Crazy to think that tomorrow we are heading out for Italy. It is a bitter sweet for us. It has been great to have had the last 7 months here in Ohio with Erika’ s family. We have had a chance to spend time with them in a way we would have never had if we were not going to Italy. It has been great to be here but God is calling us to the next part of our lives now.
Last night we finished packing our 10 suitcases (they’re more like plastic trunks). It has been really hard trying to figure out for us what we are going to take. We have been wrestling with what clothes to take, what kitchen stuff we take, what sentimental things we need to make us feel at home, household items, shoes, bags, art supplies and more. We packed all of these things into 10 suitcases and it was not easy!
We need your help now. There are so many important things in each of these suitcases. We have tried to be smart and have distributed everything evenly so that if one of the suitcases is lost we do not lose all of one thing (all of our winter clothes, for example), we lose a little bit of everything. This is where you come in. In the image below you can see all or our suitcases and they are numbered from 1 to 10. We would ask that you commit to praying one of our suitcases through to Italy.
Please pray this way for your case:
- For a smooth check-in at the airport tomorrow (Sunday) at noon. And even for discounted prices on the cost of taking the suitcase.
- That the airline does not lose the suitcase.
- That we do not have any problems in customs in Italy (around 3:00AM EST).
- For the case to fit in the car that’s picking us up and arrive to our offices with us in one piece.
If you’d like to commit to pray for one of the 10 suitcases specifically, leave a comment below to let us know which one you will be praying for. We know they are just things, but we really appreciate your prayers!
Thanks!
-Jon
David Quigley said:
Hey Guys! I’ll be praying that #1 gets there! Excited you guys are going and then to begin to hear back from you how God is using you!
~ David Q.
Crista said:
Well, I’ll take case #2, since I will be leaving on January 2. Happy travelling!
amy burrill said:
Hi Jon and Erika:) We are praying for case#10!! Our son Ross picked it. We are so excited for you guys and will be praying as you have asked!!!! Happy New Year and thank you for your example and obedience through this whole process. May the Lord richly bless you guys!!!! Love and prayers,
amy (for Mick and the kids too:))
Jon and Erika Tello said:
It’s so neat to think of your kids participating in prayer for us! You can tell Ross #10 made it and we’re so glad!
Terry Long said:
HI, Jon & Erika, Brenda, and I will pray for the two of you, but also case #3. May God bless the two of you in this next phase of your life God has given you.
Terry, and Brenda
Aaron said:
We will be praying for number 7. And here is to praying that you will have an open seat between you both for comfort.
Jon and Erika Tello said:
Thanks for praying for that open seat! It was an extra blessing on our flight from Cleveland to Newark! And for praying 7 through!
Amy said:
We’ll take #4. We’re so excited for you guys….for what God has done in your lives in 2011 and for what he’ll do in 2012 and beyond. Enjoy these last few hours with family. We love you guys!!
Amy said:
This is Amy, for all 3 Sherrards:)
Carolyn Stewart said:
Praying for case #6. Also praying for peace in this next transition you guys! We’ll be in touch…Carolyn, Ty and kids
Julie Ekstrand said:
The Ekstrands will pray for Case #5! Yes, they are just “things”, but God cares about the details! So excited for you two – enjoy your anticipation!
Steve said:
Hey Guys! #9 is on my list as well as a safe trip and smooth transition!
Martha Hyland said:
Praying for case number 8 as it begins its journey to Italy. Also, praying for all of you. May God richly bless you as you serve Him in Italy.
Laurel Kulig said:
Mark is praying for the evens and I for the odds! 🙂
Chris Adams said:
I think all suitcases are covered, but I will start over with number 1. Will be keeping all of you in prayer! Looking forward to hearing how the Lord will use you!! Love in Him,
Chris and Mike Adams
Kathleen said:
I’m not sure anyone said #7, so I will pray for case number 7. And I will pray for the two of you–for blessed moments with your families in the next hours, for peace and grace, and for God’s watch-care over you, and blessing upon the ministry He has for you!
Love,
Kathleen and Cory Gale
Joseph A. Gralka said:
This morning at Church, Pastor McGuire asked the Congragation to Pray for your departure this afternoon (1-1-12). Be asured, your home Church, Heritage Baptist, will be praying for your safe flight today…along with your suit cases. Thank You for your willingness & faithfulness to serve Christ. New names will be written down in The Lambs Book of Life soon, because of your love for a lost & dying world.
In Him,
Joe Gralka, Sr. Heritage Baptist Church
Debbie Embaugh said:
can’t choose, so praying for all ten and you to arrive safely and intact! love you guys
Sue Vanlaningham said:
Since all the cases have been covered at least once, I’m going to be greedy and pray for all 10. I figure go big or go home, right?!?!? We are praising God with you for the wonderful way He has met all your needs so far, in His perfect timing. I know He will continue to do so. Blessing on you both and love from Dr. V. and me.
Heather Apitz said:
So excited to hear the good new of your arrival with all 10 cases! GOD IS SOOO GOOD!