The Open Bible Bulletin - June, 2022

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Our Prayer Calendar is available each month.

FAMILY FILE Marriages

Evie Olmstead (’20) to Nathaniel Smith (ABM/B.Th. ’21) on October 2, 2021. Ivy Ford (ABM/B.Th. ’22) to Zachary Foster (ABM/B.Th. ’22) on March 26, 2022.

MIKE GRANT June 5, 12 Bethel Baptist Church Pine Glen, NB Sunday Services

Births

Monday

6 for our faculty as they teach our students

13 for the many NBBI grads serving around the world

for Matthew (President) & Dodi Little (Librarian)

27 for our 4 th year students doing their internship

7 for the ongoing financial needs of the school

14 for health and strength for our retired staff

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for Brenda Cabral (Secretary to President) & Rose Meed (General Office Secretary)

with a

Dates: June 26 - July 1

2022

VacationVision

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Wednesday

Thursday

for growth in our students’ lives this semester

for God’s direction & leading for this years graduates

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that restrictions would be lifted so we can host retreats & conferences

that young people would sense the need to attend Bible school

for many students who come from difficult homes

for our Deans, Beth McMahon & Mike Grant

for Dave (IT) & Mary Meed (Food Services )

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22 for students taking exams today

11 that God would bring revival to our churches

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23 for Danny & Lorna Robins (Business Office)

Saturday

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for unity among the staff and students

12 that God would give wisdom to our Board of Directors

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for Edward Craig (Maintenance) & Tim Leubner (Food Services)

for David Doherty (Faculty) & Keith McM ahon (Faculty)

24 for Larry Rushton (Registrar)

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praise God for the funds raised to replace our furnace

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that the $40,000 needed for Vacation With A Vision would come in

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Friday

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25 for staff children that they would grow in the Lord

26 that NBBI would remain faithful to God’s Word

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for our married students (currently 3 couples)

Go to nbbi.ca/connect/

April 12, 2022 - to Daniel (ABM/B.Th. ’22) and Maisy (O’Brien, Assoc. ’21) Ford, a son, Emery Barrett.

Are you looking for a ministry opportunity this summer? NBBI has a program for you. Vacation with a Vision gives you and your family an opportunity to come to the campus of NBBI, be involved in various work projects, enjoy great food, and fellowship and serve the Lord in a practical, hands-on way. We feed you, house you and even provide a program for kids ages 5-12.

Tuesday

that God would keep our campus safe from Covid

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April 7, 2022 - to Jacob (’05) and Lynnette (Clavette ’03 ) Westcott, a daughter, Christianna Marie.

June 26 - July 1 Tay Valley Bible Camp Stanley, NB Faith In Action Teen Camp

FEBRUARY 2022 - Please Pray Sunday

OPEN BIBLE BULLETIN

days. There is no cost to you but your labour will have great eternal reward. Please contact us with any questions or to register.

FOCUS

BY TIM LEUBNER Fresh Air

If you are looking for ministry job opportunities, we have listings on our website. Go to nbbi.ca/jobs

Editor................................................. Larry Rushton Writers.............Faculty, Staff, Students & Alumni Typist................................................. Brenda Cabral Layout & design...........................................Larry Rushton Copy proof..............................................Rose Meed Printer.................................................Merritt Press

For weekly updates visit us at nbbi.ca/connect

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PARTNER WITH US

nbbi.ca/donate

Give online: Click the Donate Now button. Make a one-time gift or choose the recurring option for automatic monthly support. Give by mail: Send your cheque payable to: New Brunswick Bible Institute 2335 Route 103 Victoria Corner NB E7P 1C7 U.S. Donors: East Hodgdon Bible Church Attn: NBBI Fund PO Box 828 Houlton ME 04730-0828 Give by e-transfer: Send an e-Transfer via the bank of your choice to nbbibusiness@gmail.com. For additional options: Call us toll-free at 1-800-771-NBBI (6224).

Printed in Canada

FYI

New Brunswick Bible Institute 2335 Route 103 Victoria Corner NB Canada E7P 1C7 Phone: (506)375-9000 Fax: (506)375-1800 Website: nbbi.ca Email: nbbi@nbbi.ca

Canadian publications mail product sales agreement #40012001

Here are the projects to be completed this summer. 1. New siding on Liberty Hall (the newly renovated girls’ dorm). 2. Renovate the bathrooms in Liberty Hall. 3. Build an addition for storage on the Clark Memorial Dining Hall 4. Various other smaller projects. Consider joining us on June 26 - July 1 for the whole week or even for a few

VOL. 63 NO. 6 JUNE 2022

Have you ever said to someone, “It is like a breath of fresh air”? Maybe you were referring to a trip to the shores of Prince Edward Island, or the serene lakes of Alberta. This phenomenon usually occurs when there is a change. A change in scenery, or pace of life. We often refer to it when we experience something outside the norm like opening the windows after a long winter to let in the warm, refreshing, spring breeze or when a loved one comes to visit after a long absence. We all know the feeling and when it happens, it brings joy, satisfaction and comfort. I would like to call your attention to another use of that phrase. It can sometimes be used of a Christian. Think about people you know that are a “breath of fresh air.” These folks are usually marked by three things. They are looking out for others These folks take Philippians 2:4 seriously. Their thoughts are toward fellowbelievers, making an effort to see their needs and, if possible, meet those needs. Selfishness has no place in their lives.

They practice Christ-like behavior, not seeking a reputation before men, but rather choosing to use their time, resources and words to build up the Body of Christ. These folks are infectious to be around. They are walking in the Light A close relationship with their Lord is paramount. Confession of sin and a desire to please God promotes fellowship with others. Christians who understand what they were saved from and forgiven for, will, in turn, want to pass on that forgiveness. They will be quick to forgive, slow to speak and slow to become angry. There is a sweetness when they interact with others because of the work that is being done in them by Christ

My challenge to you is this. Are you one of these “fresh air” folks? Are you that fresh air for someone else? We all love being on the receiving end but, perhaps, the giving part is a little harder. I leave you with this: John 13:34, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” Each day we must seek practical ways to love one another and be that “breath of fresh air” to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

They love the Word The Bible is the ultimate authority for these people. “God says it; that settles it” is their motto. These people believe the promises made to those who love God’s Word. They trust God when He says, “...how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” They themselves are refreshed with the Word daily and it has a direct effect on those with whom they rub shoulders.

NBBI

God’s Purpose Our Passion Established 1944 2 Timothy 2:15

@

Check us out

nbbi.ca 1


PRESIDENT’S CHALLENGE BY MATTHEW LITTLE

Exhibit “A” We live in a broken world that has been destroyed by sin, defies God, is destructive in its behaviour and is full of people who are divided. If you are a follower of Christ, that statement will not surprise you. In fact, God’s Word confirms that things will continue to get worse. However, thanks be to God, this is not the end of the story. The precious blood of Jesus Christ reconciles us to God. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul said, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” As a result of this new life that we share in Christ, we have been entrusted with a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18b). How do we become powerful representatives of this ministry of reconciliation? Most believe that we must become articulate, well-versed communicators of the Gospel. There is no doubt that this is important, and I would never dissuade

TESTIMONY

BY JOSUE MENARD Transfer student

I studied one year in a French Bible school in Québec, Canada called Parole de Vie (Word of Life). Afterwards, I worked there as a missionary on campus with the students and staff members. I discovered I had a passion to study the Word of God, and help others in their personal walk with God. Since Parole de Vie is a one-year academic program, I wanted to continue studying the Bible in another school. Without knowing much about New Brunswick or NBBI, and with only a little amount of English, I took a step of faith and applied. New Brunswick Bible Institute is located in the middle of a beautiful, peaceful, and friendly community. NBBI is like a large and close family with many students and staff members, and a lot of free time to get to know each of them better. Since English is my second lan2

anybody from knowing the Gospel message inside and out. However, there is often something missing in the methodological approaches of today. Too often, we spend all of our time polishing the message (right words, right verses, right arguments) and forget that we must be prepared messengers. In fact, as Paul lays out what it means to carry out a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-21), he starts by reminding us that we are New Creations in Christ, something I alluded to earlier. Why does he do this? Because your transformed life is the starting point in helping reach others for Jesus. People will be more impacted by what you have “become” than they will by what “fast facts” of the Gospel you may be able to rattle off to them. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, it says, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” I hope you didn’t miss it. When Jesus walked this earth, He proclaimed a message of reconciliation and

guage and I am more of a quiet person, it was harder to connect with people and follow in classes and chapels. Time passed and the walls of language and culture fell down slowly. I am very thankful for the love, the grace, and the patience of all my dear brothers and sisters in Christ here. NBBI and Word of Life have a very close relationship. In fact, sometimes they exchange teachers. At Word of Life, I learned a lot in a short time. Since NBBI’s program is longer, we have more time to process the data into application in our own personal lives. One truth that I learned as a student, studying in a second language, was patience. Staff and students here probably learned that more than I, when they were trying to tell me something! Getting to know people and studying took more time. Sometimes it was hard. So, to speak and to learn in a second language was not that hard, but it was not that easy, either. I was not in my comfort zone. God seems to grow us more when we are out of our comfort zone.

then when others said, “Well what does this look like?”, He pointed to Himself. Can you do that? Has your life been so transformed by the power of the Gospel that God can make His appeal for reconciliation through you. As I contemplated this passage, I was taken back by the phrase “…we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” God is making His appeal for reconciliation through me. Christ is no longer walking this earth and I have been called to step into the gap. I would say that I am a poor substitute at best but it’s a substitute that God has made, nonetheless. Could it be that the Gospel is unattractive to the lost because those proclaiming it are speaking a right word but involved in wrong walk? If Christ is making His appeal of reconciliation to a lost world through you, IS IT A CONVINCING ONE?

If you are reading this article and you are not sure if you should come, just come! It will have an impact on you for the rest of your entire life. If you are a student in a Word of Life Bible Institute, and you are not sure whether you should transfer or not, just transfer! You will continue to grow in a different environment. A year or multiple years at Bible school will never be lost. Getting closer to the God of the Bible is never something lost. If you don’t believe that God is calling you to Bible school, pray and encourage someone else to come. It is a wonderful privilege and blessing to deepen our knowledge of the Bible. Everybody should consider it. Think about it, my friend!

CAMPUS NEWS

here. A big thank you to each of the juniors for such a lovely, memorable evening! And a big thank you to each of you for your prayer support, encouragement, and financial support that has brought my class and me thus far at NBBI. May we all continue on to faithfully serve until the Lord calls us home!

BY JANA GERARDI

Spring Banquet & Program I am finishing up my third year, and Senior Banquet (put on by the juniors in honour of my class) was a highlight of this semester for me. They did an excellent job with everything, making our class feel special with a wonderful evening that was simply splendid for everyone. Their theme was Wooded Wonderland. The juniors spent hours with their attention to detail and created pleasing decorations, all inspired by the outdoors.

They even created their own benches and an arbour. For supper, they served chicken, mashed potatoes, carrots, cake and punch. Following supper, the juniors, impersonating the seniors, presented a skit which left us all in stitches. They pretended that we went on a camping trip. Mr. McMahon then gave us a little challenge message, encouraging us to continue in what we started. We serve a faithful God who has brought us this far and won’t give up or be “done” until the work is finished. We must continue to respond in faithfulness and not give up on the Christian race until we meet Him in glory! After Mr. McMahon’s message, the juniors read letters they had written to us, expressing appreciation for each individual in our class and encouraging us to keep living for the Lord. The program then ended with a slideshow that highlighted the adventures of our three years

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