Our Journey

What a journey we have been on. For us the journey began over 7 years ago. This weekend we celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary.
The first time I ever even considered the idea of going to Africa, was when Jeff and I began dating. He told me back then that someday He would live in Africa. That was what God was preparing him for. The question was ," if I would be willing?" Of course my answer was given with very little thought, I knew it could be someday but there was no real need to think about it at that time.
God has been at work in our lives over the years, preparing us for what He plans to do. I could write for days about this journey. I have been spending lots of time in the word of God reading about the Isrealites journey from Egypt to the promised land. I realized through a Bible study that only 2 of the 2 million who originally left Egypt ever made it into the promised land, that's a one in a million ratio. I was challenged at that time whether or not I was willing to do what it takes to be one in a million. It was then that I really had to consider the question: Am I willing to do what God puts in front of me, even if that means going across the world to Africa? There is only one answer if I wanted to experience Promised Land Living... YES! It was no coincidence I was doing this bible study as I was also preparing to go on my first mission trip to Africa. God was in the process of doing a real work in me while I was in Africa. I'll leave all of that for another time.
Since that trip God has continued to do a work in us. In April we were approved by Thirst No More. We are joining their team to start a work in Tanzania, East Africa.
In June Jeff will be traveling to Tanzania with Craig Miller of TNM to start laying the ground work for a long term work there. Please pray for us as we take this next step. The enemy has been working hard to discourage us and to defeat us. Our God is faithful. I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
We are still raising funds for this trip and it has been a bit of a challenge. We recently found out that the airfare is almost double what we had planned. We were surprised by this but we know that our God was not taken by surprise. We have been blessed by many Christ followers who have encouraged us, prayed faithfully for us and who sacrificially support us financially. We know that where God leads, He is faithful to provide.
Please pray for our family as we continue on this journey. Pray for wisdom and discernment, that we will not miss anything God has for us. Also pray that God will supply the funds needed.
We would also ask that you pray and ask the Lord what part He may want you to play in advancing the Kingdom! Romans 10:15 says, "how can they go unless they are sent?" If you feel led to be one of our financial supporters you can make a tax deductible donation securely online at www.thirstnomore.org and note Jeff Schmidt.