The Wilkes Team

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory (1Cor. 15:54).

This past week our family attended the funeral for the Grandfather of some dear friends. Driving to the funeral home on that cool, drizzly morning, Dad guided our focus to the impact a funeral should have upon us who remain. While we sorrow over the loss of a dear one, there ought also to be a joy. A joy because this dear brother in Christ stands now before the presence of our Risen Savior (2Cor. 5:8).

One day in the not too distant future each of us will close our eyes one final time. The last breath will be drawn, the heart will cease beating once and for all, and we who have come to the Father through Christ (Jn 14:6) "shall be ever be with the Lord (1Thes.4:17b)."

Funerals should put us in mind to live each day as if it is our last, Awaiting the return of Christ (Luke 24:49). Furthermore, they help us realize how encumbered we often become with circumstances that matter little in light of eternity. Those little annoyances we encounter, trials we face, and sorrows we feel, shall all vanish when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, this mortal on immortality, and death is swallowed up in glorious victory. Praise His Name!

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Ps.116:15

One question Dad asked us on our way to the funeral that morning was what hymn we would want sung/played at our funeral one day. What would you choose?

6 Comments » | posted in Family News

  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Matthew 18:20

What a blessing it is when God’s people can come together and worship the Lord in spirit and truth.

We all are in need of being encouraged and motivated to be true disciples of Christ. That is why we need the body of Christ. There is protection and guidance through us being open and honest with one another. Sharing our struggles and confessing our sins is not always easy but it is mandatory, in order for us to keep pure & usable for the Lord.

This last Sunday we had the joy of churching out at a park in West Virginia! What a wonderful time it was. We as a family came away mightily encouraged and motivated to seek God’s Kingdom and to go out and make disciples.

Matthew 28:19-20 comes to mind as a wonderful summary of Sunday. 

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

The messages and conversations that day were based around the theme of remembering the promises of God and then stepping out in faith to follow the prompting of the Lord.  

May this be our desire – “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny (forget) himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow (accompany) me.” Luke 9:23

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33  

7 Comments » | posted in Family News, Ministry Reports

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease (Genesis 8:22).

When was the last time you stopped to consider the wonder and beauties of each season? (Ps 104:19  He appointed the moon for seasons:). They cease not but come annually, bringing new life and beauties both intricate and yet diverse unto the glorification of our masterful Creator.

The Spring of 2009 has been no different.

The beginning of Spring work has also commenced. From grafting new apple trees to starting a new bee hive, finding ways to get dirty like pushing an unsuspecting friend’s vehicle out of the soft Spring mud , and working in the garden, we are certainly experiencing the joys of the season.

And yet, the Spring season bears a deeper meaning. A meaning of life which goes beyond the physical. For it is at this time of year, as the bareness of winter is buried in the budding of flowers & new leaves, that we remember the Resurrection of our dear Lord & Savior Jesus Christ and the life which He so freely offers.

With the onset of Spring, we have rejoiced to see new growth in the lives of several children attending our local CEF Bible Club. Desires to overcome sin, resist temptation, and to share Jesus with lost souls are growing in the hearts of these boys & girls. May we join in prayer for their tender hearts that the scorching heat of trials & temptations not overcome.

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit (Jer. 17:7-8)

3 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports, Outdoor Adventures

Earlier this month we had a huge snow storm!! At least for our area.   Totaling 8in.! It was such a surprise.  I don’t think there is one in the Wilkes team household that does not like snow.

We did something this snow storm that we have talked about and wanted to do for sometime. Which was, going around and offering our services to our neighborhood by helping them shovel their driveways. We thought what a great way to bless others and have an opportunity to work together as a team. As well as bring in some funds for the family.

The goal was not to make a ton of money but to bless others and get to know our neighbors.

Everyone was so excited!!! We quickly got dressed into our snow gear and headed out, not to play in the snow but to work in it.

  Josh and Mark Christopher were the drivers they dropped us off at different points and helped us by going and knocking on doors to find us more jobs. Matthew, Jenny, Adam, and Hannah were one team, and Daniel, Sarah, and Kenan were the other team.

The people were so blessed! One couple even offered Daniel, Sarah, and Kenan some hot chocolate and told them to come back the next time it snows! 

Another young Mom was so grateful for the help. She had just had a baby and need to go to the doctors that day and was not sure how she was going to get out.

An older gentleman was very appreciative for us coming. He told us that he was a chemo patient and could not go out and do it!

Meeting needs and blessing those around you brings such joy! Having an others focus takes work but the blessings that come from it is so fulfilling.

Once your work is done then comes play! So later that evening we all went out for a great time of sledding and ended the day feeling like we accomplished a lot and grew closer to one another in the process! Praise the Lord!!!

9 Comments » | posted in Family News

Love can be spelled, ‘T I M E.’ Have you ever noticed how so much of what the world has to offer in the form of ‘good things,’ often has the following two results:

1. Takes up much time.

2. Wedges into family togetherness.

Schedules seem to vicariously fill up with many ‘good’ things at the cost of what is excellent and often the cost of family.

One couple in our lives who have set an example of investing into the lives of others, is Uncle Bill & Aunt Ruth. They recognize the importance of family and eagerly take time to be with us. In many ways, on Mom’s side of the family, Uncle Bill has become a Patriarch (Acts 2:29, Heb. 7:4) – a family leader. He constantly looks for opportunities to invest into the future of those around him. Whether this is with material goods or a word in due season. He has the heart of a disciple maker and is one indeed to follow as he follows Christ (1Cor. 11:1).

We were overjoyed to once again have the opportunity to be with them for a whole day. From feeding the geese to making Egg sandwiches, & watching model trains go whizzing around with Uncle Bill or playing the piano for and cooking dinner with Aunt Ruth, the meaningful  conversations, giggles, and smiles created memories that will be remembered for years to come.

Days like these put into perspective the impact any one of us can have through taking the time to simply enjoy each other. Accomplishments, talents, and knowledge are important and shouldn’t be neglected; however, never underestimate the powerful influence we can have by reading a book to a sibling, taking them on a quick bike ride, playing a game, stopping to talk, making a special meal together, or helping with a chore. Will our life be characterized by love or our accomplishments? The choice is one to be made today.

"…use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, by love serve one another (Gal. 5:13)."

5 Comments » | posted in Family News