PO Box 231,
Joplin Mo 64801

August 26, 1974

Dear Brethren;

The phrase "fullness of time" is used in the Scriptures as a time when everything is just right. This was the case when our Lord Jesus Christ was born (Gal 4:4). Everything seemed to have been at a climax politically, spiritually, economically and socially. Because of these great changing factors, our Lord's messages were noticed a lot more than at other times. This His declarations of the great truth contained in the Scriptures were heard and the lives of men and women since then have kept on conforming to the message of the Great Teacher.

Observers on the mission fields feel that there is "fullness of time" in different places. For example, Japan had a time of receptivity to the Gospel. This was after WW II when Hirohito, Japan's emperor-god was defeated. Many of the Japanese then were very receptive to any teaching other than emperor worship. But the "fullness of time"did not last long. Japan had to open for other ideologies, one of these being materialism. Thus the opportunities for the gospel seem to have been harder since then. This is the same observation which has been made on all other developing nations in the orient. Indonesia and MaIaysia are following in the footsteps of Japan. They are getting harder to reach with the Gospel and for all practical purposes they will soon join the list of nations in which the Gospel message has become to be rejected. This spreading fire should be checked soon. The best way to do this is the preaching of the Gospel in the areas where there is "fullness of time" and let those converted from these places carry the mission work to other places. This would free foreign missionaries from the game of blackmail which is being used in places in the orient with their visas.

New Guinea is in a phase in which the Gospel is being received with readiness. This nation which has come from a Stone-Age existence into our complex 20th century of Technology in less than 25 years. With Independence in the very near future (l975) the country will of necessity begin to stand alongside the other developing nations in the Pacific. As with all other nations, this development will bring materialism into the hearts and lives of these people.

Before the doors are closed, let us observe the "fullness of time" in New Guinea and get about the task of "redeeming the time".

During our recent Gospel Meeting with Reuel Lemmons (editor of Firm Foundation) here in Joplin Missouri, we had the privilege of discussing with him at length our future plans for New Guinea. Kathy and I have always contended that the only way for some unevangelized places of the world to hear the Gospel is for Christians to move to these nations to live and work. We have thus been pondering for sometime the possibility of going to New Guinea as vocational missionaries of sort because of the SEEMING lack of funds in the brotherhood for mission work.

We would go to New Guinea as secular workers and then help our missionaries who are presently there in any way we can. This arrangement has some advantages and well as disadvantages. A job there would free us from the burden of devaluation which is constantly faced by our missionary brethren each time they convert American dollars to Australian dollars($2.00 = $1 Aust.). Bro. Lemmons mentioned also of the fact of problems our brethren are having in obtaining and keeping visas to enter and reside in countries as missionaries. The disadvantages are proportional as well. Working would not give us the time we need to fully work as evangelists.

After much discussion with the elders here in Joplin we have decided to proceed with our plans in two directions:

(1) January 1975 has been set as our departure date to go to New Guinea as fully supported missionaries. This date was chosen primarily because new budgets will have been figured out by then and perhaps we will be able to find necessary funds needed to go fully supported. Much more work for the Lord could be accomplished by being fully supported.

(2) Try to secure employment in New Guinea and go to work and help. This avenue would still incur the raising of travel fund. If we can secure employment we would be leaving as soon as the necessary travel fund could be raised( $5-7000).

By God's grace we hope to depart for New Guinea NO LATER than Jan l975 either fully supported by you brethren or going to work secularly and help all and when we can.

Since our last news letter the American dollar has devalued in overseas markets. This devaluation has of necessity caused us to have to raise our needs an additional $2000 a month. Prices have skyrocketed as well, especially gasoline. We wrote in our last newsletter that we have faith that God will provide, but our faith has already shrunk a little because of the brethren's response is so little. Not one congregation has shown enough concern for the lost of New Guinea to even contact us for a slide presentation on the work there.

Wouldn't you like to have fellowship in spreading the Gospel to a lost and dying people? A group of people who don't even have the entire Bible in their language? If you as an individual or congregation could help please send your money today to:

church of Christ:
New Guinea Fund
P.O.Box231
Joplin MO 64801

We are in need of a one time fund of $8000 for travel and shipment of a few household goods; monthly support of $700. additional (we now have $600.) for a total need of $1300=$650 Aust.; also needed is $500 ($250 Aust.) for a monthly working fund.

WOULD YOU COMMIT YOURSELF TO $5, $10, $20, or $50 a month to this great work??? (all these contributions are tax deductible) If you wanted to start your support now the money would be applied toward the travel fund.

We are available for showing of our proposed work to anyone who is interested. Our slide presentation are slides which I took last Nov during my trip to New Guinea. If a congregation is interested in having fellowship with us in this work please contact us for a showing on Sunday or Wednesday night(or any other night).

contact: church of Christ
4th & Forest Ave.
P O Box 231
Joplin Mo. 64801
TEL. (417) 624-1795/781-8143