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Local Reach
Elsie Jane Beard serves in Salem, the state capital of Oregon, and in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon. Most of these urban communities are largely comprised of Hispanic families, many of which have Catholic backgrounds. The people from these areas are economically diverse. Elsie also speaks at summer Bible camps and women’s retreats in rural communities in Idaho.
The most prevalent need in these communities is Jesus – an understanding of the gospel message and the hope it promises. There are also needs to feed the hungry, care for the homeless, and support the unemployed.
After seeing the need for Jesus in her community, Elsie Jane began teaching God’s word to children, youth, young adults, and women through home Bible studies. She also speaks at summer camps and women’s retreats when she can. “It is my heart’s desire to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to whomever He sends my way and wherever He sends me,” she writes.
Meeting families’ spiritual needs is Elsie’s main ministry. If basic physical needs are not met, she also gives from what God has given her to help meet those needs as well.
Elsie has also started bible studies through YouTube. This is something God has opened up to her during the Pandemic and has shown her that it is something He wants her to do.
Elsie has served as InFaith field staff since 1999.
When she was three years old, Elsie’s parents joined the mission, and she grew up serving alongside them in their ministries in Kamiah, Idaho. She mainly helped with Vacation Bible Schools and the Bible camp that they helped run. When Elsie was older, she was asked by an InFaith missionary from Salem, Oregon to join her ministry. After much prayer, Elsie felt that God was calling her to serve full time in Salem.
