There are just a few days left in 2017. Many people, like me, spend time during the last week of the year reflecting on what the Lord has accomplished over the last year and looking forward to what the Lord has for us in the new year. It is also a time to reflect on what is important in life, what our priorities are, and what they should be. It is a time to think about all the Father has done for us and what we are doing to join Him in His work of reaching the world with the Gospel.

As you know, at NEBC we have been seeking the Lord to provide $5,000,000 for the Forming the Framework for the Future campaign. When this goal is reached, we will be able to purchase a much needed property and provide the funding we need to continue to grow and expand. The Lord is using our students, staff, and faculty to make a difference in the Northeast!

Just last weekend, we learned of several people coming to faith in Jesus through the ministry of our NEBC family. One church our students and staff work with has seen 117 people come to faith in Jesus in 2017, and they are hoping for even more before January 1st. For us to continue to grow and expand our efforts across the Northeast, we need to see this campaign goal reached.

As of this moment we are still a long way from reaching the goal. But, we know the Father can do more in a nanosecond than we can do in a lifetime. This morning the property owner reached out to us and offered to extend our deadline for raising the funds until January 12th. This allows us a few more days for the funds to arrive.

Today, I am writing to ask you to do four things.

1. Please join me in praying that the Lord will provide the funds needed to reach this goal in the final days of 2017.

2. Consider giving a special one-time gift to help us reach the goal. You can give online today here. Or, you can mail a check postmarked by December 31, 2017 and it will still count for a 2017 tax deduction. To mail the check please send to NEBC, PO BOX 4600, Bennington, VT, 12090. If you mail a check, please let me know by email so we can plan appropriately: m.ballard@nebcvt.org.

3. As you consider the possibility of making a year-end gift, take a few minutes to watch this video: Why NEBC. Then, pray and ask the Lord what He would have you give.

4. Share this opportunity to join God in His work with others.

Thank you so much for your faithful prayers, encouragement, and support! We look forward with great anticipation to what the Lord will do in the coming days as we join Him together!

With Great Anticipation,

Dr. Mark H. Ballard