Revelation & Current Events
I am not one to spend a lot of time on social media. I watch enough news to stay informed, but I find that it's a challenge to know what source to trust and which voice is speaking truth. Truth seems to have lost its certainty and is now determined more by opinion, feelings, and whatever agenda can be achieved. Fear, hate, and control seem to be the loudest voices these days with an "us" against "them" mentality--whichever "us" you chose to align with.
We know to expect these kinds of things as we get closer and closer to the Lord's coming. I've been studying the book of Revelation and as a "fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus" (Rev. 1:9), I know that God's love will hold us in these days. The same Spirit that indwelled the disciples at Pentecost, the Helper that was promised to come, is still with us today, working in us and through us with power, miracles, signs and wonders.
We believe that a great outpouring is coming and that the spirits are raging to hold it back, to distract the world, and to cause as much chaos as possible. But we are called to walk in peace, to rise above it all and "to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Is. 61:2) We are the light of the world. A city on a hill We are purposed to let our light shine before others so that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. (Matt. 5:14-16)
We encourage you to join us in asking the Father for greater discernment and wisdom as we enter into this next season, and that we as the church will rise up to be the voice of Truth to the world. We are praying for more opportunities and encounters to share the love of Christ with others so that we may be that voice of peace when everything else seems out of control. The world is watching. Many are seeking. May there be a great harvest ahead as we remain steadfast and obedient to the mission.
ON A PERSONAL NOTE
A recent article was brought to the attention of our family that has us heartbroken. Briefly, the Stauffer family has five children, one child, Huxley, having been adopted from China. Mom, Myka, is a YouTuber who is a parenting vlogger that has shared her adoption journey and crowd funded some of her adoption expenses. She even gained the attention of corporate sponsors. After two years, Huxley disappeared from her videos. Eventually the couple revealed that they had made the heart wrenching decision to rehome their adopted son. She has shared that 90% of their lives were never shared publicly, and that there had been a lot of challenges that they were unable to overcome. She even hints of him being a danger to the family.
The public backlash has been horrific. Many are accusing her of exploiting her son and treating him like an unwanted pet or an ugly Christmas sweater that they no longer want. There is a gross misunderstanding of the challenges families face adopting special needs children. We experienced violence, and at times, sacrificed the well-being of our ourselves and our other children in effort to help the broken one. Most people do not realize the extent of the medical and behavioral issues at play. What this family needs most is support and grace, and for those outside of the situation to withhold judgement. You don't know until you know.
This is why it has been our desire to share our experiences and to help educate others as much as possible. If you have not read our story, please check it out on Amazon by clicking on the book cover image. If you know someone who is going through a difficult adoption situation that could use some encouragement, please connect us. If you have read our story--thank you--help us spread the word. Share the link and please leave an honest online review.