Dana's Christian Journey

“May we never lose our wonder; may we never lose our wonder…
Wide eyed and mystified, may we be just like a child…
Staring at the beauty of our King.” (‘Wonder’ from Bethel Music)

A new school year is underway and the joys of education are beginning afresh. We had a great summer with the highlight being a child born to Kinsey and Jordan Stanley. Owen Gabriel is a healthy little boy and we are thankful to our Father in Heaven, the Author of life.

There’s nothing like the miracle of a baby. To think of all that happens in the womb, then to meet a little one for the first time awakens our wonder. A labor and delivery nurse, Kinsey finished her degree to become a midwife last spring. She then passed her boards on Wednesday, June 22 and had the baby on Sunday the 26th. She and Jordan are so happy.

Karlyn and Susan are also happy. To watch sister or grandmother hold little Owen makes me smile. Of course I enjoy holding babies too, but I think I’m a little more comfortable when they get a bit older.

Wilkes is almost seventeen months old now and he is so much fun. Often he will see something new and say, “Whoa!” I think he and Owen both live in a state of wonder that holds lessons for us all.

“Jesus called a little child and had him stand among them. And He said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” (Matthew 18:2-3) Perhaps Jesus intends to remind us of ‘wonder’ when He calls us to be like children. Our two grandsons don’t worry, they live simply, and they trust those who love them. I want to follow this example.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable then they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? …

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:25-27, 33)

My friend passed away last Thursday afternoon. Mark is with Jesus now, but he will be missed by many throughout the world.

Cleaning out an office drawer as we prepare for summer, I ran across this hand-written note from a Kindergarten-age Kinsey, shortly after she and her brother had gotten in trouble for not getting along: “I love you so much dad that I can not be mene to taylor in e more. Love, Kinsey.” Our little girl taught me that a great love for my Father in heaven should impact the way I treat all His children.

Watching Karlyn walk across the stage a couple of weeks ago brought flashbacks of a ‘little girl’ befriending African children as a world traveler at a young age. As a college student she had opportunity to do the same thing while living in Africa several months. I smile at the passion God has put in her.

I’ve told John and my 83 seventh grade boys on more than one occasion that I often look at one-year-old Wilkes and wonder what he’ll be like when he’s twelve or thirteen. I told them I also wonder what they will be like when they are as old as Taylor who is now twenty-nine.

As we close another writing season, I’m reflecting on children – not just my own, but the children of the world. The picture of Jesus that should attract any person anywhere is the smiling Son of Man opening His arms to the little ones while scolding those who thought He was too busy.

“People were bringing little children to Jesus to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.” (Mark 10:13-16)

When we visit our friends in Ecuador in a couple of weeks, we’re hoping to assist disciples of Jesus to help the children of their land. Please pray for these children. When I wished the Hunters Godspeed as they flew back to Namibia a few days ago, I thought of the beautiful children of Community Hope School and God’s great love for them. John said, “We’ll get all the children to pray for you Dana, as you go through your cancer stuff.” I’m grateful these children have prayed such prayers for many years.

Children remind us of God. And God reminds us to think highly of children. I pray you have a great summer! Thanks for your friendship and prayers!!

“He took a child and had him stand among them. ‘Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me; and whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me but the One who sent Me.’” Mark 9:36-37

Our youngest daughter Karlyn graduated from Harding University Saturday with a major in early childhood education. We had a great celebration. Susan and I are so proud of her!

In a month, God willing, the three of us, John, and twelve other friends are going to Ecuador to work with Pastor Manuel and his family and church. We hope to help with the construction of a building that will serve as a ministry location for the children of Cajabamba. For years this family has used their own rented apartment in town, but a better location is needed.

A small piece of property has been purchased and exciting plans are being made. Our church and several other friends have helped a bit financially, and now we hope to lend a helping hand for a week.

Pastor Manuel and his family unselfishly serve the children and the Body of Christ in Cajabamba and in over thirty communities in the Andes Mountains. Without many of the things we take for granted (such as a car), this family unceasingly serves the poor and disenfranchised with the love of Christ, treating each person with dignity and respect.

If anyone would like to contribute to the building project, we plan to bring a generous donation. Checks made to Community Church can be mailed to 4707 Kellogg Dr, Lilburn, GA, 30047. Or anyone with a PayPal account can give online thru communitycofc1@gmail.com. All contributions are tax deductible. If you would like more information about Rescate Missions in Ecuador, just reply to this email.

The note I wrote Karlyn in a graduation book Susan bought her included the wonderful message in I John 3:1 to God’s children all over the world. Just as we want our children to better comprehend the love we have for them, I think God wants us all to better understand the depth of His great love for us.

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! And that is what we are!”
I John 3:1