Thirteenth Year At Hopewell
With sincere thankfulness and great expectations, another year of classes have begun at Heritage Baptist College.
Over the past summer, we were blessed with a fine crew of willing workers that helped repair some vital areas in our main building. The roof was the main focus, and God raised up some talented men who gave of their abilities.
As we start this thirteenth year on the Hopewell Campus, we are thrilled at the wonderful potential. Improvements in facilities, remodeling, and the dorm house continue to transform the Hopewell Campus. Thank you for your support.
We are excited to see how the Lord will use the staff, faculty, and students this year. The goal of Heritage Baptist College continues to be: Training Young Men and Women to fulfill the Great Commission.
The President’s Perspective
Leadership is one of the focus words of the last fifty years. “ Everything rises and falls on leadership” is the famous quote. But what is the Christian perspective on leadership?
Leadership, to some, is based on one’s reputation. I remember a man once questioned my ability in this area by demanding: “Name me ten local preachers that think you are a great leader.” The truth is, I couldn’t name for him ten such preachers. I have never tried to portrait myself as a great leader, but I daily seek to comprehend my role as a servant. Accomplishments can speak for themselves.
The world has its definition of leadership. A few years ago, Time magazine had a cover story on African leader, Nelson Mandela and his “Secrets of Leadership.” Two quotes from that article jolted my thinking: “He (Mandela) would often say that an issue was not a question of principle; it was a question of tactics.” and “Mandela’s calculus was always, what is the end that I seek, and what is the most practical way to get there?”
I am afraid that some of this same thinking has drifted over into Christian leadership circles. In the place of training servants, many are producing CEO’s proficient in organization and administration. Instead of asking: how can I serve? the question becomes how will it help me or improve my ministry? This mindset has forgotten that Christian leaders are still bond-slaves of Jesus Christ.
The Bible clearly shows that Christ trained his disciples to be servants. In the Gospels, the word servant is used 92 times as compared to one instance when our Lord refers to leadership...the Pharisees, as blind leaders.
I will never forget this statement made by a preacher in chapel: “You know you are a servant, when you are treated like one.”
I Corinthians 4:2 states: Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. This same steward (leader) who directed the household, was often a slave himself whom his master elevated to use his special leadership talents.
As we begin this new semester of training young people, we will seek to instill within our student body, leadership with a “servant’s heart.”
The Message to the People
Seventy-five year ago (1948), our country was facing double digit inflation. After leading the country through the victorious conclusion of WWII, President Harry S. Truman had lost favor with the American people. His overall approval rating had slipped to 36%. It appeared that Truman would soon be voted out of office.
Then President Truman devised a unique plan. Against the advice of some of his staff, Truman decided to personally take his campaign to the people of America.
Harry Truman incorporated the Presidential train car - Ferdinand Magellan - to embark on visiting 24 states covering over 30,000 miles. The Ferdinand Magellan was a specially modified Pullman Car for the security of the President. From armor plating to bullet proof windows, this car is the heaviest passenger car to ever ride on America’s rails. Dubbed U.S. 1, before there was Air Force 1, this train and its passenger had priority on the tracks. The observation platform on the back of the car, made the perfect backdrop for President Truman to make his “Whistle Stop Speeches.”
And so from late summer through the fall, President Truman made three long tours across the country. During those weeks, he gave 352 speeches resonating his message directly to the people. Truman did not criticize his opponent by name, but instead he attacked the policy of the opposition.
On November 2, 1948, Election Day, President Truman surprised the world by beating the predictions and winning his second term.
Seventy-five years ago, Truman had a political message. Christians today have the vital message. With all the sin, negativity, and decline in recent polling, the message of Jesus Christ is still true.
Like Truman, we need to take it to the people...for everyone needs to hear the message of Christ. It will take effort, but the rewards last much longer than a second term.
They remain for eternity.
Counting Our Blessings
Over one hundred years ago, Johnson Oatman, Jr wrote the words to the song “Count Your Blessings.”
I took that thought to heart, and in 2016 I began to list my special answers to prayer...prayers that only the Lord could answer. After 7 years I am on line 35.
This past Spring, God protected the students and staff from any physical harm. The main building could have been destroyed, like many were only miles up the road. But the Lord allowed the tornado to fly over the property knocking down trees and tearing up the college’s weathered roof.
We had hoped to get a few more years out of that roof, but the Lord moved up the timetable.
As we shared the need of a new roof, I realized that the project would equal 1⁄2 of our yearly college budget.
Yet, so many gave, and gave of themselves that we saw not only the roof repaired, but the old cupola restored. And all of it was paid for and completed in time for Fall.
Another answer to prayer and another blessing to count. Thank you!
Fall Banquet
Friends of Heritage Baptist College are invited to attend this year’s Fall Banquet. Please set aside two hours for some great food, music, and fellowship. Seating is limited, so please call today for your reservation.
Date: Friday, November 3, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Hopewell Campus
Speaker: Dr. Don Strange