What a great trip Sherry and I had to Augusta, Georgia to attend the Master's golf tournament. I will say this though - there is no place like home. The Dream Foundation made the trip possible finding tickets for us, finding a host home where we stayed with a great family. They also paid for our air fare, had a couple of restaurants host us along with many other things. As many of you are aware we had about 4 different interviews where we were in two papers and on two television stations. In some ways they presented the "final amen" or an apparent end that is in sight. I want you to know that Sherry and I are a long way from giving up - we are simply pressing in for the miracle that we believe God is preparing for us. We began a new round of chemo today. This chemo is different than any we have had so far, then we begin radiation on Friday - so continue to pray and hold up the banner of faith. I will say that even in the middle of faith there are times of tears and weakness. For years as a pastor when someone would go through something similiar to what I'm going through I would say, "I understand" when indeed I did not. My faith is strong, but my tears seem to come more frequently. I speak these words to you not trying to say what would be "spiritually correct" as much as being totally transparent. I believe that is the best I can do for you right now. It is because I love each of you as my spiritual children. Indeed I do feel like Paul who kept addressing the Lord concerning his "thorn in the flesh" until the Lord gave him those great words "My grace is sufficient for you". I truly believe God's grace is sufficient for each of us. Thank-you for allowing my ramblings, all I know to say is that I love you more each and every day. Thank-You - Pastor Olsen!!!!!!!!!
P.S. If you have not seen the interviews you can go to google and search "Eric Olsen's Master's Dream" and you should be able to pick-up the spots that ran in Augusta and here in Miami last night at 6pm on channel 6.
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So glad to hear that you had an enjoyable time. We're not giving up either. He's an on-time God. He may not come when we want Him, but He'll be there right on time!! I believe that with my whole heart and every bit of faith that is in me! You are still my inspiration, your strength is amazing! As you know by now, you will continue to be in my prayers. I love you and Sherry so much! Now I have to find that interview and watch it!!
Love & Prayers,
Cindi Gipson
I'm so glad you had a wonderful time and that one your dreams was able to come true. We still believe in a MIRACLE!!! We have FAITH in our LORD! It's never too late for a MIRACLE!!!
Take Heart. When it seems that you'll never get well, ask God's purpose in your suffering. The deepest fulfillment in life comes from surrendering to a Power greater than ourselves. You can find new meaning in life because of this difficult time.
Remember we love you guys very very much and you are always in our hearts and in our prayers.
Pastor we are so glad the your dream became a reality. What a BLESSING especially to be able to have shared it with your sons. We will be praying that this new chemo and radiation will bring new hope to this situation. That will be OUR dream come true.
We will believe with you and definitely "raise our banner of faith" for you. Pastor what we have most admired about you since we started attending Sunset Chapel was your transparency with your congregation. You have always made truth the hallmark of your life and we want you to know we SO admire you for that. You are our shephard and we love you very much.
Jorge, Evelyn, Amanda and Isabella
Hi Pastor:
Thanks for sharing your Master's experience with us. I was happy to know you could experience this with your family. We continue to pray for a miracle.
Love,
Alberto and family
Pastor,
Thank you for being so transparent. Indeed none of us can say we understand what you are going through or even how we would handle it unless we have walked in those shoes ourselves. I just want you to know that it’s okay to cry. We, as your children, want to hold you and Sherry up and I believe we do that by praying for you all and just simply hugging and loving on you guys. You have been such an example of God’s grace to me and you are teaching me so much through the journey you are on and how you’ve handled it; especially to love and appreciate your family and friends. I believe in the miracle that is coming for you. I won’t give up either. And I know that God’s grace is sufficient and He will carry you through.
Believing in a miracle,
Lisa Torres
To my Pastor,
Thank you for your faith, strength and leadership. Tears are also a sign of strength. So always be transparent. God moves in transparency as well. I stand in agreement with you for your healing.
The hardest thing to do is to let God be God when we so desire eveything to go our way. I trust God for you and your healing completely. And yes, His GRACE is sufficient for you.
Love you,
Missy
Eric: I have just learned of your situation from Kelly Goins. Once again you are having a profound impact on my life. To see how God is using you and how you are allowing yourself to be used is a great testimony. 25 years ago (wow, how can it be that long ago?) you influenced my life in a great way. God used you to help me recognize my call. I think of you and Sherry often and will remember you in my prayers. Love Lisa Collins Clements
Pastor I have cried everytime time I have seen those videos. I am still believing in a miracle. We are so glad you went to the Masters we know how much it meant to you. We love you very much and we will always be here for you and Sherrie if you need us. You mean the world to us.
Kathy, Rob and Lucas
Pastor Olsen,
We are not giving up either! Jen and I continue to lift you up in our prayers. Seeing the videos brought tears to our eyes, but we could see the grace of God on your life through your strength and faith. I know we have not kept in touch as we should have, but know that you mean so much to us, and we count ourselves as blessed having known you. God has now used you to reach many more people for him than even preaching on Sundays could. I guess that Romans 8:28 thing really is true. Keep holding on, and when you're tired, let the rest of us hold up your arms.
Thank you for your faith, and all you have meant to all of us.
Love,
Ryan, Jen and Kaelyn Frame
Pastor thank you for your tears and your honesty about them. Essentially what you have done with your honesty is freed us (your congregation)to be human and have tears for you and your family as well.
Love you and Sherry very much
Evelyn
Hey Boss!
I just caught the interview on NBC 6. I love you so much and am so blessed and thankful that you a part of my life. You are an incredible teacher and the best kind of hero.
"The grace of God isn't always to get you out of a situation, but to empower you to get through a situation, as well."
- Pastor Eric Olsen
Eric, Sherry, & Family,
You were a primary mentor to us and our children @ BAAG. I never forget the wonderful times in Jamaica & still listen to the tapes of your sermons from time to time. Lessions learned there are never to be forgotten.
We will continue to believe with you for a MIRACLE of healing, 'IS THERE ANYTHING TOO BIG FOR GOD?' Love you & yours,
Howard & Donna Burton
Pastor Eric and Sherry,
Last time I saw you was at General Council in Denver. Hard to believe that was nearly 3 years ago.
Pastor Bruce sent me the link to your recent interviews. Congratulations on making The Masters!
I was thinking this evening about the first youth service I was in at South Side. I still remember being gripped by the powerful,challening preaching. I remember coming to your office one day and telling you that I sensed God calling me to ministry but I was worried it would be a call to Africa!(the mind of a 12y/o). What sticks is how patient you were to even give me the time of day. You encouraged me to be open to the call, while reassuring me that God would give a corresponding desire to whatever He might ask of me(I'm thankful to be in ministry and that Africa was reserved for Pastor Galyen)!
You have impacted so many lives along the way. You always will.
Thanks from another beneficiary of your faithful ministry.
Our prayers are with you, Sherry, and your family.
Blessings,
Dave Hert
http://www.owassofirst.com/Staff%20Pages/Staff%20Pastor%20Hert.htm
Good afternoon. I actually know your sister quite well. I lost my husband in June 2006 and she and some other ladies use to fix us dinner. I totally understand the walk that you are walking. I also know that I would not have made it through the last almost 2 years with out our glorious God. He has helped me over and over again. May God Bless you and your family. You are in my prayers daily. Valerie, Friendswood, TX
Eric and Sherry,
I have been hesitant to write anything, b/c I honestly don't know what to say or think anymore. I watched Eric's interview at the Master's and couldn't help but cry, at the same time I can't imagine what you and your children must be feeling. I think about you almost all of my waking hours, I think about all the good fun times we had together as well as all of the good worship services, the teachings, the prayer services and all of the bonding we have had. I so desperatly want to do something to help you, I just don't feel like prayer is enough. But all I can do is pray. I simply refuse to believe that God is ready to take you. I just know there has got to be a miracle out there for you somewhere. You are such an inspiration to me and so many others, you have been so strong and faithful through all of this, I don't that I could have been the saint that you are. Your one in a million!!! And your loved beyond comprehension by not only myself but by many. You have touched so many lives including mine. I love you more than you will ever know. I will always remember everything you and Sherry have done for me and taught me.
I LOVE YOU GUYS!
Terry Smith Forbes
Pastor,I'm glad to see that you have had your wish come true. Being into sports myself, I understand your passion. You will be in my thoughts and I wish you good health.
So glad to hear you had a great time at the Masters and have enjoyed a wonderful weekend with your extended family in Orlando.You are always in my thoughts and prayers.Take Care!
So ya came to our great state of Georgia hu? I am so glad that God is providing doors to open and people are able to shower you with love and blessings that you truly deserve...May you continue to keep the faith and hold on to his promises because I know our GOD REIGNS!!!! You are going to rock Miami with the miracles God is doing in you....Blessing to you and I am coming in June...Hope to see you...Marie Jordan, Sherri's Mom (ps tell Sherry I love her too and just wanna come and love on you both)
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