Dedication of Emma Jane

 "And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord. And he worshiped the Lord there." 1 Samuel 1:26-28

We are so grateful for the children God has blessed us with! Many call us crazy (definitely some truth there ;-) for having so many kids, but they are all gifts form the Lord (Psalm 127). And although life can be hectic, crazy, and challenging, it is a joy too. We are trying to raise our kids to love, know, and follow Jesus. We want them to be focused on one thing: The Glory of God being made known among all nations. "For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord." Habakkuk 2:14.

We know that our kids belong to God and has loaned them to us to love, raise, and send into the world to make a difference for Him and His name. So we always early on publicly dedicate our children to God. I love the story of Hannah who prayed for years and years before God gave her a child and she then dedicated him back to the Lord. Although different in our case, we want all people to know that we are committed to raising our kids to love Jesus and be his disciples and then make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:18-20) This brings other around us in our community to pray and help us in this endeavor. As someone once said...it takes a village to raise a kid.

It was special that we were able to do this dedication with another couple that we have discipled. They/we prayed for over 8 years for them to have a baby. The Lord gave them a baby boy just 11 days before Emma was born. His name is Selvin.

Please pray with us for sweet baby Selvin. Also we are grateful after many prayers for a baby girl we now have 3 baby girls! Pray for Jennifer and our family in this challenging and joyful time of infancy. May God be glorified in and through our family so that all may know of His Name and Glory!

We are also grateful Ben's Mom could be here for this special day!