Dr. John R. Hellstern did his undergraduate degree at Phillips University, then three graduate degrees at Harvard Divinity and Andover Newton Theological Schools. He served as an Air Force Chaplain in eight assignments around the world, retiring at twenty years to develop his vision of a Bible Museum. He and his wife, Jean, live in Fort Worth, Texas. Their three grown children, eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren are Texans as well.
Fulfilling My Vision
Three Careers with the Lord
by John R. Hellstern
Fulfilling My Vision
Three Careers with the Lord
by John R. Hellstern
Published Oct 19, 2018
183 Pages
Genre: RELIGION / Faith
Book Details
My Vision for a Bible Museum
Introduced to ancient Bibles during his several assignments in the Air Force Chaplaincy, Dr. Hellstern began to collect ancient manuscripts and scrolls, early printed Bibles, and Bibles of our English Bible heritage. As he shared with groups his growing collection of Bibles along with some of the compelling history of how our Bible came to us, Dr. Hellstern’s vision began to foster the plan for a place, a Bible Museum where these ancient Bibles and their history could be free and open to all. Encouraged by endorsements and helpful counsel of many well-known Christian leaders and joined by Dr. Donald Brake, Biblical scholar, and also a collector of ancient Bibles, Dr. Hellstern persisted for over twenty years in major Bible exhibits in host museums in the mid-west. With media to share Bible history and a live demonstration of their Gutenberg Press, the vision drew the attention of Houston Baptist University. In 2008, both Dr. Hellstern’s collection of rare Bibles, along with Dr. Brake’s outstanding collection, joined the American collection at HBU to tell the complete story of our Bible’s history. Plan to visit anytime the university is open, and/or search the website at: www.hbu.edu/museums/dunham-bible-museum/about-the-museum/