1 5^C>

India

Challenger
Missionaries

Fwd. Agt./Field Rep.

Furlough Address
Art & Ruth Morris 2670 D. Lehman Rd.

D. Eugene Houpt
P.O. Box 215

Danville, IL 61832
Home 217-442-6736 Office 217-446-1542

Apt. 308 Cincinnati, Ohio 45204 ph: (513)921-5528

THE INDIA

CHALLENGER is a quarterly publication of South India Church of Christ Mission

Volume 34

March 1984

Number 1

JOURNEY TO INDIA
By Ruth Morris January 18, 1984. Art and I arrived in Madras, India. With us was Betty Hayes from Columbiana, Ohio. At the airport we were delighted to see several wellknown faces across the barrier of

into deep sleep. Next we wanted to go to the village and to the Madrapakkam
Hospital, but I knew the house in the village needed a few basic essentials. So Betty and I went shopping while Art hurried around trying to get in contact
with someone at the harbor who

customs! How great it was to come home once again.

Several people who wanted to

come to the airport didn't make it
because of some confusion over

the time of the flight. We had no

trouble with customs and were

soon in the car on the way to our apartment. Betty was amazed by the driving. It is really better to close your eyes and let the cars

(hopefully) flow past you on what

ever side they choose to go. There

would help get the shipment of clothing and bandages through customs. Betty and I bought drums for holding water, wash basins, buckets, and plastic cups for pouring the water. We went through the shopping area and had to bargain for our materials to get the best for the least price.
Each article must be examined and often tested. At the end of this time we were

are few accidents, possibly because

the flow of traffic is about 25 MPH.

We were naturally tired from

our journey (it had been a direct

glad to call it a day ~ at least as far as shopping was concerned. At

our apartment the refrigerator did
not work. Also we couldn't find

flight from New York via Bombay

that had us in Madras in a little

over 24 hours time). After some

welcome speeches, etc., we fell

our gas cylinders for the stove, so we all went to a modestly priced

eatery for our food. After being

away for six months, we found the food tasting differently. Again we must adjust to the change in
texture and taste of all food. The

We visited with the village church on Sunday and were de lighted to see a growth in
numbers and interest here. We

lingered afterwards to talk over

the lives of the men and women

bread must weigh a certain weight in India, so is very heavy compared to the American bread which we have very much enjoyed eating in the USA. But, and here is the good news, the rains came during September, and there are
still almost daily rains. As a

there. Our hearts bled for Nargunam. He lost his lovely wife, Christine, just two days before their 7th anniversary. She had
cancer. Their three small children are unable to understand

where their mother has gone.

There was much news to catch

result, we have a great garden of vegetables in Madrapakkam. Rice has been grown through the Boys' Home for the first time ever. We praise God for the end of the drought and for the water, which is plentiful now. This was an
unusual rain. The last monsoon

up on among the families. In the afternoon Art had another appoint

ment in Madras so had to leave us

rain in Madras during the month of February was reported in 1901.

at Madrapakkam. We were happy that he left us the car, but felt bad that he had to go by bus. On Monday I had a meeting with the Boys' Home staff and Betty visited the hospital again.

During the three weeks of our trip,

it rained most of the time

On Monday afternoon I was to go back to Madras. Betty elected to

go with me.

including two out of the three days of the convention.

One of the highlights of this time

was the dedication of the new

church building and parsonage at Oathokotie. This building has

taken a lot of time and much

Art is rejoicing over the new harvest and the plentiful rain -- on way to Madras.

The next day Betty and I went food shopping for Madrapakkam. The food shops in the village are very limited in supplies, so it is best to prepare while in the city. But finally the day came to actu ally go to Madrapakkam. How happy we all were to go there!

dedication from the preacher, Anandan. But he was able to get it together, and we had a grand opening of this church. I was impressed. It is the village style building, but very adequate. None of the pictures can do justice to the building. I am sure it will be filled each Lord's Day with Christians singing praises to God. It will
also serve as a Christian center in

this community.

The program was quite long as

there were several sermons. So

when Art, Betty and I left the village and started back to Madras, we were weary but very

happy. The Gospel Team had been in this service, so Ragu

started back to Madras with us.

Gibson,

from

the Christian

Church
arrived.

at

Arcadia,

Texas,

Ed had been in India

this time on their way to Kerala. Wayne Smith and Jack Ballard had just a short time to visit the

We thought it was a matter of

some few hours and we would

several times, but it was a first

visit for Susan and the two elders.

have a good night's rest. But, alas, the rains came again and the roads were hopeless. We left all the villages behind and were in a very dark and basically
uninhabited area when the car went out of commission. It would start but wouldn't move. We all

We enjoyed getting their reaction to all the bustle, color and hustle of this great city ofMadras. There were many programs for them, and
the 8th annual convention of the Churches of Christ was held in

sat there wondering just what to do. After some time, we heard voices and some people passed us on their way to a village. They did not seem to notice the pouring rain. After some talk, they agreed to push us. They pushed and pushed. Then they heard the motor start. So they thought our problems were over. However, our
car refused to move. There were

Madrapakkam. There were many excellent speakers, talented sing ers and a great fellowship time by all with great food in the homes of
Christians as well as at the con

College and speak to the students. Our boys were very much challenged by the messages of these fine preachers. We were thrilled that on this trip we were able to buy a Jeep for the hospital. It is hard to keep doctors or staff in the hospital when they have to do all the out area work by bus. It is so time-consuming.
When FAME heard of these

ceived motorbikes were Sinderaj and Ragu. Sinderaj does a lot of work in opening up areas that have fallen away over the years.
To do this kind of outreach evan

gelism, transportation is essen tial. Then Ragu is so involved in the work of the Gospel Teams. Many of you know what a worker he is, so he has really needed this cycle for some time. His had not arrived yet when we left, but trust it has by this time. We are grateful for the groups
and individuals who have made

difficulties,

they

immediately

vention hall (the general purpose building built by Odon, Indiana). The two elders, however, had to
miss this great time as they were due to go to Andhra for a series of meetings. They disappeared, along with their translator, for several days. This Andhra area is
not new. It has had work in it for

sought ways to solve this problem. Not only were we able to get the Jeep, but also three
Lambrettas for the staff to make

visits to the village para medical centers. This work of the hospital is vast. We are most grateful to FAME for their timely help.
It is not easy to buy a vehicle in
India. Almost as soon as we

the purchase of these cycles possible. Many times this has been a project of a Vacation Bible School, youth groups, and special camp weeks. We have tried to make direct acknowledgment to the groups who have been responsible. But here again we
want to thank all who have

mechanical problems too great to deal with, so we finally got the car pushed into someone's yard and
left it. Then we had to wait in a

about eight years.

The Gospel

arrived, Art bought the Jeep and

motorbikes. Then the order had to

helped get wheels for a preacher. It is a vital project.

Art went to Kerala on the first of

Team goes here often, so the people were well ready for a
revival. Then the elders came back to Madras and went to the

tea stall until a late bus came

February to the Serampore Convocation. It is a great victory

that he was able to re-institute the Tamil section of Southern Asia

through. Although it was full, a little room was given us and we

continued on to Madras. How

Jaward Hills where they stayed 10 days. They have a great report
from this work and came back to

happy we all were to see lights and moving vehicles again!!! About this time life got very exciting as Ed and Susan Skidmore along with two of their elders, Milton Asher and Terry

Christian Serampore.
Vellaswang, driver, beside the new Jeep
before the sides and canvas are put on. He

College through It got temporarily

Madras overjoyed with all they had been able to accomplish.

In addition to these visitors from

lost when we came to the States.

While there, he also visited with Rajan and went a short distance
to visit Ruth Lincoln. He had a

Texas, two well-known American preachers paid us a short visit at

had to struggle a lot to get it this much put

together. The body is lengthened to seat more staff and patients.

time of fellowship with both and

concluded his work with Seram

go to the company in Bombay. Every day or so Art had to go back

and remind the dealer that he was

pore Conference before happily

returning to Madras. He went to Kerala by train which is an all night trip.
Back in Madras Art had to

really waiting for the vehicle. All

this while the rain continued. For

two days all busses and auto

Two elders who came along with Skidmores and their driver. Terry Gibson
and Milton Asher.

Wayne Smith and Jack Balhtrd speak to students at SACC. All night prayer meeting group.

rickshaws stopped running. During this time, all work ceased. Two more preachers who re

check on all the vehicles again and also try to get the shipment out of the harbor. Many of you have had a part in shipping ban-

dages and clothing, so perhaps you would be interested in some of the details of this. The shipment that Art was working on left the
States in November. It arrived in

India at the end of January. The customs people open all the boxes and throw the things on the dirty wharf. It is painful to watch, but it must be watched by the one taking the goods. As the rains continued, Art was reluctant to open the cartons and get all the
clothes wet. So all had to wait for

trooper and has a great deal of courage, as well as being an outstanding Christian lady. How we enjoyed the duets of Susan and Ed at the college as well as at the convention. Within a few days at the hospital the pain was controlled, but Susan and Ed had to stay in India one week longer than expected to allow for Susan's
recovery.

proud of all our leaders, thrilled

with the work of all the

Americans who came over to help,

and happy to be a part of spread

ing the Gospel through India.
There are naturally some disappointments, but they are at a minimum and can hardly be remembered in the joy we have in serving our Lord. We need to pray for this work. We covet your prayers. We feel upheld by your praying for us and for those now looking after the work. At last the final day came when our plane was due to take off for the USA. We had mixed feelings as we left Madras -- sad to go but also happy that we would soon see our family again in the States. At

Before and after picture of Shankar -- you

can see the need he has of the bike and his

pride in at last being able to go about without pain.

better weather.

Unfortunately,

this was the one task he could not

We got a bicycle for the burned boy. He also carries two other
children to school who are not too

complete before our time was up in India. However, he put the matter into capable hands, and we trust by now the goods will be delivered. He has organized this very well through a committee made up from all the projects we work with. Since getting clothing and other supplies to India is such a task and costly, many still
wonder if it is worth the effort.

Madras Boys' Home -- January 1984. p]d and Susan havinj^ Christmas feast.

The answer is yes. Art had to go to Bangalore to meet with Wesley on some urgent church matter. While there, he also visited Matthew George who
lives some distance from

With the help of the staff at the Boy's Home we were able to sew uniforms for all the boys and girls at Madrapakkam. We were able to buy uniforms for the children in
the other homes. Because it was

strong. At the end of the convention one of the boys who was simply playing in the yard fell and broke his arm. We quickly got him to a special bone setter we have here. You would hardly believe it. He did not even cry. Through all this there were many hours of consultation both
with the mission workers and

the airport in Cincinnati our long journey ended. Waiting for us were our faithful friends. Gene and Alice Houpt, our daughter, Sharon, and Howard Hughes,
chairman of our trustees. What a

so cold, we ordered mats for all the children. Also we are getting
blankets for all of them. All of the

with those caring for the college so as to ensure a smooth running until we return in June following a busy furlough year. We are
THH INDIA C'HAl.i.KNCiKK (USl'S
:iin! Dri'i'iiihi'i', by Mi.s.siim Si-rvirc.s Ass<u i;itii)ii,

great reunion we had explaining what had just happened in India

and what our immediate future

plans are.
is iiublislu'ii tiuiiitcrly, Mai'cli, Juiu', Scptcnilx'r,
Hodnfs j-'crry I{ikuI, Kiutxvillf, TN .'i75)2().

homes have new cooking utensils,

and most of the children have new

Bangalore. On the last stage of this trip Art was riding a cart to
reach this area. I went to Kodaikanal at the same time for a

Smind-cliKss po.slatie paid al KncixvilU-, 'I'N .'i7!Kll. POS'I'MAS'i'KK: Send address cIjiidkcs Lo
TlIK INDIA C'l IAL].KN(HH, t - n Mission Sirviivs Assnciatiini, I'O Unx 2 l'J7. Ktioxvillf.'l'N ;57})(ll.

Bibles and thongs.

Form :3r)79 Roquusted, I'O Box 2427, Knoxville, TN ;}79()1.

quick two day trip.

arrived back in

We both
on

Madras

Monday from separate directions. On this same Monday all of our group arrived back, and it was
sad to see Susan Skidmore. She

was very ill and was almost immediately admitted into K.J. Hospital. She was still a patient
there when we left for our return Girls' Home Madrapakkam with new
clothes.

to the States.

Susan is a real

India

Challenger
Missionaries Field Address Art & Ruth Morris #11 Ramanathan Street

Fwd. AgtJField Rep. D. Eugene Houpt

P.O. Box 215

Danville, IL 61832
Home 217-442-6736 Office - 217-446-1542

Kilpauk, Madras
India 660010

THE INDIA CHALLENGER is a quarterly publication of South India Church of Christ Mission
Volume 34

June 1984

Number 2

THANK YOU AND FAREWELL

f-

Now we are coming tothecloseof our year in the USA. It has been

such a rewarding year with many

joys and victories. We are

overwhelmed with the hospitaUty shown to us in so many homes and churches. We feel refreshed, both spiritually and physically. We covet your prayers that we
may be able to finish all the details

that go with packing up, getting our visas for India, moving Sharon to Florida where she plans to continue her work and schooling, and going to the mission field for
the first time withoutchildren. We

need your particular prayers in

this matter.

Thank you, dear friends, for a happy year. Art&Ruth Morris

Art & Ruth Morris return to India

to begin 35th year of service

July 1.

In Andhra State alone a goal to win 250,000 in five years has been'
set.

Great challenges and goals await them. The most challenging years of the work are immediately ahead.

New fields are being opened.

Many thousands are expected to

be won in other areas as well.

A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE By Milton Asher

It is difficult to putmy thoughts into words about our trip to India. I want to say first ofall thatGodwas in control ofthis trip. I have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and was 70 in May. I'm giving you this
information to show how God

accepted Christ there.

In the
are

Jarwardi Mountains there

over 300 villages. Our time per mitted us to talk to people in a few of the villages. But the response
was tremendous. More than 600

controlled things.

We walked

around the mountains sometimes

10 miles a day. We got by with one or two meals a day (usually hardboiled eggs and rice cakes), and then got only two or three hours sleep at night. I felt good all the
while and didn't have any physi

cal problems. I lost quite a bit of weight, but felt super. The people in South India are ready for the Gospel, and are ready to turn to Christ by the hundreds. In preaching to about 22 villages,
we established 18 new congrega tions and saw 2,190 peoplecometo Christ. Everywhere we went we were welcomed warmly. The Lombardi Indians had rejected

responded in these villages. In the Guntur region we again met with good results. Theyalltold us that they lost many govern ment privileges when they ac cepted Christianity. All of these people need money to help establish churches and schools. A small village church building can be erected for $100. I think our greatest need there just now is to help with funds to build church buildings and to send the preachers to preach the simple message of Christ. That is what the people want to hear. They are hungry for it.
NOTE: Milton Asher is chairman of the missions committee ofArca

people in the past who tried to con

vert them. But we were welcomed

dia Christian Church, Arcadia,

Texas. He visited the work in

by the whole village and over 200

India during February, 1984.

REFLECTIONS ON HINDUISM
Can anyone ever be completely prepared for their first visit to India? More than many first-time visitors, I knew what to expect. My husband has made three previous trips to South India, and I have seen pictures and heard descriptions of this distant country for years. We correspond regularly with Christian friends within the mission, and two of these Indian brothers, Masi and Aruldoss, ha ve visitedin ourhome. I certainly felt well-prepared. But discussing India in an airconditioned American living room, and seeing the country from the vantage point ofan Indian car, surrounded by the noises, smells, crowds, and colors ofIndia are two entirely different experiences. That first chaotic glimpse of city
traffic when we left the Madras

By Susan Skidmore

(3) Caste: the ladder on which

impressed me most. Nor was it the extreme poverty, although we saw

evidence of it all around us. In

humanity climbs from the lowest caste, Herrigen, to the highest

caste. Brahman.
Reflections

BITS NEWS
Congratulations to Raghu and
Shanti on the birth of their

Caste is the

result of Karma in a past life.

What a wonderful change takes place when Jesus Christenters the
Hindu's life. Casteistransformed

stead, what left a lasting imprint on my heart was the pervading

spiritual darkness of this exotic
and beautiful nation.

daughter on April 27,1984. Mother and daughter are doing well. Charles Finney, who leadsinthe Sunday School program at Southern Asia Christian College, is to be married July 14.
G.David Samuel is to be married on June 16. He is the music teacher at Southern Asia

Since bacterial dysentery had

me out of commission for much of

the visit, I had a lot oftime to study

and learn about a religion I had previously known little about:
Hinduism. I discovered an inter

esting similarity between this an cient religion and the prevailing philosophy in our country: Humanism. Both, when stripped
of all their cultural and intellectu

al trappings, are based on the

same Satanic lie. The core of both

by a realization that all are equal before God. Karma is beautifully replaced by God's gracious forgiveness. The feeble hope of reincarnation is exchanged for a glorious vision ofheaven. This is indeed good news -- no, it is great news! And yet so few in India have ever heard this simple gospel message. When they do hear of Jesus Christ, thousands accept Him with joy. Surely we
are wise to use every resource

Christian College.
The Indian Church gave a love offering to the poor people of the ''Regions Beyond". They presented seven flashlights to the
elders of this area as well as

is an expectation that man, on his own, can become a god. This is, indeed, an old belief. It is the
same lie Satan used to deceive Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

possible to bring the message of salvation to these people now,

while we can.

clothing articles for men and

women.

airport gave us a kaleidoscopic view of this bustling, crowded city

which left us breathless. I had to

I am so thankful for the Morrises

agree with the assessment of one member of our group, "I'll never complain about Houston traffic again!" As I look back over the trip, however, it was not the crowded
conditions differences or in the cultural which India

I discovered that Hinduism consists of a confusing conglo

meration of stories and ideas

which generally do not seek any verification in logic or fact. Thou sands of gods are available for worship, and such a flexible re ligion can hardly be pinned down to any one statement or creed. However, three words stood out to me, and I was struck by the wonderful way in which Jesus
Christ can transform their

who are unselfishly giving their lives for this important work. Their genuine concern and sacri ficial dedication greatly impressed all of us as we got to know them. Even more impressive, they have managed to maintain a good sense
of hunjor in circumstances that

The gardens for the children's

homes have been successful because of abundant rains. There

are often very trying. We pray that

God will continue to bless them and

wasafineharvestofchillypeppers - enough for the whole year. These red hot peppers are necessary for the people to be able to eat the rice.

all the others who join in this effort.

The tapioca crop is now being

harvested. On Vh acres three tons

were grown. This is a main diet

food.

Now in the summer months a

Mrs. Skidmore presenting gifts to chil dren. Husband, Ed, is looking on.

meanings: (1) Reincarnation: the Hindu method of attaining salvation through a series of re-births (2) Karma: the concept that every action in this life must be paid for in a future life

dry land crop called ragi is being planted.

The mango (fruit) crop has been very poor this year. Last year mangoes cost 10<P each. Now each
oneis40<F.

Ladies from Madras singing at conven

tion.

MEMORIES OF INDIA '84

On February 1, we were

by Ed Skidmore

station.

overjoyed to see familiar faces smiling at us through the

barricades at customs in Madras.

This was my fourth visit to India, but the first visit for my wife, Susan, Terry Gibson, chairman of
our Elders at Arcadia Christian

scale. I washopingthey wouldget to see people responding to the gospel. During this time, Susan and I worked with the college and boys'
home in Madras and had time to

We spoke to the mostly Hindu students at the P.M.T. college (a private liberal arts college near Ayalpatti). Thestudentswerevery responsive and asked many questions about Christ and His
death on the cross. We also visited

By the time we arrived back at Madras, Susan had developed a

severe case ofbacterial dysentery,

so we checked her into a hospital
and checked into the hotel next

door.

Terry and Milton had

witnessed over 600 conversions in

the Jawadi Hills area.

Church,

and

Milton

Asher,

chairman of our mission's committee. Ruth Morris and several ofour Indian brothers were

get better acquainted with Art and Ruth and the college staff. We then travelled to Madrapakkam for a three day preacher's convention organized by Timothy
and the Association of the

the boys' home at Karukalpatti, dedicated the new building at the Ayalpatti extension of Southern Asia Christian College, baptized some young men, and visited with
Mrs. Pandian in her home.

waiting for us in the airport lobby. They whisked us off in two cars to see the sights of Madras and settle
in atourhotel.

Churches of Christ. I was so glad

to see Masi and Aruldoss and

The next day, Terry and Milton

left for the Jawadi Hills with Jesudas while Susan and I rode

We enjoyed visiting the boys'

home in Madras. The boys

performed portions of their Christmas program for us, complete with costumes and "special effects" (a goat to add
realism to the scene).

their families once again and to visit the Christian Hospital and stay at the mission bungalow. While the weather was uncooper ative, the spirit among the people was great, and we enjoyed preach ing and teaching for the hundreds

withRagutoMaduraiandcaughta plane to Bangalore (Ragu's first time to ride a plane). Bro. Wesley and Art and one of
the church elders met us and took

On the final nightbefore Milton and Terry's departure from Madras, we travelled with a gospel team to Kanchipuram area and preached in two villages where the gospel team has been working. Over 300 people responded to the gospel in those two villages. I had hoped to bring Milton and Terry to India to see how ripe for the gospel South India really is. Little did we know that over 2,100 people would respond to the gospel preaching in a period of
two weeks. Most of the work had

of people who braved the heavy

rains to attend the convention.

us to our hotel. Wesley introduced me to his work with two congrega

tions and two Bible study groups

in Bangalore. I found out how

The next day, Terry and Milton left Madras along with C.J.
Purashotham to work with a

preacher named John in the

Guntoor area of Andhra Pradesh. We were worried about them

working in such a backward area,

but knew that this area was

I saw two new buildings which had been erected since my last visit in '82. The building for the girls' home and the multi-purpose building next to the bungalow were very useful additions to the compound at Madrapakkam. After leaving Madrapakkam,
we were reunited with Milton and

very busy he is on Sunday, working with these groups in different parts of town. Such a
schedule is not unusual for the

been accomplished by gospel teams and local preachers, but we were glad to be able to see first hand and participate in the begin ning of what may well become the most fruitful decade in the history
of the South India Church of Christ Mission.

Indian preachers.

openingfor evangelism on agrand

i
Boys who live at the hostel in Madras.

Terry who had many tales to tell about working among the Lombardi gypsies in the Guntoor area. They had witnessed over 1,200 people who responded to the gospel. The four in our group joined Ragu and boarded a train for an overnight trip to Sankarinkovil, the area of the Maravar people. I had worked there on the previous trip, so I was delighted to see Mrs. Paul Pandian and Sasikumar,and
others I remembered at the train

THE INDIA CHALLIiNGER (USPS 700-7:i()) is published duurlerly, March. June. September, and December, by Mission Services Association. 7r)25 M(idt;es I'"erry Road. Knoxville. TN 37920. Second-class postatfe paid at Knoxville. TN :57901. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THK IND1ACHALI.H;NGKR.c/o Mission Services Association, PO Box 2427,Knoxville.TN 37JK)1.

Form 3579 Requested, PC Box 2427, Knoxville, TN 37901.

India

Challenger
Missionaries Field Address Art & Ruth Morris #11 Ramanathan Street

Fwd. Agt./Field Rep. D. Eugene Houpt

P.O. Box 215

Danville, IL 61832
Home 217-442-6736 Office - 217-446-1542

Kilpauk, Madras
India 660010

THE INDIA CHALLENGER is a quarterly publication of South India Church of Christ Mission
Volume 34

September, 1984

Number 3

Ben Ray Bean Returns From Exciting Trip To India

by Ben Ray Bean
Arriving in South India August 8th and leaving the 29th, I

preached on the

completed my 4th trip to that mission field. We saw 1243 people come to Christ with many more very interested in Christianity in fact we had contact with and

answer for man's

preached to large denominational

groups (in the cities) who are on the

village answered

the invitation) ~ *'* ' * -

verge of becoming Christians only. One of the most exciting things I have ever had happen in India came to pass on the second Lord's Day in August -- we walked (the only way to get there) into a village in the forgotten area ofthe mountains, and found that "Kolee Worship" was in progress (shedding of blood "a goat"). I saw the blood sprinkled at the door-way of their little temple, and the cup of warm blood was then given to the little boy who would become the priest, and he
drank it all down without hesita

they were taught more the next day and were baptized into Christ in a natural rock baptistry on the side of Melpet Mountain by Yesudoss (one of the boys Art and Ruth raised to be a great preach er). These people knew that they might have to leave their village after becoming a Christian, but they are willing to suffer for
Christ. The Chief told us that

tion.

At that very spot, I soon

within less than the year past a young mother-to-be had been offered as the highest form of sacrifice by that village. Yes, all those people need Christ as Lord! After coming down from the

mountains

to

Madras

was

doing

great job

with, the

privileged to help Art teach his classes at the college as well as speak for more than fifty very eager students in the daily chapel
services. More than 150 men from the area have enrolled in the

students and the classes.

It was very hot in Madras, and as a result, before my leaving. Art

suffered from heat exhaustion

special night classes (many of them are denominational preach ers that they hope to win). P.V. John, who has had Bible College training at Cincinnati, is now the very capable Dean of Southern Asia Christian College, and is

and was thus hospitalized for 48 hours. In talking to him and Ruth by phone on the 9th ofSeptember, I found him going strong trying to catch up on letter writing while resting up. I note that more funds are needed to harvest this great
field in South India.

The Lordship of Jesus In World Missionary Movement

by Arthur Morris
The heart of the whole mission

ary movement is the Lordship of

Jesus Christ!

almost stopped. Then in the 1840's and 1850's, the vision be came strong in England, France
and the U.S.A. This could im

No other reason or power can

motivate men and women so

mediately be felt in the new life

breathed into the almost dead missions movement. Then men who knew the Lord as their Sav

much or compel them to leave family and friends to go to the ends of the earth. It is only when we thoroughly understand and know of the eternal Lordship of
Jesus that neither dirt nor heat,

loneliness nor privation become of any consideration. When one believes in this Lordship, then no
mountain is ever too high to climb, no jungle too deep to penetrate, or no desert too

inhospitable.
It is that the world is dwarfed in

iour and King went out and changed the world. I will mention only three, but they illustrate the point. William Carey was motiva ted to come to India and open India for Christ. Hudson Taylor was motivated to go to China and open up that great country for Christianity. The third of these great earth shaking movers was David Livingstone who captured
the minds and hearts ofthe whole world for Christ and missions.

size and spins as a ball beneath the majestic cross ofJesus Christ. He is Lord! Yes, Lord ofthe whole
world. And this Lord commands

us to go to minister to His world. For many years the people of

the world had lost vision of that

I think this is enough to prove the motivating power of the Lordship of Jesus in the past. If not, start with Peter and Paul and Timothy. They accepted Jesus as
the Lord of their lives and turned

Lordship of Jesus. Hundreds of years passed and mission work

the world upside down. Now let us

proceed to the next point, the Lordship of Jesus and the world mission movement of our day. Every church that upholds the Lordship of Jesus will have great
mission work. In like manner when churches have been infused

Madras

by Sharon Morris
conglomeration. There are slums right next to or behind the best neighborhoods. There are expensive, exclusive shops down the ro^d past the vegetable shop where little kids steal potatoes
and tomatoes so as to have some substance in their food that other
wise would not be there.

with liberalism, doubt and un certainty about the birth, minis try, death and resurrection of Jesus, their missions are the iirst to show this loss. No longer will their youth give their lives to serve in jungles and dirty places

Four happy children from the hostels. They are always thankful to you who help provide their
support.

in the far-flung villages of the

world. When the older ones who

had that vision go on to their reward, the mission stations start closing down. How can this affect the youth of India in the 1980's? The goal of missions is still burning brightly if it flows through the cross under the Lordship of Jesus. We must teach so well, so clearly and so firmly that our students and the youth they meet and minister to will volunteer to go to the ends of
India and to the ends of the earth.

three billion are our goal. What is not worth dying for is not really worth living for, and the crux of the matter is this, the Lordship of
Jesus.

Madras, if one had to describe it in a word, is varied. In fact, one could say that there are as many Madrases as there are people. It basically depends on what financial class you belong to. If you are rich, Madras has enough things and places to appeal to you. There are exclusive boutiques, private swimming pools, expensive hotels and quiet, well situated neighborhoods. If you are middle class, there are
what must be called "nice"

If you walked down the main

street of Madras known as Mount

Road on any given day, you would see both rich and poor tourists who cannot comprehend that the
tents on the sidewalks are real

restaurants; reasonably priced stores and decent (if the lower

middle class Indian's love for

houses that real people live in.

You see rich Indians who are im

We see that the missions move ment started with Peter and Paul

violence and sex can be called

who upheld the Lordship ofJesus. When the Lordship was not held high, then missions faded. But as individuals again found His magic power, missions bloomed
like a rose.

decent) entertainment. And if you are poor, there's a whole new

Madras to be discovered. A Ma

The day of missions is not over. No, the need of missions is cer tainly not over. There are over 4% billion people out there in God's world, and at least 2/3 of them do
not know Jesus Christ. Those lost

Now, young people of India, let us rekindle a dwindling fire and fan these embers to a great bright ness. Yes, let us go out and win
God's world before the end of the

century.
[Note: This article was written to challenge the youth of India, but the message is one of importance to all of us.J

dras of filthy, dreadfully unhygenic slums; of people breaking their baby's limbs so that the baby may get more money when beg ging; of living on the sidewalk; of people having to tolerate their social superiors' attitudes be cause there is nothing they can do about it; of facing the moral issue of stealing as opposed to having one member of their family die; of being discriminated against be
cause of something that happened long before their birth Indeed, Madras, like a gem, has

Several young residents of the Boys' Home are waiting to be baptized.

Students in Southern Asia Christian College sing with great joy during chapel services.

many facets. It can seem magnif icent, exciting, interesting, dirty, cruel, heartless, poverty stricken, unbelievably wealthy, exotic, cosmopolitan, uncivilized, rural, the end of the earth, the center of the earth, a tourist stop, the way of life, or even lovable, inasmuch as a city can be lovable.
Madras could be known as a

mune to the armless, legless, blind, deaf, pathetically sickeningly poor beggars. You would see people riding by in chauffeured imported cars. You see people bi cycling past you. You see people using what Nature provided, their legs. You would also notice vari ous shops where drinks are sold. There would be people selling goods made of skin such as wallets and belts. Then always there are others who have nothing for sale. These rely on your mercy and sense of humanity for survival. There are different degrees in which you can perceive Madras. It can convey nothing to you. Or all the poverty and inequality you see can be disturbing to you. Or it may make you search your soul. It all depends on how you want to perceive it.
(The author is the youngest child of Art and
Ruth Morris. Sharon was born in Madras, India.

She lived the first 18 years of her life there. This article was written for an English class while

Sharon was still in high school. It provides a very vivid picture of this part of India through the eyes of one who saw it on a daily basis for
many years.)

A Layman Views The Mission Field

by Terry J. Gibson people and the depth of their I never intended to go to India.
It has never been very high on my
poverty.

countless thousands of others

technological

advancement, to

could have delivered the message

just as well. We were privileged

and blessed that God chose to use

take that Truth to the "uttermost ends of the earth". So often we

agenda of world travel spots.

When Ed Skidmore (Associate
Pastor at the Arcadia Christian

We had the privilege of

us in some small way in what was only the beginning of a great

harvest of souls. I am convinced

find ourselves turning inward, saying "missions are ok, but we've got to take care of the home
folks first". "As soon as we finish

preaching in more than 20 villages, many in which the

natives had never seen white

that the primary purpose that the

Lord had for us was in bringing the message back about what is going on in South India. The
dedication of the Indian

Church) asked me about a year in advance, to travel with him to India, I said, "Sure I'll go". All the while, however, I could not quite picture myself in India. Ed was very positive and very insistent about the trip and be began to make the arrangements for Bro. Milton Asher (Chairman of our
Missons Committee) and I to go with him and his wife, Susan.

people nor had they ever heard

the Good News of our Lord Jesus
Christ.

our gymnasium then we will send $100 to build that church in India". We have lost sight of the
Great Commission. We must

Jesus said "I tell you, open their

Christians

shamed

me;

their

eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." (John 4:35) I
have never imagined a mission field to be so ripe as the field of
South India. Everywhere we traveled we saw the Spirit moving

material poverty deeply moved me and their spiritual wealth greatly inspired me. To a large
extent Christians and churches in America have become fat and

restore it! We need to re-interpret Acts 1:8, "You will be my wit nesses in your hometown, in your county, in your state, in your na
tion and to the uttermost ends of

As the time grew near, I realized that the Lord was "putting it

all together" and this was a trip

that was in His hands. It was to

and people responding to the gospel by the hundreds. Only one village acted with any degree of hostility toward us. All of the
others welcomed us with open

sassy; we get bogged down in petty and meaningless little things while forsaking our first
love. Acts 1:8 says "... you will be

the earth". Jesus is coming soon! We must go where the fields are ripe. We must take the Good News where the Spirit is moving. The Spirit is moving in South India.
Note: My special thanks to Ed Skidmore who
had the wisdom to understate the value of this

my witnesses in Jerusalem, and

in all Judea, and Samaria and to
the uttermost ends of the earth."

be a "working" trip, a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the

mission field firsthand. Little did

arms and as the power of the

Word went out to them, the "scales" were removed from their

trip, to Fred Millard who encouraged me when I

doubted, and to all of the people of the Arcadia Christian Church who unselfishly gave of their money and their prayers. To Art and Ruth Morris who provided us with

America, more than any other

I realize just what a hectic pace we would be keeping and little did I know that the joy experienced would far-outweigh the hardship
and inconvenience.

nation, has been blessed by the

truth of the Gospel. America, more than any other nation, has
the material wealth and the

eyes, the light penetrated their hearts, the great deception of

Satan that had bound them was

the opportunity to take the Gospel to new frontiers and to all of the preachers and Gospel team boys who spent many hours preparing the way and continuing with the follow up.

Upon arrival in South India, we

wasted no time in getting our

exposed, and the fetters were broken in pieces. I have seen and know the power of the Gospel, but
never like this. It was the most

THE INDIA CHALLENGER (USPS 700-730) is published quarterly, March, June, September,

and December, by Mission Services Association, 7525 Hodges Ferry Road, Knoxville, TN 37920. Second-class postage paid at Knoxville, TN 37901. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
THE INDIA CHALLENGER, c/o Mission Services Association. PO Box 2427, Knoxville, TN 3790L

work underway. Bro. Milton and I stayed together for the entire trip, while Susan and Ed went off in other directions. Our paths crossed only a few times during the journey. In two weeks' time,
we traveled several hundred miles

incredible experience of my life.

Jesus said "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make
Form 3579 Requested, PO Box 2427, Knoxville, TN 37901.

you free."

There was a most

visible difference in the lives of Hindus and Christians. Serenity

across South India by car, by train, by bus, and on foot. We saw many cities, villages and remote
areas all in stark contrast to what we are accustomed to in the States. The most striking

and joy shone in the lives of those

who had received the Good News.

Why did the Lord lead us to

India? Was it because of the

memory is of the multitudes of

power of our preaching? Hardly. The preaching is weak; it is the message that holds the power and

use

India

Challenger
Missionaries Field Address Art & Ruth Morris #11 Ramanathan Street

Fwd. AgU Field Rep. D, Eugene Houpt

P.O. Box 215

Danville, IL 61832
Home 217-442-6736 Office - 217-446-1542

Kilpauk, Madras
India 660010

THE INDIA CHALLENGER is a quarterly publication of South India Church of Christ Mission

Volume 34

December, 1984

Number 4

Pray For The Gypsies

by Arthur Morris
Many people in America do not realize that all the Gypsies of the world originally came from India. As time went by, many Gypsies
left India for a number of different

Did you ever wonder why these Gypsies left their home in North
India and wandered all over the world? There are two main ideas advanced as to the reason. One

parts of the world. Some went to Iran, Russia, Hungary and Austria. Others went to Egypt, France, Germany and England. Then eventually they made their way to North America. However, the Gypsies retained many of the
facial features of the tribes of North India as well as their lan

thought is that since they were clever enough to make weapons from iron and steel long before the rest of the world, they were cap tured by traveling kings and
taken back to their homes to make

guage and Hindu gods. But as they arrived in other places to live, the culture of the new land
blended with their Indian heri

swords for their armies. The Gyp sies could design special blast fur naces and make very sharp steel. So the one who owned the Gypsies could conquer his enemies. A sec ond idea put forward is that they
were clever musicians and enter tainers. This made them desira

tage.

If you have ever known Gyp sies, then this will give you an added reason to pray for some of the many Gypsies who still live in
India and who can be won to Christ our Lord.

ble to be invited to other places to entertain people who did not have
their own source of entertain

ment.

But now that more than

600 years have gone by since they began leaving India, no one may

ever know the truth. They have been quite skilled in a number of areas down through the years, so
these reasons could well have

vans are disbanded, and these

people may even live near and work with you. So let us count

them as prime targets to be won

for Christ.

some merit. They sold needles and knives and worked copper
into bracelets and traded horses

until this was a thing of the past. I remember over 50 years ago in Indiana that the people feared the Gypsies and thought they would
steal children and sell them.

People would run and hide from these people who seemed so differ ent. The very idea that they were approachable and winnable for Christ never entered anyone's mind. I once asked why people were afraid to have anything to do with them, and the old men told me: "They have a strange language and a strange religion and they worship fire". Now if you are like this, we want you to know that some Gyp sies will soon be your brothers
and sisters in Christ. Most of the

In our new area, "The Regions Beyond", there is going to be a great revival all through the month of January and on into February. Max Goins of Marianna, Arkansas, will be heading this campaign to win thousands for the Lord. He will bring some help with him. Then Raldo Cook from Odon, Indiana, will be coming in February to continue leading the campaign. Working

with them will be the gospel teemi

we call the Good News Team. Also

other Indian preachers will be helping. We have set a goal to win at least 3,000 for Christ during

these meetings. We really expect

to go well above that goal. There is a way you can help in this important program. You may not be able to leave your home and go to a foreign land to preach, but your help is still very, very essential. You can pray for those who are going. But you can also help buy copies of the New
Testament so these who have been on the outside for hundreds

Gypsies in India are poor and backward. They live in the moun tains and jungles, but they are waiting to be touched by the Gos pel of Jesus Christ our Lord.
When Ben Bean was here in

August, he found over 600 vil lages with more than 10,000 people. They invited our preach ers to come and show pictures of the life of Christ. They wanted salvation. Now our preachers and Gospel Teams are showing
them the films of the life of our

of years can have the Word ofGod

in their own hands. All over India there are several million of these

people. Once this fire starts, it could spread over India and

Lord as a means ofteaching them the way of the Lord. Some of the Gypsies in Ameri ca and Europe are now rich and famous. Most of the Gypsy cara

around the world. The Gypsies are very much family groups and will usually listen to their own people only, but once they are converted and taught, we will be
able to send them out to other

Gypsy camps and villages. These

people still like to travel all over

India. You can see how this could

victory will come.

A New Testament costs 18<P.

be a means of spreading the Word. Since these people are strong and fearless, they could well be the
ones God has chosen to release

the masses from Satan's grip.

So much of the success of these

campaigns depends on you who care. If we make our prayers strong and our gifts generous,

Perhaps you represent a class that could take this project to purchase a number. If you par ticipate, we will keep you well informed of the progress of this effort. Prayer lists will be sent out regularly and progress reports will be given.

ing at Galveston last year. It is the same type of storm as the hur ricanes you in the states experi
ence.

This is all part of living in the tropics near the ocean. We just praise God for sparing the lives of all our people even though there was much property damage. The Mission bungalow at Madrapakkam was right in the center of the storm, and we lost 16 big sheets of
asbestos from the roof. Tile roof

Some of the damage from the cyclone. Mission bungalow at Madrapakkam.

The

Nature's Fury Lashes

Out of the Sea
On the night of November 13
the worst storm to hit India in 15

ing on the Madrapakkam Boys' Home and Dining Hall were popped right off. It looks like a mischievous giant played havoc
with this whole area.

years began taking its toll. The waves on the bay were as high as the leaves on the palm trees that grew near the beach. This freak tropical cyclone came out of the Bay of Bengal and destroyed everything in its way. The fortunate places saw only
a 12-foot wall of water and tidal

and people began to pray. The next morning early the storm crossed the shore line and tore up
and flooded the area to the north. Thus both the states of Tamilna-

We helped provide food, cloth ing, blankets and mats to make

life more bearable for those who were affected. EDITOR'S NOTE: Just as this
The cyclone damaged boys' home building at Madrapakkam.

du and Andhra were in its fury. This area is now called "Cyclone Road", as this is the same path the cyclone followed eight years ago that caused so much devasta
tion.

wave. The other areas gotup to 18

feet of water. That wall of water went down the seacoast for 100

miles. It just hit the fringe of the

suburbs of Madras and went on

past

Nellore

City in Andhra

In the city of Madras, the steel lamp posts were bent just like a toothpick. Madras City lost about half of its trees. Many pedestri ans were swept away down the storm sewers and others stepped
on live wires that had been

copy was being prepared for the printer, we received a phone call from Art in India. He said thou sands of bodies are now washing ashore. The death toll was first put at a few hundred, but it will certainly be very high in the thousands. This is a tragedy we can hardly begin to imagine.

Dining hall at Madrapakkam with roof ripped off by cyclone.

Pradesh. If this wall of water had not

steered north, there would have

been over a million deaths because most of Madras is built

snapped by the trees. As is common in cyclones, the atmospheric pressure builds up

and forces the doors and windows

right at sea level and the poorer people live in this area. The rich
live farther back and have more

from the inside. Many of the windows at the college had this
fate. in. Then sheets of water came
A new arrival at the

The time is now! Opportunities for soulwinning in India have never been greater. Yet very soon it may not be possible for mis sionary workers to remain in India. We must continue aggressive training programs for our workers so they can continue this vital
work.
Boys' Home. Hundreds of children are being helped by gifts of spon
sors in America.

protection. The storm began gaining mo mentum on Sunday. On Monday it continued hanging over the bay

Never has your help been needed

Viewing the tremendous dam age in Madras, we were reminded of the damage we saw while visit

more than right now! Art often says, "We

must strike while the iron is hot!"

Report of Mrs. Gandhi's Death

by Arthur Morris
The guiding hand of India was suddenly killed by her own guards at her own home. Mrs. Gandhi was a great patriot. When she saw the danger of Punjab di viding India, she sent in the army to stop the rebels. She knew that she would probably be killed for sending in the army to the famous Golden Temple, but she saw no
other way to protect the territory
of India.

Pray Today For:

Art & Ruth Morris and their coworkers.

How to Send Funds

HOSTEL: Make checks payable to Boys' Home of India and mail to First Christian Church, 208 S. Spring St., Odon, IN 47562.
ALL OTHER FUNDS: Make checks

way, the Russians felt she was too friendly with America. Whether the super powers like India or not,
she tried to do what was the best for India and let others alone. We

The more than 800 congrega

tions in South India.

Southern Asia Christian Col

lege students and faculty.

The children's homes with more than 450 children.

payable to South India Church of

Christ Mission and mail to P.O. Box

215, Danville, IL 61832. The Mission is IRS approved for your gifts to be tax deductible. We will sup

hope the relations between India and the U.S. will improve as there were often problems over
Pakistan and third world needs. All of us who call India home

Christian Hospital & staff.

The roadside clinics & staff

ply you with a receipt for each contri bution plus an annual receipt.

ministering to over 4,000 lepers.

The printing ministry.
The churches and individuals
SEND ALL PARCELS TO OUR STREET ADDRESS: 711 N. Gilbert

Mrs. Gandhi was a great friend

of the minorities. In the past several times the Hindu majority

had tried to hamper Christianity, but Mrs. Gandhi had always been
fair. The Christians remembered this and all were there in mourn

suffered a great loss when Mrs. Gandhi died. Her plans and dreams were not yet complete. Now may her son and the people of India carry on this plan for India's progress into the next
century.

in America who faithfully pro vide support.

St., Danville, IL 61832.

Rajiv is the only leader of na

tional stature who has a modern

FOR INFORMATION AND PRO GRAM NEEDS write to: South India

Church of Christ Mission, D. Eugene

ing.
Mrs. Gandhi led India from the

mind and scientific background. India must go forward to the task

Houpt, Fwd. Agt./Field Rep., P.O.

Box 215, Danville, IL 61832. OR CALL US: (217)446-1542. Please leave a message on our answering machine if we are out when you call.
We will return the call.

bullock cart stage to the computer age. In her 16 years of leadership many great things happened. India is a great mixture of races and religions. India has a large Hindu majority and a large and powerful Muslim minority as well as a twenty-five million Christian minority. Then there are many
animists and Buddhists. No one

of uplifting the poor and back ward, not only of India, but of the
world.
Dr. David is presenting this year's completed

Never have so many leaders of the whole world come to pay homage as they did to Indira Gan
dhi. It was with heartfelt emo
tion that the leaders of the world

Bridge Builder, an annual review of Southern

Asia Christian College, to Arthur Morris.

THK INDIA CHALI.KNGEIi (USPS 700-730) is published quarterly, March, June, September,

and December, hy MissionServices Association,752i5 HodgesKerry Road, Knoxville, TN 37920. Second-classpostage paid at Knoxville.TN 37901. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
THE INDIA CHALLENGER, c/o Mission Services Association, PO Box 2427. Knoxville.TN 37901.

could please all the people in the

different groups in this poor and backward country. But Mrs. Gandhi made a great effort and won the respect of millions. Let us hope the influence of her guiding hand will be felt for years to come. America often disagreed with
Mrs. Gandhi and felt she was too

spoke of their loss. The super powers were there, but also all the poor and backward countries of
the third world came too. They

Form 3579 Requested, PO Box 2427, Knoxville, TN 37901.

felt their champion and defender

was gone.

I am sure most of you followed

this event in the news. India was

really paralyzed and stricken. We pray God will raise up more great
world leaders.

friendly with Russia. In the same