Hello! It's been a long time since I posted anything and I apologize for that. My extended family has been through a lot recently. Last week Jay and Katrina Erickson died in a plane crash while serving as missionaries in Zambia, Africa. While they are not related to me they are the relatives of my other Erickson family and for them I was saddened. However, as I am wont to do, I quickly passed by this incident as yet another tragic death in Africa. I personally didn't know this couple and while I felt bad for their two orphaned girls I moved on with my life. I am rather ashamed to say that it didn't really affect me too much. It wasn't until today that it all sank it. I think it was hearing that Jay and Katrina were the 8th and 9th Ericksons to sacrifice their lives serving in the continent of Africa. I was astounded by the legacy my family has had. As a missionary kid to Africa myself and a relative of some of those Ericksons who gave their lives, I understand the pull this continent has on my family. Africa runs through our blood. It is a part of our past and it is a part of who we are today. I believe Africa will always be in our future, but only God knows His plans for the beautiful continent that keeps calling our names.
The following is something my cousin Micah Erickson wrote about the legacy of the Erickson family in Africa. I found it very touching and heart warming.
I write this letter to raise awareness for two great needs:
two little girls, a 3 and 1 yr. old have just been orphaned. A mission hospital that fulfills a
desperate need in rural Africa, has just lost its only airplane.
This weekend, Jay Erickson and his wife, Katrina, were
killed in a small airplane crash in Zambia, Africa. Jay was a missionary pilot transporting patients, medical
personnel, and supplies to a small mission hospital named Chitokoloki Mission hospital. Jay and Katrina were flying over the
Zambezi River when, for reasons still under investigation, the plane crashed
into the river. Jay and Katrina
leave behind 3 yr. old Marina and 1 yr. old Coral. Both girls will be flown back to the United States, by their
grandparents, where they will be raised by Jay’s only sister and her
husband.
You can read more about the
details of this crash by just doing a search engine query with their
names.
The part of this story that
is not being told is the rich heritage that Jay and Katrina Erickson
represent. They are the 8th and 9th
Erickson to lose their lives in Africa. 8 Erickson families have served as missionaries in Africa,
spanning 3 generations, dating back over 80 years. Jay and Katrina are the first of their generation to
continue the work of the Lord, serving as missionaries in Africa. Many other Ericksons have served or are
currently serving in other countries around the world. In fact, Jay’s only brother, Lance, is
currently raising financial support to begin his service as a missionary pilot
in Bolivia.
Jay grew up in Cameroun
Africa, where his parents (Cam and Barbara Erickson) also served as
missionaries. Owan and Doreen
Erickson (Cam’s brother) and their three children were involved in a tragic
vehicle collision on July 1, 1985.
This crash took the lives of Owan, Doreen and their 2 yr. old son,
Timothy. Cam’s two nieces, Rhonda
and Kjirsti, survived and were sent back to the United States where they were
raised by their uncle and aunt.
On May 16, 1978, Ernest and
Miriam Erickson (Cam’s uncle and aunt) were murdered in Yagoua, Cameroun. This horrific incident left an
indelible mark on the Erickson family, but ultimately led to the salvation of
many Africans.
On October 27, 1959, Martha
Erickson (Ernest and Miriam’s daughter-and Cam’s cousin) died from yellow
fever. Martha was in her early
teens and much loved by the locals.
A hospital in Yagoua, Cameroun is still named after her.
On September 4, 1930, David
Erickson, the newborn son of Odin and Jewel Erickson was taken home to the Lord
after only 2 days of life in Ndjamena, Chad.
Very few families pass on any sort of passion from one
generation to the next much less a passion for a continent, for a people; a
people not of their own blood. Yet each Erickson generation has returned to
carry on the ministry. Jay and Katrina Erickson are the third generation to
give their lives to Africa. It is no exaggeration to say that the spiritual
face of the entire continent of Africa has been impacted through the presence
of this family. Countless Africans can trace their eternal lives back to an
Erickson.
As you see, the loss of Jay and Katrina
Erickson has profoundly impacted the Erickson family, especially Cam and Barbara
Erickson.
1)
I am requesting you prayerfully
consider helping out young Marina and Coral and their future as they will be
raised by their uncle and aunt.
You can make checks payable to “Cam Erickson” and mail them to:
Erick Erickson
1195 8th Dr.
Mukilteo, WA 98275
2) The second immediate need, is the loss of the only airplane
Chitokoloki Mission Hospital owned.
This airplane is a crucial necessity to the survival of those who live
in remote areas of the country, and countless lives depended on it. You can contact Gordon Hanna (the
director) at the following addresses:
Chitokoloki
Mission Hospital
Box 50,
Chitokoloki,
Zambezi,
Zambia
info@chitokoloki.com
Phone:
260 977 539815
3) The third and last need is the support of Jay’s brother and
sister in law, Lance and Caroline Erickson. Lance is also a pilot and has joined SAMAIR. Lance and Caroline, once their support
is raised, will move to Bolivia, where they will essentially perform the same
duties Jay and Katrina were performing in Africa. You can help support them by contacting:
1021 Maxwell Mill Road, Suite B
Fort Mill, SC 29708
Please be sure to
make check out to "South America Mission" and include a note stating
that it is for Lance & Caroline Erickson's ministry,
account # 10451
