Episode 15: When life Doesn't go as Planned

What happens when everything you built your life around begins to fall apart? Aaron Erman discovered that surrender may cost everything, but Christ is enough.After nearly 20 years in Fire, EMS, rescue, and paramedicine, Aaron Erman knows firsthand the adrenaline, trauma, burnout, pride, and pressure that come with serving as a First Responder. What began as an exciting career eventually became a place where Aaron was forced to confront a deeper question: Where does your identity and Faith rest when the things you thought were secure are suddenly taken away?In this episode of the Living Mission First Podcast, Jeremy Wade sits down with Aaron for a deeply personal conversation about Courage, suffering, surrender, and learning to trust God when life looks nothing like you planned.Aaron shares his journey from wildland firefighting and high-risk mountain rescue to experiencing burnout early in his career. But the greatest challenges came at home. His daughter Hazel was born with profound disabilities. Years later, while pregnant with their son Russell, Aaron’s wife, Julia, was diagnosed with cervical cancer and underwent chemotherapy. After Russell was born, he began experiencing the same devastating seizures as Hazel. Eventually, their family learned both children have an extraordinarily rare, life-limiting genetic disease.At the same time, Aaron faced losing his career, income, insurance, and security he had worked years to build. At his lowest point, Aaron reached the end of himself, and discovered what it meant for Faith to become more than something he simply professed. It became something he had to live.Today, Aaron continues serving as a paramedic and leading peer support member, bringing the hope of Christ into some of the darkest moments people face. His family's journey has also given them a heart for the disability community through The Hazelnut Movement, helping others see the dignity, purpose, and value of people with disabilities.If you're a First Responder carrying more than anyone realizes, a family walking through circumstances you never expected, or someone struggling to understand what God is doing in the middle of suffering, Aaron's story offers a powerful invitation: you do not have to carry it alone. Trust God, find community, and keep taking the next faithful step. About Mission First AllianceMission First Alliance is a national non-profit bringing Real Hope to first responders and their families. We believe the first responder culture is one of the greatest unseen mission fields in our country today, and it’s a mission too important to do alone. Through collaboration and Christ-centered resources, we are not only bringing them the Real Hope found in Christ but we are bridging the gap between the Body of Christ and these brave men and women who serve and sacrifice for us each and every day.Connect: Subscribe to our email list: https://missionfirstalliance.comJoin the Alliance: Do you have a desire to join us in the effort to bring Real Hope to first responders? Are you a First Responder looking for a community, encouragement and support? Become a member. Membership is Free: https://missionfirstalliance.com/membership/ Contact Us: Reach out to our team at: https://missionfirstalliance.com/contact-us/Share: Help us grow the mission. Share this podcast and mission with others. Because every first responder needs Real Hope.Follow UsWebsite: https://missionfirstalliance.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missionfirstallianceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/missionfirstalliance/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MissionFirstAllianceKey Chapter Markers07:43 — Burnout in the First Responder career18:05 — When tragedy entered Aaron's family24:30 — Choosing Faith when everything was at risk34:12 — Reaching the end of himself and surrendering to God01:03:07 — Bringing Christ, compassion, and hope into First Responder work