Humanitarian Willie Wilson saves Chicago Baptist Institute from foreclosure

 

By Chinta Strausberg

 

The Chicago Baptist Institute International (CBI) is holding its annual fundraiser 7 p.m., Monday, October 24, 2011, at the Condesa Del Mar Banquet Hall, 12220 S. Cicero Avenue, Alsip, IL, according to humanitarian Willie Wilson who three-weeks ago was named chairman of the Board of Trustees and already has prevented it from going into foreclosure.

Though his work schedule is very busy with his other businesses, Wilson said, “I have a company that takes me around the globe, but I had to stop by and pause because it is all about what I am in life.”

Wilson ordered his managers to run his businesses while he worked around the clock to save the 77-year-old institution.

Wilson recalled many nights that he couldn’t sleep because of the difficult financial challenges he faced. 

Methodically pouring over CBI’s books, Wilson quickly learned CBI had numerous bank accounts. He has now streamlined the banking relationships.  In three-weeks, CBI now has a balanced budget and is no longer facing foreclosure.

When Mr. Wilson learned that CBI was facing foreclosure, within a three-week period he took the internationally known CBI out of the red into the black. “We cannot let this school go down especially if God has given me money and resources to do something about it. Now it is left up to all of us to do it together,” Wilson said.  “We will be around to make sure that school doesn’t sink.”

Wilson said CBI currently has about 33 instructors and 88 students. In an effort to increase student population, he said two ministers from each of the 100 churches that make up the International Ministers & Community Alliance (IMCA), have agreed to send their members to CBI next semester. “We will increase the student roll from 88 to close to 200 students.”

Asking the hundreds of ministers attending the meeting at Liberty Baptist for their support, Wilson said, “There will be school audits to keep the budget in the black. We have figured out some different ways to raise money. We talked to some banks…and we are asking them to lend us some money” to build a banquet hall on the adjoining lot.

Wilson also asked the ministers to send an associate minister or someone from their deacon or missionary board to support CBI by attending classes. He said a three-credit course only cost $350 and pointed out that other bible schools would cost at least $1,000. “We are asking you to support our own. We have enough pastors in this city that we can come together and support the proud institute that we own.

“It doesn’t matter whether they are Catholic, Church of God in Christ or any other denomination because there is only one rule—you must believe in Jesus Christ as the son of God,” said Wilson. “It’s the same bible that Moody (Bible Institute) uses.

 “I want you to know that our African American pastors and preachers are second to none in the whole world when it comes down to the word of God,” he said appealing for their solid support. “We got it into the black, and we want to keep it that way.”  “We should not let a viable institute go down…. I can’t preach, but I can run a business,” Wilson said. “I play in my lane…. We are going to keep CBI in the black and with your support, we can make it happen.”

Wilson said CBI is now offering online bible classes. He has appointed a new academic dean, Dr. Carolyn Walker, and a new president, James Floyd.

The tickets for Monday’s fundraiser are $75 each or $750 per table. The acclaimed Vickie Winans will perform.

For further information, call Stephanie Coleman at: 773-744-4297.

Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host. You can e-mail Strausberg at: Chintabernie@aol.com.