I grew up somewhere between Disneyland and Hollywood. I am the third child of four, and second boy of three. Both my parents are still alive and are excellent role models for their grandchildren. They both grew up in broken homes but managed to rear four well-adjusted members of society.

I have a beautiful and talented wife and five wonderful (at least most of the time) children.

The reason I mention growing up between Disneyland and Hollywood is because even though I had my share of problems, I never knew what hardship really was until I moved to Long Beach, California and then to Cambodia.

From 1981, I began to volunteer with InnerCity Ministries in Long Beach, California. My wife and I moved there in 1986. As I witnessed the madness of the ghetto life I gained a new definition of the term "hardship."

In 2000, my family and I moved to Cambodia to do church planting and development. Once again I gained a deeper appreciation for the horrors perpetuated around the globe and found that my petty problems pailed in comparison to those living in the developing world. From late 2004 to 2006, I became personally involved in helping a Cambodian woman find relief from AIDS. From these two experiences I feel I have a unique understanding of the world at-large that most Americans lack.

I am in the midst of forming a non-profit organization called Freedom of the Heart Ministries that raises funds for InnerCity Ministries and HIV/AIDS relief in Cambodia.

I enjoy writing and sharing my opinions. I also enjoy all types of sports and have played American football, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, and golf. When I was 13 I personally organized a group of my friends to play basketball during half-time of a Laker's game at the Old Fabulous Forum in Inglewood, California. One of my most recent joys was coaching my son's soccer team due to a great set of helping parents.

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ and believe Jesus is the answer to the major problems in the world today. I often use the pseudonym Andrphilip. This is a combination of the name of two of Jesus' disciples: Andrew the apostle and Philip the Evangelist (not Philip the Apostle). These two men are recognized as those who effectively introduced others to Jesus; I would like to be known as one who did the same.

I believe every man, woman and child is a masterpiece of God's hand created to be the special individuals they are. In all I do I attempt to promote the best possible life for all.

Thank you for visiting The Best You.Org

My pleasure to be your cheerleader,

Eric Coggins

P.S. You may have noticed that I have a bookstore linked to this website. 50% of the commissions made through the bookstore will be split between Inner City Ministries in Long Beach, CA and HIV/AIDS relief in Cambodia.