Life Update
Friday, July 11, 2025
Greetings Dear Friends and Family! I hope this life update finds you well. It’s been a little while since I last wrote, and so many of you have kindly reached out to check in on us—thank you for your love and care for us.. I’m thrilled to share some good news: I haven’t had a single fall in over three months! That means we haven’t needed to call EMT during that time, and honestly, that feels like a big win. Little by little, I can feel my strength returning, and I’m so thankful. It’s the small victories that bring the biggest smiles—like realizing I no longer have to brace myself every time I step up onto the porch. That step, which once seemed so difficult, has become so much easier. Stairs or multiple steps are still a challenge, but I truly believe that with time it will all come together.
Over the past couple of months, there have only been a handful of days when I’ve felt truly down and discouraged. I’m slowly—and stubbornly—learning to extend more grace to myself, and I’m so grateful for the steady love and prayers of friends and family. Your support truly means more to me than gold.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of preaching at Christ Life Community Church right here in Smyrna. Everyone was so gracious and kind to us and it truly meant so much—thank you, Pastor Justin, for the invitation to come. And, coming up this Sunday (yes, just two days from when I’m writing this), I get the privilege of preaching at our home church, Cofer’s Chapel. Each summer, Cofer’s does a special summer series where six or seven of us each bring a message tied to a central theme. This year, as we celebrate 145 years of ministry, our theme is “Legacy Passages”—those passages of scripture that a most recognizable to everyone, like John 3:16, Genesis 1, Isaiah 40, Romans 12, and Psalm 23. I’m excited to share a “Christmas in July” message from Luke 1, focusing on Mary’s encounter with the Angel of the Lord. It feels so good to be able to share with our church family again. To God be the glory!
Here’s a BIG PRAYER NEED: Next week, I’ll be heading to Kansas City, MO, for our denomination’s National Convention, representing Cofer’s Chapel. It’s been three years since I last attended, and honestly, I’m both excited and a bit nervous. The last time I went to our convention, I spent most of it feeling so sick— which led to my leukemia diagnosis. While I can’t wait to reconnect with friends and experience all the benefits of the convention, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about being so far from home and my doctors for the first time since my diagnosis. To help ease my mind (and save my legs), we’ve reserved a handicap-accessible room and arranged for a power chair— as these conventions require a lot of walking! Pray for safe travels and a smooth trip would mean the world to us as we venture out.
PRAYER NEED #2: As for work, I’ve had some encouraging news. Just last week, I completed two promising interviews with a company a friend referred me to. The position is fully remote, comes with good pay and benefits, and they weren’t put off by either my background in ministry or my current journey of recovery. For that, I’m so grateful. I should hear back in the next couple of weeks, and if all goes well, I’d start during the first week of August. This opportunity would bring much-needed financial breathing room and help me ease back into a sense of “normalcy” in daily life. Please join me in praying that this door opens, and that I’ll adjust smoothly as I step into new normals—both professionally and personally.
PRAYER NEED #3: On the financial front, we're doing pretty good. There have definitely been some challenging moments, but thanks to so many you, you’ve help lighten the load. Every bit of support—every single penny—has made a real difference, and we’re deeply grateful.
Many of you have encouraged me never to hesitate to ask for help, and I’m slowly learning to embrace that—gratefully and humbly. While nothing is set in stone with the job, I remain optimistic. So many of you have helped us along the way that we haven’t had to worry, and that’s been an enormous relief. We’re endlessly grateful for your continued love and support.
So, let me bring this update to a close by saying, MY HEART IS FULL! That’s the best way I can describe it. Through every uncertain moment, every trial, big, or small victory, we have witnessed the Lord’s faithfulness. To God Be The Glory!
To our beloved friends and family: you have definitely been the hands and feet of Jesus. Your prayers, love, and support has done more for us than you will ever know. Every meal, note, card, email, text, call, visit, gift, and prayer (what am I missing?) has meant so much to us and they will never be forgotten. You have reminded us that we do not walk this journey alone. You have been there for us again and again. We are truly grateful for each of you.
YOU ARE LOVED!
Eric
