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