Wes & Laurie grew up in Missouri and Nebraska. Wes was a coach/high school P.E. teacher and Laurie an elementary teacher when God first called them into the ministry. Wes went on staff at First Baptist Church, Cleveland, TX, and began seminary courses by extension. It was during this time that the Lord led them to Zimbabwe for three years with the International Mission Board, where they did youth/student work. Upon their return home, Wes completed his seminary training, graduating from Southwestern Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX. In 1998, Wes & Laurie returned to Zambia with the IMB as church planters among the BaTonga People.
Although they saw many successes, they felt the need to do more to reach Zambia for Christ. God began to give them a burden for the many orphans around them. They also felt that to have a true church-planting movement, they needed to reach the children of Zambia, who could better reach their own nation for Christ.
The Wilcoxes joined the Tidwells in serving at New Day Orphanage in September of 2011.
From 2011–2019 they served as co-directors with the Tidwells and then from 2019-2023, Wes served as the Director of New Day. From July 2023 they transitioned to Stateside Ambassadors for New Day and are living in Texas.
