Family Encouragement Weekend!

Dad was the main speaker of the weekendAfter much soul searching preparation, people relating information, and church building reservation, the Family Encouragement Weekend was ready to begin! Many thanks to the Wilkes for organizing this event!

A full house on Saturday morningBetween twelve and fifteen families attended totaling about 140 people. Not only did families from Virginia show their dedication to seeking God’s best, but also travelers from North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia, and Tennessee.

Fathers and sons discussing their family goal on Friday eveningConversation during a breakDiligent study It was so encouraging to see fathers and sons writing out their family goals. What a sense of purpose there is when families hear from the Lord and are unified in working toward His plan for them. We were blessed to see the openness and responsiveness to God’s Word as the final authority in life. There was also much joy as we joined in singing, praying and sharing fellowship together.

Mr. Wilkes opens the meetingGiving a message on the five responsibilities of every person Donald giving testimony of his experiences overseasEsther Robert explaining God's work in his lifeJonathan speaks about making brothers and sisters best friendsJames talkingDaniel sharing about the importance of sticking to a schedule

How exciting to meet so many like minded families who are listening to God’s call to come out from the world and seek God’s best! For more details and pictures be sure to read the Hynes and Wilkes overviews of the weekend!

A father's ensemble!Blessing the Lord in songA very enjoyable family of singersJonathan, Daniel, and David played an increadiblly complex number on the bellsThank you wilkes for hosting this wonderful weekend!A final song

Off the Beaten Path

The road to Chicago from West Virginia is well traveled. It’s basically the four-lane all the way. Is there any good place to stop and take a break? This is the question Robert, Daniel and I had as we were driving back to Headquarters on Tuesday. We were pleasantly surprised that this was indeed true! Following the signs 10 miles off the highway to Hocking Hills State Park, we had no idea what was awaiting our arrival!

Little did we know that this little creek was the starting point of......this amazing canyon cutting through the Ohio countryside!The long decent into the gorgeWe couldn't believe our eyes when we saw the trail disappear underground!Robert reposing for a rest :)No guard-rails meant greater freedom - but only to a certain extent!      This spectacular bridge surprised us as we turned a bend in the trail.Everything was lush and green after a morning rain.A birdseye view of the trail winding through the gorge.Watch your step, Robert!Daniel! Where did you go?At first we didn't believe the sign that boasted these trails the best in the state; but we were soon convinced!

Hallelujah! Home, Happy and Hard at Work

Reunited! Our house and hearts are full right now! Donald (flying in from Taiwan), and Robert and James (flying in from Chicago) finally arrived home Thursday July 24th! It had almost been a year since we were all together. There is such a completeness about everyone joining in the wisdom searches, meal times, singing for a couple churches, and working around the homestead.David

Some of the progress has included clearing trails, fixing computer problems, helping Grandpa and Grandma Brown, and assisting our friends the Elliots with their move.

Isaiah 65:22  "Mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands." May this verse also be true for you as you complete today’s work for the Lord.

The Moving CrewMany hands make light workMisty Morning

A Few Good Links:

Advanced Training Insitute
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