12Aug 09
The Godly Family – There is Hope
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Throughout the darkest moments of history, God has faithfully preserved a remnant. A remnant who have not bowed their knee to Baal (1Kings 19:18) – the god of this world. The pressure to conform is intense (Rom. 12:2) and many have turned aside (1Tim. 1:19-20). In our present world, where do we find some of the most concerted attacks directed? Against the Godly family. With such intense pressure, we see families crumbling all around. Losing sight of the vision, they are conforming to the standard of the world only to be pulled apart, watered down, and drained of the power that comes from unity. But there is hope.
When an imperfect and struggling family recognizes their need and turns to the all sufficient Savior, a beautiful work of grace begins. There is hope. God is in the business of redeeming!
Last weekend, families from all over came together for a weekend of encouragement. The purpose of the 2009 Family Encouragement Weekend (FEW Conference) of Virginia was to encourage families to work together in harmony, to impact their local communities for Christ, and to leave a Godly legacy for the generations to come. We see many successful individuals in the world but there is a need for successful Christian families. Families living in harmony, not perfectly, but taking God at His Word.
The conference officially commenced Friday evening (following the Family Encouragement BBQ 
) with a message entitled, “The Godly Family – Why there is still Hope.” Over the next 24 hours, we sat under powerful teaching on subjects including, the Heart of Fatherhood, God’s Plan for Marriage, the Impact of Older Siblings in the Family, Lessons on Marriage Oneness, Harmony in the Family, and much more!
The highlight of the conference was three different breakout sessions where families in groups of 4-6 gathered together for prayer. As Oswald Chambers once stated, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater works; prayer is the greater work.” During this time, families were drawn closer together around Christ.
As imperfect families come together around Christ, recognizing that He alone is sufficient, the results will be powerful. Christ will be lifted up, the church strengthened, and revival sparked! Our family left the weekend encouraged and inspired to continue onward in the corner of the world he has placed us.
What a blessing to know there are others out there who are standing for Christ against this ungodly culture among who we have been called to shine as lights (Phil. 2:15).
Praise the Lord for the great things He hath done, is doing, and will be doing through families living in harmony following the Lord Jesus Christ.
For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power (1Cor. 4:20).
For more photos of this uplifting weekend, be sure to read the accounts from the Staddon Family and Hynes Family.
[...] exciting time of fellowship and fun occurred Friday afternoon before the F.E.W. Conference began as families gathered together for a barbecue. After a lively lunch of Hamburgers, hot dogs, [...]
“As imperfect families come together around Christ, recognizing that He alone is sufficient, the results will be powerful.” May this be the testimony of each family who attended!
It was a great success! Thank you Wilkes Team for your amazing hospitality, dedication, faithfulness, and sacrifice for the sake of so many others! I know families were greatly encouraged! What an army God has raised up to spread His light and joy to the hearts of others around the world!
To the logical mind it does appear strange sometimes that not every person or family would strive for that which is wholesome and true. But God does give us the power to choose. How refreshing to see God’s grace and mercy demonstrated in real life in those who believe that God’s best is best! May it continue! May God continue to show Himself strong on the behalf of those whose hearts are perfect towards Him.
Amen! We were challenged, blessed, inspired, and encouraged by our time there, sitting under the Word of God, praying, and fellowshipping with other believers of like precious faith! Thank you, Wilkes Team, for your vision to encourage families!