Meet Deb and Joe Mayer

On January 1, 2004, Joe and Deb Mayer's lives were forever changed when their three daughters were tragically killed in a car accident while they were en route to the rehearsal dinner for their brother's wedding. In immense grief, the wedding went on as planned that weekend, and the family painfully mourned at the three empty spots where Nikki, Krista, and Jessica would have stood as bridesmaids. Just days later, the three teenagers were laid to rest in their bright colored bridesmaid dresses with over a thousand people present to bid them farewell at their untimely death.

At the mere thought of losing even one child, my heart grieved for this family. Recovering from the loss of one loved one seemed insurmountable at times, but three, how could it even be possible?! While I did not know Joe and Deb personally at the time of their tragic loss, I was instantly struck by their unshakable faith. During the many media clips that followed the girls' death, Joe and Deb showcased a deep and profound faith in the Lord trusting that He was the answer to see them through this and to know that everything would be okay. While it was obvious that they grieved at the thought of never being with their girls again on this Earth, they nonetheless had a security in their eternal destination writing, "Even though they are dead to this life, they are more alive than they ever were before! Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." ~ John 11:25

Their attitude and actions clearly had a ripple effect in inspiring many as they began receiving media opportunities to showcase how faith can help families after tragedies. From there, they knew they had a calling to use this horrendous experience to be a light in the darkness for other families who experience the loss of a child and for any other person who simply suffers from that all too common feeling of hopelessness in the wake of any type of adversity. They established Eternal Bride Ministries to share their story of God's comfort and to encourage others to live out God's Eternal purpose in the story of their lives. For more information about their ministry, go to eternalbrideminstries.com.

Over the last six years, I have been blessed to spend more time with Joe and Debbie and I can attest to the fact that some days are still hard, but their faith never wavers. Their hope is in the one true God who will never forsake us.

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