Missions Vision Statement
Blessing people in our community, across the country, and around the globe, to bring them into a personal relationship with Jesus and to build them to be dedicated followers, all to the glory of God.
Our Philosophy
Our Missions Ministry extends Heritage’s ministry beyond the boundaries that separate us from the people God wants to bless. As a suburban, middle class, English speaking community church, we understand that there are inherent geographic, economic, social, racial, and culture barriers to overcome as we take our calling beyond our walls and into the world.
Our Strategy
We seek to work where the need is great, the workers are few, and God’s call is certain.
We seek to make a significant contribution, investing our time, talents, treasure, and our lives.
We partner with others to present the complete transforming blessing of God’s Kingdom.
International Ministries
Honduras
Since 2002, we have regularly sent several short-term mission teams to Honduras to partner with local churches and the Oasis de Amor orphanage. These trips focus on ministry to the poor, medical missions, community development, and evangelism. We also partner with Casa Hogar VIDA in Choluteca, Honduras. This is promising new community helps poor families afflicted with HIV/AIDS by building 200 homes along with a block and brick factory to provide economic viability. Contact Jen Schultz at schultzjen1@yahoo.com or Julie Bardelang at jbardelang@heritagecc.org for information about Ciudad Nueva/Limon sponsorships.
In 2008, we sent two short-term teams to Honduras. Tim Scholten led the first team June 14-22, 2008. Phil Vinson led the second team July 19-26, 2008. We continue to explore microlending as a new way to reach people with the Gospel.
El Salvador
Only in God’s economy does the combination of heat, language barriers, unknown culture, and
long workdays add up to incredible joy, connection, and sense of significance!
From June 14 to June 28, two teams of HCC short-term missionaries – a total of 32 people
– experienced exactly that in La Libertad, El Salvador. Both teams were blessed with
awesome opportunities to teach English in public high schools, work with students in a
community training center, build a home for an elderly woman in desperate need, and reach
out to the community through sports. And through it all, the teams established deep heart-
level connections with so many at the Great Commission church in that city. What an
incredible experience to stand side by side with believers there! The connection and
unity we have in our mutual commitment to Jesus was more than enough to overcome any
external differences.
But with all that was accomplished by these two teams, the need in La Libertad and across
the nation of El Salvador remains great. So many still need the hope that comes only
through an encounter with the Living God. And God has called us to continue our
partnership with the church there to share this hope that only comes through a commitment
to Christ. If God lays it upon your heart to be a part of what He’s doing in La Libertad,
contact Julie Bardelang at jbardelang@heritagecc.org.
BlessKenya
Heritage is building a partnership with African Inland Mission (AIM) in Kenya to provide support and assistance to an orphanage and Kijabe Hospital’s AIDS Clinic. We are confident that God is leading us to Africa so we can demonstrate His mercy and bring people to Himself. You have the opportunity to be a blessing through financial support and joining a short or long-term trip. To fully grasp the magnitude of the global AIDS crisis, stop by the Heritage Café and pick up a copy of The Skeptic’s Guide to the Global AIDS Crisis by Dale Hanson Bourke.
To find out more about current sponsorship and short-term opportunities, contact Julie Bardelang at jbardelang@heritagecc.org
Sri Lanka
After the devastating tsunami on December 26, 2004, we connected with Lanka Bible College (LBC). This wonderful organization became tirelessly engaged in the massive relief effort. In March 2005, Pastors Jim Zippay and Brian Brooks, along with a Sri Lankan member of Heritage, Naresh Ratnasingham, visited LBC and brought financial support. In February Heritage hosted a visit from Ben Manickam former President of Lanka Bible College. Our relationship with LBC continues through training at the college and through financial support.
Central Asia
Heritage is actively involved with several long-term development teams who seek to plant indigenous churches among unreached peoples. We support on site workers in two different Central Asian nations, as well as another in Southeast Asia. We sent an exploratory team to another unreached country in summer 2008. For more information about Heritage’s heart for Central and Southeast Asia, contact Julie Bardelang at jbardelang@heritagecc.org
International Friendship Incorporated (IFI)
Can you imagine reaching the nations without leaving Central Ohio? Some of the world’s finest students and leaders are preparing for their future at the Ohio State University. Heritage is collaborating with the outstanding opportunity to reach the nations right from our own backyard. http://www.ifiuse.org/
Asia’s Hope
Asia’s Hope supports children in Cambodia by bringing ministry for the spiritual, physical,and educational needs of Asia’s poorest. http://www.asiashope.org.
Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love. This program of Samaritan’s Purse provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands—on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus Christ. The national collection week for 2008 will be November 17-24. Look for more information at the Missions Kiosk in the foyer.
Local Ministries
BetterWay Ministries
BetterWay Ministries is an inner city ministry serving the needs of the community just south of OSU campus. They provide regular weekly meetings and outreaches, as well as big community events such as Mothers Day, Thanksgiving Feast, back to school supply drives, Christmas giving, and summer barbecues. Heritage hosts a Friday night fellowship meeting and meal the second Friday of each month where volunteers prepare and serve meals for 100. This is a perfect small group service project. For more information, contact Sam Fung at sfung777@juno.com
Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM)
WARM is a relief service that provides assistance to families in Westerville. There are many opportunities for service throughout the year with annual events such as Shop for a Cause, Easter bag decorating, National Day of Prayer Breakfast, food drives, and the Cookie Festival. On-going volunteers are always needed. Financial counseling is also a service provided by WARM. Contact Denise or Diana at 899-0196.
Alterra Sterling House Ministry
For several years, Heritage has partnered with Alterra Sterling House, an assisted living center. Volunteers hold Sunday chapel services twice a month and Wednesday Bible study at the facilities located at Cooper Road. Children are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Matt Eland at matt.eland@gmail.com
Rich and Jane Berry
Richard and Jane’s mission is to dramatically impact urban churches, communities, and campuses for Christ. As the Navigators’ Director of African American Ministries, they are working to develop a national network of new staff and volunteers, who are committed to evangelism, discipleship and leadership development in ethnic urban churches.
Rob and Karen Naim
Since 2006, Heritage has been supporting the Naim’s ministry with Campus Crusade. Working on 36 regional campuses, the Naims equip and enable Campus Crusade leaders to further the mission at each school. They also have a special partnership in ministry with college students at Otterbein.
Jonathan and Rachel Van Horn
The Van Horn’s minister with Athletes in Action’s United Soccer League Ministry at Ohio Wesleyan University. In addition to one-on-one discipleship, they foster 10-15 bible studies where students reach friends, teammates, frat brothers, and sorority sisters for Christ.
Get Involved
Missions Prayer
Join us every first Saturday and Sunday of the month from 6:30pm-7:00pm on Saturday and 10:30am-11:00am on Sunday in Room 105. This is a dedicated time to seek God and His heart for how we, as a church, can be a blessing to the world. Anyone with a heart for reaching the world is invited to join us in prayer. Contact Joe and Judy Rimelspach at jarimelspach@aol.com
Global Awareness and Participation
Global Awareness and Participation Community Group (GAP) meets regularly to engage in focused training for global missions service and local cross cultural outreach. This is a great place to start for those considering long term missions. Contact Julie Bardelang to sign up for the next meeting.
HCC Missions Ministry Involvement and Service Opportunities
Administrative: Contact: Jacque Mize
Business as Missions:
O4H micro lending – financial donation
English as a Second Language/ESL
Volunteer at Vineyard
HCC class coming soon…
Global Awareness & Participation/G.A.P.
Join the class
Global Missions
Asia’s Hope
Honduras
Central Asia
Africa
Sri Lanka
El Salvador
Host Missionaries in town: Contact Julie Bardelang
Open your home
Provide a meal
Donate your vehicle or provide transportation
Local Missions Outreach: Contact Norm Cook
Alterra Sterling House – worship with elderly
Better Way – Serve meals
Elections – welcome, serve
I.F.I. – host international students
Prison Ministry – donate time
W.A.R.M. – donate time, food, finances
Youth for Christ –work with students
Missions Booth:
Volunteer to stand at the booth 15 minutes before & after services
Missions Conference:
Administrative
Decoration Coordinator
Event Registration
Greeter
Childcare Coordinator
Childcare Program Coordinator
Table & chair set up/tear down
Food Coordinator
Video/sound
Missions Luncheons
Set up/tear down
Decoration
Shop for food
Prepare food
Missions Prayer Team: Contact Joe & Judy Rimelspach
Join prayer 1st Saturday and Sunday of the month
Missions Short-term teams
Pray
Join a team
Sponsorship ($30 a month and pray for a specific child)
Limon Community
Webuye Community
World AIDS Day
Volunteer to help
Worship for Special Missions Events
Music
Drama
Sound