Allow us to introduce you to an extraordinary couple, Eric and Stephanie Mann, whose inspiring story revolves around the essence of giving back. Before we delve into their journey, we want to emphasize the profound importance of corporate sponsors. It’s easy to assume that their involvement is solely driven by financial transactions, but in our conversations with Eric and Stephanie, we were reminded of the deeper fellowship and shared mission that transcends monetary contributions.
A Glimpse into the Heart of the Manns
In January 2021, the Manns applied for a grant from Sacred Selections, providing us with an enchanting view of their beautiful family and a remarkable display of their devotion to each other. Their letters revealed a profound understanding of God’s plan for marriage, family, and the blessings of raising children in His image (Malachi 2:15). Stephanie eloquently describes Eric as a hard worker and a great provider, who fills her life with security, encouragement, and love. Eric reciprocates these sentiments, acknowledging Stephanie as his moral compass, the epitome of devotion, confidence, and an irreplaceable love.
A Journey of Giving Back
After adopting their child, Beau, Eric and Stephanie felt compelled to pay their blessings forward. Their desire to assist another family in caring for a fatherless child became a graceful act of gratitude. Through their involvement, they not only extended support but also bestowed upon us the invaluable gifts of fellowship, compassion, and the joy of contributing to a greater cause. Their actions epitomize the profound impact one can have by laboring for the King and in His kingdom.
Mann’s Construction: Building a Legacy
Eric and Stephanie are the proud owners of Mann’s Construction, where Eric’s skilled hands swing the hammer, while Stephanie adeptly manages the books, the home, and their children. Together, they create a harmonious partnership, drawing strength, joy, and a sense of purpose from their business, their home, and their faith. They deeply understand that without the Lord’s involvement, any endeavor, including building homes, is in vain. Grateful for the blessings they have received, Eric and Stephanie humbly acknowledge that a simple “Thank you, Lord” is not sufficient to express their gratitude.
Answering the Call: Becoming Corporate Sponsors
Shortly after the adoption of Beau, Eric reached out to us, affirming his commitment to help sustain our work. Driven by a genuine desire to be actively involved, Eric embraced the idea of becoming a Corporate Sponsor. In April 2023, during a call between Eric and the Sacred Selections team, we discussed the possibility of Mann’s Construction becoming a corporate sponsor. Eric’s enthusiasm was fueled by the alignment of his business and God’s mission, two passions that he and Stephanie hold dear. They approach their business endeavors with unwavering commitment, integrity, and a dedication to delivering quality. When asked, Eric willingly agreed to share their “WHY” in supporting Sacred Selections and their mission of caring for the fatherless through adoption.
Answering the Call: Building a Brighter Future
The inspiring journey of Eric and Stephanie Mann, founders of Mann’s Construction, intertwines their personal and professional lives with their unwavering commitment to giving back. Their genuine dedication to supporting Sacred Selections through financial contributions and active involvement reflects a deep-rooted desire to make a profound impact on the lives of fatherless children and their families. The Manns embody the transformative power of aligning one’s passions, resources, and faith to create a brighter future for those in need. Their story serves as a powerful reminder that each of us has the potential to build a better world by answering calls to serve others and make a difference. Together, let us join hands and continue building a future filled with hope, love, and compassion for all.
A Word From Eric Mann
My name is Eric Mann. I was born to two teenage parents in Montgomery, AL in 1984. My adopted parents had tried for many years to have a child of their own, but when adoption proved to be the best option for expanding their family, I was fortunate enough to find my way into their Christian home. From a young age, I received a private education and was taught to fear and love the Lord. By God’s grace, I married a Christian woman, and together we have been blessed with three biological children and one through adoption.
A Journey of Hope and Blessings
When I’m not working, you can often find me attending my daughter’s ballet performances or cheering on my son in his basketball and football games. I also try to sneak in some fishing and hunting whenever I have the chance. We are incredibly blessed to have a faithful, active, and supportive church family that plays a crucial role in teaching our children to love and fear the Lord. Personally, I am involved in teaching Bible classes from the 4th to 7th grade, and I will soon transition to the teenage class. Your prayers for me and my students are greatly appreciated.
Building Dreams with Mann’s Construction
I am the owner of Mann’s Construction, a licensed homebuilder specializing in residential new home construction and remodeling in the greater Birmingham area and its surroundings in Alabama. At Mann’s Construction, we work alongside trusted industry trade partners to meet all of your interior and exterior project needs. Whether it’s a complete build from the ground up or a total tear down, we are dedicated to being with you every step of the way, ensuring a quality end product and customer satisfaction.
Forever Grateful to Sacred Selections
I would like to take a moment to share my thoughts on giving back, not only in general but also specifically to organizations like Sacred Selections. In my opinion, there is no giving that isn’t Godly. As someone who interacts with around 40 business owners each week, many of whom have worked for me, I often discuss the connection between their giving and its impact on their bottom line, as well as its significance for the lives of others. The truth is, the people you invest in reflect both your business and your life.
Just as Henry Ford once said, “Burn all my factories and leave my people, and I’ll rebuild the factories.” There is no better way to impact lives than by starting at the beginning of life itself. I have personally experienced the profound effects of this process in my own life, as well as in the life of my adopted child, Beau, and the countless others who have been touched by the work of Sacred Selections. While I could continue to share more examples, the underlying message is clear: God has bestowed upon me a wonderful life through this process. And, in a lighthearted manner, I would often jest with my associates, asking them why they wouldn’t want to help reproduce more people like me.
Answering the Call: Fighting for the Fatherless
As someone who was adopted myself, it has always been a part of my plan to one day adopt a child and provide them with the same Christian opportunities I was fortunate to have growing up. The realization of this plan required the efforts of many individuals, over the span of several decades, including the hard work of those before us at Sacred Selections. The fundraisers, monthly donations, BBQ banquets, and elaborate auctions all played a vital role in leading up to the adoption of Beau, just as they did for the 405 children who came before him.
We are forever grateful that Sacred Selections chose us, allowing our birth mother the opportunity to choose us as well. Sacred Selections not only provides homes for the fatherless but also offers hearts ready to love and hands willing to hold forever
It would be an absolute honor for my wife and me to serve alongside the soldiers of Sacred Selections in the fight for the souls of the fatherless. We stand ready and eager to serve. Please, send us wherever we are needed. The realization that a child born to another man will call me daddy is both a tragedy and a privilege of immeasurable magnitude—one that I do not take lightly.
