Leaving a Legacy

Roosevelt Hunter distinguished himself as a successful church planter, author, motivational speaker and world evangelist. He preached the practical truths of God’s Word to both young and old. His humor and engaging style of delivery transcended racial and denominational walls. For over 16 years Roosevelt was an international communicator and humanitarian in over 27 different countries; speaking at over 100 Youth Camps, 120 Encounters, and 80 Youth Conventions. He flew nearly 2 million air miles speaking to churches, corporations, universities, non-profit organizations and professional athletes. His ability to coach people and engage hearts caused him to become one of the most sought after preachers in America.

His heart was for people all over the world to “dare to dream” and fulfill their destinies. Being diagnosed with colon cancer on July 25, 2008 did not change that. Roosevelt pressed through the health challenges and continued traveling, empowering all to live a passionate life for Christ. Although Roosevelt was fervent about teaching the word, reaching the multitudes, actively training and serving in the local church and community; one of his greatest desires was to see a revolution begin among this generation of young people. His vision to equip young people with the knowledge and tools to lead their generation to Christ is in full effect today.

On August 10, 2009 Roosevelt Hunter slipped into eternity to cheer those who’ll come after him to carry the torch and light up their world. In the words of Paul “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

Still Running the Race... R-U-N?

This week marks the 6 month anniversary of Roosevelt's home going. It has been difficult to say the least. Grief can often sneak up on you and take you by surprise. While sitting in my husband's old study, I found myself gazing at his picture as tears forced their way through my frozen stare. My daughter entered the room and caught my puddle of tears. " I really miss Daddy!", I whispered. Her beautiful chocolate brown eyes locked into mine as she brought comfort to my heart. "Just Cry Mommy! I always feel happy after I've had a good cry!" My little girl thought I should have some alone time, so there I was looking back thinking about how good life was when I had my Roosevelt.

God has given me grace though

the grief. It is the pain that I must continue to push pass and press through. Pain and suffering can paralyze you if you let it. I remembered a dream I had of Roosevelt. It was a sunny afternoon and I was on a busy street full of people going places. As far as I could see there were people walking ahead of me and beside me. I looked back and there was Roosevelt along with many others! He was 10 feet behind me. We did not run to each other but I could see there was a reassuring smile on his face letting me know he was right there. Before I woke up, I found myself looking forward and moving forward.

You may be facing something this month that wants to paralyze you. We are running a marathon and not a sprint. Remember where you are right now, is not the finish line; God has so much more for us.

Are you tired? Are you out of shape? Are you out of breath? Are you ready to run? I have my sneakers on too!

Let's go! I'm still running the race, R-U-N?

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith
(NKJV)

IT'S NOT TOO LATE ...TO BE GREAT

As time passes, it may seem like great possibilities can too! I am inspired by the life of our Patriarch of faith, Abraham. He was called to change when circumstances were inconvenient (Genesis 12). He had to come out from his family and cultural mindsets in order to pursue God’s purpose. Abraham and Sarah were well up in years and perhaps looking to enjoy the things most people their age do, and yet they did not settle for mediocrity but took the opportunity to be great!

After sixteen years of living with a world class leader like my late husband, Roosevelt; I am forced to face my future. No longer just a home maker, I am now entering a new season as a single mom and the sole provider for my household. Many times I am uncertain and feel the pressure to sit back, and give up. God continues to graciously call me to step into greatness by humbling myself and putting all my confidence in His leading. These circumstances have caused me to trust God with every decision (Proverbs 3:5,6). I am leaving old mindsets in order to embrace this new adventure ahead of me. I owe it to myself, my children, my generation, and most of all to my Heavenly Father to refuse to settle for almost or halfway there.

As I push past my pain and finish my book, I feel the need to travel and encourage others. My story is one that will encourage the body to a closer walk with Christ. I continue to speak and minister weekly to the underprivileged youth of America through NuNation. Your prayers and financial support will propel me to move forward as I endeavor to pursue God’s plan for Eileen and the Hunter household.

May God’s greatness be reflected through my pledge to make a difference with my life (Psalm 31:19). It’s not too late to be great.

Roosevelt's Birthday

"Alive at 45!" was the theme of our last birthday celebration with Roosevelt. I wondered how I would manage through this birthday without him? It started out overwhelming and frustrating. Why did I have to face such a day? Haven't I endured enough? Everybody told me that this first year would be difficult. I know I could have allowed my mind to wonder about my great loss, to meditate on how drastic my life has changed not only for me, but for our kids.

God went above and beyond to extend his love that day. Many of you texted me reminding me that I would not face the day alone. On his birthday, I was able to find a buyer for Roosevelt's car which I had been trying to sell for 3 months now. As I was driving with my sister in New Orleans that evening, I looked up and saw that I was stopped at a street called Roosevelt. I could sense Rho with me. A day that could have been so challenging for me was conquered. That evening I found myself dancing and praising God for what he had miraculously done.

Now as I am going into the Christmas holidays and I am reminded that although the enemy will plot to rule my unstable emotions, and take my comfort and joy....The Grinch cannot steal my Christmas! As I cherish the gift of having Roosevelt for the past 16years, I can truly say It's a Wonderful life!

Guest Speaker: Roosevelt Hunter...oopse...Eileen Hunter

A sweet friend and musical artist, Vicki Yohe, asked me to take a little time off and travel with her on some concert tours and ministry dates. I was overjoyed at the fact that I could go and breakout of my normal routine. Although she offered, I certainly was not able to go to all the dates; due to my commitment at home. I prayed and asked God to go to one event. I was compelled to travel with her on October 6th to a conference for pastors and leaders in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I knew the pastor's that were hosting the conference and thought it would be a nice but quick break.

When I arrived to the campus, Bishop Schatzline kindly invited me to share that evening after the concert. He said, "The Pastor scheduled to come was detained and could not make his air flight in". My heart racing... I said "Yes!" I only had a couple of hours to get ready and be there. As we got in the car, the pastors said, "I'm sure you knew the conference you'll be speaking at tonight, Roosevelt was scheduled to speak and open the conference. And the speaker that was detained tonight was his replacement". In awe, I shouted "What?! Really?! This is why I was to come here!"

As I got up to share with these wonderful leaders, I shared my journey. God used it and we spent several hours at the alters. God was transforming hearts and changing lives. My journey is starting to make sense now.

This month I will be traveling to Toronto, Canada speaking, praying and asking God to touch hundreds of ladies as they watch their Heavenly Father transform them as He has done so faithfully for me!

Today marks exactly two months since my beloved slipped into eternity. Intentionally this was a very busy day for me so that I could just float through without much thought. It seems that the shock is wearing off and I am opening new doors that were slammed shut. Every 10th of the month, the children and I do a memorial to honor their father. As we began watching a DVD, Trinity was flooded with memories. It just hit her once again that Daddy would not be back, "to tuck her in, pray the Our Father, and most importantly no more snuggle times in bed". The weight of that became unbearable. She reminded me of the time she broke her arm in a discovery zone play area and how Dad picked her up and brought her to two emergency hospitals because the first one was not satisfactory. "She said Mom, the last time I held his hand was in Mexico I didn't know it would be over after that". The weight of that caused her to respond with such difficulty. All I could do was hug her in hopes that she could remember how it feels to be embraced by him. I held her till we prayed and she fell asleep.

Israel said, mom it's taking such a long time for God to let us see dad, "I wish I could just die and go to heaven". We began to talk and he understood that God did not leave us here because He wants to punish us. We have a purpose and we must stay on earth till He decides. We have a wonderful call on our lives and we must finish our task, just like Dad.

There was a sudden calm in the midst of our chaos. It's not always perfect in The Hunter Home, but it is always peaceful.
Thank you for the continual prayers. We need them!

My Red Balloon from Heaven

This morning I decided to step out for a drive and get some much needed coffee. It initially fuels me as I spend time with my heavenly father then try to conquer my daily to do list. Upon my return home this morinig, I noticed a red balloon hidden in the floor board of my car (the back pasenger's seat). It was full of air, but no helium as if it was supposed to stay grounded. I was flabergasted. Where did it come from? I later asked my family but no one could tell me of its origin. I thought it would be good to just send it up to Roosevelt, but when I released it it came right back to me.
I came inside and read a card that shared how Roosevelt was telling so many people in heaven about me including God. It was the first time in a long while, but I decided to cry on the corner of my desk knowing that Roosevelt would have shared wonderful stories about our love for each other.
Then it dawned on me that this red balloon was from God. He loving reminded me how he would watch over me and the kids. We had every reason to celebrate not only Rho's life, but our lives too. How I feel God with me. God.