Issue 10 Stories
Feature

Passing The Baton

David M. Erickson, Immediate Past President
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As I reflect on the fiscal year represented in this report — April 2021 through March 2022 — I am reminded that through God’s faithful provision there is indeed Hope Against Hunger:

  • Even with the world only gradually reopening to renewed direct engagement, our hands-on trainings equipped thousands of families to provide for themselves;
  •  Many strategies adopted during the pandemic merit continued pursuit in the “post-pandemic” work of ECHO as we seek to expand the reach of our resources to those who need them most;
  • New and returning volunteers at ECHOFlorida and at our Centers in Southeast Asia, East Africa, and West Africa have enlarged the capacity of our global staff;
  •  ECHO’s mission and impact have drawn the encouragement and support of a growing base of generous and faithful supporters;
  •  Developing social, civil, and environmental conditions around the world have further expanded the need for the practical, sustainable, effective, contagious, and Biblical hope that ECHO shares.

As I planned for retirement, this has also been the year in which our Board of Directors launched a search for ECHO’s next President and CEO. 

By God’s grace, my successor will inherit a global team that is strategically focused on serving and equipping small-scale farming families with knowledge and skills that can have a transformative and sustainable impact on their lives and communities. He will join a gifted and committed global staff that endeavors to respectfully and winsomely share the hope of the Gospel – hope that extends from now into eternity.

As a result of a prayerful and thoughtful systematic search, this blessed and impactful mission will now inherit a new leader. Dr. Abram Bicksler has deep academic training in agriculture, practical experience leading ECHO’s Southeast Asia Impact Center, global insights gained through employment with the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, and a vital personal relationship with Jesus Christ. ECHO’s Board of Directors and I trust that God has raised up Abram to provide gifted and knowledgeable direction that will benefit and grow ECHO’s work for the coming years.

In 1st Samuel 7:12, the Old Testament prophet shared a poignant affirmation and reminder that seems apt at this time of transition. Samuel erected a “stone of remembrance” to acknowledge and remind the people that it was (and would always be) the Lord who had delivered them and empowered their impact. As I depart and Abram commences his leadership, under the guidance and direction of our Board of Directors, this is our affirmation and petition: Thus far the Lord has helped us!

With great gratitude for the privilege of serving,

David M. Erickson, Immediate Past President

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Financial Review
Feature

Passing The Baton

"By God’s grace, my successor will inherit a global team that is strategically focused on serving and equipping small-scale farming families with knowledge and skills that can have a transformative and sustainable impact on their lives and communities."
Feature

The Road Ahead

"As a team we are committed to continuing the pursuit of ECHO’s mission with intentionality, passionately providing hope for the small-scale farmers that we serve. We remain rooted in the mission and vision that has led ECHO from the beginning."