This is our story.

We are just beginning, so this is just the beginning of the story. Read how and why Atlas is opening in Lincoln, as told by Jeff Heerspink. Jeff is the dreamer and idea-guy behind Atlas: Lincoln, and serves on the board.

The Story, so far.

I was first introduced to Atlas shortly after coming to Lincoln to serve at the Northern Lighthouse Church (NL). Atlas had started and was primarily around the area of NW Iowa at that time and as the NL was a high needs ministry, ministering primarily to inmates in work release getting ready to experience freedom, the idea of starting an Atlas in Lincoln had been considered. 

In 2014 we started F Street Neighborhood Church, in the shadows of the state Capital, a neighborhood known today for its crime and population density. F Street today has been successful at connecting to its neighbors which is a great thing but a challenge. Many of the people who come to worship with us are without the resource of family, many have addictions and/or on fixed incomes.

In 2017 we were blessed again with the use of another building 8 blocks from F Street Church. This building once was the office building for Redeemer Presbyterian church. We were given the opportunity to use the building for a time, free of charge. This got us thinking of what are we to do with this space? How do we use this great building to usher in the kingdom of God to our neighborhood? Many ideas popped up that would somehow serve the community. Then one day the idea of beginning an Atlas in this space came about and began us on this grand adventure.

A few of us jumped into the car and drove to North West Iowa to visit with Jerry Keift the founder of Atlas and to tour one of the Atlas facilities. This led us to having a meeting with several churches in the area to begin this ministry endeavor. Since that time the support for this ministry to come to Lincoln Continues to grow among the people of Lincoln and with the churches (primarily with the churches in our Neighborhood).

The idea for there to be a place where people who are hurting can to find love, the idea that there would be a place where people from all different churches can use what God has given to them and connect with people in need, along with the idea that we are all working together as people, churches, and the community to bring healing is a great vision.

In June 2018, Brody Van Roekel moved to Lincoln to work in conjunction with F Street Church. Additionally, he helped us launch Atlas on August 1, 2018. The first five months of ministry were incredibly fruitful. Many folks expressed the desire to mentor. Churches and organizations caught our vision. The Lord's provision amazed us. On January 1, 2019, Brody became our Director as this infant ministry continues to grow.