Anyway, this morning I received a couple more. What’s funny is BOTH of them were the exact same card. I must confess that I am one of those individuals that usually jumps to the bottom of the card and reads the signature and any note that someone may have taken the time to include. However, I figured that God must really want me to read the card and take them seriously since I got two of them. Here is what the cards said:

DAD — There are lots of dads in the world, but I got the one who was just what I needed . . . Thanks for saying no when it needed to be said, for giving me limits and keeping me safe, and most of all, for believing in me and loving me, no matter what. I hope I make you proud, since that’s the only way I can ever begin to thank you enough. Happy Father’s Day.

Tarik El-Naggar during our Living Stones Crown Point services this morning made the following statement: “The greatest joy of a father is the success of his child.”

You see, I have two daughters — 8 and 11 years old. Then I have a group of spiritual kids most of them being sons. The young ones range in age from 18-25. The greatest joy I find as a spiritual father (and as an adoptive father of my two girls) is seeing them grow, learn, fail, stand back up and then grow, learn, and fail all over again. I am a very proud father of many children. And my greatest joy is seeing them succeed. For all of my spiritual sons & daughters, I am so proud of you and thank God for the opportunity to see you grow and learn and to help guide you along the path.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRo24_Q0XjU

The Internet is very slow here and our schedule VERY busy so it’s a bit hard to do updates. I’ll try to make short posts throughout the week as I’m able. This morning (Tuesday), we start about six days straight of ministry. Today, our team starts the construction project, vacation Bible school, medical clinic, and the worship seminar. Charlene and the girls are doing vacation Bible school in the mornings, I’ll obviously conducting the worship seminars along with John Staub and a few others helping me.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We’re hoping to post some really COOL pictures in the days ahead.

Love you all . . .

Jon for the entire family

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvXNRHtr7DQ

It began Sunday morning when Pastor Kevin was sharing for communion about being thankful in all things. (Even being thankful when the opposing team beats you in paintball!) Sometimes you wonder if kids are even listening or understanding adult messages. However, it was obvious sitting at the kitchen table Monday evening that Selah “got it.” She started to pray and actually mentioned Pastor Kevin in her prayer and his message on being thankful. She then began to go through a whole long list of things for which she was thankful. I can’t even begin to remember or list them all. She just started and hit about everything. I sat there amazed first of all that she heard the message and really understood it. Then I was amazed at all the things for which she gave thanks. I thought as she prayed, “yes, God, we’re thankful for that.” I so appreciate kids at this age and what God teaches me through them.