The Wilkes Team

And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. Isaiah 58:12

This past Friday, we witnessed a powerful demonstration of a family who stepped out by faith to raise up the spiritual foundations of the United States. The Matich family has worked hard over the past several weeks preparing food, putting together meaningful speeches, and organizing events for a full day of patriotic fun.

Our van rounded up the quaint little driveway to the Matich’s stately home all decorated in red, white & blue banners. In full uniform and waving a colonial era sword, Master Samuel Matich waved our vehicle in. A spacious tent had been erected with tables, chairs, and a full stage complete with sound equipment overlooking the beautiful Shenandoah mountain range towering over the Shenandoah river.

But something was amiss. For upon the high pole, clearly visible to all, an English flag waved fearlessly in the wind. With wonder, all gathered together. A formidable force of true American patriots rallied to the West of the tent not more than 40 paces from her royal majesty’s flag. In 3 straight columns, lead by 3 fine American flags, more than 20 prepared to march with the zeal befitting a band of loyal patriots. The music began to rumble across the valley and Master Samuel gave the call to which all responded with a forward march. The ceremony had begun. With stomachs full of delicious food so diligently prepared by the Matich ladies and spirits lifted with the music of patriotism, all sat back in eager anticipation for a season of remembering.

Under the command of Mr. Matich, the English colors were rapidly withdrawn and replaced by the majestic red, white & blue. This was followed by a powerful reading of the Declaration of Independece written by a committee of five (Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and anyone know the final one?). The audience joined together in song remembering why our freedom was won and upon who our nation was founded. There were dramatic speeches on the real meaning behind ‘separation of church and state’, Betsy Ross, John Adams, the reasons for American independence, and more. The ceremony ended with everyone joining into sing a rousing version of The Star Spangled Banner accompanied by a father and son trumpet/violin duet.

The Matich family were an encouragement to us. How inspiring it was to see the result of a family diligently working together in one accord. They discipled all who were present as they took the initiative to build up the foundation of our Christian nation, the United States of America.

4 Comments » | posted in Family News, HIS-story

That’s right! 5 prominent members of the Wilkes Team and extended family entered a brand new year all within just 5 days of each other – Grandma, Aunt Summer, Joshua, Sarah, & Kenan. This makes for a memorable week every year, and 2008 was no different!

The creativity which abounds during this week is remarkable and makes each one feel extra special. Several nuances were experienced this year for the first time including hearing Happy Birthday played on the saw by Mr. Van Essan, having an international celebration as the Van Essans had come all the way from Canada, and hearing well shall we say a very memorable Culpeper style Happy Birthday tune complete with saw players, water filled glass tappers, ice cube tray players, and all other sorts of interesting noise makers.

All 5 birthday people came together Sunday afternoon following the birthday week for a big celebration. Cakes of all shapes and sizes were decorated with numerous candles, balloons, and the names of the fabulous five!

5 new years have begun! God has a providential plan for each one. We look forward to seeing how He will work in the lives of each birthday quintet member!

6 Comments » | posted in Family News

I serve a living Savior He’s in the world today.

I know that He is living no matter what men say.

I see His hand of mercy I hear His voice of cheer,

and just the time I need Him, He’s always near!

                                            Alfred Ackley (1887-1960)

…the two cars began the ascent up South Africa’s most dangerous interstate. This steeply graded 3 lane highway had been the scene of so many car accidents over the years that it was listed in the Guinness book of records. Large trucks continually lost control and tumbled over the dangerous precipice injuring themselves and other vehicles. Without warning, the  lead car of this small missionary caravan puttered to a sudden stop. Skilled in auto mechanics, the missionary performed a quick recon of the engine but could find no problem. Puzzling as it was there was no sign of reviving the car. His son in the car behind returned to town for a tow truck. Before long a tow truck arrived at the scene and they proceeded with hooking up the dead car. The missionary decided to give the car one more crank of the ignition. Wonder and amazement came upon the group as the car roared to life. How strange!

About that time, the missionary’s son came running up and pointed up the steep mountain before them. Near the top there was a scene of an awful accident.  A large trucker laden with a load of heavy cargo had tipped over sending its cargo sprawling across the road. A closer look revealed a small Mercedes vehicle flattened mercilessly underneath. His son exclaimed that the Mercedes had been close behind them just before the vehicle unexpectedly died. The sudden realization came upon them all that their car would of been underneath the trailer if it had not been for the break down. Later, the missionary had his car inspected by a local mechanic for potential problems. They could find none. All was as it should be. With joy and thanksgiving they recognized that the hand of the Lord had been present in their midst.

We were recently blessed to have the missionary mentioned above and his wonderful family stay overnight at our home. The Van Essens have served the Lord for many years on mission fields throughout the world. During our all too short visit with them, they shared many testimonies of how the hand of the Lord had faithfully guided and protected their family.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we serve a living Savior who has a personal relationship with each of His chosen! "What a fellowship! What joy divine!" Yet how often, while living in the corners of the world we were called unto, do we overlook His hand of mercy? By no accident were the Colossian believers exhorted to "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving (Col. 4:2)." If we are not looking for the hand of God, we may miss a powerful demonstration of His mercy.

Our time with the Van Essens was a powerful reminder to us that God is constantly at work on our behalf. The seeming obstacles, unpredicted problems, and encounters made throughout our days were divinely appointed by the Lord. His hand is not slack. The question now is, what will our response be?

4 Comments » | posted in Family News, Ministry Reports