History

The word of God gives a wonderful definition for faith, “The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb.11:1). Here is a proof which speaks out this fact – “BBI.” Apostle Paul says “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). BBI is the result of simple faith and sincere hope.

How did BBI begin?

In 1940’s, Bro. K. K. Varghese Karimkuttickal who was a man of prayer started a small prayer group in the heart of the Pathanamthitta town in association with Yohannachan Mavelikara, Akkarakunnathu Avarachan and some other likeminded believers. It was known as Dhyanayogam (Gathering for Meditation). In the early days they gathered in the house of brother T. M. George, Thekkeparampil. After some time, this prayer group dissolved because Bro. K. K. Varghese moved to Ranni in connection with his profession. During 1950s the group revived and they gathered in a rented room in the town. Young believers also joined the elders and they began to witness the Lord through open-air meetings mainly from the rented room and by visiting other areas like Vadasserikkara, Chittar, etc. Bro. T. M. Daniel moved his residence to Pathanamthitta and took part in this ministry. It was at about this time, Bro. P. T. Abraham joined the ‘Dhyanayogam.’ It gave a great incentive to the overall activities of the Suviseshalayam ministry. M/s. T. M. George, K. A. Philip, C. V. Samuel, K. V. Mathew, K. T. Pathrose, A. P. George, A. K. Thomas, etc. were the active youngsters with their seniors. By 58-59, Bro. P. T. Abraham, Plavunilkkunnathil, Pariyaram with his extra ordinary organising skill strengthened the activities. Regular meditation meetings, common worship meetings in which believers from surrounding areas up to Chittar, Seethathodu, Thannithodu, etc. gathered for worship, weekly hospital visits, Sodari Samajam (Sisters’ Meeting), Sodari camps (camp for the sisters), etc. were the main activities. Also, yearly convention during the Christmas week was a regular feature. Along with that gospel tours in vehicles to Malabar area, Tamil Nadu, etc. were conducted.

As a vibrant team, the Gospel Hall activities attracted the attention of many from various places. Bro. S. S. David from Punalur, with some other believers of Punalur came and helped in the activities of Gospel Hall. M/s. Mammen Kurian from Kallissery, P. M. George from Adoor, K. K. Chacko from Areepparambu are other important personalities to be remembered. Above all Bro. T. K. Samuel, the hymn composer and powerful preacher became a well accepted leader.

The first 2 conventions were held in a theatre. Then public halls, school grounds, etc. were hired for this purpose. In all these activities, Bro. A. O. Thomas Kottarakkara came with his car and helped in this ministry. Foreign missionary Bro. Liddle during these days made Pathanamthitta as his field for missionary work which was very helpful for the Gospel Hall activities. M/s. K. G. Kurian, M. E. Cherian, V. T. Mathai and visiting missionaries were the main speakers in the convention meetings.

As the team work was progressing, Bro. P. T. Abraham stayed back from the active works due to his own personal reasons. Bro. T. M. George took up his responsibilities too. He had a zeal for wider activities. With his government job, he worked hard and prayed fervently for wider activities. He took the lead to build a building in the Gospel Hall plot which had been purchased already a few years before.

Dream Becomes Reality

Bro. K. A. Philip and Bro. T. M. George had a dream of starting a Bible Institute in Pathanamthitta. They had already consulted M/s. Dr. O. M. Samuel, Mathew Paul, K. V. John, Dr. Johnson C. Philip, etc. They ensured support from a large circle of believers.

As a safety measure, trusts were formed for Bible Institute and Gospel Hall respectively. Bro. German, the then secretary of Stewards Association in India in Bangalore helped and guided in preparing the Trust deeds. The same were got registered in the Sub Registrar office, Kozhencherry on11-11-1988. The founder Trustees were 5 members. M/s. T. K. Samuel, S. S. David, T. M. George, K. A. Philip and T. K. George. Bro. T. K. Samuel was the founder President, Bro. K. A. Philip was the Vice President and Bro. T. M. George was the Secretary cum Treasurer. Four more members were added as Trustees to this list, M/s. K. V. Koshy, A. K. Thomas, M. T. George and K. C. John.

Inauguration of BBI

On 11.6.1989, Brethren Bible Institute was inaugurated by Bro. M. E. Cherian. Bro. Mammen Kurian presided the meeting. Prof. P. P. Skariah, Principal of Malabar Christian College Calicut, Bro. Paul Thomas Kottayam, Bro. S. S. David Punalur, Bro. A. O. Thomas Kottarakkara, Bro. K. V. John Pathanapuram, Bro. Mathew Paul, etc. gave felicitation messages. Thus, a long-cherished dream of Bro. T. M. George, Bro. K. A. Philip and all other co-workers could witness that momentous event. It was actually a bold step taken by them. The Lord blessed this ministry because there are many all over the world to pray for this ministry.

Here it has to be pointed out that the Lord was pleased to call back His servant Bro. T. M. George after finishing his duty with all integrity and strength, to His presence. His home call was on April 22, 1991. The Institute stands as a monument for his toil for the Lord. Bro. T. K. Samuel also had gone to be with the Lord.

Bro. K. A. Philip became the second President of the BBI Trust. Bro. Roy Mathews, Doha has been functioning as the BBI Trust President since September 23, 2017.

Bro. M. T. George was the second Secretary cum Treasurer of the BBI Trust. Mr. O. T. Cheriyan became the next Secretary Cum Treasurer in July 22, 2014.

Dr. O. M. Samuel was the first principal of BBI. Dr. K. C. Johnson has been working as the Principal since August 24, 2021.

Bro. Mathew Paul, Dr. Johnson C. Philip, Bro. K. V. John and Dr. K. C Johnson had worked as the Vice Principal of BBI.

Bro. Mathew Paul, Dr. Johnson C. Philip and Dr. K. C Johnson had worked as the Academic Dean of BBI.

Bro. K. V. John and Bro. Febin Johnson had served as the Registrar of the Institute. At present, Dr. Twinkle C. Paul is the Registrar.

Bro. Sunny T. Philip became the Director of Academics in August 24, 2021.

Faculty members Bro. E. K. George, Bro. K. V. George, Bro. T. M. Scariah and Bro. A. K. Thomas have entered eternal rest, fulfilling their ministry.

BBI Moved to Elanthoor-Pariyaram

By 2009, a new building was ready on the roadside in Elanthoor, Pariyaram, 8 kms away from Pathanamthitta in a plot extending 1 acre 30 cents purchased for the Institute and classes were shifted to those buildings in May 11, 2009. A new building for library, office and class rooms was constructed at Pariyaram Campus and it was inaugurated on December 25, 2021.

As of September 12 2022, more than 323 graduates of BBI are serving the Lord in different parts of India among people with different cultural, linguistics and religious background. Over 131 new assemblies have been started.

“We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). It is purely a faith ministry. All residential students are given free education. We are indebted to all the prayer partners. We extend our sincere thanks to all who are partners of this ministry.

“I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth but God that giveth the increase” (1 Cor. 3:6,7).