"Holding the Rope" (Peru - October 2003)

I used to do a lot of rock climbing and rappelling – crazy, I know. But one of the things that I learned in all of that is how crucial it is to trust in the rope and what it was secured to. The rope looked awfully thin and weak, but I was told time and again that that little rope, when it is connected properly at the top of the mountain, would hold the weight of a car! With that knowledge in mind I would walk over the edge essentially placing my trust/faith in the rope.

Short-term missions is much like rappelling in that everything here at home feels safe and secure – much like the solid ground at the top of a mountain. But then when you head overseas it is like walking over the edge of a cliff into the “unknown” (only God knows what awaits us because He is already there). Just as it would not be smart to walk over the edge of a mountain without checking to make sure that the rope is secure, it would not be too wise of me to head off on a trip without making sure that YOU are there holding the rope. Now its time for us to head down to Tacna, Peru in South America with a team of 12 North Americans. We need your prayers!!! Our team members include: Kathy & Lauren Hulsey, Todd Szalkowski, Frank Brand, Pat Powell, Lee Nelson, Trish Conway, Mary Ann Donavant, Alan Holston, Cheryl Gredlein, Russell Ruo, and George Robinson.

We’re heading over the edge with confidence that you are holding the rope and that the Lord Jesus Himself is on both ends! Please use the attached prayer calendar to guide you in your prayers and look for regular updates from the field.

And since we’re using the analogy of a rope – remember in tug o war how the team with the most folks pulling would win? How about forwarding this message to others that would be willing to join in this spiritual tug o war with us? Thanks and I look forward to reporting back to you all the Lord does in response to your faithful prayers. You are appreciated!

Are ya holding on tight?