Dr. Eric Capaci and Champion Baptist College

On Monday, May 5th, I received a letter from Bro. Capaci (Pastor of Gospel Light Baptist Church and Chancellor of Champion Baptist College in Hot Springs, AR) inviting me to his house for a special dinner. This was for everyone that helped on the remodel of his house. I did the ductwork for the addition and upgraded his heating and air conditioning system to accomodate the additional area. It is not out of character for Bro. Capaci to be kind and thankful for what the Lord does for him, but the letter was a nice surprise. Unfortunately I will not be able to go as I now live in Memphis, TN.
I only attended two semesters at Champion before moving back to Memphis to take care of my mother and her final affairs after she died, but it was a life changing time. The 'motto' of Champion Baptist College is that it was 'born with age', meaning that the faculty and staff were seasoned soldiers in the Army of the Lord. Dr. Capaci is the kind of guy that encapulates the meaning of Hebrews 13:7, where the writer says "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation." I was amazed the first time I heard the story of how Gospel Light got started. Bro. Capaci had a vision to do a great work by allowing God to lead and bless his efforts in the Lord's work. From the stories of door knocking while pushing a stroller, to the run down building with the bad smell, the history of that work is amazing.
One day while walking to chapel after classes, Dr. Judson Mitchell (President of Champion) asked me how things were going. I told him that I could learn from books what was taught in the classroom, but the spirit of that place was priceless. The chapel services were truly Spirit filled and Christ honoring. The classroom instruction often veered off the outlined lesson into life lessons that would strengthen every student. I will never forget my two short semesters at Champion Baptist College, and will always consider Pastor Eric Capaci as one of my heros in the Christian faith.
One of my favorite sayings from Bro. Capaci is "I'm having fun, but I'm not playing!". That is the Christian life as it ought to be lived. Let's get serious in our walk with the Lord and remember to "get your game face on!" God bless you.