Heeb, Jonathan and Jessica - Finland
October
2007 prayer letterFinland is a country which is suffering from increasing secularism and materialism like many countries in the West. Christianity is seen as just another religion and many people in Finland do not know the Bible or what it means to follow Christ. The International Evangelical Church in Helsinki is passionate about teaching people God’s Word and applying it to their lives. The church has a very diverse congregation with its members coming from 30 countries and a similar number of denominations. Ryttylä Bible College is run by the Finnish Lutheran Mission (FLM) and is involved in training church workers, with an emphasis on mission in Finland, and it also trains missionaries going to serve with FLM in the Muslim world. There is a great need for more well-qualified Bible teachers to work both in the church and at the Bible College.
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Jonathan is the son of missionaries and was educated in Finland. Jessica’s parents are Christians and worked in Africa when she was young. From an early age they both believed that God was leading them to full-time overseas mission work. The couple met on the Cornhill Training Course for Bible teachers. Since marriage Jonathan has completed a Masters in Christian Studies, a teaching degree in Adult Education and has supported the family through teaching computer adult education classes. Jessica has pursued music studies and works part-time in a local primary school.
Jonathan will bring Bible teaching and training experience and an in depth knowledge of the host culture tempered with the experience of living in other cultures. He can help the foreigners within the church including students, to integrate, help the Finns to understand newcomers and nurture both to feel a part of the church and its outreach. Jessica will use her music skills in the Bible college and church in Helsinki, help teach the Bible to women and children, and provide hospitality for Bible college students.