Ughelli and Gana Centers doing well in Nigeria
REPORT OF THE BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE NIGERIA– UGHELLI CENTER
SEPTEMBER-FEBRUARY 2026
INTRODUCTION
Remembering the activities in the months of September to February is an inevitable arrangement to the glory of God as the Bear Valley family continues to make an impact in different parts of the world. The effect could not have been a reality but by the unrelenting and loving brothers and sisters who consistently provide the tools and the logistics needed for the great work that is being carried out in various parts of the nation. I pray that the God who is all sufficient bless us abundantly in Jesus Mighty amen.
UGHELLI CENTER
In the month of September 2025, the director Godwin Ojocheogwu led the discussion through 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
The course centrally focused on "Encouragement in faith, holy living, and hope in Christ’s return. In 1 Thess. 1–2, the teacher exposes the students to how Paul thanks God for the faith, love, and hope of the Thessalonian believers. He reminds them how the gospel came to them with power.
Apostle Paul defends his ministry and shows his deep love for them. In 1 Thess. 3
Timothy was sent to strengthen and encourage them in their faith. The testimony from Timothy led Paul to rejoice because the believers remained faithful despite persecution.
The teacher drew the students’ attention to a holy living as recorded in 1 Thess. 4:1–12
He stressed that believers must live lives that please God and taught them how Paul warns against sexual immorality and encourages love and peaceful living. They were warned against Idleness in 2 Thess. 3 because some believers stopped working due to the fact that they are already expecting Christ to return immediately. Paul commands them to work diligently. If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” The church must avoid idleness and live responsibly. Nevertheless, Christ will surely return. Christians should remain faithful during persecution. He taught that Hope in the resurrection encourages believers. The instructor showed how Apostle Paul was clarifying misunderstandings about the Day of the Lord and encouraging perseverance. Encouragement in Persecution as we have it in 2 Thess. 1. The teacher explained that members' faith and patience should be praised during suffering. God will judge the wicked and give rest to believers when Christ returns. The Day of the Lord was explained in 2 Thess. 2, which was falsely taught by some people that the Day of the Lord had already come. The teacher explains that before Christ returns, there will be a great falling away, i.e., apostasy. The “man of sin” or “man of lawlessness” will appear. But Jesus will destroy him at His coming.“
In the month of October, Bliss Ibuje discussed course 1 Corinthians.
The teacher addresses the Divisions in the Church (1–4), how apostle Paul rebukes the believers for forming groups around different leaders (Paul, Apollos, Peter). He teaches that Christ alone is the foundation, and believers must be united.
He taught about moral Purity in the Church (5–6). Paul condemns sexual immorality and other sins among believers. He also instructs the church to discipline an erring brother or sister and reminds them that their bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit.
Marriage and Christian Living were dealt with in the study (Ch. 7). Apostle Paul gives guidance about marriage, singleness, and faithfulness in different life situations. The students learnt that believers should be careful with their freedom, making sure their actions do not cause weaker believers to stumble. In 1 Corinthians, order in Worship was an incredible (Ch. 11–14)
They were taught about proper conduct in worship, the Lord’s Supper, and the use of spiritual gifts, emphasizing that everything should be done decently and in order. In chapter 15, the writer strongly defends the resurrection of Jesus and explains the future resurrection of believers who died in Christ.
Finally, in chapter 16, Paul gives instructions about giving, ministry plans, and Christian fellowship.
Gabi Alaba is one of the instructors. In Ughelli, at Evueta Centre, handled leadership in the month of November.
The course emphasized the necessity of leadership in every organization that seeks progress and growth. And actually, we see this principle in operation among God’s people. God has never at any time left His people without a leader. The leader is to instruct and direct the people in the way of God. Since it is God who places men in leadership, it is also from Him we must learn how leadership should be operated among His people.
Jesus warned His disciples about what leadership in His kingdom is not. And so He taught them that correct leadership is not oppression, lordship, clash for power, struggle for superiority, but it is simple, humble, and diligent service before God and men. The students were taught what leadership entails. A leader is someone appointed by God and has a correct placement before God and has the capacity to shoulder the responsibility of the people.
This course exposes the many erroneous views about leadership in the Church. It also reveals who a true leader is according to God’s standard; the interaction and relationship between leadership and followership; the mutual operation of preachers, elders, and deacons in a local church.
Meredit Ovromoh taught Hermeneutics in December. Hermeneutics is the study of the principles and methods used to interpret the Bible correctly. The course teaches students how to understand the meaning of Scripture as the original writers intended and how to apply those teachings properly today.
It explains important rules of interpretation, such as studying the historical background, literary context, grammar, and the overall message of the Bible. Hermeneutics also helps students avoid misinterpretation by teaching them to compare Scripture with Scripture and to respect the purpose of each biblical passage. The course further emphasizes that sound interpretation leads to sound doctrine and faithful Christian living. By learning hermeneutics, students are better equipped to study, teach, and preach the Word of God accurately and responsibly (2 Timothy 2:15).
Godwin Ojocheogwu, director, discussed Church History in January with the students. Exposes the students to the study of the origin, growth, development, and spread of Christianity from the time of Jesus Christ and the apostles to the present day. The course examines how the church began in the New Testament period, especially on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2), and how it expanded throughout the Roman Empire and the world at large. The course also studies important events, movements, and leaders that shaped the church over time. These include the early church period, the persecutions under the Roman Empire, the formation of church doctrines, and the role of early church fathers. It further examines major historical developments such as the Great Schism (1054), the Protestant Reformation (16th century) led by figures like Martin Luther, John Calvin (1509–1564), John Knox (1514–1572),
William Tyndale (1494–1536), and the modern missionary movement that spread Christianity across continents.
Church History also helps students understand how the church has responded to challenges such as false teachings, political influence, cultural changes, and internal divisions. By studying these developments, believers learn lessons from the past that can help guide the church today.
The course on Church History helps Christians understand how the church started, how it developed through different historical periods, and how God has preserved His people throughout history. It encourages believers and church leaders to remain faithful to the teachings of the New Testament while learning from the experiences of the past.
Bliss Ibuje led the study of Bible geography in February. The students benefit that Bible Geography is the academic study of the lands, physical features, regions, and environments connected with the events recorded in the Bible. The course examines the geographical setting of both the Old and New Testaments in order to help students understand how location, climate, and terrain influenced biblical history and events.
The course studies major biblical regions such as Canaan (Israel/Palestine), Egypt, Mesopotamia, Assyria, Babylon, and the Roman Empire, as well as important geographical features like the River Jordan, the Mediterranean Sea, the Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee, mountains, deserts, and trade routes.
Students also examine how geography affected key biblical events such as Abraham’s migration, the Exodus of Israel from Egypt, the conquest of Canaan, the ministries of the prophets, the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, and the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul.
At the end of the class, Bible Geography helps students interpret Scripture more accurately by understanding the historical and environmental context of biblical narratives. It is designed to enable ministers, teachers, and Bible students to visualize biblical events and explain them more clearly. Bible Geography provides a deeper understanding of the physical and historical setting of the Bible, thereby enriching biblical interpretation and teaching.
GANA CENTER
In the month of September, instructor Gabi Alaba at Gana Centre led a study on Christian evidence. This course is basically the study of the many evidences upon which the Christian faith is founded. The emphasis is on the existence of God, the deity of Jesus Christ, and the inspiration of the Bible. The course equipped each student with the needed tools to defend his/her faith in God by use of logical and sound arguments. The course also exposes the errors and weaknesses of some scientific concepts, like evolution and other philosophical arguments propounded by some known philosophers.
The course explains that the Christian faith is intelligent and rational. It is factual and traceable (historical). Faith in Christianity is not just a blind faith; it is “substance” and “evidence.”
In October, Meredith Ovromoh, one of the instructors, took on the study of the Old Testament 3a, the book of Job. The course focuses on Job’s Righteous Life (Job 1–2), the dialogues with his Friends (Job 3–37, how God speaks with Job (Job 38-41), and finally Job’s restoration (Job 42).
The students were lectured that Job was a wealthy and upright man who feared God and avoided evil. Satan challenged Job’s faith, claiming he served God only because he was blessed. God allowed Satan to test Job. Job lost his children, wealth, and health, but he still refused to curse God.
Job’s friends dialogued with him. Three friends, namely Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, came to comfort Job. They argued that suffering must be the result of sin or wrongdoing. Job defended his innocence and struggled to understand why the righteous suffer. The fourth man, Elihu, later spoke and suggested that suffering may also be used by God to teach and discipline people.
God Speaks to Job (Job 38–41)
While Job was trying to understand why righteous people suffer, he questioned his existence and God for allowing things to happen the way they do. God answered Job from a whirlwind, asking many questions about the creation and order of the universe. This showed Job that God’s wisdom and power are far greater than human understanding.
The instructor exposed the students to the fact that after God has spoken, was restoration. Job humbled himself before God. God rebuked Job’s friends for speaking wrongly about Him. Job prayed for them, and God restored Job’s fortunes, giving him more blessings than he had before.
The students learnt lessons from Job that the righteous may suffer, but suffering is not always punishment for sin.
And that God’s wisdom and ways are beyond human understanding. A believer's true faith should remain steadfast even in suffering. God ultimately restores and vindicates the faithful.
Godwin Ojocheogwu, the director, discussed “The Scheme of Redemption” with the students in November. The study reveals that in the Bible, the Scheme of Redemption is an overall plan showing how God saves humanity from sin through Jesus Christ. It explains how God prepared, promised, and fulfilled salvation for mankind.
God’s Plan Before the World Began was that God planned to save humanity before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4–5; 1 Peter 1:20). His purpose was to bring people back into a right relationship with Him.
The Fall of Man. Sin entered the world when Adam and Eve disobeyed God (Genesis 3). Because of sin, humanity became separated from God and needed redemption (Romans 5:12). The students became fully aware that after the fall, God promised a Savior who would defeat sin and Satan (Genesis 3:15). This promise was repeated through the prophets in the Old Testament.
God used the nation of Israel, the Law of Moses, and the prophets to prepare the world for the coming Messiah (Galatians 3:24).
Jesus Christ came into the world as the Son of God to save mankind. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He paid the price for sin (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).
After Jesus’ resurrection, the gospel was preached so that people could receive salvation by faith, through repentance, then confess that Jesus is the son of God, and be baptized (Mark 16:15–16; Acts 2:38). The final Redemption describes that those who remain faithful to Christ will receive eternal life when He returns (Revelation 2:10; John 14:1–3).
Bliss Ibuje discussed Hebrews 1 in December, and he exposed the course to the students. The course Hebrews is an introductory study of the Book of Hebrews in the New Testament. It focuses on understanding the background, purpose, authorship, and major themes of the book. The course explains that Hebrews was written to encourage Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and were tempted to return to Judaism. The writer shows that Jesus Christ is superior to the old covenant system. A major emphasis of the course is the supremacy of Christ, that Jesus is greater than the prophets, angels, Moses, the priesthood, and the sacrifices of the Old Testament. It teaches that Jesus is the perfect High Priest who offered the final and complete sacrifice for sin.
The course also highlights important themes such as faith, perseverance, obedience, and the superiority of the New Covenant. It encourages believers to remain faithful to Christ and not fall away, even during trials or persecution.
Instructor: Gabi Alaba
In the Gana Centre, he led the course on the book of Acts. He begins with the background of the book of Acts, which helped the students identify the author to be Doctor Luke; the date of writing, to be approximately AD 62 or 63; the periods covered; the Roman Emperors who reigned at the time of writing, and several other pointers that helped explain the book better.
Acts is a historical book in the New Testament that records the activities of the Holy Spirit through the apostles and many other disciples of Jesus Christ, in bringing to fruition the ultimate mission of Christ. Before Jesus ascended, he promised His apostles a gift that would come from the Father. And truly, as they waited in Jerusalem as instructed by Jesus, the Holy Spirit came upon them on Pentecost day and gave them power for the advancement of the kingdom that had been established that day, with about 3000 souls being converted through the preaching of Peter and obedience to the gospel of Jesus.
Acts is divided into three major parts according to the outlining statement of Jesus to His disciples in Acts 1.8. They were to be witnesses of Jesus beginning from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Therefore, the first division is from Acts 2-7, which centers on Peter as he witnesses the Jews. The second division is from Acts 8-12, which centers on Philip as he witnessed to the Samaritans. And the last division is from Acts 13-28, which centers on Paul as he witnessed before the Gentiles.
Under this course, (1) We studied the background information of the book of Acts. (2) We reviewed the content of Acts. (3) We also studied the concept of Holy Spirit baptism. (4) We discussed the beautiful characteristics of the early Christians.
Meredit Ovromoh took Public Speaking in February. The instructor, Meredit, discussed how Public speaking is designed to train students to communicate clearly, confidently, and effectively before an audience. It focuses on developing speaking skills that are useful in leadership, ministry, teaching, business, and everyday communication.
The course teaches the principles of effective speech delivery, including how to organize ideas, prepare speeches, and present messages in a clear and persuasive manner. Students in this course learn different types of speeches, such as informative, persuasive, motivational, and ceremonial speeches.
Another important part of the course is voice control, body language, and audience engagement. Students are trained to use proper tone, gestures, eye contact, and confidence to capture and maintain the attention of listeners. The course also helps students overcome stage fright and develop confidence when speaking in public. Through practice, evaluation, and feedback, students improve their ability to speak logically, persuasively, and with authority.
Overall, Public Speaking equips students with practical communication skills that enable them to present ideas effectively, influence audiences, and speak with clarity and confidence in different public settings.
EVANGELISM CAMPAIGN
Summary of the Evangelism Campaign at Egini congregation, January 2026. On Friday and Saturday morning were door to door evangelism campaign with the Bear Valley family. There were over 200 people in attendance. On Friday and Saturday night was open-air preaching. This included prospects and brethren. Three Bear Valley instructors and two of our first Warri Alumni, as well as one preacher, spoke for the two nights of the open-air session. In fact, brethren within the Egini community and sisters’ congregations came out en masse to support the programme. The community people were receptive. At the time of compiling this report, ten (10) baptisms had been recorded.
On December 6th, 2025, we had a maiden matriculation ceremony/lectureship program. This serves as a campaign for Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria- Ughelli centers. Different congregations, both from Warri and the neighborhood, attended the program. We had over 300 people in attendance.
STATISTICS
1. Number of Students: thirteen (13) at Ughelli, and ten (10) at Gana.
2. Number of Graduates: none
3. Number of Campaigns: Four
4. Number of Baptisms: 10
5. Number of New Churches Planted: one
6. Number of Churches Restored. None
7. Number of Teachers: Four (4)
8. Number of Restorations: None
Conclusion
The months of September 2025 through February 2026 were interesting months, especially the maiden matriculation ceremony and lectureship held, and the evangelism programme at Egini. We are grateful and thankful to God Almighty for seeing the faculty and students through the struggles, including other brethren who were in attendance.