The Wilkes Team

How precious indeed are little children: their joy, their innocence, their trust, and their openness. And how imperative indeed it is that the Truth be imparted to them at an early age. It is of no wonder, that Christ had such a heart for children (Matt. 19:14; Luke 18:16).

It is with great joy that I report of the Lord’s goodness in allowing our family the opportunity to work with the Children’s Institute in Nashville during this year’s ATI conference. Close to 170 children (ages 3-7) attended 2 1/2 days of powerful stories, object lessons, crafts, activities, Scripture memory, and songs. The foundational goal of the Children’s Institute is to “…turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers… (Ma. 4:6).”

We were privileged to work along side thirty-two other young people (ages of 14 and 21). Before the CI began, the opportunity was given for each of us to make a decision to be holy committed (clear conscience) and wholly committed to pleasing Christ. During teacher training, precious time was allotted for the searching of our hearts and to fully dedicate ourselves to the Lord’s work.

Wednesday morning at 8:30am, the children began to pour in. Full of energy and joy, both the children and teachers embarked on an exciting journey.

Over the course of the week, the children memorized 1John 4:4-8 (our theme passage for the week). During large group time, they learned the importance of building their lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ by making the decision to things “God’s Way” vs. “My Way.”

We were reminded of the importance of complete obedience, telling the whole truth, and maintaining a clean conscience through the powerful story of the ‘Farmer’s Son.’ We were also encouraged to be grateful for the unique ways God has made each one of us as we saw in the lesson of the camel. And no large group was complete without singing one of the memorable CI songs.

During small group time, the teachers taught the children, among many things,  the importance of taking every though captive, of forsaking all to follow Christ, of putting on the armor of God, recognizing their need for prayer, and discovering ways to be grateful.

While the children received much info over the 2 1/2 days we were together, it is our prayer that the children were awakened even more to just how much Jesus loves them and the joy that comes through having a close relationship with both Jesus and their parents. How wonderful it was to hear that during the CI, a little boy saw his need for a Savior and wanted Jesus to save him. We had the joy of explaining this to his Mother so she would be able to lead him to Christ.

It was an inspiration for us to work with such a dynamic team of teachers: those with a vision of impacting young people: the next generation. The thought came to mind, that these 170 children may very well be the ones whom God will use  to stand in t
he gap. We know not the future impact a word spoken in due season may have upon the life of a child. May God embolden us to speak Truth and vision into the lives of our siblings & the other precious little ones He brings across our paths.

8 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports

After a weekend of inspiration and motivation at the Neely Team’s house, the Wilkes Team Club Wagon hit the road again. This time with direct route to Nashville.

Over 2500 people were converging on the city for a week of exhortation and strengthening of the family vision. We were in great expectation. For when God’s people, amidst great imperfection, come together for the purpose of growing closer to Christ and strengthening relationships one with another, great things will transpire. The Nashville 2009 conference was no different.

A powerful arsenal of messages surrounding the theme of "Running to Win" awaited each family. Topics ranging from the family to father leadership, moral purity, roles of a successful person, the rewards of spiritual disciplines, and more were addressed.

Pastor Tom Harmon expounded on the importance of listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. The tendency is to lean upon our own understanding and assume God will work in a particular way. But He didn’t bring about victory for the Israelites the same way every time. God desired Israel to keep turning to Him, submitting to His will, and so receive great glory. The same is true in our own lives.

Dr. Karl Coke beautifully illustrated the concept of consequences. In every decision of life, there is a consequence. God never gave a command without a consequence. Satan seeks to deceive us through the lie that there are no consequences to doing evil. Whether we are aware of it or not, the reason we  sin is because we justify  that the consequences either don’t exist or are too small to warrant concern.

Multiple opportunities arose to sharpen iron with the body of Christ. How encouraging it was to converse with fellow runners in the race. Contestants who are ‘Running to Win.’ People all around are giving up. This cannot be an option.

The track will increase in difficulty but with the Bible & the Holy Spirit to direct us, fellow runners to exhort and encourage, and the hope that one day we will cross the finish line, hearing the words, "Well done thou good and faithful servant," let us continue onward. Let us ‘Run to Win.’

3 Comments » | posted in Family News

The van was washed, all luggage packed, final directions were readied, a note for the neighbors written, when at last, with much anticipation, the Wilkes Team Club Wagon departed the home front for the beginning of a journey. What unexpected blessings lay ahead? Only time would tell. Our destination: a home school conference in Nashville, TN.

Our first stop was in North Carolina at the Sheridan Hills Bed & Breakfast , also home to our dear friends the Neelys.

We are always so blessed when we have the opportunity to be around Godly families. Those living their lives in such a way that others are drawn to Christ and God is glorified. Being with the Neely Team was so refreshing, inspiring, encouraging, and plain wonderful!

Mr. Neely set up a challenge for us all on Saturday. The challenge was to make two scarecrows. One for the Neely Team garden and one as a gift to the next door neighbor!

We broke up into two teams and headed to the local thrift store. Mr. Neely gave each team six dollars and the assignment to come up with all the articles of clothing necessary to outfit our "man".

Off we went!!

What a sight – seeing 20+ people scurrying around a thrift store buying blue jeans, plaid shirts, vests, belts and so on… There was some mighty good wheeling and dealing at the cashiers desk in order to get everything under six dollars. Some were more successful than others. But we sure had a lot of fun!

Once the bargaining was completed, we headed back to begin construction. It was an afternoon not to be forgotten. Hay was flying here, yarn flying there, and giggles almost everywhere as little by little Wild Bill Hickock, Peter Dutch, & Little Bob took formation.

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At last, 3 marvelous looking scarecrows were completed. They were well positioned in both the Neely’s and their neighbor’s gardens. Now only time will tell whether or not they do their job like they should . Good work everyone!

So much more could be said of our time together. From the wonderful meals to the fellowship around the table. To singing in the living room, and playing all sorts of active games outside, we came away very blessed!

The Neelys were a powerful reminder of the impact a family can have who takes joy in working together using the talents and resources God has blessed each one with. They have made the joyous decision to bloom where God has planted them – God is wondrously taking care of the rest.

Thank you Neely team!

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).

Memories from the weekend….

7 Comments » | posted in Family News

Listen to the waves of the ocean,

Crashing with the rhythms of praise;

Listen to their song of devotion,

Dancing with the sun’s golden rays.

Behold, God is great, and we know him not, neither can the number of his years be searched out. For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof: Which the clouds do drop and distil upon man abundantly (Job 36:26-28).

Have you ever considered the intricacies, significance, and power of water? Consider…….

• There are about 326 million cubic miles of water on the earth (approx. 1 trillion gallons per cubic mile).
• About 3% of the earth’s water is fresh.
• If the power from just one drop of water could be fully used, it could lift 200 million tons 1 mile above the earth – wow!
• On average, a person takes in about 16,000 gallons of water during his lifetime.
• On the average, each person in the U.S. uses about 70 gallons of water per day.
• Every glass of water you drink contains molecules of water used countless times before.
• It takes approx. 115 gallons of water to grow enough wheat to bake a loaf of bread. 
• An abundance of microscopic organisms can be found in just one drop of water.

This evening we experienced some of the power water can exert. A torrential rain storm descended upon our area complete with flashing lightning, cracks of thunder, and heavy rain fall. A quick peek through the front window revealed that the front gutter over the porch had reached max capacity. Water was billowing over the long stretch of the gutter, splattering on the porch below, washing away mulch and dirt.

‘Ready to serve Daniel’ saw the need and within moments was dressed in rain gear. Four more eager assistants quickly loaded up on coats, rain pants, rubber boots, & other helpful paraphernalia. Within minutes five soon to be wet gutter repair men were scrambling all around the front porch – tapping here, pulling there, and getting wet almost everywhere . There was a clog – a mighty big clog in the gutter and water was spraying out in at least 5 different ways.

Through much deliberation, concentration, and subsequent determination, a reassuring ‘whoosh’ was heard from within the confines of the gutter. Only seconds later, the spraying water ceased as a large clog of maple seeds, decomposed roofing composite, and misc dirt & grime emitted from down below – the problem was solved. Water began rushing through the gutters as intended. Upon conducting a quick reconnaissance mission around the house in search of further potential and actual problems, five wet but jolly young men headed inside. Therein awaited a thrilling story from Dad regarding an opportunity he had to share the Living Water with a thirsty soul earlier today.

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life (John 4:14).

5 Comments » | posted in Family News, Outdoor Adventures