Stories and testimonies of God at work among us.
Approximately once a month, we will be highlighting a story of how God is working amongst his people at Eternal Church. It may be a personal testimony or an event that is creating an opportunity for a communal testimony. We pray that these stories will be encouragement to see how God is at work through his steadfast love and faithfulness.
Table of Contents
A Family That's For One Another
I had the privilege of talking with the Kratochvil family recently and learning more about their journey of faith over the last several years. It was such a special time as each one shared how they have grown in the Lord, felt embraced by the Eternal Church family and are finding ways to serve others with their unique, God-given gifting. As Kelly said in an email: “From our point of view: I truly feel like coming back to Eternal has been the biggest gift to our family and really created a big part of our family’s unity and safety for each of us to begin starting over after the move. The people are so warm and loving and generous and we love being part of this community.”
The Kratochvil family moved down from Missouri several years ago. A big move like that can be an isolating and lonely experience, but after visiting Eternal Church, Kelly felt warmly embraced and welcomed by the authenticity of the women’s ministry. She and her husband, Adam, quickly got plugged in and involved in some community groups. At the same time, their teenagers were struggling and overwhelmed by the size of the youth group, so their family collectively decided to attend a smaller church community in the area, considering the interests of everyone in the family. Kelly and Adam still felt drawn to Eternal and were continuing to build into their community group here, so when the kids were feeling more comfortable in the area, they decided to give our church another try. At that point, all of them felt a connection, deciding to make it their church home.
They have each been valuable, contributing members to our church community, supporting and giving within God’s calling on their lives. Their oldest daughter, Abby, started connecting with the Youth Group and began serving in the kids ministry and working in Greenhouse. One of her passions is teaching kids and her family noted a magnetism that draws children to Abby. In fact, just before our interview a little boy ran past, but once he saw Abby, he had to pause and say “Hi, Ms. Abby” and then proceeded along. Abby’s Mom and brother chimed in about her giftedness with kids, expressing how she’s good at corralling kids and creating order among little ones. Ben appreciates the opportunity to play piano on the worship team, connecting with people he wouldn’t have otherwise. He admires all the creativity and work that so many different people contribute in order to create a quality Sunday morning production that draws in new families like theirs. Livia was proud to show everyone her faith was her own when she got baptized by her Grandpa Kirby Smith back in June of 2025. It was a sweet time as she made the choice to serve Jesus with her life. One of the ways she loves to serve is by giving her money to help those who don’t have much. When their family has given gift cards to families in need, Livia personalized them with notes for the recipients.
Adam and Kelly got involved in a great community group when they first moved here and found they were able to do life together as they faced the challenges of aging parents and raising children. Adam has appreciated the authenticity of the preaching, even during challenging times. He noted that it’s been very loving and appropriate to have the leadership challenge the congregation through scripture and to see the unity that has come through that. Adam communicated that he is still trying to further understand how God has called him to serve at our church, although his oldest daughter noted his natural leadership ability to connect people. She cited an example of when they have served in nursing homes, Adam has been able to capture each person’s attention and draw people together. Kelly loves digging deep into the Bible and finds it to be life giving, especially with other women. She enjoys hospitality, creating conversation and depth, recently hosting a pop up for chatting and catching up around a charcuterie board. (Fun little fact: Kelly is one of the people who inspired me to write these articles. I bumped into her at Aldi one day and we started chatting. She was so excited because they had decided as a family to make Eternal Church their home church. I was experiencing some discouragement because of the difficulties our church had recently experienced. That interaction with her reminded me that God is at work even in difficulty and that He is able to touch lives and draw people to Himself in the midst of hard times. That conversation gave me so much encouragement that I wanted others to hear how God is at work “In our Midst.”)
As I Interviewed their family, it stood out to me that they are for one another and are able to point out the good parts in each other. There were about a dozen times during the conversation when one of them chimed in to express strengths they saw in one of their family members, encouraging God’s best to be drawn out. I was touched by their love for one another displayed in this way.
As I Interviewed their family, it stood out to me that they are for one another and are able to point out the good parts in each other. There were about a dozen times during the conversation when one of them chimed in to express strengths they saw in one of their family members, encouraging God’s best to be drawn out. I was touched by their love for one another displayed in this way.
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that one of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
Hebrews 3:13
Hebrews 3:13
Story written by Kristy Fleming
October 2026
Following Christ through Forgiveness and Surrender
Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,
for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! Psalm 115:11
Andy Shook was one of the founding members of Eternal Church. Back in 2002, a small group of 5 men (a Pastor, 2 elders and 2 deacons) from Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill met for 2 years on Tuesday mornings to pray before launching Eternal Church. They had a desire to step out of “the tradition and tradition-led church and to make an impact to the surrounding community for the Kingdom of God”. These men were seeking to engage the culture while not being part of its value system.
for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! Psalm 115:11
Andy Shook was one of the founding members of Eternal Church. Back in 2002, a small group of 5 men (a Pastor, 2 elders and 2 deacons) from Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill met for 2 years on Tuesday mornings to pray before launching Eternal Church. They had a desire to step out of “the tradition and tradition-led church and to make an impact to the surrounding community for the Kingdom of God”. These men were seeking to engage the culture while not being part of its value system.
Here is a little background on Andy. He was born and raised in the mountains of North Carolina and attended Winthrop University on a percussion scholarship. He had not grown up in the church, and as Andy so eloquently put it, “God picked me out of a long line of bad men.” He was brought to a breaking point during his first year at college after his girlfriend died suddenly. She fell asleep at the wheel as she was returning from a visit to see him. Andy was devastated. Grief is a normal reaction for anyone after a tragic accident like this, but his was intensified because he had made her and their relationship a false god. He was so distraught that he tried committing suicide and was placed in a psych ward where there was nothing to do in order to make sure he couldn’t hurt himself. Searching the room for something to pass the time, he found a Gideon Bible, opening the pages with a plea of “God, if you’re real, I sure could use some help.” The page he flipped to was Psalm 40:2, “He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.” With that cry of desperation, God met him. This was the beginning step in the salvation of his soul as he learned how to pray and grew in community with 3 young Christian men God had put in his life.
While he was saved back in ‘92, his personal transformation has been a life long process with many bumps along the journey. As a young man, Andy felt like he had to earn his worth, proving to others his value through overachieving and being well liked by everyone. This facade was stripped away when his first wife left him, and she no longer saw him as a “Hero.” He had made her his functional savior and his home his functional heaven. When those were stripped away, he was reduced to zero. God exposed and began healing his wounds as he did intensive Christian-based counseling. He started surrendering his life to his Heavenly Father, and it was brought to light that a deep root of bitterness that had taken up residence in his soul.
While he was saved back in ‘92, his personal transformation has been a life long process with many bumps along the journey. As a young man, Andy felt like he had to earn his worth, proving to others his value through overachieving and being well liked by everyone. This facade was stripped away when his first wife left him, and she no longer saw him as a “Hero.” He had made her his functional savior and his home his functional heaven. When those were stripped away, he was reduced to zero. God exposed and began healing his wounds as he did intensive Christian-based counseling. He started surrendering his life to his Heavenly Father, and it was brought to light that a deep root of bitterness that had taken up residence in his soul.
Over years, the poison of unforgiveness was slowly eroding away his peace, joy and ability to love well. A huge part of his transformational journey was when God led him to reach out to 28 people from his past where forgiveness was needed. Learning to receive and give mercy allowed grace, forgiveness, and gratitude to pour forth in his life.
He still struggles with aspects of his life where there has been physical and relational death. Even if there is not the desired restoration he longs for, by God’s grace he is able to see himself a son of God, and live from that identity. Andy finds great comfort with his Father, that even as a grown man he can sit on God’s lap, allowing His sovereignty to flood Andy’s soul ushering in the Kingdom of God.
Andy has found tremendous fulfillment playing in the band here at Eternal Church, with that group being some of his best friends in the world. Andy and few others having been playing together for 15-20 years. His son has even begun playing in the band, which is such a blessing and joy for Andy to do with him. He acknowledges he is no longer so lukewarm cultural believer in Jesus, rather, God has called him beyond that, to be a follower. His new identity as a son of God plays out in every day ordinary moments with the choices and decisions he makes to honor God with his life. He’s never been more excited than right now to be part of Eternal Church, which says a lot considering he was part of its inception 24 years ago. If you see a bass player up there on stage, worshipping God alongside his brothers and sisters in Christ, know his journey has been filled with ups and downs. Andy will greet you with a warmth and friendliness that is being refined through the storms of life and he has no problem sharing his story, even with all the good, bad and ugly.
He still struggles with aspects of his life where there has been physical and relational death. Even if there is not the desired restoration he longs for, by God’s grace he is able to see himself a son of God, and live from that identity. Andy finds great comfort with his Father, that even as a grown man he can sit on God’s lap, allowing His sovereignty to flood Andy’s soul ushering in the Kingdom of God.
Andy has found tremendous fulfillment playing in the band here at Eternal Church, with that group being some of his best friends in the world. Andy and few others having been playing together for 15-20 years. His son has even begun playing in the band, which is such a blessing and joy for Andy to do with him. He acknowledges he is no longer so lukewarm cultural believer in Jesus, rather, God has called him beyond that, to be a follower. His new identity as a son of God plays out in every day ordinary moments with the choices and decisions he makes to honor God with his life. He’s never been more excited than right now to be part of Eternal Church, which says a lot considering he was part of its inception 24 years ago. If you see a bass player up there on stage, worshipping God alongside his brothers and sisters in Christ, know his journey has been filled with ups and downs. Andy will greet you with a warmth and friendliness that is being refined through the storms of life and he has no problem sharing his story, even with all the good, bad and ugly.
You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. Psalm 115:11
Story written by Kristy Fleming
July 2026
Jacob & Angela Collins
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. - Isaiah 62:3-4
As I was putting this article together, the thing that struck me about Jacob and Angela Collins was their strength, trust and wisdom that shone forth in humility. They have a clear dependence on God and are looking to Him for guidance.
Jacob has been working at Eternal Church for 10 years, which they recognize as a long time for a pastor to spend in one location. Months before they got the official news that Jacob’s position was being eliminated due to financial concerns, God had begun preparing their hearts. They know God has been present in it all, and in some ways it almost came as a relief once they knew the specifics around the transition. They both feel so blessed by our church family and have formed deep relationships here. They don’t know what’s next, whether it will be local or in Florida, closer to family. Angela’s position is remote, so that is nice as Jacob is searching for a new job. He is open to another pastoral position, working in a parachurch organization or something in the private sector.
As I was putting this article together, the thing that struck me about Jacob and Angela Collins was their strength, trust and wisdom that shone forth in humility. They have a clear dependence on God and are looking to Him for guidance.
Jacob has been working at Eternal Church for 10 years, which they recognize as a long time for a pastor to spend in one location. Months before they got the official news that Jacob’s position was being eliminated due to financial concerns, God had begun preparing their hearts. They know God has been present in it all, and in some ways it almost came as a relief once they knew the specifics around the transition. They both feel so blessed by our church family and have formed deep relationships here. They don’t know what’s next, whether it will be local or in Florida, closer to family. Angela’s position is remote, so that is nice as Jacob is searching for a new job. He is open to another pastoral position, working in a parachurch organization or something in the private sector.
Angela mentioned that some of the things she has valued most over the last decade have been the non-Sunday events where people get personal and learn alongside one another. She said, “It’s wonderful being part of a community where people are real and brave enough to share it.” One of the most important lessons that Jacob learned is from his co-worker Keith Dudley: “Don’t let anyone else out do you!” Meaning that each of us have unique gifts and experiences that God has blessed us with as an individual, and we are meant to embrace the voice God has given to each of us. Jacob readily admits that as a “tech geek” in a pastoral position there have been times he’s had trouble finding what God has called him to. In recent years, he’s more comfortable in “the language God has blessed him with, so he can speak into others’ lives and be able to connect with them.”
One of the highlights that Jacob and Angela both brought up was being part of the re|engage marriage ministry. They expressed that it was challenging, humbling, and meaningful. The experience helped them address issues in their marriage that they didn’t even know were a problem, which prevented division in their relationship in the future. Sharing their marriage story in front of the group was both vulnerable and liberating. It healed aspects of their union and empowered them to become ministry partners in a new way.
Jacob has the knack for connecting with people on a relational level. He was often the first to know when someone was heading to the hospital, in need, or facing a challenge. Many times he had already visited before other leadership had a chance to work it into their schedule. As Chad Hollowell put it, “Jacob is well connected and on the move.” We have all seen Jacob grow so much in his teaching, finding his unique voice and way of expressing it to the congregation. I personally love his use of multiple visuals, including maps, pictures, and renditions of what a structure may have looked like in Biblical times. This allows the congregation to visualize what he is talking about.
In closing, it’s important to hear their desires moving forward. They long to see our church body continue to lean into God and trust Him each step of the way. For Eternal Church to have holistic health across all ministries, recovering and flourishing in the years to come. Both Jacob and Angela long for their children, Zane and Zoe, to know they are God’s and not get their identity from anyone but the Lord. Their heart is that as their children grow and mature and that their love for God would exceed their love for their parents. Their family is holding onto Isaiah 26:3, seeking God each step of the way forward and His rest over their hearts and minds. They still consider Eternal their church home, and Jacob will still be working here for the next several weeks. Continue to keep them in your prayers as they seek the next chapter in life.
“Take heart today. Your Savior sits in active, sovereign control over all the things that would confuse, overwhelm, surprise or disturb you.” - Paul David Tripp
Jacob has the knack for connecting with people on a relational level. He was often the first to know when someone was heading to the hospital, in need, or facing a challenge. Many times he had already visited before other leadership had a chance to work it into their schedule. As Chad Hollowell put it, “Jacob is well connected and on the move.” We have all seen Jacob grow so much in his teaching, finding his unique voice and way of expressing it to the congregation. I personally love his use of multiple visuals, including maps, pictures, and renditions of what a structure may have looked like in Biblical times. This allows the congregation to visualize what he is talking about.
In closing, it’s important to hear their desires moving forward. They long to see our church body continue to lean into God and trust Him each step of the way. For Eternal Church to have holistic health across all ministries, recovering and flourishing in the years to come. Both Jacob and Angela long for their children, Zane and Zoe, to know they are God’s and not get their identity from anyone but the Lord. Their heart is that as their children grow and mature and that their love for God would exceed their love for their parents. Their family is holding onto Isaiah 26:3, seeking God each step of the way forward and His rest over their hearts and minds. They still consider Eternal their church home, and Jacob will still be working here for the next several weeks. Continue to keep them in your prayers as they seek the next chapter in life.
“Take heart today. Your Savior sits in active, sovereign control over all the things that would confuse, overwhelm, surprise or disturb you.” - Paul David Tripp
Story written by Kristy Fleming
June 2026
A Day of Service
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
There is a special bond that occurs when you serve alongside another person, whether that individual is a friend, a family member, or a new acquaintance. Serving together brings unity as people are able to give of themselves expecting nothing in return.
Following the example of Jesus, Eternal Church longs to serve the community around us. Not to earn our way into heaven, nor because we hope to get something in return, only because we want to show how Christ lived and exemplify him. About 150 people obeyed God’s call to do just that back in November and will be doing it again tomorrow (on April 18). From staining fences, to making Christmas cards, to yard work, to pressure washing...and of course the infamous picking up poop [Thanks, Rungaitis family! :) ]. That’s just a few of the opportunities we had to bless our greater Fort Mill, Rock Hill and Charlotte community.
There is a special bond that occurs when you serve alongside another person, whether that individual is a friend, a family member, or a new acquaintance. Serving together brings unity as people are able to give of themselves expecting nothing in return.
Following the example of Jesus, Eternal Church longs to serve the community around us. Not to earn our way into heaven, nor because we hope to get something in return, only because we want to show how Christ lived and exemplify him. About 150 people obeyed God’s call to do just that back in November and will be doing it again tomorrow (on April 18). From staining fences, to making Christmas cards, to yard work, to pressure washing...and of course the infamous picking up poop [Thanks, Rungaitis family! :) ]. That’s just a few of the opportunities we had to bless our greater Fort Mill, Rock Hill and Charlotte community.
A few special instances I would like to highlight would be serving a single Mom, Gretchen. She had begun praying months ago for some projects that needed to get done around her house. Her Dad used to help with these larger tasks but he passed away 3 years ago and since then she has not had family support to get them done. God answered that prayer through a men’s group that was able to dig up shrubs, paint and seal window boxes, winterize the yard, hang Christmas lights and even a little added bonus of providing and leveling gravel for the driveway. The amazing thing is that I think the men were just as positively impacted as Gretchen and her family.
Tom Keith has been volunteering with our youth for years now and has particularly enjoyed the service projects. He and a well-organized team of about 50 other people (7-8 of those were from Eternal) got to stain miles and miles of fences out at Agape Acres in Charlotte. Their passion is rescuing horses in need, mentoring youth and conducting outreach in the community to bring out the best in each person - mentally, physically, and spiritually. Tom loved his Day of Service experience so much that he has now joined the team of Eternal Church volunteers that will be helping mobilize and organize our future Days of Service.
Tom Keith has been volunteering with our youth for years now and has particularly enjoyed the service projects. He and a well-organized team of about 50 other people (7-8 of those were from Eternal) got to stain miles and miles of fences out at Agape Acres in Charlotte. Their passion is rescuing horses in need, mentoring youth and conducting outreach in the community to bring out the best in each person - mentally, physically, and spiritually. Tom loved his Day of Service experience so much that he has now joined the team of Eternal Church volunteers that will be helping mobilize and organize our future Days of Service.
Two of the key visionaries behind this idea were Kristen Zepplin and Melissa Woodruff. Kristen started a nonprofit organization called Do Good Now (www.dogoodnowhow.org) as a tribute to her Daddy, whose mantra of “do it now” inspired her to make serving others “now” a focus for her own family. This has served as a catalyst for ministry partners all across York County for years now. Melissa, a Mom with young children herself, had a passion for families to be able to sacrificially serve alongside one another. That evolved into our November 15th Day of Service with hands and feet being mobilized for Christ. She longs to see “community serving community while building a deeper community.”
None of this is meant to shine a spotlight on any one individual, rather to show how we can listen to God’s call, be the answer to prayer, and mobilize in order to do the work of Jesus Christ. This is just one of the ways we can be a witness, making an outward focus a priority among our family at Eternal Church. “but through love serve one another.
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13b-14
None of this is meant to shine a spotlight on any one individual, rather to show how we can listen to God’s call, be the answer to prayer, and mobilize in order to do the work of Jesus Christ. This is just one of the ways we can be a witness, making an outward focus a priority among our family at Eternal Church. “but through love serve one another.
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13b-14
Stay tuned for photos from the Spring Day of Service and get prepared now to participate in the Fall ‘26 Day of Service.
Story written by Kristy Fleming
April 2026
The God Who Sees
Niemah’s story is one of God reaching his hand into a terrible situation to bring his daughter safely out. It is an account that proclaims hope, redemption, and the providence of God.
Niemah’s mother, Salima, a young girl of 14 years old, found herself pregnant and scared. She was living in Palestine, a Muslim culture where women have very limited rights. In Arab cultures like this one they practice honor killings for unwed mothers. Her parents sent Salima away to another city, Jerusalem, in order to preserve her life as well as the child’s. Salima chose to give her daughter, Niemah, up for adoption and she was placed in a Jewish orphanage where a nurse named Aida, nurtured and cared for her. Although Aida could not adopt her, she convinced a loving American Christian family to consider meeting Niemah. From the moment her adoptive mother saw her, she knew Niemah was meant to be part of their family and at 2.5 years old Niemah had a family of her own.
This process was a rare and miraculous one because Muslim countries don’t believe in adoption. God had to intervene, lining up unique wording and unusual paperwork, to get this precious little girl back to the United States with her family. There were obvious situations where typical government practices were overlooked in order to give this sweet child a new life. Niemah has happily shared her story of God’s divine intervention and orchestration with others throughout her life. She was born in a place Jesus himself walked and lived. Her life’s journey reveals a God who is actively and intimately involved in every detail of our lives, even when it appears he is silent.
Niemah’s mother, Salima, a young girl of 14 years old, found herself pregnant and scared. She was living in Palestine, a Muslim culture where women have very limited rights. In Arab cultures like this one they practice honor killings for unwed mothers. Her parents sent Salima away to another city, Jerusalem, in order to preserve her life as well as the child’s. Salima chose to give her daughter, Niemah, up for adoption and she was placed in a Jewish orphanage where a nurse named Aida, nurtured and cared for her. Although Aida could not adopt her, she convinced a loving American Christian family to consider meeting Niemah. From the moment her adoptive mother saw her, she knew Niemah was meant to be part of their family and at 2.5 years old Niemah had a family of her own.
This process was a rare and miraculous one because Muslim countries don’t believe in adoption. God had to intervene, lining up unique wording and unusual paperwork, to get this precious little girl back to the United States with her family. There were obvious situations where typical government practices were overlooked in order to give this sweet child a new life. Niemah has happily shared her story of God’s divine intervention and orchestration with others throughout her life. She was born in a place Jesus himself walked and lived. Her life’s journey reveals a God who is actively and intimately involved in every detail of our lives, even when it appears he is silent.
Her adoption story had always been a positive reminder that celebrated who God is. But three years ago, she found out more of her Mom’s story through a relative she came in contact with through Ancestry.com. That relation secretly filled her in on the details of her conception, including that her mother was raped.
During further investigation she found out her mother was still alive but her biological Mom didn’t want to meet her out of fear for her life, even after all these years. This new information led Niemah to wrestle with God and struggle with her identity. It was during these last three years that she came to know God on a different level, one that revealed The God Who Sees. The same God that met Hagar in the wilderness now saw her in her pain…in her darkest hour. He held her through it and strengthened her relationship with Himself which she can now share with others who feel unseen.
While Niemah still wrestles with the unknowns or her past and the cruelty behind her conception, she has allowed these tragic circumstances to weave a thread of advocacy for the marginalized, along with love and compassion that she freely gives to others. This immense pain she has had to bear, she has also allowed God to transform into a deep well of hope. Niemah is currently writing a book and will be our speaker at the women’s retreat in March. Her prayer is that through her story, others will recognize God’s faithful presence throughout their own stories, and find comfort in knowing they too are seen, known, and held by El Roi, The God Who Sees.
During further investigation she found out her mother was still alive but her biological Mom didn’t want to meet her out of fear for her life, even after all these years. This new information led Niemah to wrestle with God and struggle with her identity. It was during these last three years that she came to know God on a different level, one that revealed The God Who Sees. The same God that met Hagar in the wilderness now saw her in her pain…in her darkest hour. He held her through it and strengthened her relationship with Himself which she can now share with others who feel unseen.
While Niemah still wrestles with the unknowns or her past and the cruelty behind her conception, she has allowed these tragic circumstances to weave a thread of advocacy for the marginalized, along with love and compassion that she freely gives to others. This immense pain she has had to bear, she has also allowed God to transform into a deep well of hope. Niemah is currently writing a book and will be our speaker at the women’s retreat in March. Her prayer is that through her story, others will recognize God’s faithful presence throughout their own stories, and find comfort in knowing they too are seen, known, and held by El Roi, The God Who Sees.
