Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Psalm 116:15
On Saturday, October 1, 2011, after a brief battle with cancer, the Lord called Rev. Bob Heerspink, Director of Back to God Ministries International, home to eternal glory. He is survived by his wife, Edie, and children, Eric and Katie, Joel, and Amy Heerspink.
Over the past three short months, many of you have been praying with us for Bob, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July. We now ask that you pray for Bob's family, who are grieving his loss.
Please also pray that the Back to God Ministries International staff may continue in the work that he so tirelessly carried out with us for the last six years.
Bob’s family has asked that memorial contributions be made to Back to God Ministries International in Bob’s name.
Listen to the Memorial Service
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Guest Book (10)
Although I am relatively new with Groundwork on our radio programming, and I did not know Bob personally, I grew, quickly, to love the program “Groundwork” and looked forward to airing each program. We at BNNS Radio trust and know that God takes the best, and as Bob is now at rest, he will certainly be missed by all that listened to his wisdom and Love of our Lord. It is our prayer, though minor to all those who knew Bob the best, that you will all be at peace knowing that Bob is where he wants to be, and though he will be missed, his rememberance will live on for many years through personal memories and the archives of his achievements here on earth. God Bless all that knew Bob personally and rest assured, his work is not done as he will look down upon all of you and through you, his work will continue. Blessings and Love, Bill Villont, Founder/Producer BNNS Internet Radio, Belvidere, Illinois.
from William Villont on 5:08 am Wed, Oct 05, 2011
With Spotlight now a mature part of BTGMI (via ReFrame) ministry, it is worth remembering that Bob caught the vision for it in 2006 even before anyone was hired for BTGH’s reshaped English service. I remember the meetings quite clearly - in the spring of that year. That was also the beginning of Bob’s tenure as Director, and so Spotlight must have been one of the first innovations on his watch - if not _the_ first.
Later, as the project grew, Bob was always an encourager and friend of Spotlight. The day to day stuff was, of course, done by the ReFrame team - but Bob always took a keen interest, always met with me whenever I was in town and was always supportive of Spotlight both as a BTGMI ministry and as a partnership ministry involving other missions.
I never met any of Bob’s family, but my heart goes out to them in their loss. My thoughts and prayers are with them and Bob’s colleagues at this time, but tempered with a sense of joy and victory on behalf of all who were touched by the Lord through Bob’s person and ministry.
Mike Procter
(former coordinator for Spotlight)
Cambridge, UK.
from Mike Procter on 3:47 am Tue, Oct 11, 2011
I met Bob only once, early in his role as Director, when he visited Feba Radio in Worthing, England. Bob’s breadth of concern for peoples to be reached around the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ was clearly apparent.
As my own work with Feba came to a close, it was a joy to see Bob’s team committed to Spotlight and the other programmes they made for different audiences—seeds sown for a great harvest.
May Bob’s family, colleagues and fellow believers in his church know the peace Jesus gives in the midst of their grief and loss.
Tony Ford
from Tony Ford on 3:48 am Wed, Oct 12, 2011
Having had the privilege of knowing Bob for a number of years, he was a joy to work with, and I consider it a blessing to have been his friend. A heart for ministry sounds inadequate to describe him. Our prayers go out to the family and to Back to God Hour, as I am sure he will be missed.
from Roger Stubbe - HCJB Global on 8:46 pm Wed, Oct 19, 2011
I have been listening to Ground Work here in Kenya via Radio 316 for some time now. The work Bob and his co-host have been doing has tremendously strengthened my walk with Christ and even answered some of those questions we dare not ask or have no one to ask in particular.
You are in the best hands Bob, for the God you diligently served found it fit for you to rest. We are coming to join you soon for our place is with Jesus.
My heartfelt condolences go to his family and I pray the Lord keep and strengthen them in believing the same message Bob had imparted the world with about Christ.
To all at Back to God Ministries International: keep going..our prayers are with you.
So long Bob.
from Benson Mwangi on 5:44 am Sat, Oct 29, 2011
We thank the Lord for the ministry of Our brother Bob. I am an avid listener via internet.
My the Lord continue blessings the ministry our brother.
In Christ,
David
from David Angango on 8:34 am Sat, Oct 29, 2011
Doy gracias al Señor por la vida del reverendo Bob y por el trabajo realizado para el reino y pido a al Señor que fortalezca y cuide su familia y continué bendiciendo este ministerio
En CristoJesus
yaneth
from YANETH GARNICA on 9:45 pm Sat, Oct 29, 2011
I was shocked when I read of Bob’s passing. He so seemed the right man at the right place.
May God be with the family and with the staff as you search for a successor.
from Titia Vander Molen on 1:53 pm Thu, Nov 03, 2011
I am truly sorry for your loss.
Please be comforted to know that Bob is gone to be with the Lord, whom he has been faithfully serving all these yours.
from Donna Lounges-Mugisa on 6:05 am Fri, Dec 09, 2011
I just found out he passed on. I’ve never met Rev. Bob in person, but I read “Today” and always felt inspired. I’m shure he’s with God now. I pray God helps to keep the ministrie going. It’s a large help yo me since I can’t get to church too often.
from Chris on 8:48 pm Fri, Jan 13, 2012