Beloved in Christ Jesus.
Calvary greetings to you all from students and staff of Bear Valley Bible Institute Nigeria and Southwest School of Evangelism Ibadan.
Here is the summary of some of our activities for the month of August 2024:
ECONOMIC CONDITION IN NIGERIA WORSENS AFTER HUNGER PROTESTS
Following the nationwide hunger protests held from August 1 to 10, the cost of food and other essential items has surged dramatically in major Nigerian markets. Prices for staple goods such as cassava flour, maize, and other common foodstuffs are rising steadily across the country. Recent surveys reveal that the cost of items like cassava flour, rice, beans, yam, garri, and noodles has increased for the fourth time in 2024. Despite various intervention programs by the Federal Government, these increases are exacerbated by ongoing disruptions; making life increasingly difficult for Nigerians.
In the Bodija and Bola Ige International markets in Ibadan, the price of a 50 kg bag of foreign rice, which was N76,000 before the protests, now ranges from N85,000 to N90,000. Yams, previously priced at N2,500 per tuber, have risen to N5,000 per tuber, or N24,000 for a set of five. Additionally, a carton of Indomie noodles, once N6,500, has increased to N9,500. A local measure of four cups of beans, which used to cost between N1,000 and N1,250, now ranges from N2,500 to N3,000. Garri, previously sold at N1,200 per measure, is now priced between N1,400 and N1,600. Many people are responding by increasing their support for those in need and less privileged members of the community. We earnestly pray for divine intervention in these challenging times.
BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN Six Weeks Practicum/Teaching Practice Report:
Our students in their final practicum/teaching practice for the 2023/24 session have reported the conversion of 37 individuals and the restoration of 25 erring brethren to the faith. Although the program was originally scheduled for four weeks, the students chose to extend their commitment by spending an additional two weeks with the congregations to which they were assigned.
REPORT FROM RECIPIENTS OF VOTI BOOKLETS:
Reports from regular recipients of VOTI booklets in Oyo, Ogun, and Akwa-Ibom States indicate the conversion of 17 souls and the restoration of 22 individuals during July and August 2024. We give glory and honor to God for these blessings and extend our thanks to the VOTI Crew. May the Lord continue to bless our efforts together in Christ Jesus’ name. Amen.
FIRST SEMESTER CLASSES COMMENCE AS SCHEDULED:
The first semester of the 2024/2025 academic session began on August 19, with a total of 30 students enrolled—17 in the first year and 13 in the second year. The Lord crowned our weekend Evangelism outreach in Butubutu village and that of Owode -Yewa with three conversions this week. To God be the glory and honor.
BVBIN Degree Program Report:
The two-week BVBIN Bachelor’s degree program was held as scheduled from August 12 to 22 in Butu-London, Butubutu Village, Ibadan. Bro. Durojaiye Odeyemi substituted for Bro. Chad Wagner, teaching Greek I, while Bro. Ayobami Akanji, an elder at the Lord’s Church in Isheri-Oshun, Lagos State, instructed the seven students in Congregational Development I. Lectures took place daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with a one-hour break from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. The school provided meals for both students and instructors each day. We give thanks to the Lord for His mercy and grace throughout these two weeks. Our gratitude extends to Russell and Ginger Knowles, Bro. Keith Kasarjian and associates, Bro. Chad Wagner and associates, Doug and Diane Wheeler, Dorman and Donna Lough, Sister Cherry Lloyd and family, Zach and Kim Van Tassel, Larry and Patty Goodin, The Tulare Community Church of Christ, and everyone who supported, encouraged, and partnered with us. May the Lord continue to bless our collective efforts in Christ Jesus’ name. Amen.
22ND ANNUAL BIBLE LECTURESHIP ON AUGUST 22-24, 2024
The three-day Annual Bible Lectureship held at Doug Wheeler’s Events Center was attended by over 300 brethren and friends of the Lord’s Church. Attendance grew steadily from Tuesday, with over 100 attendees, including students, present by Thursday morning. This year’s theme, “Christ in You – The Hope of Glory” (Colossians 1:27), focused on navigating the current hardships in Nigeria and reinforcing Christ as our all-sufficient Savior and guide. A lineup of experienced ministers addressed various topics to renew our hope and faith. On Friday evening, sessions were held at both Doug Wheeler’s Events Center and Chad Wagner’s Open Hall; covering “Maturity in Christ in Times Like These” and “Crisis Management in the Home.”
Topics included:
– Who is Jesus Christ?
– What Shall I Do with Christ?
– The Character of Christ
– Jesus Christ: The Answer in Hopeless Situations
– Jesus Christ: The Way, the Truth, and the Life
– The Power of Believing in Christ
– The Great Invitation of Matthew 11:28-30
– Christ in You: The Hope of Glory
– Jesus Christ and the Many Mansions of John 14
– Jesus Christ: Our Comfort in Times Like These
– Jesus Christ and Crisis Management
The event also featured a youth conference and football matches to promote physical activity and fellowship.
We are deeply grateful for everyone who contributed to the successful hosting of these events. May the Lord continue to bless our work together in Christ Jesus’ name. Amen.
22ND GRADUATION CEREMONY OF 26 SUCCESSFUL BIBLE STUDENTS
The 22nd Graduation Ceremony was a joyous occasion; witnessed by over 300 brethren and friends of the Lord’s Church. It was held at Doug Wheeler’s Events Center in Butu-London, Butubutu Village, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Bro. Tim Iwe served as our Moderator and Master of Ceremonies, while Bro. Oladokun Samuel led us in songs of praise. Bro. Emmanuel Odo delivered a powerful admonition to the graduating students from the Pauline Epistles; encouraging them to be faithful ministers of God.
During the ceremony, fourteen students received the SWSE Diploma in Biblical Studies, two students were awarded the SWSE-IBADAN Certificate of Attendance, and ten students earned the BVBIN Advanced Diploma. Each graduate was also presented with a pack of working tools for ministry.
Special awards were given to honor the following outstanding students:
– Best Ministerial Award (donated by Bro. Chad Wagner) was awarded to Bro. Ogaji Emmanuel Isaac.
– Most Disciplined Student (donated by Larry and Patty Goodin) was awarded to Bro. Richard Preyorete Timothy.
– Best Academic Student (donated by Bro. & Sister Ayobami Akanji) was awarded to Bro. Folorunsho Richard Oluwapelumi.
– Most Improved Student (donated by Bro. Chad Wagner) was awarded to Bro. Olaleye Josiah Sina.
– Most Hardworking Student (donated by The Makinde Family) was awarded to Bro. Augustine Joseph Dada.
– Most Responsible Student (donated by BVBIN & SWSE Foundation) was awarded to Bro. Folorunsho Richard Oluwapelumi.
– Evangelism Award (donated by Bro. Keith Kasarjian) was presented to Bro. Murphat Victor Chinagorom, Bro. Ilesanmi Samson Ojo, and Bro. Osarenren Nosakhare Joshua for their exceptional dedication to house-to-house evangelism.
– Most Humble and God-Fearing Student (donated by Bro. Doug Wheeler) was awarded to Bro. Akanmu Solomon Abayomi.
– Priscilla Award (donated by Sister Ronke Kila) was awarded to Sister Abigail Augustine and Sister Abigail Akanmu.
– Leadership Award (donated by The Aiyela Family) was awarded to Bro. Edokpai Blessing Enoch (our student leader).
As the event concluded, all participants were given a pack of Gospel literature; including VOTI Volume 120, Different publications by Mission Printing International, local tracts, and three cartons of Gospel tracts distributed to all the churches present.
The ceremony ended with pictures and light refreshments. We give thanks to Almighty God for His guidance and support in all aspects. To Him be all the glory and honor.
We sincerely appreciate your partnership and support.
ABOUT A STUDENT:
Fasonu Adams Oluwamuyiwa
Fasonu Adams Oluwamuyiwa, a second-year student admitted into the BVBIN & SWSE-IBADAN program in August 2023, was baptized into the Lord’s Church in 2019 at Barracks Road Church of Christ, Ondo, Ondo State. Fasonu chose to attend BVBIN to deepen his knowledge of the Scriptures, enhance his evangelistic skills, and develop the ability to discern right from wrong based on Biblical teachings.
In Conclusion, we appreciate the Almighty God for granting us the ability to be one of the tools in His kingdom and also appreciate you all for your partnership, encouragement and support. 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
