Sapper Sendoff

This morning I will be a part of the send off  of the 288th Sapper National Guard Unit from Houston.   There are 95 that are scheduled to leave with two other groups of similar size from close by communities leaving as well. When I came here as Pastor of FBC in 2007 they were gone.  I remember when these men came back in 2007 and having the opportunity to meet them  after hearing so much.  Here we go again!  They are going to Afghanistan for road clearance exercises.  It is there job to make sure the road is clear for others to come through.  What a job!  We are surrounded by frontline heroes and today we say goodbye to them for one year.  Thankfully through technology we can communicate by email but it is a difficult time for all of us, especially family.  The Houston community has been praying through this matter for weeks and months, however I encourage all that read this to earnestly pray. 
Pray for their safety.  Pray that God's Hedge of Protection, His Mighty Angels, and dear Holy Spirit will guide these men and women giving them a keenness beyond their training.  Protect them from the evil in which they will be surrounded. 
Pray for them spiritually.  Pray that time away will bring a sweet and strong sense of the power of God's Presence to them each and every day like never before.  Pray that they will not only feel secure in the Lord but also pray that will grow spiritually.
Pray for their families.  The time away is very difficult for families.  Not only do they deal with the loneliness but in a healthy home each one helps one another.  When one is away, it is more difficult.  Pray that all will go well, that extended family, neighbors, churches, and friends will lend additional hands when needed.  Pray for their transition when they come home.  After being away the joy of seeing their loved one can be a little strained by the resetting of the household.  Pray for 'smoothality.'
Sappers and your families, we love and we are praying for you.   May the words of Psalm 126:4-6 give you hope in the difficult days:
 ⁴Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!
⁵ Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
⁶He who goes out weeping,  bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
May your sacrificial service be fruitful in every way!