Sam Allen, President
Land Developer
Sam first met Pastor Mekala when he spoke at a local meeting in 2006. His family attends the same church as fellow board member Jessica Rotz, and they were all impacted by Jessica’s first-hand testimony of the work in India. In January 2007, Sam and his father and sister visited the orphanage. Sam was moved to his core by the poverty he witnessed and the amazing things being done through Pastor Mekala’s ministry. He couldn’t believe that he could share in the opportunity to take children off the street and make a lasting difference in their lives. He drew up plans for the new orphanage, and organized the Hagerstown office of volunteers. That office now serves to produce the quarterly newsletter, design the print materials, re-design the website, and manage the ministry’s finances. Sam joined the board formally in 2008. As President, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the ministry.
EXPERIENCE
Sam served as a teacher of an annual children’s Bible conference for many years, after which he was asked to travel to various adult christian conferences and help organize and operate the meetings. He still loves to tell daily missionary stories at a local camp, his favorite tale being the testimony of his Godly grandfather.
In his professional life, Sam began building homes when he was still a teenager. By the time he was in his early twenties he was developing land and managing development projects full time.
Even as he and a business partner own and operate Riverside American Development, his true passion is ministry. He has found tremendous fulfillment in working with Bless India Ministries. His organizational abilities and attention to detail have provided yet another critical set of skills to the board.
FAMILY
Sam is one of four siblings, with three sisters. His family resides in Hagerstown, Maryland.