Joel and I have come to Africa because we believe in the importance of people hearing God’s Word in their heart language. About six months ago it struck me that the same was true for us. There is just something important about being feed in our heart language.
However what hit me the most was how important this was for our children. Followed by the realization that we were the only ones here who could offer this to our children. We don’t have the luxury of Sunday School, Awanas or other Bible clubs. It was up to us. So we began teaching our children God’s truth starting from the beginning of time.
We had always talked with them about Bible stories and truth, but now we intentionally walked them through God’s whole story. It was an amazing experience because we not only got to share with our kids our heart and passion, but we also learned so much through the process.
We were challenged to look at our lives and make sure that our parenting aligned with the message we were bringing them. We made intentional efforts to share with them what God was teaching us and how God was providing for us. We had the hard discussion about why not everyone around us knows or believes.
Just this past week as we were sitting at breakfast. Ethan looks up at me and said “Mom, I believe!” After many question, I realized that he does in fact believe and knows what he believes. There is no greater joy as a parent. I think my heart might have been singing louder than the angels. Ethan understands, he believes and he is a child of God. His faith is young and our journey has only begun, but it is a moment worth rejoicing in.
For me it took moving to Africa to realized that I needed to intentionally tell my children God’s story, not just isolated Bible stories, but the whole truth of what we believe. Let me testify that there has been no greater joy for us!
Praise the Lord!
We must be a daily example of our faith to our children and you, my dear friend, are that.
Dear Ethan, I am so glad to hear that you believe and love Jesus! Many people have been praying for you and we are celebrating your faith in Jesus. I am so excited for you to start this journey with Jesus. He is a faithful and good friend and I am so glad you are learning to trust him. I hope you will continue to understand how much he loves you and you can see some of Jesus love through the way your parents love you. I love you too and I am excited to see you soon. I will keep praying for you!
Love , Aunt Michelle
There were tears in my eyes reading this. I rejoice with you! Well done, Andi & Joel. Blessings are just beginning, Ethan!
We rejoice with the angels! Did you hear our shout for joy!! What an answer to prayer that he has put his trust in Jesus. We continue to pray that he will come to love God like his dad and mom and his grandparents.
Praise the Lord!!
Rejoicing, rejoicing with you!
And as a parent, there is no greater joy than to know that his grandchildren believe!! Praise God for his incredible work of grace and for faithful and loving parents.
Keep the message going.
Love,
Dad