Thank you very much for taking the time to read about my beautiful journey with God and the Mission that may change my life forever.

If you don’t already know me, my name is Erika. I am a Marine Corps veteran, EMT, personal trainer (obviously), photographer, and most importantly, a child of God. The past few years have been riddled with bottomless pits of despair, heartbreak, and what seemed like no “light at the end of the tunnel”.

Around 2014, while I was still in the Marine Corps, I had a meltdown as I drove home from working on Camp Pendleton. I had returned from a deployment the year prior and I felt incredibly lost. I sobbed as I asked God what my purpose was in life. Why am I here? Who do you want me to be? How do I do more? How do I save people? Show me how to be a person with a larger purpose!

A few years ago I found Christ and was reborn! My walk with the Lord has been tumultuous to say the least, but beauty and glory are brewing! He has pruned people from my life, opened new doors, and mended bridges that were scorched beyond repair. A few months ago my church held a ministry fair; calling us to use our gifts and talents for the Lord. I scoured the tent for a new ministry I could serve in; I currently serve on the worship team and the choir. Nothing caught my eye, nothing made an impact; that is until I stopped at the table for mission trips! Lying there, on the table, was a flyer for a Medical Mission Trip to Fiji. My heart raced, I picked it up, and I knew; this is where God is calling me.

We will be going to a remote village on the island of Fiji to provide medical care, dental care, eyeglasses, and spiritual counseling from October 27th to November 7th, 2023. We will be among the villagers healing them, worshiping with them, and sharing with them the power of God’s love!

My dream is to eventually become a firefighter or paramedic but this is where God has placed me at the moment. My desire to save people, to mend their broken parts, is not going unheard. This opportunity is exactly what I needed and I feel I have found my purpose! With God’s blessing and your support, we can make this dream come true.

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” -1 Peter 4:10

I feel God calling me to use my knowledge, my hands, and my heart to go heal his people. If you are willing, and if the Lord moves you to do so, any gifts of sponsorship will be greatly cherished! We are partnering with Marine Reach Fiji, a Youth with a Mission Outreach. All sponsorships will cover airfare, in-country expenses, and medical supplies needed by the clinic. Could you please also pray for our team, for safe travels, and for God to move tremendously as we serve and treat those that are in need. I want to thank you ahead of time for being willing to participate in this Mission for God.

There are a few ways to provide support:
• Venmo: @patienc3
• Cash
• Check
• If you are wanting your donation to be tax-deductible it must be made out to the church which I can provide further information upon request
• Pet Photography Fundraiser