Providing the cure in Malawi

Bear Valley Bible Institute

Ekwendeni, Malawi

April, 2020 Report

Introduction

It is not always time for battles for the soldier, sometimes you stay indoors resting, polishing the gun but also even being at rest you maybe prompted for a battle you didn’t plan. As a soldier you just stand on your feet and fight. Corona is real and we are all saddened to see our brothers and sisters dying throughout the world. This corona has affected our plans this year, but the hope we have is that Corona will eventually go a way as it is preventable, but the word of God will stand forever!

Despite the pandemic, the call to preach and save souls is high and as soldiers of Christ sometimes we fail to stay in door when there’s a call for a soul to be saved. This month we have had three calls which we could not ignore. Two souls wanted to be baptized, and congregations in Mpamba eastern Nkhataby in the Northern region of Malawi wanted an urgent lectureship on leadership lessons which some failing to understand scriptures started erring in its interpretation, hence causing divisions. Because of the social distance issue, only two from each congregation attended the lectureship. We are limited in number of our gatherings by the government and we as Christians have to obey Romans 13:1-3. We are glad that we used our opportunity to help in all these situations. As I am reporting, two souls have been saved and about 22 congregations in Nkhataby understood the lesson on church leadership and there is unity among the brethren. God is good!

Evangelism

Even though we are challenged by the corona virus, but we are thankful to God that through this IT (Information Technology), we are able to reach many with the gospel as we stay in doors. Through whatsapp we have been preaching to some people and 2 souls have responded to the gospel. We didn’t hesitate for the call but went to baptize these 2 men. God is saving His people in the midst of the pandemic. We hope for more souls to be saved once this block is gone Corona Virus!

Encouragement

Paul was eager to preach the gospel in the midst of trials and struggles of being at the point of old aging; still he was willing to preach no mater the challenge. We can also preach as we stay safe! Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day 2 Corinthians 4:16; Jeremiah 20:9; Mark 14:38. The one who wins soul is wise Proverbs 11:30

We the Bear Valley Bible Institute Malawi, want to thank you all for your continual support though you are challenged by the pandemic economically. Without your involvement in this work, we would have failed. Therefore, we always pray that God continues blessing your families as we still need your hand to help. We also pray that God will rescue us from this pandemic and make our plans start working normally. God is able! Stay safe.

Yours truly,

Ephron and Clergynton

An extended school in Accra, Ghana

Nsawam Extended School

First Quarter (Jan – Mar) Report, 2020

Praise be to God for continually showing His love towards us in Nsawam district. We are grateful to the Lord and all brethren in US. Our humble plea to the Lord is that may He keep His mighty hands and blessings on us.

We are greatly managing in these dangerous days of covid-19. It is our prayer that it will reduce in infection as Ghana has not yet discovered any medicinal aid to cure this virus. Though, with the help of God, some infected are gradually recovering yet, many are catching up the virus. May the Lord see us through this year.

Additional Students admitted

Within this quarter, students of Nsawam School have increased with 5 students currently, summing up to 30.

Class Activities

At this period, we did two courses, World Religions and Bible Geography by Sammy until we close down the schools according to the president’s directives to curb covid-19.

Class Participation and Attendance

Effectively, our students participates well with lots of questions and contribution. Research assignments, quizzes and other class works are well participated and students are interested with the lessons. We have minor challenges with attendance due to their jobs. Fridays, few attend class while on Saturday, we have almost full class. Some travel as far as outside Greater Accra Region which restricts their attendance such that some can be in class one or two times for a month.

We are putting down some measures to curb this challenge.

Campaign

The students of Nsawam joined in with the full-time students to participate in the campaign central region (Ada and Ngeresi). There were no baptisms recorded during the activities.

Student’s Profile

Brother Seth Attamah is 54years and has married to Ema Afea Attamah. They are blessed with two female children. Bro. Seth is a preacher at Dome CFC Church of Christ with eighty (80) adults and forty (40) children in attendance. He is a weekend student in one of the Bear Valley extended schools in Nsawam - Ghana. He is one of the proactive students who is working hard in the study of the Bible. He really participates effectively during class activities. In most of the campaign activities and preaching, he is there to execute to perfection per my recommendation and brave in leadership. Among our brother’s hobbies, he loves to sing.

We are grateful to have our students in effective studies to the glory of God and the school.

Pray with us always.

Doing what they can in Wotutu

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Cameroon, the land of our birth and where we dwell. We send greetings to you from this far end. We are hopeful that our greeting will encourage you as our prayers go up to God on your behalf for the COVID19 pandemic that has pushed the activities of the world to a stand-still. God is watching what is happening and we have that spiritual insurance that His children, anywhere in the world, will be safe.

Last week went on well in BVBIC-Wotutu. Students are learning as we maintain the rules as stipulated by our government and WHO. We are having grace that the BVBIC-Wotutu is on while all other schools in Cameroon are closed down because of the pandemic. We are praying for you in the USA who are topping the list now for the highest number of infected and confirmed cases.

Even though the COVID19 news is still on and is in Cameroon, the good news about Jesus is also highly needed in all locations. We are being careful as we still drive around in locations to preach and to nurture. I stopped by a village market along my evangelistic route to buy food. I bought plantain and bananas. Many people are hungry here. Families are lamenting for food so we take the risk of exposure so that we can share with those who don’t have access to go. Even with my face mask on, my voice can still come out and the word can be preached. Keep us in your prayers.

We do house to house evangelism. When we get to our mission fields, we share the gospel from house to house and heart to heart. Evangelism is our mission and our mission is evangelism.

Our pigpen is ready, our pigs will be bought within this week, and the farm will start. Keep the growth of this farm in your prayers as our aim is to help the current students and subsequent students learn how to keep pigs. By doing so, it will help them as we aim to have many piglets that will also be used as graduation gifts to the graduates as they go to their congregation and start their own pig farm. It will help them to have some pork to eat and also have pigs and piglets to sale to make money which will be of great help to them.

The greatest weapon, the Bible, has been made available by you for us to put it in the hands of new converts. They will use it throughout their lives. Please, always keep our work in your prayers as we work tirelessly to keep the wheel going.

 PLANS

We are planning to go to Batoke for mass evangelism next month. We will also to go to the Supe congregation to mediate a problem that is there.

Entrance exams for the next batch of new students will be in Wotutu on the 9th of May 2020.

 APPRECIATIONS

God bless you. Thanks very much for your prayers and support. The electricity in our area of Cameroon is not stable now. Because of this we have to spend more money on gas for the generator for our students to be able to keep on studying. Please share our reports with others. God willing, next week we shall be able to give another update about the work here.

Elangwe and family

By His grace director of BVBIC-Wotutu

Adapting during the pandemic

Dear fellow soldiers of Christ Jesus . 

Grace and mercies be multiplied unto you all from God our Father and from Jesus Christ ,our Redeemer
We deeply appreciates God on your behalf for all your supports  for the growth of the Lord's church in Africa most especially Nigeria . 

Below is the summary of our activities for the month of April 2020.

OVERVIEW
1.WEEKEND EVANGELISM
2. A MONTH BREAK
3. VOTI VOLUME 104.

WEEKEND EVANGELISM:
In spite of the global pandemic, COVID -19,the students and staff of the BVBIN AND SWSE IBADAN  carried out the weekend evangelism using public address system from junction to junction and sharing of gospel tracts in Butubutu, Panu,Eletu, Ajia and Egbeda town on the first three Saturdays in April (April 4,11&18) .This was done with adherence to safety guidelines put in place by the government for prevention of the spread of COVID-19, as well as with the consideration that these villages/towns are near remote areas.

Nineteen brethren actively participated in that of Group A which help in evangelizing Butubutu,Panu and Eletu  villages; eight in Group B that covered Egbeda town and it's environment and sixteen in Group C that evangelized Ajia town.
The residents were very receptive and many of them developed interest to know more about Christ and His Church, and we promised to pay them a visit after the Corona virus pandemic is over.

A MONTH BREAK:
Due to the present global pandemic, Corona virus, over 75% of our students left the school compound in Butubutu village early this morning to their respective States immediately after the morning devotion before the National lock-down which may commence on Sunday night for another one or two weeks.
Fourth semester classes will commence Lord's willing on June 1, 2020.

VOICE OF TRUTH INTERNATIONAL:
We deeply appreciate Bro.Jerry Bates,Sister Betty Burton Choate, Bro.Louis Rushmore, Bro.Byron Nichols and the rest of World Evangelism crew for their dedication in serving the Lord and humanity through the printed pages which they expressed by sending funds for the printing of 6,000 copies of VOTI Volume 104 for Nigerian brethren and friends of the Lord's Church across the country.

ABOUT A STUDENT:
Bro.Oviri Iruo-Oghene Careson was born in February 1996 at Amukepe-Mosogar,Delta State. He become a member of the Lord's church in the year 2014. He is presently our chapel prefect. One of our year -1 students working every weekend at Ajia town in the evangelization of Ajia and in the nurturing of the new congregation in Ajia. His mission after his two years training in BVBIN AND SWSE IBADAN is to be a missionary in the English speaking part of Cameroon.

TEN THOUSAND WBS CORRESPONDENCE COURSES PRINTED:
We shall be through with the printing of 10,000 copies of WBS introduction courses for the recruitment of more correspondence students by the end of this month.
The 10,000 lessons will be shared among the WBSFUW in Nigeria immediately the schools are re-opened.

SPECIAL ACCOMPLISHMENT:
With the help of the Almighty God and the support of my fellow ministers and Instructors coupled with the encouragement from Bro.Steven Ashcraft(Director, BVBID -West Africa Region),I was able to put my lessons on Evangelism -1&2 and Discipleship Training together in a volume for the use among the brotherhood in Nigeria.

UP COMING PROGRAMME:
Due to the spread of COVID-19, our BVBID Degree program that was supposed to come up on April 20 through May 2 has been re-postponed to May 18 through 29,2020. We hope that the global pandemic will soon be over. We shall soon celebrate the end of this global virus.

CONCLUSION:
We thank you all for your faithful commitment to serving the Lord. May the Lord keep us safe and sound till death in Jesus Christ name, amen.
I remain yours in His Grace as a servant.. Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi
(The Chief Servant of BVBIN & SWSE Ibadan and WBSFUW)

New students in Ghana

Praise be to God for His lovingkindness through out the month! We have been safe in all our doings healthy and kicking. We are grateful to our brethren out there.

Attendance & courses

All instructors were present according to their period assigned to them.

Interestingly, there has not been a single day that the class has not been full of students. For this month, we had all students participating effectively in class works. This month has been the continuation of courses under study for the quarter. Courses, other than short courses have been completed with examination.

New Admission

In January, we admitted 7 members into the school and in February, we had 3 men in addition making 10 students for now. The first student with asterisk, is the one who was admitted in 2018 but could not complete his courses and now added to the new batch to fully complete them. He will be graduating with the last batch during the graduation. With exception of him, 9 students have been admitted. The three men who came in late, will be re-sitting to learn the courses and write exams. We have other members who has promised to come upon school resume in the next second quarter.  

The following students are currently admitted for this year:

1.       Ansere Kofi *

2.      Philip Abruquah

3.      Paul Kingsly Oti Jnr

4.      Edmond K. Yawson

5.      Richard Yankson

6.      Frimpong Rockson

7.      George P. Buah

8.     George Amenyo

9.      Kwame Peter

10.    Azaglo God’sway

Advertisement

The staff and students are eagerly on advertising for more students for the full-time programme this period and on vacation.

In conclusion, we pray always that the Lord will see us through this quarter and we eagerly praying that the Lord will safeguard you and everyone from the said virus spreading wide world.

The work continues in Cameroon

Blessings and glory all in the name of the Almighty God. I bring my condolences to what is happening today in the world and most especially as New York State and the City has become the center of the Covid 19 Pandemic. 

My beloved brethren, it has been quite a long time. I hope this report meets you in very good condition even though everybody is in quarantine. My regards to all the Christians and all those that will be reading this report. 

The Bear Valley Bible Institute Cameroon – Mbanga is doing fairly well as we attend classes these days without putting on our normal daily wear. So far, no students or staff have been infected with the current pandemic. We are putting all the measures in place that are recommended by the Cameroon government and WHO. Even in our class room, we apply the social distances with our benches. Washing of hands is regular as we have placed running water and soap at the entrance as well as a disinfectant. We are also wearing our face masks everywhere we go. Brethren, as we are praying for you over there, we wish you do same for us.

To begin this report, I wish to let you know that we are already planning for our upcoming graduation in March 2021. We have started preparing the minds of our students as they begin to think on topics for their term paper and defense. Everybody is doing fine except for one student who failed to return to school due to personal reasons but we are still praying for him. So, we are left with 15 students. It is always said that the final year is very challenging and anything can happen at any time. Our students are in need of serious prayers as the devil is always about, and trying to disrupt their studies.

We have had some series of mission work before the outbreak of COVID 19. This is our mission work in Sanchou. It was on this day in the month of January that we embarked on a journey to the hills of the western region of Cameroon but this time in a place called Sanchou which is a baby assembly that the school planted during the first batch. It was a four-day mission work that ended up adding two souls to Lord’s vineyard and one restored backsliding brother. We preached to so many souls in that locality and created an awareness to this population that is almost completely Catholic and traditionalist. One good trip deserves another. We are making another plan to storm that arena again.

Still in the month of January, we distributed gift to some displaced persons. These items were distributed to some displaced persons in Maleke and also to the young assembly that was established in November which is mostly made up of displaced persons from the Southwest and Northwest regions of our country. This young assembly is growing up rapidly. We are doing our best to improve the knowledge of the students.

God bless Bear Valley. 

It was also great to meet with some graduates in the month of February in Douala during the Jim Corner seminar, most especially those from the north of Cameroon. They are still faithful in preaching the gospel even thou with very difficult and hard conditions. I pray God should help their congregations to reason and have something for them to put food on their tables and that their kids can have a good living condition and good education for their children. Brother Victor from Ngong visited our campus and preached a powerful lesson to the students and to the church. Across all of this, the students have been going out for weekend evangelism to very far places and bringing back home successful results.

We went through another period of long courses, exams, and then short courses for both men and women. Then came preparation for another field work. It was great to send out students to various fields of work and to hear their interesting reports.

One new assembly was established at the frontier town between Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinee. This assembly was created with 12 members who worshipped on the 1st and 2nd Sundays but it was rather unfortunate that we had no brothers but just sisters. This is the situation in Kiosy, our newly established assembly. The young man there was a prospect. We also had about 8 baptism all together, 15 restored persons, and many persons who were exposed to the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  

My beloved, our congregation is also growing and the Lord is watching over us. Myself, Ititi Benedict, the director of BVBIC-Mbanga was also operated upon some 3 weeks ago and things are getting better.

Thank you for your continued prayers,

Ititi Benedict

A COVID update from Haiti

Looking down the road, we are excited that the International School of Theology (IST) will soon begin its sixth year of training gospel preachers and teachers of God’s word.   Our students, teachers, directors and alumni continue to reach the lost with the message of salvation.  We now have students in several parts of Haiti, Dominican Republic and Brazil.   Even during the closedown due to Covid-19, souls are being saved.  Troubled times also bring open doors to reach the lost world with the saving message of Jesus the Christ.

We have canceled classes for the rest of this school year at IST.  According to WORLDOMETER, Haiti has reported only 44 cases of the coronavirus with only three deaths.   Haiti has the lowest number of reported cases in the countries of the western Hampshire. I hope this is the truth, but I must say, I have my doubts.  This could be because most of the people have had malaria and have taken medication for it.   Most people in Haiti live in areas that are difficult to reach for testing and the hospitals are limited in services.  While the government has told people to stay home, this is difficult to do for more than one or two days.  Most people have no way for refrigerating food, so they live from day to day. They cook their food on charcoal and must go daily to get provisions.  With the schools closed, the children are at home and not able to find food.  Many of the children are fed through food programs operated by churches or schools. 

So far, all our students are clear of the Coronavirus.  The teachers and the students are ready to go back to school, but the government will not allow schools to open.  As our directors have said, “God is in control and will use this to His glory, as he did the earthquake of 2010.”  Our directors, brothers Felix and Beaubrun, and our teachers continue to stay in contact with the students.  Please pray for the International School of Theology – Haiti.  Pray for the government and the people of Haiti.  Pray for open doors that the gospel may move forward.  We give God the glory for all that is done. 

Larry Waymire

The gospel isn't on lockdown in Tanzania!

Grace and Peace to you friends. 

So much of our world is gripped in fear, and countless lives have been disrupted.  People are confused about where they can go for help, or at least for accurate information about what's going on.   At least one bible student in the Kioga area has been delaying the baptism that he needs because of his fear that COVID-19 might be waterborne.  Fear is a powerful thing, and this current climate presents a great many challenges for us all to face..  However, there are also wonderful opportunities for the gospel.  The evangelists that we work with in Tanzania have reported no less than 31 baptisms this month! 

People need Jesus as much as ever, and the opportunities are there if our eyes are open to them.  For example, our brother Kashumba went to Mwanza to teach an agriculture program that he does to help various communities.  While there, the uncooperative weather extended his trip.  So, of course, he used the extra rain-delay time for evangelism, baptizing 3 people.  While he was at it, he helped establish a new congregation in the village of Kalebezo in the Sengerema district.  That congregation is up to 10 members now, and is meeting in a member's home. 

Sometimes I tell you about efforts that are being made to reach the children in various areas.  This week a story from brother Yusuph illustrates why that matters.  For the past year, a 5-year old little girl has been attending bible class at the Ushirombo church.  The little girl continually invited her mother to come along with her.  Finally, the mother acquiesced and has been attending worship for the past 3 months.  I received word just the other day that this mother has now been baptized!   

We pray that the Lord of harvest will continue to send great fruit, along with the reapers needed to do the work.  Speaking of workers, let me close by sharing the spotlight with another one of our students at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching (BVBII-Arusha):  

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:  Luka Lubange

"I am Luka Lubange, student of ACSOP, second year. It is my prayers that God helps us to graduate at the end of this year. I was born in 1985 to a Christian family where both of my parents are members of the Lord’s church. My father’s name is Lusekelo Lubange,a Preacher at Chimala/Mbeya since 1986. I and my wife are members of Airport church of Christ in Mbeya Town. I have two children.

     "The main reason for me to be trained to ACSOP is to get the knowledge of preaching and teaching the  Bible to other people, so to fulfill the great commission of Jesus Christ (Mk 16:15-16;Matt.28:18-20). And I think this school provides the knowledge I need that comes from God.

     "My goal after graduating is to go back to the congregation where I came from to preach the Gospel and to help the Mbeya Bible school which is under our congregation. In the Mbeya Bible school we provide God’s knowledge to all kind of people whether Christians or not, and it has only two teachers. So I will join with them to teach. I will do my best to work in God’s field with all my strength as God will grant to me.

     "Thanks a lot to all sponsors who donate in this school.  May God our Lord bless them so that they may continue contributing because in doing this they also fulfill the command of Jesus to spread the Gospel to every creature.   Thank you very much and it is my prayer to God to live according to His law so that one day we may meet to heaven."

Let me join Luka in saying thank you for your support, your interest, and for your prayers.  May God be with us all as we serve Him together. 

Till all have heard,

Daniel Gaines
Director
Tanzania Missions

Planting in Tamale

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, TAMALE

MARCH REPORT 2020

It is indeed a trying period for the world globally, as the corona virus has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. As we all know, many nations are fighting it strongly, and Ghana is not an exception. We pray and hope that all of us would be shown mercy by God.

STUDENTS IN SCHOOL

The school reopened on 14/03/2020 to continue its academic work with eleven students reported remaining four more to report, while the class was in session with Brother James Legend, Pastoral epistles {1 & 2 Timothy & Titus} news came that government had declared shut down for all schools in Ghana due to Corona virus epidemic that had injected the whole world with panic. The school had been shut down on 17/03/2020 for four weeks to enable health experts control the pandemic to prevent further spread and escalation. All students have retarded to their homes waiting for positive response from government so that they can resume to school. We all need to give time to praying for God’s favor in this dreadful situation.

TREES

Trees are somewhat important for the weather as well as human survival. The inspirational leadership of our coordinator (Brother Kojo), for some time now has led us to plant many trees. The trees planted are going to be very beneficial for all inhabitants of the school, as well as the community in the very new future. These are edible trees which are also going to serve as defense to the fence wall as they are strategically planted.  We have trees like mangos, oranges, coconut, noni, etc. it’s encouraging at this point, seeing them growing up.

ADMINISTRATION PROGRESS

We are very enthusiastic in the improvement of the academic performance and moral conduct of our students as a result of our stay in campus to monitor students conduct and perpetually attend to issues in school. We are also determined to make it a challenge on our honor to avert occurrences that might hinder the growth of the college in Tamale. We are working around the clock to ensuring that new batch is attained to keep the college on track and God’s purpose sure. Consequently, Bother Albert was invited to honor a wedding at

Salaga Church of Christ on 7th/03/2020, for one of his Church members from Chamba where he was preaching wanted to marry. He took that advantage to visit Chamba Church of Christ to strengthen them, next day he visited Jeji, Simbomani, Joanayil and Likpangelntab where Brothers Alex Neina and Nkosil Samuel who recently graduated from the college are preaching. At Joanayil, one brother, Joseph picked a form to attend the college so that he can handle the Church the school helped to establish. Next day, he went to Mbondo, Kpandai and Tinlegto in campaigning for students. After a brief discussion with Kpandai Preacher Daniel about the school, the need to take part in school activities and recommending competent students for the school was met. Visits was also made to Michael one of our graduates at Tinlegto located between Salaga and Kpandai. Michael and the leaders were very happy for the visit; we had lengthy discussion about the work at the area and concern for the school at Tamale. We can emphatically infer that this visitation was a call for cooperation and seeing ourselves of spending the time profitably. In all these visits, the social distance was seriously observed. Until further notice the schools in Ghana and social gathering has been suspended until further notice.

Classes continue in Sierra Leone

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE KENEMA, SIERRA LEONE

OPERATION REPORT FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2020 

We were grateful with thanksgiving to the Almighty God for His guardians and love as we step into the second month that leads us to March 2020. Life keeps on as we have chosen to serve Him as we train more men to carry out the Gospel call into all nations in the World. Thank you for praying along with us for success in what we are doing for the Lord.

CLASS ROOM ACTIVITIES

We maintain our 13 students for both months,  February begins the Third quarter courses on schedule with our able lecturers on standby. The courses lasted for six weeks thereafter the school went on a short brake just after the end of the first week in March 2020.

During the cause of the brake Brother Peter (School Dean) and I traveled along side with Brother Steven to Gueckedou Guinea to grace Bear Valley Bible School First Graduation in that region. The two days Seminar conducted by the school was well attended and very impressive. See attached photos of both Seminar and Graduation in the Republic of Guinea

ACHIEVEMENTS

During These two Months we were able to match up with the school academic schedule for the first year of studies. April will serve as the last month for a completion of the First Year Curriculum. God willing the Second Year of Studies will commence in May 2020.

I am grateful and thankful to God for bring me thus far with Bear Valley Bible Institute Kenema. A call to the School administration and leadership  was handed over on the 21st April 2019. To God’s glory the students that were handed over to me are now in their final quarter of the First year with the curriculum. God willing next Month May, the 2nd Year of Training will commence. We are strongly offering prayers for the World as a whole with this Pandemic that befalls the Nations.

The continuous News on the CNN over the lives been claimed by death with the Corona Virus (COVID-19) is so much alarming and very disturbing for us as it leaves us with mixed feelings. We hope you and the entire brethren are safe.

Africa is affected on the same thread but not as it has affected Europe. Sierra Leone has now confirmed 7 cases of Corona Virus in the Capital City Freetown. All are from passengers who arrived at the Airport with Air France couple of Weeks ago and were quarantined. The total number of quarantined persons in one of the Hotels as to report from Lungi Airport international is total 217.

However, business in Kenema is normal and so it is in many other big towns in the country. Government is appealing to everyone all over the country to be watchful and advised in their own interest to avoid hand shaking, keep on washing of hands at any point the facilities are available. The gathering of more than 100 people is presently not allowed.

Nevertheless regular classes are going on at Bear Valley Bible School in Kenema. We will definitely close down if the government comes out with a press release to do so. We will let you know when it’s happened. Keep us in your prayers.

Meanwhile, we have already start the challenged for the beginning of the 2nd Year of Studies. Modules are printed to start the 1st quarter of the Second Year. Distribution of Modules to Students will commence at the end of this Month. This will enable students to be focus and steadfast in their studies. Below are some photos of printed materials on standby.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we ask all to continue to pray for each other for God’s intervention on the planet earth with this terrible killer Corona Virus.

May the Almighty God see us all throughout this trying period. God Bless.

Yours in Him

Jacob Sesay

Admin /Director – Bear Valley Bible Institute Kenema

Sierra Leone

Ukraine staying connected with technology

Dear brothers, sisters in Christ and churches,

All of a sudden the whole world took a break. Unfortunately, we are dealing with the situation when God shows the whole world that they were not moving in the right direction. Whether or not people will learn anything will be up to them, but as far as we are concerned we will continue praising the Lord. This was the bottom line of the Sunday sermon delivered by one of our local brethren. The fact is the pandemic influenced every aspect of life, and our Bible Institute as well as the Lord's church in Ukraine are no exception.

Beginning March 12 due to the rapid spread of the corona virus in Europe our authorities enforced some radical measures that limited some basic human rights. Firstly, the freedom of movement. All borders are closed for all kinds of transportation, except automotive. Thus, buses and local trains between cities are banned. Municipal buses got limits on the number of passengers. Secondly, the freedom of assembly. Any political or cultural events with more than 10 attendees is banned. Thirdly, the freedom of religion is limited. No more than 10 people at a time is allowed to be in the church building. Fourthly, the freedom of entrepreneurship. Only grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations are allowed to continue business. Fifthly, the right to receive medical help. All preplanned surgeries are canceled.

The students of the Bible Institute are currently at home. They had returned home just before the travel limitations were enforced by the government. The studies continue on-line, via social media chats, such as Messenger, Skype or Zoom. Since all people are staying home, the speed of Internet connection gets slow and we have to choose which one works the best. So far we manage to teach the students and give them the load of everyday work. This way I currently teach Corinthians to the second year students, and Vitaly Rodichev teaches Jeremiah and Lamentations to the first year ones.

The evangelical practice our students had to conduct form homes, mostly training to evangelize the unbelieving relatives. There were some instances when we would talk to the parents of our students for hours discussing important subjects from the Bible.

Commentaries to 1 and 2 Samuel's are typed and ready for our return but we can't get them printed. The publishing house is closed and all personnel is sent home with no pay.

Lock down is officially in place till the end of April but the government has mentioned a few times that it can be extended till the end of May if the situation doesn't improve and people will continue getting infected. So many people lost their jobs and lost their income. I'm sure the whole world is effected this way. But it will be extremely difficult in the countries where the government can't provide some financial aid.

We didn't change the schedule for the Bible Institute courses, we just had to find substitute Instructors among Ukrainian teachers who will temporarily work instead of American Instructors. It's great that we have enough qualified Instructors. And we had to postpone the Master's program till fall. The graduation day is scheduled for the last Saturday in May, Lord willing.

We keep you in our prayers. God is merciful, He has solutions for all of our problems.

We appreciate you for all the blessings we have thanks to your sacrifices. May God keep all of you.

Your brother,

Dennis Sopelnik

Graduation in Guinea!

Gueckedou, Guinea Bear Valley Bible Institute Activity Operations Report for March 2020

Grace and peace be unto you all, supporters, well-wishers and friends of the Guinea Bear Valley Bible Institute in Christ Jesus, our Lord. The month of March has ended, but it was special for us - having an extra ordinary historical event, the first of its kind ever to be remembered in the life and history of this institute and for the church in Guinea! It has to do with the graduation of the first batch of students, 15 evangelists trained to expand the borders of Christ’s kingdom.

The presence and activities of the BV Bible School in this Islamic dominated country of Guinea are remarkable! It shall be said and hereafter ever be remembered that the Lord’s church in Guinea has but one mark of distinction, a "School of Biblical Studies". During the month under review, a few other, but equally important things did take place and I am glad to give you a briefing of these in the order of their occurrence.

Evangelism: A total of 12 persons were converted as a result of evangelism, the usual congregational visit and the 2 baptized during the Bible teaching seminar of the graduation week. These 2 were “visiting members” of the congregation at Nongoa.

Well drill / Agriculture-land: It is good news for Gueckedou, Guinea Bear Valley School Agric-land. Healing Hands International has begun to provide funds for the offer of the agriculture program. Through the Bear Valley Administration a check of the amount needed to drill the well has been made available. Thanks to you, HH.

The Graduation Week – the most historical event yet: The week of 9th to 14th March had been a very busy and important one in the history of the school. There were 3 important events:

a.      Graduates and their wives’ seminar – 9th to 10th

b.      General Bible teaching seminar 12th to 13th

c.       The first batch’s graduation ceremony – 14th March

Some of our special invited guests did not attend due to hesitation for the treat of COVID -19 and other problems. Notwithstanding, a lot of others even non-invited persons within the country were here. The number of participants to each of the programs exceeded our estimates and that was a problem, but a happy one and so we handled it with satisfaction. Some 300 instead of 210 attended the Bible teaching seminar – 2 conversions. And some 600 instead of 420 attended the graduation ceremony.

Then there were many participants from Sierra Leone and Liberia including our able colleagues, the Administrators of the Bear Valley Schools. Also present was Dr. Tom the President of JOS School of Biblical Studies, Nigeria. Needless to mention our Coordinator Steve from the USA. Indeed the program was well attended and what gave it more weight was the presence and remark of the number 1 citizen in the whole Prefecture of Gueckedou, the Prefect himself. This event which was the first of its kind not only for Gueckedou, but for the whole of Guinea will ever remain in history. The local Press who transmitted the message to the National radio was here! As for the rural radio, all the speeches of: the Bear Valley Coordinator, the Gueckedou BV Director and that of the Prefect were repeated for 3 consecutive days with special appraisal remarks.  What an important event!

The Number of Graduates

A total of 15 evangelists out of 19 students initially enrolled in March 2018 completed the course and were awarded Certificates / Diplomas. It might be of interest to mention in passing that during the first and second year course of study, these students with the help and support of the staff converted a total of 74 plus 234 =308 persons which made the 3 plus 9 = 12 congregations planted!

Conclusion / Graduation support and Contributions: We are grateful to all of you who participated in whatever way - be it by your presence, financial or material support to make this program a success. We acknowledge the risk some of you took at such a crucial time as it was to come and support us. You did it for Christ and that is why He guided and protected you.

Our Coordinator, Steven Ashcraft is to be commended for his great courage and support! We also received an equivalent of $85.00 from Brother Ismeal Kendor - USA and $50.00 from brother Esang Akpanudo, Nigeria - amount intended to support agriculture land purchase. The brethren from Sierra Leone especially the Kailahun District contributed a tin of 20 liters palm oil and an equivalent of $11.00. Within the country, several congregations contributed rice and palm oil. Others such as Conakry and N’zerekore made a representation who delivered symbolic contributions in cash.

God is to be glorified! 

May He also protect His people and wipe away the deadly virus. We thank you all!

 Francis

Fiji granted permission to reopen

On the 24 of March, the Prime Minister issued a nation wide directive for everyone to stay at home during the Covid19 outbreak and limited public gatherings to 20 or less.  On the 3rd of April the Prime Minister issued a lockdown order for the Suva area, an 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM curfew, and a ban on all public gathers.  In turn, we received a directive from FHEC (Fiji Higher Education Commission) to "defer all face-to-face education and training." until the 17th of April.  We had already shut down the school the week before because of the concern of exposure to the virus by our students who were having to use public transportation to reach the school from the outlying villages.

On April 17th we received an e-mail from the FHEC encouraging HEI’s (Higher Education Institutions) “to resume training operations from 20 April, 2020."  Jason, Emosi, and I met on the 20th of April to work out a plan to reopen the school.  Even though the Suva lockdown has been lifted, the 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM curfew remains in affect along with the no public gatherings rule.   Nonetheless, the Fiji government has given us permission to restart our educational activities with the following “precautionary measures:” 

1. Restricting face to face training of up to twenty individuals per class;

2. Maintaining physical distancing of at least two meters between individuals;

3. Limiting accessibility of external visitors to the premises; and

4. Practicing safe hygiene standards at HEI’s, by sanitizing training equipment and facilities and availing the use of hand sanitizers and hand wash soap to learners and staff.

• Schools are encouraged to deliver training activities to students via online platform(s) whenever possible.  

With these guidelines in mind, we have determined to take a twofold approach to reopening our program. Due to the generous donation of a couple from Killen, Alabama, we were able to purchase 10 Android Tablets which we plan to utilize in phase one. 

• Phase One:  To finish out our first term which was interrupted by the Covid19 lockdown, we will record the classes on these tablets and distribute them to the students with their assignments.  They will have one week to view the videos and complete their assignments, after which the assignments will be picked up and the next weeks videos and assignments delivered. Jason and I have begun working on recording the videos and Emosi will deliver them to our students beginning on the 2 of May.  In this manner, we hope to complete our first term by May 18.  We thought it good to work out the bugs with this approach in case there is a second wave of the virus, and we return to lockdown conditions. 

• Phase Two: Since the FHEC allows classes to meet with up to 20 individuals per class, we plan to return to the classroom under the above guidelines starting on the 19 of May.  Because our original schedule has been disrupted we have had to significantly revise the schedule.  We will have three Covid19 Terms divided into two week and three week increments with a single week break between terms.  The two week terms represent our short courses and the three week terms our regular courses.  As much as possible, we have scheduled our short courses in the 3rd term to provide the best window of opportunity for those teachers to come.  International travel to Fiji has been banned at least through the end of May.  Hopefully, travel restrictions will ease up by September and those who are still able to come at that time can do so.  We have a contingency plan to cover any course where a visiting teacher is unable to come.

If we can stick to this plan, we should still be able to cover the courses and hours necessary for our second year students to graduate on the 31 October 2020.  I am enclosing a copy of our revised schedule in PDF format.  

Because of the Covid19 restrictions we have had to cancel our planned evangelistic efforts for the year.  However, our students and faculty have been busy on their own visiting shut-ins and conducting Bible studies, resulting in at least three baptisms during the lockdown.  One of the things that we have incorporated into our revised schedule is a one week practicum attached to Emosi’s class on Personal Evangelism.  This class will include lectures and outside assignments where students will engage in tract distribution and setting up personal Bible studies.  

We continually thank God for your interest, support, and prayers for the Bible Institute at Raiwaqa! May God bless you for your kindness!

Your Servants in Christ,

Rocco, Jason, and Emosi

Guest teacher in Fiji

Bula vinaka, friends of the Bible Institute at Raiwaqa!

It is hard to believe that we are now in our fifth year of the operation of the Bible Institute at Raiwaqa.  The Lord has been very gracious to assist us in our efforts to serve Him in Fiji and neighboring countries in the Pacific.  We started the current school year with five returning students.  We graduated four and one had to have surgery at the beginning of the school year, so she hasn’t returned.  We have added two students from the country of Samoa, a husband and wife from the Vaimoso congregation in the capital city of Apia.  Movono has returned to complete his program.  He was scheduled to graduate in 2018, but was unable to complete the program at that time, due to family commitments.  He has brought with him a new student from the village of Delaidamanu.  Brother Tupou has proven to be an excellent student and we look forward to great things from him.  We have also added two students from Naila village, the daughters of Kitioni, who graduated last year.  This brings our total number of enrolled students in the day program to 11.

We had Tony and Cathy Duncan from Centerville, Tennessee to come in to help us kick off our school year.  Tony has taught twice for us before; this time he taught our class on the Writings of John.  Cathy was able to conduct a Saturday VBS for the Raiwaqa congregation.  Tony always does a great job and we had an excellent turn out for the Saturday VBS as well.  Cathy also conducted the morning devotionals with our lady students while she was here.  

As I mentioned in our last report, we have started a men’s leadership program at night under the direction of Emosi Sailo.  Students have taken two classes to date on Monday evenings.  Nine students completed the first course on the Life of Christ.  Seven students have taken the second class on Peter and Jude.  The next class is scheduled to begin on Monday night, April 13 on Sermon Design and Delivery.  

We have currently taken a 3 week break due to Covid-19.  The government has closed the public schools and extended the spring break for the universities in Fiji.  So far there are only 5 confirmed cases of Covid-19 infection which the government has been monitoring closely.  We are currently under a 10 PM to 5 AM curfew.  Also, international travel and inter island travel has been suspended.  If no new cases arise we are hoping that local restrictions will be lifted allowing more freedom of movement.  We hope to resume classes for the day program on April 14, 2020.  

Due to the international travel ban (which is in place until the end of May), we are in the process of rescheduling short course teachers until later in the year.  Jason, Emosi, and I will be sitting down next week to come up with a revised schedule of classes for the rest of year.  We are hoping to graduate six students in October.  

We thank you for your interest in the work here in Fiji.  We are very grateful for your support of this work!  We covet your prayers!

May God bless you with peace and mercy!

Your servants in Christ,

Rocco, Jason, and Emosi    

Urgent prayer request for Fiji

Dear Friends,

I would like to ask all of you to pray for Vanuatu and Fiji at this time. Last night, Tropical Cyclone Harold passed over several islands in Vanuatu as a Category 5 Cyclone. The storm has knocked out much of the communication lines in Vanuatu, so we are currently unsure about the full damage that has been done. However, there are already initial reports of roofs being blown away and buildings collapsing. 

The same storm is expected to hit Fiji tomorrow. Current projections have the eye of the storm passing just south of Suva as a Category 4 storm sometime within the next 24 hours. Like many of you, Fiji’s resources are already strained due to the outbreak of the coronavirus here. Devan and I (along with my parents) remain fairly safe because we live on high ground and live in a cement block house which has passed a government hurricane safety inspection. However, many of the people here in Fiji (including many of our students) are not as fortunate as we are. Thankfully, the government is opening up emergency storm shelters for those in need. 

We ask that you please pray for those in Vanuatu who have already suffered the effects of the cyclone. We also ask that you please pray that the storm will turn away from the inhabited islands in Fiji. 

Thank you for your interest in our work and your prayers upon our behalf. We pray that God will bless you all in your service to Him.

In Christ,

Jason and Devan Pierce

Progress in Togo

I give thanks to God for accompanying us throughout this year 2019. Each one of us is doing wonderfully.

Classes are continuing normally and all the teachers are present each time to give the courses that are submitted to them for the term. The students do their best for the morning devotions and still continue to serve the local churches with their visits on Wednesdays and Sundays especially in the localities where evangelists are lacking.

1.      Avetonou

2.      Temedja

3.      LAVIE-APEDOME

4.      And the new place Amouzou-kope.

On Fridays we no longer have a Gospel Chariot for evangelism on Fridays, and also for going to the field in Gbalave. We use motorbikes that the school has for travelling to the place. In January, the drought prevented us from continuing the work in the field, that is, the practical exercise. Only classes on gardening, natural methods for composting and various practices are taught.

Baptism:

Our primary duty is to proclaim the gospel of Christ for the salvation of souls. To this end, the students go into homes, workplaces, offices, and markets two Fridays of each month to spread the Gospel. Every Wednesday evening consists of studying with people by appointment.

Seminars:

It is in the school's programs to strengthen the knowledge of evangelists and students in formation. It is a sharing of practical and intellectual experiences on effective methods for a good leader.  Organized at the center for two days divided as follows:

Theme: Leadership

1.      What is management, on February 17, 2020, and

2.     How to Run an Effective Church, March 16, 2020

Conferences

Three conferences are planned for April:

1.      Conference of Women Evangelists and Student Women: April 6, 2020

2.      Women's Conference of Evangelists of Greater Kloto (Kpalime Region) 15 April 2020

3.      Conference of Women Evangelists of Togo 25 April 2020.

Evangelization

A three-day evangelistic campaign is planned for students and evangelists in Amouzou-kope from 21 to 23 May 2020.

During the three months (January, February and March) only those who have asked and visitors to the local churches we are registering for a follow-up in order to convert them to Christ. Over 42 homes invited students for home studies.

Radio

Since the beginning of January, the staff of "Radio Planet" plus has asked us to host a radio program on a great theme: "The model of Christ". Each time I go with one or two students plus an evangelist. The program takes place every Wednesday from 9:00 to 10:00.

Here are the topics that make up the debate: (January and February 2020)

1.      Model worship according to the Bible

2.      does christ have a church?

3.      is there a model of speaking in tongues that a christian can follow today?

4.      what are the areas in which the Christian can show generosity?

1.      Here are the topics for March 2020 (corona virus, COVID-19)

1.      Must Christians obey the Government? (quarantine and confinement)

2.      Should a Christian live in love with his neighbor?

3.      Can the government punish those who refuse to obey the laws given by the authorities?

Establishing new assemblies:

Evangelists and students are working together to plant 7 to 10 assemblies this year 2020:

1.      5 assemblies in Greater Kloto (Kpalime region)

2.      1 assembly in the ADETA prefecture

3.      4 AMLAME assemblies (TEMEDJA area)

BVBI: in December 2020 13 new evangelists will be ordained for mission and

CBS: 20 students for Saturday's courses will be selected from the 40 current students in the regions of Togo, namely 10 in Kpalimé, 10 in Lomé and 20 in TEMEDJA.

Purchase of a motorbike:

Our sponsors bought us a new motorbike to be used as a transport for the students on the churches, and also it is a tool for evangelism because the gospel trolley is only at the service of the students.

Visit:

Missionary Willie Gley visited our students to encourage them the purpose for which they are there. He urged them to persevere in all things because it is not easy.

Our wish is to find the financial means to reinforce the Saturday courses in the coming years, hence the Bear Valley Bible Institute from which its candidates come and also the brothers who come directly from the churches of Christ.

COVID- 19

Our government has declared the closure of schools, churches, also to avoid crowds, no movement from one place to another. Hands must be washed regularly and mud flaps must be worn, we must not shake hands or kiss in these moments to avoid the spread of the virus.

Closure of places of worship:

Sunday, March 22nd all our places of worship are less busy. The Church of Christ in Nyiveme is divided into 5 groups of 20 people. Some of them have worshipped in Nyiveme in turns of 10 people to respect the distance and the distance between the people.  And the other groups in the houses of the brothers so as not to miss the Lord's Supper on the first day of the week. It is like this every Sunday and in all the congregations in Kpalimé.

Our government decided yesterday April 1st, 2020 that all this should be respected for three (3) months.

Those who have access to the internet follow the courses with me at home only the connection is not fast.  Only those who pay 20.000f cfa per month have a very good internet connection.

The bible says:

Romans 13:1 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake”.

Schools ordered closed in Malawi

Bear Valley Bible Institute – Ekwendeni Malawi

March Report

Introduction

It is always sad to change programs when they are set already for the year, but with CoronaVirus we don’t have any option than to suspend classes. The school in Malawi has been reluctant to suspend classes because we didn’t have any case by then. But just 3 days ago, we were told by the president that we now have 4 cases. The past month, all meetings more than 100 people were suspended and we were lucky and continued teaching since we have only 19 students and precaution measures were provided to every student. But as of now, the president announced last night, that since we now have 4 cases of the pandemic, even any meeting less than 100 is to be stopped. However, the good news is that we have at least finished most of the lesson we planned to accomplish in this first semester.

Teaching

As I have indicated in the introduction, we have done almost what we planned to be taught in the first semester only two courses were remaining to finish this first semester. The classes are suspended and the students have been released to go home. We shall always resume as soon as we are told to do so. What we can all do at the moment is to PRAY!

Evangelism

It has been difficult to organise full campaigns in this semester, but with travelling of students and teachers in some neighbouring congregations, 4 souls have been added to the church. It is really sad that the pandemic has caused a huge negative impact on our work. However, we understand that God should be praised in every situation. We still have the opportunity to do more and conquer the kingdom of the devil. I have quoted the words of Brother Keith, “It is sad to see how the pandemic has been known throughout the world in just three month than the name JESUS”!

Again I quote from the words of Brother Keith “ When there’s bad weather on the sea, fishermen still have the work to do – they mend their nets” Making sure when there is peace on the sea to go in and catch more fish. Corona Virus will not stop us forever; there will be peace on the sea soon!

Words of thanks

Bear Valley Bible Institute – Ekwendeni, want to thank the Bear Valley International for the assurance of the partnership between all schools despite the pandemic. We really understand how this pandemic will bring a big challenge on the work as most helpers are not meeting to contribute. But we have our God who will not allow His work stop because of this disease. We thank you for your kindness, love and many prayers you offer to God on our behalf. Keep praying for us, as we also do for you and the work you are doing. Eternity Is Forever, Think Souls!

Yours fellow servants,

Ephron and Clergynton

Zimbabwe school is in demand

MARCH 2019 NARRATIVE REPORT

As the world battles with COVID19 and  its effects, all hope is now on the ability of God to intervene in the affairs of His children. Currently, Zimbabwe is under lockdown up to 19 April. Outside activities at BVBIZ are also at a standstill. However, we remain hopeful that God will intervene so that operations continue once the pandemic is abated. Despite this challenge, there was progress registered in the month of March as reported below.

1.0 TERM ENDS

The current class finished its last term successfully, two days prior to the official closing date because of the COVID19 pandemic. Students traveled safely back to their homes in time for the lockdown. All subjects were taught and completed successfully. These are; Hebrew, Revelation, Christian Evaluation of Contemporary Ethics, Minor Prophets, Community Development and Poverty Alleviation, Bible Geography, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Foundation of Missions and Preacher’s Life and Work.

2.0 EVANGELISM

2.1 Field Program

From the 25th of April to the 28th of September, the current students will be undertaking their practicum. Graduation is schedule to take place on the 3rd of October. Due to the Corona virus there shall be changes. Over 30 requests had been made and the school had made a decision to rotate the students in various areas. A proper update will be made at the end of April. Things remain unclear due to the COVID 19 pandemic. 

2.2 Campaigns

Evangelism campaigns took place from the 14th to the 22nd of March. Students were divided into two camps, some were at Sipaba in Matebeleland South whilst another group went to Maridale congregation in Norton, Mashonaland West. At Sipaba, the group was led by Brother Ngosilathi Mpofu, while at Norton, Brother Ishmael Mutichu was leading the group. 3 baptisms were recorded at Norton and 3 at Sipaba. 5 more baptisms were also recorded at Redcliff during the students’ weekend evangelism praxis. Total baptisms for the month of March were 11. At Maridale and Sipaba, besides evangelism during the day, evening services were held were several contacts were invited to come. 114 was the Sunday attendance at Norton whilst 82 came at Sipaba. Students had opportunities to lead services. There was a feeding centre for children at Sipaba and students who went there had an opportunity of experiencing how the centre is run.

3.0 SITE DEVELOPMENT

Development continued to take place at the schools permanent site. Great appreciation goes to Woodland Oaks for providing funds towards further progress on the hostel which is going to be used to house the students. Several cuts were also made on the school budget so that more work is done on the structure. The hope was to purchase plumping and electrical components in South Africa where there are a bit cheaper but due to the COVID19 Lockdown there, this could not be possible. All items were then purchased locally. If all things are equal, the target is to have the school move to this permanent site by June. 

4.0 MAY INTAKE

The new class is scheduled to commence classes on the 15th of May 2020. This is on the condition that the lockdown would have been lifted by then. The present class will be undertaking their field practicum and therefore, will be away during this time. To date, 13 new students have been accepted. The target is to have 15 students minimum. There are 7 more applications yet to be processed.

CONCLUSION

Though the operating environment is now difficult due to COVID19, we praise God for what He has been able to do for BVBIZ in March. Our hearts and thoughts are with you all and with our various partners in this work. Our prayer is for the safety of all. God is able and to Him belongs all the glory, power and majesty forever and ever, Amen. 

Classes suspended in Cameroon

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from this part of the globe, where we are also gripped by the threat of the Corona virus that is ravaging the world. Keep praying for us as we have cases in Cameroon and all our borders are closed. Last week in BVBIC-Wotutu, our students were rounding up their vacation and today as I write this report, they are all back in school here in Wotutu. Our government has closed all schools public and private and other social gatherings. They don’t want people to be above 50 in one place, but we are not up in BVBIC-Wotutu or Mbanga and that is why we shall continue our classes.

I spoke with some authorities and they said we should continue our classes, but we should maintain a high level of hygiene like washing of hands, using clean water and soap, using hand sanitizer regularly, keeping some social distance etc. Pray for us as we have start classes already on Monday 30th of March. I am starting with the students on advance Homiletics. We have advance Hermeneutics, Minor prophets, the gospel of John and we shall have the book of James as a short course. Keep our agenda in your prayers as we discharge the courses to the students from tomorrow now till June.

Our hall is still scanty as we keep the rules. The government does not want big crowds and ask that all avoid some social closeness. We are doing our best to keep our people safe. We wash our hands in our multiple locations for worship and use hand sanitizer daily.

PLANS

We will reduce our evangelistic efforts from next month in compliance to the rules, and to make sure that our students are safe. We will need to hear news about the spread of corona virus before we move.

APPRECIATIONS

Thank you very much for all that you do for us. Your prayers, financial support, and otherwise are very appreciated. God bless you and replenish you. Please share our report with others.

God bless you.

Elangwe and family

By the grace Director of BVBIC-Wotutu

A campaign in Liberia

We bring you greetings from the students and staffs in Liberia- Bear Valley Bible Institute, hoping all is well with you and your families in the Lord's name. We truly appreciate God for your partnership with us in this great work we have to do here in Liberia, West Africa. Below are the happenings for the month of February 2020.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

Coming back from the year end vacation, the month of February was a very very busy month as the passed January for everyone, both the instructors and the students had lots to do towards the beginning of the years program. Among what the students had to do included the following:

1. Group works

2. Research works

3. Individual Assignments and presentation

4. Memory works

5. Final examinations ( Practical and theory).

6. Cleaning the campus etc.

WEEKEND EVANGELISM

Our students continued to engaged the communities around the school campus in weekends house to house evangelism and distributions of tracks. The school administration have made this a compulsory requirement for the students to get them practice for their future as trained gospel preachers. Their weekend work includes visit to the hospitals and prison. Presentations and reports are made every Monday morning to evaluate their weekend field work. Meanwhile, this effort is not only making the church known or have great impart on prospects they come across, but helping the individual students with great experiences on field work and what to expect in the future of their own ministry.

CAMPAIGN

As part of our piratical work and most importantly bringing lost souls to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the school (Students and Instructors) including some Preachers of the evangelistic organization of Liberia took up another very challenging gospel campaign to a far away town called Yarpia to help a struggling and dying church, and by God's special grace, the Lord's church has been restored and  23 new people obeyed the gospel message and were added through baptized to the Lord's church. What made the trip very challenging was the very bad road condition leading to the town and immoral lives styles of the people, but God said us through it all. Many thanks and appreciations to brother Steven Ashcraft for shouldering the cost of this campaign. May God richly bless you brother.

APPRECIATION

We continue to thank you so much for your support to all the work here in Africa especially in Liberia. May God continue to bless you in Jesus Name.

In Him,

Robert P. Dahn Jr.

Director- Bear Valley Bible Institute- Liberia