April 3, 2014...20 years Missing ~ Heidi M Allen

Twenty years ago my phone rang and I thought there was a misunderstanding, kidnapping doesn't happen in New Haven, New York...well, it hadn't. Our family, town, and lives changed forever that morning. The kidnappers took more than Heidi, they stole a town's security and peace. We had choices to make, we could sit around and do nothing or we could join forces, pray, and do something to find Heidi and bring her home.

The way our community rallied was, and continues to be, a blessing I count in my prayers each day. Today is a difficult day, one of the most challenging I've felt since the ten year anniversary. I think it's because the decade anniversaries are usually milestone celebrations but when your loved one is missing, it's another hurdle you never thought you'd have to jump. The good news is, at ten years I said, "I don't have another ten years in me." Not that I'm happy we still don't know where Heidi is ten years later, God reminded me last night as I cried so hard that it was like a water fountain from my eyes...

God's strength holds me up however long I might have to wait
God's love surrounds me 24/7
God's timing is not mine and it's perfect
God's grace, mercy, and compassion are new everyday
God loves me
God loved Heidi
With my eyes fixed on God...I will survive

With God, all things are possible. Tomorrow is a "Footprints in the Sand" kind of day. Thank you all for remembering Heidi and being there for us all. We hope you'll join us at the New Haven Fire Barn at 6:30 p.m. Bring a candle for the vigil at 7:42 p.m. too

He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even  youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in  exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
 They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:29 -31

The LORD your God is in your midst, 
a mighty one who will  save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;   
he will quiet you by his love; 
he will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

Continued hope for Heidi...
Thank you and see you tonight!