B ULLETIN THE OPEN BIBLE
New Chapter, Same Faithful God
By President Matthew Little
As I write this article, I am reminded of Paul’s words to the believers in Corinth when he said, “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” The faithfulness of God has never ceased to amaze me, and it should inspire His people to praise Him and magnify His name.
It is with a heavy heart that I inform the faithful and dedicated supporters of this ministry that I officially submitted my resignation to the NBBI Board of Directors on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Since our articles for the Open Bible Bulletin are written a couple of months in advance, this is the first opportunity I have had to notify all of you. It has been the honour of my life to serve at this great school for the past 18 years and to lead it for 14 years of those. My family feels blessed to call NBBI and everyone connected to it our family and friends. Over the past 12 to 18 months, I have felt God stirring my heart. Through much prayer and recognizing God’s undeniable guidance, we have concluded that God is calling me back into the pastorate. I will be
joining the pastoral team at River Church in Miramichi, NB. My family and I did not come to this decision lightly. On the contrary, we have agonized over it, feeling torn, as NBBI has been our home for so long. It is where we have raised our children and where we have worked alongside other NBBI staff families for many years.
My goal is to assist the Board of Directors in leading a smooth transition at the school, culminating with my resignation taking effect on May 21, 2026. I have utmost confidence in the men who lead this school, and my desire is to see this ministry continue to thrive. Over the years I have been here, we have witnessed God do amazing things, and we are currently seeing a renewed time of growth in the school.
I will continue to support this work and its leadership, believing more than ever in the mission of this great institution. The need for believers to be grounded in truth and trained to serve our wonderful Lord and Savior during these challenging days is still crucial. I stand behind our Board of Direc-
A Message From The Board of Directors
As a Board, we want to assure all of our supporters that while we will deeply miss Mr. Little following his upcoming departure, we are filled with gratitude for his faithful service and excitement for the future. We celebrate Mr. Little’s return to the pastorate and the ongoing ministry at River Church, and we are also confident that the work at NBBI will continue to flourish.
The process of identifying our next President is well underway, and we have implemented plans to ensure continuity and a smooth transition during Mr. Little’s final
tors, confident that just as God has led me, He will guide them to the person who will take my place. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 says, “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” NBBI has always been God’s school, and we look to Him in the days ahead. Although we don’t know what the future holds, we can look to the One who holds it in His hands.
To our faithful supporters, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for standing by me in my leadership, for your encouragement along the way, and for investing in this wonderful school. I am confident that you will continue to support NBBI as it embarks on its next chapter. To God be the glory.
months, throughout the summer, and into the 26-27 school year. This past fall, we welcomed our largest-ever “College for a Day” with 85 prospective students, and we remain optimistic that our Encounter Retreats will be full this winter. We look forward to welcoming even more students in the coming year.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers—the Lord is guiding us with hope and purpose through this time of exciting transition.
College For A Day
Have you been praying about NBBI? Do you know someone who is in grade 10, 11, 12 or post-grad and is interested in seeing what a year at NBBI is like? Look no further than our College For A Day event! Come and be our guest, free of charge, sit in on our classes, enjoy our dining and meet our students, staff and faculty. All meals and accommodations are provided!
Spring ConferenCe & graduation - May 1-3 , 2026
Keep a lookout for speaker updates in our next issue!
defining, Living, and Showing true Love
By Tim Leubner. Digital Media Director
The Definition of Love
True love is defined in the person of Jesus Christ. Scripture makes this clear. Philippians 2:1–11 shows us that nothing in real love is done through selfish ambition. Love is never a “me first” attitude. Jesus made Himself of no reputation and gave Himself for us. His mind-set was sacrificial, humble, and completely focused on glorifying God. John 3:16 reminds us of the ultimate act of love, while 1 John 3:16 and Romans 5:8 show that love is expressed through action, not feeling. Love commits, serves, and seeks the good of others every time. This is the true definition of love.
Hi! I’m Hannah and I’m in my Junior year at NBBI.
I have had my whole life planned out since I was 12, and it was all about psychology and becoming a therapist, but I had never included God in any of that planning. I was invited to a College for a Day event in grade 12, and decided on a whim that my plan was going to change. I applied that same weekend, and a year later I was sitting in my first classes.
That first year God taught me that submission to Him is what brings peace, and
The Dedication of Love
We are only able to love because God loved us first. 1 John 4:19 states this plainly. The forgiveness we receive through Christ is the foundation of every loving act we offer. Jesus never stops loving His own. John 6:39 reminds us that He never loses one that belongs to Him, and 1 John 2:2 shows that His sacrifice extends to all. 2 Corinthians 5:14 teaches that the love of Christ compels us. His death calls us to die to selfishness and live in committed love. 1 Corinthians 13 reveals that love for God shapes every expression of love toward others.
in turn, joy. I have spent a long time planning my whole life out and not allowing anyone to have a say in any of it, but I have slowly come to terms with the fact that my plan will not amount to His. It is never easy to give up your own plans, but I have noticed that once I allow God to have control, things go a lot smoother, and there’s a certain peace that comes with it. I find a sense of comfort knowing I no longer have to have a plan for everything.
I don’t know what God has for my future, but as long as it involves Him, I know it will be okay.
The Direction of Love
True love moves outward toward people. 1 Peter 1:21–22 teaches that love must be sincere and intentional. It requires effort, planning, and a willingness to put others first. Love is not easy and does not come naturally, but it is commanded. We cannot claim to love God while holding bitterness toward others, as 1 John 4:18–20 warns. Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:43–48 that loving only those who love us accomplishes nothing. He calls us to love even the difficult people in our lives. When we choose to love this way, we reflect Christ and show the world what true love looks like.
FAMILY FILE HOMEGOINGS BIRTHS
Iola (Reid – ’58) Lydick on August 28, 2025 in Amsterdam, NY. Iola was mostly a homemaker, but served along with her husband, Ray (’57), as he pastored churches in Glen, NH, Olamon, ME and Amsterdam, NY. Iola and Ray enjoyed 57 years together until his passing on May 21, 2016. She will be missed by her two daughters, Angel and Vanessa, and a foster daughter, Johanna.
Sabina Zefferino on November 22, 2025 with her loving husband of 38 years, Dino (BTh - ’10 ) by her side. A woman of deep faith, Sabina lived out grace, forgiveness and kindness in everything she did. Her family (Selina and son Diego, Benny and his wife Kerry and their children, Maya, Amara, Leia and Roman) will always remember her joyful laugh and the sound of her humming, softly singing along with worship music as she cooked, always putting others before herself.
Leona (Weppler) Matthews on December 4, 2025 at her home on Darlings’ Island, NB at the age of 90. Leona was known for her gift of hospitality and her deep love for those around her. She served alongside her husband, Wilbur (’53), in Kenya for 10 years and in pastoral ministry in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia as well as many years on staff at New Brunswick Bible Institute in various roles. She adored her three children, Stephen (’81, Nancy), Sharon (att ’7880, Steven ’83 Hiltz) and Sandra (att ’82-83, Leon Wegner); and will be greatly missed by her 11 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
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To Micah (’07, BTh ’11) and Johanna Hiltz, a girl on Oct 3, 2025 Ardith Grace. Older siblings, Eliana & Talia are excited to have a new sister.
