An Addition to the Karoly Clan

The wise preacher said many years ago: "Grandchildren are the crown of old men, And the glory of sons is their fathers" (Proverbs 17:6). So, it's with great joy that I announce that Debbie and I have moved into "old" man and womenhood for the second time in this life.

Let's celebrate with Stephanie and Ernesto as they build their house with the addition of David to their household. According to the words of King David, "Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth" (Psalm 127:3-4). This latest blessing came this afternoon at 1:47 p.m. in the form of a 7-pound, 11-ounce baby boy at 21 inches long.

Stephanie and Ernesto now have the blessed task of raising young David to seek the Lord. As a young husband and wife with two young children, they understand, "Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it" (Psalm 127:1a). So for the next 18 years (and beyond) they will be training Marina and David in the "way he should go" (Proverbs 22:6).

I'm confident that they will build their house like the wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24-29). As Marina often sings, "The rains came down and the floods came up, And the house on the rock stood firm." Stephanie and Ernesto are building their house on the firm rock of Jesus.

We look forward to the day when both Marina and David respond to the gospel call. Lord willing, we will be there to watch them come out of the waters to a new life.