Ella's Dedication

On December 19, 2010 we presented Ella to Jesus in front of our spiritual family in Cebu and with Andrey's parents who were visiting at the time. Many of you know how special to us our church community is here. For the past few years whenever there was a family publicly presenting their child to the Lord there was a deep ache in me to be able to do the same with our child among this community, this family we have grown to love. Each time, I would cry out to God for this opportunity - to have our child soon and to still be living in Cebu long enough to hold this special ceremony in this place. What a joy to see this day come to pass!

Andrey explained that Michella's name means "gift from God" and how we wanted to acknowledge in the presence of a part of our spiritual and natural families that we receive God's great gift to us but we don't have claim on her. We want to affirm that Michella is God's and we want to commit to being the kind of parents that would encourage her to choose to live her life according to that truth.

As her mother and in the authority of Jesus, I cut her off from the evil intentions of the enemy and blessed her life and future generations with all the good things God has planned for her.

Andrey's parents prayed for us then several close friends shared words from Jesus for Ella. I got a bit emotional at this point, especially when a friend spoke about God redeeming and returning to Michella all that she lost and then some. Such good stuff! Interestingly, a few friends saw pictures involving Ella and stars. I had to share right then and there that Twinkle Twinkle is Ella's favorite song and she sings it numerous times a day.

 

She is our bright little star! We are overjoyed with this treasure and look forward to seeing who she becomes!