Honoring Our Retired Global Partners: Darrel & Susan Heide

In this edition, we are honored to recognize Darrel and Susan Heide for their many years of faithful service to the global mission field. For over four decades, the Heides dedicated their lives to sharing the Gospel, mentoring leaders, and bringing hope to countless communities around the world. Through seasons of joy and hardship, they remained steadfast in their commitment to God’s work, reflecting His love through their devotion to ministry. Today, with hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate their remarkable journey and express our deep appreciation for their impact on countless lives.

For Darrel Heide, ministry began in 1971 in Ann Arbor, MI with Campus Crusade for Christ, later known as Cru. Here he spent his entire missionary career with CCC/Cru in various locations across the US doing campus ministry with, filling various positions with the International School of Theology, developing leaders with Here’s Life Inner City ministry, and helping to establish and grow the International School Project. In 1993, Darrel received the Outstanding PhD Graduate in I/O Psychology Award at the United States International University, and in March 2015, he transitioned to Affiliate Staff Status with Cru/ISP, making him a self-supported volunteer while continuing in this ministry.

Darrel was also heavily involved with the youth of the EMB/FEBC fellowship during his years of ministry. He directed the youth ministries at the EMB Annual Conference for five summers (1974-1978). He directed the youth programs in Dalmeny, Sask.; Dallas, OR; Abbotsford, BC; Meade, KS; and Mountain Lake, MN. He also served on the Commission on Christian Education for the Conference.
Darrel married his wife, Susan, in 1974. They had three children: Brent, Ryan, and Kristin. In 2018, Brent suddenly passed away in his sleep. This devastated the Heides, but they continued to trust the Lord. Susan also experienced severe ill-health for many years. Darrel faithfully took care of her during this time while still maintaining the ministry with Cru/ISP.              
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Darrel’s favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
In retirement, Darrel is making his home in Highland, CA, and attending church in Redlands, CA. He enjoys regular exercise at a health club or at home, creating digital photo albums of family photos, being a Grand Dad, and continuing to volunteer with the International School Project.

We of the Commission on Global Partnerships for FEBC thank God for Darrel and Susan’s involvement in spreading the Gospel around the world these 44 years. We are confident that God, “....is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.” (Hebrews 6:10 NASB)

Postscript: In 2024, the Lord saw fit to take Susan home to be with him, but Darrel continues to serve the Lord through ISP on a voluntary basis, along with family and personal interests.  ​