Parents: Jen + Nate
We’ve been married about 5 ½ years now, each one full of more blessing and growth in the Lord than the year before. We have spent our marriage enjoying each other, traveling, exploring interests in
aviation and running, and growing in our pursuit of resembling Jesus. For a long time we weren’t sure if we were going to have any kids, but when Jen made the move to San Antonio God made a move in Nate’s heart.
God clearly spoke to Nate and impressed upon him that it was time, time to be a vessel for God’s child.
That it would be His baby we’d bring into the world and raise for Him. Our child doesn’t belong to us, but to Him. “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)
After getting settled in San Antonio, we decided to put it in God’s hands. It wasn’t 2 weeks later before God had brought His plan to fruition. We couldn’t have been more thrilled.
Even the pregnancy itself has been a blessing. Jen has experienced little to no pregnancy woes, has been able to continue running and working and eating! Friends have been showing such beautiful support. And as we prepare for Israel’s arrival we look forward to welcoming God into the delivery room and knowing it will be full with the love and prayers of our family and friends.
Behind the Name
Jen knew it was a boy from go. She just knew. She had started to think of baby names but really wanted Nate to be the one to name their first born son. After we confirmed his gender, her prayers changed, asking instead that God would give Nate the name of their son.
While Nate was driving, thinking and praying, the name ‘Israel’ flooded over Nate. Nate began to feel emotions overcome him and knew this was what their son’s name would be.
Truth is the foundation on which we base our lives. Jesus is the way the truth and the life (John 14:6). If we hold to Jesus’ teaching we will know the truth and the truth will set us free (John 8:31-32). As Jesus was facing his crucifixion, He prayed for us that we would be sanctified in the truth, that God’s word is truth (John 17:17). There couldn’t be a better name for a child of God.
A Prayer for Israel Truth
So our prayer for Israel is simple. We want more than anything for Israel to clearly see the Truth - the truth of God's love for his people and his eternal plan for all who accept Christ as Lord of their lives. We pray that Israel will be BOLD in sharing the good news of Christ and live his life not for this life but for the next. That Israel would be a world-changer in spirit and Truth. Israel Truth.
