The Wilkes Team

Prominently situated betwixt the might James and York Rivers in southern VA lays a living historical monument to the founding of our United States some 233+ years ago. During the early 1900s, a growing Virginia population was threatening to put this once bustling town into extinction. However, one local pastor took the initiative and helped birth a vision for what has become an interactive learning center of American History – Colonial Williamsburg.

Have you ever wanted to meet Patrick Henry, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, or perhaps Peyton Randolph, a British Red Coat, or a 1700 era slave?

What would it be like in a mid 18th century blacksmith, silversmith, gunsmith, shoe peddler, apothecary, printing, or even a colonial coffee shop?

How did American families live in the mid to late 1700s? What would their children be involved with? How did their furniture, clothing, eating, and free time activities differ form or emulate those of today? How did they decorate for Christmas?

Colonial Williamsburg brings history to life through remarkable re-enactments of both historical and daily events which would have taken place around 1775.

On a recent visit to Williamsburg, we participated in such events, including a mock trial. We entered the town courthouse  wherein three cases involving a number of spoiled hog heads of tobacco, a complaint against spoiled meat in the market place, and the legalities of marriage were brought before the panel of justices (in Colonial America, a justice had to be a white, protestant,  land owning, male). It was noted by several of us, the clear Biblical principles used by the actor playing the chief justice as he explained both the responsibilities of men and women in marriage and the purpose of marriage being to raise children.

With so much to see during our day long visit, we only covered a small portion. Stops included the Governor’s Palace, Courthouse, Blacksmith, Printing Press, and town Gaol (jail).

The day was extra memorable as we were able to spend it with dear friends. Each one of us left Williamsburg encouraged as was later testified of during our return trip home.

We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: (Ps. 78:3-7)

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Awaking to the wonderful sight of snow outside on Christmas morning is truly a first in quite a while. As sleepy eyes slowly opened this morning, greetings of ‘Merry Christmas’ echoed throughout the halls and rooms. One by one each person made their way down to the warm Family Room (thank you Daniel for stoking the fire earlier this morning) for morning devotions.

Dad had prepared a special Christmas devotion. We turned to the book of Matthew and some were probably a bit surprised that we read just the first 17 verses of Matthew where is recorded the genealogies of Jesus Christ – nothing more. And yet, as Dad went on to share, the message of Christmas is beautifully proclaimed from these verses.

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham…And Salmon begat Boaz of Rachab; and Boaz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;  And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;  – Matthew 1:1,5-6

Abraham, amidst great failure in that he feared, lied, and committed immorality, turned to and believe God and it was counted to him for righteousness (Gal. 3:6). Ruth left behind her country, her people, and her ways, to follow a discouraged and bitter mother-in-law, why? Out of faith in, not Naomi, but the God of Naomi. David was a man who shed innocent blood and committed adultery and yet he is known as a man after God’s own heart. Why? Not because of his righteousness, but because he turned to and believed God.

Rather than leaning upon their own understandings, all three chose to trust in the Sovereign God. They believed the Messiah would one day come. Lo and behold, they stand in the direct lineage of Christ. The message of Christmas, is the same message given to Mary, to Joseph, and to the Shepherds, the message of, “Fear Not.”

Let not your sin pull you down. Rather turn to the one who shed His blood for the sins of all mankind. Christ is come today. Fear not what may come rather fear and honor the King of Kings who was born in a stable in Bethlehem.

Devotions came to a close with a special time of prayer for our extended and church family. We left the family room thrilled over the message God had given in 17 verses of genealogies.

Merry Christmas dear ones both near and far. Fear not, Christ has come today – turn to Him, there is no other way.

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A family dream became a reality Tuesday evening. Since moving into our home some 20 years ago, it has been a desire of both Dad and Mom to have our neighbors over. But for the longest of time, circumstances never seemed to allow.

Every person goes through roughly four seasons of life, each lasting roughly 20-25 years. The first season is one of preparation and training (0-25). The next season, known as ‘Business and Babies,’ entails the raising of a family and establishing of a business career. Following this season, is a period of hospitality. The last season (60-80+) is the season of eldership wherein the wisdom and understanding God has entrusted are used to lead and influence the local community.

Dad and Mom are definitely in the season of Hospitality. Their love for the body of Christ, extended family, and the world around them is of great encouragement. Closely accompanying their hospitable love for others, Dad and Mom have a passion to make Christ known.

And so it was during one family planning session that the decision was made to invite our neighbors over for a Christmas Dinner. Little did we know what God had in store. Six of the families indicated they would be able to attend and so the joyous preparations began!

How grateful we were to be able to adopt one of the young ladies from church for a couple days prior to the event. Sarah’s enthusiasm and diligence was greatly appreciated!

6:30 Tuesday evening, December 23rd, rolled around at just the perfect time. Candles were lit, coffee was brewing, tasty aromas were in the air, and joy was abounding in our hearts. One by one the families arrived unto what became a memorable evening of warm fellowship and relationship building. The Lord opened the door for Dad to briefly share the gospel and it was well received. We enjoyed singing carols all together and listening to some special music amidst all the laughter and conversation.

The Lord was glorified and Christ proclaimed that evening as Dad and Mom stepped out by faith to be a blessing not knowing the results but out of a desire to share the love of Jesus. Thank you Dad and Mom for your example!

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Excitement was high in our home Saturday morning as our  family awoke to heavily falling snow and over 7 accumulated inches. During the morning hours, we watched in awe as snow fell at the rate of 2 inches per hour making for the largest snowstorm on record in Virginia for the month of December since recording began in 1870. But while bitter cold temperatures awaited outside, warmth and joy abounded inside.

Snowstorms seem to be the perfect time for a pancake breakfast and this one was no different! Plans for the day had changed but the wonderful thing was that we were all together. The comment was made that it felt like we were on vacation.

And the vacation continued as concerted and willing effort was put into preparing Christmas gifts, compiling Dad’s calendars, and working on the Christmas gift baskets. Much was accomplished prior to going out into the snow later Saturday evening. Over 20 inches of snow had blanketed our yard and vehicles making for a thrilling whole family snow shoveling experience.

Though many roads were still covered by snow, several families ventured out and made it to church the next day. We had a memorable day of worship and fellowship, ending with a time of Christmas caroling.

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My thoughts were elsewhere as I headed to the garage door. Unsuspectingly I walked through the kitchen, then the laundry room, all the while hearing a soft roar. I turned the knob of the door to enter the garage, pulled on it, and then whaaammm….. my ears drums were plummeted with sound waves of incredible dimensions; sound waves emitting from the roaring of a table saw.  The noise actually hurt and I slammed the door shut. Once again only hearing the soft roar.

Right now, at 8:21 PM, Mon. evening, I’m hearing my wonderful sister Sarah playing the piano, just like the table saw it is a noise. Gratefully the comparison ends there because this noise is harmonious.

In Psalms 100, the psalmist talks about the important subject of noise. He declares: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands…” (Psalms 100:1) This is not a suggestion but rather a specific command. The command is for the land, which includes all that lives on the land, to make a noise unto the Lord. Of course this is also the human race and even those who are the chosen of God.

Making a joyful noise is actually what part of our church family participated in last Sunday evening. Though there was snow 21in. deep covering the landscape and temperatures  below 35 degrees, we went Christmas caroling. In years past when we have caroled, our caroling, though joyful, might easily compare to a table saw’s roar. Of course not as harsh, nor even as dissonant, but definitely missing some needed harmony. This  year the noise actually carried more harmonious congruence – actually comparable to a piano. The result was an increase of joyfulness in all participants both listeners and singers.

It was so much a privilege to reach out to our neighbors in  this way. Through the noise, the joy emanating, and the harmony balancing, I believe we were able to be a blessing: showing we had prepared and cared. We also were able, through the message of the songs, to manifest the true reason for Christmas. It is not about saints, fictional characters, trees, presents, but it is all about the birth of the Messiah, the Prince of Peace – Jesus Christ.

A joyful ‘harmonious’ noise is so important. So much of this world is like the roar of a table saw. We need the counter-noise of a piano. Not the roar of entertainment, greed, lust, and selfish success,              but the exquisite sounds of humility, of heavenly peace,    of loving truth, and of the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ. 

7 Comments » | posted in Family News, Ministry Reports

Jesus is the reason for this CHRISTmas season!

How easy it is to say these words without any testimony of it being worked out in our life. How grateful we are for the ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship and their focus on communicating to others the saving message of Jesus Christ. They are reaching the lost in local communities across the United States and are thereby providing opportunities for Christians to be doers of the Word and not hearers only.

It was our distinct joy to host the Northern VA CEF committee Christmas Dinner earlier this month. This dear group of Christians gathered together for a special dinner and time of uplifting fellowship. Our lights were rekindled and joy refreshed as we drew closer to one another around the message of the Gospel.

Another joy of the evening was getting to know those who work in the Korean community. How blessed we were to hear them share about the Lord’s work in the local Korean communities, Christmas traditions in Korea, and even a couple carols in the Korean language.

Mr. Rautio, with the faithful support of his dear wife, continues to be an energy giver as he directs this great work here in Northern VA. His unceasing joy, stemming from a close relationship with Christ, has been the catalyst for many life changing works in Northern Virginia and way beyond.

Through the Christ centered ministry CEF, many people around this world will be celebrating Christmas, knowing that Jesus truly is the Reason for the Season!

Praise the Lord for His free gift of salvation.

2 Comments » | posted in Family News, Ministry Reports