Elim Bible Institute - Oasis Yearbook (Lima, NY)

Page 47 text:

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

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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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each week for student par- Time is set aside ticipation in MISSIONARY PRAYER GROUPS. The purpose of the involve students in the min- six prayer groups is to istry of intercession for the nations of Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and the South Pacific Islands. The needs which are present¬ ed to each group include the spiritual, political, eco¬ nomic, and social conditions of these areas. The out¬ come of missionary work in the nations is definite¬ ly affected by intercessory prayer. Perhaps the most important emphasis of prayer is to “bind the strongman” (Matthew 12:29) or spiritual powers over a nation. If we first bind the strongman, then this will directly affect the situations and individ¬ uals carrying forth the Lord’s work in the nations of the world.