Dear Friends,
We want to say “thank you” to everyone who has encouraged, supported, and prayed for us during this time of transition. Since leaving Evangelistic Faith Missions, our family has been busy. This is a short report of our activities.
Leading “Longing for the Light”
In mid-December, I woke up early one morning with a burden on my heart to pray and the idea of leading an all-night prayer meeting. The story of the ten virgins in Matthew 25 and Psalm 130:6 became the guiding scriptural basis for “Longing for the Light,” an interchurch prayer movement. Our family printed posters, built a website, and began to recruit leaders for locations willing to make space for God’s people to gather for prevailing prayer. Thirty-three locations and an online event led to nearly 1500 people participating on Feb. 16 and 17 in a night of prayer. March 29 we will meet again with even more locations. The prayer movement was something I felt God was leading us to do, and it wasn’t really “on my radar” until that morning in December. In setting my 2024 goals, “Prioritize prayer” became my first and most important goal for 2024. Thankfully, God is helping us to do just that.
Begin a coaching and consulting business
Through the direction of people smarter than me in business, we took steps to start a for- profit coaching business. Heartland Christian School became our first client. Instead of just becoming an employee, we are contracted for the next two years to “build a donor development program and team.”
“Building the plane while flying it,” is an adventure, but as a serial entrepreneur, I feel God has given me the needed tools, temperament, and training to tackle this task. I’m excited about our progress! In addition to our “Anchor client,” we are piloting three other coaching products. I have walked the challenging road that many leaders face. While you are trying to change the world for others, who helps you when the wheels are coming off your wagon? Who pastors the pastor?
When you have no “margins” in your life, bad things can happen at all levels – body, soul, and spirit. Our Schedule Optimization Program assists leaders who want to win the battle for their schedule and achieve a work-life balance that will help them to go the distance. Our Life Planning Program will help leaders who have “lost their why.” It is coaching designed to delve deeply into “being” rather than just “doing.” Who do you want to be as a person, as a spouse, as a parent? In light of that, what should you be doing consistently and intentionally to become that kind of person.
Our Effective Communications Program delves into the story that you are telling. Are people hearing and responding to your message? Whether you are selling widgets or getting people to give to your cause, you are using principles of communication. We will be coaching leaders to tell their story in a simple, effective way.
Growing and Developing NDP
For the past four years we have been growing a pipeline of young ministry leaders with the Nehemiah Discipleship Program. Thanks to the past support of EFM, we have been able to build a solid base. Without their financial support this year, we are launching into “new territory.” We’ve redesigned our Victory Acres website, developed a new system for processing applications, and printed new materials to recruit participants. Between now and May 1 (when the applications are due,) we will be recruiting young people to participate in this year’s program.
If you know of a young person (13-25) that could benefit from this training, encourage them to apply online at: victoryacres.org
Conclusion
As we continue in ministry, we are thankful for the faithful encouragement and support of true and tested friends. Every card or note of encouragement, every financial gift, and every prayer has meant more to us than you will ever know. In March 2002, we stepped out in faith, devoting our lives to full time ministry endeavors. For the past 22 years God has provided. While ministry in this season looks different in the day to day, we are thankful for an opportunity to continue the work God has given us.
Our focus in this season is to be for Him – available to respond to His promptings. Like with “Longing for the Light,” some of those opportunities may not be in our plan. Staying close to His heart and learning to “flow” with Him is how we want to live. Having good work to do while simultaneously maintaining “margin” in our lives to change course or to stop for the “neighbor in the ditch,” requires a daily (and sometimes moment by moment) sensitivity to His Spirit.
If you want to support the ministry work our family is doing financially, you can do that by sending your gift to Victory Acres, 5311 S 800 E, Upland, IN 46989, marked “Himelick Ministry Support.”
If we can help you with the tools, training, and coaching we have developed to support leaders and their families, you can visit: himelickfamilyconsulting.com.
You can learn more about our life and ministry by listening to “Gleaning and Gathering,” an informal podcast designed to share what we are “gleaning” along life’s journey. (Available on all major podcast platforms.)
Thank you for your friendship. May God richly bless you.
In Christian Love,
Eric, Rachelle, Kaylynn, Rebecca, Sarah, Samuel, Esther, and Karissa Himelick
The Gathering at Victory Acres 