Delays and cancellations on planes, trains, and automobiles could not keep Rev. Bert Jones and Dr. Steve Heitkamp, from traveling to Bogotá, Colombia to lead a three day city-wide pastor training event. In the evenings, Bert and Steve also preached in a number of Colombian local churches.
As the CEO of GO InterNational, Bert enjoys seeking out those leaders with teaching gifts and taking them to mission fields around the world to share their insights and knowledge. Dr. Steve Heitkamp is an example of that. Dr. Steve was a classmate of Bert's at Asnury University. Since then Steve started and developed a successful counseling practice and ministry to pastors and leaders. He was looking for a way to combine his talents with missions. Bert approached him about teaching on the mission field and Steve immediately said "Yes!"
The duo taught morning sessions with topics like Biblical hermeneutics, mentoring leaders in the church, problem solving, prayer, self-care in pastoral leadership, and discipleship.
"I was aware that many of indigenous pastors have had limited opportunity for training, but I was truly impressed with their desire to absorb new things, and learn how to use that knowledge for more effective ministry" Steve said. "I was so pleased to be with such good Colombian men and women who are called to his service."
Steve actually enjoyed not knowing where he was going to preach in the afternoon or evening each day. "It was a pleasure to get to know so many pastors, leaders and congregations. I enjoyed the preaching even more than the conference in the mornings. The congregations were each different and it was a thrill to see what God was doing in Bogota. God was truly present in a mighty way," Steve said.
One of the highlights from Bert's perspective happened on the third day of the conference. When everyone arrived at the church, they discovered that the church had been robbed and much equipment stolen. "You could feel how that dampened the spirit in the room. The Pastor of the church stood up and said-"we must move beyond this and not allow this theft to steal our joy and the opportunity that God has given us to sit under this teaching." He prayed and the Holy Spirit filled the room and we had a spectacular time of ministry," Bert said.
With the warm response from pastors and wonderful memories of the trip, Bert and Steve agree that they want to do this again. "I have told Bert that I will travel at least twice a year from now on and possibly more if the Lord allows and the doors open," Dr. Heitkamp said. "We made significant contacts with Pastors who opened their pulpits to Steve and I and we believe that additional ministry opportunities will develop from those relationships," Bert said.
If you enjoy teaching or know or know of a pastor or leader who does, please contact GO InterNational. There are open invitations around the world to those who are willing to go. Also please pray for our pastoral training ministry as we continue to reach out to leaders across the street and around the world.
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Thank you and God bless you!
Ron Houp
Senior Vice President
Reporting by Whitney Ward
