Take Care About What You Pray
The Northeastern Baptist College is a relatively recent college begun in Bennington, Vermont by Dr. Mark Ballard. From the beginning I have enthusiastically supported this pioneering effort. By support, I intend to convey monetary support and especially concerted prayer. Void of either, higher education is in serious jeopardy in America right now, and colleges and Bible schools perish like sparrows in a prolonged winter snow. Dr. Ballard built a program as he pricelessly stated it, “To produce a student with the mind of a scholar, the heart of a shepherd, and the perseverance of a soldier.” And that is precisely what he accomplished. Consequently, when Dr. Ballard announced his retirement, naturally I began praying that God would raise up the perfect shepherd to fill his huge sandals.
Never did I suspect that the choice of the trustees would demand an incredible sacrifice on the part of our family. Now bearing the weight of 84 years, I was happily retired, surrounded by children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all nearby. Without dwelling on the subject, let me simply observe that my ministry was not void of sacrifice. I was set for a smooth transition to my eternal home. Then trustees of NEBC chose Dr. Mark Howell, my son-in-law, to follow Dr. Ballard! And now a church far removed from Texas is calling my grandchildren and great-grandkids away from me. Mama and I sat the other night looking at our dog Boaz and hoping nobody would steal him! So why am I telling you my sorrows? Well, because they are not sorrows. I am unsure who will care for us as we age in days ahead, but I remain forever grateful that all my offspring are diligently in the service of Christ! What a comfort. And Dr. Howell just wrote a column that I want you to read as I celebrate their move to Vermont. This is a tall mountain to climb. For all his ability, this Pennsylvania Yankee boy or any other cannot succeed in this task without you, lifting his hands in earnest prayer to God. Read his statement below and join the team of prayer for the one hundred students and superb faculty at this remarkable Christian training school so vitally located in the most unchurched part of America.
Paige Patterson, President Sandy Creek Foundation
Click here to read the article in its original presentation, or keep scrolling to read below.
The New England Most Christians Don’t Know
The Haystack Prayer Meeting Monument, Williamstown, MA
In the summer of 1806, five college students gathered to pray near Williams College in Massachusetts. When a thunderstorm interrupted their gathering, they sought shelter beside a haystack and continued praying. That simple gathering helped ignite the American foreign missionary movement.
Today, just a short drive from that historic location, Northeastern Baptist College is preparing another generation to advance the gospel.
But there is something many Christians don't realize. The region that once helped send missionaries around the world has itself become one of America's most challenging mission fields.
According to Pew Research Center's 2023–2024 Religious Landscape Study, only 45% of adults in New Hampshire identify as Christian, while 48% identify with no religion. In Massachusetts, only 8% identify with evangelical Protestant churches.
New England's historic churches remind us of a remarkable Christian heritage. But those buildings do not necessarily reflect the spiritual convictions of the people living around them.
What will reignite the fire of the gospel in New England?
At NEBC, we believe the answer involves more than preparing pastors for pulpits. It requires equipping men and women to live faithfully and proclaim the gospel in every sphere of life.
In the Home
Revival must begin around kitchen tables and in everyday family conversations. We cannot assume the next generation will grow up knowing biblical truth. That is why every NEBC student, regardless of degree, completes at least 30 credit hours of biblical and theological studies. We are preparing students not simply for careers, but for lives of faithfulness that will impact families and influence generations.
In the Church
New England's historic church buildings tell an extraordinary story, but buildings alone cannot transform communities. Churches need biblically grounded pastors, faithful members, and spiritually mature believers prepared to serve. NEBC exists to help equip that next generation.
In the Marketplace
For most Christians, their greatest opportunities for gospel influence will come not from a pulpit, but through everyday relationships at work, in classrooms, and in businesses. We want our graduates to approach every vocation with a biblical worldview, recognizing that every vocation is an opportunity to be a witness for Jesus Christ.
In the Community
In New England, relationships matter. Christian witness is often built through consistent, authentic engagement with others. We want our students to become faithful, involved members of their communities, demonstrating Christ's love through both their words and their lives.
In the World
Those five students in 1806 recognized a world in need of the gospel. We must do the same. But the mission field is not always across an ocean. Sometimes it is across the street or in the next town. We are preparing men and women to share the gospel wherever God calls them—in New England and around the world.
A Worthy Investment
More than two centuries ago, a handful of students helped inspire a missionary movement. Today, we have the privilege of preparing another generation to make that same kind of difference.
It costs approximately $26,000 annually to educate and equip one student at NEBC. As we look toward 2027, would you prayerfully consider investing in all or a portion of that cost?
Your investment reaches far beyond one student or one year of education. It is an investment in future families, churches, workplaces, and communities influenced by men and women grounded in biblical truth.
New England has a remarkable Christian past. We believe, by God's grace, it can also have a remarkable Christian future.
Will you help us prepare the next generation to make that future a reality?
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