PROJECT: GERMANY June 1, 1973—Target Sid Gc Mary /^Jlsbury c/o Christian Church Cartervllle, Mo. 64834 Please consider the following reasons that compel us to make ourselves available for Christian service in Germany, 1) We've been there before. We know what its like to move internationally. We have a good start on the language. We know how to register with the police department. We know customs and people. We know the climate and can adjust to it. We know how to transact business, (i ,e. , car insurance, banking,..) We know other Christian workers. 2) The entire family wants to return. My wife and children are excited to return. What an opportunity, NOWl 3) We've beeryrchallengedJ^V Christians on the Field. Guy Mayfield, veT^t^h'"missionary in Europe, has worked in the Frankfurt area among English speaking people since we returned to the Elates in 1970, He writes; "I feel that we really need you here. The congregation has gone down to nearly nothing. Jerry Schmid is wonderful and I believe that Cod will use him and others of us in this work here. We have rented this location and have money on hand to pay the rent for a year. God will supply the money needed to keep it going. Thelma and I can work with the Americans and with any Italians that come but we will never know German well enough to do this work." He also states: "We need someone here by May, at least. Sooner would be fine. We plan to be in the States from June 10 to August 1..," Jerry Schmid lives and works in the Frankfurt area. We knew him and worked in the English speaking congregation with him when we were there before. From him we quote: "...we have had various other interested people attend and we do have a, start. But what we need is a preacher who can speak German and start a work with the German people. I think you'd be Just the man for this job, Sid, and I'd be glad to help you all 1 can." In a more recent letter Brother Schmid relates further developments that press upon us the urgency of the time. Sid, I want to immediately give you some encouraging news from Oberursel. In December already we were visited by a young German man who on his second visit brought two friends What a blessing!
Transcript
PROJECT: GERMANY
June 1, 1973—TargetSid Gc Mary /^Jlsburyc/o Christian ChurchCartervllle, Mo. 64834
Please consider the following reasons that compel us to make ourselvesavailable for Christian service in Germany,
1 ) We've been there before.We know what its like to move internationally.We have a good start on the language.We know how to register with the police department.We know customs and people.We know the climate and can adjust to it.We know how to transact business, (i ,e. , car insurance, banking,..)We know other Christian workers.
2) The entire family wants to return.My wife and children are excited to return.What an opportunity, NOWl
3) We've beeryrchallengedJ^V Christians on the Field.Guy Mayfield, veT^t^h'"missionary in Europe, has worked in theFrankfurt area among English speaking people since we returnedto the Elates in 1970, He writes;
"I feel that we really need you here. The congregation hasgone down to nearly nothing. Jerry Schmid is wonderful andI believe that Cod will use him and others of us in this workhere. We have rented this location and have money on handto pay the rent for a year. God will supply the moneyneeded to keep it going. Thelma and I can work with theAmericans and with any Italians that come but we will neverknow German well enough to do this work." He also states:"We need someone here by May, at least. Sooner wouldbe fine. We plan to be in the States from June 10 toAugust 1 . . , "
Jerry Schmid lives and works in the Frankfurt area. We knew himand worked in the English speaking congregation with him when we werethere before. From him we quote:
"...we have had various other interested people attend and wedo have a, start. But what we need is a preacher who canspeak German and start a work with the German people. Ithink you'd be Just the man for this job, Sid, and I'd be gladto help you all 1 can."
In a more recent letter Brother Schmid relates further developments thatpress upon us the urgency of the time.
Sid, I want to immediately give you some encouraging newsfrom Oberursel. In December already we were visited by ayoung German man who on his second visit brought two friends
What a blessing!
with him to our services. I learned that they were holdingregular Bible study sessions every Thursday evening in aprivate home and since I expressed interest in it they invited
me to attend. L_ast Thursday I did attend and was very Impressed with a group between 20-30 people who very earnestlyprayed together, sang songs and discussed the Bible—alt inGerman, of course. They are all of various faiths andreligious backgrounds but claim to belong to the greater
"Gemeinde Christi" (Church of Christ). Today in our churchservice a total of 9 people frorrj their group appeared toworship with us in English. It would seem to me when we
come to the point where you can hold services in Germanthis group of people could very well form the nucleus of aGerman congregation. Once we have such a congregationstarted 1 believe it would be much more stable than an
American congregation, since Americans in Europe areso temporary and are subject to rotation."
Concerning this same development Guy fs/iayfield wrote just this week:
(2/25/73) "This Is the Lord's Day, about noon, and morningservices are just over. Jerry Schmid is out of town this weekend. This.morning we have had two Arrjerican service menand four German youn people in services. A German girlplayed the organ for us. Two of the German young men offeredfervent prayers. I talked on the conversion of the EthiopianEunuch and they seemed deeply impressed and quoted thingsfrom the sermon in tfeir prayers. These German youngpeople will not be with us next Lord's Day as they are takingabout 20 other German young people on a retreat to get themaway from the Fasching (Pre-lent Sin time). I believe thatwhen you get over here and can communicate with these youngpeople in German, that you will have a rich fellowship withthem. They are meeting in one another's homes several timeseach week for Bible study. Those who come here understandEnglish and seem to be in agreement with our aims."
Do you see the challenge? Do you agree with us that we should moveas quickly as possible? Time is like money: it can be squanderedand wasted. This opportunity doesn't allow us the luxury of spendingmany months traveling to raise support. There is no lime for stacksof newsletters, elaborate displays with many interesting souvenirs, filmstripsand all the other means of mechanical promotion. The only means ofpromotion we have time for is the above mentioned opportunity. Thoseof you familiar with European evangelism will want to respond.
The Std Allsbury Family
LISTEN TO OUR PLANS TO RETURN
TO GERMANY 11
With the help of God, we plan to return to Frankfurt, Germany. Our planned Christian work there willbe with German speaking people. Guy Mayfield, veteran missionary, has encouraged us to consider thiswork in this area, NOW!
Mr. Mayfield has been working with English speaking people in the Frankfurt vicinity and has observedthat a good possibility for a permanent German-languagework could now be realized if someone were to come
and lead in the German phase of this work.
Our experience in Germany compels us to considerthis exciting challenge.
GERMANY BY JUNE--- WHY?
Never have we been so certain of the need to move quickly!Our former experience there also prompts reminders underscoringthis need to be there by June 1. Please consider;
*Guy Mayfield, who leads the English services in Frankfurtwill be away for the Summer from June 10. We couldnow
well assist in keeping this group olive.
*The weather being different, we would be wise to arriveearly in the Summer to help in the adjustment to this rainy climate .
*Air transportation costs substantially more after June 1.One ticket could well be as much as $80 more during the highSummer season.
*lf our children are to attend the German schools, (and theprice of private English schools are impossible, we think), wemust get them there early in the Summer to again learn the language. One cannot help but admire the children's willingnessand desire to make this adjustment! Won't you consider helpingto make the three month Summer "head-start" on the languagepossible?
mw «iii
cr ce K EttCPL" A '
THE CARTERVILLE CHURCH
TO SPONSOR ALLSBURYS...
The Cartervtlle Christian Churchis proud to present the work ofSid and Mary Allsbury. In sponsoring this work, we hope to accomplish several goals. (1) Wewould like to see a New Testa
ment centered Christianity presented to German speaking peo-
Gene Weece, Minister pie. (2)Wewould like to see ourentire congregation become the
"Forwarding Agent" for this work. (3) We want to help ourmissionary become a better overseas evangelist than a United States oriented promoter and fund raiser. (4) We wantto be the ones who promote and secure funds for the Alls-burys.
You con help us to elevate this evangelistic effortfrom-missionary personality and gadgetry too realistic, efficient,program.
Will you help the Carterville Christian Church in this pro-iect? need;' *
---^^^^^2500 in transportation and relocation funds$800 additional in regular monthly support.
Please contact those in your congregation who influencetheir missionary outlay and encourage them to enlist regularly in this effort.
Make checks to: Carterville Christian Church
Mark; forAllsburys
CARTERVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Carterville, Missouri 64835
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KARNIVAL DAYS IN GERMANY
GUY AND THELMA MAYFIELD
\
V, MAY 21973
PERSONAL FILE
Date r!OH/
Si'cJa^Name in full
Complete address on field
Complete forwarding address ^
Name and address of Livinglink church or churches:
(PAc/rcJJ
Street,
r. ^OrM-uj/L State Cii-y Zone__State,
Names and addresses of other sponsoring or endorsing churches:
Please send along with this form copies of recommendations from churches which will encourageother churches to support your missionary work. There are churches which will not allow avisiting missionary to speak unless a church recommendation can be shown. Since it is impossible for any one person to know all Christians in the world, this recommendation by a responsible New Testament church is a vital help in persuading others of your worthiness and the valueof your mission. Mission Services stands ready to help you inform HORIZONS readers aboutyour church recommendations. Since the church is sending you to the mission field (Acts 13:1-3)and will help provide the necessary needs on the field, naturally the church should share thecredit in your missionary ministry. One of the ways that the church can do this is to share theirconviction regarding your missionary ministry with others. Certainly, their words will helpconvince others regarding the worthiness of your work. Please help MISSION SERVICES tospread your news through HORIZONS, Packets and Slide library by sending your church recommendations as soon as possible. Thanks, Send what you have now, and the others later.
Recommendations by Christian Leaders; (List names and addresses here and enclose a copy ofeach letter, thanks.)
name Name
Street_ — Street,
City 7.r>np RtgtP City Zone. .State,.
Name and address of hometown newspaper.
Stre et -
f^^ty 7.nnp State,
Place of BIRTH. UkSi fjiuf
Day ofhirth Mnnfil ^ Vpar
in Q/o^C.
(/Name and address of other papers which might carry stories of your work:
• l^dr/ fcf- Slf/7/id/ir/ (^ar/, / .Jla.Street.
City, 7nnft Rtfltp
Where baptised?, Date^ /^S3nity. statP /^o,
On an extra page please describe any details regarding conversion which you might care tomention.
MARITAL STATUS:MflrripH. . Single, Divorced. Widowed.
Date of marriag-P ^^3 Where married?
Who solemnized your wedding? 7^U V ^ r/}cn 3^ ^r/icn " CMM .)
List children by full name giving place, day, month, and year of birth:(If your children have been adopted, please indicate.)
Name
3aJ/S/dne^
fohh l?b6&rtr
Place of their birth
H'dm . dio.
day, month, and year
Jlk:LJ—
OAA'liiAi^e^. /Hn. • /I Aa^ J^?/
Sn^iP'
Please list places of previous Christian service and what service you did. Give approximate dates:
la^ /^Ti- mcL^Ay^SCHOOLING (high school and later):
Name of school Location Number of years Degrees and date granted
tlioL ^A)i^Lr)drkT^>UM.. ^
itliSjQon -^uTWnTTc^/ikhoots
What things influenced you to become a missionary? What is your purpose? What do you hopeto accomplish on the mission field? Your own story in some detail might be influential in leadingothers into fulltime service (Use an extra sheet if you need more space):
Describe briefly in outline form the nature of your daily duties on the field:
Which of the following terms most nearly describes your missionary status?
Ti^vang-pligt. Bible College Teacher. Publiot,-School Teacher
TTAYnprnaTrp-P rtnnfnr Nurse^^_ Soclal wojker Music teacher_
Radio ministry. Radio followup^__—Christian Service Camp Linguistics,
Maintenance of mission equipment^^_.-^ Benevolence Office work. Name other:
PARENTS;
Father's name and home arlHrPsa- T~. All^T.ixHng ^ Deceased.o?0 0 E- Rtrpfit. L^W/e- riit^r. /I/I t'ss^v i^t zone^J^Ctetel
His nncnpatinnU^/e/^^.K' Ta Hp anhristifln? y^g, j^nnWhat positions of leadership has he held in the local church? S^^ol
g/olei^ a.'i ^rescK'hWhat Christian service does he now do?
Mother's full maiden name: LuC lll<. Fu^ Living^Jti:;^Deceased,RtrfiPt {SaM£^ ^ r.ity 7.nnP RtatPIs she a Christian? Vp.«- f^Nn. Her occupation if employed outside the
What leadership positions or Christian service has she rendered to the local churchi?.
Should money be sent to the forwarding agent r\r,\y9
OhurcJx V-In what form should funds be sent?
' 0 nat^ ' M fcOr^sj)nissionary on the field, please explmn the details of how toIf funds are to be sent directly to the missionary on the field, please
do it, so we can give your explanation to HORIZONS readers and others who may inquire.
Use the remainder of this sheet or an additional sheet to supply other information which you think,might be helpful to the staff of MISSION SERVICES in preparing news stories about your ministry:
[ -*
«" I -
MAY 2
PERSONAL FILE
^ ' Date_ /hdrcli /'973Name in Hla.irij Marine^ 0on<^ s) AHshuruComplete address on field
Name and address of Livinglink church or churches:
OarihrxJiH'e^ Ck risf/OM, Q.hut-c^l\^Street. Tc /iness^e. an <i Hall _ RtrPPtCMjOa^1etui//t^. z^Zi£?.State Mo. Zone. .State.Names and addresses of other sponsoring or endorsing churches:
strppt Street.
f^ity 7:nnp RtfltP riity 7nnp, StfltP
Please send along with this form copies of recommendations from churches which will encourageother churches to support your missionary work. There are churches which will not allow avisiting missionary to speak unless a church recommendation can be shown. Since it is impossible for any one person to know all Christians in the world, this recommendation by a responsible New Testament church is a vital help in persuading others of your worthiness and the value 'of your mission. Mission Services stands ready to help you inform HORIZONS readers aboutyour church recommendations. Since the church is sending you to the mission field (Acts 13:1-3)and will help provide the necessary needs on the field, naturally the church should share thecredit in your missionary ministry. One of the ways that the church can do this is to share theirconviction regarding your missionary ministry with others. Certainly, their words will helpconvince others regarding the worthiness of your work. Please help MISSION SERVICES tospread your news through HORIZONS, Packets and Slide library by sending your church recommendations as soon as possible. Thanks. Send what you have now, and the others later.
Recommendations by Christian Leaders: (List names and addresses here and enclose a copy ofeach letter, thanks.)
NAME.
Street__ ——. Street.
f'ity 7.nnP RtatP riiy 7nnP fitatP
Name and address of hometown TipwRpapar jjim Io i>t^Jopllyl. Mo^ /)¥<Sdl
Name and address of other papers which might carry stories of your work:
Ar/ ^luhcTioix. S'tanjArJ (?atl Ju^(dl6n. ^
Street.
City. Zone. State Zone
Place of PTRTTT 0 heUe^ (Dklakomcu
Day of birth. Month ijo-n Year
Where haptiRpd? sf'f^lyi Date,P,-H, We l(^k .Oklahoma
J^ah- /
On an extra page please describe any details regarding conversion which you might care tomention.
MARITAL STATUS:Mflrripd, X _Single. nivprppfi WiHnwpH
Where married? Oa.rte\ruille^ . Mo.Date of mgrrfngrp B!i
Who solemnized your wedding? Tu 1^g rryfke4>tList children by full name giving place, day, month, and year of birth:
(If your children have been adopted, please indicate.)
What things influenced you to become a missionary? What is your purpose? What do you hopeto accomplish on the mission field? Your own story in some detail might be influential in leadingothers into fulltime service (Use an extra sheet if you need more space):
iDescribe briefly in outline form the nature of your daily duties on the field:
Which of the following terms most nearly describes your missionary status?
F^vang-ptii'at. Bible College TeacherPublic^,.School Teacher.
Homemaker. nnofnr Nurse^^_'Social worker. Music teacher,
Rfldin miniRtrv. Radio followup_^_^Christian Service Camp, Linguistics,
Maintenance of mission equipment^^—^ Benevolence*—Office work. . Name other:
T A.e/p SiJ. S6/nd LoifL o-Pfiat ujork, 1 fAin/c T sl^ooll menfioKjHoi PlTALirV. UJe. haJ-rke. privi lecit_ of Skctrin^ ourhom^' Yna-n.^ peo^/e.wKilt ooe wjtre ik Prc.>yk(ijr+. UJi. ih
PARENTS:
naTYiP flnH hrtmP. gHHT'Afifi. L^shz. Qo^^PS T.iinng Deceased^Ji^strpAt Zone State,
His occupation, .Is he a Christian? y^s nn
What positions of leadership has he held in the local church?
Is she a Christian? Vpr- ^ Nn. Her occupation if employed outside the tinmp ^gg,
What leadership positions or Christian service has she rendered to the local church?, as
hcch A -for £ind /s /A, yAe s^kc/roA. wf i^^e/cLi
FORWARDING AGENT:
MamA ($kri StrPAt T^/ingS£ge Clu^d
City Telephfe7i2±I.«i^^Where attend nhnmh? Street,
City. Zone -State '
What duties are performed by the forwarding
Does the forwarding agent receive a aaia-ry?
Should money be sent to the forwarding agent only?w
In what form should funds be »Pnt9 Senj .eR. to darteri/'i ILe. tkn ifia^Ckurck tx^d JesiWIf funds are to be sent directly to the missionary on the field, please explain the details of how todo it, so we can give your explanation to HORIZONS readers and others who may inquire.
Use the remainder of this sheet or an additional sheet to supply other information which you thinkmight be helpful to the staff of MISSION SERVICES in preparing news stories about your ministry:
•v'A' "Sf ..
Non-profit Organlzat'irm-U. S. Postage PAIDCarterville, Mo. .
PERMIT NO. 1 '
(?kttsiian (dkuick
-v. .
» -i - O
PROJECT: GERMANYSid & Mary Alsbury
GERMAN ADDRESS
J 7 7 fi/ Sid & Mary Allsbury637 Oberursal--StierstadtBahnweg 12Germany
Dear-P'riends in/Uim, —
It's 10:00 p. m., time to go to bed,to that time we are not very sleepy,that ifiake up part of the move, from Missouri to Germany. >
-The sudden change of languages was near shock a few years ago when we first came toGermany. This trip it was wonderful to hear I
I
Flying.is always an experience. The delays and waiting were particularly "un-nerving"-since we had spent the past three or four weeks going as fast as possible to get ready.Sitting still was about like stopping a snowball abruptly at the bottom of the hillafter* it had gSined great speed. A pleasant interlude came our way at J.F.K. Airport,New York, whan Mary looked from the window of the terminal to see Gary Shaw and DonDeWelt entering the building. They are leading a Holy Land tour for Revival Fires,Joplin, Missouri. We had a nice visit with them.
We stopped on our flight to Europe in Iceland to refuel. Here again a delay. I'm^sure some good came of such a pause, probably the learning of patience more than anything else. Since.President Nixon was expected there about that time we hoped to seehim. Sorry, Mike, no autograph, we didn't see'him 1
June 1973
In Missouri its 4:00 p. to. and since we are usedThat's just one of the little interesting things
'tluy' and thelma Mayfield had made the five hour,drive to Luxembourg to gat our tiredlittle group. We have been living with them as we begin looking for an apartmept. Atthe same time we are trying to get some acceptable form of registration for the carthey have for us. Much here to pray about, I'll write later about the prayers answeredin regard to finding a place to live.
I . ' - •
We arrived on Wednes^y- and on Friday night we were priviledged to attend Bible studywi'th ithtTMayl'lelds in Oberursel. (o-brr-ER-sell) There 21 of us gathered for a lesson,prayers, and fellowship. In the group were three U. S. soldiers, two military families,one German Bible seminary student, an American business man and a girl tourist. Addto this our two missionary families.
The building that these people have secured exceded my hopes. Its a former business""Toca'tiion converted mostly by Mr. Schmid. :I have the feeling that the Mayfields pro
vided precious encouragement. The location is in a busy neighborhood and ,has alreadybeen observed by many local residents. We are looking forward to great blessingsahead with these folk. . ^
Due to the dollar devaluation prices are stijl moving upward. We will^hgye^ to pay over$200 per month rent, I know that you don't understand that.. I guess 1 don't eiti^r\
HP6day "T^~saw'Th 'tHa^newspaper ads describing apartments for sale. Most three bed room-oizes sold for $40,000 and up. Did you say, "Why not use that rent money for buyinga nice home?" If the price of an apartment is as above you wouldn't believe ma If Itold you what a house costs.
lie.believe the,God.who put us Jie.re can sustain us-he.re,. We say this even while in thelast week the dollar went down a few more cents here. Your help in this work certainlydoes mean ar lot to us. We trust God will bless you as you have blessed this work.
Later want to tell you about a few "coffee house" ministeries near here. They arelike "His Place" ministeries that many of you know about. Real possibilities existfor the work here, pray that we can arise to meet them.
Ed.'s note: KEEP PRAYING ABOUT THE
MONTHLY SUPPORT FOR THE ALLSBURYS'.
Yours from Germany,
Sid, Mary Allsbury & family
A'"'• . i"
' . V .
' •S ^ \
Picture: The Sidney R. Allehuzy faxsily
The Sid AlIsTsury family went to Germai^ in
Septexober 15» 196? for their first 5 year
term of missionaiy service• Their second
term started June 1^ 1973* Their work isA
mostly involved in; teaching among the
Military stationed in Germany and other
such English - speaking people. Services
are held regular^ and Extension Bible
studies are condjicted in various places.German speaking |rork is now planned aslanguage abilities and situations permit.
i
Sidney Robert Alisbury was bom Septexober 159
19^3 in Webb City^ Missouri. He hodds a
degree from Ozark Bibke College 9 Joplin,
Missouri. He started peeaching in 1963
and has preached in Kansas and Missouri.
Mrs. Mary Maxine Jones Allsbury was bom
January 69 19^3 in Chelsea9 Oklahoma. They
have four children: Jodi Raylene bom
May 14^ 1964 at Joplin9 Missouri; Sidney
Randall bom April 99 1966 at Joplin9
Missouri; Heidi Dawn bron November 199
1968 in Frankfurt 9 Germany and John Robert
bom May 199 1971 in Carthage 9 Missouri.
Their forwarding agent is the Christian
Church9 Tennessee and Hall Sts.9 Carterville9
Hissouri 6^3^* Their field address is£
Sidney and Hrs. Maxy Allshuzy,
637 Obemrsel 6, Bahn^eg 12 ^ Germany.
THE
SPRING AN :INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN, JOURNAL
SID AND MARY ALLSBURY
RETURN TO GERMANY
JUL 1 2 1973
Sid and Mary Allsbury and theirchildren, Jodi, Randy, Heidi, and John,arrived in Luxemburg on May 30 and arenow living in their new home at Bahnweg12, 637 Stierstadt/Oberursel.
Sid and Mary and their three olderchildren are not new to Germany or toFrankfurt. They came to Frankfurt inSeptember of 1967 and worked withEd and Mary Fausz and Milton and BettyDuhon. In August of 1970 they returnedto the States where they had a happy andfruitful ministry with the SmithfleldChristian Church of Carl Junction,
Missouri. Guy and Thelma Mayfieldcame to Frankfurt in 1970 and havebeen working among English speakingpeople of the area since that time.
Gerald Schmid who is Business Mana
ger of the Frankfurt International Schoolhas worked closely with the Fausz', theAllsburys, and the Mayfields throughthese years. For a long time the Englishspeaking congregation met in the Conference Room of the 97 th GeneralHospital. LastSeptember Brother Schmidfound the store room at Oberursel which
the church was able to rent at a reasonable
price, and we have been meeting here eversince.
The English speaking congregation isscattered over a large area around Frankfurt. Even though you may live somedistance away, if you are in the Frankfurtarea, or if you are visiting here at anytime, we invite you to join us in theservice of our God. Soon there should
be services in German, too, but at presenta number of German people who speakEnglish are coming and seem to appreciatesharing with the English speaking congregation.
At the present time services includeBible Study on Friday at 7:30 Pil.,Children's Bible Study Sunday at 9:30,and the Lord's Supper, Singing andPreaching at 10:00 A.M.
Guy and Thelma Mayfield left Frankfurt June 15 to visit with family andfriends and to meet with brethren in
churches and at the Cedar Lake Missions
Week. They will return to Europe in lateJuly in time to be at the ChristianService Campin Lugano, August5-12.
19731
"THEREFORE THEY THATWERE SCATTERED ABROAD
WENT EVERYWHEREPREACHING THE WORD.*
When our Lord went to be with the
Father, He left His program for humanredemption in our hands, promising thathe would be with us always. He said thatHis disciples would do greater than He ashe walked about the hills of Judea andGalilee. We can not raise the dead or
restore sight to the blind, but we canbring dying souls to Him for salvation.This is a greater work.
Mark Powell
Mark Powell, an airman stationed atthe Zweibrucken, W. Germany, USAFEbase, is a young man who believes this.Mark was bom into a family where Christis first. He grew up sharing with hisparents in ministries to small and newcongregations which his father, RobertPowell, gladly served while often holdinganother job so that he could support hisfamily. Mark learned that service to Godis the one most important thing in life.
Following high school and a year atMilligan College, Mark enlisted in theAir Force and soon was stationed at
Zweibrucken. There, he might have said,"I am a long way from home and myChristian friends. Some day I shall goback there and serve God again. NowI'll see what life is all about." Mark knew
that this does not work. Most men losetheir standards and abandon their faith,never to return. Mark instead decidedthat the Air Force was giving him anopportunity to serve God that he mightnot have in civilian life.
Shortly after arrival at Zweibruckenhe went to see his chaplain, who welcomedhis help in the SundaySchool. Hebegan teaching the high school class. Healso began to frequent the base serviceclub and to study his Bible while sittingin the club lounge. Other airmen soonengaged him in conversation. Markreadily Cbld them about God's plan for
human redemption. Since he has cometo Zweibrucken, he has led twenty airmenand high school students to Christ, eitherbaptizing them himself or arranging fortheir baptism by the chaplain. TheZweibrucken chapel is one that has provision for Christian immersion.
We first learned of Mark nearly twoyears ago when his mother wrote us. Wedrnve over to see him one Saturday andhe told us of his desire to serve God
while he serves our people over here. Wewere able to supply him with names of
some people in south-western Germanythat had been sent to us by the ChristianMilitary Fellowship, churches andChristian families. He soon became
acquainted with Larry Justice from Kansas City, Wesley Thoreson - a graduate ofMinnesota Bible College, Mrs. Edna Rogers - a librarian at one of the elementaryschools, and John and Jerrie Church -students from Platt Valley Bible Collegewho had interrupted their schooling sothat John could serve in the Army.These have banded together for weeklyCommunion and Bible Study in variousplaces in this area of Germany. Currently they are meeting in the home ofWayne and Linda Williams who are stationed at Baumholder.
Roger MackRoger Mack is a young soldier who has
recently come to the Ayers Army Postnear Giessen. Some time ago we receivedhis name from the secretary of his homechurch in Texas. We contacted him and
he has been attending services and Biblestudy at Oberusal near Frankfurt. He hasseldom come alone, as he is always busylooking for other soldiers to come with
him. On the Lord's Day evening andduring the week he is at the base chapelhelping his chaplain every way he can.
On Monday, February 12, Rogerphoned us to say that he had a youngman who was ready to obey his Lord inChristian baptism. The next evening heand his friend came to our home for an
evening of Bible study. Then on Fridayevening at the Bible study, this youngman, Roy Davis, from Los Angeles, madehis Good Confession and on the Lord's
Day after our service at Obersusal we allwent into the Frankfurt Church of Christ
building where Roger Mack buried RoyDavis with his Lord in Christian baptism.
We praise God for young men likeRoy Davis, who are proud to confess their
Christ and to obey Him while they are sofar from home and in the service of theircountry. We praise God for young mensuch as Mark Powell and Roger Mack fortheir service to our Lord. Pray for thesemen and for others like them, that Godwill continue to use them for His purposeand for the salvation of their comrades.
Ouy W. Mayfield, Giessen W. Germany
*.\cts 8:4
TRANSITION
This winter and spring has been aperiod of transition for the world withthe drawdown of free world forces in
South East Asia and a search for peaceamong the nations which has raisedquestions among scholars of nationalpriorities.
As a result of this movement I was
permitted to leave Saigon, Republic ofVietnam and travel through India, Greece,and Europe on my trip back to theUnited States in the process of beingstationed at Offutt AFB, Nebraska. Itwas wonderful to find people all alongmy travels who are concerned aboutpreaching and teaching of the greatmessage of salvation. During R and Rleave at Christmas I had the opportunityto visit with the missionaries in ChiangMai, Thailand. The De Los Santos
family, missionaries to Thailand from thePhilippines, were hosts for the DavidFilbeck family who had come intoChaing Mai from the border areas ofThailand. After spending a few days inBangkok I flew to New Delhi, India.India has just completed celebrationshonoring its 25 years of independence.After seeing something of New Delhi Itook the train for Agra, the city of theTaj Mahal, and then later took anothertrain to Kanpur, where I visited withRalph Harter, editor of "Christasian" andmissionary in that city.
I flew from Kanpur and New Delhi andthen later on that same day to Athens,Greece where I found the Acropolis andMars Hill from which Paul preached tothe Athenians (Acts 17:22-32) and thentook a bus out to the old city of Corinth.Corinth was the scene of much of Paul's
ministry in Greece and later Paul addressedtwo letters to the church which had
been established there (First and SecondCorinthians).
Stephen Mayfield at Corinth
Then I took a bus from Athens to
Patras and the ferry to Brindisi, Italy. AtBrindisi I was met by Charles Troyer whocame up from Lecce. I spent a wonderfulweekend with them and then took the
train and stopped off at Bari and visitedwith the Malcolm Coffey and HaroldFowler families and Italian Christians.
Then after an overnight train ride I visitedVito Gentile, evangelist in the Rome areaand editor of L Appello Cristiano.
After a brief visit I again started northtoward Germany where my parents, Guyand Thelma Mayfield, continue to serveas missionaries among American Servicepersonnel and Italian emigrants innorthem Europe. It was wonderful tosee them again and to visit with theFrankfurt Christian Church group at theirOberursel location.
Then it was time to begin leaving andgetting settled in the new job at Offutt.This portion of the trip took me toCharleston, SC, Johnson City, TN, Tulsa,OK and finally to Omaha.
Recent News
Ralph Harter with some ofhis co-workers Since arriving here I have placed my
fellowship with the new Calvary ChristianChurch in Bellevue, NE, just outside ofOffutt which was started by formermembers of the University ChristianChurch in Riverside, CA, who are now
stationed at Offutt and realizing the needfor a Christian Church in this part of theOmaha area began Bible studies in theirhome. This congregation is meeting inthe facilities of Bellevue College.
uuv <iiiu lacuna iviaylield will bevisiting their family and supportingchurches between June 15 and July 30.They plan to visit in Tennessee, Indiana(School of Missions at Cedar Lake), NorthAmerican Christian Convention at Indiana
polis), Oklahoma, and in Virginia, beforereturning to Europe for the Retreat atLugano, Switzerland.
JESUS CHRIST, GOD'S SONAND OUR SAVIOUR
When Christians met during the darkdays of persecution of the Romanemperors it is said that they often drewthe sign of the fish on the ground and sosecretly indicated their faith in JesusChrist to each other. While this is not
known for sure, we do know that theydid use the symbol of the fish in theCatacombs. The picture of the fishwould have meant nothing to the pagans,but the Christians knew the meaning andrejoiced when they saw it.
Once again the sign of the fish hasbecome popular among Christians. Someknow the meaning of the fish symbol;others just know that it has something toSO" with Christianity. The symbol byitself has no meaning. Neither, for thatmatter, do the words themselves whichthe sign represents. The meaning comesas it tells us something of Jesus, Hisrelationship to His Father, and His relationship to us. Recently the world hastaken note of Jesus and two stage productions and a novel have appeared.These have failed to tell the story ofJesus as they have ignored essentials.
The Real Jesus
For the past two thousand years therehabe been only four reliable sources ofinformation about Jesus. These are the
four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, andJohn. Millions have been thrilled with the
great message. These accounts were not
alone when they first appeared. Theperson of Jesus, the story of His life, andthe tremendous changes which this storybrought to people's lives, provided sourcesfor many accounts of His life. The HolySpirit led the churches that wereestablished as a result of the ministry ofthe Apostles and others to accept theseGospel accounts to survice and to beavailable for us now to be able to learn
of Him.
One Story Told By Four
These separate accounts are unique inmany ways. All of them are short.Biographies of famous men are oftenseveral volumes, but these are short. Yetnothing is left out that was important.Unlike other religious literature of theworld the Life of Christ is presented invery simple every day language that anyone can understand. Through the pensof the four writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke,and John, we can see Jesus living inPalestine, ministering to those aroundHim, walking with His disciples throughGalilee, Samaria, and Judea, and later in
Jerusalem teaching of the nature of theKingdom to the religious leaders. Finallythe four writers begin to concentrate on
the events of the final week which details
the climatic events through which Godprovided for our salvation. More thanhalf of the Gospel narratives concernthemselves with the events of this final
week and the glorious resurrection.The accounts while telling the One
Story are different because each waswritten by a different person and each fora specific reason. Of the four only Luketells us something of his reason forwriting and~~his~~method-(tuke~l: L4).John, at the conclusion of his gospel,tells a little more of the selection process(John 21:25). Other than these fewreferences, no explanation is given aboutwhy or exactly to whom a book waswritten. Matthew seems to be intended
for persons with a Jewish background.Mark, who accompanied Paul and Peterand others in the early period of thechurch, seems to have intended his message for the Gentile (non Jewish) world.
We urge you to study these accountsto find out about Jesus of Nazareth and
the great salvation which His death onthe cross and resurrection provides foreach of us.
Stephen W. Mayfield, Omaha, Nebraska
RESTORING FIRST CENTURY
EVANGELISM
A new book on person to person evangelism formobilizing the total constituency of the churchto evangelize.
Please atlow me to
announce my bookon workable evan
gelism and follow-up.
For more than three
years, since early1970, I have been
using a definite personal evangelism
training program inmy ministry. Thepurpose is to involvethe church in soul-winning. This study andexperience we share in Restoring First CenturyEvangelism.
WilliamH. MayfieldD.D., Ph.D.
RESTORING FIRST
CENTURY
EVANGELISM
njK •. ••I
S}i: IIJI 1'.'! V
CONTENTS
The Ideal of Restoring First CentiuyEvangelism
A Workable Program; Avoiding Mistakes
Preparing for Effective Personal Evangelism
The Minister Prepared for Evangelism;The Congregation Prepared for Evangelism; Recruiting Trainee^
implementing the Personal EvangelismProgram
Preparing the Calendar; RecruitmentMethods; Securing Prospects; The AreaSurvey; Keepingthe File; The Training/WitnessingProgram; Class Time; CallingTime; Making the Program Permanent
The Gospel PresentedHow to Witness; Study Aids; SamplePresentation; Use of Decision Cards;
Answering ExcusesHelpful MaterialsFollowing Up ConversionsEvaluation and Reflections
Request a copy of this book from the author:Dr. William H. Mayfield
1' '.churches of CHRIST AND CHRISTIAN CHURCHES;iROR'̂ ERVICe MEN AND'THEIR'FAMILIES AND FOR OTHER
'V': ' '' ' -?AUGUST5-12.1973
ENGLISH SPEAKING PEOPLE
PROGRAM
Biblfe Cia^s;and' Ghristi^n Leadership courses taught by ,Bibie .CollegeiProfjeKors' ;arid Miraiohaj'ieS;for young :'\ • •' '• l';"
; r 'Vacation Bible School for the children 1 : i ' : i i
'h
i" ; Mountain and Lake Trips, Swimming and SightSeeing in the Itaiian^and Swiss Alps ,Gbspel ^reachingand Singing . :••• j; • '.il''
w'u'i;,;.j{V
.[ ;• . I''..' EWrting,Evangelistic Services t. Some Morning Classes are held atthe •.'•i' ^'1 11 | : \ ;bBTHEI (Baptist) CHAPEL at 13 Via Dufour, Lugano : Kih]'.'!,!) . i. u',T Camping together at ' • • '
rBnng your own tent or trailer., '''r ' 'v';, i''jC'PST^^,'just''theregularcasts:fdrpubliccampgroundsip'Europe;^i;',:, •
,|i •« I ••,''i • ,. .'•(;)"l.i; /•]. i:•'•••' '• . . '• !^ • 'i. [''' •• /ii; • r H •'(iip, \There;Js'a9rAcerystbr^;0,nthe ^o,undi • , j:;,,
?[j .ff,ee:'WiIl':;offer,in^ 'expenses of the program itselTi r,t,.i!', ./'lijPk ''f"' "I 1',Rain iRaluafhrp ic iVi'na^pH miln wfi?t of Nnranm nn thfl Piano Srcairoln. R'.lrihflsjCamb^i S^n,;Sa}vatdre, is.lQCa|eciyVa, mile west of Noranco on the Piano §caifbio, S'lfiiijes
;^outp;bf!LiigenoJi;^':'\•'.y ^ly;^iLijgaHb/ijS/4b,im|l,es no Milaho, Italy, on the maih rail line fromyGermany to lt^lv:,-,
p if Vou iati'ive' by .tfaih, caM it camp at 54-19-46, and someone will come for you. If yolicome bV caf from Ger'many, use either the San Gotthardo or the San Befnadino Pa^.Before; reaching Lugaryp take Ithe Autobahn for Chiasso and leave it at the first exit at
''(!'( Ljjgand'Suk;/;'
forfurt^^
Chaplain USAF Ret. or SID ALLSBURYFrankfurt Christian Church, 637 Oberursel, 21 Rheinstrasse 11
mm
Vlili'l.; Miy';
Christian Churches and Churches of Christ
MILITARY FELLOWSHIP
MSgt. William L. Shelton, President
The Sheltons, BUI, Janis, Teresa,Wayne, Mark, John and Douglas, wererecently transferred to Clark Air ForceBase in the PhUippines, for a two yeartour. Through agreement with theNormanda Church Sunday School Classwho have been maintaining the Fellowship Directory Service at Kempton,Indiana, the Master File of names andrecords has been transferred to Bill and
Janis. Bill has begun again to answer all
Fellowship correspondence and to providedirectory service. He has hired a Filipino secretary to type and maintain theFellowship records in their home on adaily basis. This arrangement will allowfor increased contacts with churches and
individuals in collecting names of militarymembers. The Normanda Class will
continue to mail out bulk maUings forthe Fellowship such as the GI Courier,special reports, etc.
BiU and Janis ask you to assist incollecting names of your mUitary members and sending them to the Fellowshipas soon as possible.THE ADDRESSES
MILITARY FELLOWSHIP
MSgt William L. Shelton, President
802 W. Delaware
Fairfield, IL 62837or
P. O. Box 77
Kempton, IN 46049Recent information from the Sheltons
tells of a Filipino preacher and his wifewho are coming on weekends from Manila to call on Filipinos in their area andto conduct Lord's Day services in theShelton's home. These have been ave
raging around 25 and there have been atleast three baptisms.
We urge you to send in the names offriends or members of your famUy whoare in military service anywhere in theworld as you may be the only link wehave.
;!il;ii\ili'M,'i;r/! H:'llii'.'f'
ftS ijlli
i
W"'''ik
iiilii?|fe
JESUS IN THE JUNGLES
Robert G. Tippett
As told at the European ChristianServiceCamp and Retreat, Lu^no, Switzerland,
August, 1973.
The date was March 27,1968, and theplace was the Republic of Vietnam. I wasa helicopter pilot flyinga support missionfor the Special Forces. Five days beforethis we had put the Special Forces into anarea that had been a North Vietnamese
stronghold. Shortly after we had put thetroops into the landing zone, they hadcome under iatense ground fire from theenemy that were in the area. For the nextfive days we flew support missions tryingto supply them with desperately neededwater, food, and ammunition.
I had already flown into the areaearlier in the morning hours of the 27th,and one of the crew chiefs that I had on
board was wounded and had to be
evacuated to the hospital. My platoonleader came to me and asked if I would
fly back into the area again. This was tohave been a last ditch effort to get waterto these men who had been without it for
five days. The time was around 4:30 inthe afternoon when we took off with a
load of plastic water jugs wrapped in asling net and hanging down under thebelly of our helicopter.
About an hour later we were on station
over the area where the Special Forceswere on the ground waiting anxiously forthe water we were bringing to them. Idropped the aircraft down to a low level- - so low that the load we were carryingthen was brushing the tops of the tr?esbeneath us. Just as we came over the areawhere the troops were, I slowed the aircraft down, and just as I did, the wholeworld erupted in front of my eyes. I sawbullets going in every direction. I heardthe crewchief scream, "My God, we're on
fire!" I saw my instrument panel light uplike a Christmas tree. The aircraft took a
hard turn to the right and then quicklyto the left.
The next thing that I recall was openingmy eyes and realizing that we had crashedand that I had to get out of the aircraftthat now was on fire all around me. I
managed to get up out of my seat andjust as I was about to step out of theaircraft, my foot, that had been restingon the radio console, slipped off and I gottangled. I fought to get free. It finallycame free just as my flak vest caught fire.I threw it in the back of the aircraft as I
climbed out. I now had my thoughtstogether enough to think about the restof the crew. I ran to the other side of the
aircraft and saw my.copilot, who was alsomy roommate, lying in his seat with hishead down and his face covered with
blood. I just knew that he was dead.Then I started to pull him out throughthe windshield. I don't remember whether
the windshield was broken, or if I brokeit out. After getting him out alive, welooked for the rest of the crew. Theywere nowhere to be found.
The next day the helicopters, jets, andartillery fought all day long. The temperature grew to about 120 degrees duringthe day and cooled off somewhat atnight. All efforts to get us out were of noavail. The next night was the same as thenight before. About midnight of thatsecond night my tongue began to swellup inside my mouth.
Sometime around two or three hours
later I began to gag for air because mytongue was blocking my air passages. Icontinued to gasp for air and my bodyhurt from the strain. I did everythingwithin my own power to get air into mylungs. Finally I gave up; I put mv head
down on the ground and said, "God, ifit is your will that 1 live, then it is up toyou." 1 said that if 1 were to live Iwould spend the rest of my life workingfor Jesus Christ. Then I closed my eyesto die.
Several hours passed and I came towith the realization that 1 was not dead.
God had spared my life. This was to bethe first of several "miracles" that were
to happen in my life. 1 said a-prayer,thanking God that 1 was alive and thatwith His help, I would live up to thepromise that I had made to Him before 1went to sleep to die.
Later in the morning, another "miracle"that took place was that the other members of my crew that had been missingwhen 1 got out of the aircraft camestumbling through our lines of defense tosafety, a little broken up, but alive.Later we got a call on the radio askingus if we would cut a hole into the jungleso that helicopters could get in to get usout. We worked the rest of the second
day preparing a way for the "choppers" tocome in. Finally towards the end of thesecond day, a hole was cut and theycame in and before dark were able to getmost of us out.
Yes, this is the story of how Jesuscame to have meaning in my life.
My only regret is that so oftenpeople have to wait until they have atragic experience such as this before theywill look to our Lord daily. So oftenpeople want to wait until the end to askand seek the Lord as their Saviour.
After his tour in Vietnam CaptainTippett returned to the States where heattended the University of Nebraska at
(Continued on page 2)
•'Vi-.:-.-'
fJun^es • Continued from page 1)
Omaha. While in Omaha he and his wifeShy were members of the Benson Churchof Christ and they carried on a "campingministry," holding services on campgrounds in the Omaha area. They are nowstationed at Kaiserlautern, Germany,where Bob went to junior high schoolwhen his father was a soldier there. Theyare working with Air Force SergeantMark Powell in holding worship servicesin that area. They plan to continue thisministry when Mark returns to the Statesin the near future. Captain Tippett hasalso agreed to represent the ChristianMilitary Fellowship in Europe.
Reported by Guy Mayfield
HELP
We need your help in several ways. Ifyou know of any service personnel whoare members of Churches of Christ or
ChristianChurches anywhere in the worldwe would like to get acquainted with themthrough the Christian Military Fellowship. Please send their names and addresses to the Directory Service, P.O.Box 77, Kempton, IN 46049,
THE BIBLE CHRISTIAN CALL
Editor:
Stephen W.MayfieldPSC2BOX 6018
Offutt AFB,NE 68113Advising Editor;
Guy W. Mayfield, Lt.Col. (Chaplain)USAF Ret.Giessen American School
APO New York. NY 09169or
82a Bahnhoffstr.
6301 Grossen Linden
West Germany*«*»*»•««**
Distributed free to U.S. personnel and toother English language readers overseas.
Offering to make the Bible Christian Calland its companion Italian language paperL'Appello Cristiano possible may be sentto Mrs. J. Watis Ward, 1207 State St.,Washington, IN 47501.
***********
Published by membets of the Churchesof Christ and the Christian Churches.
A NEW DEDICATION
This past summer has been a wonder-fill one in many ways. More than 31,000people came together to attend the NorthAmerican Christian Convention in Indiana
polis during July. It was perhaps thebest convention to date. It took a greatmany people a lot of time and energy toprepare for the crowds of people whocame from near and far to attend. The
messages were tremendous. Some of thetopics dealt with "Jesus only . . . SavesYou, . . . Lives for You, . . . Brings UsTogether, and ... Sends Us."
Then in August m Lugano 124 peoplegathered for the annual Christian ServiceCamp and Retreat in Lugano. You willread of this gathering elsewhere in theBible Christian Call. Reports indicatethat this was perhaps the best camp todate. Sid Allsbury wrote, "What a greathost of dear Christian friends have crossed
trails at the Lugano Camp! Many of youhave been there and know the thrill of
meeting folks from around the world.Busy Christians in their own areas, stopping by for a few days to share togetherwords of encouragement, inspiring sermons, and just the privilege of becomingacquainted with more of God's people."
Here in Nebraska Calvary ChristianChurch in Bellevue, just outside OffuttAFB, continues to grow, both in size andfellowship. In September the childrenheld a "Balloon Derby" as a kick-off toFall activities. At last report balloonshad been returned from as far away asMissouri. We meet in the gymnasium ofBellevue College and are in the process ofbuying a second bus for Bible School. Ifyou know of anyone coming to OffuttAFB in the near future please let us knowso that we can welcome them into our
fellowship.This October the First Christian Church
in Monticello, Kentucky, will be hosting a"Racoon John Smith Homecoming andDedication" of his farm cabin which has
been restored by the brethren of thechurch. John Smith is perhaps the leastknown of the men who in the early1800's searched the Scriptures to escapetheir denominational backgrounds andbegin what we call today, 'The Restoration Movement." The best known of
these was Alexander Campbell. Othersincluded his father, Thomas Campbell,Walter Scott, and Barton W. Stone. JohnSmith grew up during the founding days
of the United States and lived on theAmerican frontier in Kentucky. Onefamous meeting occurred in 1832 inLexington, Kentucky, when John Smithspoke as leader of a group of followers ofAlexander Campbell at a meeting whichsearched for unity with followers ofBarton W. Stone. At one point he said,
"Let us, then, my brethren, be nolonger Campbellites or Stoneites,New Lights or Old Lights, or anyother kind of li^ts, but let us allcome to the Bible, to the Biblealone, as the only book in theworld that can give us all the Lightwe need."*
As indicated by these gatherings itseems that Churches of Christ and
Christian Churches are moving forward.We need to continijally dedicate ourselvesanew to the Bible and its teachings as ouronly source.
S. W. Mayfield*Restoration Herald, Sept. 73
COMING EVENTS
NATIONAL MISSIONARY CONVENTION, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma USA.November 20-23, 1973. Theme, "God isat Work." Gerald Holmquist, (Brazil),President. For information write: MarkLayman, Box 18665, Oklahoma City,OK 73118.
MID WINTER Genk, Belgium.January 1-3, 1974. Dennis Messimer(Belgium), HostScott Bartchy (Germany)and Harold Fowler (Italy) are also workingon the plans for this year's rally. Thebook of Romans will be emphasizedduring each of the sessions. For latestinformation write; Guy Mayfield, 82aBahnhoffstr., 6301 Grossen Linden, WestGermany, or Giessen American School,APO NY 09169.
NORTH AMERICAN CHRISTIANCONVENTION, Anaheim, California,USA. July 23-26, 1974. Thomas W.Overton (California) President. For information write: Leonard Wymore ,Box 39073, Cincinnati, OH 45239.WORLD CONVENTION OFCHURCHESOF CHRIST, Mexico City, Mexico. July30 - August 4, 1974. J. Daniel Joyce(USA) President. For information write:Dr. Allen W. Lee, 475 Riverside Dr.,Room 448, New York, NY 10027.
BIBLE STUDY
With this issue we begin a series ofBible studies which we hope will help youto appreciate God's Word for us and tohelp you tell others His story of Salvation.
We urge you to begin a regular program ofBible reading in your Home. Setaside a time for prayer. This may soonbecome a favorite time of the day.
Subject: Creation of the Universe; Periodbefore the Flood; Age of the Patriarchs:Noah and the Flood, Abraham, Isaac, andJacob; Founding of the nation of Israel.Writer: Moses
When Written: Possibly during the 40yearsofwanderings after Israel left Egypt.
This book is called "Genesis" becauseit tellsus of the beginning of the world, oflife, of the human race, of marriage, of sinand of the wonderful plan of Salvation.
In the course of our study we want totake an overview of each book • - to seehow each book fits into what has beenbefore, what new developments the bookshows usofGod's revelation, and a glimpseinto that which is to follow.
Genesis is perhaps one of the most important booksof theBible. It is impossibleto understand math without the basic
building blocks of addition and subtraction. So with Genesis it is impossible tobuild a lasting faith without accepting thefoundations of Faith - - that is, that Godhas revealed Himself to us. The writer,ofHebrews says:
God,who at sundry times and in diversmanners spake in time past unto thefathers by the prophets, hath in these lastdays spoken unto us byjusSon, whom hehathappointed heirof all things, by whomhe made the worlds; (Hebrews 1:1,2).
As you begin to read Genesis you arestarting on one of the world's greatestadventures - - the discovery of God's revelation to us. Genesis is also rich in humanadventure. After Creation the book coversa period of approximately 2400 years. Sotheimportant events arepresented withallthe detail considered necessary by theAuthor (God) and other events are eitherignored or skipped over.
In six days God created tlte heavens
GENESIS
and the earth. On the seventh He rested.This was an ecologically perfect world.Everything was in balance. Then sin entered the world and the perfect becameimperfect. Everything that happened inhistory from that point onis the story ofGod's revelation of the solution to thisvery difficult problem - - of sin and man'srejection of the Plan of Salvation. Thefirst of many promises of the eventualPlan of Salvation is found in the thirdchapter (Genesis 3:15). During our studywe shall note these as they occur.
Backgrounds
Since we are some distance from theevents recorded in the book occasionallywe will need some background information to help in understanding that whichwe are reading.
Names: The Book of Genesis is inmany ways a book of names. While theBible is not a book of history - - thehistorical information mentioned has beenproved correct. There are many names;the important ones are mentioned withperhaps some identifying feature. Forexample we discover in Genesis 4:22 thatTubalcain was a worker in iron and copper. Others are simply noted with perhaps theirdescendents. Thepeoples of themiddle east were very much concernedover their relations to each other and so
the historical record is given. Of course,for the revelation of God, the most important family was that which was to produce His Son - • Jesus Christ who was toprovide Salvation for us. Next in tracingthe family of the Children of Israel anothervery important matter was for the receivers to know Who was being revealed.Later in Exodus God reveals Himself to
Moses as,... I am the God of thy father, the God
of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and theGod of Jacob ... (Exodus3:6).
Places: The places mentioned are realplaces. Some of them, for example Ur,can be located from archaeological research. Others are known to have existedthrough collateral information. Somehave disappeared through lack of knowledge,but they are not mythicalplaces.
Projects
There are a great many projectswhichcan be done in a family setting or Biblestudy group.
List of Beginnings: See how manybeginnings you can locate while readingthis book.
Geneoiogy of Jesus; Every time someone is mentioned try' and see how theyrelate to Jesus. Use Bible helps and thefirst chapter of Matthew as a guide. Somespellings can cause confusion and thismay take too much time or patience.
Trace the Story: Secure a good set ofmaps and locate the places mentionedafter the flood on the map.
Memory Work
Suggested memory verses are: Genesis1:1;3:I5.
In Genesis there are some tremendousstories to enjoy and important lessons tolearn from them:
The Entrance of Sin; The Flood; The Callof Abraham; The Birth of Isaac; AbrahamOrdered to Offer Isaac as a Sacrifice andHis Rescue; The Story of Jacob andEsau; The Children of Isreal Go toEgypt Because of Famine.
TENTH
CHRISTIAN SERVICE CAMP
AND RETREAT
The Tenth Christian Service Camp andRetreat at Lugano in August of 1973 wasone of the largest in attendance. Whileall of the Retreats have been rich in
Christian fellowship andinspiration, manywhohave attended in other years felt thatthis was the best yet.
The 124 people who attended represented all age groups and two nationalities. Classes were held in English andItalian. A group of students from OzarkBible College taught Vacation BibleSchool for children under 12, and weresupervised by Alva and Janice Phillips'from the Black Forest in Germany.James Cormode of the Ozark Bible College faculty was the leader of the group.Classes for high school and collegestudents, for military personnel andother adults were taught by MalcolmCoffey of Bari, Italy^, by Harold Fowlerof Palese, Italy^, by Scott Bartchy ofTuebingen, Germany'', and Paul McRey-nolds. Dean of Pacific Christian College,Long Beach, California. Each of thesemen had their families with them. Other
missionary families present were theSid Allsburys of Frankfurt (Oberiisal),Germany, the Rick Deightons of Ge-chingen, Germany®, Linda Dayhoff ofStammheim, Germany', the Dean Hicker-sons of Ruemmingen, Germany®, EvelynJones of Bari, Italy^, the Richard Kirk-lands of Eimeldingen, Germany®, theWayne Meeces of Liberia, Africa'', Guyand Thelma Mayfield of Giessen (Frankfurt), Germany*, the Dale Malorys ofBerlin, Germany®, Dennis and LindaMessimer of Genk, Belgium'', the DavidStitts of Basel, Switzerland, the ArtThomases of Tuebingen, Germany, GregRife of Accra, Ghana', and the JohnRemingtons of Vienna, Austria' Eachof these reported on the work they aredoing in their fields of service. Alsoattending were the William Caslers ofParkrest Church of Christ in Long Beach,California.
There were fourteen American servicemen and four of these had their familieswith them. Captain Robert Tippett reported on the work mey had done oncamp grounds in America,holding Lord'sDay services for the campers. ErnieSchneider and his family completed four
consecutive years in camp. They arereturning to the States before the 1974camp.
Vincenzo Petronelli of Lille, France,reported on the work of the Church atLille where he leads the singing andpreaches occasionally. Vincenzo and hiswife Vita have completed four years atthe Lugano Retreat. Vincenzo immigrated from Latiano, Italy, to northernFrance several years ago where he nowWorks and lives.
For the past ten years Guy and ThelmaMayfield have planned these annualmeetings. They have felt that it wouldbe better if they were plannedinstead bya committee of brethren. This year agroup of men have accepted the responsibility for the 1974 Retreat which isscheduled for the same time, August 5 -12,1974, next year. Sid Allsbury is to bethe manager next year and Guy Mayfieldwill assist him. Malcolm Coffey is theDean, Robert Tippett will represent theMilitary, and Dean Hickerson and RickDeighton will also serve on the committee.
Why not begin now to plan forLugano in 1974?
1 Black Forest Christian Mission
2 Mediterranean Christian Mission
3 Europe for Christ Mission4 European Evangelistic Society5 Alpine Christian Mission6 Euro-Vangelism7 Belgium for Christ8 Bible Christian Call
9 AfricanMission Evangelism, Inc.10 Toronto Christian Mission
Addresses are available through the"Directory of the Ministry."
Scott Coffey preaching at Chapel at theLugano. Camp the day that the highschool young people had charge of theprogram. Scott is a son ofMalcolm andWilma Coffey of the MediterraneanChristian Mission at Bari, Italy.
MID WINTER RALLY
The Eighth Annual Midwinter Rallyof Christian Church and Church of Christ
people in Europe is to be held at theKerk Van Christus (Church of Christ),Winterslagstraat 266, Genk, Belgium • -January 1-3, 1974.
The program this year will feature astudy of the Book of Romans led byMalcolm Coffey of Bari, Italy. BrotherCoffey will present four lessons from theBook of Romans. This lesson will be
followed by a sermon by another workerin Europe. This will be followed by aa general discussion.
Reportsof mission work in Europewillbe featured during the Rally.
The part that most of those who haveattended former rallies have seemed to
appreciate the mosiis just the opportunityof getting together with others of likeprecious faith in periods of fellowship.This year the program is planned toallow ample time for this fellowship.
Until last year, the rallies had all beenheldinGermany and usually in Frankfurt/Main. Last winter, the rally was held atthe Hospitality House of the TorontoChristian Mission near Vienna, Austria.This is the first rally to be held in Genk.
Housing arrangements may be made bywnting Dennis Messimer, 3630 Mass-mechelen (Eisden), Belgium, Phone Genk55154. If you are coming by car, youwill find Genk at the third exit after youenter Belgium on the Maasstricht -Antwerpen Autobahn. The church building is close to this exit. Those comingby train should come to eitherMaastricht,Holland or Hasselt, Belgium and arrangefor some one to meet them.
FRANKFURT CHRISTIAN CHURCHGBMBINDECHRISTI
037 OBERURSEL - RHEINSTRASSE 21
Sidney a Alltbary
987 Oberureel 8
Belinwesit
November 12, 1973
Dear Friends
It is a pleasure to greet you from Germany! I know how you must beenjoying the many blessings of this National Missionary Convention.
Mary and I and our four children arrived back in Frankfurt afterthree years in the U.S. We had formerly worked with Ed and MaryFausz in printing. Thus we were acquainted with the English workin the Frankfurt area. While we were in the U.S. Guy and ThelmaMayfield continued to work with the congregation here in Frankfurt.Toward the end of 1972 Guy and Thelma wrote to us asking that weconsider the possibility of returning to work with this congregation.We returned on May 28, 1973o
Our forwarding agent and sponsoring church are one; The CartervilleChristian Church, Missouri. The leaders there, Gene Weece is minister,have made our work their work. Because of their great interest vyewere able to return to this field with the very minimum of expenseand time for fimd raising.
Our work here involves two services per week. We meet Sunday mornings and Friday evenings. Those attending these meetings are fromvarious backgrounds. We have servicemen from all about the U.S.We have English speaking business people represented in our group.We also have a regular supply of American tourists. We are makingsome humble efforts at beginning in German services. This requiresa bit more time and patience.
On Wednesday nights each week we travel 65 miles north to Westerburgwhere we have Bible study in a home there. This outreach has providedan average of 19 per week additional with whom we can share Biblelessons. Guy and Thelma Mayfield brought this group into being bytheir calling efforts.tneir caj.±ing eiiorts.
Thank you for your interest, gifts and prayers for our work,
V/MTV*ci Tn rLra-y^mo'mrYours in Germany, //
Sid, Mary Mlsbury & family
we are.
Stephen Itoyfleld
Guy and Thclma Moyfield
The Bible Christian CallA miitlon of Chureliei of"Oirlif and Chrtfllon ChureHot InSoiopo
TO THE NATIONAL MISSIONARY CONVENTION IN OKLAHOMA CITY:
GREETINGS to each of you from West Germany:
Our family has been sharing with other Christian workers inEuropean Evangelism since 1947. Prom a small beginning at that time,we have seen many representatives of the movement to restore NewTestament Christianity come to this continent and today the pleafor the unity of God's people through this program of restorationis being proclaimed in many parts of Europe.
Our present work includes the following:
1. Working with Italian Christians who have come to Germany, Pranceand Belgium to earn their living.
2. Calling on American service men and their families who are inEurope and who come from Christian churches and churches of Christ inAmerica. We help these young people become acquainted with Christianworkers near them, and to find services where they can be at the Lord'sTable each week. In some places service men arrange to come togetherat the chapel or in a private home for the Breaking of Bread and Biblestudy.
3* Publishing the BIBLE CHRISTIAN CALL in English as often as possible and cooperating with Vito Gentile and Giuseppe Italiano inpublication of L'APPELLO CRISTIANO in Italiaan.
4. Sharing with Sid and Mary Allsbury in the Frankfurt ChristianChurch program. However, since the arrival of Sid and Mary last May,we are giving most of our attention to other parts of our program.
5. Cooperating with other workers in Europe in the annual ChristianService Camps and in the Midwinter Rally.
Recently we have begun a weekly Bible study on Thursday eveningsin our home in Grossen Linden.Attendance runs from 12 to 15.
At the present time all three of us are employed by the U.S.Government, Guy and Thelma as teachers and Stephen as an Air Force Tech.Sgt.We appreciate your prayers for our work and your offerings for thework itself.
Non-Profit OrganizationU, S. Postage PaidCarterville, Mo, 64835Permit No. 1
>
Twice sine our last newsletter we have had Bible study in German. I asked for yourprayers in this regard, remember? We have had only four adults meet together. We havebeen reading in the book of John and discussing our findings. The Luther translationwas made almost ICQ years before the King James Version in English, This means, ofcourse, that the Lutiier translation is plagued with many old words. We spend much ofour time trying to understand words like this. I remember doing this back home, too,however. Please continue praying for the German phase of our work. It will be difficultgetting Germans to attend Bible studies taught by an outsider.
Our English speaking services are in a routine but progressing well. X noticed thatour average attendance for July was 13^ and our average for the first three Sundays inOctober was 17, Of course, with such small numbers the averages can easily fluctuate.We are still encouraged and look for more gain.
-Our-ou-traach has grown a-great number by teaching -the group at Westerburg. Since ourlast newsletter, when we first mentioned this group, we have had an average of 19 eachWednesday night. Again, this could change quickly but we thank God for the opportunities we have.
Our children continue to progress in the German schools. Jodi and Randy are workingwith good attitudes and their Teachers have been very understanding. How thankful wenrel Heidi has begun speaking a lot of German, finally, I thought for a while shewas going to teach the other children at Kindergarten to speak English.
Mary and I have German classes on Thursday nights. This leaves Sunday, Tuesday, andSAturday nights unclaimed. I hope they stay unclaimed for a while.
We thank you all for your prayers and support. We hope your interest in this workwill continue even after the newness wears off. More and more we must become neighborsto these people. That means that we must spread our time and love a little thinner.Please understand.
Sid & Mary Allsbxijy^637 Oberursel 6Bahnweg 12Germany
^ rJ.-1.. -
&'-/• '77
December, 1973
A-"*. i^CL
Hello again from Germany!
Did I write to you all just one month ago? It seems like Ihave so many things to "talk"-about in'just a month's time. Iam sure there's a lot of things new with you, too.
Since our last letter we had a nice visit with Tibbs and'rrma Maxey. They are the.parents of our good friends in Ver-
ucn, B. C. Canada, Don h Marilyn Lewis (Marilyn's folks), if.vou didn't know.
celebrated Heidi's fifth birthday November 19th. Fourvf.ighbor children joined in the festivities of hot chocolatenid a cake with a red-headed doll decoration on top. , The decoration matched remarkably well the real thing which Heidireceived.
Our activities around the work here remain interesting. JustSunday a young teacher-student from Australia and studying in Walesvisited our services. He is required to spend a year here studyingGerman. J^is background is non-denomina^ional_, like ours, and seemed to enjoy our fellow-
He lives too far to return often but this is just another we've made contact withand encouraged toward a non-denominational, Bible-only position. I believe that when weare truly "non-denominational" in spirit we will be s-tisfied to influence and encourageas opposed to enrolling and counting.
Our Wednesday night meetings in Westerburg are continuing well. We are going throughthe Book of Acts and making a chart of conversions as we go, Mary is teaching 0, T, lessons to the children's class,
Hera in Oberursel we've had some very satisfying studies in German. Mary often prayswhile I'm trying to express myself and I am sometimes surprised at myself. This phasecertainly needs your prayers.
Recently we mailed out a church paper to the many names we have of military peopleover here as well as English speaking Europeans, With the combined efforts of Guy May-field, Paul Doling and myself we are encouraging the beginning of a Bible study nearMainz and Wiesbaden, a soldier there, Bill Watte, has experience in preaching at Colony,Kansas, Together with a family named Foster and a couple frcan Ohio named Hawes we hopeto see a weekly meeting start there. Please pray about that.
November 9, 10, & 11 the Richard Kirkland family came up frcxn Basel for the weekend.Richard had three special sermons for us. He and his wife, Jackie, provid d lovelyspecial music, too. They originally held ministeries in the St, Louis, Mo, area andhave worked in Germany about 1% years now. We averaged 21 in each of these services;
☆
ivingour r
ThanksgSeveral of
day was a blessing, Dennis and Linda Messiraer came down from Belgium,jgular service men were with us. Guy and Thelma Mayfield brought a
turkey over. Ernie and Betty Schneider (USAF) brought a ham. PaulDoling, an.exchange student who also studied at Manhattan Christian
Tlege, had devotions and involved the rest of us with comments ofthings we are all thankful for. After lunch and in time for devotions, Jerry and Eva Schmid came to share, too. During the •visiting we, somehow, came to the subject of the oil crisis. Wecentered our thoughts, mostly, on the Sunday driving ban. DennisMessimer made an interesting observation by pointing out what newsthe driving ban would make in missionary newsletters. I said, "Yes,I'm writing one next week!" Even now I'm trying to decide how to
PROJECT GERMANY December Rapo t Page Two
start the next paragraph. How about: "Sunday driving ban inflicts heavy burden on European missionaries?" Well, bear with my fun and read on.
One of the most- peaceful days we've seen in Germany was last Sunday. No cars on thestreets. Can you imagine? We walked a few blocks, caught a train, rode one stop, andfrom there rode to the church house on a street car. So strange to not have the constant
terror of fear for the children near the streets. It cost us about $4.00 for the roundtrip. It took about 45 minutes as we made good connections. The Mayfields came fromGiessen, requiring about 2^ hours and about $12.00. There were several at our meetingand we were thankful for that. We had soup and sandwiches at the building for thosetraveling long distances.
The European governments who have thus far imposed the ban on Sundays were "forced" tochange from a 12:00 to 12:00 arrangement to a 3:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. plan. It seems thatthe people visiting the Bars and Night clubs were having trouble getting home, thus hindering business. I've yet to hear a word about people making it to churches. Disappointing!
We
We are thankful for the improvement in the value of the dollar. It is about now likeit was when we first arrived, June 1. Our rent, still high, was more than $250 per monthand at present is about $230 per month.
We wish you all the best during the Christmas season. I know how we'll miss you allduring that time, but God always provides, 30, 60 and 100 fold for anything we give up.
