Healing Hearts Ministry 20 year anniversary

Celebrating God's Goodness

Milestones are important! They help us evaluate and mark our journey so far. Healing Hearts Ministry celebrated 20 years in September of this year. It seems like just yesterday that we started with a vision to make a significant impact in the First Nations community of North Central Regina. We had been in ministry for 5 years and God  gave me eyes to see that the problem of the area wasn’t  violence, drug abuse, poverty or any of the visible problems of the area. The problem was the deep wounds of so many of the people. The people needed a “spiritual hospital”. I believed God wanted to walk into the deep areas of pain and bring healing that only he can bring.

So with a vision and some faithful servants at our side we walked into our new adventure. 2 of the 3 kids were still in diapers and I was still recovering from a life threatening illness. God doesn't always choose the strong or able but the willing. We started with great hopes and no knowledge  of how to start a ministry to “bring the healing touch of Jesus to wounded hearts!” Life was not always easy, with in the first year almost all who had started with us left to minister elsewhere and we continued on. I had deep conviction and knew we weren't doing this ministry to look successful but because of obedience. So often the journey was marked with what looked to us as failure and not success. But if we are following God the journey is His and so is the progress.

Twenty years later we can see God’s hand on so much of what has happened along the way. God brought faithful servants who embraced our vision and made it a part of their journey. The church has grown and many have been touched along the way. Others have come, learned and went to other locations to continue on the work there. Many people have found freedom from addiction and even greater freedom in Christ.  They have become leaders in the First Nations community and continue to minister with the principles of healing, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Today we have over 30 missionaries in the 3 prairie provinces. We have church planters, youth leaders, mentors and counselors all “bringing the healing touch of Jesus to wounded hearts!” Healing Hearts Ministry celebrated 20 years of existence. We worshiped, fellow shipped and gave God glory for His goodness to us and as the service ended Cindy and I were called forward and recognized for 20 years of service in HHM.  Our God is an awesome God and uses willing servants.

Healing Hearts Ministry Team at our staff conference.

FAMILY UPDATE 

Our summer began with a couple weeks at our cabin at Katepwa Lake. We had some construction projects and a little “squirrel issue” to contend with but there was plenty of time for relaxing, reading, sitting by the campfire and picking saskatoons!  Walter and I had only booked one week of speaking/cooking at Bible camp in August to try and pace ourselves for ministry trips in the fall.  But a last-minute cancellation led us to Fisher Bay Bible Camp in July and we felt God used us there by HIS appointment.  Walter spoke in chapel and felt it was one of the best camp experiences he’s had.  Cindy got the opportunity to help with the skills of riflery and Airsoft.  Wow, that was a stretch!  It was fun to interact with the campers more directly. We traveled to visit our Alberta staff and take in the “Metis Nation of Alberta’s Rendezvous” in Big Valley.  This is an exciting branch of Healing Hearts opening up.  The second week of Bible camp at Strasbourg was full and very tiring but again, we know God touched many kids’ hearts-from the inner city-with the Gospel.  Cindy had 3 capable kitchen helpers and enjoyed daily devotions and prayer time with the ladies.  Alas, Walter wasn’t quite able to get the 1928 Dodge Bros. car on the road…next summer!
Mark & Amy are doing well in Steinbach, MB.  They are involved on the Missions Committee of their church where Amy wrote and directed a play for the fall missions conference.  Mark is working hard and keeping busy in construction and Amy has several new and returning piano students for this year.
Daniel is enjoying his apprenticeship as a sheet metal worker (installing duct work for furnace/AC units).  He will take his schooling in Saskatoon sometime in the new year.  He traveled to Australia to be best man for a buddy’s wedding in August-yeah, he enjoyed bodyboarding & the beach & “Movie World”!
Caylea worked all summer at Strasbourg Bible Camp and only took time off for the weddings of her friends!  She is back at Nipawin Bible College taking a few classes and interning through the college to plan their large youth event in March.

Our Regina Team praying for us at 20 year anniversary celebration of the church 

Our Family!!!!!!

PRAISE & PRAYER
*Praise God for the 20th Anniversary of Healing Hearts Ministry(Sept.  14)-Pastor Don Wratney was the guest speaker and about 90+ celebrated in worship and a BBQ
*Praise for our 4th annual H.H. Staff Conference- TV Thomas was our keynote speaker for 35-40 of our staff-prayer groups, “Minute to Win It” and visiting were some highlights.
*Prayer for our upcoming trips to Gladstone, MB; Nipawin; Weyburn and Canmore, AB
*Prayer for Walter as he teaches “Cross-Culture Ministry” module class at Millar College of the Bible
*Prayer for Caylea’s health (undergoing tests but no results known yet)
*Wisdom for administrative role/unity of vision & purpose in our growing organization