The Church of Christ has been in existence in the ancient city of Benin Kingdom for about six decades now without a formal training school for preachers and workers. Efforts by frontline preachers in the past to establish a preaching school in this city failed. Thus, we have had lots of preachers with little or no formal training. The few trained ones had their training in distant places like Jos in Plateau State, Akwa Ibom State, and Abeokuta in Ogun State.
It pleases God almighty that at this time we should have, (according to most students and instructors), “a preaching school on a platter of gold”. This was made possible by Brother Keith Kasarjian who has sacrificed and endangered his life for the cause of Jesus Christ and His kingdom. Brother Kasarjian paid a visit to Benin City on August 11, 2022, against all odds. He planned to spend a reasonable amount of time with us to get to know us but that time was reduced due to some technical difficulties at the airport. Despite the challenges, Brother Kasarjian pushed through and came to Benin City where he met with the leadership of the Church of Christ, Ezoti, at 12, Ezoti Lane, Off Ezoti Street, Airport Road, Benin City, Edo State. He gave us orientation about Bear Valley Bible Institute International and the possibility of establishing a study centre in Benin City. This proposal was greeted with much excitement.
After about one month of Kasarjian’s visit, we received the good news that approval has been granted for Benin City to have a study centre. We advertised and brethren in Benin City and environs, who had long anticipated such an opportunity applied and within a month we got over seventy prospective students. This number was, however, reduced to fifty-six after the entrance examination as some could not meet the cut-off mark.
The inauguration was done on October 3, 2022.
Lectures commenced on October 8, 2022, with all fifty-six students in a classroom. Approval was given for the number to be divided into two separate classes (A and B) for healthy classrooms in the same location due to the availability of facilities and the strategic location of Ezoti Congregation (which is situated at the centre of Benin City)
The following courses have been taught: Old Testament 1 (Genesis), to the general class of fifty-six students in October, by Andrew Osatohamwen, Everistus Nne taught Bible Origin (How we got the Bible) to class B while Dunia Christopher taught Evangelism 1 to Class A in November. In December Osatohamwen took class A on How we got the Bible while Dunia taught Evangelism 1 to class B. Examinations have been conducted on all these courses.
The national coordinator, Brother Makinde Olufemi Eben visited us on October 22, 2022. His visit was inspiring as he took his time to furnish all the students and the instructors with the requisite information and humbly answer all the questions from the students.
Future Plans
On evangelism, the first outing of the school is scheduled for December 31, 2022. The school shall be preaching in Utagban community with a young congregation made up of three families. We hope that the Lord will add souls to his church through this exercise.
The school plan to start a new semester on January 7, 2023.
Summary
Bear Valley Bible Institute International, Benin City centre commenced lectures on October 8, 2022, and successfully concluded the semester on December 24, 2022.
Appreciation
We thank God almighty for giving us this privilege to have a preachers’ training school of international standard. Our gratitude also goes to the management of Bear Valley Bible Institute International for their show of love and care. We thank Brother Kasarjian for his leadership style. He is a good leader. We assure you that all resources are being managed prudently to the glory of God.