The Ort Family

This year, the National Missionary Convention was held (conveniently) in Tulsa from Nov. 20-23.  Literacy and Evangelism International again had a booth and was staffed by various individuals from LEI headquarters.

The LEI booth

Curriculum on display

freebies 

On Sunday, the Kautt family of Creation Evangelism Tools, who we were privileged to meet, shared a meal with us in our home before their drive home.  Mr. Jim Kautt ministers in Tübingen, Germany, with his wife.  Tübingen was the city where Georg and Martha met for the first time, so the mention of that city immediately caught our attention .

enjoying a meal in our sunroom

Brothers, Jim and David Kautt with four of David's children

the whole group

Today, one year ago, this blog began.  For those of you who may be new to our blog (if you are, we would be thrilled with a comment!), below are some of the highlights of this past year.  Travel back with us to a very full and blessed 365 days!

November

National Missionary Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio

Creation Museum in Kentucky

December

Ice Storm

January

Georg's trip to Europe

February

Our First Political Convention

April

Peter working at Panera

Peter at IPS

May

Violin Recital

June

ILTI

July

Do Hard Things conference in Dallas, Texas

Sovereign Grace Teen Camp in Missouri

August and September

Europe Trip

October

Parking Project

Last weekend, I enjoyed a hike in Arkansas with 20 others from Grace Bible Church.  Truly God's creation declares His praises, as was evident in Hawksbill Crag and Big Bluff.  How small and frail one feels while gazing at a colorful forest covering the hills when standing only a few feet from a hazardous drop or while carefully traversing a narrow path when diversion from it most certainly would result in death.  How insignificant we humans are compared to the Creator of the universe, and yet we are the pinnacle of His creation – the sinners He chose to send His Son to die for, that we may be eternally reconciled with Him.  What a great and awesome God we serve!

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. – Romans 1:20

Click the picture to see an album of photos!  

Last Saturday, we spent a long day at LEI charging parking from those who wanted to go to the Oktoberfest.  Our location was ideal, so when the main parking lot was full, cars started coming to us.  This is the third year we have done this, and each time we are exhausted by 10 pm.  Because we had several of us working, we were able to accommodate about 80 cars at one time.  Our total earnings reveal that we hosted at least 300 cars during the day.  Peter especially showed determination and creativity in using a whole additional plot of grass which we had not used for cars in previous years.  As is evident from some of the photos, cell phones aided us in communicating to each other how many spaces were still vacant.  We had fun doing this family project, and were blessed monetarily as well.  Also, part of the funds go to support the work of LEI.  Our friend who manages Tutor Place (the LEI dormitory), had prayed that we would earn a certain large amount during the day, and despite skepticism on the part of some, the Lord saw fit to answer that prayer.  Praise the Lord!  Click on each thumbnail below to see a larger picture.

A week ago on Friday, some of the LEI staff walked down the street to Oktoberfest, a traditional German festival.  Notice all the Literacy and Evangelism International hats .  Most of us enjoyed a lunch of bratwurst sandwiches.

Our family watched Fireproof one night this week.  In our culture which does not understand true love as God ordained it, Fireproof shows that love is a choice.  It is the story of a collapsing marriage wherein one partner chooses to embark on a journey which will change his life.  He dares to love his wife, even through the fire.  I cannot recommend this movie highly enough.  Perhaps it will change your life.  Fireproof is much more than a good story.  It is a lesson in love, and is applicable to anyone's life, whether married or not.

By the way, there is something you should know about a certain scene in the movie.  It is refreshing to see such conviction boldly lived out.

On Thursday night, some of us had the privilege of attending an informal meeting with the Botkin family.  To my knowledge, they had never spoken in our city before.  The evening was characterized with discussion about casting a family vision, returning to Biblical principles in our families and nation, and the availability of resources to help people learn more about Biblical living, including a dvd set available around October 10th.  Many asked questions, which were answered by various members of the Botkin family.  Anna Sofia and Elizabeth signed our copies of So Much More and The Return of the Daughters DVD.  Watch for upcoming reviews of both resources!

We are excited for Peter's photography business receiving some publicity via the poster he designed, and hope he will soon start scheduling customers.