Not as young as I used to be

After close to 30 church camps in my life, I still enjoy the time at camp with children and youth.
I spent the week with about 80 children plus sponsors from our church at camp Zephyr for Children's Camp. We had so much fun, played many games, enjoyed the recreation, and spent a lot of time in the word of God. I was blessed with an opportunity to spend quality time with so many great kids. My relationship with those kids has grown so much, I feel like I know them better and they seem to feel the same about me.
As I got to know the kids better, I was so encouraged by their love for God. They were great examples of Christ-followers all week. But what really encouraged me was how much time they wanted to spend reading the Bible (with flashlights at night, during breaks, in the mornings and evenings). The love our children have for God was evidenced in their lives each day of camp.
The way they served each other, the way they respected the sponsors, the way they helped people they did not know, were all ways in which Christ was seen in their lives. Their love for God was clearly seen in what they did. I believe Jesus said it this way; "If you love me, you will obey what I command." (John 14:15) The FBC Harlingen Children's Ministry is definitely being used by God to partner with parents to produce children of great character; the character of Christ.
I was truly challenged by our children this week. Their pure love for God, love for his word, and love for his people, really challenged all of the sponsors. Let us all come to the Lord with a child-like faith and love.

"2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. "
Matt 18:2-5 (NIV)

from one who is not as young as he used to be, but who needs to be youthful in his love for God,
Bro. Wade

Summer Family Vacation 2007

Vacation - a term that formerly meant rest and relaxation in my vocabulary.

We have truly enjoyed our family trip to Arkansas to visit with friends and family. We enjoyed a reunion with some of Jennifer's family, many of whom we have not seen for many years and the younger ones (below the age of 15) we have never met. We ate meals with many good friends, laughed as we reflected on days gone bye, visited the church that Jennifer's father serves as Pastor (heard some great preaching), and simply enjoyed our family for a week.

While visiting with my brother and his family, Adam enjoyed the thrill of driving a four wheeler. Adam also discovered the pain of falling off a four wheeler (he is fine and will love to tell you the story).

While visiting my father, stepmom, and grandfather; we wondered if this might be the last time with my grandfather. We have watched his health deteriorate over last few years, but he seems to be better than we expected. We pray for his health, but treat each visit with careful deliberation and lots of love.

While visiting with Jennifer's sisters, we rediscovered the joys of having children that are no longer in diapers, cribs, and bottles. Jennifer's younger sister has three girls (ages 4, 2, 1). We also visited her older sisters new house while in construction. I discovered a two-by-four sticking out of the house, it was nose high to me, I have the scar to prove it. After hours spent getting a new prescription and new glasses we were able to continue our journey.

While visiting Jennifer's parents, we taught our children how to shuck, silk, and put-up corn. It was great working together under the shade tree and in the shed as a family. Jennifer and I are glad to see our children learning the work that it takes to make life better. We also enjoyed being back in the church where Jennifer attended as a child. It was great to hear Jennifer sing with her mom, our children sing with the children's choir, and Jennifer's dad preach a wonderful message from God's word.

The only thing missing from the vacation was rest. We usually have some down time to rest, but this trip was so fast and we travelled the entire state of Arkansas, so rest was a luxury left to the next vacation. Tonight, as I type these words, I find myself looking forward to the 12 hour drive home to Harlingen. We look forward to being "home." Home with our church family, our friends, and our own beds.

God bless from one who finds his rest in God alone,
Bro. Wade

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

Remembering

Every year I am thankful for the time we spend remembering those who have gone before us; those who have won and preserved our freedoms. I have three uncles who each served for over 20 years in the military, and I am thankful for their service that continues to bless my family. I remember having such a high respect for my grandfather as he reflected on his service during WWII. I grew up admiring and appreciating our soldiers who sacrificed so much for me and others. I know that my maternal grandmother's first husband, and the father of my eldest uncle, gave his life during WWII. This truth has never left me when I reflect on those who are serving our nation so faithfully now.

Let us remember to praise the Lord for those who have served and sacrificed so much for us. And let us remember to pray for those who are making the same commitment to us today.

During this time of remembering those who stand as soldiers for our nation, I must also remember those who stand as soldiers for the kingdom of God. I appreciate the many missionaries and ministers who have gone before us. I am thankful for those who carried the gospel into all the world years before I was born. I appreciate those who served as ministers, laboring for years in anonymity. (Not everyone is named Billy Graham)

I remember the Sunday School teachers, the Vacation Bible School leaders, the van drivers, the Children's Church workers, and of course the Pastors I have been blessed with during my life. I am so thankful for each of them. I must admit the names are getting harder to remember as I get older, but I know the Lord knows their names (He has already called some of them to be at home with Him). Those who shared Jesus with us are some of the most important people in our lives. Please join me in praising the Lord for those who have stood in the gap for us and share Christ with us.
Let us pray for those who labor in the harvest today. Let us pray for the missionaries and ministers who have given their lives to the Lord for His ministry in this world. Let us join them in sharing Christ with the world around us daily.

Let us remember, praise the Lord, and pray for those who give of themselves today.

"Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you." Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

Remembering thankfully,
Bro. Wade