Catch and Release

Mr. Wilder:Fish on!
Reply from class: Catch and release!

To any person who has been blessed enough to be taught by Mr. Bart Wilder. This is a common phrase heard in the classroom. But In the time I have shared space with the Wilder family I have come to learn that Fish on, Catch and release isn’t just what he says to get his class focused, these are the words Bart Wilder lives by.

Matthew 4:19
And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Bart is an avid fisherman on the river but his skill there (though it is amazing) pales in comparison to the way he fishes for people. I don’t know what he uses on the lake, but while fishing for men Bart uses live bait. Taking lead from Jesus Bart uses himself. Whether it be bringing dinner to a young family just because he “thought they would like it”, purchasing an ipod for a teenage girl just to make her happy and feel welcome, watching Monty Python and the holy grail with a young man for the millionth time and STILL laughing just to spend time with him, or opening his home to any and everyone who needs a roof, a safe place, to hang out, etc… Through these acts of love, before you know it, BAM , you are caught.
Just like taking a snap shot with a prize fish, Bart will take a snapshot with you and let it imprint his heart. I have heard him mention students names (first and last) of students he has had more than 2 decades ago. I have been out in town with him where people who pass by make it a point to leave their present company to say “hi” to Mr. Wilder. It is a beautiful thing to enjoy these picture memories that they left each other with. It is a blessing to be creating my own. And then, at just the right time…the release.
Like a fish is released back into the water. Mr. Wilder will release you back into your natural habitat. Not the one you came directly from, but straight into the hands of a loving father God who created a place just for you. Through this impartation of himself, Bart shares a piece of Jesus with you and you are forever changed. I have seen the results of this catch and release with former students who are in their 20’s or 30’s and Stop by Bart’s house for a visit. I have seen the results in my own children who have taken up residence in the basement of Bart’s house. In this time they have both become more outgoing, and more confident. I am pretty sure it has something to do with knowing someone loves you and is on your side. I have seen it in my husband who takes Bart’s words, be they encouraging or correcting, and holds them as treasures and has let them help form him into the man he is becoming. A man I am so proud of. And I have seen it in myself, I have become more…just more. Everything I was has been sharpened and shined, polished and refined. I have been sent a truly selfless friend. I have seen in the flesh the kind of person I want to be like. I have heard Bart say that he just wants to make a difference. Bart, you have made a difference, and you continue to do so. I know God has a plan for my adventure here in WY. I know he put these Wilder friends in my life to help me along my way. My bible says God sent his one and only son to earth out of love for his people. I understand that the Son will take residence in the hearts of willing men. I believe he has and I am blessed because I personally know Jesus, I believe he likes to wear a Bart Suit.

Thank you Bart: for sharing your home, your treasure, your possessions, your talents, yourself, and for making us family.
We Love you! Happy Birthday!