Welcome to my first post of a little series I'm doing involving.
Family Singing Ministrries.
I'm going to be doing a few little interviews with daughters in family bands. I know for myself I had a great curiosity on this subject.... (okay, I secretly wish my older siblings did more music, so we could start a family band.) I enjoyed reading todays interviewees answers to my questions and I know you will too, so without further ado allow me to introduce you to....
Hannah Wissmann from the Wissmann Family Singers
Hi! My name is Hannah Wissmann. I am 18 years old, and the 9th-born in our family of 13 children. In addition to my 7 sisters and 5 brothers, I also have 4 sibling-in-laws, and 4 nieces and nephews. I’m thankful for each one of them! Those of us who are still living at home spend a significant amount of time traveling the United States and Canada, singing and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have had the opportunity to sing at conferences, churches, festivals, banquets, county fairs, restaurants, and even at a cattle auction. You’ve probably guessed this by now, but my life is full of variety, action, and lots of sweet relationships!
What are some of your hobbies?
My hobbies?! Hmmm... Well, in my free time, I genuinely enjoy spending time with my family. Whether we are singing, playing games, in a theological discussion, or tackling a work project together, it's bound to be exciting. We laugh more than any family I know! My personal hobbies would include reading, baking, and playing outdoor sports.
How did you family get started in music ministry?
Our journey into music was as much a surprise to our family as anyone. Traveling the nation in music ministry wasn’t our plan or goal, although we’ve always enjoyed singing together and taking private instrument lessons. As long as I can remember, our family would sing at nursing homes or for smaller, local events. We started receiving invitations from out-of-state when I was only 5 (in 2001), so I don’t remember much of the early years as we adapted to living on a bus. We minister on an invitation-basis, so little by little the Lord started opening doors to spend more time on the road as requests increased. He provided our first bus in 2001 and opportunities snowballed from there. Its been an adventure each step of the way!
What is your role(s) in your families ministry.
Currently, I sing lead and harmony vocals in addition to playing the fiddle.
What do you find the most helpful and encouraging things churches and the families can do when your visiting for a concert other then prayer? (Kind of a tough question if your not sure you don't have to answer it.)
One the great privileges of traveling across the nation is the opportunity to catch a glimpse of what God is doing in the hearts of His people, nationwide. We love hearing of specific answers to prayer or of families and churches stepping out in faith to impact their community for Christ. After many concerts our family gathers back in the bus and share stories from our various conversations. This is so encouraging to us!
And on the practical side, its always a huge blessing when a hosting church or family will provide a meal. Cooking on the bus is a bit challenging, so we’re always grateful for a meal. Our family doesn’t eat many sweets, so most often we’ll opt out of desserts and fill up on the veggies and fruits!
How many instruments do you carry with you on the road?
We usually bring about thirteen instruments with us on the road.
(2 banjos, mandolin, bass, hammered dulcimer, flute, 2 violins, cello, dobro, harmonica, and 2 guitars.)
How do you get to enjoy home cooked meals and a good balanced diet while living out of a bus?
As I mentioned, it is a tremendous blessing when host families or churches provide a meal before an evening concert. Because of the number in our family, eating out is a very rare treat. However, it does help that we have a mini-kitchen on the bus. We have a full-sized fridge, microwave, and use our crockpots or hot-plates for cooking. We do a bulk of our food preparations before we leave home (browning meat, grinding flour, etc... However, during long tours we occasionally utilize a church kitchen to re-stock our freezers and pantry.
We love healthy food and actually eat very well on the bus. For example, breakfast will usually consist of eggs, a hot cereal or pancakes, milk, and yogurt. Our dinner & supper menu might be anything from sandwiches to a mexican buffet, spaghetti, stir fry, or marinated chicken. Most of our meals are also served with lots of veggies on the side and possibly a huge salad. The possibilities are endless! We always have a basket of fruit that is available any time and also a snack drawer with dried fruit, nuts, granola bars and whatever else finds its way in there.
Do you have friends along your routes that you visit while on the road or are you meeting new people all the time?
Some of both! We meet new people at every place we sing, each situation and location is different. Often we’ll return to a church every couple years or so and we’ll have the opportunity to re-new and deepen friendships. Also, various regions of the country we’ll visit annually, giving us more opportunities to connect with friends. For instance, we've been touring in Florida 10+ years now, so we have some very good friends there. In fact, my brother met and married one of our dear friends from Orlando.
What's the biggest challenge when on the road consistently?
Since our travel schedule is constantly changing with each new day, we struggle to balance our personal and ministry priorities. A big part of that is consistency in personal and family devotions. Often our schedule is quite full and we have to intentionally sent aside that time, regardless of the pressures or distractions.
What do you enjoy the most about being on the road/doing concerts in different states?
I love seeing the beauty in each state. From the big sky and blue-topped mountains in Montana, to the breathtaking foliage of Ohio in the fall; major city skylines, and quaint mid-west farmsteads. It's amazing how much variety there is in each state. Hearing the different speakings accents from state to state is fun. We’ve also collected quite an array of ‘local specialty’ recipes which we try to re-create once we return home.
Do you have any short stories/adventures that happened while out on the road that you'll never forget?
Oh yes! This topic could fill a book. Sometimes, when we’re traveling late at night, we’ll all sit around in the bus and laughingly reminisce over our random, crazy, and adventurous moments. We do everything a normal family would -- we just do most of it while we’re jostling down an interstate.That's what makes school, cleaning bus, or doing dishes just a little more ‘exciting’ than usual.
When the driver hits the brakes unexpectedly or has to turn a sharp corner, there is usually something that falls off a countertop -- or a cupboard door will swing open and everything on the shelves will fall all over the floor. One time while we were driving, Mom was making green peas for lunch. She had the 3 quart pan full on the counter and was just adding some butter, when suddenly the driver hit the brakes a little harder than usual. The dish went sailing off the counter and onto the floor. The little green peas fell out of the dish and literally bounced, covering a remarkable amount of floor, to the front of the bus. Lets just say we all pitched in picking up peas!
Often, just as someone fills their bowl/plate full of food a turn throws them off balance and before you know it the food has left the plate and is spread out on the sofa or floor (or both!) It keeps life exciting!
What's one of your favorite place you've visited?
Nebraska, is my favorite, of course! I don't know if I could choose a favorite from the places we’ve traveled. Some places I love visiting because they are so scenic and I marvel at God's handiwork! Other places are wonderful because of the people who live there. If I had to narrow it down to a few, I would have to say my grandparent’s home in northeast Iowa would be a favorite. Also, my married sisters’ homes in Kansas and Wisconsin. Branson Missouri, and Florida would also be highlights, but I think I like those states because we have family there or because we spent so much time in those areas! There are a lot more states I really like, but I have a hard time narrowing it down. There is something special about all of them.
What's you favorite verses or book in the bible?
My favorite verse would probably be Philippians 2:16 "Holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain." I reminds me that our life here is so short and that we only have one chance to live it. Let's make it count! I would hate to get the end of my life and find out that it was all in vain and that nothing I invested my life in counted or made a difference for eternity. Life is a precious gift, so let’s live every day, every moment to the fullest we possibly can -- and for what really matters. Its only as we are"holding fast the word of life" that we can know what truly matters. God's word is truth; it changes lives; it is vital to living a life that makes an eternal difference. Whether we're doing big, unique things or little, everyday things, lets do ALL to the glory of God. My favorite book of the Bible would have to be Psalms. I love how it displays God's greatness and our need for Him in the everyday struggles and joys of life.
Do your siblings ever got on your nerves being coped together?
You’re asking if we fight?!! *grin* Honestly, I think that our parents have set an example of having an attitude of gratefulness for each person. As God works in each of our lives, we see that each person is a unique and special individual. We think differently, our personalities are different, our strengths and weaknesses are different. And those differences can be a point of jealously and contention between us or we can use them to draw us closer together. Yes, we make mistakes. No, we're not perfect by any means! But we serve a wonderful Savior. And we are each others’ best friends, living with the same goal, which helps a lot. It is worth investing in the lives of those closest to you, your family! I will add that since most of us are older now this has become easier. When we were a bunch of little people we did have our share of squabbles!
Do you think you be as close to your siblings if you didn't travel some of the year?
In some ways, yes, I think we are closer than if we didn't travel. But I think the main reason is because as we’re on the road, we’ve all pursued the same goal. We are working together with the same mission. That mission is bigger than any one of us and there is no way we could do it alone. I think that explains why we are so close, more so then the fact that we travel around in a 45-foot bus.
How many months out of the year do you travel?
Every year is different! Right now we’re transitioning between expanding an agricultural business at home and still touring a significant amount. I'd say right now it's about half the year, maybe a little bit less.
What are your views on dressing modestly?
Dressing modestly is a joy and privilege and it does make an impact. As I’ve been entrusted with the most precious and life-changing message the world has ever known, I don’t want to present myself in a way that would distract or be a stumbling block from that message. I confess, acquiring a modest wardrobe in our culture is something that requires thought, creativity, and a bit more work. But it is certainly possible! I am very grateful for my Dad and brothers whom I can go to for input regarding specific styles or clothing items.
Do have any advice on girls who are striving to dress modestly, but having a rough dressing for that when it doesn't seem attractive to the world?
The way we dress should glorify God, as should every area of our lives. We are, after all, His representatives on this earth. If you are feeling discouraged, stop and remember why you are dressing modestly in the first place! Are we seeking the glory of man or of God? If we know why we do what we do, that will give us strength and encouragement to press on. I would encourage you to search the Scriptures to see what God says about how to dress. Talk to your parents to get their perspective and continue on!
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Col3:17
Thank you Hannah for letting me interview you.
I enjoyed reading your answers. :)
Please check out the Wissmanns Family Blog
Also the Wissmanns Website to read more about their family, to order cds, (I think we own almost all of them, they are so good.) also to see if they have a concert coming your way.
Thank you again. Stay tuned next week I will be posting an interview with Ruth Wissmann. Even though she is apart of the same family band I enjoyed reading her interview as well and I know you will too.
