Lou Ann was raised in a godly Lutheran home and joined the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod in 1991. In 1984, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Marquette University. Shortly after she retired from a 34-year career as a Registered Nurse and later a Nurse Practitioner, an opportunity to lead women’s Bible study presented itself.

An avid reader, particularly of history, the Bible has been a lifelong fertile ground to fuel her passion for study, and she has participated in numerous women’s Bible studies. Teaching was a natural transition as she now gathers regularly with her fellow sisters in Christ and leads women’s Bible studies at her home congregation, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waupaca, Wisconsin.

In addition to her books, Lou Ann has been a contributor for Holy Hen House magazine, created the Advent by Candlelight service “Thee I Will Serve,” and contributed to the 2022/2024 Advent Devotional series from WELS Women’s Ministry. Mokwa lives in Waupaca with her husband, Jim, and dog, Sophie. Her daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren reside in Nashville, TN.

After a successful career as an international management consultant serving Fortune 500 companies, Marilyn Miller enrolled at Martin Luther College in 2005 and earned certification as a staff minister. She was then called by her home congregation in Houston, Texas, where she had the privilege of serving the Lord and His people in full-time ministry. 

Marilyn was honored to be a charter member of WELS Women’s Ministry and its first chairperson. During her leadership, she recognized a growing need for accessible Bible study resources for women. In response, she developed and shared Bible studies that were used both in her congregation and by women throughout the country. She also helped foster a greater understanding of how men and women can work together in faithful service to God. 

Over the past two decades, Marilyn has been a sought-after speaker at Christian women’s retreats and conferences across the nation. In retirement, she continues her passion for in-depth Bible study and writing, while also volunteering in her church and enjoying time with her family. 

Kathie Wendland’s life has been shaped by one central truth: God has already saved the people—and calls His people to share that message wherever they are placed. 

Raised in rural Wisconsin in a Christ-centered home, Kathie saw firsthand what it looks like to live out faith in daily life—at home, in work, and in the community. Her early years built a strong foundation in Scripture, but it was her experiences beyond the classroom that deepened her understanding of her calling. 

Through her work as a nurse—in the U.S. Navy Reserve, in underserved communities, and in developing countries—Kathie encountered both the brokenness of the world and the deep spiritual need for the Gospel. In those moments, God clarified her purpose: not to fix the world’s pain, but to faithfully share the hope that is already found in Christ. 

For over 30 years, Kathie has been leading women’s Bible studies, speaking at retreats and conferences, and encouraging others to grow in God’s Word. Her passion is helping women recognize their identity as God’s ambassadors—equipped by Scripture, strengthened by faith, and called to serve wherever God has placed them. 

Kathie invites you to explore the Word with her—and to grow in a daily hunger for Scripture that shapes how you live, serve, and share Christ with others.