Fall 2013 Deputation
Steve and Brenda Heap
Brazil, South America

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Steve and Brenda Heap
Stephen was born in Skipton, England to missionary parents who served for 34 years as missionaries in Colombia, Peru, Guatemala and Panama.  Steve grew up in Colombia and Peru and finished High School in Magnolia, Mississippi. He then attended college at Bethany Nazarene College in Oklahoma (now Southern Nazarene University) where he received the B.A. and M.A. degrees in religion and missions. 
Brenda Lynne was born in Emporia, Kansas and grew up in Lawrence and Shawnee, KS.  She studied at Bethany Nazarene College and graduated with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Oklahoma Central State University.  In 2009 she received the MA degree in Special Ed. from PLNU. 

Steve and Brenda were married in 1968 and pastored two churches in Oklahoma before being assigned to Brazil in 1973.  They have been privileged to serve in Brazil during a period when the evangelical church has grown rapidly.  As an example of the growth: the Church of the Nazarene had 1,200 members in 1974; there are presently over 100,000 members. 

During these 40 years the Heaps have served in several capacities: as seminary professors; pioneers of churches in Northeast Brazil; and for 23 years as field director.  Recently they had the privilege of seeing three Brazilian Nazarenes take over the responsibilities of Strategy Coordinators for the regions of Brazil.  Steve and Brenda’s present roles involve clergy development; resource development and teaching.    

A little about our family today:  Our son Stephen, wife Michelle and daughters Grace (11) and Mary (8) live in Pella, Iowa.   Our son Brian, wife Agatha, son Lucas (8) and daughter Victoria (6) live in Brazil.   Tom and Jennifer with daughter Chloe age (3) and Jay (1) live in San Diego, CA. 

During 2011 Steve was a part of a group of 6 that rode Harley Davidson Bikes from the southern tip of South America to Oklahoma City.  For further information see:  www.mileswithamission.org

Our family has been privileged to be your representatives and representatives of God’s grace in diverse cultures.   To summarize our growing conviction in one sentence it would be, “God’s transforming grace knows no barriers!”
After 40 years serving God in Brazil, Steve and Brenda are retiring.  View and read their testimony, here >>>