Lifeline has a new team member, meet Heather! Heather is serving as Financial Assistant, taking care of Lifeline’s account balances, expenditures, inventory, monitoring program budgets and much more. Originally from Topeka, KS, she lived in Kirksville for a few years before moving to Heartland. Five years ago, she decided to come back. She has been living here since then: “I love the people, the community, and my church (Life Church)”, she says.
Heather has a wide range of professional skills and experiences under her belt! Indeed, before becoming Lifeline’s Financial Assistant, she’s worked in many different fields, as a medical assistant and technician, preschool teacher, bookkeeper and office assistant. We are blessed to have her join us and bring her expertise to Lifeline. Especially since, like with other staff members, Heather wasn’t very familiar with Lifeline, but when she lost her job due to the current pandemic of COVID-19, a good friend messaged her about Lifeline’s job opportunity. A great move, since Heather now loves working for Lifeline (and we love having her too). “Everyone is caring for each other, including every person that calls or stops by the clinic. It’s not just a job, the staff is always ready to listen and to help wherever and however they can. I am blown away by everything that goes on here and how people are cared for”, she exclaims.
Family-wise, Heather has been happily married for eleven years and has two amazing kids. She met her husband at Heartland, as they both worked in the ministry that helps with adult recovery and youth programs. Coming from a family of five, she regrets not having been able to grow her family even bigger, having had a series of five miscarriages between the births of her two children. “Life doesn’t always turn out how you plan or imagine it”, she explains. Despite the intense pain and grief, Heather has continued to trust God with her life: “I know no matter what, God is faithful, even when you can’t see it. I really feel God has opened this door for me here at Lifeline. Not only do I get to be around amazing, caring people, but I also have the opportunity to help these women going through whatever struggles or circumstances they may be facing. I want them to know that they don’t have to walk or cry alone, because God is with them always.”
When asked about her goals and dreams, Heather responded that she wants to live her life to the fullest, and not take one day or moment for granted. In addition, she intends to pass on a legacy to her children to love the Lord and others, knowing that although life may come with difficulties, He will always be faithful and walk with us. In the meantime, she is excited to raise her children in the community, a place where they can learn about Jesus, build a legacy and create change.
During her free time, Heather enjoys singing, dancing, worshiping, as well as health & wellness, making jewelry, crafting and working on DIY projects. Reading the Bible and meditating on her favorite verses can be added to the list. Jeremiah 17:7 (Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit) is among her favorites, along with Psalm 19:14 and Exodus 14:14. These constantly remind her that staying connected and taking one step at a time is key. “I have a story to tell, and I hope that my testimony will help others remember that God is always faithful”.