Alan & Ellen Ives' Family

Alan James Ives, born 18 May 1950, Madison, Wisconsin. Grew up in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Methodist background. Baseball, math, genealogy and music have always been his interests. (I thought that music was the answer to life's questions.)

Alan was led to salvation in Christ Jesus by Jackie (Nelson) Clayton, May 1969. She used verses from the book of Romans. (I remember suddenly realizing that Jesus died FOR ME!) Baptized Dec. 1969 at Southside Baptist Church in Oshkosh.

Fall 1971. The Word of God and Pastor's preaching (Rev. Howard Nelson) convicted Alan about playing pop music. (I was in a rock band Dec. 1962 - Aug. 1971). The Scriptures gave him strength to quit the band, and leave that business! (Mt 6:19-21,24 / Lk 6:46 / I Cor 6:19-20 / II Cor 5:17; 6:14-18 / Eph 5:11 / I Thess 5:22).

Ellen Jane Mathe born 23 September 1954, was born again 27 February 1973. Alan visited her home and quoted Scripture to her, but the verse that the Lord impressed upon her was I John 5:13. She began trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ that night, and knew that she had eternal life. She was raised Roman Catholic and spent her time bowling. (She now spends much time sewing.) She was baptized in March or April of 1973 at Southside Baptist Church, Oshkosh WI.

May 1973. Alan began working as paid staff at Southside Baptist Church: music, visitation, errands, youth group worker and as bus driver and captain, assistant to treasurer, rest home services.

Alan and Ellen married - 8 September 1973. (Pr 18:22; 19:14b) (P.S. We are still married! Glory to God! Pr 5:18)

Spring 1975. Moved to new church building (name changed to Wyldewood Baptist Church). Added responsibilities included: some Sunday school teaching, some jail ministry preaching, teaching in the Christian school, becoming assistant treasurer. Our Sunday morning services were aired "live" over a local radio station.

Ellen taught Sunday school for four years and in the Christian school (Learning to Read) two years. She became, unofficially, my music secretary.

Later responsibilities added: music lessons, School of Scriptures instruction (college level courses in English, music, and Bible), and some janitorial work.

Since 1971 we have attended church meetings for soul-winning and missions conferences, revivals, and stewardship and sweetheart banquets. We take part in Christmas, Easter, 4th of July and Thanksgiving programs, in addition to concerts for other special days. It is our belief that it is important for all Christians to praise the Lord. In 1983 we began travelling "full-time" in evangelism and music, and part-time the first half of 1984. From September 1986 to the present date, we have been building local church music programs.

When we started traveling to churches around the United States of America and Canada all five of our children traveled with us. Now all five of our children are making homes of their own, while we continue traveling.

Stephanie Jane married Jeremy Smith and is working with him at Cedar River Baptist Camp in Iowa. Their first son Zachary Lynn was born October 2, 2003. God has blest them with a second boy, Laramie David, born January 6, 2005.

Stephen James and his wife, Sarah Kay, live in Wisconsin with their two sons, Jordan James (born June 19, 1999) and Jamin Levi (born Sept 15, 2001). Stephen and Sarah help take care of things in Oshkosh while Alan and Ellen are traveling.

Susan Elizabeth is married to John Randall. Their girl, Elizabeth Ruth, was born August 21, 2003, and their son, John Mark, was born on January 7, 2005. John and Susan live in New York where John is part of the music staff at International Baptist College.

Sarah Joy and her husband Paul Randall have three children, Neil Alan (born December 18, 2000), Paul Azariah (born September 25, 2002), and Ellen Joy (born March 27, 2004). Paul pastors the Standing Stone Baptist Church in Monterey, Tennessee.

Seth Alan and his wife, Crystal, are ministering at Greater Point Baptist Church in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. They are expecting their first baby in September 2005.

Each of Alan and Ellen's children has made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ, and has been baptized. (Ps 127:3-5!)