Jim and April Starkey and their 3 kids, Isaac, Micaiah and Ezekiel are just 2 months away from leaving for the field. They are continuing to work hard at raising the rest of their support. While they still have 25% of their one-time funds to raise and $750 a month of their monthly needs, they are desperately needed on the field. Thus, the RMI administration is stepping out in faith and are sending them to Haiti at the end of August, just 2 months away. We are trusting God to supply the rest of their needs as they make their preparations.
One thing that is helping get their one-time financial needs down a bit is that RMI has bought the furniture, some household goods and a motorcycle from Rob Thompson, the outgoing Field Director. Jim and April will be taking over the Thompson’s home on the mission center, so being able to buy these things will help the Starkeys get there sooner.
Currently, they are finishing many things…Jim’s job will be drawing to a close soon, the kids’ homeschool year is almost over, they are selling their home and some belongings, sorting, packing and many other tasks. It’s a flurry of activities as they make final doctor visits, come to the RMI office for pre-field training, transport their household belongings to the RMI office to pack into a sea container, say their last goodbyes – you get the idea! There are quite a few details to take care of.
Jim and April’s first job description will be language acquisition. Their language lessons will probably last for 3 months. After that Jim will probably be working under Benson in the operations arena. As she is able, April will be helping in the administration office, possibly with Hope for Kidz and church partnerships. The details will be determined as they settle in and see where they fit the best. The 2 older boys will start school soon after they arrive at the missionary kids school right there on the mission center. They are excited about starting this new adventure.
How can you help them?
They need additional financial support! Can you join their support team with a monthly commitment or a one-time donation? You can donate online at www.rmibridge.org/financial-donations.
They need prayer support. Their current requests are for the sale of their house, that the last of their funds will come in, that they will finish things up well (packing, etc) and for their transition to the next era of life as full-time missionaries.
You can find them on Facebook. Look up “Jim Starkey”, “April Starkey” and “Praying the Starkeys to Haiti” You can read more about them at their website, www.rmibridge.org as well.
