Praying for the Holtzman's

Hi, recently I received an email from an annoymous First Pres member asking if I would help them get the word out. After hearing of the situation, I was happy to help.

"We are friends of the Holtzman's. We're not sure how much of their story you have heard. For those of you that may not know Matt and Brooke, Matt has been on staff at First Pres for several years and served in a couple different roles, most recently leading worship and doing pastoral care. In addition to caring for their 3 young boys, Brooke is involved in the life of the church as well.

Brooke's mom, Judy, was diagnosed with cancer quite awhile ago. She took a downturn a couple weeks ago when she was in the hospital. Matt, Brooke and the 3 boys got on a flight out to Texas, not knowing how long she would make it and wanting to have an opportunity to say their last good byes. After being out there for several days, it became apparent that Brooke's mom was not quite ready to leave this earth. So they decided to come back home after saying goodbye. Now, Judy is under Hospice care and is preparing for the end.

As you may know, airlines no longer offer bereavement fares and flying last minute is rather pricey. We were meditating on Matthew 25: 37 - 40 when we learned about Matt and Brooke's situation. “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’" We felt like the Lord was calling us to take action.

We would like to bless the Holzman's by buying their 5 airline tickets, so that it is one less stress they have as they enter the grieving process. We are asking that you prayerfully consider joining us in supporting them in this way. You can donate as little or as much as you want, every little bit helps. We have set the goal of raising $2500, having no way of telling what the tickets will really cost when it is time for them to buy them. It may be far more, but as we said every bit helps.

We would love to meet this goal in the next few days, as we would like the funds to be available as soon as they get the call.

If you are unable to give financially, join us in prayer for the Holtzman's as they enter into this difficult season of their lives."

Will you help me spread the word?