…and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:5 ESV)
Friends, we hope you understand this important truth – if you belong to Jesus, His Spirit pours God’s love into our hearts! In this season of celebrating love, may His love fill your hearts. May His love overflow from your hearts so that it spills out on others. May His love cast out all your fear. May His love make you feel secure as you rest in His everlasting arms.
I apologize for not publishing a January newsletter. I struggle with fatigue and keyboarding is very difficult as my hands become less functional. For those of you new to our newsletter, let me explain a little of my own experience. I am diagnosed with severe axonopathic polyneuropathy. My feet have no feeling left, and my ankles and lower legs are severely numb. I am unable to drive. My hands have constant pain and numbness which greatly impact my fine motor skills. Yet, through this trial God has proven Himself faithful time and time again.
I probably will not write monthly updates anymore, but will try to touch base with those we love when I am able. The wonderful pastor now serving at our church is preaching regularly, enabling me to only preach twice a month. This year, I will be focusing on the beautiful supremacy of Jesus Christ as is seen in the book of Hebrews. Speaking of our church, one of the pillars of the church passed into the arms of Jesus this past month. Please pray for us, as our small congregation will dearly miss her.
Would you also pray for our families? We have loved ones on my side and Leah’s side of the family who are enduring overwhelming physical challenges right now. Please pray!
Our kids (and their spouses) are doing well, even though COVID has remained a great challenge. Please pray for them to grow daily in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and to love and serve Him faithfully.
Leah has had some terrific doctor visits lately. Her kidneys are not getting worse, and may even be improving slightly, even after we were told her kidney failure was permanent and irreversible. Her heart and blood pressure are doing well. Her pain and stomach trouble continues, but she manages them with grace. Please pray for her to experience a new level of divine health from Jesus.
Leah and I are taking time to listen to some old CDs and cassettes. We are enjoying songs that were such an important part of our faith journey over the years. Many times I am brought to tears as we listen to incredible lyrics and as we remember all that God has brought us through. Our family is also slowly working our way through the terrific book by Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly. I encourage you to read it. We are learning so much about the heart of our Savior. Please pray for the members of the three churches that we gave multiple copies of the books to, that they would be blessed as much as we are being blessed.
Also pray for our neighbors. I pray for 127 surrounding households (5 per day). So many of them are new to the neighborhood. We were able to give Christmas cards and small gifts to our 60 closest neighborhood families. Pray for us to truly bless them as we share the love and truth of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In am so burdened for so many of you! I hear some of your stories of heartache and trial. I am praying for you. How can I pray for you? Please let me know.
Brian Heinen
802 E 23rd Street Russellville, AR 72802 (479) 886-0765
bheinen.com brheinen1@gmail.com
Behold, the Lamb of God! 