Thankful at Christmas

with Dr. Tom Wallace

God is taking our “little” and using it mightily was the message that Dr. Tom Wallace delivered to the friends gathered at the recent Heritage banquet. The focus of the evening was expanding the college to train more students for the Lord.

We appreciate all those who attended the banquet and gave to help towards the new dorm building. The challenge of providing a “home” for students to live on campus, is Heritage Baptist College’s next need.

Very few students in Christian ministry could ever afford the real cost of their education. Those of us who are interested in the next generation take it upon ourselves to partner with them in making up the difference.

With the Lord’s blessing, we are producing a group of God-honoring young people.

The President's Perspective

Russell Dennis, Jr.

Interestingly enough, next to the Bible, the #2 selling book of all time is a historical novel taken from the Bible. The writer of that book was from Indiana. General Lew Wallace, wrote this famous work in two sections. The first part, the Christmas Story, was written during a time in the author’s life when he stated: "I had no convictions about God or Christ. I neither believed nor disbelieved in them."

With the initial work completed, Wallace was satisfied he had finished the subject.

Lew Wallace dates the renewed interest to 1876, after listening to a discussion on the elemental points of God, heaven, and Jesus Christ. He realized his ignorance, and it shamed him. At that point, Wallace determined to study the whole matter, and be convicted one way or the other.

Wondering whether he should study theology, sermons, or commentaries to understand the truth, Lew Wallace decided to just read the Bible and especially the four gospels.

As he studied, the complete novel took shape. Months of writing began and eventually the manuscript was delivered to Harper Brothers. The book Ben Hur was published just before Christmas in 1880.

The sales of Ben Hur began slowly, but soon the book became the best selling novel of the 19th century. By the 100th anniversary of the book in 1980, the text had never been out of print.

But what of Lew Wallace’s religious search? In an article written twelve years after the completion of Ben Hur, Lew Wallace stated: “Long before I was through with my book, I became a believer in God and Christ.” (Wallace, Lew. An Autobiography. New York: Harper Brothers. 1906 - pgs. 926-937)

Lew Wallace found out what so many have learned. The Bible is the powerful, living Word of God. When the reader takes the Bible in its literal sense, the Truth is manifested.

Dormitory Plans Taking Shape

by Russell Dennis, Jr.

Phase one has begun on the building of the new two-story dormitory at Heritage Baptist College.

With nearly $40,000 donated so far to begin the work - the surveys, architectural plans, and the drawing of permits are being secured. Over the winter months, our goal is to realize all the state and local requirements that will be needed.

The new dormitory is planned for two floors, each consisting of three bedrooms (four students to a room) along with a separate quarters for the floor supervisor. A relaxing common study area, bathrooms, laundry, and storage make up the other space on the 68’ x 33’ floor. The men and women’s floor each are planned with a separate entrance. Our goal in time is to have a second dedicated building just for the young men.

Two banquets have helped the college gain the startup money. As we press ahead by faith, we are looking for the Lord to assist us in the completion of the building. Until we know all the state requirements, we do not have a firm amount to construct this building. Our best estimation is that another $350,000 is needed to complete the work. This cost can be reduced as craftsman and laborers volunteer to help in the building.

Some Christians have already offered their services, and we are hoping to build this dormitory under cost.

In the history of Heritage Baptist College, the Lord has guided each step of the way, and we are expectant to see what God will do. The challenge is great, but our God is greater.

Please join us in prayer and support for this vital cause.

Three Years and a Half

by Russell Dennis, Jr.

he prayers of the saints, and the grace of God have allowed our little daughter, Lilliana Joy, to remain with us.

We thank the Lord for the 42 months that we have watched her smile, as we tackled the various challenges that accompany her condition.

Shortly after her birth, Lilliana was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, a genetic & terminal disorder. We were instructed by the doctors to take our baby girl home and love her, as she would soon pass away.

Through the prayers of God’s people, the Lord allowed Lilliana to have vital corrective surgeries, and to begin to slowly thrive as a developing, little girl.

Trisomy 18 is a serious condition, and this year we have mailed sympathy cards to 35 families. Each of the children were younger than Lilliana.

Rhonda and I thank you for your continued prayers. We look forward to see how God will use her little life for His Glory.