PHILLIP ANDREW ALLRED

Phillip is the fourth son of the Allred family and was born on April 11, 1994. Phillip received the Lord as his personal saviour the week before his fifth birthday. Phillip had been very inquisitive about salvation for many months before this and had talked with his parents at length; but was unable to put it all together. Then, during the missions conference held for the children, taught by missionaries Larry and Charlotte Franklin, Phillip finally understood and made the decision to be saved. He raised his hand during the invitation; but then when being questioned, he informed the teachers (and later his parents) that he didn't need to pray again to be saved because he had already done that right there in his seat - by himself. He seems very confident of his salvation and is now very anxious to learn all that he can about the Lord. He was baptized in the first baptismal service held by the North Merida Baptist Church.

Phillip was very young when the family began the mission work, but he has always been right in the middle of it all. He is very sociable and this has opened many doors for him and his parents to share their faith. Now that he is older, he also participates in personal evangelism and discipleship, helps in the children’s ministry, greatly encourages the other teens, translates for the doctors on the medical mission trips, and helps with the general maintenance around the church. Outside of church activities, he also enjoys playing football and taking art classes.

CHRISTOPHER MATTHEW ALLRED

Chris is the third Allred boy and was born Oct. 26, 1991. Christopher, like his older brothers, began to ask questions about heaven and hell when he was about 3 years old. While on deputation Chris got very concerned one day and prayed with his Dad to be saved, while driving down the road. However, he continued to have doubts. Then, one night in a church service during the invitation, Chris raised his hand signifying that he wasn't sure if he died he would go to heaven. He and his Dad looked in God's word to see clearly what he must do to be saved and that very night, Chris bowed his head and invited the Lord Jesus Christ into his heart. Chris has not had anymore doubts since that night and was soon after baptized.

Chris also has had a major part in the mission work here in Merida. He has participated in evangelism and discipleship, played the guitar with the choir, taught children’s classes, taken part in the youth ministry, gone on medical mission trips, and is always just a great “help” with whatever needs to be done. He has also discovered that he has quite a talent as a kicker and receiver on his football team - that is “American football”, not soccer (believe it or not).