Chad Poole was diagnosed with ALS 11 years ago. Today, he uses a power wheelchair equipped with a device that allows him to express his words since he is unable to speak. He and his wife, Erin, raised $7,000 for their church in 2012 and this year volunteered to work in the Awana program.
Even though Poole used his specialized wheelchair for mobility, it became increasingly more difficult for him to go places. Pastor Stephen Cannon said that God led him to seek funding for a Honda conversion van, especially equipped to transport Poole. He shared his idea with the deacons and other leaders of the church. After that he wrote a letter to church members asking them to give sacrificially toward the goal of $45,000.
Donations began pouring in from members and residents of the area. Just two weeks later, more than $35,000 had been raised. Money continued to come in, and the goal was met with one added blessing: The owner of the Sandy Flat convenience store committed to provide free gas for the Pooles for life. Cannon told the congregation, “That’s our God, isn’t it? He doesn’t provide enough, but more than enough.”
Even though ALS has stripped Poole, a former professional golfer, of many of his physical abilities, his commitment to Christ has grown stronger. At the special presentation service at Locust Hill on Aug. 9, fellow church member Amy Roddey said to Poole, “You are so willing to serve. You have chosen to let God be front and center. You have chosen to let God use you. You have shared about God’s love and faithfulness. You will never begin to understand the lives you have touched.”
In a Courier story in 2012, Poole echoed the words of former New York Yankee, Lou Gehrig (who had the disease), “I may have gotten a bad break, but I’ve got an awful lot to live for. Thanks to ALS, I have learned the importance of walking daily with Christ. I have this tremendous opportunity to share my faith with people and strive to be more like Jesus.”
The Pooles have two children: daughter, Maggie, 11, and son, Nicklaus, 9.