Trusting Fully
David Livingstone was the most famous Scottish/English explorer of Africa in the 1800’s. Trained as a medical missionary, he traveled to southern Africa under the direction of the London Missionary Society. Livingstone had a quest for knowledge, and he did much of his work in the most remote and dangerous areas of Africa.
In 1844, the young missionary, receiving pleas from local tribesman, went out to kill a marauding lion. After shooting the beast, the injured lion attacked Livingstone and bit his shoulder. Others distracted the lion, and the animal soon succumbed to his wounds. Livingstone, who had to doctor himself, was never again able to raise his left arm above his shoulder.
In spite of the dangers, David Livingstone had a great faith in God, as evidenced by the entry in his Journal on the evening of January 14, 1856.
That day, his travels had brought him to the Kafue river crossing. Although the local chief and his warriors had not initially attacked, Livingstone suspected their treachery because of unfriendly actions. That night he penned in his Journal:
Evening – felt much turmoil of spirit in view of having my plans for the welfare of this great region and teeming population knocked on the head by savages to-morrow. But I read that Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and earth, go ye therefore and teach all nations…and lo! I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” It is the word of a gentleman…(Campbell, R.J. Livingstone. New York: Dodd, Mead, & Co. 1929. p. 169-170)
David Livingstone believed that the God who had directed him to go to Africa could be trusted. Christ’s Great Commission was the “word of a gentleman.”
By the next morning, God had quieted the schemes of the local natives, and David Livingstone and his party safely crossed the river.
Livingstone would continue another 17 years to explore and travel through the heart of Africa, continuing to trust the LORD for his safety.
Classes Resume on January 20, 2021
Second semester classes begin on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. There is still time for those interested in taking classes to sign up for the Spring term. A full listing of both day and evening classes, along with a special student registration form is available on our website (www.hbcindiana.com), or by contacting the office.
We look forward to a fine schedule of chapel preachers and other special events planned for this year. The speaker for our first chapel on January 20th at 11:30 a.m. is Dr. Randy Parker from Greenfield, IN.
You are cordially invited to attend.
Fall Banquet Goal Reached!
The gymnasium was comfortably empty for this year’s banquet, and not even one preacher was in attendance. The delicious food and great fellowship was strangely missing. However, the preaching and music was not too bad, considering it came in a digital format on a CD. Because of the Virus, we choose to have an Archived Banquet.
We are so thankful for all those that participated in the Fundraising Banquet and especially for all of our friends, though not in attendance, that gave towards the offering. Over 40 churches and individuals took part in this offering, and we topped the needed $12,000 goal for the extra winter expenses.
Please mark your calendar for the next Heritage banquet. The annual Graduation Banquet is scheduled for Tuesday evening, May 4, 2021.
Pearl of Great Price
The Bible speaks of pearls in 10 verses in the Bible. With the exception of Job 28:18, all the passages are in the New Testament. Christ tells about a single pearl for which a merchant would sell all that he owned to obtain (Matthew 13:45 & 46).
A little over four years ago, news agencies began to report the discovery of a world-record-shattering pearl. In the western Philippines, on the island of Palawan, a local fisherman brought in a 75-lb. pearl to be examined. The native fisherman had found the pearl ten years prior when the anchor of his boat had gotten stuck. The fisherman, not realizing its worth, had put the pearl under his bed and used it as a “good luck” charm. The pearl, now known as the Pearl of Puerto, formed in a giant clam. That pearl is believed to be worth well over 1 million dollars.
What have you hidden away (maybe it is a talent) which could be of great value for the cause of Christ?
Prayer and Preaching
We have noticed that a number of our local pastors and friends love to occasionally visit chapel and stay for lunch.
So, for the second semester, we are scheduling each month a special day and a special speaker - calling it Prayer and Preaching. (Feb. 24, March 25, & April 21)
We will meet at 11:00 a.m. to share requests and hear a message, followed by food and fellowship. What a wonderful way to be recharged during lunchtime.
Please mark February 24, 2021 on your calendar. Brother Tommy Hensley, pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Greenfield is the scheduled preacher for that morning.