by Landon Saunders
March – April, 2009

An Open Letter. An Exciting Announcement

Dear Friends,

We have some very exciting news!

Mike Cope will be joining us in the work of Heartbeat!

The announcement was made on March 8, at the Highland Church of Christ, where Mike has worked as their minister for the past 18 years, as well as here on Heartbeat’s Web site.

I am thrilled that Mike will be devoting his talent, creativity, and passion for helping people to our efforts on a full-time basis. He will assume a leading role in Heartbeat’s latest initiative—which involves the use of the “new media” in the establishment of a world-wide network of small groups focused on what really matters.

Mike will officially join our work on July 1, 2009. Mike said, “I have long appreciated, studied and implemented Heartbeat’s core ideas and communication about life, joy and the things that matter most. I am excited about the prospect of utilizing today’s communication capabilities to nurture and feed small groups around the world.”

J. McDonald Williams, chairman of Heartbeat’s board of directors, said of Mike, “I have the very highest regard for Mike and for the great work that he has done. We feel extremely fortunate to have him join us in what we anticipate will be the most exciting chapter of Heartbeat’s history yet.”

Mike will have a lead role in the launching of Heartbeat’s next phase. Mike’s considerable experience and skills will be invaluable as we strive to use every facet of the new media to facilitate the formation and nurturing of small groups. Social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter, distribution channels such as iTunes and YouTube, and a dynamic website will be the centerpiece for this effort, with an eye on communicating with 18-29-year-olds, worldwide.

This effort will be supported by an “academy of ideas” that will bring together groups for in-depth teaching and training that will be led by Mike and Landon.

ABOUT HEARTBEAT…

For nearly forty years Heartbeat has endeavored to bring abundant life to communities across the United States, Canada, and many other countries of the world. It has used radio (including all the major networks), video, workshops, and print in these efforts. Heartbeat has brought hope to people struggling in the aftermath of natural disasters, widespread job loss, to those in prisons and special schools, to the marginalized and hurting. Unconditional love and joy have been and will always be at the center of Heartbeat’s message.

TO SIGN UP FOR UPDATES…

To sign up to learn more, and receive regular updates, please select the “UPDATES” link on the Heartbeat website.

TO HELP MAKE THIS WORK POSSIBLE…

Heartbeat is a not-for-profit organization that is supported by friends who encourage the work. We invite people from all walks of life to partner with us in this important effort. A business office located in Lubbock, TX, handles all of Heartbeat’s financial matters. Tax-deductible contributions by U.S. tax payers (to limits allowed by law) can be sent to Heartbeat, Box 64895, Lubbock, TX 79464. Or, for contributions made online, please click the “Donate” button, and you will have information about how to do that.

Landon Saunders, who resides in Norwich, Vermont, is the President and long-time voice of Heartbeat.