July 2010, Pastor Ron’s letter to Heartland Church.

Dear Saints,

I am reflecting with gratitude at all that has been accomplished since our first gathering March 18, 1985. The years have flown by. And the hundreds of precious souls that have been a part of our community of faith parade before me in my thoughts. I think of baby dedications and baptisms, I think of new ministry thrusts into uncharted territory, and I rejoice in it all.

A few days ago I received an email from the other side of the world thanking us for the songs of worship and praise that have gone out from our church on CD’s around the earth. As we have sought the Lord’s face in passion and intimacy, He has graciously manifested His presence in our midst. Our ministry for the Lord has grown out of our ministry to the Lord. Just a few days ago I had the privilege of hearing one of our new songs for the first time. Amazing. And this week that song is being shared in a national conference for worship leaders.

I recently received a letter from a woman who now lives in another state thanking us for the personal ministry she received while she was in attendance here for long standing hurtful issues. Our RTF team, with grace, understanding, and skill, walked her through major healing over months. The hours invested resulted in healing and deliverance for this woman. We have many who by training, anointing, and experience pray for hurting folks with great effectiveness.

I think of emails and phone calls from the young people who have gone out across the earth living passionately for Christ. How proud we are that the investment made in children’s ministry and youth fellowship have born fruit with impactful lives that have been discipled to Jesus Christ. Our support of Ben Gates and campus ministries has even resulted in the planting of a church in India. In fact more than two dozen new church plants have been initiated and resourced by Heartland through out the Midwest. Some churches have grown to become regional resource churches themselves and in turn have themselves planted churches.

Our practice of sharing the Lord’s Table on Sunday mornings has had an amazing impact on our life together. Not only is the Gospel at the center of our gatherings, but the testimonies continue to come to us where people have been encountered by the living God in this sacrament, with souls being saved, bodies being healed, and relationships being restored. I love the many who participate in our services. All the voices becoming a chorus of testimony and praise.

I think of all the workers who invest their lives for the sake of others and the sake of Jesus. Children and Youth ministries. The support teams for our gatherings. The Food Pantry team that feed hundreds of hungry people. Our partnership in the city with Associated Churches. Our so far successful fight to keep a casino and the evils of gambling at bay. Truly, we are doing together what we can’t do alone. There is a synergy when we partner together. If one can put to flight a thousand, then two can put 10 thousand to flight. Exponential increase is possible when we cooperate.

The culture we live in today has undergone tremendous changes since 1985. Change is normative. We grow or die. Yet the Gospel of Jesus Christ is still the remedy for a sin sick world. Men and women, boys and girls still need to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. The Body of Christ still is assigned to not only embrace God’s Kingdom rule, but to see His Kingdom extended and expressed through our lives, where we live, where we can make a difference. I thank God for you Heartland Church. Through good times and bad, your faith and obedience, your trust and love is have expressed the heart of our Heavenly Father. Thank you.

Blessings,

Ron Allen, lead pastor