Erin, along with her two younger brothers, grew up in Mt. Pleasant , Iowa . She says she was blessed to be part of a Christian family with a wonderful home life. Although she had given her life to Christ as a very young child, she says she didn't fully realize her relationship with God. It was at a summer church camp where she re-dedicated her life to God at the age of 15.

In May of 1999, Luke and Erin were married. They moved to Rushville , Illinois where Luke worked as a minister of music at a small rural church and Erin held an office job in human resources. After three years, they moved back to Mt. Pleasant where Luke worked at another church as a minister of music, Erin worked at Iowa Wesleyan College and attended school at night to obtain her teaching degree.

Today, they live in Davenport with their two dogs, Sadie and Wolfgang.

One of her goals is to eventually write children's books. She is currently taking a class through an institute in Connecticut and hopes to be published soon.

When it comes to her favorite things, Erin says she enjoys her dogs, reading, going for walks, playing softball, writing, watching movies and going out to eat at new restaurants (although she's particularly fond of the Olive Garden!).

Erin says although her plans for life were very different, God has been faithful to show her a different (and better) way. “I can honestly say that it doesn't matter where I am or what I'm doing, as long as I'm in God's will, I'm on the right track!” Erin 's life verse is Proverbs 19:21 – “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.”

Erin has accepted the challenge as New Hope's Sunday Morning Promise Land Coordinator. Erin says she's excited about the opportunity but realizes it's a huge responsibility. “ Promise Land is the starting point,” she says, “and kids remember so much from those first experiences with church.”

Just as Erin was blessed with wonderful childhood memories and experiences, she'll now have the opportunity to impact and provide great memories in the lives of New Hope children.