Emma's Story

This is a story that has been our intention to write for the past week and a half. In no way does our delay in relating this story to you mean that we were not ecstatic and overjoyed by this life changing decision in Emma's life. It has just been a matter of time to sit down and give the recount the attention it deserves.

On Friday, May 29th Emma trusted in Jesus! It is a precious story and one of which I will always reflect upon with a huge smile and great joy. As I was tucking Emma in for the night and about to close the door, she said "Mamma, I have a surprise for you. But you can't peak." So I covered my eyes with my hands and when I removed them she said "I TRUST IN JESUS!" Totally not what I was expecting her to say at all! She continued to say "I don't have to wait, I can trust Jesus right now. And now I don't have to go to the lake of fire. I can go to heaven because I trust in Jesus!" Her little squeals of delight as she talked were so precious that I'm positive they tickled the ears of Jesus. I then sat down on her bed and asked her a number of questions in relation to Jesus, the cross, sin and repentance. All of which she answered in confidence according to Bible. We then prayed together and then Dada came in to hear his big surprise and pray with her as well.

We have been working our way through the Gospel of Mark as a family and we had just finished reading the section on Jesus loving the little children. "'Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.' And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them." (Mark 10:14b-16) We rejoice in Emma's expression of faith as a child!

We found it very interesting how this announcement is so fitting with her personality. She doesn't do much without first having worked it through in her head. Once she "gets it" then she will express herself, like learning Italian. She didn't want to talk much unless it was right. So she worked her need of salvation through in her head (with the help of the Holy Spirit), prayed to Jesus on her own and then told us. Even when asking her follow-up questions the next day her responses were like "Mamma, I already told you. I trust in Jesus. Yup, I'm going to heaven." It was a matter of fact and spoken with such confidence.

Samuel has been praying that all five of us; Dada, Mamma, me, Emma & Luca, will all be in heaven together. Now it is so sweet to hear him and Emma pray for Luca to trust in Jesus. What a precious gift our children are to us. We pray for Samuel and Emma's growth spiritually, for their conviction of sin and desire to learn about God and walk with Jesus. The responsibility as parents to guide them and direct them continually to God's word is no small task. We covet your prayers in this process and for God's grace to abound all the more when we fail. And of course continue to pray for Luca's salvation.