This is the blog for Gavin and Carrie Jones and family. We live in Papua New Guinea and are working to see lives transformed by the living Word of God through Bible translation. Gavin is a helicopter pilot. Carrie, who has her degree in Public Health, works in the lab at our busy rural clinic. Our son, Isaac, was born in 2004 and our quintuplets, Will, David, Marcie, Seth, and Grace, were born in 2012.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. The you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. -Proverbs 3:3-6

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Over a million!!??

I (Gavin) was amazed to see that a few days ago our blog passed the 1 million hits mark!  I never imagined that there would be any reason for this many people to be interested in our lives.  God's pretty creative and has quite a sense of humor.  I sure wasn't laughing about a year ago when we found out about the quints.  We were both frustrated, angry, scared . . . .

A lot of water has gone under this bridge since then.  What an amazing change our family has seen.  Our prayer is that these 1 million hits and counting will be a web-portal-view of God's love, care, and wisdom.  May Christ be seen on these virtual pages.  He only can have the credit for working joy and goodness in our lives, for bringing these beautiful babies into the world, for building such an incredible team of prayer warriors and helpers to allow us to raise these children.

As we hear about the recent anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, I am reminded of one of our first doctor visits after finding out about the quints.  The doctor strongly recommended that we "selectively reduce" the pregnancy.  It sounds so scientific and "acceptable" when framed in politically correct terms like that.  We immediately said, "No.  That is not an option."  When queried as to why, Carrie's quick response was, "Because it's murder."  That stopped the doctor in his tracks and he quickly changed the subject.

What if we had "selectively reduced?"  Would we have picked Will, David, Marcie, Seth, or Grace?  It's a horrible thought, I know, but that was still the reality we faced that day.  They weren't named yet or fully formed, but they were no less our children then than they were now.

When I think that over five million babies have been slaughtered in these past 40 years in the name of convenience, I am brokenhearted that we as a nation can be so callous.  We so often allow pride and self to come before personal responsibility and love for others.

Again, for me what it boils down to is a reminder to pray for our nation, our legislators, our leaders, the individuals facing these decisions, etc.  Only the Spirit of God can truly change the hearts of the people.  



Wow, I started off this post simply to comment about the number of blog views.  My mind wandered a bit.  (It must be those three cups of coffee.)

Now for the gratuitous baby pictures:

Grace, Will, Marcie 
Seth, David, Grace, Will, Marcie

33 comments:

  1. Not to burst your bubble but I'm certain I "hit up" your page at least once a day (making that 1 million happen faster!) And don't dare miss a photo posted! I adore your sweet blessings and love even more how your pour out the GLORY to our GREAT GOD! I'm not even sure where I heard about this blog but it's def at the top of my bookmarked pages on my phone! If $ allowed I would SO be there in a heartbeat for some sweet snuugles so you two could go on a date... Or just take a nap! Thanks for sharing your story with strangers like myself! …
    Love,
    Kristen.... From little ole Warrensburg, MO :)

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    1. Yeh I have to admit I too check everyday and have been praying for all of you. Your story has helped me become get closer to God.

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    2. We know that a large percentage of these hits are repetitive ones from people who check the blog regularly, but it's still a pretty big number to get our heads around!

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  2. Not only have 1 million people prayed and touched your lives with Prayers..But your Family has touched the hearts of a million people,,It has brought us out of our selves, BY sharing your lives with us you have increased our/my faith, by seeing the miracles, in the lives of the Babies that God has done..Thanks for sharing your family with us, ... from Dayton OHIO i LOVE THE PICTURES, SETH ALWAYS SEEMS SO HAPPY...I can't wait to hear more about their personalities, and the pictures, of the 5....when you have the time;)

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  3. Thanks a million for sharing your heart and your blessings with us.

    The pics are precious - keep 'em coming! Love those sweet smiles.

    No doubt, our nation is deeply flawed and in need of God's continued mercy and grace; I pray He doesn't give up on us.

    NKL

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  4. Amen. They are precious in His sight, indeed.

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  5. I follow your blog since the birth of the babies. I am pregnant with my first baby after 5 year of fertility treatments. Only 6 more weeks to go for me!!!! However, I still strongly believe a woman should have a right over her own body. Good luck with everything and thrilled Seth is finally home.

    Annie

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  6. One million hits includes me ... I have followed the babies from birth. What a blessing your family has been to me as I have prayed and cried with you over the past few months. Love, love, love the photos you share! You did the right thing ... not aborting any of them ... who could even think about "killing" a baby?!! Especially seeing them now as such precious little beings. :) May God continue to bless them as they grow up to adults.

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  7. What great news and pictures. They're all so wonderful. I can't think of a day that can go by without checking to see how they are doing. You have blessed us by sharing this travel with you.
    Judith

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  8. I don't think it's fair to say abortions are out of convinence only... There sure are a heck of a lot of kiddos in foster care that could use someone that cares.

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    1. I'm a certified foster mother. Last year we cared for 5 children over a total of 14 weeks. The rest of the time our home was empty. We pray daily that we can care for another foster child. In our county, there aren't enough foster children to fill the foster homes.

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    2. I am a CPS (Child Protective Services) specialist who works with parents, children, and foster parents all day long, every single day of the week.
      I think it is really interesting that someone points to children in foster care as a reason that it is OK to have abortions. Because they don't have someone who "cares." It is so sad that anyone would think this. I love and care deeply for all of my kids that I work with in foster care. I know their foster families care about them as well, and a large majority of the families even end up adopting these kids!

      A huge point that you are also overlooking is that many of these foster kids have parents that love and care for them dearly, but are unable to care for them due to untreated mental illness or substance abuse. Many of the bio parents love and CARE for their children, and are heartbroken at losing them. These children know how to feel love and care and know how to receive it. It is incredibly hurtful to throw out such a statement- justifying that abortion was the better alternative for "a heck of a lot of kiddos" in foster care. They deserve a chance at life and love too.

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  9. I too am one of your 1 million. I have been visiting this blog since not long before the babies were born. I am forever grateful to you for sharing your journey with strangers and always sharing how God works in your life. Your bolg, particularly your trials with Seth,helped me to bring someone to Christ and for that I am abundanntly grateful. We have heard that term selective reduction. They make it sound so clinical and nonpersonal. Then, when you see those babies you can't help but think, which one wouldn't be here? You made the right choice and trusted in God. Love all the pictures, please keep them coming when time allows. Those smiles are priceless.

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  10. Well, I'm sure you have gotten a lot of hits on your blog. A lot of them have come from me as I check in everyday (and sometimes more than once) to see how all are doing.
    Sure glad you made the right decision re: not aborting--which would you choose, anyway. When my daughter-in-law was pregnant with her second child she was told that she had a 40% chance of having a Downs baby and was encouraged to have an amniocentesis test done. She refused and oftentimes that can lead to an abortion. There was/is absolute nothing the matter with the child who will be 16 this summer. God is Good!

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  11. I love this post. What I can't believe is that Gavin said he is actually drinking COFFEE?!?!? Could that be true. Only the quintuplets were successful in having their dad drink it! ha-ha. Love you guys!
    Joha (and for the Metzgers in PNG)

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    1. Alas, he was only joking about the coffee. :) I think it would take septuplets and true insanity to make Gavin break down enough to try coffee. He insists caffeine has no effect on him! Love you and miss you so much! Carrie

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  12. It has been an amazing journey! Because I had high risks pregnancies I was asked if I wanted an amino in case something was wrong. I said no because no matter what I would have my babies. If God creates a child, what "right" do I have to choose to terminate that child? Each child is a gift from God and this is so evident in all of your children, Isaac included. We will stand in prayer with you through the years!

    Love you guys,
    Cousin Julie

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  13. Well said. And to see those 5 beautiful faces is just a reminder there is no such thing as "selective reduction" God knows what he is doing and doesn't need our help "reducing" the blessing he bestows on us.

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  14. Quick story, my Sister knew at 5 1/2 months along that their baby would not be a "viable" birth as the baby was diagnosed with Potter's Syndrome. Knowing you were carrying a baby that would not live may of sent some running to have a "medical abortion". My Sister/Brother in law's faith would not allow them to do such a thing. Sarah Elizabeth was born at 9 months (full gestation) and was passed from one set of loving arms to another before her life ended in her Father's arms 23 hours later. It was horrible, sad and there were some that told them they should of "ended" the pregnancy before they had to deal with the aftermath. My Sister researched the disorder trying to assure herself that she hadn't done anything to "cause" Sarah to have Potters. She found out she did not but that there was a "connection" between Mother's with thyroid gland "issues" and Potters babies (no Potter's Baby has ever lived). She went to her Dr. to make sure it was taken care of and didn't happen again....unknown to her she had Thyroid Cancer. Left untreated it may of killed her. But, because of Sarah's death my Sister was treated and is healthy today. Sarah's life may of only been 23 hours old but she saved her Mother's life....ALL LIFE HAS MEANING, GOD HAS A PLAN FOR EVERY LIFE HE PUTS ON EARTH and it's not up to "us" to decide to end one, ever. Sorry this was long, but I wanted to make a point...

    My Sister and her husband went on to adopt a beautiful baby girl (whose Mother was convinced NOT to abort her) and then they had a handsome son of their very own. God HAS a plan....prayers continue for your family! :)

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    1. I would rather have that 23 hours than none at all. You sister and family are so brave. I am so pleased Sarah got to feel the love of her mother and father before going to be with God.

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  15. So true! I remember being faced with the "selective reduction" option. It was a no for us for sure. And although our triplets didn't live here on Earth for very long I still wouldn't have "selective reduced" any of them because God selected each one of them to be a part of this world and touch many lives. Even though they were here for a very a short time they changed my life forever :) Leslie

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    1. Absolutely! Thanks for sharing. Their lives had amazing value and still do in Heaven and for all Eternity. Love you guys! Carrie

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  16. We were given the option to terminate my third pregnancy when we found rh antibodies in my blood. Also the Dr said that the most children we'd probably have is 5. He knew that we didn't believe in birth control, let alone abortion (which is essentially the same thing). Also I was told that our blood problem would get worse with each pregnancy. We didn't listen to the Dr and have tried to follow God's plan for how many children he wants to Bless us with. Baby #11 was born in December of 2012! After some small complications, some worse then others-up and down, they are all healthy!

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  17. I too appreciate this post and yes, your journey with the quints is such a vibrant testimony that God has his hand on every child, regardless of outcome. I think many choose abortion out of FEAR --tragic, but true In your case, you COULD have given into fear that the pregnancy would be too much for Carrie, that you'd lose all the babies, etc. There is a verse I think about often...I think from the Proverbs, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." The pro "choice" rhetoric seems so reasonable when couched in certain terms. The reality is that human wisdom has led to the death of millions of babies. I'm so glad you courageously chose life for your quints. Every one of them.

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  18. Love this blog. Really nice. we at www.pngfacts.com follow your blog.

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  19. Have been following your story since the birth of your babies. I do check in about once a day now, but several times a day when the babies were very little. Enjoy seeing how God is being glorified in all of this. Continuing to pray for all of your family.
    A sad correction to Gavin's blog. There have been 50 million, not 5 million, abortions since Rowe!

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    1. Thanks, you're right! I thought 5 million sounded too low, but he posted off-the-cuff, so I didn't proof anything. :) Thanks for caring and praying. Love, Carrie

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  20. AMEN AND AMEN!! My daughter had the same option offered my two physicians. Had they even intertianed the thought- they would have ended up loosing two- and not one. God in His wisdom gave you just the perfect amount, and He knew them before they were concieved! :) LOVE your little babies (and of course their parents)!! Love them :)
    Caren

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    1. Because one of the ones that would have been reduced was actually an identical and would have taken her sister with her, right? Thanks for posting, Caren! We love and appreciate you and your amazing help!!!! Remember, don't tell the triplets about the quints, or they might be jealous! ;) Carrie

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  21. Glory to God, I just love checking in and seeing how you're all getting along. Continuing to pray for God's blessing on your and your beautiful family.

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  22. I've just read from Yahoo! News about your quintuplets and learned about your blog. I immediately get here to see them. Oh, they're so adorable!! God has blessed you greatly. I am a mother of twin boys. I just gave birth 7 months ago, so am really feeling the parents of multiple babies. Wow, you're amazing. How do you manage the day to day life with these sweet babies? I feel tired and all with only two, how much more you? (It's only me and my husband who take care of the twins as we take turns going to work) It's hard work but we're doing fine by God's help. And seeing my boys growing and smiling and all the awesome giggles they make would just let me forget all the tiredness I have. Am sure you do, too.

    Now am talking a lot. Sorry! (^_^) But I came here to greet and congratulate you two parents for doing a great job with the babies~~~ God bless you everyday and may He'll never fail to manifest His love and presence and providence to all of you!

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  23. My husband and I have always said that each of our children is made perfectly for us, be it cleft lip, Down Sydnrome or five at once (I tremble at this, because I suffer from incompetent cervix and I wonder often if a pregnancy over 2 would mean I was risking all 3+ for the sake of saving one. Nevertheless, I'd hang like a bat from the ceiling rather than selectively reduce in such a circumstance).

    I look at my 2 children and think "How could I ever be without you? You, who is so prefectly imperfect, yet so perfectly loved."

    Anyway, I've thought about it enough. It makes me sick in my heart.

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Gavin, Carrie, Isaac, Will, David, Marcie, Seth, & Grace Jones

Gavin, Carrie, Isaac, Will, David, Marcie, Seth, & Grace Jones

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