THE BEST EVER! Eric Murphy Update August 2016

ARTICLES:
—The Best Ever!
—Waiting on the Final Totals
—What Are We Doing?


THE BEST EVER!
The best ever what? Our youth camps this summer in Europe, that’s what. People were saying this both in Romania and Montenegro. Both Camp MIA and Camp Monty experienced their “best ever” camp seasons. Isn’t this great? 
No, Stephanie and I could not go because of my ankle issues. But, we are thrilled to hear these glowing reports even if we could not go. We are so happy for the Romanians and the Montenegrins. YAY!!
I hope this encourages you as well because you are helping to make all of this possible through your prayers and your financial giving. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 


WAITING ON THE FINAL TOTALS
Most of the results are in from Romania and Montenegro as to how many received Jesus Christ this summer. More than 200 in Romania and just under 100 in Montenegro from what I have heard. This fact finding is very important in both countries where Life Impact For Eternity is serving because our teams there are very precise and exact when it comes to follow-up and discipleship. And, this is good. We have the Niksic Youth Center in Montenegro where Jelena and Sasa are serving along with our ministry partner, Danijel Petkovski. This gives us a presence in the city as well as a place where the students can come to meetings or just hang out with our staff. 
In Romania, Iulian and his team use postal mail, email, text messages and personal visits. The staff meets often to pray for the new believers and to give reports as to how the new converts are doing. To an extent, these methods are being used in Montenegro as well even though the number of staff members there are fewer in number. Pray for both staffs as they are already at work regarding follow-up. So, so important.


WHAT ARE WE DOING?
Stephanie and I are committed to a prayer ministry for our staff in each country which includes Costa Rica. Encouraging emails, text messages and Facebook messages are sent. These young teams need much encouragement and exhortation. Normally, I have meetings in churches where I speak to do evangelism or to encourage the believers. My ankle problems have put this on hold for the time being. We will get back into this in the fall. I am contacting churches asking them to consider sending people to serve in the summer camps in 2017 and 2018. Administration work takes time as well. Bible study in Psalms and Proverbs has been a focus during the summer. I write posts or messages on five Facebook sites where we have ministries in Europe and Central America. These messages are for new believers to encourage them what to do in their fledgling relationship with God. The camp counselors and staff members can use these messages to help them know what to say to those whom they are discipling. I have written commentary for these messages on 1 John, Philippians and the Gospel of John going through each book verse by verse. Love this! 
More writing is being done as both Stephanie and I are working on books. My book will have 84 articles on Leadership Development and Spiritual Growth. This is now going through the editing and proofing process before it will be sent to the publisher. Stephanie is doing the same with a devotional book that she has written as well as a second book to encourage families with children who have autism. Stephanie has a precious grandson who has autism, so, she has much experience in this area along with her work as a counselor for many years. She is a licensed counselor with a master’s degree in counseling. I am very excited about both of her books both of which are in the editing/proofing stage. 
My book covers some of lessons God taught me during Lynne’s suffering and death as well as exciting things that I learned from the Lord in my ministry over the years. The way the book has been written can help young and experienced leaders both in the Christian and secular arenas. Pray for us as the editing work requires diligent effort and time. 
Regarding my health, I am losing weight as I made major dietary changes in May. I stopped eating sugar way back in 2000 as well as cutting out Pepsi and Coke in 2003 and artificial sweeteners in 2007. Over the years I was eating healthier, but I took it to a new level this year to lose weight so I would have less stress on my bad ankle. So far, I have lost 24 pounds, but I still have more to take off. The problem with my ankle has prevented me from doing physical exercise with the exception of push ups. God has really helped me. I just wanted you to know so that you can pray with more knowledge. Yes, my lifestyle changes will continue after I lose the weight. Thank you for praying and for caring! Grateful!


Eric Murphy
International Director
Life Impact For Eternity
3984 Manatee Avenue East 
Bradenton, FL 34208
www.lifeimpactforeternity.org