Despite snow chunks falling from the sky, Heartland’s annual Christian Connection concert at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Bemidji saw high attendance, excellent music, and a very good offering for the school’s ministry. With Phil Elke of YourQ FM as the evening’s master of ceremonies, hearts were touched and the Lord was praised with the talents offered by local artists.

Students led the evening with several selections, directed by Mrs. Sonja Connell. Dwayne Kvande led in heart-stirring congregational worship, followed by a program performed by the Heartland Puppeteers reminding all of us that we need to “see the light,” receive God’s free gift, and acknowledge that the Lord wants someone just like us to serve Him.

“Free Indeed,” including Heartland’s own “Grandma Alice,” stirred the country gospel spirit within us, followed by a slide show of Heartland students arranged by our beloved, soon-to-be-married “Miss V.” Dr. Mark Claussen challenged the congregation with numbers, focusing on a support challenge for the free-will offering. While friends and family prayerfully considered their gift, Hannah Allen beautifully shared her sweet gift of song. As gifted instrumentalists, Sonja Connell and her son Elias graced us with the beautiful tones of the cello.

The country flavor of the God-honoring music continued with the blended voices of the “Dickinson Trio,” and the lively instrumental and voice gifts of the lovely and talented young women in “Freedom’s Call.”

Dr. Claussen brought the audience to tears with a poetic tribute to his wife Tammy on the occasion of her birthday and their upcoming 25th wedding anniversary. He also reported that the offering for the night was approaching $5,000.00. It is expected that additional gifts and pledges will be arriving at the school in coming days.

A fun evening of food and fellowship followed the program. A big “thank you” is offered to those who stayed to clean up! A special thanks is in order to our friends at the Evangelical Covenant Church.