Pray for Connect 2013

This week students leaders from Students for Christ groups across Europe will gather together near Cologne, Germany, for Connect 2013. It can be very lonely for a Christian student on a university campus in Europe, especially when striving to answer the call to "go and make disciples." At Connect, students will worship, pray, and fellowship together with like-minded students. They will encourage and challenge one another to continue on their call to reach students.

Students are taught by professors and professionals and attend workshops throughout the week to hone their skills in and knowledge about university ministry. They will leave more equipped than ever before to make difference on their university campuses. This conference will train and release dynamic student leaders, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to do God's work in the European university.

While we are sadly unable to attend this year, we are excited for those students and staff privileged to attend. Our prayers are with them, and we ask that you pray for them, too. Let's join together as a team and support them in prayer as they strive to answer God's call on their lives.

As you pray, check out these videos of former students still attending Connect to help other students.

Eden James Edgmon

I'm sure by now, most have seen our Facebook and Twitter posts about our little boy who was born Friday, July 12, 2013. Eden James Edgmon came into this world at 7.25 lbs. and 50 cm. head to toe. He's healthy, happy, and finally home.

I would like to share with you the story behind his names, which were chosen because they are family names that held special meaning to us.

James comes from Katy's brother and was also the middle name of her father, who died in a car accident when she was 4. James was also the name of her great-grandfather. The name James is of Hebrew origin meaning "one who supplants" or one who fills someone's shoes.

Eden comes from my (Blake's) great-great-grandfather, Eden Gooding Nelson, who was a full-blooded Choctaw Indian circuit preacher in southeast Oklahoma. I've been told by my great aunt, E.G. Nelson's granddaughter, that he was a tough man who refused to be pushed around. The name Eden is also of Hebrew origin, meaning "place of pleasure."

While the meanings of the names weren't as important as the familial significance, we do pray that Eden will grow to be a man who will follow in the footsteps of those before him, filling their shoes, ushering in the Kingdom of God. We pray the Holy Spirit will use Eden everywhere he goes to bring a presence of happiness and joy.

Thank you so much for all your congratulatory comments, and most all, your prayers. We are beginning a crazy, scary, and exciting journey as parents and we're blessed to have you on our support team encouraging us along the way.

This Is It...Don't Get Scared Now.

We are nearing the time when our first child is due to be born (this Saturday, to be precise). We’ve gotten the house ready: all of the baby clothes are washed and organized, all of the sheets washed, pacifiers sterilized, and all the little baby things purchased in preparation for his arrival. In other words, we’re as prepared as we can physically be for anything this child can throw at us. I am reminded of the movie “Home Alone” when Kevin has the house armed and ready for the arrival of the robbers.

While this kid is certainly not a robber or anything less than someone we totally love, this has felt a little bit like preparing for someone to “storm the castle.” We have no idea what to expect with raising a child and definitely feel intimidated! I guess the feeling we have to make our physical environment ready is an indicator of our need to be emotionally and mentally prepared as well.

However, no matter how many burp cloths we have or rash cream tubes we stockpile we will always be needing something that physical preparation simply will not satisfy. The only One who knows our baby more than we do is Jesus...he has written his DNA and knows exactly what he needs from us. As we enter this brand new phase of life, our ultimate comfort will come from staying close to Jesus.

We are feeling confident in Him as we wait on the arrival of our little one and our shared life together. For now, like Kevin, let’s bow our heads and pray as we enjoy the moment...and some mac n cheese. That sounds so good right now.