Over 400 lay pastors, church workers and street pastors graduated from the Oral Bible School for Non-readers; to mark the close of the 2019 / 2020 academic year which begun on 25th March, 2019. The graduation ceremonies were held in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region and Asamankese in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The total number of students who enrolled for the program for both levels were 440. Out of this, 311 were level 1 students and 129 were level 2 students.

Most of the graduands have never been to a formal school before, therefore, wearing the gown for the first time was like having a blind paint class professor. To most of them the idea of graduating or receiving a certificate was a far-fetched thought because of the financial implication. On the graduation day, they sang out loud, praising the Lord and danced merrily to the songs.

In his address to the students during the graduation ceremony, Dr. Gregg Quiggle, the Dean of the Study Abroad program at Moody Bible Institute said: “When you are teaching, work very hard to make sure what you preach is from the Bible. Do not preach what you think. Preach what the Bible says. The Bible is the Word of God. It is the work of the Holy Spirit and it is what He uses to change us. God uses preaching taken from the Bible!”. He urged the students to make use of the lessons they have learnt during the course of their study as tools for transforming the communities in which they find themselves.

Rev. Theodore Mensah Asare, the President and Founder of Theovision International expressed his appreciation for the profound support from Moody Bible Institute and for making it possible for oral preference learners to have the opportunity to study the Bible in a language they can understand. He reminded the graduands of the honor in successfully going through the program and the responsibilities ahead of them. He encouraged these fresh graduates not to sit on their knowledge, “It’s our prayer that you will diligently apply the knowledge you have gained through this Oral Bible School and that you are well equipped to work in your various ministries“.

This partnership between Theovision International and Moody Bible Institute has enabled many underprivileged adults in rural areas to learn more about the Bible. As a result, students after their knowledge gained, are able to teach and preach in their various communities they live in. With a success rate above 80%, the Moody Bible Institute collaboration has helped over 1000 people in the last three years. Individuals have gained the confidence to preach the Word of God and teach others about the Word of God. With their education, they are able to be exemplary figures in their community as they help their neighbours understand what they learn in the Bible through group discussions.

As the Oral Bible School targets underprivileged individuals, some of the students enrolled in the course included street preachers. In Ghana, there are many people who may or may not be qualified to spread the Word of God. Unfortunately, their understanding of the Word may or may not be accurate. By targeting this group of preachers, it has helped many communities that do not have access to the Word of God gain accessibility to the unadulterated understanding of who God is. About 10% of this recruit have been monitored.

A large amount of Street Preachers who attended the school, many have testified that they’ve had a change of heart. Due to this change, they have a better judgement to pursue the work God has placed on them. Also, church workers and Pastors in rural communities have had a great share of improvement by enrolling in the Oral Bible School.

Many church branches have been established in different towns and villages and overseen by Moody School grandaunts. Many church workers have been able to gain the confidence to speak in public and preach the Word of God accurately. And, church members are increasing in the various church locations as they are being taught to their understanding.