Jim got home today and had a great time in Vietnam.  That’s good news, but more on that later...The other great news is: 

Two weeks ago, the director of Italy’s Anti-trafficking Hotline agreed that, rather than leaving it to the trafficked women we meet to call the Hotline, I can make a call to the hotline on the woman’s behalf and set up an appointment to which I can go with the woman. 

The timing was perfect!  After church yesterday, as I was talking to Emma, Victor came up and asked me what we could do to get Emma documents.  With his urging, Emma agreed to go with me this week to talk to the social worker who is a part of the Hotline network for her area.  Another positive step!

We are waiting from a call back with a date, time and place for the appointment.  Please pray for the social worker to have the right words to convince Emma that Italy’s system can help her and for courage for Emma to accept the help, even if it means reporting her trafficker.  She told me yesterday she still owes $28,000. 

We are happy to say that, based on gifts for our work that have already reached International Ministries and those we know are on the way, we have reached 65% of our support goal for the fiscal year.   Pledges from churches and individuals who give monthly should bring in another 7% or so of our goal.  This is very good news!  Thanks to all of you who have contributed already! 

On the other hand, we still need to raise $27,750 by Sept. 30th to insure that this work can continue, since IM has notified us that they might not be able to keep missionaries below their support goal in the field after September 30th. 

This is your chance to be in on something big!  God is opening doors for us and women like Emma in Italy.  Your contribution, together with the working of God’s Spirit, allows us to shine a light on the pathway to freedom for Emma and Joann and countless others. 

The Luther Rice Matching Gift Fund doubles gifts from new donors of $200-$2000 if the gifts go directly to International Ministries (see form below for details) or are given online by June 30th.  Share in that way if you can. 

Otherwise, please consider making this work a part of your monthly budget like a pastor/teacher couple in Ohio and a retired schoolteacher in Pennsylvania do.  One-time gifts are great, but pledges of consistent giving help us and IM plan with confidence for the future. 

We have been wonderfully surprised by you, God’s people, and your response to our need.  May God continue to shine the Light on all our paths! 

Your missionaries,

Debbie (along with Jim, Luke, and Ben) Kelsey

Luther Rice Society Matching Gift Fund Will Double Your Gift!

Send your check for $200 to $2000 directly to International Ministries before June 30, 2009.

International Ministries, PO Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482                                   At the end of June your gift will be doubled! 

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