Born in 1884, Thomas Russell Hollingsworth became a Presbyterian minister in southeastern Nebraska, most notably in the town of Adams. More importantly than teaching his flock, he taught his two children to love God. His son Robert learned that lesson well and passed it on to his three boys. John followed suit, passing his father's and grandfather's faithfulness on to his own four boys. This wonderful heritage continues today, as Ben attempts to model this to his three children. Our prayer is that Micah and the others will be intentional about continuing this heritage for future generations.

This writing desk is the one on which T.R. prepared many of his sermon notes like the ones pictured here lying on his Bible. The Bibles shown here belong to each of the five generations mentioned. Photos illustrate the link between the generations and the importance of intentionally teaching the next generation of God's love and faithfulness.

The reference on the small sermon note is from the parable of the prodigal son -- a poignant reminder of the consequences of failing to teach the next generation. The remainder of the sheet contains a number of God's attributes, including, "So God is a Father (Jesus loved this title)." God himself models our role as parents, and we are never more like him than when we care for our children.

There are a few details in this picture that would be visible in a large print, but aren't on Flickr:

* Names embossed on three of the Bibles identify the most recent three generations: John, Ben, and Micah. Incidentally, all three of us are pre-school Sunday School teachers at Berean because we understand the value of teaching the next generation about Christ.

* The four lower photos have dates printed along the borders. From left to right, they are APR 61, NOV 72, 1898, and JAN 2010. The old photo on the right is T.R. as a youth, circa 1898. The top (undated) photo is my grandpa Robert, taken around 1980. The far left photo is Robert and his three boys standing in front of T.R.'s house in 1961. Robert is 2nd from left and my 15-yr-old dad (John) is far right in the yellow vest. Next to that photo is my dad holding me at 21 months, standing in front of First Baptist church. The lower right photo is my 10-yr-old son Micah and me building his Cub Scout Pinewood Derby car in our garage this past January.

* The article underneath the front Bible identifies T.R. as pastor of the Adams Presbyterian Church.

* The lower of the papers sitting atop his Bible is the schedule for a church service. The topmost paper contains notes from a sermon.

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