Serving God as a Family

Joshua once challenged the Israelites to serve God as a family by committing his own household to the service of the LORD. He said: “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24.15 NIV)

The very same challenge inspired me and my wife’s hearts to devote our home in the service of God and His people. For more than eleven years now we have faithfully done our covenant and the Lord has faithfully fulfilled His promises.

Having a supportive and helpful wife is one of my blessings from God. My helpmate has been more than just a great wife and mother in my household. Joy is also a very helpful companion in many of my works inside and outside of the church. She keeps me company especially when no one is available to go with me in our Bible studies. She helps me in many ways, at the very least by reminding me of things I must do.

Joy is also a great companion in my lonely days in the ministry. She cries with me, prays with me and for me, and listens to me with complete and wholehearted attention. She also rejoices with me in my accomplishments, however small.

As our kids grow up it is a joy to bring them to some of our mission trips. David, our eldest, got a taste of mission work when we brought him with us to a remote village in Arteche, Eastern Samar. He gave a fare share in the ministry by giving some of his toys to the children in the village and telling them stories.

If the Lord tarries and all our kids get to be teenagers, it is our promise to the Lord to go to some place where we can share the Word of God and perhaps start small church. Our happiness is in serving God and ministering to people. Maybe today they are too young to focus on these things. But sooner or later they will come to see how very blessed we are to not give our lives - our home - to God.