California Family Minute

My friends, Lee and Betty, lost their son on December 8. Mark was 49 years old, but he had been talking about going to be with Jesus for several years. Lee and Betty sent out a general e-mail to their network of friends, and shared this about Mark’s last days on earth:

Mark often spoke of his new body, his new room in heaven and of having communion in heaven with Jesus. He described seeing Jesus in his room with a white robe, he drew many sketches of these events, often said "I want to go to heaven" and often waved at Jesus in the sky. Recently a friend visited when he was in a deep sleep. Mark opened his eyes for seconds to say, "Hi Bob, I am going to heaven now".

Mark was born with Down Syndrome, and many on the hospital’s staff at the time of his birth were surprised to hear that Lee and Betty would be taking Mark home, to raise him with his siblings. 

These are comments shared on the Web site of Mark’s obituary:

His simple, unobstructed faith brought me to tears and was a lesson in trusting God with your whole heart.

Thank you for leading the way for so many of us parents who are a few years behind you in this experience. We are the gifted ones, aren't we!

Mark unconditionally loved and embraced everyone and he wasn't afraid to tell them. He was easy to love back, everyone loved the sweet caring gentle man that God created him to be!

We will all miss Mark...but it is so comforting to know that he's spending this Christmas with his best friend...Jesus.

A recent article from the Family Research Council reports that “studies show that, in the United States, an estimated 92 percent of women choose to abort their child when they receive a Down syndrome diagnosis.” Technology now allows expectant mothers to learn whether their preborn baby will have the extra 21st chromosome.

But California Family Council, like Lee and Betty, believes that life begins at conception. We know that human lives are created in the image of God, that no one will know perfection on this side of glory, and that rich and deep blessings come from circumstances that may first appear overwhelming, or inconvenient. 

For these reasons, CFC will continue to battle for the preborn - including embryos.

For you formed my inward parts;you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.   Psalm 139:13-14

P.S. As you are able at this year-end, please remember CFC in your charitable giving. You may make a secure, online donation here.