Big Brother is Coming
by Russell Dennis, Jr.
At the close of WWII, thousands of captured American airmen were imprisoned in Stalag VIIA near Moosburg (SE Germany).
On Sunday morning, April 29, 1945, the war erupted all around the prison camp, as advance elements of Patton’s Third Army began battling the German SS troops for the city of Moosburg. The prisoners dove for cover as bullets whistled through the camp.
Around noon, all went quiet, and the prisoners noticed that the guards were gone. As they looked toward the town, they saw “Old Glory” flying from the steeple of the village church.
Thousands of American prisoners stood at attention, and with tears streaming down their faces, they saluted the flag. While the men stood, an American Sherman tank smashed through the main gate of the prison camp, and came to a stop. The hatch opened, and the tank captain climbed out and announced that he had come for his brother. Seconds later, a prisoner ran toward the Sherman tank and the brothers embraced. (Miller, Donald. Masters of the Air. New York: Simon & Schuster. 2006. pp. 504-505).
Sometimes this old world entraps us, and causes great suffering on the believer. But we look for the day, prophesied in the Bible, when our big brother, Jesus Christ, will break through the sky to take us home.
Death on the Church Grounds
by Russell Dennis, Jr.
Abraham Lincoln grew up in Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. He was born into a Baptist home, and lived 14 years in Indiana, attending the Little Pigeon Baptist Church during his formative years.
Although after his estrangement from this father, Lincoln later drifted
away from Christianity, he never forgot his Biblical foundation.
During his presidency in the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln turned back to God. Some attribute the words of Lincoln after the battle of Gettysburg as the timing of Lincoln’s change.
A few days after the epic event, Abraham Lincoln visited with General Dan Sickles who had lost a leg during the second day of the battle, and was recovering in Washington D.C. The president tenderly asked about Sickle’s wounds and then about the battle.
Later Sickles asked the president if he had feared over the battle. The answer was not what the general expected.
Abraham Lincoln said that while the city was panic stricken, “I went into my room one day and locked the door and got down on my knees before Almighty God and prayed to him mightily for victory at Gettysburg. I told him this was His war and our cause, His cause, but that we couldn’t stand another Fredericksburg or Chancellorsville. And I then and there made a solemn vow to Almighty God that if he would stand by our boys at Gettysburg, I would stand by Him. And he did and I will. And after that, I don’t know how it was and I can’t explain it, but soon a sweet comfort crept into my soul that things would go all right at Gettysburg, and this is why I had no fears about you.” (Mansfield, Stephen. Lincoln’s Battle with God. Nashville:Thomas Nelson Publishers. 2012. p. 169) During the next year and a half, Lincoln’s direction turned toward God.
But on April 14, 1865, one hundred and fifty years ago, President and Mrs. Lincoln attended the play Our American Cousin at Ford’s Theatre.
Interestingly enough, up until 1861, the site had been the location of the First Baptist Church of Washington D.C. built in 1833 during the pastorate of Obadiah Brown. The church had moved and the building had been leased to John Ford. Much to the disapproval of many of the Baptist members, the church was opened for theater events. A fire in 1862 destroyed the structure, and Ford rebuilt the building to seat 2400, removing the pews.
Then on that Good Friday in 1865, John Wilkes Booth, took a derringer and shot the boyhood Baptist on the former grounds of the First Baptist Church of Washington D.C.
Epilogue: The First Baptist Church of Washington D.C. has occupied five buildings since it was founded in July 1801. The present day church meets at 16th and O St. NW. The church holds a triple alliance with the American Baptists, Southern Baptists, and the Progressive National Baptist Convention. In 2009, First Baptist Church of Washington D.C. called their first black pastor, but he was dismissed in 2013 according to the Washington Post with a severance payment of $315,000. The current acting pastor is Deborah Cochran.
Graduation Week Events
by Russell Dennis, Jr.
On April 28, 2015 – May 1, 2015, we will hold our eighth Graduation Week for Heritage Baptist College. All the programs, except the Thursday banquet, will be held at the Hopewell Campus. We are excited about the campus property, and all the events that will take place that week. The schedule of the 17 speakers from 6 different states can be found in the Spring Edition of the Heritage News. Here are the upcoming activities:
Graduation Week Fish Fry
by Russell Dennis, Jr.
Following the morning service on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, will be our Annual Fish Fry. For over two decades, Dr. Clyde Billingsley has traveled to Heritage to fry a wonderful meal of fresh fish, cheese grits, and fixings. Our hats also go off to Brother Harvey Shilling who catches and cleans the crappie fillets. Come and enjoy their labor of love! The Annual Meeting of the Alumni will follow lunch.
Dr. Tom Wallace Preaching Tuesday
by Russell Dennis, Jr.
Tuesday evening will begin the evening services during Graduation Week. We look forward to Dr. Tom Wallace, author, evangelist, and Vice President of the
Sword of the Lord who will be speaking on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Tom Wallace is a friend to Christians and his message will bless your heart.
Dr. Gerald Stokes to Preach Wednesday
by Russell Dennis, Jr.
One of the week’s highlights will be the combined meeting of local churches on Wednesday, April 29, 2015. Dr. Gerald Stokes, author, evangelist, and storyteller at the TPC will be speaking that night. Dr. Gerald Stokes pastored many years in Michigan, and he has also taught on the Bible college level. His messages are relevant and helpful.
This is our ninth year to host this combined service, and we look forward to another evening filled with great enthusiasm, kindness, and Christian unity among the churches. You will enjoy all the special singing.
Golf Tournament
by Russell Dennis, Jr.
During Graduation Week at Heritage Baptist College, we will host our fourth year for the Golf Scramble Tournament. Tee times for the 18 holes will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2015.
Plan on a foursome or register for yourself by calling the college office (317) 738-3791.
Dr. Randy Parker to Speak at Banquet
by Russell Dennis, Jr.
Every year, one of the special events of Graduation Week is the Alumni/Graduation Banquet. Dr. Randy Parker, of Greenfield, IN is scheduled to speak at the Thursday night, April 30th event. Please make your reservations and plan to attend the banquet that will be held at Indianapolis Baptist Temple and catered by Gray Brothers Cafeteria. Yes, we will be serving strawberry pie.
Dr. Parker pastors the thriving Bethel Baptist Church, where the Lord has blessed with many souls saved and a growing ministry. Dr. Randy Parker will spiritually feed your heart and soul.
Commencement
by Russell Dennis, Jr.
The final activity of the week is the Commencement Service, on Friday, May 1st at 7:00 p.m. Pastor Harry Strachan, Jr. will close out the week with the Commencement address
Come celebrate with the students and faculty the completion of our eighth year.