HEINEN HAPPENINGS – October 2020

The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. (Nahum 1:7)

Friends, I trust that you are experiencing the grace of God in great measure as you seek Him in these strange but crucial days. I apologize for not writing a September newsletter. The month flew by before I could sit down at my computer.

I won’t give you an update on our girls, but will give you links to their Facebook pages if you want to follow their busy lives: Rebekah Hope Thorpe; Victoria Grace Greenawalt; Maria Faith Heinen – We are so proud of them!

Please pray for Leah. She is an amazing wife and mother, but is so limited by the physical and emotional challenges she faces. She never complains about her homebound condition. Yet, I would love for her to have the ability to do more of what she would like to do. I asked her what she wanted to share in this newsletter and she simply stated, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

I am very thankful that I was approved for disability and received my first monthly check for $1709 in September. The judge ruled in my favor without the need for a hearing after reviewing my case file. This is a huge relief! Please pray Leah and I will be good stewards and will survive on this amount and that we will be able to take care of past debt that hangs over our heads.

Last month, I had my appointment with a neurologist from the University of Arkansas Medical School concerning my physical condition. I followed this up with another round of tests. I did not yet hear of any results. I waited over a year for this appointment. God has answered your prayers.

While we are extremely blessed by these developments, Leah and I have been overwhelmed by the trials of life we are all facing right now. I am so burdened by the condition of our nation and by the inability of western cultural Christianity to make any impact for the sake of Jesus’ kingdom. I am praying for the true Church to truly be the Church as we experience a fresh vision of Jesus Christ. He is our only hope! Remember these words: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

I continue to pray as to how our family can shine the light of Christ in our neighborhood. I pray for 80 surrounding households regularly (5 per day). I started a neighborhood Facebook page to connect our neighbors better. I give out gospel resources as I can and I hope to soon start handing out fresh-basked cookies to let our neighbors know we love them.

After much prayer, I am attempting to start some online or neighborhood outreach opportunities:

1. I was recently certified to facilitate trauma healing groups. I want to begin an online or neighborhood Healing for Wounded Hearts group. It is a holistic and Bible-based approach to helping people heal from wounded hearts that recognizes that trauma affects every part of a person: mind, body and spirit. The lessons use art, stories, activities and questions to help people engage deeply with themselves, with God, and with each other. At the heart of this process is the Bible, which tells us about the healing love of God. The group would meet weekly for six weeks. Let me know if you are interested.
2. I would also like to start an online or neighborhood group for those wondering who Jesus is and what true Christianity looks like. Christianity Explored will be a seven-week study through the gospel of Mark. It will focus on who Jesus is, why He came to earth, and what that means for us. If you have question about Jesus and would like to participate, please let me know.
3. If those opportunities don’t appeal to you, perhaps you would be interested in meeting with me online for a time of one-to-one Bible reading. I would love to read a short passage with you and explore our questions together.
4. I am starting a weekly prayer gathering through a telephone conference call. Many people don’t have the ability to go to church for a prayer meeting or meet with friends for prayer. How crucial it is during these challenging times to seek Jesus together. More details to come.
5. I would love to offer my virtual services as a Biblical counselor. While I am not a medical professional nor a trained therapist, I love to listen and see how the Bible speaks to us as to how Jesus can impact our lives and bring renewed hope. Let me know if you need someone to listen.
6. Above all else, I can pray. How can I pray for you? Please let me know.

Rev. Brian Heinen

802 E 23^rd Street Russellville, AR 72802

(479) 886-0765 

bheinen.com 

brheinen1@gmail.com

Author: Brian Heinen

I am simply a Christ-follower who wants to share the incredible Savior I met with others. View all posts by Brian Heinen