INTRODUCTION:
The official inauguration of the Bear Valley Bible Institute – Abuja on 2nd February 2019 signaled the beginning of the school in Abuja and its environs. A total of Fifty-One (51) students (44 brothers and 7 sisters), with Eight (9) faculty members, in two (2) study centers of Kado and Nyanya were inaugurated, with the inaugural speech delivered by Bro Chad Wagner (BVBI-A Coordinator) and was witnessed by the Elders of the Church of Christ, Kado Abuja.
EVANGELISM CAMPAIGNS;
· The students and faculty organized the first Evangelism Campaign of the school in a remote village of Tunga Madaki, Gaku village, behind the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, on the 1st June, 2019, with three (3) baptisms recorded during the program. A total of Fifty-Two (52) brethren participated in the campaign, described as follows; students (37), faculty (6), World Bible School Abuja Team members (5), Church of Christ, Iddo-Sarki, Abuja (4). The campaign was organized to strengthened the newly established congregation (a month old congregation).
· The students of the Nyanya center were engaged in a house-to-house evangelism on 23rd August 2019 at Mararaba Central, Nasarawa state, and open air campaign on 24th September 2019 at Aku village, Nasarawa state (where a newly established congregation is located). Note, the preachers of the two congregations are students of BVBI-A.
· The 2nd Evangelism Campaign of the Bear Valley Bible Institute Abuja was organized as a support and follow-up exercise for the newly established congregation at Kpaduma, Asokoro extension, Abuja. It is a denominatonal church, converted and changed to Church of Christ, Asokoro, Abuja. The former pastor turned preacher of the church was a listener of the 'Let the Bible Speak' program of the Church of Christ, Kado Abuja, for over seven (7) years, which motivated his conversion in June 2019. The campaign featured students and faculty of Bear Valley Bible Institute Abuja and members of the Churches of Christ, Asokoro and Kado, with a total of 51 participants, consisting of 32 students, 4 faculties, and 15 members of the Churches of Christ Asokoro and Kado. The crew of the Nigeria Gospel Chariot was around for the Open-Air evangelism in the evening.
ACCOMPLISHMENT(S):
Office Equipment: The school received support from Bear Valley International, for the purchase of office equipment, among which are;
· Laptop Computer.
· Printer.
· Book Shelf.
· Office supplies.
· Student’s tables (30 pieces for Kado and 15 pieces for Nyanya Center).
· Office table.
Public Address System (2): The school purchased a 12inch and 16inch multi-purpose, rechargeable and movable Public Address System, for evangelism purposes. It has inbuilt rechargeable battery that can last for five (5) hours or more, two (2) wireless microphones, USB for songs, etc.
Printing of Exam Paper: The school exam paper was printed for the school use during examination period. This was done through the contribution of the faculty.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
· The school organized a one-day Interactive session for the students and the faculty in the month of June (June 12, 2019). The objective is to get feedbacks from the classes held and a review of student’s understanding and comprehension of the courses undertaken so far. This will enable the faculty to improve on the existing plan of work.
· The students of the Kado center participated in a 1-day Leadership Seminar organized by the World Bible school Abuja team, with the theme “Pulpit Management”. Topics such as ‘The Pulpit and who manages it’ and ‘Content development for effective Pulpit management’ were treated to the understanding of the participants by seasoned teachers and preachers; Osita Onuora and Mike Udam.
· A general meeting of the school was organized on Sunday, 8 December, 2019 for both students and faculty. The objective was to discuss issues affecting the school and the students. While a Faculty meeting was held same day to discuss on the upcoming plans and schedules of the school in the next academic year.
CONCLUSION:
We (students, instructors, churches etc) are more excited about the opportunity Bear Valley Abuja offers them and the church, because of the exposition of the courses offered so far, and the quality of the teachers handling the courses. They are more committed to the study and activities of the school.
We have received inquiries from more students who are interested in enrollment into the school program.
We appreciate the partnership and support of the Bear Valley School in building capacities of preachers and members towards the growth and development of the church in Africa, especially Nigeria.
THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU