Pastor Ed Biblical Reconciliation  a living, loving memorial fund

Grab a drink – this is a bit long.

My apologies for how long it’s been since we’ve made an update.

Some say the grief journey is like a wilderness (and it is for some). For me, it’s more like immigration. As immigrants, you leave all that is familiar and arrive into a wholly new place where everything has changed. The former life and dreams of “what’s next for us” is not what you thought it would be. Honestly, the past months have been like a fog and every so often the fog lifts. Losing my partner of 40 years (37 in marriage) has turned my world upside down. And it’s been one day at a time.  I’ve been slowly processing my grief journey and am heading to grief counseling next.

The support showered upon me and our family have been a merciful and much appreciated lifeline. And, if you’re not sure what to say when you see us – it’s ok – we’re in the same boat. We are just so very grateful for your presence, your prayers, and your support.

As we journey into this new land, I am forever grateful to Emmanuel – our God who is with us – for His grace and mercy every moment and every step and for your love for me and our family. Your stories and memories bring joy in the midst of our grief. Your stories help us remember how God can use just one ordinary person who is fully devoted to Him to make a world of difference in many lives, not because of our ability, but because of His transformative work in and through us.

Because of your kindness and your loving generosity, 

• We had a very beautiful and meaningful celebration of life for Pastor Ed (all fees have been paid).
• Pastor Ed’s body is resting in peace at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery (all fees have been paid though we are still waiting for the headstone).
• All medical and ambulance bills have been paid.
• The Pastor Ed Biblical Reconciliation fund has been established with an initial investment of $50,000!!! We will maintain this initial investment as the core living memorial fund to generate interest income to fund continual ministries.

God’s calling for us to go and make disciples of all nations continues. We invite you to continue the journey together.

May has always been a special month for Pastor Ed and me—we were both born in May, so we placed our wedding anniversary right in the middle of our birthdays. Then there’s our DTS graduations, both in May, and Mother’s Day too. And in 2021, we added Ed’s home-going as well. 

On this first birthday in heaven, you’re invited to Forest Park Cemetery on May 7 at 10 am for a graveside encouragement service. We’ll have a simple lunch thereafter at the Lees to share stories of Pastor Ed’s life. Please RSVP for the lunch count.

The Pastor Ed Biblical Reconciliation site is now available.

2022 Living Memorial Giving Goals

Our $20,000 2022 giving goals for investing into biblical reconciliation are:

• $5,000 Create a Texas Mosaic Journey weekend road trip experience where diverse people are paired and journey together to learn from our past, from our present diverse people’s stories, and to inform us toward a reconciled future. Funds will help with transportation, food, lodging, locale costs, and scholarships for the under-resourced.
• $3,000 Create biblical reconciliation podcast; equipment, hosting service fees, and honorariums.
• $3,000 Realize the Mosaic Association Pastor Ed envisioned with local leaders coming together regularly to do the hard work of seeing and knowing one another.
• $3,500 Stipend for a college or graduate student intern to assist in all of the above, research for a book, and further the mission.
• $2,000 Scholarships for intercultural training in Midsouth discipleship school for the under-resourced population.
• $2,500 Scholarship for two person to connect and gain further insights from the Christian Community Development Association Conference.
• $1,000  Commission and record biblical reconciliation songs.

A board has been set up to oversee the ministries and the fund. We are in partnership with the Evangelical Covenant Church’s Midsouth Conference so that your gifts are now tax deductible. 

Online: Donate to ECC Midsouth Conference and designate “PEBR Fund” in the Special Notes section.

By check: Send to Midsouth Conference of the ECC, 1200 W. Walnut St., Suite 2305, Rogers, AR 72756

Questions: (479) 631 – 1212 or  office@midsouthcov.org