One of the names I love being called is dad! I'm truly blessed to have 4 children, now adults who call me dad. I've been a dad for over 38 years year, and I never tired of it, and I know I won't as long as I'm on this earth. The other name I'm referred to now by my grand children Hank and Hannah is papa, and man I love the sound of that!  (The youngest grandchild Lucy is just learning to talk, but soon she will be saying papa too). But when I hear papa and they come and give me a big hug, it melts my heart, it's the best! When I'm with my grand children I always try to stay in the moment and enjoy being with them. The other day I was with my daughter Sara, my wife Arlene and Hannah and Hank (they are cousins) and we all went for a long walk to get ice cream. We brought along a wagon in which Hannah and Hank were in and out during the walk. I remember looking down at them and enjoying our time together, knowing that they will grow up into what I pray will be passionate followers of Jesus. They both have parents who love the Lord and want the best for them. I'm realistic about the many challenges that they will face in the years ahead. Like all parents and grandparents we want the best for our kids and grandkids, but we can't protect them from everything. As our society has become more secular and further away from biblical values I fear for these precious ones. As I talk with other parents and grand parents they are also worried about the future for our kids and grandkids. It has never been more important for us to press in and pray and help them understand the important of a relationship Jesus and the opposition we will face as His followers.

I was recently in Nigeria where the ministry that we partner with has hundreds of children who have lost one or both of their parents either though death (persecution of Christians in Northern Nigeria) or because of their decision to follow Jesus, and they were forced to leave their families. Their future is now a lot brighter because of ministries like Christian Faith Ministries who are providing them education and emotional healing. While these children face many challenges ahead, they are being strengthened in their faith in Jesus. No matter where we live in the world, we need to do the same. Being rooted in Jesus is the best hope for those we so passionately love and care about. I have made my fair share of mistakes raising my kids, but they know how much I love them and how much I love Jesus and that is the best thing I can do for them, and of course pray like crazy! I try to remind myself that God loves my children and my children's more than me, and I find comfort in that!