It was indeed a rare privilege to be involved in mission work this year in Kenya. In a team of five evangelists, only Adegoroye Abiodun and I made it to Kenya.
Within these 12 days, we actively worked for 10 days. We joined Dr. Ebenezer Udofia of Healing Hands International (HHI) to share relief with drought-affected communities. We cashed in on that opportunity to preach to the community and church members about the love of God and the need to seek spiritual food.
We also had three seminars with the church meeting at Eastleigh, Kamorock, and Oyugis. Lessons were centered on the family and its relationship to church growth.
We spent a whole day at the Nairobi Great Commission School; a leading Bible college in Nairobi, where we shared our thoughts with the students and faculty on key Biblical topics around the impact of the Pulpit on church growth.
We spent 3 days in Western Kenya, where we joined Healing Hands International to teach the people the gospel while HHI taught the community the Drip Irrigation farming technique. We were blessed to have people listen to us and resolve to make amendments in their relationship with the Creator.
From a human point of view, I think the impact of this trip was huge. We discovered that by skipping talking about the family and focusing on evangelism and church growth, we had missed the main issues all these years. Our lessons and the questions that followed clearly showed us that the church in Kenya had not been dealing with family. Our lessons filled that gap.
For me, it was a rare privilege to share my new book, THE PREACHER AND THE PULPIT, with a large number of preachers in Kenya; with the goal of shaping their output from the pulpit.
The main challenge we faced was rising ticket costs. It was tough to buy tickets for $1,400 a trip that usually costs a little above $750.
We thank God for placing Dr. Ebenezer Udofia in Kenya ahead of our arrival. He has been hosting, feeding, and carrying us around all the places we go. In fact, he is the one who tells us where to go and sets up meetings with his huge network.
Going forward, I want to appeal to you to help find a congregation that will set aside a yearly mission support fund of $2,000 for this project.
It was indeed a great privilege to go in search of souls to win to Christ and strengthen the already saved ones to remain safe.
Attached to this report is a PowerPoint presentation that captures the highlights of the mission trip.
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you all from God our Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord and Redeemer.
Here is the report of some of our activities for the month of July 2023.
IGARRA, OMU-ARAN, AND IDOFIN-AYEKALE TRIP: “And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” – Acts 14:21-22. With this in mind, we (Bro. Makinde Ebens & Bro. Eniafe Kayode) embarked on a week-long visit to Igarra in Edo State to pay a visit to the wife of one of us who received his last Degree (RIP) on August 2022. We also visited one of our graduates ministering in that part of the country on July 5th. We later moved to Omu-Aran in Kwara State and Idofin-Ayekale, where we worked with one of our students, Bro. Adeyemo Olusegun (in the company of Bro. Amos Olusegun and Bro. Adeyiwolu Isaac) before returning on July 12, 2023.
REPORT FROM STUDENTS IN PRACTICUM (TP): The report from some of our students in practicum (teaching practice) shows that 18 souls were added to the Lord’s church as a result of our students’ efforts with the brethren in the congregations where they are serving, along with 25 restorations as of the time of filling this report.
BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN ENTRANCE EXAMINATION AND INTERVIEW: The Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria and Southwest School of Evangelism Ibadan conducted the entrance examination and interview for new incoming students on July 15 and 22, 2023, in which five (5) students succeeded in the test. This will increase the number of year-1 students to 15 and year-2 to 6. Supplementary examination and interview will come up on August 17 at 6:00 pm, Lord willing.
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENT: Great is thy faithfulness, Morning by morning new mercies I found, All I have needed thy hands have provided , Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me…… With the sale of our former SWSE-IBADAN building at Otunolode in Lagelu Local Government Area, Oyo State, for the sum of 5 million naira in late June, we were able to put up a roof on the proposed Chad Wagner Open Hall with a sum of 3.6 million naira. Additionally, we used the remaining money to offset some of the expenses for this capital project. The final stage involves plastering the building, installing sliding windows, iron doors, and completing other finishing works.
ABOUT A STUDENT: Bro. Ayobami Daniel Salvation is one of our year-2 students. He was born on August 25, 1996, in Ogbe, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Edo State. He grew up with the church of Christ in Ileteju Quarters, Ogbe, and got baptized on January 10, 2010. His major reason for coming to BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN is to improve his knowledge of the Bible and become one of the effective ministers of God within and outside Nigeria.
UPCOMING EVENTS: I – The Second Batch of BVBIN Degree Students will complete their two years of studies on August 17, 2023, if all things work as scheduled. Lord willing, the Greek class is coming up between August 7-11, and Advanced Homiletics-2 is between August 12-17, 2023. Greek class will be handled by Bro. Isaac Ikperi while Advanced Homiletics-2 will be handled by Bro. Makinde Ebens. II – The BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN 21st Annual Bible Lectureship and Graduation is coming up on August 17-19, 2023, Lord willing. This year’s Bible Lectureship will center on “Walking in the Spirit of God” (Galatians 5:22-26). Seasoned ministers in Nigeria will be ministering during this year’s Bible Lectureship.
GREAT WORKSHOP 2023: Despite the challenging time in our country, Nigeria, due to the removal of fuel subsidies, 451 brethren actively participated in this year’s Great Workshop. Through the open-air Bible Lectureship and mass Evangelism on July 26 and 27 respectively, nine souls were added to the body of the Lord within and outside the Rumukrusi area of Port Harcourt. All glory be to God. The next year’s Great Workshop is scheduled to be held in Ogoja, Cross River State, Lord’s willing. This year’s Great Workshop was held between July 26-29, 2023, at the Church of Christ, Rumukrusi, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. The theme of the workshop was “The Mandate of The Master.” Our guest speaker, Bro. Chad Wagner, used the occasion to meet with some evangelists and WBSFUW to discuss how to be effective ministers of Christ and His church. Congratulations to our able, capable, competent, dedicated and glorious man, Brother Chad Wagner, for the success of this year Great Workshop.
FUEL PRICE INCREASE AGAIN IN NIGERIA: President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidies in his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023. Following the announcement, fuel then sold nationwide for between N500 and N570 per litre, an over 200 percent increase from the initial price below N200. Now, within two months of the new government, the cost of petrol increased again to N617 per litre at NNPC outlets, and over N617 in most of the filling stations. The hike immediately triggered an increase in transportation fares and prices of goods and services by various percentages. Presently, we, the masses, are being suffocated by all means by the capitalists who are in power. From day one of this new government in our country, Nigeria, the poor have become poorer, and there’s not one thing done to favor the living conditions of the suffering Nigerians. In fact, the number of less privileged is increasing daily. May God intervene speedily.
SWKA PUPILS – END OF THE SESSION EXAMINATION: The prestigious institution,”South West Kiddies Academy” of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, resumed her third terminal academic session of 2022/2023 on 02/05/2023 precisely. It was an atmosphere of eulogy as the students turned up in uniform. Class studies began on the same day with an effort to prepare the students for their academic success. During a period of about twelve weeks, intensive class studies took place and there were positive trends in regards to the intellectual performance of the students. A report received after the third term examination, which spanned from July 10-21, shows a colorful performance of the pupils/students ranging from kindergarten, nursery, primary, junior/senior college with exception of primary five(5) which underwent a common entrance examination which is a test before their entry to junior high School. Their performance too, on this respect, was amazingly colorful as the report entails. God’s willing, the school shall vacate on the 4th of August 2023 till September 4 for the next academic session. The entire management of the school hereby use this medium to appreciate all our supports most especially Bro. Zachary Van Tassel and the Gahanna – Jefferson congregation, Sister Cherry Lloyd and family, Bro. Chad Wagner and associates, and all our well-wishers who partner with us in training the less privileged children to plant their foot on academic ground. May the good Lord continue to bless you all in Christ Jesus’ name. Amen.
As we are charged to preach the Gospel in season and out of season, the command must be carried out even in the face of the current economic predicament and hardship in Nigeria.
The month of July 2023 ended very successfully as many souls were added to the Lord’s kingdom.
There were 4 baptisms at Ekemkpong in Odukpani Local Government Area, Cross River State during the evangelism campaign in the area.
At Ikot Ekpeyak in Ikono, Uyo Local Government Area (LGA), 4 souls obeyed the gospel and were subjected to the watery grave of baptism during the month.
Regarding the evangelism efforts at Afaha Efiat in Etinan LGA, 1 soul was baptized.
There was 1 baptism and 1 restoration at the Central Church of Christ, Ukpom Abak.
At the Ikot Effiong Otop Odukpani LGA in Cross River State, there were 4 baptisms.
The 2023 Great workshop for all follow-up workers in Nigeria, which took place at Port Harcourt, Rivers State, ended with 9 souls being added to the Lord’s church.
Many people were enrolled to study the Bible with us during the period. Pictures and baptism photos are attached. Continue praying for the work.
Greetings from Monday Akpakpan and family. We had a very big rainfall in July 2023. The heavy rain fall does not stop our Evangelism Work.
Here are the things that took place in July 2023:
We had 4 baptisms at Ekemkpong in Odukpani Local Government Area (L. G. A.) Cross River State.
There was 1 baptism and 1 restoration at Ukpom Central Church of Christ, Ukpom, Abak.
There were 4 baptisms at Effiong Otop, Odukpani L. G. A., Cross River State.
We had two baptisms at Two Towns Church of Christ, Manta/Midim, Abak.
M. B. Archibong reported 16 baptisms and 3 restorations in July 2023.
Monday Ezekiel reported 1 baptism from Mbaize, Imo State.
Womens’ Gospel Meeting took place at Church of Christ Utu Abak with very good attendance.
The Youth Bible Seminar that took place at Two Towns Church of Christ on July 30, 2023 was Very, very impressive. Youth from five denominational Churches attended the Seminar.
The monthly Bible Youth Seminars at usual places (Abak City Church of Christ, Ikot Oku Ubara Church of Christ, Manta No 2 Church of Christ, and Ebom Avenue Church of Christ) took place as usual.
The World Bible School (WBS) Follow Up Great Workshop that took place at Port Harcourt added 9 souls to Christ. The attendance was very good. The majority of the people at the Workshop were from Akwa Ibom State.
There was 1 baptism at Church of Christ Afaha Efiat, Etinan.
The Nigerian Christian Bible College (NCBC) Lectureship began yesterday and will end on Friday, August 4th, 2023.
Thank you very much for your prayers. Keep on praying for us.
Report of Gospel Activities in Ondo City for June to July, 2023.
Dear brethren!
Glory, Honour, and Majesty be to God of all flesh for His blessings and care upon all His children! May the name of the Lord God Almighty be exalted forever in Jesus’ name, Amen.
I am grateful for your love and concern! When l remembered your love and support for me and the work of God in my hands, l would continue to offer my prayers to God on behalf of my brethren and the Church at Katy! God will continue to bless the church, Amen. Gospel activities in the course of the months (June to July) is a bit interesting! Our God has been blessings my ministry with souls who are willing to obey the command of Jesus about their salvation. The church at Oka baptized two souls in the course of the months!
Radio Program: The program on Radio will be three years old in this coming December, Lord willing! The program is now going very well with the help of God. The brethren here in Ondo City are doing very well too. The preaching program on Radio has been a beacon for the church in the Ondo area and neighboring lands! We are blessed by God with this program!
World Bible School (WBS): As l reported in the last report, brethren, if you are interested in WBS, l am readily available! I have some courses on ground that need teachers as study helpers. I was there at the great workshop in Port Harcourt that was held from July 26-29, 2023! It was a gathering of preachers who are follow-up workers with WBS! I am back in Ondo City! Brother Chad Wagner was present at the workshop too.
Bear Valley Bible Institute: The Bible training program is going on as planned! Thank God that we are in the third year of study this August, 2023! We are practically doing our best to encourage the students to continue till the end of the program! Also, we want to organize our 2nd annual Bible seminar on the 26th of August this year! We need your prayers for a successful outing to the glory of God, Amen.
Television program: The gospel preaching program is going on as well. We are now on 23 episodes as l write this report! We hope to continue with the program to the glory of God! So far, we have heard reports of brethren making advertisements for the television program! We are making progress.
Challenge: First, the Church at Oka needs your prayers! We are looking for a sound gospel preacher who will continue the work, so l can move to another earmarked area for planting of the church! Second, I would love to continue with the work on ground such as the Television and Radio program. This program needs support in order to continue to be on the air! I will appreciate any help in that area, my beloved brethren!
Beloved brethren, l have always appreciated your love and support for me for the propagation of the gospel in my area for the Lord Jesus and His Church!
May the Lord God Almighty continue to bless the church and allow His blessings to abound unto the church at Katy in Jesus’ name, Amen.
It’s my pleasure to intimate you of the progress work here in Abuja after the report I sent to you in May, 2023.
Indeed, a lot has been done in terms of following up on the students and further campaigns for enrollment in various zones. For instance, Nyanya zone led by our brother, Obakemi Moses had visited some schools and other establishments for enrollment and the outcome is awesome as we have more students and prospects on record. I hope brother Obakemi Moses must have sent a report to you.
Kubwa/Dutse zone keep following up the old students, including those you sent their details to us. The zone also visited some establishments like hospital and schools to create awareness and enroll more students which had been successful.
Gwagwalada zone, led by brother Kennedy Abrotu, organized a seminar for sensitisation on World Bible School (WBS) in that area. Both members and non-members were in attendance. The team members use a personal approach for more enrollments.
I can testify that most of the team members are actively involved in the work.
We will have a seminar for the youth of the church to train them on solidifying their faith and encouraging the use of WBS as a tool for alternative evangelism. All Christian youth in Abuja will be expected.
Even more so, we will continue fulfilling our schedule for the year by the grace of God.
We continue to appreciate your efforts, sacrifices and support for us to stand.
We earnestly appreciate our sponsors and keep praying for God to keep them in good health and bless them more.
Finally, we still rely on your support while praying that God should use us the more for the progress of WBS work and His kingdom.
Brethren, Greetings to you all in the Name of Jesus Christ the Lord. I pray that you all are in good health. I am sure the Lord is blessing you all.
Here is my Gospel Report for April to June 2023.
As usual, we have preached to many localities with conversations taking place. The Lord is blessing His works through our efforts. We organized Bible classes, song practice with local congregations, Evangelism, House-to-House studies, Lectureships, a World Bible School (WBS) Seminar, and visiting and praying for those hospitalized. I also engaged in personal visits to members and Evangelism House-to-House. God has used us very well. May He do more than this! We pray that God provides more resources and good health to keep the work up. God provides Phil.4:19 and Psalm 23. God bless you all that help me in this work.
EVANGELISM VEHICLE: I keep up with maintenance of the vehicle by visiting my Mechanic regularly. Today, work on the vehicle began with the car door so it can lock and open on the driver’s side. It was not working well about 2 weeks ago. The problem has been resolved. I keep changing the oil and fueling it for godly travels. I sold the small car that was giving me more problems. I spent a lot to repair it and it will not last long if another problem occurs. I thank God that matter is over.
Lord willing I will use the money to buy a small machine; a motorcycle to use for my personal Gospel and WBS works. When God blesses, I will buy a better Vehicle to carry children to church and Bible Study. Now the load of this work lies on the Toyota Picnic mini-van. As God blesses, we will keep working for Him. ‘
MISSIONARY APARTMENT, WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL OFFICE ETC!
We will continue works on this. We pray that in this political administration in Nigeria, things should run well. Let prices of goods and services including fuel decline. Also, God blesses with funds to continue the works. I am planning to bring in sand and Cement to work on the two Apartments. We also need to raise the Church building roof. The heat on us is too much when we are there for worship activities. With God’s help, we shall modernize it. May God help and bless you all to bless us.
Finally, Brethren pray for me to overcome the challenges facing me daily and otherwise. Let Satan not succeed in his tricks against me in Jesus Name. Amen. God blesses you all. I am going to this year’s WBS Great Workshop, Lord willing, in Port Harcourt. This is a far distance from my home to go. Pray for the success of the program.
Happy greetings to all of you. A half of the year 2023 ended on Friday, 30th June 2023. I want to let you know what was done during the month of June 2023. The heavy rain fall for the month of June did not stop our evangelism work!
Church of Christ Ikot Ekpeyak Ikono 4 World Bible School (WBS) students were baptized.
WBS Seminar at Ibesit Ekoi brought 3 souls to Christ.
There were 4 baptisms at Church of Christ Ebom Avenue, Abak.
There was 1 baptism at Central Church of Christ, Ukpom.
At Anua Obio there were 4 baptisms and 1 restoration.
There was a World Bible School Seminar at Use Ebio, Offot Uyo.
M. B. Archibong reported 13 baptisms from Odukpani in the Cross River State.
A Womens’ Gospel Meeting took place at Ikot Oku Mfang, Abak.
There were 2 baptisms at Esatan Road Church of Christ, reported By Barrister George.
A lady was baptized at Church of Christ Akpap Okoyong.
A Youth Seminar took place at Abak City, Ikot Oku Ubara, Edem Idim Manta and Ebom Avenue Churches of Christ.
We are still in preparation for this year’s 2023 Great Workshop which will take place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on July 26 – 29, 2023.
SABO ONIBA/LAGOS ISLAND CENTERS REPORT February – April 2023
INTRODUCTION: According the Adeolu Akinyemi in his article on Nature’s insight titled “If you want to go far, go together,” Pando is a massive colony of quaking aspen trees located in Utah, USA. What’s unique about Pando is that it is one interconnected organism; with all of the trees sharing the same root system. This makes Pando one of the largest and oldest living organisms on earth; estimated to be around 80,000 years old. Bear Valley Bible Institute is linking brethren from different parts of the world together to study the Word of God. This goal is making this institution one of the greatest in our generation. God bless you all for this effort. Work is going on in the two centers I coordinate. We had three new students in Lagos Island. Also, the students who started the program there have seven courses to complete of their 52 courses required to obtain their certificate.
ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES IN SABO-ONIBA/LAGOS ISLAND: In Sabo-Oniba, Bro Etim Mfon took the Book of Romans, Bro Emmanuel Odoh from Agege came to teach the Major Prophets which is part of Old Testament series, and in April Bro Suliman Yusuf taught “How We Got the Bible.” The students are excited about developing themselves in the word of God by the efforts of this college. In Lagos Island, Bro Ani Augustine took a class in African Traditional Religion, Bro Luka James led in Leadership class, and Femi Adewuyi guided them in Life of Christ 3 (Book of Luke). We are having three new students in the center as stated above.
CAMPAIGN PROGRAM/MARKET EVANGELISM: Our Market evangelism has resumed. Two students and a staff member are presently involved in the project. This is a new idea that is fascinating. Many are in their stores and office in the market. They listen to our message as we do Open Air preaching most of the time. We hope to add World Bible School (WBS) lessons once we get a teacher or congregation that will be marking the lessons. Bro Chad is working to make sure we are on this very soon.
Both centers were in Ipara close to Badagry last week Saturday. It was a great outing as the local congregation was excited about seeing us come to help them reach out in their area. We are also considering visiting some congregations that do not have Preachers in our area on Sundays. Two students will be worshipping with these churches once a month. That will increase our effort to encourage these young congregations.
LAGOS WBS WORK: The Online WBS Marking is still going on.
Lagos Team Work: None for these three months.
Online Students Activities: 163
Online Students Active: 17
Under Follow Up: 1
Competed Lessons: 5135
Certificates Awarded: 1307
Baptism: 3
CONCLUSION: The work of the Lord will continue as He finds us worthy in His hand. Thank you all for your prayer and support in this work.
Greetings to you and yours in Christ Jesus. Pray this note finds you well.
The month of May 2023 was very challenging in Nigeria due to the money scarcity in the banks, political transition, Government policies that raises the price of petrol and scarcity in the fuel station which is still ongoing . We lost a soul through death at Church of Christ, Ikot Akpan Eyo. In all of this, God blesses our little efforts in Christ Kingdom.
May 4:, I and my wife Ekaette went on a follow-up mission to World Bible School (WBS) internet Students at Eket Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State. They were referred to me by Doug Wheeler/ Jenifer Watson and I kept on teaching this family the Bible through the telephone in the past. On the day when we met them for the first time, the husband and wife, Mr. Monday Evans and Mrs Edith Evans, both were baptized into Christ and introduced to a congregation in the Eket area. Both of them received a Bible, Baptismal Certificates, and Gospel tracts to help them study the Scripture since they were of the denominational church. See attached photos.
May 6: I was an officiating minister at the funeral service of our late sister Roseline Ukut at Church of Christ, Ikot Akpan Eyo. Many denominational and Community leaders were in attendance and listened to our sermon.
May 7: During a follow -up mission at Church of Christ, Ikot Akpan Essien Village, a soul obeyed the Gospel and was baptized into Christ.
May 20: I and our Ukanafun WBS Evangelism Team went on Evangelism at Ikot Inyang 1 and there were many prospects. We hope to revisit the area for a follow-up Lord willing.
May 20: My wife “Ekaette Mojima” was a guest speaker at the Women’s Gospel Seminar on the topic, ” WILL YOUR ANCHOR HOLD?” Over 200 Christian women gathered at the Church of Christ meeting place at Ikot Abasi Ikot Inyang in Oruk Anam Local Government Area. She reported of many questions arising from her presentation.
May 23 to 26: I was one of the guest speakers at the four (4) day Preachers and Church Leaders Seminar at the Nigerian Christian Bible College (NCBC) Ukpom Abak on the theme, ” BRACING THE PULPIT FOR CONTEMPORARY TIMES.” It was impactful with my wife in attendance.
May 28: I worshipped and preached the sermon at Church of Christ Ndot Ikot on the topic, ” RUNNING THE RACE” and from Hebrews 12:1-2, souls obeyed the Gospel and each of them received a copy of the Bible to help them learn about Christ and His Church.
* Also, at the Ndot Church, Twenty Seven (27) Children in the Childrens’ Bible Class received New Testament Bibles each to help them grow with the Word.
I need more of your prayers for our country Nigeria as some of our Governmental policies are making life difficult and also for the new President that was sworn in on May 29,2023 to lead with the fear of God though he is a Muslim.
