Did you know that our School is named after a bloke called Thomas Hassall?
He was an ordinary Christian with some interesting adventures. Let me share two of those adventures.
Thomas Hassall was born in England in 1794 and his family came to Australia in 1798. Thomas grew up in Parramatta as his dad was the minister there (yawn). But one Sunday, when he was 19, the following happened..
“He looked out the window of his home and noticed a number of boys playing in the paddock opposite. He thought it would be a good idea to gather them together and speak to them about the love of God. He invited them in and spoke to them, and after a while dismissed them. He thought that was the end of it, but on the following Sunday there was a knock on the door. When he opened it there stood before him the boys whom he had invited in the previous Sunday with other boys. They asked Mr Hassall to tell them more of his stories.”
Within 12 months this group would grow to 150 people – Thomas could have never foreseen that.
Four years later, at the age of 24, he decided to sail back to England to get some qualifications as a minister to serve in Australia. While on the ship he met a stowaway convict and he decided to share the love of God to this man. The convict gave his life to God that day. Ironically, the convict would not survive the journey to England - Thomas would have never foreseen that. Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; Point out errors, warn people, and encourage them. Be very patient when you teach. ( 2 Timothy 4:2)
Being a Christian is not about being a bible basher, but it is about sharing some good news for the benefit of the other - you can never foresee the effects the Love of God.
