2019 December Faulkner Lifestyle

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placed this vision of Eric’s Christmas Miracles Ministry into my spirit,” he says. In a nutshell, the ministry provides children in need with toys, clothes, underwear, socks, and shoes (when available). It also provides blankets and coats upon request and food items in the event an entire family is in need. “I personally delivered to each home all over Arkansas and other states, plus I mail boxes to my friend, Elva Luna’s Christmas ministry in Mexico,” he says. When Eric originally conceptualized the ministry, he began by contacting his best friends Angela Washington and Cassandra Thorne. “I told them what God placed on my heart, and they said, ‘What do you need us to do?’” he says. Angela created an application and posted an add on Facebook requesting referrals for applicants. From that humble beginning, the ministry has grown by leaps and bounds. Proving how far one motivated person can take a vision, Eric’s Christmas Miracles Ministry served 65 children in 2015, 90 children in 2016, 150 kids in 2017, and 235 in 2018. He is on track to serve even more in <strong>2019</strong>, and Eric could not be more pleased with the ministry’s trajectory. Beyond that, fulfilling the dreams of children is incomparable. “It’s such a warming feeling to deliver to each of the children; they are so excited and happy to receive gifts. Some want to open them right away. Some hug the bags of gifts, and I see tears in the parents’ eyes, which has me in tears. They say they asked God to send them a miracle...I always give the children and parents a hug, and I pray with them. Most send me pictures or videos of the children opening their gifts and saying, ‘thanks Black Santa,’” he says, an ode to Eric’s ministry nickname. “After leaving some homes, I am in tears so bad that I have to pull over and pray. One of the greatest blessings is when someone on my list the year before is now sponsoring a family and returning the good deed. I take my children out with me to deliver, so they can see how blessed they are and can learn to always give back,” Eric says. Eric’s Christmas Miracles Ministry accepts applications each year from July 1 through September 15. Requestors must show true need, and applicants cannot be ministry recipients for more than two consecutive years. Those who wish to sponsor a child can contact Eric, who will match them with a list of items from an application. Donors provide the gifts and items to him by November 30 for delivery. People are able to refer other families and children to the ministry as well. Eric raises funds for the Christmas ministry by cooking and selling plate lunches, and he also personally funds a large portion of the ministry. He can always use more donors and accepts money, toys, clothes, 16 faulkner lifestyle | december 2O19
lankets, shoes, gift cards, or gas cards and, of course, those who are willing and able to sponsor a child in need. “Bale Chevrolet in Little Rock has sponsored a truck to deliver the gifts to homes all over Arkansas. Arkansas State Troopers are also teaming up with Black Santa to help deliver gifts to the families. I’m so grateful and blessed,” says Eric. “I also have a retired Marine who is going to be my chauffeur this year, so I can sit on the passenger seat and be Santa.” He adds, “This ministry has truly blessed me tremendously, and I love being a blessing to some deserving children for Christmas! I hate seeing so many children who don’t receive anything. I don’t take any credit; I give God all the praise, glory, and honor.” CONNECT Eric‘s Christmas Miracles Ministry on Facebook EMAIL: EricLamb499@yahoo.com $20 per book FEED MORE THAN Just Your Family. Arkansas ranks 3rd highest in the nation for child hunger. Over half a million Arkansans struggle with food insecurities. And, 1 in 4 Arkansas children suffer from hunger. We want to do something about it. That’s why all of the proceeds from the sale of our cookbooks go to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. Help us feed Arkansas children by purchasing a First Security Cookbook today. For the perfect Christmas gift that gives back, pick up your cookbook today at any First Security location. Member FDIC faulknerlifestyle.com 17
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Page 33 and 34: hone my skills in topics such as fr
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2019 December Faulkner Lifestyle

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