Chimala Bible College
Chimala, Tanzania, East Africa

Chimala church building

Purpose:
The chief aim of the Chimala Bible College (CBC) is to train men of God for the task of taking the gospel of Christ to the lost of southern Tanzania and beyond. The CBC follows the principle guiding all the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver (BVBID) extension schools as expressed in 2 Timothy 2:2.

History:
The Chimala Mission is a household name to most anyone who is familiar with mission work in East Africa. Established in the early 1960's, the Chimala Mission Hospital was an expedient way for the churches of Christ to remain in the country of Tanzania (Tanganyika) by meeting the government’s new requirement of providing some kind of “social” benefit to the country. The new mission located on the “Great North Road” not only gave our missionaries church recognition but it also provided a powerful tool for evangelistic outreach. Literally thousands of people have been refreshed in both body and soul because of the Chimala Mission. From its beginning until now, numerous missionaries have served at the Chimala Mission as evangelists, preachers, teachers, doctors, nurses, etc. Today, the New York Ave. church of Christ in Arlington, TX oversees the Chimala work.

Howell Ferguson teaching in Chimala

In 2004, the New York Ave. church of Christ contacted the BVBID about the prospects of offering a degree program at Chimala. The Chimala School of Preaching had been doing a good job of training preachers; however, the elders desired to take the preacher-training offered at Chimala a step higher to offer a program of study which would be in keeping with the increasing educational demands of East Africa. Continuing with the over-all goal of the BVBID to establish preacher-training schools around the world, the prospect of assisting the preacher-training at Chimala was an exciting opportunity.  Already in place were an established and experienced mission and general mission personnel. In addition, Chimala’s reputation as a world-class mission was well known among the churches of Christ. With only minor modifications, the existing physical facilities were perfect for the job that was needed. In November of 2004, David Hamrick, Gary Fallis, and Howell Ferguson met at Chimala with two of the elders and Heath Stapleton of the New York Avenue congregation to discuss the possibility of offering a preacher training degree program in southern Tanzania. After a number of positive meetings, the approval was given for the new Bible college.

In March of 2005, Gary Fallis and Howell Ferguson arrived at Chimala to begin the master’s program in order to academically qualify four existing staff of Bible teachers.  Gary taught 2 graduate classes, while Howell taught 2 classes at the Chimala School of Preaching (non-degree program).  In October of 2005 the undergraduate program began with the first enrolment of students for CBC.  Howell serves as academic dean and stateside coordinator for the CBC undergraduate program, and Gary serves as academic dean for the CBC graduate program.

 Areas of Influence:
The unique geography of the country naturally divides the northern from the southern part of Tanzania. Therefore, as the Andrew Connally School of Preaching serves northern Tanzania and surrounding areas, the Chimala Bible College serves southern Tanzania extending its influence also into Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, and the Republic of Congo.

For More Information about the Chimala Mission Visit the Following Web site:
http://www.chimalamission.com/

http://www.cmhcbc.org/index.htm

For Information about Tanzania Visit the Following Web sites:
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2843.htm
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/africa/tanzania
http://www.tanzania-web.com/home2.htm
           

Visiting teacher and general visitors please read the following guide:
Chimala Bible College Vistor's Guide