7Apr 08
Launched on to Greater Works
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The theme of this past weekend could be summed up in the phrase, “A Spiritual Launch Pad.” Friday evening, the Staddon’s van rolled into our court. And from the moment Markie zoomed
out the front door to greet them until the final wave was given Sunday evening, joy abounded and rebounded. Spirits were refreshed through interaction with one other, the sharing of testimonies, and discipleship. How exciting it was to hear an arsenal of reports on how God is working in Chicago, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Virginia! 
Much was packed into the fast paced 3 days to include an ultimate game of Settlers, a meaningful tour of the Brandy Station battlefield in Culpeper lead by Matthew, and an inspection of our new bee hives. The climax of the weekend came Sunday when eight families gathered together at Cacapon (ca-cay-pon 
) State Park for a day of Spiritual n![The 5 person Staddon quartet :-) brightens our midst by singing, \](http://www.thewilkesteam.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/sv101886-480x360.jpg "The 5 person Staddon quartet :-) brightens our midst by singing, \")
ourishment and fellowship. A steady drizzle all morning in no way dampened the enthusiasm of each one present. There was eager anticipation for the showers of blessing God had in store.
Mr. Staddon inspired the congregation with a message on hope in the life of a Christian (1Cor. 13:13). In Philippians 1:23-24, Paul expressed great desire to be with Christ in heaven but knew that his service on earth was not complete. A test of true 
hope in the life of any Christian is whether or not they can sincerely repeat the words of Revelations 22:20, “…Surely I (Jesus) come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Our tendency is to 
anticipate the dainties and pleasures of the world more than the coming of Christ. Furthermore, hope motivates the body of Christ to assemble together for exhortation as we see the day of His coming drawing nigh. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. But exhort one another 
daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin (Heb. 10:25;3:13).”
Rather than a short lived feeling, hope turns inspirational experiences into fuel for the light that burns in the lives of every Christian. Though there was sorrow 
felt as the vans pulled away in the evening, great hope had been received. Spirits were revived and energy renewed to shine in the corners of the world each family has been called to. Families were launched on to Greater Works (John 14:12)
It was so good to read of the event from your perspective. It was the best meeting we’ve had at Cacapon (ca-CAY-pon:)) yet! THANK YOU ALL for making this trip possible!!!
When the joy of the Lord is present and His glory sought, circumstances should have no impact on our response. Indeed, this was the case on that cool, drizzly Saturday. E (event) + R (response) = O (outcome). We can’t control events, only our response. The outcome of the day was truly God glorifying.
What a WONDERFUL time! I walked away from that week-end invigorated! May we all press forward towards the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Philippians 3:14
It is so refreshing to recall the blessing of the Lord that we experienced during the entire weekend! Thank you so much, Wilkes team, for your kind hospitality that made it all possible!
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