The Wilkes Team

Over the past week our family got together with the Hynes, Potters, Staddons, Butlers and a couple other nearby families to have Bible Clubs!

Friday and Saturday were days of training. I liked learning how to tell the wordless book to other children.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we went to four different places and taught the children about God. I remember the  Mephibosheth story that Samuel Potter told. It really got the children’s attention when he was running and running and suddenly tripped and fell down to  act out his story!

It was neat to see children being asked, "What did you do today?" and to hear them say with so much joy that they had accepted Christ. Once I heard two boys talking. One said, "Have you got your heart cleansed?" and  the other boy answered, "I already did yesterday."

I’m so happy to be part of a family that is telling others how to be saved from their sin.

It was a great week!

7 Comments » | posted in Family News, Ministry Reports

God ,who created the world we live in, also made a wonderful place called heaven where the streets are paved with gold. God loves each and every person in the world (John 3:16). He desires everyone to spend eternity with Him in heaven, but God is holy. He is perfect. And there is one thing that can never be in heaven, and that is sin….. (excerpt from the Gold Page in the Wordless Book)

Operation Eternal Impact VA began. For over 18 hours in a two day period, the attendees were equipped with essential tools for outreach. Each person was instructed in how to use the Wordless Book for sharing the Gospel. This powerful method beautifully explains the story of salvation through 5 colored pages: Gold, Dark, Red, Clean, & Green pages.

This method became the foundation for learning how to effectively teach Bible verses, Bible Stories, songs, and more. In almost every Bible story, there is a problem, a manifestation of  love, and a solution to the problem.

The Problem: Whether this problem is a physical one (Blind Bartimaeus, Daniel facing hungry lions, etc) or spiritual one (Saul killing Christians, the lying of Ananias & Sapphira), the problem is a link through  which you teach the problem all mankind has – SIN!

Love: Whether a character in the story is demonstrating love (ie. David showing kindness to Mephibosheth) or the love is demonstrated directly by God (Jesus comes over to Blind Bartimaeus, God providing manna in the wilderness), it is at this point in the story that we describe who God is, that He made us, and that He loves us very much (John 3:16).

The Solution:  When the problem is solved (Bartimaeus receives his sight, Daniel is rescued from the lions, etc), the teacher has a powerful opportunity to describe how Christ provided a solution to our problem (Sin) through His death, burial, & resurrection. 

As part of the training, each student was required to prepare and present the Wordless Book, a Scripture Memory Verse, and an Evangelistic Bible Lesson.

How exciting it was to see and hear everyone prepare – the desire to learn was evident in all. Though we were together all day on Saturday, enthusiasm was maintained all the way up to 9:00/9:30 Saturday evening. The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge (Prov. 18:15).

"…The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few (Matt. 9:37b)." We rejoiced over the labourers God provided and knew God would manifest the harvest in His timing. Our goal was to have 4 club locations the following week so that immediate application could be made.

4 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports

And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the LORD shall guide thee continually…… And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places….. Isaiah 58:10-12

Last Friday, starting at 2pm, our family teamed up with the Staddons to lead Operation Eternal Impact (OEI) Virginia. The vision of the outreach was to train families to reach families in their local communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

From 2pm to 9pm Friday and 10am to 9pm Saturday, close to 20 enthusiastic and teachable young people attended over 18 hours of training. The goal was to equip representatives from families who have a desire to impact their local communities for Christ. The Lord has gifted each member of every family uniquely. Some will be the behind the scenes workers, others prayer warriors, and for some they will be the ones teaching and leading the Bible Club – each part is essential.

There are many successful individuals in both the secular and Christian world, but what is lacking are Godly, successful families – families who are willing to work together in harmony  under the Lordship of Christ to impact the world around them. What an encouragement it was to see families with this vision attend the training.

Christ was sufficient as all final details were handled. 2pm Friday afternoon rolled around. OEI VA would now begin….

2 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports

Indecision grappled with the colony leaders. Fear gripped the heart of the American colonist. Confusion spread everywhere. The long tentacles of British Tyranny were stretching across the Atlantic striving to envelope and smother every vestige of cherished American liberties.

What was to be done? Appeals had been lifted up only to be ignored. Remonstrance made only to be bashed and scorned. To the Colonists dismay, their actions quickly became rebellious, contrary, and in need of punishment. Military forces, with all of its evils, arrived on American shores; Not as it had been in other times for their protection, but rather, to subject and control them. How were they to react? Peaceably and weakly relinquish their inalienable rights and God given liberties? Or, rise and fight against the greatest military force and wealthiest nation on earth? Before these issues, men of high repute, and unquestionable character waffled and became irresolute. Maybe take the path of least resistance? Maybe just submit to their tyrannical King? Why choose a path of difficulty and suffering?

At one point in history, related in the Book of Ezekiel, God looked for a man to stand in the gap and could find none. At another point in history, the year 1776, this couldn’t be said. With praise and adulation to our sovereign God, we humbly thank him for preparing individuals so that when the gap desperately needed filling and courage was needed – someone was there. Someone with resoluteness and bravery to see into the future, understand the past, and be decisive in the present. This man was Patrick Henry.

At this time, the Leaders of Virginia, residing in the House of Burgesses, were discussing how best to appease their great Monarch. When to their surprise, one of the newest members rose and proceeded to explain his ideas on the issue and submitted resolves to be voted upon. As they looked at his resolves they realized the content was nothing short of treason; what could have gotten into this man? Finally in a need to explain himself, Henry arose, beginning quietly but assuredly, and then breaking into a torrent of feelings and emotions.

He presented his reasons for why it was necessary to separate from the mother country. It’s time to become independent, what better time to revolt is there then now? Will the future make us stronger? No, only weaker! Now is the time to act, already the chains of slavery are clinking on the ocean traversing ships. Future produces dark and gloomy pictures with no ray of hope. Then he declared, with head held high, hands lifted toward heaven, and a gleam in his eye which seemed to pierce through his audience to their very souls;

“…Is life so dear or peace so sweet to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it almighty God. I know not what course others may take but as for me give me Liberty of Give me Death!

The American Revolution was sparked right then and there. The spark quickly grew into a flame and raced across colonies and through General Assemblies. Not many months later the Declaration of independence was signed by the president of the 1st Continental Congress, John Hancock, and sent to Great Britain and the nations of the world. It’s contents clearly stated absolute separation from their Mother country and that they were assuming* among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Natures and natures God entitles them.

What a privilege we hold in our American Heritage? Oh how glorious it is to truly enjoy the blessing of liberty and life. Oh how much was given so we could enjoy! Let us not forget but guard and protect. It is our duty as Christian Patriots.

*Excerpts taken from the Declaration of Independence

2 Comments » | posted in Book Reports, HIS-story

The Honey Brook News wishes to issue the following Special Report featuring the Honey Brook Publication Department.

From time to time throughout the year, the services of our in house, "Honey Brook Publications Dept" are called upon. The precise process from the original ‘idea’ to final ‘production’ is a rather simple series of steps but one worthy of explanation to the general public. It has thus been decided that a behind the scenes ‘tour’ would prove beneficial to our reading audience.

We find each part to be essential for the achieving of optimum results. In the absence of any one of these critical team members, the operations are hindered immensely.

Not more than a fortnight or two ago, the Honey Brook Publications Department took part in the production of a particular document that was to be mailed. As the document was completed with the usual alacrity and felicitous behavior of the members of the said department, opportunity was afforded for company photos. These photos will help to highlight the important steps of their production line.

And so without further ado, we wish to introduce you to the various and sundry participants of the Honey Brook Publications Department:

Thank you for tuning in for today’s Special Report made possible by the refreshing and scrumptious meals of our dear Mother and the provision of our wonderful Father.

There is joy & an abundance of memories in simply working together in harmony as a family and as a team!

12 Comments » | posted in Sunny-Side Up

O beautiful for spacious skies for ambered waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain!

America! America! God shed His grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.

How often we take for granted the spacious skies, the purple mountain majesties, and the fruited plains which we enjoy here in the United States. It is but by the grace of God shed upon our country and His undeserving mercy that has allowed  us the privilege of experiencing peace and liberty from sea to shining sea these last 233 years. What a blessing from the hand of Providence it is to live in this Great Country.

On Independence Day we call to remembrance those who gave their lives for our inalienable, God given rights as described in our Nation’s Declaration of Independence. It is to be a day of celebration and contemplation.

Our family had the joy of celebrating July 4th with each other. The day started out bright and early as we made our way to the farm for some exhilarating work all together. Planting, weeding, mowing, mulching, & enjoying the blessings of family relationships or as was said in the Declaration of Independence, the blessings of liberty secured to ourselves and our posterity.

After a morning and early afternoon of good hard work, we headed home for an evening of family fun! Whether baking in the kitchen, shucking corn outside, grilling the hot dogs & hamburgers, or preparing something to share about Independence Day, joy abounded and memories were made.

A meaningful part of the day was gathering together for the delicious meal which almost everyone helped contribute to under Mom’s guidance. While eating, different ones shared of the importance behind this day. We were exhorted by the writings of William Bradford & the Mayflower Compact as these were fundamental to the birth of our nation. We heard a biography on Clayton Braxton, one of 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Also read was a powerful summary of the Declaration of Independence from the Heritage Foundation.

The day ended with the watching of an amazing recorded re-enactmen
t of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. We went to bed that night inspired, recognizing the amazing miracle God wrought in the formation of the United States of America.

4 Comments » | posted in Family News, On the Issues

America’s true history has been hidden from the majority of United States Citizens.

Why?

Because the United States of America was based on the Bible, Christian principles, and absolute standards of right and wrong. Our Country believed in liberty – Which means freedom to do not what we want but to do what we aught.

Now a days when people use the words liberty and freedom they are saying ” Everything goes!” “There is no right and wrong.” “You can’t tell me what to do!” This kind of mind set is ruining the lives of the individuals of America!

We must go back to our foundation. We must be re-encouraged to take God at His word and do what He says. 2Chronicles 7:14 says,  “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

We as a country are in perilous times. Man is doing that which is right in his own eyes, mocking God, and choosing to do those things which are not natural.

May the state of our Country not discourage you but encourage you to make a difference. One way to do this is to learn your past. Learn where we as a country have come from and make steps in your own personal life to return to Christ and his ways. Lets make Christ the center of our hearts, homes and lives.

To encourage us in this way of thinking. Lets take a look at a great man of the past who has been forgot in the history books, and forgotten in our conversations. Yet he had the greatest — certainly not the sole, but the greatest contribution to the sources of American liberty, government, economics, education. Do you have any idea who this man is?

Here is the quiz:

                                  Who is this man?

• He was a humble Reformer.
• He was a great expositor of the Scriptures. He loved expounding on the teaching of Jesus Christ.
• He was a man that took God at his word.
• He was said to have played a pivotal role in the founding of America and in the birth of the republican form of government.
• German historian von Ranke said: ” He was the virtual founder of America”
• French historian Taine said: ” This man and his following are the true heroes of England…. they founded Scotland: they founded the United States”

Any ideas?…….

• D’Augibne, another French scholar and historian, said, “He was the founder of the greatest of republics.”
• One of America’s greatest historians ever, George Bancroft called this man “The father of America” He also said “He who will not honor the memory and respect the influence of this man knows but little of the origin of American liberty.”
• Every republican government that exists in the world was produced by the influence of this man!

Who is this? Take a guess!!

Then check back later for the answer!

Sadly it was not till recently I came to truly understand the impact this man had on our country. What an incredible man of God. He truly is one to learn from, read about, and follow as he followed Christ.

I have been reading an incredible book call “What if Jesus had never been born” By D. James Kennedy.

It goes through and talks about the impact Christ had on the lives of people. It talked about the devastation people, cities, countries, nations went through and are going through because they did not let Christ be a reality in their lives.

This man in the above quiz let Christ become a reality in his life and because of that he left an impact not on just those in his generation but for generations and generations come!

God wants to use you and I to leave a multi-generational impact too. But we must be willing to stand for the truth, take God at his word, and live lives wholly committed to Jesus Christ.

12 Comments » | posted in Book Reports, HIS-story