Graduation in Nigeria

REPORT OF THE BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE NIGERIA– WARRI CENTER

FEBUARY – APRIL 2025

 INTRODUCTION

The Warri center of the Bear Valley Bible Institute continues to appreciate God and the Bear Valley family for the good work God is accomplishing among us. We are grateful for another quarter gone by.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

DSC CENTER

In the month of February, Usim Solomon taught the class on Denominational Doctrines. The class evaluated the origin and establishment of the New Testament church. It also x-rayed certain Bible teachings in the light of mainstream denominational churches. It also examines cult groups and so on. The study further encourages faith in the doctrine of the bible and the one true church. A total of 18 persons sat for the examination

In the month of March, Godwin Ojochegwu discussed Congregational Development. His course was an eye-opener to the students on how to grow and manage congregations and challenges thereof. 16 persons attended the class.

In April, Alaba Gabi, led the class through the study of O.T. Survey III B. This course is a branch of wisdom literature that deals with day-to-day practical experiences and truth. It is comprised of "Psalms" "Ecclesiastes" "Song of Solomon." The course exposes the students to the various interpretive methods applicable for each book. It also helps in refuting errors that may want to use these specific books (Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Songs of Solomon) for its basis. A good knowledge of Hebrew poetry is acquired to aid accuracy in interpretation. At DSC Express Center, 14 persons sat for the examination.

PTI CENTER

In February, Iduh Creed Odike took the class on 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. The course focuses on the importance of primary education where parents play a pivotal role in their children’s lives. As a pastoral epistle, it deals with church leadership qualifications and how they ought to keep the house of God in the bound of peace and grow in doctrine and Unity. A total of 13 persons sat for the examination.

The month of March opened with Abiola Vincent discussing the book of Hebrews I. At the end of the Course studied the students were able to understand the Superiority of Christ over the Old Testament Personalities and Covenant. A total of 16 students sat for the examination.

In the month of April, Meredith Ovwromoh, discussed Hebrews II. The book of Hebrews II, which covers chapters 7 to 13 emphasizes Jesus Christ's superiority over the Old Covenant system, highlighting His role as the ultimate High Priest and sacrifice. The author encourages believers to persevere in their faith, warning against drifting away from Christ and urging them to live out their faith in practical ways. The epistle concludes with exhortations to obedience, love, and holiness, and a benediction, requesting prayer and expressing grace upon the readers. A total of 13 persons sat for the examination.

UGHELLI

In February, Meredith Ovwromoh led the class though the study of Old Testament Survey 3 (The book of Job). The Book of Job tells the story of a righteous man named Job, who suffers greatly, losing his family, health, and possessions. Despite his suffering, Job maintains his faith in God, unknowingly proves to Satan his (Job) unconditional love for God. Ultimately, God restores Job's blessings, demonstrating His power and redemption. Six persons attended the class.

Gabi Alaba discussed Biblical Interpretation in the Month of March. biblical Interpretation is a course furnished with various tools and skills needed to interpret the ancient Bible text in contemporary times. Hearing from God today is only possible if one can properly exegete the Scripture in its context. Many of the religious errors of our time can be traced to this matter of poor hermeneutical approaches. This course surely exposes the students to a world of deeper study and search for Biblical Truth using several recommended tools. The Holy Spirit also plays a special role in helping believers understand the written Word. At Evueta, Ughelli Center, 5 persons sat for the final examination.

In the month of April, Iduh Creed Odike, led the class through the study of O.T. Survey 3B. The course centered on wisdom literature covering Psalms, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. In the following books the instructor looked at various interpretation methods and the benefits of the books. Like the book of Psalms not to be use as a doctrinal stance for the church but collection of songs and differentiating traditional wisdom and Divine Wisdom by looking at the background of the books. A total of 5 persons attended the course.

GANA

The Gana center was born as a result of the distance for some persons to get to Ughelli center. The management approached the Church of Christ Gana Agbarha, to allow the school use their hall to gather those in that axis. They agreed. Since the center is a part of the Ughelli center, we had an internal arrangement on how to fund it from our stipend. First lecture started in the month of April. Bliss Ebuje led the class through the study of the Origin of the Bible. The class was very interesting with all who registered attending every class till the end. A total of 10 students sat for the exam.

 LECTURESHIP/GRADUATION

It has been an eventful four years. The DSC center finally came to a completion of their studies and the euphoria was indeed elicited. The lectureship was held on the 28th of February 2025. The theme was One Correct Interpretation. It featured two topics: 1. Having Appointed Elders in Every City. 2. An Understanding the Matthew 19:9. Godwin Emonenah Josiah (Evan.) Chuch of Christ Ajegunle, Lagos, Lagos state. and Dr. James Ikwulono (Evang.) Bauchi Ring Road Jos, Plateau state. The program had over three hundred participants from all over the state. The lectureship was also graced with the presence of Chad Wagner, the assistant Director BVBII & Nigerian Evangelism Coordinator.

On the evening of the lectureship, the graduating students, attended graduation dinner and several awards were given. Chad Wagner gave a speech and presented the awards. The following day, 1st of March was the long-awaited day. The graduating students marched out in grand style and the rest of the occasion was colorful and fulfilling. A total of 19 students graduated.

 STATISTICS

1.  Number of Students: Fifty-nine (43), Seventeen (17) at PTI, Eleven (11) at DSC and Fifteen (15) at Ughelli /Gana center.

 2.  Number of Graduates (if any this year) 11

 3.  Number of Campaigns: None

 4.  Number of Baptisms:13.

 5.  Number of any New Churches Planted: None.

 6.  Number of Churches Restored. None

 7.  Number of Teachers: Seven (7)

8.  Number of Restorations: None

Conclusion

We are grateful to God almighty for the grace to have concluded the four years of classes. We thank our sponsors for a job well-done. We appreciate out teachers and management for keeping the flag flying. I am grateful for all the support given me as director. This may well be my last report as Director, BVBIW. I pray the Lord continue to see the work through as we transit.

Solomon Usim

Director (BVBIW)

Posted on May 8, 2025 .