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Dear prayer-parnters, I have great pleasure
in presenting the information below on the Bbipta.Com website. Many
of our friends and well-wishers have been telling us that they are not
getting regular and enough information about this
ministry. I must accept that this is very true. It was more of a reluctance
to give much publicity and less of slothfulness. Of course, it is essential,
one should admit, that we publish news occasionally to elicit prayer and
support from you all.
It is only human to get involved in
what is perceived as an immediate need or challenge. Thus an occasional reminder
would not be out of place. Hence this write-up. We are also confident
that this kind of information will help interested brethren to give
for the Lord with greater insight and discernment. With that in mind
we have tried to incorporate a variety of articles, that give you more
or less a comprehensive picture of the ministries and needs at BBI.
The coming of the Lord is imminent.
At the same time, doors to the gospel are closing. Thus it is essential that
we all do our best before it is too late. Your involvement in BBI can
play a significant role in reaching the perishing millions of our motherland
with the message of life while it is still possible.
Please do take a few moments to read
through this article and decide what you can do to support this vital
ministry. With Warm Greetings, Yours in Christ, K. A. Philip, President, BBI Trust
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BRETHREN BIBLE INSTITUTE
ANNUAL REPORT: 2009 - 2010
M.T. George, Secretary of BBI Trust
“For whosoever shall call upon
the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in
whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom
they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And
how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of
peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’” (Rom. 10:13-15).
Dear prayer partners,
I thank the Lord for enabling me to approach you all
with the annual report of BBI for the year 2009-2010. Words actually
fail to express our gratitude to the Lord who lead us to complete 21
years of successful ministry of imparting education on the Word of God
to many young enthusiastic believers who stand witnesses in different
parts of our mother country to proclaim the Gospel of glory and win
souls.
It was in 1989 the first batch began their course of
studies in the Gospel Hall building, Pathanamthitta. Many of the
pioneer workers such as Mr. T. K. Samuel, Mr. T. M. George (first
president and secretary respectively), Mr. T. K. George (Trust member)
are now in glory. Names of late K. K. Vargheese, Karimkuttickal, late
K. V. Chacko Muruppel are also worth mentioning. There was a number of
praying stalwarts behind the ministry but to mention all names would be
lengthy.
By 2010 March 149 students have completed their
B.Th. course and 5 students their M. Th. course. Of these 144 are
serving the Lord in different parts of our country in different
linguistic areas. 42 new assemblies have been established by their work.
In May 2009 classes started functioning in the new
campus at Pariyaram seven kilometres away from Pathanamthitta. Now
there are 28 students for B.Th in three batches and 14 students for
M.Th and M. Div. Total strength is 42. Of these 22 are from outside
Kerala.
Home call of Mr. K. Paul Thomas, a member of the
Advisory Board happened to be a real loss to the ministry. We do
express our deep condolence and pray that the Lord may strengthen Mrs.
Paul Thomas.
1. Trust Members
During this year Mr. K. C. Matthew (administrator)
because of his ill health expressed before the Trust his desire to
withdraw his membership and the Trust accepted it on condition that he
would continue as an invitee to the Trust meetings. In his place Mr.
Sunny T. Philip has been appointed as the Trust member.
2. Faculty
Mr. K. V. George (M.A., M.Th.), a senior faculty
member from the beginning has informed us his inability to continue in
the faculty owing to personal inconveniences. We do remember his
services as most valuable and commendable. Names of all the faculty
members are given in the website www.bbipta.com
3. Distance Education
Out of 132 members registered for P. G. Courses in
MBS, M.Div., and M.Th. through distance education, 7 have graduated.
Others are continuing.
4. Training in Computer Application
For the past few years students were given special
training in computer application. Now with the help of our prayer
partners a Computer Lab has been set up. This provision of God takes us
a step forward in the direction of our endeavours to improve the
standard of teaching. Mr. Moncy Varghese, Mavelikara (BBA, Sharjah) had
presented one LCD projector that helps a lot in the presentation by
using the computer. Mr. Sunny T. Philip, Dr. K.C. Johnson and Mr. Binu
Samuel are technically qualified to handle the Lab.
5. Library
697 books more have been added to the Library. Now
the total number of books is 11167. Major contributions during this
year are from Br. Abraham Vargheese, Edayaranmula and Br. Yohannan
Abraham, Trivandrum, i.e., 353 and 344 respectively. Our heartfelt
thanks to them. Generous contributions to the Library are expected from
the prayer partners. We give importance to the quality of books rather
than the quantity.
6. Outreach Ministry
This year (2009 October-November) gospel campaigns
were arranged in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odissa and in some
North East states. Students were divided into five teams. Four teams
participated in the campaigns arranged in the above mentioned states
while one concentrated in Idukki district of Kerala.
This outreach programme was a profitable exposure
which gave the students many a practical lesson in evangelism. In Assam
and Nagaland, 12 villages had been covered. Hundreds of people attended
the meetings and more than hundred people accepted Jesus Christ as
their Lord and Saviour. In Bihar, 23 villages had been covered. In
Andhrapradesh and Orissa, 45 villages have been covered. It is reported
that many souls have been brought to the saving knowledge of Christ as
a result of these works. In Idukki house visiting was the main
activity. It is reported that 2273 houses have been visited with the
Living Word. More than hundred persons accepted Christ by this work.
Most of the students testified that this was a challenge and an
eye-opener for them. Brethren from Sharjah Assembly have met the
financial expenses of these works.
7. Awards & Gifts
Inorder to encourage the students the following
awards were distributed to those who stood out in academic excellence,
meritorious service, etc.
1. Principal’s Award for the Best Student: Christon Prabhu M.
2. Vice-Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence in UG Level
First Rank: Anandh
Ravuru
(80.67%)
Second Rank: Midhun Kurian (78.58%)
3. Academic Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence in PG Level
First Rank: Alichan Antony (85.64%)
Second Rank: George K. (83.68%)
4. Bro. R.P. Samuel Award for a Model Student:
Anandh Ravuru
5. BBI President’s Award Instituted by the Trust for Meritorious Service
1. Sushanta Das
2. Alichan Antony
3. Yesudas P. C.
4. Sibir Kumar Bagh
6. Bro. M. A. Varghese’s (Houston) gift (cash) to all new graduates
7. Bro. Shalu T. Ninans gift of Ryrie Study Bible (Hindi) to the Selected Hindi students
8. BBI Evangelical Fund
The prayer partners in USA started this fund through
which BBI graduates in the field, received periodical financial
support, for several years. The fund was a great encouragement for the
new workers. Later many of the sponsors returned to India and some
others did not have the sufficient back up for contribution. However,
regular support is being received from Dr. Thomas Samuel and Mrs. Mini
Samuel of Stevens Way, USA.
9. Administration
General administration rests on a registered
Charitable Trust consisting of eleven members, whose names have been
given elsewhere. The Trust meet once in two or three months and review
the activities.
Academic matters are looked after by the Principal
with the help of the Vice Principal and Academic Dean. An Academic
Council is also functioning. The Warden looks after the matters of the
residential students.
10. Finance
Being a charitable institute, entrance for B. Th.
course is free. Free will offering is the source of income. The Lord is
providing all our needs then and there through the believers in various
countries. The earnest prayers that rise upto the throne of Grace is
our strength. We are thankful to the assemblies and individuals
everywhere for their partnership in this ministry.
Sponsorship for a student is Rs. 20,000/- A few
students have sponsors. More sponsors will be a relief as expenses are
shooting up every now and then.
11. Endowments
Some of the prayer partners have instituted
endowments. Interests of these endowments are utilized for the general
needs. Mr. K.V. John, a faculty member and Vice Principal of this
institute has instituted an endowment of Rs. One lakh, the interest of
which is utilized for the medical expenses of the students.
We praise the Lord with all humility. From the very
inception of the BBI all the needs have been met faithfully by the
Lord. We know that thousands are praying for this ministry. Let us join
hands to evengelize the world. May His name be glorified.
All gifts to be sent in favour of:
BRETHREN BIBLE INSTITUTE
PATHANAMTHITTA
Bank Accounts
Local
A/c No.1033637210-1
SBI, Pathanamthitta
Foreign
A/c No. 57068591821
SBT, Pathanamthitta
Postal Address
SECRETARY
BRETHREN BIBLE INSTITUTE
P.O. BOX. 46
PATHANAMTHITTA, KERALA
INDIA-689 645
Phone: 0468 2224045 (Pathanamthitta)
0468 2263333, 2362900 (Pariyaram-Elanthoor)
bbipathanamthitta@gmail.com
www.bbipta.com
Your continued prayers and fellowship are once again requested.
M. T. George, Secretary.
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A Bit Of History
A prayer meeting of some of the responsible elderly people in Pathanamthitta
and surroundings started in early forties. The noted ones among them
being KK Varghese (Mylapra), TK Samuel (Elanthoor), KT Thomas (Mylapra),
Thomachan Akkarekunneth, and Yohannachan of Nannuvakkadu. Gradually the
numbers increased, and TM George (Nannuvakkadu), PT Abraham (Elanthoor),
and others joined the team. Many of them were burdened about an outreach,
and soon an evangelistic ministry focused upon Pathanamthitta started
in a rented room. TM George, then a young man in the prime of his youth,
took great initiative in steering this ministry.
Several young people were
attracted to this ministry, and they included KV Koshy & KA Philip
(Mylapra), AP George & AK Thomas (Omalloor), Sam T. Sam (Elanthoor),
etc. Those were days of great revival, and ministry teams worked not
only in Kerala but also in manny places in Tamil Nadu. As the work progressed,
brother TM George was given charge as Secretary of this ministry, and
this proved to be the next turning-point in the ministry. He took initiative,
and soon a spacious building was erected on the plot that was previously
acquired for conducting yearly conventions. Meanwhile in the neighbouring
asemblies there was great enthusiasm about these ministry outreaches, and
many of them became involved in motivating and helping this ministry. Some
of these being AO Thomas (Kottarakkara), AA Chacko (Cherianad), Thomas A
Itty (Kumbanad). Brothers VT Mathai, KK Chacko (Areeparambu),
Mammen Kurian (Kallisseri), MS Liddle etc also actively participated in
these ministries. All the while, the brethren behind these ministries desired
to have some program for systematic training in doctrines and Bible. They
started praying for a College where our young men could be taught the fundamentals
of New Testament truths. Brother TM George took the greatest interest in
this, so that BBI can truely be called his baby. Of course, his colleagures
gave him all possible support in this venture.
By the end of the eighties it became
clear that time was ripe to start a Bible Institute. When the concerned
brethren consulted others, they received great encouragement. Dr. OM
Samuel was one of the first to give his consent to help in this ministry.
Brethren Bible Institute was finally
inaugurated in 1989 by the late ME Cherian. A large number of brethren
came from all corners of Kerala, and even from outside, to bless and
facilitate this venture. What started as a sapling in 89 has become
a grown-up tree with branches spread in all directions.
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The Postgraduate Section
The Bible assumes that we are life-long learners. It pleased God
to give us His revelation in the form of the written Word. This presupposes
that God's people would be a ' reading people,' that is, an educated lot.
We need to have the attitude of Apostle Paul who said "that I may know
Him" (Phil. 3:10). In fact,
the more we learn, the more capable we become to learn. The Proverbs teach,
"Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous
man, and he will increase his learning." (Proverbs 9:9 NASV). The times
we live in need men and women of wisdom and learning.
Since 1998, through the Distance Education Programme, BBI has
been making it possible for brethren around the world to realise the
rich benefits of Christian higher education. Learners from anywhere in
the world can pursue their studies either through ordinary post or through
Internet. Presently 80 candidates are enrolled
in our P.G. Programmes. 34 have joined for M.B.S., 25 for
M.Div., and 21 for M.Th. BBI faculty members prepare study materials
for each subject. Further, the assignments and examinations we give to
the students will help them to be thorough with the subject they are studying.
All courses are offered only in English medium. Prospectus and
application forms can be had from the Registrar by paying rupees 50
by M.O. Those from abroad need to send rupees
150 by crossed demand draft in favour of "Brethren Bible Institute," Pathanamthitta.
Prospectus and Application forms can be down loaded from our web site
<www.bbipta.com>. [Dr. K.C. Johnson,
Academic Dean]
BBI DISTANCE EDUCATION PG PROGRAMMES
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Present
Needs
The rising number of students, the need for additional resources,
inflation, and the need to expand, all need regular financial support.
Believers from around the world are encouraged to support this ministry
in cash and in kind.
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