Mike Hines: This is Our Story!

Posted: Wednesday, Sept 29th, 2004 By Thomas Crocker

Students, Friends, Faculty and Family gathered in Front of Craig's Chapel to honor Mike Hines

Bethany College and Mike Hines are names that many in this world might not know but their missions brought change to a blinded world. Bethany College was founded in 1919 with the goal of spreading God's word.

In the words of Edith L. Blumhofer, "Pentecostals appear as neither heroes nor villains: rather, they are men and women who have struggled to be faithful as they have worked to redeem the world in God's name. Bethany College was born and shaped in that struggle, and its story provides perspective on the strengths and the weaknesses of one of this century's most vibrant Christian movements." Its goal was to reach those that were lost and to free those who were imprisoned by sin. Their mission continued as they raised them up and educated them so that they may, in return witness and bring others to salvation. It was the dream of Bethany, a dream which Mike Hines turned into reality. It is the reason why we are here studying and learning of God and society. We do this so that we may be examples, like that of the late Mike Hines.

Recently during an advisory meeting, President Máximo Rossi Jr. envisioned the cover story of Bethany's magazine Bethany Today. While scanning hymns contained on Bethany's new CD compilation, Dr. Rossi stopped when he reached Blessed Assurance. It sparked an idea in his mind, like the wick of a candle to the touch of fire. "This is our story! The story of Bethany College, is the story of Mike Hines!" How true he was! Mike took the vision of Bethany and he made it his song, and he faithfully served his Savior until death. Mike Hines exemplified the mission of Bethany College: "To Prepare Leaders for the Church and Society." During Mike's 40 plus years in missions he accomplished what God called him to do, to lead by serving others.

Mike Hines was all about God's work, that's what he loved to do. His daughter Mary Ann said that when he talked about his profession that "he looked like he was eating berry pie. He just had this look on his face, he would close his mouth and look down..." For Mike, and the students at Bethany it's about feeling fulfilled in all aspects of life, because you are doing what God has called you to do. Mike leaves us a message to be proud of, a passion to view as faithful. Mike led an exemplary life not only in the mission field but in his personal life as well. Mike balanced work and the call of God for his family life. His daughter said that "everybody's eulogizing the great missionary that he was, but he was also a good daddy. His work was not at the expense of being a good dad. Not that he was perfect"oh yeah he drove us nuts, because he was stubborn as could be. We never questioned his faith. He was consistently on his knees everyday and he loved what he did."

Bethany College's faculty, staff and students were shocked, yet moved by the death of Mike Hines. Mike's career embarked a new venture for Bethany, and defined its continued vision and goal. Mike has become a beacon for Bethany and on September 23, 2004 he was honored with a memorial service held at 9:30 in the morning. During the service President Rossi dedicated a 10-foot blue flowering tree, planted in Mike's honor and read the inscribed plaque which reads:

This tree is dedicated to the memory of Rev. Mike Hines, Bethany College graduate in Missions, Class of 1960

"This tree is dedicated to the memory of Rev. Mike Hines, Bethany College graduate in Missions, Class of 1960. Mike and his wife Karen served as missionaries to Latin America from 1960 to 2004, using an airplane equipped with a special loudspeaker that could be heard over a ten square mile area to proclaim the Gospel in more than 12 countries of Latin America since 1971. Mike Hines passed away on July 31, 2004 when his airplane crashed on his way home to Honduras. Bethany College esteems the ministry of Mike and Karen Hines, giving thanks to God for this life dedicated to the service of our Lord. May his life be an example and inspiration for all who work and study at Bethany College - a life invested in ministry."

Both the tree and plaque are lit up during the evening so all may see the legacy of Mike Hines. Mike's life was lit with greatness in his personal and ministerial life, his wife encapsulated his life with her statement "he had a direct line to God, and he just always knew what God wanted him to do. And he did it with all his heart."