House Construction Album
We are very grateful for the many people who have made our house construction possible. Please read these special acknowledgments.
Hosted by Abundant Designs. Maintained by MatthewMedlen.com
We are very grateful for the many people who have made our house construction possible. Please read these special acknowledgments.
Hosted by Abundant Designs. Maintained by MatthewMedlen.com
By Donna Jones, August 17, 2010 @ 2:07 am
Thank you for allowing us into your lives. You are such an inspiration in showing how to overcome obsticals with faith and persistance of not letting Satan have any hold on you. I am thankful to you for your families witness to the world. Bless you for all you do and all you are.
By Laura Duncan, August 19, 2010 @ 8:51 am
Hi, I am soooo glad that you have finally gotten your own website. Please keep everyone informed about current events, it has been impossible not to become fans of the Bates after seeing you guys on the Duggars. God bless both of your families and thankyou for allowing others to peer into the lives of such Godly families, as it really does inspire those of us who are christians to live a more devout christian lifestyle.
By Karen, August 19, 2010 @ 9:59 pm
It was great seeing the new home Tuesday night. Glad everything’s turned out so well.
By Lois Collins, August 20, 2010 @ 5:59 am
I love to see your family on the Duggars show. You are a great
inspiration with you faith in God and you live what you believe and
you are not intimitated by nay-sayers. Best wishes for you in your
new home. I would love to hear more music from your family and especially Erin playing the piano.
By Carrie, August 23, 2010 @ 4:12 am
Oh I am so happy that your site is finally up! I have enjoyed getting to know your family. I am so happy for your family with the extension to your home. Praise the Lord! It is nice to know that we share the same fellowship. Prayers & Blessings to you all!
By Reva, August 23, 2010 @ 9:09 pm
Hello Bates family! I was so happy to see your family on 19 kids the other night. I *love* your family, and really enjoy the shows that you all are on. You are such a blessing and inspiration to me. God bless!
By Yvette, August 27, 2010 @ 7:21 pm
I am so happy that your site is up and running. You guys are such an inspiration to me. I love so much to see how you are living the way that God truly wants us to live, and you are showing the world that living God’s way is truly the best way. Your marriage, I know is far from perfect, but it does show how if you keep God in the center of your life, you can have a wonderful marriage. It is also true that children are such a blessing from God. I will keep praying for you and your family.
God Bless,
Yvette W. Andover, Ma
By cc, August 30, 2010 @ 4:15 pm
How much did the addition all cost?
By Shelby McDowell, August 30, 2010 @ 6:14 pm
Wow, the house looks beautiful. I would like to thank you for being such an inspiration to myself and my family.
God Bless you all,
Shelby McDowell
By Jeannie, September 1, 2010 @ 2:48 am
Hi,I’m so happy to meet your family. When I watch the Duggars I hope to see you all on there too. I’m glad that you have God in the center of your lives. I was wondering if the oldest Duggar daughter was dating any of the elder Bates sons? I think you all should have your own show too. I hope it comes true. Please let us know. I love watching you all.
By Shelby M, September 1, 2010 @ 7:34 pm
The house looks amazing! I’m glad you have a website up, it’s nice to see other families like mine.
God Bless you,
Shelby
By Patty, September 4, 2010 @ 8:44 pm
I wanted to thank you for allowing me (and us, the public, if I may say so) a glimpse into your family’s life. I enjoyed every photograph and noticed what joy and happiness each of your children had in their eyes–smiles can be faked but such a true sparkle of happiness in the eyes cannot!
Mr. and Mrs. Bates, you are bringing up such a lovely, bright, and faithful family–from what I’ve seen you’ve allowed each of your flowers to blossom in good time, letting each find his or her own colour and place in this beautiful world. My husband and I were so pleased to read and hear that Zachary has begun a promising political career and Erin continues to honour the incredible talent with which God has blessed her by furthering her formal education in music–and I pray that each of your children find and use their own education and talents and abilities to celebrate and praise the Lord! If my husband and I were able to have children, we couldn’t wish for them to be half as beautiful, half as talented, or half as creative as yours. We are praying for the health and safety for both you and the children. May God bless you, Bates Family!
Patty
By LaRae Heinle, September 8, 2010 @ 2:24 am
Hello Bates Family,
What a blessing you are to my life! Thank you so much for sharing your lives with all of us. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy watching your incredible family! What a sweet testamony of our Gods amazing grace, favor and love. Gill when you pray, my eyes fill with tears as the purity of your words come forth from your heart. It is powerful and I have used many of your prayers in circumstances in my life. My favoite prayer is when you asked God to give you the grace to respond to every circumstance in the right way. I pray that every morning as I go off to work. You are all what I inspire to be, in my walk with the Lord.
I hope we get to see all of the addition to your home when it is all completed. Again thanks for your sweet testamony and God Bless you all!
LaRae- Denver Colo.
By Laura Lyons, September 8, 2010 @ 2:50 am
Praise the LORD! I just heard of your family tonight actually and had to search it out. I was happy to see other young people serving the LORD-Walking right, lifting high the standard, loving Christ!! Keep on keepin on!
By Eileen, September 11, 2010 @ 6:54 pm
Dear Bates Family,
Thank you for being a guiding light to so many youngsters who might be watching as show them how loving and kind a family should be.
By Jeannie, September 14, 2010 @ 3:26 am
I love to see how your family is coming along. God is #1 in your life and that is wonderful. You deserve to have a larger house and I’m glad you received it. I’m truly happy for you all.
By Nathaniel Hobbs, September 17, 2010 @ 1:32 am
Hey Bates Family! Been a long time since we’ve seen you. So wonderful to connect with your website and see what God is doing through your lives. Thank you for loving Jesus and serving Him with all your hearts. We’ve been on a journey of heart challenges this past year with Carlee’s cancer and 5 little ones. The Lord has been faithful to carry us and provide our needs as always. In these days of difficulty and pain the path becomes very clear… only what is done for Christ will last or satisfy. Romans 12:11 (Amplified Bible) “Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.” May we use all our strength to Love Him, our families, and those around us in this world by the power of His Spirit making us “aglow”. We love you all! Nathaniel Hobbs for the rest of us here in Nome, Alaska.
By katej, October 6, 2010 @ 1:26 pm
I really love seeing your family and hope when the addition is finished TLC will do a show on the Bates family and their “new house.” There is something very special about your family and I hope we get to see more of you on TLC soon.
By Monica Garvie, October 16, 2010 @ 2:11 pm
You are such an inspiration to me. Although I enjoy the occasional appearances you have on the Duggars’ show, I am glad that you remain true to yourselves. As much as I’d like to know more about your family and follow your wonderful example I feel TLC would taint it. I would absolutely love to read a book perhaps that you would right/publish about your family, how it started, how your daily routines go, how you keep the faith strong every day… God bless your wonderful family! ♥
By Diane Dye, November 3, 2010 @ 8:08 am
Hi Kelly! Thanks for all of the pics you have posted on your website. I am amazed at many things you have done, not the least of which is to put up and maintain this website! You have a beautiful family and have been truly blessed. We in turn, have been blessed by your sharing your family and faith through your website and on 19 Kids and Counting. Take care and keep on keepin on!! =)
By laura, November 3, 2010 @ 9:45 pm
is the home finish yet
By Phi Yen, November 12, 2010 @ 2:20 am
I really admire your family and your belief. God bless you!
By Shannon W, November 17, 2010 @ 4:01 am
Dear Bates. Your home has turned out so roomy and pretty. Congrats on your new little boy. He is a cutie. All of your children are beautiful. There is something about those sweet little baby cheeks that makes me happy. Thank you for sharing your love of god, love of life, love of each other and your family.
Shannon W. wife of John. Mom of Jonathon, Nikki, Jason, Jacob and Michael.
By balkees, December 27, 2010 @ 9:37 am
man its great……………and i like 2 visit your family
u all r very nice and forgiving,loving,happy and a big family
i love u guys u r so simple
regards 2 your parents hats off to them……….
love u
By Erika Shupe, January 24, 2011 @ 5:40 am
Thank you for sharing these photos – they’re fun to see! =) We’re a family of 11 in WA, and we’ve been greatly inspired by the Duggars and other families like yours. You’re an encouragement; we look forward to reading more on your blog. Blessings on your efforts!
By Tamara, February 2, 2011 @ 6:22 am
My name is Tamara Ramdeo, I am from South Africa , I came across an email about you guys, absolute inspiration , thank you for helping me realize how important family is . Love you guys .
By Daeho Song, February 5, 2011 @ 4:30 am
I am a Korean-American-Christian. It’s such a wonderful time for me to look at your family life, and I can see it is God’s abundant blessings upon each one of your children. I am so proud of your family! Certainly, I would like to visit your home someday. Pray that God would continue to bless your family with wealth, honor, and healthy life as you continue to be humble in the fear of the Lord (Prov. 22:4).
By Joan H., March 12, 2011 @ 6:30 am
I shed tears as I read the beautiful poem Kelly wrote after the loss of your baby. Yes, God is good. We sorrow not like those who have no hope. May the God of all comfort bless you and sustain you through your loss. I am a little confused. Are you expecting again after the loss of baby Zion? God bless you and your beautiful family.
By Gil, March 12, 2011 @ 7:48 am
Dear Joan H.
No, little Zion died while still in the womb at only 10 weeks gestational age…Zion was not due to be born until October 6th of this year. Thank you and Thank everyone else also for the kind words of encouragement and prayers for our family…It is comforting to know so many are lifting us up in prayer! Love, The Bates Family
By Della Smith, March 18, 2011 @ 10:34 pm
Hello Bates family, love your website, so glad you have it, I have been wondering about you all since seeing you with the Duggers. Thank you for your inspiration and all your love for everyone, you all are special people.
By rw billy bates, April 16, 2011 @ 4:59 pm
I am Billy Bates have 3 brothers and a sister. David and Michael Bates are Licensed General Contractors.We are from Kentucy my family.Dad from Louisanna.Iam a retired police, ordained minister since 1997.
CHRIST SERVANT
Billy Bates
By Connie, May 24, 2011 @ 2:11 am
I am soo glad to have found that you too haveyour own website. I enjoy hearing and seeing updates from you all. I love that we get to see the Bates family and the Duggar families unite and fellowship. What awesome people you all seem to be.
God Bless
By autumn, July 10, 2011 @ 3:16 am
Thank you the Bates for letting us in your homes. I feel like I know you from a distance. My cousin Jeff Connell and crew work on your house and my uncle Charles Connell came and visit. I heard that you were wonderful people. And I can see that you are truly blessed!
Love,
Autumn
By Sherry, July 19, 2011 @ 3:22 pm
I have really enjoyed your website and learning more about your family. Would love to see you guys get a television show of your own! We need more wholesome influences on the airwaves! God bless you all….
By Donna, July 25, 2011 @ 12:48 pm
Congratulations to all with the many exciting events. In Alabama we are still cleaning up from April and ask for prayer from all. The Lord is truely wonderful with all the blessings that abound. I pray for your family in this time of changes and growing. You have such wonderful kids and Gil and Kelly, you are so precious. What a joyous couple you are and I pray many will see the deep seeded love that can be theirs with a Godly relationship. I too love being married and having God in my life.
By Janis, August 3, 2011 @ 1:24 pm
Gil, It was a true blessing to meet you yesterday. I have been in so much pain since my operation and was having a hard time staying positive. You had a light about you and I felt like it spread around me too. I wish I had asked you to pray with me but didn’t want to impose but please keep me in your prayers as I will keep you and your family in mine. Look forward to seeing you again. God Bless you and your wonderful family. Jan P.S. thank you so much for the picture and the web site.
By Domi, August 25, 2011 @ 4:44 pm
I do not share your religous convictions but it does not prevent me from finding your family absolutely fantastic. You’ve made a choice of life and you’re happy about it, and you keep showing the world that life is about giving. May everything you wish for your family come true. Thank you for sharing!
By Tami, August 26, 2011 @ 9:11 pm
Hello Bates family!
I first saw you on 18 kids and Counting and thought “what a lovely family”. I was so impressed with the older daughter who had sewn all those dresses for herself and her sisters. She did such a lovely job.
In another episode I watched as an addition was added to your home. Now you have built a new home. That is wonderful!
On a commercial promo I saw that your eldest son is courting and has been elected as a county commissioner ( I hope I got the office right). Congratulations to him on both counts.
God has truly blessed you all and I am very happy for you.
By sharron hintz, August 28, 2011 @ 9:47 pm
I watch the Duggars and I enjoy your family too. I think the public should stop worrying about how many children your families have and start spending time on help their towns, cities, homes and spreading some good will around. Why do they ask such personal and in my opinion rude questions? I hope your family gets a show too, your kids are so sweet and polite, ( as are the Duggars) and I would love to see more of them. It beats most of the stuff showing on TV today. God bless you.
By Pam S., September 6, 2011 @ 1:22 am
I would love to see the Bates family have a show of their own.
By Tami, October 5, 2011 @ 11:38 pm
Me too! I’d love to see the Bates Family with a show of their own.
By By Vicke & Buckey, October 7, 2011 @ 2:18 am
I wish i could get the t.v show here in SC but i just have loacal tv . But we think of you alot and pray for all of you .God Bless Vickie & Buckey
By Cj, October 8, 2011 @ 12:05 am
Hey, I am 12 and I just met your family at the Museum Of Appalchia, and I LOVE to see you on 19 Kids and Counting. I Love the dresses the oldest daughter made!! I really wish I could meet you again, I hope you remember me!!!!
By kelsey reid, October 18, 2011 @ 9:26 pm
thank you for all the picture you put on this website ans it was great you have a wonderful family and great friends tooo love your house too
By kisha, October 30, 2011 @ 11:40 am
God bless your family, you definitely are a inspiration
love Kisha from atl.GA.
By sunitha, November 3, 2011 @ 3:31 am
You and Duggars are very inspiring families. I thank God for families like you that are still on this earth to show the glory of God. Also I’am amazed how you manage everything so well with these children. I would be very happy if you would publish dvds to show how you function.All glory to God.
By Beanie, November 7, 2011 @ 10:53 pm
They are a really cool family. I hope I get to met them soon.
By Leslie, November 16, 2011 @ 6:25 pm
Hello Bates family, I love watching you and the duggars, you have really shown so much love for God and your children.
By Tammy Cook Roberts, November 22, 2011 @ 2:25 pm
Gil and I went to high school together and he was always a great leader of God. He is the reason I attended Christian functions at school because he inspired us all. Thank you Gil for your love for Christ and allowing me to learn more about him. You have a wonderful and beautiful family!! Happy Thanksgiving!!!
By Connie, December 9, 2011 @ 5:14 am
I love the Bates almost as much as I do the Duggar’s. When or will the Bates have their own TLC show? I would watch it.
By Connie, December 9, 2011 @ 5:15 am
Merry Christmas
By Gabrielle D. Peak, January 10, 2012 @ 3:38 am
It has been so exciting to watch your home to go through the major transformation.Getting to know a little about all those who contributed has been such a pleasure too.This group endeavor is the very definition of a labor of love!
By erin, January 27, 2012 @ 4:17 am
the way this country is going i think its great that you are re producing such a lovely broad! Lord knows we will need good, Godly people in this country in the generations to come. you guys and the duggars make parenting look so easy. I have 3 children of my own and I struggle with the day to day tasks of being a wife and mother. i do not know how you all do it but you do and your kids are so amazing!
By Amanda Joy, January 27, 2012 @ 4:03 pm
I LOVE the Bates. Your family is simply precious. You are an inspiration Gil and Kelly and your children are amazingly beautiful- inside and out! My dream, as long as I could remember was to be a mother and has as many children as God would allow. My husband and I have now struggled with infertility for 3 years. In times when I am tempted to question the Lord or even blame Him, I think of the example you two have shown and choose to trust His will shall be done in rejoice in the blessings that I have been given rather than dwell on what is not! You two will probably never know the tremendously positive effect you have had on my life, but I wish to thank anyway! Keep posting please! I love seeing your updates. Odd as it may sound, you guys seem to keep me going!
By Shonnie Cruz, March 12, 2012 @ 5:01 pm
So excited about your new show on TLC, your family and the
Duggars are so encouraging to God’s people! Thank you
By Tiffany Spicer, March 13, 2012 @ 8:27 pm
So glad to see other families out there who view every child as a blessing from God. My husband and I have been married going for 7 years, and have 5 beautiful children. I often get asked when am I going to be done. I usually reply, when God wants me to be.
I am also encouraged by your strong testimony and modest dress. As an Independent Fundamental Baptist, it’s not very often anymore I see Biblical Principles, and modesty stressed anymore. Thank you so very much for your good, Godly stand on Faith, Modesty, and Trusting God for everything! 
By Regenia Higgs, March 15, 2012 @ 1:30 am
Your TLC special was wonderful. Your love for Christ and your willingness to share Him is such a blessing. God bless your family! I also enjoyed seeing beautiful Tenn. I was born in Lafollette and have lived in Michigan most of my life and have many relatives in Lafollette and the surrounding area. Next time you’re on TV , be sure and have the family SING again – we love it!
By LINDA, March 16, 2012 @ 3:39 pm
GIL AND KELLY, AND FAMILY WHAT A BLESSING THIS WEEK TO WATCH YOUR FAMILY SPECIAL. I TOO HAD SAW YOU ON THE DUGGARS, AND HAD HOPED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU ESPECIALLY SINCE YOU LIVE HERE IN EAST TN. LOVE ALL THE THINGS ABOUT THE CHILDREN AND HOW EACH HAS THEIR ‘OWN’ SPECIAL THING TO DO. JUST WANT TO SAY WHAT A GREAT EXAMPLE THAT AS PARENTS YOU ARE ‘GOD’S PLEASURE SURELY SHINES THRU YOUR CHILDREN, AND THE LOVE YOU HAVE , FOR ALL WOULD LOVE TO SEE A SCHEDULE OF EVENTS OR CHURCHES THAT YOU MAY BE ATTENDING, WOULD LOVE TO SIT AND LISTEN TO YOU ALL SING THOSE WONDERFUL SONGS ALL THE WAY THRU. LOVE AND MAY GOD’S BLESSINGS BE MANY TO YOU.
By michele bachelder, March 24, 2012 @ 9:07 pm
Your family is such a huge blessing! I have been so excited to see your specials on t.v. will you have more? I do hope so. It’s so nice to have a family with conservative values and a desire to be obedient to God. My family will continue to keep yours in prayer as well as the wonderful duggar family. Sorry about the lack of capital letters at the start of yore name, I am on the kindle and don’t really know how to use it yet! God bless my family in Christ!