Our son’s, Abel Banko’s, high-school graduation was yesterday and I want to share with you a video clip my husband took.

Saying, “We are happy” is totally an understatement!

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but GOD HAS BEEN MAKING IT GROW.” (1 Corinthians 3:6)

Isn’t that amazing! My husband and I tried our best to raise this young man in the word of God but God has been making the word of God grow in Abel’s heart. May His name be praised, now and forever!

I know I’ve promised to share with you all Abel’s academic achievements but I choose not to and rather share with you the things that deeply warmed my heart.

Abel has been in his high school Chamber Choir since 9th grade. This choir, full of talented singers, presented their amazing songs twice at the house of the Vice President of the United States in 2014 and 2015. Abel was the president of the Christian fellowship in his high school called TLC (Truth, Love & Character) for two years. Who is taking his place now? His sister, Lydia. Praise God!

As you can see from this video clip, the first few people who have received their diploma are 4.0 students (their grade is straight A throughout high school). So, they wore white National Honor Society ropes on the top of their graduation gowns and Abel forgot about it and I’m okay with that.

Abel chose not to go to his high school prom, and I agreed with him because I don’t think prom is something a disciple of Jesus Christ wants to take part in. As the president of the TLC, he decided to throw two wonderful parties, one, here in our house (22 teenagers came two weeks ago and the party turned out to be a fun one) and last week, Abel set up one picnic in one of those beautiful public parks in our neighborhood. With the help of his two siblings, Biruk and Lydia, he prepared food and packed their drinks and drove to the park. They had fun there for the whole day.

Yesterday at the graduation, parents (and one grandmother) were coming and saying, “Thank you Abel for your service” and shaking his hands.

Oh, my friend, am I bragging about my son?

With fear in my heart, I humbly say this: Yes, I am.

Is there anything in this life more joyful than seeing your kids loving and fearing God? There is none! But I am also bragging about my God, Jesus Christ. I don’t deserve to see this but Jesus! Amen! But Jesus said, “Yes, you shall see this,” and I am seeing it all with my naked eyes. May His name be praised forever!

You see, it is one thing to have a son; but it is totally another thing to have a God-loving and a God-fearing son, especially in this day and age.

“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
turning a person from the snares of death.” (Proverbs 14:27)

“- – – all things God works for the good of those who love him- – -” (Romans 8:28)

May God bless the rest of Abel’s life! I was planning to leave him a note here but I guess I am too emotional to do that. May God continue to be with him! ///