Sat, July 24th we experienced a group of your young people that prayed with us in the Kohls parking lot in Cedar Falls. What an encourgement they were to us and a real testimony for your church! Praise goes to our heavenly father for these kids that have the courage and boldness to go around the community to pray with people like ourselves. We are going through some health issues and just needed prayer at that moment! Needed some extra strength and energy too! Thank you to these kids for praying with us and we'll continue to pray for them too! We're from First Baptist Church, Elgin, Ia.

On July 7th, my home was hit by flash-flooding. Within an hour I had six inches of water throughout my basement. I prayed... not more than 10 minutes later, I received a call from my friend saying he thought he should just check in on me but didn't know why. I explained the situation to him and he came over as quickly as he could. He's a plumber! Praise God! (story continues) So much hard work around nasty, smelly, messy water-laden carpet, drywall, etc. Financial issues with the insurance checks/mortgage company, difficulty at work ... I was about to snap. My heart was aching for my daughter. The house was no place for either of us to be in. God delivered another message to me. A friend came over and cleaned up the area that my daughter and I were living in (it's a two story split foyer) ... Even with that, my heart was still heavy with the financial woes. I finally started crying and prayed with my whole heart and soul because I honestly thought I was going to have to file bankruptcy. During my prayer, I felt the comfort of a hand on my back and a soothing "sound" envelope me. I realized it was time for bed. The next day, I got an email from my insurance rep, I wrote back, then she called me. I explained everything to her. She then contacted the insurance adjuster and then he called me. By the end of the day, I had a check big enough to continue with the cleanup and to help cover some of the expenses that I had to use my mortgage and car payment for. That "sound" that enveloped me has become more clear as the burdens have been lifted progressively since the prayer. That "sound" was a reminder that these difficult times, these trials and tribulations are part of our life to help us grow stronger in faith, hope, courage and much more ... but more importantly, to grow in love for all things - good and bad.

I just want to thank everyone at Heartland for making me and my family feel so very welcome. I truly feel that I have found my way home. It has been a long road to get my husband to open up to finding a church, but I feel that he is really seeing and feeling the love and support within all of you. Thank you,Lord, for leading us here.

Why small groups are important to me. . . For me, living this Christian life without small groups would be like trying to breathe without lungs. This past nine months I lead one small group on Monday, attended one on Sunday and one on Wednesday. I used to believe I did not have the time or energy to add another committment to my schedule. I admit to feeling overwhelmed at moments, but going to small group is like getting to the gym. The hardest part is getting there, and I always feel better afterward. Small group is where I share the junk I won't let just anyone see. Small group is where I find healing. Small group is where I experience the presence of God. Small group is where I get an opportunity to be a blessing to others. Jesus needed a small group. The formation of this group was not an afterthought in His ministry--He spent a night in prayer before choosing the twelve. Are you better than Jesus? If He needed a small group, how much more us. I encourage everyone to find a small group and see what God will do in your life.

We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! Praise him...always!

Yesterday I had a knock on my back door. I was kind of worried because nobody uses that door. I thought goodness what happened. I open the door and seen 4 very friendly faces offering me groceries. They could not have came at a better time. I have had appointments in Iowa City this month and more next month. I have to have throat surgery due to a very large stone in my salivary gland. It is very painful and I already had mouth surgery last month on March 17th. With all these trips to Iowa City the money I usually have to get extra grocies and things we need had to go for gas money. I am on disability because I was born with serious back problems and am unable to work. I am a single parent and do what I can. I am so thankful. I love coming to Heartland and try to make it every weekend when I am able to get around without severe pain. God bless all of you!! You are always in our hearts.

to everyone who prayed for my dad why he was in the hospital.he just had his checkup from mayo and the dotors were amazed! they said he's doing great! his kidneys are slowly improving and he's regaining his strength back!GOD IS GREAT AND GOD IS GOOD

Praise God He is so good. Just wanted to update for those who have been praying for my husband and I as we lost 2 babies in this last year. We had 2 seperate appt in Iowa City that we had lots of prayers for. It took them the second visit 2 find that I had a septum wall on my uterus and that was the cause of me not being able to carry a baby full term. They did surgery the very next week. Everything went well and the wall was removed and they wished us luck though we know it is not luck but mearly our God!! Now for the baby we have been longing for, not yet but it has only been a month since the surgery. Always in God's time and we are just so thankful that we have such a good God and Savior that truly loves us more than we will ever comprehend and that always answers our prayers in His time we just need to stay true to what we know and keep the Faith. Glory to God!!

God is good!! He has worked out the house deal for John and Lori!

my dad's surgery went well! now he needsprayers for his kidneys to work to well. he needs to go to skilled to heal. i thank god for his surgery turning out