The Manta Mission Low Down:

I hope that this post finds you well!  I am writing to tell you about an exciting opportunity that God has brought my way.  I have spent the past year living in Austin, TX and working as an art teacher at an elementary school. Many of you that know me know the Lord has continually placed a desire on my heart to serve those less fortunate overseas- specifically children and youth. Therefore, as summer draws near, I have been praying for God to direct my steps and show me how to use the time off- in a way that would be useful and glorifying to Him and the kingdom.

My friends, Rich and Lisa Brown, are missionaries and country directors in Peru, Ecuador and Columbia. They are connected with the Christian Missionary Alliance and also started a ministry called Inca Link International- that has the mission of reaching the 300 million youth of South America with the love of Christ through evangelism and discipleship, training leaders, connecting people, and compassion ministries. They are devoted to helping the least of these. The Tesoros (or “treasures”) ministry of Inca Link focuses specifically on providing safe, loving, Christ-filled homes to children in need and preparing them for their future as adults. I have the opportunity to serve as a missions intern under this ministry. I am incredibly excited to support the family and children of Inca Link’s newest orphanage in Manta, Ecuador through helping the full-time missionary family, working with the children and helping to bring color and life to the older buildings through art and murals!

We are all missionaries & kingdom workers in every sphere of influence where God has placed us. Therefore, I am asking for your help- as we are all part of one body working for Christ, in this short term venture. Most importantly, I am asking you to partner with me in prayer.  I ask that you would pray for me as I prepare to leave and while I’m in Ecuador – for safety and health, that the Lord would use me to bless the people of Ecuador and for God’s grace and peace as I adjust to a new culture and language, and that my heart would be open to what God wants to teach me this summer.  I covet your prayers during this time of preparation and service; would you be willing to commit to pray for me?

I also need to raise support for the trip.  I need to raise $1,500 for the little over a month I will be serving, to help pay for things like airfare, room and board, and transportation in the country.  If you would like to partner with me financially, you can do so online at https://incalink.donortools.com/my/funds/60392-INTERN-Erin-McElroy-2014 or incalink.org- under the tab donations.  All donations are tax deductible. If you would like to receive updates on my time in Ecuador or updated prayer requests throughout the summer, please let me know and provide me with your email address.

Thank you for your consideration of these requests.  Your support and encouragement mean so much to me!  Dios te bendiga!  (God bless you!)

Erin