The Heritage News

Summer 2017 Edition

Meet Our Graduate

Heritage Summer News

James Thurman grew up attending a small Baptist Church in Fairland, IN. His mother took the family faithfully to church, and most thought the young boy was saved. It took a serious accident to his mother, when James was 19 years old, for him to finally ask Christ to be his Saviour.

Following his lifelong goal to serve in law enforcement, James later attended college and the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. He went on to become a Deputy Sherriff for Shelby County, Indiana.

Then in 2010, the Lord began working in Brother Thurman’s heart. His pastor, Dr. Wayne Scott of Faith Baptist Church of Morristown, directed him to Heritage.

Brother Thurman began taking classes, relying on the Lord for direction. After seven years, as he continued working and attending, Brother Thurmond has narrowed his focus. Serving presently as a Sergeant in the Sherriff’s Dept., Brother Thurman’s ultimate goal is ministering full time in the pastorate.

As a fine young preacher, we look forward to seeing where the Lord will use him in the ministry.

The President's Perspective

Heritage Summer News

In the summer of 1776, over 400 British sailing ships could be seen anchored in New York Harbor. In those ships were 45,000 soldiers and sailors sent by England to defeat the rising American Revolution. King George III meant business. Such a large British fleet would not again be gathered until WWI, 150 years later.

The combined British invasion force outnumbered the population of New York City or any other colonial town. The largest city in America, Philadelphia, had only 40,000 inhabitants.

The initial engagement became known as the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, when George Washington and his 10,000 patriots faced General Howe and 20,000 soldiers of the British. This contest was the largest battle of the Revolutionary War, and when it ended, the Americans had been badly beaten, suffering 20% casualties.

The Revolutionary War almost ended that week. With the British advancing and surrounding his army, George Washington had nowhere to flee. In a desperate attempt to protect his men, boats were gathered to row his army to safety across the East River (near the present day Brooklyn Bridge). That night, a violent storm arose, making it impossible for the small sailboats to cross.

Heritage Summer News

Nathaniel Philbrick in his recent work Valiant Ambition states that two miracles occurred. At 11:00 p.m., the wind changed and the storm lessened, making the river as smooth “as a slick of oil.” By dawn, a sizable part of the army was still in the trenches facing the British. Next came a thick fog that allowed Washington and the rest of his 9,000 man army to escape from under the noses of the British. Not one man was lost.

Later in the Revolutionary War, after seeing God protect and promote the American cause, George Washington penned these words: “The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith and more than wicked that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations.” (p. 220)

Our forefathers saw the hand of God, and acknowledged it. If we are observant, we can still see His handiwork all around us.

Moving Forward on the Dormitory

Heritage Baptist Dorm Project

Some projects are easily completed, and others can greatly challenge our faith. The change in building location from the back to the eastside of the parking lot, caused some obstacles. Since our last publication, we are happy to relate God’s blessings.

On March 28th the Lord answered our prayer concerning a variance in the site plan. Instead of having to spend thousands of dollars in pouring extra curbing, planting 13 developed trees and 47 shrubs, the Johnson County Board of Zoning Appeals accepted our proposal to eliminate all but the needed handicap requirements.

Heritage Baptist Dorm Project

With that settled, we were able to release our architect to begin the work on the full building plans. The completed plans will cost over $25,000. During the first week of June, we reviewed the initial 26 pages of the architectural drawings. After a few suggested changes, they have been resubmitted to the architect.

After we approve the final plans, they will be sent to the state of Indiana for acceptance, and then back to Johnson County for review and a building permit.

The new dormitory is a very lovely building. The brick siding and white trim will compliment the existing Hopewell historical structure.

Heritage Baptist Dorm Project

But more than beauty, this dormitory building is the beginning for Heritage to offer out of town students a place to stay as they study for the ministry.

Only God knows, and time will tell, of the impact this dormitory will make for the cause of Christ.

Please pray with us as we continue forward in the goal of training the next generation.

Tenth Year Reviewed

Heritage Summer News

The 2017 Graduation exercises were held at the Hopewell campus with degrees and presentations awarded. Many friends gathered admiring the new auditorium sound system, and all went away praising the Lord for His goodness.

The completion of our tenth year saw many preachers present during Alumni Week, which encouraged the heart of the young people and the teachers. The alumni fish fry, the Graduation Banquet, the Wednesday church rally, and the Commencement service brought many of the friends of Heritage together.

Heritage Summer News

As we reflect on the sixth year at the Hopewell campus, we are so grateful to all those who have partnered with us. Thank you for all the funds that were raised during Graduation Week. The Graduation Offering Goal was met, besides other monies given towards the dormitory project. Your support is richly appreciated for the vital ministry of training the next generation.

Are You Ready to Take Your Next Step to Answer Your Calling?

Contact an Admissions Counselor TODAY and plan to visit Heritage. You can reach us at 317-738-3791