Being a fisher of fishermen...
Here are a few stories from people we have worked with in the last few years. We share these that you might rejoice with us in seeing evidence of God’s grace at work, and that you can get a feel for the type of transformational ministry we seek to bring to Virginia.
Christopher – “Pastor Kevin has been a friend I could call day or night when I was going through tough stuff. He helped me understand what it meant to be saved. He helped me learn that the trials in life are how God makes us more like him. If not for Jesus love for me and him putting Pastor Kevin in my life I wouldn’t be here now.”
Scott — “I used to get up early and meet with Kevin and some other men on Tuesday mornings. I had such a desire to know the Lord more and I was grappling with trying to comprehend God and His will for me and my family. I know I can be difficult at times when I do not understand something and yet Kevin was gracious with me all the time. How grateful I am for that.
I thank the Lord that Kevin was also willing and able to challenge me to step out of my comfort zone in order to serve the Lord in areas I would not have willingly done on my own; such as giving my testimony, filling in for him at Side Lake, and teaching 3rd and 4th grade Sunday school. All of which have been very rewarding and good for my dependence upon God and my further understanding of His love for me. Learning with, and from, Kevin those early mornings were not only great times but also of great benefit as I strive to follow the Lord’s will and lead my family for Him!”
Josh — “It’s awesome that I’ve gotten to know Pastor Kevin over the last few years. He’s easy to talk to, and a great student of the Bible- continuously reading books and listening to sermons to help himself grow. He’s also an excellent teacher, and what comes through the most when you hang around him and his wife, Kim, is their infectious zeal for the things of Christ.
I’ve attended Chisholm Baptist for years, but it’s only since Pastor Kevin arrived on the scene that I’ve started getting more involved. Through his encouragement, I’ve had the great opportunity to meet amazing people through several activities, have taken Bible studies, played basketball and softball, went on the men’s fishing trip and was involved in a couple intensive discipleship / accountability programs.
I guess one of the things I appreciated about Kevin right away is that he’s relatable – he’s a man’s man, a hunter, a fisherman, loves the outdoors and sports. He’s also a devoted father and husband and openly expresses the joys and struggles of both of those roles. Kevin has also had various professions and experiences which I would guess most straight to seminary students probably have not – which brings a unique perspective to his ministry, which I personally related to and know others do as well.
When Kevin teaches, he challenges you. He makes you think and tells you the truth. While he can debate the finer points of theology with the best of them, it is also crystal clear that his central focus is helping people to understand the simplicity and centrality of the gospel message. He has helped me immensely with understanding the Word more, growing in my walk, and even finding the girl God has meant for me.
I’ll have to say that knowing Pastor Kevin has been one of the best growing experiences of my life. He has become a good friend, mentor, and an accountability partner who knows the meaning of telling the truth in love. I am excited for the direction God is leading him and his family and know that they are doing a good work in the Lord.”
Scott — “My wife and I have known Pastor Kevin and his family since they accepted the Associate Pastor’s position at our Church. Since then we have grown and established a relationship which has drawn us closer to God than I would have imagined. Pastor Kevin is a Dynamic Speaker with a Passion and Love for God I have never seen. When he shares Gods Word he captures your attention and you will want to hear more. I look forward to his sermons. Pastor Kevin also leads a Bible Study I attend. Here again I always look forward to being there and learning from him, even if it is too early to get out of bed! Any community that he and his family go to, will be truly blessed by God.”
Kerri — “Kevin and Kim Erickson’s passion for Jesus and life is contagious! They not only talk the talk, but more importantly, they walk the walk. Through the Lord, they have encouraged me and my family to find Jesus as our treasure – not only in spoken words, but in the quiet and simple way they live their lives for the Kingdom and the passion they have for sharing it with others. Kevin and Kim have both been there for me and my family – praying many times with us and for us, counseling us in all matters, from matters of the heart to matters of the checkbook. You can see the fruits of their labor in their children also. Sam, Olivia, and Corina all have a passion for the Lord that you rarely see in young teenagers. I pray that the Lord blesses their hard work with bringing more people to the Lord.”
