My parents set the path and the pace before me. I know in my heart that I will someday take the baton and that I must go even farther than they. It is my responsibility to set the pace for the generation to come. I have determined in my heart, not to look to the right or to the left, but to look straight ahead into the face of Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith. I realize that this path is long and narrow; and the weary traveler who takes his eyes off of the prize can fall away, but the righteous shall overcome.
My parents taught me the Truth of God's Word. They taught me about Jesus Christ and His sacrifice, and that only through Him could man be saved. But not only did they tell me these things, they also showed them to me - through their actions. They taught me how to live for Christ and ultimately, how to die for Him.
Our home was very safe and secure. The boundaries were made clear, and our love was made sure. I was schooled at home - with Dad and Mom ever present to lead and guide. From an early age, I was taught the importance of reading the Word of God. It was to be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
I can't remember a time that we didn't go to the battlefield when the Lord called. I was raised to go to battle! My parents went - we went with them. I have seen their losses and how they handled them - through the grace of God. I have shared in their victories and rejoiced in God's glory. Their lives have been examples to me and through those examples, I have learned and grown. I am continually gaining wisdom from them and because of their sacrifices and in giving their lives to Christ, they have been blessed!
I've gone to the "gates" ever since I was a baby. We went as a family. I thought it only natural to do what they (my parents and other Christians who loved the Lord) were doing. My parents were always involved with Operation Save America, (formerly known as Operation Rescue) so I went to a lot of national events. I grew up with awesome teachers and leaders like Flip and Rusty. As soon as I was old enough to understand what was going on, I was convicted and had a desire to do something about it - to serve God and to fulfil the purpose He had for my life, even at an early age. They saved babies - I wanted to save babies. Their hearts were broken by this evil - my heart was broken also, and I wanted to have the opportunity to follow God just like them.
In being given the freedom to be a doer of the Word, I have seen the power of the Lord first hand. "The gates of hell will not prevail against the Church"! I am so thankful that they (my parents and the leaders of OR) were obedient to the Lord in letting me do what was on my heart to do.
When I was seven we adopted two boys, Jonathan and Anthony. It may not
seem like much, but at that time, it was a tremendous trial. Even though
our whole family knew that it was God's will that we adopt these boys,
it was difficult to me, being the youngest of four. Ryan Keith and Rachel
were my brothers and sister. When we adopted Jonathan (7) and Anthony
- (4), they were a mess. They had come from a very bad situation. But
through God's grace and through trusting in Him to give me patience, I
made it. Jonathan and Anthony are now my awesome brothers and I love them
very much.
My two older brothers are now twenty one and twenty three and I have two
beautiful sisters-in-law. God is continually making and shaping me to
be white as snow; He is forever preparing me to fulfill my purpose in
His kingdom. I hope and pray that I hit the mark set before me and live
my life according to His will.
"Oh cross, most welcome and long looked for, with a willing mind, joyfully and desirously I come to thee, being the scholar of Him, which did hang on thee. Because I have always been thy lover and coveted to embrace thee."
-The disciple Andrew - before he was crucified.
