Fifth Year to Begin at Hopewell

The first day of classes for the Fall 2015 semester starts on Wednesday, September 2nd.

After so many wonderful blessings, we are looking forward to the fifth year on our beautiful campus. Teachers and students are excited about the fall classes and the different college events planned for this year.

Please call the college for a brochure, or look online for the list of upcoming classes. We would love to have you join us this fall!

It Ended So Soon

Eighty years ago, Will Rogers was one of the most famous media personalities in America. He was born into the Cherokee nation, and went from cowboy to performer to humorist. In 1935 he wrote a daily newspaper article, had a weekly radio program, and that year was the highest paid actor in Hollywood.

Will Rogers was known for his "down to earth" philosophy and he is often quoted. Of the scores of expressions that are attributed to him, some of them stand out: "I never met a man I didn't like." -"Rumor travels faster, but it doesn't stay put as long as truth." - and "Everyone is ignorant, only on different subjects."

In the summer of 1935, Will Rogers flew to Alaska with his friend and aviation pioneer, Wiley Post. Rogers hoped to gain more interesting material for his writing.

The men flew up the West Coast to Alaska. On August 11, 1935 in Fairbanks, Alaska, Will Rogers sent this reassuring telegram to his wife: Most marvelous trip, No danger with this guy.

Four days later, on the far northern tip of Alaska, their Lockheed pontoon plane lost power and crashed.

Two of the most famous men in America went out into eternity. Everything seemed to be going their way, but tragedy struck.

Proverb 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

A Distinct Succession of Pastors

Just outside of Dover, England lies the village of Eythorne. History notes that here one of the earliest Baptist churches began in England. The present building dates from 1804, but the history of the church goes back to the early 1500's, when being a Baptist invited the death penalty. Joan of Kent, a famous martyr in the mid 1550's grew up in this church.

This early English Baptist Church filled as Anabaptists fled the persecutions in Europe.

Joseph Goadby wrote in his book, Bye-paths in Baptist History (1871) that for over 150 years, beginning in 1600, this church was pastored by a minister named John Knott. There were different men, but they all had the same name. Another unique fact of this congregation, whose attendance at times exceeded 500, was that for more than 300 years, no "unfriendly division" (church split) occurred (p.25-26). Quite a feat for a church that remained true to the Bible during all those years.

60 Years at the Same Church

For a pastor to complete 60 years in the ministry is a special achievement, but for a pastor to remain 60 years in the same church is quite an accomplishment.

On August 9th, a celebration was held for Dr. Don Green for pastoring for 60 years the Parker Memorial Baptist Church of Lansing, Michigan. During that time the church founded a Christian School, a worldwide printing ministry, and at present, they support over 200 missionaries. Heritage Baptist has been a part of their missions program for over two decades.

Dr. Green was recognized by the city of Lansing and also the preachers of the International Fellowship of Fundamental Baptists, earlier in the month. On talking of the 60 years, Dr. Green stated that he had pastored 7 different congregations over that time. It is the same church, but the congregation changed through moving, death, or other factors. Out of Parker Memorial have come 100 individuals that have gone into full time Christian ministry.

Sixty years serving the Lord has done well for his family. Out of his immediate family, he and his first wife reared 5 boys who were all preachers, and one girl who was a missionary to New Guinea until her home going a few years ago. At present, Dr. Green has 10 Baptist preachers among his grandsons and great grandsons and 4 of his granddaughters are married to preachers.

Now 87 years old, we send our warmest thanks to Dr. Don Green for his life given to serve the Lord. What a testimony to God's Grace and an example to follow!