Reflections

The months of March and April have come and gone, but not without a lot of impact on our collective and individual lives. It has been a great blessing to be part of the events, fellowship, services, ceremonies, observances, prayers, tears and cheers we have shared this first ministry season of 2018.

James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

Though it has been difficult to see several of our believed church family members promoted to heaven, we are grateful the way God has mercifully ushered three of our beloved soldiers into glory. Bob Hendren, Walt Cundiff and Joe Sparks will no longer dawn the doors of HBF, but their investment in the kingdom of God and their influence in our lives will continue to echo throughout the generations of saints they have impacted through their steadfast faith. Now more than ever, It is important to remember the widows of these faithful men and encourage them as elect ladies in the household of faith. As we consider these dear saints, it’s hard to believe it was this time last year when Carl Hatfield gave his stirring address to HBF just weeks before he passed in July of 2017.

The passing of time, seasons, and loved ones helps us value every moment the Lord blesses us to invest in his eternal purposes. The new life we have seen in Christ through the Ministry at HBF has been very encouraging and precious. From the spiritual birth of new believers to the physical birth of precious children, this chilly spring has been a warm greenhouse of new life. The Women’s Conference, Marriage Conference, Vision Conference the various Word First Bible projects have all been blessed with tangible fruit that reminds us that the good hand of God is upon us.

1 Corinthians 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

The apex of this first season of 2018 was the “Faith to Faith” Vision Conference. It was an exciting landmark moment in the lives of at least three churches (Heartland, New Life Baptist of Clinton, and First Baptist of Cleveland, Mo.). What a joy it was to see God continue to bless HBF to train and send faithful men and women to pastor and plant churches in the heart of America. While all that was going on, the influence of foreign missions abroad continues through the ministries of our short and long-term missionaries located in undisclosed locations.

The Lord has been very good to HBF, and we should always remember to give thanks and praise for all he has done as all good gifts come from the Father above.

James 1:16-17 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

As we look forward into the summer season, we must remember to focus forward and be diligent to invest in the opportunities ahead. Starting with TNT transition to FITS, VBS, Church in the Park, Student Camp, Fourth of July Outreach and Faith and Family Day at the "K", which are right before us. I’m praying God would continue to find us faithful to feed the lambs and sheep as we trust him to make disciples, build the church spiritually so we may see God accomplish his mission in his power through HBF, our sister churches and the parallel Partner’s God has yoked us up with in the USA and the world.

Growing from faith to faith is as easy or hard as our willingness to trust God character. God is a good father and he desires our best as individuals and as a church. As we run our race into this summer season, encourage your brother or sister like Heather Borntreger does in the Endurance Ministry. Each step is the next step in reaching the goal for God’s glory! Each new believer you see at HBF, each disciple you make or encourage in Ministry, each new guest you greet, take to lunch and invest your life in is a step forward in the Kingdom of God.

The little steps don’t look like much, but at the end of time and the end of our lives it will be taking the right steps forward -- whether running or walking -- that will give us opportunity to cast our crown at our Lord and Saviors feet and cry "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Revelation 4:11