Ed was born and raised in WV outside of Charleston, in a town called Rand. Later on Ed joined the Marines and embarked to Vietnam, where he served for most of the durance of the war. Then returned to the States continue to serve and finally leaving the Corp., with honors he started working for Eastern Airlines. After several relocations with Eastern Airlines, Ed relocated to Miami, Florida. It was in Miami, that he met his wife (Maria); Maria, of Cuban descent, was a single working mother of five and Ed had two children of his own; which did not live with him but did visited and stay in close contact with. They both fell in love and got married and raised their children, this took place well after Eastern had closed its doors. The couple moved from Miami to Naples, FL, where Ed and Maria became Ministers of the Gospel. For the next five to ten years, God would take this couple to places (in the ministry) where they never thought or seeing themselves in. All through out their married years, the couple would often share their heart’s desire, visions for future plans. Very close to their heart was always the desires of moving to a small town and work with less fortunate children. Ed would often make mention of coming back home to the Appalachian hills of beautiful WV. Though the possibility was far from Maria’s anticipation, the thought never intimidated her.
One day, the Lord spoke and He blessed Ed and Maria; to where they were able to purchase some property in WV. While Ed and Maria thought that this would be their little get away place, God had much bigger plans in mind. And soon their vacation home became their permanent home, where they started to Foster Children through the WV DHHR, serving in local churches and community ministries. It was not before too long that an old school mate of Ed contacted him and knowing Ed’s love and respect for animals, offered a pet goat. Yes, they took the pet goat (named Eddie); they thought it would be a good practice run as there had already been talks with their oldest son (Laz) of starting a farm and raising Boer goats and for Laz and his family to relocate from WI to WV. The ideas took off, the plans formulated and once again the couple found themselves where they never thought they would be. Was it hard? Well, at times, for it takes some getting used to but they held on to God’s promises (never to leave them or forsake them), pressed on and still keep pressing on! Laz (oldest son), his wife Brunilda and their children joined ventures with Ed and Maria and set up a farm. They have been in business now for almost two years and were recently incorporated. Based on what the family learned in the Holy scriptures (all things are possible through Christ), they step out in faith daily, knowing that they can and they will in Christ who strengthens them.
The family enjoys the animals, the farm life, and the challenges that are at times encountered. They enjoy serving God together to benefit their community, raise their children and foster children and further enrich the kingdom of God through their labor.
This is our family’s motto verse:
Psalms 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee. He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."