Biography
The friendship between Erik Fitzgerald and Matthew Swatzell did not start as most friendships do. In fact, both wish it began under different circumstances. Matthew had finished a long overnight shift as a firefighter. Erik, a youth pastor, was waiting for his wife to get home that morning. But, instead of his wife, he received a knock on the door from his Senior Pastor informing him of an accident that involved his wife, who was pregnant with their unborn child. Erik rushed to the hospital to learn that a head on collision had claimed their lives. The driver of the other car was Matthew, the firefighter. Due to legal ramifications, a couple of years would pass before Erik and Matthew would meet. Through the experience, Erik was able to not only share the gospel with Matthew, but show it. Erik began discipling Matthew and the two are close friends today. Out of tremendous tragedy came healing, purpose and a glimpse of the bigger picture God was painting.
