Greetings from students and staff of Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria (BVBIN) & Southwest School Of Evangelism (SWSE) -Ibadan.
Below is the summary of some of our activities for the month of March 2024.
OVERVIEW
1. Felele-Rab and Igbo-Oloyin Outreach
2. Weekend Evangelism
3. Third Semester Class continue
4. Southwest Kiddies Academy, Butubutu-Ibadan, Oyo State
FELELE-RAB AND IGBO-OLOYIN OUTREACH
The three days mass evangelism outreach of March 01-03 and March 08-10 at Felele-Rab and Igbo-Oloyin,Ibadan was blessed with three conversions and two restorations.
Seven of BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan students, three instructors and two WBSFUW plus other brethren from sister congregation in U.I. (University of Ibadan) and Apete participated in the spiritual exercise in Igbo-Oloyin, Ibadan.
WEEKEND EVANGELISM OUTREACH
The students and staff of the BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan actively participated I the n weekend evangelism effort in nine different centers in Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Lagos and Kwara states in this month of March.
The Lord crowned our joint effort at Asejire-Osun state , Lagos and Butubutu village-Ibadan with seven converts.
To God be the glory and honor.
THIRD SEMESTER CLASSES CONTINUE
This semester continues as scheduled despite the tension in our country, Nigeria, due to the high cost of living.
Our able instructors continue putting on their best in lecturing and instructing the students.
The instructors for this third semester are; Bro Isaac Olaniyan, Bro. Eniafe Olukayode, Bro Makinde John, Bro Samuel Effiong, Bro Durojaiye Odeyemi, Bro. Israel Tajomavwo and myself, Bro Makinde Ebens while sister Oyenuga Esther and Bro Folorunsho Richard continue serving as our computer operators.
This semester classes commenced on February 19 and shall come to conclusion, Lord’s willing on April 12,2024.
We have twenty-three students in our Diploma year-1 program, while Advanced Diploma (Year-2) program has eight students.
SOUTHWEST KIDDIES ACADEMY (SWKA), BUTUBUTU VILLAGE, IBADAN, OYO STATE
According to tge Oyo state Ministry of Education Calendar, the students in both primary and tertiary education resume for their Second Term Academic Studies on January 8 which will come to an end on April 05, 2024.
The pupils and instructors of SWKA appreciate your consistent support and kindhearted effort for a successful 2023 academic year.
We are willing to be more effective and efficient in the new year 2024 in providing for our wards the skills and knowledge they need to conform with the Global Academic Standard.
Therefore, we humbly and prayerfully appeal for more hands to join the Gahana-Jefferson congregation, Lawson Katthy, Gracomarro Sylvia and Chad Wagner in supporting us building up the children of less privileged brethren/community people at SWKA-Butubutu Village- Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
ABOUT A STUDENT
Bro. Afolabi Emmanuel Olajide is one of our year-1 students admitted into the ministerial department of BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan in year 2022.
A native of Ipetumodu in Osun state; born on July 07, 1997 at Moro, Osun state. He became a member of the Lord’s church on April 8th, 2017. His mission, after training, is to become one of the seasoned ministers of God in the Western states of Nigeria.
ACCOMPLISHMENT
With the help of God, coupled with the gift of $800 by Bro. Chad Wagner, the school was able to construct 15 benches and chairs for the use of the students at Chad Wagner’s Hall in this month of March 2024.
Also, the school was able to pay $500 out of the $2,200 loan for the completion of the 2023/24 capital project (Chad Wagner’s Open Hall). Thanks unto the donor, all our supporters and well wishers .
CHALLENGES
We appreciate the gift of $150 by the Wheeler’s family toward the hosting of our forthcoming 22nd Annual Leadership Seminar of April 11-13,2024 that will cost us at least $1,500 (for feedings, accommodating and provision of transportation fare to some of our guest speakers).
The school is now looking unto God and our supporters, both home and abroad for the remaining funds for successful hosting of the BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan 22nd Annual Leadership Seminar at Butubutu village in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria.
In conclusion. Thanks for your partnership, encouragement and support. May your days be long on the surface of the earth to eat the fruits of your labor. May the Lord continue to bless all our work together in Christ Jesus name, amen.
Sincerely yours in His Grace & Love as a servant…… Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (The Chief Servant of BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN and WBSFUW )
Three Day Mass Evangelism Outreach in Felele – RAB
Beloved in Christ Jesus.
Despite the state of affairs in Nigeria, we successfully organized a three-day house-to-house evangelism outreach in Felele-Rab near Challenge, Ibadan.
The program commenced as scheduled on Friday and ends on Sunday (March 01-03) but we were unable to reach our goal of establishing the Lord’s church in the Oke-Odo area of Challenge due to the hardship and tension prevailing in that part of the state.
Nevertheless, we reached out to many souls through the house-to-house evangelism outreach, and the Lord blessed our efforts by restoring two couples who had left the church many years ago due to unexpected and unpleasant circumstances they faced in the early years of their marriage.
Lord’s willing, we shall be working on this coming Friday at Igbo-Oloyin, Ibadan with one of our fellow workers, Bro. Oladokun Samuel and the brethren of Igbo -Oloyin congregation in another three day outreach.
We are very excited to be counted worthy as a ministers of the Gospel.
Thanks for your partnership, encouragement, and support. May the Lord keep on blessing all our work together in Christ Jesus name, amen.
Sincerely yours in His Grace and Love as a servant….. Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (The Chief Servant of BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN and WBSFUW)
Three Days Mass Evangelism Outreach in Igbo-Oloyin Ibadan
Greetings from Igbo-Oloyin, Ibadan, Oyo State!
For the past day, I’ve been joined by seven year-2-students from Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria (BVBIN) & Southwest School Of Evangelism-Ibadan (SWSE-IBADAN) and three instructors for a three-day mass evangelism outreach and open-air Bible Lectureship.
Yesterday evening, I delivered a talk on “The Truth about the Old and New Testament.”
This morning, from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm, we engaged in house-to-house evangelism, which resulted in a new convert!
Tonight, Bro. Odeyemi Durojaiye, one of our instructors, along with Bro. Felix Nnadoze will be speaking. The program will conclude tomorrow at noon.
Thank you for your partnership and support. May the Lord continue to bless all our endeavors in His name. Amen.
Compliment of the season to all our supporters and well wishers from students and staff of Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria (BVBIN) & Southwest School Of Evangelism (SWSE)-Ibadan. Here are some of our activities for the month of January 2024:
OVERVIEW:
1- End of the year program results to conversions of many
2- Second semester classes concluded
3- Weekend Evangelism Outreach
4- Great Workshop 2024
END OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
The just concluded end of the year program that begins on December 20,2023 through January 05, 2024 at Oyo, Ogun,Osun,Lagos,Kwara and Edo States of Nigeria was crowned with fifteen conversion and ten restorations according to the report from both the students and the instructors.
SECOND SEMESTER CLASSES CONCLUDED:
All classes and examinations for the second semester of 2023/24 session came to an end as scheduled on January 19, 2024.
Bro. Eniafe Olukayode handled Evangelism-2 and OTP (Major); Bro. Odeyemi Durojaiye handled Acts of the Apostles and Hermeneutics-2; Bro. Makinde John handled, How We Got The Bible and Basic Bible Doctrine; Bro. Samuel Effiong handled World Religions, Book of James and Cost of Discipleship; Bro. Israel Tajomavwo handled Christian Evidence and Hermeneutics-1, Bro. Isaac Olaniyan handled Life of Christ-2 (Mark) and Galatians (Relation to Hebrew); Bro Makinde Ebens handled Homiletics 1 & 2 and Ministerial Counseling; while Bro Folorunsho Richard and Sister Oyenuga Esther were our computer operators.
The students are now on a month vocational studies. All students, according to the school tradition are expected to assist the congregations around their study center in evangelism and other church activities during their one-month vocational studies.
Third Semester classes will begin Lord’s willing on February 19, 2024.
WEEKEND EVANGELISM OUTREACH
All our students were actively involved in this month’s weekend evangelism outreach in Butubutu, Jago, Ibadan, Badeku, Egbeda, Ajia, Felele-Rab, Asejire-Osun State, Ayekale-Kwara state, Ifo-Ogun state, Owode-Yewa-Ogun State, Benin-Edo State, Lagos Island-Lagos State and Aramoko-Ekiti State.
Even though, no restoration was recorded in this month’s weekend outreach, nevertheless, we thank the Lord for adding eleven souls to His body and giving us an opportunity to be a tool in His kingdom.
GREAT WORKSHOP 2024
2024’s Great Workshop for ministers of God in Southern States of Nigeria and some Northern parts of our country, Nigeria, such as Benue, Nasarawa, FCT- Abuja and Taraba, came up at the premises of Nigerian Christian Bible College (NCBC), Ukpom-Abak,Akwa-Ibom State between January 22 and 27, 2024. This year’s workshop focused on Evangelism through the World Bible School (WBS) program . About 600 brethren from 25 states of the Republic of Nigeria graced the occasion.
2,000 copies of VOTI Vol. 118, 2,000 copies of How God Speaks Gospel literatures and many other materials were freely distributed to all the participants of this year’s Great Workshop.
The BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan and WBS-Ibadan and Osun were represented by five ministers.
Some of the dignitaries at this year’s Great workshop were Bro. Monday J. Akpakpan (The National Coordinator of WBS-Nigeria), Bro Chad Wagner (The International Coordinator of WBSFUW-Nigeria), Bro. Brian Davis (International President of WBS), Archer Horner, Bro. Biodun Owolabi (The President of West Nigeria Christian College, Abeokuta, Ogun state) and many others.
SOUTHWEST KIDDIES ACADEMY
According to the Oyo state Ministry of Education Calendar, the students in both primary and tertiary education resume for their Second Term Academic Studies on January 8 which will come to an end on April 05, 2024.
The pupils and instructors of SWKA appreciate your consistent support and kindhearted effort for a successful 2023 academic year.
We are willing to be more effective and efficient in the new year, 2024, in providing for our wards the skills and knowledge they need to conform with the Global Academic Standard.
Therefore, we humbly and prayerfully appeal for more hands to join the Gahana-Jefferson congregation, Lawson Katthy, Gracomarro Sylvia and Chad Wagner in supporting us building up the children of less privileged brethren/community people at SWKA-Butubutu Vilage-Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
ABOUT A STUDENT
Bro. Osarenren Nosakhare Joshua is presently in his two years of studies with BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan; born on May 19,1999 at Eyaen Community of Benin City in Edo State, converted into Christianity at Ogbesan Congregation, Benin,Edo State where Bro John Ehimiyein and Bro Robert Ekpe is ministering.
His mission after his study is to assist in the planting of the Lord’s Church in the rural areas of Edo State where the Lord’s church does not exist.
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENT
With the loan of 2.2 million Naira only, we were able to complete our 2023/24 capital project which is the Chad Wagner’s Open Hall for event during the hot weather by wiring the Hall and provide four set of plastic tables and chairs for the reception part of the Hall.
Lord’s willing, the Open Hall will be commissioned and put to use on April 10-12 during our 22nd Annual Leadership Seminar at BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan located in Butubutu London, Butubutu Village, via Badeku/Jago, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
SPECIAL CHALLENGES
We are in need of 2.2 million Naira ($2,200) to settle our loan incurred for the completion of the Chad Wagner’s Open Hall
The forth coming 22nd Annual Leadership Seminar on April 10-12 will cost us about $1,500 for provision of food and water for over 300 church leaders expected at the coming leadership Seminar which will focus on “Building up One Another”
COMING EVENTS
Gospel Meeting and House-to House Evangelism Outreach on March 1-3 @ Felele-Rab via Challenge-Ibadan with the aim of church planting in Oke-Odo area of challenge-Ibadan.
Gospel Meeting and House-to-house Evangelism Outreach on March 8-10 @ Igbo-Oloyin , Ibadan, Akinyele Local Government Area. Oyo State.
CONCLUSION:
From the bottom of our heart, we write to appreciate you all for being there for us in time of our needs. May the Lord of blessings continue to bless all our work together in Christ Jesus Name, Amen.
I remain yours in His Grace & Love as a servant,
Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi
The Chief Servant of BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN and WBSFUW
Grace, peace and mercy be multiplied unto you all from God our Father and from Christ Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer.
Below is the report of some of our activities in the month of October 2023.
OVERVIEW:
1.FIRST SEMESTER CLASSES CONCLUDED
2. ARAMOKO-EKITI, EKITI WBS SEMINAR
3. REPORT FROM FELLOW-MINISTERS
4. CHAD WAGNER’S OPEN HALL READY FOR COMMISSION
5. SOUTHWEST KIDDIES ACADEMY
6. BVBIN-DEGREE PROGRAM
FIRST SEMESTER CLASSES CONCLUDED
The first semester for the year 2023/2024, which began on August 14, concluded on October 6, 2023. Our year-1 students were sent for different Vocational Studies, while our year-2 students were dispatched to congregations within the Southwestern States of Nigeria to assist in evangelism and the edification of local congregations that requested our help.
Lord willing, the 2nd Semester classes will commence on November 6, 2023, and run through January 24, 2024, with a two-week break from December 16 through December 31, 2023.
ARAMOKO-EKITI WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL SEMINAR/ REVIVAL
In continuation of the four WBS Seminars sponsored by Rob and Robin Thornton, five of the BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan instructors, named Bro. Israel Tajmavwo, Bro. Odeyemi Durojaiye, Bro. Oladokun Samuel, Bro. Eniafe Kayode, and myself (Bro. Makinde Ebens), along with the company of five of our year-2 students and two WBSFUW members (Bro. Shotola Dele and Bro. Adedoyin Sola Rotimi), conducted a three-day WBS Seminar in Aramoko-Ekiti, Ekiti State from October 19 through October 22, 2023.
The three-day seminar featured Mass Evangelism from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and Open-Air Bible Lectureships from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm daily. Some of us stayed behind after the Saturday Open-Air Bible Lectureship to worship with the church in Aramoko-Ekiti.
Other Ministers/WBSFUW members who attended the event were Bro. Emmanuel Godwin, Bro. Amos Olusegun, Bro. Adeyiwolu Isaac, Bro. Akinola Lawanson, Bro. Akinyemi Jacob, and Bro. Ajibade Oluwansola.
Even though there were no conversions, we give thanks to the Lord that a couple who had left the church a year ago returned with their four children.
Our final scheduled event is coming up on November 10 through 12, 2023, in Asejire, Osun State.
REPORT FROM FELLOW WORKERS
REPORT FROM BADEKU
Dear Brothers in Christ,
I extend warm greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is a report from the Church of Christ in Badeku. With the grace of God, the church is making significant progress as we spread the word of God throughout our town.
We’re blessed to have the unwavering support of our fellow brothers and sisters, as well as the brethren at Bear Valley Bible Institute Butubutu, through the help of Brother Makinde E. Olufemi and Brother Kayode Eniafe. Together, we successfully conducted open-air evangelism in our area from the 29th to the 1st of October. We’re grateful for the positive outcomes and the restoration of faith in some individuals.
Furthermore, during the evangelism, the church visited neighboring congregations to evangelize. Our assistance to the Ojoku congregation led to the conversion of a young man named Gbenga, hailing from Benue State. We also took the opportunity to visit the congregation that was recently planted through our efforts in Badeku.
As we continue to grow, we’re working towards acquiring a plot of land for our church. Currently, we rent a space at an annual cost of N24000, and we recently invested N80000 for maintenance at our current place of worship.
Your support and prayers are invaluable as we move forward with this endeavor. May the peace of God continue to dwell with us. Amen.
In Christ’s service,
Bro. Adedoyin Oluwasola Rotimi
MONTHLY REPORT FROM ERINLU
Grace, mercy and peace be unto you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May it be well with our souls in Jesus name. Amen (2 John 1:3). I am grateful for having the privilege to write concerning the church of Christ in Erinlu, Ijebuode, Ogun State, Nigeria, for September.
In the past month, Lord’s Day worship attendance and collections were as follows:
We had an average of 5 believers and a total collection of 5,920 Naira. We also learned some new hymns, and by the grace of God, we have felt His presence among us.
The edification topics covered during Lord’s day teachings included overcoming spiritual challenges and learning how to pray.
Report on other activities of the church is as follows:
Monthly Congregational Family Forum: We continue to make progress through this platform, addressing our challenges, offering advice, and engaging in collective prayer.
Erinlu Church need: Our needs remain consistent.
Evangelism: Our evangelism efforts are on the rise, with encouraging responses. We believe the Church will thrive here, but we must ensure that we remain available to preach the truth to those receptive souls, respecting the necessary time and process for building a strong church.
Baptism: There were no baptisms in the month of October, but we rejoice as a soul returned to the Lord’s church after many years of self- disfellowship.
We deeply appreciate the financial support that allows us to spread the gospel. We do not take it for granted and do not feel entitled to anything. We will continue to express our gratitude and pray for the source or providers of our financial support, with hope for an increase in the future.
Thank you so much, beloved brethren. May God bless us all more and more in Christ’s name. Amen.
Yours faithfully,
Bro. Gospel S. Opeyemi (Evang.)
OTHERS
Bro Israel Tajomavwo one of the instructors @ BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan reported the conversion of two souls on Oct. 13, 2023
Bro. Olorode Samuel, one of the fellow WBSFUW and the minister of the Church of Christ in Ajagba, Ondo State, reported the conversion of a young lady in the early weeks of October 2023.
Bro. Eniafe Olukayode, one of the instructors at BVBIN & SWSE-Ibadan, as well as the minister of Asejire Congregation in Osun State and Felele-Rab in Ibadan, Oyo State, reported the conversion of two individuals and the restoration of three erring brethren between September and October 2023.
Bro. Alaba Oladejo reported the extension of his labor from Erelu in Oyo to the Koso area of Oyo town since the month of September, twice every month.
Bro. Akanmu Solomon is the present minister of Ajia Congregation. He reported the restoration of two families that had left the church since the beginning of this year.
CHAD WAGNER’S OPEN HALL READY FOR COMMISSION
Chad Wagner’s Open Hall, which started as a child’s play in March 2023, is now ready for commissioning by Bro. Chad Wagner (SWSE-Patron & International Director of BVBIN Schools) in the first quarter of 2024, by God’s grace. The remaining tasks include the electrification of the hall and furnishing the restaurant area, which is estimated to cost roughly 1.5 million Naira ($1,900).
SOUTHWEST KIDDIES ACADEMY
Southwest Kiddies are moving into the middle of the term following the resumption in the third week of September. After resuming, the school has made some changes to its building, such as adding new paintings in the kindergarten classrooms to aid learning. They’ve also acquired TV for displaying studies as an instructional aid, though it is not yet mounted due to certain hindrances.
Additionally, the school has taken necessary steps to facilitate learning by obtaining materials, organizing seminars, and adjusting classroom doors for the security of materials. There are also plans to hire new staff for more efficient results for the term.
THIRD BATCH OF BVBIN DEGREE PROGRAM
The 3rd batch of our degree program will commence Lord’s willing on November 27 through December 8, 2023 with Research and Writing-1 and Fundamentals of Faith-1.
Hopefully , eight of the successful students in the 2nd batch will be graduating during our 21st Leadership Seminar in March 2024.
REPORT ON WVBS PROGRAM
I would like to provide an update on our journey with the World Video Bible School during the First Semester of 2023 (August through October). Our experience thus far has been promising, as we’ve delved into a variety of insightful topics and initiated valuable serial lessons.
Here is a summary of what we’ve accomplished this semester:
1. Social Media Evangelism (Strategies)
2. Social Media Evangelism (Effectiveness)
3. Pornography and it’s Effect
Additionally, we embarked on two sequential lessons:
1. Thirteen Lessons on Angels – We successfully completed up to lesson 5, which delves into the roles and functions of Angels.
2. Coping with Life’s Challenges – By the grace of God, we’ve managed to cover two lessons in this series, with plans to continue our exploration in the upcoming semester.
In the following semester, we intend to focus exclusively on completing the “Thirteen Lessons on Angels” series. This approach aims to ensure a well-paced and effective learning experience without overwhelming ourselves. We look forward to continued growth and enlightenment in our studies.
OUR ACHIEVEMENT IN THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2023
We give glory to God for our progress in the capital project slated for 2023/24 at BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN. The construction of Chad Wagner’s Open Hall, designed for events during warm weather, is now complete, with only the finishing touches remaining, including the electrification of the hall and the furnishing of the restaurant area, which is estimated to cost approximately 1.5 million naira($1,900).
Also, we were able to purchase three motor bikes for three WBSFUW in Ibadan from Rob & Robin Thornton’s contribution .
We are grateful for all those whom the Lord has used to turn this dream into a reality. Most especially Bro. & Sister Ralph Williams, Bro. & Sister Doug Wheeler, Dorman & Donna Lough; Rob & Robin Thornton; Bro. & Sister Chad Wagner and associate.
May the Lord continue to bless all our endeavors in Christ Jesus. Amen.
OUR SPECIAL CHALLENGES
We are now in debt to the sum of 15.8 million Naira to which was incurred between March and October 2023 for the construction of Chad Wagner’s Open Hall , WBS seminars and palliative/relief for fellow servants of God and students of BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN due to the high cost of living in our country, Nigeria as a result of fuel subsidies removal by the present government in Nigeria.
ABOUT A STUDENT
Bro. Murphat Victor Chinagorom is one of our year 2 students. Born on March 11, 2001, in Mbutu-Ngwa, Abia State, he became a member of the Lord’s church on May 28, 2017, through the efforts of Bro. Uzoma Alozie, the evangelist of the Church of Christ in Mbutu-Ngwa, Abia State. He gained admission into our ministerial program in August 2022.
Currently, he is assisting the Lord’s church at Felele-Rab, Ibadan, alongside Bro. Eniafe Olukayode. His mission after his training is to become a competent and sound minister of God.
CONCLUSION
We thank you all for your partnership, encouragement, and support. May the Lord continue to bless all our work together in Christ Jesus’ name. Amen.
I remain yours in His grace and love as a servant,
Makinde Ebens Olufemi
The Chief Servant of BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN and WBSFUW
Greetings and appreciation from the staff and students of the Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria (BVBIN) and Southwest School Of Evangelism-Ibadan (SWSE-IBADAN) for your partnership and support that resulted in the success of today’s graduation of 20 servants of God.
We are very excited for your concern and love.
May the Lord continue to bless all our work together in Christ Jesus name,
Amen.
Sincerely yours in His grace as a servant,
Makinde Ebens (The Chief Servant of BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN)
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.
Beloved in Christ Jesus. On behalf of the staff, management of BVBIN & SWSE- IBADAN and fellow WBSFUW team in Nigeria, we hereby express our profound gratitude for the support and kindness you all expressed towards the progress of the above ministry throughout the year 2021. We are very excited and proud to have you as our partners in the business of the Lord Jesus! Wishing you all a prosperous and healthy New Year.
Below is the summary of our January 2022 field reports:
OVERVIEW:
i- Second Semester Classes Concluded.
ii- School’s Schedule Ammended.
iii- Weekends Evangelism/Outreach.
iv- 20th Annual Leadership Seminar
SECOND SEMESTER CLASSES CONCLUDED: With God’s help coupled with the cooperation of my fellow instructors, we were able to conclude all 2nd Semester Classes, tests and projects successfully on January 28,2021.Lord’s willing, the 3rd Semester Classes will begin on January 31 through March 25 ,2022 before the students will embark on a month Vocational Training/preaching trips. SCHOOL’S SCHEDULE AMMENDED: Since the Great Workshop has been shifted to August from February due to the global pandemic coupled with insecurities in almost all States of Nigeria, the school authority also decided to adjust the school’s schedule as follows: i- 3rd Semester Classes: January 31 through March 25ii- Vocational Training Weeks: March 26 through April 29iii- 4th Semester Classes: May 1 through July 1,2022iv- Final Teaching Practice for 2021/2022 Session: July 2 through August 14,2022v- 2022/2023 Session Begins: August 15,2022vi- 20th Annual Bible Lectureship & Graduation : August 24-26,2022 WEEKENDS EVANGELISM/ OUTREACH: The staff and students of BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN continue in the evangelization of several towns across the Western States of Nigeria such as Butubutu Village, Jago, Badeku, Ajia, Igbooloyin, Egbeda, Felele, Asejire in Osun State, Asejire in Ondo State, Aramoko-Ekiti in Ekiti State, Idanre in Ondo State, Ifo in Ogun State, etc and the Lord crowned our joint efforts with six(6) conversions and seventeen(17) restorations of erring brethren between January 10 till date. The Lord also added 58 souls to His body and 14 erring brethren restored during the end of the year activities and a congregation planted in Ibeju area of Lagos State as a result of the efforts of our students, instructors, graduates and WBSFUW team. 20TH ANNUAL LEADERSHIP SEMINAR 2022:Lord’s willing, our 20th Annual Leadership Seminar is coming up on March 9 through 11,2022 in Butubutu village Ibadan. This year Seminar will centered on “Practical Christianity- Studies from the Book of James”. Season ministers of God within and outside of Nigeria will ministers during this program. Bro. Chad Wagner is expected to serve as our guest speaker. The school is in need of $1,300 to $1,500 for the provision of three meals food, water and transportation fare for some of the speakers and sisters in the kitchen/Cooks ABOUT A STUDENT: Bro. Akinrinade Sunday Hezekiah is one of our year-2- Students. Admitted in our ministerial department three years ago. Born in 1992 to Akinrinade family. He was converted through the VOTI book in 2018 at Ipetumodu, Osun State. He is presently the evangelist of Aramoko Ekiti congregation in Ekiti State. His mission is to be one of the bonafide ministers of God in and outside Nigeria.
SPECIAL ACCOMPLISHMENT:
i- With the help of the Almighty God coupled with financial supports from Austin Chapel COC, Strickland COC, Liberty COC / VOTI, we were able to assist the Lord’s Church in Egbeda town ,Ibadan to purchase the church auditorium from the Omotunde family for the sum of N1,500,000.
ii- With the financial supports from the brethren , we were able to get a better open space to erect a temporary meeting place for the Church of Christ in Badeku town. The Lord’s church in Badeku is one of the congregations planted through the school efforts some years ago. I worship with them on January 23 and they are growing rapidly. We were 26 in attendance (Men= 7. Women= 7. Children= 12) with total contribution of N2,050.
iii- Also, the Lord used Bro. Chad Wagner and The Austin Chapel COC to assist us in the printing of over 30,000 copies of our local gospel tracts for this year’s outreach within and outside the Western States of Nigeria.
OUR CHALLENGE: i- The school is in need of $1,300 to $1,500 for the hosting of Church leaders and their wives and friends of the Lord’s Church in the forth coming 20th Annual Leadership Seminar that by God’s grace will be held at Butubutu Village, ” the home of BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN” between March 9 through 11, 2022.ii- We are planning to purchase a plot of land in an open place for the Lord’s Church in Badeku before the end of this year so they can start building on their permanent Church auditorium in Badeku town, one of the famous towns in Ona-Ara Local Government of Oyo State. Those willing to partners with us should kindly contact our amiable patron, Bro. Chad Wagner of Austin Chapel COC. No amount of money is too small or big to assist us in hosting over 200 brethren and friends of the Lord’s Church in this year annual Leadership Seminar and in helping the Lord’s Church in Badeku town having a land of their own.
CONCLUSION: We appreciate you all for your love, care and supports towards the growth of the Lord’s Church in Africa most especially in Nigeria. May the Lord continue to bless you all with sound health and wellness and prosperity in Jesus Christ name, amen. May your Joy be full. May God manifest His greatness in your life and family. May you live a victorious life throughout the year 2022 is our fervent prayers in Christ Jesus, amen. I remain yours in His Grace as a servant,
Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi (The Chief Servant of BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN and WBSFUW)
Good afternoon from Oro town in Kwara State ,Nigeria.
We are here for a brief visit to a congregation planted some years ago by the SWSE foundation chairman, Bro. David Akinola where one of our graduates is now ministering since the exit of Bro. David Akinola two years ago.
As for the work in Aramoko-Ekiti, our students are still there working with Bro. Akinrinade Sunday till tomorrow noon. The Aramoko-Ekiti outreach was graced by the three instructors from BVBIN-Lagos Island, two from Ikorodu, two from Ondo, ten from Ibadan (3 instructors and 7 students). Even though no conversion yet as the results of the outreach that begin on Tuesday morning by Lagos team, but we are blessed with many prospects. The Lagos team left yesterday morning due to this weekend assignments. We conduct house to house evangelism in the morning and open-air Bible Lectureship in the evening in two centers. My team visited a community college in Aramoko-Ekiti to share the WBS correspondence courses on Thursday noon and over 300 introduction courses were distributed which will be collected back next week by Bro .Akinrinade Sunday. In BVBIN -Agege, 19 students were in class,15 in Ikorodu, 7 in Lagos Island, 7 in Akure center and I’m yet to hear from Ondo center in spite my several sms to them. Thanks for your concern and help in many ways. I will be going back to Ibadan after tomorrow morning worship. Have a wonderful weekend. Our best regards to your family and associate.
Greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the hope and the spirit of the saints.Below is the summary of our activities in the Lord in this month of September 2021.
FIRST SEMESTER CLASSES AND INSTRUCTORS
This session began on August 16 ,2021 and will come to an end Lord’s willing on November 15 followed by a month Vocational Training for our year-1-students while the year-2-students will embark on preaching trip within and outside the Western States of Nigeria. Bro. Isaac Olaniyan is handling Life of Christ-1(Matthew), 1,2 & 3 John and Church Problems; Bro. Kayode Eniafe is in-charge of Scheme of Redemption, OT & NT Survey and OT History; Bro. Andrew Adeolu is handling Godhead and The Pentateuch; Bro. John Makinde is handling Research and Writing-1 and NT Church-1; Bro. Silas Guda Mazi is handling Denominational Doctrines and OT Wisdom-1(Job & Ecclesiastes) while I (Bro. Makinde Ebens)is in-charge of Evangelism-1(Personal Evangelism), Prison Epistles and Systematic Theology.
WEEKEND EVANGELISM
As scheduled, the year-1 Students and staff of the BVBIN & SWSE IBADAN embarked on what they love most, that is, weekend outreach in all the Saturdays and Sundays in the month of September. We were divided into five groups while our year-2 Students now attached with some young congregations within the Western States of Nigeria.
WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL FOLLOW UP TEAM
Our WBSFUW team continue in reaching more souls with the gospel of Christ through the WBS Correspondence Courses. Bro. Kayode Eniafe and Bro. Dele Shotola visited four Schools in Osun State (Community High School, Ayepe; Orile-Owu Grammar School; Field Street and Smammah Comprehensive College, Apomu) and 114 enrollment was recorded. Bro. Matthew Rowland visited two High School in Akure, Ondo State ( Fiwasoye Grammar School and Oba-Ile Junior High School) and 555 Introduction collected out of 600 distributed in the first week of September. And Bro. Akilapa Samuel enrolled 155 people for WBS Correspondence program in the city of Ondo in Ondo State. All these were part of the parcel posted this month to World Bible School Tulare County, California under the directorship of Bro. Joel Coppinger.
NEXT PREACHING TRIP
Lord’s willing, the Instructors of BVBIN-Schools in the Western States of Nigeria (Ibadan, Lagos and Ondo State) will be re-visiting the young congregation in Aramoko-Ekiti ,Ekiti State from October 19-24,2021.The BVBIN & SWSE IBADAN will be represented by myself (Bro.Makinde) Bro.Kayode Eniafe and Seven of our year-2-Students. And on October 23, I will be visiting the Church of Christ in Oro, Kwara State with Bro.Kayode Eniafe to encourage the Church planted there by our foundation chairman (Bro.David Akinola) during his active service in Kwara State. One of our graduates (Bro.Akindele Joseph)is now ministering in Oro congregation.
COVID HELP FROM WORLD EVANGELISM TEAM
The one time Covid help from World Evangelism and Sister Betty Choate and associate will be shared with twelve brethren from ten congregations in Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun and Lagos States and for feeding over fifty children of the less privileged people in our South West Kiddies Academy located in Butubutu village, Ibadan from September through December 2021.We deeply appreciate the kind-gesture extended by the World Evangelism Team, USA to those who are badly affected by this global pandemic. May the Lord of blessing continue to bless all you do for His name is our fervent prayers. Amen.
ABOUT ONE OF OUR STUDENTS
Bro. Daniel Salvation hail from Ogbe, Edo State, Nigeria. Born in the year 1996 to the family of Bro. and Sister Daniel Ayomide Goodness. His father is from Ogbe, Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State and mother from Otuo in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State. He was added to the Lord’s Church in January 2010 through the effort of Bro. Paul Ajeh (Minister of Church of Christ, Ogbe). At the age of ten, he had his First School Leaving Certificate from Orukpa Primary School in Ogbe in the year 2006. He began his secondary school education in 2007 at age eleven. Due to the death of his grandparents In 2006, his family relocated to Igarra (a town in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State) where he started school at Universal Group of Schools. In 2009 his father took him to another school (Saint Paul’s Anglican Grammar School also in Igarra town) where he obtained West African Examination Council (WAEC) results in the year 2012. During this time, he worshipped with Idiba Church of Christ Igarra. He was admitted into BVBIN & SWSE IBADAN in year 2020. His greatest desire in life is to serve God and win souls for His kingdom after his tertiary education.
ACCOMPLISHMENT: I loaned the sum of N1,500,000 on August 10 for tilling School’s Hall (popularly known as Doug Wheeler Events Center) between August 13 through 21 which I hope to pay back in installments with my BVBIN assistant director’s allowance and other Supports from Oceanside Church of Christ and that of Dorman & Donna Lough from the last quarter of this year through the last quarter of year 2022 Lord’s willing.
OUR CHALLENGES:
1. We are in need of at least the sum of N30, 000 ($75) monthly supports to assist one of our year-2-students (Bro. Akinrinade Sunday Hezekiah) who have shown interest in ministering in the just planted congregation in Aramoko-Ekiti in Ekiti State.
2. The school is also in need of a Mini Gospel Chariot or a Twelve Seater Bus for evangelization of both Urban and Rural areas of the Western States of Nigeria. This will cost us at least $7,000 for truck, durable chairs, speakers, 2.5kwa generator, lectern, construction of a stage and other necessary things or $4,500 for a first class second hand used bus.
CONCLUSION
We deeply appreciate you all for your moral and financial supports toward the growth of the Lord’s Church in Africa most especially in Nigeria. May the great God keep on blessings all you do for His name is our fervent prayers.
I remain your fellow servant of God,Makinde Ebenezer Olufemi
For & On behalf of the BVBIN & SWSE IBADAN
**If you’d like to support Makinde’s work and the Southwest School of Evangelism, you can do so here.
