EPISODE 21 — GOD IS STILL GOOD — KELLY BROCKMAN & ERIN KETCHEN

In August of 2022, the unthinkable happened to the family of Kelly Brockman. A deranged neighbor murdered his daughter and granddaughter, and then took the lives of two other people in the neighborhood. In today's podcast, Kelly and his other daughter, Erin Ketchen, join us to share their story. As they recount the events that took Sarah and Kayla to Heaven, you'll be encouraged by the transparency and honesty of the conversation and you will be challenged by the discoveries and truths about God that Kelly and Erin share.

KELLY’S BIO

Kelly Brockman lives in Troy, Ohio with his wife Kathy. They have been together since high school and were married a few years after graduation. Kelly and Kathy have two daughters, Sarah and Erin, and four grandchildren. Each daughter has two children. They feel blessed to have both of their daughters and families nearby. On August 5, 2022, their lives were forever changed. Their oldest daughter, Sarah (41), and granddaughter, Kayla (15), were murdered in their home by a deranged neighbor, who went on to murder an elderly couple a few houses away.

Despite the profound emotional pain and trauma, they have found solace in the unwavering grace of God, which has been their guiding light through this excruciating ordeal. Their earnest hope is that they can utilize their experience to support others who have undergone traumatic encounters, by demonstrating that faith in Jesus Christ can be a powerful source of comfort and hope, even during the most difficult times. They firmly believe that God is omnipotent and that His mercy is never-ending.

Since starting on this journey, they have told themselves this pain cannot be wasted. Both his daughter Erin and Kelly have since been trained in trauma to help those who may be going through their own trauma. Erin has taken this training to the next level by becoming a certified trauma coach. They also have a deep desire to help local churches help and support those within their own congregations and local communities who have experienced trauma, as they have found that many churches are not prepared to come alongside those who are hurting. They trust their Heavenly Father to guide them as that is all they have.

ERIN’S BIO

On August 5, 2022, Erin’s world was shattered when her sister and teenage niece were murdered in their home. The perpetrator also took the lives of two additional neighbors, sending shockwaves throughout the entire community.

Her sister, Sarah, was her best friend, and their families were close. They shared so much of their lives together: from raising their kids, weekend cookouts, to numerous vacations, they created countless memories together.

Erin’s journey has not been without its trials; she stood by her husband's side through two battles of cancer, navigating the challenges of treatment and recovery together.

While walking this journey of pain and healing, she still believes that God is good, sovereign, and faithful to pull her and her family through. She trusts Him to accomplish His will. After the unimaginable loss, Erin vividly remembers crying out to God, asking Him to use her pain to help others. She sees Him shaping her heart, and she has an undeniable desire to support others who are walking through pain and loss, to help show them that God can and will bring purpose and redemption.

Over the past year,  Erin has taken courses to learn more about trauma and how it affects us emotionally, biologically, relationally and spiritually. She has worked to receive her certification and is now pleased to be able to walk alongside others as a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach.