The Titanic

April 15th was the 100 anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. In commemoration of the event Baptist News carried the story of Pastor John Harper.

John Harper and his six year old daughter were travelling to the USA on the Titanic. He had been invited by Moody Church in Chicago to become the next Pastor. When the Titanic hit the iceberg, Harper led his daughter to a lifeboat. As a widower he may have been allowed to join her but instead turned back. He chose to offer the masses a last chance to know Christ. As the ship was sinking Harper was heard shouting “women, children and the unsaved to the life boats”. When one man refused to accept Christ Harper gave him his life jacket saying. “you need it more than I do.”

At a reunion after the tragedy a survivor told how in the icy waters Harper twice challenged him to “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” First time the man refused but given a second chance he gave his life to Christ. He concluded by saying that he was the last man to be saved by John Harper.

The article concludes: “After the tragedy the White Star Line place a board outside its offices reading KNOWN TO BE SAVED and KNOWN TO BE LOST. The owners of the Titanic had simply reaffirmed what John Harper already knew. There are people who know Christ and will spend eternity with God in heaven and many others who will not.”

To read the full story go to: http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=37601