About to embark on her sixth international mission trip, 20-year-old Erin Titus, a former Westernport resident, is looking forward to ministering to HIV and AIDS patients as well as participating in community health evangelism projects on a summer mission trip to Nairobi, Kenya in Africa.
A senior at Johnson Bible College in Knoxville, Tenn., Titus has ministered in the Dominican Republic three times and in Jamaica twice. She said God was “practically shoving me towards Africa” this summer.
“That push became a reality when I was accepted for an internship with Christian Missionary Fellowship (CMF),” said Titus, who is one of just 18 young missionaries participating in the trip. “I have been given the amazing opportunity to spend the summer doing mission work in Nairobi. I cannot express my excitement for this trip.”
Titus will depart from the United States on May 28 and return home Aug. 2 for an eight-week mission trip – her longest to date.
For part of her internship, she will be caring for HIV and AIDS patients in the Mathare slum, distributing medicines, foods, and vitamins, testing and counseling patients, educating various ages in HIV prevention/transmission, teaching home-based care, discipling and mentoring new Christians and participating in community health evangelism projects.
With her program of study at Johnson being counseling, Titus has a “passion for people,“ more specifically children.
“My goal is to love on the people,” said Titus. “I have a passion for them, specifically in Africa, and especially the babies. I want to love on them and share Christ’s love with them. I’m definitely going there with the intent of being a servant of God. However God wants to use me, God will.”
The budget for Titus’ trip is $6,556 to cover her expenses including airfare, immunizations, lodging, and meals.
When she saw the high costs involved, higher than any other past mission trip she attended, she was quite overwhelmed.
“There is a great deal I have to do in preparation for this trip and in a short amount of time,” said Titus. “I am learning to depend on God and trust him in this process.”
Titus raised half of the money, which she turned in by the deadline on April 18. The other half is due May 23.
Her mother, Debbie Deniker, has organized a benefit to help Titus raise the remainder of the funds.   A benefit dance will be held for Titus this Saturday, May 17 at the Polish Pines Restaurant from 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
Cover charge is $5 per person with South Train band featured as the night’s entertainment.
To send a donation to Titus, mail checks to 4600 N. Frederick Pike Winchester, Va. 22603
“My mom’s been amazing trying to plan this for me,” she said. “When I go to Africa, I want to love these people and show them how valuable they are to me and to God.”