From Our Founder

Maybe you’ve seen the movie “I Can Only Imagine” which came out in 2018 regarding  MercyMe’s chart-topping song that brings ultimate hope to so many. Maybe you haven’t. Even so, I can’t even imagine going through the daily challenges of ALS without my Heavenly Father who loves me dearly and is good ALL the time. And, as the song says, from the perspective of all of  eternity: “I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by Your side.” 

I have had ALS for approximately 2.5 years, even though I was officially diagnosed with ALS in April 2019. Since my diagnosis, I have done much research on this dreadful disease, which impacts every ALS patient differently. ALS is a disease that, if you have it, is on your mind every waking moment and, even when you are not awake, your body is being negatively impacted by it through the continual fasciculations/twitches in all of the muscles throughout your entire body. 

At the time I was officially diagnosed, my doctor said I only had 2-3 years to  live and that I should go home and “get my house in order.” That same day, I called home to share my devastating news with my family. Then, I shared this diagnosis with a number of close friends who have been amazing “prayer warriors” on my behalf.  

I have been a man of faith for many years and have enjoyed quiet time each morning with my Heavenly Father for over 25 years. I must admit, however, that often my past prayer time with God was sort of routine and not as rich as it should have been. 

One of the blessings for me of having ALS is that it has drawn me nearer to God, given the fact that I know my life here on earth is much shorter than what I would have ever anticipated. This enriched time with God has been a huge blessing.  

And, God has used this time to connect me with a lot of people with whom I would have never otherwise connected. In particular, I have met many individuals through my involvement with ALS as I periodically travel to Mexico for stem cell therapy, continue to be involved with numerous business  transactions/initiatives and continue to share meaningful Christmas and Easter letters with thousands of  professionals throughout the United States. During these times, I hope God has encouraged others through me - He has certainly encouraged me.

Specifically, I have been able to share my story with others in a way that hopefully provides somewhat of a rude awakening for them as well, since they, too, should get their proverbial “house in order,” so that all of us can spend eternity in heaven together, “surrounded by God’s glory” as the  aforementioned song says.  

In other words, as much as I would love to be here on earth for another 20 - 30 years and have the blessing of watching my three precious children graduate, grow up into fine young adults, get married and have children (my grandchildren), God has given me a sense of urgency to use my remaining time to bless others through this significant trial in my life.

Also, before I leave this earth, it is my prayer and desire that I can reconcile all differences / issues that I have had with people, seeking forgiveness and forgiving others as well. After all,  Romans 3:23 tells us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” In fact, I just wish that, before I get to heaven, there would be at least one day I could go “sin-free.” But, because of my humanness, that is impossible, which is the reason I need a Savior in Jesus Christ. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith. And this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9.

God also says in his Word that “In this world you will have tribulation,” but that we should  “Take heart!” because Jesus has “overcome the world” (See John 16:33 - paraphrased). I know God is faithful.  

I also know that God loves us unconditionally and that He has allowed His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for us so that we can spend all of eternity with Him in heaven, where there is no pain and sorrow. To date, however, “I can only imagine.” Even so, because of my faith in Christ and trust in God, this truth is what gets me through each day with a joyful attitude (See 1 Thessalonians 5:16), despite my circumstances. 

It is my hope that each day, I can continue to be joyful in order to demonstrate more fully the love of Christ. While I have attempted to do that throughout most of my life, this  “ALS time” has really accentuated my desire to do so, especially since none of us know when our last day on earth will be. 

I pray that for ALL PEOPLE, not just for those of us who are afflicted with ALS, who are still alive today that, if they have not accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they do so right away. I pray that they accept this gift before it is too late. 

With Love and Blessings, Steve Cochlan