B ULLETIN THE OPEN BIBLE
Faith Taught & Caught
By Keith McMahon - Acting President
In September, we will be welcoming our students back to NBBI. There will be seasoned upperclassmen along with some wide-eyed, undoubtedly nervous freshmen. As I think about their upcoming experience on this campus, I am anticipating that they will come with faith in God, and that while they are here, they will grow in their faith. This causes me to ask myself what I, and the rest of our staff, might do to help them in this process of growing in their faith.
The biblical instruction that takes place in our classrooms would be the obvious starting point of teaching them about faith. But there are more people involved than our faculty. While the Word of God is our only authority on matters of faith and life, it will be each
staff member’s own obedience to the Lord that will show our students what faith looks like. Because that is what faith is. It is obedience to God. We can teach about faith with our words. But it must be more than our words. It must be the way in which we live out our obedience to God. When that is the case, then what is taught will be more easily caught. When our students observe our own obedience to the Word of God, in tangible ways like our attitudes, the way we react to what’s happening around us, interpersonal relationships, conversations with and about others, along with evidencing our own vibrant spiritual life, they will perhaps more easily catch on to the truths we are setting before them. In fact, much more about faith might be learned by our students outside of
the classroom at times. At NBBI, our entire staff has opportunity to show them what faith looks like in action. It’s a high calling and an incredible privilege we have together in this setting. You too can show others what faith looks like through your own obedience to God.
My challenge to all of us is that we be intentional about walking in obedience to God and His Word, and that we seek opportunities to show others what it looks like by our own example. As we walk by faith, our lives are to be a pattern for others to emulate. I am reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy: “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, charity, patience…continue thou in the things which thou
October 23-24
By Beth McMahon - Dean of Women
It is that time of year, my friends!! We are excited to give you some information on our upcoming Ladies of Grace Conference happening October 23 & 24, 2026.
Our theme this year is Called. We are pleased and excited to welcome Amy Speck (NBBI grad of 1988) as she comes to share what the Lord has laid on her heart from her study in Romans 8. Amy’s life purpose statement is “refreshing others, teaching truth.” She gets to live this out through oneon-one discipleship with women as well as teaching women’s Bible studies. Amy is a Certified Biblical Counsellor with the Association of Certified Biblical Counsellors (ACBC). She
with Amy Speck
counsels women weekly at her church and is passionate about women of all ages knowing God and His Word. Amy is married to Barry and together they served as missionaries with Word of Life Canada for 35 years. They currently reside in Simcoe, Ontario where Barry is an Associate Pastor at Emmanuel Bible Church. They have three married children, and ten precious grandchildren. Please plan on joining us this fall for this event! Mark it on your calendar and bring along some friends! We would love to see you!
Congratulations Class of 2026!
Directing Our Steps
By Spencer Tapley - Faculty
Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”
God has seemingly allowed us great freedom in this life as we make decisions, great or small, that we believe are best and would please Him. We take great comfort when we ask for His leading and He answers very clearly, like opening a previously closed door or closing a previously open one. However, God does not always reveal direct leading (like obvious signs or immediate clarity), so you and I have the freedom and responsibility to make choices. Whether we are moving to a new city, pursuing a career path, or anything else, we trust that God is pleased as we follow the general guidance of His Word. For example, if a potential job we could pursue involves sinful practices, it would not be God’s will for us, because He never leads against His own character. Ultimately, as believers in Christ, our desire is to live our lives fully surrendered to Him.
Yet even as we make wise plans, there are times when God steps in and leads in ways we never expected, reminding us that He truly does direct our steps for His glory. William Carey, the “Father of Modern Missions,” could certainly relate to this truth. Carey longed to go to India as a missionary. He studied diligently, prepared carefully, and sought support passionately. Yet when the
time came, obstacles appeared everywhere. Financial struggles, opposition, family troubles, and closed doors delayed his plans repeatedly. At one point, it seemed impossible that he would ever reach the mission field.
But eventually, God opened the way— in His own timing. Carey’s later ministry became foundational to the modern missionary movement, influencing generations of Christians worldwide. Looking back at his life, Carey would undoubtedly see that while he planned his course, the Lord was directing his steps all along.
I honestly never anticipated that becoming a teacher at NBBI was on the horizon for my family and me. I was simply seeking to be faithful where God had us, and I now look forward to serving on staff to help equip the next generations to love and serve Jesus (wherever He leads them). Matthew Little’s transition from President back into pastoral ministry is another clear example of God’s leading. Both of these changes are powerful reminders that while we make our plans, the Lord is actively at work directing our steps. Because He has always been faithful, we can face today and the future with total confidence in Him. Let’s be excited for all that God is doing at NBBI, and expectant for how He will continue to lead in our own lives every day.
*not pictured: Wayne Ayer & Karine Lacerte
FAMILY FILE
BIRTHS
To Ben (BTh ’20) and Lydia (VioletteBTh ’20) Coolidge, a boy, Ezekiel James on April 22, 2026
To Zach (Assoc. ’19) & Megan (Jost –Assoc. ’19) Boyd, a girl, Emelia Grace, on April 25, 2026
To Ethan (’13) and Kennedy (Keane ’17) Rushton, a boy, Jack Michael, on May 4, 2026.
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HOMEGOINGS
Heather (Wilson ’67) Hoag, on April 29, 2026 in Waterville, NB. Heather was a devoted servant of God and a beloved wife, sister, mom and grandmother. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and unwavering devotion to the Lord that transformed the lives of everyone she touched. As she walked through life, she modeled the grace of God. Her family adored her and faith was not merely a part of her life, it was the foundation of it. Whether through her years of involvement at NBBI, her faithful commitment to her husband, or her morning devotions with her kids, she lived as a testament to the grace of God. Her greatest joy was her family. As a wife, mother and grandmother, she was the ultimate prayer warrior, covering her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in love. She taught her family that the greatest gift one could give is a life lived for others and for the Lord. Her home was always a sanctuary of warmth, laughter, and a safe haven for her family. Her life was marked by sacrifice. Those who loved her and knew her closest “rise up and call her blessed.” ~ Proverbs 31:28 Heather is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, John (’68); 3 children, Dawn (’92) Taylor (Scott ’94), David Hoag (’93) and Dodi (Assoc. ’96) Little (Matthew - BTh ’26); 8 grandchildren, Kassy DiPofi (Joe), Kolton Taylor, Gracie Hoag, Emma (Assoc. ’18) McLaughlin (Logan), Madison Little (Att. ’24 -’26), Julianna Little, Tyra Little and Bobby Little; 3 great grandchildren, Myah, Tessa and Callie McLaughlin; and 11 siblings.
Donald Ballantyne (’77) on April 16, 2026 in London, Ontario. Donnie served in the Canadian Navy before dedicating 38 years to church ministry and became a trusted friend, counsellor, camp pastor and director, and church leader. He was the beloved father of Trevor (Cathy), Chad (Sandra), Kaj (Libby) and Sarah.
ROOFING PROJECT UPDATE!
What began as an urgent need has become a wonderful testimony of God’s provision. We are thrilled to report that over $46,000 has been given toward our roof recoating project, far surpassing our $20,000 goal. We are deeply thankful for every gift, prayer, and word of encouragement. Thank you for partnering with us and for helping ensure that NBBI can continue its ministry of training students and serving the local church.