Making progress in Ondo State, Nigeria

Dear brethren,

I ascribe all glory, honour and Majesty back to Our God in heaven above for His renewable blessings every day for His Children all over the world. We are forever grateful to the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver, Colorado for their support and love over the years! The Eldership with all the brethren at Bear Valley are in our hearts and prayers always for this great Spiritual sacrifice toward build lasting legacy for generations to come in Ondo State! I truly appreciate your love and vision.

Evangelism: First quarter of 2024 is very interesting and important to us here in Ondo State! We were able through the help of God to have baptized a pastor in a denominational Church who have decided to follow Jesus' word and His Church! All glory be to God Almighty, Amen. His name is Taiwo Adepetun. l have encouraged him to enroll with Bear Valley Bible Institute, Ondo center! He is now a student of the School. 

Today been 30th March, 2024, The School in Ondo City went out to preach the gospel again in Sabo Orimolade area in Ondo City with the hope of establishing the Lord's Church in that area! We had many prospects today! We are planning to go back again in order to organize three days Open Air preaching there! The people there were very receptive to the gospel of Christ!

In Akure center, We went to Ilu- abo again in Airport area in Akure! As l have reported last quarter, two of our new students are from that area! The Church there need more hands and we are ready to fill the gap! All the students and instructors were there to assist the Church in that area. We are grateful to be useful tools in the hands of God Almighty.

Classroom activities: In all the two centers classroom activities went as planned!

January 2024 - Brother Victor Fasonu taught the book of Revelation, while Brother Godwin Emmanuel taught Old Testament - 5 minor prophets in Akure center.

February, 2024 - Brother Rowland taught 1& 2 Thessalonians in Ondo center while Brother Oke taught Hebrews in Akure center.

March, 2024 - Brother Oke taught Hebrews in Ondo center, while Brother Rowland taught 1 & 2 Thessalonians in Akure center.

As a school, we are happy that our students are in their third year of study! Our God will see them through, Amen.

Brother Philip Iwere is a student of the school at Akure study center! He is 65 years old. He is married with Children in the Lord! He is very matured and courageous student of the Bible! He is happy learning the word of God. He very active in the Classroom and a loving personality among the students! The School is lucky to have him as a student. He is one of the faithful member of the Lord's Church at No, 13 Leo Street, Akure. After graduation, he is willing to preach the undiluted gospel of Christ.

Beloved brethren, as a school in Ondo State! We are committed toward the growth and development of the school. Once again thank you for your love and support again and again! We know opportunity to make greater exploits doesn't come easy! We are determined in our resolution to remain a pacesetter.

Thank you and remain blessed, Amen. 

Fasonu Victor

Coordinator, 

Bear Valley Bible Institute, Ondo State

Warri adds a new Learning Center

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – WARRI CENTERS REPORT

JANUARY-MARCH 2024 

INTRODUCTION

The period covering January to March has been interesting and smooth. The faculty is grateful that God has led us through another quarter without any unforeseen contingencies. The faculty remains grateful to the entire Bear Valley family of Denver Colorado USA. The faculty's gratitude and prayer go to the tireless individuals driving the vision of the Bear Valley Bible Institute by raising and sending constant financial and moral support. May the vision continue to grow and to the ends of the earth.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

DSC CENTER:

Classes started early at the DSC center with Godwin Ojocheogwu discussing the course Foundation for Missions. The teacher led the students through and showed that the preaching of the gospel is a powerful tool to reaching out to the lost in the world. A total of 18 students sat for the exams.

In February, Meredith handled the course Romans II. The central thought is on the gospel as the power with which God saves the lost. A total of 19 students sat for the examination.

Solomon Usim in March discussed World Religions with the students. It was a very interesting course because it opened the eyes of the students about other religions of the world. It compared these religions in the light of Christianity. The comparison showed the outstanding nature of Christianity. The course further strengthened their belief in the Christian religion in contradistinction to African traditional Religion. In fact, syncretism was one word that was carefully explored. A total of 19 students sat for the exams.

PTI CENTER:

The new year opened with Iduh Odike discussing the course Life of Christ II (Mark) at the PTI Centre. The course bordered on the public ministry of Jesus Christ in Judea, Galilee, and Perea which was characterized with OBSCURITY, POPULARITY and OPPOSITION in his three and half years of ministry, showing that Jesus is God through his teachings and miracles. A total of 12 students sat for the exams.

In February, Solomon Usim handled the course 2 Corinthians. The book centered on the regularization of relationship between a member from whom the church withdrew fellowship. It also shows that God is the God of comfort despite the rate Christians experience affliction. A total of 12 students sat for the exams.

Abiola Ojoade handled the course O.T. II (History) in March. At the end of the course, Students were able to learn and understand the rise of king David, the beloved servant of the Lord, to the fall of the Southern kingdom of Israel who were taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in 586BC. A total of 10 students sat for the exam.

UGHELLI CENTER:

The Ughelli Centre graciously began operation in March. Meredith Jerry Ovwromoh led the new center at inception and discussed the book, OT History 1. Old Testament Survey 1 focuses on God's divine purposes and plans for mankind, how sin came into the world, God's response to sin, and his relationship with mankind. It also provides a deep understanding of God's nature and character. Out of the 27 persons that sat for the entrance examination, 14 students sat for the exams.

CAMPAIGN PROGRAM/ LECTURESHIP

The Ovwor Olomu community has a very old but weak congregation. This congregation needs help to survive. One of the school’s instructors, Godwin Ojocheogwu, is helping the small church. Thus, the church called for another campaign and staff and students were mobilized to Ovwor Olomu Church of Christ Ughelli South, Delta state. It was held on the 24th of February 2024. As at the time of this report, no baptism yet.

NEW CONGREGATION

A new congregation was established at Location/cemetery road, Otor-Udu, Udu LGA, Delta State Nigeria. An old blind preacher lives in the Otor -Udu community. Because of his condition, he finds it difficult to go to the meeting place which is somewhat far from him. With the combined efforts of the teachers and some students, a congregation was established in his place. The good thing is that the new preacher has since enrolled with the Ughelli center as a student.

NEW INSTRUCTORS

Following the approval of the Ughelli center, it became necessary that two more instructors be brought in. Thus, efforts were made and the services of Bliss Ibuje and Alaba Gabi were secured. The two of them are graduates from the School of Biblical Studies Jos and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Religious Studies. Bliss Ibuje is a serving minister with the church of Christ Ogorode, Sapele Delta State. In the same vein, Alaba Gabi is serving as a minister with the church of Christ Akpeki Crescent, Sapele Delta State. The two teachers had the opportunity of meeting with Chad Wagner for proper introduction at NCBC Ukpom Abak during the last Great Workshop in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. The faculty and staff are indeed grateful to both Chad and Keith for the approval of the Ughelli center. The Ughelli center has a lot of prospects. The staff have started combing the area visiting with the many congregations around and sensitizing the preachers on the need for better ministerial education.

FIRST QUARTER'S EVENTS

·      Number of Students- Seventy-four (74), twenty (20) at PTI, Twenty-seven (27) at DSC and 27 at Ughelli.

·      Number of Campaigns Conducted by Students/Teachers in this Quarter: One.

·      Number of Baptisms resulting from evangelical Efforts by Students/Teachers This quarter: Fifteen (15)

·      Number of New Congregations Established: One

·      Number of Teachers at the School: Seven (7)

·      Number of Churches Restored: None

CONCLUSION

The work of keeping the whole school together and the challenges has not been an easy task. However, God has been mindful of us amidst the many struggles. We appreciate the faculty and staff for their immense support. We are thankful to God Almighty and the entire Bear Valley Family for the unflinching support. It is our sincere prayer that God will bless us all and grant us more fruitfulness in Christ’s name amen.

Solomon Usim

(Director BVBIW)

Great things happening in Benin City!

FIRST QUARTER REPORT OF BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA.

Greetings from all of us at Bear Valley Bible Institute, Benin extension school. We thank God Almighty for the Bear Valley family for the unflinching support given to us to aid our commitment to training preachers and providing manpower to local congregations in Benin City and its environs.

We had seamless academic activities in the first quarter. In both centres, Galatians, Romans, first and second Peter and Jude were taught by brothers Andrew Osatohanmen, Enne Everest, Daniel Fidelis and Dunia Christopher respectively.

On evangelism, the school collaborated with a very young congregation for a one day street evangelism where we did house to house preaching and also position our public address systems at two different locations for open air preaching. Brother Fidelis Daniel, an instructor at Bear Valley spoke in one of the locations on “The New Testament Church” Brother Felix Ehigiator, the Preacher of Iguosa congregation spoke on “What Must I Do To Be Saved?” There are testimonies to the fact that many of the people we met during the outreach were in church on the 1st of April, 2024. We will continue to follow them up and pray that God give increase in due time.

Similarly, the family of Brother Matthew and Sister Chidinma Megwai are presently in grieve as a result of the demise of their son. The young couple are students of Bear Valley school but lost concentration since the birth of their baby, Kedrick nine months ago as the baby was diagnosed of a hole in the heart. He passed away on the 27th of March, 2024. Remember them in your prayers.

The management of Benin School has from inception been providing lecture materials in hard copies for the students free of charge to encourage them despite the high cost of printing materials. This would have been difficult but for the support of the Bear Valley family. Thus, we say thanks to all our sponsors, once again. 

The individual and collective efforts of the staff and students of Bear Valley, Benin Centre is yielding results as we record baptism on regular basis.

God bless you all for your work of love.

Dunia Christopher,

Bear Valley Bible Institute,

Benin City, Edo State

New school in Nigeria is doing well

Calvay greetings to you in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Below were our report from Onitsha BVBI Center:

1. Courses taught and the teachers that handled them for the period under review:

a. Christian Evidence (114)- Onyekachi Vincent (Awada center). Chidi Chbunna (Okpoko center), January  2024.

b. Wisdom Literature (115)- Faith Jonathan Chimeremeze (Awada center),  Eneh Everest (Okpoko center) February 2024.

c. The Scheme of Redemption (116)- Nwigwe Innocent (Awada center), Aniamalu Felix ( Okpoko  center) March 2024.

2. We have 39 students. (24 Awada,  and 15 Okpoko)

3. Evangelism: we could not go for our evangelism for the month of March because one of our students held his wedding ceremony on 23rd of March 2024, which many of us participated and I was the one that preached wedding sermon that day. But brother Everest Eneh and I in the course of our visits to congregations for sensitization, we had three souls baptized into Christ after our teaching and sermon at church of Christ, 29 Akpulu  street Okpoko.

By the grace of God we are trying our best to uplift and protect the image of Bear Valley Bible Institute over here. Some of our students are really doing us proud in many congregation were they handled items of worship. Our teachers were also leaving up to expectations.

Ezeh Chijoke Shedrack

100+ Bible studies in Taraba State

I bring you greetings from the school in Taraba State hoping that this report will meet you growing in spiritual things.
I am also glad to let you know that the school is making tremendous impacts on all the congregation of the churches of Christ in Jalingo city and it's environs as our students and instructors continue to teach and preach every week.
102 Bible studies were conducted under the period reviewed, and four souls were united with Christ through water baptism. A family of five was restored back to Faith.  The school wishes to use this medium in expressing her profound gratitude for the gift of Projector and the public address system.

We are going to launch the PA on the 11th to 14th of April in Gollong Area, where we will be holding three day outreach. During the outreach, we shall be having door to door evangelism during the day , while open air preaching will take place in the evening. The radio program will hopefully resume this week Saturday, the pre-recording has been done.

Our classroom activities continue effectively with the aid of the Projector. Bala Egbwakoteh taught the two Epistles of Paul to the early church in Corinth, and Terkule Aorabee taught Christian Ethics. 

You're beloved,

Elkanah Itom Madaki

Lectureship in Owerri

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE NIGERIA, OWERRI CENTER REPORT   - JANUARY -MARCH 2024

The quarter started in high spirit as all the students enthusiastically attended class. By January ending, we hosted a lectureship with the theme:-  STUDYING TO SHOW YOURSELF APPROVED.

We had brethren and unbelievers from different places within Owerri in attendance not minding the challenging security situation and we were blessed with a baptism. Due to certain circumstances here, We  organise  lessons sometimes weekdays or Sunday evenings depending on situation.

I recommend to you one of our students Dr Obinna Nweze, a medical doctor, a devout student who has consistently supported supported other students financially and also through his financial support made the hosting of our lectureship in January a success.

Presently we have 18 students.

EVANGELISM 

Our  plans with some congregations in Mbaise area to organise a three day evangelism this quarter  yielded result as the event held from 28th to 30th march. Although there was no baptism,vwe believe God will surely give the increase.

Also it will be recalled that I informed us of disunity and lack of love and cooperation among preachers and congregations in Imo State which is occasioned by lack of well trained teachers, preachers and leaders in congregations, we are still working working hard on it and by God's grace the first preachers and church leaders workshop which is being organised by the school will take place in June .

 We are still working on the best modality of help to brethren from far locations from Owerri city requesting for arrangements to come to their area and give them lectures, this is dependent on the number of interested students. 

We deeply express our sincere gratitude  to God,  and we really appreciate the parent body and the school authorities for giving us the privilege of having a study center in Owerri Imo state. We will continue to do our best in this service of molding men for the service of God and humanity.    We reaffirm our promise to maintain a high standard  and surely we will make the school proud.

Yours because of Christ 

Chinedu Akandu 

Director

Campaign in Lagos

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE NIGERIA AGEGE STUDY CENTRE

REPORT OF FIRST QUARTER, 2024

It is a thing of joy and worthy of giving praises to God that the activities in the first three months of the year, 2024 had been successful.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

The classroom activities were conducted successfully according to the School's guideline and curriculum.

In the month of January, Bro. Noel Brain Otuwho taught Course 120; Pastoral Epistles.

In the month of February, Bro. Ani Augustine taught Course 122; Homiletics.

In the month of March, Bro Okoro Chinyere taught Personal Evangelism.

CAMPAIGN(EVANGELISM)

The school, in conjunction with the Church of Christ, 9, Igbinadun Street, Ojodu, Lagos, conducted Evangelism rally/house to house campaign. This took place on the 30th of March, 2024 at Ojodu Local Government Area of Lagos State.

BAPTISM

Follow-up work on the school's earlier outing at the Church of Christ Ifako/Ijaiye where I serve as preacher resulted in the baptism of a soul-Brother Clement on Sunday 7th January, 2024. To God be all the glory that since then, he has been regular in worship and other programmes of the church including evangelism.

LECTURESHIP

Some of our students and instructors participated in a three day Bible lectureship organized by the Church of Christ, Onilekere, Lagos, between Friday 29th - Sunday 31st March, 2024. To God be the glory, it was a successful programme.

APPRECIATION

We, at Agege School are highly appreciative of the efforts of the School's Management and Administration, especially Bro. Keith Kasarjian and Bro. Chad Wagner. They are always on hand to render advice, correction and other forms of help that help the programme to run smoothly. We also appreciate the efforts and sacrifices of the sponsors. We pray that God Almighty should continue to bless all of you, and may God continue to give the management more wisdom to continue to direct the school at the right path.

Emmanuel Chukwuka Odo

Rivers State Nigeria reports many baptisms

1ST QUARTER, 2024 REPORT FROM BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE NIGERIA, WEST AFRICA

Bear Valley Bible Institute in Rivers State Nigeria started very well in the year 2024.   In the month of January, 2024 we sent out our students to various congregations in Rivers State and beyond for practical field work which is known in our transcript as “campaign”. When we sent out information about the field work to the congregations in our area, very many congregations in Port Harcourt City and various communities in Rivers State requested that we should send students to them. The high demands for our students were very encouraging and that made us to know that Bear Valley Institute is highly accepted in our area.

The reports we got from the field work is amazing.  We gathered that our students baptized 29 persons, restored 11 backsliders, and taught Bible classes to men, women, youths and children. They preached sermons that edified many brethren. Indeed, the students’ campaign in the month of January, 2024 contributed much to the growth of the church in our area. We are happy that the money American brethren are sending quarterly to the school is bringing positive results.

LECTURES ARE ONGOING IN OUR TWO CENTERS

At the end of field work, we resumed lectures in our two centers and God willing, lectures will continue till the end of December 2024.

ANOTHER SET OF 19 STUDENTS WILL BE DUE FOR GRADUATION AT THE END OF SECOND QUARTER OF 2024   

From our record, another set of 19 students will complete the 48 courses and will be due for graduation at the end of 2nd quarter, 2024. As soon as the transcripts are ready, we shall send them to Chad Wagner for verification and approval. If approved, it will be our second time to graduate students from our two centers which started in 2019.

GRADUATES OF BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTES RIVERS STATE NIGERIA ARE DOING GREAT WORKS IN THE GOSPEL FIELDS AS GOSPEL PREACHERS

We are glad to report that the efforts and money spent in the training of our past students are not in vain. Many of our graduates have been given appointments to work as preachers in many congregations in Port Harcourt and other communities in Rivers State, Nigeria. We are very happy because they are doing well in the congregations where they are working. It is worthy of note that 16 out of the 34 graduates of our school are already gospel preachers in various congregations while they were our students. After the graduation on July, 29th 2023, 10 among them have been given appointments as gospel preachers in various congregations in our area and beyond.

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE RIVERS STATE NIGERIA WILL HOST ONE DAY INTENSIVE LECTURESHIP IN OMOKU RIVERS STATE NIGERIA ON MARCH 30TH 2024

With the aim to create more awareness about our school and to get more    students to enroll in Omoku Center, we have invited many congregations in the area for a day intensive lectureship on 30th March, 2024. The theme of the proposed lectureship is: “Churches of Christ in the 21st century: Challenges and prospects” .We will give a detail report of the proposed lectureship in our next quarterly report.

 CONCLUSION

 We are grateful to God who has given us the strength to work for him and we are also grateful to our sponsors in the United States of America for their financial and moral supports. All the efforts are getting great results.

Reports from:

Anthony Ejike Oluria,

(Director BVBI Rivers State Nigeria, West Africa)

Denominational preacher converted in Ondo State, Nigeria

Report Of Bear Valley Bible Institute Weekend School, Ondo State (January - March, 2024).

Dear brethren,

I ascribe all glory, honour and Majesty back to Our God in heaven above for His renewable blessings every day for His Children all over the world. We are forever grateful to the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver, Colorado for their support and love over the years! The Eldership with all the brethren at Bear Valley are in our hearts and prayers always for this great Spiritual sacrifice toward build lasting legacy for generations to come in Ondo State! I truly appreciate your love and vision.

Evangelism: First quarter of 2024 is very interesting and important to us here in Ondo State! We were able through the help of God to have baptized a pastor in a denominational Church who have decided to follow Jesus' word and His Church! All glory be to God Almighty, Amen. His name is Taiwo Adepetun. l have encouraged him to enroll with Bear Valley Bible Institute, Ondo center! He is now a student of the School. 

Today been 30th March, 2024, The School in Ondo City went out to preach the gospel again in Sabo Orimolade area in Ondo City with the hope of establishing the Lord's Church in that area! We had many prospects today! We are planning to go back again in order to organize three days Open Air preaching there! the people there were very receptive to the gospel of Christ!

In Akure center, We went to Ilu- abo again in Airport area in Akure! As l have reported last quarter, two of our new students are from that area! The Church there need more hands and we are ready to fill the gap! All the students and instructors were there to assist the Church in that area. We are grateful to be useful tools in the hands of God Almighty.

Classroom activities: In all the two centers classroom activities went as planned!

January 2024 - Brother Victor Fasonu taught the book of Revelation, while Brother Godwin Emmanuel taught Old Testament - 5 minor prophets in Akure center.

February, 2024 - Brother Rowland taught 1& 2 Thessalonians in Ondo center while Brother Oke taught Hebrews in Akure center.

March, 2024 - Brother Oke taught Hebrews in Ondo center, while Brother Rowland taught 1 & 2 Thessalonians in Akure center.

As a school, we are happy that our students are in their third year of study! Our God will see them through, Amen.

Brother Philip Iwere is a student of the school at Akure study center! He is 65 years old. He is married with Children in the Lord! He is very matured and courageous student of the Bible! He is happy learning the word of God. He very active in the Classroom and a loving personality among the students! The School is lucky to have him as a student. He is one of the faithful member of the Lord's Church at No, 13 Leo Street, Akure. After graduation, he is willing to preach the undiluted gospel of Christ. 

Financial Report: As a School, we have received support for our work in the School from January to March, 2024!  We want to thank Bear Valley Bible Institute, Denver for their support!

Miscellaneous: For now, we are grateful for the provision of our present needs! We are very happy! 

Beloved brethren, as a school in Ondo State! We are committed toward the growth and development of the school. Once again thank you for your love and support again and again! We know opportunity to make greater exploits doesn't come easy! We are determined in our resolution to remain a pacesetter.

Thank you and remain blessed, Amen. 

Fasonu Victor

Coordinator, 

Bear Valley Bible Institute, Ondo State. 

Baptisms in Ikorodu, Nigeria

Bear Valley Bible Institute- Nigeria (Ikorodu Study Centre)

 We are grateful to God for sustaining our lives. The students and staffs of BVBIN Ikorodu appreciate you all. We send greetings to BVBIN Management. God bless you all.

1. In Ikorodu centre, we have 20 students. All are regular and punctual in the class.

2. We have three instructors to handle the subjects. They are very effective and punctual in the class.

3. The Lectures we studied from January to March were:

a. Jan- Personal Evangelism. It was handle by bro Okoro Chinyere

b. Feb- Pastoral Epistles. It was handled by bro Noel Brain Otuwho

c. March- Homiletics. It was handled by bro Olufemi Adewuyi.

4. On the first Sunday of March, the students and the staffs of BVBIN IKORODU assisted Ori-Okuta in Open Air Lecture

5. One of our Student by the name Isaac Ukpon baptized a husband and the wife through personal evangelism. That brings to us five baptism within three months.

6. At the end of March, we went out for Evangelism both the instructors and students. We had 3 baptisms.

7. We plan for internal lectureship on 1st April, 2024.

Theme: know the will of God for your Life.

We are expecting 150 participants.

 We remain grateful to God for your support which enable us to know the scripture better. Which also gives us the boldness to speak with denominational Pastor.

Thank you for your support. God bless you in Jesus Christ name. Amen.

Mfon Etim Adeh 

(Ikorodu Study Centre)

Perseverance in Nigeria

SABO ONIBA/LAGOS ISLAND CENTERS REPORT  January to March 2024 

Introduction: As I grow older, each government leader that comes to lead in my beloved Country will give us hope of better times however, it is the case that the previous leadership seems better than the new one. My Country is really facing challenging times presently. Your prayer for Nigeria is highly coveted. In the midst of all these, the work of the kingdom is moving forward. We have good news as the first set of students from Lagos Island Center will be graduating with an Advanced Diploma this month after working hard for four years. Once again, we want to thank the instructors for being resilient all this time. The efforts of Stoney Point Church of Christ will not go unappreciated for supporting and praying for us all these years. The unrelenting work of Bro Makinde, Bro Chad, and Keith to these successes is highly appreciated.

In another vain, Am happy to be found useful in being one of the resource persons during the 2024 WBS Great Workshop in Ukpom Abak.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES IN SABO-ONIBA/LAGOS ISLAND: We thank God that we were able to have another 12 students in Lagos Island school, five of them were those who had taken some courses with the graduating students while 7 are new students who started this year January. We had to start the courses afresh this quarter.  Femi Adewuyi explained English/Research Methodology to the new students. While  Ibanga Udoh the host minister who is our New Instructor in this center took the students on Life of Christ 3 (Book of Luke) and Life Of Christ – 1 (Matthew) was led by Austine Ani.

In Sabo-Oniba, Homiletics 1  was taken by Austine Ani, Personal Evangelism by Okoro Chinyere and Pastoral Epistles was taken by Noel Brain Otuwho. Sabo Center is wasking stronger as the church in this area is already feeling the impact of the school in their church life.

CAMPAIGN PROGRAM: We had a lovely and captivating outing in our campaign last month. It was a visit to a small community called Iledu in Badagry area. We were in the company of Mile 2 Badagry General Evangelism program. The colorful T-Shirt of our students became a point of attraction to all. At the end of the event, 3 souls were brought into the kingdom of light.

New Congregational Preaching Work for One of Our Instructors:    Bro Austine Ani who will be graduating as a degree holder in Biblical Studies from BVBI Ibadan program has been part of us since Sabo Center started. He was working with a small congregation in Igando area of Lagos State. However as the Dantoge Refinery is about to kick off after many years of construction, our brethren working with different companies involved in the work worshipping in the area. This local congregation located at Eleko is where Ani is working now. We pray that he helps make that congregation a missionary church in that new Lagos.

Conclusion: We once again thank God for the journey so far. We also appreciate all who have been so supportive in one way or the other.

Thanks and God bless you all.

TIM IWE

Students helping churches in Nigeria

I am excited to present the report of Bear Valley Bible institute, Benin City Nigeria  for the last quarter of 2023 (October, November and December).

The quarter was full of activities that have richly blessed the Church of Christ in Benin City and environ, the students and our host community.

During the quarter, in October precisely, the Benin Schools had the privilege to organize a three day seminar in conjunction with WBS/Ocean Bridge Nigeria from 11th to 13th of October 2023. Over 400 Student in three Schools were taught the gospel during the program the student of Bear Valley School Benin city are currently doing the follow-up work on them.

Brother Andrew Olila the preacher of Edaiken congregation confessed that his baptism was not correctly done and summited himself to be baptized the scripture way after receiving a lecture on evangelism 2 (Church Planting Methods) where the instructor, Brother Enne  Everest emphasized on the need to do Bible things the Bible way without addition and or subtraction. He was baptized on the 11th of November 2023.

On the 30th of December 2023 Bear Valley Bible institute Benin in conjunction with the church of Christ Uselu Benin City organized a one day evangelism from 8am to 5pm. A good number of student were in attendance with all the instructors.

Five souls have been baptized as a result of the activities of the student and the instructors collectively and individually in the last quarter of 2023. We are presently working at okhuoun Church of Christ in collaboration with the Church of Christ Iguosa to restore the Church.

Academically, the instructors are leaving no stone unturned as they are committed to giving the students nothing but the best. Many homes of the student have been stabilize due to the moral lesson from one of the subjects 1st Corinthians. Congregations have heaved sighs of relieve as our student are proffering solution to problem in their various congregations.

We cannot appreciate the Bear Valley family enough for considering and supporting us.

Thank you for your support. God bless you all.

Dunia Christopher for Bear Valley Benin

Lectureship in Owerri, Nigeria

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE NIGERIA, OWERRI CENTER REPORT   - OCTOBER - DECEMBER  2023

To the glory of God  we are privileged to be found useful in this  service of molding great men for the service of God and humanity. 

This quarter started with new academic session, and by October ending, we hosted our first annual lectureship which lasted for three days with the theme:-  MAINTAINING GODS ACCEPTABLE WILL  with a special keynote on STUDYING TO SHOW YOURSELF APPROVED.

During the three days program, we also had a free Medical outreach. We had brethren and unbelievers from different places within Owerri in attendance not minding the challenging security situation. 

We are glad to report that the only  female student who have been out of class throughout last quarter due to ill health is back  to the glory of God,  We are glad to also inform you that the other students that were away last quarter due to ill health or other reasons are also fully back 

Up till now, we still organise  lessons sometimes weekdays or Sunday evenings depending on situation on ground due to the security situation. 

Presently some of the students are passing through difficult financial challenges and some have written to me for assistance and the little I have I share with them. Special commendation should be given to one of our students Dr Obinna Nweze, a medical doctor who contributed immensely to the successful hosting of our lectureship, apart from that he has always been a willing mind in assisting some students financially. 

Presently we have 16 students attending class with two new students resuming in January which will make the students 18.

EVANGELISM 

Due to security challenges, we  have not been able to organise any open air Evangelism  for now, but we have gone on door knocking evangelism  in partnership with Amaram street congregation with 2 baptisms.  Also peace has returned in  Amaigbo street congregation which has been in crisis which led to stepping down of the eldership. This is due combined effort of the school and the BoT.   

Our  plans with some congregations in Mbaise area to organise a three day evangelism this quarter was postponed to sometime in February due to circumstances beyond our control. Mbaise is far from Owerri but  safer now.

By  God's  special grace we will keep moving in the direction of uniting the brethren 

We are still working on the best modality of help to  brethren from far   locations from owerri city requesting for arrangements to come to their area and give them lectures, however this only  depends on the number of interested students and availability of logistics. 

We deeply express our sincere gratitude  to God,  and we really appreciate the parent body and the school authorities for giving us the privilege of having a study center in Owerri Imo  state.

We will continue to do our best in this service of molding men for the service of God and humanity.    We reaffirm our promise to maintain a high standard  and surely we will make the school proud.

Yours because of Christ 

Chinedu Akandu 

Director

Reaching souls in Port Harcourt

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2023 REPORTS FROM BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE RIVERS STATE NIGERIA

We are gland to report that 2023 ended well for our two schools in Rivers State Nigeria. Our teachers and students worked hard and our goal in 2023 was realized.

In Port Harcourt city center, we have a total of  27 students including the final year and the new students. In this 2024, another set of students will be due for graduation and we have new set of students who will continue after the second graduation.

Also in Omoku center, we have a total of 16 students among them are two students who will be due for graduation and 14 students who are new students. We have sent out adverts for new admission and some people are showing interest. We hope to admit more students in the two centers.

TWO WEEKS AND FOUR WEEKS PRACTICAL FIELD WORK IN JANUARY 2024

We are sending our students to various congregations in Rivers State and beyond for two weeks and four weeks practical field work or campaign in the month of January 2024. Our final year students will go for four weeks while our new students will go for two weeks. We got cooperation and goodwill from various congregations where our students will be going for the campaign. We hope that our students will come back from the campaign with good reports and harvest of souls the Lord.

EVANGELISM PROGRAM IN OCTOBER- DECEMBER 2023

On the month of October and November 2023 personal evangelism course was thought in Omoku and Port Harcourt centers respectively. The course ended with open air preaching and House to House evangelism at the two centers. As a result of the evangelism program, eight persons were baptized, five were baptized in Port Harcourt and three were baptized in Omoku town.

Thanks

Reports from:

Anthony Ejike Oluria,

(Director BVBI Rivers State Nigeria, West Africa)

Another good quarter in Lagos

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE

AGEGE, LAGOS, NIGERIA  STUDY CENTRE

FOURTH QUARTER, (2023) REPORT

PREAMBLE:

It is a thing of joy and a thing worthy of praises to God Almighty for His kindness, love and mercy towards us during the quarter. We glorify God for granting us the enablement to carry out the activities of the school as scheduled during the quarter. We also thank God for granting our sponsors and supporters the ability and resources to keep the school going.

LECTURES:

To the glory of God, all lectures were completed in line with the time-table.

1.         Church Leadership was taught by Bro. Emmanuel Chukwuka Odo; in the month of October, 2023.

2.         1 and 2 Peter and Jude was taught by Brother Augustine Ani; in the month of November, 2023.

3.         New Testament Church was taught by Brother Mfon Etim; in the month of December, 2023.

STUDENT POPULATION:

Agege study centre presently have eighteen students, who are participating actively.

SEMINAR:

The centre in conjunction with other centres in Lagos, organized a seminar on the theme, “The Church as It was in the First Century”. The seminar was held at Ikorodu Centre, on the 30th of December, 2023. To God be all the glory that the seminar was successful.

APPRECIATION

We sincerely appreciate the efforts of Brothers Chad Wagner, Keith Kasarjian and other management staff of Bear Valley Bible Institute. We are also grateful to all sponsors and supporters of the programme. May God Almighty continue to bless you more abundantly in Jesus name.

Emmanuel Chukwuka Odo

New students in Nigeria

SABO ONIBA/LAGOS ISLAND CENTERS REPORT October–December 2023.

INTRODUCTION:

Accomplishing a set goal comes with excitement and fulfillment. That is actually the Spirit prompting me to write this report. The program that started in September 2019 ended this December with five students finishing 52 courses. This is the time to celebrate these men and women of faith. Thanks to God for holding our hands amid all challenges. Thanks to the leadership of the Church of Christ, Lagos Island, for giving us open doors to their facility all this time. We will not fail to appreciate the instructors for being resilient all this time. The efforts of Stoney Point Church of Christ will not go unappreciated for supporting and praying for us all these years. The unrelenting work of Bro Makinde, Bro Chad, and Keith to these successes is highly appreciated.  

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES IN SABO-ONIBA/LAGOS ISLAND: Islamic Religion was taught by Femi Adewuyi, Prison Epistles by Augustine Ani and Revelation by Tim Iwe. We have 5 new students presently in Lagos Isand including a Medical Doctor who has decided to learn more about the Scriptures. The new set of students are excellent students. We are making an effort see how we can add more prospective students to them to make up another class that will continue the program in that center.

In Sabo-Oniba, Monday Unoke taught the Scheme of Redemption, while  1& 2 Peter and Jude were taken by Tim Iwe. Also, Emmanuel Odo took Church Leadership in December. Sabo had 2 new students who resumed in November and December respectively.

CAMPAIGN PROGRAM: For this last quarter, all the centers in Lagos converged in Owutu, Ikorodu on the last Saturday of December on their 7th Annual Lectures. It was an exciting event as our two Instructors spoke at the event. The attendance was massive.

LAGOS WBS WORK:

Lagos Team Work:. 

Online Students Activities: 191

              Under Follow Up:  2

Competed Lessons:  5302

Certificates Awarded: 1387

Baptism: 3

CONCLUSION: Once again, I want to sincerely thank Stoney Point Church of Christ for believing in us and therefore investing in training these men and women for the work of the kingdom. God will help us to continue to partner together in this great work for there is more to do in the vineyard.

Thanks and God bless you all.

TIM IWE (Self Made Slave for Christ)

Sabo Oniba/Lagos Island Center Director

Campaign in Nigeria

SABO ONIBA/LAGOS ISLAND CENTERS REPORT October–December 2023.

INTRODUCTION:

Accomplishing a set goal comes with excitement and fulfillment. The program that started in September 2019 ended this December with five students finishing 52 courses. The Lagos Island Center started with 26 students; however, only 5 were able to strive to the end for 4 years. This is the time to celebrate these men and women of faith. Thanks to God for holding our hands amid all challenges. Thanks to the leadership of the Church of Christ, Lagos Island, for giving us open doors to their facility all this time. We will not fail to appreciate the instructors for being resilient all this time. The efforts of Stoney Point Church of Christ will not go unappreciated for supporting and praying for us all these years. The unrelenting work of Bro Makinde, Bro Chad, and Keith to these successes is highly appreciated.  

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES IN SABO-ONIBA/LAGOS ISLAND: Islamic Religion was taught by Femi Adewuyi, Prison Epistles by Augustine Ani and Revelation by Tim Iwe. We have 5 new students presently in Lagos Island including a Medical Doctor who has decided to learn more about the Scriptures. The new set of students are excellent students. We are making an effort see how we can add more prospective students to them to make up another class that will continue the program in that center.

In Sabo-Oniba, Monday Unoke taught the Scheme of Redemption, while  1& 2 Peter and Jude were taken by Tim Iwe. Also, Emmanuel Odo took Church Leadership in December. Sabo had 2 new students who resumed in November and December respectively.

CAMPAIGN PROGRAM: For this last quarter, all the centers in Lagos converged in Owutu, Ikorodu on the last Saturday of December on their 7th Annual Lectures. It was an exciting event as our two Instructors spoke at the event. The attendance was massive.

LAGOS WBS WORK:

Lagos Team Work:. 

Online Students Activities: 191

 Under Follow Up:  2

Competed Lessons:  5302

Certificates Awarded: 1387

Baptism: 3

CONCLUSION: Once again, I want to sincerely thank Stoney Point Church of Christ for believing in us and therefore investing in training these men and women for the work of the kingdom. God will help us to continue to partner together in this great work for there is more to do in the vineyard.

Thanks and God bless you all.

TIM IWE

Sabo Oniba/Lagos Island Center Director

Taraba, Nigeria school celebrates second year

With profound gratitude to God Almighty, brethren, it gladdens my heart to write unto you this report of the last quarter of the year 2023. The Taraba School is two years old. Glory be to God. 

COURSES:

Mr. Elkanah Itom Madaki taught the students Church History in the month of October, in the month of November, Mr. Chindo Sambo taught Bible Geography, while Mr. Bala Egbwakoteh taught the book of 1ST and 2nd Thessalonians in December. The students were so excited to learn of Bible Geography especially with the current happenings in Gaza and the Middle-East. For the first time they were also exposed to the falling from the early church doctrine, reformation and the restoration. The episode of the early brethren in Thessalonica was another great lesson. It was all together an impressive quarter.  

EVANGELISM / EDIFICATION:

Our usual door to door evangelism was limited to Jalingo Metropolis due to insecurity. 182 bible studies were conducted under the period reviewed and only one baptism was recorded. In Lissam, the three day evangelism ended with two baptisms and one restoration, while the Gullung indoor lectureship ended up with selection of leaders to be ordained. Taraba Edification took place in Sarkin Dawa congregation where one of our students (Jerry Agbu) is the ‘student preacher’. Three souls were united with Christ through baptism and two restorations recorded.

NEEDS AND CHALLENGES:

The school is in need of public address system because most of the time the public address system we do rent is not delivered at the expected time or develops faults while using it. The school also is in need of a projector that will be used in classrooms and also during open air (public) preaching.

There are many interested candidates that wish to be enrolled into the school from other parts of Taraba and neighboring states as well the school lacks facilities to accommodate them, this has posed a problem for their admission. Our instructors are willing to sacrifice and teach all weekdays if such students will be provided with accommodation.  

Our radio program is facing financial challenges even though we have set up a gospel team with representatives from three congregations in Jalingo metropolis. We hope and pray that God will open more doors.

Ikorodu, Nigeria school had a prosperous year

Happy New Year to you all. We Pray the Lord will bless you for the good work you are doing in our country Nigeria.

The students and staff of Bear Valley Bible Institute Ikorodu study centre appreciate all that you've done for us and we also greet everyone of you in Jesus name. Amen.

1. In Ikorodu centre, we have 20 students

2. 6 students graduated from Ikorodu study centre on August 2023 at Butubutu Ibadan

3. We had four campaigns in 2023, the staff and the students participated.

4. Our campaigns produced 12 baptism through the effort of students and the staff of the school.

5. We assisted other congregation in evangelism and parts of church planting at Adamo Ikorodu. One of our student is now the preacher (Bro Tola)

6. Presently we have three teachers: Bro Mfoj Etim, Bro Okoro Chinyere and Bro Israel Tajovmawo

7. There is no congregation in our area that needs restoration

8. We conducted three lectures this year. The last one will be on the 30th Dec, 2023 which will be the joint effort of Lagos Centres.

9. We restored 14 members to the Lord's Church within this year 2023.

The last lectureship for the year 2023 was held on 31st December, 2023. With the attendance of four centres-ikorodu, Agege, Lagos Island and Sabo Oniba. We had 230 participants.

 The topics were as follows:

1. Liberty in Christ and it's Abuse

2. Individual and Family Roles towards Church Growth.

Theme: The Church as it was in the First Century

 We remain grateful to God and Bear Valley Schools for your support and steps taken to promote our knowledge in Bible Study and Evangelism in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. This helps us to organize many open air lectures every last Saturday of the month. We say thank you for the opportunity given to work with Bear Valley Bible Institute.

 Thank you for your support. God bless Bear Valley Bible Institute and God bless our supporting team in Jesus Christ name..Amen.

A great year in Port Harcourt!

END OF THE YEAR, 2023 REPORT FROM BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE

PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE NIGERIA, WEST AFRICA

As the year 2023 is coming to an end, the Director, teachers and students of Bear Valley Bible Institute Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria are very grateful to the Almighty God and to our sponsors for the great success of our schools in Rivers State Nigeria this year.  Our first graduation ceremony that took place on July 29, 2023 was a very remarkable success.

NUMBER OF THE GRADUATES IN THE YEAR 2023

A total of 36 graduated from our two Centers.

NUMBER OF OUR CURRENT STUDENTS

Port Harcourt Center – 27, Omoku Center 16, total – 43.

 NUMBER OF CAMPAIGNS HELD BY STUDENTS AND TEACHERS THIS YEAR:

We held a total of four major campaigns this year. We called it quarterly students and teachers, evangelism outreach.

 NUMBERS OF BAPTISMS FROM STUDENTS AND TEACHER’S EVANGELISM WORKS THIS YEAR:

Port Harcourt Center 17, Omoku Center 9. Total baptisms this year 26

NUMBER OF CHURCHES RESTORED BY OUR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS THIS YEAR:

Nine

NUMBER OF TEACHERS IN OUR SCHOOLS  

Five

CONCLUSION

This year, 2023 is a remarkable year for our schools in Rivers State Nigeria. We are grateful to God who gave us the strength and we are also grateful to our sponsors in the United States of America for their financial and moral supports.

Reports from:

Anthony Ejike Oluria,

(Director BVBI Rivers State Nigeria, West Africa)