The Rest of the Story–Or At Least, The Next Chapter

In Ohio, Phyliss, a widowed worker having returned from Pakistan and the Persian Gulf, was immersed in a variety of ministries in her church and beyond. Her chaplaincy, prayer, and discipleship ministries had proven very fruitful. But she was praying for God’s guidance as she looked into the future.

Meanwhile in Ontario, Eric, a cross-cultural worker and pastor was slowly climbing out of a valley of deep grief over the home-going of his wife, Mary Helen. He had attained a plateau where God’s sunshine promised an ongoing measure of stability, joy, and contentment in ministry. But he was praying for God to somehow restore what he had lost in relationships with Mary Helen’s female friends. He thought platonic relationships might be possible, but he was too old for romance.

Behind the scenes, God was moving. In His loving and astounding way, He brought Phyliss and Eric together to receive from His hand more than they ever dreamed. Through comments made about Eric’s posts on grieving the two connected. They soon discovered a plenitude of commonalities; not only their connection to Pakistan but a history that went back to a church in Pontiac Michigan where Eric and Mary Helen had interned! Their chats on FB soon led to texts and phone calls and love, deep pervasive love!

Both of them ask themselves how this could have possibly happened. It is all too unlikely. Too amazing. But isn’t that the way God works?

Hi, I’m Eric. This week I asked Phyliss Hammerstrom to marry me, and she accepted! We bought the rings! We will be married on September 2nd at the Grace Bible Church in Stow, Ohio. We covet your prayers that God would sort through the challenges of an international marriage and use us in His service. May His kingdom come! May His name be glorified. Yes, love is a many splendored thing!