CHASE Day 2012

Well, I'm going to be honest.  I had decided not to really put anything out publicly about our sweet Chase's birthday this year.  Because, as a family, this will always and forever be a really special week, where time stands still and everything else fades to the background for us.  But, I know for others, it may not be quite that way.

So....I kind of thought this year we would lay low.  Do our service day together, have some family time, and just keep it small.

But, then, I started hearing from others.  Texts and emails from different friends letting me know days in advance that they were praying and were looking forward to celebrating Chase with us with their "acts of service and encouragement".

Then, Austin Street homeless shelter, where we spent CHASE day last year, asked us to worship with them for CHASE day again this year.

And, finally, as we talked about this day with our kids, it was clear that this day was still supposed to be what it had always been for them...a day of celebrating their brother and our son and our God who reigns over mourning and celebrating and happiness and sadness.

So, with that said.

CHASE day is gonna be big.  And, we won't be ashamed of that, or bashful about it.  As Carlie said tonight at dinner, "I mean, he's one of the kids of this family!  His birthday should be like anyone else's here!"

So, will you join us for a special His Chase project in honor of September 30th?

Hope's Home in Zambia is for some of the most vulnerable orphans in the area, many of whom have lost their parents to HIV, and/or have HIV themselves.  These children are not welcomed in orphanages in the area.  And, they are not adoptable.  They need a loving home more than anyone.  Because a loving home tells them they matter.  And, that others think they're special.

We have really been blown away by the ministry of Arise Africa and are so honored to be partnering with them to furnish this amazing home for these sweet children.

So, in honor of CHASE day, we are hoping to finish making their house a home THIS WEEKEND!!  You've shown us before this can be done, and we are so incredibly grateful.  You can visit the HIS CHASE ONLINE STORE to pick out the furniture or home supplies your family would like to give!

And, the great thing is that your kids can be a part of this!  They can buy silverware for $10 or a rug for $20, and they can truly comprehend what it is to give another child a portion of what they have received! These children deserve a home to call their own, and Arise Africa is working so hard to make it as much like a family environment as possible.

"Hope’s Home will provide the love of a family that many of these children have never known. It will be a place they can dream, hope, and prepare for a bright future. They will be raised with the opportunity to realize that they are God’s children, dearly loved and cared for. The safe environment will allow them to be children—children who need to run, play, be nurtured, loved, and well fed. This home will be a beacon of hope for a generation that will be the change their country needs. We have big dreams for the children who will fill Hope’s Home. A bright future begins with the simple yet profound impact of having a place to call home."

We would be HONORED to have you join us this weekend, as we once again, say to the Lord that ALL of our children, no matter where they live--on another continent or even in heaven--matter to the One who made them and numbered their days.  We give Him all glory for the way He restores and renews, and we pray NEW LIFE and HOPE for the children of Hope's Home!

Happy CHASE day, everyone!!