THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE NEED FOR SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT

The Great Commission is regarded as one of the greatest calls from Jesus Christ to His followers: to embark on an intensive evangelistic campaign to rescue people from the power of sin and bring them into the Kingdom of God.

However, this great mission has suffered several setbacks for various reasons, and one of the major challenges is money. Many individuals have transformed the Gospel into a means of personal profit. Consequently, any endeavour toward extensive evangelism that requires significant financial investment without an immediate financial return is often considered unworthy.

But Jesus Christ clearly said, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” Mark 8:35.

Because of the huge financial implications and the stress involved in making disciples, many Bible colleges believe they cannot survive without charging high fees to prospective students. This makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for poor believers living in rural communities to afford theological training.

But should our desire to make financial gain and provide food for our tables become a hindrance to a believer whose only comfort and hope is in Jesus Christ? Should we allow financial difficulties to hinder the work of God because of the need to provide for ourselves?

Kent and Ruth Hodge, in an effort to answer these questions, gave birth to Christian Faith Institute (CFI).

In 2006, after serving zealously in Africa for about 35 years, Kent and Ruth Hodge left All Nations Bible Institute in Benin City, Edo State, and moved to Jos to begin this new project. Without a single financial supporter or sponsor, Kent and Ruth Hodge and their team established this Bible college with hope and faith in Jesus Christ, who has called His followers to go into the world and make disciples of all nations.

Since 2007, even at the initial stage when there was virtually no financial support, special scholarships have been provided to students from different parts of Nigeria and neighbouring nations. These students came to learn about God and His saving grace through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Until today, the vision remains unchanged, and the scholarship programme continues as the need becomes increasingly urgent, especially now that hardship is being experienced in various forms across the globe.

Many of the students who apply to CFI come from communities affected by Boko Haram insurgency or herder-farmer conflicts. Some have lost almost everything and have little or nothing left to sustain themselves or continue their education.

For many of them, CFI becomes more than a Bible college. It becomes a place where they can rebuild their lives, restore their hope, receive spiritual training, and pursue the dreams God has placed in their hearts.

This is indeed a huge financial responsibility, as the total number of students who have benefited from this scholarship scheme runs into the hundreds.

The cost of feeding these students alone per week is...