Eden is 3

It's hard to believe that three years ago Eden James came into this world. Yesterday we had many of Eden's friends over. There was a bouncy castle, cake, presents, snacks, more presents, and so much laughter. My mom was in town to join in and help pull it all off. We even had sunny weather!

It was a perfect day to celebrate. What hit me the most this weekend is that Eden is the one who made me a father. Before he came into this world, I was a friend, husband, son, brother, relative...but the second he arrived I became a dad. I am constantly reminded of words a friend said to me regarding his son. "He will be my greatest disciple." Amazing. I pray, above any other ministry/work accomplished in my life, that Eden and Eli would be my greatest disciples. I will work tirelessly to help them encounter Christ daily and to know Jesus personally. 

The privilege, honour, responsibility, fear, exhaustion, and intimidation that comes with being a dad is FAR outweighed by the joy a child brings. Katy and I are so blessed to raise our two boys. May we be parents that constantly point our children to Jesus.

Thanks to all of you who pray and give so we can minister in Ireland. Your prayers are the fuel that keeps us going. I want to say a special thanks for those who pray for our kids. They mean far more to us than our ministry. It is so humbling to know we have a team of people behind our family. 

Thank you.

Happy Fourth of July

Today, the fourth of July, Americans celebrate a huge success. This is the day we celebrate our freedom as a nation.

Our Declaration of Independence states, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." 

We have been far from perfect as a nation. Greed and corruption will inevitably seep in to any form of government as long as humans are involved, therefore none are perfect. However, I'm proud to be an American. Today I celebrate the many great things our nation has done for its citizens and for other nations around the world. I feel blessed to be from the U.S.A.

But, more than that, I celebrate my freedom in Christ. My citizenship in the Kingdom of God supersedes my American citizenship. I have been made free in Christ...and that is true freedom. 

As much as we might pursue happiness, we will never find it living apart from our creator. God formed us in the womb. He has a specific plan and purpose for us. It is only in that purpose, in that plan, that we will find abundant life, liberty, and joy in Christ.

No president, king, dictator, or emperor has the power to bestow that kind of freedom. Kings and kingdoms will come and go. But the Kingdom of God will stand for eternity, offering free citizenship to all who would come.

I'm proud to be an American, but I would be NOTHING without my relationship with Christ. No matter what nationality, ethnicity, or political persuasion...we can all celebrate our freedom today. Freedom in Christ.

Happy Fourth of July everyone! Happy freedom day.

Prayer for Visa

It has been over a month since our visa officially expired. (Don't worry. Since we're in the process, we aren't illegal or anything.) I'm writing this blog to ask each of you to take 1 minute during this week and pray for us. 

Our faith is strong that God is in control. We aren't worried about getting kicked out. We aren't shaken by any means. Our prayer is that God would move this process forward this week so we can attend SFC Europe's CONNECT Conference in Germany. The deadline is looming. Katy and I both have responsibilities at the conference that we would like to fulfill. If our visa is not sorted, we cannot leave Ireland.

Most importantly though, we have students coming from Ireland. They will be able to attend even if we cannot. They will learn great things, and their lives will be impacted. However, one of the most important elements to CONNECT Conference is the time and space to build relationships. It is essential that we are able to bond with these students in order to continue pouring into their lives and ministries on their campus'.

You have always been so quick to rally around us through health crises, emotional turmoil, and cultural struggles. Together, God is using all of us to impact the university students of Ireland. Thank you for continuing this partnership as we unite in prayer so more students in Ireland may know Christ.