Chaplain's Corner
In case you didn't know, the Marie Sandvik Center is located a mile south of downtown Minneapolis and seven blocks from the Vikings Stadium in the Phillips neighborhood. We are in the heart of gang territory. I'm sure we've given sandwiches to some of the gang members. We have a lot of immigrants visiting us on a regular basis. We draw people to us by meeting their physical needs of food and clothing. As these needs are met, we also fulfill the Great Commission by teaching them what the Bible has to say. The surrounding neighborhood outside has numerous drive-by shootings and 24/7 drug deals. Inside, we promote peace with God thru Jesus Christ as the soon coming King who will solve all of the man-made sin problems that permeate society. It’s quite a contrast! People have told me they wouldn’t take the risk of working here in the hood and I respond with LIFE is a risk, and I might as well do it for the King and His Kingdom because that's ultimately what it’s all about!
A little about me. I was contacted by the Maire Sandvik Center in March of 2024, asking if I wanted to come out of semi-retirement at the age of 65 after 30+ years of full-time ministry to college campuses, prisons, speaking in Churches and schools, and radio ministry on the ultimate topic … Jesus being the Christ.
Jesus being the Son of God has been the ultimate question for over 2000 years. Another question I endeavor to answer … is the Bible actually true, and was He actually coming again. I was also the Chaplain at the Crosstoads Chapel at the Minnesota State Fair for 5 years. I live for defending the Ultimate Hope that Jesus is coming again to rule and reign for 1,000 years from Jerusalem!
I had my doubts, as even though I had recovered from Covid-19, I had since suffered a stroke and a heart attack. The Marie Sandvik Center reminded me that I had always enjoyed speaking there over the past 15 or so years, and they seemed to enjoy me as well. I had lost numerous ministry related friends to Covid-19, and I was convinced God was done with me as well. I had prayed multiple times that the Lord either take me or use me but don't let me die in my La-Z-Boy chair. It hasn't been easy. When one is working in the enemy's territory, attempting to deliver souls in Satan's backyard. Our work is cut out for us. We are within 5 minutes walking distance from 2 major drug-dealing parks.
The Marie Sandvik legacy is 85 years old in 2025, and still going strong. It’s evolved from a men's shelter right after World War II, to a family-oriented ministry. Covid-19 slowed us down a lot, but we kept going and we plan on expanding to the thousands of Hispanic refugees in this State. We’ve seen a remarkable up tick to the point they are a third of our audience now. It takes a lot of team work and volunteers to make this happen, as we have 4 regular services with Bible preaching, and food and clothing given away. Children come into the building two days a week to hear sound Biblical teaching on their level, and receive a hot meal while they are here. Yes, we are a throwback to the old-fashioned, traditional Bible outreach mission. We are being faithful to the Great Commission, or as I like to say, “Jesus with skin on" ministry. I would love to come to your Church on a Mission Sunday, or share what God is doing at your adult fellowship or Bible study.
I leave you with one of my favorite passages. “When these things begin to happen, look up and hold your heads high, because the time when God will free you is near!” (Luke 21:28-28)
My translation … Buckle up, the closer we get to the Second Coming, the crazier it's going to get for everyone, everywhere!
In His Service
Chaplain Chris Heeb