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CARTHAGE, MISSOURI
February -- 1971
THE AMMERMANS
26th ANNUAL PREACHING AND TEACHING CONVENTION FEBRUARY 16, 17, 18 OZARK BIBLE COLLEGE, JOPLIN, MISSOURI
One of the special joys of a furlough is the wonderful fellowship we share witl.old friends and with many new ones. When it has been four years since we have seen many of you, we have to make the few moments count. The days which pass take their toll on all of us. Some people we visited with during our last furlough are not present on this earth. We will have to save up our thirst for fellow ship with them until another time. Anyway, it is great to see all of you and to hash over
old times and to share together happenings in our lives and experiences in yours.
Since last writing to you, I have been travelling. Leaving Joplin, I went to St. Louis to attend a two-day meeting of the Continuation Committee of the National Missionary Convention. This was especially enjoyable, because of the opportunity
to visit with our old friend, Woodrow Phillips, who did so much for us through
training and inspiration while we were at Ozark Bible College. Woodrow is now President of San Jose Bible College. Through his guidance we went on an intern ship to the island of Barbados, and later were directed to our present field of lab
or in Rhodesia.
From there I journeyed to Highland, Indiana, where I participated in a 4-day Faith-Promise Missionary Rally. This was my first experience in the Chicago a rea, and was rewarding and delightful to me. While in that area I visited the fam
ilies of several of our missionaries in our area in Africa. I stayed with Mr. &Mrb.
sons, parents of Dale Erickson, formerly our doctor at Chidamoyo. I also had the privilege of visiting in the home of the Seggermans in South Bend, parents of Mrs.
Bill Nice, and also the Storeys of Michigan City, Susie Campbell's parents. Far ther down the road, I came through Madonna Burget's home area, only to find that she had just previously flown out, on her way to hadia. Our prayers certainly go with her in her new work. Than I jogged over to Ladoga to visit with the mother
of Judy Pickett, who is our hospital secretary and bookkeeper. While spending some days with my parents at Cambridge City, Indiana, I conducted services with
the Christian Church at Greensfork, a small church with some wonderful people.
One highlight of my trip was a visit to Kentucky Christian College at Grayson, Ky.
This was my first time to get well-acquainted with the school. I spoke twice to the
student body and felt a real kinship with that group of people.
We are happy to tell you that we have completely paid off the outstanding
dit with the Standard Bank of Karoi, Rhodesia.
cre
help out our co-workers at Chidamoyo in their regular program. We left a lot of responsibilities which they all willingly agreed to care for during our absence. So
as finances permit, we wish to assist them.
Now we are actively beginning to make plans for our return to Rhodesia. Many
have asked what we do with our funds which are collected during our travels. have committed ourselves to raise funds for a new church building in Karoi. We Just
yesterday we received a letter from the minister of that new congregation, Mr. Pianos Zidyah. On the Sunday previous they had had about 40 in attendance. Heavy rain was falling, so the group had to meet inside his small house. Usually they
met out in the lawn. We got the point. In order to stress their predicament, he said, "One girl,
aged 15, due to the heat and crowded conditions, fainted and fell down terribly. "
Besides this we will need funds for a new 4-wheel drive Land Rover.
Each
of these two projects will cost somewhere over $4,000. Of course, there will be other items of equipment which we will wish to acquire before departing. Please
pray that these needs will be met,
A furlough is no holiday. It has its Joys, as I mentioned, but it is also a lot of work, coupled with separation from one's family. We would prefer to be back at Chidamoyo right now. Thanks you all for your help and prayers.
Yours in His Service,
Li*
*'* ^
Mr. Zidyah,
Minister
i;
Flippin Christian Church, Flippin, Arkansas First Christian Church, Carthage, Missouri
Palestine Church of Christ, Palestine, Ohio Mr. & Mrs. David Sholeen, Villisca, Iowa Atlanta Christian Church, Atlanta, Missouri
Union Avenue Christian Church, Moberly, Missouri First Christian Church, Mableton, Georgia
Greens Fork Mission, Greens Fork, Indiana
Fairview Christian Church, Carthage, Missouri James B. Spradlin, Jr., Martinton, Illinois Christian Church, Haileyville, Oklahoma Mr. & Mrs. Dale Sponsler, Marshfield, Missouri First Christian Church, Longmont, Colorado Christian Church Missions, Centerville, Indiana
35. 14
Receipts E3q>enditures
$2150.61 1956. 16
$ 194.45
2115.47 $2150.61
$1200.00
6. 16
CMdamoyo Hemld
Bruce and Karolyn Arnmerman ^^MISSIONARIES Box 330, Karoi
Rhodesia, Africa
(SERVING RHODESIA)
CARTHAGE, MISSOURI
November -- 197,1
As I am writing this letter, Ixte on Sunday afternoon, a most refreshing rain has just fallen. For days it has been so steamy and hot. A few drops have fallen occasionally, but it has done little to relieve the oppression of the heat and humid ity. One night I sat and slept in a chair in the back yard. There was no air to cool
off the house. Now the air is cool; the African children are all playing in the new
ly-made rivers. Everyone seems happy. The people have been working in the fi elds for several weeks, burning stumps, gathering brush, digging contour ditches, etc. But now they will begin in earnest to prepare for the rainy season. More and more people are beginning to plant cotton, a money crop. Some of these have al ready planted their seeds, and they will be trusting that the rains continue to fall.
Today I was in services at Chigded. About 40 were present and we enjoyed the rnoi^iisg. . Afterwards we sat and discussed together about church situations, and
the church ishelter. This is always a matter of great concern
.Other family-
a new baby, and when she has made preparations, she calls her Christian services for an afternoon of fellowship and strengthening. She usually labors long and hard to prepare food for the many visitors. When everyone has arrived, a leader will begin the service with singing. After this, many speakers will rise and give words of rejoicing and responsibility to the mother because of her new child. This par ticular family was especially happy, for, after having two daughters, a son was born. You may not realize how important this is to these people. One Christian
woman whom we visited last week has had seven daughters. After the 7thwas born in January, her husband never returned. He is working in town and has given up
to read the books I read which say that the father is the one who determines the sex
About two weeks ago, Chidamoyo looked like JFK International Airport. Well, almost! Dr. Nice arranged for some of his doctor friends to have a fly-in. Many of you would know what is involved in this, though I did not. Dr. Messman from Binga, Dr. Pruett from Salisbury, a doctor from Team mission, and Dr. Nice as
sembled with their aircraft to talk flying. Of course, they did some surgery, too.
After discussions they practiced manoeuvers, take-offs and landings. marvelous time and provided a lot of excitement for the people.
Let me make mention of a special group of people right now.
They had a
or Youth group of Tonawanda Church ofChrist, Tonawanda, New York. Their spo nsors are Norm and Sallie Stacy. While in New York for a Missions Revival this group asked if there were something they could do. Their group was small. I sug gested that they might help a needy school child to pay his fees. The school year
is almost finished and several have not yet found money to pay their fees. In the
accompanying picture you can see the boy who was chosen to receive the hioney. His name is Chrispen Meroh. He is finishing Grade 7, and was sp thankful for the gesture of love and sacrifice. Thanks, young people.
One other bit of news. I had told many of you that our car would be here by
November or December. Well, it won't. I received word last week that the Land Rover would come off of the assembly line in late December and then would be ship
been looking for something old and used to fill in until that time. I have found a 1964 Land Rover, completely over-hauled, with a guarantee on it. It wil be ready
have
this week. I have written to Bro. Spratt for some of the church building money to
loss, and the money will be returned to the fund. The plans for the church build ing are in the process of preparation and approval by the Karoi Rural Council.
There is a lot of work to be done in putting up a building for the town group
buy this vehicle. When our new one comes, we will sell this one, undoubtedly at a
Space is gone. I will close. May your hearts over-flow with thanks, as doour. , at this time of year. We appreciate the presence and strength of all of you. Please
do write to us. We will try to answer all.
Yours in His Service,
Dr. Messman,
For all things bright and good. The seed-time and the harvest. Our life, our health, our food;
No gifts have we to offer
For all thy love imparts But that which thou desirest. Our humble, thankful hearts.
Christian Church, Cambridge City, Indiana First Christian Church, Carthage, Missouri
Palestine Church of Christ, Palestine, Ohio
Union Avenue Christian Church, Moberly, Missouri Fairview Christian Church, Carthage, Missouri Third Grade, Christian Church, Oregon, Missouri Mrs. Nina Ropp, Carthage, Missouri Pot Pourri Class, Longmont, Colorado Christian Church, Haileyville, Oklahoma First Christian Church, Mableton, Georgia First Church of Christ, Highland, Indiana Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Rhodes, Tampa, Florida Mr. & Mrs. Walter Goodman, Webb City, Missouri."
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Kahre, Lockwood, Missouri
(Thanks to those individuals who have given through their local congregation.)
RECEIPTS; BALANCE:
Receipts (October)
$2221.27
2085.09
136.18
$3500. 00 $4000.00
EXPENDITURES:
Auto Expense
$2085.09