What's in a Name?

Usually, the name "Eight Oaks" elicits one of two responses:

1. "Like Twelve Oaks in Gone with the Wind?"
2. "Huh. Sounds kinda like a golf course."

We prayed and thought about what to call "this" for a long time, although to be honest it wasn't an agonizing decision. Towards the beginning, someone pulled out a Bible and read Isaiah 61. Those words resonated deeply, they reverberated within us as if God was plucking guitar strings in our hearts. I have heard some of the passages from this chapter many times, and I have read it myself, but in my personal experience verses 1-3 are the most popular. Ironically, the reason this chunk of scripture inspired us so much is due to verses 4-11.

I think sometimes, because we live in a first-world country with electricity and plenty of clean water--and because we are arrogant and weak--we conjure up romantic pictures of mission trips in which Americans come blazing into a third-world country with Bibles and medical supplies to "rescue" the poor and starving. I do not believe that Ghanaians need Americans: I believe they need Jesus. I believe Americans need Jesus. Just because we have a fast-food restaurant on every corner and government-funded healthcare does not mean that the United States is not as broken as the more ancient and financially poorer countries in the world. We are just mangled and hurting in different ways. Our actions as Americans might produce a few small ripples through Lake Volta. But the boys at the Father's House (one of whom is name Julius Moses) and these girls that we are praying for? They will generate tidal waves. They will change and lead their nation more effectively than we can imagine.

These young women are Eight Oaks of Righteousness not because the Lord has anointed us to "rescue" them, but because "they will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations."

We pray every day for these nation-changers. That when they become fathers and mothers "their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples," and "all who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the LORD has blessed."

I count myself as oh so fortunate to witness the Father's love for these girls. His compassion for them is so evident to me, even as they live a thousand miles away, even as they endure pain and suffering. I truly believe that in their little hearts, they feel the warmth of his affection: that they know He is coming for them, to "bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."

And in my heart, I believe that the high schoolers I see every week will similarly alter the face of America. I believe that this is a new generation, with a fire roaring inside of them and a thirst for the Gospel. They can and will restore this country. To witness this change, to hear their hearts and see the Spirit take hold of them is one of the greatest blessings I will ever experience.

I thank God every day for allowing me to be a part of this revolution...for allowing me to watch these seeds sprout and grow into mighty Oaks.

"For as the soil makes the sprout come up, and as a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations."

Landon & Kate ((Plus Eight))

From the earliest days of Eight Oaks, we have wondered "Who will be the house parents for these eight girls?". At first, Teddy and I thought it was us, but as we discussed and prayed about it with our wise, trusted family and friends it became increasingly clear that it was not our role to fulfill.

We have been praying for and thinking about these eight girls for so long that we feel as if we already know them. Several months ago, Tammy Garrett (co-founder of the Father's House) emailed Teddy and said that when she finally met her Great Eight boys, "I already felt a strong connection to each of them. I honestly feel like God birthed each of them in my heart during that year of intense prayer before I ever saw their faces." We feel the same about our girls: they are so dear to us, and in so many ways we already consider them our children. Obviously, we very seriously and very earnestly prayed for God to provide an amazing Mom and Dad.

We had often dreamt aloud or talked about Landon and Kate partnering with us and this organization. When they gave the slightest indication that they were interested and felt called to these roles, we could not have been more excited. We have known Landon for almost ten years now: he has been one of our very best friends since high school. His dad Tim teaches at Trinity and has provided solid support and advice to Eight Oaks since it started--he is a gold mine of Godly wisdom. Kate is a nurse and hails from Pennsylvania. We have loved her and her sweet spirit since the moment we met her. She and Landon met at an orphanage in Guatemala (foreshadowing!!!) and I cannot imagine two people better equipped to take on this exciting challenge. I admire so much about this couple: they clearly and passionately display their faith through their actions and lifestyles on a daily basis. We are so, so blessed to call them friends and partners in this adventure, and we thank God for Landon and Kate every single day.

Please be in prayer for them as they embark on this journey. They have started a blog to keep us all updated which you can read HERE.

Introductions

In an effort to be honest from the get-go, we should clarify that we have neither time, nor money, nor resources for a full-fledged website. Thus, until a need arises, this little blogger page, in addition to the one created for Facebook, will be our Eight Oaks internet stomping ground.
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No one person can take particular credit for Eight Oaks--it is the result of countless individuals' time, thoughts, efforts, and visions. And, of course, the mission is one that has lived in God's heart forever. His desire to liberate the oppressed has awoken in our hearts as well, and we are blessed to be His hands on the ground, but this is most certainly not "our idea." He has been doing what we have just embarked on since the beginning of time. Nonetheless, we cannot get very far without mentioning The Father's House in Ghana. Maybe someday Teddy can explain how his experiences there shaped and inspired this mission--but for now all we can say is that they are the forerunners, and without Jeff Miller and Matt Garrett Eight Oaks would not be what it is today. They paved the way and we have been extremely, extremely blessed that they have so willingly shared their knowledge and experience with us. This is their official website, and this is their Facebook page.
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Basically, this is what's happening:
A group of high schoolers meets every week to pray for Ghana, for Lake Volta, for themselves, for America, for human trafficking in general...for whatever, really. This is a project funded entirely by individuals that, legally, are still children. They are sacrificing makeup, movies, fast food, Christmas gifts, new clothes, etc. and putting the proceeds towards the redemption of eight girls who are currently living in hellish conditions.

This group has claimed complete ownership of this mission. They are not saving their money for some slaves in Africa--they have adopted these children, called them "sisters," and named them in their hearts. I am inspired by their passion and maturity and conviction and spirituality, and blessed beyond belief to be a part of this experience. Since August, this group of roughly twenty core individuals has raised about fifteen thousand dollars. Their mission is urgent, because their sisters are suffering.

Eventually, and hopefully, we'll be able to explain everything, like the name Eight Oaks and what it means, and our long-term goals and plans. But for now, this is a start. We ask that you would labor with us in prayer for our brothers and sisters who suffer without the knowledge that they have a heavenly Father who tenderly calls them "Beloved." No matter what, God will see His children rescued. We are blessed that He has allowed us at Eight Oaks to be a part of this beautiful story of redemption. You can email us at eightoaks.info@gmail.com or "like" us on Facebook if you want to stay up-to-date. We'll keep in touch.