A Child Is Born (Welcome Lucy) and Winter Retreat

Hello Everybody,

I can't wait to introduce you all to Hayli and I's first child, Lucy Ann Gage.

I couldn't be more proud to be her dad, she's beautiful and strong and as far as I can tell, a great personality. Although that last one is still a little hard to read. I am continually struck by the immensity of God's grace for me, and for Hayli. Why either of us would be given such a gift is beyond understanding. I wept when I first held her, floored by the tangible reality of God's grace and mercy held in my hands.

I can't wait to get to know her, but also to have the opportunity to play a role in the shaping and upbringing of another daughter of God. Hayli and I have been praying for a while now that Lucy would be a woman of peace, that she would be a light to the world around her, and that she would be wise beyond measure. Please continue to pray for her and for us as we do our best to help her to know and follow the Lord.

Lucy was born on December 17th 2023. Sorry it's been a month between blog updates, but sleep exhaustion is real. But in the awake moments, when I have the time and energy to look around and see, God has been so good to us. Through financial provision from ministry partners like you, Hayli and I both will be able to continue in our jobs and work as we will be able to afford child care for Lucy.

And through our families and church community, we have had an abundance of food and emotional support. I can't wait to introduce Lucy to more and more members of the community that God has placed us in. I get so excited thinking about all the wonderful people of God that will play a role in shaping Lucy's heart, and mind. From our church family, to fun and goofy and sweet college students, eager to hold a baby or play with a toddler as she grows.

Thank you for making a way for Hayli and I to have a child and for me to continue working on the college campus raising up disciples of Jesus. Speaking of disciples on the college campus, we just had our winter retreat. 400 college students learning every day about God's love for them, and being surrounded by campus pastors and peers ready to help them pursue God more deeply, and look more like Jesus in their relationships with others. I know that God will use that time to change hearts and lives for himself and his Kingdom. Thank you for your investment in the next generation!

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