As the story goes, Pierce celebrated his 7th birthday on April 16th 2009.  As the story began, however, it was in the late summer of 2001 that Henry and Elizabeth learned they were going to have Pierce.  Soon after, they learned that Pierce would be born with Spina Bifida – a neurological condition that would involve the incomplete development of his spinal cord.

As doctors laid out all of the medical implications, including the probability that Pierce would never walk, Henry and Elizabeth were offered the option of terminating their pregnancy.  They quickly rejected the abortion route and decided to trust God with their child’s unknown circumstances in what Henry described as an almost “numb faith.”

“William Pierce” was soon decided on for a name.  Both of the names “William” and “Pierce” came from Henry and Elizabeth’s families, but it wasn’t until several months later that they learned the true meaning and supporting scripture behind each name.

“The fact that both scriptures referred to walking,” Elizabeth recalls, “just blew us away.” From that moment on, God gently reminded Henry and Elizabeth that He had a plan for Pierce’s life.  Regardless of whether he ever walks or not, God has created Pierce for a purpose.

So far, that purpose has already changed the direction of Henry’s life as he now shares his story with “Pregnancy Centers” and churches across the country.  He is currently working on a screenplay with plans to produce God honoring movies and media that promote life.  As Henry so bluntly puts it, “If Elizabeth and I had ended Pierce’s life through abortion – not only would we have denied God the opportunity to fulfill His purpose for Pierce – but our own lives as well.

And so, Pierce’s life and story thus far is quite simply to illustrate that God has a plan and purpose for our lives. That, despite rough times and unpredictable circumstances…God loves us, has a plan for us, and you can trust Him.  “And if God can use the life of a seven-year-old who can’t walk to further His kingdom and save lives,” says Henry, “then surely he has a plan for me too.”

But the story continues...