The Wilkes Team

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none (Eze 22:30).

These are sobering words spoken by our Lord. Words that should place the fear of God within the heart of every man to ‘take heed lest he fall (1Cor. 10:12).’ If God should come to our land in search of one to stand in the gap, what would He find?

It is with great joy that I announce that Kenan Wilkes would be such an one. He will be a man whom God can use to stand in the gap. This month, we had the joy of hosting a manhood ceremony for Kenan. Having attained the age of manhood, the time had come for Kenan to be formally welcomed to this needful role.

Our first class team of cooks cooked up a wild game dinner complete with Venison from last year’s hunting, Salmon, Buffalo Burgers, and a Shepherd’s Pie.

A group of around 10 men graciously gave up a whole evening of their time for the purpose of witnessing Kenan’s step into manhood and to share words of inspiration and exhortation.

Tid bits from the exhortations included:

“To be useful, strength must be harnessed for God’s purposes.”

“…if you work hard and love the Lord, God will take care of the rest (Matt. 6:33).”

“…Overcome the challenges through the power we have access to by the Spirit of God.”

“A Dad’s Poem to His Son“

“Make it your business to invest large amounts of time in the lives of those around you.”

The following day (Sunday), Kenan made a decision to follow  the Lord in baptism. Baptism does not earn one’s salvation but is a means of showing the world the inner decision one has made to wholeheartedly follow Christ. Kenan shared his salvation testimony before the church. How that at a young age he recognized his sinfulness & need for salvation and so called upon the Lord for deliverance (Rom. 10:13). The Lord heard his prayer and Kenan became a child of God.

We rejoice over the great things God hath done, is doing, and will continue to do through Kenan.

Kenan, may the Lord guide you to, as did the armies of Isreal,”Be of good courage, and (to) behave (yourself) valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight (1Chron. 9:13).” Kenan, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong (1Cor. 16:13).”

Welcome to the role of Godly Manhood Kenan!

9 Comments » | posted in Family News

The Scriptures say that a diligent man will stand before kings, he will not stand before mean men (Prov. 22:29). How about a diligent family?

This past Thursday, we had the joy of working along side a diligent family. The Stelzls had come to VA for a visit. What a blessing it was to be with them. On Thursday, their family accompanied us on a day of work at our property.

So much was accomplished in such little time. Multiple holes for trees were dug, a couple hundred seeds planted, dozens of seedlings transplanted, roots were dug out of the future soccer field, and a large portion of grass surrounding the garden area mowed down. Daniel headed up the work in the vegetable garden and commented on how much was being accomplished with all the extra hands. The Stelzls brought great joy to the tasks at hand.

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. (Ec 5:19)

As everyone worked in harmony, performed with excellence, and submitted to instruction, the result was joy and true fun in our midst!

6 Comments » | posted in Family News

The final Good News Club for the 2008-2009 school took place. What an inspiring year it has been! A reminder indeed that when you step out to be a blessing, you are often blessed abundantly more.

The highlight of the final club was hearing the children respond to the question, "Do you have a testimony of how God has worked in your life this year?"

One little girl raises her hand, "I have 3 testimonies." She went on to share of seeing God at work through the death of her Grandma, encouraging a little sister to have a good attitude, and witnessing to the lost.

Another shared how much they enjoyed the story of Elisha and the double portion of power God anointed him with. For about 15 minutes, hand and after  hand was raised as young boys and girls shared how God had been at work and who their favorite Bible characters were & why.

Their testimonies serve as a reminder that God often works in small and seemingly insignificant ways. Take a moment and consider His goodness – helping you locate a lost item, giving you peace in difficult circumstances, allowing others to be drawn to the display of Christ in you, etc.

He is at work though sometimes we forget until He does a "dramatic" miracle. May we not "soon forget His wonders (Ps. 106:13)" but be ever mindful, as were these precious children, of how God is at work.

4 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports

God has blessed each and everyone of us with such precious Mothers. They do so much for us out of their love for their family.

Last Sunday we had the joy of sharing with each of our Mothers at our church just how much they meant to us. It was such a blessed time. Hearing the hearts of each individual sharing how grateful they are to their Moms was so refreshing and encouraging.

May we never take our dear Mothers for granted. What a precious gift God has given us.!

6 Comments » | posted in Family News