Creation is amazing! “The heavens declare” God’s “glory” and “handiwork” (Ps 19:1). Nature reveals His power, wisdom, and greatness. Nature makes the invisible One, visible; even His Godhead is evident. In the end, no one can say, “God, I didn’t know about You!” Judgment Day will be “No Excuse Day” (Rom 1:18-20).
On Monday, America buzzed with excitement about the coast-to-coast total eclipse, the first in almost a century. Facebook, Twitter, and television covered and commented on every detail. This morning I read several comments from friends. For them, the eclipse was an exciting, God-glorifying sight. Its precise, “to the minute” predictability as it progressed across the continent, revealed our Lord’s faithfulness. His creation is dependable, and so is He. The next eclipse is already on the calendar. God’s attribute of faithfulness was in the sky for the whole nation to see in one afternoon. Truly. No excuses.
Natural Revelation tells us: God exists, He is Awesome, and we are accountable. But it takes Special Revelation to know “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) The eclipse can’t reveal these facts. That’s why NEBC’s work is so important.
Why the Northeast? The Northeast was the original Bible belt—the birthplace of the Great Awakening, the American Missionary Movement, and Baptists in America. But now, things have changed. The northeast has become a region where many have never attended a church.
Why Vermont? VT is the least-churched state in the United States, and some are proud of it. Even so, most haven’t rejected Jesus and the gospel. “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” (Rom 10:14-15a) These are great questions and they go to the heart of why God led me to found NEBC in one of the most spiritually challenging locations in the U.S.A.
God cares about those who’ve never heard. He called us here to equip an army of faithful gospel witnesses. That’s why Vermont. That’s why the Northeast.
Today, we begin our fifth school year of training students to have the mind of a scholar, the heart of a shepherd, and the perseverance of a soldier. We are training future pastors, church planters, Christian educators, Christian counselors, Christian musicians, and Christian business leaders.
Today, the halls of NEBC are filled with new students and returning students. In about 15 minutes, the first classes of the new school year will begin with prayer. After a few hours in the classroom, we’ll have the first chapel of the year. We’ll worship the Lord, pray for a specific town in Vermont, hear a Bible message, and respond to the Lord’s Word. Most of our students have already returned to their local ministry practicum this past weekend. New students will be finding their places of service over the next couple of weeks. Throughout the semester, students will serve the Lord, share the gospel, and see individuals come to faith in Jesus!
Yesterday, several of our students began their work-study assignments. The rooms and halls of NEBC were filled with excitement! The faculty and staff are encouraged by stories our returning students tell of leading people to faith in Jesus this summer. We are also encouraged by the strong caliber of new students the Lord has entrusted to the NEBC family. We are grateful for what the Lord is doing and we are so grateful for each of our prayer partners, mission team members, and donors who play such a vital role in this work. We are so grateful for the opportunity the Lord has put before us to expand this work.
Imagine what it will be like when we have a campus with room to grow our student body to 500. Imagine the difference it will make in the Northeast when we are sending out 500 students to share the Good News of Jesus each weekend. That’s is why it is important to reach the goals of our Forming the Framework for the Future campaign. Please continue to pray with us. Ask the Father to provide the funds needed to grow. Please give as the Father leads. Come and help us prepare our facilities for growth. You’ll find a warm welcome, and a fresh Apple-cider donut. Please continue sharing what God is doing in and through NEBC, inviting others to join us. It is going to be a great year!
With Great Anticipation,
Mark H. Ballard, President