Faithful service
It is so hard to think about Good News without Jim Heidinger! (But 28 years ago, it was so hard to lose him from East Ohio Conference. Okay, I was wrong!) What a tremendous influence he has had churchwide. His faithful service to his Lord has been a steady guiding light for many of us within the denomination. There is not much more to be said to what was covered in the July/August Good News magazine, but please add my humble thanks to him. For many of us who have been with him in the struggles and joys over the years, have seen God place new faces in many of the groupings we are involved in. It truly is a new day and we look forward to what God will accomplish in these difficult times.

Dottie Chase
Former Good News Board Member

Gracious spirit
Jim Heidinger is a man filled with a gentle and gracious spirit. He is genuinely concerned about other people and always ready to give a listening ear. Many would understand that he is a man of deep convictions but perhaps fewer would know of his gift of encouragement as he relates to individuals. Many would perceive that he is a strong intellect but fewer would know that he is a devout believer filled with compassion. Many would believe he is passionate about church renewal but fewer would know that he is extremely committed to his local church and its ministry. I long for his faithful, gentle, warm and devout spirit to be multiplied in the lives of those of us who know and love him. May his retirement years be fruitful and joyful!

Bishop Al Gwinn
North Carolina Annual Conference

What a ride
It seemed like just yesterday that my late wife, Virginia Law Shell, was attending that crucial board meeting. She called me and said that if [Good News founder] Chuck Keysor resigned, she thought that Jim Heidinger should be the new president. Chuck did and you did! What a ride it has been for all of us, but especially for you. There is no question that you changed the tone and the influence of Good News from the beginning of your tenure. You can honestly say that you had had a fundamental role in saving the denomination from itself during this more than a quarter century.
It has been a privilege for me to share a part of that journey with you. You can be certain that Virginia would say the same if she were here. And she would be very pleased with herself for her part in your selection for the job.

Don Shell
Lifetime Good News Board Member

What you represent
It is hard for me to even think about my ministry dating back to the early 1980s without also reflecting on you because of who you are, what you represent and what you have done have been so influential for me. As a young pastor, I found in Good News not only an encouragement to stand fast, but also a community within which I could stand secure. During my years on the Good News board, you modeled for me what grace under fire and steadfast of purpose and conviction without either cynicism or malice looked like. Some manage to reflect that kind of spirit during during brief sprints, but you have sustained it throughout an ultra-marathon.

Dick McClain
President, The Mission Society