Wednesday, January 1, 2025

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Welcome Erica Jude to Pure Joy International and an update on Nairobi, Kenya Retreat April 2025.

 

If you read our November post on 11-27-2025 we shared with you some exciting news regarding the future of Pure Joy International Retreat Ministry , Inc.  Effect today January 1, 2025, we’ve added to our staff Erica Jude as Associate Director of Pure Joy International Retreat Ministry. 

Erica and her husband, Nate, served as missionaries in the Dominican Republic as church planters for 12 years. Erica is the founder of Lily House DR, serving survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation. Lily House ministers through a wholistic approach that provides a Christ-centered safehouse, counseling and vocational training in the ministry’s restaurant.

After serving 21 years with her mission agency, it is with great excitement that she has followed the Lord’s clear leading into the role of Associate Director of Pure Joy International Retreat Ministry, Inc. She will truly be a “missionary to missionaries.”

Erica and Nate now reside in West Virginia with their two teenage daughters, Mali Shae, and Brinkley Kate. (Watch out world for these two! Lol) Nate pastors their home church which has been a unique blessing returning home to serve the ones who raised them in the faith. Erica is a graduate of Marshall University. She received her counseling training through Gospel Fellowship International and has received additional hours in trauma-informed practices through her years in anti-trafficking. She loves coffee with good company and a great view - sand or mountains- both revive her soul! In more than 20 years of ministry in local church, non-profit settings or under her own roof, she has discovered she loves God’s women! It is “Pure Joy” watching women strengthened in their calling and truly enjoying Jesus!

Please welcome Erica to our staff by praying for her and her family as she transitions to this new role.  Erica will be facilitating our Spring Retreat in Nairobi, Kenya.

Our Nairobi, Kenya Retreat is full and has gone to a waiting list.  If you are interested in registering anyway, go to our web site www.purejoyinternational.org to register.  It is not uncommon for people to get a chance to move up the waiting list. 

We are looking forward to an exciting New Year with all of our Friends, Family, Prayer Warriors, Supporters, Gift Makers and Givers and  those that Go!

His,

Vickie