2019 December Faulkner Lifestyle

aunt when she became pregnant at 11
years-old and raised her and her son as
if they were my own because family
wasn’t able to. You can say I’m the
godfather for children without their
fathers in their lives,” he says.
Despite the obvious challenges that
accompany mentoring young people,
Eric remains steadfast in his work, and
he has rightfully earned the love and
respect of many former mentees. “They
call me all the time and say, ‘If it wasn’t
for you taking me in and showing me
unconditional love, listening, feeding
me, and clothing me, I wouldn’t be
where I am today,’” he says.
Eric also lead his church’s nursery at
Grace Temple. In this role he had the
opportunity to impact many young lives.
“They knew they were in good hands and
that I would treat them as my own. My
pastor, Bishop Steven Arnold, has been a
big influence in my life and always knew
that was my gift from God,” says Eric. He
credits his grandmother, Luvenia Daniels,
for teaching him to cook, care for children,
love with all his heart, and always give his
best effort. This upbringing prepared him
for the journey of giving to come.
Though Eric’s ministry is but five years
old, he has cared for children for over
35 years. “God woke me one night and
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