Geared to meet the needs of directors with three years or less experience guiding a pregnancy help ministry, the training event focused on topics such as development and organizational vision in a collaborative atmosphere made up of leaders from as far away as Hawaii and South Carolina, where the next Heartbeat International Annual Conference is slated to be held, March 24-27, 2014.

“This was a great group to work with, and to learn from throughout the week,” Director of Ministry Services Betty McDowell said. “The team here at Heartbeat is confident in these leaders, and we look forward to the work God will do through them and their ministries in the years to come.”

Among the group of 47 attendees, 15 leaders serving in urban contexts attended the event on scholarship, thanks to a generous gift from an anonymous financial partner.

“Heartbeat International’s New Director Oasis has enabled me to acquire the best knowledge and training that I will need to be an instrument of God in the work involved in our crisis pregnancy center,” one attendee said.

Another new director views her experience at New Director Oasis as a precursor for Heartbeat’s upcoming Annual Conference, as well as the myriad of training opportunities Heartbeat offers throughout the year.

“I have been to many conferences and this was by far the best. Thank you so much for making me feel connected to other directors and to Heartbeat! You did a great job with this event and I am looking forward to the Annual Conference in the spring.”