Jonathan and Jessica Heeb - Finland |
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Ruoholahtenkatu 16,
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Finland's foreigners speak more than 60 languages as mother-tongues and almost half of them live in or near the capital, Helsinki. The foreign community in Helsinki has trebled in the course of five years, not counting the rising number of foreign students. Approximately 40 percent of Finland's foreign community is from the former Soviet Union. Finland also has a large refugee population, the largest of which are Somalians. Since 2002 Finland has also received immigrants from the former Yugoslavia, Iraq, Iran and Turkey. Work brings many foreigners as well, Telecommunications companies like Nokia and software development companies are recruiting and bringing many Chinese and Indians to Finland to work in research and software development. These changes bring to Finland unique opportunities for the spreading of the Gospel of Christ.
Jonathan, working with the Finnish Lutheran Mission (FLM), has been involved with teaching in both the Theology and Missions departments. This has proved to be very exciting as all previous teaching has been delivered by Finns in Finnish. Plans are taking shape for the autumn program and the Bible college is planning English based training modules for their mission students. These would include training in leading Bible studies in English, preaching and evangelism. Also there is an interest in lectures in Church history
Jonathan:
- preaches regularly and leads services in the International Evangelical Church (IEC) church
- is establishing, developing and leading Bible studies
- teaches short training courses for the congregation
- is meeting with men on a one to one basis
Jessica:
- cares for the family
- befriends female students
- is using her music skills in the church
- teaches women the Bible
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.
Click here to visit the Heeb's family web site