2013 Bible Bee

It has already been over a week since our whirlwind trip to the National Bible Bee. What a privilege and honor to share at such a powerful event! Our warmest congratulations to each of our readers who made it to Nationals as competitors. It was such a joy to meet and visit with many of you! 

Thank you for your prayers for us during this time. It was an awesome responsibility to share during the opening ceremonies and and other events over the weekend. We trust hearts were encouraged. Here are a few pictures: 

Warming up and preparing the sound system ahead of time. 

Smiles! Fun to have new coordinating colors for the trip.

Hannah and Susanna

The younger members of the family.

Matthias and Elizabeth

Behind stage. This is such an important part of everything we do: family worship and prayer. Numerous times the Lord has used this simple act in our family to knit hearts, correct attitudes, and unify our purpose. It reminds us that indeed, "we are weak, but HE is strong". Treasured times. 

Opening Ceremonies


"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, 
but you shall meditate in it day and night, 
that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. 
For then you will make your way prosperous, 
and then you will have good success."
Joshua 1:8

Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving is a precious season. 

A time to reflect. 

To rejoice. 

A time to specifically list the Lord's abundant blessings which we so easily take for granted each and every day. 

And we're especially grateful to have the joy of family time this Thanksgiving. We traveled to our grandparents in Iowa for a lively weekend filled with special moments. Here are a few of the pictures Bethany captured of our time together: 

Charissa helps Mom assemble the cheese trays.

She's becoming an excellent helper!

Grandpa cuddling our cousin's baby, Riley

Gotta love sister time! 

Grandma's endless trays of homemade goodies

Three generations in the kitchen

Mmmmmm! 

Honestly, folks. Grandma's Thanksgiving feast is second-to-none!

Story time with Dad/Grandpa

Arianna had a great time playing with her second-cousins.

'Helping' Great-Grandpa

"How about another taste of that cool whip, Grandma?!"

And never a dull moment with the uncles around!

Andrew & Kori

Matthias & Elizabeth

Dan & Bethany

Hannah & Susanna

And with some of our family half-the-world away, 
we spent quite a bit of time enjoying FaceTime with them.
Yes, we're thankful for technology!

Stephen's sense of humor is obvious, even through the screen.

How was your weekend? 

Oh, give thanks to the LORD!

Call upon His name;

Make known His deeds among the peoples!

1Chron. 16:8

Asher

Happy 2nd Birthday Asher!!!

adorable  bubbly  cheerful  cuddly  curious 

energetic  enthusiastic 

expressive  fun-loving  funny  gentleman 

happy  inquisitive  lovable  

mischievous sensitive  smiley  spunky  sweet 

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“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them;

for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you.

He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6



Over the Pacific

As I type this, Stephen is flying somewhere north of Alaska, headed to the frigid-but-friendly land of Mongolia. There are so many open doors with young men in the same area where Ruth is serving. Stephen has had such a heart to meet those needs and we're thankful he's taken the initiative to make a difference.

Much of his focus will be on serving with our friends, teaching guitar, basketball, and exploring furniture building possibilities. We're excited about what the Lord has in store for the coming weeks and continue to pray for his safe travels and effective opportunities.

Saying goodbyes

Packing tight!

Heading out at the airport last night preparing for the long flights ahead. 

We love you,  Stephen. 

You're in our prayers half-the-world away!

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye."

Psalm 32:8

Mongolia Update #2

Dear friends and family,

"O my soul, you have said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord! Apart from You I have no good thing." ... I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel. I have set the Lord always before me, because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore!" Selected verses from Psalm 16

Praise the Lord! Throughout the past few weeks, I have found these verses to be so very true. Real ministry is able to take place only when we acknowledge our utter need for God's grace & power - saying with David, "Apart from You I have no good thing!"

Then our mighty God steps in with amazing grace, mercy and pure love to supply the lack & transform the situation. The resulting outcomes, relationships & ministry leave me in total awe of our God!! This has been a repeated story in my weeks since the last update! And your prayers are a huge part of this sequence! Thank you!  :)

Even in the winter months, the sights are vividly colorful here in Mongolia: 

The view from my hotel window

Big sky country

Colorful storefronts

I made my first successful trip to the marketplace without an interpreter. The vendors were very understanding -- having patience with my gestures and even helping correct my pronunciation on my limited Mongolian vocabulary. 

Welcome to the grocery 'store'!

A classy hotel

The traditional Mongolian home called a 'yurt'. Many mongolians still live in them. 

A bright smile at my door.

Some of my eager English students. 

Recent Answers to Prayer:

-  English classes are going well and have provided an avenue to develop friendships with a large variety of ages and English speaking levels. I currently have 8 classes a week in my home and 2 classes a week at a local hotel & restaurant for their staff. 

-  The Ladies Health & Fitness class has been hugely successful and such a delight for me to be apart of! We are currently running out of room at the current building and it has been suggested that we find a new place to meet. Last night a lady told me, "My husband loves the change in me!! Thank you!!" 

-  First Aid & Healthcare: The opportunities to minister in these ways could keep one busy full time! But as the schedules have worked out, these opportunities are squeezed in between English classes. Burns & blisters, dog bite, nausea, headaches, infections, heartburn, skin rashes, allergies, back lower pain and a variety of digestive issues are a some of the situations I've had the privilege to counsel the past few weeks. I covet your prayers for wisdom! Many of the "natural treatment options" so easily acquired in the States are unavailable here.

This is a little glimpse of the situations I face each week. Darkness abounds. But where the darkness is great - the light & truth shines greater!  I am so grateful for your prayers and the notes of encouragement you have sent my way!  God is at work - ministering to hearts through touching the physical ... and I'm so grateful you have chosen to be apart of it! 

Only in Him and with much gratefulness,

Ruth Wissmann

Bible Bee-Bound

www.BibleBee.org

The miles are whizzing under the bus tires as I type this update. After a few long days of wrapping up our field work, we're excited to be on the road once again. This time we're headed for Tennessee! The Shelby Kennedy Foundation has asked our family to share during the Bible Bee National Competition this year and we're excited to be a part of such a meaningful event. 

Would you keep our family in your prayers this weekend? We have many miles to travel and an amazing opportunity to share with hundreds of families. We're praying that the Lord's Spirit moves mightily; encouraging the hearts of His people. May we be willing, humble vessels before Him. Again, we covet your prayers! 

Instruments all loaded

Home Sweet Bus!

The scenery will look quite different 24 hours from now!

(Hello gorgeous Tennessee bluffs!)

Mealtime on the bus

Is anyone else headed to Sevierville this weekend?!

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, 

but you shall meditate in it day and night,

 that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. 

For then you will make your way prosperous, 

and then you will have good success.

Joshua 1:8

Kori

Happy Birthday Kori!

Adventurous  Caring  Cheerful  Diligent  

Enthusiastic  Flexible  Fun Generous  Gentle  Genuine  Gracious  Happy Loving  

Patient  Sincere  Sporty  Spunky 

 Stylish Sweet  Talented  

Tender-hearted Thoughtful

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"A gracious woman retains honor."

Proverbs 11:16

Christmas Sale: Happening Now!

We have some of the kindest, most generous readers. (Yes, that would be you all!) This past summer when we released our two new albums, we were so surprised by the number of you who ordered CDs as gifts for family, friends, or ministry purposes. We're humbled that you would include our family products in your gift giving. 

Which led us to the idea to host a Christmas CD sale. 'Tis the season for giving, and we'd like to use this opportunity to say 'Thanks' in a tangible way. With Christmas just around the corner, we've transformed our online store with new prices and deals. Click on over to find a meaningful gift for someone you love! 

In addition to dropping the individual prices on the CDs, we've decided to feature a quantity discount on our new children's project, "My Heart, Your Home". We've received many emails sharing how this CD has been a blessing -- not merely to the children, but to whole families as well. Since we've had several requests for bulk rates on this project, we decided to incorporate this into our Christmas sale. Hearing from you, its been exciting to note the many ways this CD has been used: 

• Gifts for grandchildren, cousins, or friends
• Baby shower or birthday gifts 
• Ministry outreach for VBS children
• Gifts for Good News Club kids

Perhaps you have children in your life who would enjoy the sweet music and powerful Scripture on this project. Click here to visit our store. 

Also, our Branson Christmas DVD is back in stock! Your whole family will enjoy the music, costumes, lights, comedy -- and timeless message of Jesus' birth on this video project. 

**Special pricing good until December 16, 2013

Again, we're grateful to be surrounded by such dear friends and readers. Your prayer support and encouragement to our family over the years has been such a blessing. Thank you! 

"We give thanks to God always for you all."

1 Thess. 1:2