Koppen, Heidi

I grew up in a big Iowan family with godly parents in the Brethren Assemblies. At a young age I understood the Gospel, believed and received Christ’s free gift of salvation. When I was 13 years old I became serious about my personal relationship with God and spent a lot of time doing camp work. I realized I wanted to serve Him with the life He has given me. He gave me a passion for evangelism, teaching the Bible, and helping troubled youth. I went to Emmaus Bible College for Youth Ministry, Biblical Studies and Counseling. During summer breaks I was able to join, and later help lead, Ron Hampton’s e-team trips to Southern Ireland in ’08, ’09, ’10, and ’11. In 2011 I stayed three months to help Shankill Bible Church with a new youth ministry outreach. Through experiences there, I got a heart for the people of Ireland and feel God's called me here full-time. My church commended me in 2014 and I moved to Dublin Sept 2015 to partner with Shankill Bible Church and network across Ireland. Over the years I've gotten rooted and plugged in with the church here while networking with other ministries around Ireland. Though youth work is passion I've mostly helped with general community outreach with others in this local church and helped out here and there with other ministries. We've started a youth group from scratch, mums and tots group, and other children clubs (praying to make clubs from a few times a year into weekly). I was able to lead three e-teams and work and work with two short term girls. I've also been able to help with several Christian camps and children clubs with other churches. I would like to help with or organize conferences and retreats to bring encouragement and challenge to young Christians. I am so excited to see how the Lord will lead and direct here in Ireland.