A TITANIC STORY

At 11:40 p.m. on April 14, 1912, the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg ripping open six watertight compartments. The sea poured in.

On board the ship that night was John Harper, a widowed preacher, and his beloved six-year-old daughter Nana. As soon as it was it was sinking, he took his daughter to a lifeboat. He also could have gotten on board the boat and been safe. Instead, he bent down and kissed his precious little girl. With tears in his eyes, he told her she would see him again someday. Then, he turned and headed towards the panicking crowd on the sinking ship.

Harper made his way up the deck and yelled “Women, children, and unsaved into the lifeboats!” Only minutes later, the Titanic broke in half and began sinking. Many people jumped off the decks and into the icy, dark waters. John Harper was one of these people.

Over 1,500 people went into the frigid waters that night. John Harper swam frantically to people and led as many as he could to Jesus before the hypothermia became fatal. Mr. Harper swam up to one young man who had climbed up on a piece of debris. Rev. Harper asked him between breaths, “Are you saved?” The young man replied that he was not.

Harper then tried to lead him to Christ. He replied no. John Harper then took off his life jacket, gave it to the man, and said “Here then, you need this more than I do.” He then swam away to other people. Later, Harper swam back to the young man and led him to Jesus.

Seven hundred six people survived that night. One of them was that young man. Four years later, at a meeting of survivors meeting, the young man stood up, and with tears flowing down his cheeks, he recounted how John Harper had led him to Jesus that night.

Harper had tried to swim back to help other people. With the intense cold, he had grown too weak to swim. Before going under the frigid waters, his last words were, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.” There is no mention of what John Harper did that night in stories in history books. Their is no mention of John Harper in Hollywood movies about the Titanic. This servant of God did what he had to do. Other people were trying to buy their way onto the lifeboats and selfishly trying to save their own lives. John Harper, gave his life as Jesus did, so those that accepted Jesus would be saved. What are you doing to tell others about Jesus?

If you or someone you know is looking for a church home we invite you to join us at the Sac River Church at either of our locations: 6821 W Independence Dr. Springfield MO 65802 on Sunday morning at 8:30 and 10:00 or our Event Center at 6448 State Highway EE Springfield MO 65802 on Sunday morning at 10:00 and 11:30 or Thursday evening at 6:00pm with dinner served. You may also join us live online at https://www.facebook.com/sacrivercowboychurch or https://www.youtube.com/sacrivercowboychurch