MMAICA MISSION

FOR CHRIST
Forwarding Agent: Mrs. Melba Langseth Route 3. Box 234 Worthington, MN 56187
Field Address:

Lloyd and Audrey Morris

Box 466

Montego Bay. Jamaica, West Indies

January, 1981

The Lloyd Morris Family

The year 1980 was one of challenge and anxieties for the Jamaican nation politically and spiritually. It was election year for us and the Jamaican nation was called upon to make a number of major decisions which would affect us in this generation
and the next. Questions such as: Did we want a state-controlled economy?

Did we want the free enterprise system which existed in the 60's?

Did we want a country with shortages, lack of spare parts, strikes, etc?
were answered on October 30, 1980 when the Opposition became the new government.

It is important that you, our friends, understand some of the implications because our situation should not be seen in isolation. It was one for concern and reflection --especially as we deal with the Scriptures (where it speaks about assisting the poor and a nation acknowledging God as its leader), as we deal with poverty, an over-burdened educational system and the
aspirations of a people.

In the early 60's the Jamaica Labour Party, which is now the governmental power, was the government for ten years. During that time the economy was buoyant. Commercial buildings were being built everywhere - shops, factories, hotels and good roads, etc. - everything was available. There was money in abundance, but the money which was available was only reaching the pockets of a few. Thousands of children had no schools to attend, no space was available. Juvenile delinquency was growing at such a fast rate that the juvenile institutions were overcrowded - prisons were overcrowded. The rich were becoming richer - the poor were existing - many just relying on what the rich gave them in low wages and handouts. Although the economy was active and money was flowing, the lower strata of the society was not progressing. Very little money was spent in helping the less fortunate. Job opportunities were available but many did not qualify. Education was
expensive.

In 1972 the majority of Jamaicans clamoured for a change. The masses of the people who were the poorer class saw Mr. Manley as the champion of their rights. Many things contributed to this feeling ofrejection of the masses; some of them were:
the inequality of the educational system the inability to borrow money from lending institutions the dreams of certain high school graduates, who were black, were shattered when they could not find jobs commensurate with their skills, e.g. working in the banks.
This change became a reality under the Peoples National Party with Michael Manley as the leader. Mr. Manley promised a better living for the majority of the people. He encouraged their aspirations and gave the people a sense of worth, as he began to challenge them to that which they were capable of accomplishing. Many Jamaicans of goodwill were happy because they felt that now the government would be honest with the people. They would build a sound economy with the much-needed social changes which would go hand in hand.

The Peoples National Party introduced many good changes; for example, the minimum wage law. In the past, domestic helpers worked 60-70 hours weekly while earning as little as $5.00. They had a specific hour of arrival but no hour of departure, many small children would be left at home unattended. The chronic delinquency problems came out of this situation. The minimum wage is now $13.00 for 40 hours and 50<f for each additional hour.

Another change wasthe maternity leave law, which allows a woman tohavethree months' leave with paythereby giving
her enough time to stay at home with the young child.

More opportunities were made available to the small business man to own his own business. Special lending agencies
were set up to deal with these entrepreneurs.

In the past a child bom out of wedlock had no right to inherit his father's property if the father was now married and had children with legal status. Every child now has equal rights to share in his father's or mother's estate. It would not be fair to say that the Manley government was all bad. He had the interest ofthe nation at heart; however, he forgot that he was dealing with people and people with vested interests. He tried to cover too many areas in too short a time without a sound economic base to build on. He stepped on everyone's toes in an arrogant manner and the entrepreneurs retaliated by withdrawing their support and refused to expand their businesses. He forgot that the majority ofthe people only need to have enough to eat, money to spend and a job to be happy - once these were provided, then he could have taken time to deal with the other issues which were affecting the nation. A government has to have a sound economic base upon which to build a strong social structure. It has to have the people's support - maybe not totally because one can never please everyone at all times.

Many people became suspect of the Manley government because of Mr. Manley's close association with Cuba and certain people within the government who were strongly communistic. This fnghtened many Jamaicans and the long trek to the
United States of America and Canada began.

Many people left for various reasons; for example, some were:
frightened by communism
afraid that all their material possessions would be taken from them
afraid of the violence which would break out

unwilling to make any sacrifice which would benefit the nation as a whole.

Although the government advocated that they were not going communist, their actions gave a different story. Jamaicans and Mends of Jamaica continued to migrate in the thousands until most of our professional and skilled personnel were
scattered all over the world except here in Jamaica where they were needed.

The Jamaican people began to feel the bite of hardships and more hardships when everything became scarce, prices skyrocketed and the cost ofliving soared. The government blamed external sources for the increase rather than laying some of
the blame at its own feet.

Although in the beginning the Manley government advocated "better must come", the ones who felt the harshness of the economic situation were the poor. Many rebelled ~ crimes became a part ofeveryday living - stealing was necessary to survive. Strikes became the norm - sugar workers, bauxite workers, hospital staff, public service staff ~ all went on strike. Things began to go downhill. Shortages became abundant - no rice, flour, sugar, oil, etc. People began to call for a change of
government.

The economy came to a standstill. The day of reckoning came when Mr. Manley announced Election Day for October 30, 1980. But the war started in earnest. From the beginning of January, 1980 to October, 1980, over 865 people - including children ~ lost their lives. Many were killed by gunmen. Many Jamaicans of goodwill and Christians around the world began to pray and fast. On October 30, the silent majority voted and the swing was overwhelming - the then government won only
nine seats and the Opposition won fifty-one seats.

As things deteriorated around us, I thought about my family, the church, the prospects for my old age and I seriously considered migrating. But then, as I studied the Bible, I kept saying to myself- 'when things were good, I was telling everyone how God was good, now that things were bad - God is still good'. I decided to stay.

Let me share with you what kept me in Jamaica through all the turmoil before Election day. Psalm 73:25-28 was of great
comfort. It was the 'rock of ages'.

In this Psalm the psalmist was saying that as the result of his experience he has found that there was no one else anywhere who could help him, that no where was there any other Saviour. When things had gone wrong, when he was really at the end of things, when he did not know where to go or to whom to turn, when he needed comfort and peace, strength and assurance, something to hold on to, he had found that there was no one apart from God.
V. 25-28 ~ "For lo they that are far from thee shall perish ... but it is good for me to draw near to God... I have put my trust in the Lord God that I may de clare all thy works".

What the psalmist was, in fact, saying was this - if I am near to God, it does not really matter what happens to me, my being close to God will make everything alright. We all tend to think that we need certain things. We think that our happiness depends upon certain conditions and events. If we lose our bearings, we must not be surprised at the consequences. God has been good to me, I am full of joy and peace, I can
rest confidently, happily and securely in the arms of his love.

God is mighty, he is worthy of all praise. He will continue to take care of his children wherever they are. Let us not find
excuses to run, let us "stand firm" for Jesus.

Elections have now passed and it is time for us to all settle down to rebuilding the nation and the economy. However, let us not forget that the new government is made up of fallible men who will make mistakes. The people have to work with the new government to rebuild the nation. Let us not just depend on them to do all the work. We covet your continued prayers for our nation as we remember the words of Kipling:
"The tumult and the shouting dies The captain and the kings depart Still stand our ancient sacrifice A humble and a thankful heart! Lord, God of hosts, be with us yet. Lest we forget, lest we forget."

The government with the cooperation of the Christian churches and all our friends abroad are in the process of rebuilding Jamaica. This is not only in economic terms but in building bridges of friendship here and abroad. Let us make our motto "Out of Many One People" a reality again.
Inspite of our difficult times, the Lord's work grew. We had four additions to our church family in 1980. Our congregation raised $300 for camp; we intensified our calling programme and after many years ofhard work and much prayer we now have
a number of parents coming to church with their children.

After two very good years of having a radio programme on the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation Station reaching over 600,000 people every Sunday afternoon at 6:00 p.m. -- prime time F.M. - this programme "Reflections" came to an end on December 28,1980. I feel this loss greatly because the programme was reaching many people. However, the financial needs
became too great for us to bear.

You will remember that in April, 1980 we held our Easter Retreat. It was successful spiritually, but financially we had a big deficit. You will also remember that an appeal was made for assistance to make our car road worthy. Well, three Christian friends responded to the tune of $800. In order to pay all the bills for Retreat 1980and for our car, the Worthington Church of
Christ in Worthington, Minnesota, loaned us the money.

I know you will be interested in assisting us in paying this loan which was such a beautiful gesture of love. If you were not aware of this need, we are laying this matter before you as we would ask each person who receives this newsletter to make a commitment of $10 per month for one year to this ministry. If you are already committed to our ministry financially, we praise the Lord with you and ask for your continued support.
We would like to thank the following churches and individuals for seeing that we had groceries during 1980: Worthington Church of Christ
Southside Christian Church

Capitol City Christian Church

Clarion Church of Christ Truman Church of Christ

Nevis Missionary Society

St. Clair River Drive Church of Christ Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bell II

Mr. & Mrs. George Haden

Mr. & Mrs. Heiko Beeknann

Mr. & Mrs. Bill Ellwanger

We went through some very trying times, and we will continue to go through these times for at least another year.
A special thanks to the Blanchard Church of Christ for supplying us with new Bible School material from Standard Publishing over these many years.

We are living in difficult times; however, we know that we are not alone, because the Lord through you, our Christian friends, has been taking care of us. However, our family has many personal needs and we are designating 1981 as the Morris Family Year -- needs being supplied - and the Land Fund Year. We ask that you prayerfully consider these two
main areas of concern for 1981. For those who would like a

Today, let me introduce Brother Syl-

vester (Jim) Bowie.

.UnH
;.

On November 30,

1980 the Church ordained Brother Jim as the Minister of Visita-

copy of our financial statement for 1980, please write to our

forwarding agent.

All of you have been a tower of strength to us. It was a rough year, yet, we have so much to be thankful for. Without your prayers, financial support and encouragement, we
would not have been able to reach this far.

very

the

During this year, I share with you the words of R. B.

Blatherwick:

He accepted Christ in 1977, when he attended a crusade at the Ocho Rios Church
of Christ.

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j | MJ I i|L bK

"I often wish that I could know The future path my feet shall tread; But darkness veils the track from sight, The unknown fills the heart with dread.
But it is wise to know

shipped there
when he

He wor-

Montego Bay to tend Sam Sharpe

Teachers College. He
is very involved in the
activities of the

Sylvester (Jim) Bowie

What God deems best to hide from view

No human heart could bear the strain

If future tears and pain it knew.

O, if I can, it may be dark But faith will never lose its way He keeps the heart in perfect peace
When in His love our trust we stay.

Church. He is a Bible School teacher and the sponsor of the youth group.

Upon his graduation from Teachers College in June, he plans to enroll at Minnesota Bible College to study for the
Christian ministry. His goal is to serve the Lord as a Christian minister. It is my prayer that he will be accepted as a student at Minnesota Bible College in September, 1981.

Give me that faith which never fears The unknown cross, whatever it be

Give to my heart that mystic strength When life is hid with Christ in Thee." To all of you, our friends, we wish you all a glorious 1981.

With much love.

The Morris Family Lloyd, Audrey, Mary Beth, Linda Kay, Jomo, Andrae Morris

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JAMAICA MD$SDIM FOR CIHII^II$ir

Forwarding Agent: Mrs. Melba Langseth
Route 3, Box 234
Field Address:

Lloyd and Audrey Morris

Box 466

Worthington. MN 56187

Montego Bay. Jamaica, West Indies

July, 1981

The Lloyd Morris Family

Summer months are usually a busy time for almost everyone. It is a time for graduation exercises, attending camp(s), children going off to spend time with relatives, or those boarding or living in distant cities coming home to rest, work or to think about the starting of a new project. For us, too, in Montego Bay summer is a very busy time. We are in the process of stirring up interest in the hearts and minds of our young people to attend camp. With the increased cost of camp fees, bus fares and the general high cost of living, the church has to make a financial contribution to enable the children to attend camp.

Attending Christian summer camp is very important to us in Jamaica. Camp is an integral part of the Church. In a developing country like Jamaica children really look forward to going to camp. This is a new experience for them. It is a chance to meet new friends and usually those who go to camp as non-Christians return home as Christians thereby
strengthening the idea of the necessity for camp.

Summer months also remind us of graduations from college, university, high school. This year two of our Christian young men will graduate from Sam Sharpe Teachers College as teachers. They are moving to other towns to work because jobs are very difficult to obtain in Montego Bay. We are also losing a Bible School Teacher. Still the Lord has never left us
comfortless. We have His assurance that He will always bless His church.

The Montego Bay Church has launched a new project "Operation High School Students for Jesus". We feel that the time has come when special effort should be made to challenge the minds of high school students to face the reality of Jesus. We started off by inviting boys from Cornwall College (high school) to our church services. On the 17th of May, 1981 webaptized
our first student and he has now invited his friends to church; not one Sunday goes by when someone from Cornwall College is
not in church. We ask you to pray for the saving of souls.

You might be asking yourself what is happening in Jamaica for Christ. Many churches are on the streets again with "open air meetings" and many souls are being won to the Lord. Christian concerts are being held and so more and more people
are responding to the spoken Word and the Word expressed in songs. If our nation is to become a fruitful nation, then we must continue to present Jesus Christ as living, showing in a positive way how he changes lives. I am excited about the claims of Jesus Christ, and I know you are too -- so please remember Jamaica always in your prayers.

Many of our friends have made some very valuable suggestions to us which we share with you. I know that everyone is
concerned about our material needs. Our thanks to our many friends who responded to our S.O.S.; we are far from meeting our stated goals, but the beginning has been made.

Jamaica is on the threshold of an upward move once again. The supermarket shelves are not as bare as they used to be -still items of food are not available in large quantities as they were before. Many of our friends have suggested that we share our needs with them. From time to time if you would like to share your groceries (tin items) with us, then please feel free to send
them to: Donald Morris

Golden Glades Apartments 17600 N.W. 5th Avenue, Apt. 1005 Miami, Florida 33169
Friends who are coming to Jamaica will take them to us.

Another suggestion was made that we should allow friends to write directly to us about our other personal needs. We need individuals, groups or a church to personally take the responsibility to raise the funds for a special item of need. If you are one of those who are so moved, please write to us personally and we will get in touch with you.

Many have also written to us about 'tax exemption'. We have finally solved this knotty problem where your gifts can now be tax deductible. Please read the following information with much care. Our thanks to the elders and members of the Worthington Church of Christ for making this facility open to us.

"Much of our support is given through local churches, which are already tax exempt. However, we have had some inquiries from individuals who wish to send a gift directly that will be tax exempt. Legal counsel advises us that it is not too difficult to form a non-profit corporation but obtaining the tax-free status is very difficult. IRS has been plagued by fraudulent, pseudo-religious groups desiring this privilege so a very lengthy investigation awaits new applicants. The Worthington Church of Christ has agreed to receive contributions designated for the Jamaica Mission for Christ from any individual desiring tax exemption. Write your check to the Worthington Church of Christ, designate on the bottom "for Jamaica Mission for Christ" and mail to Melba J. Langseth, Route 3, Worthing ton, Minn. 56187. This saves us time, the expense of legal fees, and provides immediate tax exempt privileges." We now have new display materials available. Our Forwarding Agent will be willing to send it to you upon request. Slides
are also available from 'Mission Services'.

Our thanks to our many friends who responded to our appeal for magazines.

We need to hear from you today. Thanks for caring and sharing. We face the future with great confidence that Christ is guiding us and you are praying for us and working with us.
Let us remember at all times that the Christ-like love is always active.

"Instead of allowing yourself to be so unhappy; just let your love grow as God wants it to grow; seek goodness in others, love more persons more; love them more impersonally, more unselfishly, without thought of return. The return, never fear, will take care of itself".
-Henry Drummond

The Morris Family

Lloyd, Audrey, Mary Beth, Linda Kay,

Jomo and Andrae Morris

Mission Services
Box 177

Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

Kempton, Indiana 46049

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Kempton. IN
Permit #4

JAMAICA MDSSDON IFDR ClnlRI$ir

Forwarding Agent: Mrs. Melba Langseth Route 3, Box 234 Worthington, MN 56187
Field Address:

Lloyd and Audrey Morris

Box 466

Montego Bay, Jamaica. West Indies

The Lloyd Morris Family

December, 1981

Once again we come to this special time of the year that evokes strong memories of thanksgiving to God for his son Jesus Christ and for the spirit of goodwill that Christmas brings into the world and to millions of people. I personally look forward to the Christmas season. It reminds me of the realities of life and though it makes me ponder on
what the world would be like without Jesus, I am reminded ofthe fact that Jesus came to earth and He brought peace and a way
of life to this world.

Christmas affords me the opportunity of really knowing who Jesus Christ is. This is because it reminds me of my Christian birthday. Birth involves a certain amount of pain but this pain is one oftotal happiness which makes the difficulties and hardships which we face from time to time trivial.
Because we are God's children this season brings us closer to each other --it says you are special and in turn we say thank

you for making me special in your life. God has shared his blessings with us and we have shared ours with our fellow countrymen. You have shared yours with us and so many people known or unknown to you are being assisted here in Jamaica.
We are grateful to God for his blessings in our lives during 1981 and we are thankful to you, our brothers and sisters, for caring
and sharing with us.

You will not receive this newsletter during the Christmas holidays because I was unable to write it when I should because I was ordered to bed by the doctor. During this year I worked very hard and I was exhausted and although I spent seven days in bed, it took me over three months to get back on my feet.

We have had a number of people visiting our church services who are not Christians and although at every service the invitation is given, there has been no response. However, we began the ministry of speaking to these folks privately. After much study and prayer, we immersed into Christ Sister Nancy who is now an ardent worker in the church and who always invites friends to worship. We have a number of others and we hope that they too will become a part of the church. We need
your prayers.

We thank you, our many friends, for your prayers and financial contributions made to our ministry during 1981. It is your prayerful support and letters that have encouraged us to continue our work for the Lord here. Many have written to us about 'tax exemption'. We have finally solved this knotty problem where your gifts can now be tax deductible. Please read the following information with much care. Our thanks to the elders and members of the Worthington Church of Christ for making
this facility open to us. "Much of our support is given through local churches, which are already tax exempt. However, we have had some inquiries from individuals who wish to send a gift directly that will be tax exempt. Legal counsel advises us that it is not too difficult to form a non-profit corporation but obtaining the tax-free status is very difficult. IRS has been plagued by fraudulent, pseudo-religious groups desiring this privilege so a very lengthy investigation awaits new applicants. The Worthington Church of Christ has agreed to receive contributions designated for the Jamaica Mission for Christ from any individual desiring tax exemption. Write your check to the Worthington Church of Christ. Designate on the bottom 'for Jamaica Mission of Christ' and mail to Melba J. Langseth, Route 3, Worthington, MN 56187. This "saves us time, the expense of legal fees, and provides immediate tax exempt privileges."

This has been a difficult year for all Jamaicans but the Lord has continued to bless his people as he said he would.

Since my return to Jamaica in 1967,1 have always had the desire to support myself on the field. The main reason for this was that I knew it would not be convenient for me to return to the United States every three or four years. When one has a family, the children and their education have to be taken into consideration.

For over nine years I have worked with the Department of Correctional Services in Montego Bay; however, I refused promotions because these would have taken me from Montego Bay. But when the government established the Office ofthe

Parliamentary Ombudsman in Kingston and I was asked to serve in this department as an Investigator, I accepted. I worked in Kingston for three years ~ returning home to my family and the church every Friday. The weekly travelling became 1work tiresome. It affected my church work and community activities. activities I was not able to visit with members of my congregation as I
^ A A A %WM 1 ee A VM^ ^ J ^ ^ J _H* %

would have liked.

While I was a student at Minnesota BibleCollege you willremember that I worked at Bridgeman'sIceCreamin 'Dinky
Town'. The opportunity presented itselffor me to open a restaurant in Montego Bay. It took me one year ofmuch prayer, and
much soul searching and today Idle-A-While Restaurant and Fruit Market Ltd. is now a reality.

conceptis totally Americanand our projection is that within the next three years wewillbe able to betotally self-supporting.
worship in Montego Bay.

We are very grateful for the encouragement which we have received from our many friends about this restaurant. The

Now that I am back in Montego Bay our Sunday worship services have taken on a new beginning. We have visitors worshipping with us every Lord's Day and there is more involvement in our calling programme. Our goal is to build a house of

We invite youtocome toJamaica to visit withus. We willprovide the accommodation and wewillmakesurethatyourstay
is one which you will always remember.

We wish you all a blessed Christmas and all the best for 1982.

God has been good to us so let us continue to share so that he will multiply his gifts to us.
I love you all and you are always in my prayers.

Yours in Christ,

The Morris Family

Lloyd, Audrey, Mary Beth, Linda Kay,

Jomo and Andrae Morris

Mission Services Box 177

Non Profit Org.

U.S. Postage
PAID

Kempton, Indiana 46049

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Kempton. IN
Permit #4