Seven years ago our family began a remarkable journey.   Being called into the ministry, my husband felt led to finish his college education.  He was 30 years old.  At the time we had been married 10 years and our children were small.  During this journey we have moved 6 times in three different states, sold two homes, sold our embroidery business, and homeschooled our three children.  Dana has been a wonderful husband, devoted father, spiritual leader, sole-provider, protector of his family, pastor and friend to many.  Today, after 7 years, the children and I sat proudly as we watched him received his Masters in Ministry degree from Tennessee Temple Seminary in Chattanooga, TN.  I thank the Lord for giving him the grace and strength to finish the task that was set before him.  Our family recognizes that it is our Heavenly Father who deserves all the glory. 

Dr. Ken Ham, from Answers in Genesis, was the commencement speaker this morning.  He blessed our hearts as he spoke on digging wells.  “For all the wells which his father’s servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth…. And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.  (Gen 26:15, 18)

Dr. Ham made a striking comparison to today.  Our founding fathers built this country upon the Word of God.  They dug deep wells that sprung forth life-giving waters.  This water is Jesus Christ himself.  Over several generations, the “Philistines” have stopped these wells using public education, secular colleges, the media, Hollywood, and false preachers and teachers.  They have filled the wells with lies and have stopped the flow of water.  Dr. Ham charged the audience to go out into the world and, like Isaac, re-dig the wells that have been stopped.  In addition, we need to be about digging new wells that bring forth life-giving water.  But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:14)

 So dearest husband, I want to thank you for working so hard all these years.  And while your degree is quite an accomplishment, it is nothing compared to the work you have done “digging wells” all these years.  Your family has seen it.  Many times we have been there right along with you, handing you a shovel, wiping the sweat from your brow, or fixing you a refreshing drink of water while you work.  And we look forward to many more years of well digging with you.

With all our love, Kimberly, Aaron, Abigail, and Andrew