HELP!

I don’t know what to say except that — HELP!!!

Those of you who read this blog are such blessings in my life – offering constant encouragement for all I’m doing. I can’t thank you enough for that! It’s because of the way you’ve loved and supported me thus far that I feel I can come to you with this need…

Some of you may already know this, but for those of you who don’t, here at AIM, we serve as missionaries on support. What does that mean? Well, it means people like you – – who have a heart for missions but who can’t do mission work full time, or can’t travel overseas – – partner with people like me to fulfill God’s call on our lives.

What does that mean financially? It means you are used as a vessel by God. You pray, and then you commit to supporting me financially with whatever amount you can give – either a one time gift or a monthly gift- so that I can take care of my needs (food, shelter, bills, etc).

“After
this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another,
proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.

The Twelve were with
him, and also some women
who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called
Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna
the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many
others.

These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” ~ Luke 8:1-3

I’ve been trying to raise support now for 6 months. I have had some wonderful people give one time gifts, and several who have (Praise God!) committed to supporting me monthly. I cannot tell you how thankful I am for each and every one of you! You are partners with me in this ministry – you are making it possible for me to continue doing full-time missions. But the time is drawing close that I need to have my full support in.

Unfortunately, I only have about 39% of my support coming in monthly. I need to have another $2,094 coming in monthly to reach full support. I know that may seem like a lot, but I can promise you I do not live extravagantly. God has blessed me with a comfortable home with roommates, and I am so thankful that I have what I need – but I drive a 1989 station wagon and pay insurance rates out of pocket (missionary jobs don’t come with benefits), and because I TRULY believe in God’s call on my life to care for orphans, I’m sponsoring 3 orphans monthly too. I can assure you I am being the best steward of my funds that I can be. However, if those funds don’t come in by May 15th, I’m unsure of how I can continue doing what God has called me to do.

I know I am called to serve full-time with AIM. I know I am exactly where I’m supposed to be. God has placed me here for a reason, and there are so many plans and projects in the works to help care for orphans around the world! I also know I am called to return to Africa to serve the people there. Unfortunately, those travel plans and projects are on hold until I can get my full support in.

I am asking you now for 2 things.

1- Please pray with me! I recently talked to a friend who’s been learning a lot about prayer. God has been calling him to pray every morning for the situations he’s in and the people he’s with – and he just shared with me a few days ago how faithfully he has seen God answering his prayers. There’s no coincidence that I heard that testimony when I did! I know I have to saturate this need with prayer, and am asking you to join with me and go to the Father on my behalf. After all, none of this our really my money or your money, it’s God’s money!

2- Please pray about supporting me, increasing your support, or contacting a friend or family member (or giving me their contact information) who may be willing to support me. If you are already supporting me, please know how much I appreciate that! I do not want to appear ungrateful, but I will ask you to consider giving an extra $5 a month, or an extra $10 a month -whatever you can do. When the body of believers come together, little things like that add up! For those of you who’ve given one-time gifts — THANK YOU! Will you please pray now about supporting me monthly? Even if it is only a small amount each month? I would be more than happy to talk with you about this over the phone, or in person if you have questions. I would also love to speak to any church, school, or missions group who may be willing to support me!

I have to trust that God will hear our prayers and that He will provide! I’ll keep you updated as May 15th draws near…

Blessings to you all! I’m so grateful to have you as my brothers and sisters in Christ!
In HIS hands,
Ericka <><

*PRAISE* – I came home around 1:00 to do some work support raising. Before starting, I felt convicted to spend some time in prayer (just ask I asked you to). After some time on my face before God I started working on letters and notes to supporters, and then wrote this blog. Before I posted it (around 6 hours later), I checked my support account. PRAISE GOD – over $1,000 had come in for me!!! I had to change my totals from 30% support raised to 39% – 9 points higher in just one afternoon! If that is not a testimony of God’s power, then I don’t know what is! PLEASE KEEP PRAYING!!!

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