Eighth Year At Hopewell
With sincere thankfulness and great expectations, the twelfth year of classes have begun at Heritage Baptist College.
As we start this eighth year on the Hopewell Campus, we are thrilled at the wonderful potential. Improvements in facilities, remodeling, and added décor continue to transform the Hopewell Campus. Thank you to all those who help.
We continue to raise money and work toward the building of the new dormitory. More funds are still needed to begin laying the foundation of this dorm, but God has answered prayer, and we keep pressing forward.
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
It was an inspirational message that was sent 150 years ago by Collis Huntington. He wrote: “So work on as though Heaven were before you and Hell behind you. (Ambrose, Stephen. Nothing Like it in the World. New York: Simon & Schuster. 2000. p. 309)
But the man that made that famous quote was not a preacher. Collis Huntington was one of the Big Four businessmen of the Central Pacific Railroad, and the statement was made to push his workers as they strove to finish the Transcontinental Railroad. Abraham Lincoln in 1863 had encourage the beginning of that major railroad line, linking the eastern and western United States. Construction was begun from the East at Omaha, NE by the Union Pacific Railroad, and in the West at Sacramento, CA by the Central Pacific Railroad.
The building of this 1776 mile railroad across the central United States would take over six years, and incorporate over 50,000 workers. Nothing was ever attempted like it before in the world, with its length, tunnels, bridges, and rising elevation. In its day, the construction of this railroad became a major story in the news, as both railroad companies raced to meet in the center. At the time of Collis Huntington’s message, the Central Pacific was heading towards the driving of the “Golden Spike” less than a year away.
“So work on as though Heaven were before you and Hell behind you.” I remember hearing that phrase as a young man, and it caught my attention. I had been saved through Christ’s mercy and grace, and now heaven was awaiting me. I needed to labor to invite others to join me.
Whether Collis Huntington spiritually followed his advice, he had some religious background as evidenced by his younger sister, Ellen Maria (Gates) who was a noted hymn writer. Several of her songs were used in the famous D.L. Moody revivals of the late 1800’s.
Forward in Faith
Since its inception, Heritage Baptist College has been a ministry anchored in faith. The original founders had faith to begin, realizing the need of training the next generation. Without a campus or even a classroom, our quest to equip students was launched.
Faith is a special quality. Faith is positive - something that is so needed in this negative world.
Faith is dead to doubts, dumb to discouragement, blind to impossibilities, and knows nothing but success.
Faith makes the outlook bright, the “up” look good, the “in” look favorable, and the future look glorious.
Charles Spurgeon observed: “a little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but great faith will bring heaven to your soul.”
Great faith is built upon the conviction that God can do anything. The evidence is found throughout the Bible in various examples. Most Christians believe this, but few act on their belief. For many, the problems become large, the burdens become too heavy to bear, and we face the future with fear.
Since we live in a troubled world, we have many opportunities to exercise faith. These tight spots may come disguised as problems, but faith sees them as opportunities. Hudson Taylor, the famous missionary to China, stated that he liked to find himself in a corner so that he could see what God would do to get him out.
Faith adds a new dimension to consider as we face difficulties. When Thomas Edison began developing the phonograph, he encountered many problems. After two years with little success, his project leader was ready to give up. Edison encouraged him with this statement: “I believe that for every problem God has given us, he has a solution. We may not find it, but someone will.”
Trials then are not the enemies of faith, but they are the opportunities to prove God’s faithfulness. George Müller said, “Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends.”
By faith, at the college, we began a project for a serious need - the new dormitory. Money continues to come in, and all of it is set aside for this building. As with so many needs in the past, we are trusting the Lord to help us in this next important step.
Meet Our Student
Being a second generation Christian has its benefits. Cole Blakely grew up in a pastor’s home, and was surrounded by Christians who led him in the right direction.
Cole’s father, Pastor Bill Blakely, grew up as a bus kid. His family lived in a “rough and tumble” area of Indianapolis, and a number of his relatives lived on the opposite end of Christian values.
Being raised in a Christian setting, does not make one a Christian, and so as a young man at Summer Bible Camp, Cole came to know the Lord as his personal Saviour. Over the years, Cole has seen a number of those lost relatives converted to Christ.
Watching the Lord work in people’s lives, and realizing the great need, Cole answered the call to full time service while in high school.
Cole is presently in his second semester at Heritage. He is serving in his church as a leader in the young people’s and Jr. Church programs.
Cole’s goal is to serve the Lord full time in ministry.
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 2, 2018
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Hopewell Campus
Speaker: Dr. Harry Strachan