Affectionately known as “Mama Ike,” Eula is the third of seven children born into a loving family in Newport News, Virginia. For as long as she could remember, she faithfully attended church at least twice weekly. Her family were all active members of the choir, and while Eula never had formal lessons, she taught herself how to play the piano and mastered it.

Eula earned her bachelor’s degree in business education from Norfolk State College and her master’s degree in special education from Boston College. After completing her studies, she accepted a job with the Catholic Guild for the Blind. She used her degree in peripatology to teach blind children cane travel and sensory training. Eula loved what she did, helping the blind to live more comfortably, completely, and confidently.

In 1964, Eula married Rev. Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter II. Together, the dynamic couple grew the ministries of the United Christian Evangelistic Association (UCEA) and The United Church of Jesus Christ for All People, founded in Beaufort, South Carolina. The ministry rapidly expanded its reach worldwide through syndicated radio and television programs.

While her husband pastored his church and traveled extensively for evangelistic events, Eula organized and managed the growing mail correspondence and business operations of the ministry. Very soon, she left the job she loved to support Rev. Ike’s dream fully and completely.

“What he wanted, I wanted. I loved him, his vision, and his preaching, and I was excited about our future of service together. I saw his extraordinary potential and wanted to be a part of all of his ambitious dreams and visions. His destiny was becoming my destiny. Ike had immense and unending fortitude and stamina; it was a joy to my heart and soul. I loved being with him.”

Eula continued to step into her broadening role as the business manager while balancing the demands of motherhood (to their son, Xavier) and her commitment to her husband’s ever-expanding vision of reaching the world as an evangelist who could transform all lives for the better.

Throughout the years, she discovered the fundamental philosophy defining their spiritual teachings: to turn obstacles into opportunities, setbacks into setups, and adversities into advantages.

Eula continues to play an active role today by helping to preserve and share the legacy left by her husband, Rev. Ike. She has brought to her ministry an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting with great vision and enlightenment in conducting her administrative and spiritual duties while always displaying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and dedication.