Intensive study in Takoradi

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR DECEMBER, 2020

1.      CLASSROOM WORK

Classroom activities got so intensive on the month of December more than we have ever done, for the simple reason that it was the last of the year which was supposed to complete the two-year program of the regular class, and also, to complete the part-timers four-year studies in the school. And since we were forced to take a break due to the pandemic, it was not so easy for us to catch up with time. However, it was necessary that we finish our curriculum to give way for the new students who had come for the interview

Due to this, the faculty decided to spend extra hours each day in order to cover more lessons. This, we first discussed with both the regular and part-time students, which of course was a welcoming idea to them. The part which was a shock to the faculty was that the weekend students decided to put a hold to everything that was engaging them in their respective villages /towns and work places in order to come and stay in the school (as if they were also regular students) for two whole weeks. This gave the instructors the opportunity to teach all day, even sometimes, in the night. We thank God that we were able to complete our curriculum without leaving any course or topic untaught. However, this increased our feeding expenses in the month of December, because at some point, we were feeding about 23 students each day than the number of the normal regular class.

Also, in the first week of the month of December, 2020, we were visited by one of the men who used to teach in the school (Brother Nath Kissi) who currently stays in the States. Actually, he came back to Ghana with his wife (a black American) to perform his late wife’s funeral rites. He requested that he would like to teach the regular students for a week. So I granted him the chance to take them through a study of the New Testament Greek. And I must say, the students were so elated for such an opportunity.

Therefore, on the 31st December, 2020, we brought our studies to an end, and scheduled our graduation on August 2021. The specific date will later be decided and communicated with the leadership of Howe church of Christ. As the students are waiting to be graduated, we have assigned them a thesis on Evangelism which must be presented at the end of June 2021. As it stands now, we are looking forward to graduating eighteen men (eleven part-timers and eight regulars).

2.      EVANGELISM AND BAPTISM

A congregation in the Central Region of Ghana had a 5-day campaign for Christ and the Principal of the school was invited to speak. Five (5) souls were won for Christ. Also, there was some personal evangelism among some of our past students which also resulted in two baptisms.

Again, the Principal continued with his Sunday night radio broadcast.

3.      WEDDING:

In the month of December, one of our weekend students got married and therefore invited the faculty and the students. Since we were busy with classes, the Principal who was the officiator of this program, attended to grace the occasion.

Yours for the Master’s service.

Joshua Aidoo

Graduation in Tamale

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, TAMALE - GHANA

JANUARY REPORT 2020

The month of January 2021, was a great month for us. It was a month that came with a lot of activities, both within the school and outside campus. Because of the many activities, it also drew a lot of prominent people to the school.  All in all, God was with us through the whole month in all the activities we engaged in.

2021 / 2022 BATCH OF STUDENTS

As the 2019/2020 students pass out, new students had to also take over from them to constitute a new batch. Due to Covid19, it was indeed difficult campaigning for a new batch of students. That however couldn’t limit us from campaigning for students.

With the help of God, we had to devise effective strategies to recruit students. We set a target to recruit seventeen (17) students. We have a total of about thirty two (32) forms sent out to prospective students. Nine (9) out of these prospects were able to come for an interview by the close of December 2020. All of the nine (9) were qualified to be enrolled into the school. By the 11th of January, 2021, which was set for the new batch to begin, eight (8) students had reported.  So far we have eight students enrolled, and five (5) who are expected to come for an interview.

We also have seven (7) others who are in communication with us consistently, but yet to make a definite decision. We continue to campaign to recruit more students, hoping to meet our target.

BROTHER STEVEN

Brother Steven Ashcraft (The West Africa Coordinator of Bear Valley Schools), was in Tamale from the 14th to the 27th of January, 2021. We salute him for all the sacrifices he continues to make for the Lord’s Church. He stayed in Tamale with many inconveniences. Like failures of power (lighting system), carrying water by himself from the well to his room to be able to have water to use, etc. But it was all worth it. We had a series of meetings with him, which he gave us valuable counsels, from administrative issues, to the general growth of the school and the Church in Northern Ghana. He also participated in an evangelistic campaign at Yachado and Sanguli, a seminar and the graduation ceremony of the 2019/2020 batch of students. The Lord blesses him greatly.

KPALSI CONGREGATION

With the support of Brother Steven, we have started a project (Chapel) on the Church land for the Kpalsi congregation that serves as a great source for our students to do part of their practical preaching and service for the Lord. Currently, the congregation has a total of fifteen consistent members, of which eight of them are adults. We also receive visitors every week. It is very optimistic that the congregation is on the path of growth as we continue to study with our neighbors

CAMPAIGN

We had a joint campaign from the 18th to the 24th of January, 2021, with students and some lecturers of the Southern Institute of Biblical Studies, Accra, at Yachado and Sanguli respectively. Bear Valley Tamale, left Tamale on the 24th of January, 2021, to Yachado, whiles our Brothers from Accra and Brother Steven came to join us on the 19th of same.

Yachado and Sanguli are Roman Catholics, Islamic, and Pagan dominated communities. We planted a new congregation at Yachado, and went further to strengthen an existing congregation at Sanguli.

We spent four (4) days at Yachado, and two days at Sanguli. At Yachado, which many of its developmental projects were done by, the Roman Catholic Church could fully understand the truth in the Gospel of Christ that we preached to them, but found it difficult accepting this truth. Many confessed that the Catholic Church has done a lot for them and they can’t for that reason baptize into the Church. Notwithstanding, we had five (5) baptisms at the close of our work at Yachado to plant the church.

At Sanguli, where we spent fewer days, we baptized twelve souls. We had a very successful campaign as the message of Christ Crucified was well proclaimed to these two communities, especially Yachado.

So in all, seventeen souls were baptized and added to the Church.

We had a gathering of forty two (42) preachers in all to proclaim the powerful Gospel of Christ to these communities. The Seed (Word) was well sown. And it is growing and bearing fruits. We received a message of two additional baptisms at Yachado after our departure.

SEMINAR

“What the Church Need in Northern Ghana” was the theme for a one day powerful seminar organized at the campus of the Bear Valley Bible Institute, Tamale, to empower preachers across Northern Ghana to wake up and labor for the Lord on the 26th of January, 2021.

Three topics were treated under this theme. “More Evangelism” was one of the topics, which was handled by Brother James Bisong Legend, (Instructor of Bear Valley Tamale), “Sacrificial Giving” which was also treated by Brother Steven Ashcraft (Coordinator of  Bear Valley Schools in West Africa), and “Working Preachers” which was respectively taught by Brother Keith Kasarjian (Director of Bear Valley, USA). The program drew preaches of the Lord’s Church across the five Northern Regions. We also have some instructors from the Accra campus, as well as students who participated. The Coordinator for Bear Valley Schools in Ghana (Kojo Acquah Beenyi) was also present.  Some of the Governing Board members of the school also participated. The Director, Daniel Adjei Mensah was the Master of Ceremony.

GRADUATION AND MATRICULATION

On the 27th of January, we rounded up our busy schedules with a beautiful graduation ceremony. The Graduation which stated around 8:00am ended around 11:00am. Preachers and members of the church across the breath of the North and Southern parts of Ghana were in participation. It was very brief, beautiful and memorable in summary. Brothers Steven, Daniel Adjei Mensah and Keith Kasarjian were the speakers at the event. Brother Kojo was the Master of Ceremony.

A total of thirteen students graduated. Out of which ten of them qualified for the Diploma Certificate from Bear Valley, whiles three of them received a leadership certificate from Tamale Institute of Biblical Studies. Awards were also given to deserving students.

At the tail end of the program, the incoming students were also matriculated into the school. This was done by Brother Kojo Acquah.

The month of January 2021, remains a memorable month for us. It was a month that brought great edification, empowerment and challenges to us. God was with us just us He has always been with us.

May His Name Be Praised Forever Amen,

Sent for the Director,

Daniel Adjei Mensah

A new semester begins in Ibadan, Nigeria

FEBRUARY 2021 FIELD REPORT

Dear fellow ministers of God,

Grace and peace be with you all from God our Father and from Christ Jesus -our Lord and Savior.

Here is the summary of some of our activities in the month of February 2021.

OVERVIEW:

1. A month Break/Vocational Training

2. Third Semester Classes begins

3. WBSFUW team

4. VOTI MATERIALS aid in conversions

A MONTH BREAK/ VOCATIONAL TRAINING

During the one month break/vocational training, all our students and instructors were actively involved in the church weekly activities and weekend evangelism in their different locations. Most of our year-1 students went on vocational training while our year-2 students engaged in preaching and teaching programs with their respective congregations.

Report reaching the school from both the students and instructors shows that twenty-three souls were converted and eighteen erring brethren restored back to the fellowship of the saints during the month of February 2021.

THIRD SEMESTER CLASSES BEGINS

As the Lord will have it, our 3rd semester program commenced as scheduled on February 22,2021 and the instructors for this semester are: Bro. Isaac Olaniyan, Bro.Andrew Adeolu,Bro.Emmanuel Godwin,Bro. John Makinde,Bro.Silas Guda,Bro.Lawrence Dada and myself,Bro.Makinde Ebens.

All classes and tests are expected to end on April 23,2021.

WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL FOLLOW UP WORKERS

Our WBSFUW team A led by Bro.Andrew Adeolu visited 19 High Schools in Ona-Ara and Egbeda Local Government Area. Bro. Sunday Akinrinade who is a leader of team B reported that they visited 12 High Schools in Akinyele Local Government of Oyo State and 3 High Schools in Ipetumodu of Osun State while Bro. Matthew Roland and his team visited 5 High Schools in Akure municipal of Ondo State in this month of February. Over 2,000 WBS introduction lessons were Shared and about 1,500 returned so far and will be posted next week to WBSTC,Tulare County, California after we might have cross-checked the names and addresses on the returned lessons.

VOICE OF TRUTH INTERNATIONAL AID IN CONVERSIONS

Report reaching out office in Ibadan from some of the recipients of VOTI materials shows that the materials is one of the useful materials used to converts souls for Christ Jesus during the month of January and February Gospel campaigns and WBS seminars across the country, Nigeria.

Bro. M.B. Archibong of WBS office in Uyo, Akwa -Ibom State reported that the the VOTI volumes 107&108 aided in him during the January and February Gospel meeting and WBS seminar that led to the conversions of 11 souls. Bro. Akilapa Samuel,a WBSFUW in Ondo State also reported that the just printed VOTI volume 108 is one of the materials that helped in the conversions of 2 souls in his area . Likewise,Bro. Olorode Samuel informed us that the VOTI volumes 106,107&108 with two packs of Mission Printing booklets and our local tracts aid them in the conversions of five souls in Ode-Ajagba and Ode-Aye in Ondo waterside during this month Gospel campaigns and house- to -house evangelism.

ABOUT ONE OF OUR YEAR-2 STUDENTS

Israel Tajomavwo is my name. I was born into a Christian family in Lagos State in Nigeria, on the 14th of July 1971, as a first child of five children. My father’s name is George Akpovhekaire Tajomavwo and my Mother’s name is Alice Omoyioma Tajomavwo. Both of my parents are members of the Church of Christ. I was baptized into the church of Christ in 1990 and continued to participate actively in the works of the church till date.

I attend 512 Road Primary School in Festac Town Lagos State, from 1977 to 1983 and obtained a First school leaving Certificate. After my primary school education, I attended Festac Grammar School in Festac Town for my secondary school Education from 1983 to 1989 and obtained a West African Certificate of Education. Following this was my University Education at the Edo State University, where I studied Mechanical Engineering from 1990 to 1997 and obtained a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) Degree. This institution is currently known as Ambrose alli University. In 2011 I received a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree of the Federal University of Technology Akure in Ondo state. In view of my quest for more knowledge on the word of God, I attended the Southwest School of Evangelism & Vocational Studies from 2019 to 2021, and I received a Diploma in Bible and a Leadership award. This institution is affiliated with the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver, Co. USA.

From 1997 to 2001 I worked with Aluminium Gold engineering as a Steel fabrication and erection supervisor. From 2001 to 2002 I worked with corporate Success Nigeria limited as Procurement Engineer. From 2002 to 2001 I worked with Ajamy Oil & gas limited as a Procurement Manager. From 2011 to 2015 I worked with Lekki Concession Company as a Procurement Manager. From 2016 to 2020 I worked with GT Vision Consult as a Procurement Manager.

Since 1997, I have worked in various capacities in the church of Christ, attending to the need and goals of the church. On the 1st of November 2020 I was appointed as the Minister of the Church of Christ, Ebute in Ikorodu Lagos State after my two years training at Southwest School of Evangelism Ibadan. It is my desire to continue to develop myself in the knowledge of God’s word and to work with full commitment in vine yard of the Lord, as long as God’s strength dwells in me.

OUR ACCOMPLISHMENT

Thanks be unto the Lord for seeing us through this month (February): two major preaching trips to Ode-Ajagba in Ondo State (February 5-7) and Ilogbo-Ekiti (February 19-21)in Ekiti State. Though no conversion was recorded during these two outreach, but thanks be unto God for the numbers of prospects recorded in this two cities.

CONCLUSION:

From our hearts to yours, we thank you all for being a part of our success at BVBIN & SWSE, IBADAN. May the Lord keep on blessings our work together is our fervent prayers.

Sincerely yours in His Grace as a servant........ Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (The chief servant of BVBIN & SWSE Ibadan And WBSFUW)

Student involvement in India

Reporting letter for the month of February-2021. 

Respected beloved brother Keith Kasarjian the director and Mr. Mark Reynolds the coordinator and all the prayer partners of BVBI-India  greetings to you in the matchless name of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. We thank you so much for your continual prayers and assistance for the smooth function of spiritual educational program. We would like to share with you a brief report for the month of February-2021.

Class room work:  We are happy to report you that classes were successfully conducted in the month of February, all the students could able to attend for the classes .  All the teachers have followed the BVBI system, they checked all the students note books, giving  assignments (home work) , memory work  and on each course they conduct examination.

Bible Seminar:  One of our Bible Instructor Mr. S. Vijay Prakash has conducted Bible Seminar at Rajamandry town on February 16 and 17-2021.  This town  is about 500 miles far away from our city, all the students and staff members were able to travel by train and participated in the seminar. I was given an opportunity to present two topics (Wisdom in speech and Our Wise God). All the students have enjoyed this educational tour by travelling and attending for the seminar at Seminar. We appreciate their local church for their great love and  hospitality which they have provided to all the staff members and students.

Youth classes: In the month of February we have conducted 4 youth classes.

Bible classes: in the month of February we have conducted 20 bible classes

Children classes: in February 9 children classes were conducted.

Restored :  I and  one of the student  have travelled to the state of Telangana  and restored one of the local preacher and encouraged his family members to continue the lord’s ministry, we spent enough time from Feb 6-8 for this visiting this place.

Other events:  In the month of February 26th one of the BVBI teacher’s daughter’s wedding was successfully organized , beside that we have attended for the thanks giving meetings, birth day events etc…

Students –sermon -presentations: we are happy to inform you that in the month of February we have sent students to different local churches to preach in the Sunday worship  services and they have presented good sermons and brought an excellent feedback reports  from the local preachers and members.

Bible Dictionaries presentation:  We humbly share with you that the World Evangelism Team Members Mr.Philemon Rajah , Mr.Kingsly Rajah etc..have visited our city and presented Bible Dictionaries to the BVBI students. We are thankful to them.

Agriculture Garden:  God has blessed our A.G garden which was established by the support of HHI- we are grateful to HHI for their continual guidance and encouragement for the modern innovative cultivation training that they have provided me in Africa. The drip irrigation system and raised bedding methods have given us an excellent result for the best organic production. We are happy about this healthy garden which planted for the third time.   After the evening class  each student work daily for their physical exercise and mental refreshment.

Prayer Request:  We request you to pray for the students as they are in last semester.

Thanking you.

Yours brother in Christ.

B.Vijaya Kumar behalf of BVBI-Tirupati-India.

Big improvements in Sierra Leone

INTRODUCTION AND GREETINGS

The current administration, the teaching and the non-teaching staff, and the entire student body of the Kenema Bear Valley Bible Institute, under the guidance of God Almighty, here by send our profound greetings to every one of you, our worthy supporters and great workers in the Lord’s vineyard. Your selfless support (especially during this stressful COVID period) for the training of more preachers in Sierra Leone for the betterment of the Church is duly acknowledged, and may the good Lord continue to favor you and provide more for your families in Christ’s name. We wish you a blissful and a purposeful new year.

This being the first report of the year, we are very glad to inform you that the Lord has been so mindful of us in this school. Your prayers have been so helpful to us. So many activities took place at Kenema Bear Valley Bible Institute, Sierra Leone within the month of January 2021. The breakdown of those activities is given under the following headings:

STAFF UPDATE: Kenema Bear Valley Bible Institute continues to operate with two permanent staff/instructors (the Dean of Students, Peter Barnett and the acting Director on ground, Peter Sahr Makundu) together with the temporal staff who come to lecture on invitation. Two instructors (Robert P Dahn and Anthony Joseph Yillia) were invited to take two courses in the month of January.

STUDENTS UPDATE: The KBVBI (Kenema Bear Valley Bible Institute) has fourteen students currently, all of them are intact and in good condition of health and are faithful in pursuance of their course in the school. However, on the 9th January, 2021, one of the students (Eric B Kaimba) was involved in a car accident while he was returning to the campus in preparation for the resumption of school on the 12th January 2021. He sustained some major injuries but was taken to the hospital for proper medical attention. But glory be to God, he responded to treatment and continued with his academic activities.

ACADEMICS/CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES: In January, two courses: Marriage and Family Life and the Old Testament Wisdom Literature were covered. These two were covered only because our end of year break lasted from December till January 10th. All the fourteen students attended the classes and the instructors gave in their best. Our courses covered 35 hours per course (7 hours each day).

EVANGELISM: To keep with the purpose of God for mankind (that all may be saved) and in accomplishing one of the objectives of KBVBI (to carry out the great commission to evangelize the lost world), the students and staff were involved in vigorous evangelism in the month in question. The administration of KBVBI held an evangelism seminar on the 20th January 2021 at the school campus. This seminar was intended to ignite, encourage and to teach the students certain rudiments that are required for a successful soul winning. As a result of God’s grace and our evangelistic efforts, 2 souls were baptized and 4 Christians were restored back to the Church. Moreover, the campus Church that began some four years ago but ceased to exist was as well restored and we started it again. And in fact, the number is increasing with our prospects and our converts alike, so that the space at the school campus could not contain us. We made a move to relocate the Church to another place where there is enough space and can be easily accessible by our prospects. We rented a Court Barry at Gbenderu section of Kenema where we started worshipping on 31st January 2021. Furthermore, we received 120 cartons of tracts and preacher’s boxes from our supporters in the USA through the instrumentality of Steven Ashcraft, the coordinator and Robert P Dahn, the Director of Ganta Bear Valley Bible Institute, Liberia. Those tracts are so useful to us and we remain appreciative to the supporters. We have shared some of them with the local congregations around us.

 KBVBI’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LOCAL CONGREGATIONS: As it is almost certain that the existence of Kenema Bear Valley Bible Institute depends greatly on the collaborative efforts of local Churches of Christ in Sierra Leone, the administration gathered the preachers in local congregations in Sierra Leone to discuss the issues that will make the school to move forward and make impact in the entire country. The meeting was held for two days, the first being on the 15th and the last being on the 22nd January 2021. The first meeting was attended by 11 preachers from different parts of Sierra Leone, and the final was attended by 28 preachers. At this meeting, were also Robert P Dahn and Francis Musa (the two Directors of Bear Valley full-time programs in Liberia and Guinea) who served as representatives of Mr. Steven Ashcraft. The meeting was successful and the relationship between the school and the local Churches was strengthened firmly.

A STUDENT’S PERSONAL PROFILE: ERIC BORBOR KAIMBA

Eric B Kaimba is one of our students of the Kenema Bear Valley Bible Institute here in Sierra Leone. He was born on 24 December, 1957 in Bo, Southern Sierra Leone. He is married with two children all being baptized and are faithful members of the Church of Christ. Brother Eric, though born in Bo, Southern Sierra Leone, relocated to Sengema, a village in Kailahun District, eastern Sierra Leone. While he was there, he and his family were members of Christ Apostolic Church for many years till 2018 when some Church of Christ members from Kailahun town penetrated Sengema village and preached the undiluted Gospel there and some were won to Christ including Brother Eric and his family. Since then, he has been faithful in the things of God and, through his effort and the help of other brethren, a congregation was established in Sengema where he serves as the preacher. He is a very zealous brother and he has indicated interest for a Gospel campaign to be taken to his locality, and by God’s grace, we shall be there in March.

CONCLUSION: On the whole, the month of January has been a busy month for us and has been a successful month as well, especially with the activities that were carried out. We are grateful to God for the 2 souls being converted, the 4 Christians being restored, and the campus church being revived back. Once again, we thank everyone; we thank our coordinators who spend hours, thinking, reading and putting things in order to see that the school succeeds. As we continue to work together for the expansion of the kingdom of God here on earth (the Church), may our efforts be rewarded by the Creator of the Universe and may there be more successes in the subsequent months in Jesus’s name. From all of us at KBVBI we are saying, “Do have a blessed month ahead!

Thank you so much for reading through.

Peter Sahr Makundu

Training preachers in Cameroon

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from this part of the world. We do hope you are doing great. We are also well and we are doing our best to help many in our congregation and community that are sick. I was sick last week with serious stomach issues but I am better now thanks to your prayers and medications.

We are doing our best to train preachers and nurture congregations in our country. Please, it is a great task! Do your best to keep us in your prayers. The class, “Life of Christ” is on. Last week in class we were on John 5:1-4 talking about the pool of Bethesda’s supposed miraculous powers. We were able to established the fact that what was happening there was more of a psychosomatic influence. It was a great lesson, and our students are gaining more knowledge. They are satisfied.

Brother Odine Abraham has been following our daily program in the morning, “BACK TO THE BIBLE,” and he has been reading our tracts since 2015. This past week he said he has made his final decision to follow Jesus. Please pray for him and his family as he walks to influence many in his life. After his baptism, as he came out of the baptistery, he said, “I have a request that the students do all that is in their power to continue to share the good news with my wife and children so that by the grace of God they will obey to the glory of God.

PLANS

We are still involved in our weekend evangelism and nurturing.

APPRECIATIONS

Thank you! Thank you very much for all you do for the work here. May God bless you and keep you strong.

Elangwe and family

By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu.

The Director's visit to Ibadan

JANUARY 2021 FIELD WORK REPORT

Compliments of the season to you all! Here are some of our activities for the month of January 2021.

OVERVIEW

i- End of the year program.

ii- Second Semester Classes and Examinations concluded.

iii- Bro. Keith Kasarjian's Visit to Nigeria.

iv- Materials for Great Workshop 2021 Shared.

END OF THE YEAR PROGRAM:

The students and staff of BVBIN & SWSE, Ibadan were actively involved in the just concluded end of the year program that commenced on December 19,2020 through January 3,2021 across the South West State of Nigeria including Abia and Ebonyi States.

The just concluded end of the year program featured Open-Air Bible Lectureship, House to House evangelism and morning campaigns. The program was blessed with the birth of two Lord's church in Lagos State and conversions of over 50 souls and restoration of two erring family in Igbesa-Ogun State and Butubutu campus church in Oyo State. Our present year-1 students' leader,Bro. Ifeanyi Iyesele and three of our year-2 students,Bro.Odeyemi Durojaiye,Bro. Israel Tajomavwo and Bro. Silas Wayne were blessed with five converts each while Bro. Adeyemi Godwin and Bro. Amos Enyi recorded two conversion in their different locations.

One of the just planted congregations in Lagos was as a result of joint effort of one of our year-2 students, Sister Oyeleke Felicia and one of our August 2020 graduates, Sister Akerele Olajumoke with the church of Christ in Mile-12, Lagos State . To God be the glory and honor!

SECOND SEMESTER CLASSES AND EXAMINATIONS CONCLUDED:

All Classes and Examinations for 2nd Semester came to an end as scheduled on January 22,2021. All our year-1 students are now in a month vocational training while year -2 students on preaching tour to the churches of Christ in the South West States of Nigeria that requested for our students services.

School will resume for 3rd semester program Lord's willing on February 22,2021.

BRO.KEITH KKASRIJIAN'S VISIT TO NIGERIA:

Our august visitor in January 2021,Bro. Keith Kasarjian(International Director- BVBID Extension program) visited the BVBIN schools in Nigeria between January 16 through 24. During his visitation, he met with staff and students of the school in Butubutu village ,Ibadan on January 21 and encourage us to be more effective in the work of the Lord since our labours in the Lord is not a labour loss.

MATERIALS RESERVED FOR FEBRUARY GREAT WORKSHOP 2021 SHARED:

About 2,600 copies of VOTI volumes 104,105 & 106 and 400 copies of BVBIN & SWSE 2021 calendar reserved for the annual WBSFUW workshop popularly known as The Great Workshop slated for February 2021 was shared to WBSFUW,BVBIN SCHOOLS in Nigeria and some recipients of VOTI materials in the month of January 2021 due to the global pandemic that prevents the public gathering in Lagos State.

ABOUT A STUDENT:

AUTO BIOGRAPHY OF BRO DUROJAIYE ODEYEMI, one of our year-2 students:

My name is Durojaiye Oluwatomiloye Odeyemi. I was born on February 10, 1973 into the family of Pa. Ojo Lasisi Odeyemi and Madam Olaperi Akanke Odeyemi of Arogbatesun compound, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. I attended SS Peter & Paul (RCM) Primary School, Ajigbayin, Ile-Ife, Nigeria between 1979 and 1985. In the same year, I was admitted to St. David Grammar School, Lagere, Ile-Ife, in 1985 but I dropped out of school due to my parents' financial stress.

In February 1987, I was taken to Lagos by my brother who sponsor me to learn the art of Printing at a reknown Christian brother Printing firm: Okusanya Printer Nigeria Limited, Itire, Lagos for a period of 5 years (1987-1993). During this period, on September 18, 1988, I was baptized into Christ at the Church of Christ, Itire, Surulere, Lagos.

After the expiration of my apprenticeship in February 1993, I worked with Bro Okusanya's firm for a period of 2 year and in 1995 began to work privately until 2003 when I gained admission into Lagos State University after attending evening coaching classes which was self sponsored to sit for an exam that finally helped me obtain a West African Senior School Certificate(WASSC).

During my first year in University and due to problem of financing my academic, I joined UAC Foods, as a factory worker.

I am married to Olufunke Deborah Odeyemi (Nee Oyesola) in 2007 and blessed with three children: Moyinoluwa, Moyosoluwa and Mofetoluwa.

I graduated from Lagos State University in 2009 with Second Class Honour (Upper Division) in History and International Studies.

In August 2010, I was relieved of my work in UAC when the company was downsizing it's staff strength.

In 2013, I joined Goldlink Insurance Plc as a Life Business Marketer until February, 2019 and continues with my printing profession.

In March, 2018, I enrolled for Diploma in Bible at South West School of Evangelism, Ibadan, Nigeria and graduated in August, 2020.

I am presently enrolling for Advance Diploma in Bible at the Bear Valley Bible Institute, Ibadan, Nigeria.

I am presently worshipping and serving as the preacher of the Church of Christ, meeting at #16, Lateef Ayinde Ekun Street, Oloye Estate, Erunwen, Ikorodu, Lagos.

My mission is to serve the Lord's church as a servant of God till death.

ABOUT A STAFF :

Bro. Kayode Solomon Eniafe is one of the instructors working with the school in Butubutu village, Ibadan since year 2013 when we finally moved to our permanent building in Butubutu village Ibadan. He is 45 years old. Married and blessed with four kids. He is presently engaged with a young congregation in Ondo State. His mission is evangelism.

SPECIAL ACCOMPLISHMENT:

i- Construction of Church auditorium : With the help of the Lord coupled with the support of $1,200 which we received on January 25 from Dorman & Donna Lough, we were able to set blocks for the auditorium of the Lord's church in Ajia ,Ona-Ara L.G.A,Oyo State from foundation to level stage.

ii- Two Working tools purchased: With the generosity of the BVBID and Bro.Steven Ashcraft concern, the school were able to purchase two new Motor bike for two of the instructors as working tools for evangelism.

MISCELLANEOUS:

i- My father was buried on January 29,2021 in our home town, Onikokoro -Ibadan.

ii- BVBIN & SWSE, Ibadan 19th Annual Leadership Seminar is coming up on March 24-26,2021.

Theme of the Seminar: Satan & his mission.

Note: Free accommodation and feedings plus Free Gospel materials to all participants.

** We are expecting between 150 to 200 church leaders from South Western States, Kwara, Kogi, Kebi, Edo, Abia and Ebonyi States of Nigeria .

CONCLUSION:

Brethren,we are very grateful for your great contribution towards the growth of the Lord's Church in Africa most especially in Nigeria. May the Lord continue to shower His abundant blessings on you and your associate is our fervent prayers. Have a great season!

Sincerely in His Grace as a servant .....Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (The Chief Servant of BVBIN & SWSE,Ibadan and WBSFUW)

A great seminar in India!

We hope that this letter finds you doing well , we pray that this letter may serve us to convey  our thanks and gratitude to all the partners of BVBI-India , we are really ever grateful to you for your love, kindness, prayers and continual assistance in every possible way for the smooth function of this Institution . We continually offer our thanks and praises to our good father in heaven for all your efforts and ever grateful to you, without your partnership It would not be possible to establish such Training Centre to educate young men towards the destination of eternal life.

We humbly report you that by the end of the month of January we have completed 7th Semester, in the fist week of January we have completed First Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus . we are happy to inform you that in the second week we have conducted Two Days Bible Seminar(Leadership  training program . We have invited leaders from the states of Tamil Nadu, Telangana,  Orrissa,  Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. This year we concentrated the book of Proverbs, we are grateful to Dr. D. Damon Vincent who has prepared the seminar syllabus in the text formation as well of PowerPoint, he also printed the book let for the seminar, we did involve  few village congregations with our BVBI and local churches to donate funds for the needs of the Bible Seminar for 2021. We have invited Experienced Bible Teachers to present the topics, we had  12 topics and 12 speakers were able to visit and presented the lectures . This year seminar was much helpful to students of the BVBI  to learn practically several things regarding the organizing the seminars.

In the month of January 14 gospel meetings were being conducted and 5 Souls were baptized and added to the body of Christ.

As the students are at the end of the second year we try to help them in every possible way to train them up properly so that they may fit for preaching and teaching the words of God. In the   month of January we helped them how to make lesson plan and methods to present the sermon. We conducted block teaching program for the students. We conducted in three levels. First one is the micro level teaching system, in this system  myself and teachers were able to work as observatory while students are teaching the lesson, them we  gave them mark for their way of presentation. In the second level we have conducted  macro level teaching system, In this system students and teachers and myself were able to observe the students teaching and contributed our criticism ( their physical dress code, hair style, vocabulary, facial expressions , emotions, temperature of the voice , usage of examples, motivation , the subject soundness , time management etc…). All the students agreed that this program was much useful for them. We humbly share with you that the BVBI is a great blessing of the Indian young people. We appreciate all your arrangements  and ever grateful to you for your hard work to establish this training institute .

The Agriculture Vegitable Garden :  We are thankful to HHI for the support which you have contributed for the establishment of the AG-garden at BVBI, it is 3rd time plantation and crop  that we enjoy the tasty organic healthy vegetables . All the students are enjoying to work for few hours after the class room work, they feel that their eyes are so refresh in seeing the greenery natural vegetable plants and give some exercise to their body for balancing their mental work and physical work. We treat this gardening work as a great opportunity and privilege. We are thankful to Mr.Carl Burkybile who the director of Agriculture of HHI, he is such a great encouragement for this AG-garden project at BVBI-India.

Brothers, we request your continual prayers and encouragement.

Thanking you.

Yours brother and sister in Christ.

Vijay&Swarupa, behalf of BVBI-Tirupati-India.

Challenges and opportunities in Zimbabwe

JANUARY 2021 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

We always give glory and honor to God who gives us the ability and zeal to advance the cause of His kingdom. We are always grateful when we look back in the previous year and see the hand of God. Though there were many achievements for the school, it was a difficult year for many, BVBIZ included. The year 2021 has also started in a difficult way due to the COVID pandemic which is causing more havoc in Zimbabwe currently than before. However, despite its scourge and its effect to the school and all of us, we can report on the following;

1.0 POSTPONEMENT OF PROGRAMS

The government announced a 30 day lockdown period as part of the measures to curb the spread of COVID19 virus. This lockdown was subsequently extended again to the 15th of February. This means that, as a school, we had to postpone our programs. We were due to resume classes on the 7th of January and hold a graduation ceremony on the 13th of February. On this same day, there was going to be an official opening ceremony of the new site. These had to be postponed also. Online classes shall be a temporary measure till things open up. A new graduation date shall be announced as the year progresses. May we take this time to apologies to all our internal and external stakeholders for all the inconveniences caused.

2.0 INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Due to the prevailing lockdown, there was no much activity in terms of infrastructure development. We were only able to acquire window frames, cement  and roofing sheets for the cottage using the profit from the sale of broilers. We were also able to acquire all the cement needed for the teachers house. Great appreciation to the Fombe family for donating 12 bags of cement and Mutichu family for also donating 5 bags of cement towards the teachers house. We also appreciate the following families for donating money towards the same cause;  Nyakadzumbu ($50) and Chirenda ($50). These funds will be used to buy outstanding bricks.

3.0 DONATIONS

BVBIZ continues to appreciate donations that are made by many, far and wide. These are critical to the progress of the school. Beside the majority of people who donated towards the construction of the teacher’s house, we also have some who donate almost monthly towards the school’s operations. This month we had a donation of $5 from the Sande family and $89 from  Kate and Nkosi Mpofu. BVBIZ remains grateful to these and many of you who sacrifice something towards the cause of Christ. Those who may want to join these can contact the school using the above details. In the USA, optionally, you can contact us through our regional director, Donnie Estep on +1-3047845416  or   donnieestep@wv.net

4.0 PROJECTS

Two projects took center stage in the month of January.  These are highlighted hereunder;

4.1 Maize

A total of almost 2 hectares was put under maize. The first crop was planted  in November whilst the second was planted around mid-December. Incessant rains in one of the fields have had a negative effect on the crop though certain sections are doing well.  We had hoped wished to put 5 hectares under maize but funds did not permit. In the month of February, we will be targeting to plant at least half a hectare of beans.

4.2 Poultry

The school’s broiler project continued well in the month of January. Three batches totaling 205 were sold in the month. $1025 was realized from the sale.  Profits from the sale have been helping the school’s infrastructure development agenda whilst at the same time sponsor the next batches. Form the profit of $491, we succeeded in buying all window frames, 10 bags of cement and 6 outstanding roofing sheets for the 3 roomed cottage. The project now has some faithful customers who expect their chickens monthly. We got a new batch of 150 on the 22nd of January with another one of 150 expected during the first week of February. Our two fowl runs can only house 2 batches (of 150 each). A bigger fowl run is needed so that we start keeping bigger batches.

CONCLUSION

As the pandemic rages on, our prayers for God’s intervention in these trying times. At the same time, BVBIZ continues to study the situation in view of creating new methods in training and development of Gospel  ministers. Our request is for prayers for one another. We also remain grateful to you for standing with us and for the sacrifices being made. May God continue to bless you all!

Doing good in Lagos Island

REPORT OF THE BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – LAGOS ISLAND CENTER,  October 2020 - January 2021.

INTRODUCTION: Thanks to God for leading us thus far in Lagos Island Center. Most of the students came from a far distance to the center. Such is making the learning more sacrificial and more interesting. Learning and teaching about discipleship as a strong tool for evangelism was a great way to end 2020 and stat 2021. Thanks to all members of Bear Valley Bible Institute both nationally and internationally for the great work going on all over the world.  

Our appreciation goes to the International Director of BV schools in the person of Keith Kasarjian for finding time to come and see what we are doing in Nigeria. We spent time with him in the Agege Center of Lagos school where he met with the instructors and coordinators of Lagos schools. I also welcome the new Director of BV in Kenema, Sierra Leone in the person of Peter Makundu. Satellite church of Christ where you spent some of your holidays while in Nigeria is praying for your success in the new job.  

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES: We had classes even during the Christmas and New year break to be able to cover part of the time lost in lockdown. Ezekiel Oko, Chinyere Okoro, and Tim Iwe took their respective courses in the last three months. Students wrote their exams in these courses as expected. James Luka will be taking over from Godwin Frank as the latter has opted out due to other engagements. Luka James is a graduate of SBS, Jos. He is presently serving with the church that meets in Itire Town in Surulere area of Lagos.

CAMPAIGN PROGRAM: Thanks to the school authority for giving us another opportunity to experience fieldwork as students collectively. The second campaign of Lagos Island center took place on the 23rd and 30th of January 2021. 15 students and 3 teachers were in attendance including some members of Satellite church of Christ who hosted the two days outing. 34 studies conducted and to be followed up by the local congregation. No baptism recorded during the outing.

WBS ONLINE STUDY HELPER: There is a need to appreciate the effort of the WBS team for the new look of the website and those who stood high to improve on the Back Office. It is a great move in the right direction. We hope to achieve more with this new face of the site. The new-look has been able to help me get a summary of my work easily. I have met 3610 students in the last two years that I started as a study helper, giving out 551 Certificates while 847 students are active on my page.

CONCLUSION: Glory be to God for the good work going on in Nigeria and other parts of the world by the effort of Bear Valley Church of Christ. Our appreciation goes to the elders of the congregation. We also appreciate the support of Stoney Point Church of Christ. Your work of love will ever be rewarded.

Thanks and God bless you.

TIM IWE

Lagos Island Center Director

Covid challenges in Zambia

January 2021

Report

Warm greetings to you all brethren!! We are always humbled to God who has given us the privilege to work for Him in His Kingdom. We give glory and honor to Him! 

The school has been in full-swing the month of January which is our second quarter.  All our students are diligent in their studies. We believe that the school is on course in fulfilling its pledge to faithfully train these faithful men. The courses that they are being taught this quarter are:

I.                Regular courses:

i.                 Biblical Interpretation 1 (Introduction to Hermeneutics)

ii.               Life of Christ 1 (Overview of Four-fold gospels)

iii.             Public speaking 1 (Intro. to sermon preparation and presentation)

iv.              The Book of Acts

II.              Short Courses:

i.                 The New Testament Church (One True Church)

ii.               Godhead

Daniel Malopa is one of the students who originated from Mpulungu district in Northern Province of Zambia. He has not yet returned this quarter because he reported that his house collapsed due to the floods in his area. He wants to repair the damage done to his house before reporting for school. Please continue remembering him in your daily prayers to God.

Arclay Kabaya is also a student at BVBI-Zambia and he comes from Siavonga District in Sothern Province of Zambia. Although he has just reported for school, he is not feeling too well as far as his health is concerned. And the school has suggested to him if he can go back home and recover fully before coming back. He has not yet made the decision to go back home. 

Health authorities in Zambia officially confirmed the second wave Covid – 19 pandemic outbreaks. This is evidence to the fact that the country has started and continued recording shocking numbers of cases as well as daily deaths from Covid-19. The upsurge in the pandemic has made the Government of Zambia to delay opening of all learning institutions. Without adherence to the health guidelines, the nation could easily plunge into a crisis of greater proportion. Health authorities have put in place some strict emergence responses to see that people follow all the health guidelines in combating this new wave.  

We had mentioned in our previous communiqué that graduation for 2020 would take place in Febuary, 2021. But this does not seem that it will happen. This is due to the ever rising cases of Covid-19 in Zambia. We would do well to just postpone the ceremony until it is safer to hold such an event. We also love to see Brother Donnie Estep or some brethren from Woodland Oaks church of Christ come and grace the occasion.  

We rejoice with the hosts of heaven for the baptisms of Gresham Chansa and Matthews Mwale. They put on Christ in baptism on 17th January, 2021.

We are eternally grateful for the partnership that we have with you in the Lord and the financial support that we have continued receiving from Woodland Oaks Church of Christ.

May God richly bless you in all your endeavors!

Brotherly,

Cephas and Fred

Giving help in Fiji

Bible Institute at Raiwaqa, Fiji Islands

We currently are on our summer break from the Bible Institute at Raiwaqa (BIR). Lord willing, classes will begin again on the 22 of February 2021. I thought it might be good to highlight some of the activities of four of our graduates during the recent cyclone. On December 17, 2020 Cyclone Yasa roared ashore, cutting a destructive path the length of Vanua Levu, the second largest island in the Fiji Islands. Yasa was the strongest tropical cyclone since Winston in 2016, as well as the fourth most intense tropical cyclone on record in the South Pacific basin.

Thanks to the generosity of congregations and friends in the U.S. we were able to help the brethren with relief efforts in the villages of Vatudamu, Buca, Nabouwalu, Navare, and the town Labasa. Additionally we were able to help with relief on the island of Tavea. This is Emosi Sailo’s home island. Emosi is a graduate of our first class and an instructor at the Bible Institute. We were able to help with food for 43 families and materials to repair the roofs of 20 homes damaged in the cyclone on this island. Emosi and his wife, also a graduate of BIR, were able to come over and help with distribution of food and building materials. They also brought with them 1500 dalo tops and 1000 cassava cuttings to help with replanting the gardens in Vatudamu and Nabouwalu.

Side note: Emosi serves as an instructor in our full time program, director and instructor of Monday night program, and is currently teaching a remedial English class to some of our students. Nancy helps Emosi with an active personal evangelism and visitation program in and around the greater Suva area.

Movono Rokotuivalu, another graduate of the school, organized and oversaw the harvesting of the dalo tops and cassava cuttings in his village of Delaidemanu on the southern Island of Viti Levu. The dalo and cassava on the northern island of Vanua Levu was just about ready to be harvested when the cyclone twisted in the ground making it unfit to sell or eat.

Side note: Upon graduation in November, Movono was appointed an elder in the church at Delademonu. Movono also serves as the preacher for this congregation.

Cassava and dalo are staples in the diets of these brethren and will take 3 to 8 months to replace.. It will take about 3 to 5 months for the cassava to produce and about 6 to 8 months for the dalo. To help tie them over we were able to organize a distribution of rice, flour, surgar, oil, tin fish, and breakfast crackers for 103 families in the places listed above. Samuela Tupou, a graduate of the school, was able to help me with distribution. He is a former military commander who headed up logistics for the Fijian army. He was able to help with assessing the damage in the villages of Nabouwalu, Navare, and Tavea Island. He mobilized the brethren in Nabouwalu into four work crews to do repairs in Nabouwalu and Navare. He was able to liaise with the Fijian military in securing a place to store our materials and arrange for the road to be repaired so that the materials could safely be transported to the landing where they could be transferred by boat to Tavea Island.

Also, Samuela was instrumental in getting the church in Navare to start meeting again. After the passing of their preacher 2 years ago, the church had stopped meeting. We had placed materials in Navare 4 years ago to repair their church building destroyed by Cyclone Winston. The repairs were never completed due to the illness of their former preacher. Samuela was able to redirect the materials to repair a house that had lost its roof in Cyclone Yasa, so that the church could have a place to meet again. They had 7 families to show up for worship the Sunday Samuela was there and he was able to preach for them.

Side note: Samuela serves as the evangelist for the 10 Miles Church of Christ on the island of Viti Levu near Nausari.

We are proud of our graduates and the work they continue to do in serving the Lord!

Prayers for Peru

Greetings in Christ our Lord to you my dear brothers from your fellow brothers from Lima, Perú.  

The situation in Lima is difficult due to the virus, many brothers and sisters in Christ have passed away, some others got the virus but they recovered as it is the case with one of our students and some others got the virus recently as it is the case of one of our instructors. On December 2020, churches were allowed gather together but this last week our president announced another quarantine due to the increase in coronavirus cases. Quarantine started on January 31 till February 14 but we still have a state of emergency the whole month of February.  

Although this situation has restricted many activities we are continuing with our virtual mode of instruction. We are having webinars every month in order to get the interest of possible prospects to study at the school.  

We ask your prayers for our students and instructors for the brothers and sisters in Peru now that we are facing another quarantine. We are praying for you all as well.  

I adjust a picture of me teaching “Life of Christ III” and I can say that one of the good things about teaching is receiving words of gratitude from the students for sharing these classes.  

A student in Guinea is persecuted

Gueckedou, Guinea BVBI Activity Operations Report for January 2021

It has always been a pleasure and a privilege rather than a duty for us here at the Gueckedou BVBI to report to our supporters on what we are doing here in Guinea. By the same token we are pleased to share these updates with those of you who are wishing us well in this all-important work which by the grace of God is moving forward. The month of January has just ended and there were only a few activities, but we are glad to let you know that for the most part all was well – both in the classroom, with one exception and out there on the field.

Classroom: Because we had only two-third of the period due to our 3rd quarter first year break, we were able to cover 2 courses – (a) Personal Evangelism II and (b) 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Peter and Jude. Unfortunately, 15 of the 16 students on roll attended. The one exception was student Tamba Salomon Tonguino who had kept the issue of his persecution from our notice for nearly a year. Salomon is troubled by a great persecution from his predominantly Islamic family for not only becoming an Ex-Muslim, but especially now wanting to be a gospel preacher. His attempt to begin holding worship services in the family house during the last break period aggravated the situation as anger and persecution increased against him thereby hindering his return for this quarter. He did manage to come see us on Monday of this week - 1st February to explain all this, but was unprepared to stay being morally disturbed. We are therefore calling on you all to pray for this brother who is one of our best students in the present batch.

Evangelism: As part of our regular preaching program we have had students and staff also going out to worship and strengthen new congregations. During such times we do get the opportunity to share the saving gospel to lost souls. On the 22nd of the month under review 2 of our men responded to a call for us to share the gospel message in a Sub-prefecture town some 60 kilometers from Gueckedou. The missionaries came back with a fascinating report after a 2 days visit. We are planning for a quick return, but cautious of the fact that immediate follow up is needed for especially newly converted souls.

Evangelism Equipment: From the list of material request forwarded to the Bear Valley Administration and for which funds were wired to us in December, the Gueckedou School was able to purchase 2 additional items – a video projector especially for evangelism and 4 used office chairs.

Personal Profile: Niouma 2 Kamano is to be commended for his great and tireless service in promoting the Lord’s work in the circle of activities at the Gueckedou BVBI. He was the young man at the top of the first batch of students (2018 -2019) here at the Gueckedou School in nearly every commendable aspect – academic, personal and public evangelism, eloquence and obedience. Even before but especially after his graduation we, the administrative body of this institute in collaboration with members of the church in the school premises requested for him to serve as the evangelist for the congregation. After a period of about a year brother Niouma 2 began in some way to encourage the congregation for him to be replaced by one brother George, a fellow graduate of his batch so that he (Niouma 2) could continue the exercise of his outdoor missions or evangelistic trips which he desires so much. This Niouma 2 and another brother, Francios his former classmate, now serving in Conakry were the main instruments for the multiple conversions at Gueckedou School in 2018 -2019 school year. No sooner after his graduation was he adopted into the school staff where he now serve in addition to leading the Institute’s evangelistic team as Secretary.

Niouma 2 is a university graduate, a zealous evangelist, the computer teacher at Gueckedou BVBI and with the backing of his Bear Valley training has the adequate requirement to also offer other courses here. This, he has demonstrated to our satisfactory testimony!!

Conclusion: Besides the successful work of training men for the plenteous harvest we have always gotten the privilege of contributing to the joy of Heaven by the regular conversions taking place here. We are thankful to God and wish to express our gratitude for your support which also resulted in the conversion of 10 souls in January. As we hope for more success in the remaining months of this year, we are reminding you once more to pray for brother Tonguino, our student who is going through a family persecution for the Christian faith.

May God heal and protect his people. May he eradicate the pandemic.

Francis

An update from Sunyani, Ghana

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE

SUNYANI CAMPUS

REPORT FOR FOURTH QUARTERS OF 2020

1. TEACHING STAFF AT SUNYANI SCHOOL CAMPUS

(a) Daniel Kyereh Mensah: Local Director and Bible Instructor

(b) Thomas Gyabaa: Bible Instructor

(c) Rexford Agyare-Minta: Bible Instructor

2. INTRODUCTION

(a) Examination was conducted at the end of the 3rd quarter on these two courses:

(i) The preacher and his work and

(ii) The New Testament survey on 19th September, 2020

(b) Presently, we are teaching denominational doctrines and homiletics, as the fresh students are studying the Old Testament survey.

3. NAME OF CONTINUOUS STUDENTS AT SUNYANI SCHOOL CAMPUS

(a) Joseph Kyereh-Mensah                  -        Sunyani

(b) Samuel Effat                                 -        Berekum Gyamdede

(c) Emmanuel Kannor                         -        Goaso

(d) Stephen Ohene Gyan                     -        Nsawkaw

(e) Akumfi Ameyaw                            -        Sunyani

(f) Jacob Osei                                    -        Nkaseim

(g) Anthony Owusu                            -        Wamfie

(h) Amo Joseph                                  -        Berekum Biadan

(i) Yeboah Gideon                              -        Berekum Biadan

(j) Nicholas Korang                            -        Berekum Biadan

(j) Isaac Serwonu                               -        Goaso

(k) Samuel Appiah                              -        Sunyani

(m) Ben Obeng Nyarko                       -        Sunyani

(n) Kyereh John                                  -        Nkonsia, Drobo

4. NOTICE ON MISCONDUCT OF ABSENTEEISM

(a) Daniel Kwarteng has been terminated as a result of the misconduct of consistent absenteeism on November 1, 2020.

(b) Kyere John has been warned on the misconduct of consistent absenteeism. He also will be terminated if he does not change his attitude on January 26th, 2021.

(b) Ampaabeng Godfred has deferred his course on his presently in the United Kingdom.

5. FRESH OR NEW ADMISSIONS

(a) Frank Adjei Kwasi               -        Goaso

(b) Frank Adu                           -        Sunyani

(c) Isaac Takyi                          -        Sankore

(d) Maxwell Yeboah                  -        Derma

(e) Nicholas Boffa                     -        Goaso

(f) Daniel Anyabas                    -        Goaso

(g) Doe Samuel                         -        Mim

(h) Kusi Dwamena                    -        Goaso

6. EXPRESSION OF APPRECIATION

We wish to express our deeper sense of appreciation for receiving two copies each on the life of Christ textbook.

SENT BY:

DANIEL KYERE-MENSAH

LOCAL DIRECTOR

SUNYANI

A new school in Uganda!

Brothers

Take this opportunity to bring you warm greetings from BVBI-Uganda and from my family. Its always my joy to write to you in connection to God's work here in Uganda and especially the new school.

The first quarter started on 2nd November 2020 and it has been a good time we have spend together with students and teachers while the students receive instructions from the bible. Much more, in this period of time we have been having to big occasions, that is the Christmas season and the election season here. We thank God we were able to go through all of them especially the elections that just ended a week ago.

Having started the quarter with 18 students, we ended the quarter with 17. One of our students had a family challenge and was able to go back home. We again thank God for our non teaching staff beginning from the Adiminstrator, the cooks and the quard, they have stood strong to make sure the school is being served in the right way. May God bless them.

We thank you our funders for the great work you are doing to help this school be .Beginning from where the school is located, the meals For students, their upkeep, the salary for employees both teaching and non teaching staff.

I can’t for get to mention the government that stood with me and allowed and helped me to begin the school though the situation was so so much alarming, but through much prayers we were able to begin and they continue to give us hope.

We have been able to record 215 people that our students have reached with the gospel, having planted a congregation that meets at school with one convert. In every venture, the beginning is always tiresome but with God we find ourselves having succeeded.

We are set to begin the second quarter on 1 March 2021. Pray for us, pray for our country Uganda that peace my prevail.

Be blessed

Until all have heard

Raymond

Beginning 2021 well in Malawi

Bear Valley Bible Institute – Ekwendeni

Malawi

January, 2021 Operation Report

“Though the fig tree may not blossom. Nor fruit be on the vines; though the labour of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls – Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills” – (Habakkuk 3:17-19.)

Hello everyone! Receive greetings from Bear Valley Bible Institute – Ekwendeni Malawi. Happy New Year! We thank God the Omnipotent for allowing us to see the year 2021. This is all about God’s own love towards us. We know for sure that we are threatened by the deadly Covid pandemic, but our HOPE is in God who cares and protects His people. We have lost friends and brothers in Christ who could help win lost souls to Christ through direct and indirect preaching. We have been challenged economically worldwide because of this pandemic; but we don’t lose hope. We have FAITH!

Opening Day of the School in Malawi

Bear Valley Bible Institute Malawi is set to start classes on the 15th February, 2021 the Lord willing. The government has advised all schools to suspend classes until the 8th of February due to the increased numbers of Covid cases and many deaths related to the pandemic at the moment. This has not at the moment affected us as our day of opening is on the 15th February. We hope things will be stabilized before our day of opening.

Evangelism

In the year 2020, we had a good number of souls baptized and souls restored. We are looking forward to another year of success – 2021! This month of January, 6 souls have been added to Christ, we praised God. Whether with the threat of Covid or without Covid, God is always giving opportunity to the soul that obeys the gospel be saved. We have started the 2021 well!

Sort course Teacher!

We were hoping to receive Brother Donnie on the 20th 0f February, 2021; but because of some restrictions over Covid, will wait until March when he will see if he can come.

We are thankful to Bear Valley Bible Institute International for the support they give us. We understand the challenge they face in supporting more than 40 schools worldwide. The economy is going down giving you challenges but still you have never stopped helping us since the school was established in Malawi. We pray daily that God will open doors financially to unlock the programs that are hindered due to financial limitations. God bless your families. You are in our hearts!

Yours fellow servants in Christ,

Ephron and Clergynton

Student evangelism in Kenya

Dear brethren,

This is to let brethren know that we at Kenya School of Preaching have, on January 18th 202, opened the school again for the last quarter of the second year of the fourth intake students. This marks the last quarter to graduation day. The current students are seventeen in number. Local African teachers are three; Charles, David and Elias. American short course teachers will be two-Dr. Michael Reese and Peter Ray. Bible courses that are being taught now are seven: Christian Ethics which is taught by Charles Ogutu. Greek IV which is taught by Charles as well. Preacher and his work, David Wasonga teaches. World Religions is taught by Elias Omollo as well as Jeremiah and Lamentations.

Foundation of Missions will be taught by Peter Ray, while Dr. Michael Reese will teach Congregational Development.

During the holiday of December 4th,2020__January 15th 2021, much good had been done at home congregations. 29 local congregations have been served , 9 Gospel campaigns had been attended. The number of individual backsliders who had been restored are 27 while number of congregations restored and new ones planted are three ( 3) each. Number of baptisms that had been conducted totaled 47 which number includes 13 baptisms done as a result of World Bible School courses that had been distributed by Moses, Odawa and Atema - current students from Western Kenya.

Our prayers concern the graduation day which, God willing, will be on March 13th, 202. We need your prayers and on that day, if possible, your presence.

May He bless you all,

Your brother, Elias Omollo

Camps in Arusha

Grace and Peace to you friends.

I hope this note finds you and your loved ones well. Even though things are getting chili in the US, below the equator it is summer time! That means summer camps! Here in the description from Charles Mwanga about the recent camps hosted at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching:

     "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverb 22:6). This is a direct command from the Lord, sometimes people tend to take it as an opinion but that is not what the Lord intended it to be. If we want a better family, society, Church and even nation, we ought to follow this command accordingly. That’s why here at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching we have the following:

     "FUTURE PREACHER TRAINING CAMP: This is the camp hosted and conducted by the staff of ACSOP for the purpose of helping young people to grow to the full ability of teaching and preaching the word of God. This camp has trained for years numberless youth who are now in schools, universities and even jobs out there but are helping their congregations on teaching and preaching. This past year we have had a privilege to host 55 campers who were taught how to become an effective preacher through the theme, “WHAT DOES THE CHURCH NEED?” They were instructed on how the Church needs: The Bible, Jesus, Godly youth, Sound Preachers, A vision for the future, and so many other topics which helped the youth to see the important of sticking only to the Bible and not fables or modernism. The youth did a very good work in this camp, please join us in praying for them as they continue with this fire which has been started in them.

      "TANZANIA CHRISTIAN CAMP: This is another way which ACSOP is helping the Church here to “train up a child.” This year we had 122 campers from around the Arusha area. This camp includes both boys and girls from the age of 13 years to 24 years. In this camp we taught them about the importance of the “SPIRITUAL HEALTH,” This included: Spiritual Healing, Proper Spiritual Diet, Exercise Yourself Spiritually and Keep a Healthy Mind. Youth were strengthened and grew through the teachings presented by experienced teachers. We thank God for both men and women from the brotherhood who were willing to come and help in training up these kids, May the Lord of grace bless you beyond measure.

    "From both of these camps we were able to baptize 15 souls!   These are youth who have seen the truth of God’s word and decided to obey it. This could have not been possible if it was not through your support, prayers and love towards the people of East Africa especially Tanzania. We thank you so much. Many will one day be in heaven just because you chose to support this wonderful work. May the Lord continue to bless you in this new year so that you can continue to support His work. THANK YOU SO MUCH. To Him be all the glory both now and forever."

Would your congregation like to hear more about the work in Tanzania, and how they can be involved? I would love to come visit!

Till all have heard,

Daniel Gaines
Mission Coordinator
Tanzania Missions

Ending a difficult year in Ukraine

Dear brothers and sisters,  

So, 2020 finally ended. It was the most unpredictable and unusual year for any man. So many of us could not possibly imagine that the apocalyptic movies would get so close to reality. During the year a lot of people regrouped and reorganized their schedules and work styles. Nowadays, remote work is the usual thing for many. Our Bible Institute had also switched to distant learning and only in the second half of the year we were trying to resume our classroom studies.  

This school year we didn't recruit any first year students. Thus, we have 5 students who will graduate this year. And as of right now we lined up two potential students for the next school year. It looks like life is going on and we will return to the usual lifestyle eventually.  

Last year our congregation had a few baptisms, our numbers grew but because of the Covid-19 some Christians preferred online sermons. We are looking forward to our spiritual family reunion someday soon. 

So, in December our 2 year students had Denominational Doctrines (Instructor - Andrew Zhuravlev) and 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus (Dennis Sopelnik). 

In the end of December our students had a nice tea party and it was a wonderful time of close fellowship and encouragement (in person!). It was practically proven that online studies require a lot of preparation of the Instructors and a lot of patience of the students. I had to change some of my teaching methods as well. All of my teaching notes had to be converted into online presentations and I had to utilize a lot of visual aids. Since we lost the closeness of personal touch, I had to make the teaching material very vivid. The students were getting more materials for personal studies and home reading. I hope the Lord will strengthen us in this process and grant us wisdom.  

The winter break started on December 18th, and January 11th the classes will resume. During those three weeks the students had time to visit their parents and spend the holidays together. I asked all the students to use the opportunity and try to share the Gospel with the unbelievers from the midst of their families and friends. 

My family also took a trip to Kramatorsk, our home city. We visited our parents, our relatives and our close friends from the church. We were able to attend the services as well. It was a huge blessing to be able to make that trip during the quarantine restrictions.  

Our country announced very strict quarantine measures during January 8-24. Stores and supermarkets got restrictions on certain sales. Nevertheless, we decided to resume the studies offline and also congregate in the church building taking all possible precautions.  

My family, our students and Instructors send their greetings and their love. We are very aware and very appreciative of your prayers and sacrifices. 

May God keep you safe in the new year! 

Your brother,  

Dennis Sopelnik