Weekly News & Updates

February 13, 2025 | Volume 39, Issue 6

FROM YOUR PASTOR’S HEART … REACHING NEAR AND FAR

This Sunday we have opportunities to consider our impact for the Gospel both near and far. First, in the morning, we will hear from guest missionary and evangelist, Abusaad (see article below). You will be inspired by his fearless and faithful sowing of the Gospel among Arab Muslims all over the Middle East. He goes where few Christians go, and God is using him mightily. Consider blessing his ministry with a generous gift.

In the afternoon, at 2 p.m., we will meet for an official Church Conference to consider the city’s proposal to partner with us and the VB School District to build a community center on our property. There is much to consider about this. Please be in prayer for this meeting. We want to walk in love and unity and discernment of God’s will. See below for more about the Church Conference. 



Thank you, Jesus, for Your work to reach the nations and our city! Use us for Your glory!

Wes 

whilliard@heritage.church

Upcoming Opportunities and Announcements

Church Conference This Sunday

There will be a church conference this Sunday, February 16 at 2 pm in the Sanctuary to vote on the city’s land-use proposal for a community center. It will be an opportunity to hear more about Heritage’s vision and the city’s request. The vote will be on whether or not to move forward with negotiations with the city.  

Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting, but we ask that only official church members vote. Our Book of Discipline states that you must be present to vote.   

Thank you for your prayers and interest as we consider this opportunity.  

Middle Eastern Guest Evangelist to Speak This Sunday 

Our honored guest this Sunday, Abusaad (not his real name), is an “Indiana Jones” of Middle Eastern missions and evangelism. We are blessed to have him at Heritage. We will use an alias and not show his picture due to the death threats upon his life because of his ministry. He grew up in Lebanon, but because of war, his family moved to safety in another country when he was 18. His life was marked by rough days as a youth but was radically transformed when he became a born-again believer in Jesus at the age of 20.  

He immediately recognized the dramatic changes within himself. In the years following his coming to faith, he continually and eagerly shared the Gospel. In his passion for Jesus, he developed an ever-expanding network of pastors and believers from many different backgrounds, mainly Muslim. 

Thirty-five years ago, the Lord impressed upon him a vision to reach every home and tent in the Arab/Islamic world for Christ, and to disciple every man, woman, and child. He continues to work and pray daily with that goal and vision in mind. Abusaad likes to say that “God has no Plan B”. God intends to use His Church to carry out the Great Commission. Abusaad has always worked closely with and through local churches and house churches in the ministry of evangelism and discipleship. The Lord has given him great favor with pastors and government leaders. 

Abusaad’s desire and aim has always been to be used by God to help people come to saving faith in Christ and grow as disciples of Jesus through and in the local church. His desire is that the local churches with whom he ministers are the organizational center of his ministry work, rather than a missionary organization. He has been invited to help support the local church’s great commission efforts all over the Arab world. 

Abusaad and his wife do ministry as a team. She has a PhD in counseling and works extensively with people who have been victimized and traumatized by war or persecution.    

Although he has big visions of what God can and might do, he is realistic, and lives with the motto of “slow cook, not microwave” when it comes to helping people come to faith in Jesus and follow Him. He is looking for people and churches to partner with him in the work of the Great Commission. He would greatly appreciate your prayers and financial support. His greatest need right now is for personal living expenses. His other needs are for ministry expenses. You may give to Abusaad by making checks directly to AWFM, or you may give to Heritage and designate to AWFM. Cash gifts in envelopes may be marked Abusaad or AWFM. 

Calling All Men of Heritage!

Join us for our quarterly men's prayer breakfast, Saturday, February 22 at 7:30 am in the New Room. We'll have great food, fellowship, worship, a devotional message and a time of real men in prayer - prayer warriors! I'm asking all our men to come.

It is time for men of God to step up for such a time as this!

Pastor Wes

Leader Huddle

We are asking all group leaders to sign up for our Leader Huddle next Sunday, February 23 at noon in the fellowship hall. We hope to encourage, inspire and empower you to lead well. Lunch will be provided and childcare is available. Please RSVP by February 19 at this link or call or stop by the church office.

Brian

bseewald@heritage.church

Financial Support Needed for Students

Spring Break is approaching quickly. We have a couple of students who do not have the means to pay for it. If you feel led to donate to help a student who is in need of financial help, please contact me. The total cost per student is $600. I know these students who are in need, and I would greatly appreciate your financial contribution towards their trip. 

Jake

jsimmons@heritage.church

Help Needed

We are in need of some folks to show off their culinary talents and make some simple charcuterie boards for an upcoming Heritage event. Please email me or call the church office at 479-474-6424. 

Becki

bkneeland@heritage.church

Baptism Sunday

Interested in being baptized Sunday, February 23rd?

Contact Becki Kneeland in the church office.

The Type of Love That Will Make You Happy

Friends, I thought I'd share this article by Arthur Brooks in honor of Valentine's Day. He is a committed Christian and professor at the Harvard Business School. I enjoy his books and weekly email.

Pastor Wes

Excerpt from the article:

"Valentine’s Day is here again. Romantic love—its thrills and miseries—is the most popular topic I teach in my happiness class at the Harvard Business School. Today, let’s take a quick look at the science of romance.

"...While the initial passion of falling in love can be thrilling, it is “companionate love” that truly contributes to lasting happiness. Companionate love is based on mutual understanding, affection, and deep friendship rather than the emotional highs and lows of passionate love.... 

"True happiness in love comes not from the excitement of falling in love but from the steady, enduring companionship that grows over time. Invest in that, and you’ll find that your relationships become a source of lasting joy."

Click here to read the full article and here if you'd like to receive Arthur's newsletter via email.

Clothes Closet Now Open in a New Location!

The Clothes Closet has been relocated to 1403 Northview Drive. Beginning in February they have resumed normal hours and operations.+

1st and 3rd Mondays, 9:30 am - 12 pm

Every Thursday, 4 pm - 6 pm

This Week at Heritage and Prayer Concerns

HERITAGE CHURCH | 479.474.6424

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