Show Me Your Books and Other Treasures

The story of H.C. Heffren’s life is quite as remarkable as his writings. Born in Ontario, Henry and his family lived in a succession of farm homes in four provinces. When he was only 13 years old, he became self-supporting.

Several years later while he was riding a streetcar in Edmonton, Alberta, he saw a sign advertising salvation for the soul and divine healing for the body. He went to the service out of curiosity and stayed out of conviction. He was only a youth of 17, but he was soon involved in teaching Sunday School in a struggling congregation.

In time he married Florence, the eldest child of pioneer minister L.E. Millensifer. Their life together has now spanned nearly 60 years during which time Dad has served the Lord as pastor, radio speaker, writer and administrator. Mom has been secretary, adviser and co-worker. Isn’t it amazing what can develop when an unchurched young person makes a commitment and keeps growing in the faith?

The Bible Lovers’ Correspondence School grew out of the radio ministry conducted in Winnipeg. A friend wrote and suggested that lessons be offered along with the radio Bible dialogue. Dad started writing. Within a short time he had students responding from all over the free world. They represented diverse church backgrounds and wrote from positions as varied as penitentiary inmate and government official. Eventually he wrote 27 books and pamphlets, some of which were translated into five languages. Well over one million pieces of literature were mailed in answer to requests. The complimentary closing of his correspondence was significant and descriptive: “Yours to exalt Him.”

For 20 years Dad chaired the Canadian Home and Foreign Missionary Board. During that time he initiated the Revolving Loan Memorial Fund which has grown to have assets in excess of $300,000.00. The money has been lent over and over to help church projects.

For many years he was both editor and publisher of the Western Canadian field paper. Originally a mimeograph sat on the Heffren dining table each month while the pages to be assembled were stacked in other parts of the house. Wishing to upgrade the paper, Dad purchased an offset press which he somehow learned to operate along with his other jobs. During much of this time he was also a member of the Board of Church Extension at Anderson, Indiana.

In 1977 Gulf Coast Bible College conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity on this profound expository preacher and writer.

Dr. Heffren has managed to accomplish a great deal with his life. However, in talking to the people who have known him best, it seems that what they remember most is the caring he always evinced. He took the time to go many miles out of his way if he thought an isolated church family would appreciate a pastor’s visit. One time he rode horseback 12 miles into the bush to visit the two sons of a farm family. Now that Dad is ill, the testimonies of those he helped through his personal and writing ministry are a great encouragement to the family.

We are grateful to have found some tapes of Dad’s sermons. Originally they were made to share with a couple who could not attend church. In listening to them now, we became excited at the possibility of sharing his insights more widely. We offer these sermon thoughts with the prayer that you will find them enlightening and uplifting.

Summer, 1985

―G.H.K.