Elim Bible Institute - Oasis Yearbook (Lima, NY)

Page 46 text:

MISSIONARY INTERVIEW In an effort to gain a little more insight into the life of a missionary, questions were asked three of the visiting missionaries: Leola Spyker: Missionary to Mexico Stephanie Vernon: Missionary to Asia Bahjet Batarseh: Evangelist at large Question: What is one word of advice you would give to a Bible student preparing for the mission field? Sis. S. Take time to know what God’s will is in ev¬ ery situation. As a missionary, don’t go unless you have a real love and compassion for the people. Sis. V. Set a goal for yourself and go after it. Be¬ lieve that it is God’s will, and He will be faithful. Bro. B. Dedication and availability: Be able to leave everything; give and sacrifice everything. Question: As a foreign missionary, what was one of the hardest adjustments you had to make? Sis. S. The poisionous insects. Sis. V. For me it’s not hard to adjust. I feel at home wherever I go. Bro. B. Getting accustomed to the weather, food and bedding. Question: What was the major cultural shock? Sis. S. The fact that time is unimportant — Their life is much slower-paced. Sis. V. The wide-spread evidence of demonic ac¬ tivity. Bro. B. The moral standards. Question: Do you find it difficult to maintain spir¬ itual growth on the field? Sis. S. Yes, there doesn’t seem to be enough time to spend alone with the Lord. Sis. V. No, practicing what you have learned caus¬ es you to grow. Question: Does the possibility of your children’s lives being endangered affect your ministry at all? Sis. S. It caused us to be fearful for a while, but God used the situation to build His church. Question: To what extent do you feel the need to conform to a culture in order to share Christ with them? Sis. S. I feel it is very important to identify with the people. Sis. V. I don’t conform, but I enter in wholeheart¬ edly. I live with them, dress like they dress, and eat like they eat. As Paul said, “I am all things to all men.” . 5$ % ■ 45?.» w ' ». ' - - ■ . V : ' ; Vr ' • JL .. m a . ■• . ‘ ' 1 ; 4 - ■ V ' ' ' ' ' i ■■ ' f i.jt .■HffltV . 21 . ■ ' • % ■ ' x $ .... : : ■’ ■ ■ ilk . § f accords to YOUR 42

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“I have given thee the heathen for thine in¬ heritance” was the theme song of the 1973 MISSIONARY CONVENTION where missionaries from around the world spoke with urgency of the needs and opportunities in nations abroad. Chester Gretz shared of his thrilling work in eastern Europe. Stephanie Vernon relived her phenomenal travels among Tibetan la¬ mas while distributing the Word of God. Bahjet Batarseh gave a dynamic on-the-spot recount of the Israeli war and the movings of the Spirit in the Middle East. Those of the Elim family ministered too from a background of rich experience. Paul Johansson dispelled any doubts as to the high demands made on a missionary. Edgar Parkyns recaptured epi¬ sodes of his years in Africa, encouraging us to get involved in what God is doing. Costa Deir chal¬ lenged us to give to missions on the basis of what God has given us, and EF Home Secretary, Saied Adour, reminded us of the great need in our own U.S.A. From all sources, the challenge was extended with force and power — Behold the whitened har¬ vest! Top: Samuel Chelladurai, student from India, preparing for a ministry in gospel music. Above: Connie and Harry Vellekoop, Elim grads en route to Argentina.

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Top Left: John Bartlow of the Europe and Bible Lands prayer group locates nations on the rear map. Center: (1. tor.) Costa Deir, Ruth Rodriguez, Gloria Johansson and the Bahjet Batarsehs in colorful native dress represent Israel, Africa, Jordan, and Pakistan. Bottom left: Costa Deir fills in chart as faith promises are tabulated. Center: Paul Anderson wearing a Colombian r u a n a . Below: Stephanie Vernon shares her fascinating accounts with Tibetan lamas. Question: What has been your greatest discourage¬ ment on the field? Sis. S. When native pastors or missionaries, in whom you’ve trusted, backslide. Bro. B. Problems with finance, needs or sickness in the family and misunderstanding among the breth¬ ren about doctrine. Question: What’s the biggest thrill you’ve ever had as a missionary? Sis. S. To see spiritual grandchildren — those whom you’ve brought to Christ bringing others to Him. Bro. B. Witnessing God’s ou tpouring of His Spirit upon the people of the Middle East, and His finan¬ cial provisions. 43