July 20, 2009

I have the pleasure to write, and report to you my work with Swedru International Bible Institute. I wish you God’s grace, mercy, love and that the redeeming work of Christ Jesus on the cross of Calvary continues to follow you. I am hopeful that all is well with you too.

The second academic term (May – July 10) was quite a busy and challenging. The academic work coupled with graduation preparation made my schedule hectic. The students received instructions in courses such as Homiletics, Epistles of Thessalonians, Philippians, Colossians & Philemon, John, Peter, Galatians and Topical Preaching. All these courses were taught and completed.

On the 7th of July, Jerry V. Hogg, of Knoxville, Tennessee, a long time missionary to South Africa visited us. It was Jerry’s first visit to Ghana. Jerry, dean of African Training Department of SUNSET INTERNATIONAL BIBLE INSTITUTE, served as the guest speaker for the institute graduation, which took place on the 11th of July 2009. His visit was really enjoyed by the student body, the faculty and the brotherhood as well. The graduation attracted over two hundred and forty (240) people. It was a big success.

Graduation Picture - 1 PDF

Graduation Picture - 2 PDF

The Swedru International Bible Institute was able to graduate seven students who had gone through about forty two (42) courses over the last two years they spent in the school. The names of the students seen in the picture from left to right are Isaac Yeboah, Isaiah Amankwannor, David Ankamah, Matthew Kerekou Attitsogbui, Paul Essel, Theophilus Najombu and Samuel Adjei Damesi. Among these students, four had already accepted a full-time preaching position and are in their posts.

It is also regrettable to inform you that the Swedru International Bible Institute lost one of our dear brother, preacher and administrator by name John Adjei Nyarkoh. John passed away to be with his Lord on the 25th of June 2009. John graduated from SIBI in July 2006, and had since been an administrator of the school. John’s death was so sudden and least expected. He was ill for a short time, and left behind a wife and two little boys of 10 and 7 years of age. John is not buried yet. His body lies in the mortuary and his burial is scheduled to take place on the 29th of August 2009. Please keep the family in your prayers.

With the construction of the student’s dormitory, the block work is almost completed. However, we have run out of funds and construction work is brought to a halt. Your financial generosity will be needed to get the dormitory completed. I, therefore, will like to use this medium to appeal to you to consider helping us to get the building constructed.

Let me conclude this letter by saying big thank you for your prayerful and financial support to my ministry with the Swedru International Bible Institute. The success of such a ministry can directly be attributed to your contributions. Keep on aiding me and my work. My prayer for you is long and fruitful life in the vineyard of the Lord, and His manifold blessings upon your life.

In Christian Service

David C. Essuman