HERALD C A POLICEMAN'S LOT IS NOT A HAPPY ONE The Baptist Church in Mizoram ......

PAST FOLLIES AND 1-DGH TECHNOLOGY Health care in Guinea ...... Cover photograph: Tirana, Albania 0 SIXTEEN WAYS TO SAY FRIEND First impressions ofAlbania ......

DAY TRIP TO BOLOBO A visit to an oil palm plantation...... 8 N OF MISSIONARIES AND BRAN Language study in Belgium ...... 10

DOUBLE TAKE Taking a second look at language and culture ...... 11

QUIET AGAIN T Another report from Kinshasa ...... :...... 15 A FOOTNOTE IN HISTORY Ten years as BMS minutes secretary ...... 16

CALL TO PRAYER E Updating the BMS Prayer Guide ...... 17 NEWS Missionaries' Literature Association, Angola ...... 18

IN VIEW N More news from home and overseas...... 2 0 CHECKOUT Missionaries' travel and gifts to the Society ...... 21

MAKING WAVES T Liberation theology in Britain ...... 23 The BMS shares in mission with: Albania Angola Bangladesh Belgium Brazil Bulgaria El Salvador France Hungary India HERALD PRICES 1994 Indonesia Italy Jamaica Nepal Nicaragua

Bulk Church Orders Portuga l Sri Lanka Thailand Trinidad Zaire If you order the Missionary Herald through your church s magazine secretary, the cost ■ MISSIONARY HERALD of a year's subscription (which is ten issues) is £3. 70. l:

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April 94 W ERALD HERALD

A consideration of culture is always important when com­

municating the gospel message. The good news of God's

love in Jesus Christ is for ordinary people, belonging to

real situations, speaking and thinking in a particular

language, formed by a specific history and tradition,

educated to a certain level and used to acting in precise

ways.

To communicate the gospel effectively we need to take

into account all these factors and more. And these

cultural questions are not always for people working in

another country. There are enough of them in the UK as

any minister who has moved from one part of the country A Policeman's lot is to another will quickly affirm. not a happy one An African pastor couldn't understand why his large congregation was not responding to his appeals to "make by Jan Kendall an offering to God." Then he realised the way they were hree years ago, Baptists in Mizoram adopted a thinking. In their traditional world view, God was the target: "to plant 100 churches, and to send out 100 new missionaries before January 1994." This supreme being and they were used to making an offering sounds incredible to the ears of any outsiders because this state of North East India is already to him. "But God doesn't need anything, does he? Our T75% - 95% Christian, but not unachievable to any Mizo Christian listening, because impregnated within each Mizo offering then need only be a token of our love and heart is a huge desire to live and witness for Jesus. Vivian Lewis attending the Mizo Gospel Centenary cele­ respect." This view had moved over into the thinking of brations in January 1994 recalled meeting the wife of the Chief of Police. All the policemen in Mizoram are drafted in the church. So the pastor began to appeal for an "offering from Delhi, and consequently, are Hindus. In conversation with her he asked whether she was enjoying living in for God's work." They understood and the difference in Mizoram. "Why, yes, I love it here" was the reply. giving was remarkable. He probed further, "And your family? Do they not miss the bright lights of Delhi? In this edition, we look at some examples of the way "Oh no, Mr Lewis. They love it too. In fact my father-in­ law was coming for a short visit, and ended up staying six culture helps, or gets in the way, of mission activity. We months. And he wants to come back again!" see how, in one instance, missionaries arrived in the ■ Mr Lewis felt he had not quite got to the bottom of this. "And your husband?" he asked, "Does he like it here?" "fulness of time" and of how those who were the The Chief of Police's wife chuckled a little, "Oh, no, he hates it." "subjects" of missionary activity are now, after only 100 "Why is that?" "Well, he is a trained detective. And here there is nothing years, missionaries themselves. And we see how BMS to do, no crime, no robberies, no assaults or murders. In Delhi I would hardly ever see him; he was working all workers are coping with language and culture changes, hours. Here he just sits around all day, waiting for the phone to ring. And when it does, it is something quite ► and perhaps "culture shock", but that's another story.

April 94 [IJER.ALD HERALD

A POLICEMAN'S LOT ~: IS NOT A HAPPY ONE~~~'·

continued trivial. It's all very tame here, understood so easily by the Mizo from page 3 and very, very quiet." people. In fact the Gospels and "What, is there no crime at Acts were available in the all?" asked Mr Lewis vernacular before there were any "Not really," she replied, "And converts, and the availability of even when there has been Scripture and other Christian Rev Herbert Anderson something, someone drunk on literature made literacy too much rice beer, or some worthwhile. petty stealing, they come and Not many years before the mis­ confess!" sionaries came, Darphawka, a Why is it Christianity has taken man from South Mizo had a off in Mizoram compared to other dream: "And far from beyond the parts of India, and indeed, the sea, the white men shall come: world? It is a question that missi­ Obey their words." People who ologists have long put their minds were interviewed in 1975 had no to, and here are some of the hesitation in saying they became suggested answers: Christians because of Firstly, there is the time factor. Darphawka's dream. The Gospel came to Mizoram at Prior to Christianity being exactly the right time. In their pre­ introduced the Mizos were Christian days the Mizos were animists, and it is generally head-hunters, repeatedly causing Mr Lorrain believed that animists are more trouble for the British with their receptive to the Gospel. Animists head-hunting expeditions. It was do not have to be convinced of the as a result of one of these that Mr existence of the supernatural. In Winchester was killed, and his 1913 when BMS India Field daughter Mary captured. A major Secretary Herbert Anderson campaign to rescue Mary launched visited the Mizo people, he asked by the Governor General of India many why they had became in 1871 resulted not only in her Christians. One of them, a village rescue, but also in the subjugation elder said, "I became a Christian, of the Mizo people to the British. because I found that eight annas Mary Winchester was to write in a (half a rupee) worth of mission letter, : "My father's blood was pills did more good to my sick the price paid for you Lushai relatives than 30 rupees spent on Christians." Had Lorrain and sacrifices to devils." Savidge come before the Mizos Lorrain and Savidge, too, had suffered military defeat, they showed what has been called would not have had the same "anthropological insight" in reception; indeed, they too might Jan Kendall works at BMS Didcot as part finding relevant frames of have suffered the same fate as Mr of the Production Team. She is also Nurture reference with which to speak to Winchester. Deacon at Didcot Baptist Church the Mizo people. To begin with I Again, important in the time factor, is that the first missionaries came before Bengali was introduced as the official language. At that time Duhlian was a dialect that was getting more popular, and absorbing lesser dialects, and was used in communicating the Gospel to most of the Mizo tribes. It was Duhlian that the first mis­ sionaries reduced to writing and used for Scripture translations. Bengali would not have been

April 94 [l]ER.ALD HERALD

they spoke of a Saviour saving The Mizos had lived in constant up by Lorrain and Savidge. The from sin, but the Mizos had no fear of evil spirits, and spent a 1914 Annual Report of the BMS sense of sin, and as such, felt no good part of their lives appeasing talks of 72 Sunday Schools at need for a Saviour. Lorrain and them with animal sacrifices. work, with an average attendance Savidge chose a different Prayer took the place of animal of 1766. It was recounted that in framework, and then began to sacrifices. Mizo Sunday Schools practically preach of "Jesus, Vanquisher of The rapid growth of literacy, all the students became the devil - the One who has bound which we touched on earlier, was Christians. Secondary education the 'strong man', and made it attained through the Mission schools were also set up, and until possible for his slaves to be free. " Schools and Sunday Schools set Indian independence in 1947, the entire education of the Mizos was in the hands of the Missions. Outside By 1941 64% of the the Baptist population was Christian, so for Church, young people especially it was a Serkawn disadvantage to be a non­ Christian. Non-Christian men could not get wives unless they were prepared to become Christians; and the wives preferred to have Christian · husbands - they did not drink beer or beat their wives. Mizo people were different from the Hindus and Moslems who lived in the plains of India in that there was no class or caste barriers among them; the hold of the Islamic and Hindu religions of the hearts and minds of the people in the rest of India is one of great entrenchment, and consequently these people are not as open and responsive to the Gospel. All has not gone smoothly for the church in Mizoram; it has had Carrying its share of persecution, and water, Mizoram backsliding and felt the effects of famine and its 'lunatic fringe'. Today with its third and fourth generation Christians, it must face the task of nominalism and secu­ larisation. But for all that it is looking ahead, to face the future with a great missionary zeal and a heart full of thanks to God for all he has done. ■

A fuller account from Vivian Lewis, and news of Mizo mission­ aries will be published in the BMS Annual Report, May 1994. ■

April 94 [l]ER.ALD HERALD

We expect the latest in high technology to be available in British hospitals and ideally it seems right for African hospitals too. But the reality is different, as EMS Doctors Andrea and Mark Hotchkin have discovered in the West African country of Guinea where they are seconded to the Leprosy mission.

he Central Hospital was originally built by the French colonial power in the 1950s, re­ equipped by the TChinese Communist aid in the 1970s and is now in the process of being redeveloped by Swiss mis­ sionaries in the 1990s. Let's hope we have learned the lessons of the Dr Mark Hotchkin and patient past well. The three large rusting autoclaves and the long-since broken wall-mounted air condi­ PAST FOLLIES and tioning units stand like a silent warning of past follies with high technology without any means of HIGH TECHNOLOGY repair. Now we use an old pressure cooker on a wood-fire change had already begun. The In January, we broke all the and have recently managed to chief nurse had spent a period in rules and operated in the dirty screen the perviously wide-open another hospital to learn about dressing room with instruments windows of the operating theatre sterilisation and another had gone that had only been washed in with mosquito net. The operating to learn how to give simple anaes­ antiseptic solution for five minutes lamp, made in Shanghai, still has thetics. Since our arrival, and windows wide-open. half of its light bulbs. But usually amazingly enough at the expense Actually a bullet-proof vest operations are performed by of the staff themselves, the would have been useful because daylight and often by torch operating block has been an overspill of inter-tribal violence because it is difficult to start the thoroughly cleaned and repainted. from Liberia meant that shooting generator. The mosquito nets have been put was going on round the hospital However, it was not the lack of in place and a plywood changing all the time. This was mainly from technology that shook us when we room built where the new soldiers firing in the air to restore first entered the operating theatre operating theatre shoes and order, but not exclusively so. back in May, but the lack of clothes are kept. Hence the need for the operation hygiene. The walls were dirty with Be under no illusion, you would on a young man with a bullet bloodstains. The floor had still be shocked by the conditions, wound that ruptured the spleen, obviously not been cleaned for a but we now feel that it possible to tore his diaphragm and collapsed long time. The windows were do more good than harm. a lung. open with flies coming and going Each time we go to do an The operating theatre was at will and the staff walked in and emergency operation we seem to already in use with another out all of the time in their normal find a new reason for a delay. casualty so we had no choice but clothes and sh9,es. To prepare to Christmas Eve we missed all the to make-do. Andrea gave the operate the surgeons rolled up celebrations at Church because we anaesthetic and I operated. Much their trouser legs and shirtsleeves, had to search the town for nurses to our surprise he went home after washed their hands and put on a and then go to the mission ten days with no sign of post­ gown. Whether the instruments hospital to borrow all the clothes, operative injection. ■ and towels were sterile will never anaesthetic drugs and intravenous ■ be known but post-operative fluids in order to perform a Members injections were frequent. caesarian section. All the central of the A second major problem was hospital supplies were locked church that the only anaesthetic was the away and we could not find the and sort of thing that you get in keys. This was not the first and is medical team, casualty for a small cut. It was not likely to be the last incident of Ma centa, being used for everything its kind. We often spend all day Guinea including bowel surgery and going back and forward to the caesarian sections. hospital in order to do one Thankfully, before our arrival, operation.

April 94 W E RALD HERALD

SIXTEEN WAYS TO SAY ''Friend~'

Ryder and Heather Rogers

New missionaries are often told, right way. However, at night, few "Write down your first cars have all their lights and some impressions because you will simply have none. never see the country as clearly People love to talk, especially again. After a month or so, you when we try our Albanian. We will be so used to the situation often end up laughing. We have you will no longer be noticing the our daily language study when differences from life in the UK. " things get confusing. Imagine Here then are the first saying the word "friend/s", so far impressions of Ryder and Heather in 16 different ways. Our teacher Rogers who have recently arrived says, "Don't worry. We will learn in Albania. it later, little by little." We have fallen in love with the at is home like? gypsies out in a village near The electricity has Tirana. The Italian evangelist, one off a few Saverio, simply explains a Bible 1mes, the water story to them while we sit regularly each day huddled round a wood stove. W(one time for three days when a Heather and I took our guitars van broke the pipe). We've had a and Walt his mandolin. We sang, visit from the Finance Police and a in Albanian, "Hosanna, King of man in the market tried to pinch kings," etc. Some even dancep. my pen. I wagged my finger at We have visited and been him. "Keq (bad)," I said as I visited by many Albanian friends recovered it. Oil for the fire costs who hug us to death and kiss us 40p a litre or 3.5p for paraffin both on each cheek. We have been (but you have to queue for hours out to meals and had some of for it). We have bought from the them for meals. What language market a small table-top Belling practice that means. We have type cooker for $82. It is great many spontaneous opportunities Albanian now I've earthed it to the tap! to share our faith, like the market Gypsies Before it was shocking! trader who asked if I was an The market is fun. It is full of ambassador. stalls and people with sacks selling "Yes," I replied," I am an ■ local fruit and vegetables, cheese ambassador for Jesus." and meat. Here in the capital Then there was the teacher who there is a lot more in the shops wanted to know the differences than last May. There are more between Christianity and Islam. cars and even a few traffic lights, that took an hour or so. some with red and green Afterwards she said, "I think pedestrian men - though no one Christianity is true." I have an takes much notice of them. The Albanian Bible for her so that she police are trying to get the traffic can read the story of Jesus for to go round the roundabout the herself. ■

April 94 G]ERALD HERALD

DAY TRIP to

"When you live and work in a minutes would suffice town a day in the country is like a for the visit. The breath of fresh air," says nursery is only 500 Owen Clark . metres from the beach. There would be plenty of time to achieve our objectives oming to Zaire for and for Derek to talk meetings with the to the church folk at CBFZ Executive Bolobo! Committee, Derek Dan Carlson was Rumbo! had hoped to late getting away Cbe free for one day to make a visit from Semendua and it was ten by a table bearing a mug of flowers. outside Kinshasa. There were good the time we were winging our way There was a prayer, a hymn and a reasons to go to Bolobo. Bibaki, over the broad Malebo Pool, with speech of welcome. Derek General Secretary of the George its sand-banks and large, expressed our thanks and Grenfell Foundation, promoting inhabited island. Dan cut across pleasure. They recognised our development in the Bandundu the grassy plains of neighbouring tight schedule, for it was all done region, wanted Derek to visit the Congo to shorten the journey, expeditiously. oil-palm plantation. Habitat for only picking up the river again We were led to one of the old, Humanity representative, Peggy well on the way to Bolobo. red-brick houses for coffee, bread Itela, wanted to talk to people at As we descended to the grassy and local peanut butter while we Bolobo about a housing project. airstrip people were waiting with chatted with various friends. The Mission Aviation Fellowship a Land Rover. Pastor Mompanda As soon as possible, and leaving office said that, in spite of the fuel and Education Co-ordinator Iyeti Peggy to organise her meeting, we crisis, a trip could be arranged. had brought an immigration hurried to the river, already two Bibaki alerted Bolobo by radio. official to check our passports and hours behind schedule. The dug­ Dan Carlson, American MAF save time. We were soon bumping out canoe was large enough to pilot based with a six-seater over the road into Bolobo, a large take Derek, Dan, Bibaki, Pastors Cessna at Semendua in eastern village turning into a small town. Eboma and Mompanda and Bandundu would meet us at Drawing near to the mission it myself, as well as the canoeman. Kinshasa's Ndolo airport. Take­ became evident that our Regional Soon the little outboard motor off would be at nine, arriving at staff and church personnel were was pushing us up-river. Bolobo about 10.30. This would not going to pass up the We waved to children bathing allow three or four hours before opportunity of a reception for and women doing their washing leaving mid-afternoon and arriving such "distinguished" visitors. at the river's edge, as we left in Kinshasa before darkness fell School children lined the road, Bolobo behind. The sun shone around six o'clock. Ndolo airport a brass band blared and the and the boat rode smoothly over has no runway lights! personnel, as well as the staff, the calm water. A fish eagle glided Bibaki said that from Bolobo it students and wives of the lazily over a bed of waterside would only take 45 minutes to Theology School waited to shake rushes, some bee-eaters swooped reach Mongama in an outboard­ our hands. We were led to the aerobatically from a large tree and motor-driven canoe, and 30 office verandah and seated behind a couple of hornbills flapped noisily across a clearing in the forest. Red clay cliffs, large, r.;;::::::;:=====;;;=-:;;::::::;;;;:::;::::::======i1 Curious children uneven boulders and little sandy who joined bays passed silently by. ■ in the visit "This,"I thought, "beats to their Kinshasa any day of the week." village Rounding the umpteenth bend (Mongama) by strangers Bibaki pointed out Mongama, on a hill, barely distinguishable in the hazy distance. We had taken over an hour and it was clear that we had to do the minimum necessary and get away quickly. Dan studied his watch thoughtfully, and felt a little uneasy. A group of people

April 94 [l]ERALD HERALD

A warm r;;;.;;:::===::::;_;;;;;;;;;;;;:;;:;:.;;;;;:;;;:;;;;;:;;;;;;;;;:;;;;;;~;;;;;;;::;;:;;;;;;;;;;:;;;;;;;;;::;;;;;;;=::::;i reception

awaited us but, instead of disem­ The agriculturalist led us through moved off. barking, we picked up the agricul­ the large, hilly village in the We reached Bolobo beach at turalist and continued upstream. direction of a plantation site. 5.50 and hastily climbed the path "It'll be nearer from that beach," Children followed and villagers to the Land Rover. People wanted they said. stared curiously. As the rain to talk and hand over letters and We set off at a good pace in intensified a couple of coloured packages for Kinshasa. Peggy was single file along a narrow path umbrellas appeared from trying to extricate herself from and curious children joined us. somewhere. It was 3.30 and we conversation. A meal had been Through gardens of maize, decided to make for the nearest prepared but we waved goodbyes manioc and banana, over humps beach. Someone was sent to locate and tore off to the airstrip. and down dips, and jumping a the canoe. The black rain-front Dan checked that we were little stream, we came to a small moved slowly towards Bolobo strapped in, started his engine, clearing where the young palm­ where the plane was sitting on the taxied a little way, gathered speed trees were growing. grass air-strip. Dan found his way and raced over the grass till we The agriculturalist explained to where we were but it took a lifted into the air. It was gone five the project giving facts and long time for the canoeman to do o'clock when we soared into a figures. Little palm-oil was the same. We hurriedly said grey sky still dark with rain-cloud. produced in that area although it farewell and climbed aboard. It The amount of daylight left would was an ingredient of the people's was almost four o'clock. Dan be even less than on a fine diet. It had to be procured said, in a loud voice, "The latest evening. Crossing the river we expensively elsewhere. Of the first we can take off is five o'clock." took the shortest line to Kinshasa batch of 1,000 seedlings less than Fortunately the rain eased off over Congolese territory. It was a 700 had survived. Various diffi­ but we were damp and the air was race against time, and the plane culties had been encountered. cool and the water choppy. The seemed to advance at a Bibaki clarified where the mood of the river had changed maddeningly slow pace. We could plantations would be situated. testing the canoeman's skill and only trust the pilot's judgement At this point we heard the first experience. Suddenly a yell from and skill. rumbles of thunder and noticed the river bank provoked a sharp It was beginning to get gloomy how dark the sky had become to change of direction. There was when Bibaki yelled that he could the west. Questions, discussion fish for sale and Bibaki thought of see the river ahead. When we and suggestions were cut short as his family in Kinshasa. The recrossed Malebo Pool the lights the first large drops of rain began fisherman hauled to the surface an of Kinshasa were twinkling a to fall. Dan was the first back on enormous, thrashing catfish. The welcome in the gathering dusk. It the path heading for the beach. price was too high so we quickly was exactly six o'clock. ■

April 94 [l)E R.ALD HERALD of MISSIONARIES and bran

anguage and culture go "Samuel Verhaeghe (President togeth_er _and, (or most of of the Union of Baptists in our m1ss10nanes, Belgium) continues to prepare the becoming competent legal papers to present to the enough in another European Court seeking Llanguage to be able to preach and recognition of us as a denomina­ to share the "good news" is tion. This will allow us many essential. However, many an benefits, such as evangelism, that obstacle has to be overcome on we do not have at present. the way as Stuart Filby, working "We had an unexpected break­ in Belgium, discovered. through when a national paper "The biggest step forward for asked to interview Samuel Stuart and Joyce Filby me is that I am now preaching in Verhaeghe, his brother Jean­ Flemish. It literally takes days to Claude and myself, asking us to prepare and I still find it difficult explain what the Baptists are and to get my tongue around some how we celebrate Christmas. strange sounds. But the congrega­ Although not all was correctly tion kindly grins and bares it. In reported it did give us national fact I sometimes think they are coverage and several other papers waiting for the next mistake. picked it up. I see this as answered "On one occasion I told them prayer and the Lord laying the about two missionaries that were foundations for something more in visiting us but I used the word the future." zemeling in mistake for zendeling. But sometimes it is just living Instead of "missionaries" I was amongst ordinary people that talking about "bran" used by helps to break the ice. those that are constipated. As you "Joyce and I were standing see, the language does keep us on outside the house when the door the run. slammed behind us and we had no "On a trip back to England door key. It was time to contact when I stopped for petrol the the neighbours. One lent us a attendant told me that we were ladder, another allowed us the second customers that day through her garden so that we from Belgium. could get to the back of the house "You disguise your accent very and yet another held the ladder well," he said, "and I can even whilst we broke in through the understand your English." back door. "I found that very reassuring!" "The excitement of such an On a more serious note, Stuart event kept the neighbours talking has written about the difficulties for days and was the means of Baptists in Belgium have in being inviting them for coffee the recognised. following week to thank them. "The incident in November in The ladies were most impressed at the Ukraine with the Great White the number of Christmas cards we Brotherhood and the claim of had received, which gave us an their messiah that the world was opportunity to share with them II about to end did not help us. what Christmas was about and There are many such groups in why we were here. Since that time Europe and the outsider sees the lady that lent us the ladder has Baptists as part of these sects. started coming to church." ■ Belgium

A pril 94 [IJER.ALD DOUBLE TAKE Discussion Starter ......

List the factors you Do you think that to live in think could contribute Mizoram is the nearest we to culture shock when a could get to heaven in this missionary first goes world? (See A overseas? Policeman's lot.p.3) Is there any way of avoiding this? What are the problems of reverse Missionaries often have culture shock? to make many adjustments to their What are the pluses of lifestyle once overseas? Third World culture Should all Christians compared to western wherever they are situated be more culture? sensitive to prevailing conditions and needs, particularly of the poorest around them? Imagine you were visiting a Third World country for a short while. What would be your reasons for wanting to go? Would the national people interpret your reasons in the same way? (See Still the worst war in the world, p.19)

Again, what present would you take when visiting this Third World country? And why? What would you like to be given in return?

What are the factors that brought the Gospel to your community? (See A Policeman 's lot...p3)

Read an account of the life of William Carey, the founder of the Baptist Missionary Society.(We suggest 'The Answered Call ' by Gwenda Bond price £4.99, or 'William Carey' by Kellsye Finnie price £3.50, both available from BMS, Didcot.) What were his motives for going overseas? How much of his m own culture did he impose on the Bengali people? How much were his ideas about mission changed by living in India? Do you think William Carey would be accepted as a candidate by the BMS today? OUBLE TAKE? Double Take is a way of using the Herald to consider, more deeply, the theme which is highlighted each month. Whether used privately, within a missionary or house group, or as part of Sunday worship, the hope is that a better understanding of the issues will lead to a change in attitudes, to a commibnent to prayer, to involvement in mission and to D action.

Ap,i/94 G]E RALD DOUBLE TAKE Bib le Study ......

Philippians 2 : 1 - 18 Of what did Jesus need to empty himself? Philippi was a Roman colony (that Since Jesus 'emptied himself' so is , a little bit of Rome abroad, where, that even the poorest could under Roman law, and using the experience God's love, how should Latin language, many aspects of missionaries identify themselves with public life went on as in Rome), those they serve? which, Paul himself had visited (see What things in life do we think we Acts 16 : 12ff, Acts 20 : 6) . Paul left have a right to? If Jesus were here there a devoted group of Christians. today, do you think he would think This letter is believed to have been he had a right to those same things? written in approx 63 AD while Paul Why/Why not? Do Drs Andrea and was in prison in Rome (see Acts 28) . Mark Hotchkin have a right to work Amongst other things Paul wanted in a hygienic hospital? (See Past the Philippians to be aware of the follies and high technology, p.6). Do dangers of divisions among them, the Baptists in Belgium have a right and he wanted to encourage them to to be recognised as part of the true live their lives in the unity of the church instead of as a sect? (See Of Spirit. Missionaries and Bran , p.10)

Paul makes his appeal for What is the nature of a servant? harmony How do these verses relate to v1 What four grounds does Paul give obeying God and going to work in a for his appeal? Relate these to the different culture? problems of missionary adjustment in a new cultural setting. Practicalities

v 3 What are the enemies of living in This was written to the church rather harmony with one's brothers and than to individuals. sisters? v 12 - 18 How are the Philippian What did the letter sent by the Christians to live their daily lives? Italian Baptists to Mons. Daniele Ferrari, Bishop of Chiavari suggest v17 What does this analogy mean? about Italian Christians living and working together? (See In View, Italy, In what way is Jim Grenfell's p.20) presence in Angola a 'sacrificial offering'? (See Still the worst war in v 3 - 5 How are these problems the world, p.19) ■ ' overcome? Imitating Christ

v 6 - 11 Paul used here an Early Church hymn. What are the three steps ■ mentioned in v7 which speak of Jesus humbling himself? What do you think of when you think of the word "humility"? Is it Jesus or Uriah Heep who first comes to mind?

Some translations put it this way : (Jesus) "made himself nothing" or "he emptied himself", or paraphrased as "gave up his rights"

April 94 G]ERALD DOUBLE TAKE Action Points ......

In return, make sure you Learning a new receive language • their prayer letters Interested in learning a new language? Les Cedres • any other material that serves as Christian French Language background information, maybe School holds short courses for three issued by their sponsoring body. weeks in July, or nine weeks April - • why not ask for worship material June for all levels apart from absolute from your Link missionary? (One beginners. Les Cedres also has a church we know of has been Summer School 12 - 29 July, and using Bible study notes from their places for all levels including Link church , and have found them beginners in September 1994. For very enlightening.) details write, fax, or phone Les Language study at Cedres, Christian French language Learning about a Les Cedres School, 17 voie de Wissous, 91300 different culture Massy, France. Tel. +33 1 69 30 00 Consider calling a pastor 67. Fax +33 16447 12 26. or full-time church worker Or the Summer Institute of from a different culture. (If Linguistics offers a six week basic you don't feel happy about this, course in language learning, starting analyse why this is.) Also, find out July each year. For details write to : where the BMS scholarship holders SIL, Horsleys Green, Stokenchurch, are living and studying, and invite Bucks HP14 3XL. them to your church and homes. Then you 'll be able to learn first-hand Keep missionaries about life in a different culture. ■ informed If you are linked to a missionary in any way (through WML, housegroups etc) remember they will experience loneliness and other problems of being away from home. Resolve to keep in touch with them, and to keep them informed of life back home as much as possible. Here's some ideas of things to send: Language laboratory • your church magazine at Les • a Christian magazine Cedres (See Centenary of a quiet ministry article - about MLA) • a secular/professional magazine) • Christian and secular music Ill casettes • Bible reading cassettes • Christian and secular paperbacks • occasional food parcels, but find out what is appropriate first • photos of friends, family and fellowship activities • technical information relating to their profession

J\/,ri/94 U]E RALD DOUBLE TAKE

WorshiP ......

e may speak the language of our actions are guided by love and sacrifice and of service, but justice, then they will be complete. W if we have no love in our hearts for those whom we seek to We are limited in our understanding, help, our efforts will have no more we see in a mirror dimly. We are effect than a noisy gong or a clanging baffled by problems and lasting cymbal whose influence fades away solutions elude us. But we are with its clamour. learning bit by bit and we long for the day when love shall rule the world. We may emphasise the urgency of Welcome to an imRoiiant job. ifhere is a development, comprehend all the Thus faith that God has a plan for the leaflet exRlaining the role of Link-Up Contact urgent problems and needs of the world, hope that seeks the full life for erson, you should receive it this month. world, and have such absolute faith all , and love that knows no ifhere are different ways of being a Link-Up and determination that we can boundaries - these three endure - Contact person but all have to be an efficient imagine the masses living in but the greatest of these is love. i::iost-box! Everytning comes to you and it is prosperous communities at a Make love your goal. your responsibility to pass it on to tt-ie respectable standard of living, but if churches in tlie group. we have no love for the people, it is all in vain. Edgar Stoesz in 'Beyond Good Intentions', quoted in 'The We may distribute all the aid we Christian at work overseas', possess. We may give our lives to published by Tear Fund, and used save the needy masses, but if love is with permission. not our motive, the world will be none the better for our effort. Remember 'Sing Good News, The Musical' commissioned by the With love we will be very patient as Bible Society with songs written we confront a foreign culture with from the Good News Bible? One of change. these songs, The Name of Jesus, is based on Philippians 2:7-11 , part of With love we wi ll not feel boastfully our Doubletake Bible Study. righteous as though we have al l the He became like a man; he appeared solutions to the world's needs. in human likeness. He was humble and walked the path With love Wf? wi ll never assert our of obedience to death superiority, never selfishly seek praise His death on the cross. for sharing with others that which we For this reason God raised him to the have been so abundantly blessed. highest place above, And gave him the name that is With love we wi ll never inflate our ego greater than any other name; at the expense of those we have So that in honour of the name of come to serve. Jesus, All those in heav'n and on the earth, With love we will always be slow to And in the world below will fall on expose the failures and weaknesses their knees of others. And all will openly proclaim Ill That Jesus Christ is the Lord With love we will not be resentful That Jesus Christ is the Lord. when our service is taken for granted. By K. Jones. Used with permission.

With love our efforts will hit the mark.

For more details of the beginnings of Love never gives up. As for teaching, the church in Mizoram, BMS has it will be superseded; as for agencies published a book " •••• And there of development, they will cease. For was light" by Carol MacNeill. technology and our planning and our Price £1 .50. Available from BMS, institutions are incomplete but when Didcot. ■

April 94 (EE RAL D HERALD Quie again

nee that banging in pai, mango, avocado, oil-palm or the boatyard down Our special citrus trees. These, and the coarse below stopped it correspondent in Zaire, grass, host a variety of creepy­ went quiet again - an crawlies - ants, flies, mosquitoes, Owen Clark, answer to prayer. Or spiders, grasshoppers and 0maybe they simply ran out of writes from his base on butterflies. Tiny ants and metal sheets. Let's hope supplies the Baptist Community of cockroaches also like to share are held up. I'm leaving soon. the River Zaire (CBFZ) your kitchen. So, there's plenty of Don't get me wrong! When I say compound in Kinshasa. life around. that it's quiet it's not that there's With Jean (as in French), the no-one around. Far from it. odd-job man, the news has been Talking to the daughter-in­ mixed. One morning he law of one of my neighbours came in saying he'd been outside his house I counted attacked again by bandits in 14 people - an old fellow a different part of town. reclining in a canoe-chair, They'd thrown him down, women and girls preparing and only the intervention of plantains, children playing. a passer-by had saved him. I knew of others inside. I He began to wonder whether asked whether they had this was personal or visitors. Looking surprised, something more sinister, like she said, "Not at the organised anarchy. Neither moment." theory seemed to me entirely Other households average watertight, but in any case I seven or eight people. Also had good news for him. the office staff and workers Pastor Mokili, the CBFZ come in five days a week, so, Knocking down guava fruit on the Superintendent for the Upper although quiet, it's not lonely. CBFZ compound, Zaire River, was in town for the ECZ There's quite a bit of wildlife National Executive Committee too - pale geckoes mopping up meetings. You can't go much insects on the walls, rough­ higher than that on the Protestant skinned tree lizards scampering ladder without falling off the top. around or doing press-ups, "I told him," I said to Jean, smooth lizards sunning themselves "that the population was asking and occasionally a large monitor itself why the church did nothing lizard, which the workers chase about widespread harassment by for its meat. We have a resident both the banditry and the so­ Senegal kingfisher, and flocks of called forces of law and order, African grey parrots screech and and he replied that the question whirl around the tree-tops. was timely. That day one of the Sparrows, bulbuls and scrub issues on the agenda was that of robins are commonplace, as well the church's stance regarding the as flocks of tiny bronze mannikins present state of the country, and and cordon-bleus. Squadrons of an appropriate declaration would white cattle egrets fly over from be going to the Authorities." Brazzaville every evening and Jean was pleased. That was as II drop in when it's worthwhile, like it should be. "Bandits and when the termites are swarming. authorities alike belong to their We have migrant swallows, and respective religious communities," ground thrushes, doves and the he said. "That proves that the occasional woodpecker or pastors have the last word." hoopoe. The hibiscus bushes Unfamiliar with the jargon, attract brilliant olive and copper Jean had been pleading, for the sunbirds, and seasonally there are church to take its prophetic role warblers that might have come seriously. To keep too quiet can from Mitcham Common. Long­ be a bad thing. Out of the mouths tailed titmouses feed in the pai- of babes and sucklings! ■

April 94 [IJERALD HERALD A Footnote in HISTORY by Kathrine Tubbs "It's unfashionable to be looking The second point is to ask you back at a time of new structures, a to elect people who are suitable new "object", new titles and for the task. Don't vote for Mr X "new" overseas areas. But I'm because he's always done it or for old-fashioned!" writes Kathrine Miss Y because "we must have a Tubbs. woman". Don't choose Mrs Z because you must have someone oming to the end of from Wales or Scotland, unless the nearly ten years as work is about Wales and BMS Minutes Scotland. The best committees Secretary, it seems the were always the smallest ones - right thing to do. The Officers, and the smaller CDuring those years I attended Working Groups, like the 1984 about 1,000 BMS meetings, Area Representatives' Working including almost 100 Officers' Groups and the History Reference meetings - a record that the Group - where the people involved General Secretary (oops! Director) were those who were enthusiastic can't match for the same period. I and competent. learnt a lot about the Society and a I've enjoyed being BMS Minute lot more about the people involved Secretary. The reason I can write in its day to day workings. I also like this is because the job will learned how to use language so never be the same again. The that minutes would always be Board of Management will have accurate although what lay behind new ways and need a different them would not be immediately style of secretary. obvious. However I never attained A major reason I've enjoyed the the level of skill of some of my task is because of working with predecessors in this! Researching the Officers of the Society. For past minutes was one of the them too things will never be the fascinating by-products of my job same again. In 1984 there were description! six, in 1988 their number was From my experience I'd like to increased to seven, and 1994 sees make two suggestions to Herald them reduced to four with no readers who are involved as official procedure for meeting members of home churches, mis­ together. From 1984-1993 the sionaries or members of home Group, with its membership staff. First, for whatever changing by one each year, has Committee you elect people to always sought the best for represent you, please appoint individual missionaries and staff people you trust, and continue to members. Sadly this has not trust them afterwards. always been appreciated but it It's heartbreaking to watch a was the case. They have too committee working away on a always sought the best for the topic for hours and over a period Society throughout such upheavals of months, only to have its recom­ as the 1988 Restructuring, the mendations rejected, with the move to Joint Headquarters, the implication (sometimes BiCentenary and the Management II accusation) that it has made its Review and I've tried to record all recommendations from ulterior this for future historians. motives. I say "heartbreaking" - As one of the BMS support that's how it feels as I sit and take staff my role has been an notes. If they were my recommen­ interesting one and I have the sat­ dations, I think I would have told isfaction that although I may not the rejecting committee what I make my mark in history, I am at thought! Most committee least a footnote in a history - see members in the past ten years have Dr Brian Stanley's "The History accepted rejection, suspicion and of the Baptist Missionary accusation with long-suffering. Society", p 514. ■

April 94 [EE R.ALD HERALD

WEEK paid' and in order to get WEEK their children through CALL TO exams, like those in the top classes of CECO 22 PRAYER 19 (Evangelical Centre for Co­ MAY 29- JUNE 4 MAY 8-14 operation) Kimpese where BRAZIL: RIO GRANDE DO SUL NEPAL Pat Woolhouse teaches, AND SANTA CATARINA INTERNATIONAL NEPAL FELLOWSHIP parents have had to pay Apart from me you can do teachers themselves. nothing. John 15:5b At the Teaching Training These two southern­ Loving Lord BMS now has workers with Institute, Mbanza Ngungu most states in Brazil are we pray INF which last year where Margot Bafende releatively new areas for for Christians in Bangladesh lectures, the teaching staff such a small group of celebrated its 40th BMS They are more disciples Anniversary .. The INF and decided to work even European than other amongst many who follow UMN work closely with though they were not being Brazilian states The another way; each other - sharing some paid. establishment of new encourage them by your We remember Janet presence of the services available in work is difficult and and show them Kathmandu and jointly Claxton, who has returned there are many large that apart from you sharing resources where to Zaire and is now cities still without any they can do nothing. appropriate. Each Mission teaching in the Secondary Baptist churches. The School at Pimu. Janet Lord we .thank you is represented on the shortage of trained for signs of growth other's Board. willbe the first BMS teacher pastors in Santa for new congregations Alison and Chris Rudall to teach in the Secondary Catarina has given rise for people being changed are based in Takum. Chris, School. as they hear and believe to a training programme your good news. a Water Engineer, is for lay leaders and the involved in building water establishment of a new schemes. When they WEEK department to WEEK arrived they found an area encourage this training. devastated by the heavy The BMS contribution rains. "The Takum valley 21 to the work of the Rio 18 was badly hit by a flood MAY 22 - 28 Grande do Sul Baptist MAY 1 -7 wave caused by river water INDIA: CHURCHO FNORTH INDIA Convention has been backing-up behind a BANGLADESH principally to the landslide at the top of the Seminary, which under 1994 CHURCHW ORK valley. People had warning, The Church of North new leadership is Prayer so few died, but a lot of India is still relatively young, planning to start Guide The Christians of good land and buildings but during its 20 years or building new premises. Update were lost or damaged. Sue Bangladesh remain a small so history, there have been Church planting is a (Week num­ minority group in a country Frame works in the times of testing and ,,-priority in both states bers corre­ where approximately 87 per Burtibang Community blessing. The past twelve and our help in this area spond with cent of the population is Health programme. She months have been a year of continues to be a those in Muslim. In spite of this, speaks of the benefits of an recovery after an priority. Prayer however, the light of the agriculture project. "In 1987 unexpected change in BMS workers are: Guide) good news is transforming when the programme leadership positions. Martin and Kathy lives. New Christian con­ began very few vegetables Representatives of partner Hewitt, teaching in the gregations are evidence could be seen in the area at churches which previously Seminary and doing that the church is growing all. Now in the bazaar in served through missions in church work in Porto rapidly. Often new converts Burtibang vegetables are India continue to reflect Alegre; Roger and are from non-Christian on sale. This has been upon, and work out what Angela Collinson, backgrounds - mostly achieved by giving summer ongoing partnership should church planting in Rio Hindu or Muslim. There is, and winter vegetable mean. Grande with John and a need to disciple enquir­ production training. We remember Desmond Maria Dyer, heading up ers, and offer firm Biblical Samuels who is a Presbyter the Theological teaching. However, some of St James Church in Delhi Department' and churches are not so WEEK and his wife Sheila Samuels Training Programme of vibrant. who is a Chaplain at St the Convention; Chris We remember Christine Stephen's Hospital. and Marion Collict: Preston who is BMS 20 Dr Betty Marsh, has Chris is working with Secretary for Missionary MAY 15 - 21 returned home early for the Young People's Affairs, with an important ZAIRE medical treatment. When link with the office of the Department and Marion Bangladesh Baptist EDUCATION she returns to India it will with the Women's Sangha. We also pray for only be a short time prior to Department of the the planned Consultation retirement. Pray for her Convention; Vince and between BMS, Liebenzeller It's been a difficult time successor, yet to be Sadie MacDougall, Mission and the Sangha for education in Zaire. identified, and for the future church planting in · later this year. Teachers have not been of Berhampur Hospital. Joinville.

April 94 [EER.ALD NEWS

CENTENARY OF A QUIET The geographical spread was worldwide, the variety of periodicals extensive, and the number of recipients incal­ MINISTRY culable, for most items were shared. There were 786 items from approximately 700 donors in 1927; after three years he Missionaries' Literature Assodation began 100 more than 1,600 missionaries and European pastors years ago and ever since has ma1nta1ned a quiet receiving; by 1938 more than 3,000 donors. ministry to missionaries and pastors overseas. We C T Byford's last report appeared in January 1948: do not know how the Association was founded nor "That this service is much appreciated, a steady stream of T letters testifies to the meeting of a felt need." After his when . The evidence suggests either 1893 or 1894. Amongst the founders was at least one Baptist, Ernest A death in 1948 Oliver H B Starte took over pending the Rouse. It was largely his suggestion that the Baptist appointment of a successor. Later in 1948 Edwin H Laymen's Missionary Movement (BLMM) take over MLA Butcher became Secretary. Seriously ill, he resigned in 1953 and died on 17 April. The next three Secretaries were former BMS India mis­ work. '.::..•;•~• '-J-llil .. ... ~--~- ■-=--- . sionaries. First, however, there was an interval covered by ..... ~~-· the Secretary of BMM, Kenneth W Bennett until William E French took over towards the end of 1953. He was with the Society in India from 1911 until 1950, including three years ·"' ... ._ I ,· _.. as Secretary of the Bengal Baptist Union. He resigned in ~--~ 1964. - Francis J Raper sailed for India in 1929 and served nf there for 32 years, mainly in the Lushai Hills. In 1964 he ~ accepted the post of Secretary, although already pastor of a church, but the double responsibility proved too heavy. He resigned in 1965. i BMM Secretary, Cyril Petch, ensured there was no break in distribution. Then Edgar T W Brown, after twelve i years in India and 16 in the home ministry, accepted appointment, serving until 1970. The fourth BMS missionary was W David Grenfell. For all but six of his 34 years service he was in Angola and then with Angolan refugees in the Congo Republic. Appointed We do not possess a complete list of the Secretaries of MLA Secretary in 1970, he continued until his death in MLA before 1926, but the Minute Book reveals the names 1980. For the last three years he was helped by Malcolm G of some holding office from then onwards; they include J B Pritty, of Ruislip. Watson, SW Gentle-Cackett, J C Dalrymple, W R Dover, Since 1981 the work has been in the hands of George A Miss McLeod and Philip W Payne. Roberts, of Henley-on-Thames. Initially a small team was In 1926 a conference took place between representa­ recruited from Rickmansworth Baptist Church, where tives of MLA and Mr Byford; one of the former was Philip David Grenfell had been in membership, but in less than a Payne and the other was Ernest Rouse! year George found himself in sole charge. He is still Charles Thomas Byford was born in America of British rendering magnificent service and it is fitting that he should parents and brought to England as a small boy, he was still be at the helm, with the title now of Chairman of MLA, baptised at Woolwich Tabernacle. Employed as an engineer as the centenary is celebrated. ■ at Woolwich Arsenal, he spent two years with the China Inland Mission, terminated by illness, 15 years in the Baptist From an article in World Outlook by Kenneth W Bennett. ministry, five years as first BWA Commissioner in Europe, and then as a BU General Superintendent from 1915 to If you would like to support the work of MLA 1920, when illness dictated his retirement. He had write to: Mr G A Roberts, 63 Elizabeth Road, undertaken service similar to MLA on behalf of European Henley-on-Thames, Oxon, RG9 1 RA ministers, which he combined with his new work. This quiet, dedicated and courageous man exercised a tremendous ministry from the confines of his room. He reported regularly in the quarterly journal of the Men's Movement from October 1926 until January 1948, including the turbulent years of the Second World War. II The aim of the Association was "keeping missionaries supplied with literature." The method was to discover what periodicals were needed and to seek donors who would send them out. This linking of home and overseas brought joy and encouragement to men and women abroad and an opportunity of service to friends at home. Byford's 83 reports are stimulating. His first report in The Baptist Layman in 1926 quotes a missionary: "The loneliness of my life is sometimes like the blast of a bitter east wind and then the mail day comes, and at once I am again in the circle of my friends, my soul is refreshed, and I go on my lonely way rejoicing."

April 94 G]E R ALD NEWS

Jim Grenfell, former BMS missionary in Angola and STILL THE WORST WAR IN Zaire, arrived in Luanda on 3 February. He is there to help THE WORLD the three Baptist groups in Angola - IEBA, the Baptist Convention and a Free Baptist Church - organise ways to hildren, thousands of them, are the innocent distribute food. "Food is available through the United victims of the tragic and vicious war still taking Nations World Food Programme," said Derek Rumbol. "But place in Angola. they are reluctant to release it until they know that people "Large numbers of orphan children, or children are organised to use it. Baptist World Aid are also willing to C send food aid, but they too need an organisation on the separated from their families, are thronging the capital," said Derek Rumbol, BMS Regional Representative for ground to help in distribution. This will be the major part of Africa, when he recently returned from a visit to Angola. Jim's contribution during his three months in Angola. But "You see them hawking things around the streets and at his presence in the country is also a sign that Baptists in night they congregate on what is called the llha - a sort of Britain are standing with them." island or isthmus, which goes out around the bay in Speaking about the Baptist Community Derek Luanda. Huge numbers of children and young people are Rumbo! spoke of a visit to the Petroangola church "when sleeping on the beach in makeshift shacks and shelters." 1,300 were in the congregation. A small political party sent a delegation to the service. They were greeted but not • allowed to say anything because the church wants to maintain an independent stance. "There was a deacons' election that day, so the sermon was about service. They held a church meeting in the afternoon with 500 members and a seminar was held on how to elect deacons. Then there was the election. "There are big congregations in many churches and the leadership is concerned to offer good teaching. It is easy for people in time of crisis to flock to church but the leaders feel they must communicate the faith in a way that gets into people's hearts and minds." The Kimbanguist church has opened an orphanage for Baptist churches are involved in a caring ministry and 50 children. the medical centre at Petroangola continues its work. "They are giving accommodation, food and schooling - "Antonio Nkwanzambi is training laboratory technicians a very big undertaking. who come from several of the church communities. I took a gift for the Evangelical Baptist Church in Angola However, they remove special equipment at night because (IEBA) for use among children. They are looking for ways to of armed robbers." use it constructively." Derek Rumbo! said that sleeping sickness, once thought Angola is still the scene of the worst war in the world eradicated, is a continuing problem. and the situation is deteriorating rapidly. "The church is hoping to send two nurses on a special "The war continues around the major towns. People course in the Ivory Coast, possibly with the help of BMS. describe Angola as an island situation because contact IEBA are encouraged to know that there is the hope of a between the towns can only be infrequently by air," Mr BMS doctor for community health work in Angola. " Rumbo! said. Derek Rumbo! appealed to Baptists in the UK not to "In Huambo, in the centre of the country, the scene is a forget Africa and particularly Angola. grim one of destroyed property, no electricity, no water and They are always encouraged when I tell them Baptists·in no soap so that most people are suffering from scabies. Britain are praying for them ," said Derek Rumbo!. But most There is very little food. Even when it is grown on the of all , keep Angola before people's attention. Get in touch outskirts of the town, people are injured by landmines when with your MPs and try to get the government to take they go to harvest it. seriously what is happening. The UK still has an influence It is the same in other towns where there is fighting. The at the United Nations which is hoping to increase its troops government and the opposition UNITA forces appear to be in Angola to 8,000. It is isn't very many in such a large trying to get into bargaining positions. The peace talks in country, but a neutral force is needed there to keep the Lusaka are making slow progress. They have agreed to the warring factions apart long enough to create an opportunity proportion of those to be represented in a future police for dialogue." ■ force - 28 per cent to UNITA, who lost the election, and the rest to the government. The talks continue, but the fighting continues as well." Derek Rumbol said that the churches are not silent. Last month the Joint Committee of Protestant Churches in II Angola issued a declaration and the Council of Christian Churches put out a press release. Both documents pointed out that "the military way is not the answer, because it does not bring harmony, unity and peaceful co-existence, rather it leaves more violence." Appealing for dialogue as the "way to arrive at that good sense which leads to lasting peace and national reconcilia­ tion," they state "only repentance, pardon, love for one's neighbour and tolerance can offer true sociability in homes, businesses and in the whole of our society." Children at Kimbanguist Orphanage, Feb ruary 1994

April 94 G]E R ALD NEWS

plague in Eastern Zaire but NUTS FOR it is confined to Bunia on BOOK R VIEW CHRIST the border with Uganda. BMS Regional Representative for Africa, Derek Rumbol, said that AWAKENING TO A WORLD Now on the market in food distribution in Zaire is Belgium is a newly OF NEED not good and "therefore it produced chocolate wafer is unlikely that the plague by Timothy Chester rejoicing in the name of would be spread to "Baptiste-super nuts." Kinshasa by food." his book was commissioned by Tear "It's surprising how the A CMS representative Fund to celebrate its twenty fifth news gets around," said was due to return from anniversary, and to quote from the Baptist missionary, Stuart Bunia on 8 March and we preface it encourages "reflection upon Filby, when he saw the new were hoping for more news the growth of evangelical social product. "We need encour- then. concern over (this) period." agement to be 'fools for True, this book does do that. Chester (the Public Christ'." Affairs Officer of Tear Fund) himself says, "Not many evangelicals (including church leaders) in ITALY Britain are great readers, and even fewer will have read much on the theology of social action and RUHEA holistic mission." (p. 143) And as such I think it will CLINIC At the beginning of be appreciated more by those who are used to January, the recently studying, whose minds naturally turn to absorbing elected mayor of Chiavari facts and figures, dates and places, key personali­ Timothy Soren has recently (Genoa), a member of the ties and turning points of history, than by those who passed his medical Federalist "Northern are looking to see how their faith can be expressed assistants course gaining a League", evicted 40 or so in some kind of social action. It is not a light read first class certificate. His immigrants who were for when the eyelids are already heavy. wife, Shefali, is registration sleeping in unlicensed cars But, as Chester points out, the path that evan­ clerk. Their daughter Joya parked on the sand near gelicals have trod in the last 25 years has not been attends the local primary the sea. an easy or a straight one. And it is easy to forget school and son Solomon Policemen carried out that it was not so long ago that evangelical enjoys life. the blitz, confiscating the Christians were asking questions about the place of cars, thus depriving the preaching in social responsibility and were immigrants, some mere apathetic towards social issues. Today the tension teenagers, of their nightly of the relationship between social action and the refuge. Some of them have gospel is still there, and the questions that are found alternative accom- being asked are different ones. modation, others make do This book is important as a source document, with makeshift hospitality, and has been incredibly well researched. For those but 15 were left with who have an interest as to how evangelical thought nowhere to stay. in this area has evolved in the last 25 years, it is Trade unions, the without rivals. leftwing PDS part and On another level, it does seek to raise the some organisations - a question to the reader, "How is this relevant for Catholic parish, the Baptist me?". Chapter 9 made interesting and challenging Church of Chiavari and a reading with its personal examples of Christians scout group - have taken it "Living more simply and trading more fairly." I also in turns to give them a bed. found the chapter on Spiritual Warfare gave a lot of The Baptist Church of food for thought, and the quotations given as Chiavari, meeting after the chapter introductions very apposite. Sunday service on January 16, decided to open its Awakening to a world of need doors to the homeless by Timothy Chester, ZAIRE young people and also to w send a telegram to the El published by IVP, price £9 .99 - Mayor and the Prefect After reports in the asking them to take adequate measure to solve Jan Kendall Independent newspaper and on the BBC about an the problem. The Baptists outbreak of bubonic plague also sent a letter to Mons. > in Zaire, several people Daniele Ferrari, Bishop of telephoned BMS Chiavari. concerned about BMS mis- "In the name of the faith sionaries in the country. we share, we beg you and z The Foreign office in the Catholic Church of London has confirmed that Chiavari to join us to solve - there is an outbreak of the problem of these

April 94 W E R A LD NEWS

immigrants, helping us to the existence of a CHECK OUT find them temporary lodging LONDON European Association of and at the same time bring Hispanic Pastors in Europe. pressure to bear on the In 1994 they meet in ARRIVALS local authorities. We are at - Seville. In a report given to the the eve of the Week of Evangelical Missionary Action Teams arnve back in UK Prayer for the Unity of Alliance Latin America and Christians (18-25 January) Millie Hallett Caribbean committee last z from India which for a variety of year, Pastor Edmundo EL Joy Knapman reasons we have never Ravelo of the Hispanic from Sri Lanka SALVADOR Gerry and Johan Myhill managed to celebrate Church in London spoke of together: what better way from Brazil work amongst the 200,000 Sue Frame can there be than hispanics in the capital. < Nidia Dias, a candidate in from Nepal witnessing, that despite - He believes that there is the forthcoming elections in John and Sue Wilson everything, we are united in from France a real need for returned El Salvador, appears to that ·name which is above Sheila Samuels missionaries to help give have been the target of an every other name.' In that from India stability to some of the new massassination attempt. On name we beg you not to let Christian groups whose 24 February her car was DEPARTURES this appeal go unheeded, members are often in crisis machine gunned and her but let us try to meet the Janet Claxton situations over visas, bodyguard badly injured. needs of our fellow men to Zaire lodgings, family She was not in the car at who need the help of all the Chris and Christine Spencer separations and drug the time, but the rear, to France Christian community." addiction. He believes that where she had been seated Stephen and Elizabeth returned missionaries could a short time before, was Allford to Zaire have open house and sprayed with bullets. CHINA counsel and teach and Some observers VISITS advise Latins returning to suggest that it was only a Latin America about "warning." The opposition David Wilson The Chinese government is churches and Bible training FMLN recently received a to Albania David Martin imposing a new crackdown facilities. There is also a "warning" from the on religion, putting into to El Salvador and Nicarag ua need for people to visit government that there was John Passmore Latins being held in the to be an attempt on the to Albania Heathrow detention centre. lives of their leadership. But Hugh Kennedy Pastor Ravelo's own they did not give any more to Zaire Reg Harvey congregation is urgently details. It is being to Switzerland seeking a new place to suggested that this is also Derek Rumbol, meet near the centre of an attempt at intimidation. David Martin and London. John Corbett place new laws forbidding He sees a great need for churches to engage in hispanic churches and Legacies "destructive" and unautho­ missions working in the rised activities. hispanic world to work in Miss W M Hemmens 3,500.00 Some observers suggest mutual support. Latin mis­ Miss Olive May Gale 15.34 Mr Gibbens 2,000.00 that the new laws are aimed sionaries are arriving in Joyce Green 1,741.00 at unofficial and "illegal" London on their way to Mr BE Hasler's mother 100.00 Angus A McNaughton 200.00 religious groups operating Asia, for example. He is Mrs Winifred Eustace 343.30 in China. The edict exercised over questions of Louisa Emily Watson 3,807.60 EIieen Motley 2,000.00 forbidding all public visas and legality and the Mrs V I Rogers 500.00 religious activity by adequate training of such Mrs Gwendollne Ford 300.00 foreigners has received S J R Down 2,000.00 people in English and Harold Watson 2,002.02 widespread publicity in the mission. London is a W S Lardner 4,981 . 15 international media. Some Miss Annie F Norgate 89. 78 springboard to the rest of Mary Turnbull 50.59 newspapers described the the world and the Reginald J Bloxham 500.00 new laws as a move by traditional missionary Beijing to suppress religion societies could play a key because of the part played role in helping. GeneralWo by churches in the collapse In the other direction, Anon: £30.00; Bristol: £200.00; of communism in Eastern the hispanic churches are Bedfordshire: £4.00; Anon: £5.00; Anon: £10.00; Brackley: Europe. helping train mission teams £5.00; Anon: £5.00; CAF Voucher: It has also been reported going from Kensington £25.00; CAF Voucher: £100.00; Anon: £38.04; Anon: £5.00; that Su Zhi Ming, a Roman Temple to Cuba and from Swansea: £10.00; Bristol: £5.00; Catholic bishop of China's YWAM in Brixton to Lima. Anon: £10.00; Anon: £25.00; underground church, has Bath: £10.00; Anon: £25.00; Philanthropic groups in South Devon: £25.00; MIiton: been arrested and detained, London are seeking advice £ 10.00; lbstock: £ 100.00; via BU possibly because he met Corporation: £47.05; Bath: from the hispanic pastors £30.00; Colchester: £5.00; Give US congressman on how to use their funds in as you earn: £51 . 17. Christopher Smith who Latin America. recently visited China. Pastor Ravelo reported

April 94 [IJERALD NEWS

them to be involved because the weaving AIR MILES Centre was started with funds from BMS, Operation Have you been Agri and David and Joyce collecting Air Miles? Are have such close links with they cluttering up your Operation Agri since its desk, cupboard or inception. somewhere? Are you It was a very happy looking for something to occasion. Joyce presented do with them? Then Mrs Pushima Marma with a BRAZIL look no further. BMS wrist watch because she can use them to help was best weaver. David cut down travel costs. presented Mrs Robindro A Roman Catholic Church Please send them to Chakma with a food carrier group, the Pastoral the: for being our best spinner. Commission for Land, says Department of She has been working with that almost 15,000 people Operations, BMS, PO us since the project started work in conditions of near­ Box 49, Baptist House, in 1987. Afterwards slavery in rural Brazil. 129 Broadway, Didcot, refreshments were served They say that the as we watched a tribal number of people working dancing show with various in slave-like situations has members of the weaving increased dramatically over and tailoring staff taking the last five years, from part. about 600 in 1989 to It was an encourage­ almost 15,000 in 1994. ment to us all to see once Most of these workers cut destitute girls and women sugar cane or burn wood to now having a skill and make charcoal. The showing such pride in their increase in virtual slavery is work. We all thank God for attributed to Brazil's the way He is changing economic crisis. lives.

Sue Headlam STREET KIDS - The inauguration service NEWS FROM Mrs has taken place for the two Robindro houses which have been CHAN­ Chakma, built for the street best spinner childrens' project in DRAGHONA, Curitiba. (see January BANGLADESH Herald) Derek Punchard was there in his official capacity as representative Every year we have a of the BMS, because one 'Weaver of the Year' award of the houses was built with when we give the best funds from the BMS weaver and the best BiCentenary Fund for the spinner a prize as an Future. incentive to others and as a "It poured with rain thank you to them for their halfway through the excellent work. The Mrs service, so we quickly recipients are chosen not Pushima moved into one of the m only for their good Marma, houses, where we best production, but also for continued. They now have weaver their pleasing manner and to furnish the houses, ·and regular attendance. Each then can move in and begin year we choose someone the work," said Derek. special to be Chief Guest and present the prizes. This year we had two chief guests since David and Joyce Stockley were visiting Chandraghona for a few days in February. It was very appropriate for

April 94 IKJER.ALD HERALD

••••••••••• N G RELIEF FUND RESPONSE z LIBERATION THEOLOGY IN BRITAIN - I've been surprised by the degree of poverty in Britain, A large number of people are excluded economically,

politically and socially people from the working class are under-represented in

Church life. Dry area in Trapiti, Brazil: one of the places u, helped by the BMS Relief Fund The [capitalist] system in this country is w based on individualism, competition, selfishness, and imposition. They are not Christian values at

all. As a Salvadoran walking on the streets of poverty in Great

Britain I could not avoid comparing our realities. Who is poorest? Is it those who have material need, but who are

Nepali families were helped after severe learning to share and to live in community? Or is it those who flo oding CJ have Income Support but who lack solidarity and who are Thank you - but don't stop givi ng to the Relief Fund. z without hope for any real positive change in society? That was the message The best Good News from God to the poor is that He has from Jim Neilson, BMS - Finance Manager regarding taken a solidarity option for all suffering people. Is the Church the overwhelming response to BMS' Appeal for money in Britain on the side of God? to revive the flagging Relief 'I have seen many church projects. All these projects help Fund. All Church Treasurers the Government to reduce the impact of poverty without any were written to, asking real commitment on its part. At the same time these services them to use the January Communion offering, tradi­ u, to the poor are a strong prophetic message against the tionally given over to Widows and Orphans to economic policies of the Government which creates poverty. the Relief Fund, and a w The first step to work on any project is the Conversion of special leaflet was printed, and mailed to all churches the Church because all members must be involved in it. I around Christmas time. At the beginning of would like to see projects not just run by Churches but a way November 1993 the Fund for the Church to be the Church. We need to see poverty as it was actually overspent, but £65,000 has come in from challenge to our Christian life. 1 Nov 93 - 28 Feb 94. The first radical change in this Society must be the This means that when CJ the next disaster strikes, preeminence of people over Capital. Community instead of Ill as, unfortunately, it surely will, BMS will be able to z individualism, simplicity instead of opulence, solidarity respond immediately. And instead of selfishness, creativity instead of enforced mimicry. so on. As the money comes in, it will be used to I would encourage poor people and all who have taken a top up the Fund, and that then can be used for a solidarity option for them not to lose hope in a new Society. subsequent emergency. This hope expresses itself in working and struggling for Again, we can only say thank you. liberation. Let's build this community of life together. •• •••••••••

April 94 (EERALD IS GOD CALLIN ~I-...... J ,. U TO ~~:::- .. · ORK OVE ~. "''-◄ ...i . s? !' .. . :i;. . ' . .!!.. .:;...... " r:: ... . CHRISTIAN WORKERS NEEDED :NOW FOR

• Engineering and Industrial Development in Nepal • Community Development Work • Doctors and Nurses • Teachers (especially TEFL)

There are many other openings around the world for you t u e our gualifications and gifts.

Is God asking you to consider ministry beyond the British Isles?

BRAZIL There are opportunities in Brazil, especially in inner cities where church planting, evangelism and community work with a bias to the poor go hand in hand. Ministers need to be theologically qualified and experienced. Opportunities in theological education are sometimes available for those who are highly qualified after they have spent a couple of years in a church situation. Ministers need to have a conservative, evangelical outlook.

Experienced pastor for pastoral and evangelistic work and training of leaders, with """""1,,,iULGARIA experience of church strategy and administration. We are looking for someone who can offer a five year commitment.

~ CARAGUA Experienced minister to care for, probably, three churches developing the ministry of preaching and pastoral care and also to train local leaders to take over responsibility. This is likely to be in a rural area and for a limited number of years.

~ ORTUGAL A minister for a church planting/evangelistic situation which could be either an existing small church or a new work.

A minister and wife are needed for the Baptist Union of Sri Lanka. Because of the cultural situation the minister needs to be a man. His wife would have a low profile but an important supportive role. Acquiring a good working knowledge of the language is important in order to get alongside and work happily with local people and to build up good relationships, hence a long-term commitment is necessary. The job is one of co-operating with and encouraging local Christians, not organising them. There are many opportunities for a varied ministry given -sensitivity, adaptability and patience.

A minister or ministerial couple for the training of lay-leaders and for church planting.

If you would like more information about these opportunities of service or if you would like to talk to someone about working overseas then write to:

Andrew North. Baptist Missionary Society, PO Box 49, Baptist House, 129 Broad\\oa1. Didcot, Oxon OX I I 8 'A. Tel: 0235 5 12077