Dear Friends at Erwin Presbyterian Church,
More than twenty years ago, during my first pastoral call in Egypt, I learned a life-
changing lesson about giving. Our church needed to rebuild its entire sanctuary—a four-year
project costing over $500,000 in a region with limited financial resources. We had only
$30,000 in the bank, and as a young pastor, I wondered how it could ever happen.
God showed us that when a church faithfully pursues its mission, He works through
the generosity of His people in remarkable ways. While a few wealthy families provided 40%
of the cost, the remaining 60% came from modest, working families. I will never forget one
family of upholsterers who committed $50 a week—10% of their income. Over four years,
their quiet faithfulness added up to more than $10,000. True generosity is measured not by
the size of the gift, but by the love and devotion behind it.
Here at Erwin Presbyterian Church, God continues to demonstrate that same faithful
spirit. Look at how you responded after Hurricane Helene, raising over $100,000 to support
relief efforts and care for our neighbors! Furthermore, your faithful support has kept our
ministry strong. After giving $77,192 in 2024 and $106,981 in 2025, you have already
contributed $98,771 through the first nine months of this year, putting us on track to reach
approximately $110,000 by year-end. What an encouraging blessing!
At the same time, we face a new financial challenge. Returns on our endowment
investments have been lower than anticipated—around 4% over the first nine months,
compared to our expected 8–10%. This has created a projected income shortfall of around
$30,000. While the Session and our treasurers are carefully reviewing expenses and adjusting
our budget without compromising our core ministries, we are asking for your help to close
this gap.
As we enter this Thanksgiving season, I invite you to prayerfully consider making an
additional gift to support our church’s mission. Every gift, large or small, makes a vital
difference. Together, through our prayers, service, and generosity, we can continue sharing
Christ’s love across our congregation and community without interruption.
Looking back over my years in ministry, I have seen again and again how God works
through ordinary people who give faithfully. I know He will continue to do great things
through Erwin Presbyterian Church.
Thank you for all you give—your time, talents, prayers, and financial support.
May
God richly bless you and your family this Thanksgiving!
Grace and peace,
Dr. Ramy Marcos