Category Archives: ministry

Cherokee, North Carolina

Welcome to North Carolina!

Beautiful tree covered mountains, winding highways and roads, popping ears… we were in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina!  As we traveled up and down through the mountains, we were very thankful for the brake job that Uncle Joe, Dad, and Grandpa took care of while we were in Maryland.

We pulled in late Tuesday night to a Christian camp that graciously allowed us to stay there.  We had been invited by Tammy Jackson to sing at Acquoni Baptist church in Cherokee, and she had also lined up several Native American believers to record their testimonies for the Storyteller.

A Storyteller and his wife

Cherokee Indian Reservation

Over the weekend, a church group came in from Tennessee to close up the camp and so we were able to help with cleaning, sweeping, raking, and such.

Daniel and Jonathan hard at work sweeping away the dirt.

We had quite a bit of down time on this part the trip and so we visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  We did some driving and hiking, soaking in the beauty of God’s creation.

The hike up to Clingman’s Dome

Crossing a mountain stream footbridge – they got narrower as we went along!

Dad and Mom

Half of us in NC, half of us in TN!

Wherever we go in ministry, the Lord brings other brothers and sisters in Christ into our path that are a blessing and encouragement to us.  It’s also exciting to see how He provides for us – from where we stay to what we eat.  We’re greatly blessed!

Breathtaking beauty

Sixteen Days Away from Home

Suitcases, instruments, and sound equipment… we were really packed in there!

We recently returned from a big sixteen day trip out East… Maryland, North Carolina, Kentucky, and then on to Wisconsin.  As there were several destinations along the way and numerous events that took place, this will be a series of posts.

It was a wonderful trip and the Lord blessed our time tremendously.  Thank you for all of you who were praying for safety and fruitfulness… the Lord gave both.  Keep an eye out for the different posts about our trip because there will be lots of pictures and stories to share.

Beautiful fall colors in North Carolina

Lake Itasca Family Music Festival 2012

We have been eagerly looking forward to the Lake Itasca Family Music Festival this summer.  It was the 7th annual and we have had the privilege of being there each year and helping with this wonderful family event.

The Bontrager Family

In between working to keep things running smoothly, we enjoyed great music from families hailing from all parts of the country, learning at instrument workshops, singing a couple of songs on the Heritage stage, and jamming late into the night.

Mom was the Snack Shack “manager”

The Triple L Band

The Storybook Musical Theatre presented by the Wissmann family

We were blessed by the fellowship with friends that we get to see each year at the festival.

Teresa, Sara, Hannah, Amy, Deborah, Anna

We so appreciate the emphasis on family ministry that we see throughout the weekend.  We suggest you put next year’s festival on your calendar – August 2, 3, & 4 2013.

Daniel and Jonathan eating supper with their friends