Pressing on in Mbanga

Dear fellow workers in the vineyard of the Almighty,

We praise our God for Jesus, who came and died for us all. In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Lord has been so kind to the church in Cameroon and to the world at large even though one case has been reported among the brethren in Chad republic. I wish we put this brother into serious prayers for he has been quarantined for over two weeks now. His name is Feltoing Daniel and his cousin is in school in Mbanga.

The work has been going on, although with lots of inconveniences in trying to do door to door evangelism and weekend evangelism to small assemblies. Some people will receive us and some others will be scared of us. Never the less, the Lords will always bless our outings with a few who are ready to listen and even ask questions some of which arose from listening to our morning radio program. 

As you can see, all those going out must put on their mask just as we do even while we are in class. Prevention is very important. May the name of the Lord be praise, in Jesus name! On the same light, our week evangelism has also been going on to various destinations and to very far places.

This is another assembly in Edea where an ex-convict from the Mbanga prison is now worshiping. Our student, brother Prince, went there visiting and find out about their difficulties in the field. We realized that the field is ripe and ready for evangelism but they need help. We are planning for a mass evangelism there. Another circumstance, according to his report and a letter of appreciation send by the leader is, that the church still worships in his home and he is advanced in age. He is therefore wishing for the school to help get a place for worship and some benches and at graduation give them a preacher to come and handle the congregation. Let the will of God prevail!

Since studies are on-going, we bought some library books for the students to facilitate research and develop very good lesson outlines. All of these are in the French language. I just discovered where we could easily get books to equip our library even though they are very expensive but very useful.  

Our morning radio program "Back to the Bible," is going on every day from 5 AM to 5:50 AM. My fellow workers in the vineyard, we want to appreciate every effort made by those who helped us to be able to purchase this sound system. It covers a vast area in our large village but not all. Mbanga is too vast for the speakers to send the message to it all but the Lord’s time is the best. In the Lord’s time we would like to be able to cover the entire Mbanga area with a community FM radio station that would not be for any business purpose but for the spreading of the gospel only. Maybe someday we will be able to realize this dream. We need to spread the gospel in the modern ways that people will hear it. We pray for those who are listening to it every morning and for their immediate reactions.

For the past two Sundays we have worshiped, along with a visiting family who came all the way from Yaounde to come and take a short vacation here. Their presence at worship was due to the present morning radio topic on love that she has been following. After listening, she decided to come and worship with us. May God accompany her as she travels back to Yaounde. Paul planted, Apolos watered then Christ gave the increase. We know that the influence of different people who may be in different places can go together to help win a soul.

The students can be seen here spreading sea-ward around their campus and also on the road that leads to it. The neighbors along the way are able to benefit as well. We offer a special thanks to brother David Ballard and the support team for helping our campus with these seawards to keep the campus free from mud during this raining season. Kudos to all.

The crisis in the English-speaking part of our country is still on-going and the consequences are seen in the life of the displaced brethren and non-Christians. Both are having very serious difficulties.

Some congregations are still suffering with where to worship. We know the early church worshiped in homes and it was working but today, just like I early mentioned about sharing the gospel in modern ways, the people are looking to worship in a more modern place. This archaic system does not work well today in some villages and even less in township's as it is hard to get visitors to come to a home for worship. This is the challenge of the congregation in Bafang.

The church also received this family who came to present their child to the church, not because they are members of the church, but because we have been visiting and sharing the gospel with them. This this is why they decided to come to us. This could be a good step for us to be able to keep on encouraging them. At the end, we gave them a very precious gift that was suggested to us by a relative.

Thanks for all your concern and for your effort to make the work in Cameroon and Mbanga to continue to move.

By His Grace,

Ititi Benedict director BVBIC-Mbanga

Ready to Resume in Malawi

Bear Valley Bible Institute

Ekwendeni - Malawi

May, 2020 Report

Introduction

As Christians, we are commanded to be subject to the government authorities  Romans 13:1-3. However, the same people in authorities are breaking their own set of rules concerning the challenge of the pandemic. We were advised to suspend the schools, not to gather more than 10 people, but today the same people (politicians) are going round the country conducting meetings as they are campaigning for the presidential elections and we see on TVs thousands of people attending their meetings with no social distances observed. This habit of politicians including the government has brought in serious worries on school departments and now the government is being pressurized by the NGOs to resume both secular and Biblical schools by the 1st of June, 2020. 

We the Christians, we are directed by the Bible to do what is right before the sight of God. Therefore, our duty still remains  “Pray for Those in Authorities”.

EVANGELISM

The Lords Kingdom is growing daily despite the pandemic. As I said in the previous report, we are using IT ways to reach out to some souls like through Whatsapp platforms, and also I and the teachers we visit the congregations where some of our students comes from every Sunday and does some personal evangelism in the afternoons of every Sunday. This way has also help to hook some souls to Christ. This month we have witnessed 3 souls being saved as a result of this approach.

Teaching 

We are still on suspension of classes for the school, but whenever the government orders schools to resume again, we will be ready for it. We understand that even the government can say a go to resuming classes, but still the threat of the pandemic will be there, therefore we shall always observe to social distances and do all the precautions given.

We are thankful to the Bear Valley Bible Institute International for your support. We really thank you for being with us in every situation even during this pandemic time as the source of funding has been challenged by shunning up of gathering of the Saints. But still, you send us support every month. It really gives us the heart to be grateful that we have such a supportive eldership of Bear Valley Church of Christ  Denver! Eternity Is Forever, Think Souls!

Your fellow workers in Christ,

Ephron and Clergynton 

Teleconferencing in Ukraine

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ and churches, True, the time we are living in is the most unusual in the world's history. As far as I know, there has never been a pandemic of this scale. We all are learning to live in a different mode with the new rules. All courses in our Bible Institute are online now. It was easy to make it happen in Ukraine.

We have well-developed webs of Internet connection in the cities, and most providers charge reasonably. So we established teleconferencing with all of our students, and this way our first-year students had Jeremiah and Lamentations (taught by Vitaly Rodichev), Gospel by Luke (Viktor Semikoz) and Ezekiel (Dennis Sopelnik) and second-year students had 1 and 2 Corinthians (Dennis Sopelnik) and Revelations (Andrew Zhuravlev). For this kind of teaching, we had to change the textual part of the course. Some Instructors assigned additional reading, some had to implement timed testing. We are hoping that next year we can return to normal way of teaching while being able to utilize the newly acquired methods of teaching.

The graduation is postponed to the beginning of September. This year we have 7 graduates. Our country doesn't allow travels between the cities yet and the government doesn't announce any definite plans of reopening the railroads and bus charters. So we conduct a lot of classes via online channels such as YouTube or Facebook. The same applies to the Sunday services which we are forced to stream online. Usually, a few men from the congregation meet in the church building and divide the responsibilities during the online worship service and then just conduct and stream it. We have difficulties recruiting students for the next school year. Usually, I travel a lot, visit with a lit of congregations, make our Bible Institute presentation. But now I record a video presentation, place a call to the local preachers, and then call potential students. However, so many are not certain about tomorrow. So I ask for your prayer for the next year recruitment.

And I'd like to ask your prayers for our graduate Taras Danilenko. He was diagnosed with thrombosis in the leg's vein. He is hospitalized and is waiting for the planned surgery. He is ok but his leg is swollen and he has back pain. May God keep you and guard you! All students and Instructors send their greetings.

Your brother in Christ,

Dennis Sopelnik.

A new school in Ghana's 2nd largest city

REPORT ON BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE-KUMASI {SEPT 2019 - JAN 2020}

INTRODUCTION

Glory and Thanksgiving be to God Our Father and Our Lord Jesus Christ with the sanctifying works of the Spirit has made us to come this far. In our quest to commit to Faithful men who will be able to teach others, there has been a need to thoroughly equip students of Bear Valley Bible institute over the period with the unadulterated gospel of Christ. This undertaking is gradually been accomplished with what the institute is here for.

FEEDING

Accra-Road Church of Christ, Ayigya through the influence of Brother Ken Gyan Kesse has been supporting students with food every meeting day{Saturdays}as part of its edification expenses. Students enjoy lunch over the long hours of study and it has really gone a long way to help them concentrate on lessons taught. A devoted sister (Sarah Asiamah) in the Church have been preparing this hot meal all the time.

LECTURERS

Previously, Bro Ken Gyan Kesse had been devoting himself to teach these students despite his busy schedules over the past months. I, Alex Akosa Karikari (Preacher for Accra-Road Church of Christ-Ayigya) came over to support this course from September till January. The one true Church and the Book of Acts was completed over this period. The next course, a Basic Computerized Programme was supposed to be handled by Bro Ato Essuman, however the Covid-19 made the government suspended all Public gatherings. A two-month’s salary support of (800gh cedis) have been received and we are grateful of that.

STUDENTS

A total of 13 Bible students are currently enrolled in the institute. However, one Brother, Kofi Agyeman has been seriously sick over the past months. Two University Students recently joined the last Course. Students have been given index numbers to identify the date they had joined.

RENT

The College commenced in a rented apartment in a media School in Kumasi. The Accra-Road Church paid the rent in advanced at the beginning of the school, however there have been a series of areas for some months now. The Director of the School couldn’t take our excuses any longer. We are currently back to the Church premises. We have received 800gh cedis to support reduced the huge cost of rent accrued.

CHALLENGES

Transportation cost have become a little of challenge for students who are eager to study but cannot continue funding themselves with transport fares. Additionally, getting tables available for studies will make teaching and learning effective in our currently situation to roll out our rent cost.

RECOMMENDATIONS

In the beginning of every step, challenges are there to be faced. I will recommend that a conscious attention should be given to this new branch of the School in its elementary stage. There has been a lot of sacrifices and risks made in grounding the institute. Motivation students and Lectures in this ministry would be of great help.

Virtual classes in Peru

A virtual but fraternal hug from Lima - Peru,

We remain immersed like everyone, in the midst of this quarantine scenario. 

We are very sorry for everything or that is happening, but we accompany all of you in our prayers. The quarantine in our country has practically been extended until the end of May, but security measures will surely continue to prevent infections.

As an institution, the institute has had to adapt and we are presenting the courses in a virtual way (we finished I Corinthians, this course was covered by me in April) and we have started the second virtual course "Planting churches".

The first virtual course I Corinthians was presented to the students using Facebook Live from 5 - 8 in the morning. There have been advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages are:

1) The broadcasts have ensured us a production of material for future students who are interested in studying at a distance.

2) The possibility for students to replay the recordings to perfect their assimilation of the material.

3) More advantage to nourish our website with material and in a more organized way.

Among the disadvantages are:

1) Very limited interaction with students.

2) The time was not the most appropriate, most have expressed this point of view.

3) The limitations of both technological knowledge and devices have also been a problem.

Adapting to virtual mode is something that is costing some because they are not so up-to-date with the use of technology, deficiencies in their network service or lack of a pc or laptop. But they are still trying their best to assimilate the material.

With these things in mind and after having discussed them, aware of the possibility that the quarantine would continue, we have launched our next course "planting churches" but we will use a platform for virtual classes "Google Meet" through which we can do of this course much more interactive and assimilable for students. (I attach a screenshot of our virtual classroom).
We have six students enrolled in this period in which the virtual modality has been implemented (Alejandro Berrio, Alejandro Manrique, José Medina, Moises Guevara, Margot Rodriguez and Jaime Ancori).

As part of the activities planned in our annual calendar, we have had to adapt to the scenario we are in. Our annual conference scheduled for April 9-10 was presented virtually, many brothers an sisters were able to connect to broadcasts on those days. Five lessons were presented, under the theme “Complete in Christ”. 1) Full salvation, 2) Full communion, 3) Full instruction, 4) Full perfection, 5) Full communion. (I attach a screenshot of the transmissions made during this conference and to their respective participants).

We would like to ask for your prayers for one of our teachers ANDRES NUÑEZ, he is affected by Covid-19, right now he is in quarantine, two of his close relatives have already passed away, we pray to God that he can recover as soon as possible. We ask your prayers for this faithful servant of the Lord and committed teacher in BVBI - PERU.

Grateful for your constant support and endorsement with this extension. 

God be with you, dear brothers.

Planting the garden in Tamale

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE - TAMALE, GHANA

REPORT FOR APRIL 2020

This period indeed is a moment of reflection to reckon the indisputable activates God has bestowed on us all. We are grateful and appreciative for your gestures in turning your kindness toward us. May God keep you save and strong during this hard time of covid 19 pandemic.

 ACTIVITIES IN THE SCHOOL

We are committed to the orders of the government for its further postponement of public and private schools as well as social gathering suspension. We continue to pray with the students in their various homes to adhere to the safety protocols till the epidemic is well controlled.

We the staffs with our families meet on Sundays as a Church to reason together with the Lord with safety measures observed. We are working wholeheartedly to insure that both the school and the Church achieve its goals for the year 2020. Our communication with coordinator Kojo Acquah Beenyi on issues that will propel the progress of the school in Tamale is intact; we also keep on updating current students and incoming students through phone calls on government directives, assuring them the victory in the battle of corona virus menace. They are all responding positively as majority of them are engaged in farming activity now.

VISITATION AND CAMPAIGN FOR STUDENTS

Though it has been difficult globally to predict effectively into the future, we are mandated to walk by faith and not by sight. For that matter, working as a team with our coordinator Brother Kojo, we continue to find ways to strategically plan for the future and smooth survival of the school. Therefore, per government withdrawal of restriction of movements, we embarked on four days (4 days) visitation and campaign for students in the Zabzugu Tatale District and its environs. Brother James Bisong Legend embarked on this journey. James left Tamale on the 22nd of April, and returned on the 25th , 2020. Visited locations where both past and current students of BVBI are residents, either as preachers for congregations or assisting preachers. Visited Nbolado where Samson Bisigma preachers for, Osunado congregation, cared for by Eric Bintim and Simon, Jomoni, where David is the Preacher, Gmanyando, Francis Satinja Works there, Kparibontaabo, Samuel Ogan and Daniel Kolimba are helping put things in order, Bikpabjab, where Brother Kolimba Samuel is the preacher. Also visited Brother Jagri Joe at New Jado congregation and Brother Alex at Sanguli respectively.

All these brethren are current and past products of Bear Valley Tamale. Due to covid 19, some weren’t meeting for worship any longer; they couldn’t device and creative way to worship, whiles others were breaking the restrictions of government. This visitation served a very good purpose as many were encouraged to meet in smaller groups and at homes to worship whiles observing the measures given by the government. Those who weren’t observing the government restrictions were advised with scriptures to do so. All of them were excited and strengthened by my presence. Four forms were taken by brethren who showed interest in enrolling into the school, whiles six forms were left with Brother Eric Bintim for those who were undecided at that time.

SCHOOL GARDEN

The farming activities are ongoing on the school plot, herbicide is bought and the compound have been sprayed, crops sowed (e.g. Groundnut and Yam), which help keep the environment clean to chase away dangerous creatures in and around the school. Two hundred yams {200 yams} as well as groundnut are cultivated for the school.  Maize would be sowed in early July after we uproot the groundnuts. We are very happy as family of God and we guess you all are faring better than us in Tamale.

Minimal Covid impact in Sierra Leone

OPERATION REPORT FOR APRIL AND MAY 2020

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE KENEMA, SIERRA LEONE

Dear Brothers

Greetings from my family and from Brethren who are laboring with us. With continuous prayers we would say thank God for our lives and the lives of Brethren in Sierra Leone. The scaring of COVID 19 is fresh in the hearts of many.

Sierra Leone has been one of the few fortunate countries in cases of Corona COVID 19. There are 164 cases country wide. Out of this total 44 have recovered and discharged and 9 deaths recorded. The use of Face Mask and washing of hands has been strongly implemented especially in public places. As at Sunday 3rd of May, Government implemented partial District lockdown of 3 days which ends on Tuesday May 6th.

The 3 days imposed lockdown restrictions without provision for citizen was a thing to think about for future lockdowns. I keep wondering how people can survive on lockdown when they depend on daily labor to eat. For countries with large poor populations particularly in Africa Sierra Leone to be specific, the stay at home order will be very hard on the people. The news reports from around says that people are in danger of being left without access to food. This is as sad as many people are left with no alternative. Africans are now pursuing with two deaths Hunger and Covid 19. We pray and ask God to intervene and free us from this Pandemic.  

CLASSROOM

However, there is freedom of internal movement at District level. People are going to work and doing their normal businesses as they follow precautions implemented by the state. We are having our normal classes with no hindrances. We have started the Second Academic Year. Kindly keep us in your prayers.

The First Quarter session of the Second Year begins in May 2020. This quarter involves six courses. In this we have 2 short courses; These are 2nd Corinthians and Marriage and the Family. We already have the following Lecturers schedule, Alfred Koyama; Gabriel Abu; A.B Lansana; Joseph Missielie; Osman Sheke and Samuel Bangura.

Expected courses to be treated in addition to two short courses:

Church History

Old Testament IIIB

Life of Christ III

Old Testament IVA

The operation of the school will come to a close immediately the need arises. We will let you know when things get rough. Let us join hands with continuous prayers for all of our safety and a speedy remedy of this virus on the Planet Earth.

CONCLUSION

Corona virus Covid 19 is deadly dangerous and pandemic but our God is Omniscience; Omnipresence; Omnipotent and He is Jehovah Raphael (The God that heals) so Let us depend on Him today and always for it shall be well in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

We thank all those who are putting efforts in the building of God’s soldiers for His Kingdom. May they found favor in the sight of God for Christ sake…. Amen.

Keep us in your prayers and we always do for all.

Yours in Him

Jacob Sesay

Admin /Director – Bear Valley Bible Institute Kenema

The newest Bear Valley school

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE

Enugu Study Centre, Enugu State Nigeria

Bear Valley Bible Institute, Enugu Study Centre started on the first week of January 2020 with 22 students on the first Saturday and additional 3 students on second Saturday bringing to total of 25 students. The centre is located at the meeting hall of Church of Christ Garriki Awkunanaw Enugu. The 25 students are made up of 9 sisters, 15 pulpit preachers and 1 evangelist who has been with a congregation for years now.

From the month of January to March 2020, the students have studied and written exams on 3 courses which are: How we got the Bible, Personal Evangelism and Christian Evidence (part A). The centre has 3 instructors that are committed to this work.

By the end of March 2020, the number of students at the centre is 20 persons (8 sisters and 12 brothers). 5 persons dropped based on health and other personal reasons.

The centre planned having their evangelism by the month of April 2020 to practice what they have learned, but the COVID -19 pandemic outbreak thwarted the plans. The centre shifted the evangelism programme to last week of May 2020 if the situation (COVID -19 pandemic and government polices) is stabilized to normal again.

We appreciate BVBI of Denver coordinators and resource persons/churches for their great efforts and supports financially, morally and spiritually to all the study centres globally. Also to resource person/persons in Nigeria, we say thank you.

May the good Lord bless and keep you as you continue in this good work in Jesus name Amen.

Report submitted by

Bro. Patrick Makwe

Enugu Study Centre coordinator.

Preparing for the future in Wotutu

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings to you from your brethren here in Cameroon. We do hope this report finds you doing well and well sounding in your faith even though things are on a standstill in most parts of the world. We are trusting God to do what pleases Him because we know that God is still in control even though corona virus is ravaging humans.

Last week in BVBIC-Wotutu went on well. We started teaching in the secondary and elementary part of our Christian school but not full scale as the lock down by government is still on. The government has reduced some measures for students in public exams classes. We keep praying that things should get back to normal as soon as God decides.

Keep praying for many here who are hungry and sick because of the virus now and who were hungry and sick even before this time because of the crisis in our country where the French-speaking Cameroonians government army is fighting against the English-speaking Cameroonians rebel army who is fighting for secession. These two crises’ have brought untold suffering to many here. Please pray for us. It is not easy with us here.

Amidst the pandemic we are on with our mission as you can see Mission Printing tracts going to the mission fields with the students. More demands of the Mission Printing tracts are being made from different locations. That tells me that many are busy preaching and evangelizing their communities.

In different communities, we do house to house evangelism by meeting one on one. We go from one person to another, sharing the bread of life free of charge.

I am still engaged and  teaching advance Homiletics. We are concentrating on expository sermons and also helping the students be prepared to handle special occasion like weddings, funerals etc. It is very interesting. Students are getting what will help them manage congregations well. When an event like a wedding comes up, the student will know what to do from start to end.

Students in threes were given assignments to do an expository sermon from the book of Daniel Chapter 6. I was very impressed as I watched them handle the word aright. Keep them in your prayers as we will see them going to the field this December 9, fully baked and ready for the Masters use.

PLANS

This weekend we shall join with a displaced preacher to evangelize his new community of Buea Town with the aim of establishing a new congregation there.

This Saturday keep our prospective students, who will be traveling far and near to make it to Wotutu for the entrance exams for 2021-2022, in your prayers. There is a lot of insecurity in other parts of our country. Pray that God gives our prospective students a safe passage from their location to Wotutu.

 APPRECIATIONS

Thank you very much for all your prayers and support to make the work here keep moving. God is watching and we know He will certainly reward you in due time. Do your best to share our report with others.

 God bless you as you continue to serve Him this week.

 Elangwe and family

 By His grace Director BVBIC-Wotutu

An update from Tirupati, India

Respected  International director Mr.Keith Kasarjian , our coordinator Mr. Mark Reynolds, supporters and prayer partners of BVBI-Tiurpati , A.P,India behalf of our Bible college we convey our greetings to you in the precious and matchless name of our lord and savior Jesus Christ . We hope that this reporting letter may serve us to convey gratitude and thanks to each one of you for your love, prayers and encouragement.

We heard about the Corona virus has been rapidly spreading in US and causes many people have been hospitalized   and many people are dying . We bleed in our heart and feel sorry  to hear about this news. We continue to pray for you and your nation.

By the grace of God BVBI-Tirupati has completed three semesters successfully and fourth semester has started. In this semester  we have completed the  book of  1.Galatians, 2. First Thessalonians( and ) 3. Second Thessalonians, 4.First Peter, 5.Second Peter and 6.book of  Jude. According  to Indian president guidelines our indoor classes room work has been suspended an due to  Corona virus threat .

The number of positive Covid-19 cases and deaths continue to increase in India, but thankfully not at too high a rate. Let us continue to pray that the Medical scientists and Researchers could come up with a cure and vaccine soon. That the virus is more easily managed. In the meantime we pray all of us be safe and do not be infected with the virus. God is faithful. He cares for His own.

Assignment work : During this lock down period students have been busy in writing assignments from the completed syllabus , they need to spend 8 hours per day to study and write the assignment . All the teachers are available for the students to clarify their questions and doubts by using text messages, whats App , skipe, zoom, e-mails , phone calls etc…

Benevolence: This is the time all the members of lord’s church have been struggling along with citizens of our country  during this lock down period which was started in March 22nd midnight , the govt has been trying level best in meeting the needs of the people by  supplying food packets but still hundreds of the people in need .Therefore all the students and teaching faculty have been moved with great compassion and helped  the needy families in their own local churches, we approached  the capable members in the local church personally and collected some contributions , by using this money we purchased rice , groceries , fruits and vegetables and provided to the neediest families  in the local churches. By the grace of God beside students and staff  we have distributed rice and groceries to 20 families in the Vidyanagar church , we have helped vegetables to 150  families in total village which was under the RED-ZONE and second round we have provided vegetables and fruits to 25 families.

Online classes: According to current news from the Govt  the lockdown period suppose to be completed by May 17th, 2020, if not we will be started to teach our courses by using zoom-app, we already contacted all the students to download the zoom app, they are ready for the online classes .

HHI-Vegetable  garden :  myself and few students  have been regularly working  for the AG vegetable garden  to keep healthy and greenish. We try to keep all the guidelines whatever we learned in our HHI-AG workshop training  given in Zimbabwe  for the maintenance of the hunger garden .

Staff meeting: Before the lock down period was started we had our staff meeting on March 20 Friday , we discussed several things regarding the discipline, punctuality  and character development of the students and their  home works, kitchen work and gardening works etc...

Students and Sundays:  As we began the 4th semester we are planning to send the students to neighboring local churches to teach the word of God , we are happy to report you that there are several local churches are available  in and around the Tirupati-city. We know several local preachers who are interested to receive our students for the Sunday preaching .

The progress of the students : All the students are able to follow each teacher in the class room  , they are  given home work, memory work , weekly exams . Teachers observe their class room running note books. BVBI-Tirupati is trying  level best to maintain the good standard in preparing effective spiritual soldiers for the sake  dying souls in our county. We strongly believe that only the word of God is solution for all the spiritual problems. All the students meet in the morning and evening  for the student’s devotions. Happy to report you that they use to have prayer, singing, bible reading and preaching  . Each day two  student get opportunity to preach the word of God (Morning and evening). As they earned one year preaching experience among the students that helped them to develop boldness to teach the word of God.

We extend our thanks from the bottom of our hearts to the director Mr.Keith Kasarjian  Our coordinator Mr. Mark Reynolds  for their commitment and personal care and concern for the smooth function of the Bible college . We don’t find words to appreciate their guidelines and encouragements. It was the life threat time when Mr. Mr.Keith Kasarjian has visited in 2020 March because of Covid-19. We praise God for his safe travel with good health . We sincerely thankful to his great efforts to visit us and encourages us. We also thankful to all the prayers partners of our Bible College.

Thanks to all the visitors who could able to visit us from US before Covid-19:

We humble our self and remember all the visiting’s of our beloved brothers and sisters who visited BVBI-Tirupati and encouraged us just before The Covid-19 threat . We are thankful to Mr.John R. Vaughan( Graymere church of Christ ) Mr.Jonathan Winchester(Graymere church of Christ) Mr.Matthew Bowling (Graymere church of Christ), Mr.Larry Nokes (Foothills church of Christ(Mr.Dennis Widner(Foothills church of Christ) Mr.Damon Vincent(Sunset church of Christ) Mrs.Linda smith(WoodsonChapel Church of  Christ) and Mrs.Jackie Hills(Berrey’s Chappel Chuch of Christ) and Mr.Reyhart(4177 Bethlehem Church Road, Wickliffe,KY 42087) and  Mr.Peter Solomon( Kumaran Nagar church of Christ-Chennai) Mr.V.S. Immanuel (( Kumaran Nagar church of Christ-Chennai) Mr.M.Devasagayam( Arakonam church of Christ) Mr.David Martin -Chennai) etc..

Prayer Request: The every month  rents of  the Bible college building and student’s  hostel occupies the much of the monthly budget , we humbly request you to pray for the own building for the BVBI-Tirupati, India. Our present building owner has a plan to sell the building, if God opened the doors to own the building, it would be a great blessing to have permanent building for the BVBI-India, the RENTS  what we pay for the BUILDING would be saved and utilized for educating the young men for eternal life.

Thanking you.

Yours brother and sister in Christ.

Vijay&swarupa, Behalf of BVBI-Tirupati-India

A new intake of students in Zimbabwe

APRIL 2020 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

As the world continues the struggle to contain the Covid19 pandemic, our hope and faith remain pinned on God to continue protecting you and eventually help expects to come up with a medical solution. It is a time when governments, church leaders and other leaders at various levels should depend upon God and make the right and necessary decisions. Certainly, it has not been easy for many, BVBIZ included. However, we are grateful to God for seeing us through the month of April, through under an extended lockdown. We can report on the following;.

1.0 CHANGE OF PROGRAMS

Due to the COVID19 pandemic and lockdowns that have ensured, our programs at BVBIZ remain on suspension. The new intake which was supposed to start classes on the 13th of May will now start at a later date depending on the prevailing situation and government pronouncements. The field practicum which should have commenced on the 25th of April remain suspended also. Our apologies to all congregations that had gone out of their way to prepare for the coming of students.

2.0 NEW INTAKE

To date, 14 students (12 singles and a couple) have been accepted. This is the school’s third intake since its inception in 2016.

3.0 SITE DEVELOPMENT

In April, there was some progress that took place to the hostel that had been under construction since September last year. The following were done successfully; digging of septic tank, digging of soak away tank, plastering of the structure, rough floors, installation of four exterior and three interior doors. The new intake is expected to commence classes at this new site once the lockdown is uplifted and if all things are equal.

4.0 MOVEMENT TO THE NEW SITE

BVBIZ will be moving to the permanent site at the end of May. Though difficult but it is exciting. It is difficult in that the structure is not yet fully complete. Rather than continue paying rentals, BVBIZ management has given a notice to the owner of the present facility which the school has been using. Funds meant for rent will now be able to slowly pay for some of the outstanding materials that are needed. At the end of May, therefore, BVBIZ shall officially move to the permanent site.

CONCLUSION

When all is said and done, glory and honour should always be given to God Almighty who gives each of us strength even in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic. Our prayer at BVBIZ is that God be with you all during this difficult moment.

An update from one of the schools in Lagos

Bear Valley Bible Institute, Report From Ikorodu Lagos State -- Nigeria ( Weekend Class)                                   

Greetings from the staff and students of Bear valley Bible Institute Owutu Ikorodu.Here is the summary of the first quarter of 2020 report.                                   

1. The diploma students are still regular in class since January 2020 to March. We experienced the lockdown at the end of March and April which paralyzed the school activities. Before pandemic on February we have carried out campaign for 2020. We had seven baptism twelve restoration.                             

2. Number of students: we have twenty- eight students in Ikorodu campus, out of this number we have three sisters, fifteen preachers, and ten Congregational teachers our students are serious and regular in class.                                               

3 Lecturers and lectures: our  Lecturers are doing well regular and very active.The subjects treated so far , this quarter  are :

Public speaking 2( practical homiletics -- brother Makinde Ebenezer.

Old Testament 2( study of the history, Joshua -- Esther)--- Mfon Etim

Prison Epistles( Ephesians, Philippians, closians) --- Lucky Usoyare

James --- Mfon Etim                                                     

4. Corona virus has paralyzed the lectures for some weeks. In Lagos we have observed lockdown from the federal government.The lockdown took  us one month before the federal government lifted  it in Lagos State. Since the lockdown has been lifted our weekend lectures have comment. Our students are glad to come back to the class.                               .                                 

We grateful to God for keeping us safe from covid 19. We are grateful to you for your support to see that Africa is well-grounded in the word of God. May our almighty God bless and protect you and keep you safe from covid 19 in Jesus name amen.               

I remain your fellow soldier of Christ.                 

Brother Mfon Etim ( Ikorodu Director)

Extended school in Greater Accra

KASOA, GHANA

QUARTERLY OPERATIONAL REPORT

JANUARY – MARCH, 2020

The school in Kasoa is a growing one as like the village city of Kasoa itself. There are over 30 congregations in this city and that calls for the need of many men to be trained and evangelize this heavily populated city. Right now we have 19 students and forms are picked all the time.

The month of January was welcomed with class started on Friday 10th. We had all attending. Kojo started the year with them in the study of The New Testament Church I. Roger Asante also took the class in the study of The Old Testament III. 

The school was closed on March 28, 2020 and the date to be resumed will be determined by the outcome of the spread of the virus. 

In the months of January, February and March, the activities of the students recorded 13 baptisms. 

There is a nearby village one of the student want to plant a church there. When funds are available, there could be a campaign to have a congregation planted in the village. Praying that the Good Lord will see us through this hard times as prices for all essential items have gone high. 

Trusting God to richly bless you for your love and support to the work in Ghana.

First report from a new school in Ghana

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE - SUNYANI, GHANA

NOVEMBER To DECEMBER, 2019

1. COMMENCEMENT OF SUNYANI CAMPUS

The Brong Ahafo College of Biblical Studies was accepted as a Campus of the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Sunyani on November 1, 2019

2. NUMBER OF STUDENTS

The former sixteen students of the College enrolled for the Bear Valley Course but one has traveled to U. K, thus making the present number of 15 students. All the fifteen students were present at the inauguration of the Bear Valley programme on November 1, 2019.

3. LECTURES (CLASSES) PERIODS

Classes at the Sunyani Campus are scheduled for Friday evening to Saturday evening.

Friday Evening Classes: 6:30 – 9:30pm 

Saturday Evening Classes: 7:30 – 3:30pm

We are presently using the Church Auditorium as our main Lecture hall, when there is a church programme we move to our basic school block.

Students sleep at the ICT room of the school as others also sleep in the auditorium.

4. COURSES OFFERED

A. Before the starting of the Bear Valley programme, we have already taught the following courses:

Course  Lecturer

a. The New Testament Church Daniel K. Mensah

b. Biblical Hermeneutics  Daniel K. Mensah

c. Old Testament Survey  Thomas Gyabaa

B. After the starting of the Bear Valley programme, we are teaching the following courses:

Course  Lecturer

a. The Preacher and his work Daniel K. Mensah

b. Homiletics   Daniel K. Mensah

c. New  Testament Survey  Thomas Gyabaa

It is our consistent prayer that the good Lord will continue to bless the good works of Bear Valley Bible Institute.

DANIEL K. MENSAH 

DIRECTOR: SUNYANI CAMPUS

MONTHLY OPERATIONAL REPORT

JANUARY – MARCH, 2020

Thank God we are alive and seeing His Glory. There was panic all over, thank God it is now dying down but we are being curious and that all the necessary measures to prevent the spread of the virus are being observed.

Our fellowship with Bear Valley International has been a blessing as we now have the needed logistics in place and that is helping with the teaching and learning in the school. Our students are happy with the lunch provided and the materials the school provides. Praying that God bless your work and that for Him.

We have 15 students and all are attending and well participating in all the activities of the school. We had The Preacher and His Work, Homiletics and The New Testament Survey taught beginning from January. Daniel and Thomas Gyabaa were the instructors. 

Our impending campaign for March was cancelled due to the restrictions of people and we plan to have it when all the panicking are over. However, we had 4 baptisms from the reports from the students in their works as leaders and preachers in their congregations.

We are still waiting for the Course Materials from you (we made that request in our last report) as that will help and guard us in our lesson preparations. 

Thanks, continue to pray with us as we do for you.  

Good news from Liberia

GREETINGS

Hello to all of you who are reading this report from the Bear Valley extension School in Liberia, West Africa. It has been a great privilege and blessing to be part of God workforce in teaching the truth in His kingdom here in this part of the world. We are so very grateful for this opportunity to serve. Many thanks to all those making it possible through their willing sacrifices for the sake of the kingdom. So far, all has been moving very well.

GRADUATION IN GUEKEDOU, GUINEA

The dean of students for the school in Liberia in person of Brother Fester G. Lee and myself were privileged to be part of the first ever graduation ceremony of the School Guekedou Guinea where 15 evangelist were trained to expand the kingdom of our Lord. It was a very beautiful program that brought together, if not all the congregations in Guinea, then most of them including congregations and preachers from Sierra Leone. The graduation also welcome 20 new students into the program with the hope of training more men for the Lord's work force in that part of the world.

BIBLE GEOGRAPHY CLASS

It was planned earlier this year that Brother Steven Ashcraft would come to Liberia and teach a class in Bible Geography for a week beginning March 16, but the class could not come on because of the issues of the corona virus and the worried of possible travel restrictions across Africa. So Brother Steven has to leave to avoid any traveling problems. He met shortly with the student on Monday morning the 16th of March and horridly left with a taxi to Monrovia and left Liberia.The students felt so bad, but have to accept the situation since we had no control over the happenings.

THE CORONA VIRUS NEWS

The news of the corona virus is fast spreading across the world making Liberia no exception, but Liberia is still very safe with no regulations from our Government yet about this disease that could possibly course fear in people. So Liberia is still very claim and running normally. We assure you of obeying any pronouncement from the government that will help keep all of us safe against this deadly pandemic.

WEEKEND EVANGELISM

Our students continued their weekend evangelism in engaging the communities around the school campus in weekends house to house evangelism and distributions of tracks. This is a compulsory requirement for the students to get them practice for the future as trained gospel preachers. As usual, 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.

Conclusion

We want to thank all of you so much for supporting the work in Liberia. Without you, this effort would not be possible. May God richly bless you.

In Him,

Robert P. Dahn, Jr.

Director- BVBI-L

Using social media for good in Ghana

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR MARCH 2020

Dear Brethren,

It is by the grace of God that we all are alive this day. We are safe here, and we hope you are too. Though, the pandemic has stopped us from doing what we love best—to serve our Lord with the ability that He has given us, yet the little that we can do as well as keeping ourselves safe from Covid-19, we are able to do.

CLASSROOM WORK

At the beginning of the month of March, classes for both the regular and part-time students were going on smoothly until the third week when our president placed a ban on all gathering including public and private schools due to the Coronavirus infection. The Covid-19 cases in our country keep rising each week. It started with 2 and now, on this 2nd day of May, 2020, we have 2,074 confirmed cases with 17 deaths and 212 recoveries. Our students are prepared to return to school the moment the ban is lifted. So we are all praying that, this pandemic will be over for us to return to classroom.

PERSONAL EVANGELISM

Though the Covid-19 has brought life to a halt, yet, we manage to preach the gospel in every possible way that we can. As the director of the school, I have not ceased to teach the gospel on the radio and Facebook live streaming. To use my time wisely while staying in the home in this Covid-19 period, I have started a new Facebook live streaming program with the theme, “Do You Understand What You Are Reading?” And to God be the glory that I get over thousand views each week on this program. Also, some of our students (both past and current) continued with their house to house teaching. While some were doing street preaching, others also engaged in a chariot (van) preaching. The Lord blessed our efforts with 10 baptisms.

ENROLLMENT FOR NEW STUDENTS

Through many methods for securing new students for the next academic year, we currently have eleven (11) young men who are preparing to be enrolled in the school come January 2021. And we are going to intensify our search for new students from the month of June, God willing.

We thank you all for every way that you support us. You do encourage us so much in what we do. God bless you.

For the Master.

Joshua

Graduation postponed in Accra

Accra

March Report, 2020

We shall always thank our God Almighty for wonderful protection in this “world war” of covid-19. Statistically, the number keeps increasing from 2 to 2000 plus yet, His protective hands are upon us and also holding fast to all safety directives by our noble president.

We are eagerly seeking the Lord’s mercies and healing power over the brethren and everyone over the entire continent; those quarantine, in hospital, and uninfected.

We hope this shall come to pass. All these are to our lessons and increase in faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Class Activities

In this month, we spent two weeks for two short courses which were taught by Kwabena Gyan-Mante on Personal Evangelism I and Shadrack Oppong Sika on 1 & 2 Thessalonica.

We had all our 10 admitted students present for all the courses until completion and vacation.

Vacation & Reopening

The school vacated after their last short course with bro. Shadrack on 20th March, 2020. Reopening of the school was decided among the administration and the conclusion was to abide by the period directed by the government upon temporally closing down all institution until further notice.

Based on this, the schools shall resume according to the government’s order.

Campaign

We organized a campaign activity in Central Region at Ada-Ngyiresi, a one-week campaign. Three days in both twin towns (Ada and Ngyiresi), dawn, day and night preaching.

Seminar & Graduation Postponed

As we normally do for our graduation after completion of the 50 courses including English and Computer studies, these activities could not come on as a result of the covid-19. This was postponed to next year 2021 if the Lord permits, according to Kojo’s correspondent with Steven.

We are hoping that all things will work well for us at the end of this year, 2020.

Pray with us.

Great things in West Africa!

Dear West Africa Missions Support Team,

We pray that all of you are doing well in this challenging time.  Karen and I are currently in Arkansas, and we thank God that we are both healthy and safe.  Over the past month, I have been working from home to coordinate our schools and activities in West Africa. In the middle of March, the pandemic forced me to return to the USA early.  We have suspended classes at many of our schools, although a few in less affected areas can continue.  We have also needed to reschedule graduations, seminars, and other activities due to government restrictions.  We are fortunate that technology allows me to continue the work overseas.  Through the telephone and email, I am able to stay in contact with our directors and evangelists as we all work our way through this global calamity.  

This newsletter outlines some of the significant happenings at the preacher training programs throughout West Africa.  We have now reached over twenty-five full-time and extended programs with around 500 students in the countries of Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Cameroon, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.  We also have additional students pursuing a Master's and Bachelor's Degrees in special programs in Ghana and Nigeria.  Our Lord is truly blessing this work.

Making the most of their time in Zambia

April, 2020

Dear brethren,

Greetings! We always pray that you are all fairing well in these days. The advent of COVID-19 pandemic has really brought many things to a stand-still. Nothing much is indeed happening especially where most of governments have introduced stringent measures to observe social distancing. We delayed the closure of the Institute until the second week of April, we realised the emergence to close when we had one case of covid 19 in our own town. We closed on 14th April and we continues to pray to reopen soon.

We have constant communications with all our students during this time. They have reported that they are busy with the assignments given to them when we suspended classes and using the opportunity to conduct Bible studies, in selected homes of believers. A month ago all forms of social gatherings in Zambia were prohibited. Even if the adherence to these measures were followed, we saw a very sharp spike to the cases of this pandemic.

As the church in Luanshya we have  continued to meeting in our homes as we observe the activities that are done on each Lord’s Day. While doing this we observe all the recommendations given by health Ministry in combating COVID-19. And as teachers we have also continued to use opportunity to teach during this period and as a result we had a soul (Ronald Bupe) added to the Lord's Church and two souls restored.

May our God continue to strengthen the bond that is existing and the partnership. We pray that God will bless the work that you are involved in. We continues to pray for your safety and wellbeing.

In Christ,

Cephas and Fred

Classes in Lagos

REPORT OF THE BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – LAGOS ISLAND CENTER,  March - April 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Our God is faithful and the only one that has sustained us till date. The pandemic called COVID 19 cut the world unaware including Nigeria. Our program is not unaffected with the government planned remedy. Our program was closed on the March 30th when Nigerian government gave an order of no movement.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES: We were blessed that Bro Frank Ekpodikpo who started Old Testament 2 (Study of the History: Joshua - Esther) was able to finish his class and conduced an exam before the unplanned break started. The break has taken majorly the month of April.

Looking at the new information and plan from the Nigerian government, activities will gradually be restored from the 4th of May. Join us in praying that there will be no reason for lucking down Lagos State again. We intend to resume class in the 9th of May and Bro Oluwafemi Adewuyi will be taking the Book of James in our center.

WBS ONLINE STUDY HELPER: I want to thank God for the grace given me to use this lockdown period to the glory of His name. I was able to grow my WBS Online Students from 1,254 in February ending to 1,716 as of the 1st of May 2020. Knowing that many people are at home, it is a good time to reach out with the gospel from the comfort of my room. 4 prospects are under serious follow up presently as they have indicated interest to obey the gospel. Two are from South Africa and the other two are from Nigeria.

CONCLUSION: Let us continue to pray for one another in this work so this challenging time will become history. Thanks to all who are assisting us here to do the work of the Lord.

Thanks and God bless you.

TIM IWE

Lagos Island Center Director