Dear Heart of a Shepherd readers,
Around us are undeniable evidences of a society in decay. Our communities, towns, states and nation are in a systemic, spiritually downward spiral that threatens our survival as a democracy. America desperately needs a spiritual revival, but that is impossible if her churches refuse to humble themselves, turn from sin and to the LORD.
After King Solomon finished building the Temple and dedicated it to the LORD, the LORD appeared to the king at night and assured him, “I have heard thy prayer” (2 Chronicles 7:12). The LORD promised Solomon that, should He send a time of trial upon the nation, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
I realize that promise was for Israel, but I remind you that the God of Heaven does still hear and answer prayer! America may never repent of her sin and turn back to the LORD,; however, her churches should be places of prayer and worship. Too many of our church buildings have become shrines to worldly entertainment; too many of our platforms are dedicated to exciting the masses and too few of our pulpits herald the whole counsel of God, preaching the Gospel with passion and unapologetically reminding the members that God is Holy and has called His people to be a holy people (1 Peter 1:15-16).
I want to invite you to visit Hillsdale Baptist Church this week, Sunday-Thursday, as we have special meetings with Evangelist Mark Herbster and the Herbster Evangelistic Team. 
The team will begin their ministry with us in today’s Sunday School Hour (9:15 am) with the men meeting in Cox Hall, the Ladies in the Friendship Hall and teens in their Teen Room. Today’s 10:30 AM service will feature spiritually uplifting music by the team followed by a challenging message from God’s Word by Evangelist Mark Herbster (elementary age children will have a special service time with team members).
Seats are limited for tonight’s Friendship Banquet (6:00 PM); however, tickets are available for a delicious dinner and I encourage you to reserve dinner tickets for you and your guests ($6.00\each; children free). The team will be presenting special music and the evangelist will be preaching (children will have their own program).
There is a special emphasis for each night of revival and I encourage you to visit our website for more information at http://www.HillsdaleBaptist.org.
With the heart of a shepherd,
Pastor Travis D. Smith