MamaArcher's Blog

Children, An Open Door to Share the Gospel

Yesterday, I spent five hours at the hospital.  Between an OB appointment, an occupational therapy appointment for my injured thumb, scheduling, the lab, lunch, and the pharmacy it was a really long day.  Of course having two different doctor appointments I received the, “How many children do you have?” question more than once.  It tends to be a generic conversation starter.  Of course my answer always brings a strong reaction.  Sometimes I am blessed with someone who even though shocked is happy and excited for us.  Sometimes I get a not so happy response.  Often times though, once they get past the shock and have determined through questioning if I am really serious, they ask other questions.  “So, how many are you going to have?” or “Is this the last one?” or “Are you done now?”  or even “How old are you?”

My answer is always, “Whatever the Lord blesses us with we will be happy to receive.”  But, I often wonder what gives people the idea that it is acceptable to question me on that front. They would likely be offended if one questioned them in such a manner.  I do realize though that our family is not the accepted norm in our country and that most are truly interested.  Sometimes in shock, tact can go out the window.  I acknowledge that and try to be gracious in my answers even if I may be a little annoyed.

When I spoke with my hubby yesterday, he said he an interesting encounter on this same issue.  He had an Afghan, who is working as an interpreter where hubby is, approach him.  He mentioned that he had heard that we were expecting our 10th child.  The man was amazed.  He was really in shock.  He said, “That is normal here but not  in America.”  My hubby assured him that we were not the only ones but that he was correct and that it was not normal in America.  The man proceeded to ask him if it was because of our religion.  My hubby told him that yes, in a way, it was.  That children are a gift and blessing of the Lord and who was he to reject that gift.  Hubby said the man just stared at him in amazement for several moments.  He could not believe he was hearing those words from an American!  It has also opened the doors for my hubby to share the gospel of Christ with the man.

The blessing of our children has opened doors even in Afghanistan.  Pray for those that my hubby encounters, no matter the nationality(there are a lot of Americans that need the Gospel too), that the Gospel of Christ will be advanced.

Thank you Lord for the blessing of children and for the opportunities to give witness, praise, honor, and glory to your name.