I’m writing to you from a guest house in Wichita, Kansas. I arrived in the U.S. on September 8th. I was able to spend a few days seeing my family (after two years!) and arrived in Kansas on the 19th.
These past months have been something of a whirlwind as I have prepared to leave Ireland for an extended time – it is all the things you can imagine that entails, and a few more. I am thankful that the details worked out for someone to stay in my house and pay some of the expenses. I am thankful for a loving send off from the people there.
And I am thankful for a loving welcome here, too.
Would you please take a moment to watch this video about my upcoming deputation? |
Last week, I sat down and began to look at the information that EFM has been sending me regarding my funding status, giving records, suggested phone calls and church connections. To be honest, while this information is always available to me, I haven’t looked at it for three years. And as I sat in friends’ basement in Haviland, I began to weep. I was overwhelmed at the generosity of so many that has enabled me to stay and work in Ireland through one of the most difficult times in my life (in our life as a family).
Three years ago my sister, Lori, received the diagnosis that her cancer had spread throughout her body. Since then, I haven’t paid much attention to the giving records that are available to me and I have not communicated nearly as much as I had hoped. Lori’s death so soon after her diagnosis left me without the capacity to do any more than the work I needed to do each day.
So the first thing I need to say is “Thank you.” Thank you for giving without any real response from me. Thank you for literally feeding me from afar, paying my bills, and allowing me to grieve in the presence of the Irish families who looked after me so well. Thank you for being faithful when I fell silent. The list of names is overwhelming, and I feel the love and trust you have placed on me.
I was scheduled for deputation in 2019, but as my sister’s illness progressed, we decided to postpone that to 2020. And of course, in 2020 the world stopped. This means I haven’t been home for fund-raising since 2015. Over the years, for many understandable reasons, my support has dropped to 80% of the recurring gifts necessary to meet ongoing monthly needs.
As I said, I am currently in Kansas, visiting churches and friends, supporters, and prayer partners in the area. I wish I could see everyone! I know I will miss some of you. From Mid-America I will return to California for several weeks, speaking in churches there and trying to make connections. In November I will be in Eastern Region for EFM Board meetings, and some visits with supporters. I will be back in California for the holidays, and happy to make more connections then too! If I am fully supported, I will return to Ireland on January 8th, 2022.
There are two ways to support me in Ireland, through prayer and through financial giving. I need and appreciate both!
You can haga clic aquí to sign up and join me as a prayer partner if you aren’t one already!
If you would like to partner with me financially there are a few ways to do that:
- Donate online on my personal EFM webpage aquí.
- Donate by credit card over the phone at 303-421-8100.
- Mail a check marked with “Perry Support” to EFM, PO Box 771139, Wichita, KS 67277.
If you are a current monthly supporter, thank you. It is important to let EFM know that you plan to continue or increase your giving. If you are not currently giving, I would ask you to prayerfully consider supporting ministry in Ireland (me).
If you want further information, or would like inquire about a visit, you can contact me through the EFM office or email me at kathip@friendsmission.com.
And thank you again, for the support and faithfulness that I experience every day. You are a blessing to me.
Kathi Perry
Spanish 
English (United States)