Ed Lauterbach

My son Nicholas is finishing at Piedmont Virginia Community College this spring and is transferring to Liberty or Longwood University. He also loves God and is active at our church. He helps with praise and worship and is currently interning there. He is the man I always wanted to be: kind, caring, compassionate, a leader, and in love with the Lord.
My son Daniel is in sixth grade and is an amazing young man as well. He’s a natural leader and God is going to use him in mighty ways. He’s funny, a bit sarcastic (wonder where he gets that from), and is doing really well in travel soccer in the Fluvanna Youth Soccer Association U12 team. He also just passed a referee class and is now certified to referee games.
Locally I am blessed to have my father-in-law Pop, sister-in-law Cindy Crespo, and mother-in-law Amelia Burgos also living at the Lake. They have been a tremendous support to my family and myself over the years. Lastly my Calvary Chapel church family is without question our rock.
Tell us about a hobby you have.
Funny, when I first moved to the Lake I fished more than I worked. I like fishing, camping, and the beach. However, having time for these is another story. We have a camper and boat we haven’t used in years.
Describe one of the highlights of your life.
Wow, not a fair question, there are very many. I remember 10 years ago sitting in the old Marisela’s with my pastor Steve Feden. I gave my life to Christ and learned forgiveness, grace, and mercy like I never knew. Meeting my wife Denise. My children’s birth. Graduating chiropractic college. Sorry, couldn’t resist – that’s more than one.
Describe one of the biggest surprises of your life.
Probably that we moved to Virginia 16 years ago from New York. It was a bold move. We knew no one, packed everything up, and moved to Charlottesville. I had a small office there for several years and it was a difficult time for us. But God had a plan and we ended up in Palmyra.
Describe one of the tragedies/struggles of your life.
We chose to live and raise our children in a small town and wouldn’t change it for the world. Running a one-man business is rewarding but difficult. The burden placed on my wife to work and provide health insurance for our family weighs on me.
Describe a dream you have for your future.
None of us is guaranteed tomorrow. I pray those I love and know will know that this life is not all there is. I just want to be here for my kids as they grow and mature into adults.
Describe a fear you have for your future.
The Bible is very clear on fear – I think God says “do not be afraid” or “do not fear” over 365 times! That is my biggest struggle, trusting this. I fear for our country, our children, our future, but at the end of the day I pray and say, “God, you got this.” It’s all according to his plan.
Here’s your chance to sound off. If you could give one public service announcement or word of advice to the public at large, what would it be?
This is a great town with many different opinions and ideas. While we think our opinion is the right one (myself included), my personal advice to myself is think twice before you speak (or post on Facebook), be quick to listen, and slow to anger. If you’re feeling down get up and serve others. And for me, “be still and know that I am God” has saved me many times.