VBS 2007

WOW! It is always overwhelming to see God changing lives, especially the lives of children who have so many years to give to the Lord. The Vacation Bible School held this week at First Baptist Church Harlingen was truly used by God to change the lives of so many children and the their families.

There were of course the children who accepted Christ as their Savior and Lord. Their testimonies are so precious. One young lady I had the privilege of praying with as she accepted Christ attended one day of VBS, the very day that we shared the gospel individually with students. I am so glad that life is not a matter of chance; God is sovereign over all.

There were also students who had already accepted Christ, but they came to VBS with life problems that seemed far more advanced than their years should allow. The boy whose father had died recently, the child who is dealing with bullies, the children whose parents are divorcing, the children who are soon moving to a new place and those who recently moved to the valley; all of these and many more found love, peace, acceptance, and strength while at FBC Harlingen. What a privilege to serve these children this week.

There were also many other children who are too young to understand the gospel and their need for salvation. We had the privilege of helping those children to learn more and experience more of God's love. They took another step on their journey of faith and we were excited to help them make that step.

In every way, we are thankful that God chose to use us for His work in the lives of these children and their families. We pray that we are not finished, that we will have more opportunities to serve these families.

from one who had the joy of living and loving like a child for a week at VBS,
Bro. Wade

Lifelong Memories - look at bottom of page

I love being a dad!!! (The three exclamation marks are for each of my children.) It excites me when those special times come around with each of my children that I know will be lifelong memories. When something happens that I know they will always remember, I am so thankful that my face will be a part of that memory.

Today was one of those days. As I saw my son, Adam, reel in a 30 inch Redfish in the bay near South Padre Island. It was one of those great times, shared by father and son (and friends). As I watched him smile and tell every person he met what a great day he had with his dad, I could not help but think of how our heavenly father feels when he watches his children enjoy their time with him. I know that God must be so excited each time he shares a special moment with us, a moment that we cannot wait to share with others.

My prayer is that I will not take the moments with my heavenly father for granted, that I will never stop telling others the joy of knowing God, and that I will always rejoice in great days with my dad.

enjoying lifelong memories with my family and with my heavenly father,
Bro. Wade

Welcome to the Blakeslee family

Craig Blakeslee was called by FBC Harlingen this morning (with a 98.7% vote) to serve as our Minister of Children and Discipleship. What a blessing Craig and his family will be to our church family. We pray that we will be a great blessing to their family as well.

The Blakeslee family has travelled to San Antonio to attend the Southern Baptist Convention this week. They will continue to serve our mission church in Arroyo City through July 1 and will begin full time status at FBC on July 8. Craig will be leading music during Vacation Bible School (something planned before he was considered for our position) and he will be joining our children's ministry activities for some of our local events before July 8.

Please being praying for the Blakeslee family as they purchase a house and begin their transition.

Thankful for a great staff,
Bro. Wade

Prayer Walking

What a beautiful view last Sunday morning! I was so blessed this past Sunday to walk through our buildings at FBC Harlingen and see hundreds of people praying. They were praying over the pews, praying in the hallways, praying with hands laid on the baptistry and pulpit and musical instruments. They prayed in the worship center, the chapel, the Kid's Worship room, and the Brady room (youth worship center). They prayed in the classes, in the Christian Life Center, in the dining rooms, and in the offices. They prayed while walking in the halls as they went to the next place to pray. People prayed alone, as a family, and some gathered in groups. It was amazing to see parents teaching children how to pray for their pastor, their Sunday School teacher, and the lost in the community. FBC Harlingen was truly a POWER HOUSE as it became a house of prayer.

I cannot imagine the full impact of all those prayers, but I can try. As I have walked the same halls during the week, I have imagined many things. I have imagined the guests that will come to join us for worship, and not really know why they have come to First Baptist Church. I have imagined the sincerity of worship to be offered this week, and those who will not know what was different this week. I have imagined the power of God's word moving through so many Sunday School teachers in the next few weeks, and those who will wonder why today is somehow different. I have imagined those whose lives will be changed, and I have imagined all those who prayed and walked through the halls of FBC Harlingen who WILL understand what has happened and why.

Thank you for praying with such passion and purpose and please pray without ceasing!!!

Praying with great expectations,
Bro. Wade