Over the years, we have had the honor of coming alongside thousands of students from every walk of life and from all parts of the world, to help them in their pursuit of following God’s calling on their lives. No matter where you are or what stage of life you are in, the ORU Bible Institute can help you to know God and His word in a deeper way and fulfill His plan for your life. Here are some testimonies from our students.
Lisa Romig, Austin, TX:
In 2014, I enrolled in the ORU Online Bible Institute. I started with the Certificate program and then decided to continue on with a Diploma in Theological Studies.
The courses are straightforward but they are work. Each week, I found myself carving out several hours to immerse myself in study. This schedule fit me perfectly. I read the required books for each class and used the lectures. Throughout the semesters, I learned different biblical arguments and applications in the Christian community. You can really tell that these educators love God and love Scripture. All the courses are taught to edify your faith, increase your knowledge, and feed your Spirit.
My experience at ORU has impacted my education and it has impacted my heart. I am leaving with a more profound knowledge of God, His working power and His plan throughout history for our salvation. ORU has prepared and helped me to have confidence . I truly enjoyed earning my certificate and diploma.
Hiromi Suzuki, Japan:
After I finished the course on the Book of Romans, I felt that my feet are standing on solid ground. I experienced that my understanding has increased and my foundation solidified.
In the Luke/Acts course, I learned to see what the Holy Spirit was doing behind the scenes and through the life of Jesus. Also, I received a deeper understanding of Jesus as the "Son of Man" and "Son of God," not only in my head, but also in my heart. I highly recommend taking both courses!
Pastor Olu Adekile, Canada:
Joining the ORU Online Bible Institute was a decision directed by the Holy Spirit. Although I had been involved in evangelism and ministry before attending the school, the knowledge and the hands-on skills gained from the well experienced and knowledgeable instructors provided additional fire for the mission field. Now I am using some of the principles I have learned from the program in my ministry and also working on how to pursue further studies at the ORU.
Jimmy Halim, Indonesia:
I started attending the Online Bible Institute because I wanted to improve my knowledge of the Word and prepare myself for future ministry. Through the OBI program, my personal devotional life improved significantly and now I have a better grasp on the Word of God. The knowledge which I gained proved to be so helpful to my ministry. The instructors were helpful and informative in interacting with me as well.
Rex McSwain, Texas:
Having just recently completed a Diploma in Theological Studies in the ORU Online Bible Institute program, I can say that my experience was nothing but positive and fruitful. As a result of this program, I was blessed to be able to grow in my spiritual formation and also to be thoroughly equipped for ministry. I found the courses to be challenging and demanding for the serious student and the online learning mode to be a very satisfying way to participate. The flexibility and availability of the course offerings, the encouraging weekly contact with the various professors, and the professional and always helpful approach of the program director were instrumental in my satisfaction and progress during my time in this program. I would highly recommend that anyone considering this type of ministry education/training to prayerfully consider the ORU Bible Institute.
We have also worked with many pastors, Bible schools, and church educators with a similar vision to equip believers for the work of the ministry. Here are some of their testimonies:
Pastor Steve Dinkel, Liberty Foursquare Church, Hays, KS:
I would recommend ORU Bible Institute to anyone who wants to further develop his or her ministry skills. The classes are theologically sound and filled with the character and excellence that ORU is known for. The pace of the classes is very doable and the materials are interesting and relevant to ministry. Plus as a bonus, it’s very affordable. So if you are ready to add some tools to make your ministry more effective, I would recommend the ORU Bible Institute.
Min. Marsha K. Griffin, Kingdom Bible Institute, Easton, PA:
I am the director of Kingdom Bible Institute at Greater Shiloh Church in Easton, PA. In the summer of 2014, my Pastor and I began to work on developing a Bible institute with two goals in mind: we wanted to enhance the depth of knowledge of the Word for our church members, and we wanted a source of training for emerging leaders within the church.
ORU offers a variety of subject matter that satisfies so many areas of need within the church. One of the most challenging aspects of my work as director is determining which courses we will make available during the academic year. There are Certificate programs that are amazing, but there are also courses we can offer as stand-alones that address needs within the church as well.
ORUBI and Dr. Sam Barsoum have been wonderful to work with. The bookstore personnel have bent over backwards to get our materials to us on time. The structure of the program is easy to follow and work with. I believe the Holy Spirit was leading my Pastor and I when we chose ORUBI to be a major resource for our school. I couldn’t be happier.
Below are testimonies from some of our students:
CH: The information I have learned thus far has become very important to me and I find myself expounding upon the Scriptures with confidence rather than just speculation. I have gained reassurance that I'm on the right track of becoming who God called me to be, and that has spilled over into becoming a better leader, father, husband and friend.
KL: I thank God for His hand that was upon me and helped me complete the courses successfully. Where there is strong desire, God will make a way for you. The subject matter is very interesting and fun (our classmates bring so much to the class in terms of encouragement, laughter, knowledge and wisdom). The more I learn the more I want to learn. I am a satisfied student of the Word in KBI.
BP: I decided to enroll in KBI because I needed a structured environment to study God's Word and also earn diploma credits toward college. I expected the school to be very challenging and fulfilling, and it has been both. The interactive class format brings the materials closer to each student's personal walk. I like the fact that the school is for everyone. You don't have to have a church title to enroll. What I have learned has exceeded my expectations. I would recommend KBI to anyone who is serious about growing in Christ.
SS: The homework challenges and reading have empowered me to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
And from a matriculating student who will be graduating soon...
JP: I signed up for the classes to get a better understanding of the Bible. My experience in the class has been so much more than just understanding and interpreting the Bible; it has had an impact on my life and walk with God. It has also brought me clarity in how I want to present myself to the world. The information in the Bible continues to reveal that I am never alone in my faith, struggles, and career, with family, friends, and my walk with God.