Founded by Dr. A. Maria Crawford: Advocate for Marriage & Family

Heartlife Ministries was born out of a deep, Spirit-led calling. "That which comes from the heart, reaches the heart," became the guiding message for Dr. A. Maria Crawford as she balanced family life and ministry. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Dr. Crawford envisioned a ministry where God’s love would flow from her heart to those in need. Her journey began humbly with women’s breakfasts, local ministry work, and partnerships with other women’s groups. By 1999, it was clear the vision needed to grow, and Dr. Crawford officially launched Heartlife Ministries to provide women of all ages a safe, nurturing environment to grow spiritually and share their gifts.

The Growth of Heartlife Ministries

As Heartlife expanded, the ministry’s reach and impact broadened. Wesley and Neesha Stringfellow joined Dr. Crawford’s mission, bringing much-needed support to couples seeking guidance in their marriages. Since 2001, Heartlife’s Marriage Ministry has touched the lives of hundreds of couples, providing life-giving strategies to strengthen marriages, restore unity, and, in many cases, prevent divorce.

Becoming Heartlife Ministries, Inc.

In 2008, Dr. Crawford took another step in the ministry’s evolution, beginning daily inspirational messages to uplift and encourage those in the Heartlife community. In 2009, Heartlife Ministries became an official 501(c)(3) religious organization, solidifying its mission to serve and expand the Kingdom of God. Today, Heartlife continues to answer the call to “go wherever He says to go; to say whatever He says to say, and to do whatever He says to do,” with a commitment to spreading God’s love and bringing families closer to the heartbeat of God.

Our Mission Moving Forward

Heartlife Ministries is dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening families, and fostering communities rooted in faith, hope, and love. With programs that support marriage, family, and personal growth, Heartlife is devoted to walking alongside people in their faith journey, inspiring them to embrace God’s purpose for their lives. Dr. Crawford’s vision of a ministry that reaches the heart lives on, impacting lives and transforming communities across Illinois and beyond.