Heidi Long's memory board

Randall Long "Look at this beautiful bride of mine...sent from the Father by His own hand...How can the creature of One Divine promise to live with the son of a man?" - (The Gift, by Randall Long) Prov. 19:14 - "Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD." Prov. 31:10-12 - "An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life." Galatians 5:22 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control..." I am continually astounded by the fact that I have had the amazing privilege of living with a woman who exemplified godly character. Even before our families opened this space to share memories, hundreds of emails, messages, and calls shared one basic message: Heidi showed kindness to everyone. It didn't matter if you were rich or poor, black or brown or white, Christian or Muslim or not religious at all, Indian or American, near or far. When you talked with Heidi, for that moment, you were the most important person in Heidi's eyes. From nieces and nephews to youth group members and students, young people found the courage to believe in their dreams. Siblings, colleagues, and friends found a partner in their journey who filled their days with love, peace, patience, compassion, faith, hope, and joy. Leaders, parents, uncles, aunts, and grandparents found a respectful, loving younger woman who was eager to listen to their stories and learn from their experiences. We would love to hear from all of you the special interactions and memories that you made with Heidi--photos, visits, etc. as we thank God for the wonderful Gift that she was (& continues to be!) in our lives. Heidi & I had a special back-and-forth conversation that we would often repeat that pretty much sums up Heidi: I would say, "Heidi, you're the best." And she would say, "God is." Always one to redirect from Self to the Other, Heidi made us all more aware of what it's like to be in a place of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control--accepted because of love and not because of our deeds. It sounds a lot like Heaven. I'm glad to know that she's there, and I'm glad to know that the Spirit who enabled her to quietly impact so many lives in a positive way continues to work to bring more of these qualities among people who, like Heidi, will direct their heart toward the Other. All the best, & We all look forward to seeing your posts! Randy

Taran Long One of my memories with Heidi is when her and Randall came to visit us in North Carolina when I was younger. I was running in my very first race, a 5k around our neighborhood. I remember them being at the finish line cheering me on. I was so excited to show them my trophy. As I’ve thought about this memory more over the last few days I think of Heidi waiting for so many of us at our finish lines in the race of life. I think of her cheering us on.

Hannah Mather Heidi and Randy were my house parents at the Iris Harvest School back in 2009. This is some of us on a bush outreach they gamely led us all on! I arrived in Mozambique a rather culture shocked English girl and Heidi and Randy were the most welcoming, caring, and pastoral two people I could ever hope to find. On my first night, in the small hours of the morning, ants invaded my bed. Horrors! Heidi was wonderful at calming me down and together the three of us got rid of the ants, prayed protection around our little house, and went back to bed. We lived together for three months - six of us in a little two bedroom hut! They were grace personified managing us four girls, all from four different countries, each of us being transformed and stretched by God in different ways. I'd like to say there were no arguments that Randy Heidi had to step into the middle of and pacify, but that would be not be the truth! I have followed their journey via their email updates ever since then, communicating briefly every now and again. Two months ago we saw each other face to face again over zoom (the first time in over a decade). I wanted to help them with their school so we talked about that, and prayed for each other. Heidi sent me a little whatsap afterwards with a sweet little encouraging note. Reconnecting with them both reminded me how very gentle Heidi was, but so sensitive to the Spirit. I was struck by strength and fragility intertwined. I think she was, quite simply, the aroma of Christ and that it was God's pleasure to use her in that gentle ministry. She brought life and hope to me by her smile and gentle words over zoom and the following whatsap. I treasure that memory now for it was an precious gift to have had that time with them both. I wanted to share this as someone who knew her just a little bit but whose life was enriched by the times she entered into it. Blessings to all of you who loved and treasured her x

Chelsea Tea Heidi had a profound impact on my life. I often think of the example she set in faith. I am so thankful that I was blessed with the gift of learning from Heidi for a short time in India. I'll never forget our walks together and hearing her prayers. She was gentle and strong at the same time. She challenged me with her humility, her faith, her hospitality, her servants heart, and her sacrificial love for others. She had the sweetest smile and was just a joy to be near. I hope I grow up to be like Heidi. I am looking forward to seeing her smile again when we are reunited for Eternity and get to worship together in fullness of joy. I wanted to try to draw Heidi. I wish I could capture her smile better.

Penny Maker I graduated from high school with Heidi, I will always remember her as a kind, intelligent and amazing woman of God. I grieve for those of us left behind but rejoice in knowing all the joy she is now experiencing with her Lord and Savior! -Penny Maker

Beverly Long When Randy went to college, and came home for a weekend, in the conversation, he would say Heidi did this or that. Our ears would perk up, and we would say "Who is Heidi?" He would say a friend at school. As he continued to share about Heidi, I knew this girl was very special to him! Then he asked if he could bring her for the weekend, and I said "sure!" I could see what a precious girl she was! Just as the girls have said, she really listened to each of us, giving each her undivided attention. Randy was very special to me, we would talk and he would listen and he would be so good with the girls, always helping them with whatever they needed. We often say, Randy held our family together. He was the go to one for all of us (Scott and Tanya were married, and starting a family in Florida at the time). The girls and I , after the weekend knew Heidi was great and we could trust her with our precious Randy. She has been a precious daughter to me ever since then! Whenever they would come home we could hardly wait to see them. This past Christmas they were home with both families (Thank You Lord!). For my 79th Birthday we managed to get together all of my family except a few that couldn't make it! We decided to take pictures of each family, and the picture above of Randy and Heidi is from that day. It was such a great day to be together with family and such a lovely picture of the two of them. I am so glad we got to spend that time together!

Randall Long Heidi's friend, Roshni, shares about Heidi's faith and love for India.

Randall Long In 2009, driven by her faith and the belief in service to others, along with Randall, Heidi launched to a new frontier -- serving people in developing countries because of her love of Christ. Heidi’s aim to live simply and simply love each person she met had unexpected results: by 2019 she had set foot in more than 15 counties on 5 of the 7 continents in the world. She devoted most of the past 10 years to teaching English at a language training center which the couple owned and operated in New Delhi. All who knew Heidi were amazed at how she treated every person with the same compassion, encouragement and understanding, despite their differences in economic status, gender, color, religion, or nationality. She made each one feel that they were important. Though Heidi and Randall had no children of their own, hundreds of young people around the world mourn the loss of the “mother” that Heidi was to them. Heidi was predeceased by her father Clyde T. Bernhardt. She is survived by her husband, Randall Long of New Delhi, India, her mother Marica Bernhardt of Machias, Maine, her sister and family Jodi and Timothy Parsons, and many in-laws, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews from both sides of the family who dearly loved Heidi. Graveside services were held at MCD Christian Cemetery in Dwarka, New Delhi, India on July 25, 2020 with Pastor Sandeep Christian of Delhi Bible Fellowship presiding. The service was broadcast live, by which family, friends, and students from around the world were able to attend. Heidi dreamed of reaching the stars and landed on the other side of the world. In doing so, she brought the world together through her love for God and for all people from every nation on earth. “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” - C.T. Studd

Randall Long Heidi Jo (Bernhardt) Long, 49, passed away on July 25, 2020 at Max Super-Speciality Hospital in New Delhi, India due to a brain hemorrhage. Born to Clyde and Marcia (Mason) Bernhardt on July 18, 1971, Heidi enjoyed a typical childhood in Machias, Maine - delivering newspapers, participating in Girl Scouts and earning its highest honor, the Gold Award, being an active youth member at Machias Valley Baptist Church, raking blueberries, running high-school cross country, and playing the tenor saxophone in the Machias Memorial High School marching band. Heidi was a 1989 graduate of Machias Memorial High School and went on to Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. At Gordon College, Heidi earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology and dreamed of being a research astronaut in outer space. Heidi fell in love with Randall Long at Gordon College and the two wed on September 23, 1995. Following university, Heidi worked for 15 years at Boston University Medical School as a (Senior) Research Technician, contributing to more than 20 articles that furthered the study of Alzheimer’s Disease and Tuberculosis. Heidi was also active at Pilgrim Covenant Church in Lunenburg, Massachusetts, where she volunteered as a youth group leader, worship team member, treasurer, and church board member.

Deanna Wilson

Jodi Parsons Thank you for visiting this page and sharing your photos and memories. I knew Heidi as my loving older sister who was always available to listen, love, and guide me. Memories shared help us all hold onto her light and remember the joy and blessings she heaped on all that were given the privilege of knowing her. We look forward to you sharing some of your memories of Heidi. ❤️

Debbie Fortin

Debbie Fortin Heidi was not only my sister in law but one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. I was just a kid when she started dating my brother so for most of my life she’s been there. They say that you will remember how people made you feel not what they said, and I think that completely explains Heidi. I can’t always remember the conversation we had but how I always felt loved. She had this amazing gift for making you feel like you were the most important person she was talking to. She would listen to all you had to say, show you support, and overall love. Even as a kid when I would show her my Diary entries, poems, or products I made she would spend the time to really look at them. She would take the time to study things, have real conversations about them, and felt about them. It was like she could see right into your soul to know what you wanted. Heidi also had an amazing memory and could recall most conversations and would often say “hey I remember last time we chatted you had said ....” She would make a point to follow up with you which made you feel special. I was always in awe of this. No matter what was going on in her world she was there for you. I think in a lot of ways that’s what made her and Randy a great pair. They both had the ability to hold everything together. If ever I needed something Randy and Heidi would be who I reached towards. Randy stepped up to help raise us girls and be there for us when our parents split. He would help us with homework and step into any role we needed. Thinking back I realize it must of been so overwhelming for him. I think sometimes that Heidi was brought into his life to help carry the load. They really were the most caring, cutest, and loving couple I’ve ever known. My heart breaks for not only my own loss of Heidi but for his too. As well as for her sister and mother. With all the miles between us there’s no way to send a hug to everyone but I wish I could. I also wish I could send one to heaven and say thank you to Heidi for all she brought into our lives. She was an amazing sister in law, friend, aunt, and overall person. My heart and soul will always continue to love you Heidi. ❤️ Debbie

Patty Brahm Heidi was not only a sister-in law and an Aunt to my son Jacob but she was a friend. She came into my life during a time when I had a problem trusting anyone. I was very scared of letting someone into our lives and terrified she would come in and take my brother away. After the first time she came to visit all my fears went away. She was so kind and paid attention to everything we said and was genuinely interested. She must have been so overwhelmed with us all at first. Coming from a family of two kids into a house full of people who all like to talk at the same time, yet she just kept doing her best to listen to all of us like we were the only one taking to her at that moment. From that first visit she became part of the family. She is the kindest , most loving person to everyone she met. Whenever you were in her presence you felt the love and felt how important you were to her. Having known her since I was a teen I have spent many times complaining to her about this or that and no matter who I was aggravated at the time she always just sat and listened. Yet never did she say anything bad about anyone. She never joined me in complaining but just listened to my feelings and let me vent. I honestly don’t remember anytime I ever heard her complain about anything. She just looked at things as opportunities to grow and conquer things. Even a few years ago when she was recovering from surgery, I never heard her complain about it and instead just focused on all the good around her. I am a better person for having Heidi in my life and so was everyone she meant. She will be missed but never forgotten.

Anwarul Haque

Deanna Wilson They say people will not remember what you say, but they will remember how you made them feel. Those words sign ever true with Heidi because she had a way of making you feel appreciated, loved, and comforted every moment she was with you. I don't think we knew how much we needed that until she came into our lives, and I know that our lives will never be the same without her in it. I always looked up to Randy, as my big brother he was perfect. Somehow, he managed to find someone more perfect than him to marry. Whenever I talk about religion, the good and bad, I always bring up the two of them as a shining example of what it means in my mind to be a Christian. I don't think I've ever heard and unkind word out of Heidi's mouth or even anything close to annoyance. She treated everyone with compassion and respect no matter who they were or what choices they made. She listened to people about their lives, religion, experiences and then would talk openly about what it God had done for her. I really admired about her, she believed so deeply, but would rather show you by her actions and stories instead of trying to force her opinion on you as so many other do. I think that is why so many responded so well to what she had to say. Heidi had struggles just like the rest of us, yet somehow she managed to never let them create anger or jealousy in her. Instead she always found a way to be happy for those that had what she did not or look at setbacks as a way to learn and grow. She always made it look easy but I think that just goes to show how much inner strength and determination she had to always show grace. Randy and Heidi were always so fun to be around. When my boys were little you would often find her on the floor playing or making blanket forts with them. When they moved abroad we would try to plan a big family get together to celebrate whenever they came home. We all looked forward to seeing their faces and hearing the stories. Whenever Heidi would tell us stories about India, you could see her face light up. Although I missed them when they were gone, you could tell how much she loved India, her students, friends, and the culture. She had found a place that seemed to bring her as much joy as she had brought us throughout the years. This past year has been rough but I think the lock-down was a blessing in disguise because it actually brought us all closer together. We talked so often via WhatsApp and had weekly Zoom games and chats. It had brought us all together even though we were half a world apart. In the end I am so grateful that we all had to slow down and take time to cherish what was important to us before she was gone.

Anwarul Haque

Chelle Pitts I sit here pondering how such an amazing woman of God could be gone from this world...one who impacted so many lives. Even though I knew her for only a short period, I had the blessing of having several talks with her as she came into the office to make copies of her little bookmarks to hand out. She so inspired me with her faith, her sweet spirit, and her willingness to take the time to chat in the midst of her busy life. I remember those chats vividly...showing me her Indian garb, how they were made, about the Indian people...about her love for God and her love for God’s people. It was such fuel for my own soul. I would walk away, feeling determined to have the same passion...how often I have fallen short. She gave me this little treasure that I carry with me in my purse...it was a precious gift....and I pray a constant reminder to strive to be half the woman of God that I saw in her. My heartfelt sympathies to you all, to Randy...my heart breaks.

Kristi Stoltzfus How hard it is to believe we are here. It seems like yesterday we were celebrating Heidi's amazing recovery from her first brain bleed. But certain that God is good and his plan and purposes are good. Just not always what we want... a fact Jesus knew all too well. How much we loved it when you guys visited us. You and Heidi's impact on our family is invaluable; the childcare you provided for us and meals. The mementos were pretty cool also as she so interestingly described their significance to the Indian culture. It was so clear that when she came back to the states she was different...more alive. And... a new beauty about her as she stood in her beautiful Indian attire. I can only imagine her beauty now with her Lord. Talk about being alive! My favorite memory was every time you guys came over when you were in Massachusetts but especially this past New Year's Eve. Watching her blow everyone away playing charades. Such clever energy! And because of her, her team won. The Lord was so present every time you guys visited. Her gentle loving spirit will be dearly missed along with her hidden charade prowess and her hunger to memorize scripture. It will be exciting to see her again in heaven! We are so sorry for your loss. Thanks for reminding us that in the midst of this suffering, both Heidi and God win. We think of you and pray for you often. Words just seem to fall short.

Jonathan Shifley We love Heidi. It’s impossible to write everything about her here. The loss is devastating but God is good, faithful and just.

Patty Brahm

Patty Brahm This was taken right before they first went to India.

Debbie Fortin This isn’t a memory but a poem I wrote and would like to share: If I could send a hug to heaven If I could reach that far away I would take the time to hold you close To let you know that I care If I could sit one last time with you If I could just see your face I would tell you how much you meant to me To share what’s in my heart If I could hear your voice one more time If I could see that special grin I would smile right back at you Through all my flowing tears If I could go back into time If I could know it would be the last I would tell you how important you are To show you all my love If I could have known you’d gone If I could have said good bye I would of told you more stories To share my memories of you If I could have known this day was coming If I could have made that one last call I would have loved to hear your voice To hear that wonderful sound If I could have gone back in time If I could have recorded everything I would take all those memories To watch time and time again If I could tell you I’m glad you’re family If I could say thanks being my brother’s wife I would show you my appreciation To show you how much it touch me If I could have one more zoom call If we could play one more game I would ask you questions every turn Just to hear you say something If I could go back into time we first met If I could start that day all new I wouldn’t change the beginning To always still know you If I could know how this would end If I could of see the pain that came I would still have you in my life To know you has been a blessing If I could fly across the globe If I could send myself there I would sit with my brother To show him that I care If I could be there to comfort him If I could send a little hug I would be there in a second To hold him in my love If I could take away his pain If I could bring you back again I would do anything for that To make him whole again If I could heal your sisters heart If I could console your mother too I would package all the pain away To help them heal as well If I could send all our love to heaven If I could package it for you I would add a piece of all our hearts To send it up to you

Debbie Fortin One of my favorite memories of Heidi is how we used to spend time talking about new recipes we liked. We had both talked about making a binder with our recipes we came across in it. One day she excitedly showed me her binders she made including a recipe book she received as a wedding shower gift. She took the time to have them completely organized by type and then even added sub categories. Everything was neat and well laid out. I remember how excited she was to show me one of her favorite ones and how I couldn’t wait to go home and make it. She even put little notes next to them if Randy and her liked it and if they wanted to change something. When they moved away Heidi gave them to me. I’ve held on to them over the years and had added a few things of my own. ❤️

Deanna Wilson

Heather Shifley I don’t think I can adequately summarize how Heidi’s life has impacted mine, but here are a few words: -Heidi was kind. She chose to think the best of people. I always felt loved and affirmed and accepted by Heidi. -Heidi was genuine. She wasn’t “above” the human struggles of the heart and asking a friend for prayer. -Heidi chose humility. Her demeanor, words and actions elevated the dignity of those around her. -Heidi had a sense of humor. Her laughter and joy in the simple things was infectious. -Heidi had a holy contentment in her Lord. She chose simplicity in this world in order to be generous in the things that mattered to her most. -Heidi had great faith. It served her well in the pioneering work God called her to. -Heidi sought after God. She drew from a deep well of Scriptural knowledge and the treasure she found sitting at the Lord’s feet.

Debbie Fortin Today as I finish packing for camping I am thinking of Heidi. When they moved away they gave me a lot of their camping gear. As I touch it all to put it away I think of how Heidi used to used these. It bring me mixed emotions. I remember going on a camping trip with them and the youth group when I was a teen. I remember how Heidi made sure everyone ate and got to be a part of it all. She had a way of taking care of others while also having fun. I remember learning how to sing “Our God is an awesome God” in sign language. I still remember how to do it to this day. I don’t remember much else from that trip or even the conversations we had but I remember feeling welcomed, loved, and having fun. I remember seeing her smiling face every morning. I miss her every day. ❤️