By the Numbers

April 2007

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History

The roots of Chimala Bible College came into existence in 2004 when Ralph Williams from Terrell, Texas visited the Church at New York Avenue trying to raise support for his work with Bear Valley satellite schools.  The leadership with Chimala understood that many in the church in southern Tanzania desired further training and Biblical education, and at that time Ralph was contacted to see if he could set up a meeting with the appropriate persons to perhaps start the Bear Valley program in Chimala.  Within a couple weeks David Hamrick, Gary Fallis, and Ralph Williams associated with Bear Valley, met with Bill Stinson (elder at New York Avenue), Robert and Heath Stapleton concerning establishing this program in Chimala.  Then, slowly, from there we continued to have meetings in the States, and then in late 2004, David Hamrick, Gary Fallis, Howell Ferguson, Ralph Williams, Jim Gragg (elder at NYA), Bill Stinson, and Heath and Darrin Stapleton, met several times in Chimala, laying the foundation for the establishment of this work.

During those meetings it was determined that $30,000.00 would need to be raised for certain construction, and Lord willing the school was to officially start in March 2005.  At that time Howell Ferguson, who had become the Coordinator and Academic Dean of the Chimala branch, and Gary Fallis made a second trip to Chimala, to officially start the graduate program, with a total of four students: Bernard Kulanga, Joshua Mwakyasima, Jason Stapleton and Clint Brown.  The idea was that Gary Fallis would work to get these four men academically qualified to teach at the undergraduate program before it would officially start in September 2005.

Our prayers were answered quickly in late 2004 and the money for the construction was raised faster than we ever imagined. The construction then started and was officially finished in September 2006.  The undergraduate program started in October 2005, with 12 students. 

Purpose

The purpose of Chimala Bible College is to further train and educate the leaders of the church in Tanzania, and the surrounding nations. And to give and equip the young leaders of the church with the knowledge needed to stand firm upon the scriptures, against false doctrine, and able to take the gospel to a lost and dying world.

Needs

We would like to thank those who have donated to purchase needed equipment and supplies for Chimala. Right now we feel we have almost everything we need to make this new project a success.

However, we do continue to need individuals or congregations willing to support preaching students at Chimala Bible College. Right now we have a list of 30-35 young men from Malawi and Zambia who desire to join the college in January, 2008 in order to increase their Biblical education and training. In order to pay for their student visas and immigration fees we need to raise about $150.00 per student. We also need to raise about $100.00 a month to pay for their school materials, shelter, food, medical care and a little pocket money. If you are interested in helping a student please contact Howell Ferguson or Heath Stapleton at:

 chimalaheath@yahoo.com.

The average personal annual income for most east/central African nations is well below $500.00 a year. Over the years for young "Timothys" in Africa, who wanted to increase their education, the church would bring them to America at a great cost. Then there is always the fear that the one brought back to America may never return to their home. With the Bible College at Chimala we can give young men the ability to get the same training and education in Chimala as they would get in our schools in America. Therefore, please keep this work in your prayers, and if possible, please consider supporting a student.

Construction of College Dorms

June 2006

Howell Ferguson

The Ferguson Report