October 2008

"Side Issues"

Jeff teaching 95 students the class Evangelism/Wordlview/Apologetics. Between reading & memory quizzes and many practical Evangelism assignments-Joy did A LOT of grading for this class!

Carrying multiple job descriptions is almost a given in missionary work. To be able to do just one thing and to fully devote to that one area is a great goal but often is an impossibility. Needs that exceed the personnel available is a constant issue. This year at New Tribes Bible Institute it has been no different. Our year started off busier than ever. We work with the married students as Deans--this is our designated role. Jeff also developed and taught a new class for the first six weeks of school, and Joy helped to grade assignments in the class. Jeff coordinates the evangelism program for the entire school. Jeff is involved in a weekly evangelistic Bible study at the local jail and Joy is helping at an inner city ministry downtown in Milwaukee. In between those endeavors, throw in a some appointments with students and some meetings and it makes for a challenging schedule. Pray for stamina. We enjoy what we do but need energy to do them to the best of our ability.

Prayer Needs

• It was great to have Jordan with us. He is learning much these days. Pray he'll continue to be sensitive to the Lord's direction.
• We have completed a very hectic time in the first 6- weeks of the school term. Because of this we have much to catch up on. Pray for the details at hand…
• Teaching
• Administrating
• Challenging
• Advising
• Serving
• Sharing
• Grant & Lindsay are doing well. Both are fully into their respective schooling schedules. Both are trying to determine future plans after May. Pray for discernment regarding God's direction.

FAQs

Does all your financial support come from just the gifts of supporting churches?

100% of our finances come from the gifts of churches and individuals who stand behind our ministry. The ratio of individual vs. church donors has varied over the years. Because of quite a few churches that have discontinued our support since being at NTBI, the total ratio at this time is about 2/3 individuals to 1/3 churches.

A Birthday Surprise!

For her birthday last month, Joy got the present every loving mom desires- having all the kids together for a long weekend! Jordan got a few extra days off work and flew in from Pittsburgh to surprise her. We had a nice weekend of clowning around, catching up and enjoying each other's company!

You can be a part of Jeff and Joy's work. They can be helped by your prayers and interest and financial support if you are led to help in that way. It is a trying and stressful ministry at times and they would deeply appreciate your involvement in their lives.

Their e-mail address is Jeff_Ryder@ntm.org