Eric A. Bland

Eric A. Bland was born in West Virginia but grew up in Maryland where he still lives today. Although raised by his parents with the highest of moral standards it wasn't until 1996 at the age of 18, when Jesus finally called Eric into His presence. The following year, Eric was baptized in his local Baptist Church and was married a few months later. Eric and his wife Monica began attending Sunday school and bible studies, fully dedicating their lives to the Lord. In 1999, at only 20 years old, Eric felt the call to preach God's Word and was licensed as an Evangelist in his Church in Hanover, Maryland later that same year. Once licensed as an Evangelist Eric began taking courses to further his knowledge of the Lord. He attended several Evangelism Explosion Leadership courses and began to lead teams out into the community. In 2002 Eric left his secular job and became an intern at his church, feeling the Lord call him into this position. During the 19 months he spent in the internship position, Eric began to preach more and more throughout the Baltimore area. He also led the outreach ministry at his church in the Hanover area. During that time he helped to create the Nehemiah Food Pantry which feeds over 70 families monthly and still runs today. Eric also directed a large toy drive during the 2003 Christmas season which blessed over 275 people in 10 different communities including the Harmans and Pioneer City areas. This outreach was an opportunity that Eric used to reach the uncurched and teach them about our Savior, Jesus Christ. In early 2004 Eric earned his Bachelors Degree in Theology from Andersonville Theological Seminary based in Camilla, Georgia. In July of 2004 Eric went back to his secular job and continued to preach at his church. In September of 2005 Eric and Monica, now with three children, felt the need to step out from their church home and begin Power of Hope Ministries, desiring to encourage people in their pursuit of God's Word. The drive for this ministry is to teach and preach according to God's Holy Word and not according to tradition or denominationalism. Through this, we know that the Power of God will be seen because God honors those who honor Him.