The Duggar family of "19 Kids and Counting" have released an emotional video of Jill and Derrick Dillard's recent send-off as they left their home in the U.S. for a long-term mission trip.
In the video, which was posted on the Duggar family blog and shared on their official Facebook page, patriarch Jim Bob gathers the family to bid farewell to Jill, 24, and Derrick, 26, and their 2-month-old son, Israel. The pair recently announced that they are traveling abroad to share the Gospel for an extended period of time in an undisclosed location. Upon announcing their decision to enter into the ministry, the couple cited a "that all peoples of the world would come to repentance and put their hope in the Lord, Jesus Christ."
In the farewell video published over the weekend, Jim Bob tells the young couple that he trusts that their move is a part of "God's plan" for their family. He goes on to pray that God's will and protection will surround them as they fulfill the Great Commisson to share the Gospel with people throughout the world.
"We are so excited about you guys going overseas to be missionaries and I know this is something that's been in both of y'alls hearts for years and the Lord's brought y'all together for the special time to go impact the work of Christ," Jim Bob said in a video. "And we're going to miss y'all and baby Israel, but we know that this is God's plan for your life. ... We pray God blesses your journey and that you're really able to make a huge difference."
Jill and Derrick, who celebrated their one year wedding anniversary last month, departed from the U.S. on Sunday after celebrating the Fourth of July with their family.
Their big move comes amid a molestation scandal involving Jill's older brother, Josh, that stunned viewers and led to the family's hit reality TV series being suspended by TLC on May 22.
At the time, Jill and her younger sister, Jessa Seewald, came forward as two of Josh's five victims, but emphasized they have forgiven their brother for his "teenage mistakes."
In his send-off prayer for Jill and Derick, Jim Bob alluded to this forgiveness, and spent a few moments thanking God for continually forgiving His children for their wrongdoing.
"Father, I thank you for Derrick and Jill and little baby Israel and what you put their heart to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ," Jim Bob said.
"How people can be forgiven for the things they've done wrong, and if they turn over the control to give their life to you Father, You promise You will come in and make them new creatures. ... I pray that you will bless their lives and bless their ministry; protect them, lead them, guide them and make a huge difference for Your cause."
Jessa Seewald is also asking fans to continue to pray for her sister and brother-in-law as they enter this new chapter of their lives. On Sunday, she took to social media to share a photo of the young couple headed to the airport with their arms around one another, carrying their son.
She captioned the Instagram photo: "So excited for @jillmdillard& @derickdillard! They've been praying about and working towards this transition since late last year, and are so excited to finally be heading to the mission field! Please continue to pray for them!"
