The Missions Conference is always one of the highlights of our year here at Heartland, and this year's conference was no exception. God is so good and faithful! The 2009 conference was held March 1-4 with guests in attendance from ten different countries. The theme for the gathering was "Prepared for Good Works" using the scripture found in Ephesians 2:10 as the main reference. It states "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." The understanding that God not only prepared our tasks ahead of time to accomplish His will, but that He also prepares, equips, and graces us to actually do them is powerful. The conference guests and the Heartland Church were inspired and encouraged by words spoken by Pastor Charlie and a variety of guest speakers throughout the week.

It was a wonderful time spent seeking God together, hearing His voice, worshipping, declaring His goodness, and fellowshipping with friends both old and new. Coming to Heartland for the very first time were Lesllieon Allan of India, Wahid Bebawy, Odette Bebawy, Atef Mikhail, and Ekbal Mikhail of Egypt, David and Karen Davis of Israel, Dave Cooper, Jeannie Cooper, and Max Wein of Florida, Jeruel Pino of Philippines, Don Maggard, Jean Maggard, Bob Black, Jerry Windsor, and Robin Parker of Colorado. God quickly joined their hearts to those who had been here before and new friendships and heart-ties were made.

The conference sessions consisted of outstanding teaching; practical roundtables; worship choirs made up of members from the men's center, women's center, high school, and our children; testimonials from changed lives; and preaching from seasoned men of God. We also had a wonderful Missions Day in the Heartland Christian Academy where guests from around the world dressed in their native attire and shared with our kids about their countries, and also shared some food from their culture. We were honored to end the Missions Day with an assembly in which Max Wein, an eighty-nine year old holocaust survivor, shared his life.

This conference truly was a wonderful time in the presence of God. We thank our many friends from around the world for coming, and we as a church are richer and more blessed for it. We look forward to future days of serving one another in each other's churches and ministries to see the glory of God cover the earth as the waters cover the sea!