August 1977

 

Dear Brethren;

 

News from Papua New Guinea: During the month of August several of our co-laborers in the New Guinea work held a Village Leadership School in the village of Bima Piau, one of the village congregations we labor with. The Ray Lock family, David Lock family and the Andy Scott family spent five days holding morning and afternoon classes and evening worship with filmstrips. 28 men were enrolled in the classes with over 200 in attendance for the evening worship. The women and children were taught daily by Elizabeth and Karen Lock. Medical clinic was also held daily by Karen Lock and Catherine Scott. During this week 2 men obeyed the Gospel. THis area is where we worked while there in New Guinea. Andy Scott had been looking in on our work there until he returned this month. Upon our return in Jam-78 we will renew our labors there in CHimbu. and look in on the Watabung congregations where Andy labors.

 

Many have asked us, "What has been the most noticeable change since you left 2 1/2 years ago?" Brethren we have really been shocked by the worldliness which has engulfed the church of our Lord (Our view is similar to that of a grandparents to grandchild view, we notice it more because we have been gone. cf: the grandparents notice more the growth of children even though they aren't there all the time.) In our travels and conversations with brethren and elders we hear time and time again: "times are real tough", or "the money just isn't here anymore". But as we leave our nice a/c, carpeted, padded pews buildings the reasoning falls through. We see more new cars and camper vans in evidence than ever before but we say "times are tough?" Times are no more demanding than any other time in history brethren. The only things which have changed are our priorities. Brethren, that which we desire the most will command our will and resources. Perhaps the reason budgets aren't met and missionary families aren't sent is that our priorities are backwards. Worldliness has taken priority over our desire to seek after Godliness. If this be the case than we need to as our brethren at Ephesus were exhorted to do "return to our first love"; at Sardis "to wake up and strengthen the things that remain"; at Laodicea to be zealous and repent". With our priorities straight then we can be like the Macedonians of Acts 8 who "out of their deep poverty gave".

 

As we look on the wall calender to our target departure date of January 1978 we realize how time continues to fly. (Especially after another birthday.) It's hard to believe we've been back here in the land of endless highways with countless MacDonalds, DQs, Pizza Huts and Dr. Peppers for over 4 months now. 18,000 miles on our car and 10# around my waist do not lie though. Tminus 85 days and counting.

 

We have been real encouraged by the reception we have received everywhere we have shown the New Guinea work. We cannot express our appreciation enough to all of you who have opened up your homes to us during our travels or and to all of you who have shared with us financially in the New Guinea work. Thanks especially to Ron Burris for the golf shoes (I'll need more than that though to help my game) also thanks to Rick Sharp for the cases of oil filters, grease and carburetor cleaner and D.W. Key for the fuel filters all for our Landcruiser in New Guinea. THANK YOU SO MUCH EACH ONE OF YOU !!!

 

As we continue to secure funds to enable us to carry on the work which the Lord has blessed us with in New Guinea we ask for your continued prayers. Many congregations have seen our needs and many have expressed a desire to have financial fellowship with us in our labors.

 

As our time of departure draws near we ask that you brethren who have not yet sent your financial commitment please do so now or let us know how much you plan to help us (either once or monthly) so that we can figure out where we stand financially.

All checks should be made out to:

Church of Christ: New Guinea Fund
Box 231
Joplin Mo. 64801