REPORT OF THE BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – WARRI CENTERS
APRIL–JUNE 2024
INTRODUCTION
Every time I sit to write my report and navigate through the course of the past three months, I feel a sense of fulfilment. The report gives me a pure glimpse of the journey so far, the resolve to tidy every loose end and an opportunity to relish any positive achievement. The faculty and staff of the Warri centers are thankful for the progress so far made amidst many challenges. For me, the last quarter was one of the most challenging quarters with many spiritual battles. However, I am thankful to God almighty for surviving and sustaining us. Our immeasurable thanks go to the Bear Valley Family, the president of African Christian Schools and the President-BVBID Extension Program for constantly guiding us through this enviable endeavor. It is our prayer that the gospel will be sounded to the ends of the earth.
ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
DSC CENTER
As usual, academic activities resumed and Iduh Odike taught the course O.T. 4 (Major Prophets) at the DSC Centre. O.T 4 centers on the four major prophets and their prophecies, their call, contemporary prophets, region of their duties and the reign of kings in their contemporaries. This course allows the students to understand all of these surrounding events to the Israelites and be informed about the eternal kingdom (Church). A total of eighteen (18) persons sat for the examination.
In May, Abiola Ojoade taught the class on Islam. With the present circumstances in Nigeria, a course on Islamic religion for the preachers, serves as an eye-opener on the origin and history of Islamic religion. The modus operandi and the modus vivendi were carefully examined. 1. The main important history of Islam begins with the rise of Muhammad at 570CE and his quest to establish an Islamic State 2 His conquest of Mecca and Medina 3. The emergence of Islamic Extremism and Fundamentalism. 4. The emergence of the Khalifs and Islamic Sects. It further enlightened the preachers, who will in turn help their various congregations come to terms with the reality of the Islamic faith. A total of 17 sat for the examination.
In June, Solomon Usim discussed the book of Hebrews I. It was an interesting exposition. The class showed the superiority of Jesus of the prophets, the angels, Moses, the Levitical priesthood. In fact, the Hebrew Christians were made to know that the New Covenant was based on better sacrifice by a better priest who is not subject to death. He serves in a better sanctuary, a heavenly sanctuary, for that matter. The class was left in awe since there is a better rest for the people of God. A total of 22 sat for the examination.
PTI CENTER
In April, Solomon Usim discussed the course on Building Bridges in Marriage. The course highlighted the nature of covenants. It was agreed that the rate of divorce would not have been high if couples understood the implications of a covenant. The role of communication in marriage, among other things, were emphasized. A total of 10 persons sat for the examination.
In the month of May, Meredit Ovwromoh discussed Life of Christ III (The book of Luke). The course centers on the early and later works of Jesus in Galilee, Judea, Perea and his final work in Jerusalem, and a closer look at his trial, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. The students were guided through the life of Christ and thus making the experience memorable. A total of 10 students sat for the examination.
In the month of June, Godwin Ojochogwu taught the class on Personal Evangelism III. The discussion centered on the evangelistic principles. How a church can be planted applying the principles. The role of sponsoring congregations and supporting Churches were examined. How to applying goal setting principle and then how some people were converted in the book of Acts formed part of the discussion too. A total of 12 persons sat for the examination.
UGHELLI CENTRE
Classes resumed at the center and Alaba Gabi introduced the course on the Life of Christ I. “The Life of Christ” is a course that is aimed at revealing and projecting the actual person of Jesus Christ, “the Son of God.” It is an in-exhaustive adventure into the revealed Word of God to really understand the person of Jesus. The course reveals the pre-existent nature of Jesus; how the Divine became incarnate; that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh – being 100% God and also 100% man; His supernatural birth; His baptism; how He recruited 12 students who later became His apostles; His unique miracles and powers; His authority – which is of God; His teachings and ministry; how He fulfilled the Scriptures (prophecies of old); His sacrificial and redemptive death, burial, resurrection as final defeat of all enemies. And in all these, Jesus is exalted by the Father above all, because He humbled Himself, (although being God) put on flesh and perfectly carried out the Will of the Father. A total of 15 persons wrote the examination.
In the month of May, Solomon Usim introduced the course on Bible Origin. The course evaluated the various ways God spoke to man in the past. The course navigated through visions, dreams and other forms of revelations. It culminated into the individuals that put the Bible in one volume. The likes of Marcion, the ship owner, the role of Athanasius and so on. It was thrilling for the students to discover the trajectory in the making of the Bible. A total of 12 people sat for the exams.
In the month of June, Bliss Ebuje discussed the course, Scheme of Redemption. The high points of the course centered on the eternal council of the Godhead, by which God works all things and to which God works all things. The thought shared can be summarized as follows: The Son is the center of all things and everything is summed up in Him (Eph. 1:10). He is the pattern to which men and women should be conformed into an exact representation of Him (Rom. 8:29). A total of 12 students sat for the examination.
ANNUAL LECTURESHIP
The Warri Centers of the Bear Valley Bible Institute held her Second Annual Bible Lectureship on May the 11TH 2024. The lectureship theme was: “Unity of the Christian Faith.” The theme became so important because of some false doctrine peddled by some preachers both in Delta and in Lagos. There are some good, intelligent but derailing brethren who are beginning to believe and teach the doctrine of Arianism and Sabellianism. Besides, there are others who believe in having individual prayers in corporate worship. The idea of the one true church was reemphasized. These and many other doctrinal issues formed the bases of the lectureship. Over 300 individuals were in attendance.
CHALLENGES
It is a fact, as they say, nothing good comes easy. The high cost of living in Nigeria has become a challenge. Finances are no longer enough. Buying things in the market has become tougher than ever. In fact, there are some students, who are preachers, who desire to complete the course by all means but transportation has become a problem. They are coming from a far distance. The students and teachers are now contributing from their lean resources to help support their colleague to transport back and forth. This is a serious challenge.
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: None.
· Number of Baptisms resulting from evangelical efforts by students/teachers this quarter: 12
· Number of New Congregations Established: None
· Number of Teachers at the School: Seven (7)
· Number of Churches Restored: None
CONCLUSION
To God be the glory the work survived another quarter. It is a great privilege. As the new quarter begins, we pray for more zeal and grace to navigate through. The devil and his agents are working hard to thwart the efforts being made. However, Christ is already victorious and is thankful to be part of that victory. We pray that God continues to support those who are supporting the work financially and otherwise.