Barbourville Advocate - Dr. Leon Simpson made a difference

The amazing impact of influence is not always necessarily the direct touch, but rather sometimes, the amazing touch is the indirect experience of such influence. Clear Creek Baptist Bible College while located in Bell County, and not here in Knox County, has certainly provided an experience and direct benefit because of the mission of Clear Creek. That mission has served our pulpits with students over the years who have came to study and then were dispatched to other locations. We’ve been directly impacted by those that came to learn, and were called to stay, and have remained as our pastors, and ministers.
While 1926 seems like a long time ago to us, those days have been but a simple blink in the eye of God. The service of individuals is what makes the advancing cause of the Kingdom of God an impact upon us each day of our lives. Here in Knox County our churches are filled with the influence of our neighbors just south at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College. The training of ministers to some, is not necessary. Others see the education of religious matter as an additional resource that provides deeper knowledge and even experiences that enhances our understanding and abilities to serve God in more effective ways.
Dr. Leon Simpson was chosen by the Board of Trustees in 1982 and elected as the 3rd President of Clear Creek. The passing of the mantel of leadership from Dr. D.M. Aldridge to Dr. Simpson was to bring about more of that direct benefit, indirectly. The recruitment and promotion of the school through Dr. Simpson’s leadership began a new era of opportunity with changes in class schedules, opportunities for night classes, and even conferences designed to help the average pastor who worked in addition to serving a church congregation. Dr. Simpson had served at Cumberland College in Williamsburg in the development of the Religious Department and he had served Dr. W.A. Criswell at First Baptist, Dallas Texas as his Assistant Pastor. Those experiences provided a rich history and served as valuable resources that made a difference for us here in Southeastern Kentucky especially. I venture to say there are not many Baptist Churches here in Knox County that have not experienced contact with students from Clear Creek and we’ve seen that ever growing skill set and talent among students continuing to improve.
The history of presidents at Clear Creek show individualism of leadership and vision. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing the current and past three president in varying degrees personally. Dr. Aldridge was that friend who talked about me having raw talent and skill and who always encouraged me to grow. Dr. Simpson was the friend who pushed me to see outside the box, challenged me to excel and who shared insight into the opportunities for education and the possibilities because of such training and said go. Today’s student at CCBBC will not know of the age limits that once existed because those barriers are now removed. Not to mention the fact single students were not permitted back then. It is amazing how things change, and it is amazing how that is accomplished because of leadership and vision.
Dr. Leon Simpson entered into eternal life on October 27, 2009 and his teaching to allow God to use you at every opportunity and at every turn makes all the impact, directly and indirectly. An impact not missed by this friend and columnist.

Until then