Members of Heartland Travel to Egypt for Mission Trip

By Anna Swartzentruber

The Middle East is front and center in world news these days. Heartland Community Church has had a mission trip to Egypt planned for almost a year, so when conflicts in the region escalated, leadership prayed about whether or not we should send a team. Our Egyptian contacts assured us they were taking every precaution, so in mid-March a team with Dave Barton, Richard Heitman, Josh Smith, and HCA seniors Rylee and Nathan departed for a two-week trip.

The group returned recently, and Josh Smith shared his observations about their mission. “As I’ve dug through photos from my trip to Egypt, I’m blown away by the people we met. Not only was the team I traveled with amazing, but we grew closer through long travel, sharing God’s Word together, and eating great food. We attended conferences, had meetings with various leaders, met pastors for meals, shared encouragement with young people, old people, sick people, and church people.

“The thing tumbling around my heart for the trip was the story of Peter walking on water. Jesus called him to step off the boat and when his eyes were on Jesus, something miraculous happened. Amazing things can happen when we obey the voice of God. Not only does our faith grow, but also in those around us that see Jesus working through us. We have to know Him to hear Him, and hear Him to obey. He is always drawing His people closer.

“The Kingdom of God is vast and everywhere. I love seeing how God moves the same around the world. I am so grateful for those who we met in Egypt and the work they’re doing. Pray for the Christians in Egypt—that they continue to spread the gospel and shine the Love of Christ in every shadow.”

As Heartland prepares for the annual Missions Gathering coming up in May, we look forward to welcoming some of our new Egyptian friends, along with guests from at least eight other nations. As Josh said, God is always drawing His people closer!