Heidebrecht retires after 23 years in Coaldale

Coaldale, Alta.

On June 30, Rudy Heidebrecht officially retired as pastor of Coaldale MB Church. For a church to have a faithful and loving pastor for 23 years is a rare privilege.

A legacy of ministry

Before coming to Coaldale, Heidebrecht was an instructor at Bethany Bible Institute in Hepburn, Sask. for 17 years. However, he did not come to Coaldale as a stranger. His parents moved here when he was 15. Rudy received his high school and Bible school education in Coaldale, was baptized here and became a member of this church. Coaldale residents knew him as a conscientious person, committed to serving the Lord.

Heidebrecht's work did not consist only in the teaching and preaching ministries, but also in visiting the sick, the lonely and the sorrowing. His wife Mary, with her gentle nature, was of invaluable assistance to him. Rudy's knowledge of the Low German language was a great asset in dealing with the elderly. Rudy also enjoyed being with young people. In earlier days, he could often be found on the hockey rink with them. His object lessons to the children will not soon be forgotten.

Rudy preached at least 760 sermons on Sunday mornings, 130 at communions, 100 at senior lodges and hospitals, and 20 at anniversaries. He conducted 140 funerals; married 50 couples; baptized 155 people; led at least 1,000 Bible studies; taught 280 Sunday school lessons and made 8,000-10,000 visitations.

Tribute

The weekend of June 20-22 was set aside to pay tribute to the pastor couple. Mona Heidebrecht, a singer and daughter-in-law to the Heidebrechts dedicated a concert to them on June 20. On June 21, the church gym was filled to capacity for a retirement banquet. The decorations included a motto which read:
"Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful . . . " from Matthew 25:21.

Faithfulness and servanthood best describe the ministry of Rudy and Mary. Former Coaldale choir director Walter Goerzen, sang the song he had sung at their installation, "I'd rather Have Jesus", and on Sunday morning, "Let me Touch Him". Good wishes came from former youth pastor Ken Peters, General Conference church pastor Peter Funk, moderator of the Alberta MB Conference Mark Jantzen, Coaldale Town Council representative Vic Mensch, and others.

A slide presentation depicted church events of the past 23 years. Tributes also came from members of the audience. Henry Nikkel gave the following description: Rudy was a student of the Word; he was a shepherd of the flock; he was a servant; and he believed and lived what he preached.

In response, Heidebrecht said he gives all glory to Jesus.

At the Sunday morning service, a large 50-voice choir directed by Randy Klassen performed. The speaker was Corny Braun, former colleague of Rudy's at Bethany. His theme, "Amazing possibilities after Leadership Change", was based on Isaiah 6. The future of a church rests on the promises of God who never changes.

On June 29, Rudy preached his last sermon as pastor of the Coaldale MB Church. He based his message on Luke 12:31, "But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well". He and Mary were presented with a framed card, depicting the outside and inside of the church building, and surrounded by the signatures of all available church members and adherents. The moderator, Bruno Toews read Hebrews 6:10, "God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them". In conclusion, several people prayed for God's continued blessing on the Heidebrechts.

Coaldale MB Church release

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