My experience of growing up in the very small town of Uniontown, AL has molded me into the man I am today. My family was far from rich. I still remember picking okra during the summer, so I would have clothes for the upcoming school year. Looking back on my early years, reminds me of how far God has brought me.

Growing up in the church, I was taught about God, Heaven and the devil, but I never really took anything to heart. My relationship with God was something I took for granted. I prayed because it was expected of me, when I needed help or wanted something. Soon, there was a time when sin became acceptable as I was blinded by the movies I watched and the music that I listened to.

After graduating from high school, God blessed me with a full basketball scholarship to the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. During my last two years there, I really began to follow His word. He blessed me with a beautiful daughter and allowed me to meet a wonderful God-fearing woman, who later became my wife.

After being named 2002 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, people began to speculate that I would enter the NBA after that season. However, God lead me to stay at Alabama in order to complete my degree requirements.

My senior season was not as fruitful. Nevertheless, I was invited to the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament at the end of the 2003 season. This is where I sustained an injury that prevented me from playing basketball for a year.

My injury was so severe that after two surgeries, some people believed that my career was over. But, I continued to put  my trust and faith in God's word. Today, I am completely healed.

As I look back, I know that it was only God’s grace and mercy that has allowed me to continue my ministry through basketball.

Yours in Christ,

Erwin