Berea Bible College, Moshi

Laura Campbell-Preston Student Retreat 2007

2007-07-28T17:22:00.000+03:00

BBC played host to 24 students from the Laura Campbell-Preston Charitable Trust in Tanzania for one week from 8th to 14th July 2007. LCP Trust sponsors more than 60 students in Tanzania through secondary and tertiary education. The students are from disadvantaged backgrounds and are often facing difficulties in paying fees for school. Allan McKinnon (Principal at BBC) and David Macha (Pastor at St Margaret's Anglican Church, Moshi) are responsible for overseeing the distribution of the funds raised annually by Mr and Mrs Robert Campbell-Preston. This kind and generous couple lost their daughter in a tragic accident back in 1996 and have set up the trust in her name.

The purpose of the retreat was

1. To bring the community of LCP students together in a sense of unity
2. To assist the students in their studies with a focus on Maths and English in particular
3. To get to know the students a little better and to share in their lives in a deeper way

Two professional teachers from the UK joined Allan (Mike Mackison and Ewan Carmichael) to ensure that the Maths programme was well covered. David worked with three Tanzanian teachers to teach English. BBC were also able to offer an extra-curricula activity in their new computer lab which was a major bonus to the students.

We had busy days, starting at 7am with morning prayers and devotions, followed immediately by classes through until 3pm! There was of course breaks for tea and lunch but the students responded well. The high ration of teachers to students was a huge encouragement for the students who are more used to sharing their teacher with 50, 60 or even 70 other students! The individual tuition helped many students to take great strides of progress in the week that we spent together.

One rule for the week was that ONLY ENGLISH should be spoken. Pastor Macha was very keen on this aspect and had to administer extra classes to a few who were caught out slipping back to Swahili! This was all in good spirits and the whole week was a huge success.

In the afternoons we managed to do a few activities together with the students. There were games of volleyball, outings the local waterfalls and adventure playgrounds, as well as the highlight for many; visiting Kilimanjaro International Airport. We had a wonderful afternnon there and the students were able to see so many aircraft come and go. For many of them this was the very first time to see a Jumbo Jet, or any other kind of areoplane for that matter.

Training for Life

2007-05-21T23:55:00.000+03:00

One of the programmes that are keeping us busy these days at BBC is the Training for Life course. 24 students are enrolled in this course which Allan has been more involved in recently. He has not been teaching his usual Bible subjects all the same but has turned his hand to being an art teacher! Yes, he was asked to take a class entitled 'Learn how to draw'. The lessons covered about 12 hours of class work so there was a limit to what could be done, that is over and above the limitations immediately imposed by the teacher who was appointed to teach!

The students thoroughly enjoyed the course all the same and as well as learning the basic techniques of contouring, sketching, shading and observation they even managed to learn to draw a horse, a frog, a lion, a landscape, and a portrait.

The highlights of the course for us at BBC have been that Navigators were well received in their Bible overview course and that while Allan was preaching in Pasua church a couple of Sundays past, one of the students called Daniel made a commitment of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! We praise God that the time invested in the lives of the TFL students is bearing fruit. Allan was asked this weekend if he could teach them some more of the Bible in the evenings! Pray for God to do greater things in the lives of the students.

Recruitment Drive for Students in Central TZ

2007-04-28T20:48:00.000+03:00

William and I had a good trip for about one week in late March in an endeavour to promote the work of BBC among the churches of Kanisa la Biblia, the primary church group which we serve in Tanzania.
We were well received in six different centres and we were encouraged to hear of mauch interest in joining BBC. Many are struggling with issues of finance as they worry about how to sustain their families while they study away from home for three months. Others have pastoral concerns for the congregations they serve that they may not be able to survive without their leaders.
Destination Kahama...
Kahama, Shinyanga was the intended final destination for our safari in north central Tanzania. Kahama is a fast growing town owing to the increasing interest of the mining companies in searching out gold and precious stones.
In the area of the town there are two rural churches, each about 13km north and south of the centre. The third church we visited in the vicinity takes its village name from the middle name of the Father of the Nation, Julius Kambarage Nyerere.
The Lord’s servants in Kahama are so used to being visited in passing when missionaries visit that their first question when we arrived was, ‘So where are you going?’ When we said we have arrived at our destination they were overjoyed. We had three short days with them but full of blessing.
Town church packed...
Permanent Christmas decorations and a 30 strong choir brought cheer and blessing to the day’s seminar in Katesh town church where 80 people gathered. Others came and went for the duration & William, Leonce and Allan taught the Word in succession from Mark 12, Phil 1 & Col 1.
It was great to see the growth in this church which 8 years ago consisted in 13 people gathered in a front room.
Recruits for BBC 2007 were immediately forthcoming and the church agreed to help sponsor them in their fees and fares.
Ron & Maria Cunningham have had considerable input at Katesh.
Making inroads past Singida...
The roads infrastructure in mainland Tanzania is still seriously under-developed. Only last month a washed out bridge left 900 HGV lorries stranded in the middle of Singida Region. The Sekenke pass weaves its way up the steep Rift Valley wall but many trucks fail to make ascent or descent on its treacherous slopes and usually block or restrict other vehicles for hours, days or weeks.
Gladly, we were able to pass but not without slippery mud, dense fog, potholes, deep mud trenches and ruts attempting to thwart out progress. Highlight among the hazards was a 1 hr wait while flash flooding attempted to destroy a bridge ahead of us. We were thankful that it subsided so quickly or we may have had to spend a night in the car. Walking through the flood on foot after it seemed safe allowed the Land Rover to be guided through to the other side in safety.

Women's seminar success

2007-04-28T19:31:00.000+03:00

During the week running up to Easter we are able to provide a series of lectures and seminars for some women from surrounding churches. The seminar title was best translated "Beautiful Women" and focused their attention on the inner beauty of which the Bible speaks.
About 24 women attended during the week and although they did not all manage every day they all were greatly enthusiastic about its outcome and blessing for their lives. Mrs Upendo Mmari, an optician working in a local hospital's eye department was able to conduct the main teaching slots. In the later part of the afternoon Mr Allan McKinnon and Mr William Rea shared responsibilty in leading Bible study in the lives of some beautiful women from the past. Naomi, Hannah, Huldah, and Mary Magdelene were the women whose walk with God was of great importance in the lives of God's people.

BBC Bulletin - Second Edition

2007-03-23T00:05:00.000+03:00

BBC Bulletin - First Edition

2007-03-22T23:18:00.000+03:00

We have decided to publish BBC Bulletins at least twice per year and these will be distributed in hard copies to those on our prayer lists and contact lists. For those of you who prefer the electronic version we have made it available to you through the blogspot in *.pdf format. Simply click on the link below for your own copy of the first edition. The files tend to be about 1.5Mb and may be a little slow to download, so be patient! Full permission is granted for the free distribution of these news bulletins provided the source is acknowledged and the Lord exalted. If you prefer to receive a hard copy and are not on our contacts list leave your address in the comment box and we'll be in touch.

Monthly Leadership Seminars publicity hits the street

2007-01-26T22:06:00.000+03:00

Looking back and forward

2007-01-15T20:08:00.000+03:00

2006 happenings

One of the highlights of the year was the part time Preacher’s Course offered every weekend in July. This gave an opportunity for those in full time employment to study the principles for the interpretation and application of the Bible as Jesus demonstrated it in Mark’s Gospel. Magdalena was the first female student to attend a course and she saw this as an answer to her prayers. She had just been given the responsibility for taking devotions in the girl’s hostel at a nearby vocational school, where she is the matron.

Another significant event was the hosting of the Training for Life course, that is aimed at equipping 6th Form school leavers with life skills, which are needed in the real world of the 21st century. They studied subjects such as personal finance and money management, health (including AIDS), relationships and business acumen. A Navigator team from UK conducted an overview of the Bible. They also learnt basic computing and then spent a month in community work. Finally, they climbed Mt Kilimanjaro to test leadership, team work, stamina and courage. It was interesting to observe two of the girls vigorously debating HIV issues with the porters and guides en route. Many of them have gone to Higher Education and will become future leaders of this country.

BBC had its official opening on 26th August 2006 with Mrs Anna Mkapa, the wife of the former President of Tanzania, as the guest of honour. It was a great day of celebration as we rejoiced in what God has achieved in the life of the College. Term started soon after this for the students and at the end of the course, on 25th November we held our first ever Graduation Ceremony.

The future – 2007 and beyond

The development of BBC depends on a number of things; for which we value your prayers and practical support.

1. People needs.
In time, BBC must be staffed throughout by competent Tanzanians, who are equipped to lead and serve the College in the days ahead. We are actively looking for suitable men and women to be developed and trained to be permanent members of staff. Posts to be filled include principal and lecturers, dean of students, administrative staff and the like. One big question is the need to make BBC economically viable too, so that it can operate without depending on donations for the long term.

2. Building needs.
a. Phase 2b
i. Currently we need to construct a laundry cum washing up area for the kitchen to meet the requirements of the students and staff. This will have water heated by solar power. Plans have been drawn up and the cost estimated at £9,000.
ii. Another essential item is a water tower for the 2x 15,000 litre tanks to be positioned. The cost will be around £5,000. The borehole works well, when electricity is available, but our existing storage is totally inadequate.
iii. There is a window of opportunity now open to purchase, for our Computer Lab, some 20-25 second-hand computers from a Dutch NGO. ‘Obsolete’ computers are imported by them from hi-tech companies in the Netherlands. The cost of the hardware, antenna for Internet connection, cabling, Uninterrupted Power Source (UPS) is estimated at £10,000. The benefit of having such equipment is immeasurable for the future of our course work, the student’s technological education and research; and the opportunity to teach local Tanzanians IT skills for the 21st century.
b. Phase 3
We will need to construct five or six apartment style units to house married students and their families, plus staff houses for short term teachers. We have in mind, say, two storey semi detached units, thus housing four families in each block. Estimated costs are £25,000 per block and they will be needed within the next 2 years.
c. Land
A four acre plot of land for a second campus and sports field is available nearby for around £10,000, which would be worthwhile purchasing soon, before the price goes up or it is sold to another client.
A dedicated games area is vital for the health and exercise of the students. Football, volleyball and table tennis are basic requirements for sports facilities.

The first six graduates of BBC, Moshi

2006-12-11T00:15:00.000+03:00

BBC is so much more than buildings, furniture and gardens and for that we thank God.
This year, 2006 we have had the first of our students formally graduate from our college with the equivalent of a certificate of theology in biblical studies. This is a tremendous achievement on the part of the six students concerned. It has meant for them four years in a row committing themselves to setting aside three months of their annual calendar for studying God’s word. This is a great sacrifice in time, relationships, potential income, and requires considerable effort and dedication to the task.
We had much pleasure then in extending our heartiest congratulations and offering our sincere prayers for these men. Please pray for them by name:

Elisante Mtera (Moshi, Pasua)
Pastory Gaspar (Bukoba)
Ahadi Gonanga (Kigoma)
Leonce Kihama (Moshi, Uchira)
Noah Ngenzebuhoro and
Bernard Nsizabira (Rukwa).

As a college we are seeking how we might be able to continue to assist these men in further study at a more advanced level.
Please pray for us as we seek out teachers and in particular as we try to identify a national principal who will be able to take this important ministry forward.
Looking to 2007 we have already scheduled additional courses such as Training For Life, Women’s Ministry Course, Preacher’s Course, monthly Leaders seminars and we hope to be able to offer some computer classes too. This will be dependant on being able to take up an exceptional offer of some computers being brought into Tanzania by an NGO supporting educational establishments like ours. We look to the Lord to make available to us the resources needed to avail ourselves of this excellent option.

BBC's FIRST graduation pending - watch this space!

2006-11-20T23:39:00.000+03:00

With only four days remaining until our very first students graduate with their Certificate in Pastoral Ministry most of us at BBC are either very busy or very excited! Most of us are both! The special day will be held in the church at KLB Pasua and we expect that it will be marked by much celebration and joy.
Please pray for the day and watch this space for photos and a full report on the activities...

BBC on the road

2006-11-11T20:25:00.000+03:00

Despite the fact that the final examinations are looming in the next couple of weeks we were able to take the BBC students on the road for some practice in evangelism. On of our guest teachers from Kenya has been teaching the theory of evangelism in class and it was with great enthusiasm that students set out to put it into practice in the village of Kahe 25km south of Moshi, Pasua where the college is based. This event had been postponed from an earlier date where exceptiona rains had interuppted our plans. The students were blessed on this occasion with ideal weather conditions.
Uniting with the Christians in the church at KLB Kahe, we were about 40 strong and set off in eight groups of five. We distributed leaflets entitled "Four things God wants you to know" as well as two booklets - one being John's Gospel and the other "The forgiveness of sins".
There was a wonderful reception to the 'invasion' that fell upon the local people and a real readiness to listen and to receive this literature. Please pray with us for the area of Kahe that God would continue to build the church there in numerical and spiritual growth.
The effect of the trip on the students themselves was encouraging and on the bus journey home, despite the fact that it was already dark, and the road was bad, there was buzz of conversation as the men told one another of conversation after conversation which they had enjoyed with others. The Lord who has all authority on heaven on earth sent us on this task, and as he promised he was evidently with us in it (Matthew 28:18-20).

Five pictures worth 5000 words...

2006-09-10T01:05:00.000+03:00

The official opening of BBC on 26th August 2006

2006-09-09T23:49:00.000+03:00

After all the hard work and preparation for the occasion of the official opening of Berea Bible College, all waited with bated breath to see if our special guest, The Former First Lady of Tanzania, Her Excellency Mrs Anna Mkapa would finally come. And come she did, right on time, to the rapturous welcome of the gathered crowds.
About 250-300 people were with us on this special day in the history of our college. Mr Allan McKinnon, unrecognisable in his smart dark suit, welcomed the guest of honour and escorted her to the dias for the speeches and other honours which mark such an occasion. We are delighted to report that the day went like clockwork - beyond our wildest imaginations. Speeches were short, sharp and to the point; the timetable was exact in its predictions about the timings of the days events; the food was beautifully presented and tasted delicious. Her excellency Mrs Mkapa entered into the festivites with her whole heart and helped make the day one to remember.
In the afternoon programme after the formalities were past we had a special group of activities to entertain and challenge all who were present, from the youngest to the oldest. Puppets, dramas, music, speaking and singing were all incorporated with much blessing to all. Coca-cola provided us with special sales equipment to make the day a little different and BBC sold designer umbrellas to help keep the crowds in the shade.
We are immensely grateful to all who upheld us in prayer for that day, and who sent greetings for the occasion. The worldwide nature of the family of God was evident on this day as we received so much support from so many of you. Of course more than anything we are grateful to God who has blessed us beyond our wildest imaginations. We anticipate fervently the great blessing that will be their who will in future days, months and years study and prepare for ministry in these buildings. We know that this work is God's work, but done through his servants, many of whom have finished the race and run the course. Their names and their work in 'tilling the ground' are remembered in Thompson dorm, Dalton dorm and Green dining facilities.

Part-time Preacher's Course underway

2006-07-05T11:54:00.000+03:00

Twelve students have signed up for our first part-time preacher's course which began on 3oth June 2006. The course will run on weekends for five weeks through July 2006 every Friday evening and Saturday morning. This course will take the students through Mark's gospel and simultaneously teach some principles for the interpretation and application of the Bible as God's message for today.
Among the students is Magdalena who saw the announcement of the course as an answer to her prayers. She is matron in a local vocational training school for girls as well as a member of Kanisa La Biblia, Pasua. She has been frequently asked in recent months to share some devotions for the girls but has felt ill-equipped for the task. She has already been very enthusiastic in the course and feels it is just what she needs as she shares the Word of God from the Bible with the young girls under her care.
Bernard Elly, the full time pastor at KLB Pasua is sharing the teaching on this course with Allan McKinnon, who is the principal teacher.

TFL Graduate

2006-07-05T11:40:00.000+03:00

The 24 student from thenTFL course have finally graduated from their course at Berea Bible College. We had the graduation ceremony on Saturday the 1st July 2006. The students had a break of a few days after an exhausting climb to the summit of Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro 19,540ft above sea level. Most of the students made it to Gilman's point and were frozen to the marrow with terrible weather conditions. William Rea, a lecturer at BBC accompanied them and was also successful in the climb.
Many of the students are off now to look for opportunites of further education in universities and colleges around the country. A few are having a year out and hope to do volunteer work or work experience. A couple of the girls were able to work at Moshi Christian Children's Centre to fulfil their responsibilites for the social interaction aspects of the TFL course.
TFL and BBC hope to be able to develop the links that have been formed with each other this year in running courses for sixth form leavers in the years ahead.

Building construction and site development continues

2006-04-27T16:12:00.000+03:00

Thanks to the ongoing input of William and Eunice Rea and Joseph Tillya the contractor the practical work of construction and site development continues unabated even although the McKinnons are in UK. The following pictures show the ongoing work in classrooms, water development, and landscaping at BBC, Moshi.

Promoting the BBC

2006-04-27T15:37:00.000+03:00

Allan and Jacqui have been travelling the length and breadth of UK over the past two months speaking about the work of God in Berea Bible College and Moshi Christian Children's Centre. The invitations of various churches, schools and colleges have given them many opportunities and they have been greatly encouraged by the interest of God's people in what is going on in and around Moshi. If you have been able to hear them during their travels, then a huge thank-you to you for your support. They are very excited about the imminent return to Moshi and their opportunity to be involved directly again in their ministry areas. In the meantime they have the 'arduous task' of two and half weeks in the USA visiting with two churches there (in Spokane and Los Angelos) and also enjoying some holiday. This chance to recharge the batteries before going back to Moshi will be a special time for them.
Here is a list of some of the places they have visited: Strathaven Evangelical Church, Lanarkshire; Victoria Evangelical Church, Glasgow; Hillbank Evangelical Church, Dundee; Interlink, Glasgow; 125th anniversary celebrations with Interlink at Hamilton College, Hamilton; The Grange Baptist Church, Letchworth; Doune Evangelical Church, Stirlingshire; GLO Centre, Motherwell; GLO Tilsley College, Motherwell; Netherauldhouse Evangelical Church, Glasgow; Greenview Evangelical Church, Glasgow; Opal Trust, Lockerbie; Bethany Evangelical Church, Dumfries; Rushmere Christian Fellowship, Ipswich; Normanton Primary school, Yorkshire; Emmanuel College, Gateshead; Cutsyke Gospel Hall, Yorkshire; Westwoodhill Evangelical Church, East Kilbride; Olivet Evangelical Church, Falkirk; Abbot Hall, Dunfermline; Echoes, Bath; Meadowview Chapel, Honiton; Springbank Evangelical Church, Campbeltown; Ebeneezer Evangelical Church, Motherwell.
If you or your church would like to have some more detailed information or a copy of a power point presentation outlining the work of Berea Bible College, Moshi Christian Children's Centre, Kanisa la Biblia, etc., then please post your email on the comments section and we will get back to you.

TFL Recreation

2006-04-11T12:37:00.000+03:00

TFL enjoy the BBC facilities

2006-04-11T12:28:00.000+03:00

Training for Life (see previous posting) have been going on with their teaching programme among the 24 residential students. The course has been well received and the teachers have enjoyed the interaction with the students on various topics. The students and organisers have appreciated the facilites being provided by BBC and this has helped for a successful course. The students will soon be moving out into work placements and planning their ascent of Kilimanjaro. A computer training programme will also be scheduled for later in the course.

BBC get their own water supply

2006-04-11T12:09:00.000+03:00

Thanks to sponsors from Northern Ireland we were able to complete the installation of our permanent borehole on site at Berea Bible College. The survey was done about a year ago and when the contractor finally got on site for drilling he discovered that the water was still there where it was predicted to be previously! A good sign. The well is over 50 metres deep and is capable of producing 2500 litres per hour. The water supply will ensure that we have plenty for our day to day requirements as well as a green site with luxurious gardens and all that just for the cost of pumping it to the surface. This will prove to be much cheaper and of better quality than the existing town water supply which can be irratic and is of poorer quality.
The pictures above and below respectively show the drilling in progress and the new well head being established.

Why Berea?

2006-03-22T12:57:00.000+03:00

Berea Bible College is a place to learn the Word of God as found in the Bible.
Our name is taken from Acts 17 where “students” of the Word had the following characteristics:

A Noble character
A Desire to learn the Word
A Daily commitment to study
A Readiness to test the teaching being given

We trust all our students at Berea Bible College will have this kind of character.
You are very welcome! Please contact us if you would like to know more.

Training for Life

2006-03-22T12:47:00.000+03:00

During the months of March, April and into May, 24 young people will be meeting in the new facilities of Berea Bible College to embark on an exciting course known as Training for Life. The course is aimed at equipping school leavers with the life skills needed out there in the world of the 21st century.
The programme will take them through studies in personal financial management, personal heath, relationships, business acumen, Bible knowledge, and much more. The teachers on the course are men and women with a broad life experience in a context of Christian faith and have over 100years of cumulative experience to offer!
The programme finishes with a team ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, whose peak stands 19540ft above sea level. Having reached the summit of the highest mountain in Africa, we hope and pray that these young people will be equipped to scale the pinnacles of life in the years ahead.

Welcome to BBC Moshi!

2006-03-19T00:40:00.000+03:00

This is the news from BBC Moshi...
Berea Bible College has been the vision of mission and church personnel in Moshi, Tanzania for a number of years. Since 2002 we have been running teaching and training courses for leaders for a few months each year and in 2004 God enables us to make the move towards establishing our permanent facilites in Pasua, Moshi.
2004 saw us establish hostel facilities for 40 people. In 2005 we have been able to build a classroom and administration block. We stand amazed at what God has been doing here in providing for the training of the church leaders and are eager in our anticipation of what He will do in the months and years ahead through these facilities.

Please visit us again.