Bear Valley Work and Evangelistic Campaigns: Lagos Island

SABO ONIBA/LAGOS ISLAND CENTERS REPORT July to September 2024

INTRODUCTION

We continue to thank God for finding all of us useful in his kingdom in one way or another. Our appreciation goes to those who are funding the work of God in this part of the word. May God also bless those who are taking their time to study the word of God. The third quarter of this year has passed with its activities ranging from class work to field work. We are glad that many of us were used by God to impact others in one way or another.

BEAR VALLEY WORK

The students in both centers I am reporting for are doing great in their studies.  In Lagos Island, where the second set of students is in their first year, Research & Writing – 11 was taken by Oluwafemi Adewuyi in July.  They took Godhead in August by Ani Augustine. While Ibanga Udoh taught the Life of Christ 4 (Book of John) in September. Sabo Oniba Center was not left out in their classes as Research Methodology 2 was handled by Suliman Yusuf. Old Testament 5 (Minor Prophets) was taught by Akanimoh while Old Testament 3B (Psalm & Prov.) was directed by Mfon Etim. The classes are going on fine despite transportation increment challenges in our nation.

CAMPAIGNS/EVANGELISM:

We had two major campaigns last quarter. The first was that we joined the Mile 2 Badagry churches evangelism program in working with Etegbin church. The church is one of the congregations we joined in planting a few years ago. Both schools also joined Agege center for the first time in attending the church planting evangelism that took place first Saturday of October in Mulero in Orile-Agege, Lagos. It was a great experience that we had more than 90 prospects after the outing. We encouraged the local congregation to follow-up the prospects.

WBS ENROLLMENT/BAPTISM:

I also want to use this opportunity to appreciate the encouragement of Bro Chad in helping my movement as I train more workers in the WBS Online Study Help project. I was at Owerri and Aba in July to train about 10 ministers in the work. Part of them is students in BVBI in Owerri.

CONCLUSION:

We pray that God bless our sponsors so they continue to do the good work in this part of the world. There is a transformation going on in the church, which will bring rapid growth in the church over time. The leadership of the churches in Nigeria is also being strengthened.

Thank you and God bless you all.

TIM IWE

Warri Centers school updates

REPORT OF THE BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – WARRI CENTERS

JULY –SEPTEMBER 2024 

INTRODUCTION

It is another opportunity to catch a glimpse of how the Bear Valley Bible Institute Warri Centers have carried on this past three months. The entire staff and students are highly elated that we survived another quarter doing the masters’ bidden despite the difficult times in this clime. The school is grateful to the larger Bear Valley Family for their constant support. To the Almighty God, who knows and sees all things, we give all the glory.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES:

DSC CENTER

In the month of July, Meredith Owvromoh continued lectures on Hermeneutics II. The students were guided on the various methods of biblical interpretation and application. In summary, Biblical Hermeneutics II explores the theoretical and practical aspects of interpreting the Bible, focusing on understanding the author's intended meaning and applying it to contemporary contexts. A total of 23 students sat for the examinations.

In August, Godwin Ojochogwu taught the class on Hebrews II. It was built on Hebrews I. It evaluated, compared and contrasted the Holy of Holies here on earth and the heavenly sanctuary. The efficacy of the blood of Christ and the fact that without the shedding of the blood there cannot be forgiveness of sin. It further exalted the students on why one should remain steadfast and looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. A total of 21 students sat for the examination.

The month of September was a long-awaited month for the discussion on the Book of Revelation I. It was an exciting experience for the students since almost all of them had never had an idea of what the book of Revelation is all about. It was considered “a no-go area.” It was significant to note the first eleven chapters told the story and the last eleven chapters would retell the story. A beautiful outline was captured in chapter 1:19 and subsequently, the seven churches, the seven seals, the seven angels with the seven trumpets, the seven bowls of wrath and the grand finale. A total of twenty (22) out of twenty-seven (27) students sat for the examination.

PTI CENTER

Classes resumed at the PTI center in July with Solomon Usim handling the class on Homiletics II. The course was predominantly on how to plan a curriculum for the church. It reevaluated the types of sermons, classification of preaching and a thorough consideration of the methods of reasoning. Ten (10) out of 17 students sat for the examination.

In the month of August, Iduh Odike taught the class on the principles of Hermeneutics II. It basically considered the various methods of interpretation ranging from historical-grammatical methods to geographical methods. A total of 12 persons sat for the examination.

Lectures resumed in September with Abiola Ojoade taking a study of the book of John. The book of John reevaluated the deity of Jesus Christ and reemphasized that Jesus is not a creature but the creator. This particular course is of great interest as many people in the area are being misled to believe that Jesus Christ is one of the angels. Eleven (11) out of seventeen (17) students sat for the examination.

Ughelli Center

The Ughelli center resumed school activities for the quarter with Godwin Ojocheogwu discussing the Book of Romans I. The book gave an overview showing that the Gentiles were considered sinners in chapter 1. In chapter 2 the Jews were indicted. The letter part of chapter 2 the self-righteous were indicted, too. In chapter 3 all mankind were considered sinners. In chapter 4 justification was shown not to be by the works of the law but by faith in Christ Jesus. Chapter 5 is a transitional book. It maintained that all died in the first Adam and all were made alive in the second Adam. Chapter 6 x-rayed the theme on sanctification and so on. It was an awesome experience with the students. Eight (8) out of sixteen (16) students sat for the examination.

In the month of August, Solomon Usim taught the class on Writing, Language and Research. In this course, a lot of hand written essays were done. Students were thoroughly evaluated on their ability to write. Secondly, citing resource materials were well considered. Plagiarism was carefully explained. A total of 10 out of 16 students sat for the exams.

In the month of September, Alaba Gabi, examined the book of Acts of the Apostles. Under this course, (1) we carried out a review on the content of Acts. (2) We also studied the concept of Holy Spirit baptism. (3) We studied the concept of “breaking bread” (4) We traced briefly the Three missionary journeys of Paul, and his trip to Rome. The total number of students who sat for the final exams were nine (9) out of 16 students.

CHALLENGES

The Nigerian situation has moved from “problem pro” to “problem pro-max.” Some students eventually dropped because they could not afford transportation. Those who insist on continuing are getting transport support from both students and staff. In fact, a lovely young preacher, Emmanuel Ubuidodo, and Grant Onashe etc of the PTI Centers are no longer coming because of a hike in transportation. Victor Nwagbo relocated to Hungary for his master’s in Crop Science under the United Nation sponsorship. Moreover, the Ughelli center suffered a setback because of the dissolution of the eldership at Evueta congregation where the center is located. The elders have been the ones encouraging the school. However, the new preacher is beginning to accept the school and we pray that peace would be restored in the congregation. Some students from the center dropped because of transportation and the crisis in the congregation. At some point in early August, classes were disrupted because of the nation-wide protest against bad governance in Nigeria. However, things are getting back and normalcy is being restored. Overall, the school is in good shape in the Warri axis.

THIRD QUARTER'S EVENTS

·      Number of Students- Sixty-one (61), seventeen (17) at PTI, Twenty-seven (27) at DSC and sixteen (16) at Ughelli center.

·      Number of Campaigns Conducted by Students/Teachers in this Quarter: None.

·      Number of Baptisms resulting from evangelical efforts by students/teachers this quarter: 10.

·      Number of New Congregations Established: None

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

·      Number of Churches or Individuals Restored: Sister Grace Anthony has been a member of the church for a long time as well as the entire family in Benin city. However, she married a non-member of the church and relocated to Warri. Since then, she stopped worshipping. During our regular evangelism at Sedo Street in Iyara, Warri South LGA, one of our groups met with her and she identified herself. We continued the encouragement and she has started worshipping joyfully again. We are praying to get to her husband soon.

CONCLUSION

 It has not been an easy ride especially with the Nigerian situation. However, God is the ultimate sustainer of the universe. It is to Him that all glory is given. The faculty and staff members are grateful also to the Bear Valley Family in Denver Colorado and also to the school coordinators in Nigeria. It is our prayer that the last quarter will yield more fruit in Christ name, amen.

Evangelism in Taraba State, Nigeria

Greetings from Taraba School with hope that this will find you growing in all aspects of life especially in the Faith. It is yet another opportunity to share with you in summary what transpired in the school here in Taraba between the month of July and September 2024. 

Classes: our class activities went on normal every Saturday and sometimes Fridays evening in order to cover large materials. Preacher & his work was taught by Bala Egbwakoteh. Denominational Doctrines and the book of Galatians were handed by Elkanah Madaki under the months reviewed.

Evangelism: Even though we were unable to go out for two weeks as a result of hike in fuel pump price, we were able to adjust the area to cover and continue effectively meeting more people indoors. Because of the cost of living, people hardly leave  their homes. Unfortunately, we did not record any baptism but most of our invitees honor our invitation to study or worship with the church near to their homes. Our students also continue to teach and preach in the church at Gollong, Iware, and Kufai all within Jalingo metropolis.  On a sad note, one of our students Nathaniel Gbar loss his wife in Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) Jos, Plateau state last August and she has since been buried  in his hometown Benue state.

We continue to covet your prayers as we are working with some local congregations over here to secure accommodations for some brethren outside Jalingo that are willing to come and study in our school . Please also remember our country Nigeria in your daily prayers.

Thank you for this rare opportunity to work with you with hope that we shall be together in heaven.

Dearly yours in Christ,

Madaki I. Elkanah

Port Harcourt, Nigeria is doing well!

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

Activities of BVBI Rivers State Nigeria in the third quarter, 2024 were carried out with great passion and dedication by the teachers and students and this brought good results. The weekend lectures are going on and our students are very happy studding, doing their assignments, going out for evangelism and writing their exams.

ADMISSION OF TEN NEW STUDENTS IN THE TWO CENTERS

On the third quarter of 2024, we admitted a total of Ten new students to fill up the gaps created when some of our students concluded the mandatory 48 courses and stopped coming for lectures while waiting for their graduation. We wrote letters to the congregations within our locations for them to send their members to the school. We look forward to admit more students as some of the congregations are talking with us on that.

ALL OUR TEACHERS GOT ADMISSION INTO WNCC NIGERIA, FOR B. A. DEGREE IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

With gladness and appreciation to BVBI international, we are reporting that all our teachers including the Director had gotten admission into the West Nigeria College and school of Biblical Studies, Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria, for Bachelors of Arts Degree in Christian Ministry. Our admission processes was concluded in August, 2024 and we started taking lectures from the same month till date. We have lectures from Monday to Thursday every week and we use Friday and Saturday for teaching our students in BVBI Rivers State. Due to our Diploma and advance Diploma from various Bible Colleges in Nigeria, we were admitted into 200 level (Year two) of the Degree program of WNCC, it means that we will do the program for three years instead of the four years, if we had started in 100 level (Year one).

We are very thankful to BVBI International who is giving us the financial support and encouragement. The B. A. Degree in Christian Ministry will enhance our capacity to teach our students and increase our knowledge of the scriptures, especially in Hebrew and Greeks languages.

STUDENTS/TEACHERS EVANGELISM OUTREACH

Our students and teachers embarked on evangelism outreach on Saturday, 31st August, 2024. We worked with two congregations within the locations of our school centers. Port Harcourt center went out the church of Christ Omachi in Port Harcourt, while the students at Omoku center went out with their host congregation. We met many prospects who promised to be baptized soon. As the local congregations continue to do the follow up, we hope that many may be converted among the prospects.

We are grateful to our sponsors in the United States of America for their financial and moral supports. We want them to know that their efforts and supports are getting great results and success in our schools in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Reports from:

Anthony Ejike Oluria,

(Director BVBI Rivers State Nigeria, West Africa)

School Successes in Ondo State, Nigeria

Report Of Bear Valley Bible Institute Weekend School, Ondo State July - September, 2024.

Dear brethren,

Calvary greetings from Bear Valley Bible Institute, Ondo State to our beloved brethren! Thanks for your unfailing love, care and support! We are very glad for this wonderful synergy! Also, all thanks goes to the Eldership and all the brethren at Bear Valley Church in Denver, Colorado for their support and sacrifice! We are forever grateful for all you are doing for us in Ondo State and all over the whole! Continue to bask in the euphoria of God's grace, Amen. 

Evangelism Report: As a School, we are committed in the work of evangelism. In Ondo City, we engaged our students in evangelism in the following areas on 31st August, 2024. Our students visited Lotogbe area and preached there on the above date for our evangelism outing! Lotogbe area is another area earmask for the planting the Lord's Church there! All the students were present for the exercise with several prospects! We had five baptisms, one of the baptized is my second Son, Paul! All glory be to God Almighty, Amen.

Also, in Akure center, the students there too were active in the work of evangelism! They went out as our usual habits! The students and the instructors were present in Ondo park area! Akure center too were planning to establish the Church in Ondo park area! plans are ongoing for the actualization of this project! We desires your prayers always.

Annual Bible Seminar: All glory to God Almighty for His grace and unlimited blessings we have enjoyed in Him! We organized our third year Bible Seminar on the theme: "Come, let us reason together says the Lord" (Isaiah 1:18). The topics are (1) The difference between Old Testament and New Testament. This topic was handled by Bear Valley Bible instructor from Lagos state, Brother Israel Tajomavwo. (2). The New Testament Church was handled by Our able Regional Director Brother Olufemi Makinde. The program was loaded and rich! Several brethren from different congregations in the State attended the program. Total attendance was 92.  Bible literatures was shared among brethren! The School is moving forward to the glory of God, Amen.

Classroom Activities: Class work is also one of the major work of the School! We are doing well. 

In Ondo City, Brother Akilapa taught "Godhead" in July, while brother Philemon taught "Galatians" in Akure center.

in August, Brother Oke taught "Preacher's Life and work" while in Akure center Brother Rowland taught "1, 2, 3 John" .

In September, Brother Rowland taught "1, 2, 3 John" in Ondo City center, while Brother Oke taught "Preacher's Life and work in Akure center.

We are grateful to God Almighty for His help! We are in the third year going toward fourth year! All the students were happy! Thank you, brethren for making this happen with your love and support!

Brother Odeyemi Sunday is one of the newly admitted students here in Ondo City! He is preaching already in one of our congregation in Okitipupa, Ondo State (Southern part of the State)! He is doing very well with his studies! He thanked God for the School for serious eyes opener as regards to the in-depth knowledge and study of the Scriptures! He is 48 years old. His family and the Church where he is working are so supportive of him studying with the School. 

Miscellaneous: We are thankful to God and our supporter for the provision of basic needs of the School. Thank you, brethren! We appreciate your help always.

Conclusion: Beloved of God, Our hearts (Instructors and students) are filled with joy always for your sacrifice and leadership! We truly acknowledged your great impact upon us in Ondo State! We will continue to work for the Lord with great zeal! God bless Bear Valley family and all who delights in God's truth, Amen.

Fasonu Victor, Coordinator. 

Bear Valley Bible Institute, Ondo State

Developments in Agege - Lagos Centre

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE, NIGERIA, AGEGE LAGOS CENTRE.

QUARTERLY REPORT

THIRD QUARTER, 2024

INTRODUCTION

To God be all the glory for making the third quarter of 2024 a very successful quarter. By the grace of God the quarter was completed without hitches. All the schedules were completed as planned.

CLASS ACTIVITIES

Three courses were done during the quarter. The quarter started with the courses, Research and writing. The course was taught by Emmanuel Chukwuka Odo. This was followed by Old Testament 3a – Job and Ecclesiastes, also taught by Emmanuel Chukwuka Odo. The last course for the quarter was the Minor Prophets. This was taught by Bro. Akanimoh Archibong.

GRADUATION

To God Almighty be all the glory. Agege Centre graduated five students in this year’s Annual Bible Lectureship and Graduation Ceremony which held on 22nd through 24th August, 2024. Two students graduated with first Diploma, while three graduated with Advanced Diploma. The graduands were:

1.         Akerele Michael - - - - - - - - - - - - - Diploma

2.         Adeboyega Oluwaseun - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Diploma

3.         Nwoyi Azubuike         - - - - - - - - - - - - Advanced Diploma

4.         Joseph Westgarth - - - - - - - - - - - - Advanced Diploma

5.         Idaraobong Nathaniel - - - - - - - - - - Advanced Diploma

BAPTISM

By the grace of God, the centre recorded two baptisms during the quarter. We thank God that both of them are presently worshiping with the Congregation at 80, Iju Road, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos, Nigeria.

CHURCH PLANTING/RESTORATION

Bearvalley Bible Institute Agege Centre is working hard to revive “a dying congregation” at Iwaya, Yaba, Lagos. This is a congregation that was having membership of about sixty (60), but now has less than fifteen (15) active members. We are still working on this, more information on this will be given in the next report. The centre is also playing a key role in the planned church planting at Mulero-Agege-Lagos. The evangelism is scheduled for 3rd, 4th and 5th October, 2024. We need prayers for the success of this programme.

APPRECIATION

The activities of the centre would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors and directors. We acknowledge your invaluable financial and moral support. May God continue to bless and empower Bear Valley Church of Christ, individual donors and particularly Keith Kasarjian and Chad Wagner. May God reward your efforts in building and expanding His church, especially in training teachers and evangelists.

CONCLUSION

Once again we thank God for the success we recorded in third quarter of 2024.

Emmanuel Chukwuka Odo

Updates from Enugu, Nigeria

REPORT OF THE BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – ENUGU CENTER

JULY  – SEPTEMBER 2024

INTRODUCTION

The Enugu study center of the Bear Valley Bible Institute expresses her unreserved gratitude to God Almighty, and to

all the great men and women God is using to accomplish the great work done in this part of Africa. We will not stop  thanking Bear Valley Bible Institute International.

  The newly approved director, by name Onwuka Samuel John Kelechukwu, started work officially in this quarter, and I'm still not ungrateful for such favour given to me. May the all-knowing God bless you all.

COMMENCEMENT

Sequel to the approval of the new director, the center's arrangement on academic schedule was put to action, congregations where visited, the instructors were actively involved in the progressive activities of the school.

We had new intakes as brethren responded from their different congregations. We had students who registered from Ebonyi state,  

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

The following courses was taken within the period of this report:

✓July  2024, Research writing by Hilary Johnson C.C.

✓August, 2024. Old testament Law. By Sunday utorbo.

✓September  2024 – Christian evidence . By Onwuka Samuel Kelechukwu.

CAMPAIGN PROGRAMS

On Friday, 30 August 2024 the Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria-Enugu center students, went for

their maiden evangelism outreach at Akegbe ugwu village by osimili bus stop  Enugu Umuahia high way in Enugu South  Local Government Area of Enugu State.  We had many prospect. 

The instructions were paid at the end of every course.

 We printed T-shirt (polo) for our campaign/ evangelism out reached.

The school has map out  other ways and work to do in the next academics quarter. 

The students course hand Note were printed out and shared to the students.

CLOSING REMARKS.

We give thanks to our father in heaven for His loving kindness that has enabled us continue our services in the kingdom of Christ. We are also grateful to all the good people of the BVBI family. We pray abundant

grace and blessings upon you all as we do the work of the master in Jesus Christ name Amen.

And to our instructors in Enugu study  center who have been in season and out of season teaching the students, may the almighty bless them.

ONWUKA SAMUEL KELECHUKWU.

Director, BVBIN-ENUGU STUDY CENTER.

Successful Evangelism in Ikorodu, Nigeria

Quarterly Report (July to September)

(Ikorodu Study Centre Lagos State)

 To God be the glory, He has sustained our lives to witness this month. The staffs and students of BVBIN are grateful to God for all your support to keep our studying on. We send our appreciations and greetings to BVBI management. May our good God bless you all immensely in Jesus name (Amen).

The break downs are as follows:

1. In Ikorodu study centre, we have twenty-two (22) students. Four graduated on August at Butubutu Ibadan, Oyo State. We had eighteen (18) students left. In September, we have five students added. Making a total of twenty-three (23) students presently. All are regular and punctual to the class.

2. We have three instructors to handle the subjects for the month of July, August and September.

They are: Bro. Mfon Etim, Bro. Akan Imo and Bro. Emmanuel Odo.

3. The subjects studied so far and the months are:

a. July: Research and Writing II: By bro. Mfon Etim

b. August: Bro. Akan Imo handled the Old Testament 3a( Psalms and Proverbs)

c. September: The Old Testament 3b was handled by Bro. Emmanuel Odo.

4. A congregation have started worship at Pakisha Ikorodu. We sent our students on daily basis for evangelism and Sunday worship and they have been doing well. They had five baptisms during their evangelism. We plead for financial assistance for transportation because the church is situated in the boundary between Lagos and Ogun State.

5. In the months of July to September, we've had six baptisms and seven restorations.

6. We all went out for campaign (evangelism) both instructors and the students on 31st August, 2024.

7. We plan to have lectureship for the Evangelist on October 1st. The theme is " pulpit management". The teacher will be bro. Mfon Etim Adeh.

8. We had also plan to have a joint lectureship, that will bring all the four centres in Lagos State together. All BVBIN will meet at Sabo Oniba on 30th of November, 2024. The theme " Effective Evangelism in our Digital Age"

The staffs and the students of BVBI Ikorodu remain grateful to God for your support. The assistance rendered to us here has made the gospel of Christ to go wide in our environs. Many are now Christians through your supports. Many had become preachers and ministers of the gospel, congregations as well have been planted in some locations. The Lord will bless you richly in Jesus name. Amen.

      I remain the servant of God

          Mfon Etim Adeh

         Ikorodu Lagos State

Dedicated Students Continue Outreach Efforts in Owerri, Nigeria

BVBIN OWERRI CENTER

THIRD QUARTER REPORT ( JULY -SEPTEMBER 2024)

Calvary greetings to you all in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. 

We are indeed grateful to God and you for your unalloyed support to us in preparing workers for our masters work. 

We will always remain grateful and we will continue to put in our best despite the numerous challenges we are facing in our nation Nigeria.

This past quarter (July to September)  we were able to complete the following courses 

(a) The old testament 3b:(215)

(b)  Leadership (216)

(c) 1st Corinthians (217).

OUTREACH 

So many congregations in Owerri and it's environs are having one crises or the other and some have gone comatose, the students and instructors are deeply involved in restoring normalcy in the congregation at Nekede, and our efforts there through teaching is yeilding results, also another congregation at MCC Urratta, a suburb of Owerri which went comatose is being revived now through the combined effort of the school and Amaigbo congregation, and with your prayers and God blessing our efforts there, the congregation will spring back to life

 BURIALS,

One of our instructors Dr Gideon NWEZEs wife was buried on the 5th of September and the school showed presence to commiserate with him.

Also our two students that lost their mother have buried them.

In all things we give thanks to God.

UPCOMING EVENTS

We are planning two programs, open air evangelism which will hold 2nd week of November at MCC where we are trying to revive a congregation, we  will be partnering with Amaigbo congregation for support and logistics.

The second one is and indoor lectureship which will come up 1st week of December.

STUDENTS

Despite the security and economic challenges being face here, the commitment of the students are very encouraging, currently, we have 14 dedicated students.

VISITOR

We were happy to welcome bro Tim Iwe who visited the school unannounced to see what is happening and how the school is fairing, and the words of encouragement we received from him elevated our spirits.

We want to sincerely thank you all for finding us useful, we assure you that we must keep the flag high and your confidence in us will not be in vain while you pray for us.

May God continue to bless and keep you all as you work for Him.

Yours because of Christ 

Chinedu Akandu

Director

Successful Teachings in Kaduna, Nigeria

Beloved Saints,

MAIDEN REPORT

I hope and pray this message meets you, brethren and sisters thriving well in spirit and in health.

I am very thrilled, and on behalf of the Kaduna study center, for the opportunity you afforded us to partner you in this ministry of training men for the preaching of the gospel.

The Kaduna study center effectively commenced academic activities on 24th August, 2024 with 25 students.

COURSES TAUGHT:

For the remaining part of the month of August and September, Dr Mohammed Bikang taught Research Method while Agbamu James taught Old Testament (The Torah).

The students were very excited about having idea on how to carry out research works. Hoping that the knowledge gained from the study will be of great help to them in other fields of academic endeavors. The study on Old Testament (The Torah), has also elicited the students’ quest to defend false doctrines being peddled by religious charlatans, like the “Gap Theory” etc. 

In summary, the classes and courses taught so far were inspiring, educating and soul lifting.

EVANGELISM:

The evangelism for this brief, but eventful period was carried out by the lecturers only. It was a mapping out/survey kind which resulted in one baptism. We plan to fully engage the students as from next month.

CHALLENGES:

One of the lecturers, Matthew Akor, left us to Nassarawa state. We are in the process of getting another qualified brother to replace him. He is by name Abul Jerome, who was part of the initial list submitted in our application, but was unavailable for the time being

Outreach Efforts in Onitsha, Nigeria

Introduction:

The Bear Valley Bible Institute, Onitsha/Nnewi centers are grateful to our Great God and the leadership of Bear Valley Bible Institute. 

Presently, we have 50 students, 13 dropped out in the month of July, while 3 came in July and August 2024. We have 6 teachers but one of them, by name Bro. Chidi Chibunna, relocated to Abia State this month of September 2024. By the grace of God we are waxing strong , though not without challenges.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

The two centers in Onitsha which comprised Awada and Okpoko centers took the following courses from July - September 2024:

1. July- The book of Acts. Teachers-  Awada center: Faith Jonathan, Okpoko center: Everest Eneh.

2. August -Public Speaking. Teachers- Awada center: Ogbonna Vincent, Okpoko center: Nwigwe Innocent.

3. September- New Testament Church. Teachers: Awada center: Eneh Everest, Okpoko center: Faith Jonathan

While the Nnewi center took the following courses from July - September 2024:

1. July- Old Testament. Teacher- Chidi Chibunna

2. August- New Testament Worship. Teacher- Aniamalu Felix

3. September - Christian Evidence. Teacher- Aniamalu Felix.

CAMPAIGNS

On August 10, 2024 we took active part in one day Seminar organized by Church of Christ 29 Akpulu street  Okpoko the host of one of our Onitsha centers. Two of our lectures were guest speakers of the day while I was the moderator of the program.

On August 16, 2024 we went to Okpuno church of Christ on invitation for a one day evangelism. Both our students and lecturers took active part in Open-Air evangelism. No baptism was recorded but many promised to identify with the church and their contacts were given to the Minister.

On September  13-14, 2024 we also we took part in a two-day gospel campaign organized by the church of Christ Nkpor Old Road Onitsha. By the grace of God two souls were baptized on Sunday, September 15, as a result of the evangelism.

Some of our teachers and myself have been anchoring a radio program which is being sponsored by the brethren and the program is yielding great results. A family of four were baptized at church of Christ Fegge this month of September 2024.

VISITATIONS

On September 8, 2024 I and one of our students who happened to be my son visited one of our congregations to encourage the brethren there. They were ejected from the the school were they were worshipping by the new principal of the school. They have gotten another place which was not conducive for worship.

On September 22, 2024, we also visited another congregation where one of our students is the Minister. The congregation had a very serious challenge. The worship hall still under construction by one of our brothers who bought the land and donated it to the church was demolished by persons who are laying claim to the land. The church os presently struggling to get another place of worship. Presently they are meeting at one of the brothers house at Amawa Ogbunike.

CHALLENGES

Due to economic and the security situation of our country, 10  of our students at Nnewi center and 3 at Onitsha has dropped since July 2024 till date. 

CONCLUSION

By the grace of God, we are planning for our matriculation on November 23, 2024.

We shall continue to do our best by His grace and we will not fail to continue to appreciate you all for your unwavering support. May our good Lord continue to reward you all in Christ’s name.

Ezeh Chijioke Shedrack (Director BVBI Onitsha/Nnewi Centers)

Student Successes in Benin City

It is with gratitude to God Almighty that we present the report of Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria - Benin City for the third quarter (July, August, and September) 2024.

During the quarter, three courses including World Religion, Prison Epistles, and Use of English were taught by our instructors as follows; 

Bro Fidelis Daniel taught World Religion to school A, while Bro Enne Everest taught Prison Epistles in B. In August, Bro Andrew Osatohamwen taught World Religion in school B while Bro Samuel Joshua E. taught Prison Epistles to school A. In September, we employed the service of Bro Henry Imasuen, a professional English Language teacher to teach Use of English in both classes. The performances of both the instructors and the students were exceptional. 

On 16th of September, 2024, the school collaborated with the church of Christ, Ekae, Sapele Road Benin City both in the deployment of man power and financial services for a one - day door knocking and open air evangelism.

Four out of the five instructors were in attendance with the students who came out in their numbers.

Our students are now the most sought after materials to preach for congratulations as another of our students, Bro Jeremiah Osahon has been appointed as the preacher of Ekae congregation. Himself and his wife are dedicated students of the school. You will recall that Bro Solomon Tobore, one of our students was also appointed as Ewah Road church of Christ in second quarter.

We appreciate the Bear Valley Bible Institute, Denver, Colorado and everyone involved for their unalloyed spiritual, financial and moral supports with which we have been able to attain these feats. 

God bless you all richly.

Yours in Christ's service,

Dunia Christopher

BVBIN -BENIN CITY

Lectureship and evangelism in Enugu

I thank God and rejoiced in His grace that have enable us successfully do all these works we had plan to do in second quarter and part of third quarter of the year 2021 despite all insecurity problems in the South East of Nigeria in the second quarter of the year.

We did Evangelism House to House Preaching for three days 20 – 22 May, 2021, at Olepe town in Igbo-Eze North Enugu State Nigeria, did Open Air Preaching at Elugukpali Town near Ogugu Development Area in Kogi State, did Community Evangelism at Umuagwu Community in Aaoli Town where I assembled the people of the community in their town hall and spoken the gospel of Jesus Christ and teach about His church to 33 members of the community on 30th July, 2021. Also we held one day Mega Evangelism/Seminar/Lectureship in memory of our beloved late Sister Doris Taylor. We spoke on the importance of Evangelism/mission to 112 preachers who attend the seminar from churches of Christ in Enugu State, Kogi State, Anambra State, River State, Imo State and Ebonyi State. The attached are my welcome address and the lecture on Evangelism/Mission to all who attended the Seminar on 31st July, 2021.

I give God all the glory for giving us brighter days for this work now that we are in raining season and to you who gave us the financial support that enabled us do these works as planned.

While we continue to pray for all we had planned to do in this remaining 3rd quarter and forth quarter of 2021year, I sincerely thank you for all your support.

May God, the rewarder of every good good reward you as He promised to do.

Herbert Nwankwo Chukwu

Updates from Onitsha, Nigeria Extended School

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE ONITSHA ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA (Awada, Okpoko and Nnewi) CENTERS, APRIL-JUNE REPORT

I. We have 60 (sixty) students

    a. Awada: 22

    b. Okpoko: 13

    c. Nnewi: 25

2. CAMPAIGNS:

  1. On 27th-28th May 2024 we went to Ihiala in partnership with the church of Christ Awmaobia on a two-day Gospel Campaign, and to the Glory of God, 11 (eleven) baptisms were recorded.

2. Some of the students and lecturers also went to Ihiala with the Gospel Chariot team on 22nd June 2024 and 1 (one) baptism was recorded.

3. On June 27th-30th we went to Amawa Ogbunike on an invitation to Gospel Campaign/church planting. We participated fully in the campaign, and some of our students and I worshiped with the newly planted congregation. Two persons who heard the gospel visited on the inaugural worship day. We have not recorded baptism yet, but we have high hopes that many will come to submit to Christ. One of our brothers is the sole sponsor of the project. He gave land and also started the construction of the worship hall. One of our students has been appointed as the preacher and the previously mentioned brother has promised to support him for one year.

4. We in partnership with the church of Christ Ogidi and Anambra Gospel Mission, with the sponsorship of brother Kenneth Morah, help to establish the church of Christ Amawa Ogbunike.

5. We have 6(six) teachers:

    a. Ogbonna Vincent  Onyekachi

    b. Nwigwe Innocent

   c. Eneh Everest

   d.  Chidi Chibunna

    e.  Faith Jonathan

    f. Aniamalu Felix

6. I am happy to also inform you that one of our students at Nnewi Center was appointed the preacher of the Church of Christ Uruagu Nnewi.

Ezeh Chijioke Shedrack

(Director BVBI Onitsha/Nnewi Center)

Academic and Campaign Updates from the Enugu Center, Nigeria

REPORT OF THE BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – ENUGU CENTER APRIL – JUNE 2024

INTRODUCTION

The Enugu study center of the Bear Valley Bible Institute expresses her profound gratitude to God Almighty, and to all the great men and women God is using to accomplish the great work done in this part of Africa. We will not cease to thank Bear Valley Bible Institute International, especially for the newly approved director, by name Onwuka Samuel John Kelechukwu. The center is still at the meeting hall of the Church of Christ Garriki Enugu State, Nigeria. To this end, the school has recently secured the services of Hilary Johnson Chukwura (Evang). This is done to complement the efforts of the other instructors.

COMMENCEMENT

Sequel to the approval of the new director, the center's arrangement is in top gear so that, come July 2024,  the center will commence academic activities more effectively than it used to be. Letters of invitation have been sent out to interested candidates.  The new intake exam will be conducted strictly in accordance with the set questions and answers provided by BVBI International. There was a meeting between the new director and the instructors on 24/6/2024,  to help in mapping out modalities of making the school grow. 

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

The following courses have been taken within the period of this report:

• April, 2024— How we got the Bible

• May, 2024— Hermeneutics

• June, 2024— The New Testament Church (worship)

CAMPAIGN PROGRAMS

On Friday, 24th May 2024 the Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria-Enugu center students, went for their maiden evangelism outreach at Amaole Town in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.  After the preaching exercise, the new director worshipped with the very small rural congregation on Sunday the 26th at Amaole. Please raise the students and the very small congregation to God's hand in prayer for fruitfulness. Furthermore, on 22 June 2024, our students embarked on another campaign at Akwuke  Enugu South LGA. Note that BV ENUGU STUDY CENTER was instrumental in establishing a congregation in this area three years ago.

CLOSING REMARK

We give thanks to our Father in heaven for His loving kindness that has enabled us to continue our services in the kingdom of Christ. We are also grateful to all the good people of the BVBI family. We pray abundantgrace and blessings upon you all as we do the work of the master in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

ONWUKA SAMUEL KELECHUKWU

Director, BVBIN-ENUGU STUDY CENTER

Appreciative Update from Ondo State, Nigeria

Report Of Bear Valley Bible Institute Weekend School, Ondo State, April to June, 2024.

Dear Brethren,

Calvary greetings from Ondo City to our beloved brethren and Bear Valley family! Indeed we are grateful to God and to our brethren for their partnership, support, and sacrifices to us in Ondo State! Our hearts are filled with joy for this synergy! We are appreciative to the Eldership and all the brethren at Bear Valley Church, Denver, Colorado for their unfailing love and support! God bless you all in Jesus' name, Amen. 

Evangelism Report: As a School in Ondo State, as our usual habit, evangelism is our hubby, we went out to preach in Sabo Orimolade area for the third consecutive time on 29th June, 2024 with all the instructors and Students! We had open air preaching on that day with house to house evangelism! We hope to open a new congregation of the Lord there very soon, God willing. We would appreciate your prayers always for this! 

Also, in Akure center, our beloved instructors and students went out as well to Evangelized their area! The area covered was Leo area of Akure! Several prospects were contacted during the preaching exercise! We hope strongly their souls will be harvested for the Lord in the shortest time, Amen.

God willing, the School in Ondo State will be organizing their third year Leadership Bible Seminar that will comes up on the 21st of September, 2024.

Classroom Activities: In the cause of the months under reportage April to June 2024! We had wonderful classroom experiences!

April, 2024 in Ondo City centre, Brother Godwin Emmanuel taught the students The book of James. While in Akure center, Brother Akilapa taught the students 2 Corinthians.

May, 2024 in Ondo City centre, Brother Akilapa taught 2 Corinthians. While in Akure center Brother Godwin Emmanuel taught the book of James. 

June, 2024 in Ondo City centre, Brother Philemon Ohaebuka taught the book of Galatians! While in Akure center Brother Akilapa taught Godhead as a course. 

We returned all glory to God for His blessings, Safety on all the Instructors and the students! The students are gradually close to the end of their studies. 

Brother Taiwo Adepetun is a new student with the School! He is the denominational Pastor converted to the Lord! he is doing very great with his studies! He is willing to learn more about the rudiments of the gospel of Christ! He is grateful to God for the truth he has found! He is 35 years old and is married with one child! He is very active with the truth he has found in Christ, he is willing to tell the whole world this truth with great zeal of God in him! He is ready to preach after acquiring Bible knowledge! To God be the glory, Amen.

Miscellaneous: As at today, we are grateful as a School for the supplies! Thank you so much for your help and leadership.

Conclusively, We are grateful again for your help always! We are indeed blessed for the continuity of the program! We are determined to continue the good work of Christ without wavering! We are in love with your partnership always! Thank you and God bless, Amen.

Fasonu Victor, Coordinator

Bear Valley Bible Institute, Ondo State

Successful Evangelism from School in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

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

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

In our first quarter, 2024 report, we mentioned of our plan to host a day intensive lectureship on 30th March, 2024 at Omoku centre. The theme of the concluded lectureship was: “Churches of Christ in the 21st Century: Challenges and Prospects.”

We are happy to report that the lectureship was successful. Twenty one congregations in the area were represented. Some congregations from Port Harcourt City also attended. One of our teachers by name Michael C. Nwankwo presented the first key note on the topic Majoring in the Minor and one of our graduates by name Gentle Nwamana presented the second key note on the topic Sustaining Church Autonomy and Church Cooperation.  Before the close of the lectureship, we used the occasion to encourage the participants to enroll in the BVBI program. At the end of March 2023 we got some new students in Omoku Center as a result of the concluded lectureship.

WEEKEND LECTURES ARE GOING ON IN OUR TWO CENTERS

It is a pleasure to report that lectures are going on in our two centers. In this year 2024, we had taught and completed the following courses: (1) 1,2 Peter, James and Jude,  (2) Advanced Christian Evidence, (3) 1 Corinthians, (4) 2 Corinthians, (5) Old Testament (Book of the law), (6) Leadership, (7) Acts of the Apostles 2, (8) Bible Geography, (9) Prison Epistles, (10) Denominational Doctrines, (11) 1, 2 Timothy and Titus. We are grateful for the privilege we had to teach two courses in a month and we are making good use of the privilege.

UPDATE ON ANOTHER SET OF OUR STUDENTS WHO WILL BE DUE FOR GRADUATION SOON   

We are still working on the records of another set of our students who had completed the 48 courses. 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. We are grateful to God and to our sponsors for the success of Bear Valley Bible Institute in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

STUDENTS/TEACHERS EVANGELISM OUTREACH TOOK PLACE ON SATURDAY JUNE 29TH, 2024

Students and teachers evangelism outreach took place on Saturday, June 29th, 2024. We worked with two congregations within the locations of our school centers. We went out to the streets, houses and shops and preached the gospel of Christ. We discovered two members of the church who stopped fellowship with the saints with the excuse that they don’t know where the church was located. We talked with them and united them to the brethren within their location. We also met with many prospects who promised to be baptized soon. As the congregations we worked with continue to do the follow-up, we hope to have some converts among the prospects. We are happy for the participation of our students and teachers in the evangelism outreach and for the success of the work done.

REMEMBER OUR STUDENTS IN NIGERIA IN YOUR PRAYERS

Our students and teachers are requesting prayers because of the present hardship in Nigeria caused by the high level of inflation in the country which is affecting everyone who is living in Nigeria right now. The students and the teachers are in distress and in need of prayers to survive the high cost of foods, medicines, transportation and other goods and services in the country. Indeed, we need serious prayers because the adversity in Nigeria is getting to an unbearable level.

However, we are grateful to our sponsors in the United States of America for their financial and moral support. We would like to say that all the efforts and support are getting great results and success in our school in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Anthony Ejike Oluria

(Director BVBI Rivers State Nigeria, West Africa)

A Successful Quarter for Agege, Nigeria

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE

AGEGE LAGOS STUDY CENTER

QUARTERLY REPORT— SECOND QUARTER 2024 

INTRODUCTION

It is a thing of joy that the second quarter of the year 2024 has been completed as planned. May His name be praised forever.  

CLASS ACTIVITIES

All class activities were all carried out and completed according to the requirements. Three courses were successfully completed during the quarter in this order:

1. In the Month of April, Brother Gbenga Ilori taught Christian Home.

2. Brother Suleiman Yusuf taught the New Testament Church in the month of May.

3. Brother Israel Tajomavwo taught Church History in the month of June.

We thank God that these courses were successfully completed as expected and examinations written under close supervision.

WORKSHOP

The students of the centre were made to participate actively in Four Fields Discipleship Training and the use of social media platforms in the preaching of the gospel held on Friday, 28th June, 2024. This was organized by the centre in partnership with the Church of Christ Ifako/Ijaiye, Lagos State.

CAMPAIGN

The students participated in the campaign outing organized by the centre on Saturday, 29th June, 2024, where they were made to put into practice what they have learnt during the Four Fields Training, under the supervision of the centre director.

STUDENT POPULATION

We owe God all gratitude for His sustenance and encouragement. Though we did not admit new students during the quarter, God has continued to sustain the existing fifteen students who showed strong determination to continue with the program.

APPRECIATION

We appreciate God’s guidance, love and protection during the quarter which enabled us to carry out all activities as expected. We also appreciate the efforts of our Directors, Supporters, and Sponsors. We pray that God Almighty should continue to all of you, especially, Chad Wagner and Keith Kasarjian, who work tirelessly to make sure that the school is put in the right direction. May God’s blessings be perpetually multiplied in your lives, in Jesus’ name.

CONCLUSION

We once again thank God for His kindness towards us. May His love continuously abound in the lives of our Directors and sponsors as we continue to do the best we can to serve God.

Emmanuel Chukwuka Odo

Students in Owerri, Nigeria Persist Amongst Different Circumstances

BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE NIGERIA, OWERRI CENTER REPORT   - APRIL -JUNE  2024

The quarter started with some challenges, our director lost his two siblings the same time, our two students lost their mother, and yet to be buried, one of our lecturers Dr Gideon Nweze lost his wife and is yet to be buried, another student was involved in an accident, still recuperating,  although this affected attendance, but in all this we are grateful to God that we are still moving on.

The security situation in Owerri is gradually normalizing, but we still organize lessons sometimes on weekdays or Sunday evenings depending on the situation.

Presently we have 19 students but not all are regular.

EVANGELISM
Our scheduled open air evangelism for this quarter couldn't hold due to circumstances beyond our control, there was heavy down pour, hence we rescheduled it to the month of July.
Also, the first preachers and church leaders workshop which is being organised by the school which supposed to  take place this June has been rescheduled to August due to logistics issues.
Concerning brethren from far locations from Owerri city requesting for arrangements to come to their area and give them lectures, we are yet to conclude arrangements on this as we have not gotten a reasonable number of interested students.

Our sincere gratitude will always go to God,  and we will not cease to 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 moulding men for the service of God and humanity.   
Our promise to maintain a high standard remains unshakeable  and surely we will make the school proud.

Yours because of Christ,
Chinedu Akandu
Director

Students and Instructors at work in Ikorodu, Nigeria

Bear Valley Bible Institute- Nigeria (Ikorodu)

We are grateful to God for sustaining our lives. The staffs and students of BVBIN Ikorodu appreciate you all for your support to keep our study on the growing and right path. We send our greetings to BVBI management. The Lord bless you all.

1. In Ikorodu study centre, we have twenty-two (22) students. All are regular and punctual to the class.

2. We have three instructors to handle the subjects. They are: Bro. Mfon Etim, Bro. Okoro Chinyere, and Bro. Israel Tajomavwo.

3. The subjects studies so far are:

a. APRIL- Church History (handled by Bro. Israel Tajomavwo)

b. MAY- Christian Home (handled by bro. Gbenga Ilori)

c. JUNE- New Testament Church (handled by bro. Yusuf Suleiman)

4. On first Sunday in the month of April, we started a congregation at Pakisha in Ikorodu. After three days open air evangelism and door to door outreach. The congregation commenced. One of our students is now a minister there (bro. Ekomobong David).

5. We had three baptisms and two restorations.

6. At the end of June, all the students and the staffs went out for campaign (Evangelism).

7. We also plan to have a lectureship for all evangelists in Ikorodu at the end of October, 2024.

We remain grateful to God and the staffs and students who are working very hard to see that the gospel is promoted in our environment (Ikorodu).

We thank you for the support. Without your support, we may not be able to achieve what we have today if not for your assistance. Today, we can face the denominational pastors.

We remain grateful to you and God bless you in Jesus Name (Amen)

Mfon Etim Adeh

(Ikorodu Study Centre)