Looking for more information about Heartland Recovery, or for ways you can partner with us? Use this link to sign up for our quarterly e-newsletter and info about upcoming events – https://hlandrecovery.org/partner-with-us/
Heartland Community | 2024 Year in Review
Our annual “Year in Review” is here, and we’re celebrating an unforgettable 2024! From school events and mission trips to graduations and personal recovery victories, this year has been packed with God’s goodness. We’ll take a moment to remember the baptisms that changed lives, welcome the little ones born into our community, and honor the loved ones we said goodbye to. It’s been a year of “Standing Firm” as God’s family. Join us as we look back and celebrate all the amazing things God is doing here in Heartland, right in the middle of this cornfield.
Contact us at:
6417 Shelby CR 150, Suite A, Bethel, MO 63434
573-633-5603
www.heartland-ministries.org
Thankful For Recovery
A note from a great friend of Heartland, Ray Miller:
This Thanksgiving, I find myself thankful for the unselfish dedication of the men and women at Heartland Recovery, Ministry, and Community. I am thankful for our son, daughter-in-law, and numerous cherished friends who have committed their lives to the service of God in this life changing ministry. I am reminded of the words Billy Graham once said “The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking out the lost and helpless.”
Friends, my passion for caring for those that the world gave up on blossomed during my 34 year tenure at a maximum security prison. Early in my career, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact that addiction can have on individuals. However, I also saw that once the cycle was broken, most were no different than you or I. Many of us have had a season in our lives where we lived as the song goes: “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love”. Yet, through God’s grace and mercy, we were rescued. It’s a realization that far too often comes only to those who have been through it. Friends make no mistake, Jesus is the answer! and many of the folks at Heartland have lived it, and now have a passion to help the hurting and lost.
I would like to share a story about a man who worked for me at the prison. He has been incarcerated now for over 50 years on four counts of first-degree murder and rape. A book was even written about his crime, as well as many Youtube videos due to its horrific nature. Despite the other inmates avoiding him, believing him to be crazy and dangerous, he revealed over the years his true self to me, and we formed a close relationship.
The message I wish to convey is to never give up on a friend or family member struggling with addictions. Addiction controls every facet of their lives and alters their brains chemistry. They have become a slave to what was once pleasurable. Pray for them, love them, and encourage them, but don’t give up on them and refrain from enabling them financially. Speak to them with love about seeking the help they need. By doing so, you are helping to save the life of a person that matters to God. To paraphrase the words of John Bradford “there but for the grace of God goes (insert your name).”
Now as this story becomes full circle, please consider discussing Heartland Recovery with those you know. This organization has a proven track record of breaking addictions through Jesus Christ, and they offer their services free of charge, and that my friends is the love of Christ. This is possible due to the generosity of people like you and me, who have a passion to help those in need of a fresh start in life. 1 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
To learn more about the program, please follow the link, and if you are able please consider helping by donating, and if unable prayer is a powerful gift.
Remember, Jesus is the Answer!
Friendsgiving
The Heartland Women’s Home has hosted a “Friendsgiving” for about ten years. This year was one for the books! Each resident was responsible for choosing two side dishes, making sure she had all the needed ingredients, and then making the dish. Much time went into thinking over old family favorites and combing cookbooks for ideas. All of the hard work did not disappoint! We had a beautiful layout of food. For some of our residents, this was their first time participating by contributing dishes. We kept our two ovens and two stove tops busy.
We tried something new this year: each resident could invite two ladies from outside the women’s home. Friends from our community and friends from other churches were invited. We had an incredible turnout. About 25 ladies gathered in the women’s home to share fellowship, friendship, and food. All of the effort showed.
Our ladies raved about how much fun they had. One thing that addiction frequently steals is healthy social gatherings; one of the focus points in our programs is to introduce residents to gatherings where, once again, they can learn to relate to others and, to copy a saying from Mr. Barton, “I can tell how much God loves me by seeing who He places around me.” Both hearts and bellies were full. If you came to our event, thank you for taking an evening to love on our ladies.
Happy Thanksgiving from Heartland Women’s Recovery Program residents and staff.
Heartland Recovery E-Newsletter
Looking for more information about Heartland Recovery, or for ways you can partner with us? Use this link to sign up for our quarterly e-newsletter and info about upcoming events – https://hlandrecovery.org/partner-with-us/
Walking Through Recovery | Josh Thomas’s Story
A teenage affair with his youth pastor’s wife threw Josh’s life into chaos. He dropped out of school and turned to alcohol, but it just lead him further away from the healing he needed. The alcohol lead to hard drugs, Josh knew he needed to find help.
At the age of 39 he woke up, “I realized if I didn’t do something, I was going to die.” A friend had once mentioned Heartland, but Josh dismissed it, feeling he didn’t need such an intensive program. However, after years of deepening struggles, he decided to give it a chance. Heartland provided a place of support and care, allowing Josh to reconnect not just with others, but also with God in a way he never had before. “The biggest change in my life was that when I sought God, He was found, and He answered me,”
To those who feel trapped in their struggles, Josh offers a heartfelt message: “Wherever you are, whatever you’re going through, know that God cares and wants to help. Heartland is here for you, but the answer is Jesus.” Seek out support, call on God, and take the first step toward healing.
At Heartland Recovery, we want to help. We’ve removed one of the biggest roadblocks to taking that next step toward freedom—the cost of treatment—thanks to the generosity of donors who fully fund Heartland Recovery programs for men and women wanting to change. Call today.