Apparently Crossroads Church has taken down the India video they released in order to do some  more rigorous fact-checking.  We’ll see what comes of it.

This is truly disturbing. Hard to believe that this sort of thing is happening in a democracy. I wonder what our churches in the US would be like if this was happening here?

Here’s some thoughts from Francis Chan on this subject. The video quality is bad and it starts kind of weird, but just keep watching. Great stuff on an amazing family.

“Why so many kids?” We get this question, or some variant of it all the time – in the mall, at restaurants, from complete strangers as well as our friends and family.  It’s a reasonable question.  Not many people are doing what we’re doing and we recognize that.  For whatever reason, it’s become more the norm for a couple to have two or maybe three kids, and space them apart over several years.  Because of that, a lot of people are surprised when they see us rolling into a restaurant with four kids under four.  Most people smile or laugh, but some give nasty looks.  Not often, but that does happen.

And the question remains.  ”Why so many kids?”

Well, the answer is pretty simple.  We think God wants us to do this.  Not only that but we believe that these kids aren’t just a responsibility but that they are a huge blessing.  Take a look at Psalm 127:

1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman keeps awake in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early,
To retire late,
To eat the bread of painful labors;
For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.

3 Behold, children are a gift of the Lord ,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.

5 How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
They will not be ashamed
When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

To me this says that real worth isn’t measured by the size of your nest egg, but by the size of your nest.  Or something like that.  Your bank account isn’t going to give you a full life, but rich relationships with a family that adores you can.  Not only that, but having a “quiver” full of “arrows” is a sign of power.  Your kids are arrows you launch into the world to defeat the works of the enemy – and the more arrows the better. If you love them well, raise them up in the admonition of the Lord, and prepare them as best you can for what awaits them in this world, then when it’s time for them to launch out on their own, they’re going to be strong and have an impact.

For me, I never care to have my name on a building or a fat bank account.  I want my name on a bunch of kids who are living for and loving Jesus wherever they are. That’s why we’re having so many kids.

This was taken in October of 2008 as part of a video we were shooting for Watermark’s Parenting Conference.  I’m completely blown away by how much Abbie has changed since this was taken.

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:3-5

I think this is my favorite photo from today. Sums up our morning quite well.

Yes I know it’s disgusting.  But what about abortion is not disgusting? Click on the picture if you want to order one.  Really.