Articles
A New Chapter for the Parkers
“Our stay here in Centreville has been a quick year and a half that has benefited us more than words can capture. Being amongst the brethren here has been inspirational, therapeutic, restorative, encouraging, and profitable. It has been an exceptional privilege to work with the saints, and we are sure that God has been glorified in the labor of love taking place here.” [Eric Parker]
It doesn’t seem possible that the Parkers have been here for 18 months, but it is time for them to take on a new challenge. I know from experience that getting your “sea-legs,” i.e., adjusting to the ups and downs of evangelistic work, can be difficult. There are the “technical” aspects: writing articles, preparing class material, creating and presenting sermons, generating opportunities to reach the lost, etc.
But then there are the “intangibles”: learning to interact with people; gaining confidence in yourself and respect from others so that your voice can be heard; dealing with discouragement and frustration; being a “preacher’s wife”; etc.
Among other things, Eric and Olivia moved to a high cost of living area; Eric lost a good friend (Adam Smelser) shortly after arriving; and they recently shared the heartache of a miscarriage. Such things are challenges for us all.
We have been blessed in various ways by their time among us, and I am personally thankful to have had Eric as a colleague. But we also hope we have contributed good things to them as they seek to grow in service to the Lord. Godspeed to Eric and Olivia in their new life and work in Louisville, Kentucky.
