REMINISCENCES, GRATITUDE, AND A SPECIAL REQUEST

As the year of 2012 has begun and as by the grace of God I near the completion of thirty years with the Memphis School of Preaching, I guess it is natural to reminisce. Perhaps it is to be expected that my mind think about how I feel Knight Arnold/Forest Hill and the School, by the providence of God, have blessed the precious bride of Christ, the church. As the apostle Paul increased in age, he often thought back and expressed endearment and gratitude for those whom he dearly loved in Christ; they were his joy (1 The. 2:20; Phi. 4:1; et al.).

Reminiscences

What a blessing the Memphis School of Preaching has been since its beginning in 1966! During its more than forty-five years of service, the School has been distinguished by its unswerving loyalty to the old Jerusalem Gospel; it has been an encouragement to brethren who are determined to walk in "the old paths," deviating neither to the left nor to the right.

The MSOP has served in educating and preparing dedicated preachers to fill the pulpits of thousands of congregations, not only in the United States but also in countless foreign countries. Through the years, these students have been taught by "men of the Book," enviably qualified both spiritually and academically; and, each instructor has preached locally for numerous years and been student-centered. The School's graduates have been fully prepared to enter the pulpit, virtually all hired before they completed the two-year collegiate course.

Also very significant in the School's illustrious history has been the Annual Memphis School of Preaching Lectureship. Begun in 1967, its superb scriptural messages have encouraged and strengthened not only the well over one thousand brethren who attend each year but also myriads more brethren who read and study the splendid lectureship volumes.

Gratitude

From its beginning, the Memphis School of Preaching has been greatly blessed by the generous support of sound brethren and congregations who have had confidence in the Knight Arnold/Forest Hill elders, confidence in each of the School's directors [Roy J. Hearn (1966-1983); Curtis A. Cates (1983-2007), Bobby Liddell (2007- )], and confidence in the Biblically-sound faculty of the School. We thank the Lord that brethren realize the need to send well-prepared preachers into the fields white unto harvest and, therefore, enable them to be with some sixty other dedicated men and their families where they can together undergo intensive preparation in the School.

The School has been very blessed to have wonderful facilities: the building which houses the offices, lecture halls, chapel, etc., the beautiful N. B. Hardeman Library building, the thirty-two commodious units for student housing, et al.; through the generosity of you and other dear friends, they are paid for. Thank you also for the wonderful monthly student support, without which the School could not function. Being in full-time, teacher-contact classes all day Monday through Friday for the two years, they are not permitted to hold even part-time secular employment. Thus, they must have their living expenses provided. I wish you could see the wonderful closeness, fellowship, and encouragement you make possible among the students and their wives and children.

A Special Request

Having been in Christian education for nearly forty-five years, I have long admired and appreciated the fact that brethren will respond to special needs and drives which touch our hearts and challenge us; that is good! Each of us knows, though, that there are some expenses that continue on and on. One of those needs in the Memphis School of Preaching [as in any other such higher education institution] is the "General Fund."

It is from the General Fund that additional ongoing expenses must be covered, including office and instructional supplies, copying and printing of teaching materials and school catalogs, publicity and advertising, upkeep of the physical plant, telephone and computers, the annual lectureship, the printing and mailing of the Yokefellow, the Hardeman Library, student housing costs, and other expenses related to the continuous operation of the School.

Dear brethren and friends of the MSOP, may I request that you remember this integral part of the School's operations? Before the cold and wet apostle Paul would warm by the fire that the native islanders built for the survivors of the shipwreck, he "gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire" (Acts 27:43-28:3). Like the area of student support, the "General Fund" fire needs wood regularly placed upon it. Brother, sister, congregation, are you in position to help? We are deeply grateful. Especially, please remember us in your prayers.

Curtis A. Cates, Director Emeritus