31May 09
Rise Up O Men of God!
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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.”
“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!
What a blessing it is to be able to call you my brother. Thank you for your devotion to the Lord and your love for your family. May God richly bless you as you become a man of might and valor for the Lord. I love you Kenan
Congratulations Kenan, I have really noticed your maturity in all that you do. I wish our family could have been there to witness your commitment to Christ. May the Lord bless you as you follow him where ever he might lead.
Congratulations Kenan! Praise the Lord for another man to stand in the gap!! May the Lord bless you as you continue to grow in Christ and accomplishing much for the Kingdom of God.
Thankyou Kenan for your manly steps into new levels of maturity – May God richly bless you as you continue in the realm of manhood.
I was blessed in particular by the powerful words of wisdom that were shared with you Kenan the night of your manhood ceremony. The above tid bits are only a small snippet of the understanding that was conveyed from years of following the Lord. May the Lord grant you the ability to learn and apply such timely truths! I appreciate the decision you have made to become a Man!
That was wonderful to see.
Welcome to the role of godly manhood Kenan!
Congratulations, Kenan! It is so encouraging to see another young man seeking to honor the Lord with his life. May God bless you as you continue to follow Him!
What a wonderful time! God will bless you Kenan as you follow the advice given to you. No enemy is any match for the One you have chosen to serve. Be strong brother! There is much work ahead!
[...] rejoice over the mighty generation of Godly men God is raising up – a generation who is being equipped to stand in the gap. Kenan and I left the weekend greatly [...]