Mr. Ernest Ansah, a 53 year old man, is one of the students who graduated Level 2 of the Oral Bible School program in Ghana this year (2019). Like most of his colleagues, Ernest cannot read, yet has a deep seated desire to serve the lord as a Minister in His Church. Ernest’s inability to read is not just because he is not schooled, but also because he is visually impaired. Ernest Ansah was not born blind. Fifteen years ago, he unfortunately lost his vision as a result of a severe motor accident. As a result, he hasn’t been able to fulfill his dream of acquiring Biblical Training in a regular Theological Institution over the years.

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With the help of the Oral Bible School, many Christians living in very remote communities have been equipped to properly teach the Word of God. These prospective students are either recommended by Pastors or Church Leaders or carefully selected by the Theovision Field Ministries team through series of interviews at their various locations. This is to ensure that only those who meet our criteria are chosen for this Oral Bible School Journey. Shortlisted students who took part in this year’s course varied from Pastors, Church Leaders, Small Scale Farmers, Cab Drivers, Bible Listening Group leaders and many others. Within a year, students were engaged in various Lessons/Topics chosen from the Moody Bible Institute Curriculum that were translated and recorded in audio form by Theovision International. Students also took periodic tests during this period on their mobile phones.

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This partnership between Moody Bible Institute and Theovision International has made it possible for Ernest Ansah and many other oral preference learners, to graduate on to mainstream Ministry with all the resources they need to impact the lives of others. Years ago, Ernest didn’t believe he could even afford to attend any school of any sort, but God made a way. Today Ernest has successfully completed the Theological Training he has always dreamed of.

A total of 440 Students, comprising of 270 Level 1 students and 170 Level 2 Students completed the Oral Bible School this year (2019). Out of the 440 Students that graduated this year, there were three (3) visually impaired students who have completed Level 2. The Graduation Ceremonies were held for these separate batches of Students on January 24^th and January 26^th 2019, in Kumasi and Asamankese respectively. The ceremonies were both colourful and full of joy; graduands danced as music played in the auditoriums and family members, filled with smiles and excitement, smiled as the cameras glanced through the crowd.

Ernest was no exception. He walked into the room, head held high, chest puffed out, proud to be called a graduate. As the Dean of students mentioned his name, I watched as his eyes were almost tearing, as his son held his hand and led him to take his certificate. His face lit up like sunshine. Nothing beats such an amazing feeling; to witness the impact of the Moody School of the Bible on these rural Ministers of the Gospel was just heartwarming.

Rev. Theodore Asare, the President of Theovision International, in his address to the graduates pointed out a few things that motivated all that were gathered to witness the occasion. He encouraged each graduate to continually allow God’s Word to dwell in them richly. “Don’t be an ordinary Pastor; be different! There are so many Pastors out there, but you have to stand out!” he said.

Guest Speaker Jonathan J. Armstrong from Moody Bible Institute, in his addressed to the graduates also admonished them to remain steadfast in the Lord. Quoting from Romans Chapter 8 verse 31, he concluded by urging each graduate to remain faithful to God, obey His (God’s) voice and do what He (God) commands. “Jesus cares about the simple obedience of His followers and our joy is completed by obedience”, he added.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Moody Bible Institute and their donors for giving oral communicators in rural and deprived parts of Ghana the opportunity to become promoters of God’s Word and His Kingdom. It is our prayer that God will raise an army of partners who would come on board to sustain this amazing program and extend it to reach many more people. Amen!

TESTIMONIES

Isaac Amankwah – Student:

“God bless the team coordinating this program, for their good heart and the love they have shown to us throughout the program. Because of their patience and special care for each student, I started level 1 and have graduated level 2 today. I pray that this same love will continue, so that it will benefit student who will be signing up next year for this course. God bless you Richly”.