Robb and Carol Durham, Pathway members for over 30 years, discovered the importance of prayer early in their parenting journey.
The joy of bringing their second son, Jeremy, home from the hospital turned into fear after they found themselves back there after only a few, short weeks. Jeremy was small and his body wasn’t properly fighting infections,” Carol said. “His frequent high fevers and other medical challenges kept Jeremy and me in the hospital for much of his first two years. The doctors said he probably wouldn’t live to see his fifth birthday.”
Meanwhile, Robb was working to support the family and doing his best to take care of their two-year-old son, Chris. “It wasn’t easy,” said Robb. But, with God’s help and the faithful support of their Sunday School class, they made it through. “We prayed a lot and we had lots of people praying for us.” said Carol.
It turns out the doctors miscalculated Jeremy’s chances; Jeremy’s body began to grow strong. Robb and Carol call Jeremy a “miracle” and they give God all the glory for his healing. Today, 35 years later, Jeremy and his wife Jennifer have a two-year-old daughter of their own, Savannah, and a son on the way.
Jeremy and Jennifer are committed to being godly examples for their children, just like their parents were for them. They are committed to raising their kids in the church, dedicating them to God, and surrounding them with Christian community. They hope to pass on the family legacy of faith and prayer to the next generation.
Carol’s advice to other parents? “Pray for your children daily…. Pray that they will know Christ and pray that they will marry a godly spouse someday.” In fact, Carol says they are already praying these things for Jeremy and Jennifer’s son—even before his birth.
The Durham family has faced their share of struggles in other areas as well. There have been health issues for other family members, some rebellious college years to navigate, and even a life-threatening car accident. “There were times when I questioned God,” Carol says. “Why are we going through this?” She is so thankful to God and their church family with helping them make it through the tough times. “I don’t know how parents can make it without Christ,” said Carol.
Robb is a self-professed man-of-few-words. When asked about his keys to parenting, he quietly proclaimed, “God did it.” Yes He did.