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)