Family the basis of faith for Austin postmaster
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, June 25, 2002
"As I talk about the basis of my faith, it's probably my family that has been the basis of my faith," said Austin postmaster Dan Heins, father of four children, their ages between 11 and 22 years old.
Besides his job as family man and postmaster, Heins is president at Faith Lutheran, treasurer of the Rotary Club and Music Boosters, sits on the Library board of directors, and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
"Community wise, that's about it." he said, grinning as he continues by telling about his church related involvement: Campus Ministry for the National Church Body in Wisconsin, Evangelical Lutheran Center in Wells, and the Campus Ministry committee which is in charge of planning campus rallies and "things like that."
"Growing up in a small Minnesota town, I went to school in Lake City.
Most of my mother's family and the majority of my father's family were members of the local church, and we did a lot of things as a family.
And most of our social activities were church related," Heins said with strength and confidence. "We were brought up on faith and the importance of what that meant to the community.
Not necessarily the Golden Rule, but think about your actions and what they mean as far as the people you are interacting with."
Dan Heins believes that his faith is the motivating factor in his involvement with the community and his goal for a better and stronger place for everyone.
He likes to have a part in making this a place where there are family programs and youth programs available.
"For instance, we have some excellent programs in town, such as the Parenting Resource Center, that does great, great work," he points out. "As far as that's concerned, I know that they are working all the time to make our schools better and more responsive to our childrens needs."
Because of the rapidly changing demographics in our community, Heins lauds the work of the Welcome Center, which in his words is a great addition to the other active agencies in the county.
Speaking as someone with experience in the subject of faith and success, he continues: "I think most of us have, at some point in life, some roots in our religion.
I would just encourage everyone to turn back to their roots in time of trouble rather than turn to their own ways and try to solve things on their own."
Dan Heins' favorite Bible chapter is the 139th Psalm in the Old Testament. The psalm expresses the peace of mind he derives from the fact that God created him and was with him from the very beginning, leading, teaching, protecting and comforting him through life. Those verses, if read with an open mind and a humble heart, can give a man the courage to be as gentle and caring as Christ himself.
And by faith, one can also draw the strength to take on as many responsibilities as Heins has -- and still put the family first.
Nini Johnson can be reached by e-mail at newsroom@austindailyherald.com