The Wilkes Team

“God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the give of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever….”  Thomas Jefferson -

  On two recent tours of DC over the past week, I was profoundly struck again by the overwhelming evidence of Providence upon the founding of our nation. Strolling by the monuments dedicated to those who have gone before, we heard the cries of our Nation’s securers of liberty. Men, who more than self, their country loved. Men who could see beyond the present strife because of an inner hope for In God did they Trust. Upon the dirt of Washington, D.C., their names lie engraved in marble and granite and should be forever etched upon the hearts of every American citizen.

But oh how grievous it was to walk in upon the museum of American History and therein read the modern revisionist viewpoint of history. The 21st century recollection of history is seen in light of economic gain, the civil rights movement, ancient Greek culture, and such vanities as sport and play. Barely was there 6 mentions of God throughout the massive 3 story, multiple acre building, much less the name of Providence or Jesus Christ. As George Bancroft so aptly stated, “There must be a meaning to history or else existence is an incomprehensible enigma.” This meaning described Bancroft, is a Providential viewpoint.

The museum was divested of not a few vestiges of our Judeo Christian founding. But, this blatantly evident divorcement of truth from fact served not as a means of discouragement but rather a stimulus to prayer, to remembrance, and to concerted action. The time to Stand has come – are you ready to join the ranks of the Christian Patriot? We trust not in our economy, our president, man’s approval, but in God alone!

In God We Trust! “Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof (Ps. 46:2-3).”

3 Comments » | posted in HIS-story, Photography

O, the beauty of spring flowers!

I love this time of year when the great outdoors are arrayed in such stunning colors.

Last fall I planted a whole bunch of tulips and have been waiting with great anticipation for their appearance this spring.

It never ceases to amaze me of the beauty of God’s Creation.

There are such neat analogies that can be made between God’s creation and our spiritual walks with Christ.

Can you think of an analogy that could relate to these pictures?

One that comes to mind is bloom where you are planted! You can choose to be excited about what God has you doing right now or not. Remember that He will up and move you to new “soil” if He so chooses. But until then bloom, grow, bless, and bring joy to those that God has placed around you. Peace and contentment will flood your heart and soul if this is your perspective on life.

7 Comments » | posted in Family News, Photography

For those who like to go bird watching or to attract different species of birds to their feeders, here is an idea you will enjoy!

Besides watching the birds, we also enjoy taking pictures of them as they eat and interact with each other. But there was a problem, it is hard to get real close with the birds and our cameras don’t zoom in real far. A couple weeks ago we came up with a creative idea for getting as close to the birds as possible.

We began by first pulling down the window in our bed room and from the roof line above hung a suet and regular seed feeder. Using a small plastic container, we also made a place on the window sill for bird seed. The container keeps the birdseed from flying away. A few branches were also hung off the window so the birds have another place to perch before grabbing a seed. Then off we went to Wal-Mart to grab a bag of seed. After pouring in the bird seed, we waited patiently.

One late afternoon while reading in my bed, lo and behold, a Chickadee jumped on the little feeder and took a seed just before flying off again. Soon after that, many other birds such as the Tuft Titmouse, Cardinals, Nuthatches, Junco’s, Hairy and Downy woodpeckers, Finches, and many other birds.

The neat thing about this was that it made it very easy for us to take pictures of birds. I have been able to take some really close up pictures. It sure is enjoyable to wake up in the morning and watch the many different types of birds near our window. Watching God’s creation in action each day is just amazing.

"The flowers appear on the earth the time of the singing of birds is come… (Song of Solomon 2:12)."

10 Comments » | posted in Outdoor Adventures, Photography

Following the weekend inspection of week three, two vans full of Life Focus students & leaders with all their gear exited the east entrance of ITC’s parking lot for the beginning of two incredible journeys – one to a physical destination and the other to the heart.

Our first stopping point was IBLP’s Headquarters in Chicago. We were welcomed by warm hospitality almost the moment of our arrival. Our lodgings (a spacious home at 4006 Adams St) had neatly made beds, clean towels, boxes of food, & plenty of space for our team of weary, hungry guys.

Our 36 hours in Chicago were full of dynamic preparatory training for the week that lay ahead. Lead by Dr. Gothard and his enthusiastic support team, we received timely instruction on the rewards of making personal vows, the effects of music, God’s will for our life, the blessing of being completely open with our parents, the power of one accord & how to achieve it, and so much more.

Director Ritchie did a super job keeping our entire team punctual to all meetings. Monday morning the vans were loaded up and everyone arrived at the PC by 7:45 for the daily staff meeting.

It wouldn’t be long before the Journey would continue. A quick picture following the meeting, a word of prayer with Dr. Gothard,  one more stop at our house, and Life Focus was on the road by 10am!

The hours ticked quickly by. We arrived in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan around 8pm at IBLP’s Northwoods Conference Center. Our 2nd journey, a journey to our hearts, would begin the next morning. God has great things in store!

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.  Jeremiah 29:13

4 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports, Photography

For the beauty of the earth
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from

our birth
Over and around us lies.

Refrain:

Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the beauty of each hour,
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale,

and tree and flower,
Sun and moon, and stars of light.

For For the joy of ear and eye,     
For the heart and mind’s delight,
For the mystic harmony
Linking sense to sound and sight.

For Thy Church, that evermore
Lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore
Her pure sacrifice of love.

For each perfect gift

of Thine,
To our race so freely given,
Graces human and divine,
Flowers of earth and buds of Heaven.

What a beautiful hymn! This song came to mind as I was reviewing the pictures I had taken. What a stunning world we live in. And to think that it happened all by chance?? To have such color and variety of plants there had to be a Creator!

Praise the Lord that we can know our Creator!! We can have a personal relationship with the very one that created both us and the world we live in. May we never forget that to whom much is given much is required! Luke 12:48

8 Comments » | posted in Photography, Tid Bits

OEI came to a close Friday (August 22). That evening many of the students’ families joined us for a review and presentation what God did during OEI. Testimony after testimony were shared. I saw young people who came to OEI fearful but with a desire to learn and draw out their souls to spiritually hungry children. During the week of clubs, I saw them rise to the occasion utilizing the skills they had been equipped with and through the power of the Holy Spirit present the Good News of salvation through Christ Jesus. Joy filled my heart as I saw & heard the testimonies of young person after young person who caught the joy that lies in reaching the lost.

Following OEI, the staff stayed together for a couple extra days and toured the spectacular Oregon coast & countryside. David graciously allowed me the use of his secondary digital SLR (Canon 20D) and what fun I had! After some key pointers from David, a professional photographer, I was able to experiment and test out the camera Saturday and Sunday. Thank you David!

Rich in lush vegetation, towering mountains, undisturbed coastline, and panoramic views, Oregon stands out as a truly breathtaking portion of God’s extraordinary Creation. During our time together, we visited several waterfalls including what used to be the world’s largest waterfall (Multinomah Falls), Horse Tail Fall, the dramatic Oregon coastline, and Mirror Lake.

How Great Thou Art O Lord! He truly showed Himself powerful. A specific prayer request for all students and staff is that OEI would not be simply a mountain top experience but a launch pad into ministry within the locations each one has been called unto. May Operation Eternal Impact continue on the home front.

5 Comments » | posted in Ministry Reports, Photography