Hearts for the Children Ministry

2012-02-16T12:21:00.000-08:00

Our annual vacation bible school is always a success with children coming from five or six different villages. This year was no exception. As you can see from the photos the children doing crafts and being taught a bible story there is always a lot of singing and prayer, again ,several young heats were given to the Lord, Praise God!

A clown came to entertain the children at our annual Christmas party and a newspaper crew showed up to take pictures and so this event at HFTCM was front page news on a widely distributed Christian news paper. How about that! God is so good!

Again in these villages food was provided along with a variety of toys.

Another great way to end a year.

It all would not be possible if it was not for your love, prayers and support

Blessings to you all and may all of God’s provision be poured upon you and your wonderful families.

Tom, Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh

Vaarious activities

2012-02-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

Our dear Brothers, sisters and friends in Christ:

This blog got lost in space or something like that or I just did not do it right.

Well any way I want all of you to see how your love, prayers and support does things for the glory of God at your ministry here at Hearts for the Children.

These photos are year end and Christmas parties at our Mary Magdalena house in Guatemala City.

These are all street people living and sleeping on the street in five different areas of the City.

We meet with them every Friday morning to join in prayer and worship and then feed them, .normally a breakfast of eggs, beans, sausage, tortillas and coffee. We normally open our medical clinic to attend to those who are sick and can be treated with some of the medicines we have in our medical clinic.

You can see that the children are ministered to separately.

This year we were able to hand out hot tamales and some other delicious deserts.

There were toys and a mix of other children items for all of the children, Elizabeth’s father who lives on a pension in Canada donated a large part of the funds for some of the parties. I know that the rest or you gave from your hearts to help God reach so many.

During the week of activities in the City 15 of these poor of the poorest gave their heart to Jesus. Praise God that He has touched so many of you to reach out to hundreds of His lost in sin!

There is a second blog in process of the activities in other villages we work in.

May you all continue to experience the full blessing of God’s grace and love and if for some reason we are not able to communicate before Jesus returns then, we will see you in heaven.

Sincerely in Christ,

Tom, Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh Allan.

Annual Vacation Bible School at HFTCM

2011-11-21T06:44:00.000-08:00

Every year HFTCM dedicates four of five days at the end of the school year to a Vacation Bible School
Several hundred children will be brought in by bus to the new Church next week for a lot of games fun and classes that will teach our children more about Jesus. Usually about 15 children give their hearts to Jesus and we are expecting the same this year.
Because of the high inflation rate this year we may need to cut back on some of the supplies and food we give out. That is where you come in, You can be a missionary VBS helper at HFTCM this year, I know things a very tight financially in \North America, however whatever you can donate will be such a big blessing.
May you and your wonderful family continue to experience the full blessing of God's grace and love and if for some reason we are not able to communicate before Jesus returns then we will see you in heaven.
Happy Thanks giving to all.
Blessings

Tom, Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh Allan

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Some other things to do for short term mission teams

2011-11-21T06:21:00.000-08:00

A Sunday morning Church in our new Church and a VBS

Team members climbing a volcano in Guatemala

2011-11-21T06:14:00.000-08:00

This is one of the things teams like to do climb a volcano about 35 miles from our Ministry house

2nd part of short term ministry teams

2011-11-19T12:12:00.000-08:00

Then next sequence of photos :

Feet washing
Praying for the sick
A typical medical clinic note Cheryl Leigh Allan doing blood pressure and blood suggar checks
A children's food program
A typical short term mission team

2011-11-19T11:31:00.000-08:00

I have not posted a blog for some time as it has been a very busy summer and then getting our lovely daughter ready to enter High School as a fresh women this year. That took some doing, as young girls change from middle school to high school they change at lot and in many ways. This color is not right…this is out of style now…or this just does not look good on me. Most of you know what I am talking about; I was not prepared for this onslaught of great change. Cheryl Leigh Allan is no longer my little baby but now my sweet senorita.

I also lost all of the photos we took while the teams were here and had to rely on some of those teams to send me some of theirs.

HFTCM has had a lot of visitors this year and all of them came to work hard and bless many people.

We had a team from Canada in March. 18 people

One from Dallas Georgia in June 25people

Another from Dahlonega Georgia in June.10people

Bridgestone and Cornerstone Marietta Georgia 25people in April

Due West United Methodist Church in July 32 people

I will post photos of some of the activities along with comments from some of their blogs.

The photos you see are a mix from several teams who ministered with us this year.

In order: I have had to break this post into several units so I could send it. Others will follow

30 new Pews built by Due West UMC.

New Mount Zion Cub Scout troop led by Dale Hajost.

New street and houses in Guatemala City dump

Constructing the new pews for the Church

A Typical short term mission team this one from Dallas UMC

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

2011-10-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

I AM ASKING FOR POWERFUL PRAYER FOR El Salvador and Guatemala.

We have had very heavy rains for the past 9 days day and night. This has caused 50 deaths, thousands of houses destroyed, and hundres of thousands forced into shellters due to all rivers flooding and many mud slides all over both countries.

Thi has been caused by a tropical depression E!2 that has sat out in the Pacific ocean for days.

PLEASE PRAY THat THE POWERFUL HAND OF GOD WILL PROTECT THOSE MOST VUNERABLE.
BLESSINGS
TOM,ELIZABETH AND CHERYL LEIGH ALLAN.

Something new

2011-10-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

Just wanted you all to see something new added to the new Church you can see behind our music minister the creative works of some of our youth. In english it just says welcome to Mount Zion Church.

The next photo is of a gathering on Wednesday night for a prayer meeting. Because of the rain and mud slides the numbers are down a little.

Blessings
TomA

WHAT CAN WE DO

2011-10-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

I thought that some of you would enjoy comments from team members so you may get a flavor of what a team can do for our Lord at HFTCM

On Friday afternoon we went to the dump in downtown Guatemala City to share candy, toys and the love of Christ with the residents there. It was an amazing site to see thousands of people living in this dump, sifting through the trash in order to recycle items that others throw away to make a daily living. Recently the government had opened up this landfill to allow residents to make home places within the dump itself. These homes weren't much bigger than 20 x 40, but each family was so proud of the space they had been given. Most of the doorsteps were neatly swept and some even had flowers outside of their homes. As you walked through the streets, the sewer ran down the middle and in between homes; the smell was overwhelming, but the children paid no attention to it as they ran and played in the same streets. The things that stood out the most to me were the smiles and sincere gratitude that these people showed when we shared our simple gifts with them. This entire trip will be an unforgettable experience for me; my life has truly been changed. The people I have met will go home with me in my heart and I pray that God will continue to bless each one of them, this ministry, and the workers who serve
Friday at the Mary Mag House was difficult yet a blessing. It has been a long time since I have seen so many people in great need of Christ...such beautiful souls taken over by the evil ways of the world...caught up in prostitution and drugs. I prayed for a willingness to stop that way of life they are leading and ask that if you read this you also pray for them to open their eyes to the Ministry that is willing to help them if they are willing to walk away (a day at a time) and receive recovery in Christ. There was a connection with many of these precious people and me...I felt comfortable therefore was able to allow God to minister to them through me. Thank you God for bringing me into recovery from my past and allowing me to openly accept and pray for those in the same situations. The task of working with these people seemed overwhelming at times but God showed me that He can do it with the help of His workers. Please pray for the other workers to come forward to help the missionaries...
God has worked in and through the team...gosh, how I will always need people to mentor and minister to me as I minister...thank you to all those at home and here that have led me and molded me and continue to do so..I am so grateful!! Mary Fowler
Life changing.

Today we went to the Mary Magdalene House in Guatemala City, a street ministry that provides Spirit-filled worship (in a garage), food, ministry, and medical clinics for people that live on the streets. Many are high on paint thinner. Some have been shot or knifed. Some have a place to live but almost no money, and many are homeless. Little children come to this ministry too. Many people return week after week, but every week new people come in to hear the Word of God and have a hot meal. They truly accept the invitation - "Come as you are." It doesn't matter if you're high, or dressed in rags, or grotesquely scarred, or haven't bathed in weeks. Let's gather and worship the Lord together.

In the middle of worship this morning, several of us stepped outside to make room for newcomers. A girl walked up, hysterical, overwhelmed, desperately needing prayer. After we prayed with her, and she was able to look up and receive the peace of the Lord, we sat down next to her on the sidewalk, in the doorway, to offer encouragement and listen to the message inside.

As we sat there, a man came up. He was drunk, very loud, very agitated. He got into an argument with me and then started to manifest what the enemy was doing to him. It wasn't me that laid a hand on his arm, which he described as a sword that cut through him. It wasn't me that looked into his dark, tormented eyes and told him who he is in Christ. It wasn't me that put a hand on his heart and told him he has the heart of God. It wasn't me that told the enemy to go to the foot of the Cross, and the Holy Spirit to fill those empty, tormented places. It wasn't my tears that fell on his feet. It wasn't me that spoke the Word of Truth like a laser. It wasn't my voice that told him to rise up and walk in the calling God has for him. It wasn't me speaking Spanish to him, when I don't speak Spanish. It wasn't me whose words broke the chaos off of him and silenced him with peace.

None of that was me. It was Jesus. I was hardly conscious of being there.

I've prayed with people for years. I've ministered to people in tough situations. I've let the Holy Spirit fill me and use me to reach people. But I have never experienced what happened this morning. Not even remotely like that. I've prayed for that, but I've never been "dead" enough. Of course, there was more. That one encounter unleashed the Holy Spirit in me, and I started walking up and down the street, speaking or praying with people as the Lord led. Once again, it was not me. I've never been so "un-present" in my years of ministry. And I've never been so bold in all my life.

That encounter with the Lord this morning changed my life. It is seared on my heart, to where I don't dare forget, or walk backward from that experience. I don't think I could if I tried. I can't UN-know what that felt like, to let Jesus take over and use me with a boldness I don't have. There's no hiding anymore from God. I can no longer allow "fear of man" to affect my ministry or my Christian walk. God will hold me accountable for what I experienced this morning. There is no turning back, or the conviction of the Holy Spirit will be all over me.

God, thank You for bringing me to my knees this morning. Thank You for letting me feel Your heart and Your Spirit in me in a new way. Thank You for loving each of those beautiful brothers and sisters, both at the Mary Magdalene House and later in the community that lives at the City Dump. God, don't let me go back to the way I used to be. Help me walk in the new boldness of knowing what is possible when I surrender my fears to you. Thank You for bringing me here, to let me die to myself. Thank You for new life. Thank You for this vibrant ministry that you continue to grow here in Guatemala, and thank You for the privilege of serving you in this way. Thank You for all that you have done in our hearts and spirits on this trip, and bring us home safely. I don't want to ever be the same. Seal what you’ve done, sweet and awesome God, and let me bring home what you’ve given me. In el nombre de Jesus. I love You, God, and I love your people in Guatemala. In Christ - Janet Eriksson

Short term mission teams 2011

2011-10-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

I have not posted a blog for some time as it has been a very busy summer and then getting our lovely daughter ready to enter High School as a fresh women this year. That took some doing, as young girls change from middle school to high school they change at lot and in many ways. This color is not right…this is out of style now…or this just does not look good on me. Most of you know what I am talking about; I was not prepared for this onslaught of great change. Cheryl Leigh Allan is no longer my little baby but now my sweet senorita.

I also lost all of the photos we took while the teams were here and had to rely on some of those teams to send me some of theirs.

HFTCM has had a lot of visitors this year and all of them came to work hard and bless many people.
We had a team from Canada in March. 18 people
One from Dallas Georgia in June 25people
Another from Dahlonega Georgia in June.10people
Bridgestone and Cornerstone Marietta Georgia 25people in April
Due West United Methodist Church in July 32 people

I will post photos of some of the activities along with comments from some of their blogs.
The photos you see are a mix from several teams who ministered with us this year.
In order:
30 new Pews built by Due West UMC.
New Mount Zion Cub Scout troop led by Dale Hajost.
New street and houses in Guatemala City dump
Constructing the new pews for the Church
A Typical short term mission team this one from Dallas UMC
Team members working with a Food program
A typical mission team medical day note Cheryl Leigh Allan taking blood pressure and blood sugar tests.
Praying for the sick
Laying tiles in offices downstairs in the Church.
A team member doing feet washing
Due west UMC plaque
A Sunday service in the new Church

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And more were added to the Church

2011-06-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

Since the opening of our New Church we are adding more to the universal Church of Jesus.
May you all continue to experience the full blessing of God's grace and love and if for some reason we are not able to communicate before Jesus returns then, we will see you all in Heaven
Blessings

A blessed Mothers day

2011-06-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

The woman's ministry is growing daily. It is a big blessing for Elizabeth to host a special Mother's day dinner.Most of the Motheres who now have children in this picture were very small chidren who we ministered to when we began HFTCM many years ago.

Errors on blog posts

2011-03-31T08:34:00.000-07:00

Dear friends:
IT has been brought to our attention that there are some typo’s in some of the text sent out covering the 4 special dedication services. We apologize for these errors. Many locals participate in driving up the blog posts and some editing was overlooked.
Blessings
Tom A
‘

Final dedication service Sunday 13, March 2011

2011-03-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

WE DO NOT REALLY KNOW HOW ABOUT 400 PEOPLE PACKED INTO THE CHURCH ON SUNDAY

ELIZABETH'S MOTHER AND FATHER CUTTING THE RIBBON OFFICIALY OPENING THE NEW TEMPLE

TOM AND ELIZABETH DEDICATING THE NEW TEMPLE TO OUR LORD

THE VERY EXCITING TALENTS OF OUR BROTHER IN CHRIST JUANITO BLESSING OUR LORD

NOT AN UNUSUAL SCENE ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON

ALMOST EVERYBODY IN ATTENDANCE ON SUNDAY WANTED MORE OR GOD INCLUDING CHILDREN

SUNDAY MARCH 13 2011 THE LAST OF FOUR MIRACLE SERVICES

My family and all of our leaders expected miracles during the four dedication services; however never in our imagination did we expect what happened.
Sunday was the final dedication service.

The Church was filled to overflowing with people standing in the aisles. Indeed many had still not arrived. A non official count put the crowd at 400. The word had gotten out that there was something special going on at that new temple.
When the coordinator called the service to order a large shout of joy rang out and at that point the Holy Spirit took over the service. People leapt with joy, tears began to flow, when the opening scriptures were read and the opening prayer said, there arose an ovation for God that I have never heard of that continued for a good five minutes. I knew then that we were in an extraordinary place and time.

Juanito played the praise and worship music and once again the front of the alter was packed. The Holy Spirit moved on almost all of the people who were present. As the tears flowed, the cries out to our Lord intensified. Hundreds were dancing for joy, many were on their knees praying their hearts out, and many were slain in the spirit.
Our praise and worship, usually goes for about 40 minutes, not this day, it was some 2 hours later that Pastor Manny began to preach. Preaching on the miracles of the Holy Spirit drew out the blessing that flowed from the Holy Spirit compared to worldly things. Again he exhorted the gathering to come to this Temple and watch how God is going to use it. Combining his preaching with playing his trombone moved the Holy Spirit in a stronger way. Pastor Manny prayed for some who had never had prayer, two hundred people moved forward at the altar call to receive Jesus. Many were healed from illness, at one point we counted 130 laying on the floor filled with the Holy Spirit.

The service was scheduled from 3:00pm till 6:00pm however it was close to 9:30pm when we walked out of the Temple. We give God all of the praise, honor and glory. Elizabeth and I are now convinced that God is going to use this Temple in a supernatural way, all of the time, and we believe that a revival, of a supernatural nature will take place.
Please pray along side of us, as we move forward that God will continue to show us the way, that our spiritual eyes, ears and heats will always be open, please pray that God will keep us humble as we continue to reach out to those lost in sin.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS REORT AND MAY YOU ALL CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE THE FULL BLESSING OF GOD’S GRACE AND LOVE AND IF FOR SOME REASON WE ARE NOT ABLE TO COMMUNICATE BEFORE JESUS RETURNS THEN, WE WILL SEE YOU ALL IN HEAVEN.
SINCERELY IN CHRIT
TOM, ELIZABETH AND CHERYL LEIGH ALLAN

Dedication service Saturday March 12 2011

2011-03-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

PASTOR MANNY VALERA from the Dominica Republic entering the Church playing a stirring rendition of HOW GREAT THOU ARE:

PASTOR MANNY PLAYING AND PREACHING MORE POWERFUL WORDS EXHOTTING US TO ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO MOVE IN OUR LIVES.

THE CHURCH WAS FILLED WITH PEOPLE SEEKING MORE OF GOD. PRAISE HIS NAME.

IT DID NOT TAKE A MINUTE FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT TO TAKE CONTROLL OF THE SERVICE, MORE THAN HALF OF THE CONGREGATION WAS TOUCHED BY THE POWER OF GOD.
SOME 50 MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN GAVE THERIR LIVES TO JESUS!
4 HOURS OF MINISTERING AND NO ONE WANTED TO LEAVE.
WE GIVE GOD THE HONOR AND PRAISE AND ALL OF THE GLORY!
PLEASE KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR AN AWSOME REPORT OF WHAT GOD DID IN THE FINAL SUNDAY SERVICE.

Dedication services continued

2011-03-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

We used many forms of advertising and promotion this is just one of them.

Two different music groups were used in the Friday and Saturday services, all of them played local Church music using a variety of musical instruments. There was a lot of jumping and dancing for the lord in those two services.

A praise and worship team from an indigenous area , Chimaltenango, about an hour north of where we are, played some awesome music on Saturday night, that moved people to bow in adoration to Jesus,

Another praise and worship team from a Church in Guatemala City, that has played on the street, at one of our street outreach activities, touched the hearts of all present.
My family and I have waited a long time to see this dream come true. Praise and worship music bouncing off of the walls, ceiling and floor and melting all hearts present to Jesus.

Of course what would we do without our dear friend in Christ, Juanito (Hallelujah!), that’s what he shouts out all the time while playing and singing? There is such a bond between our congregation and Juanito that the minute he touches and instrument the Holy Spirit begins to move. Juanito played on Saturday and Sunday and we just know that our Lord was blessed.

We have more for you to see and read, over the next several days. Keep a look out for them. We want you to understand what God is doing in your Ministry and Mount Zion Church in Guatemala. A most exciting time with our Lord sorry so many could not join us.
Blessings
Tom Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh Allan

2011-03-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

Pastor Erik: From Costa Rica, Preaching another powerful word in the Friday night service.

For the Friday night service the Church was only 3 quarters full

The Holy Spirit began to move in a special way in the Friday night service.
Many new people showed up from the local villages for the Friday service as well as folks from Guatemala City. We sensed that something was just beginning to move.
Stay tuned for the Saturday and Sunday services.
We trust that you are being blessed by these reports.
Blessings
Tom, Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh Allan

2011-03-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

Four special speakers and several music teams were invited to help celebrate the dedication of the new Temple.
Pastor Manny from the Dominican Republic, Pastor Erik from Costa Rica, Brother Max from Canada, Brother Dale from Atlanta Georgia, Pastor Ulin of Guatemala, all preached powerful words of God, The Holy Spirit moved in an extra ordinary way during the 4 services. As the blessings flowed, the crowds cruched to the alter for more,men,women and children were slayen in the spirit and they came back for more.
We believe we are on the threshold of a revival. Not surprising as God showed me in a vision that there would be multitues comimg up the mountain roads to receive a blessing of the Holy Spirit. A prophy was given the Church on Saturday night by Pastor Manny that the Church needs to prepare for what is to come. We are preparing!
As you will see by the picures that the crowds increased from the first service on Thusday night to an overflowing crowd on Sunday afternoon. When the alter calls were made human masses surged forward.
We are all richely blessed by this unusual movement of Gods Spriit. Needless we all want more.

Pastor Ulin of the Premir De Julio Church of God in Guatemala Preaching a powerful word.

4 Special dedication services for the New Temple

2011-03-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

NEW TEMPLE DEDICATION SERVICES
The foundation of the temple of the Lord was laid in the fourth year, in the month of Ziv. In the eleventh year of the month of Bul, the eighth month, the temple was finished in all its details according to its specifications. Solomon had spent seven years building it.
1Kings 6:37-38.
I can relate somewhat to what Solomon went through, building the Temple. We first saw the land 15 years ago, but the man who was working his corn crop told us that he would never sell his land. During the next 15 years we saw and inquired of many sites on which we thought we would build the Temple but nothing ever transpired. One day talking to a very close friend about the need to build a temple, he said that he knew of a piece of land and took me to it. When he stopped his car it was in front of the land we first saw 15 year ago. Obtaining the land was the easy part.
The enemy came up against us for the next 5 years as we began the construction process. The journey through those valleys was a process of relying totally on God for everything. The greatest lesson was learning of His patience. As He worked to slay the enemy in our path, and as he turned hard hearts that were against us to loving hearts for Jesus.
I know how Solomon felt when the Temple was finally finished and dedicated it to our God on High.

The front entrance to Mount Zion Evangelical Church
The way the Church was built disguises the 15 rooms and offices below.

Setting up for the 4 special dedication services

If you can help

2011-02-21T09:35:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that we will be dedicating our new Church with special services on March 10,11,12 and 13.
We have a big problem with echo in the Church, we do have a professional sound tech man who works with a mega Church here in Guatemala. He is doing many things to improve the sound however he says we need a better and larger key board and a wireless microphone. If any body out there knows of any of these not being used we have two individuals coming to Guate for these dates and could bring them down.
Thank you for your love and prayers
Blessings
Tom A

A RECENT GRADUATION

2011-02-16T12:40:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday Feb 12 2011, I attended a very special graduation ceremony.

My dear wife Elizabeth has been working very hard at a seminary studying for her master’s degree in theology. The photos attached are of her receiving her bachelor’s degree in theology. Next week she will begin the next two semesters that will lead her to obtain her masters in theology. Elizabeth has a vision to go all the way for her doctoral degree in theology.

We all very proud of Elizabeth, being a Mom, wife ,a director of a ministry and helping to pastor two Churches in Guatemala, while putting in hundreds of hours of study and presenting papers to her professors every week.
Elizabeth’s spiritual eyes have been opened much wider and her spiritual ears have heard much more of the truth of the life of our Lord and Savior. She is now telling all whom she meets to go and study more.

May this testimony be a blessing to all that have heard and need to hear more!
May you continue to experience the full blessing of God's grace and love and if for some reason we are not able to communicate before Jesus returns then, we will see you in heaven.
Blessings
Tom A

NEW CHURCH DEDICATION IN GUATEMALA

2011-01-14T09:31:00.000-08:00

Dear friends in Christ: we take the pleasure of inviting you to the dedication of your new Church in Guatemala, Central America...

There will be activities and prayer and worship services every evening during the week of March 7th.2011 with the dedication service on the afternoon of March 13th.

HFTCM will provide lodging, meals and transportation while you are in Guatemala
Your very kind R.S.V.P will be appreciated by February 15th. 2011
MOUNT ZION EVANGELICAL CHURCH
Is it not written: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?”

Christmas party for the street Church in Guatemala City

2011-01-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

What a joy to share a Christmas service with our friends who live on the streets of Guatemala.

One of the sweetest spirit moving services we have had.

Then of course the food was served traditional tamales and coffee.

NON OF THESE ACTIVITIES COULD TAKE PLACE IF IT WERE NOT FOR YOUR PRAYERS,LOVE AND SUPPORT.
MAY YOU AND YOUR WONDERFUL FAMILIES CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE THE FULL BLESSING OF GOD'S GRACE AND LOVE AND IF FOR SOME REASON WE ARE NOT ABLE TO COMMUNICATE BEFORE JESUS RETURNS THEN WE WILL SEE YOU IN HEAVEN.
WE WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!
BLESSINGS
TOM,ELIZABETH AND CHERYL LEIGH ALLAN.

The street Children not forgotten at Christmas

2011-01-06T10:45:00.000-08:00

We had a blessed time with the street children at our Merrymagdelena house in Guatemala City where we held a Christmas party for them.

The children gathering for the street kids Christmas party at the Merrymagdelena house in Guatemala city.

First the food!

Yes the happy faces for some never having a toy for Christmas.

Christmas party for our Children at our Ministry house

2011-01-06T10:09:00.000-08:00

This years Children's Christmas party was a little more exciting than last year. You can see in picture no. one the happy faces as they display their new toys. Picture no. two shows the toys donated by Angelita and Ricardo Mejia, Elizabeth's Mother and Father who came to Guatemala for this party.
No. 3 is of course the food.
No. 4 the sweet Christmas pageant with a real baby in it!
No. 5 the little ones preparing their Christmas skit.
No. 6 They came from the 15 different villages we minister in.

Your new Church in Guatemala

2011-01-03T12:34:00.001-08:00

A lot of folks have been asking where we are with the new Church well! here it is.
Blessings
Tom A

The first picture is setting up the Church for Christmas Eve service.
The second one is of the ramp up to the door.
We need to finish the pulpit area with a green carpet.

Christmas blessings

2010-12-16T05:54:00.000-08:00

Tom, Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh Allan, along with all of the children, Moms and Dads you have blessed this past year in Guatemala, thank you for your love, prayers and offerings. We wish you a blessed and joyful Christmas, and a healthy and prosperous New Year.
God Bless
Hearts for the Children Ministries, Guatemala.

Vacation Bible School in Guatemala.

2010-12-13T08:25:00.000-08:00

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Prizes,candy,food and toys for all.

Dear friends in Christ:
As you can see from the photos the Vacation Bible School was a big success again. Each year it grows in number.
The five day event offers children from 15 different villages of all ages to come, hear about Jesus, eat, do crafts and have fun.
We are honored to be able to do this each year for God. He supplies the leaders, the provisions and also inspires the leaders to prepare each class.
The children like it so much that they have asked us to continue to VBS until school restarts. Not a bad idea if we had the funds and the people to do it.
In the photos you can see the happy faces of the children on the final day.
Praying for some of His little ones.
Tom and Elizabeth with the class representing Hawaii!
And praying on opening day.
Once again thank you for your love, prayers and support and may you and your families continue to experience the full blessing of God’s grace and love and if for some reason we are not able to communicate before Jesus returns then we will see you in heaven.

Sincerely in Christ
Tom, Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh Allan

MAILING ADDRESS IN THE USA
Po Box 661447 Miami Springs fl. 33266 USA
Phone Home 011 502 2443 3640 011502 51544201
Web site www. Heartsforthechildren.org
Blog Heartsforthechildren.blogspot.com
Email.tom@heartsforthechildren.org
If you wish to receive HFTCM blog up dates add the following to you e mail contact list FEEDBLITZ@MAIL.FEEDBLITZ.
A Ministry dedicated to serving the poor, hungry, sick, naked and oppressed children of Guatemala C.A.
A Church of God world mission project no 102 2047.

Christmas is approaching

2010-11-24T11:44:00.000-08:00

MAKE ONE OF THESE SMILE AND SAY THANK YOU.
Most of the families we minister to understand the true meaning of Christmas.
Sure there are some gifts exchanged and food brought by with warm wishes for the day, but that is not the big part of Christmas in the villages we work in.
Christmas eve is a day celebrated more that Christmas day. Our Church will be filled with honest prayer and worshipers, from early in the afternoon of the 24th until about 8 or 9 PM. Then the visiting begins until midnight when the sky lights up with fire works all over the Country. Christ was borne on that day and it is so wonderful to see how communities who do not have much, share their joy and blessings.
When they say Merry Christmas they truly believe it in their hearts.
HFTCM is honored to serve so many children. We no longer have Christmas parties for 3 or 5 thousand children but we do make a special event at Christmas time to share a toy and some candies to as many children as will come.
Many of you in past years have funded this event and I ask you to pray about supporting this act of love again this year. It will bring a smile and a thank you.
However they all understand that the greatest gift to all of them is Jesus Christ.
Thak you again for your love, prayers and support.

A blessed Thanksgiving Day

2010-11-24T10:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, and friends.
Some of us do not take Thanksgiving day very seriously, OH! I know the old line of Turkey and football.. I know you know there is so much more.
We at HFTCM take this day as a very blessed day. It would take volumes to list all of God's wonderful blessings we have seen over the past 20 years.
Really, Elizabeth and I thought we would serve may be two or three years in Guatemala. God certainly had his plans and we are not sure if He is finished with us yet or not. One wonders when they reach over the age of 70, how much longer is our Lord going to use us in Guatemala. No complaints mind you. It has been filled with joy and liberty.
One of the things that makes it easier for us to minister here, is all of the love and prayers we get from all of you.
We want you to know of what a blessing all of you are to us and to God.
We truly love you in Jesus Christ!
May you and your wonderful families continue to experience the full blessing of God's grace and love and if for some reason we are not able to communicate before Jesus returns then, we will see you in heaven.

NOT ABLE TO SEE THE VIDEO ON RECENT POST

2010-10-27T05:48:00.000-07:00

DEAR FRIENDS IN CHRIST, IF YOU CAN NOT SEE THE VIDEO OF THE CHURCH CLICK ON THE LITTLE BOX ON THE BOTTOM LEFT SIDE THAT SAYS LIKE AND IT WILL APPEAR.
THANK YOU
BLESSSINGS
TOM A.

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S DAY

2010-10-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

International Children's day is an opportunity for HFTCM to bring children to gether from 12 different villages, to praise our Lord. What a joy to hear them sing and pray. As our ministry is dedicated to serving the children of Guatemala we are honored to have so many come.The first three photos are of children from the villages, Praising Him, being led by age groups to receive food and toys,receiving the food etc. The next three photos are of street children who come from different parts of Guatemala city. Most are children of the street people who come to the Friday morning service and breakfast.
As we prepare for this very special day we are reminded of the scripture,(LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME TO ME AND DO NOT HINDER THEM,FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD BELONGS TO SUCH AS THESE.) Luke 18:16 (I TELL YOU THE TRUTH ANYONE WHO WILL NOT RECEIVE THE KINGDOM OF GOD LIKE A LITTLE CHILD WILL NEVER ENTER IT)Luke18:17
Blessings
Tom, Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh Allan

Your new Church in Guatemala

2010-10-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Brothers, Sisters and friends in Christ! This is the first video of your new Church in Guatemala. The Temple on the second floor is almost finished, the electrics and awesome windows are in, it has been painted. We are just waiting for funds to finish a little work on the windows that you can see, and then lay the ceramic tile on the floor. This construction project has taken about 4 years to complete. We never gave up although there were times when we thought it may never come to fuision. However by faith we kept going as the Lord provided and guided us.
We are all so excited to know that very soon we will move into this new temple of Praise and worship. There have been so many who prayed and supported this project it is difficult to name names here. You all know who you are and what you have done for the Glory of the kingdom here in Guatemala. This is a most modern Church building. The question has always been, why did God choose this tiny village and just ordinary people to build such a magnificent temple? We trust you will enjoy this first video and you can be sure there will be many more to come.
May you all continue to enjoy the full blessings of God's grace and love and if for some reason we are not able to communicate before Jesus returns then, we will see you in heaven.
Sincerely in Christ,
Tom,Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh Allan

A marriage a long time in the making

2010-08-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

Daniel was a very young boy when he first came in contact with HFTCM. It has been a struggle to say the least or this young man. He has come and gone from the ministry and Church many times. Always coming back when thing got to tough for him. God never gave up on him nor did HFTCM. Daniel met Marta a couple of years ago and began living together. Producing two wonderful children.Daniel and Marta began coming to Church on a very regular basis. Daniel advised us that his heart was leading him to be used on the sound equipment. In one of our meetings we pointed out that he would have to look at two things in order for God to allow this. First he would need to get married and secondly get baptized. Very quickly the Lord led him to do both.
The top photo is one of Daniel and Marta taking their vows before God. Daniel is now baptized and involved working with the sound equipment. It was an honor for Elizabeth and myself to officiate at this joining of two people under God. This makes it the 32nd couple we have had the honor of marrying all who had been living together with children. Praise God. May we see many more.
The second photo is of Daniel and his family with one more on the way. Please pray for health,spiritual guidance and provision.
Thank you
Tom, Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh

Stronger ties in Guatemala

2010-08-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Elizabeth and myself were invited to a dinner meeting with the Alliance of Evangelicals of Guatemala. This organization is an alliance made up of many different Church organizations designed to help one another in whatever way they can. The alliance is strong in members and the leadership are all well known in Guatemala. OF course the main purpose is to give, spiritual,legal and fraternal covering to its members. At that dinner the members unanimously approved HFTCM as a new member. Not all proposed for membership are accepted. We are honored and privileged to be called to this alliance. This stronger tie to the evangelical movement in Guatemala will help us move forward in the future. WE continue to thank God for His love and promises.
Blessings
Tom, Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh Allan

A Temple for the Lord

2010-08-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

God has done a great work on the new Church we are building in Guatemala. We are so honored and privileged to be part of this wonderful work. Elizabeth and myself never thought we would be called to construct such a Church. Five years in the making and for some reason God restarted the project and withing three months we are nearly ready to move in. Oh! no we are not finished yet, We are working on putting the electrics in this week, preparing for the windows and the tile for the floor. We thank all of the hearts that have contributed to this temple and ask that you all weigh in for the last mile. The windows are the largest of the remaining work as we have 12 very big ones. We have the quote for a total of $3,500.00. The ceramic tile will cost about$1000.00. That will complete the main temple top floor and allow us to hold services in your new Church. It will take some time to finish all of the offices and class rooms on the first floor however by faith again we believe God will provide. Please, help us to at least finish the praise and worship area, we know you have done much, however a little more is needed.
You can see in this photo what the inside of the Church looks like,with the platform built and a large area for the pulpit and the praise and worship teams. Our church community and the village are so excited. The birthday celebration for Glendy resulted in an overflow of people.
May you all continue to experience the full blessing of God's grace and love and if for some reason we are not able to communicate before Jesus returns then, we will see you in heaven.
Blessings
Tom, Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh Allan

Another birthday celebration

2010-08-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

You can see Elizabeth and a lot of children blowing out the candles on her birthday cake, we are not allowed to mention how many candles were supposed to be on the cake.
Happy birthday Elizabeth and may you receive the blessings from our Lord for many more.

2010-08-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

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Photo #1 13 people gave their lives to the Lord that night.
Photo #2 Playing for the Lord on the street.
Photo #3 Chow time
Photo #4 Sorting medicine, food, shoes etc.
Photo #5 Team photo
It is so exciting for us to host short term mission teams. Denominational differences are no barrier to the members and staff of Hearts for the children, or Mount Zion Church. We have been receiving teams for well over 15 years now. Most come between Februarys to July .We have already received two requests for June and July of 2011.
Our ministry house is situated between Guatemala City and the most popular tourist town of Antigua, in Guatemala. Our location is blessed with fresh air as we are situated about 3000 meters above sea level, and set on 3 acres of lush green plants and trees sounded by beautiful natural flowers of all kinds.
The house is able to accommodate up to 40 people, although some sleeping areas may be a little cramped it is comfortable and cozy. The food is always great with a mixture of Guatemalan and North American cuisine.
Brother Dale Hajost, of Due West Methodist United Church in Marietta Georgia has been leading teams to HFTCM for 5 years now and each one gets better and better, this years’ team was the best yet.
The makeup of the team was well balanced with a good mix of older teen agers and adults. The talents were also so well balanced between household repair people, translators, medical doctors, nurses, dental hygienist, and a young musical group calling themselves the sons of God. All were involved in outreach, medical and dental clinics, distributing clothes and shoes, along with gift bags. VBS was held 4 times during with different children. Hair was shampooed, and cut
One of the most exciting things was an outdoor Christian concert held on the street of Guatemala City at night at which the Sons of God performed, 6 in all played guitar, drums and sang both in Spanish and English. The stage was set up outside of our Mary Magdalena house on 4th street 13 people gave their lives to God on that exciting night. (PRAISE HIS NAME).
850 Were attended to by the Doctors and Dentist during the week as we traveled to several different areas to bless. One of which was at a hotel on the Pacific Ocean where we saw about 400 people and stayed overnight.
We encourage all Churches to put a team of talented people together who want to serve God in some way and come on down. Your life will be changed forever. All Christians should take at least one short term mission trip. We are waiting for you!

A wheel chair blessing

2010-08-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

Photo is of Elizabeth blessing the chair.

HFTCM wrote in a blog some time ago that our 40 tractor trailer ministry was back on track. Well yes it is and recently The Church of God Canada Eastern, sent a container down full of wonderful blessings. One of which is a most modern wheel chair.
A young woman, member of our Church has been in a wheel chair since birth. We continue to pray for her that one day she will walk. We donated the chair to her in the hopes that it will make life a little more comfortable. Please continue to pray that the Lord will one day lift her from the chair and heal her completely.
Folks are always asking what we can send down to Guatemala. This is an example as to what we have been saying, anything the Lord places on your heart get it to the collection area. We will sure use it.
Not only is this girl and her family blessed, our Church is, and The Church that sent it and the people who donated the chair are richly blessed.

From a sweet girl to a sweet senorita

2010-08-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

Photo# 1 shows the large crowd who came to celebrate with Glendy.
Photo # 2 Tom and Elizabeth blessing Glendy and her new ring.

Recently we celebrated the 15th. Birthday of a girl who has grown in the Word of the Lord almost since she was born. Glendy is challenged with Down syndrome. Several years ago Elizabeth received a word from God that Glendy would one day become a secretary. Not long after, the Lord opened the doors for us to get Glendy into a private school dedicated to people challenged with Down syndrome. God has blessed her with many talents and now she is able to talk and be understood. In Guatemala a young girl celebrating her 15th birthday is somewhat like a sweet sixteen in North America. The young girl now becomes a senorita.
The new Church was full of people who came to celebrate with her. It was a beautiful ceremony, and a delicious lunch was served by the women of the community and the Church. We are proud of Glendy’s achievement and know that the Holy Spirit will guide her to a very productive and fruit full life. We do ask for continued prayer for Glendy and her Mom.

DISASTER UP DATE GUATEMALA

2010-06-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

It has been several days since the Tropical storm passed through and left a trail of disaster all over the Country.
Although the volcano Pacaya is still very active spewing ash, gas and rivers of lava the black snow that covered the City and Country has diminished. Indications are that it will take many months to clean up the millions of tons of black snow from the City streets. The area around the volcano is closed and several villages close to it have been evacuated.
The results of the tropical storm are more concerning. 200 people killed, still many unaccounted for, thousands of houses damaged, thousands of people being housed in shelters.
200 bridges have been destroyed many rivers flooded a lot of communities damaged.
Some communities have been cut off from the rest of Guatemala such a Panajachel where giant mud slides have closed the main road into the town and both bridges collapsed.
As the rains continue to fall we are now faced with major highways collapsing to the North, south, east and west of the City. For large transport trucks, it is very difficult to bring product to the City. AS the shortage of grocery products grows, because of the damage to crops and the slow moving traffic prices at the stores have doubled.
The second sink hole in zone 2 of Guatemala City has now evacuated people from homes another 4 or 5 blocks around the hole as a precaution of more collapsing.
We pray for a let up of the rain to allow work to be done on some of these areas.
Some schools in the provinces are still closed.
There is a great need for clothes, shoes, medicine and food.
HFTCM again located a village blown away by the Storm and is supplying food etc and ministry.
Once again the Allan Family is will and safe, most of our Church and Ministry families are also well and safe.
Please continue to pray for peace,for our Country and wisdom for our Country leaders during this horrific time.
Any help you can give will be a blessing that will help us serve those in need.
Needless to say me and Elizabeth have been working extended hours reaching out to those affected by these two natural disasters. We are at peace and being led by the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for your love, prayers and support and may you continue to experience the full blessing of God's grace and love and if for some reason we are not able to communicate before Jesus returns then, we will see you in heaven.
Sincerely in Chrsit,
Tom, Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh Allan

40foot Tractor trailler ministry

2010-05-31T13:54:00.000-07:00

CONTAINER MINISTRY BACK ON TRACK
Most of you heard that our 40 foot tractor trailer ministry that helped us distribute about one million pieces of clothing and shoes a year was stopped two or three years ago by a Government agency. Recently God put us in touch with and Evangelical ministry that has the same kind of license and took HFTCM on board to help us get this ministry moving again. As a result the first container arrived from RiverStone Church, Marietta Ga at the end of May and another is now on it its way from the Church of God Canada Eastern. We knew God would open the doors for this to happen it was just a matter of waiting on His timing.
This is a very big tool used to reach out to those who have not heard.
Not all can go to the mission field or on a mission trip but you can become a missionary by organizing a collection of goods through your Church and making a delivery to Guatemala. This can be a very exciting project for those looking for a project to serve and also to donate good used items to those in need. Your project need not be limited to clothing and shoes as many think. We receive packaged food, medicine, bicycles, furniture, office furniture, computers, baby furniture, carriages etc. Let the Holy Spirit guide you. The only thing we ask is to please do not send junk or items that need to be repaired
We praise God for opening this avenue for HFTCM to once again serve in this way.
A big thank you to those who donated goods for these two containers. You will be able to count the numbers of faithful going through the gates of heaven.
Once again thank you for your lover, prayers and support, may you continue to experience the full blessing of God’s grace and love and if for some reason we are not able to communicate before Jesus returns then, we will see you in heaven.
Sincerely in Christ,
Tom, Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh Allan
The pics are some of the recent sorting and distributing.

EIGHTEEN YEARS

2010-05-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

Pic#1 A cake to be cut
Pic#2 Junior danse and praise team
Pic#3 Our little ones doing their thing
Pic#4 Cheryl leigh playing the drums
Pic#5&6 Some of the crowd.
HEARTS FOR THE CHILDREN MINISTRY &
MOUNT ZION C.O.G.
March 30th 2010 marked the real anniversary for HFTCM and Mount Zion Church in Guatemala!
Missionaries for the most part, when they are called to the mission field, and after preaching the Gospel for a season, are moved to plant a Church for the local population. Then many more aspects of the mission grow. In our case it was somewhat backwards. The vision for the ministry did not call for any Churches to be planted. Armed with the promise of God we set out to set up feed programs, medical and dental clinics and open a Mary Magdalena house for ministry. With no funding but with His promise we moved forward. It was somewhat a year or so latter the God directed us to plant a Church in the area we were working. The original Church is a circus tent, and our first meeting consisted of three children and a child’s toy microphone. Ask today and Elizabeth and I will tell you we did not know what we were doing. Just moving with our Almighty. Buildings were obtained for our medical and dental clinic in Guatemala City.
Thousands are passing through our medical clinics in many parts of Guatemala to obtain low cost medical attention and free medicine... Our food programs continue to feed hundreds each week. Our street outreach to the street people of Guatemala continues to grow. Many prostitutes are now off of the street and living liberated lives, some preaching the Gospel. Some ex street people are praise and worship leaders. A million pieces of clothing and shoes are distributed to the poor and particularly the children of Guatemala, each year through our 40ft. container relief program that brings containers of goods to HFTCM from Canada and the USA.
The story of Jesus has been told to unaccountable multitudes of children all over Guatemala. The kids for Christ club have about 200 members meeting each Tuesday afternoon with various activities and good food. Every Friday morning the garage of the Mary Magdalena house is full of just street people ready to praise God with song and dance. Hundreds of these lost souls have been led to our Lord. A good breakfast of eggs, sausage, beans, coffee and tortillas is served to about 175 people. They call themselves the Crazies for Jesus! We did not set out to deliberately set up this Church we just stumbled into it.
The last part of what God has called us to do is to build a temple for His Glory in the village where this work all started. We recognized the beautiful piece of land that was chosen for the building of a new Church but at time the man planting corn on it indicated it was his and he had no intention of selling. For fifteen years we wandered around looking at many sites but none became a reality. On day a friend told me there was a piece of land available in that village so we went to look at it and were astounded when we recognized it was the land God had identified fifteen years earlier. Looking back on those fifteen years we understand why God made us wait. We may be slow learners, but it is evident that we needed to learn a lot of things before He released the land to us.
The construction is well underway now with the first floor done and the second floor on its way. We plan to put the roof on very soon if the funds are available. Indeed a very exciting time
Once again thank you for your love, prayers and support, may you continue to experience the full blessing of God’s grace and love and if for some reason we are not able to communicate before Jesus returns then, we will see you in heaven.
Sincerely in Christ,
Tom, Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh Allan

Follow up disaster Guatemala

2010-05-31T09:35:00.000-07:00

The tropical depression hit land Saturday night that and the result of the previous three days of rain along with the volcano erupting 15 miles from Guatemala City has once again turned Guatemala into a disaster area. Not much different than what hurricane Stan left us with just 3years ago.It all started on Thursday afternoon when some say a minor earth quake 4.9 hit Guatemala, probably affecting the volcano. The ash and Gas was sent up 2000 meters into the air and spread all over the Country. Then that night heavy rains came as a result of the storm heading our way.
The airport was closed on Thursday afternoon and will reopen probabe Wednesday. I had a friend Art Fowler with me during this and we had to bus Him to El Salvador so He could get home Monday.
Here are the facts as we know them this morning.82 people dead
53 people still missing
30,000 people in shelters
13 bridges wiped out
120,000 have been evacuated from the villages. About 10,000 homes destroyed.
Schools are closed for the next week
Most major highways are closed due to river flooding or mud slides. Pacific coast road closed, interamericano highway closed.
One of our favorite visiting spots Panajachel is isolated from the Country again as the to bridges in and out are washed away.
Large portions of Antigua are under water and mud.
Most of the rivers in Guatemala flooded over.
To see more of the affected areas google Volcano and tropical depression Guatemala.
The volcano has quited a bit now only throwing stuff 250 mtrs into the air.
The storm as gone and light rain is predicted for today and tomorrow.
As far as we know all of our HFTCM families and those of our Church are OK, again the Allan family are well and in the graceful hands of our Lord.
We have been meeting over the weekend to look at what we can do and where we can go to be most effective. As we have a large back up of clothes, we will need water and packaged food stuff, any thing you can do the help will be a blessing.
Thank you for your love and prayers
Sincerely in Christ,
Tom, Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh Allan

2010-05-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

It has been raining for three days and nights steady in and around Guatemala City. Saturday afternoon we are bracing for a tropical depression off the Pacific coast about 40 miles from the city. The storm is heading to the City. We are expicting more continueos and heavier rain for the next 48 hours. This is causing mud slides,blocking roads and moving houses. Many of the small rivers in and around the city are flooding major roads and highways.
At the same time the volcano Pacaya that many of you have climbed with me in erupting since last Thursday, closing the airport and most business in the city. I have about 2 inches of black snow all over our property and infact all of our community of San Cristobal. The volcano continues to send gas and black snow 2000 meters into the air spreading for miles. One reporter has been killed by a falling rock. Only 2 other deaths have been reported. The US embassy in Guatemala is closed on Thursady and will try to open on Tuesday next. The us embassy advise is to stay in our houses and not go our for any reason.We have had to cancell weekend services.
We want you all to know that the Allan family is fine Knowing that God's loving protection is at hand. I will blog latter tomorrow when we may know more.
In the mean time may you continue to experience the full blessing of God's grace and love and if we are not able to communicate with you before Jesus returns, then, we will see you in heaven.
Sincerely in Christ,
Tom,Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh Allan.

Short term mission teams

2010-05-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

The post made of Scott willifords team did not identify the pics for some reason so here they are
pic#1 distributing clothes in a poor village
pic#2 distributing food to the bamboo hut people.
pic#3 painting the school
pic#4 patients waiting for clinic
pic#5 pharmacy
pic#6 med clinic
pic#7 marimba band

2010-05-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

SHORT TERM TEAMS
Hearts for the children ministry was blessed in the Month of April with two short term mission teams. One from RiverStone Church, Marietta Ga and the other from Dahlonega GA.
Brother Scott Williford led the team from RiverStone being there eighth or ninth consecutive year visiting. This was Scott’s fifth or sixth year leading a team to HFTCM. 22 people arrived on April 2nd and spent the next 6 days doing a variety of ministry and outreach.
The highlight of this trip was a visit to the jungle a 360mile round trip from Guatemala City to a Mayan village called CHISEC. Most of the population there does not speak Spanish but one of the 23 languages spoken in Guatemala (Q’eqchi). We had to scurry to find interpreters to go from Q’eqchi to Spanish to English for our medical and ministry teams. All in all a very exciting time driving through the jungle. Our compound, cut out of the jungle where we slept and ate was in fact very comfortable. It was difficult for some to sleep with the crying of the monkeys and the large birds screaming at night.
Our mission was to paint a local school that was in very bad shape, do a medical clinic that lasted till dark, and a vbs. The team painted several rooms of the school as well as the outside. The medical team saw about 300 people and the VBS team presented the story of Jesus via coloring pages. A very successful ministry.
The team had about 300 lbs of beans, rice, sugar etc. On the way back Scott and I had the same vision as to what to do with the food. On the way into and Egolical Park we had visited further into the jungle we passed a village of buildings made of bamboo. We just stopped the bus got out and started distributing, before we knew it the people came out of nowhere fortunately we had enough for everybody. We were invited into the community center that was just a bunch of bamboo sticks held together by ties. One of the community leaders explained that they had no work and no crops therefore no food. We did pray together and were invited into a bamboo hut to pray for a woman with a broken ankle that was just bandaged. Our bus driver a Guatemalan, said this, where I come from we are poor, but compared to this, we live in heaven.
HFTCM does have plans to revisit this population and bring them seeds of corn, beans and vegetables.
The team had an exceptional experience of visiting a park that has a zip line down over the jungle and a lake drop line. We spent several hours visiting the site and having fun on the zip line and the water drop. The most exciting item was visiting a water hole with a cave carved out of the side of the mountain. The Mayans left a box inside the cave with the inscription; this place is the home of the God of the moon. The original box is now in the museum in Guatemala City.
Guatemala is such an exciting place to visit and minister, so put your team together for next year contact us and lets go (preach the gospel).

HFTCM MOTHERS DAY CELEBRATION

2010-05-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

A MOTHERS DAY CELEBRATION
Mother’s day is celebrated with as much excitement and enthusiasm as in North America or may be more.
On Sunday May 9th our service was dedicated to the Mothers of our community. As you can imagine the Church was full on that day. The Holy Spirit took control of that service with a powerful anointing of the Praise and worship. We ministered for several hours to the spiritual needs of many. The falling out of so many had such had impact on the entire community. (Praise God)
A Mother’s day celebration in Guatemala is not a celebration without good food and games. There were many prizes for those who took part. Pic#1,2 some of our folks,3,Elizabeth being presented a gift by one of the ex street kids now a prais eand worship leader.

Hearts for the children&Mount Zion Church

2010-05-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

HEARTS FOR THE CHILDREN MINISTRY &
MOUNT ZION CHURCH.
Many of you know that construction of our new Church started four years ago however due to an unfortunate set of circumstances the work was halted primarily for lack of funds.
Turning to God and asking for His provision for four years was an interesting journey. The workings of our Lord are so mysterious and at time seem so crazy. Because He is almighty we always need to keep in mind that He is supreme in all things. As we waited and waited He was choosing the people He wanted to use for this wonderful work. Again the most unusual people, from the most unusual places, to do a most unusual work
Our fund raising was low key to say the least. God’s was a much more powerful and in-depth move, that moved in the hearts of His loyal and blessed children.
All donations that came in over the past two or three months went directly into the construction project. We Praise God for all the hearts that blessed this project. The engine that God used to raise the majority of the funds was Dale Hajost and Due West United Methodist Church in Marietta GA. They do give God all of the Honor and Glory.
Although the funding that came in is a blessing, there are always over runs, particularly in Guatemala. We are at 90% of the budget and are calling on our Brothers and Sisters, allied Churches and friends to weigh in. We need between ten and twelve thousand dollars to complete this very exciting work of God. There are very few Churches in Guatemala that are as beautiful as Mount Zion. We are entering the rainy season and our Tent Church cannot hold up much longer. Whatever you can give will be a blessing to our Lord.
The location is divine, high on a mountain top overlooking Guatemala City on the same spot Tom and Elizabeth envisioned building a Church fifteen years earlier. It is a very modern two story building with lots of offices and classrooms, kitchen, washrooms, dormitories for visitors and short term mission teams. The temple is on the second floor with a capacity for five hundred or so. Ramps and washrooms for the handicapped have been incorporated in the construction.
Although the funding is a blessing there are always over runs, particularly in Guatemala. We are at 90% of the budget and are calling on our Brothers and Sisters, allied Churches and friends to weigh in. We need between ten and twelve thousand dollars to complete this very exciting work of God. There are very few Churches in Guatemala that are as beautiful as Mount Zion. We are entering the rainy season and our Tent Church cannot hold up much longer. Whatever you can do will be a blessing to our Lord
May you all continue to experience the full blessing of God’s grace and love and if for some reason we are not able to communicate before Jesus returns then, we will see you in heaven.
Sincerely in Christ,
Tom, Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh Allan.
Pic #1 Some of the 5000 block needed to finish the Church
Pic #2 Blocking up to the roof
Pic #3 View of the first floor
Pic #4 Oh!how high up they have blocked!
Pic #5 View from the pulpit
Pic #6 Tom&Elizabeth looking over the plans.

Hearts for the children ministry^

2010-05-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

FA,MILY FUN

2010-03-09T09:27:00.000-08:00

The women of the Church still make birthday cakes for him.......no age posted??

2010-03-09T09:05:00.000-08:00

Cheryl Allan attends an English language Christian academy in Guatemala. Each year one day is dedicated to serving in the community in some way. This year the school chose Hearts for the children ministry for the 7Th. grade servant day. Cheryl's classmates came to our ministry house and station to paint, garden,clean ditches, play and feed some 200 children and Moms. It was a wonderful day both for the children of the school as well as the village children. Cheryl Allan is front row left with a paint brush In her hand.

SOME FAMILY FUN FROM GUATEMALA

2010-03-09T07:35:00.000-08:00

Not very often do we post family things, folks are always asking how Cheryl Leigh is doing. She is doing well all around. Her school recently sponsored a 3 mile run through the school community. She worked hard prepping for the race and really enjoys running. Cheryl will continue her Gymnastics classes with the Guatemala federation of Gymnastics.
PHOTO NO. 1. CORSSING THE FINISH LINE
PHOTO NO. 2. ON THE RUN
PHOTO NO. 3. WARMING UP

Where there are two or more gathered

2010-03-03T08:18:00.000-08:00

God's Holy Spirit has guided Elizabeth to re tool our women's ministry that calls on the women to become proactive for Jesus.God has shown her the multiple talents among our Mothers group. The goal is to bring out those talents that will allow our women to become high profile Christian leaders in their communities. Another subject is to understand the biblical term of unity. Working in harmony and unity to edify their church, children, youth and community.
PHOTO NO. 1 Waiting for Valentines day activity to start.
PHOTO NO. 2.Mothers praying for their children.

New things for a New Year.

2010-03-03T07:31:00.000-08:00

KIDS FOR CHRIST CLUB.
New team leaders have emerged working with Tom and Elizabeth. New projects and programs have been put into place that have penetrated the hearts and minds of the children and Moms is some villages previously not visited by HFTCM.
As we continue to teach Jesus to these children,feed them and develop relationships our goal is to allow Jesus to change lives, homes,communities and eventually Country. We now see more that 200 children at our food program.

MAY YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS

2009-12-23T09:14:00.000-08:00

PHOTO 1 YUM YUM GREAT FOOD
PHOTO 2 TOYS FOR CHRISTMAS?
PHOTO 3 LOTS OF BALOONS!
PHOTO 4 SOME OF OUR LITTLE ONES
PHOTO 5 CHERYL LEIGH TURNED 13 ON THE 23 DEC.
PHOTO 6 UPDATED PHOTO OF TOME AND ELIZABETH

Elizabeth Mother and Father sponser Christmas party for street kids.

2009-12-20T11:21:00.000-08:00

How happy these children are with a little food and a simple toy for Christmas.
What a wonderful way to close a year of great activities and wonderful blessings.
Thank you for your love, prayers and support, may you all have a blessed Christmas and a very prosperous New Year.

Elzabeth's Mother and Father sponser Christmas parties

2009-12-20T10:56:00.000-08:00

Some of the children showing off their new toys, Elizabeth prayig for the children,setting up the toys for distribution, voluteers preparing the food for the children, They posted a sign saying thank you.

wyatt family visits HFTVM

2009-12-20T10:17:00.000-08:00

The Wyatt family from Powder Springs Ga. visited HFTCM for several days in November along with a family fried Rex. During a three day period they blessed the people of October 20 the children of HFTCM at the Ministry house in San Lucas and the street people at the MM house in Guatemala City. The Wyatts blessed with the distribution of about 250 bags of food including, beans, rice, cereal, milk, flower for making tortillas,sugar, salt,and candies. They also presented pinatas in all of the communities they visited. What a blessing for so many poor people especially the children.
The photos show Mothers receiving bags of food, the smallest ones with the Pinata,Tom and Elizabeth praying for the opening of the activity, a shot of all of the bags of food ready for distribution and a great shot of a wonderful family full of love for Jesus.

CHILDREN ACTIVITY

2009-12-20T10:04:00.000-08:00

Hundreds of Children came to help us celebrate Interational Childrens day.
A lot of prayer was said, much singing, a lot of games and of course food.

Bud Williford constructing the new Church and Alfredo one of our workers

2009-11-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

2009-11-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

FOLLOW UP

2009-09-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

THIS JUST IN:
AS A FOLLOWUP TO OUR POST LAST WEEK ON THE FOOD SHORTAGES IN GUATEMALA AND THE EXTREME SITUATION WITH SOME OF OUR CHILDREN.
PLEASE MY CHRISTIAN FRIENDS I AM ASKING FOR A SPECIAL OFFERING TO HELP US DO OUR PART IN THE NAME OF JESUS!
BLESSINGS
TOM A

Thousands in Guatemala face food shortages, UN says
Source: CBC News
Posted: 09/13/09 12:54PM
Filed Under: World
Thousands of families in Guatemala are desperately short of food after a combination of dry weather and poor soil has resulted in the failure of corn and bean crops in the east of the country, a United Nations official says.
Guatemalan authorities said the food lack is said to be greatest in a "dry corridor" in six provinces, a region that has had little rain in recent months due to the effects of El Nino. About 25 children have died of malnutrition in the region this year, authorities said.
Up to 54,000 families who live in the corridor are affected by the scarcity. High food prices are exacerbating the situation, the UN World Food Programme said.
The Red Cross said Friday that its staff in Guatemala are getting ready to draw up a plan to deal with the food shortage before launching an international appeal for funds. Aid workers said they want to determine the scope of the problem first.
Josette Sheeran, executive director of the World Food Programme, said in a statement from Rome on Friday that the food shortage is of "deep concern" to the UN agency, which has already distributed food parcels to more than 400,000 people with the help of local authorities.
"Women and children have been caught in the vortex of this hunger crisis and are in a desperate struggle for survival," she said.
Last week, Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom declared what he called a "state of public calamity" in a bid to elicit funds from other countries.
"This will help access resources from the international community that are generously offered for this type of situation and to mobilize national resources more rapidly," Colom said in a statement issued from Guatemala City on Tuesday.
More than 90 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition were admitted to hospital in the province of Jalapa in August, three times higher than the same month last year. And of the 117 children taken to hospital between January and July for malnutrition, 17 have died, the World Food Programme said in a report last week.
In Guatemala, a country of 13 million people, 50 per cent of children under age five suffer from malnourishment.
The World Food Programme said the food shortage has been intensified by low food stocks due to previous crop losses, as well as falling exports, foreign investment, tourism revenues and access to credit.

Bud Williford setteling in at HFTCM.

2009-09-08T13:22:00.000-07:00

Bud Williford has given His heart to Hearts for the children ministry. Bud will spend the rest of September working at a variety of jobs to help Tom and Elizabeth with the daily activities at HFTCM. Bud will spend 40 hours of one on one Spanish classes. He will return to HFTCM some time early January 2010 with intentions of serving for a longer period of time.Bud is the first of the new vision volunteers HFTCM and it's board members envision will come to Guatemala for long term service at HFTCM and take over some of the day to day work from Tom and Elizabeth. It is an exciting time for Bud and HFTCM. Please keep him in prayer.

Ernie Marton and Elizabeth Allan leading to the Lord

2009-09-08T13:07:00.000-07:00

At a recent Friday morning Church service and breakfast for the street people at the HFTCM Mary Magdalena house in Guatemala City Ernie Marton and Elixabeth Allan lead 5 souls to Jesus. "Praise God"

Scott Williford from GA. presents a leadership conferene

2009-09-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

Hearts for the children ministry sponsored the 2Nd. annual men's conference in Guatemala. This years Theme was LIVING THE MESSAGE. Scott brought his brother Bud, and Ernie Marton, who over 4 days delivered inspiring and uplifting messages. There was awesome praise and worship music led by Juanito, a contact of HFTCM, perfect interpretation by brother Diego Cruz another contact of HFTCM. The Holy spirit moved in powerful ways over the 4 days and the conference ended on Sunday morning with a wonderful breakfast and a powerful celebration. Last year we had 15 to 20 men attend this year we had somewhere up to 45. We are looking forward to this as an annual event and have a vision of some day having hundreds of men from all over Guatemala come and prepare to be Christian leaders of leaders in Guatemala. There were many who testified but one stuck out. A young man from Mount Zion Church testified that His boss wanted him to work the second night but the young man insisted he had a men's christian conference to go to, the boss said that if he did not stay to work he would loose his job, the young man replied so be it. "Praise God" The young man did not loose his job.
We thank God for servants like brother Scott: The other photo is of some of the men praising our Lord

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

2009-09-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

The food lines continue to grow at HFTCM: The Mary Magdelena house in Guatemala City is stretched to feed the lines.The same situation at the Ministry House in San Lucas where up to 150 children come to eat.

Hungry children and mothers

2009-09-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

Dear friends in Christ:
Christian greetings in the name of Jesus from beautiful Guatemala!
Many of you have heard and read about the drought in Central America this winter season and particularly in Guatemala. Our Country relies on the rain to begin in May and continue through to the end of October. Without that rain our crops that sustain most of the population have withered this season.
To complicate this, the global financial crises have put a huge pressure on the budget of Guatemala. Add this to a continuing surge in the exchange rate of the US dollar to the Guatemalan Quetzales now standing at Q8.30 for 1US dollar, compared to one year ago when the exchange was Q7.75.
All of this has resulted in a very high unemployment rate and greatly reduced the national disposable income.
You have probably heard about the extreme hunger that is affecting our children. Our National Hospitals are saturated with under nourished children.
As we at Hearts for the children are struggling to maintain our food programs for the children, widows and single Mothers and our street people, we are not sure how much longer we can sustain these programs. February of 2009 was the first month that indicated our financial support was beginning to fall. The first four Months of the year saw a drop of %3o, now in the Month of September we are faced with a %65 fall out. It is very hard for Hearts for the children ministry to even think about aborting these food programs and disappointing so many Mothers, children and street people who have come to depend on HFTCM for at least one good meal a week.
To this extent you realize that the Allan family has been affected by these financial crises also.
Weather experts are predicting a continuing dry winter and if that happens Guatemala will be faced with a severe long term hunger situation. The Ambassadors to Guatemala from The USA, Sweden and Canada are urging the President of Guatemala to declare a national state of emergency.
Tom Allan is asking all of the faithful to weigh in on this critical situation. First for prayer, along with a special offering.
Jesus called his disciples to him and said “I have compassion for these people; they have been with me a long time and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way :”(Matthew 16:32).
Thank you for all you do for Him and us and may you continue to experience the full blessing of god’s grace and love and if for some reason we are not able to communicate before Jesus returns then, we will see you in heaven.
Sincerely in Christ,
Tom, Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh Allan
“

Bud Williford on his way to Guatemala to serve at HFTCM

2009-07-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

Putting on the “GARMENT of PRAISE” - Isaiah 61:3. I am praying that it’s the season for me to join others in Guatemala expanding God’s Kingdom.

While having struggled with addictions most of my adult life, I am now experiencing the freedom that only comes from knowing Christ. A freedom He wants all of us to have regardless of the individual struggles that life sometimes brings.

Just a few months ago I joined a mission team from Riverstone Church for a very short week in Guatemala. I expected to return with a greater appreciation of my life in the U. S. but never expected to experience such a different and much more understanding of how “HUGE” God really is. I do not have the words to describe my experience. I only know that its time for me to give.

“Hearts for the Children” is a terrific ministry that preaches, teaches, feeds and clothes many in need. They are looking for capable bodies and witnesses for Christ help them in their mission. By the grace of God, I now have a chance to return to this beautiful country where these beautiful people live extremely simple lives.

I will be leaving the first week of September and staying for approximately 30 days. This trip, I pray, will reveal more specifically His purpose for me there longer term. It will be a time for learning and serving. I believe that God has a plan for me there and I pray that you will be led to support me and this ministry.

My budget for the trip is as follows: Transportation $450

Room and Board $600

Ministry support $500

Total $1450

I have already raised enough to cover the bulk of my transportation. Any extra I raise will go directly to the ministry. Please pray for this effort and if you are lead to support me financially make your tax deductable contribution to: forWord Partners, Inc.

2836 Landing Way

Marietta, Georgia 30066

Please do not write my name on the check but simply include a note indicating your support toward my trip. Thanks and God Bless you!

Bud Williford

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

street people church Guatemala City

2009-07-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

Three males came forward to give their lives to Christ at out street people Church at the MM house in Gautemala City. July 24 2009

Kids for Christ Club

2009-07-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

Photo 1 Time for prayer
2 It's chicken chow mein this week
3 He won a car this week
4 Wow! I was so hungry!

Elizabeth Allan

2009-07-26T12:29:00.000-07:00

This is an urgent prayer request for Elizabeth Allan at Hearts for the children ministry in Guatemala.
About a week ago Elizabeth fell ill and could not get out of bed. Being very dizzy, sweating, feeling cold ,shortness of breath, numbness around the mouth and tunneling vision. It took several days to get a proper diagnoses. Vertigo takes a long time to cure. She is on some very strong medicine and needs a lot of rest to help the body recover. The air and blood flow to the brain is slowly increasing.
To say the least she is out of action for a while.
I ask that all are called to intercede for this wonderful servant of God
Thank you
Tom and Cheryl Leigh Allan

Interns

2009-07-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

This years interns Andi Hollway,Hannah Letson from Montevallo Alabama and Darell Frenette of Montreal, Canada saying good by at the Airport in Guatemala City after 2 Months of great work for our Lord at Hearts for the children ministry.

A hearts for the children street kids activity

2009-07-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

Marvin his and his wife lived on the streets of Guatemala city for many years. They have come a long way by the grace of God, no more drugs, alcohol. They now have a 4 month old baby girl. We managed to find them a place to live although most would call it a shack, but it is home with a roof over their heads. As you can see HFTCM supplies basic food for this family when it can.
The basic weekly food basket costs $10.00 per week. If you can help please let us know.
Your prayers are needed for this family who have a good start. Praise God.

A hearts for the children street kids activity

2009-07-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

On Saturday afternoon July 18th. Tom Allan took about 55 street kids to a park to enjoy a day of soccer and a picnic. All of these kids are homeless and are in need of love, encouragement and opportunities. Getting them off of drugs, alcohol and other antisocial activities is a hugh task. The first step is developing trusting relationships. it was a great day, a lot of fun and great food.
Photo 1 The game is on!
Photo 2 it's a goal!!!!
Photo 3 cooking on the grill.
Photo 4 Thank you!
Please pray along side of us for these great kids that we can share the light of Christ with them.
Many come to the Church service at the MM house on Fridays but we need to do more.

Street kids program

2009-07-20T16:52:00.000-07:00

This is a street persons Church and breakfast activity, held every Friday morning. They come from sleeping on the streets to worship and praise their Lord. This Church has no politics,no gossip,no offerings,just joy and love. All you need to enter the MM house is to love the Lord with all your heart,soul and mind.
Photo 2. cooking eggs,beans,sausage
Photo 1. 120 people come to just praise and worship and eat!!

A kids for Christ Club activity

2009-07-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

Photo 1. Elizabeth Allan leading the singing!
Photo 2. Wow!He won a prize!!
Photo 3. They cook it!
Photo 4. And they eat it!!

A kids for Christ Club activity

2009-07-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

It started with 10 that came, then, 20,then 30 now 105 what's next???

2009-07-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

a 12 YEAR MISSIONARY CHERYL LEIGH ALLAN TAKING BLOOD SUGAR READINGS ON PATIENTS AND TRANSLATING FOR DR. JOHN AT MEDICAL CLINIC IN THE GUATEMALAN CITY DUMP JUNE 25 2009

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

2009-07-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

TWO WIDOW MOTHERS OF HFTCM WIDOW AND SINGLE MOTHER FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM RECEIVING BAGS OF TYPICAL FOOD FOR THEIR FAMILY AT HEARTS FOR THE CHILDREN MINISTRY HOUSE.SUNDAY JULY 12 2009

2009-07-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

1. SOME OF THE YOUNGER STREET KIDS OF GUATEMALA THAT HFTCM WORKS WITH ENJOYING AN AFTERNOON OF SOCCER AND PIZZA.
2. SOME OF THE TEENAGER STREET KIDS AT THE GAME.
3. TOM PRAYING FOR THEM.

Kids for Christ

2009-07-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

We just started our new upgraded version of Kids for Christ Club on Tuesday afternoons here at the ministry. We are reaching over 70 children from several villages nearby and are so excited to see how this part of our ministry grows to touch lives for Jesus Christ.

Team Due West

2009-07-04T10:02:00.000-07:00

The week that the last team came was very tough. When the team of 19 got here from Due West UMC in Mariette, GA, we started immediately jumping into ministry. They arrived Saturday afternoon and that night we were out on the street of Guatemala City ministering to the homeless. There unfortunately weren’t many out that night, but it was great getting to see those who were. We heard some testimonies from those on the street and also one from a boy on the trip. He told about how his father lived on the street for two years battling addictions to drugs and alcohol. But then the Lord saved his father and he is now off the street and no longer has addictions to drugs and alcohol. He also told about how God restored this boy’s relationship with his father. It was great to be able to have a testimony that fit so closely with those that we ministered to.

Sunday afternoon we had church service. There were a lot of people there. The team had prepared a lesson about David and Goliath. They had little cards with Goliath printed on them to color and then they were given a bag of little koosh balls to throw at him. This represented knocking over the obstacles we have in our life with the help of God.

Monday was a big Medical clinic day. The whole team went to Zorzoya to set up a clinic that had two doctors, a dental hygienist, and a women’s health nurse practictioner for pap smears. Some of the youth did triage to get the name, weight, age, and main concern from each patient. There was also a hair-washing clinic to de-lice some children. At this station they could also get their hair cut. We stayed there for about 7 hours or so and saw about 150 patients.

Tuesday was the first day the group did construction. Most of the guys and the interns went to do that part while the rest of the group went to the village of October 20. Those on construction were also responsible for the kids for Christ club. The construction team went down to the church and first thing they had to do was cut the grass with machetes. The weeds were so high they were at least 4 feet tall. The group had fun cutting the grass but it was definitely hard work. There was only one machete accident. An intern sliced open her thumb while sharpening the knife. There was a lady who owned a store who helped her clean up her wound. What a blessing she was for her. It was one example of seeing God work through others to take care of His children. That afternoon we had the kids for Christ club. The story of Jesus walking on the water was told by Elizabeth, and then they watched the movie Robots and ate popcorn. There were about 75 children that day and God provided just enough food to feed them all. The clinic at October 20 went well also. We saw many patients again and were blessed to see the joy the people had even though they are one of the poorest villages we work with.

Wednesday the whole group went to Embaulda for more construction and time to play with the kids. Part of the group scrubbed rebar with a wire brush while the rest of the team handed out bags of toiletries, beanie babies, and bracelets. On that night, we had our Wednesday night church service. The group prepared a lesson on Noah’s ark that night. First they read the story, then read it again doing an interactive puppet show, and then made Noah’s ark necklaces. The kids were divided into small groups and helped by those on the team.

Thursday was another medical clinic, this time in the Guatemala City Dump. We set up in a house right outside the dump. That day we actually had three doctors (which was good because they saw about 200 patients). Unfortunately our nurse practioner was very sick and couldn’t do the women’s health check ups. We were able to hand out many articles of clothing there that day. The men especially loved the jerseys we gave them. Unfortunately this was a very sad day for us as well. There was an old lady that we had gone to see and pray for before who was very sick. She was 72 years old when she died today. That was really sad but her wake was a celebration of her life and was joyful.

Friday we had the breakfast that morning with the street people at the Mary Magdelena house. Then we went next door to the clinic and had a medical clinic. Cindy, our nurse practioner was still sick. We had Cherylleigh’s cousin and two of her friends to come translate for us. How nice for our doctors and triage workers to have so many translators! At this clinic when the patients went to get their prescriptions, they were taken into a back room to pick out a new pair of shoes. It was so wonderful to see the joy in their faces when they tried on a pair and got to take it home. Then that afternoon we went to Gorrion for another clinic. We set up in a small home so it was a very tight squeeze. The dental hygienist did about 10 patients in the dental clinic and the doctors saw about 50 before leaving after 6 that night. We gave the people of the village clothes, toothbrushes, tooth paste, and floss and they were very thankful.

We have really had a great week and saw God move in the lives of so many! Please pray for us still! Our three interns will all be returning home by the middle of the month. We have enjoyed their time here just as they have enjoyed theirs.

Team Dahlonega

2009-06-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

Six adults from Dahlonega,GA arrived last Saturday the 6th to work on construction of our church building. God had other plans for this group, though. Realizing the poverty level of so many people here in Guatemala, Tom decided to postpone the construction and instead go into the local villages and set up medical clinics and feeding programs.

On Monday, the plan was to visit Panajachel for the day, but all roads leading there were closed due to protests. Therefore, the team visited the Mayan ruins of Iximche instead.

On Tuesday, the group went to the village called Zorzoya and did their first of three medical clinics. They played futbol with them, and entertained them with Vacation Bible School lessons on Daniel and God’s creation. The kids were really excited to receive bubbles and slap bracelets, as they do not have much. The Kids for Christ Club was on Tuesday afternoon, and the kids decorated boxes, which included a mirror that reminded them that THEY are a big gift from God. There were lots of goodies inside for them to enjoy as well.

Wednesday, the team visited the village October 20 and set up another medical clinic and VBS. October 20 is one of the poorest villages around this area, having no electricity or running water, so it was very humbling to work with these people. The kids from this village got to decorate bookmarks to go in their Bibles, as well as play with lots of bubbles and slap-bracelets. Wednesday night, the group had the kids from church paint sun-catcher crosses. These were a big hit with the kids, and in show of their appreciation, many gave their beautiful crafts to members of the team.

Thursday, the group set up yet another medical clinic in the village of Gorion. Many of the kids that come to the Kids for Christ Club live in this village, so it was nice to see familiar faces. The clinic was set up in the home of one of the church members. To make the wait to be seen by “Doctor Tom” easier, the kids were able to show their creative sides through drawing and coloring. Thursday night, they went to downtown Guatemala City to hang out with some street kids. They brought the kids bean sandwiches and juice, sang songs, and shared the gospel of Jesus with them.

Friday morning, they served breakfast at the Mary Magdalena House. It was great to see a lot of the street kids from the night before. After the breakfast, they had a small clinic at the hospital next door, then left for an afternoon of sightseeing. On the way, they stopped by the city dump. The group saw the President’s Palace, a beautiful Catholic Cathedral, and the Guatemala City market. The team ended their stay with a nice supper together.

We have a big team of 20 people coming on June 20th led by Dale Hajost of Due West United Methodist Church based out of Marietta, GA. They will be staying for 7 days and working in various ministries around this area, including: construction of the church, medical clinics, dental clinics, children’s ministries, etc. We are very excited about this group coming in, and have a lot of preparing to do in the mean time. Be praying that none of us here catch the swine flu! It is becoming a pandemic worldwide, with already 65 plus cases here in Guatemala.

Team Shelby

2009-06-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome team Shelby Crossings!

Paige, Andi, Jeremy, Hannah, Liz, Lindsay, Chris, and Tia all arrived from The Church at Shelby Crossings’ college ministry in Calera, Alabama, to stay May 18-29. While they were here, they participated in four medical clinics, two of which were held in the local villages. They planned Vacation Bible School activities for the kids during our church services, using Bible stories, skits, and singing to try to effectively communicate Jesus’ love to the children. On the two Fridays they were here, they were able to go downtown to the Mary Magdalena House to help minister and feed the people who came. They were able to work with the street kids, from hanging out and playing “futbol,” to going out at night and sharing their food and their testimonies with them. It was a truly humbling experience, to say the least. The street kids, that Hearts for the Children Ministry targets, are all very young, and looking to drugs to cope with the fact that the street is their home. What they really need is Jesus, and our aim here at Hearts for the Children is to make them realize that need.

The team from Alabama also got to do some incredible sightseeing. They climbed the Volcano Pacaya, spent a day in the beautiful historic town of Antigua, visited the Guatemala City President’s Palace, and even spent some time hanging out in the Pacific Ocean. While all these things were definitely fun and exciting, serving the people in Guatemala seemed to be the highlight of those eleven days. Hundreds of people may not have come to Christ in that short period of time, but relationships were built and people were shown love.

Two of the girls from the Shelby Team, Hannah and Andi, have chosen to stay here until July 14. They, along with Karell ‘Katy’, are staying here to be interns. Katy has been here since May 11 and will be here until August 6. We are teaching these interns all about being missionaries and the tremendous amount of work that goes into a ministry like ours. They will be helping to lead the two groups who are coming in June to help with the construction of the church. Their vision for the summer is to serve the Lord in any way that He wants them to. They want to learn how to run a ministry and help God’s children all over the world. They would love to see these children come to know God and receive His salvation. They know that everything they do here is an opportunity to plant those seeds and cultivate the seeds that have already been planted.

Also...welcome team Bedouins!

While the Shelby Team was still here, we had a team of three come. Elaine, Keith, and Stephen, from an organization in Birmingham, AL called Bedouins International, came on Sunday the 24^th of May. They came for a very specific purpose- to make a picture documentary on the life of Lupita, a member of our church. They spent several days interviewing Lupita, as well as interviewing Tom and Elizabeth. They also toured the area that Lupita worked and learned about how she came to know and love the Lord. Lupita was a prostitute from an early age and struggled with drugs for a long time before she came to the ministry and accepted Jesus as her savior. He was able to completely able to turn her life around and use her to bless His other children here. They were able to take beautiful pictures, capture hours of audio, and translate Lupita’s testimony. They also helped the Shelby team with all other ministries including street kids program, children’s ministries, and medical clinics. While they were here they were also able to partake in some sightseeing. They went to Antigua, visited the Palace in Guatemala City, and even enjoyed time on the black beaches of the Pacific Ocean. This team was extremely busy in their 8 days here! We are looking forward to seeing the product that they are making from all of their work down here. It will be available for the entire world to see how God is blessing the people of Guatemala and the Hearts for the Children Ministry.

To find out more on Bedouin’s International, check out: www.bedouinsinternational.org

We will be receiving another team from Georgia on June 6^th. They are going to be here for the primary purpose of doing construction on our church building. While they are here, they will also be doing other ministry activities including participating in church services, VBS for the children, medical clinics, and helping with the street kids ministry.

NEW WAY OF COMMUNICATING TO YOU

2009-04-29T06:33:00.000-07:00

Blessings to all of our friends and supporters from beautiful Guatemala in the name of Jesus!

I have been praying about a way to keep our contacts updated on a more frequent basis as to what is going on in your Ministry here in Guatemala.

Many of our friends are asking for more detailed information as they want to feel that they are here with us, particularly the hundreds that have visited and ministered along side of us. Then there are those who are thinking of joining a short term mission trip and are eager to gain as much information as they can.

It is obvious that we must move into the 21st century and use the multiple and powerful services available.

Starting this Month of may we will begin blogging ,we will be able to add photos and videos as they happen. Tell stories before they get too old and reach into your homes, offices, schools and automobiles as the events and activities happen.

I am excited to be able to communicate with you in this way. The good thing about this is that you can blog onto the site and give us your ideas and suggestions. You can ask all of the questions you want and get an immediate answer.

Looking forwad to getting more information to you quicker and easier.

May you and your wonderful families continue to experience the full blessing of God's grae and love and if for some reason we are not able to communicate before Jesus returns then we will see you in heaven.
Sincerely in Christ,
Tom,Elizabeth and Cheryl Leigh Allan