
Director
Tanzania Missions

A new class of students in Tamale

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, TAMALE GHANA

MARCH REPORT 2019

Glory be to God for the successful operation of yet another two year studies for our beloved brothers who have dedicated themselves to the course of His work in the northern Ghana. We enthusiastically rejoiced with them for the perfect love and grace of God He bestowed on us through His son Jesus to witness yet another completion.

We are at this time want to express our appreciation for your perpetual prayer and support, we cannot reckon or enumerate the indisputable works you have done in Africa, either can we recompense your kind or cash but what we do have is that May God who has dominion over all things remunerate you for your faithfulness.

STUDENTS BACK TO SCHOOL

Our 6th butch of students were able to finish the remaining four courses for their two year studies in school. Brothers Albert Malir treated the book of Revelation in the first week with students, James Legend treated English four with students, Francis Ayine treated 1st & 2nd Thessalonians with students and Adjei Mensah treated marriage and home and all tests and exams conducted respectively. Hence, they have finished their two- year school.

CLOSING CEREMONY

Cleaning up exercise took place on Saturday the 30th March, 2019 and farewell service held on 31st March, 2019. It was a ceremony done to usher them into the world of preaching what they been taught and done during the two years of being in school. The students have since departed and have all reached home safely to carry on with their farming activities alongside the preaching work until the graduation day

NEW SCHOOL YEAR

Next butch of students being sixth {6th} will have reported to school on 7th of April, 2019 and classes in progress. Over twenty students supposed to have reported for next academic year 2019, but thirteen have reported so far. There are more assurances from most of the students, until one week after reporting we may not be able to give a precise number.

DOCUMENTATION OF THE LAND

We visited THE lands commission with the coordinator Kojo Beenyi Acquah to check on school / church land documentation process. The document was given to us to send to court for court registration and their seal as part of documentation. We did, sent it back to lands commission, and they assured us that the document would be completed shortly. They however, told us to get the Tax clearance certificate ready.

May the unconditional love of Christ richly dwell among us all now and forever.

CONTINUES VISITATION AND CAMPAIGN FOR STUDENTS

We embarked on our first visitation and campaign for students for the incoming academic year in the Upper East, Upper West and some part of the Northern Region on the 4th of March to the 10th  of March, 2019. Our journey was through Bolga, to Navrongo, Sandema, Tumu, to Heing, Wa, Ponyentang, Nyoli, Through to Bole, Damongo, Back to Tamale.

The journey was embarked by James Bisong Legend and Jacob Awintoya, a past student of the school who now preaches for the Sunbrungu congregation in the Upper East Region. It was a very inspiring journey that gave us the opportunity to meet several preachers in these locations above.

I left Tamale around two pm on the 4th (Monday) of March, 2019 to meet Preacher Jacob in Bolga. I arrived at Bolga at exactly 4:12pm. We rested and drew our plan for action.

We had a very busy day on the 5th, Our first call was to Preacher Rodger Ayila, of the Bolga Central, who happens to be a board member for the school. We had a brief meeting with him and he promised to advertise the school to his congregation. We went to Sunbrungu congregation which happens to be Jacob’s local congregation where we interacted with some youth and also booked an appointment to meet them on the following day which is one of their weekly meeting days.

From Sunbrungu, we passed through Navrongo to Sandema where we visited Elijah, one of the passed students of the first butch. We met him with some leaders of the Sandema congregation and had fruitful discussions with them. They took four forms and promised to also persuade some youth who are in the church leadership and have the desire of working for the Lord to take up that responsibility.  They also advised us to make it a point to visit them time to time as other Bible schools have been coming to them; they also urged us to participate in their Bible Camps. Brother Elijah also led us to other congregations around Sandema locality. There are four congregation; Sandema town, Wiaga Central, Farinsa, and Sinisi congregations, with only one trained preacher in the person of Elijah.

From Sandema, we came back to Navrongo where we met the Navrongo preacher, Brother Peter, a health worker. Brother Peter was very zealous to come to the Bible College but, was constrained by his work as a married man with a child. Brother Peter wished for a weekend course even if it’s going to be in Tamale, he could come. It was there some contacts were made to other congregations like, Paga and other places and we had seventeen people who came to meet us and were ready for a weekend course. Since when we left Navrongo, Brother Peter kept calling on us on the possibilities of the weekend course for Navrongo or the Upper East Region. Some six forms were also given to them as we ended our activities for the day. We came back to lodge at Bolga.

On the 6th morning, we visited Tongo congregation as we have informed their preacher, Rockson to prepare to meet us. Brother Rockson also happens to be a product of the school. We met him with some of his leaders and youth and told them our mission and they also welcomed the idea and promised to pass the information to other congregations nearby. They have six congregations around Tongo locality with only Brother Rockson as the only trained preacher. They also took two forms. From Tongo on the same 6th, we contacted Isaac Ayamga from Shirigu and also went back to Sunbrungu in the evening and met with their congregation, where Jacob spoke extensively with them and also encouraged them to take up the opportunity. We had three people who were willing to come but said; the time was very limited for them to prepare themselves in terms of caring for their family whiles in school. However, we gave some four forms to them. We therefore brought our meeting to end and we lodged to Bolgatanga again.

On the 7th of March 2019, the Navrongo brethren called on us to meet them before moving on to Upper West Region as we scheduled to move to Upper West. We met them briefly to have another successful discussion on the possibility of a weekend classes for them. This time, there were brethren from Paga, who also put in their voice. From there, we moved to Tumu straight, which is about 124kilometers, about 77miles, on a very bad road. We stopped at some villages anyway, enquiring of the possibilities of the Church around, to no avail. We got to Tumu late in the evening, where we met Preacher Anthony Antunwini, preacher for Tumu congregation, who is also a Board member of. We passed the night there, where he gave us information about a seminar coming on where the Upper West preachers and leaders were to attend on the 9th of March, 2019. We added that to our program.

We left Tumu on the 8th of March, 2019 for Wa. We got to Wa around 11am. We decided to go to neighboring communities where there are Churches, whiles putting Wa town congregation on a hold because of the leadership seminar coming up on the 9th. We went to the University of Development Studies congregation around Bamaaho, where we met some brothers and had a discussion with them, they had no train preacher. From there, we moved to Ponyentang and had successful discussion with them and they needed four trained preachers, one for them and the rest for other communities around them that they have established congregations. Preacher Albert Akoa Adjei, who happens to be an old preacher around that area, who was part of the meeting. He is the only preacher helping all these churches around that area, They took six forms from us.

 From there, we went to Nyoli and had another successful meeting with them, proceeded to Gyidabor and Kolmasah as well. All these congregations don’t have preachers and promised to encourage young men who have the interest to take up the opportunity. From there, we lodged at Tuna. We had fuel shortage at this stage and called on our able Coordinator (Kojo), who was quick to come in to help us through our administrator (Albert).

On the 9th, our major program went towards the preachers Seminar at Wa. We left Tuna around 5am to go and participate on that program to make good use of it. It was well attended, the Auditorium full to capacity. Two of our board members were present (Preacher Anthony Atunmini and Thomas Donzie). The program started around 8:48am. We were given the opportunity to meet with the preachers at noon around 1pm to discuss our agenda with them. They were happy after our presentation and asked some few questions, which we did answered. 22 forms were taken by some of the preachers who pledged to announce to their congregants. That ended our program for the day.

On the 10th of March, being the first day of the week, we went to worship with the Bole congregation, where preacher Ali is the preacher. We left there around 11:18am, and drove straight to Tamale around 3pm.

Exciting News From Cambodia

 From the Directors

Exciting news from Cambodia. Shortly after Wes Autrey and Wayne Burger departed we had two baptisms. Just a few days ago we baptized four more souls into Christ. They are all from Banteay Meanchey Province. This is the hometown of one of our students. The new Christians all studied with our student and Chann (our local preacher in Siem Reap). All four decided to get baptized and drove 100km to be immersed into Christ in Siem Reap! Their names are Pheng (boy), Seoung, Seaiv, Monica (girls). This is a beautiful thing. Praise to our Lord Jesus Christ. Please keep them in your prayers.

We are doing good here and are close to the Khmere New Year, so the students are heading to their home towns for the holiday. Our second trimester will officially end on May 3. We have four courses in one trimester. Currently we have been studying about Christian Evidence 2, and Fundamentals of the church 1.

We did have two students recently drop out and we ask for prayers on their behalf so that they will return to a life of following God. We pray that God will open their hearts in order to let them back to study His word.

During this month the students attended a seminar in Phnom Pehn at the Best Center. The main topic was about the Present Decision for the Future Result (How to choose the Right Partner) and it was taught by our very own director Darat Run.

We also had another seminar in the city of Battambang on Leadership where our brother Phanat is working with more bible students and starting a new congregation. It was very uplifting to everyone and we learned some good ideas and concepts.

We are expecting Wes and another group to come visit us in June to teach and begin a girls camp for spiritual maturity in girls. We look forward to that very much. (See Wes’ Report Notes below).

We thank everyone involved with the work in Cambodia as we strive to do God’s will.

IBISR Staff - Darat Run, Piseth Rin, Pros Rok, Vannak Yeng

______________________________

Excerpts from From Wes Autrey Report - Coordinator

I returned home from a recent stay in Cambodia of about 3 weeks.  I traveled with Wayne Burger, who is a preacher, teacher, evangelist, and everything good in between kind of servant for God, Wayne taught for a week on Hermeneutics.  The new students, staff, members of the church, and a group from Battambang City learned a great deal from Waynes wisdom and teaching skills.

 I stayed a week longer after Wayne returned home and taught a morning class on How We Got The Bible and afternoon class on English.  It is a joy to teach eager minds that want to learn.

Both of our new directors are working hard to make this a better than ever school.  Taking on new responsibilities and learning management skills that they have never performed before.  Both Darat and Piseth are up to the task as we had multiple meetings involving student management, curriculum, money management and staff responsibilities.  Please keep these young men and their families in your prayers as they face many obstacles in leading the school and influencing the lost souls in and around the Siem Reap area

 My next trip will be in June, and I am happy to be traveling with my wife, daughter and mom along with Tyler King. Tyler is a recent Bear Valley Bible Institute graduate and current BV staff member.  He will be teaching class to the men and also be training them how to weld in the evenings.  Tyler is a multi-talented young man who will inspire the students in Cambodia.

Attached are a few photos that speak more than my words. I hope they inspire you to live faithfully until He comes again - so that we may all be His family in Heaven.

God bless all of you and your love for the kingdom of God.

Wes Autrey  - Coordinator Cambodia Bible School

Christian Evidences taught in the Philippines

It was again my joy and honor to teach the outstanding students in Cebu, Philippines. Under the leadership of Director Neil Emperado, this school, and its students, has continued to improve every month. It has been enjoyable to witness the improvement every time I am back.

This month the course was Christian Evidences, and we studied evidences for the existence of God, the reliability of the bible’s Divine inspiration, and proofs to believe the biblical account of the resurrection. Most of the students did very well, with three of them doing better than almost any student ever has. One student went home and immediately began teaching a class study on Christian Evidences for the church where he preaches. That’s what it’s all about!

Keith Kasarjian

Tremendous progress in Zimbabwe

MARCH NARRATIVE REPORT

March has not been a pleasant month for Zimbabwe due to the devastating effects of Cyclone Idai. This cyclone left a trail of destruction. Over 200 lost their lives. Homes, infrastructure and sources of livelihood were also destroyed. Despite this sad event, the training of students continued at BVBIZ as follows;

1.0 VISIT BY DAVID WALKER

BVBZ was blessed to have David Walker from the 12th -28th of March. David comes from Coalmont Church of Christ in Tennessee, U.S.A.  Besides staying with the students, sleeping where they sleep, eating what they eat, walking on foot to and from town, David taught the books of 1 & 2 Corinthians and 1 & 2 Thessalonians.  Students also benefited from clothes that he made available for them. David lectured some time back at the School of Biblical Studies in Jos, Nigeria and was happy to interact with some of his former students who are now teachers at BVBIZ.

2.0 EVANGELISM

Evangelism continued in the month of March. Students have continued to visit various areas within Gweru. The places include places around Nashville, Mkoba 12, Mkoba 4, Ascot and MSU. There are congregations within these areas. This is done every Saturday and then on Sunday, the students will meet with the congregation. Some of the students had an opportunity of moving around with David Walker as they spread the Word around Mambo and Ascot.

3.0 NEW TERM BEGINS

Due to a number of factors, BVBIZ has been forced to forego its April break.  Students will start their second year first term on the second of April. This has largely been necessitated by the developments taking place at the permanent site and the field practicum that shall commence from mid-June to late August. More visits need to be made at the site and this will be uninterrupted by classes as students will be away during field program serve for the follow-ups that will be done. The following subjects are going to be taught.

Church History

Wisdom Literature 2

Marriage and Family Development

Greek 1

Church Leadership

Advanced Homiletics

Gospel of John, 1, 2, and 3 John

Christian Spiritual Formation

4.0 ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Cabbages that were planted in December were sold along the month. Though planted on a small area, students were able to benefit from the knowledge they acquired in raising cabbages..  A few cabbages have been left out for the students’ subsistence. Tomatoes have now been planted on the land to replace the sold cabbages.

5.0 DEVELOPMENTS AT BVBIZ

Many things are happening at BVBIZ especially at the site. The following developments took place in March;

·         A topographical map showing the school’s boundaries has been made.

·         Drilling of a 60metre borehole by Healing Hands International on the 4th of March with a capacity of producing over 10000 litres of water per hour.

·         Installation of a solar pump and its related solar system to pump water into a 5000 litre tank through the efforts of Healing Hands International.

·         A 9 (nine) meter long hole for a pit latrine (commonly referred to as blair toilet in Zimbabwe has been dug). It has a depth of 3 metres. Construction of its walls to be done later if funds are available.

·         A security cabin measuring 3m x 4.5 m made of precast panels has been put up.

·         Materials for the construction of the first structures were in the process of being put together when the month ended. The first structures would allow BVBIZ to relocate to this site.

At the end of this report, are pictures showing some of the above

CONCLUSION

At BVIBZ, we are very grateful to God who has enabled us to go this far. In March we were amazed by the pace that things were going especially at the school’s site. This could not be possible without the sponsors who have stood in the gap for BVBIZ (Ezekiel 22.30). Thank you for the funds and encouragements we continually receive.

Mathew Muchingam

Director, BVBI-Z

32 baptized in Cameroon

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Cameroon. It is always great to stop by and to say hello to you for all that you do for the work here. We are fine although still in the crisis but our God is still sitting on the throne. Thanks for your prayers so far and keep your prayers going up to God.

I am pleased to report to you the very first mission work from the EPSILON batch as they just returned from their first mission work in 20 different villages and towns. The van was available to take some students to a reasonable distance with tracts from Mission Printing and some Bibles for new converts. Thanks for the presence of the van that is helping to transfer more students at a time. THE FIELD IS RIPE BUT LABOURERS ARE FEW  so this is a great tool to help in our evangelistic efforts.

Where motor bikes cannot go and where vans cannot continue, students will carry tracks on their heads and trek long distances because souls are important. We do all that is in our power to preach so as to eliminate all excuses.

Our students are so zealous! They penetrate villages and they meet villagers still in their very primary harbor like this one. But, in these very enclaved villages, the people will still open their hearts as well as their doors of their houses to still listen to the gospel. We want all ears to hear the truth.

The students returned with joy because God added 32 souls precious to the Church who will be worshiping the various congregations they are around. There was also a total of 26 restorations. We have discovered that the crisis has affected the many areas because the number of restored Christians has reduced drastically since we started in 2011 because we are able to fill up empty pulpits with trained preachers less Christians are falling away. The crisis has displaced many people so that now some have move into areas where they could not identify find the church. Backsliding therefore is also an aspect the church is suffering from as a result of the crisis. We are doing our best to establish congregations in as many new places as possible as well as help congregations and displaced members find each other. Please pray for our country. We have been neglected by the international communities and our neighbors.

PLANS

I am invited to speak in a lectureship in the French speaking part of Cameroon in the north. I will be speaking on “CHILDREN OF GOD AND SUFFERING.” Please keep me and my wife in your prayers as it is a very long distance to make it there.

We shall soon be back in our west coast mission.

APPRECIATIONS

Thank you for helping in the many ways you are helping this work. If not of you, it would not have been possible. God brought you for a purpose. Keep up the good work. His reward is sure.

Do your best to share with our reports with others.

Elangwe and family,

By His grace director BVBIC - Wotutu

Upcoming plans in Lima, Peru

A FRATERNAL HUG,

The BVBI - Peru concluded the course "Personal Evangelism" with Brother Andres Nuñes, and at the same time let us know that we will begin this Saturday the "Homiletics 1" course with Abraham Alata. With this course we would be closing our first semester.

EVANGELISTIC ACTIVITY

On March 2, the students of the institute had the opportunity to participate in an evangelistic activity in the Church of Christ the Crown - Pachacamac, we had a very profitable day visiting the community, encouraging them to study the bible and visit the church. Some 250 houses were visited, we had 10 studies with 18 people and 3 contacts were won interested in continuing to study the bible.

The students experienced evangelism as a group for the first time and as a prelude to the "personal evangelism" course. The church greatly appreciates the support received.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE APRIL 2019 CONFERENCE

Our first Biblical Conference scheduled for April 18 - 19 is near and we have everything almost ready: teachers, literature, advertising and evangelistic brochures, t-shirts and banners. The conference is about the book of Philippians "prisoners of joy", we want to set a precedent for future events of this nature and take the opportunity to continue publicizing the institute among the brotherhood. We ask for your prayers for this event to be a success for the glory of God.

Brotherly,

Juan and Abraham

First ever "Study Abroad" student goes to Fiji

April 2, 2019 Fiji Update of the Bible Institute at Raiwaqa

The 2019 1st Term of the Bible Institute at Raiwaqa is about over.  We are down to the final two weeks of our long courses.  We have 12 students in the program this term.  Semi and Lency went through the graduation line in November of last year, but both have a few classes left to finish up their studies.  We had 4 returning students and 5 new students. 

We have been privileged to host Bear Valley’s first study abroad student, Kaleb Cutter.  Kaleb is a 2nd Year student at Bear Valley Bible Institute, Denver from California.  He is taking the last term of his program here in Fiji and will return at the close of our short courses to graduate in Denver.  He is a real joy to have in our program.

Our new students have been taking English Comp 1.  Emosi, our new teacher, has just about completed  teaching his first course on the Life of Christ and is doing a superb job.  Jason completed a class on Preparation and delivery of sermons and is now teaching a class on the Backgrounds of Early Christianity.  I am currently teaching a class on the Christian Home after having finished a class on the Pentateuch.

One thing that is different is that we have four female students in the program this year.  Most are wives of students who graduated last year.  It is difficult for some of the wives to attend at the same time as their husbands because of the need for one to look after the children. Tupou, the wife of Semi, is attending the program so that she can be better equipped to teach children’s classes at the Naila Church of Christ.  Her husband, Semi, graduated last year and has been charged with overseeing the Bible school program at Naila.  He teaches the older youth and she the younger. Nancy is the wife of Emosi, who was our top student last year and now teaches in the school.  Nancy also teaches a regular children’s class at the Raiwaqa Church of Christ.  Moira is the wife of Peter, who also graduated last year.  She is one of the teachers in the Bible school program at Raiwaqa.  Peter currently is in charge of the Bible school program at Raiwaqa and serves as the financial officer for the school.  The last woman in our program is Jacinta who is married to Lesio.  Lesio is currently being considered for an elder at the Raiwaqa congregation.  He has taken a two year sabbatical from his work in order to go through the program so that he can be a better elder.  His wife teaches one of the children’s classes at Raiwaqa. 

We will highlight some of the men in the next update.   

Rocco Pierce

Director, BVBI-F

Evangelism in Zambia

Report

March 2019

Greetings to you all Brothers and Sisters in the Lord! 

We are always humbled and thankful to God for the great privilege He has given to us to work for Him. Once again it’s that time we make a report on what has emerged at BVBI-Zambia.

It has been another busy month both for students and Teachers as we just concluded the third quarter, the students have gone on a two week break and when they return they will be completing their first year of studies at BVBI-Zambia. It is indeed unbelievable that time is running so fast and these students have grown both physically, mentally and spiritually. The vivid example of this, their busy month of studies have also turned in good evangelism which has resulted in five souls added to the Lords Church. We are so excited to announce the spiritual births of Matha Mwape, Izukanji Ngosa, Patricia Banda, Innocent Lukwesa and Patrick Banda. Inocent was one of the strong holder of Denomination teaching called Seventh Day Adventist and he finally surrendered to the true teaching of the Lord’s Church. Please pray for these souls as we continue to grow and share God’s loving words. 

On the other development Kenny Kondowe a student at BVBI-Zambia who just relocated from Ndola to Luanshya fourteen months ago. According to him, Kenny was not a very active member of the church while he was in Ndola. But when he met Brother Cephas and started going to Mikomfwa and enrolling in the school, he has become active to the church. He is also active and committed to his studies here at BVBI-Zambia. He is the oldest student in class and he is not letting his age to impede his studies. He is very studious and remains committed to complete what he has started. Kenny’s intention is to go back to Ndola and strengthen the Church in His area upon graduation. This can also be spoken concerning all the students that we have at present. They are all equal to the task.  The one word that can be highlighted in all this is growth. 

As indicated in our previous communiqué most of our students attend their Church services in Mikomfwa and Luanshya Central congregations while they are here at school. But we have other students who opt to go back to their respective congregations every other week for their Church services. And to this end, we have kept on receiving very good reports each week from their leaders concerning the steady progress that these students have made in their preaching, presiding on the Lord’s Table and leading in singing. They are even able to lead a profitable Bible study. 

As mentioned in our past report the National Youth Conference for Churches of Christ is fast approaching. The Institute is invited and Brother Fred Kanangu will be speaking during the conference. There will be evangelism going on at this meeting and the Institute Administration is expected to give guidance on the process of application and enrolment. Brother Cephas Mwamba and Kennedy Mukuka will be in-charge of this process. We look forward to this meeting that starts on 19th April 2019 and ends on 22nd April, 2019.

We continue to be very grateful to the Woodland Oaks Church of Christ for the continued support of the work here, and the Bear Valley Bible Institute at Large. Without which the work that the school is involved in this part of the world would be very difficult to accomplish. Moreover, all your efforts and prayers for the work are highly appreciated. We rejoice with heaven.

Brotherly, 

Cephas and Fred