Christian Book Notes

I reviewed Eyes that See yesterday. It is definitely a book worth owning. As I read it, I found myself greatly moved both emotionally and spiritually. I also had some questions for Christina and Drake–Judson’s mom and dad. What follows is part one of an email interview. Part two will run on Thursday. Drake’s answers are in red while Christina’s are in blue (think Lightning McQueen and Sally).

Christian Book Notes (CBN) Could you please share your testimony of how you came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior?

Drake: I’m blessed to have a very simple testimony. My mom came to Christ when I was about three years old. From then on, she prayed for me and took me to church. I professed faith in Jesus and was baptized when I was eight years old.

Christina: God clearly had his hand on my life through the influence of my parents who modeled a love for Jesus and raised me in the church. And although I can recall various points in my youth where I expressed my need for Jesus, I would venture to say that God was gradually calling me into an abiding faith as the truth of his Word took hold of my heart.

CBN: Could you share a little about your life together as a married couple?

Drake and I met as students at Biola University and were married in January, 1996. Since then, both of us have worked in higher education.

Drake currently works at Vanguard University overseeing enrollment for the graduate programs. He is also finishing up his dissertation to complete his PhD in Early Christian History from UCLA. Drake periodically blogs at STORYofJUDSON.com/drake.

Prior to having children I served as a college administrator and instructor, specializing in student development and learning enrichment iniatives. I now stay home to care for our daughter Jessie, and to write and speak publicly about our journey, specifically sharing Judson’s Legacy. You can follow my (Christina’s) regularly updated blog at STORYofJUDSON.com/christina.

Together we enjoy spending time with our Jessie-Girl, grabbing a cup of coffee, catching a movie, or playing games.

CBN: Your son was diagnosed with Krabbe Disease shortly after the onset of his symptoms.  Could you please explain what Krabbe disease is?

Christina: Krabbe disease is a rare, genetic, incurable, terminal disorder. It is one of several known leukodystrophies: genetic diseases that progressively destroy the white matter of the brain. Krabbe affects approximately 1 out of every 100,000-200,000 people worldwide, but 90% of these cases are early-infantile Krabbe in which symptoms begin between 3-6 months of age. However, Judson had late-onset Krabbe; this rare form of the disease affects 1 in every couple million children. He experienced completely normal development for the first years of his life, then just before age 2 ½ the toxic build-up in his system triggered the onset of symptoms.

Note:  You can read about Judson’s specific case at the website.  Stay tuned Thursday for part 2.  Trust me, you will not want to miss the second half of the interview.