A 26-year-old woman who grew up in Naples (Marcie Erickson) spent her first year in Ethiopia at the age of 19 and now lives there permanently. She started a ministry called Grace Center for Children and Families.

She has no missionary affiliation and no support other than what little fundraising she was able to do through family and friends before she left.

Marcie had to learn the language and overcome tremendous obstacles. She has personally adopted 4 babies as her own to save their lives and has impacted many people in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

The project now includes a sponsorship program, providing for more than 70 children and families and many more waiting for sponsorship, a day care for 40 children so that the children aren’t left abandoned in the streets so their mothers can work, transitional care and foster care for 15 orphaned and abandoned children, and a clinic.

Personally I am in awe of this young woman and her achievements. She is proof of what one person can do and she is setting an example for us all. Please read her story and take a look at her photos. My family has committed to support her financially, but anything that we can give isn’t even close to what she has put on the line personally each day.

So often we hear of young people who have given two years service in the Peace Corp. Marcie has commited her life to serving in the missions. Please pass this along to anyone who you think can help The Grace Center, either through financial support, as a volunteer, or just in your prayers.

To love, care for, and provide a family for children who otherwise wouldn't have a family. To show the love of Christ to all who meet us.