Our Mission
Eleos (Greek for mercy) International Ministries is committed to showing the love of Jesus by caring for the most vulnerable in our society (the orphan, the elderly, the homeless, and others).
We work in partnership with local churches around the world to help them become 'missions of rescue' for destitute and vulnerable people. We believe local churches are in the best position to provide the nurture, support, family, and teaching that hurting people need so desperately. Our aim is to see local churches regain their reputation as 'Defenders of the Poor' in their communities.
We have offices in the United States and in London, England. Our ministries extend into other countries through partnerships with "national" churches and organizations.
Our History
1983
Kurt Erickson, an actor in New York City, is saved, freeing him from 12 years of alcohol and drug use. (Kurt is Pastor/Director of Eleos in London.)
1985
Ed Rosella becomes a Christian and begins to work with the homeless in Atlantic City, NJ. (Ed is Director of Eleos in the U.S.)
1986
Kurt gives up his career as an actor to start a homeless ministry in New York City, feeding the poor on a weekly basis.
1988
Kurt attends Moody Bible Institute.
1990
Kurt marries Asha, who was converted to Christianity at the age of 19 from Hinduism.
Kurt and Ed begin what would be a life-long partnership by working together with inner city youth at Times Square Church in New York City.
1991
Kurt and Asha move to London, England as missionaries.
1992
Ed begins to take numerous trips to Romania, developing relationships with "National" Pastors and Christian Ministries.
Kurt and Asha begin ministering to London's homeless community as well as to the children in London's East End.
1994
Ed leaves his job as a computer programmer for AT&T and moves to Romania to do full-time missionary work with street children and churches.
Kurt and Asha establish Eleos Ministries in London, England.
Eleos Ministries U.K. takes responsibility for the "Bosnian Relief Fund" to bring relief aid to the war-torn countries of Croatia and Bosnia. This ministry would continue throughout the duration of the war.
1995
Ed establishes World Christian Outreach to serve and support "National" ministries and missionaries serving Jesus in their own country.
1996
Eleos Christian Church is planted in the East End of London.
1997
Ed & Karen are married and begin to serve the Lord together in World Missions.
1998
World Christian Outreach begins to develop a closer working partnership with the Sanctuary Orphanage in Romania.
2001
Eleos Ministries U.K. initiates partnerships with South African Pastors.
Eleos Ministries U.K. establishes "The Church Without Walls" in London (a church of homeless men and women which meets on the streets).
2002
Eleos School of Ministry and Practical Theology is founded in London.
Eleos Ministries U.K. and World Christian Outreach merge to create Eleos International Ministries, a larger, more efficient, international organization with expanded ministry opportunities.
2004
We began our 'Hands of Mercy' initiative in the U.S., U.K., South Africa, and Romania aimed at restoring mercy ministries within local churches.
2005
We opened a new children's home in Transylvania, Romania for ten orphan children in a joint partnership with the Sanctuary Orphanage.
2006
In a joint partnership with YWAM we began feeding and providing for the school costs of three destitute siblings in Guatemala.
2008
Continuing to work for God's glory!