Let me preface this by apologizing for my delayed posting! I know I said this was coming a couple of weeks ago, but with holiday travel and wedding planning it’s been a bit crazy! So – here it is, finally; my other big news for those of you who haven’t already heard (and the story behind it)!
*For Rusty’s side of the story (from a while back), click here.
A couple of years ago, one of our friends gave Rusty some wise advice. She said, “Rusty, just keep saying YES to God.”
After hearing that story from him (and hearing how it impacted his life) I started reflecting back on the times I said “YES” to God, and the ways my life has been changed. There have been so many yeses th
at got me to where I am today, but it’s those from the past 2 years that have really blown me away.
at got me to where I am today, but it’s those from the past 2 years that have really blown me away.
In 2006, God called me to go to Africa. It started as a still small voice that grew louder, and a passion that grew stronger. The idea seemed absurd; I had never been out of the country before! (not even to Canada or Mexico!) I didn’t know how or when, but in faith I said YES.
By May of 2007, I was on a plane to Swaziland, Africa with Grace Campus Ministries for a short term mission trip through AIM. I was terrified, but I knew I was where I was supposed to be. It took quite a bit of surrendering and tears, but in obedience, I went and was forever changed! I was healed miraculously from 3 illnesses, and impacted for a lifetime by the incredible people and beautiful children of Swaziland.
Because I said YES, my life would never be the same.
I was wrecked forever. I knew God wanted to use me, but how?
Less than 2 months later, I found myself in a meeting with Seth Barnes, founder & executive director of AIM. He offered me a job with AIM. A job that would allow my love for music to meet ministry and result in raising money and awareness for children in need around the world. It sounded PERFECT!
There were just a few problems. No paid position – I would be a support raised missionary. (What?! That’s not what I went to college for!) No clue as to how it would all turn out (after all, he was offering me a new position – no one had ever done it before). And I would have to move to Gainesville, GA – where I knew absolutely NO ONE!
After much prayer, I said YES. Yes to laying down my dreams and expectations. Yes to God’s plan for my life (instead of my own). Yes to the unknown! And in tears, I packed up my things and moved.
Since then, I have been blessed beyond belief. I get to do things I’m passionate about. I have traveled to India, South Africa, and Swaziland. I have grown more than I ever have before. I work with incredible people who are encouraging and loving. I’m fulfilled and full of JOY. And all these YESes brought me not only my dream job, but the man of my dreams! Of course saying YES to the question “Will you marry me” was the easiest YES of all 😉
And now, God has asked me to say YES again.
YES to moving to Michigan!
There are a lot of reasons I’m moving. First and foremost, to be near my fiance Rusty. He is moving there with several others and joining the World Race Staff. We feel it’s important for us to spend time living in the same city before we get married (since he’s been gone to 11 countries for the past 11 months), and going through pre-marital counseling together. We will also have Michael and Kathy Hindes there to mentor us throughout our first year of marriage. What a blessing to have a godly couple pouring into our lives!
Another reason is the community there. We’ve been invited to be a part of a covenant community full of Christian brothers and sisters we love. We’re thrilled to have them as a part of our lives- to encourage and lift one another up!
Within that community there are 2 wonderful musicians/singers – Matt Snyder and Kim Daniels. God has really been laying music on my heart again, so I’m excited about the opportunity to start writing, singing, and leading worship with them!
All in all- God has confirmed and reconfirmed that this is where He is sending me. I have prayed about it, and received confirmation and a blessing from my boss and spiritual dad Seth. I’ve also been given permission to continuing doing what I do for AIM from Michigan! So no worries- I’ll still be serving as the Development Coordinator and Orphan Advocate. I already have a church there supporting me and supporting our orphan ministry!
I know God has wonderful things in store for Rusty and me in Port Huron, Michigan. So, in 2 weeks, we will pack up our U-Haul and say, “YES LORD!” to another new adventure!
For those of you who support us financially and in prayer, we hope you will continue to support us as we step out and move in faith. As confident as I am that we are being obedient to God, there will still be some tears and fears! Please pray for us as we try to work, pack, and wedding plan all at once!
For those of you reading this who may have a question in your heart from God:
Saying YES does not come without cost. Obedience is often difficult. There will be surrender and sacrifices to make. There will likely be tears and heartache. But OH, the JOYS and BLESSINGS He has waiting for you if you will just say YES! It is ALWAYS, ALWAYS worth it!!! (Duet. 28)
Yes please!:)
Im going to miss you. Thanks for being my roomie, best friend, wing-woman, OTH watching partner, arch-rival, debriefer, prayer partner and encourager. Im going to miss laughing, crying and getting lost with you. Life wont be the same. I love you and am proud of you.
C 🙂
LOVE YOU SISTER!!!!!!
The Lord is gooooood 😉
Girl I think it’s so wise that you are moving. My parents have always said that moving right away from everything you know is the best thing you can do for your marriage. We moved four months after got married, and it was the best thing for us. It forces you together in a way that two established (and often different) routines does not allow. It forces you to become each other’s best friend in the midst of uncertainty, newness, and lonliness. And allows for your freshly poured foundation to harden and settle in a place of vulnerability together. And best of all, every memory you make in this place will only and always be associated with you and Rusty together. Never you alone. God knows what He’s doing. Can’t wait to see you in April. 🙂
I’m so excited for all the Lord has for you and Rusty. I will be praying.
Love you
Ms. Cherie
Love ya Ericka, and you will be missed.
You bring more cheer into a room than anyone I know.
I can’t wait to hear about this next part of your life, and what God asks you to do next. I’m sure you’ll say yes.
Lots of hugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our God is an awesome God! Your words are encouraging to me, especially now. I know I must just be obedient to God’s call. I leave Swaziland in 18 days after being here for a 5 month mission trip. God is calling me back for 2 years and to grad school. The Lord provides for all of our needs! God bless you and your fiance.
Woohoo!!!! Remember… it might not be easy… but it’s GOOD. You’re yes is not just to Rusty or to Michael or to any of the circumstances…. your yes is to God and His plan for you. And that means it will always be GOOD.
Kim and I are here. In Poho. You’re not. But when you are it’ll be awesome-er.
Hey Erika, where in Michigan is this community sprouting? I have quite a bit of family in the state. Maybe I can swing by and visit sometime while I’m passing through.
Traci
Just in case you didn’t know which Traci this was.
Traci (Sept ’07 World Race)
Erika,
This is a big encouragement to me. The thought of support-raising is terrifying to me. I have the same thoughtsI have a degree and it’s not supposed to happen like this! You’ve really stepped out into faith on a lot of things, and I just want you to know that it’s encouraging to me.
Also, I’ve got those video files from India from Chris Telfer and we need to get in communication with each other to get a DVD made for you!
Jen
Love this blog.Obedience to God is love and I can see that He pours out through you to touch others. Thank you for shaing this!!