We Love You Landon!

This afternoon, one of my students, but more importantly one of my friends, Landon Burt (pictured on the left), went to be home with his Lord as the result of a tragic drowning accident. Please be in prayer for Landon's family- Mary (his mom), Bryan (his dad), and David (his brother).

As we wonder "why" God brought this verse to my mind: 28And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him,^[a] who^[b] have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28- emphasis mine)

Landon loved his God; He Loved his Savior; and he was called to a higher purpose. Even in this tragic, sad situation, God's name will be glorified- just as it was in Landon's life.

Rick Burgess, from the radio show Rick and Bubba, lost his young son in a drowning accident earlier this year. The clips that are posted below are from Rick's words at his son's funeral. They are a powerful, powerful reminder that we serve an awesome, mighty, all knowing, miraculous, LOVING God! Please watch these clips and do not let Landon's or Bronner's deaths be for nothing.

Rick Burgess - A Father's Heart part 1

Rick Burgess - A Father's Heart part 2

Rick Burgess - A Father's Heart part 3

A Letter to Our Friends @ Newton

December 10, 2008

Dear Friends,

Solomon reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” I believe that verse applies not only to our activities but also to our careers and lives. God led my family and I to the wonderful faith family that is First Baptist Newton almost two and a half years ago. It has been here that our oldest daughter Chloe’ grew from a shy, introverted toddler to a dynamic, outgoing, and ever talkative young girl. It has been here that God blessed us beyond measure (and blew our minds in the process) by giving us two precious baby girls- Kennedy and Kaitlyn. It has been here that we have come to love a family of faith that has welcomed us with open arms and made us feel as if we were one of their own.

However, just as God led us to Newton we know that He is now leading us to a new ministry opportunity. At our wedding, Melissa and I coveted together that we would always follow the Lord wherever He leads us. That is why at this time I must offer my resignation as your Minister of Students.

I have accepted the position of Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church, Ray City, Georgia. Ray City is a small community located in South Georgia about fifteen minutes from Valdosta. My last day of service with you will be Sunday, January 4, 2009.

Please know that this is a decision that has not been easy for us to make. We have bathed it in prayer and contemplated long and hard to determine God’s will. However, God has plainly showed us that this is His will for us.

Please also know that we will constantly be praying for you as we will covet your prayers for us in this move and transition. Yes, we will keep in touch and will be letting you know of our new contact information as soon as we know it. And yes, we will continue to send pictures of all the girls as they grow up.

We are excited at the opportunity that God has laid before us, but sad about the friends we have made in you that we are leaving behind. We have come to love all of you and know that God has great plans in store for you (Jer. 29:11). We can’t wait to see what He will accomplish both in Newton and at Ray City.

If there is ever anything we can ever do for any of you, please do not hesitate to let us know. We will miss you greatly and have been blessed beyond measure in being able to minister alongside of you these least couple of years.

ICS,
Jason S Knippers
Melissa Knippers; Chloe’, Kennedy, & Kaitlyn

Long, Long Time

I know, I know. It has been FOREVER since I last posted something. Between keeping up with two 5 month olds, taking Chloe back and forth to Lamar everyday, Melissa's gallbladder surgery, football games on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and a whole bunch of other stuff- I have not had much time to relax let alone blog.

And there's been a lot to blog about- a new President (which someone nees to remind he has not assumed office yet), an economic recession, and some other things I can't yet comment on.

But rest assured, well, maybe a little assured, I will be posting many updates in the days and weeks to come. I can't say any more than that now, but we will keep you updated.

Prayer Request

We just found out that Melissa has been diagnosed with galls stones. We're not sure what the next step is- except that we are supposed to meet with the surgeon sometime soon. Please keep us in your prayers and we will let you know more as details become available.

She had been feeling funny (nausea, dizzy spells, tingling up and down her arm) for a while and went to see the doctor and after several tests, this is what we have found out.

How Cool Is This

I'm sitting in the new Apple Store at Renaissance Colony Park in Ridgeland blogging on my MacBook Pro while in a Mac store! :) Yes, this is uber-coolness!!

Want the same experience? Then come out here and buy a Mac!

It's Been a While

OK, I know, still no pics. Things at the Knippers' household have been crazy busy!

In addition to the twins turning 2 months a few days ago (August 16th) we've just recently had our annual D-Now weekend, got Chloe started in school, been joyous and sad with our pastor Luke Lane leaving to go to Troy, Alabama, and adjusting to raising two twin babies and a 4 year old on our own with no more family members around. Needless to say it has been hectic.

Some Updates:
~ Mammaw is back home and continuing to do well. Pray for Mom, Aunt Nita, and Aunt Pat as they tend to her.

~ Luke's last day will be August 24th. Pray for Luke, Jennifer and the kids as they transition to First Baptist Troy, Alabama. Pray also for First Newton as we will be seeking an interim and then a full-time pastor.

~ At the twins most recent checkup on August 4, they were 9.5 lbs. They are both still a little small on their developmental scale, but remember they did come at 37 weeks. They are doing great and contuing to grow and discover more and more everyday. New pics will be coming, well sometime! :)

~ Chloe's first day of school at Lamar School in Meridian was August 11. She is having a great time and had no problems leaving dear ole Dad on her first day. She is learning a lot and making a ton of new friends. And she is doing a great job of being the best big sister in the world.

Prayers for Mammaw

If you would, please remember my mammaw, Athalee Caskey in your prayers. She is in Jackson Parish Hospital with gallstones and a bladder infection. Also seems as if some crazy cut happy doctors (who have no clue what they are talking about) want to do surgery even though, because of her age and condition, she has already been declared NOT a candidate for surgery. And of course, the treatment she is getting at JPH is not the best in the world.

So say some prayers for Mammaw and Aunt Pat and Aunt Nita as they are there tending to her. Mom is still with us helping take care of the twins.

And yes, pics are hopefully coming tomorrow!