Zach Shives

I love Heartland Baptist Bible College. I have purposed in my heart to fight for Heartland and to uphold all of the precepts that were bestowed to me during my tenure as a student. However, I have not always had such an outspoken love for the school. During much of my first two years as a student I viewed the college as a “necessary evil” in order to achieve a higher goal: to be in the ministry. It was not until I sat under the prolific teaching of men such as Dr. Dave Hardy and Bro. Sam Davison that I began to have a deeper appreciation for the investment that has been and at that time was being made in my life as a student.

My appreciation deepened yet further during the summer between my junior and senior years when a Hyper-Calvinistic co-worker began to attack my beliefs. I remember thinking, “I wish I had been taught…” Then it struck me… I had been taught! So I grabbed my “Yeagerology” notes, as well as some notes from other classes, and began to study. As a result, I became rooted in the Word of God. From that time forward, I had a renewed love and appreciation for Heartland and everything that it taught and stood for! After being taught more on the history of the school and the men that fought to keep the school alive I purposed in my heart that if the day ever came that Heartland was being infiltrated by liberal philosophies (God forbid), I would fight for the school as others have done in the past.

The desire was in my heart, after these experiences, to do anything I could for the school as I attempt to “give back.” I was extremely excited when I learned that there was an association already in place for that very purpose. This association was made up of the graduates of Heartland and Pacific Coast who were likewise rooted in the Word of God. When the “We are Heartland” video was played at the school, I found myself leaping inside because of the timeless message that the Alumni Association stood for. I was determined to join the Alumni Association as soon as I could. I enthusiastically joined the Alumni Association at the first opportunity that the graduates were given.

I must admit that my conscience does not allow myself to merely pay the membership fee and be satisfied with that contribution to the school. No, rather there is a necessity laid upon me to do whatever I can to give back to Heartland Baptist Bible College. That task may be accomplished by simple things such as: writing an encouraging note to a student, investing in students as I am able, being a friend to the staff of the college, or even just be making myself available to serve in any way needed. I am aware that I could never give back enough to repay the debt I owe to the school for its investment, and teaching I have received, but I will do my best to try!