Daily Inspiration: Meet Eric Stephens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Stephens.

Hi Eric, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Eric Stephens, and I am an ordained Pastor and Elder, Life Coach, Podcast Host, 23-year major gift fundraiser, and Founder of Redwood Christian Ministries. I grew up feeling like I wasn’t accepted or good enough until I encountered the love, acceptance, and saving power of Jesus Christ in 2010. My passion is to see people come alive in Christ and live a life for Him. I share my testimony/life story of addiction, depression, rejection by my biological father, and a suicide attempt to show others how much Jesus loves them. The tipping point in my life was the passing of my grandmother. God used her death to bring me to life and open my eyes to see there was more to life than the way I was living.

It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Battles and struggles:

• Obesity:  I used to weigh 315lbs – weigh 205lbs now
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Suicide attempt
• Rejection from my father telling me I won’t be like him
• Starting a Christian 501c3 in 2020 while the entire world is shutting down

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have been fundraising for over 23 years. I ask donors for the school I work for to give back $1,000,000 or more to help students obtain scholarships. I also started my own 501c3 nonprofit Called Redwood Christian Ministries. The nonprofit has a podcast called Rooted in Christ. What I’m most proud of and what sets me apart is that I now use my voice and my story to encourage others that they are not alone and can overcome through Jesus. The Rooted in Christ Podcast is in the top 10% of most popular podcasts worldwide. (Listening Notes Ranking). I have gathered stories from other people and have then shared their stories on my podcast to encourage those who are listening. I want to see everyone better, even if they do better than me.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any essential lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
How fast the world can change. Life can be unpredictable, and you must control what you can control and do it with excellence. Making every moment count isn’t just a catchphrase, it’s the way we should all try to live. I also learned there is more than one way to accomplish a task. For example, I can now reach the world through Zoom and host a podcast in ways I never thought possible.

Pricing:

• Guest speaking prices vary based on location

Contact Info:

• Website: redwoodcm.org
• Instagram: @redwoodcm and @EricStephens1983
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550777832804 and https://www.facebook.com/RedwoodChristianMinistries/
• Twitter: redwoodcm
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@redwoodcm
• Other: https://linktr.ee/redwoodchristianministries

Image Credits
They are my professional photos but they were taken by I.A.//images Indy Aleese