Heartland Christian College held its first annual “Friends of the College Banquet” on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, with special guest and speaker Former Attorney General John Ashcroft.
The event started off with a pre-dinner Meet & Greet with Mr. Ashcroft, and included members of the HCC Board of Trustees and other local guests. Almost 200 people were served at the steak dinner which followed. Music and media were provided by Heartland Christian College students and alumni; President Kris Palmer and Chancellor Charles Sharpe greeted guests, followed by the main address from Mr. Ashcroft. The College expresses its thanks to Mr. Ashcroft for his uplifting and challenging address about the need to raise up a moral standard in these days. His words of encouragement to the College were timely and appreciated.
We would also very much like to express to those in the surrounding communities, who attended or help in other ways, how grateful we are for your support. Providing affordable, quality, biblical education requires a wide community of friends. As a College, we have a strong desire to both serve and partner with the larger Northeast Missouri community. Our desire is to equip and prepare a generation to fulfill the call of God on their lives and in so doing, to make a real difference in our communities, in our nation and even around the world. The boost we received from the community, through attending the dinner, is very much what is needed to help us accomplish this goal.
As a two-year institution, we function similar to a Junior or Community College, in that we are an on-ramp to higher education for a wide range of students. Many of these are traditional college bound students, but it also includes several students who for whatever reason, may lack confidence in their ability to succeed. Many students either are or feel disqualified to attend college due to financial, educational, or even life circumstances. Many “Christian Colleges” (and higher education in general) have priced themselves out of reach of a lot of very qualified students. Without relying on any government assistance, due the the gracious gifts of our partners, we are able to graduate all of our students without a college debt.
Unlike what many consider to be a traditional Bible college, we are not just training up “professional pastors and missionaries.” At HCC, our desire is to be able to lay a strong biblical foundation into a generation, no matter where they may end up. Our goal is to help produce strong men and women of God, who are life long disciples of Jesus Christ, and who “minister” whether they are construction workers, police officers, doctor, pastors, or great moms and dads. Students who are prepared for life and able to make difference.
If you were unable to attend but would still like to donate as a Friend of the College, you may do so online, or by sending your donation to: HCC, 500 New Creation Road N, Newark, MO 63458. Thank you again, to our many Friends of the College for your participation in this event!