One of Many Things I'm Thankful For

We have been so so busy lately that I haven't been able to post one word about something really special that happened last week. My youngest son, Preston, turned seventeen on June 28th! Yes, folks. All five of my kids are now 17 and older.

Preston's birthday was especially great this year because 9 months ago we almost lost him to a random drive-by shooting in Grand Prairie, TX. He was shot in the mouth, and the EMTs and doctors said it was a miracle that the bullet did not ricochet off his teeth and go into his brain or spinal chord. (This happens in a majority of shootings of this kind.) He lost almost half the blood in his body because the bullet severed a couple of major arteries. God's protection and mercy was so real that night. We know that he was spared for a reason. He has a high calling on his life and the enemy is mad about it.

This is why the enemy is mad. Preston loves to play instruments and worship in the house of prayer. He loves to do his part in crying out over this city, crying out for Jerusalem to be made a praise in all the earth. He is doing his part in seeing that the fire on the altar of intercession at Succat Hallel does not go out. It's continual worship and prayer around the clock. And Preston has a big part in seeing that happen.

The view out the window is Mount Zion. "You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent. Give Him no rest until He makes Jerusalem a praise in all the earth." (Isa. 62) Preston is a watchman on the wall.

He is really loving being here. He's getting to meet so many people from all over Israel...so many diverse ministries and precious saints who are giving their lives to see all Israel come to know their Messiah Yeshua. This is a dear friend, Arnie Klein, who is serving in the Jerusalem area.


Preston is also a very funny guy. He keeps us laughing with the unexpected.


He and Hunter Ward at the Dead Sea. When I took this picture it was about 110 degrees and they said the mud was burning their skin. They went immediately to the shower and washed it off!



Gary made him his favorite cake: strawberry with strawberry icing! He was a happy man.



His siblings had sent birthday cards with Rachel Baker, and it really made him feel loved. He couldn't get the grin off his face!

Preston, I love you so much. You make life so fun. Thank you for giving your heart and everything you have to the nations. You say you want to make a difference. Well, you already have.

Happy 17th Birthday, Preston!!!!