We are a really large family that lives in the hills of East Tennessee. Having a lot of children wasn’t something we decided to do in order to be popular; it wasn’t very popular when we were making those choices. It wasn’t something we did for financial gain; it really wasn’t cheaper by the dozen. It wasn’t a choice we made because we needed extra hands to labor; usually more work is extended than what is gained.

We simply trusted that if God said children are a blessing, He meant exactly that. And not wanting to miss out on any blessings, our family began to grow. At first, we thought we might be crazy! Some said we’d miss out on ministry opportunities if we had too many little ones to lug around. Now we realize that we have far more opportunities because of those little ones! We were told that having a house full of children would result in a ruined marriage, a frazzled and worn mom, a frustrated dad, and unhappy children. On the contrary, the children keep us feeling young and the responsibilities have driven us to more committed and meaningful relationships. We were told having a large family would send us to the poor house. Well, great expenses are required and that has increased our faith all the more. It has also taught us contentment and gratitude. We realize that having food, clothes, and living in America—no matter what our tax bracket might be—already makes us richer than most who live in the world.

Our precious children have taught us that money is not the only riches in life. In fact, money won’t last . . . only two things in life will: people and God’s word! We want to invest in both. Raising our children is one way we can pour our lives into others, but we also want to invest in the lives of those outside of our family. So our goal is to train up these children in the ways of the Lord that we all might in return enter work places, churches, and homes being soldiers for Christ and servants to all. And in so doing we’ll all have purpose and direction for life.

May God bless you as you endeavor to “Let your light shine”—whether your family is big or small or none at all—every life is a life that can count for Christ. C. T. Studd wrote, “Only one life will soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”