Is it wise to bring children into this tumultuous world? This question has plagued us since the dawn of Christianity. Jesus warned:

Matthew 24:19 (ESV) — 19 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! (Compare 1 Cor.7:7ff).

Douwene and I brought our 3 boys into a very unstable world. A fundamental shift was happening in South Africa. Historically, we all knew that the African continent did not do well with change. Nevertheless, we were confident – because Jesus lives.Similarly, during the USA’s late 1960’s turmoil, William & Gloria Gaither wrote a song about bringing their son into a changing world:

How sweet to hold a newborn baby

And feel the pride and joy He gives

But greater still the calm assurance

This child can face uncertain day, because He lives

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow

Because He lives, all fear is gone

Because I know He holds the future 

And life is worth the living, just because He lives

Today, I don’t fear death because I know I will live forever with Jesus – because He lives. But also, today my spirit is calm because I walk and talk with Jesus in my heart – because He lives.