Training preachers in Abuja

SUMMARY REPORT OF THE BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE ABUJA 2021.

INTRODUCTION:

The Year 3 course work activities began with an orientation exercise for newly admitted students and general interactions with the students.

REPORTS:

Students;

The school has an average of Thirty-Seven (37) regular students in both centers (Kado 21 & Nyanya 16).

      * Nyanya - 16

      * Kado - 21

         Total = 37

Courses and Instructors;

* New Testament Church Worship -  January 2021 - Felix Ekpeyong

* The Book of I Corinthians - February 2021 - Abiodun Adegoroye

* Leadership in Local Church - March, 2021 - Moses Obakemi

* The Book of James – April, 2021 -  Domic Dakup

* The Book of Romans – May, 2021 - Kenedy Abrotu

* The Book of II Corinthians – June, 2021 -  Abiodun Adegoroye

* World Religion - July, 2021 – Rupert Kukwa

* Life of Christ III - August, 2021 – Moses Obakemi

* Marriage & Family Life - September, 2021 – Imoh Enang Atakpa

* Church History - October, 2021 – Moses Obakemi

* The Books of John 1,2 & 3 - November, 2021 – Dominic Dakup

* The Study of the Wisdom Literature - December, 2021 - Felix Ekpeyong.

Evangelism Campaigns:

There are Six (6) evangelism campaigns in the period under review. The summary is listed below;

  April                  -   Gidan Zakara       (1 baptism)

 July, 2021         - Adon Kasa              (1 baptism)

 July 2021           -   Bwari                    (No Baptism)

 August, 2021    - Iddo-Sarki            (No baptism)

 October, 2021   -   Asokoro               (1 baptism)

 December, 2021 -  2021  Aso – B   (No baptism)

Baptism(s):

There were Thirteen (13) baptisms conducted by the students individually and collectively under the period under review. They are listed below;

April            = 1 (Bro Ndifreke Frank)

May             = 2 (Franca Eromuseh and Blessing Joseph)

June.          = 1 (Bro. Emmanuel)

July.            = 1 (Solomon Idoko)

October      = 1

November = 3 (Bro Chukwu Ebuka & Sis Blessing Ebuka and  Sister Chika by Daniel Udo)

December = 4 (Sister Bello Kehinde; Abraham Inyang and Sarah Oshofa; Solomon Iko Oche)

Congregational Visitations:

A total of Eight (8) congregations were visited and strengthened, they includes the followings;

* CoC Gidan-Zakara; * CoC Keffi; * CoC Mararaba-Lokotie; * CoC Jewun Masaka

* CoC Asokoro; * CoC Zhewhu; * CoC Mararaba-Aso B; * CoC Gwagalape

CONCLUSION:

We thank God for the grace given to contribute to the development of the church, as well as appreciation to the Bear Valley Bible Institute, the Elders, the faculty and congregations who have plans to key into the vision. God bless everyone.

A great first year in Warri

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE NIGERIA – WARRI

END OF YEAR 2021 REPORT 

INTRODUCTION

To God be the glory for a successful academic year. The academic year started in April, 2021 with great excitement from both students and the local teachers. On the 22nd of May 2021, the students had their matriculation ceremony which was attended by Keith Kasarjian (Director of International Studies) and a host of others. Moreover, because of other local preachers who could not start at the beginning, coupled with the issue of distance and location, the need for a new center was muted and graciously approved. Thankfully, at this point, one can gladly say that the many congregations in the Warri-Delta axis will soon experience new injection of Bible knowledge as many of her preachers will benefit from the rich curriculum of the Bear Valley Bible Institute.

SCHOOL FACTS:

The DSC Express, Warri Center of the Bear Valley Bible Institute, started classes in April 2021. At present, it has a total of 32 students. With the recent approval of the PTI Center, 15 students enrolled and sat for the intake examination. Consequently, both centers in Warri have a total of 47 students. Albeit, more students are warming up to come for further intake exam.

NUMBER OF LOCAL TEACHERS

At present, the centers in Warri have a total of four (4) teachers namely, Solomon Usim, Abiola Ojoade, Meredith Jerry Owvromoh and Godwin Ojocheogwu. These are the local teachers for now and we hope to increase the number as soon as we have more qualified hands.

EVANGELISTIC FACTS

On Saturday, 9th October 2021 the Bear Valley Bible Institute, Nigeria- Warri students, went for their maiden evangelism outreach at Ovwor-Olomu in Ugheli South Local Government Area of Delta State. After the preaching exercise, the students worshipped with the very small rural congregation on Sunday 10th October, 2021 and three (3) souls were baptized to the glory of God. Subsequently, another person was baptized bringing the number to four (4) persons. The Warri centers continually request your prayers so that these persons stay committed to the course of Christ.

Again, between the 12th and 14th of November, 2021 the Bear Valley Bible Institute students embarked on another campaign that led to the planting of a new congregation at Oghior town, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State. During this exercise, six (6) persons were baptized and five brethren were already resident in the community. Inaugural worship was held on Sunday 14th November, 2021. The congregation is fully established having her own minister, Philip Ayemoro helping to ensure that the new congregation grows. To this end, two major campaigns were held and a total of ten (10) persons were baptized in the year 2021.

CLOSING REMARKS

The year, 2021 has been an eventful year with many new grounds. We pray that our loving father will bless the new centers and congregations such that the labour of love by the brethren who support the work and the entire Bear Valley family will remain prosperous. May our loving father bless you all in Christ name, amen.

Osita Daniel Onuora, LLM, ACArb

Director, BVBIN-Warri

Evangelism in Zambia

Introduction

Happy and Prosperous 2022 to all brothers and sisters in the Lord!

It is again that time of highlighting some activities that are happening in this part of the world and the school in particular. The students did not tire to do the programs of evangelism during the month of December 2021. And as a school we are very delighted to report the following vital signs of upward mobility as far as the school is concerned.

I.                Major Activities

A.    Evangelism

i.                 The school is on recess and teachers have continued to interact with all the students from their respective congregations.

ii.               Bible studies

We are also very happy to report that the students have continued to set up more Bible studies in their particular places. Both the current student body and our Alumni are actively involved in expanding the kingdom of our master.

iii.             We have formed a good team of preaching in Luapula province where twelve members of the Church from four different congregations namely; Kabalika, Kabanga, Musaila, and Kale are working with our current student Nicholus Mulubwa in preaching and strengthening members of the Lord’s Church. In Luwingu we had a two days meeting with our students preaching on all sessions.  

B.    New Babes in Christ

Malachi Chisenga, Ronald kabaso, Albert Mwewa, Jane Mukusa, Mwiza Nayame, prince Lungu, Josephine Ngandu, Onrick Musonda, Seliya Kalenga, Memory and Bright Mulenga  were baptized in the month of December here on the Copperbelt. Additionally we have recorded nine baptisms in southern province through Daniel Kapata and Arclay Kabaya. In Luapula province we had twlve Baptisms through Nicholus Mulubwa and Northern Province we have recorded four through Mathews Mwale and Gershom Chansa. We also have Muchinga Province with Reuben Museka with two baptisms. We pray for God’s continued blessings on the lives of these souls. We had a total number of thirty seven (37) baptisms.

C.    Restorations

In another development, we have recorded nineteen restorations on the Copperbelt, four from Southern, eight from Northern, and eleven from Central (through our current student Lackson Muwindwa and former student Clive kabinka who are doing God's work in Kabwe). All in all, we have recorded a total number of thirty two (32) of restorations.

D.    Up- coming Marriages

We would like to announce the engagements of our three former students namely Simon Nkhazi, Vinicent Simwanza and Hornbye Mupengu; two of whom have engaged brother Fred Kanangu to negotiate the bride price on their behalf. Everything is going on very well and we ask you to pray for these brother as they are getting ready go into holy matrimony.    

II.              Report on covid-19 in Zambia

i.                 The country has continued to record high cases of Covid 19 Omicron variant. The pandemic started becoming worse towards the end of 2021. We are currently battling with this variant, which is more contagious and spreading fast across our communities.

ii.               Following the up-swing in transmissions of Covid-19 in Zambia, government has placed some restrictions throughout the country. The nation of Zambia is not yet locked down compared to some neighboring countries which are on lockdown.

iii.             Sunday church services have been restricted to only an hour. And wearing masks during services is mandatory.

iv.              Government has postponed the reopening of primary and secondary schools which was scheduled for 10th January 2022 to 24th January 2022 due to a surge in Covid 19 cases. According to the Minister of General Education, the decision to postpone the reopening has been made to allow more children to get vaccinated against Covid 19. Meanwhile the fumigation of public buildings is ongoing. Please remember us in your prayers that we resume classes without any disturbance.

III.           Goals for the upcoming month

As we knock the doors, preach on the streets and reach out in our communities, our goal is to reach out to as many people as possible. We have a motto as a school that says “preaching to the world starts next door”. Based on the availability of funds and the way Covid 19 evolves, we plan to go for two weeks and evangelize a village in Masaiti district of the Copper Belt province of Zambia.

We believe that the school is on firm ground on its pledge to train faithful men who will be able to teach others also. The courses that will be taught when the school reopens are as follow:

Church History, Old Testament 3b (Study of Wisdom Literature: Psalms - Song of Songs), Life of Christ 3 (The ministry of Jesus), and Intertestamental Period.

Our Short Courses will be on Marriage & Family Life.

Our prayer is to keep on laboring for the lord whatever our circumstances. You are always in our prayers! We wish you all God’s speed!!

Brotherly,

Cephas and Fred

14 students in Sunyani, Ghana

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE INTERNATIONAL – U.S.A 

SUNYANI CAMPUS

BRONG AHAFO COLLEGE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES 

REPORT FOR FOURTH QUARTER (OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER, 2021). 

DATE: 5th January, 2022

1. SHORT COURSES BIBLE INSTRUCTORS AT THE SUNYANI CAMPUS DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2021:  

1. Daniel Kyereh-Mensah (Local Director and Bible Instructor)

2. Thomas Gyabaa (Bible Instructor)

3. Rexford Agyare-Minta (Bible Instructor)

1. EXAMINATIONS: 

1. Life of Christ 3 – Rexford Agyare-Minta

2. Daniel Kyereh Mensah – Resist Exams on Christian Evidence and Homiletics

3. Thomas Gyabaa – Denominational Doctrine.

4. Thomas Gyabaa – 1st Corinthians

5. Thomas Gyabaa – 2nd Corinthians

1. COURSES THAT WERE TAUGHT DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER: 

1. Church History – Daniel Kyereh Mensah

2. Galatians – Thomas Gyabaa

3. Life of Christ 4. Please if was reported in the 3rd Quarter that Rexford Agyare-Minta was to teach the New Testament Church. In a later arrangement the New Testament Church was changed to life of Christ 1, 2 and 3.

1. NAME OF FORM FOUR STUDENTS

1. Joseph Kyereh Mensah – Sunyani 

2. Samuel Effa – Berekum - Gyamdede

3. Emmanuel Kannor – Goaso

4. Stephen Ohene Gyan – Nsokor Tain

5. Ekumfi Ameyaw – Sunyani 

6. Jacob Osei – Nkaseim - Goaso

7. Anthony Owusu – Wamfie

8. Amo Joseph– Berekum - Biadan

9. Gideon Yeboah – Berekum - Biadan

10. Nicholas K. Korang – Berekum - Biadan

11. Isaac Serwonu – Goaso 

12. Benjamin Obeng Nyarko – Sunyani 

13. Samuel Appiah  -  Sunyani 

14. Kyereh John – Nkonsia (Drobo)

1. NAMES OF FORM ONE STUDENTS:

1. Frank Adu – Sunyani 

2. Francis Adjei Kwasi – Goaso

3. Isaac Takyi – Sankore

4. Maxwell Yeboah – Derma

5. Nicholas Boaffa – Goaso

6. Daniel Anyibas – Goaso

7. Samuel Doe Kofi – Mim

8. Kusi Dwamena – Goaso

9. Stephen Sakyi – Sunyani

10. Ebenezer Arthur Quansah – Sunyani

11. Note: Frankline Daaline has not been consistent as yet.

Ampabeng Godfred deferred his course and is still at the Great Britain. 

1. RE-OPENING DAY SERVICE HELD AT SUNYANI CENTRAL CHURCH OF CHRIST:

To identify with the churches in Bono and Ahafo Regions, we visited the Sunyani Central Church on December 19th 2021 at the Sunday Morning Service.

In an arrangements with the Leadership our students took over all the appointments. By the grace of God the services ended successfully with the Baptism of five souls. Some of these pictures will be sent to Mr. Kojo Acquah Benyi alongside this report.

PREPARED AND SENT BY:    

Daniel Kyereh Mensah 

Local Director 

Sunyani Campus

Students on campaign in Lagos

PREAMBLE

We bless the Lord for the end of the 4th quarter of October to December and the end of the year 2021. We are much grateful to the Lord and thankful for the effort, prayers, and support of the brethren for the progress of the Agege School. May the Lord restore in abundance all that you have spent on the school in Jesus name, amen!

CLASS ACTIVITIES

Class activities are always in improvement during the weekends until any exceptional break. During October Emmanuel Odo took on Research and Writing. In November, Emmanuel Odo taught Revelation and in December, Lucky Uzoyare tookIslam. We are also making sure that we enroll new members to sustain the program in Agege To this effect, we have three new students (Christian, Gabriel and Elijah).

CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES

To mark the end of the year, we went on campaign at Akparadija area to evangelize the area. This resulted in converting a soul that was handed over to the Church at Agege.

STUDENT'S PROFILE

Currently doing advance diploma, having graduated with diploma last year. He is currently worshipping with the Lord's church Iroko town, Ogun State, Nigeria. He has been instrumental to the Church at Iroko town

CONCLUSION

The above report was the activities that went on during this 4th quarter of the year, 2021.

We are so much pleased and thankful to everyone, the effort you have put into the progress of the Agege weekend school: the funds, study materials, prayers, and all forms of support rendered to us.

Much appreciation goes to Steven Ashcraft, Keith Kasarjian, Chad Wagner, the Management of Bear Valley Bible Schools, the supporting churches, the teaching staff, and everyone who helped in this regard this year.

May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all.

We are also putting much effort to maintain the school's progress and the true doctrine of Christ until He comes back.

We shall never forget to thank our Lord for you in all the good plans you have for the Lord's work. Also, pray with us all the time.

Report by Odo, Emmanuel Chukwuka of Bear Valley Biblenstitute, Agege, Lagos

A great year in Arusha

Grace and Peace to you friends.

As we begin an exciting new year, let's take a moment to appreciate an overview of some things that God accomplished in Tanzania last year:

2021 YEAR IN REVIEW

• 478 Precious souls baptized into Christ

• 305 Erring brothers and sisters restored to the faith

• 30 Total students at the Andrew Connally School of Preaching

• 16 Graduates from our Bachelor program

• 1 Master graduate

• 15 New congregations planted in East Africa

• 1 Congregation restored

• 1 New Bible School established

• 2 Camps hosted at ACSOP

In addition to all of this, construction of the Cy Stafford School of Leadership was completed. What a year! We're looking forward to an even better year this year, and we're thankful that you are a part of it.

Daniel Gaines

Mark Reynolds teaches in Tirupati, India

Respected beloved brother greetings to you in the most holy and precious name of Jesus Christ. We pray that this letter may serve us to find you good health. Brother, we had wonderful time with Mr. Mark Reynolds while he was with us in India. We feel as it is our responsibility to give you report concerning his gracious visit.

Christian Growth Bible Seminar:-      This year  2022  on January 7th and 8th

( Friday&Saturday) we have selected the book of Acts in order to study 10 sermons by 10 speakers. We are happy to report you that two lectures were presented by Mr. Mark Reynolds in our Bible Seminar( Third Missionary Journey and Unstoppable Gospel). We had 136 people attendance for the seminar. Most of them were  local preachers who would be teaching these lessons at their own local churches.

Teaching at Bear Valley Bible Institute extension Centre-Tirupati:- We would like to share with you that Mr. Mark Reynolds has given an excellent teaching at BVBI. He taught the prison epistles , he has provided very good notes. He  conducted daily  examinations, he has given memory work , checked note books etc.. beside our 20 students some of the church members and local preachers,  our teaching staff and non teaching staff  were able to attend for the classes and studied with Mr. Mark. We had more than 50 people attendance in the class daily. We don’t have words to write how much we have been enjoyed the classes. We are thankful to Mr. Mark for his excellent teaching and great encouragement that he has provided by the word of God.

BVBI-Hostel visiting:- Brother, we could able to invite Mr.Mark to the hostel building , he felt so happy to see the beddings ,chairs, little tables, trunk boxes etc…he wondered about the students who have travelled from 1200 miles , 600 miles ,500 miles etc…

Visiting my Native village:- While we were travelling back from Vidyanagar on Sunday we stopped at my native village Jangalapalli. My brother Elisha is preacher there. Mr. Mark has visited my brother’s family and able to visit the HHI Agricultural garden, the bore well and the new church building which is under the construction. The members from the village congregation have been much encouraged by Mr. Mark’s prayer and presence.

WVBS-Projector :-We feel so privileged to received the Nebula Mars II P projector and three hard  disks filled with hundreds of lessons from WVBS. We express our gratitude and thanks from the bottom of our hearts to WVBW. It seems that we can run a university by teaching this wonderful material. We were wondering how Mr. Mark has carried this projector case all the way from US. We sincerely appreciate him and thankful to BVBI for providing this wonderful boon for our extension centre.

We take this opportunity to express our thanks to the elders of Bear Valley Church  of Christ for their your willingness to send such a dedicative staff to our place. Our Indian people have been wondering and much impressed about your great love and real sacrifice to work with us even at this time of covid-19 dangerous situation . We convey a biggest thank to you brother for all your arrangements. We love and appreciate your love.

Thanking you.

Yours brother in Christ.

Vijay , the extension Centre In charge at Tirupati-India

Doing the best they can in Haiti

Haiti International School of Theology

It is hard to believe that the work in Haiti is now entering its thirteenth year! What originally was to be a one-week relief effort became an open door for the gospel. During the first three years, we rebuilt church buildings, repaired or built over 500 homes, fed 1,000’s, provided medical assistance, and shared the gospel along the way. As a result, thousands came to Christ. God receives all the glory for what has been accomplished. We know that we are His tools, used in His kingdom, for His glory.  

After the three years of relief efforts, it was time to refocus. Our focus turned towards building and strengthening the church. Many had obeyed the gospel, so now it was time to help mature them, as Christ commanded, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:20). Thus, giving birth to the International School of Theology in 2014.

In 2021 our students and teachers taught and baptized 207 individuals into the body of Christ. Since the starting of IST in 2014, the students and teachers have taught and baptized more than 1,700 souls. Three new congregations were planted in 2021. They are involved with the teaching and preaching in twenty-five congregations, supported forty-three campaigns, seminars, and lectureships. Again, to God be all glory and honor.  

Haiti is a country that is torn by political and civil unrest and extreme poverty. The gang activity has forced our directors to temporally move location for the classes. This was to protect the safety of our students and the property. We are blessed to have directors and teachers who are able to lead, organize and implement the work. I hope to return to Haiti at some point in 2022 but only if it will not endanger the staff, students nor the work we are doing. Our goal is to train preachers and teachers to carry the gospel forward. Please keep Haiti in your prayers. “…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Larry Waymire

Nsawam school in Accra

Oct, Nov., Dec. 2021

This is to report on the various activities that were carried out and completed in the fourth quarter – October to December respectively.

Class Activities 

As we normally do in our classes, instructors taught as they were assigned. In September, George Osafo taught Research and Writing in the MLA format. Currently, the students are progressively writing the research assignment as he guides them through. In November, Sammy taught the students Elementary Greek. In the outcome, the students were able to recite and write the Greek alphabet. Able to identify the Greek letters and pronounce them with the right sounds in formation or words, two, three, etc. lettered words. They have ideas about vowels, diphthong, accent, syllabification, and the like.

Not all the students were successful in the Greek; however, they have been reassigned for the new class next year.

Campaign & Other Activities

We had our campaign successfully. The campaign was organized in three communities: Mame Dede Junction, Trebo, and Botokora. These were some of the villages surrounding the school at the new site. The campaign was about sharing tracts, introducing the Lord’s church, and directing the attention of the people to the establishment of the school at the new site. 

Observation on the Campaign

During the campaign activities, we found out that the people were happy for such an institution that is about to be established and the church in the vicinity.

Next Academic Activities

The school is beginning the new courses in the next year 2022. There would be a split into the first year and second year. The first-year students are beginning the courses whereas the second year continues from where they have gotten to.

Baptisms Recorded 

We were grateful to the Lord that the youth are given themselves to the Lord. We had two prospects that have been baptized into Christ.

 New Structure for Practical

We thank God that the Adoagyiri Church, where the school is residing, has built an information center where our students will have the opportunity to preach. However, as part of the students preaching practices, they have been assigned for dawn preaching every Saturday at the center which begins next year, 2022.

Appreciation

We thank the Lord for His marvelous care for the whole year. We also received all support in cash, or items needed for the school.

Takoradi school finishes their third term

1.     CLASSROOM WORK

Third term was nearing its completion in December. It was mainly for short courses (Bible geography and church planting 2) and grounds work. On 17th December, 2021, the students wrote an examination of church planting-2 and finally brought the academic year to a successful end. The regular students will be on break till 17th January, 2022 but the part –time students will resume on 7thJanuary, 2022.

2.     PERSONAL EVANGELISM AND BAPTISM

This month has been a busy month for evangelism, as many gospel ministers affiliated to the school engaged in vigorous propagation of the gospel. This included both house to house during day time and public preaching in the evenings for a period of one week. In one of these campaigns, the school supported with our public address system, including some of our teaching staff. In all, about 15 souls were baptized in the month of December.

3.     CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROAD

The road construction which was started on 22nd November, was completed successfully on 31st December.

Zimbabwe school continues to thrive

INTRODUCTION

2021 has come to an end. It has been a difficult year for everyone including BVBIZ due to the Covid pandemic. However, BVBIZ sailed through. God’s hand was upon the school and every one of you to work this work possible. We, therefore, use this report to show our appreciation to everyone who has made it possible for BVBIZ to reach this far. In this report, we summarize what transpired in the month. We shall also give summaries of what transpired in 2021 and some expectations for the coming term.

TERM ENDS

The school term ended on the 10th of December 2021. The following subjects were successfully completed;  Music, Advanced Homiletics, Introduction to Computers, 1,2 &3 John, Community Development and Poverty Alleviation, Marriage and Family Development, Greek (on-going), Christian Spiritual Formation, Church Leadership,  Church History  and Research Methods. Sign Language which was scheduled for this past term has been rescheduled to next term due to the unavailability of the teacher. Great appreciation to the students, the teachers, the BVBIZ board and our various partners for the effort they put in to make the term a success. Students wrote their final examinations successfully from the 6th-10th of December. 

NEXT TERM CURRICULUM 

The following subjects shall be taught next term. The term set to resume on the 7th of January 2022; 

Major Prophets

James 

Romans 

Hermeneutics 2

Biblical Counselling

Hebrews 

Church Growth

1, 2 Timothy, and Titus 

Greek 1

African Traditional Religion

Sign Language

The following subjects are extras which shall proceed by way of seminars;

Strategic Management for Churches

Horticulture

YOUTH LECTURESHIP

BVBIZ succeeded in hosting a mini-youth lectureship from the 3rd-5th of December. The event was organized by BVBIZ students and 55 came. Students and teachers delivered lessons and sermons. The event was well organized and lessons were well presented. The teachers were impressed by the organizational skills of the students. The youth enjoyed the program and were spiritually uplifted. The following congregations were represented at this event; Gokwe, Nashville, Redcliff, Plasworth, Lot 64 and Kwekwe. 

PART TIME PROGRAM

Besides the weekend classes (face to face learning) and online classes that the part time class undertakes, students come to Gweru for 8 days during school breaks. This time they came on the 10th-17th of December. Subjects that were being taught include Denominational Doctrines, Research Methods, Introduction to Academic Writing, Personal Work, Homiletics and Public Speaking. Some of these are ongoing. The students had an opportunity to preach, lead in songs, preside on the Lord’s Supper and chair the Plasworth service on the 12th of December 2021. 

 EVANGELISM

BVBIZ places great emphasis on practicum. In December alone several congregations benefited from BVBIZ students. These congregations include Plaswoth, Lot 64, Redcliff, Marenga and Acturus. There are students who went for Holiday Preaching at Acturus and Redcliff. Reports from these two centers will be made in the next reports. Students who went on break are also active in their local congregations. The Marenga congregation  in Buhera hosted a Fellowship Sunday on the 5th of December and BVBIZ students were called upon two days prior to the event so as to help prepare for the day. Evangelism was done, members were visited and they helped to prepare the venue for the fellowship. Great appreciation to the Marenga congregation for taking care of the students. 

The following statistics are a summary of what BVBIZ was able to do in 2021 despite the challenges caused by the Covid pandemic;

Hours out                                    1021

Devotions                                     431

Sermons preached                        75

Bible Classes                                 61

Total Lessons taught                     310

Counselling sessions                      41

Prospects                                     510

Tracts distributed                          701

WBS booklets distributed           605

Restorations                                   26

Baptisms                                        59

THE TEACHERS HOUSE

One of the tasks that needed to be done was to plaster the box to the teacher’s house so as to protect the structure. Students who have been exposed to some  building skills are guided by their teacher, Ishmael Mutichu in plastering the section.  We are grateful to this joint effort of teachers and students. 

THE MAIZE PROJECT

The major highlight in December in terms of our projects is the maize project. Almost two hectares were put under maize.  Planting was done by students in two fields as part and parcel of their training. 

CONCLUSION

It is with the most profound gratitude that God took us through the year 2021. This was possible through your prayers and partnership. We at BVBIZ wish you all a better and prosperous 2022 even as we all continue to labour for the cause of Christ. To God be the glory!

Siem Reap welcomes visiting brethren

Warm Greetings from Cambodia,

Camping at Darat's House Earlier this month the E412 Center (Bible School in Battambang) visited us and set up a tent camp at brother Darat’s house in the country, just outside of Siem Reap. We joined them in fellowship, food, songs and praise to God. It was a very good time for all of us to get together and reconnect in our friendship after having been separated for a long time due to COVID restrictions. This time together allows us to build up and encourage one another as we drive to maintain our faith and overcome many obstacles in Cambodia.

Marriage Seminar Most of our students are young and single, IBISR invited Wayne and Tami Roberts of the Memorial Church of Christ in Houston, Tx to spend a few days with us on zoom. Brother Wes coordinated this event and it was well received and needed by our group. The E412 Bible School in Battambang also joined in along with numerous other small groups, individuals and families. Many questions were asked to Wayne and the women asked many questions to Tami about being godly husbands and wives. We prayed together, sang songs in the main session and then would separate into two zoom rooms for women and men. We appreciate what brother Wayne and his wife Tami shared. Our students realized the significance of finding a spouse who will please the Lord.

Cycling Fellowship for Women During the Independence Day of Cambodia, most of the female church members rode around the temple area, near Siem Reap, on bicycles. The church leaders used money saved to help the unemployed members for renting bicycles so they could participate in the fun activity. We do this to demonstrate positive example of fellowship in our country. The men even took care of the children so their spouses could join in. We are planning a trip to Battambang at the end of the year so that we can once again fellowship with our sisters and brothers there, while being an example of Christianity in that city.

Chapel We continue to meet for chapel lessons twice a week with Battambang, brother Wes and his wife Teri who teaches the ladies.

Classes We study daily and grow daily in our Bible school work. Being taught truth from God’s word helps us understand our purpose and our future.

Baptisms We have had a good year in growing the church. 12 baptisms here in the Siem Reap area but there are more conversions in the villages where our graduates continue to preach and teach. It is very exciting to planting the seed of God’s word and watching it grow.

Thankfulness We are very grateful for our supporters and continue to strive to glorify God and be faithful in our hearts and actions daily.

Darat Run, Piseth Rin, Pros Rok IBISR staff leaders

Weekly evangelism in Sierra Leone

Bear Valley Bible Institute Sierra Leone

ACTIVITY OPERATION REPORT FOR NOVEMBER, 2021

Full Time Program (A two-year Diploma Program)

INTRODUCTION

We want to begin by sending you our profound and sincere greetings again in the mighty name of Christ Jesus. It gladdens our hearts at once to have been able to proceed through the month of November. Our November report is a good and interesting one, especially with the conversion of souls, restorations, and more formal administrative setup. We are thankful to our supporters and our well-wishers. We continue to appreciate our coordinator, brother Steve Ashcraft for his readiness at all times to be involved in the affairs of the Kenema Bear Valley Bible Institute. We are joyous as we share our report with you. Therefore, may you continue reading as we give you the report in detail.

STAFF EVANGELISM AND CONVERSIONS

In our October report, we notified you that our first quarter came to a close at the end of the month. All our students went on break. However, the permanent staff who live in Kenema where the school is located were actively involved in evangelism over the month of November. To the glory of God, three souls were converted and five brethren were restored to their full fellowship with the saints.

OPERATION “Catch them Young”

In an effort to continue to evangelize Sierra Leone, we traveled down to Gondama where we established a congregation six months ago Students and staff visit this congregation every Saturday to worship with them on Sunday. One of our active members there, Brother Amara Jumui took us to the community primary school where he teaches and has been influencing many of his students to be coming to church. We held a session with them and preached and encouraged them that, “While they are still young, this is the time they can begin to build their spiritual foundation.” The teachers of the school also joined and were taught the word. Many of them are young and we have decided to “Catch them Young” so that as they grow to maturity, they will embrace Christ through baptism and will be added to the church.

STAFF MEETING

A general staff meeting was held at the school campus. Eight staff attended the meeting and it was so fruitful. Many issues were discussed including the past graduation (October graduation), academic update, the extended program, and the general vision and the developmental projects of the school. We pray that the Lord will see us through as we have chosen to save souls till His son comes to take us home.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we continue to be grateful to God, our sponsors and all of you who are praying for us. Please continue to remember the work of God in Sierra Leone in your prayers. We look forward to sharing with you again our anticipated December report. We at KBVBI do say, “Have a blessed month ahead.” Some photos of some activities are attached below:

Accra finishes the year with a successful campaign

End of December 2021 Report Accra

The peace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be upon us today and forevermore. Our Lord has been merciful to us from the beginning of this year until this day, December 2021. We are highly grateful to Him and to all the Bear Valley School leadership and the brotherhood that immensely supported the school in diverse ways.

Class Activities

All class activities ended in November. All courses on the curriculum were taught to students as assigned to all the instructors. We had eleven young men present for the lessons.

Campaign Activities

As reported in the previous report, the campaign in the central region which started on the 6th and ended on 12th of December, was successful. Some brethren from the Nsawam Road Church joined the students in the campaign. There were many challenges by the denominations, restricting us for the public preaching. However, four souls were baptized.

Vacation & Resuming of School

Having completed the campaign on December 12, the school vacated and will resume on January 16, 2022. This marks the beginning of the new academic year for 2022/2023.

Status of Registration & School Building

Land

Hopefully, we are almost at the final stage of the completion and issuing of the land certificate. The Land Commission has inspected the land and gotten the necessary information on the finality of the registration.

Accra School

This school has been registered. Currently, we are on to replacing the secretary with Brother E. O. Larbi.

Tamale School

This registration is not completed and is in progress.

School Building

As reported in the previous report, the filling has been completed and well done to begin the casting of concrete but the report reaching me by Ken Building Consultancy is that they have gone on a short break and will resume in January 2022 to finish the foundation level of the building.

Challenges & Planning

The Accra school is facing challenges on their feeding due to the consistent increment of the cost. Though, the school’s authority is putting measures in place to visit local churches to solicit funds to subsidize the high cost of feeding the students. Also, we are planning on renting 2 acres of farmland to grow crops for the school.

Our Appreciation

Our Lord has been merciful of us and we are grateful. He has protected us throughout the year, even in the covid era we have not recorded any victims in the school.

Again, we appreciate all the support from Brother Steven Ashcraft, Keith Kasarkian, Mark Reynolds, brethren, and the school authorities for the regular receipt of operating funds, prayers, guidance, and strengthening us in the Lord.

We thank the Ghanaian local churches for their support in prayer, cash, and food items which have also kept the school stable.

Last but not the least; we appreciate the effort of our instructors, directors, administration, cook, and coordinator for the effectiveness in the progress of the school.

This is how far the Lord has brought us.

We hope to hear from all next year, 2022.

We request that you keep praying with us.

Nairobi school progressing well

ACADEMIC REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2020-2021 We give thanks to God always for you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of Love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ(1 Thes 1:2-3).

The Nairobi school of preaching wishes to give thanks to all who are making things possible here. It has been a tough year for everyone but we thank God too for His faithfulness towards all. Despite all the challenges, the students have been so progressive in their class work and they are really doing well. Their performance is very good and a lot of changes have been observed. Covid really destabilized everything and many church families have been left unstable and some displaced back to the villages.

Evangelism plans: The students and instructors come from a total of four congregations and since the school began, we have been doing rotational evangelism work in these congregations and some of the students began doing evangelism on their own time just after their first evangelism class. As a result, many baptisms have been made and follow-up classes are taking place as we hope for the Lord to make a way. Through the efforts of co-directors, we have tried to expose the students to those congregations in the villages where they help teach in seminars and evangelism works. That has proved some immense growth from the students and how they are putting into practice what they get in class. God willing, in the near future we are hoping to open more congregations in Nairobi town and village areas to make sure that the word gets to many. God willing, next year we will have a good evangelism calendar and students are very ready and willing to get into the fields.

Library: We are so thankful for the library idea and the books provided by brethren from there. The books have added value in our teaching and learning of the students. We have a problem with an office where we can keep our books and other stationaries. Currently, they are being stored in a preacher's house. The books are still kept in the bags so whenever one wants to access them, it’s a challeng. We are hoping to find a room that is big enough for an office and shelves to keep books. The hard disks sent from WVBS have been a great source of learning information as well.

In conclusion, the entire Nairobi school of preaching wishes to thank you again and request for your prayers and financial support in enabling us to get the word of God reaches the entire world. The school is closed for December holidays and we will resume on 8th January 2022.

Thanks. On behalf of Kenya school of preaching: Co - Director Samson Omutele Kennedy Musembe

Student evangelism in Abuja

BVBI-A SUMMARY OF REPORTS FOR AUGUST - NOVEMBER.

The report of August – November with the various programmes and activities of the school is as follows. Students: The school has an average of Thirty-Four (34) regular students in both centers (Kado 19 & Nyanya 15), even though the total number of students is Thirty-Six (36). There are Two (2) students who joined the school (each in Kado and Nyanya Center).

Courses and Instructors:

The followings were the courses undertaken and instructors for the period under review:

Life of Christ III – Moses Obakemi

Marriage & Family Life – Imoh Enang Atakpa

Church History – Moses Obakemi

Books of John 1,2 & 3 – Dominic Dakup

Evangelism Campaigns: There was one 1 evangelism campaign in the period under review. This took place in Iddo village, hosted by the Iddo Church of Christ. Baptism(s): The students in conjunction with Nyanya Church conducted one baptism. This prospect, now a Brother in Christ have been a long time follower of Let the Bible Speak program on Ray Power FM. Congregational Visitations: A total of Four (4) congregations were visited, they include the followings; CoC Asokoro CoC Zhewhu CoC Mararaba-Aso B CoC Gwagalape We thank God for the grace given to contribute to the development of the church, as well as appreciation to the Bear Valley Bible Institute, the Elders, the faculty and congregations who have plans to key into the vision. God bless everyone.

Director, BVBI-A

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE ABUJA, KADO STUDY CENTER EVANGELISM REPORT.

PREAMBLE: Lugbe Church of Christ gave birth to Iddo Church of Christ. The Iddo village and its environ needed to be evangelized, in order to boost the new congregation. For this reason, the targeted field for the soul winning exercise was a village called Gbesa, which is very close to Iddo village, where the Church is located. Therefore, the evangelism program was strategically planned and executed by Lugbe Church of Christ in collaboration with Iddo Church of Christ and Bear Valley Students of Kado center.

Details below: Date: Sunday, 1st August, 2021. Attendance: About 41 adults including 10 Students. Also in attendance was a faculty member, Minister of Lugbe Church of Christ, Evangelist Rupert Kukwa. Time: Total of three hours was spent in the field. No of baptism: Nil. Venue: Gbesa village. Topic discussed: God's Plan of Salvation.

CONCLUSION: Great impact was made. The report was summited to the host congregation for follow up exercise. The program was successful, amidst great potentials for subsequent evangelism exercise and possible conversion.

Report compiled by Solomon Emmanuel Okon and Iyala Felix, Class Reps, Kado Study Center

Uganda School presses on

Dear Brethren:

By all the mercies and grace that comes from the most high, I take this opportunity to bring you the sincere greetings from the students at Bear Vailley Institute in Uganda.

Brethren we can not stop thanking God for the protection he is giving us as his children. Uganda is passing through a lot of trouble. Recently in the past month our city was blasted by two bombs which claimed a lot of innocent lives. We are happy to say that no members of the Lord's church were hurt in this. We say all the glory goes back to Him.

Since the school started on November 1, it has been going on very well. We have had two instructors finish teaching their courses and now I am teaching the book of Job. Comparing their progress to previous quarters, the students seem to be increasing in the knowledge of the word of God. We will not cease to ask for your prayers for these men while at school. Please also pray for their families.

I would love to report to you that through the evangelism done by these men while in school, we are having prospects worship with us. Last sunday we had seven people attend with us and more still promise to come. Please pray for the church here that even if the school changes location, the church should remain here.

Although we have had some success, challenges are also part of man's daily life. We have been having a challenge of water. We take days struggling to get some clean water. And with the city settings, it is a great challenge, but we are able to relate with people and through that, we get help. Because of this challenge of water we had five students become sick because of drinking bad water. God is good and they are recovering slowly but steady.

Continue to pray that we may pass through this Christmas season because here in Uganda it comes with a lot of challenges.

May the Almighty God bless you.

Until all have heard,

Raymond

Local Congregation Shows Appreciation for Wotutu School

Dearest in Christ,

Greetings from Wotutu. We are okay, and we do hope you all are okay, as we start preparing to the end the year 2021. It has been a tough year in many ways but it is not yet time to evaluate the year. God is still sitting on the throne, and because of that, we are moving ahead with all that is in our hands to do. We give all glory to Him for all the successes in the course of last month.

Students in the Bible college are working on their studies but many suffer from malaria, which is common this time of the year. I am also having some problems as I need to see the dentist by the end of this month. Keep us in your prayers. The challenges are always enormous.

As we prepare to end the first year of studies for the ZETA batch, I am on the business of teaching “CHURCH PLANTING (MISSION 1).” It is an amazing course as we prepare the minds of students to break any virgin land and plant the Lord’s church there. In December, three of our students are embarking on a VIRGIN LAND MISSION trip to plant a new congregation. Studies are already being made in planning for a smooth mission where God takes the glory. Please, commit that dream in your prayers.

The Likomba congregation was established during the 3rd batch of students in BVBIC-Wotutu. That congregation paid us a surprise visit last week with soaps for our students to use to wash their clothes. They said that they had come to appreciate the administration, supporters, overseeing congregation, and the students for their weekly evangelistic efforts in their communities. They said that they don’t have silver or gold, but what they have, is what they can afford. It was great to welcome them as the student president spoke with tears, appreciating the congregation for thinking about them and for praying for them. Please keep that congregation in your prayers.

Many thanks to Mission Printing, and especially to brother Richard Renfro, for the tracts that came to Cameroon. Many preachers keep coming to Wotutu to select from the different tracts and take the ones that best suit them in the evangelistic efforts in their area. Tracts, hymns, and Bibles are getting into the hands of the right people daily and weekly. Please keep praying for the efforts of the congregations here as their work is making huge waves in the lives of many. Our French school, BVBIC-Mbanga, was also here to get French tracts and other French literature, as well as other books for the work in the French part of Cameroon. Thanks again to mission printing for making all of these to be available here.

PLANS

Next week we shall be at the annual Bible lectureship which will be held in the Limbe New Town congregation. Please pray for the success of that program.

I am still dreaming of making it back to Chad so that we can be of help again for the churches there. The work is making great moves there. I am having a lot of appeals from the brethren there asking us to please come back. Some bilingual brethren from there are anticipating attending BVBIC-Wotutu next year. Several from Chad have and are attending the BVBIC-Mbanga.

APPRECIATIONS

Thank you very much for your prayers and your support. They are what make this work keep moving. Please keep helping us, as we give God all the glory.

God bless you and make a great day. Elangwe and family By His grace director BVBIC-Wotutu

Baptisms and New Learning Center in Warri, Nigeria

REPORT OF THE BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – WARRI CENTER

INTRODUCTION

The Warri center of the Bear Valley Bible Institute expresses her profound gratitude to God Almighty and to all the great men and women God is using to accomplish the great work done in this part of Africa. We will not cease to thank Bear Valley Bible Institute International especially for the newly approved center at the meeting hall of the church of Christ PTI Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. To this end, the school has secured the services of Godwin Ojocheogwu (Evang), a graduate of the School of Biblical Studies, Jos, Nigeria and the preacher with the church of Christ Ovwor-Olomu in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. This is done to complement the efforts of the other teachers.

COMMENCEMENT OF SECOND CENTER

With the approval of the new center, is working hard so that come January 8, 2022, the new center at PTI will commence academic activities. Letters of invitation have been sent out for interested candidates. The intake exam is scheduled for the 18th of December 2021. The intake exam will be conducted strictly in accordance with the set questions and answers provided by BVBI International.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

The following courses have been taken within the period of this report: September, 2021 – Biblical Interpretation October, 2021 – The New Testament Church November, 2021 – The Scheme of Redemption

CAMPAIGN PROGRAMS

On Saturday, 9th October 2021 the Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria-Warri students, went for their maiden evangelism outreach at Ovwor-Olomu in Ugheli South Local Government Area of Delta State. After the preaching exercise, we worshipped with the very small rural congregation on Sunday 10th October, 2021 and three (3) souls were baptized to the glory of God. Please commit the students, the very small congregation and the young converts to God in prayer. Furthermore, between the 12th and 14th of November, our students embarked on another campaign that led to the planting of a new congregation at Oghior town, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State. During this exercise, six (6) persons were baptized and five brethren were already living in the community. Inaugural worship was held on Sunday 14th November, 2021. The congregation is fully established having her own minister too. . CLOSING We give thanks to our father in heaven for His loving kindness that has enabled us continue our services in the kingdom of Christ. We are also grateful to all the good people of the BVBI family. We pray abundant grace and blessings upon you all as we do the work of the master.

Osita Daniel Onuora, LLM, ACArb Director, BVBIN-Warri

Steven Ashcraft visits Tamale

OPERATING REPORT FOR THE MONTH OCTOBER, 2021

The month of October 2021, was indeed a very busy, well-used, and a very fruitful month for us in the Bear Valley Institute of Biblical Studies in Tamale. Busy because we had our students back on campus to continue with their academic activities, as well as us harvesting our farming produce for the school, especially the soybeans and the maize. The busy nature of the month even made it a joyful month for us since we were created to work and serve our Lord. We give God the glory.

TWO DAYS REFRESHING AND EMPOWERMENT

The month of October 2021 started with two days of instructors and Director’s empowerment program with Brother Steven in Nsawam Adogyiri congregation auditorium. The event brought together almost all instructors and directors of Bear Valley Institutions in Ghana. The Coo-Ordinator for Bear Valley Schools in Ghana (Kojo Acquah Beenyi) was also present at the event. We were taken through the standard Syllabi that need to be implemented by all Bear Valley Schools globally. How to effectively run administrative activities in all campuses smoothly was also looked at. The need for consistent communication between schools and the Coo-Ordinator was also dealt with properly. Reporting of Financial and Operating reports were also considered as an important element. We were also taken through some highlight areas on the Research and Writing course smoothly and were told to include it in our courses.

ADMINISTRATION AND ACADEMIC WORK

Office activities are smoothly moving forward in harmony. Working as a team, we continue to maintain good communication in all the things done within the school administratively. There is a great harmony between the staff. We are also able to co-operate successfully and consistently with our Coordinator (Kojo Acquah Beenyi) on issues beyond our capacity. He has been a great support for the Tamale campus.

Between the 4th and the 29th of October 2021, four courses were taught successfully. These courses were; Old Testament 4, which was taught by Brother Albert Tamanja Malir, 2 Corinthians, taught by Brother and Director Adjei Mensah and Denominational Doctrine, also by Director Adjei Mensah and the Life of Christ 3 by Brother James B. Legend.

VISIT

We were blessed to receive Brother Steven Ashcraft in Tamale in the month of October 2021 to look at several issues that concern the development and growth of the school. His visit was a very fruitful one as many things were discussed on administration, academic issues as well as the Kpalsi South congregation. He also while he was here in Tamale, hosted three brothers from Togo to discuss the progress of work in Togo. We in Tamale were blessed to establish a great relationship with our brethren from Togo. His visits to Tamale always bring us many positive benefits. We continue to wish him and his family well in all their days as they work tirelessly and sacrificially to progress the course of Christ in Africa and the world at large.

FUNERAL

One of our hardworking students who was enrolled into this current batch of students couldn’t return back to school when the school reopened. He was taken on by a short ailment just one week after school resumed and he couldn’t join his colleagues. He passed on in that same month. The Director, the staff and some of the students attended the funeral. A donation was made to support the family. He is in the person of Brother Batimor Philemon. It is our hope that he has done the will of our Lord while he was on earth. Amen.

BENEVOLENCE

Brother Joseph Ayimbila, a brother from Agatusi community in the Upper East Region who is residing in Tarkwa in the Western Region came to seek medical treatment for his wife at the St. Lucy Hospital. It became difficult and he had to come and lodge at the school for some period of time for the doctors to handle the situation. He became very motivated and happy about the great investment made in Tamale to train up preachers to go preach the Gospel. So, he purchased one (1) box of pens to support the school and the students.

SCHOOL FARM

Harvesting of the school farms produce was done successfully in the month of October, 2021. The soybeans which we did at Sanguli and that of the Maize at Chamba respectively. We did five acres of each of these crops. The harvesting of the Soybeans brought together several congregations in the Sanguli, Zabzugu and Tatale Area. Congregations like Nbolado, Zabzugu, Jomoani, Osonado, Bipkajab, Kparibontaabo, Nkpani and Sanguli. It was a great communal labor that we organized to do the harvest. It brought together 16 preachers of the Lord’s church that are all products of Bear Valley Institute. We had a great fellowship together and also took the opportunity to charge them to all work in the interest of the school and the Lord’s Church. We took the privilege to canvas for students for our next batch. Brethren were happy to be of help to the progress of the school. In all we had 10 ½ bags of soybeans to the glory of the Lord. These 10 and half bags of soybeans were to be sold now, we are going to get about ₵4,000.00, A profit of ₵1,500.00 and more because ₵2,500.00 was invested in it. If stored for a period of time, we are likely to get a 100% profit of our investment.

The Maize at Chamba on the other hand couldn’t produce much because of the rain pattern. However, we had about five bags of maize which if sold now, could produce an amount of about ₵1,300. This will mean, we didn’t realize any profit from the maize because of the rain pattern. ₵2,500.00 as well was invested in the Maize farm of five acres respectively. In all, it would still mean, we haven’t run at loss in the investment we made on the farming project. There is the likelihood that we will make a profit more than ₵1,500.00 in totality. It is a good beginning, and I believe we can do better if we choose to continue in the coming years with the help of God.

Note; these farming projects have the potential of helping us have fellowship with our past students as well as an avenue we could use to recruit students if utilized properly.

SOUTH KPALSI CONGREGATION

We glorify the Lord for His kind mercies and grace upon the Kpalsi South congregation. One soul was added to the Church in the month of October, 2021. We give God the glory for His saving grace.

PERSONALITY PROFILE

A 23 years old young man Emmanuel Balefam from Gbingbani in the Bunkpurugu Yunyoo district of the North East Region is the person we profiled in the month of October.

Born by Yadabe Balefam Samuel and Tibiana Balefam, who are both members of the Lord’s Church in Gbingbani is a very tall slim young man that have chosen to educate himself in the Bible (in Bear Valley Tamale current batch) and to preach the saving Gospel of Christ to the world. His parents were Christians before he was born.

His father encountered the gospel of Christ in 1998 when he was on his way to another community to perform a sacrifice to his gods. According to him, though that very day he didn’t give his life to Christ, his heart was troubled. He went further to perform his sacrifice, but not with joy. Some weeks later, he encountered another group of people of the Lord’s church preaching the saving grace of God in his village. This time around, he gave himself up for baptism. From there, the church was established at Gbingbani. His wife also got baptized and his children as well. Making his whole family a Christian home.

Brother Emmanuel Balefam was therefore born into a Christian home and it wasn’t difficult for him to come to Christ. In Northern Ghana, if the family head isn’t a Christian, sometimes, it will be very difficult converting members of the family. Emmanuel gave his life to Christ on August 10th, 2017.

Emmanuel is a Senior High School graduate with an excellent result but yet decided to come to the Bible college. The preacher for the Gbingbani congregation, though not a trained preacher, left the congregation in 2019, and it was then difficult for them to be able to worship the Lord properly. Upon completing Senior High, he negotiated with his father to come to the Bible college, so he could come and be of help to the congregation. When he had decided to come to the Bible College, one of our past students (Bintim Eric) got engaged with the congregation at Gbingbani, yet brother Emmanuel said, no turning back. While in the college, the earlier parts of this year 2021, he had a scholarship he had applied for in 2020 to continue his secular education in the University. He decided he isn’t turning back any longer. Emmanuel Balefam is currently one of the most intelligent students of our students. He is now engaged in farming apart from Biblical education. One of my visitation’s journeys with Brother Steven, we went to Gbingbani and his father told us he had taken their preacher to be one of his sons. So, whatever he does for his children, he does the same for the preacher. That man is Emmanuel Balefam’s father. Emmanuel by all standards is a great student and positively going to be a good preacher for the Lord’s Church and possibly the school as well.

Glory and honor to our glorious Father for his mercies, Amen.

Thank you,

Bear Valley Tamale.