I want to start off with giving a little background about myself. I have struggled with anxiety and depression for over 30 years. Recently, I had a lot of life changes and didn’t know where to turn. After speaking with Pastor John, he referred me to Matt Lushko of ECMen for counseling. I was little skeptical about meeting someone in ministry because I never counselled this way before. Well, I want to tell you that it was one of the best things I could have done. Matt and I met and we talked about my life, my family and the negativity in my life that was causing my problems. He gave me a journal to write in on a daily basis, to summarize events of my day. We would meet and reflect on my entries and talk about them.

One day Matt told me about the ECMen Prayer Challenge. A week later I signed up but was still hesitant and anxious. I felt it was something God was telling me to do. Now I am 8 weeks into the Challenge Journal and it ahs taught me so much. I have my accountability partner and carry my coin but more importantly, I spend more time studying the Bible. I reach out to my five guys for prayer requests and answered prayers. I spend much more time in prayer, not just them but also family, friends, the church and others. It has made me realize how lucky I am and that we are all in need of prayer. We often don’t realize what others are going through until we ask. The enemy is always looking for weakness and we must pray for strength. ECMen has helped me become stronger in my faith by accepting Jesus as my Savior. I am more able to let go of the negative thoughts that once controlled me. I can let go of the past and live the fulfilling life that God has intended for me. I know there will always be trials and struggles, but with the help of Matt and ECMen, I feel more prepared to face them and praise God for my blessings.