♥ Even as parents’ hearts break for those children who choose to go the way of the world, so our Lord’s heart reaches out in love to His children who stray – Rom. 10:21

♥ He loves our prodigals more than we as parents can humanly love them – Eph. 3:17-19

♥ Does your patience wear thin? God’s love is PATIENT, KIND, and EVERLASTING! – Rom. 8:39

Not a week goes by, but that we hear from anguished mothers and fathers of children caught in the world’s web of deceit, the seeming “thrill” of wild living having captured their hearts (Christian and non-Christian alike). Yet, we know – we have seen – our powerful God, full of love and mercy, does step into the chaos of sin and rebellion to bring a prodigal back home. What a joy! What a testimony to God’s grace! We encourage each of you to pray regularly (by name) for any struggling teen of which you are aware . . . for, prayer avails much! (James 5:16).

Those of you who have not signed up for our e-mail updates may be unaware that Wendi recently faced a serious medical challenge. Two updates were sent last month, explaining Wendi’s extremely high liver function tests (acute hepatitis), very likely caused by a medication she was taking. We are happy to report that she is now feeling much better – though a full recovery will still take some months. THANKS TO EACH PERSON WHO PRAYED FOR HER. She was able to continue her college classes, but could not work. Please continue to pray for her, as she faces several unresolved medical issues.

Our hearts are thankful!

A WORD FROM WENDI:
Thank you all for your prayers. This time of sickness has been filled with reflection and renewed excitement about what God holds in the future. My masters’ studies are going well and with each class I realize that I am where God wants me to be.
I am currently working with, (mentoring) a few young ladies in West Michigan and enjoy the relationships that we are building. God is also opening some opportunities for me to tell my story. This month (November), I will be speaking at a local park where a homeless “box city” demonstration will be set up by local teens.
Please continue to pray that God will use me to impact people who are hurting. I truly love the ministry that I have been given and thank each of you for your prayers and support.

A WORD FROM KARILEE:
God has uniquely gifted Wendi with an ability to work one-on-one with individuals who are struggling – who continue to make poor decisions in life. She cares; and they know it. Yet, because Wendi has “been there,” she can reach out to others with tough love, a love that tells it like it is, while extending grace.
As I look back through the twenty years that Wendi strayed, remembering my cries to the Lord through tears, “How long, oh Lord, how long?” – I recall how Dan, in his wisdom, would encourage me with this reminder: “When Wendi comes back to the Lord, her experience will enable her to minister in a way that you and I could not.” HOW TRUE! Thank you, Lord!

Lastly, it is never easy to ask for money. Yet, the vision God has given us allows us to share our hearts of excitement for Wild Child Ministries. God calls. We answer. He enables. And He supplies.
In times of financial uncertainty, we realize not all can give to WCM. Yet, as we look to the Lord, we are confident that He will meet our every need as He sees fit.

The summer afforded many opportunities to share our book, Wild Child, Waiting Mom, and to counsel and encourage prodigals and their families. We continue to interact with parents facing the heartbreak of wayward children, and in this, we deeply appreciate your support and prayers.

The forces of evil abound in our world, attracting kids to the perceived excitement of a “wild” lifestyle: Live-in relationships, sexual promiscuity, drugs, blatant disobedience to parents, and/or renouncement of faith. Let’s continue to pray these children back into a living, vibrant walk with the Lord.

Yes, God is at work – and some of the prodigals we have prayed for have returned home! “With God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26).

Wendi’s heart remains strong in her love to her Lord. She is passionate about her calling to reach out to prodigals – especially girls – and this passion draws her toward completing her degree in counseling. Yet, as we look to the future we face some specific challenges. Please pray with us for wisdom, joy, and peace as we move toward the future.

His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). In this we not only take heart, but rejoice with joy and expectancy.

Thanks for your prayers on our behalf!,

In His Grace,

Wendi & Karilee

Our Oct./Nov. fall newsletter will explain more of our specific outreaches and activities

FANTASTIC SURPRISE – What a happy surprise it was to be showered with a mailbox full of cards and notes of congratulations from so many. THANKS to each one of you! For me, this has marked a milestone of great significance.

A FIRST FOR ME – This fall I will walk with my class in a formal graduation ceremony. This will be a first for me. Although I graduated from high school and later earned an associates degree, I did not attend either of those graduations. I’m looking forward to this one . . . (smile). Yet, there is more work to come:

HERE I GO AGAIN – It is hard to believe that in just two months I will once again begin new studies, this time working toward a master’s degree (in counseling). This degree is the next step toward the realization of my dream to open a home for troubled girls.

YOU ARE APPRECIATED! It’s hard to convey my gratitude to each one who supports WCM through prayers and giving, but I thank you all from the depths of my heart. Please continue to pray for me as I follow God’s call for my life, both now, and as I look to the future; for as the verse below declares, apart from Him I can do nothing.

Because of Grace, Wendi English

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing . . .      These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

- John 15:5, 11

May 3 – New Beginnings Church – Six Lakes, Michigan
Sunday a.m. – Testimony and Q & A
Sunday p.m. – “Getting inside the Mind of your Prodigal”

God brought Wendi to this church during a hurting time for their youth, since the week prior to her speaking, a teen had committed suicide. Tender hearts and questions gave Wendi a wonderful opportunity to encourage and stir their hearts toward not only being aware of hurting teens, but the importance of keeping the doors of communication open.

June 3 – Ladies Auxiliary Luncheon – Grand Haven, Michigan

 An opportunity for Wendi to share her testimony and answer questions

June 12 – Good Samaritan Ministries – Holland, Michigan

Wendi will be sharing her testimony, followed by a Q & A time in Holland, Michigan for the Good Samaritan Ministries at 9:30 a.m. on Friday morning, June 12.

The first week after my fall I was relatively miserable. This was followed by an unwanted (although necessary) surgery of a plate and six screws being placed into my right ankle. Altogether, I was forced to completely halt my life for almost an entire month.

Now, I don’t do inactivity well. Somehow I was able to get my school work done and did not miss even one class. But, that is all I did. No time was given to my internship. I did no cooking or cleaning. Basically, I laid on the couch with my foot elevated and iced down while reading and watching old movies. I was at the mercy of my family for every need I had.

Throughout the month, I would have to send people up to my room for this or that. I had to rely on my family to make my meals and provide me with social interaction. As the days moved sluggishly on, everyone started getting tired of “waiting hand and foot on mom.” Everyone, that is, except my daughter Courtney Grace (a.k.a. Gracie).

My Gracie became my angel. Never once did she complain or make me feel like a burden. She cheerfully cooked delicious meals and kept the house in order. She sat with me hour after hour and showered me with loving attention. She even took a picture of my discolored and swollen ankle to e-mail to my mother. Ew-w-w!

Through the selfless efforts of my daughter, I was reminded of God’s Grace toward us. He says, for by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 (NASB). True grace is a gift. The ultimate beauty of God is portrayed when a person gives of themselves with no expectations of recompense.

God has blessed me with not only His grace, but with His gift of Gracie.

~ Wendi English

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

A new year is upon us and, as is often the custom, many of us reflect upon the past year as we look to the new. A word of encouragement to those who might be looking back or forward toward continued personal physical or emotional pain: All of us can begin this new year with hope—a hope that is based, not upon results or an outcome, but which is anchored securely in the Person of Jesus Christ. He is our hope.

The Bible tells us that those who come to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6). To discover God’s mercy and grace (Heb. 4:16), we must come to His “throne of grace” in earnest prayer, daily seeking his face.

This year, each day, let’s just do it!

~ Karilee Hayden

Pre-marital sex. Alcohol. Drugs. Abusive relationships. Homelessness.

Wendi English was the definition of a rebellious child, while her concerned parents incessantly prayed their daughter would settle down. Their prayers were answered, although it took two decades. Read the rest…