Hold Up!

{This post is dedicated to my friends, Maury & Dana, who encouraged me to keep writing.....as it turns out....they read the blog!}

Exodus 17 tells the story of Moses leading the Israelites into battle against their enemies.  While Moses was on the mountain holding up the staff; the Israelites began to win against the enemy. When Moses’ arms became tired and they fell to his side-the enemy would overtake the Israelites and begin to defeat them.  Along came Aaron and Hur-- fellow leaders of the Israelites tribes.  Each of these men raised an arm; so that Moses’ arms and staff would once again be lifted high, defeating the enemy.

While we are certainly not Moses defeating a literal army against the enemy, we most definitely need your prayer support to hold us up.  This enemy we fight seeks to prowl and devour the souls of a nation with sickness, disease, and death.  There is no better ‘arm holder’ than a prayer partner.

Over these years in ministry, we have been so grateful for those prayer partners who remember us to the Father.  We often tell our church family as some have transitioned from one church and town to another; we will cover you in prayer until you get settled into a church that will take over that prayer cover. Not to say that we wouldn’t continue to pray for them-but I think you get the idea. 

Will you hold us up?  We are now about a month away from this new adventure.  Our time of traveling to raise our funds, finish selling our ‘stuff’ and packing up the rest is rapidly coming to a close.  We have received countless emails, facebook messages and words of encouragement.  We are so grateful for your support.

Here are a few things that can top the prayer list for the Schmelzenbachs in Swaziland:

• The smooth transition out of our house and safe travels on the road and in the air
• Wisdom, discernment and teachable spirits when we arrive and as we adjust to our new life and culture, as well as following the Lord’s leading for our place in ministry
• That we would draw close to one another on the tough days of feeling out of place and homesick
• Continued support as we raise our own salary; whether monthly or one-time gifts
• Katie and Peyton as they find their place of service and continue homeschooling (me too!)
• Pray for all The Luke Commission staff as we all land next month and begin the work of compassionate medicine--seeking to save lives by meeting a physical need and bringing the Word of God and the love of Jesus to Swaziland.

Siyabonga.  (Thank you.)

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