A Few Weeks Made the Difference
by Russell Dennis, Jr.
The Board of the Plymouth Iron Windmill Company met in the winter of 1888. Although the company had only existed six years, success had eluded the venture. The sales of windmills in southern Michigan had been limited. After discussion, a vote was taken to close the company. Only by the vote of the General Manager, Lewis Hough, did the company remain in business.
A few weeks later, Clarence Hamilton, a local inventor stopped by Hough’s office. By then, the General Manager was scrambling for every penny in sales. He was burdened with dwindling sales, non-existant cash, and a lack of enthusiasm among his Board of Directors.
In his office, the local inventor unwrapped his bundle: a metal gun that shot a BB with air. Going outside, Hough shot it at an old shingle. When the gun responded well, Hough exclaimed, “Boy, that’s a daisy.”
It took some convincing, but finally the Board allowed production of this new invention. In the first full year (1890), more than 50,000 units were made, with a profit many times over the yearly sale of windmills.
Lewis Hough had not quit, and by his patience, he saw his company reorganize into the Daisy Manufacturing Corporation. Not only would his work be a success, but the Daisy BB gun would endear itself to the youth of several generations. (Hough, Cass. It’s a Daisy. Rogers, Arkansas: Daisy Division. 1976)
Even in our work for the Lord, when all looks bleak, the patience to “Wait upon the Lord” is still the answer (Isaiah 40:31).
Ye Are the Light of the World
by Russell Dennis, Jr.
As a boy growing up in the Midwest in the 1960’s, one could occasionally see a shack for the former railroad signalman. Before the production of the automated railroad crossing, these watchman would be employed to warn travelers of an oncoming train. Especially in the city and on heavily traveled streets, these railroad crossing guards became a security feature for the community.
This fixture was so well known, that in 1937, the Lionel Toy Train Co. released its #45 animated gateman with a lighted lantern. This watchman, standing with his lantern, became one of the most famous Lionel accessories.
I remember my father telling this story that happened during those early railroad days. One night, a terrible accident occurred at one such crossing. People were killed, and the signalman was brought to trial. After deliberation, the watchman that had been on duty that night, was acquitted.
As the signalman left the courthouse, he was visibly shaken. A close friend tried to console the signalman, reminding him that he had faithfully been on duty.
“Yes,” replied the crossing guard, “ I was there that night, and I swung my lantern back and forth in warning…. But the attorney did not ask me if the lantern was lit!”
Going through the ritual of being a Christian will not save a lost world. We must share Christ and “Let our Light Shine.” (Matthew 5:14-16).
And Your Works Do Follow
by Russell Dennis, Jr.
The first week of March is the traditional start for the Iditarod, the most famous sled dog race on the continent. This year, Iditarod LXIII will begin in earnest on March 8th, with the timed start of 79 dog teams and their “musher” on a trek to travel 1049 miles to Nome, Alaska.
Joe Redington, Sr. is considered the vision behind the founding of “the Last Great Race on Earth.” Although he never won the event, he competed 19 times while working tirelessly to promote its future into the spectacle that it is today. In 1999, at the age of 82, he passed away.
Joe’s name is still called during roll call at every Iditarod Trail Board meeting. The Board President always excuses Redington’s absence because “Joe is on the trail.”
This endearing tradition reminds me that though our absence at death may be real, our labor for the Lord can still go forward: through invested lives and institutions and through our sacrificial ministry.
Dr. Gerald Stokes to Preach During Graduation Week
by Russell Dennis, Jr.
On April 28th - May 1st we will hold the Graduation Week activities for Heritage Baptist College. A great line up of preachers is planned, and 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 teacher will be speaking that night. We will have special singing, and numbers of churches will be in attendance.
Dr. Gerald Stokes pastored many years in Michigan, and also taught at 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 an evening filled with great enthusiasm, kindness, and Christian unity among the churches.
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. 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.
This year’s banquet will be catered and held at the facilities of the Indianapolis Baptist Temple. Please make your reservations and plan to enjoy a wonderful evening.