I can't remember the date that Eddie (Edward) Saverino walked into Sanctuary of Praise Church in Midland City Al., but I can remember the day. Eddie came that day expecting to find something different and he found it in a group of people who fell in love with him. It was just weeks later that Eddie came to me and related that he didn’t have a whole lot of money to give, but he still wanted to do something for the Church. He asked me if he could help clean the sanctuary for no pay; I told him we would pray about it and let him know. He kept on asking until I said yes. That week, Sanctuary of Praise got a cleaning like it never had before. Eddie wasn’t satisfied with just cleaning the church so he applied for an usher position which meant keeping count of those in attendance and greeting people as they came in. He enjoyed this and started to feel like he was a part of the church.

Eddie took his job serious. He was one of the first to arrive and was always there until I left, and he was always asking me if I needed something; I guess you could call him my armour bearer. As a Bi-vocational pastor, I work a full time job as a manager of a large distribution center out Birmingham. One week I was at a meeting which went over and I was unable to bet back for Family Bible Study night on Wednesday but Melissa my wife was there. To show you what kind of man Eddie is, he followed my wife 12 miles to wour home and didn’t even let her know about it. We found out when he let me know that he made sure she was safe.

I could go on and on but I need to close which is bitter sweet because while it means Eddie is alive, he is leaving with his brother John t go to N.Y. The real hero in this story is John Saverino because against all odds and people telling him to pull the plug, he didn’t and now he has his brother back. John, you have been an inspiration to all of us and we have gained a friend. To my friend Eddie you will never know the joy you have brought to Melissa’s and my life. We will truly miss you and I am sure I speak for all of Sanctuary of Praise as well.

With Love and Appreciation
Pastors Ricky & Melissa