A Word from Bob Howerton…

I want to thank all of you who have expressed your condolences to our family after the sudden departure of our oldest son, Eric, to heaven on April 23, 2010.

Needless to say, we miss him so very much. There is a huge hole in our lives that will never really be filled.

This is not something that one "gets over," but rather gets through. And we are getting through it, day by day, sometimes moment by moment with God's strength.

I know my son is in heaven, not because he was my son, but because he was God's son through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible says, "For as many as received Him, He gave them the power to become sons of God."

Eric made a commitment to Christ as a very small boy, and always believed in Jesus, but he also had his struggles. Yet during the last two months of his life, he really committed himself to Christ, with a real hunger for God's Word and for accomplishing the Great Commission. I honestly believe he was willing to give whatever it took to reach others, particularly those he called friends, for Christ.

The Lord blessed Eric with a wonderful wife, Bridget, and a daughter, Launa, whom Eric absolutely adored with all his heart.

Eric worked tirelessly and had poured himself into anything and everything he undertook, wanting to be the best worker, friend, husband, and daddy he could be. This was all the more true of his relationship with God. He did nothing less than give his all to be the person God wanted him to be. Therefore, there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness in heaven.

The impact of Eric's testimony:

Many have told me how Eric's story has deeply moved them and caused them to respond to the gospel, so I know my son shares in the reward of all that the Lord did.

Perhaps he was even watching it all from heaven.

Though our sadness is so strong at times, the Lord has been with us each step of the way, and it is our desire as a family to glorify God though our weakness and point people to Him to the best of our abilities. I'm sure we will fall short and disappoint some, but we will try to honor the Lord as best we can.

In closing, I just want to thank all those who have prayed for my family, served us during our lowest times, sent cards, letters, facebook posts, and just sat with us when you did not know what to say. The love we have been shown has given us a glimpse of God's love. It is amazing. Thank you!

Bob Howerton and family