On a recent trip to Honduras in December I met Julio. He is a two year old but small for his age. He has big brown eyes and was sitting on the floor, not stirring about much. His environment is quite similar to that of our Savior’s birthplace. No bed to lie in. No windows, only rags used for curtains. No electricity. No running water. Only a small wood fire in the corner of one room. Not the conditions we Americans would imagine raising our children in.

Every square inch of the mud walls have been pierced with bee holes similar to a peg board. It was a typical day for his family of ten. That day, like most days, Dad (Virgilio) was out looking for work and Mom (Luisa) was out searching for food. The children were left with their twelve year old sister Leyda to look after them.

When I walked in the house I was not prepared for what I saw. The children were thin, unclean, balding and seemed to be unaware of what was going on around them.  My heart ached. I picked up Julio and cuddled him in my arms. He barely responded. Right away I started asking God why these children were suffering and what could I do to help along with many other questions and prayers.

God reminded me that He is in control, that good things come from bad, that He answers prayer. I must trust in His grace and realize no matter the circumstance, God has a plan.  He brought us together with this family. It is an opportunity for us to fulfill His purposes.

This family will receive help and they will know His love. This brings me great joy. Let us rejoice. We are rich with God gifts!

30,000 CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 5 DIE FROM POVERTY AND DISEASE EVERY DAY.  MICRO LENDING IS A SOLUTION.  ITS IMPLEMENATION AND SUCCESS IN IMPOVERISHED COUNTRIES IS WELL DOCUMENTED.  JOIN US AS WE LOOK AT A CURRENT CASE STUDY AND EXPLORE THE FIELD OF OPPORTUNITY. 

SATURDAY, NOV 22, 7-9AM, RM 228 

Heritage hosts Delaware County for the General election.

We had a record number of voters turnout from Precints D, I, M, N, and O.

4,196 votes were casts from the 5 districts.

Voters came out early and were welcomed with coffee, juice,quiche and doughnuts baked fresh for the special occasion.

Missions is at the heart of all we do at Heritage.  Our Vision Statement says, “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.” As you review the trips available at Heritage, please prayerfully consider how God would use you.  Will you GO as a participant, serve as a prayer partner or give financially to help send workers into the field?

Dates are being finalized for the 2009 Short Term Missions Trips.  Keep checking the website for more updates.

DATE                    COUNTRY                                                       LEADER                              

Jan 29 - Feb 7        AFRICA                                                            KIRK WINTER

Feb 14-21              HONDURAS MEDICAL with FINDLAY CHURCH   MATT MOOR

Feb 27 - March 2   HONDURAS O4H (Micro lending group)             ALAN MUENCH

June 6-13              HONDURAS                                                      BOB BOGANTZ

June 13-20            PERU                                                               CARLOS BRITO

June 20-27            EL SAVLADOR                                                  JEREMY SHELLEY

July 11-18             EL SAVLADOR                      DAN MERCER                         

July 25 - Aug 1      HONDURAS                                           PHIL VINSON                

Aug 7-17               AFRICA                                                        RICHARD JOHNSON

We are thankful for the $13,500 offering given for Pastor Jim to take with him to Kenya.  Both the Webuye Community children and the Navasha Clinic will be blessed by the generosity of our Heritage family.

If you would like to partner with us by praying for a specific Webuye Community child, contact Julie Bardelang at jbardelang@heritagecc.org. Automatic Withdrawl forms are located at the Mission booth.