GT.

ELI PARKER YOUTH

CENTER
Eli Parker was born and raised in the Camden area and attended the Abundant Life
Community Church from his childhood, when he first learned to trust Jesus as his Savior.
Eli joined the Marine Corps and after two previous tours of duty in Iraq, Eli was killed by an
IED in Fallujah, Iraq, on the morning of May 4th, 2006.

The Youth Center that has been proudly named in his honor serves as a vital outreach to
the teens of our community and beyond. Providing a full gymnasium, game room, snack
shop and numerous other activities, the youth center hosts 100+ teens weekly and provides
a safe place for games and recreation. Teens continue to hear the message of hope in
Jesus and positive values are reinforced by church volunteers and staff.

On a sunny Thursday afternoon in May, 2006 news came of the tragic death of Sgt. Elisha
Parker. For most of us, life has never been the same as we came to grips with the reality of
no longer having Eli in our midst. It was indeed a great loss for his family, church,
community and nation.

We've often said that Eli's passing was both the saddest and proudest moment for our
church and community. The outpouring of human compassion and national pride was so
enormous that to this day, we shake our head in shear awe of how something so tragic can
bring about so much good.

Two days after we learned of Eli's death, it was decided by the Parker family and Abundant
LifeCommunity Church to name the church youth center in Eli's honor. From a young boy,
Eli had grown up in the church when the idea of a youth center was in its developmental
stages. It would take many years of planning and sacrifice before the youth center became
a possibility. At the time the "Sgt. Eli Parker Community Youth Center" fund was established,
there was $8,902 in the youth center building fund. We were filled with faith for the
realization of a youth center in our community, but we knew it could take years to see it
materialize. Since that time, over $75,000 has been contributed to the development of this
youth center in Eli's honor. Though we still have further to go, we want to THANK YOU on
behalf of the Parker family, the church and our community. You are to be commended for
your kindness and for giving to such a worthy cause.

Again, thank you for your kindness and support in helping to make this an achievable
reality. We could never have gotten this far without you and the immense support that has
streamed in from hundreds upon hundreds from all across the nation.

We pray for God's richest blessings upon you!

Love in Christ Jesus,
Brian G. Lynch
Pastor