The Open Bible Bulletin - May, 2022

May 27-29 Sandy Cove Bible Camp Dumfries, NB Rikapuna - Missions’ Camp

FYI

If you are looking for ministry job opportunities, we have listings on our website.

Go to nbbi.ca/jobs

Her name is “Mother”

She dried the tears and kissed the spot That “hurt” might go away.

She washed my clothes and mended tears And cared for me each day.

I called her name as I pushed the door When home from school I came, And felt a sense that all was well When her voice rang back again.

Advice she gave to guide my steps, When wayward paths I trod.

Her greatest prayer, that I would give My way, my life, to God. She knew that trials would come my way And hurts she could not mend As once she did with a gentle kiss And the words, “Now go and play.”

For play is past, and days once filled With many childish things Are now replaced with all the ways Which grown-up life now brings.

Mum, too, has gone, but her gentle ways Are in my memory still.

Her laughter, tears and words of strength No longer do I hear.

But in my mind her name is sealed; Her love still calls to me.

Her life of trust in God, and faith, My example will always be.

No one can ever take her place.

There ne’er can be another, For in my heart there is just one That I will call “My Mother”. ~ Eldeana Dunlop, Retired NBBI Staff Member Written in May 1997 4

Our Prayer Calendar is available each month.

FAMILY FILE Homegoings

Merlyn Fox (attended 1951-1953) went home to be with the Lord on February 20, 2022. Please pray for his wife Shirley and their children, Randy & Elizabeth and Shane.

John VanKesteren, graduate of 1985, was promoted to Glory on March 5, 2022.

Please pray for his wife Bonnie and their children Paul & Rachel, Karen (’92) & Bill, Kim & Chris, and Shawn (’11) & Alejandra (’11) Andres.

FEBRUARY 2022 - Please Pray Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

1

that God would keep our campus safe from Covid

6 for our faculty as they teach our students

13 for the many NBBI grads serving around the world

20 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

21

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

Wednesday

Thursday

for growth in our students’ lives this semester

for God’s direction & leading for this years graduates

2

8

9

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 )

16

22 for students taking exams today

11 that God would bring revival to our churches

17

23 for Danny & Lorna Robins (Business Office)

Saturday

5

for unity among the staff and students

12 that God would give wisdom to our Board of Directors

18

19

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

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

24 for Larry Rushton (Registrar)

4

praise God for the funds raised to replace our furnace

10

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

15

Friday

3

25 for staff children that they would grow in the Lord

26 that NBBI would remain faithful to God’s Word

28

for our married students (currently 3 couples)

OPEN BIBLE

Go to nbbi.ca/connect/

Dorothy Emily Doherty

BULLETIN

January 11, 1926 - March 9, 2022

Dorothy Emily Doherty, mother of staff member, David Doherty, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on March 9, 2022, at the Village of Winston Park, Kitchener, ON, at the age of 96.

She will be missed by her four children and their spouses,

David (’74) & Betty (attended ’72-’74), Margaret & Doug, Stephen & Halyna, Andrew & Sue, and her many grandchildren.

BY MATTHEW LITTLE When The Fire Burns Out

Alan Clayton Porter

March 9, 1948 - March 13, 2022

Alan Clayton Porter, son-inlaw of the late Mark Bredin (former faculty member and Vice Principal at New Brunswick Bible Institute), finished his course on earth on March 13, 2022, and entered his heavenly home with his Saviour. Alan graduated from NBBI in 1969 and his wife, Elizabeth (Bredin) Porter attended in 1970-1971. Alan and Elizabeth served

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

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

in various Christian schools and churches throughout New Hampshire, Maine, Nova Scotia, Ontario and New Brunswick.

Pray for Elizabeth and their children and their spouses, Alicia, Alan Paul (’98) & Sara, Andrea (attended 1998-1999) & Ben, Audrey (attended 20012002) & Frank and Alana & Ryan.

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).

VOL. 63 NO. 5 MAY 2022

FOCUS

Dorothy will be remembered as a loving wife and mother, a trustworthy friend, a person of deep faith and an active church worker.

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May 8, 15 Bethel Baptist Church Pine Glen, NB Sunday Services

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MIKE GRANT

In his book, Pastor to Pastor, Erwin Lutzer tells of a church janitor who was heard saying, “the blower still works but the fire has gone out”. The janitor was talking about the furnace, but the parishioners, who overheard him, thought he was talking about the pastor. Maybe you are a pastor, elder or church leader and that story describes you. Given all that has transpired in our world over the past couple of years, you may be plodding along but the fire has gone out. Discouragement has crept in like an unwelcomed guest and pulled down the shades of despair. You may be on the verge of giving up or giving in. What should you do?

Don’t Quit! Satan wants you to wave the white flag of surrender but I emphatically warn you, “Don’t do it!” I was once asked, “Why do pastors get so discouraged?” I realize that there is not a “onesize-fits-all” answer, but I did offer this suggestion based upon 10 years of pastoral ministry. Pastors have been called of God to lead sheep and sheep are needy creatures. Inevitably this results in most people coming to the pastor to “get” and not “give”. In response to the pastor constantly giving, he can become depleted

and spiritually exhausted. The result can lead to discouragement and potentially depression. So what is the answer?

Many things could be said but one things must be said. Matthew 11:28-29 says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” When I feel like life’s burdens are becoming too great to bear and have me in a season of discouragement, it is usually because I have distanced myself from Jesus. Discouragement is not to be confused with disappointment, for our lives will always be filled with that. Disappointment happens because our human experience is broken and tainted with sin, but despair and discouragement happen by choice and often result from losing sight of Jesus in the midst of the disappointment.

In the absence of His sweet and warm fellowship, all becomes dark, distant and cold. Trials and troubles need not lead to despair and discouragement but they often do. And when that happens, it is certain our eyes are fixed on the wrong thing. Peter was walking on water and at first his eyes were on Jesus and he was oblivious to the storm, but then his eyes turned to the storm and he was oblivious

to Jesus (Matthew 14:22-32). His focus changed. The scary part is how fast this can happen and how closely it approximates our own human experience.

If you are reading this article and you have a pastor, then do something this week to encourage him. If you are reading this article and you are a pastor, elder or church leader and you feel discouraged, then get alone with God, open His Word and wrap your arms afresh and anew around your Saviour. Remember, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22.

NBBI

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

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PRESIDENT’S CHALLENGE

BY MATTHEW LITTLE

Crockpot Christianity One of the most inspiring and riveting stories in the Old Testament is that of Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal. The biblical narrative is a rally cry for Christians to stand up against the prevailing tides of evil. It is suspenseful, powerful, inspiring, filled with drama and teaches us that “one”, with God, is a majority. The story unfolds in 1 Kings 18 where Elijah the prophet, who has been hiding in private, is about to go public. Elijah invites Ahab to come to Mount Carmel, a ridge 12 miles in length and rising 1,800 feet at its highest point. There, the one true God is proven to be superior to the non-existent gods of Baal. Elijah is triumphant over the 450 prophets of Baal and Jehovah is seen as supreme (1 Kings 18:21-40). However, in 1 Kings 19, the tables have turned. Jezebel discovers the outcome of this contest and learns that the prophets of Baal have been killed. Enraged, she seeks to take Elijah’s life and the fearful prophet flees to Beersheba. There, the triumphant prophet of chapter 18 is defeated and despondent. He says, “It is enough; now, take away my life; for I am not better

than my fathers.” (1 Kings 19:4b). What happens next is unexpected. As Elijah is hiding in a cave, three fierce elements of nature descend upon him: a strong wind, an earthquake and a fire. Yet Scripture reveals that God was not in any of those things (1 Kings 19:11-12). Instead, God ministered to Elijah in a “still small voice” (verse 12). The prophet was renewed and, not long after, Elisha arrives on the scene to take the mantle.

As I contemplated this biblical account, three things came to mind. First, the elements of nature that appeared before Elijah were powerful, dynamic and impressive. Yet God was not in those blathering displays of nature. Instead, He came to Elijah in a quiet voice. In the same way, your life may seem like it is raging out of control. Yet, have the assurance that God is quietly and often unnoticeably working out the details of your life for your good and God’s glory. (Romans 8:28,29). He may not give you the answer to the challenges you face on a neon sign from heaven but He will speak to you and lead you if only you will listen for His quiet voice.

Build into your life regular quiet moments

VacationVision 2022

Are you look3. Build an addiing for a ministry tion for storwith a opportunity this age on the summer?

NBBI Clark Memorial Dates: June 26 - July 1 has a program for Dining Hall. you. Vacation with a Vision gives you and 4. Various other smaller projects. your family an opportunity to come to Consider joining us on June 26 - July the campus of NBBI, be involved in vari- 1 for the whole week or even for a few ous work projects, enjoy great food, and days. There is no cost to you but your fellowship and serve the Lord in a prac- labour will have great eternal reward. tical, hands-on way. We feed you, house Please contact us with any questions or you and even provide a program for kids to register. ages 5-12.

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.

2

where you can drown out the noise of this world and listen to what God might be saying to you.

Second, we often relish the spiritual experiences that take us up, but, we get to know God in the deepest way when we are going down. Elijah learned something in the cave that he did not get at the top of Carmel. We love the sunshine but the storm clouds lead us into a deeper walk with God. Finally, as Dave Ramsey would say, “God is not in the microwave business; He’s more of a crockpot kind of person.”

Wouldn’t the Christian life be so much easier if we could wrap the whole thing up in a weekend seminar? That is not the kind of God we serve. God is shaping and moulding us into the image of Jesus Christ and this is a lifelong process. God’s plan in Elijah’s life was unfolding slowly, but surely. Philippians 1:6 says, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

CAMPUS NEWS

BY ANN GERARDI

Ping Pong Tournament This year, NBBI was excited to welcome Rob and Madeleine Heijermans back, to teach in-person classes. After having to teach Missions 3, a senior class, virtually for two years due to COVID-19 restrictions and complications, it was a welcome development to be able to host the Heijermans in-person for classes and chapels. During their time here, Mr. and Mrs. Heijermans not only taught the

Alexandre Gauthier Quebec, QC

Ann Gerardi Dexter, ME points unless one player does not score any points. In such cases, the games are played to 11 points. Each match is played best two out of three, meaning a maximum of three games is played and the winner of the most games continues to the next round. Mr. Heijermans and our very own President, Matthew Little acted as referees during the matches.

GRADUATION EVENTS

seniors but also spent time interacting with the students through chapel services where they spoke about their work with Biblical Ministries Worldwide Canada (BMW Canada). Another way they spent time with the student body was through a ping pong tournament.

Our students have been studying long and hard and the end of our academic year is quickly approaching. In lieu of our Spring Conference, graduation events will be limited to Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1, 2022. We will be hosting a Graduation Barbecue on Saturday, April 30 at 5:00 pm followed by a campfire at 7:00 pm. On Sunday, May 1, our Commencement Exercises will be held at 2:00 pm. If provincial regulations allow, we will be able to host a limited number of guests overnight. If you are planning to attend all or any of these events, we ask you to register ahead of time at 506-375-9000. Come help us celebrate what God has been doing in the lives of our students.

Almost every year since Mr. Heijermans began instructing at NBBI, BMW has sponsored the NBBI Table Tennis

APRIL 30 & MAY 1, 2022

Tournament. There were three divisions: men’s singles, women’s singles, and mixed doubles. If you’re not familiar with ping pong, singles are for individuals to play against each other and doubles are for teams of two to play against each other. Games are played to 21

In this year’s tournament, we had seven men, three women, and three teams playing. Before we congratulate the winners of each division we want to thank everyone who participated in the NBBI Table Tennis Tournament and a special thanks goes to Rob and Madeleine Heijermans with BMW Canada for sponsoring the tournament. Congratulations to: Alexandre Gauthier (men’s division), Ann Gerardi (women’s division), and Ann Gerardi and Alexandre Gauthier (mixed doubles’ division).

Mr. Rob Heijermans Andrew Gwinn New Gloucester, ME

Mr. Rob Heijermans

Mr. Matthew Little

Andrew Hess Belgrave, ON 3