Successful Academic Activities in Abia State
REPORT OF THE NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND THEOLOGICAL STUDIES/ BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE – NIGERIA
NTIGHA- ONITCHA NGWA
NOVEMBER 2025
INTRODUCTION
It is an interesting thing for me to learn to sit down every month to reflect and write about the activities of the school in the last one month. It also gives me joy during the reflections to know that a group of people somewhere in a far distant land think about the welfare of the churches in Nigeria, and particularly, far down eastern Nigeria. It is more heartwarming, especially now, that our country, Nigeria, is plunged into deeper crises. Crises that have both religious and ethnic taint, and a time when Christians are killed, even in church worship halls. It gladdens the heart to see the sacrifice of brethren who constantly support the work of the kingdom both materially and spiritually. Your prayers go a long way to keep us working in the field and trusting God for a better Nigeria. We are very grateful to the Bear Valley Family for their constant support and to the other congregations that have continued to help our work. We need you now more than ever. We are resolute to continue to fight for the faith of Jesus Christ despite the numerous challenges. Many have run away to other countries for safety and greener pastures. However, thanks be to God for the courage to navigate the risk of keeping the churches around the area sound by teaching faithful men who will be able to teach others until all have heard.
ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
The school is very grateful to God for His grace through the semester. The school started its examination on the 27th of October and would continue till the 5th of December. The students have worked hard till this time and are willing to go home. They just feel like going home. It has been a long year for them, especially with the change of the school calendar. We continue to solicit your prayers as they wrap up their exams and head home. The school will resume activities for the second semester on the 5th of January 2026.
EVANGELISM
The month of November was one of a kind. The Gospel Chariot was in Abia state. The school and staff were also involved in the preaching work all over the place. On the 1st of November, the gospel Chariot was at Eziama Ignengwo, Obingwa Local Government area of Abia State. The students and staff worked alongside the chariot team in evangelizing the community. Moreover, the students and staff were part of the evangelism that led to the planting of the church of Christ Amaeke Abam, in Arochukwu Local Government of Abia State. Two women were baptized. Kelechukwu Iroha, a graduate of the NIATS, is currently working with the new congregation. The evangelism lasted for three days beginning from the 7th to the 9th of November 2025. Moreover, on Thursday and Friday being the 27 and 28th of November 2025, the Chariot was stationed and Niagu and embarked on both open-air preaching and house-to-house. We had one baptism. A total of three souls were baptized. We pray that the young church will grow to maturity.
BAPTISTRY
We are not there yet, but we are hopeful that the God of all grace will grant us victory in relation to the baptistry. The community sees the Bible College as a place where they can come for baptism at any time. It is hoped that we will be able to build one to enable the school to position itself and continue to fulfil its purpose.
BOREHOLE
We are not there yet since the borehole from the Healing Hands group is still in progress. The students still fall ill from time to time, not necessarily from mosquitoes but from drinking untreated water. Healing Hands has promised to drill the borehole this last month of the year. We are trusting and praying that the promise be fulfilled. It is hoped that the Borehole will be drilled soon to enable the eradication of both typhoid and malaria. Gradually, the school is securing its best place.
LIBRARY
Since the repositioning of the library and the good work of Mr. Boniface Ochoche, the library work has improved. The printing and photocopying of materials have been made easy. It is also interesting to note that the students improved very well in the last research work submitted.
The library is not there yet. There is a need to fix the building considered for a temporary library. Moreover, it is hoped that more books would be bought and displayed for use. This is very important at this time because, when the students do not find relevant books, some of them rely on the use of AI to solve their assignments. This is not healthy for their research work at this time. We are trusting God for more books.
CONCLUSION
Once again, we are grateful for God’s loving kindness and for all who continue to partner with us as we preach the gospel in this part of the world. May our labour not be in vain in Christ's name, amen.
Solomon Usim
Director, NIATS