To the saints at Concord…

When I go to the beach on vacation, I’ve been known to bring home a lousy t-shirt or a tacky shark-tooth refrigerator magnet.  Evidently those types of souvenirs are too tame for Drew and Amy, so they brought home a baby! 

Drew and Amy left their home for vacation without any idea that one week later they would return home with a newborn son.  I believe they now hold the distinction of experiencing both the longest adoption process (still waiting on China after two years!) and the shortest.  

Click here to see some beautiful pictures of Jonathan David taken by our church’s own uber-talented photographer, Diana Simpson. 

Also, many people from church are contributing to an adoption fund for the Scotts in light of the big check that the adoption agency is requiring next week.  If you would like to give through the church, clearly mark your gift for the Scotts.  However, please note that since we are serving only as a clearinghouse for the funds, your gift will not be tax-exempt. 

Congratulations, Daddy Drew and Mommy Amy!  We are rejoicing with you over God’s good gift.

I have never known anyone personally who has been struck by lightning; that is, until now.  Tom Ascol got the shock of his life the other night.  You can read his description of the event here.  Tom is the director of the Founders Ministries and the pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, FL, where Greg and Nancy Thomas used to be members.  He is also one of my friends-from-a-distance and a man of exemplary courage and humility.  I’m glad he is recovering from his electrifying experience.

I sat in a chair beside the wrap-around sofa, my heart breaking as I pondered his situation.  His frail limbs barely resemble the strong form I recall from our first meeting, only two years ago.  Here was a man who scaled cliffs now appearing as if a gentle breeze might blow the dust off his frame, leaving only the bones.  He’s only in his 50s, and cancer is winning.  

A picture of his only son and him, smiling on a faraway mountaintop in Malaysia, hung on the wall of the den.  His baby granddaughter, not even a year old, was taking her morning nap in the back bedroom.  His wife, cheeks wet with tears, sat closely by his side on the couch.  A Hospice folder was lying on the footrest in front of my chair.  They know.  We all knew. 

“How’s your faith?” I asked.  (more…)

We love surprises, but it was no suprise to God that our lives were going to change this week.  Through an amazing turn of events, we have a son. 

Jonathan napping at home

We can’t wait to introduce you to Jonathan.  No, we did not see this one coming.  And yes, I brought all the wrong books to the beach.  God has been very gracious, and we are in awe of His faithfulness.  You can pray for us as we put ten years of parenting theory to the test and as we thank God for our own adoption as God’s sons and daughters through Jesus Christ.  And join the four of us (including Cody) as we continue looking forward to bringing Salem home at least 18 months from now.  Our praise today is “Jonathan!” - Yahweh has given.

Our family

 

The word is out: Volkswagen has chosen Chattanooga to be the site of its new plant.  I was surprised — not that our beautiful and strategically-located city was selected, but at how happy I was at hearing the news.  I didn’t even know I cared that much until I said “Yes!” out loud while listening to the announcement.  Over 2000 new jobs will be coming our way through a company that seems concerned about environment as well as production.  I’m thankful for our many city and state leaders who worked over a decade to make this day possible.  And I thank God for his apparent blessing on our city in this small way.   

Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.  (Jeremiah 29:7)