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Bilaspur, INDIA February 1988

Dear Co-Workers,
The big news for February is that we have received an extension of
our residential permit. In 1975 we entered India on the 4th of
February, so our resident^ial permit expires each year on that date.
This time we received the extension on the 11ththe quickest it has
ever been granted. For the last two times the extension has been
sanctioned by the local police official. We are especially thankful
for it, because so many are being refused. Dr. Pletner and family have
left Kulpahar and India. Getters still continue efforts to reverse
their expulsion order.
We have received word that our new vehicleMatador Ambulance/
Station Wagonis ready. There is some question as to whether we have
to pay a local tax, so delivery is being delayed.
The Rostvit Twins visited Bilaspur this month. They were out in
Sarguja District with the Getters for the spring convention, so stopped
off here for three evening meetings. This is their sixth time to be in
Bilaspur to present their witness and messages in song in different
languages.
Both of us had an unusual experience in connection with the Twin's
visit. Usually one of the Indian men translates for foreign guests and
speakers. But for two meetings there were no Indians present who knew
English well enough to do the translation. So Jean was called on for
one meeting, William the other. We both know Hindi well, but sometimes
it is difficult to think of the proper word quickly.
The photo copier continues to be very useful. Every time we use
it we are so thankful for it. More than 13,000 copies have already
been run off. Most of that has been for the study notes for the Book
of Acts and First Peter. The Kududand Church Youth Group is using our
Acts study notes for their Bible study. We have given out many copies
to former students and church men who take turns preaching. The notes
are much appreciated and are being used. We are now doing the Hindi
typing of the Hebrew Epistle notes. They will be ready to run off
soon.
We had a visit from a former student this month. He studied two
years with us, then completed his training at a Bible College up north.
He is now back in this area, doing preaching in a new industrial area.
He stayed over night with Ajeet, who was a classmate. For the morning
chapel, he brought a good message entitled "You are a Letter", empha
sizing the fact that we must not only preach the Gospel, but must live
it too.
An out-of-class project that students are working on is the Jule
Miller "Visualized Bible Study Series". Ishwari Lai, our principal,
has translated the captions of the pictures and had it printed. Now
students are removing staples from the booklets and fitting the Hindi
pages. Jean has been sewing them back together. One of the first
things the booklets are to be used for is the Kududand Church Sunday
School Classes.
Our financial statement for 1987 has been prepared and sent to
LaCrosse. If you want a copy, please ask Mrs. Oelkers to send.
Love in Christ
William & Jean Roland
Bilaspur, INDIA March 1988
Dear Co-workers,
Our Matador is in the Bilaspur "stall". Yes, we finally have the new diesel
vehicle. It is called a "Station Wagon", but is not like Stateside station wagons.
It is more like the VW Microbus we drove around the world in 1964.
On the 19th we got word from the factory that the van was ready. William went
to the station the same day to get train reservations to Bombay. He was able to get
only one for the 24th, with one name on the waiting list. Fortunately the railway
has an "emergency quota" for some trains. On the 23rd evening we got one reserva
tion in that, so we were all set to go.
In Bombay we spent a few hours on the 25th checking with airline offices for in
formation about our summer travel to Belgium, Uruguay and the U.S. Then we got a
3:30 p.m. train to Puna, where the van is made and where we were to take delivery.
Puna is a five hour train trip from Bombay. We had made arrangements with the Union
Biblical Seminary for accomodations and were glad to be able to spend two nights on
their beautiful campus, up on a hill overlooking the city.
We didn't know if we could take delivery of the van on the 26tha Saturday-
since some offices that supply travel papers would be closed. But we got to the
dealers showroom by about opening time to see what we could do. To our surprise and
pleasure the dealer had all papers ready: temporary registration and road tax and
travel insurance. We were able to check out the vehicle, get some extra parts and
do some shopping before returning to the Seminary. There we checked the van over a
little more thoroughly for loose screws and nuts, got packed up and ready to leave
early next morning.
The first day we got started at 4 a.m. and drove 'till 10 p.m., then slept in
the van at a roadside truck stop. The second day we drove from 6 a.m. 'till past
midnight and got to Raipur, our shopping center 70 miles south of Bilaspur. We
spent two nights there, did some shopping, had some repairs done on the van and
visited Abhimanyu and familyour former students, now ministering in that area. We
got back home to Bilaspur Wednesday evening. The whole trip took just one week.
Our thanks to all who have given generously to make the vehicle possible. Stu
dents are very happy with it. The first ride they had in it was to a government gar
den and small zoo west of Bilaspur about 5 miles. We believe it will be very useful
in the work, and much less costly to operate. It gets about 34 miles to a gallon of
fuel. Diesel fuel costs about $1.20 per gallon, as compared to gasoline at about
$2.90.
We always try to avoid Sunday travel, but sometimes it is impossible. By tra
veling over the weekend and during some of the Easter Week meetings, we were able to
miss a minimum number of classes. At one of our rest stops on Sunday we paused to
partake of the Lord's Supper with the emblems that Jean had taken along.
The Easter Week meetings were very good this year and well attended. Though we
didn't get to attend all, we did participate in the last two or three. Sunday morn
ing, April 3rd, following the sunrise service, was a fitting climax, as we rejoiced
in the baptism of six of the Kududand Church youth.
We are still working on plans for our summer trip. The return visa is applied
for and we have hopes of getting it so we can start traveling in first week of May.
Tentative plane reservations are made for a two-week stay in Belgium, a three-week
stay in Uruguay and a June 11th arrival in the States. Besides attending th NACC,
most of our time will be spent with business matters and visiting family. We aren't
preparing a visiting/speaking schedule for supporting churches, groups and individu
als. But, if you would like for us to visit you, please let Mrs. Oelkers know and
we will arrange a visit if possible. We will be available until July 28.
To our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be the glory, both now and to the day of eter
nity2 Peter 3:18.
In Christian Love,
William & Jean Roland
Bilaspur, April 1988
Dear Co-workers for India,
In our last letter we told about
taking delivery of the Matador, the new
diesel van that you helped to purchase.
Since then we have been able to get
some pictures so want to share one with
you. The picture here doesn*t really
do the van, or us, justice, but you can
at least get some idea of what the van
is like.
April is the last month of this
school year for the Training Institute.
'Me are writing this letter a little
early on the 25th because if we
wait until the end of the month, when
we usually write the monthly letter, we will get caught up in the
end-of-school rush, and the rush of getting ready to start our
travel to Belgium, Uruguay and the States. The 29th is the last
day of school, after which students will be returning to their
homes for the summer. We ask you to be in prayer with us that
they will be faithful in using the things they have learned to
witness in their home areas.
As for our travel plans:- things are shaping up very well.
It constantly amazes us how God works things out, even in the
face of seeming difficulties. On the 21st the return visa was
granted, after 7/illiam's much running back and forth to the
District Court. The next day he went to the railway station to
try for train reservations to Uew Delhi, from where we expect to
fly out. This is the busy travel season in India so he was
expecting to have to go to all the trouble of getting special
quota reservations. But, happily, he was able to get reservations
for May '-i-th at the ticket counter. The entire flight schedule is
tentatively hooked, and we expect to finalize it after reacViing
Dew Delhi May 5th. As scheduled now we will fly out of Uew Delhi
May 7th; spend a week and a half in Belgium; visit Paul and his
family in Uruguay for three weeks; reach the States about the
middle of June. A member of the "/estside Church in 'Vichita, KS
is arranging a car for most of our U.S. travelsfree of charge I
Our return to India is scheduled for the first week of August.
Please continue to pray with us that our trip may go well,
and that we will be able to take care of all that needs to be
done, yje plan to be in Cincinnati, Ohio for the Uorth American
Christian Convention, so may get to see you there if not elsewhere,
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and love of God, and
the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all."
Sincerely in Christ
William & Jean Poland
Dear Co-workers,
Montevideo; Uruguay
May 1988
The month of May can very appropriately be called "travel month",
because it marks the beginning of our summer travels to Belgium, Uruguay and
the States,
The Training Institute was closed on April 29th for the summer
vacation. Then we made final preparations and left Bilaspur on May 4th for
Delhia 24 hour train trip.
In Delhi, after much running back and forth to the travel agent's
office, we were able to finalize all but one of our airplane reservations. We
had hoped to leave Delhi for Belgium Saturday the 7th, but had to change that
to Monday the 9th. That meant sending a telegraun and trying to call Belgium
to inform Boonaerts of our later arrival. Unfortunately they did not get the
word on time, so had to make two trips to Amsterdam to meet us.
The flight to Amsterdam was pleasant, and we arrived there in good
weather. Mary Esther, John Mark and James met us (Henki hadn't been able to
make the second trip to Amsterdam). We had a very enjoyable 10 -days in
Belgium. William told about the work in India at the Rekem Church on Sunday
morning. In the evening the Genk Church had a special meeting where he spoke
again and answered questions. Henki translated for both meetings. It was
good to get to meet with the Belgian supporters again. Besides renewing
former acquaintances we met many new brothers and sisters in Christ.
Meo^ 19 and the flight from Amsterdam came all too soon. Henki and
Mary Esther took us to the airport. John and James couldn't miss more school
to make the trip. The first part of the trip to Uruguay was the flight to New
York. We had a seven hour layover in New York. But the time went quickly as
we were able to do some correspondence and send some rolls of film for
developing. And we enjoyed a good meal in one of the airport cafeterias.
Our flight from New York was at about 10:30 p.m., non-stop to Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil; a total of about nine hours. After an eight hour flight from
Amsterdam to New York; seven hours layover in New York; nine hours to Rio and
two hours to Montevideo we expected to be completely tired out. But
fortunately, for us, the flight from New York to Rio was not crowded, so both
of us were able to lie down on empty seats and sleep most of the way. After a
plane change in Rio we arrived in Montevideo early in the afternoon of the
20th. Paul, Jonathan and Amy meet us with a long banner welcoming us to
Uruguay. Helen was in school where she teaches so couldn't meet the plane.
We arrived in cool weather with the wind blowing. It has stayed cold, with
rain some days, so we have been a bit uncomfortable-especially after being
used to 100+ degrees hot weather in India. We are glad for warm clothing and
a fireplace.
We have attended two Sunday worship services so far, and other
meetings and fellowship gatherings. Shopping and sightseeing have been
enjoyable. William preached on the 29th, and he is scheduled to show slides
on India at two other meetings. The best part of the trip, though, is getting
to visit with Paul & Helen, Jonathan & Amy. It had been about five years
since we saw them, so we are grateful for this time together.
Now we are scljeduled to leave here June 10, reaching New York the
11th. We look forwarci to getting to see you during our U.S. tour. "Blessed
are all who fear the l.ord, who walk in his ways...May the Lord bless you from
Zion all the days of >-our life". Psalm 128.
In Christian Love,
Cincinnati, Ohio
June 19^6
Dear Go-workers,
iVe continue to travel, get some work done and visit
some supporters, friends and family.
After a very enjoyablebut cold, weatherwisethree
weeks in Uruguay we reached new York June 11, and flew to
Los Angeles the same day. Pacific Christian College gave
us good accomodations in uheir dormitory. We were able to
visit with the Lloyd Tomlinsons and attend services at two
of the area churches. We were sorry to miss the Park
nettings, who were vacationing in Alaska.
June 14th we arrived in Wichita, Kb and were met by
ivierle & Vera beavey. It is always good to meet those
pleasant friends and stay in their home, i'he next day we
took delivery of the '7^3 Pord from Bro. Ray, and went to
La Crosse. But the Pord wasn't running as well as it did
tv/o years ago. 'We v/ere able to correct the rough running
of the engine, but not the overheating and vapor lock. bo
we decided to return it to Wichita. On the way a steering
tierod dropped offfortunately while we were parked in
Hutchison, Kb, Bro. Ray sent his trailer to haul it in.
The extra couple of days in 'Wichita proved to be a real
blessing. Bro. beavey helped us with some shopping, and
we got to attend bunday School and worship service at the
Westside Church.
Pollowing services on the 26th we flew to Chicago
where son David and family met us, and took us to Lincoln,
IL where Lincoln Christian College had a room ready for us
in their hospitality house. Son Paul had purchased a '78
Chevy for their furlough travels last winter. They left it
with David to be sold, and for us to use if we needed it.
Since the Wichita Ford didn't work out we are happy to have
the Chevy, '.ve have been able to get several things done in
Illinois, aa well as visit with friends and family.
July 3rd we worshipp ed with Davids in Lincoln, XL.,
and met many friends there. It was a special joy to see
the' very active part that David, Clenda, Boomer and Ben
have in the work of the Jefferson bt. Church. Right after
the morning services in Lincoln we started for Cincinnati
and the Rorth American Christian Convention. Our week in
Cincinnati will be part of next month's letter.
In Christian Service,
William & Jean Roland
Bilaspur, INDIA; July I988
Dear Co-workers,
The trip from Lincoln, IL to Cincinnati, OH went well and we got in the city
just in time to worship with the Western Hills Church. This is the church we
attended during our college days at the Cincinnati Bible Seminary during the 40s.
We had planned to stay in one of the Seminary dorms, as we have done before, but
this time they could not give us a room. So we ended up finding a nearby motel
about midnight, and stayed there for the week, while attending the North American
Christian Convention*
The Convention, as always, was a wonderful time of fellowship and worship.
We met William's brother Clyde and his wife Carolee and had lunch one day. We
had a good visit and supper one evening with the Ron Hendersons. Ron is on the
staff of the Seminary. They are keeping a piece of furniture for us that belonged
to Jean's mother. Dr. Rothermel. Reports of spiritual weakness and immorality in
the churches has been very disturbing and frightening. But it was encouraging to
hear much good preaching at the Convention; especially to hear men like Charles
McNeely, president of Lincoln Christian College and Seminary, enjoin Biblical
morality among Christians, especially among leaders.
The Saturday after the Convention we had lunch with the Duane Davises, who
were previously co-workers with son Paul and family in Uruguay. Then we went on
to Lexington, KY for the weekend with Clyde and Carolee and two of their sons and
families. We had a real Kentucky meal Saturday evening, topped off with homemade
ice cream that William helped make. It was good to worship again with the Ford
Church where Clyde preaches. We told about the India work during Sunday School.
Our next trip was to Baltimore, MD to spend three days with son Charles and
family. Since visiting them in '86 they have moved into their own house.
Charles continues to serve in the Air Force. Daughter-in-law Mary is all ex
cited about the prospect of an addition to the family. They are hoping for a
sister for their son Chad.
On the way to Ohio we stopped at Bethany, WV to see the Alexander Campbell
homestead. We reached Centon, OH Saturday evening and stayed with Paul and Alice
Weiner. On Sunday we enjoyed the worship and fellowship of First Church. In the
evening Weiners took us out to the Round Lake camp grounds for an evening service.
Then on Monday Weiners invited ladies of the Rothermel Mission Group and other
members of First Church to their home for an informal meeting with us. It was
a most enjoyable evening and made it possible for us to get better acquainted
with many in Canton who continue to support us.
On the way back to Illinois we visited Lake James Christian Assembly where
the manager treated us to a camp supper. We spent the night with Robert and
Miriam Brokaw, friends in Angola, IN. The next day we had lunch with the Wilton
Ashtons, relatives of Jean, living near Buchanan, MI. That evening we made it
to Hammond, IN where we stayed with the Seth Adamsons, who had been with the
La Crosse, KS Church until recently. On the 21st we were back in Lincoln, IL for
a final visit with son David and family and other friends there. The week was
taken up mostly with making final purchases and getting packed for the trip
back to India.
The- 29th we flew to Burlington, VT for the 50th reunion of Jean's Woodstock
Highschool class, and the annual general reunion of staff and students. That
was one of the high points of our trip. There were 2? who graduated in the 1938
class. Of those accounted for and still living 15 were present. There were
three who had been a part of the class, but had not graduated at Woodstock. Many
of the spouses also attended. During the three-days class members and spouses
met several times to relive- old memories and relate activities of the 50 ^ears.
Many class members and others expressed how incredible it was to have so many get
together after so many years. Seven are known dead and four were untraceable.
Only one accounted-for living member was not able to attend.
The reunion was a fitting climax to our I988 world tourBelgium, Uruguay
and the States. The trip back to India was tiring, but without mishap. V/e
reached Bilaspur August 7th evening after a 28-hour train journey from Delhi.
We are slowly recovering from the tour; Institute classes are started again with
all but one student, who is ill, having returned; it is good to be home again
and get settled into a work routine.
Our thanks to all of you who helped make the trip possible: by regular
support; with special financial gifts; with use of vehicles for U.S. travel; by
opening your homes to us; and by your prayers and encouragement. May God
continue to bless you all and guide in His Service, here in India and in your
local area.
In His Love,
William Jean Roland
Bilaspur, INDIA August 1988
Dear Co-workers,
The Christian Training Institute has two new members I One is Mnason, infant
son of Johnson and Nimin Kajur. Nimin teaches the literacy class for the women.
If you wonder where they got that name for their son you can read about it in
Acts 21:16. The other addition is Sima, a beautiful little daughter of Biswas and
Saudamini Kushal. They are one of the couples from Orissa State and are the only
student couple who did not have children. Sima was born during the summer vacation.
August is the month when the Muslim religious celebration of Muharram takes
place. On this holy day members of the Shia sect of Islam celebrate the death of
Hussain, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and one of the caliphs of Islam. An
important part of the celebration is a'kind of passion play accompanied by frenzied
tears, wailing and self-flagellation. We unexpectedly witnessed part of the
performance this year by a group of Irani Muslims. These people are immigrants from
Iran many years agowho now live in many places in India as gypsies. The women
dress in tight, colorful, knee-length blouses and full, flowing skirts. They cover
their heads with just a bandanna, which is quite unusual for Muslims. This day
the women were all dressed in black. When we came to an intersection, on our way
to a restaurant downtown, the group was gathered there in a rough circle, chanting
togetherwomen on the outside and men in the center. THe men were stripped to
the waist, dancing around and around and beating and cutting themselves with
^^ives and other instruments. Some of the men had scars from previous year's
beatings. One man left the inner circle with a bleeding back. A woman took a
bucket of water and washed him off before he returned to the circle. All the
women were striking the left side of their chests with their right hands. After
watching a while, we went on to the restaurant. While waiting to be served, we
heard the Muslim group chanting out in front of the hotel where the restaurant
is located on the second floor. We went out on the balcony and had a good view
of the performance. They chanted and beat themselves for a few minutes, then
stopped and moved up the street a little ways and repeated the performance. In
this way they moved down the main street of town. During the hour or so we were
in the restaurant they covered about a block. The whole thing was quite sad, but
illustrates again the intense religious devotion of the Muslim people.
You have probably heard about the bad earthquake up in north central India,
on the border with Nepal. It was so strong that tremors were noticed way down
here. William was sleeping too soundly to notice. Jean did notice it, but didn't
recognize it at the time. The next morning the bachelor students said their beds
were shaking and pots and pans were rattling.
Bilaspur is now on the air map of India with two flights each Tuesday,
Thursday, and Saturday. We are connected with Raipur to the south and with our
State Capitol, Bhopal, to the northwest. Both of those places have connections
to Bombay and Delhi. The airport is south of town about 12 miles. During World
War II there was a military air base there. It ha^ been renovated and put to use
again. So now it is easier to visit us. Just let us know when you are coming
and we will meet you-in the new van I
In the service of Christ,
William & Jean Roland
//73>
Bilaspur, INDIA September 1988
Greetings, Co-workers,
It begins to look like the annual rains are over. Even the weather man says the
monsoon is receding. This year it started out well and gave promise of a break in
drought stricken areas, and hope for good crops. But, during August and September,
rainfall has been very short over much of India, so it does not look good just now.
Since Jean is a nurse, besides her classes and work with with the nursery, she
also does some medical work. Most of it is taking care of the Institute students'
needs, but she helps with others, too, as she can. Luka is one of her patients for
the past two years or so. He is one of the teachers in the mission primary school
that is located across the street from the compound where he and we live,
Luka was born up in the Tibetan region. His mother, a Tibetan, died at his
birth. He also has an older sister. Ellis Back and his wife were doing mission
work there at the time, so took Luka and his sister to adopt. Backs had children
of their own, also. When the communists took over Tibet, Backs left, fleeing through
the jungles and reached India. They intended to adopt Luka and his sister and take
them to the U.S.A. The U.S. Government did not allow them to do so, so Luka and his
sister were left in the orphanage/boarding here in Kududand, which Harry Schaefers
were running. Luka was kept in the girls' hostel with his sister until he was old
enough to be 'on his own' in the boys' hostel.
Luka studied through High School here in our mission school. He also took some
Bible College training in Madras. Then he took teacher's training and has taught
for some years in our primary schools. While he was an adolescent he fell from a tree
and broke his leg. It was set and put in a plaster cast, which annoyed Luka. He
threatened to break his other leg if the cast was not removed. It was removed and
his leg knit out of alignment and has caused trouble, since that leg is shorter.
Luka wanted to get married and knew girls he would like, but the ones he liked
would not marry him. Ones that might have married him, he did not like for one reason
or another, so he remains a bachelor. His sister took nurses training after finishing
high school here and then married and has children. They live near Mussoorie, where we
go during the summer, about a 36 hour train journey. So Luka lives alone.
Some time back Luka's behavior became increasingly strange and erratic. His
trouble was diagnosed as schizophrenia. Medicine was prescribed, but he did not take
it regularly, so his teaching suffered. He earns the same salary as his peers who
have wives and children to feed, yet he spent all his money and borrowed and begged.
So a couple of years age Jean agreed to supervise not only his medicine, but also
his money. As long as he keeps strictly to his schedule of medicine, he does much
better. It has been a long time since he kept us awake at night shouting, singing
or riding his bicycle back and forth. He still rides a lot during the day whenever
he has free time, but he is much improved and takes care of his teaching work well.
We ask you to pray with us that, with God's help, he will overcome his-troubles and
be a good Christian worker.
We had a first the other day I William went upstairs one evening to work with
Ajit. on some translation (they are doing the Hebrew Letter now). When he stepped around
one of the typing tables where they were going to work, he noticed a snake over against
the wall. It was about a foot and a half long and had pretty rings. It had swallowed
a frog or something similar. William backed off and showed it to Ajit, who called one
of the students who could identify it. Joseph came and said it was a krait, a very
poisonous snake. Fortunately, because of the slick floor and its sumptous meal, it
wasn't able to travel very fast. Joseph was able to kill it easily. That is a second
floor room and all the wondows and doors are screened, so we are wondering how it got
in. It is the first time a snake has gotten in this building and we will not be sorry
if it is the lasti
In Christ's Service,
William & Jean Roland
Bilaspur, INDIA 0cCober/November 1988
D.ear Co-workers,
In our last letter we mentioned that the shortage of Monsoon rains was causing
concern for the crops. The Monsoon traditionally ends about October 15. During the
first two weeks of October we had good rains, so rice and other crops that depend on
the Monsoon are good in this area. End-of-Monsoon rains were so heavy in northern
India, though, that there was extensive flooding, which you may have heard about in the
news. It is the perennial pattern of shortage and excess.
October/November are convention months for the Church in India. There are several
important Government, Hindu and Muslim holidays and celebrations. Some of the holiday
times are joined so that schools and offices have extended vacations. The Christian
community doesn't celebrate the Hindu and Muslim festivals, but we do take advantage
of the free time people have for special meetings. This year we were involved in
three.
First, the Kududand Church Youth Group organized a convention for the area youth.
That was October 14-16. The second was the 5th All-India English Language Meet,
October 19-23. It was held in Kanpur this year. It is always scheduled at a difficult
time for us, so we have not been able to attend before. Since it was in the area where
Jean was born and we had previously lived and worked, we decided to take off and attend.
William spent several days getting the new Van outfitted and serviced for the trip.
We went via the jungle route, which proved to be a mistake, because roads were bad
much of the way. We drove night and day, stopping by the side of the road for only
seven hours of sleep. It took 32 hours for the 470 miles. We enjoyed a very fine
convention, directed by Ralph Harter and his Indian co-workers. Dr. Garrett, author
of "The Stone-Campbell Movement", was the main speaker. Several Indian brethren spoke
about church unity and the needs of the Church in India. All the messages were trans
lated into Hindi, so we enjoyed them twicel Mark and Walter Maxey were special visitors
from Japan. We enjoyed meeting many former co-workers and acquaintances. We returned
through Hamirpur, Maudaha (where Jean was born), and Kulpahar. The trip was by another
route and longer. We had hoped for better roads, but part of it was through jungle,
too. On one bad bump the muffler came off I Then about 11 p.m. one night we had a flat
tire. After that we were so tired we parked under a tamarind tree and slept 'till
morning. All and all it was a long and tiresome trip, but we are glad we could do it.
The third convention was the annual Hindi Language area gatheringthe 37th one.
It was held at Suryapara in Sarguja District, whore the Bernel Getters are living. All
Institute staff and students attended. We took the 10 married students and eight
children in the Matador Van; the others went by train and bus. For us it was a nine
hour trip for the 170 miles; which included a picnic stop at a water fall. The main
speaker was our Institute Principal, Ishwari Lai. The second speaker was I. B. Kangaloo
They brought messages based on the theme from Isaiah 60:1, "Arise, shine, for your light
has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you". Ralph Harter, with the help of his
puppet, Mary, taught, the adult class with prayer as the subject. Mrs. Getter taught
the children's class. William took along 110 copies of the class notes. They were all"
eagerly taken and still more were requested. We took names and addresses so more can
be sent. We are happy that Christian workers want them and hope they will be used to
teach and preach the Word.
Once again we look forward to celebrating the birth of our Lord. May the spirit
of Christmas bring you peace; may the gladness of Christmas give you hope; may the
warmth of Christmas grant you love; and may His love remain with you throughout the
New Year. "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us", John 1:14.
Sincerely in Him,
William and Jean Roland