The Last Day of the Year

Would you consider making a year-end donation to our ministry to help us finish strong?

Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution

Thanks to your support this year, we’ve been able to:

• send out 240,000 encouraging emails
• publish 22 podcasts to encourage people in their faith (485 hours)
• equip 24 writers to write their Christian books (30 hours training)
• produce 1 album of inspirational Christmas music (14 songs)
• preach in person at 5 community events
• edit and premiere the film of our stage musical "His Name Was Nicholas"
• pitch our St Nicholas musical to 10 producers around the country
• commission a new "puppet opera" to premiere next year in Italy

Thanks for your help, and Happy New Year!

A Childhood Dream

One of my favorite childhood memories at Christmas was finding a marionette under our tree on Christmas morning. Sometimes I would find one in the tree itself.

I loved these marionettes and would get every year for several years. They were specially made by a company in England called "Pelham Puppets," and I only ever saw them at Marshall Field’s on State Street in Chicago (about a 2-hour drive from our farm in Central Illinois).

I recently unboxed all of my childhood puppets and took the picture above.

More than 50 years later, I’m still getting the same thrill I got as a kid, but now it’s coming every week or two in the form of pictures from my new puppeteer friends in Italy who are hand carving not just one or two marionettes, but SIXTEEN for our new "puppet opera" premiering in Italy for Christmas 2023.

Here are a few pix I’ve received.

This is Nicholas…

This is Anna Maria…

And this will be Young Dimitri!

I can’t wait to see them all—and the show—when they’re done next year!

Would you like to help me bring this show to life? By donating $25, $100, or even $1,000 by the end of the year, we can put together the entire show, from the puppets and costumes to the sets and scenery.

In appreciation of your gift, I’d love to send you a "token" of appreciation that you can carry in your pocket or purse as a reminder to pray for our show, that MANY would see, MANY would hear, and MANY would put their faith in the Lord.

Here’s the link to make a donation ONLINE:

Donate to our "St. Nicholas Puppet Opera

(If your donation is over $250, you might rather send a check to Eric Elder Ministries, 25615 E 3000 North Rd, Chenoa, IL 61726 and save the higher processing fees. But either way is great! Thank you!)

P.S. If you’d like to watch the FREE ballet version of our St. Nicholas story that we filmed in South Carolina, you can watch it online at the link below! It’s a beautiful hour and ten minutes of Christmas inspiration, filled with music, dancing, and a heartwarming story that points clearly to Jesus.

Watch "One Life: A Christmas Story Ballet"

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement, and Merry Christmas!

Want to see an INSPIRING Christmas story?

You can now watch the World Premiere of our Christmas musical ONLINE! (Recorded and edited from the stage version in 2021.)

The show is called His Name Was Nicholas and tells the inspiring and heartwarming story of the real-life St Nicholas who lived in the 3rd Century AD. (Today is actually St. Nicholas Day! The day the real-life St Nicholas passed from this life to the next in 363 AD.)

My wife Lana and I wrote the story to bring HOPE to readers and audiences worldwide. So if you need some hope TODAY, check out our new recording of the musical we staged last Christmas in Streator, Illinois. It features over 100 friends, old and new, who put together this show with 25 original songs and a story that will make you laugh, cry, and move closer to Christ this Christmas.

If you live in or near Illinois, we’ll also be showing the video recording IN-PERSON at the Eagle 6 Theater in Streator, Illinois for two showings only at 10:45 AM and 12:30 PM. I’ll be at both showings, and I’d love to see you there! The run time is 2-1/2 hours. Doors open at 10 AM for the 10:45 show and 11:45 for the 12:30 show.

And if you don’t live nearby, you can still watch the recording online, anytime during the month of December! It’s a gorgeous production full of lights, costumes, snow, and a message of hope.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards our NEXT production: a puppet opera we’re creating from the same story to premiere in Italy for Christmas, 2023! Know that your donations are going to help many more people around the world find THE HOPE OF CHRIST through this story.

Here’s the link to buy tickets to watch the recording either IN-PERSON or ONLINE.

https://ericelderministries.thundertix.com

Enjoy!

Puppets Underway!

Could you help us bring the show to life?

We’re making a puppet show of our St. Nicholas story to premiere in Italy for Christmas, 2023!

My counterparts in Italy are already carving wood, sewing costumes, and writing the script for the show.

Here’s a shot of one of our planning meetings…

Our goal is to raise $10,000 by the end of December to cover the startup costs for the show… puppets, sets, theater rental, marketing, etc. The premiere is set for December 26, 2023 in Sulmona, Italy, with plans to record and stream the show online.

Once the show is created, it will become part of the repertoire of this traveling group who will then be able to share it with audiences all over Italy (and hopefully here in the US!) in the months and years to come.

On this Giving Tuesday, would you consider making a donation of $25-$1,000 to help us bring the show to life? We have a good start but still have a good ways to go.

As a "thank you" for your gift of any size, I’d love to send you a small "token" of our appreciation to carry with you as a reminder to pray for our show and the people who will see it. We’re praying MANY will see, MANY will hear, and MANY will put their faith in the Lord

It’s a great way to point people to Jesus, using a figure from history who loved Jesus with all his heart.

Here’s the link to donate. Be sure to include your mailing address with your gift to receive our "token" of appreciation… and a reminder to pray.

https://event.fundeasy.com/24048

Thank you!

"A Cozy Christmas" Pure Piano

You can now listen to my sister’s new Christmas album! (including a song from me!)

I am always blown away when I hear my sister play. And apparently I’m not alone, as her music is streamed nearly 1 MILLION TIMES EVERY WEEK on popular streaming platforms like Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

Marilyn has just released her new Christmas album of pure piano, and once again it’s pure delight. I hope you’ll take a listen then add it to your playlist and let her music wash over you again and again this holiday season.

There’s something about music that can bring us peace and calm in a way that nothing else does. That’s why my ministry has helped Marilyn and others create incredible music for the last 25 years… to offer peace and calm to millions who crave it.

In the case of this album, Marilyn recorded and edited it, I produced it, a friend Gil Stober mixed and mastered it, and my daughter Makari painted the album cover. We then released it through CD Baby, who distributed it to dozens of streaming platforms.

And now, YOU can listen to it on your favorite platform. Here are a few:

• Pandora
• Spotify
• Apple Music
• Amazon Music
• YouTube

And here are the songs on the album:

1. “White Christmas (from “Holiday Inn”)”
2. “The Holly And The Ivy”
3. “While By My Sheep, I Watch At Night”
4. “Christmas Time Is Here”
5. “O Tannenbaum”
6. “What Child Is This?”
7. “Merry Christmas, Darling”
8. “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”
9. “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
10. “When I Survey The Cross”
11. “Silent Night”
12. “There’s Always Something You Can Give (Instrumental)”

You might notice the last song is ONE I WROTE! It’s an instrumental version of a song from my Christmas musical, His Name Was Nicholas. Marilyn played the piano, my friend Matt Ludwig created the orchestration, and another friend Olivia Bolles recorded the violin.

I LOVE how it all came together to produce a beautiful Christmas sensation.

I’m telling you all this background to encourage you to listen to the music, both for yourself AND FOR OTHERS. Why? Because every click and "like" and thumbs up says to the streaming service "we like this." Then the streaming service promotes the music to even more people.

So just by listening and liking and sharing our music, you can help bring peace and calm to many, many more people! It’s a WIN-WIN for everyone.

Here are the links again to listen…and "like" and share!

• Pandora
• Spotify
• Apple Music
• Amazon Music
• YouTube

Reminder: Write with Me!

Join me this November to write a book! You never know who it might touch!

One of my best friends, Kent Sanders, just wrote a book with Elvis Presley’s brother. It’s called The Faith of Elvis and is now in bookstores everywhere.

I went to Barnes & Noble two weeks ago to see his book on the shelf for myself. (We’ve been talking about and doing writing for years, and I wanted to see the fruit of his labors at a real bookstore.)

After looking at his book for a few minutes on the shelf (among SO many other inspirational authors) I turned to my left and was surprised to see ONE OF MY OWN BOOKS, just 10 steps away!

I took the video above of both his book and mine, thankful for all the years we’ve spent writing books and believing they will bless people, but having no idea where they might end up.

Maybe you have a book burning inside YOU waiting to get out? If so, I’d love to come alongside you this November to help write it. Who knows who YOURS might touch!

Here’s a link where you can learn more about writing with me this November:

Write With Eric!

Sign up before November 1st! And pass this along the link to anyone you know who should write THEIR book. I’d love to flood the marketplace with books by Christians to impact the world for Christ.

By the way, here’s Kent’s kind endorsement of my writing class:

“Eric has been a friend, inspiration, and writing mentor in my life for over twenty years. Through his example and his incredible creative output, he’s motivated me to keep writing and growing. As a pastor and later as a college professor doing writing on the side, I valued Eric’s wisdom as we talked often about our mutual projects. And now as a full-time ghostwriter, podcaster, and writing coach, I value his input and wisdom even more. Anyone who’s tried to write a book knows it takes time and energy. Eric’s done it many, many times! I can’t think of anyone better equipped to help guide writers on the path to making their dreams come true.”
Kent Sanders
The Faith of Elvis

Click here to learn more or sign up!

Write With Eric!

Writing is Therapy

Someone asked me which of my books is MY FAVORITE. Hands-down, it’s a book I ALMOST never published.

I wanted to write about how Christ had changed my life, but the details were so personal, so intimate, that I didn’t know if I could ever share them with others.

But I decided to try. I began writing down the stories, using a pen name for myself and for others in the book. Somehow that freed me to truly write from my heart, without reservation.

When I finished the book, I hesitantly sent the book, chapter by chapter, to some friends. Their responses floored me! Not only did they LOVE the book, they thought I SHOULD PUBLISH IT for many to see.

Still hesitant, I sent it to nearly 100 friends, asking for their honest feedback before I actually put it out for a wider audience. Again, I was floored by their responses. (I’ve included some of their comments at the end of this email).

So I went ahead and published the book, under the pen name, just as I had written it.

I’ve recently published it as an AUDIOBOOK on Spotify, Audible, Google Play, and other audio platforms. I was listening to the book last week to test it out and it made me laugh, cry, and thankful all over again for my faith in Christ and the changes He has brought about in my life.

I’m praying that many more will read and now listen to the book and hear how God can change a life… from the inside out.

I tell you this for 2 reasons.

1) I’d love for you to read or listen to the book. It’s my favorite of the 35 books I’ve written because it’s my love story with Christ, and my love story with my late wife, Lana. (Links to read or listen are at the end of this email).

2) I’d like to encourage you to write down YOUR STORY. You may think your story is too personal to tell. But I believe God can make a way for you to share it in a way that is meaningful for others and helpful for you.

I have found that WRITING IS THERAPY for me. As I wrote Fifty Shades of Grace, I was able to capture memories that I was afraid I might otherwise forget. I was also able to work through some of the pain and grief of losing Lana by remembering her and how God used her in my healing and restoration to Him.

I’ll be writing another book this November, and I’d love for you to join me. Whether you publish it or not, I believe writing what God has done in your life can have deep impact on your life. The process alone is worth the work, and if you publish at the end, even more people can benefit!

Don’t waste your pain. Use it for good… for yourself and for others!

A friend once told me:

"Everyone has a million-dollar book inside them. They just need to tell their own story… but they have to be brutally honest."

That’s what I did with Fifty Shades of Grace. It’s my own story, under a pen name, but its brutal honesty is what gives it wings.

If you’d like to write along with me in November, I’m offering some zoom coaching to anyone who wants to come along and write their story, too. Here’s a link to learn more and sign up (before November 1st!)

SIGN UP to "Write with Eric" this November!

And if you’d like to read or listen to MY favorite book, here are the links:

• Paperback on Amazon
• Ebook on Amazon
• Audiobook on Spotify, Audible, Google Play

And here are some reader reviews:

• “A gripping story—a page turner for sure!” R.E.
• “Truthful and compelling. I wanted to cry and hold him and tell him everything would be all right (and sometimes box his little ears!)” J.T.
• “It hooks you immediately.” K.S.
• “Engaging, interesting—and significant.” G.P.
• “Excellent! Not overly graphic, but very personal. ” D.M.
• “A fascinating story—I think more than one wife will nudge her husband and say, ‘Here. Read this.’” B.B.
• “I don’t think I could be so open and honest. That’s probably why it is so riveting.” J.L.
• “A story that all of us can relate to.” A.L.

(Please note: some readers may find this book explicit. While the stories are tastefully told, they are intended for mature readers.)

Again, here’s the link to sign up to write with me in November!

SIGN UP to "Write with Eric" this November!

How to FINALLY write
that book on your heart

For years, I had a book on my heart I wanted to write. I didn’t know how to start. I didn’t know how to organize it. I didn’t know how to actually write it.

But then I was challenged to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days. That sounded unbelievable! Impossible! Or was it?

I found out it WAS possible! And I did it. (Well, I was only able to write 30,000 words, and it took me 40 days. But at the end of those 40 days, I had finished a first draft of a fully fleshed out novel.)

And I’ve done it many times since. I’ve written over 30 books (35 if you count a couple of Spanish translations and three books of sheet music).

Now, I’d like to challenge YOU to write that book on YOUR heart.

How did I do it?

I’ll tell you!

This November, I’ll be writing another book in 30 days (at least a rough draft). And I’d like to invite you to join me.

Here’s how it works…

Set aside an hour a day (or more or less) for every day in November to write a few paragraphs… just one story each day that you’d like to include in your book.

You can write the stories in order or as they come to your mind. But just write them down. Summarize. Don’t edit. Don’t look up dates or details. Not yet. Just write down each story you want to tell. 30 days. 30 stories.

You can edit, rearrange, and add details later. But for this first pass, just get the stories out of your head and onto some paper, or onto your computer, or onto your phone as voice memos. The idea is to get your story out… to think of the stories you want to tell. then to share with others what God has shared with you.

Would you like to join me?

I’ll be holding some zoom meetings during November to cheer you on, give you ideas, and answer your questions. I’ll also show you how to upload your book to Amazon when you’re done so others can read it.

YOU CAN DO THIS! And I’d love to help.

Here’s what I’m offering:

• 4 group teachings on zoom during November from 7-9PM CST (November 2, 9, 16 & 30)
• 20 "office hours" on zoom every weekday in November (with a few off for Thanksgiving) from Noon-1PM CST to talk to anyone who wants to talk (with as many as show up), ask questions, or just write for the hour
• To come alongside you for 30 days in November to help you write your story. At the end of November, you’ll have a good first start on your book that you can late edit, rearrange, and add details on your own (I’ll share some contacts if you need help beyond November).

Here’s what it costs:

• $150 donation to our ministry. Your donations help me continue creating opportunities like these, so thank you! (And believe me, this is a bargain… I just saw a class offering the same type of coaching for $10,000! I just want to help Christians write their stories and flood the marketplace with God-honoring books. I’d love for you to join me.)

Click this link to sign up! (before November 1st!)

SIGN UP to "Write with Eric" this November!

By the way, here are some comments from others I’ve helped to FINALLY write their books. Listen to their joy! (and click the links to see their books on Amazon!)

“Eric has assisted us so many times over the years with our various publications… his encouragement and help have made all the difference in our efforts & success!”
Greg Potzer, Our Favorite Christian Quotations

“Eric was instrumental in motivating me to write Testimonies of Grace, and his practical knowledge of the editing and publishing process were equally valuable. He was with me every step of the way, a journey I will never forget!”
Brent Knapton, Testimonies of Grace

“Eric, made it possible for me to compile two books. I contributed thoughts and ideas…..a message to be shared. Eric provided his warm fellowship, ongoing encouragement, and expertise from writing many books himself. He has an inborn, God-given desire to help people. The experience turned out to be delightful.”
Clayt Irmeger, Life: Not to be Lived Single-Handedly

“Eric was more than an encourager as I started the process of writing a children’s book. He guided me through virtually every step of the way. His expertise in his own writings proved to be just what was needed to see my book become a reality. He is now currently helping me complete my 2nd children’s book. Thank you, Eric!”
Karen Neal, So You Know

“Eric has the uncanny ability to motivate people to write. A writer himself, Eric helped me take scattered thoughts, organize them into a suitable structure to form a book, and he did it with consummate professionalism. When I needed a nudge, he nudged. When I needed a push, he pushed. But these were always done with the goal in mind – getting my story into a book that will inspire others.”
Tim Wilkins, (book underway)

“When I decided I wanted to self-publish my book, Eric gave helpful advice for how to do so in an easy, economical way. His help was much appreciated.”
Dr. Larry Booze, Say it to Stick

“Eric’s passion for writing is contagious. Add in his creative ingenuity and generous heart and you have an artisan who knows how to steer the hopeful writer in the right direction.”
Mary Felkins, This I Promise You

“I met Eric at church and upon learning that I had an interest in writing, he immediately offered to help me. I was early in the process of writing a novel, and I am thankful that Eric sat with me several times and let me talk about my book — which at that time, was mostly fragmented ideas. That validation was what I needed. From a place of genuine interest, he also offered practical guidance, which I very much appreciate.”
Aaron Chan, (book underway)

“Eric Elder’s writing class is the one place where I’ve found practical, detailed instruction on how to self-publish a book through Amazon. For me, this is the bridge I needed to fulfill my dream of publishing a novel.”
Cammie Quinn, (book underway)

“A while back, Eric encouraged me to read through the Bible in a year and keep a journal. He even invited his own readers to follow along with me. Seven years later, over 1,600 have joined my Bible reading Facebook page. Now, he’s helping me make this effort into a book. I’ve personally witnessed him help many publish and am now using his methods to do the same. Thank you for your ever encouraging heart, Eric.”
Al Lowry, 2022 Daily Bible Reading

“Eric Elder has been a wonderful mentor during the process of writing and self-publishing my first book. He has a wealth of knowledge and graciously shared it with me as he literally walked with me through the formatting and publishing processes. I am very proud of my book, and I am very thankful for Eric’s support and encouragement to complete this project. Without him, I know that I would not have completed it. Thank you, Eric!!!”
Sandy Egle, Ministering to the Least of These

“Eric has been a friend, inspiration, and writing mentor in my life for over twenty years. Through his example and his incredible creative output, he’s motivated me to keep writing and growing. I can’t think of anyone better equipped to help guide writers on the path to making their dreams come true.”
Kent Sanders, The Faith of Elvis

“Eric Elder was instrumental in guiding me in the self-publishing of my first children’s book. He was knowledgeable, available when I had questions, and very encouraging through the whole process! The encouragement was incredible! He helped me believe in myself and never doubted I would bring my idea to completion. Thank you, Eric!”
Laurie Bliese, Will the Lights Go Out?

“Eric believed my writing mattered to others before I was sure myself. He knew it could and should be shared, and he invited me into conversation about how. I’m grateful for his guidance and for the encouragement he offered after reading my first, self-published book. He walked with me the whole way.”
Caleb Dossett, They Call Me Mr

“I was so impressed with how Eric took so much time out of his busy schedule to help me finally finish my 10 year work-in-progress auto-biography. He gave me words of encouragement, practical advice, his editing skills, and prayer, that were all I needed to bring my book to completion, with which I was 100% pleased.”
Jeanette Smith, (book underway)

“If you are writing and find yourself stuck, call Eric! He repeatedly helped me get unstuck when I was writing my memoir. He not only helped me with the paperback version, he really held my hand when it came to the e-book (that was a monster to me!). I truly cannot recommend Eric enough for a calm voice, a clear head, and being totally competent when it comes to the whole book writing and publishing process.”
MelanEE Lisa Davidson, Loved. I. Am!

“Eric was one of the first people to read a rough draft of my debut novel. His support gave me the confidence and inspiration to finally complete and publish a story I had almost given up on. We all have a story, no matter how insignificant we think it may be. As Christians we need to share our faith and experiences with others, and Eric will help you accomplish that. Let your story shine for all to see.”
Steven Lomske, On the Bank of the Chippewa

Again, I really hope you’ll join me in November! Click this link to sign up!

SIGN UP to "Write with Eric" this November!

We’re Making a Puppet Show!

But not just any puppet show… an Italian "Puppet Opera!"

Last fall, I came across a fantastic "puppet opera" in Italy while I was scouting locations for a movie version of our St. Nicholas story.

I thought "Wouldn’t it be great to see a puppet opera of our story?" So a few months ago, I reached out to the founder of the company, Girolamo Botta, and asked if he would be interested.

He read the story and said, "This is a dream come true!" (Girolamo is from Palermo, Italy, where puppetry and storytelling are legendary.)

Since then, we’ve been talking, texting, and zooming to plan the show. Yesterday, he placed the first order for materials to get started!

It will take 6 months to hand-carve all the puppets, hand-tailor all the costumes, hand-paint all the scenes, and create from scratch all the music to be played on traditional instruments.

We’re targeting December 26th, 2023, for our premiere show in the historic Teatro Maria Caniglia (pictured above) in Sulmona, Italy. We’re also planning to film the show to make it available to audiences worldwide.

I love that this company uses as "open" theater where audiences see the action on stage as well as the puppeteers controlling them! This provides a rich storytelling extravaganza, immersing the audience in a powerful theatrical experience.

Here’s a sample of their work…

I’d like to invite you to join us in creating this spectacular show to give audiences HOPE for years to come.

1. Would you pray this show would give audiences the HOPE OF CHRIST for years to come?
2. Would you consider making a donation to help bring this show to life? We’re praying for 100 people to support this show with gifts ranging from $25-1,000. Your name will be listed on both the theater program and the film credits.

Click here to learn more or make a donation.

Thanks so much for sharing my excitement!

Move Over Joe Rogan…

There’s a new face on Spotify! I started a new podcast a few weeks ago. You can watch it on Facebook, YouTube, …and now Spotify!

In each episode, I share a song, a prayer, and a word of encouragement that God can work wonders in your life.

I broadcast LIVE on Sunday mornings at 10 AM Central Time on both my Facebook and YouTube channels.Or you can watch it LATER on ALL 3 of my channels.

Here are the links to watch:
https://www.facebook.com/eric.elder.73
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricElder
https://open.spotify.com/show/0TQ3LPrLG5gTaFfQgS4w3Z?si=5177251f65174826

(The new Spotify option makes it easy for people who already love listening to podcasts on that platform, and it contains the highest quality version of my podcast. WHEREVER you watch it, I hope you’ll be encouraged that God is alive and can work wonders in your life.)

Also joining me from time to time on the podcast is Judy Wray, a dear friend and woman of prayer. Judy has spoken significant words from God to me over the past 3 DECADES, and I’d love for you to hear from her, too.

Each week, we’re sharing from a new book I’ve written called Living Life with a Capital "L." The book includes the complete book of John from the Bible, plus a few words about how God has spoken to me through these stories in John. My hope is to inspire YOU to read through the book of John and hear what God has to say to YOU through these words from one of Jesus’s best friends.

You can get a pocket-sized version of my book here:
https://www.amazon.com/Living-Life/dp/1931760888/

Join me today OR ANYTIME for my new podcast to put a new fire in your heart for life.

Here are the links again to watch:
https://www.facebook.com/eric.elder.73
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricElder
https://open.spotify.com/show/0TQ3LPrLG5gTaFfQgS4w3Z?si=5177251f65174826

Need more LIFE in your life?

If so, let me encourage you to do 3 things:

1) Read the book of John! John was one of Jesus’s closest friends. John wrote a book about their time together which is recorded in the Bible under his name, "John." The reason I want you to read John’s book is because he uses the word "LIFE" dozens of times, often quoting Jesus directly, including this: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10b). Jesus wants you to have an abundant life, and He’s glad to tell you how!

2) Read my new book on John! If you need some additional inspiration while you’re reading, you can get a copy of my book on Amazon called Living Life with a Capital "L." This pocket-sized book (4"x6") is easy to carry along and read anytime. In it, I’ve included all 21 chapters of the book of John, plus a few brief thoughts of my own at the end of each chapter. The idea is to share how John has spoken to me and know that God can use it to speak to you!

3) Follow my weekly podcast! Starting this Sunday at 10 AM Central Time, I’ll be streaming a live podcast on Facebook and YouTube where I’ll share a chapter each week from the book of John and from my book. I’ll also share a song on my piano and pray for anyone who wants prayer, joined by my dear friend and amazing woman of prayer, Judy Wray. If you’d like prayer, tune into the live podcast on either Facebook or YouTube and post your prayers in the comments.

To join me live, go to my Facebook or YouTube channel at 10 AM Central Time on Sundays. If you miss it live, you can watch it later on either channel.
https://www.facebook.com/eric.elder.73
https://www.youtube.com/c/EricElder

And if you’d like a paperback of my new book, click here to order from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Living-Life-Capital-encouragement-between/dp/1931760888/

See you Sunday!?!

Jane’s Wish

I met Jane Roe in April 2006. What she told me was so shocking, I asked if she would write it down. She did.

("Jane Roe" was famous for winning the U.S. Supreme Court case Roe versus Wade in 1973 which legalized abortion in all 50 states. Her real name was Norma McCorvey, which was revealed after the trial.)

She was speaking a few miles from my hometown, and I wanted to hear what she had to say. I was surprised to learn she didn’t actually have an abortion, because the case wasn’t decided until after her baby was born.

But I was totally shocked to hear that, in hindsight, she regretted her role in the court case she had won. She even went back to the court to ask if they would overturn their decision, but they said too much time had passed.

I talked to her after she spoke to ask more about her thoughts. I asked if I had heard correctly, that she really did want the court to overturn her case.

“Yes,” she said.

I asked if she would write it down for me.

“Of course!” she said.

She took a slip of paper from the table and wrote, “I wish R v W was overturned." Then she signed it, "Ms Norma McCorvey.”

I couldn’t believe it. Jane Roe wished Roe versus Wade was overturned.

She died about five years ago. But on Friday, her wish came true.

I just thought you’d like to know.

How Was The Show?

It was TERRIFIC, thanks! Believe it or not, it’s been six months since we performed the World Premiere of His Name Was Nicholas, the real-life story of St. Nicholas who lived back in the 3rd and 4th centuries.

It was tons of fun and we were able to encourage nearly 1,500 people in their faith who watched the show live online and in person. I’m still processing all that happened! (Unfortunately, I got COVID over Christmas, and it really knocked the wind out of my sails! My "batteries" still seem to drain faster than before, but I’m doing better and better each month, praise God! It’s been a hard few years for all of us, hasn’t it?)

I wanted to give you a mid-year update and ask 3 things.

1) If you saw the show, I’ve posted a follow-up survey that I’d love for you to answer. It will really help us going forward to know what you enjoyed and what we could do better. We’re hoping to replicate the show in as many places as possible, and your feedback will help us replicate the right things and fix the wrong things! Here’s a link to the survey:
https://forms.gle/XpMwfPLippHMPNiQA

2) If you missed the show, you can still watch it online! I’ve created a "Director’s Cut" from all three live performances. You can watch it online now for just $5 using the link below. We also have a few remaining "World Premiere" sweatshirts, T-shirts, ornaments, and books you can buy for HALF-OFF! We only have a few left, so when they’re gone, they’re gone! Here’s a link to watch the show online or get a souvenir:
https://ericelderministries.square.site/

3) If you know someone who might be interested in staging the show THIS CHRISTMAS, please forward this email to them! The show is a great way to USE THE TALENTS IN YOUR OWN COMMUNITY to share THE HOPE OF CHRIST WITH YOUR COMMUNITY. It’s a fun and fresh way to tell the story of Jesus through the real-life story of St. Nicholas. NOW’S THE TIME when many groups start planning their Christmas productions, so please pass along this email SOON! Thank you! Here’s a link to learn more about the show:
https://hisnamewasnicholas.com

Praying you have a blessed week!