How many of you have gone through a major change in your life in the last year or two? All of you?
I have to admit that moving to Panama was a huge change for Heidi and I. Actually, the whole first two years that Heidi and I knew each other and were married was one huge blob of change. I wouldn't take back a second of it!
Heidi and I have been working with LCMS World Mission for nearly three years now and living in Panama for just over two. When we first took this assignment we knew it was where God was calling us to be--we hadn't been married a year when I took the position.
Over the last year, Heidi and I have been pursued by God. It is obvious that coming to Panama has truly changed us. Being here forced us to rely on each other, yes, but ultimately on Jesus. He has been so good to us. After being back stateside to visit family this past summer, we were ready to spend the rest of our lives in Panama if that was what the Lord had us do. Yet....
Towards the end of 2008, Heidi and I both heard from the Lord that we were suppose to leave LCMS World Mission. This was a hard thing to hear. We resisted, especially me. I really do enjoy my job and those who I work with. I enjoy helping the team we have here. But, as you can imagine, trying to conform God to your own comfort zone doesn't usually work. And Panama has become that, our comfort zone. And as Heidi and I grew closer to Him through reading scripture and being in prayer, he continually put it on our hearts that we were to leave LCMS World Mission and return home. Why? Why in the world does he want us to go back to the United States? Why does he want us to leave our friends and spiritual network here? While I do feel called back to the marketplace, the answer is still: we don't know exactly. Maybe it is to take us out of our comfort zone to a place where Jesus isn't the center? What we do know is that we want to obey Him, and when you feel like God is calling you or telling you to do something, it's probably safe to say he has a plan already devised. And more importantly, His interests in mind.
So, what this all means is that by the end of June 2009, Heidi and I (and Sophie) will be packing up our belongings and moving back to the USA. Our plan (subject to change and His greater plan) is to move back to Fort Wayne, IN with Tom and Nancy. They have an apartment attached to their home that they have said we can use during this transition. I have started the job hunt, in essence, by putting my resume out on some head-hunter web sites. We are looking for work in the Fort Wayne area right now, but we would be willing to relocate and consider almost anywhere, if that is where the Lord is leading us. If any of you have connections or would like to make suggestions about certain organizations in need of a high-energy person like me and an awesome teacher like Heidi, please get in touch with us by email here. You can also direct people to my professional profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/jonheisterkamp.
We ask for your continued prayers and support as we manage this transition. I ask that you pray for the continued work of LCMS World Mission in Latin America. Please pray that the next few months will be extremely productive and beneficial to the mission team and churches that we support; it is important that the organization remain innovative in the way they approach operations in missions.
To those of you who follow my blog because you are financial supporters of mine, I hope that you continue to follow me. It will always be a great way for us to remain connected, and who knows what the Lord is calling us to next!
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6 comments:
Jon and Heidi--what a surprise! I am sure that it was not an easy decision to make and it sounds like you have taken everything into careful consideration. Though I probably haven't told you enough, I am very proud of the work you both have done for our Lord and the church. I will keep you both in my prayers as your future unfolds. God Bless you! Love, Aunt Diane
Thank you so much, Diane, for your support and prayers! It looks like we will be able to come home over Easter to visit, so hopefully we will see you then!
Love,
Jon and Heidi
Jon, your blog is awesome. You have a writing talent that has blossomed during your missionary experience. Although you seem to be headed for the marketplace, you will still be a missionary. We don't have to tell you that in some ways the marketplace is a very tough assignment. Since God is all knowing, all powerful, and always with us, we have no reason to worry. Love! Your favorite mother-in-law.
Best of luck to you and Heidi! It will be nice having you back in the states. I'm sure you will hold your friends and your work in Panama close to your hearts always. I agree that you have blossomed in many ways throughout your time there.
The economic woes sure have hit us all. Many of the non-profit are hit all right. My church and I sure are feeling the strain as well in missions.
Best of luck as you continue your career in God's name. We need missionaries in USA too.
Thank you all for your kind comments! We truly feel that our time in Panama has been a blessing from God. He used it to teach and prepare us for the days ahead.
We know the current situation in the US, and that makes the change all the more exciting for us. All of us, as followers of Christ, have a HOPE that so many do not know! Our trust is in Christ crucified and that he has overcome the troubles of this world!
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