october 2024
Relationally Connected For Global Impact
In the wake of Hurricane Helene & Milton, our hearts go out to all the churches, ministers, pastors, and communities affected. We know many of you have faced serious challenges, and Ridgecrest, our conference venue, was hit particularly hard. Please continue to pray for the restoration of all communities, families, churches and areas affected.
We have officially moved The EFI Conference to April 28-30 (Monday-Wednesday), and with the date change, we have more room for those that haven't registered yet. To register for the conference, click here.
But in this time of need, we’re seeing something powerful happen: churches are stepping up! Food, water, and help are being delivered across the most affected areas, from Florida to North Carolina.
Our theme for this year was Building Bridges, and now more than ever, we’re called to build bridges to those in greatest need. Western North Carolina has been hit hard, but we’re not standing still. EFI has partnered with trustworthy organizations on the ground providing critical relief, and thanks to generosity of many, we've already given $10,000 to partners in this difficult season. You can still help – 100% of any donations through EFI will go directly to these efforts.
➡️ Watch the video for more details and to see how you can get involved. If you have any connections with local churches in need, please contact us. Together, we can bring hope and relief. Let’s pray for strength and provision for everyone affected.
“Lord, we ask for Your help as we rise up to meet this challenge.”
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to our office.
God bless you all.
LOCAL NEWS
Healing the Heart of a Broken Town: Pastor Don Vess' Hurricane Helene Story
We’re excited and honored to be releasing this powerful story, capturing an inspiring journey of loss, resilience, and hope.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, Pastor Don Vess of Destiny City Church in Salisbury, NC, alongside his nephew, Pastor Keith Jameson, finds himself not only grappling with the heartbreaking loss of his sister and her family but also leading a powerful mission to restore hope in his hometown of Old Fort, NC.
This moving story chronicles a pastor’s journey through personal tragedy, the resilience of a small town, and the faith that transforms devastation into an opportunity to serve and uplift others.
We pray that this story moves you, inspires you and blesses you.
LOCAL PARTNERS FOR DISASTER RELIEF
143 ministries
143 Ministries is led by some incredible EFI Members. Since the tragedy of Hurricane Helene, thousands have been fed, roofs tarped, trees removed and water and gas distributed because of 143 Ministries.
4 Good Community
4 Good Community was one of the first to respond in both western north Carolina and in Florida after Milton, and they're committed to the continued effort. They've been able to transport resources to areas inaccessible by semi, and can directly serve 2,500 individuals per restocked bus.
Christ In Action
Christ In Action is currently deploying in response to Hurricanes Helene + Milton. They deployed equipment to western NC and have expanded their scope. They're now deploying volunteers and equipment to FL to help families flooded in Pasco County, FL.
Living Waters Tabernacle
Living Waters Tabernacle serves as the primary distribution center, meeting so many needs physically, spiritually and emotionally in their community. Pastor Keith Jameson is committed to serving as pastor and disaster relief aid indefinitely, and we want to get behind what they're doing in western North Carolina.
Here To Serve
Here To Serve has provided over 9,000 meals to those in need during the disaster. The volunteers, who aren’t paid, often go above and beyond, even using their own money when funds are tight to ensure the work gets done.
As a part of the EFI Family, we want to let you know YOU helped us GIVE to each one of these organizations (over $10,000 so far), but if you'd like to do more, pray and ask God what He would have you give.
GLOBAL UPDATES
TWO NEW 100% TUITION FREE SCHOOLS IN CHIWAULA AND KALEMBA
When schools reopened on September 16 in Zambia, overcrowding became an issue due to the success of Sure Foundation Ministry's Jesus Film outreach and Farming God’s Way workshops, which led to increased enrollments.
In Kalemba, we've added new facilities and hired staff to accommodate the growth, while Ligomeka requires a new school building in Chiwaula.
We need to raise $9,500 for construction and $1,200 in monthly support for staff and the nutrition program, with 22% of the goal already met.