Dedication Service

Well, the chocolate babies got dedicated to the Lord yesterday! We had a special service at our church for Glenn and Nathalie and their sweet little family. We sure do love these people! The Lord has grown them in so many ways. Please keep praying that our ministry will establish and strengthen good, solid families who can serve the Lord in this country where the family is basically nonexistent. We see boyfriends and girlfriends and their children living together like a family, though the parents aren't married, and we see single moms and single dads with one illegitimate child or multiple children from several different relationships. I know things are bad in the States, but here in Holland it seems to be a plague. What's scary is seeing unmarried couples who are more committed to each other than those who have legally been married. And then there are those who have a baby with a girlfriend/boyfriend, split up, and have difficulty seeing that child as much as they'd like to. It has never made much sense to me, but now that Russell and I are courting, I find it even more mind boggling. For the life of me, I cannot comprehend why anybody would do that...put themselves through that kind of torture, not to mention how confused and insecure the poor children must feel as they are tossed like a ball between two opposing players. God's ways are so much simpler. If only we would follow in them instead of walking our own willful path. So much heartache could be avoided...

We had a full house. I was in the nursery, but I believe Dad preached a message about Abraham offering Isaac. What an excellent topic for such an occasion! Glenn's mother and sister got saved as a result! Praise the Lord! They are only the ones we are aware of. Only God knows who else might have accepted Christ as their Saviour.

Here are Glenn & Nathalie and their 3 boys. They are such a joy to our church and to our family! Some people have the idea that children are a burden, but let me say that when they are brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, my, what a blessing they are! Glenn and Nathalie are doing a good job! We pray they keep up the good work and that God might use these three precious souls and raise them up to be the next generation of godly young men. Perhaps even preachers...you never know!!! =)

Bro. Mischa and Mom made an adorable banner. "Jezus zegt: Laat de kinderen tot Mij komen. (Mat. 19:14)." Mom outdid herself, decorating with bright balloons and colorful flowers and matching napkins. Sister Milly made delicious food for the after-service meal, and other ladies brought dishes as well. Though our family was kept quite busy, it was a blessing to see our people and visitors having such an enjoyable time. I love our church! It's hard to even imagine that I won't always be here. I've never experienced such conflicting and utterly confusing emotions in my entire life. On that subject, I've gotten some teasing from church folk about my ability to cook and take care of babies. Everyone is concerned about my capabilities and determined that I should be well practiced up to be a wife and mother. =)

At a serious moment, Baby Jonathan thought Dad was rather amusing... That baby is too cute!!! I've considered kidnapping him, but I think he might miss his mommy and daddy. Nobody can so easily get a smile or gurgling laugh out of him like his parents and big brothers can. That is something I hope to experience one day.

Daniel was a good boy, though he was sick and feeling somewhat miserable. I actually took care of Daniel for several days when he was a tiny (premature) baby, so I guess I know how a mother feels waking up several times a night for feedings. (grimace) See? I do have some experience! =D

Is it this side of my face you wanted to see?

Nathan is adorable! He isn't super smiley like Daniel is, but, similar to his mommy, when his face lights up in a smile, your heart just about melts.

We love the Kerkeboom family! Lord, bless these dear people!

photo credits to: Lyd