Being able to talk to Heartland graduates meant a lot to me. Having been recently saved myself and somewhat new to church life and ministry, it helped me better understand the joys and challenges of ministry. I admired these graduates with whom I came in contact because they were in positions of ministry such as I hoped to one day find myself. 

As I finished up my years at Heartland, God opened the door for me to work at Southwest Baptist Church, where my primary responsibility is to minister to the single Heartland students. My wife and I love ministering to those preparing for ministry themselves. In the short two years that I have had the opportunity to serve them, I have been amazed at their eagerness to soak up instruction. It is exciting to watch the Lord do a work in their lives as they go through their college training. Investing our lives into individuals this eager to learn is most rewarding.

Because of my time as a student and my responsibility to minister to students, I am constantly reminded of that desire for students to learn from those who have gone before them. Let me encourage you, fellow graduates, to take advantage of opportunities to invest into the lives of individual students as you see and purposefully create opportunities. Especially as summer time approaches, many of you will cross paths with current Heartland students – it might be through summer camps, internships, fellowships, conferences, or Heartland’s traveling groups. Remember: you were where they are, and you are where they desire to one day be. As Alumni, this allows you to relate to them in a very unique way. You have the ability to inspire, encourage, and challenge students as they continue to prepare for ministry. So, take advantage of the opportunities presented to visit with them. They will soak it up!

John Lande

Alumni Association Vice President