THE AUSTRALIAN

skills t\ El IBER, 1956

sd at the G.P.O. Sydney, for transmission as a Periodical.

A MONTHLY PAPER

FOR THE COLOURED

PEOPLE OF AUSTRALIA

Aunt Evangel sends Christmas Greetings and many thanks to all who have helped so wonderfully with articles, reports, subscriptions and donations this year which has been the best year yet in the "life" of the Evangel. There will be no issue in January so a "Happy New Year" to you all too. When you think of the Evangel will you pray tha t God will make it a greater blessing than ever before in 1957? God bless you all!

ANOTHER MISSIONARY He Needs Your Prayers and Gifts

2. Australian Evangel December, 1956

B y Miss V i v i e n n e K n o x

It was Christmas Day and Ray Nelson was drunk. This was not unusual. In fif­teen years of married life he had never had a Christmas Eve at home with his wife and family. Ray was sitting in his chair a t home when his brother and a friend known as "Pop" walked in. The family, a mother and several children were "enjoying" Christmas as well as they could with a drink-sodden father and husband. They continued their innocent games while the two visitors talked to Ray.

"Ray," said Pop, "This is a poor way to spend your Christmas, you've been brought up in a Christian home. You know better ." Through the maze of a drunken stupor Ray grasped enough of what was being said to understand. He could remember a mother and father who still prayed for him.

Ray's b ro ther said "Ray, God can save you. He can break the power tha t drink has over you." They quoted the Word of God to Ray again and again and it began to have an effect on him. They silently prayed tha t God's Spirit would continue to work.

At last Ray consented to get on his knees. He had only been there a short time before he was "stone" sober and praying for himself. "Roys," he said when he arose from his knees, "I'm making a clean sweep." To confirm his words he poured out two bottles of drink on to the ground a t the back of his house. He testified at work to the men after the Christmas holidays. They expected it to pass over, bu t i t didn't!

A p a r t of Ray's testimony in a service the following Christmas was—"This was the first Christmas Eve I have ever spent with my family. It was the first happy Christmas I've known since I was a boy." His wife received Christ and is just about the happiest woman in townl

One result of Ray's conversion came a few months later. His boss was a back-slidden preacher. He had been away from God for twenty- three years. Ray's clean break from drink and tobacco, and his constant witnessing to his rough pals, made a great impression on him. He came into work one morning and said, "Ray, I went to my church yesterday and I got back to God, I want you to know it was your life tha t w o n me back to God." Ray wept for joy—strong and tou h as he was, he wasn ' t ashamed of his tears .

Dear Reader—if you haven' t accepted God's grea t gift of the Lord Jesus Christ, won ' t you accept Him now, and make this your Happiest Christmas?

m

December, 1956 Austral ian Evangel 3

MRS. RETTA LONG GOES HOME B y R e v . E . C . Long

On Thursday, October 18 at 3.15 p.m., Mrs. Ret ta Long, Founder and Director Emeritus of the A.I.M. of Australia, was called home to be with the Lord. The call came quietly and peacefully. Mrs. Long simply stopped breathing, after several hours of unconsciousness and the tired body was left behind.

She had been failing a lot the last week or so, but remained at her home in Normanhurst . Up till the last three hours Mrs. Long knew her family, and was often heard to repeat, "His mercy endureth for ever". I t seemed as if she might have been repeating the Lord's p rayer to herself also during the last few days. Then the silver cord was broken and the t rumpets sounded for her on the other side.

The funeral took place a t the Central Baptist Church, Sydney, on Saturday, October 20th, and was conducted by the Rev. H. J. Rowe. Mr. Rowe was outstanding in his remarks . Three members of the Federal Council also took par t in the service, including one who had been a member of Mrs. Long's Sunday School class at Chatswood, years ago, the Rev. C. F . Lockyer. A member of another similar class a t Ashfield many years ago, Mr. A. T. Iliffe played the pipe organ.

The message at the graveside was a clear gospel word—that though she had done so much yet like anyone else, Mrs. Long needed the atoning work of Christ to be accepted before God. The two services were services of t r iumph and witness to the glory of God. Mrs. Long's favourite hymn "All the way my Saviour leads me" was sung a t the close of the service in the church.

—From "Our Aim".

A TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MRS.

By Miss V. Knox

LONG

While she was young God called her To a work and people she loved,

A love that grew and was strengthened By her faith in God above.

In the early days she labour'd With determination rare

To take the Gospel story, To our people everywhere.

And now many real Australians With a heart sincere can say:

"Thank you God for calling her, Thank you for coming my way.'

Mrs. Carrie K n o x of Karuah wri tes : What a wonderful welcome our dear Mrs. Long would get when she

entered into heaven. We only have to look around here in Australia to see the work that she has done for our own people.

4 Australian Evangel December, 1956

HEAVENS GATE MUST HAVE OPENED WIDE

By Mrs. Doris Brown, Cherbourg Reporter

A wide circle of friends are feeling keenly the loss of our founder of the A.I.M., Mrs. Retta Long, who went home to be with the Lord. Heaven's Gate must have opened wide to receive one who had lived so much in God's presence and with His Word, and from whose heart and life had issued such a stream of love to our own people of this land far and wide. She graciously gave herself unselfishly to our people. She travelled thousands of miles, often alone, took meetings and poured out her heart in tears on behalf of our people.

It was no doubt her motto was "Our God is Able" and her aim was to carry out the Lord's command, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." No won­der then tha t her work was her passion and to give herself was the motivating force of her life. All down through the years she has done what she could efficiently, conscientiously and faithfully. We are sure tha t the Lord must have said to Mrs. "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Mrs. Long had a genius for friendship. She counted her friends as her wealth and surely she was rich in them. She has made many feel tha t they had a t rue understanding friend, one whose heart was a lways open to share their burdens and joys. Mrs. Long has truly loved our people.

Now her battles are fought and the victory won and she is at home forever with the Lord. Thank God for the memory of a true soldier of the Cross, a wonderful friend and a worthy servant of the Lord Jesus.

Long,

Above: A photo taken of Mrs. Long (then Miss Retta Dixon) in 1897 not long after she commenced

work as a missionary.

Left: Mrs. R. Long

and her daughter Mrs. E. A. Collins

(Aunt Evangel) at the Singleton B.T.I.

October, 1950

December, 1956 Australian Evangel 5

A LETTER OF SYMPATHY T o the Family of the Late Mrs. Retta L o n g

From Mrs. Mabe l Lock

I was very sorry to hear from Miss Acland of the death of your dear mother whom God so lovingly called to rest and I know He will bless you all and ease your sorrow. I remember your dear Mother and Fa the r wi th a lot of loving memories and many thanks for all they did for me many years ago.

I was in my teens when I first came to know them through Mr. and Mrs. Simpson for whom I worked at Strathfield and along with Corra Rob­ertson and Minnie Brooker (now Mrs. S. Ridgeway and Mrs. B. Rountree) I used to spend a lot of time a t meetings in their home and at the church at Ashfield and often we would spend a lovely evening there and s tay for tea and later a meeting.

I am only one of our many dark people whom she was t h e means of bringing to God and teaching all about Him. She has left behind a family

who are all serving God in the hard way. They and all the missionaries are fighting a very hard fight for the saving of us all for Him.

I had the pleasure of hearing three lovely girls from Singleton College give their testimony a t our Redfern meeting last Sunday (Misses South, Mercy and Nay lor) and also hearing Mrs. Long's little grandson, Roger Collins, so nicely play the piano and I'm hoping to hear them again tonight. So again I say your Mother's and Father 's memory will a lways live on earth and in heaven.

Above. —The last photo taken of Mrs. Long in 1950.

A Christmas Message from our Evangel

Publicity Officer Greetings to you all a t this Christmas t ime!

T his festive season brings joy to all, especially to those who love the Lord Jesus Christ. "For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11. First ly we rejoice in our salvation and all t ha t "being saved" means in our daily experience, and then we rejoice in the privilege of passing on the "Good News" of salvation to those around us.

I sincerely pray that all our Evangel readers will nave a happy Christmas and a New Year of blessing, should the Lord ta r ry .

December, 1956

Mr. W. Caddy

Australian Evangel

Season's Greet ings from Cherbourg, Queens land

to the entire missionary staff of the A . L M . a lso t o our

faithful friends of t h e Evange l .

Again we rejoice in the coming to earth of the Lord of Glory and in His great salvation. And again we remind ourselves and you of our high calling to proclaim the good news of such a Saviour to mankind everywhere.

During the past year it has been my joy to be a co-worker together wi th Him and with you all in our great task of winning souls for our Master. The encouragement I have had has enabled me to go forward. Friends, pray for us at this Christ­mas time as we are planning to hold special meetings here at Christmas for one week, commencing on 19th December. Pray tha t precious souls may be won especially a t this Christ­mas time as our offering of love. Let us rejoice and give thanks unto God for His unspeakable Gift and resolve t o give ourselves anew to the sharing of that Gift with those who still wait.

We praise the Lord for some of our Christians here who are wholly following the Lord and experiencing the joy and power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Please p ray for the many young people who are attend­ing church just now tha t they will surrender their wills to the Lord. It is wri t ten: "How beautiful are the feet of them tha t preach the Gospel of Peace and bring glad tidings of good things."

Our services are going along steadily. Miss Fairfax is busy plann­ing for our Christmas Convention. We had our Sunday School picnic on the 20th October and everything went off well. Mr. Hilton Ireland came out and gave the children a talk.

December, 1956

—Drawing sent by Mrs. Brown

Now I would like to wish my many friends of the Evangel a very joyous Christmas and the blessing of the Lord in the coming year. God bless and keep us each one in the unity of His love.

(Mrs.) Doris Brown, Reporter .

EVANGEL SUBSCRIPTIONS AND DONATIONS RECEIVED TO END

OF NOVEMBER

Mr. S. F . Stace, £2 /2 / - ; Mr. H. Martin, 18/ - ; Matron O. Smith, 6 / - ; R.D.H. Darwin, £ 1 ; Winellie, per Mrs. Pangquie, £ 1 ; Balranald, 12 / - ; Sister Ellis, Melbourne, 14/-, 14 / - ; Miss J. Ridley, Mooroopna, 1 5 / - ; Griffith, £ 1 / 1 6 / - ; Mrs. Palmer, Bog-gabilla, 12/-, 12/ - ; Fingal Point 10/- , £1; Bagot, 10/6; Singleton B.T.I., £1/10/- ; E. C. Long, £1/10/- ; A.I.M. General Funds, £ 5 ; A.A.M.M. Funds, £5; Katherine, 10 / - ; Miss H. Brown, £1; Mrs. M. Nicolson, £ 5 ; Mrs. Creber, 6 / - ; H. G. Brice, 6 / - ; Mrs. E. Walkom, 6/- .

Australian Evangel 7

Gayndah Reporter sends Christmas Greetings

Uncle Henry Mi Mi, Gayndah Reporter, with nephew Geoffrey

Cowborn.

I thank God for this privilege of writing jus t a word for Jesus.

Sunday School Picnic.

Our Sunday School Picnic was held on Saturday in October on the banks of the Burnett River, and i t resulted in a happy time for twenty-six children and fourteen grown­ups. A man and his wife and two children from the Baptist Church provided t ransport and cakes for

afternoon tea. Each home provided sandwiches for lunch. Miss McAulay lead us in "Be present a t our Table, Lord".

Then the racing events took place which everybody took par t in— swimming and paddling were also popular throughout the day for the young folks. S.S. Examination Results.

The good news of our Sunday School Examination results was read by Miss McAulay and there was much clapping of hands etc., although many parents and others do not yet join us.

Our Sing-Song, Tea and Talent Quest resulted for the past two weeks in 14 children being present each time, also a nice number of grown-ups. Our Sunday services at 10.30 and 7.30 could be bet ter attend­ed. God bless everybody this Christmas and provide us with all the grace and patience tha t we need.

Henry Mi Mi, Reporter.

H I M S E L F H e c a m e HIMSELF, H e did not s end

A mighty angel d o w n , For ange l h a n d s could never d o

T h e work Hi s hands h a v e d o n e .

For it required His wondrous worth T h e awful debt to pay

For which H e went t o Calvary A n d g a v e HIMSELF that day .

A n d H e HIMSELF shall ye t c o m e d o w n T o claim His purchased ones .

This is the b lessed, shining h o p e Of all G o d ' s wait ing s o n s !

— C a r r i e G . A n d r e w s .

8 Australian Evangel December, 1956

Miss Doreen Towney of Peak Hill has been spending a fortnight's holi­day with Pastor and Mrs. Naden. Mrs. Olga Naden and her daughter Kathleen went across to Pilliga for a few days, and friends have been praying tha t the Lord would use them there.

Fingal Point had a very happy time at their Prize-Giving, and were arranging for the picnic at Currum-bin. Mrs. Jane Paulson has been far from well and in bed for over a week. Mrs. Paulson is our Re­porter for Fingal Point. Please pray for her.

Miss Millie Glen, a Northern Ter­ritory girl who came to N.S.W. dur­ing the war years and did her nurs­ing training, has been appointed Matron of a Hostel in Adelaide for Aboriginal girls. The Hostel was opened on November 19, by the Governor of South Australia, Sir Robert George. We congratulate Miss Glen on her appointment.

On their way back to Singleton B.T.I, from Condobolin recently, Mr. and Mrs. Living passed through Peak Hill. Mr. Living wri tes: After calling in a t the hospital we went to the new homes erected by the

Welfare Board for our people. There we met Miss Doreen Towney and Mrs. Harold Keed, Jnr . We also chatted with Mr. and Mrs. Reed and their daughter Margaret and were shown through their new home wi th its new furniture. Later we visited the people on the hill behind the town. It was good to rejoice with Fred Powell in the precious prom­ises of the Lord. We were glad to meet Mrs. Governor again but sor ry that her daughter, Mrs. Waterloo, was ill. However a group of us gathered in believing prayer. On the road we stopped for a word with Mrs. Bill Dargin whose little daughter, Joan, is a patient in a Pa r ramat t a Hospital.

NEWS OF OUR PEOPLE IN SYDNEY HOSPITALS

Miss Acland reports a number of visits to Sydney hospitals recently. She says:—I visited Miss Kathleen Miller a t the Prince of Wales Hos­pital, Randwick. She hopes to leave hospital soon and to walk again wi th the aid of a caliper.

(Continued on Page 16)

Mr. Howard Miles, Associate Editor for the Evangel, has drawn a great many sketches for this year 's issues. When sending his last lot for this issue from Mt. Isa, on his way back from the Northern Terr i tory, he wro te : Please excuse everything, includ­ing pencil. You see I'm sitting on the ground, next t o 'Caesar' (his t ruck) , on the outskir ts of Mt. Isa, engulfed in flies, wind and consternation. Still I am glad of the chance to help."

Our front page picture is by Mr. Miles.

December, 1956 Australian Evangel 9

B y Stuart Fowler

For the sixteenth time in modern his tory, the world spotlight is being turned on the Olympic Games, but what makes it most interesting to all Australians is tha t , this time, this greatest of all sporting events is being held in our own country.

From all over the world athletes have come and have prepared them­selves in every way they know how to win for themselves and their coun­t ry the coveted Olympic gold medal.

Tens of thousands will be watching these men and women as they com­pete for the honours of this world. Among the watchers will be older men and women who, in days past have themselves competed in the various sports, while there will also be the youngsters who, by watching the athletes in these Games will be inspired to enter a future race for themselves.

The idea of the Olympic Games is not new, but was first started by the ancient Greeks who held the Games on the plains of Olympia. I t was from that spot that the Olympic flame, kept burning throughout these Games, was brought. The Games were a most important par t of the life of the world in those days, and just as it is today, it was the biggest and best known sporting event in the world.

The apostle Paul was familiar with the Games, and like other writers in the New Testament, often men­

tioned the Games in his writings. We do not have time to look a t all of the times he mentions something to do with the Games, but maybe we can take time for a quick look a t two or three. 25. Read these verses in your Bible and then Hebrews 12:1. In both these, Paul is trying to give us a picture of a race during the Games. There we have the great crowds eagerly watching to see who will win, and there are the competitors with only one thought—to win.

This is a picture of the life of every Christian. We are all in a race, and the Lord expects us all to run that we might win. The Lord has a plan for every life, and when we give ourselves over to Him com­pletely, we then find what that plan is. We will then follow the plan as an athlete would run a race. Nothing else will mat ter to us but doing the Lord's will. Our own desires, our own pleasures will all be put aside so tha t we may run the race which the Lord has set before us.

It may lead us into difficult places, and into places that we do not like; most certainly it will lead us to places where we can witness for the Lord and tell others of Him; maybe it will not leave us much spare time for ourselves, but nothing else mat­ters except to run well in this race, so tha t a t i ts end we will hear our Lord and Master say, "Well done, good and faithful servant ."

10 Australian Evangel December, 1956

OLYMPIC FLAME

CARRIERS

Picture a t r ight: Billy Larra-keyeah ready to leave Darwin airport on Tuesday, Nov. 6, as the first runner of the team which carried the Olympic flame into Darwin after its arrival in Australia by air. The R.A.A.F. flew the flame from Darwin to Cairns, North Queensland, then runners car­ried it down south to Mel­bourne.

Three young men from Pur-fleet were also chosen to carry the Olympic flame through par t of their district.

Two men and t w o children went to Melbourne from Dar­win for the Olympic Games as guests of the Native Affairs Officers of the N.T. One was Edward Cooper of Bagot.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE OLYMPICS—Continued.

Then, remember that, not only are we running in a race, a race which the Lord has planned for us, but that , even though we often do not see them we are constantly being watched by a great crowd of spec­ta tors . Among them are those who have already run their race—Abra­ham, Moses, David and a multitude of others—and also among them are those who may be inspired to enter in the race by the way we run, or maybe they will decide not to run in the race when they see how poorly we are running.

What are we running this race for? What is there a t the end of i t? Paul answers tha t question too in I Corinthians 9:25 and again in Phil . 3:14. Those who run in an earthly race find tha t the joy and the pleasure of the prize soon fades away and is lost. Theirs is a "cor­

ruptible" crown. After we have r u n our race the Lord has promised us boundless treasures and a crown t h a t will never fade nor be lost, with joys tha t will never cease, "incor­ruptible".

As we think of the Olympic Games in Melbourne, it will do us good to ask ourselves some questions about the eternal race of which Paul speaks. First, have we entered the race, or are we still holding back from the Lord's call to us and His plan for our lives? Second, is runn­ing the race the most important thing in our lives, or are we hind­ered as we t ry to run with all sorts of things tha t should not be in our lives? Third, are we more concerned about t he things of this world t h a t will soon be no more than we a re about the things of God which will never pass. Where is our hear t s e t ?

December, 1956 Australian Evangel 11

FOR EASY READING

G I V I N G

"God loveth a cheerful giver." 2 Cor. 9:7.

A happy New Year to you all! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas. I expect you all know it is because of the gift of the Lord Jesus to this world that we are happy.

We are going to have something new for our page for the New Year. For a time we are going to think about some things we see and use every day that we read about in the Bible and see what lessons we can learn from them.

Did you know that we can read about a cake in the Bible? We all like cakes don't we? I wonder how many like to share them with sisters, brothers or friends?

There is a story in the Bible about one of God's serv­ants who was without food and God sent him to see a woman who would help him. When the man, whose name was Elijah, came to the woman, she told him that she only had a handful of meal which was just enough to make a cake for herself and her son. Elijah said to her, "Bake a little cake for me first and then make one for thee and thy son," andeh promised that there would always be meal in the barrel for her. When she did as Elijah had told her, she found that what the man of God had told her was true. There was plenty of meal for her and her boy.

We see that when the woman gave to someone else first, God blessed her and made the meal for them all.

Jesus said—"Give and it shall be given unto you". So if we give our hearts to the Lord Jesus, He will use us to help other people to love Him too.

12 Australian Evangel December, 1956

• • A

SHEEP John 10:1-18 There are many references to

sheep in the Bible. In Isaiah 53:6 we read, "All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way." In Luke's gospel chapter 15, we read about a shepherd rejoicing because he found t h e sheep t h a t was lost. In John's gospel chapter 10, we read about Jesus who calls Himself the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and He is also the Door of the sheepfold. The following story will explain how Jesus is the Good Shepherd, as well as the Door of the sheepfold.

A traveller once met a shepherd, who was putting his sheep into the fold. When all were safely in, the traveller noticed that there was no door to close the opening through which the sheep had passed. So he said to the shepherd, "Where is the door?" The shepherd replied "I am the door!" All night the shepherd laid himself down at the opening and no sheep could come out and no wild beast could go in to ha rm the sheep for he was there to protect them. Then the traveller understood what Jesus meant when He said—"I am the Door".

Another man travelling in an Eas t ­ern country stopped a t a stream to get a drink. Looking up he saw two shepherds coming with their flocks from opposite directions. All the sheep went to the water to drink and it seemed to the traveller that bo th flocks of sheep were hopelessly mix­ed. "Can you ever get all your sheep aga in?" he asked one of t he shepherds.

"You watch and see," said the shepherd, with a quiet smile. Then simply giving a shepherd's call as a huntsman might whistle for his dog tha t shepherd moved off down the road. At once every sheep of his flock started after him, as if called by name. They jumped over the backs of other sheep who kept on at their drinking, while the "called" sheep followed their Shepherd.

The traveller saw a new meaning in the words—"I am the Good Shep­herd and know my sheep and am known of mine" (v. 15). "My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow Me" (v. 27). "And a stranger will they not follow" (v. 5 ) .

Do you hear the Lord Jesus calling you and will you not follow Him?

Miss McAulay, who wri tes our "Easy Reading" and "Nature Talks from the Bible" pages, is the mission­ary at Gayndah, Qld. where the children came second in the Honour Shield Competition in the S.S. Exam­ination. Miss McAulay says they worked very hard for it, giving up their Saturday afternoons and on the day of the Exam, they came through pouring rain and mud (two miles each way) to do the questions.

December, 1956 Australian Evangel 13

Far Western NJ5.W. Taking the G o s p e l to the Outstations

B y Miss E. Walker

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise as some men count slackness."

I praise God for the opportunity of going with eleven others to visit Brewarrina, Goodooga, Collarenebri and Walgett . Visitors came from the surrounding districts to Bourke for the Western Annual Convention. It was a time of blessing as well as a t ime of testing.

One weekend was spent over a t Brewarrina sixty miles away . There were meetings on the mission as well a s in the town. On the Sunday after­noon we witnessed a baptismal serv­ice in the Barwon Biver when three young people not only sang wi th us "Where He leads me I will follow, I'll go with Him all the way", but in an outward show made it plain tha t the words were real to them. That night three men came back to the Lord—one man of sixty-five told some of the others it was seventeen years since he left the Fa ther ' s side and went into the far country.

Next morning we were a b i t doubt­ful concerning the weather because this was the day we had planned to leave for Goodooga about 70 miles away. We stood like the Children of Israel at the Red Sea— the roads are not good to travel on after rain. We prayed in our hear ts about it and about noon were on our way only to get into a couple of bad storms about 9 miles from Brewar­

rina. Still we moved on. I heard a missionary say once, "There's no standing still in the Christian life", so we had to move on.

I must say the fun started then! We were slipping and sliding all over the roads with the rain pelting down on the roof of the van. I t sounded as though someone was throwing handfulls of gravel—and above tha t eight of us sang and sang the old songs of Zion! We were bogged about a mile out of Goodooga and everyone had to get out and push. Finally we were out and on our way again.

When we arrived word was soon passed around that we were there and tha t night we had quite a few of our people gathered together to hear the Word of life and light. While we were there we visited the school and had a wonderful time with the chil­dren. The ladies gathered one after­noon and again the Word was given out. At the close of the meeting two young girls came out for the Lord.

Wednesday morning found us on our way to Collarenebri, over 90 miles away—arriving there a t noon. We visited the school and it was a wonderful opportunity because most of the older ones are leaving school soon. There were two classes w i t h seventy in each. We would have liked to stay longer but we had to be at Walgett for Friday night.

(Continued on Page 15)

Mr. Stuar t Fowler, Evangel Editor for the U.A.M. (United Aborigines Mission) has travelled extensively in N.S.W. this year and has given much publicity to the Evangel in the places he has visited, enlisting several new Reporters. His page, "What Should a Christian Do About . . . . ? " has proved a help and blessing to many readers.

Mr. Fowler was one of the leaders on the tr ip described above.

Australian Evangel December, 1956

Blessings at Gilgandra and Balladoran B y Pastor W . B . N a d e n

Greetings once again in the Name of our blessed Saviour. On the night of the fifteenth of November we received a 'phone call from Wellington saying that they were having special visitors and asked if we would come. On our arrival we were overjoyed to see Mr. Caddy After words of welcome and some very bright singing, Mr. Caddy told us of the work at Cherbourg.

On our return to Balladoran on Saturday 16th, at seven o'clock a very pret ty wedding took place in the home of Pastor and Mrs. Naden, when Harold Powell and Dulcie Solo­mon, widow of the late Henry Solo-bon, were married by Pastor Naden. Immediately afterwards a gospel service was held and all had a wonderful time.

Then after service on Sunday morning four car-loads went into Gilgandra for the evening service and had another wonderful time. The main speakers were Jack Tow-ney and Bill Naden Jnr . and a t the end of the service 6 adults returned to the Lord, including two married couples. Please pray tha t they will continue on with the Lord.

We are having a rally here on December 14, 15 and 16. The speak­ers will be Mr. Ben Mason and Mr. Frank Roberts Jnr.

On the 21st of November we had a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Caddy and Mr. Frank Roberts. We had a service at night and Mr. Caddy showed slides of Cherbourg which we all enjoyed. Mr. Roberts spoke on "Prayer" . The house was packed and all went away refreshed in the Lord. Nearly all came out from t o w n including Mr. and Mrs. Aulder-man.

December, 1956

Pastor W. B. Naden, of Gilgandra and Balladoran who is a regular contributor of reports and articles

for the Evangel.

FAR WESTERN N.S.W. (Continued)

At Walgett I had the pleasure of meeting our Associate Workers , Mr. and Mrs. Whitehouse. The Lord blessed His Word and we trust t ha t by His Spirit He will bring about the conviction that men and women need today. The meetings were well attended and they told me t h a t around Walgett there are about six to seven hundred of our people going about and having no shepherd to care for them. The Ladies' meeting was well attended by women, children and even young and older men as well. One could see a vast difference in the children who have their Sunday School every Sunday and those who only have it every few months or whenever a visiting preacher calls around at these places. The people asked us to return. Although we wanted to stay longer we had to be on our way. At the close of the last meeting on the Sunday night a young girl fifteen years came out for the Lord and a Mr. and Mrs. Cross, one-time workers a t Woorabinda.

We would covet your prayers for these places that God would raise up someone to be a shepherd to these people.

Australian Evangel 15

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FOR EVERYTHING EVANGELISTIC

IN HOSPITAL Continued from Page 9

At the Randwick Auxiliary Hos­pital I visited Mrs. Linda Black and Mrs. Williams and Mr. Clark, _ all from Murrin Bridge. Also visited Mr. Paul Dargin from Condobolin and Mr. Fred Dunn from Armidale, also Mr. Bert Timbury from La Perouse. All are being well cared for and are gradually making pro­gress towards a measure of health. It was good to leave a message and to pray with them.

Mrs. Agnes Grant is home from hospital and is full of gratitude for the Lord's goodness to her, although much better she is still in a weak condition.

BIRTHS Edwards.—September 29, to Eileen

and Eric Edwards of Balranald, a son. Daniel Charles.

Edwards.—To Gordon and Rhoda Ed­

wards of Balranald, a daughter. October 4.

Cherbourg: Costello.—October 8, to Mr. and Mrs.

H. Costello, a son. Combo.—November 12, to Mr. and

Mrs. Jack Combo, a daughter, Elizabeth Ann.

Bond.—November 14, to Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Bond, a son. Ashley John.

DEDICATION At Balranald.—October 7, Daniel

Charles Edwards by Pastor R. George.

DEATHS At Cherbourg—May Aubry, Joyce

Jacob, October 27. Nathaniel Vin­cent West, Sally Ann Cleven, Oc­tober 28. Ray David Purcell, Oc­tober 31. Elizabeth West, Martin Bligh (in Brisbane), Marjorie Maud Douglas, November 15.

16 Australian Evangel December, 1956

A PERSONAL TESTIMONY By Stan Simon of Purf leet

I thank God through Jesus Christ, tha t He has given me the chance to testify for Him, to the great and wonderful saving power of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

I was once a terrible drunkard, and did everything tha t was evil in the sight of God. I thought that the only way I could have a good time was to have a good drink with my mates, and then old Satan used me to make trouble.

At weekends, after I drank all my pay, I would come home drunk and my wife and little family would go away to friends to stay until I sobered up. I would go home and find the house empty; no little fam­ily to welcome me home; no little children to run out and meet me; no little smiles, but all I could see a t t imes were sad little faces looking

at their drunken father. Satan would even have me hit my wife, for I had an evil temper and would say terrible things.

Then one day. Satan gave me my pay. You know, friend, Satan is a bad paymaster. I got into a fight with the police, with a couple of my mates. One policem n went to hospital and the other had a broken nose. My mates and 1 got two years gaol. I served seven weary months and was then released on a good behaviour bond.

While in prison I would feel so lonely, so lost as if nobody wanted me. While locked in my cell it was so quiet, I would sit on my bunk for hours and all the evil things I had done to people kept going through my mind. Then tears would run down by cheeks, and on my knees I

December, 1956 Australian Evangel 17

A PERSONAL TESTIMONY—Continued.

even tried to pray. I would cry out to God to help me—a sinner who could not get any lower. When we went to church on Sunday the min­ister would give his message and I would feel tears of repentance stinging my eyes and get a feeling deep down inside me like I wanted to shout and be saved. I wanted to be converted there and then, but there was always something stopp­ing me. Dear reader, if you are unsaved, make peace with God. Do not wait until something happens to you and be tormented the rest of your life wi th memories t h a t make you ashamed every time they dar t across your mind.

When I was released from prison, I went around doing the same old things. I forgot about God and the promises I made to Him in secret. What did I want God for now? I was free wi th plenty of mates and plenty of drink. But friends, God brought me down on my bended knees sooner than I expected.

My little daughter was taken to hospital and was not expected to live. I tried to drink my worries away, but t h a t would not help. On Sunday night, after getting over my drunkenness tha t day, I went home, but no-one was there. I s tar ted to feel that lonely feeling coming all over me, so I went out.

Walking pas t the church on our mission, I decided to go inside. I do not know what made me go into t h a t church that night, bu t as I sat in the back seat where no-one could see me, and the meeting was coming to a close, they gave an appeal for some-one to be saved.

I got up to go outside for a smoke. I do not know wha t happened but I could not go outside. Something was there and I just could not go out­side. They were still making the appeal. Dear friend, I don't know what happened to me but all of a sudden I jumped up and instead of going outside I went right up to the pulpit and fell on my knees. Then I felt tears of joy running down my cheeks.

I felt a great load of worry and sin and shame being lifted. I t was there tha t I really found joy, crying for forgiveness. That is where God wants us today—on our knees, crying for forgiveness.

Two weeks later our daughter came home from hospital. Praise God. I am now trusting and praising God for saving a lost sinner like me.

(Mr. Simon sent a very nice snap of himself to go with the testimony but we are sorry to say it was not quite clear enough for a block.)

A Christmas Message from

Miss South "And when they saw the Star they rejoiced

with exceeding great joy." Matt. 2:10. May this Christmas and New Year be a Happy

and Blessed one for all our Teenagers and Cousins. As you search the scriptures and read His Word may you come to know and love the Lord Jesus, Who is the Bright and Morning Star.

18 Australian Evangel December, 1956

'Best Letter of the Month Dear Aunt Evangel,

Cherbourg.

As far as I can recollect I don't think I have wri t ten to you before. Bill Bird is my brother and I am very anxious to see him again as I haven't seen him since he left to study a t the College. I am in Grade VIII and I am doing my scholarship in December some time. Ever since I read the "Evangel" I found i t t o be a very interesting magazine as it gives us news of people in remote places from home. But most important of all it gives us the opportunity of learning more of Christ and what He did for us.

Now that Christmas is close at hand I guess everyone is preparing to do their shopping or planning how they are going to spend their vacations. I haven't made any plans yet. Well Aunt Evangel, as time is slipping away I bring my brief letter to a close.

God bless you, Yours in Christ,

J E N N I F E R BIRD.

Karuah. Dear Aunt Evangel,

This is my first letter to you. I am eight years of age and my birth­day is on November 7th. I am in Grade 2. I like school. My teacher is Mr. Brit. I like Sunday School too and Mrs. Knox is giving us the story of Moses. Well tha t will be all for this time.

With love, Maureen Saunders. Tingha Road,

Guyra. Dear Aunt Evangel,

Just a few lines to let you know how I enjoy the meetings. I had a wonderful time at the Singleton Col­lege, and we went for a picnic. I am helping Mrs. Murray to teach Sunday School, we teach Kindergar­ten. This is a promise, Fea r not . . . be glad and rejoice for the Lord will do great things; joy t h a t fades not, Joel 11:21. Joy and peace we have in Thee, now and through eternity.

From Elaine Collins.

Bagot Reserve, Darwin.

Dear Aunt Evangel, Last month I went to Casuarina

Beach for School holidays with the other boys and girls and Miss Clark. We all went for a walk one night along the beach towards Lee Poin t in the moonlight.

With love from Judy Woody.

Bagot Reserve, Darwin.

Dear Aunt Evangel, This is the first t ime I have done

the competition. My birthday is on the 7th April. I turned nine years old last birthday. We are going to the mangroves at the creek near here Saturday, we are making a new garden a t our place.

With love from Kathleen Secretary.

MORE LETTERS ON PAGE 23

December, 1956 Australian Evangel 19

Miss C. Clements

Have you a gift for the Lord this Christmas? Why not come to Him now and give yourself to Him. I know in return He will give you life everlasting. Hurry friends while the re is yet time. The Bible says in Isaiah 55:6—"Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near."

May this Christmas br ing blessing to you all and may the Lord bless you all. —Cedelia Clements,

Reporter.

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM NARROMINE

REPORTER

Christmas Greetings to you all in the Name of our dear Lord Jesus. I guess you are all very busy wi th Christmas preparations as we are here.

There is one Gift t h a t is more precious to me than all things on earth that money could buy. This gift was given to the world a t Christmas time too. Can you guess what it is? Yes, it 's the Lord Jesus.

I am sure you know tha t verse in John 3:16—'For God so loved the world that He gave His only be­gotten Son." What a wonderful thing it is to know that God loved us so much tha t He gave us His only Son.

What rejoicing there was when the Lord Jesus was born! Can you imagine the angels singing and the shepherds as they sat there in the fields minding their sheep.

One of our Christian Teenagers Called Home

B y Miss M. S p o h n

Many "Evangel" readers will have heard of Corine Shepherd, of the Ret ta Dixon Home, Darwin, who had been delicate all her life, in and out of hospital. The last time in hospital had been for nearly two years and it was a t ime of testimony for her Lord as in her quiet and patient way she accepted her illness. Always bright and happy, she served the Lord by letter writing and sending out Bibles.

A week ago Corine was called Home to Glory at eighteen years of age. I t has meant much to our boys and girls, who knew Corine so well to k n o w tha t she has gone to be with the Lord Jesus.

The funeral was conducted by Mr. Eldridge and a large number of our people gathered at the graveside. It was a beautiful service. Her favourite hymn, "Tell me the Old, Old Story" was sung. Mr. Eldridge, in speaking of Corine's life, used an acrostic on her name.

C—Conviction. As a young child she was convicted and came to the Saviour.

O—Opened her hear t to receive Him. R—Ready—a challenge to all—were they ready? I—Inspiration to the many she wrote to and contacted. N—Name wri t ten in the Lamb's Book of Life. E—Eternity—with the Lord.

20 Australian Evangel December, 1956

Life at the Singleton B.T.L

By Reporter R e y n o l d Ketchup

Since our last report to the Evangel, we can say the Lord has been faithful as much has been accomplished here a t the Institute.

On several occasions we were invited to meetings and were able to take par t as the Austin truck makes it possible for everyone to attend these meetings. It was a real bless­ing to take par t in a Youth for Christ meeting at Dungog. Then when the Field Council Meetings were on in Sydney, student Victor Shaw went down with Messrs. Bowen and Stret ton and took par t in meet­ings at Maroota, Glenorie, Manly and Bexley.

Two tr ips were made to Caroona by Mr. and Mrs. Living and four students. We believe tha t the Lord is going to do a wonderful work among these people at Caroona which is about one hundred and twenty miles north of Singleton. They do need a missionary.

We praise God for the safe arrival of Mr. Howard Miles and Mr. David Kirk who have been working for the Lord in the Northern Territory for over a year. Much has been accom­plished in the way of building and moving and reaching the people for the Lord there.

We are anticipating having a pic­nic at St. Clair, thirteen miles out

.

Mr.

- i :

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R.

WW*

TR I

Ketchup

J,

of Singleton on Saturday, November 24. This possibly will be our last outing before we go on vacation. We students do appreciate all t ha t our staff have done in making this year a happy and successful one for us and we praise God for the bond that links us together in the family of God. The Lord has been blessing our Open-air witness in Singleton every Saturday night.

We would like to wish all our ex-students a Happy Christmas as we remember and celebrate the birth of our Redeemer. Our hearts are unit­ed in prayer for those who will be graduating this year and we t rus t that the Gospel will be spread further to those of our own people who are waiting for it.

As I close this report I would ask—What does Christmas mean to you. dear Reader? May it be tha t Christ will be acknowledged and glorified and made King from this day on.

News of Past and Present Students By C

Miss Mabel Langlo who has com­pleted her nursing training, is being married on the 1st December at the Maitland Road Baptist Church to Mr. Eric Leach.

Miss Erica Kyle, one of last year 's graduates, has been recently accept­ed as a Native Missionary. Miss Kyle is on the Staff of the B.T.I.

December, 1956

D.S. Mr. Victor Shaw spent a weekend

in Sydney and he was able to take par t in some special meetings held at Glenorie and Maroota.

The Misses Ruth Naylor, Muriel Mercy and Christine South have been helping Miss Acland with some Sun­day meetings at Redfern. Roger Collins has also gone along to help by playing the piano.

Australian Evangel 21

RESULTS OF "DO YOU KNOW? COMPETITION

CLASS 1. 1st Prize: Cousin Margaret Gallag­

her, DARWIN.

2nd Prize: Cousin Joyce Blitner, KATHERINE.

STARS: James Cooper, BALRAN-ALD; Patsy Holtze, Joyce Reubin, Audrey Anderson, Marjorie Winphil, Gwen Rose, R.D.H. DARWIN; Lor­raine Corowa, Beverley Rotumah, Desley Moreton, FINGAL POINT; Mary Lyons, June Curry, Greg Christian, NARRANDERA; Alison Tobane, Warren Hill, Joseph Adams, Loret ta Booth, Elsie Murray, Valerie Munns, Robert Munns, WOORABIN-DA; Neville Williams, Pauline Mc-Guinness, COWRA; Ervyn Brown, CHERBOURG; Coral Roma, Laurel Booth, WOORABINDA; Grace Mon-aghan, Ken Murray, Archie Bamblett, Carl Bamblett , Isabelle Johnson, Al-wyn Charles, Aloma Murray, GRIF­FITH.

CLASS 2:

1st Pr ize : Cousin Maxine Storer, DARWIN.

2nd Prize: Cousin Kathleen Secre­ta ry , BAGOT.

STARS: Pam Ross, Henry Edwards, Noel Edwards, Edward Murray, BAL-RANALD; Audrey Roman, Fay Cros-bie, Valerie Colbert, Phyllis Kitching, Violet Gallagher, Rachel Roman, R.D.H. DARWIN; Felcia Corowa, FINGAL POINT; Yula White, Rachel Moy, Judy Woody, BAGOT; Chris-

22 Australian Evangel

tine Lowe, Teddy Lowe, Lorraine Kelly, Glyn Brown, Jean Kelly, Helen Blitner, Pauline Turner, Shirley Hayes, Francis Hayes, KATHERINE; May Douglas, Alan Douglas, KATH­ERINE, Roselyn Mi Mi, Isoble To­bane, Wilma Booth, Pearl Booth, Joan Fisher, WOORABINDA; Esther Williams, COROWA; Maureen Saun­ders, KARUAH.

NEW COUSINS: Kathleen Secre­tary , Pauline Turner, Alan Douglas, Norman Brown, Pearl and Wilma Booth, Warren Hill, Joan Fisher, Roselyn Mi Mi, Violet Gallagher, Rachel Roman, Phyllis Kitching.

AWARDS FOR SIX STARS: Bev­erley Rotumah, FINGAL POINT; Lynette Booth, Joseph Adams, Rob­ert Munns, WOORABINDA; Valerie Colbert, R.D.H. DARWIN; Mavis Monaghan, GRIFFITH; Loretta Al­ber ts , Patricia Clarke, Gwen Austin, Janice Austin, Amelia Austin, PUR-NIM; Valerie Maynard, ABBOTS-FORD.

Missed Last Month: We are sorry these names were overlooked in our lists last month although they re­ceived stars for their work : Valerie Maynard, Felcia Corowa, Eunice Slabb.

NEW COMPETITIONS

CLASS 1.—BIBLE BABIES. Christmas time reminds us of the

Bir th of the Lord Jesus. He came as a babe in Bethlehem. Could you find the names of these babies and send them in to Aunt Evangel, C/- 19 Castlereagh St., North Strathfield. Before the 15th January? 1. Who was the first baby? 2. Who was hidden in the bulrushes? 3. Who are the first twins we read

of in the Bible? 4. Whose father was able to speak

again when he was born? 5. Who was given to his mother

in answer to her p rayer? 6. Who was born in a manger?

CLASS 2. Find the answer to the first t w o

questions, and write them in your best writing, then send them to Aunt Evangel.

December, 1956

BIRTHDAYS Many Happy Returns of the Day

to these young people:— In December: Peter Hegarty, 1st;

Colin Tommy 4th; Lorraine Kelly, Mavis Douglas, Margaret Blitner, 14th; Joylene Grant, 21st; Beverley Charles, 22nd; Noel Manton, Don Cooper, Brian Henda, Rachel Moy, Ronald Adam, Andrew, Rita White, Peter Marego, Agnes, Andy Moreen, Virginia Moreen, Bruno, Gabriel, Raymond Rankin, Clancy Cahill, Douglas Rankine, Betty, John Lee, Billy Lee, Judy Woody, Topsy, 25th; Leonie Pope, 27th; Alma Parsons, Ivan Morris, 29th.

In Janua ry : Richard Murray, 1st; Janice Austin, 2nd; Caroline Doolan, Gena Lovett, 3rd; Kelly Lyons, 7th;

Lynette Booth, 9th; Gweneth Austin, 10th; Dorothy Seaton, l l t h ; Les Pope, Jean Kelly, 13th; Mary Ed­wards, Beverley Hynch, 14th; Brenda Reid, 18th; Valda Conlon, 26th; Elva Fogarty, 30th.

A BIRTHDAY VERSE "The fear of the Lord is the be­

ginning of wisdom: a good under­standing have all they tha t do His commandments." Psalm 111:10.

Teenagers Quiz on Christmas 1. He was the son of Elimelech. 2. He was hung on the gallows he built himself. 3. He was one of the wicked kings of Judah. 4. He was one of Isaac's grandsons. 5. He sang hymns at midnight. 6. He was taught the Scriptures at an early age. 7. He has the longest name in the Bible. 8. He was caught up in the tree by his hair. 9. The wisest man who ever lived.

If you answer the above questions you will find the first letter of each of the men's names will spell the word "CHRISTMAS".

Results of Teenagers' Quiz on Nazareth

1st Prize: Ervyn Brown, Cherbourg. 2nd Pr ize: Lynette Booth, Woora-binda.

Annabelle Roman of Darwin and Norman Brown of Woorabinda both did very well too.

Send your answers to Miss C. South, c / - 19 Castlereagh St., North Strathfield, before the 15th January. I hope to have many more entries from our Teenagers in the New Year!

Erambie, West Cowra.

Dear Aunt Evangel, This month's Quiz is easier to do,

I am trying my best. Don't forget to put my name in the birthday book and may God bless you all.

Es ther Williams. Erambie,

West Cowra. Dear Aunt Evangel,

I was pleased t h a t you got the money and pleased too to see my name in the bir thday band and thank you for your nice letter. May God bless you.

Neville Williams.

December, 1956 Australian Evangel 23

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24 Australian Evangel December, 1956

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