Meet the Bates Family
posted by on 06/3/09
Driving up to the construction site, we were welcomed by happy children who pulled back the sheets to invite us into their home. You see, a grand addition to the house had been under way for the past eleven days 
which required knocking out the front of the house. However, exhaustion from the work and the fact that they had been entertaining a constant flow of company, did not stop the warm hospitality of Gil and Kelly Bates and 
their sixteen children. As we went through introductions, I wondered how many of these names I would remember; but I was sure of one thing — their genuine spirit of hospitality would not be forgotten!
We found both work and play to be delightful with this like-minded Christian family and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. If you had been there you would have seen joyous moments of sharing testimonies in the living room, feasting on the delicious 
home-cooked meals around the huge dining room table and exploring the nearby cave with late-night hikers. You would have heard constant storytelling, the roar of drills on the roof and the thud of oranges (not to mention the eggs!) as they fell 
past the hands of the jugglers in the kitchen.
As we pulled out of the driveway after our sad farewells, there was one thought that went with me. I was motivated to trust the Lord through everything instead of getting uptight and worried over unexpected complications. In the midst of an unfinished house and a very busy schedule, there was peace in the Bates’ home; the same peace of 
God which can flood our hearts in any situation.
There are too many pictures of the late-night hiking escapade to include here. You will have to wait to see them in the next post, coming up tomorrow night!
Wow.
I was compelled to give God glory with you Esther! I agree with you by the way that peace makes a great homewrap in the midst of growth and change
I had a great time on Monday running around all day playing tag with Trace.
For four hours we ran around chasing each other until we were all sweaty and so tired out that night that I almost decided to not go caving. But he was too fast and tricky for me so I was it most the time! 
P.S. James will tell you about the caving experience tomorrow
Amen, Esther! How they did it I don’t know, but the Bates turned what could have been a hectic, exhausting, disorganized couple of days into a comfortable, edifying, and exhilarating weekend! On top of that, all I did in return was ruin all their fresh fruit and eggs!
I can’t wait to see them again.
Thanks Esther for writing about this vacation. What good pictures James you really caught the idea of what it was like there! It was fun watching all the kids swarming around what ever project was going on! The names were quite hard to remember by the time we got all their names down they know all our names and middle names
A wonderful time of Christian fellowship. I’m so glad we were able to help with a little of the work. God blessed our time in unusual ways. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Notice all the smiley faces in the comments. That tells the story of our time together!!!!!!!!!!!!
We had a marvelous time in the Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Did the Duggars help too? If so can you put some pictures of them on this site?
It’s so wonderful! I am so happy for the Bates family and touched to see Christians blessing one another. The Bates are such a beautiful family, most especially on the inside. God bless them.
That looks like such a sweet like-minded family
Do they have email? It looks like ya`ll had a really blessed time working on that project and with all the fellowship as well. I really enjoy reading your articles.
Many Blessings,
Jen
It’s now August – did the new baby arrive yet? Boy? Girl? Name? Just curious. All I know is what I’ve seen on 18 Kids and Counting. The Bates are a wonderful family; I love watching/hearing about them more than the Duggars!
)
Is the dad in the Bates family related to Tommy Bates?
To all the Bates I think your wonderful, full of love for our lord…I wish I lived next door to you…thank you for sharing…what is the little one???
Love
jan
Thanks for the nice comments, everyone!
@Suzanne – John David Duggar was there helping out with the construction work while were visiting. He was the only Duggar that we were able to meet on this trip.
@Erin – No, I don’t think that there is any relation to Tommy Bates.
@Robbie and Janice – Yes the baby did arrive! Her name is Callie-Anna.
I just want to say thank you to the Bates and Duggar Families for inspiring me to find the Lord again. I had lost my way, and strayed from the Lord. However, watching the fellowship between families and seeing the love and pride that you all have for each other and Christ is such an inspiration. God bless your beautiful family. And Bates and Duggar girls… Please always be grateful for the amazing father’s that you have. Most father’s barely even notice their daughters, or treat them differently. You are very blessed.- Take care of each other-
Heather D.
It is such a blesing to watch the positive
interaction that you have as a family. I homeschool my two boys and marvel at your steadiness in homeschooling all your children.
God bless your newest arrival. Hope to hear more about your wonderful family. Keep up your dedication to your family and to the Lord.
God Bless.
I’ve been trying to scour the internet to see the finished house? Do you know where on the internet I may find a picture or a video?
Their house is actually not quite finished yet. We’ll make sure to let you know when we have a picture of it.
The Bates family is such a blessing and we are so proud that they are on television. God bless them and hopefully TLC will bring them back alot more.
Do the Bates Family have their own website? Is the house finished? I was hoping for an update on “18 Kids and Counting”.
I think having such wonderful families as the Duggar’s, Bates with such large broods.They all serving the Lord in their endeavors is a great inspiration to all. “LOVE ONE ANOTHER” as it says in the book of John. I enjoy getting to know them through the TLC show “18 Kids and Counting”. Continued success to all!
As of now, I don’t think the Bates have a web site. It’s looking like we’ll be seeing them soon, so we might be able to put up some pictures of their “finished” house around New Year’s. We might even put up a whole post about it. Keep checking in!
The Bates are such a blessing,,,I love seeing them on with The Duggars,,,It is so good to have Brothers and Sisters in The Lord!!!! Keep Keepin on For The Lord!!! God Bless Yall!!!
Hey Bates Family,
My name is Fishy Jenson and I am so happy that you all are happy!!
[...] where a glowing wood stove added to their warm greetings. Mrs. Bates gave us a grand tour of their house-in-progress which is now completely enclosed and beginning to acquire the look of home. The children were good [...]
Is Callie-Anna the youngest child or is there more on the way?
i enjoyed the segment here on St.maarten NETH.ANTILLES.the love between two blessed families.i wish the world could recognize this as the only way to live.god’s richest blessings to you.
Another visit with the Bates family! We have a picture of their NEW HOUSE here: http://staddonfamily.com/2010/01/07/birthday-with-the-bates-family/
A wonderful time of Christian fellowship. I
Hello I wish to thank you for the look in to your family life and fellowship. Wishing you and your family many more blessing and much happyness. I watch TLC 19 kids and counting as well. Thank You again for showing that people who chose to allow the Lord to guide their family have very wonderfull well adjusted loving children.