The inaugural graduation in Tirupati, India

Reporting letter for the month of April-2021 

Our warmest greetings to you in the matchless name of our lord and savior Jesus Christ.  We Pray that this mail finds you good health. If you permit we would like to send you brief report concerning our BVBI. I humbly request your pardon for the delay of reporting for the month of April-2021.

The success of two years preachers training Program: - We congratulate all our teaching staff, non-teaching staff and students of first batch for their great dedication to complete the first batch successfully. We appreciate the teachers for their hard work to complete the syllabus prescribed by BVBI. There were few classes that   were suspended in 2020 due to Covid-19 but in order to cover up those classes we had continual classes from September 2020 to April 2021, even  we did not have the break .  We continually had classes, all the students were able to cooperate to attend for the daily classes, writing their note books, completing their home work, memory work and weekly examinations.  We don’t find words to appreciate the guest brothers from out  side who could able to teach few courses . We are grateful to our International director for visiting us and encouraging the students and teachers. We are thankful to our Coordinator Mr.Mark Reynolds and Mr.Damon Vincent for their dedication to teach few courses. We appreciate Mr.John R.Vaughan , Mr.Jonathan Winchester , Mr.Mathew Bowling who were  able to visit from Graymere church and encourage us. We are thankful to Mr.Larry Nokes and Mr.Dennis Widner who visited us from Foothills church of Christ and encouraged  us. We are thankful to sister.Linda smith (from Woodson chapel church of Christ )and sister Jackie Hill who were able to visit us from Berry’s  chapel church of Christ. We are thankful to Mr.RayHart for visiting and teaching . It was  sad to miss Mr.Jerry Bates ,lord willing he may visit in the future.

We are grateful to guest teachers Mr.G.Prabhudass, Mr.G.David who came from Chennai and taught few courses. We are thankful to Mr.Vijay Kiran and local police officer for teaching basic legal principles.

The Graduation Ceremony:-  God has  blessed our graduation ceremony which was held on April 30th, 2021.  We feel sorry to miss the presence of our International director and our coordinator , but we are grateful to them for allowing us to go ahead and organize the event . We are happy to share with you that all the students, their parents , teachers, some of the church members and friends were able to participate to witness the program. We did our level best to reduce the number of  attendance due to covid-19 threat.

 All the students have gracefully received the beautiful Certificates  of  Diploma of Biblical studies . We request you to pray for the 21 students who were graduated.

Building Owners: -   We have taken one building ground floor for the college and opposite another building for the hostel. The college building owner had a proposal to sell the building but now he changed his mind and willing to cooperate with us to continue the program . We thank God for this provision. The college building owner’s  family was staying in the upstairs but now they have vacated and moved to the main city area, it is our ambition to occupy the upstairs building and develop the  library.

Agricultural  Garden:- By the support of Healing Hands International we could able to establish the A.G. Garden , it is growing and growing. We have established two other sustainable Agricultural Gardens at KGBV-School in Chittoor-Dt and another one at Poolathota-village.

Covid-19 second Wave threat:-  It is terrible and heart breaking situation in India, the second wave of Covid -19  is spreading so rapidly , so many people are infected and several people are dying , hope that you are aware of the situation by watching the international news . Our local church members were badly infected, unfortunately my sister-in-law was died last week on Friday with covid-19, I am proud to mention that she was the one who sent first admission to BVBI-Tirupti. Please pray for my brother Ezra who has been under treatment. In fact I was infected by the virus , last  20 days I have been in house isolation with good treatment , God has blessed the treatment and heard the prayers of saints which helped me to restore my health condition.  My words fail to share with you about the great service that my wife and children invested for my survival, kindly pray for them and their health. God has put the boundaries around my family members from the infection though I was living in the same house.  We  Praise God for His great protection, yesterday I have consulted Pulmonologist for the check up,  the oximeter tells that there is 97/ oxygen level in my body. We request you to continue to pray for my health.

Healing Hands International’s  Relief Fund:- We are happy to  report you that HHI has immediately responded and released relief support for this emergency crisis created by the second wave covid-19.  There is partial local lock down has been announced in our place, this causes poor people to suffer without proper food and medical help. It is our plan to support about 121  families by using HHI support, we would like to send you report soon we complete this project.

BVBI-Tirupati ‘s  Second Batch :-  In our country the month of May is too hot and all the schools and colleges usually closed for summer holidays  , we have announced summer vacation . it is our plan to reopen the BVBI in the first week of June-2021. We request you to pray for second batch preachers training program.

Thanking you.

Yours brother and sister in Christ.

Vijay&Swarupa,  behalf of BVBI-Tirupati-India

More souls saved in Malawi

Bear Valley Bible Institute

Ekwendeni – Malawi

April, 2021 – Report

Introduction

Hello everyone!

When we read in the Pastoral Epistles, we are encouraged by the charges of Paul to the young preachers Timothy. As Timothy was at the church at Ephesus he encountered the false teachers and many problems which started to discourage his faith in Christ. This is why we see Paul’s charge to Timothy in his second epistle chapter 4:2 – “Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season”. This means Timothy was encouraged to preach the gospel when people are ready to hear it or not.

We are also in the challenging time where our faith is tested, but the apostolic command of Paul still speaks to us – “Preach the word!” when in covid-19 challenging time or not having covid-19 challenge, always Preach the word!. We are always ready to do this command. This month of April, we had Brother Keith who came to visit and see how the work here in Malawi is going on. We hope he had a successful trip and back home. It was good meeting him after 5 years missing. After Keith left, we had a preaching campaign at the end of April, we have helped 4 souls come to obey the gospel and be added into Christ. We always are thankful to our students for the great work they do both in class and out of class.

Preaching and Teaching

This Month of April we had some outreach and most importantly the campaign we had at the end of April which helped 4 souls saved. We are also happy that we have been of great help to the congregations around Ekwendeni, especially Chinungu congregation which uses the advantage of the school. The brethren at Chinungu are always ready to use the student in their pulpit and even their evangelistic work. Many souls around Ekwendeni have the opportunity of hearing the gospel because of the BV school. The teaching work is also progressing well that we have managed to cover lots of courses within a short period of time. We are having some campaigns to be accomplished before the end of June. Because of funds limitations, we may be doing campaigns in areas near the Ekwendeni area. One student who asked to be let go home for his family problems, has reported that he has helped a congregation be restored which stopped worshipping for a period of 5 years. About 31 souls have been restored to Christ. This is amazing!

 Short course teacher

We are thankful to God for the brothers who come to help us manage to finish the course in time. Brother Blessings Nkhamanga and Brother Navie Theu are always ready to come to help us whenever we need them come teach a short course. We are hoping to have Navie back in May and also Brother Donnie who is also the coordinator for the school will be coming at the end of May along with some 2 brothers who want to see the school progress. They will stay with us up to the beginning of June. We pray that their coming will make the work easy for us as we will have a little rest.

We want to thank the Bear Valley Bible Institute International for committing funds to this course. Otherwise without your involvement financially all what we have achieved would not be there. We pray that God will always keep on blessing your families as there are still souls to be saved and be trained. Your support is still needed! Eternity Is Forever, Think Souls!

Yours faithfully

Ephron and Clergynton

Student evangelism in Lagos

REPORT OF THE BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – LAGOS ISLAND CENTER,  February 2021 - April 2021.

INTRODUCTION: Greetings from the staff and students of Lagos Island Center of Bear Valley Bible Institute Extension Programme, Nigeria. We once again thank God that we are found worthy to be part of this great work in Nigeria and Africa in general. The new normal is becoming part of our life these days in our nation. Nigeria needs your prayer as we are facing serious insurgency. Insecurity has taken over many parts of the Country. However, God is faithful in caring for the elect. Lagos where Am working is relatively peaceful and secure as it is the commercial nerve of the country.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES: We have successfully completed 17 circles in our center. In this last quarter: Marriage & Family life was taught by Odoh Emmanuel, Genesis to Deuteronomy handled by Oluwafemi Adewuyi and Congregational Development was just concluded by Godwin Emmanuel. 10 students were regular in this quarter out of 14 students who registered in the school presently. I was in Butubutu Ibadan for their 19 Annual Bible lectures. It was a great and eye opening discussion about Satan and his Mission. Happy to serve as one of the speakers. I also witnessed the ordination of additional Elders in Jakpa congregation in Warri Delta state where Bro Abiodun Adegeroge also spoke during the program.

CAMPAIGN PROGRAM/MARKET EVANGELISM: The Market Evangelism Public Preaching in the month of April was successful. We visited Ondo Plaza in Balogun in the popular International Trade Fair Market Ojo, Lagos. I spoke from Mark 5 on the topic: Only Jesus Can Help You. We will be going there coming Thursday on one on one discussion. We had a soul obey the gospel two weeks ago from this effort. Also I just came back lst night from Aramoko in Ekiti state where Bro Ebens Makinde, his students and Preachers in the area spent a week in campaign for Christ. 3 souls were added to the church as the time of filling this report and we hope that a congregation will start worshipping this Sunday in this area.

WBS ONLINE STUDY HELPER: I want to thank Bro Doug Wheeler for helping me out in contacting Edie Connel who has been of help in navigating the new platform of the Online WBS Site. Helping students learn online is a very interesting work with its challenges. Am having 561 Certificates awarded, 3741 lessons completed and 20 active students presently.  

CONCLUSION: Glory be to God for the good work going on in this part of the world through your prayer and support. Thanks to Stoney Point Church of Christ for their support and prayer for us. Also thanks to the authority of Bear Valley Institute for increasing our support. Studies are continuing in our center and we hope more students will come in soon.

Thanks and God bless you.

TIM IWE                            

Lagos Island Center Director

Graduation in Liberia

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE- LIBERIA

APRIL REPORTS

PROLOGUE

Warm greetings to you all fellow laborers in the Lord's vineyard! We give honor and glory to God our heavenly Father who through His grace and the love fully expressed in Christ has granted us the rare opportunity to work in His service.

FACULTY MEETING

Before the end of our last quarter, we held our last faculty meeting which was very successful. This meeting brought together all of our staff members to discuss the future of the school and our then up coming graduation ceremony. In this meeting, all our staff members who are preachers were also encouraged to speak with their congregations to please help the school with whatever they can to encourage our American brethren who are supporting the school. We will need more or extra help for this batch because we are taking in 26 new students instead of 20 students. That is why we are asking congregations to support the school and individual brothers and sisters to help the school.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

Our classroom activities ended with Brother Steven Ashcraft, who is the coordinator for Bear Valley West Africa extension Program teaching our last short course. Brother Steven spent over a week with us in Ganta, Liberia teaching Bible geography and had a wonderful time with the students. It was great having him around especially teaching a class and staying for the graduation.

GRADUATION AND MATRICULATION CEREMONY

After two and half years of intensive studies at the Bear Valley Bible Institute-Liberia and in the face of a very serious pandemic (COVID ) that affected the whole world , we finally graduated our second batch of students and welcome twenty six (26) new students from all over the country in to the program. Sixteen (16) students graduated and was awarded Diploma in Biblical Studies, Diploma General Agriculture and Diploma in Computer Studies or IT. Five other special awards was given to some hardworking students. We had awards given to the Dux ( Best Student Award in Bible, Second Best Student Award In Bible, Most Humble Student Award, Best Computer Student Award and Best Agriculture Student Award.

Our graduation ceremony was overwhelmingly attended by so many people including, Bear Valley directors from Guinea and Sierra Leone, the city government, parents and love ones of our students, Church members and preachers from across the country, foreign guest etc.

PRAISES AND APPRECIATION

Many of our students have called back to appreciate the school for the lever of education they have been imparted with from the school. Many of their families, parents and preachers have also call back to say thank you. Some confessed that that the preachers from our school are doing very well and for that, the churches at their locations has a great future.

Conclusion-

On behalf of BVBI- Liberia and the Churches of Christ in Liberia as a whole, we like to express our profound gratitude indeed to everyone who supports in any way the school here in the Republic of Liberia. May God richly bless all of you!

Brotherly,

Robert P. Dahn, Jr.

Director- BVBI-L

Great progress in Zimbabwe

APRIL 2021 NARRATIVE REPORT

INTRODUCTION

The training of preachers is a critical component in the growth of the church.  A lot of diligence goes into it. Soldiers going into real combat are never trained in a day. Such is the case for a soldier of Christ. Ours is a spiritual battle. The task of winning souls to Christ is ever present in our minds. At BVBIZ, in April, we continued to put one block on top of another to achieve this. The teachers did their bit whilst the students did theirs as well. The view is to produce a well trained soldier for Christ through various activities. The following are some of the few things that we can report on.

1.0 CURRICULUM PROGRESS

A number of subjects have been done and completed. These include Hermeneutics, O. T History, Homiletics, Acts, Personal Work II, Life of Christ, Galatians, Godhead and 1 & 2 Thessalonians. The term will be ending on the 8th of May and another one start on the 10th of the same month. This class shall be having less of breaks this year so as to catch up on lost time.

2.0 AN IMPORTANT VISIT

BVBIZ was blessed on the 20th of April by the visit of Keith Kasarjian, BVBI International director. He took time to tour and access the school and also appraise himself of the progress made so far.  He also had time to interact with students and give some words of encouragement. Much appreciation goes to him and his sacrifice to come and see the school.

3.0 INFRASTRUCTRE DEVELOPMENT

3.1 Teachers House

Brickwork on the teacher’s house was completed in the month. 

3.2 OUTSIDE SINK

An outside sink for the students’ laundry was constructed and completed in the month.  Only plumbing  components needing about $80 are still to be bought and worked on.

3.3 SKIRTING

Skirting was done and completed around the hostel. Falling rain had been affecting the good paint work that was done. Walls were becoming dirt due to water falling from the roof. The same shall be done for other buildings before the next rain season. Gutters will also be needed to complete the job.

4.0 FIRST FELLOWSHIP AT SITE

The first ever fellowship was done on the 24th of April. The program was organised by the Plasworth  congregation and held at the BVBIZ campus. 164 were in attendance and this went beyond the local congregation’s expectation.

5.0 DONATIONS

BVBIZ always welcome donations in cash and in kind. These are critical in the running of the school. Moving to the present site was a step in the right direction but also caused a challenge in the schools evangelism efforts. Bicycles are now needed to solve the transport challenge. A call was made far and wide and two responses came. The first bicycle was donated by Zimbabwe Missions and another one was donated by Keith Kasarjian. Since students go in pairs, the congregation at Greenvale will be serviced. 10 more bicycles are still needed by the school. Bicycles are ranging from $100-$150 depending with type.

6.0 EVANGELISM

BVBIZ places strong emphasis on evangelism. Presently, a lot is being done to fine tune the students before they embark on full-fledged evangelism. Whilst it is not yet in full mode, students have been helping two congregations namely Greenvale and Plasworth. Two souls were baptized at Greenvale in the month. We glorify God for this addition.

CONCLUSION

Several activities took place as highlighted in the above report. We remain grateful to God for making this possible. To our various partners locally and abroad, may God continue to bless you abundantly.  It is through your efforts and sacrifices that BVBIZ has gotten this far. To God be the glory!

Great work in Accra

End of April, 2021 Report, Accra

We are grateful to the Lord for the end of last quarter and beginning a new quarter in April. The Lord has done much for us through His love, caring, and protecting us against misfortune. We all bless His name and unto the Father.

Having begun this quarter, we have scheduled all curriculums with its instructors. This quarter, we are studying six (6) courses, four (4) being regular classes, and two (2) short courses. These are the courses with its instructors: Book of Romans- Emmanuel Amoo-Gyimah; Christian Leadership and Minor Prophet – E.O. Larbi; 1 & 2 Peter – Kwabena Gyan-Mante and Inter-Testamental Period and Epistles of James – Kojo Acquah. The English and ICT Studies are George and Samuel.

Class Activities

Brother Amoo-Gyimah has started with his teaching on the Book of Romans and follows by E.O. Larbi and other subsequent instructors. Currently, we have Eleven (11) students studying the courses above. We also have three (3) students from the Nsawam Extension School joining in with the full-time in the study, in total; they are fourteen (14) men for a class.

 Bachelors Class Activities

Since we are running bachelors program in the school, recently, six (6) of the new students met on Friday to study Elementary Greek in order to acquire basic knowledge to further their Greek 1 & 2 classes. Sammy taught this class.

A Visit to Bunso Plant Research Department by Students

As part of the school’s activities, two staff members (Kojo and Sammy) and the students visited the Bunso Plant Research Department to see the kinds of plant, they research into. Much was taught to the students by the assistant and some were bought to be planted on our school land.  

BVBI, Directors General Meeting

Recently, on Saturday, 17th April, Brother Steven, and Kojo organized a meeting with all directors of Bear Valley Schools in Ghana, both full-time and extension schools. Directors present were E.O. Larbi for Accra (full-time) school; Sammy – Nsawam Extension School; Joshua (full-time & extension) Takoradi School; Kojo – Kasoa Extension School; Gyan-Mante – Koforidua Extension School; Rexford Agyare Mintah (represented Daniel Kyere Mensah, director) – Sunyani Extension School; and Alex Akosa Karikari (represented Gyan Kesse, director) – Kumasi Extension School.

The meeting was about regular reporting on what happens in the school and financial statement (monthly and quarterly), with descriptive photos; on timely response to emails; signing of Doctrinal Position Statement; Students Campaign and Practical Activities and Introduction to the New Curriculum and many other important discussions.

Having done with this meeting, we were assured of progress.

Campaigns

Our students have been effective on personal evangelism in the school, churches, and invitation by other brethren. Recently, they were invited by other brethren on evangelism, where two (2) souls were baptized to the Lord. Also, in their various congregations, they organize personal evangelism and two (2) souls were baptized. We wish that more souls be converted to the glory of God.

Student’s Profile

We had loved to present one of our recent past students on this profile, by name, Samuel Okyere. This brother is 27 years old but single. He had traveled all the way from the Volta Region of Ghana, about 148.7 km to Accra to pursue knowledge from the Bible, for the benefit to edify the church. Samuel’s parents are Emmanuel Okyere and Victoria Aflanyo. They are not Christians yet; he is trying his best to help them understand the gospel.

Samuel is very humble, faithful in the Lord, and a very hardworking man. He never absented himself from classes and all activities in the evangelistic missions. He was one of the students who graduated in 2020. Having completed the school, he had been useful to the Lord at his area, where he is the evangelist in three (3) congregations. These localities are Okagyakrom – 50 members, Jasikan – 70 members, and Bowiri Anyinase – 30 members. It’s very interesting how he schedules his time to preach for these churches.

We are grateful to have such effective student working for the Lord.

The administration is planning to visit him and these congregations.

Glory be to God for His protection in all activities throughout the month, may the Lord bless you all. Pray with us.

Making lemonade in Zambia

Report April 2021

Introduction-Warm greetings to you all brothers and sisters! We give honor and glory to God our heavenly Father who through His grace and the love fully expressed in Christ has granted us the rare opportunity to work in His Vineyard.

The school will go on a recess in a week’s time. This will accord the students to go back to their respective homes after completing the third quarter of their first year. They have already finished studying a total of 16 courses.

Students’ highlights –Mathews Mwale (23 years of age) and Gersom Chomba (20 years of age) came to us from Luapula and Northern Provinces of Zambia. They traveled 796 kilometers (495 miles) to come and study here at BVBI-Zambia. While in School they have proved to be very committed to the studies and are always in forefront with the evangelism program which has been spearheaded by Brother Cephas Mwamba. Together with the rest of the students they do weekly outreach programs in evangelism. We believe that evangelism is our greatest mission. We are very glad to report that through evangelism we have witnessed the spiritual births of seven (7) souls in the month of April and four restorations, these efforts are truly turning our students into soul wining instruments many have become Christians. Mathews and Gershom are both single students. As teachers, we have noted with great satisfaction their growth both mentally, physically and spiritually. We have also Boyd Kalaba who is also a skilled mathematics teacher, he first started teaching gospel to pupils at Luanshya girls’ secondary school and now he is helping those struggling in Mathematics and science. May God use his skill to bring many to Christ.

 On the other development we have recorded sixteen (16) restorations and nine baptisms through our former students in Ndola district. And as we reported last month Clive Kabika and the central Church of Christ in Kabwe is currently conducting a radio program in Kabwe central province and doing very fine. May our God continue to be praised through all the work being done by our Alumni.

On a sad note- During the night of 23rd April, 2021, thieves broke in and stole the booster pump and press control 1.1kw. This paralyzed our water system for almost a week now and we have only managed to replace press control 1.1kw. During this sad note something constructive came up, we had to engage a local instructor from a trade institute in construction who taught our students and they had to rebuild the broken wall as part of their practicing in bricklaying. Most of our current students did well in this survival skill training.

Visiting Teachers-It was great to see Keith visit again Zambia. Because of his tight schedule, we managed to meet with him in Lusaka and the leadership of central Church of Christ. It was really encouraging and refreshing to see this exceptional breed of a preacher! 

It is a known fact that the Covid -19 has affected all the Bear Valley Bible schools in one way or the other. Many had to make several adjustments to keep on the work moving forward. Since Zambia is no longer under any lockdown, we anticipate having Brother Donnie Estep in the first week of June 2021. He is expected to teach the Book of Galatians as a short course. We will also be blessed to have him grace the long awaited graduation ceremony during the same period. 

Conclusion- On behalf of BVBI-Zambia and Zambia as a whole, we like to express our profound gratitude to Woodland Oaks church and indeed everyone who supports in any way the school here in Zambia. May God richly bless all of you!

Brotherly,

Cephas and Fred

Serving in difficult times in Lima

Greetings from Lima, Peru

We want to inform you that continue with the activities of the school, for the glory of our Lord and the benefit of our brethren, we had a 2 days conference "Women of Impact" on which we were sharing material in pdf format and as well of announcing our next course the gospel of John and 1, 2, 3 John trying to encourage those who are not yet part of the school to take the courses our institute offers.

We are facing difficult times due to this pandemic on which our full-time students and instructors have been affected as you know. In April, another of our instructors got covid and he is still not fully recovered and also the families of some of our students have been affected by covid cause them not to continue with the course last month for taking care of their loved ones the rest of the students are doing good so far. We ask your prayers for Alejandro (Instructor), Margot's family (student), Alejandro's M. family (student) and Alejandro B. (student) as well as for the instructors and students that are still well.

This pandemic is affecting the school and the churches and the whole country in many different ways as we could mention a couple of economic and health issues and people are taking difficult decisions in their lives trying to survive.

We would like to have a face-to-face course but it is still illegal to gather together so we continuing with our online courses. As with any method, we found some cons; for example, you must have internet access and prevent new prospects from getting into the program. Although we are encouraging as many as we can to join the school.

Please, pray for the school here. We know that in difficult times the message of our Lord is needed to be spread out and that is what we are trying to do.

God keep blessing your ministries and all the work you do for our Lord.

Abraham Alata

Co-director and instructor

Doing well in Liberia

Bear Valley Bible Institute- Ganta Liberia Operations Reports- February And March 2021

PROLOGUE

We bring you greetings from the students and staffs in Liberia- Bear Valley Bible Institute, hoping all is well with you and your families in the Lord's name. We truly appreciate God for your partnership with us in this great work we have to do here in Liberia, West Africa. Below are the happenings for the month of February and March 2021.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

The month of February and March are the continuation of our last quarter studies in the Bear Valley Curriculum for this second group of students, and the months has been very very busy for everyone, both the instructors and the students had lots to do towards the end of final quarter of the 2nd year. Among what the students are doing includes the following:

1. The 4th and final quarter courses:

   A. The Book of Revelation

   B. Christians Ethics

   C. Denominational Doctrine

   D. The Book of Hebrews

   E. Church History- 2

   F. Bible Geography

   G. Computer Studies

   H. Agriculture

2. Group works

1. A. Research work

   B. Individual Assignments and presentation

   C. Daily Quizzes ( Practical and theory).

   D. Memory work

   E. Weekend House to House Evangelism

   F. Cleaning the campus etc

Thankfully, we have sixteen students who will be qualify for Bear Valley graduation.

WEEKEND EVANGELISM

Our students continued to engaged the communities around the school campus in weekends house to house evangelism and distributions of tracks. This effort is making the church known or have great impart on prospects they come across, and it is also helping the individual students with great experiences on field work and what to expect in the future of their own ministry.

MOTOR BIKES USUAGE

The School currently has three Motorbikes Which was bought with special funds sent to us for the smooth operations of the school. Meanwhile, these motorbikes are of great help to the school and for strengthening location congregations on a weekly basis. As part of our students practical work, they are made to visit local church far and new weekly to preach and teach at where is no train preachers. This effort has greatly strengthened many congregations and has also help our students to grow in the faith and especially in working with village churches. Please keep these young men in your prayers as they travel on bad road to carry the Lord's word.

ABOUT AN INSTRUCTOR

In this report, we will be talking about Brother Fester G. Lee.

During the civil was in Liberia, Brother Fester Lee fled to Ghana and at the refugee camp, he heard the gospel of Christ, repented of His sins and gave his life to Christ through water baptism in September 2003. Brother attended the West Coast School of Preaching In Takoradi Ghana and worked shortly with the church at the Krisan Sanzolee refugee camp before returning back to Liberia (Home).

Brother Fester G. Lee is currently serving as one of the instructor here at the Bear Valley Bible Institute Liberia and he is the current Dean of students. He is married with seven children. Brother Lee is also the pulpit minister for the church of Christ in Sanniquellie city, Nimba county.

APPRECIATION AND 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

Good works in Ibadan

Dear fellow ministers of God.

Greetings to you all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Below are the summary of some of our activities in this month of April 2021.

OVERVIEW:

1. Weekend Evangelism/ Campaigns.

2. Third Semester Classes Concluded.

3. World Bible Follow Up Workers Report

4. Birth of the Lord's church in Elewura Village, Ibadan

WEEKEND EVANGELISM/CAMPAIGNS :

In spite of our tight scheduled in the month of April, the staff and students of the BVBIN & SWSE, Ibadan carried out the weekend evangelism /campaigns using public address system and house -to -house preaching of the gospel in the six centers (Butubutu village, Jago, Badeku, Ajia , Egbeda and Igbo-Oloyin town)in Ona-Ara , Egbeda and Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State and the Lord crowned our joint effort with four conversions (One in Butubutu village, one in Badeku and two in Jago) with many prospects in the six centers.

THIRD SEMESTER CLASSES CONCLUDED :All subjects,tests , quizzes and examinations for 3rd Semester came to an end as scheduled on Friday noon, April 23rd with songs of praises and short admonishion by one of the instructors, Bro.Lawrence Dada.

Fourth Semester Classes will begin Lord's willing on May 24 ,2021, but students are expected back in the school on May 21 and 22 in preparation for 4th Semester Classes.

Our year-1 students are now on Vocational Training in different locations in Oyo,Osun,Ogun, Lagos and Kwara State while the year-2 students return to their different congregations to assist the church for the period of one month. Nevertheless, the selected students will travel with us next week to Aramoko Ekiti evangelization/church planting.

WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL FOLLOW UP REPORT:

1. Bro.M.B. Archibong,one of the WBSFUW in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State reported the conversion of 3 souls during a 3 days WBS seminar of April 9-11 at Atan Okoyong church of Christ and another 4 conversion in the just concluded WBS seminar of April 14 at Mkpara Otop Village with about 376 in attendance.

2. Bro. Johnson Godwin and Bro. Olorode Samuel,two of the WBSFUW in Ondo State,also reported the conversion of 2 souls each during this month gospel campaigns in their respective places (Ode-Aye and Ode-Ajagba)

3. Bro. Peter Ortserga, one of the WBSFUW in Oyo State reported the conversion of 2 young brother from Benue State as the result of his follow up program in this month of April 2021.

4. Bro. Obey Rimamskwe,one of the WBSFUW in Ussa Local Government Area of Taraba State reported the conversion of a young sister in Kpakya town as a result of his gospel campaigns and WBS correspondence Courses in the area. This young sister was converted on April 18 and she have been worshipping with the Lord's church in Kakpya town since then.

THE BIRTH OF THE LORD'S CHURCH IN ELEWURA VILLAGE, IBADAN:

With the help of the Almighty God couple with the tireless efforts of Bro.Dele Shotola and some of the BVBIN & SWSE, Ibadan graduates, the Lord's church was planted in Elewura village, Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State on April 4th ,2021. The young congregation of 9 membership are now meeting at Bro. Gbenga Lawal compound.

OTHER SCHOOL'S ACTIVITIES:

1. Morning and evening devotion : Every morning (5::00 -6:00am) and evening (9:00-10:00pm)

2. Chapel : Every Wednesday (5:00-6:30pm)

3. Fasting and prayers: Every last Wednesday of the month

4. Praise night : Every 2nd Tuesday of the month (8:00-10:00pm)

5. Prayer night: Every 1st Friday of the month(8:00-10:00pm)

ABOUT ONE OF OUR STUDENTS:

Bro. Adeyemi Godwin Sonayon is one of our year-2 students. Born on the 9th of October 1995in Ado-odo town , Ogun State. He is the first son of our late evangelist, Bro. Matthew Adeyemi. He( Godwin) got baptized by his late father at the age of 13 on September 9,2009.

He attended Government Technical College for 3 years where he studied Mechanical Engineering and Craft Technician after his Secondary School education.

A graduate of WNCC and School of Biblical Studies, Abeokuta,Ogun State where he obtained Diploma in Theology.

He is presently assisting the Lord's church in Lusada town,Ogun State. The Lord's Church where is father served as a minister before the Lord called him home on July 2020.

CONCLUSION:

We deeply appreciate all our supporters both home and abroad and we are praying for the blessings of God on all your undertaking in Jesus Christ name, amen.

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

More souls saved in Guinea

Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute Activity Operations Report for March 2021

Once again we have reached at the time of privilege whereby the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute while reporting to her sponsors can share with you the activities that transpired here during the month of March 2021. As in previous reports there are 2 main areas of paramount concern, namely the indoor or classroom and outdoor activities. While the former is a priority, the later carries with it events of equal importance including especially the act of evangelism. All of this went well as outlined in sub headings below.

Classroom: Until the close of March this year 16 students are still committed to the task of studies at the Gueckedou BVBI and this month was the close of classroom activities for the first year. Academic performance for the most part was good. Notwithstanding unwarranted behavior on the part of 2 students necessitated a special disciplinary measure against them. Following this, students are sent on break to resume classes in April.

Evangelism: Those of our students who are assigned to various congregations have always made an effort to increase the number of save souls. This time around it was in 3 such congregations including the campus assembly that we converted 3 persons.

Campaign: In order to help build up the small congregation in the sou-prefecture headquarters of Ounde kenema the Gueckedou Bear Valley courageously decided to drive the 55 kilometers rough road. It was quite a challenging campaign because despite the double methods of open air or public proclamation and the house to house preaching the efforts resulted in only 6 baptisms.

Special Training: Just before we finally closed for the end of first year activities, a special training of 7 candidates of the 14 previously proposed attended a 1 week workshop. The purpose of the training was not only to enable these new leaders of their new congregations to conduct worship services , but to equip them to teach and to defend «the faith».

A Special Social Event: One of our able staff members, the Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute Head of Evangelistic Team, our Secretary and Right Hand Man, Mr Niouma 2 Kamano entered into a lawful matrimonial relationship with Marie Tonguino on the 5th and 6th of the month under review for customary and civil rites respectively. We encouraged, embraced and supported the occasion because of the simple fact that the act is geared towards a good moral needed for perhaps every young christian man and woman especially for those who serve in a Biblical Institution and Administration.

Conclusion: Gueckedou Bear Valley Bible Institute has completed the course study for the first year with 16 of 20 students who initially started the class. There were 3 of the 4 students who had retreated immediately after the Covid 19 shutdown period of some 4 months.

We are especially proud and thankful that our combined evangelistic efforts here at the Gueckedou BVBI have always yielded fruit to the saving of souls. As in the previous month, we did make Heaven rejoice by the conversion of 9 souls in March.

May God bless you as you seek to help promote His work.

Francis

Evangelism in Takoradi

OPERATIONAL REPORT FOR MARCH, 2021

 1.      CLASSROOM WORK

There were successful classroom activities for both the full-time and the part-time students. In our last report, we had seven (7) full-time students and eleven (11) part-time students. God has blessed us with one (1) additional student to our full-time program, making it eight (8).

2.      EVANGELISM

West Coast School of Preaching is noted for her evangelistic fervor, and as such, the greater number of our products are so much involved with evangelism activities wherever they are. In almost all the regions of Ghana, we have our students there who are involved with preaching the Gospel on radio, and with other methods of evangelism. For instance, in Takoradi here alone, we have eight (8) of West Coast products who preach on radio every week.

In the month of March, various activities of evangelism were carried out by some of our students both current and past, and there were some good results. In some of the photos, a congregation where one of our past students is preaching, the whole congregation is going on house to house, sharing tracts and teaching people the gospel.

3.      BAPTISM

As a result of the campaigns, house to house, and radio preaching, congregations were strengthened and perishing souls were saved (about 8).

Thank you.

Yours for the Master.

Joshua

Local outreach in Tamale

We are grateful for the month of March 2021. As we worked collectively to progress the course of the Kingdom of God in Northern Ghana as a school, many activities took place. We had activities take place within the school, Church and outside Tamale town.

TEACHING

We had five courses taught in the month of March, 2021 with the fifth one running into the first week of April. Among these courses, three were taught by regular or resident instructors while two were taught by visiting instructors. These courses are: Scheme of Redemption (Adjei Mensah), Personal Evangelism one (James Mabery Forkuor), Hermeneutics one and Life of Christ one (James Legend) and Homiletics one (George Dassah). The photo below is Brother James Mabery Forkuor, one of the visiting Instructor.

KPALSI CHURCH

The local church in Kpalsi continues to grow gradually by the grace of God. Members are maturing greatly as we continue to teach the whole counsel of God. We continue to also study with the community as we persuade many to come to the light of Christ. As reported last month, the new Chapel that is under construction has become a great motivation for us as a church.

VISITATION

Brother James Legend embarked on a two days visitation journey to Agatusi, Bazua and Kpinkpanyoug congregations where some of our graduates are working as preachers. He took the opportunity to meet leaders of these congregations to discuss matters concerning the church in Northern Ghana and the school respectively. 

SUPPORT FOR PREACHERS

Two preachers; Brother Baaba Elijah and Francis Mbugri who graduated from the school received a Motorcycle each as a motivation and an aid to help them effectively work in God’s vineyard as minister of Christ on the 11th of March, 2021. But for the sacrificial working of our Brother Steven and sponsors, this couldn’t have been possible. The good Lord blesses you, amen.

PERSNALITY PROFILE BAABA ELIJAH

We took a brief look at one of our productive graduate in the field this month, which benefitted from the motorcycle, Baaba Elijah. He was born on the 23rd June, 1995, at Kumasi in the Upper East Region. His parents are Akolgo Akanbaga and Akolgo Akalage. He is a single young man who has devoted himself to work for the Lord. Elijah was Muslim converted into the church. He grew successfully after his conversion and also converted his parents into the church who were also pagans, taking that opportunity with some brethren; they established the church at Sigrigu where his parent and family were the first members. He later saw the need to gain more knowledge in the scriptures, and got enrolled into the school. He graduated as the best student academic as well the overall best student of the school the 2018 to 2019 batch of the school. He is currently working with the Agatusi congregation.

May the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ be praised, Amen.

Sent for the Director (Daniel Adjei Mensah)

Growing in Wotutu

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from your brothers and sisters here in Wotutu. It is a small village. All the saints in Cameroon, and we do hope you are doing pretty well. You are in our daily prayers and we are convinced you are praying for us as well. Life is good for us, even though in this life we are faced with a lot of difficulties. We are holding to the plough to keep moving ahead.

Last week, in the Bear Valley Bible Institute here in Wotutu, we were up to the task. We are making progress amidst the difficulty. The challenges are enormous, from sickness from our students and those in our immediate congregation to those outside of Wotutu.

Students are gaining a lot from the course on Hermeneutics and learning from the science of Biblical interpretation as many of them, before coming to school, misinterpreted some scriptures to others. Many thanks for the course, as it will go a long way to help them have the skills to interpret the holy writ. Please pray for them as they go through these great studies.

We are bent on house-to-house evangelism on weekends in Wotutu and other places. Some listen to us during our early morning program that we call “BACK TO THE BIBLE.” Many will call us and we will book and start a Bible study. Some will come during the day on our campus to ask more questions like the lady I have been talking to. She came right to our campus and we sat under a tree as I explained and quoted scriptures about her worries.

It was a busy weekend in Wotutu as the ALUMNI of our Bible college came to Wotutu for a workshop. This workshop comes up annually and is aimed at bringing our graduates back to their educational womb from which they were all born. I was teaching them how they can make use of their environment. If they are in an agrarian area let them not hesitate to dive into agriculture which will help to sustain them and make them self-sustaining. But the worry will always be, how will they get started? It is disturbing to me because we see preachers zealous and committed, but it is not easy for them to survive in daily life with their families.

PLANS

We have mass evangelism in Bekoko village this weekend. Pray for us as we take the gospel to that community. I will be speaking here on Friday on open-air on the topic of “Obedience and Disobedience in Relationship with God.” Please pray for me as I prepare to help as many as will be under my voice on Friday. Pray that they will choose obedience to God words to be saved.

APPRECIATIONS

Thanks very much for your time, your prayers, and your support. God is watching. He will reward you in due season if you faint not. Do your best to share our report with others.

Elangwe and family

By the grace of God director BVBIC-Wotutu

Please pray for Uganda

The words you have heard me speak among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Brethren, greetings in the name of our dear lords Jesus Christ and Savior.

Uganda is coming to the month (May) whereby our president is going to be inaugurated and to take up his other five years term in leading this nation. Pray for our nation that peace may prevail. Where peace is, the gospel of our lord will be preached, and lives saved. This month has not been easy.

We have had three students sick and hospitalized, two of them have been having their children sick and on life supporting machines, other two lost family members. But all in all we thank God because two of the men were able to have babies last week. It was great news to them and these school too.

The school was able to secure Identity cards for the students. I remember mentioning this on the last month's report. It has been a challenge to them whenever they could go outside to knock doors but we that God this has been worked on.

Normal classes closed last week, we are now taking short courses. This week and the coming one, we will have covered them. We are breaking off on 7th May and report back to school early June for the third quarter. We thank God for the efforts put in by the instructors which efforts are built on a strong foundation of men and women at bear valley that God has chosen to serve him wholeheartedly.

May the almighty God continue to bless you as you support this noble cause of training preachers worldwide, considering Uganda to be part of this program. We pray that God may open for you ways of letting the situation troubling the world to calm down and you come over to see us here at bear valley bible institute Uganda.

Above all we continue asking God for strength on the side of students and courage and stability in their families as they take this two year journey.

Until all have heard

Raymond

Evangelism in Abuja

REPORT OF GWAGALAPE EVANGELISM ON 31ST MARCH 2021.

May the peace of God be with you in Christ holy name, amen.

I hereby submit the report on our evangelism campaign held at Gwagalape and Aso C communities which took place on 27th March, 2021. This school evangelism campaign was merged with Abuja Preacher’s quarterly evangelism.  Preachers’ quarterly evangelism is usually a three (3) days evangelism exercise. In this quarter, the exercise took off on Thursday the 25th March, 2021 to be elapsed on the Saturday, the 27th.  However, the Saturday 27th was made compulsory for all students of Bear Valley Bible Institute – Abuja which is part of her academic exercise.

Overview of the campaign

The Church at Gwagalape hosted this year evangelism campaign. The chairman of the forum gave a brief welcome talk and express happiness in partnering with the student of Bear Valley Bible Institute. We also had a brief orientation on Human and field management by the host minister (Bro, Jinfang), after which Bros. Dominic Dakup, Akpabio Akpabio and Imoh Enag Atakpa also gave a clue on both class representatives on what is expected of us before, during and after the evangelism.

After all formalities, the evangelism commenced by 9:45 am. During the field exercise, all students were pared tow-by –two for effective delivery. Many households were visited and the gospel preached. Topics discussed vary from “Sure way to heaven, the plan of salvation, grace of God and the Church”. Many questions were raised and answers given. Particulars of some prospect that developed keen interest in further discussions were written down on the “prospective forms” which was distributed to all groups and were handed over to the contact person as was designated by the forum in the person of Bro, Efiong Joseph Efiong for further follow-up. No baptism was recoded at the moment but hopeful that in the future, the exercise will bear many fruits. By 1: pm, all participant returned to the worship hall where we were entertained and had our formal closing at about 2:11 pm.

Attendance

All Students were in attendance and fully participated in the exercise except for Bro. Chidiebere Dapper Omenihu who didn’t show up at all and never related any information about his absent to me although; he may have related such information to the Director or any other faculty members which I cannot account for. Praise be to God as there was no casualty recorded all through the exercise.

Thank you.

GIDAN ZAKARA EVANGELISM REPORT BY NYANYA STUDY CENTER 

It has been our earnest heart desire and prayers that God in His infinite mercies will continue to guide and protect you in all you do in Jesus most precious name, amen.

At first, we most sincerely appreciate you for the financial support which you keep rendering to us and of cause, your words of encouragement. We are indeed very grateful.

Morning worship

As it please God the Almighty to shower His blessing and strength upon us, all glory to Him for being with us always. As agreed, a total number of 11 students (George A. Ogar, Comfort Yohanna, John Ukana, Leonard Mayone, Ayegba Andrew, Madalla Harunna, James Etim, Ekelemchi S. Gabriel, Emmanuel Abiodun, Charles Nwaokocha  and our newly joined student who started last week Saturday “Joseph Efiong Joseph”) converged at Gidan Zakara Senior Secondary School, the venue where the Church usually meets.

Morning worship condensed by 8:45 am and all activities were conducted by the students and the worship ended at 11:35 am. The breakdown is as follows:

Moderator                  -             George Attah Ogar

Song Leader               -             Ekelemchi S. Gabriel

Teacher                        -             Ayegba Andrew

Admonition                -             James Etim

Given                             -             Emmanuel Abioduun

Lord Supper               -           Madalla Haruna

Later in the afternoon during evangelism, four more students (Bakari Zakari, Audu Dennis, Omeje David and Udoh Daniel) joined us.  In all, a total number of 17 students participated in this commission. Only two students (Milling Chukwumaeze and Chidiebere O. Dapper) did not attend at all.

Before today, the church had only 8 mature members and 7 adolescents. The lackadaisical attitude of some members of that congregation is nothing to write home about. There was a man by name Mr. Titus Mayour, who was dis-fellowshiped six (6) years ago on the grounds that he married a second wife returned for worship this Sunday 18/04/2021. The Church prayed for him and his family for God to see them through, but his restoration now depends on their mutual agreement.  Some visitors were noticed (Bro. Ayegba’s wife and four children) though not mentioned.  In all, a total number of 48 worshipers stood till the closing time.

House- to – house evangelism

Immediately after worship, we had a lunch prepared by the host after which we moved into the field for door knocking. We had a lot of discussions as a result of message being preached. Many topics were discussed and prospects indicated interest for further studies and such persons with their contacts were handed over to the preacher of the congregation for a possible follow –up. Such a large community but never heard about the Church of Christ.

Sincerely I must appreciate Nyanya congregation for donating huge amount of tracts with different topics for this exercise.

Open air preaching

By 3:30 pm, all students moved down to the venue (Gidan Zakara Primary School), the allocated venue for the event with many passers bye. As a team, we commenced arrangements and by 4: pm, the event proper. We received many visitors from denominational worshipers who posed many questions on us regarding “baptizing and re-baptism, infant baptism, one church as good as others and women pastors”.  By the grace of God, Biblical answers were given although; many of them were not satisfied and requested we should stay further. Such persons were also channeled to the preacher for more works to be done.

Three agents of African Bible School led by Bro. Edidiong stormed the venue of our open air with their reflective jackets and decided to join us. Some of their jackets were shared among us though very limited number. However, while the preaching was on-going, they were sharing / enrolling interested persons into African Bible corresponding courses.  

Most exceptional and worthy of commendation is the ability of Bro, Madalla Haruna to interpret all conversations in Hausa language. Before now, we were perturbed with the challenge of evangelizing predominantly hausa speaking areas not knowing that in our midst are such blessing already. He did a wonderful work by interpreting all our activities in hausa This made our open air preaching impressive.  I recommend him to be used any time any day in whatever occasion as long as interpretation is concerned. The whole exercise came to an end at about 6:54 pm.

We must return glory to God as one of our listeners (Mr. David Shour) now a brother, indicated interest for baptism at the closure of the event. It was already night so we couldn’t perform the baptism ourselves so, we handed him over to the preacher and he was baptized same night around 9:pm.

After all said and done, the whole exercise received a successful ending. Members of the Church were happy at what God had done in that community and wished that we should find time and come again.

May the peace of God be with you.

Thank you.

Great improvement in Sierra Leone!

ACTIVITY OPERATION REPORT FOR MARCH, 2021

SALUTATION!!!

As you begin to read this report, we want to, from the beginning send our greetings to you and your family members, and we pray that the Lord’s blessings continue to find you in all spheres of life in Christ’s name, Amen! We are very thankful for establishing and sustaining this Bible school for the training of more men in Sierra Leone. Just like the previous months, the month of March was a very successful month for us here in Sierra Leone Bear Valley Institute, and by extension the Churches of Christ. This is so because many rewarding activities took place within and outside the school territory. Here are the details according to the major subheadings:

STAFF UPDATE: Kenema Bear Valley Bible Institute continues to operate with two permanent staff/instructors (the Dean of Students, Peter Barnett and the Director, Peter Sahr Makundu who also lectures) together with the temporal staff who come to lecture on invitation. However, we anticipate that more permanent staff will be added as has been approved by our dedicated and hardworking coordinator, Steve Ashcraft. Two instructors (Philip Makavore- English Instructor and Samuel Bangura- Taught the book of Ruth) wOne of the students giving the words of exhortation to our new convertere invited to take two courses.

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. ACADEMICS/CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES: The Book of Ruth was covered as well as Basic English Grammar I in the month of March.

WEEKEND EVANGELISM: Our weekend evangelism program has been rewarding. In fact as the result, five (5) souls were baptized within the month and they are faithfully attending worship at our campus congregation. We plead that you help us to pray for their spiritual growth. Thank you!

SHORT BREAK: Our students were allowed to go for a two weeks break. The break started on the 1st March and ended on the 14th March 2021. This was done because many of our students are farmers and are married men, so since we are in the raining season here in Sierra Leone, they were allowed to go and farm for their families. However, this break was also good for us because some of the students went and evangelized their communities, and as the result eight (8) souls were baptized and we give God the glory!

CAMPAIGN EVANGELISM, RESTORATIONS AND BATISMS

Our campaign for the month of March was directed to Shengema village in Kailahun District, about 62 miles away from Kenema. Eleven students and four staff took part in the campaign which was held from the 26nd to the 31st March, 2021. Prior to our arrival at Shengema village, there has been a congregation of the Lord’s Church there but the membership was very poor and many brethren had drifted away. So upon the request of one of our students, Eric Kaimba who is an inhabitant of the village, we embarked on the campaign. However, for the six days we spent there, our evangelistic activities were as well directed to the surrounding villages such as Gondama, Bobu Gau, Jegbellu, Blama Gau and Sembehun. Our effort was rewarded and the Lord opened the hearts of 14 people who were baptize and 12 other brethren were restored to faithful worship. Please may we continue to pray for their spiritual growth and faithfulness!

ESTABLISHMENT OF ANOTHER LOCAL CONGREGATION

In one of the villages mentioned above, Gondama, few miles away from Shengema, a congregation was established as the result of our campaign as stated above. Some of our many converts are from Gondama village and we deemed it fit to start another congregation there. Our students travel there on every Saturday to teach the new converts and worship with them on Sunday and return to Kenema campus. We designed this schedule so as to strengthen the new congregation till we could get a permanent preacher.

REPAIRS AND RENTING OF THE NEW GUESTHOUSE

We want to expressly state our deep gratitude to God and our sponsors through the instrumentality of Brother Steve Ashcraft for granting our requests in respect to repairing our computers, motorbikes, P.A System, purchase of small Generator and renting of the new guesthouse. May God bless you all brethren for your generosity.

STUDENT’S AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: ALEX YAMBASU

Alex Yambasu is one of our students of the Kenema Bear Valley Bible Institute here in Sierra Leone. He was born in 1991 at Kululah, Kailahun Town, eastern Sierra Leone. Brother Alex was added to the Lord’s Church in 2018 and since then, he has been a faithful brother. He worships with Kululah Church of Christ and serves as a song leader. 

CONCLUSION

We are deeply convinced that the existence of the Kenema Bear Valley Bible Institute is to bring more people to Christ thus we are grateful to God for the 27 souls altogether that were converted last month and the 12 brethren that were restored at Shengema Church of Christ. Our academic activities shall continue to be held in high regard and every activity of the school shall continually be considered with all seriousness and grace of God. 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 conclude, we pray that may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the sweet fellowship of the Holy Spirit rest and abide with us all in Jesus Christ’s Name. Amen! 

Continued unrest in Haiti

Haiti Report – March 2021 

The International School of Theology in Haiti continues to make progress, despite the problems facing the country. There has been an increase in violent demonstrations and kidnappings over the past few months. Concern for our students and teachers has forced us to move classes to a different location temporally. During this last session, which was completed the first of April, classes met at the Santo Guesthouse, a house owned by the Estes Church of Christ in Henderson, Tennessee. In the past (and hopefully in the future), the house has been used to house groups who travel for medical, evangelistic, and relief efforts. While this is not the ideal situation, it has allowed classes to continue.

Mission Trip Delayed

I was to make a mid-April trip, but our local directors suggested delaying the trip due to the problems. Plans are now underway to travel in August for graduation and the starting of year eight of IST. It is hard to believe the school has been in existence for seven years. Through the efforts of everyone who has helped by offering prayers, giving financially, constructing the building and teaching classes, more than 1,500 souls have obeyed the gospel and several new congregations have been planted. God continues to open new doors to reach the lost and build his kingdom. Please continue to pray for our efforts to equip the preachers and teachers with tools for spreading the gospel. 

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.  

Larry Waymire

lwaymire@gmail.com

Broad St. Church of Christ

131 North Broad Street

Lexington, TN. 38351  

All-Fiji Workshop

The weekend of the Easter break is always a special time for the churches of Christ in Fiji. Easter weekend means that it is time for the annual All-Fiji Workshop. Traditionally, the workshop alternates years between the two large islands in Fiji - Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Unfortunately, Covid-19 resulted in the workshop being cancelled in 2020. While many of the restrictions for large gatherings have been lightened this year, it was still not possible for all of the congregations from both islands to meet together in 2021. However, the congregations on Vanua Levu came together and requested that the Bible Institute at Raiwaqa put together a workshop just for the congregations on the north island. They agreed to allow the Buca congregation in Savusavu to serve as the host congregation. It turned out to be an outstanding workshop.

On December 17, 2020, Tropical Cyclone Yasa made landfall on Vanua Levu as a category 5 storm. The damage was incredible, with many residents losing their homes and entire crops. Since the majority of the people on Vanua Levu live largely off of their plantations, this was a major blow to the people. Shortly after the damaging winds of TC Yasa, Vanua Levu was hit by a second cyclone on January 31, 2021. TC Ana was a Category 3 storm which brought heavy, widespread flooding across the island which resulted in flooded homes, mudslides, and road collapses. While Rocco Pierce, the director of BIR, has been actively involved in doing disaster relief work on the island to help with the physical needs of the people (thanks to generous donations from numerous members and congregations of the churches of Christ), he wanted to do something to help with the spiritual needs of the Christians impacted by the storm. The workshop was a perfect opportunity to do this.

The Bible Institute at Raiwaqa partnered with the local congregations of Vanua Levu to put together a program on the theme God is Still Good Even When Things are Bad. The focus of the program was upon encouraging Christians to find hope even during the difficult struggles of life. The speakers came from the BIR students and staff, as well as from the local congregations on Vanua Levu. Five different congregations from Vanua Levu were present for the workshop, and the Buca congregation was an outstanding host for the event. They worked tirelessly to provide meals for close to two hundred people who were in attendance for the workshop.

The workshop was held on April 2-4, 2021. The schedule was:

Friday, April 2

9:00 AM – Bible Class Teacher: Romulus O'Brien (BIR Student) Subject: God is Still Good When I Lose Everything

Text: Job 1:13-22 10:00 AM – Bible Class Teacher: Samuela Tupou (BIR Alumnus) Subject: God is Still Good When My Faith Grows Weak Text: Psalms 73:1-5, 15-18

2:00 PM – Bible Class Men's Class: Petelo Tulaga (BIR Student) Ladies' Class: Nancy Sailo (BIR Alumnus) Youth Class: Cory Pierce, Caleb Pierce, Mosese Narai (BIR Student)

Subject: God is Still Good When I am Criticized

Text: Psalms 41:5-11 6:30 PM – Singing – Atu Tawake 7:00 PM – Key Note Lesson Speaker: Rocco Pierce (BIR Instructor) Subject: God is Still Good When A Family Member is Lost Text: Romans 9:1-5; 10:1-3

8:00 PM – Bible Questions and Answers

Speakers: Rocco Pierce and Jason Pierce (BIR Instructors)

Saturday, April 3

9:00 AM – Bible Class: Teacher: Duru Ketenilagi Subject: God is Still Good When I Suffer Illness

Text: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 10:00 AM – Bible Class: Teacher: Joeli Finau Subject: God is Still Good When the End is Near Text: 2 Timothy 4:6-8; Psalms 116:15

Children's Class: Debbie Pierce, Devan Pierce, Ase Solinadrotini (BIR Student) 2:00 PM – Bible Class: Men: Joji Vuetimaiwai (BIR Student) Ladies: Moana Tulaga (BIR Student) Youth: Cory Pierce, Caleb Pierce, Mosese Narai (BIR Student)

Subject: God is Still Good When I Feel Alone

Text: 1 Kings 19:9-18 6:30 PM – Singing – Atu Tawake 7:00 PM – Key Note Lesson Speaker: Bobby Whippy Subject: God is Still Good When A Loved One Dies Text: John 11:21-22 8:00 PM – Bible Questions and Answers

Speakers: Rocco Pierce and Jason Pierce (BIR Instructors)

Sunday, April 4

10:00 AM– Bible Class: Adult Class: Rokola Naikavuka

Youth Class: Cory Pierce, Caleb Pierce, Mosese Narai (BIR Student) Subject: God is Still Good When the Waves Roll High Text: Mark 4:35-41

Children: Debbie Pierce, Devan Pierce, Ase Solinadrotini (BIR Student) 11:00 AM – Worship Speaker: Emosi Sailo (BIR Alumnus and Instructor) Subject: God is Still Good When We Mess Up

Text: Psalms 103:8-13

3:00 PM – Worship Speaker: Jason Pierce (BIR Instructor)

Subject: God is Still Good When the Storm Rages Text: Psalms 107:23-32

The workshop was such a wonderful and encouraging time. The highlight of the weekend was that ten precious souls responded to the Lord's invitation to put on Christ in baptism and have their sins washed away. Those who were baptized included the wife of a current student at BIR and the youngest son of one of our full-time instructors (Jason Pierce). Beyond that, it was a time in which everyone's spirits were lifted by a period of fellowship and study of God's word. In a time when people are struggling with storms, Covid-19 restrictions, and a loss of crops and jobs, it was great to be reminded that Christians have hope that is found in the knowledge that God is Still God Even When Things are Bad!

~ Jason H. Pierce

Academic Dean & Instructor

Bible Institute @ Raiwaqa

Raising the standards in Togo

Report for the month of February 2021

We give thanks to God who has protected us during this month of February. May the love of God and his Son Jesus Christ be with each of us. There are many activities that took place as follows:

Candidates:

On February 8, 13 candidates arrived from Lome, Temedja and Kpalime. Most of them were not present as expected. We should have a total of 23 candidates among whom 20 should be retained after the test planned by the institute. One of the reasons is that the start of the school year was scheduled for January 11, 2021 and that the institute had problems with the state authorities, whose center was to be closed on January 21, 2021. This news having reached the ears of the candidates, some of them chose to leave for adventures in order to provide for their needs and others resumed their activities in the services to be paid.

Interview

All the teachers were since 2 days before the day of the interview to organize what was going to be done by the candidates. On the day of the interview 13 candidates were present and all of them went through 3 tests which are the following: (1) the French test, (2) the Bible test and (3) the interview which is to converse with the candidates in order to see their level of expression and their family status. At the end of the interview only 12 are selected.

BVBI:

Currently here are the courses they are taking:

1. Introduction to the Old Testament - AKLI

2. Homiletics I - ATTAH

3. God's plan for salvation - Esperance

4. The Ministry of Multiplication (Evangelism) - Akalo

5. The Holy Spirit of God - Cephas

6. Music in worship - Cephas

7. French - ATTAH

8. Acts of the Apostles – Rodrigue

Considering the level of study of the Bible schools in Togo and in the sub-region, we want to raise the academic level of BVBI in Togo. Not everyone will be accepted at the institute if they have not had two years at the church of Christ or if they have not followed the Saturday courses.

Class:

Saturday classes continue even though BVBI classes are off. Currently there are 10 students in Kpalime, 10 students in Lome and 10 students in Temedja. 

Teachers:

Bear Valley Institute in Kpalmie has organized a refresher course for the Saturday school teachers and Bear Valley teachers to help them improve their work.

Challenges:

Every Wednesday from 9:00 to 10:00 we church of Christ through the authorities of the city of Kpalime, make a broadcast on the "radio planète plus 95.3". After the churches of Kpalime were asked to present a theme chosen by the authorities of the city of Kpalime, each one has its turn. After one month only the church of Christ is selected among more than 60 different religious denominations invited. The program is: follow the example of Christ. The theme: "walking in the footsteps of Jesus in the preparation of marriage". A family of 6 people joined the church of Christ in Nyiveme. The father is called Kossi and the mother is called Akoss.