Elim Bible Institute - Oasis Yearbook (Lima, NY)

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Clockwise 3 top to bottom: 1. Ladies’ Bible Study in Spain 2. Youth Camp in Poland 3. Converted Gypsy group 4. Overflowing aongregation behind the Iron Curtain 5. A mountain scene in Switzerland 93

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(Excerpts from letters written by Germany- based Chester and Mary Gretz) No room for Him in the inn and nowhere to lay His head. Such was Christ s introduc- tion to this earth. Though centuries have passed, this still is true today. He is banned from political Systems including Eastern Europe ' s. He has also been banned from their educational System. The press makes mention of Him only in a derogatory sense as it derides and mocks those who profess to believe in Him. Even cathed- rals once filled with worshippers now are museums and anti-religious theaters. In those that remain, one can hardly find Him in the formalities of religion. Yet there are those who receive Him. Meet¬ ing secretly outdoors or in homes, or open- ly in halls and old church buildings, these continue to let their lights shine in a dark world and are willing, if needs be, to suffer for Christ. What a privilege to meet with such and to work with them in spreading the good news that the Savior has come! We have seen more people confess Christ as personal Savior and others edi- fied by the Word of God than in any pre- vious year. In one country in spite of the strict Con¬ trols, we found a strong growing church. My heart was stirred as church leaders shared their burdens and needs. Although they could not permit me to speak in their churches, I was able to share God ' s Word with groups and individuals in many places . In a house meeting in another country, there were 40 people gathered on a Sunday morning. Seven stood in response to an invitation to receive Christ. The kind- ness of church leaders and congregations is overwhelming. In an evening Service we both sang and I preached in Polish, while the Pastor interpreted into the lo¬ cal tongue. At the close of the Service, we were deeply moved as the congregation waved their handkerchiefs and sang, God be with you ' tili we meet again. POLISH TESTIMONY: If I had the choice to make between your countryAmerica 3 with all of its materialis tic blessings yet not so much interest in the spiritual life 3 and my countryVoland 3 where we have fewer material possessions yet a deep hunger for God ' s Word. . .1 would still choose my country. A deep hunger for God’s Word means more to me than your freedom or materialistic blessings.” 92

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(Letters printed in the Elim Pentecostal Herald 3 1935- r 45j written by pioneer missionaries, Roy and Theresa Hill) Sept. ' 35 - Kisumu - Kenya : Here we are settled in our four-room house - we have made our home look a bit decent. Our two trunks covered with cotton cloth serve as seats, two egg crates provide a cupboard for dishes. Dec. 35 - In a prayer meeting Thursday, ten received old-time salvation. What floods of tears and they were shaking under the power of God. Among the believers here are former cannibals! Aug. 1 36 - About a month ago in the Wednesday meeting the power of God struck like a thunderbolt and several were knocked off their seats. One woman was baptized in the Holy Ghost and spoke in clear English. She began with praises to God and then spoke about the soon gathering of God ' s chosen ones and that now was the time to yield to His preparation. Apr. 38 - We were called to go and pray for a man in a village 10 miles away. When we began praying, the Lord revealed to us that He wanted this man to live but the devil wanted him to die. At nine he died but we held on and at ten he came to life! At two he died again but we held on to God and glory - at four he lived again! On Monday at eleven he passed away again - at twelve he was quickened once more and for good! Feb. ' 41 - Just today a man was carried in who had been bitten by a very poison- ous snake, but God marvelously undertook and he walked away. Sept. 41 - Bukuria - We are still praising God, though the enemy has opposed us ever since we came here. First of all, Theresa came down with black-water fever and typhoid, then I had four attacks of malaria. I had another disease with it and was near death ' s door when they prayed through for me and I was made every whit whole. Then this noon a cyclone hit the church and ripped off half the roof! But we ' ve had several marvelous conversions. Nov. 41 - The enemy cer- tainly does not want Bro, Dodzweit here. First his landing permit was held up, then we had car trouble trying to see the government officials in Kisumu to put down his entry bond. The devil has done many things to hinder but 94 Hallelujah, he has not punctured our lungs yet or broken the springs in our legs! Last Sunday a woman brought her baby who was very sick to be prayed for and he was healed immediately! May 1 42 - Well glory! These past two weeks have been hectic! First there was sickness throughout the assembly, then thieves broke in and stole two trunks and two suitcases of clothes, smashing things up in general. This happened on a night when we had a marvelous tarrying meeting. Then sickness again until now there is not a village in Watende without sick¬ ness. Then our family got sick, and on top of that an unexpected bill came. But Jesus is Victor, praise His Name! Oct. 42 - We are still pressing the battle and shouting Hallelujah! We are pushing the devil hard and he us these days, but we have no doubt who will win. We now have 110 in Sunday School and 55 in school. We have lost many of our young men to the Army or we would have many more. Though old Bisambo (Devil) is fighting hard to