Elim Bible Institute - Oasis Yearbook (Lima, NY)

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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

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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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defeat, the Father is still healing folks. A little boy was stricken with infantile paralysis and the hospital could do nothing to help him. While visiting, I prayed for the little chap and now he attends Sunday School and is perfectly whole. Hallelujah! Jan. ' 43 - As we cabled, I was attacked by a national who had been Smoking hemp and was completely crazy. He first came at me with a club, then with a spear and struck me three times in the right hand, practically severing my index finger. It was so mangled that it had to come off and now I ' m learning to write with four fingers. Gangrene had set in before it was amputated but praise God I only lost the finger. I had tried my best to appease the chap and twice went out of the house to quiet him down, but he kept coming at me. It was an awful battle and shook my faith to the depths. I still can ' t understand why Father didn ' t heal my finger. Apr. 43 - We are both badly in need of a furlough, in fact the govern- ment Medical Officer has ordered Theresa out, but she can stay at her own risk; and me, well, I ' m all nerves and for the sake of the work here a new worker should take over. Everything is progressing steadily, fine meetings. This month we are in a visiting campaign of every village and every hut, with good results. Aug, ' 43 - Reports from our seven bush churches are encouraging. A government official was just here and was very pleased with the work. He said he had seen great advancement since his last trip here two years ago. Sept. ' 43 - We had a grand baptismal Service with over 400 attending, and baptized our first Watendes. There were nine of them. The government approved six of our bush church buildings but turned down our request to build another five saying we are going too fast! Jan. ' 44 - The last Sunday in every month all the bush churches and Sunday Schools come in for meetings here on the Station. We are having wonderful times. Our bush church pastors preach and I serve communion. A pastor also leads the singing. The church is always more than packed, with many women in attendance. Sept. ' 44 - You will be glad to hear that the Lord is moving among the Luo people whose boundary is four miles from here. The Chief told me he wanted many, many churches and also asked when we were going to Start a girl ' s boarding school. They have many to send. It certainly was encouraging to listen to him, after our battle here. Our Watende Chief seems hard against Christianity and doesn ' t encourage his people or children. Feb. ' 45 - Praise the Lord, Bro Sickler has arrived. He came just b efore Christmas. We love him and feel sure he will fit well into the work here. And the fellowship? It is beyond words! In the June ' 45 Herald , there was printed a letter from Arthur Dodzweit whioh said that Bro. Hill was on the verge of black water fever again and in desperate need of a furlough. This was followed by a eable from the Bills declaring their expectation to sail in July. Brothers Dodzweit and Sickler were able to carry on the work with the assistance of their wives who were then enroute to Kenya. 95