Members From Heartland Return from Mission Trip

Article Submitted

Mauricio and Heather Toro just returned from leading a missions team that was sent out from Heartland Community Church to Mauricio’s native country of Colombia, South America. The team included juniors and seniors from Heartland Christian Academy as well, along with Dave and Judi Barton who joined them mid-week to speak at a pastors conference. HCA senior Jaci Rihanek reported that the team did street evangelism, shared their testimonies at churches and schools for troubled teens, spread the Gospel in an elementary school, and served an impoverished community by installing fans and serving a meal to young children.

Many of the students on the trip are part of HCA’s worship band, so they were able to lead worship at two of the churches they visited. “Sharing and hearing each others’ testimonies was really impactful,” recalled Jaci. “That, and also our outreach to an area where there was a lot of homelessness and prostitution. We got to pray for them and hand out meals.” Trips like these can be life-changing events, so we’re grateful for these young people who are developing a heart for the nations.

Here at home, we had the joy of baptizing another twelve men and women who recently made declarations of faith. Eight of them are part of our Recovery Programs, which is always encouraging to see. God promises our old lives aren’t just polished up and made better, but that we truly become new creations (2 Cor. 5:17). One of our recent Heartland Recovery graduates testified, “I really found a purpose through all of you, and through the Word of Christ. And just taking the time to really study the Word and get intimate with the Lord through this year. Praying a lot, praying to break those strongholds and lies and to replace then with the Truth. I found true hope today through Jesus Christ.” Praise God!

Finally, congratulations to the McCurdy family on another beautiful addition to their family. Eleanor Ruth was born September 15th at 8am (6lbs 8oz, 19 inches) and shares a birthday with her Grandpa Tim. Big sister Regina was especially pleased to have a baby sister, although they are still outnumbered by their four brothers. Welcome, Eleanor, to the Heartland family.