If there is one need that all families have in this day and age, it is encouragement. All around us we see attacks on the family. Questions run through our minds: “Is there anyone headed the same direction?” “How do we pass the baton to the next generation?” “Is the battle really worth it?” “What should our response be?” “How do we equip our sons and daughters to fight?”

The purpose of the Family Encouragement Weekends is to encourage and exhort, and to bring families together in an atmosphere of fellowship. We had the joy of serving along-side the Wilkes and Staddon families last month and hosting the 4th Annual VA FEW Conference. What a blessing we received as we fellowshipped with other like-minded people, sought the Lord through prayer, and were exhorted to pass the baton to coming generations!!

Friday morning some families gathered for a history lesson at a local Civil War Battlefield.Prayer - the greater workSupper and fellowship timeThe orchestraMr. Wilkes shared powerful messages and encouraged everyone to search their hearts.Little ones -- the vioces and leaders of tomorrowIt is always a joy to meet new families!Jenny -- a diligent serverIMG_4302FriendsPhotographing the event :-)Sisters with sisters :-)Mother and daugther -- oh! the sweetness of a friendship in this relationship!Discipleship game timeSportsmanship and teamworkWhat a blessing to have fathers who cry out to God!Family harmony is priceless!Mr. Stelzl shared some motivating thoughts on entrepreneurshipBrothers and friendsDonald did a fabulous job on the chalk drawing, and challenged us to teach by analogy.IMG_4511 - CopyThe blessings of fellowship in Christ are hard to describe!JoyMom time :-)Enthusiasm and exhaustion always creates an exciting combination!