I have a countdown app on my phone, and today it tells me that I will fly to the US in 24 days – May 18th. I have long lists of things that need to be taken care of in Ireland before I go. And I have long lists of things that need to be scheduled and organized for my time in the States. It is hard to stop my brain from spinning!
I’m coming back to the States with my monthly support as low as it has ever been. It is, of course, natural that support drops off between visits to the U.S.
Changes in situation and life circumstances can impact a supporter’s ability to continue to help financially. This is completely understandable, and we build into our support raising a margin for these changes.
The greatest impact on my monthly support has been an increase in housing costs, as well as an increase in the Irish tax burden I need pay each year. Three years ago, my landlord decided to sell the house I had been living in for eight years, and I lost the “rent protection” that I had there. When I moved, my rent increased significantly. This triggered an increase in my “income” for my Irish taxes.
These two things together have created a much larger gap than what was originally planned for. I am tempted to feel overwhelmed by the fund-raising goal before me.
There is a phrase that comes to mind when I am tempted to worry about funding (or anything else!). It comes from 1 Samuel 7:12. God has rescued the Israelites from the Philistines and Samuel sets up a stone and calls it “Ebenezer”, for he said, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
Thus far the Lord has helped me. For 25 years (and for 63 years) the Lord has helped me, and the Lord has used faithful people (you) to meet these needs.
I’m looking ahead to what will be my final years serving with EFM in Ireland. My plan is to retire at 70 – which will happen in 2032! Ministry focus has shifted in the past year from Mother and Toddler groups (which are now plentiful every day of the week) to grief work.
I am excited to share these things with you! And my hope is that I can build a ministry that will continue to reach out to those who are hurting, with support and hope that comes from our loving God, even after I retire.
This summer I will be at Yearly Meeting/Annual Conference for Rocky Mountain Yearly Meeting, Evangelical Friends – Mid-America, and Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends. I will also be in CO, KS, and OR for some time around those gatherings. I plan to be in Friends Southwest YM (CA) in August.
For more than 25 years I have had the privilege of sharing my heart, my calling, my love for Ireland with you. I have been the recipient of generous hospitality as I have travelled through different regions, and I am so grateful for enduring friendships formed. I look forward to visiting again, catching up with you, and sharing what God is doing in Ireland through your prayers and generosity.
To schedule a time for us to meet or for me to speak at your church, please email me at kathip@friendsmission.com.
My hope is to return to Ireland on September 13th. However, I cannot return until my financial support is back to 100%. I am currently at 64% and trusting God to raise the remaining 36% in monthly commitments. As I look ahead to this next step, there are two important ways you can partner with me: through prayer and through financial support. I truly need both.
Prayer Partnership
The first way that you can support me is through prayer. Your prayers are worth everything. I currently have 939 prayer partners with a goal of raising it to 1,200. If you know anyone who would like to pray for my ministry, please send them this link: https://friendsmission.com/kathi-perry.
Financial Partnership
If you are a current financial supporter, would you be able to increase your giving? I’m asking boldly. Could you even double it? I know that not everyone can (and I am grateful for every/any amount)! Some of you already have increased your giving, for which I am very grateful. If you are not part of my financial support team, would you consider partnering with me in Ireland? You can start a new gift or make changes to your current giving using this link: https://friendsmission.givevirtuous.org/donate/perry. You can also contact the EFM office at efm@friendsmission.com.
Would your church like to take on another missionary?
I would be happy to talk with you about this.
My Missionary Care Team has set a goal for me – to be fully funded by my 64th birthday, August 30th. That would be a lovely birthday gift. Above all, as I look back at the years I have spent in Ireland and in relationship with all of you, as I’ve served, I feel privileged and grateful and humbled.
Thank you. Thank you.
Kathi Perry
English (United States) 
Spanish