By Amy Bertinelli // EEW Magazine Online // Death

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." ~Psalm 147:3 NIV

Early this morning, Evangelist Dianna Hobbs, Founder of Empowering Everyday Women Ministries and EEW Magazine Online, lost her eldest brother, Joseph Brinson, Jr., a beloved pastor and community leader.

He succumbed to complications from COVID-19. He was 60 years old and had just celebrated his birthday on Nov. 4, just two days after Hobbs celebrated her 45th birthday.

This is the first loss of a sibling that Hobbs’ family has experienced, and they are grieving deeply. Many were praying for Brinson’s healing, but God in His sovereignty determined that his work on earth was done.

A week ago, on Dec. 1, in a post on her Daily Cup of Inspiration blog titled, “God is with you in the wreckage,” Hobbs wrote that her brother’s physical conditioned had “dramatically worsened.”

She added, “While my family and I believe God can do anything, we also know that the Lord has the final say in all matters, and we trust His will completely.”

So many times, Hobbs has spoken life into others and offered prayers and support. For many years, she has been a medium of encouragement, giving others biblical tools and strategies to get through hard times and weather tough storms.

Today, she and her family are in need of our love, support and prayers. Please take a moment to intercede for her and her loved ones.

Below is Hobbs’ brief official statement posted on her Facebook page where supporters are sharing their heartfelt condolences.

"Today, my brother Joseph died. He succumbed to COVID after a fierce battle. Thank you to all who prayed. We trust, both in joy and grief, that God does all things well. Please keep our family lifted."