proud of my son Ryan

This week started out with some huge blessings that I will never ever forget.  Sunday we celebrated on 10/10/10 at The Community all God has done in the past and reflected forward on what God is going to do in the future.  It was an honor to baptize 6 people at the end of the service, and one of those baptized was my 7 year old son.  I can not tell you how honoring and awesome that was.

Ryan accepted Jesus into his heart a year or so ago, but it has not been till the last few months that it was evident that he gets it.  In fact, Saturday afternoon my boy and I went on a long walk just to talk.  Sweet time.  Ryan understands what it is to know Jesus and why we are baptized.  

I know that I am a pastor, and you expect me to lead people to Jesus.  But I am convinced that as a parent I am responsible for my children knowing God and serving Him.  Humbling.  Precious.  Awesome.  I was blessed.

Proverbs 22:6 (NASB)
Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Deuteronomy 11:19 (NASB)
You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up.

Last night was a bit surreal, and I am changing the subject.  My phone rang way after 10pm which is not typical.  Calling was a dear friend from Louisiana, Cullen Saucier.  Cullen told me that another of our friends, Dave Ohlerking, had passed away.  I was and most likely still am in shock.

Dave is a giant in faith and vision and leading.  He and his wife, Jean, founded Children's Cup International Relief several year ago and are ministering to orphan and AIDS children in a few countries in Africa and in some other nations.  Dave's passion and drive to bring people into the kingdom is incredible.  His organization ministers daily to thousands of kids daily.

Dave and Jean visited us last fall, and that was an great time.  One of the things that really touched my heart was when my little boy, Ryan, darted out of the room and brought Ms. Jean some money.  He asked her to use that money to buy the kids in Africa some candy.  WOW.  Both Dave and Jean said that we are raising a future missionary.  May just be.

The Ohlerking's came into my life after I met their son, Dan, who serves at Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, LA.  In fact, Julie and I have been supporting Children's Cup since last summer and sending gifts each month.  We are sold on this ministry.  These are also the people that helped our family quiet time begin.

Dave will be sorely missed.  His vision goes far beyond him.  It is a blessing to have been influenced by this giant of faith.  I recently finished his book "It's All About the Blood of Jesus".  This man lived out his faith and belief that God can and will change lives!

I want to be a man like Dave Ohlerking who leads his children, other children and others to come to know Jesus.  There is no higher calling!

Matthew 5:16 (NASB)
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.