Kenny and wife Karen watched their son and daughter-in-law as long as they could as the newlyweds ventured further and deeper into the airport terminal.
And then, finally, they were out of sight, onto an adventure of faith across the world.
It was Dec. 2019, just weeks before Christmas.
Karen wept. Kenny’s own emotions begin to take over, feelings of both pain and pride. He’d miss his son over the next year, undoubtedly – but he had tremendous faith in the work that would be done. Kolton and wife Katie, after all, were off to Andorra to work as missionaries at a small but growing church there.
“I can’t tell you that a tear didn’t come from my eye (that day),” Kenny says. “But you also have that tremendous sense of pride. These kids have gotten hold of a good thing in life by ministering to people.”
Faith in the Family
After a large brunch prepared by Karen each year on Christmas day, Kenny makes it a point to read the Christmas story to his kids and now grandkids. It may not happen at the same time or in the same exact company, but it’s a tradition that Kenny intends to keep, no matter what.
“We just feel like it’s a message that’s important that we continue to convey to our kids and our grandkids, before the presents begin,” Kenny says.
Kenny, on top of serving as the Area Sales Manager in Tyler, is the founding pastor at Greater Life Church in Bullard. Church, for his family, is an engrained into their weekly routine. When asked about his kids, he literally glows. He’s proud of their place in life today, for their own families, and feels that faith has carried them along the way.
There’s Kris and wife Ashley who have two children, Paxton and Anniston. Kris, a Plano banker, is the creative one, always thinking outside the box. There’s Korey and wife Breanna, who both live in Bullard and work for Bullard ISD. Korey is more methodical, an engineering type who “is always right ... at least thinks he is.”
Then there’s Kolton and Katie. Kolton has always been the “adventurous” one, and Katie is right there beside him.
“They had both expressed an interest before their marriage of traveling as missionaries,” Kenny said. “I think it almost solidified their relationship that they wanted to do this together. That willingness to give up securities of home and job, we anticipated it would happen eventually.”
Faith in the Distance Apart
After arriving in Spain, Kolton and Katie did little to celebrate Christmas. They were too busy setting up their new home and preparing for the hard work ahead.
They were serving a one-year commitment at a church to essentially provide the weekly worship, minister to both the congregation and the community, and to host scripture studies throughout the week. Kenny and Karen both eagerly awaited their first visit. There were the Pyrenees mountains! The great food! And, of course, a chance to hug their kids and share in a piece of their great adventure.
And then COVID-19 hit.
Kolton and Katie were confined to their home for more than 100 days. Kolton resorted to doing a live lesson on Zoom, and he would pre-record his Sunday service and post it to both YouTube and Facebook.
Technology became a true blessing for the mission, and for the family back home.
“They obviously weren’t there for our Christmas celebrations and usual traditions. But we did get to talk to them on Christmas Day. Because of technology, we at least got a chance to talk to them and see them a few minutes every day,” Kenny said.
They made the seven-hour time distance work. Using WhatsApp, Kolton could share his outings with his family virtually, whether it was a hike into the mountains or a simple tour of their European home. When Kolton would have too much coffee and couldn't sleep, he’d phone his parents at 9 p.m. Texas time and catch up.
Faith in the Reunion
Friday the 13th is a day the Prince family will not soon forget.
Last month, Kenny, Karen, and both of Katie’s parents arrived at DFW Airport many hours too early, but the excitement had gotten the best of them. They made it all the way into the baggage area, where they watched through glass doors – the ones that Kolton and Katie would soon be emerging from.
“The wives were up on their tip-toes trying to see,” Kenny recalls. “And when they finally approached there was no shortage of big hugs and big tears. It was so good to see them. I can’t possibly describe the feeling.”
This Christmas will carry with it the same traditions of years past. The fabulous brunch. The evening drive to look at lights. And certainly the retelling of the Bible's Christmas story. But there’s a sense of reunion in 2020 for Kenny and his family. One that allows him to see family togetherness through a new lens – one with a clear focus on gratitude.
And then, Kenny reflects a bit.
“There are many things that I hope I’ve passed on to my kids. Work hard. Take care of family,” Kenny says. “And be involved in ministry. Whether you have a calling or not, you can always make a ministerial effort. All of my boys and their wives have done that. Ministry has been around them all the time.”
Disclaimer: This article shares religious beliefs held by Kenny Prince and his family, and we recognize respectfully that it does not necessarily represent the beliefs of others within the Datamax organization. Datamax respects the religion or belief of all employees and customers.