// 5'^

India

Challenger
Missionaries Field Address Art & Ruth Morris

Fivd. AgtJ Field Rep. D. Eugene Houpt

P.O. Box 215

#11 Ramanathan Street

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

Kilpauk, Madras
India 600010

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

Volume 35

March, 1985

Number 1

MORE THAN 8,000 HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED

INTO CHRIST THIS YEAR!

Two Arkansas Preachers Take

The Gospel To India

This article by Bill Grove is a follow-up
report to the article entitled "PRA Y FOR

by Bill Grove
We would

cities of thousands.

THE GYPSIES" by Arthur Morris which appeared in our last newsletter. It is a re port of victory as the result ofpeople pray ing, giving and going.

literally preach in the valleys and on mountain tops. We would travel hundreds of miles in a jeep over highways (?) and mountain
trails. We would walk scores of

Koyalan, Pudupet, Sakilemedu,

what are these? How could we

know that from January 7 through January 26, 1985 these and many more would be villages in which the Gospel would be preached in India by Max Goins,
minister of First Christian

miles on trails and paths carrying the Gospel to villages where there
had never been a white man. And

on we would go.
The team of Dr. A. Yesudasan with K.S. Thomas as director and

Church of Marianna, Arkansas, and by Bill Grove, minister of First Christian Church of DeWitt,
Arkansas?

preacher was very good. Samuel Jayakumar (Sam), Team leader,

and M. Asirvatham (Joe),

We began our venture leaving Marianna, Arkansas, about 1:30 p.m. on January 7, 1985. This
would be an adventure that would

Assistant leader, were great with the boys of the team. The boys were: M. David, Sekar, and Christian. How these boys could sing! They would sing a few songs and the preaching would
follow.

take

us

into

villages

of the

untouchables

of India and to

This

part

of January

was

largely controlled by the Pongdal

Festival. No one seemed to know

While on the mountain, we

how long it lasted.

Each day

someone would tell us, "This is

the last day of Pongdal." Then the next day it was the same thing again. We spent several days working out of the town (population 20,000) of Chengam. Most of our preaching had to be done at night because of the harvest and, of course, Pongdal. One of the most interesting
areas in which we had meetings

preached many times. However, we did not begin to cover the 600 villages there. They are usually far apart and walking is the only way to get to some of them. So we
walked! All of the time on the

mountain we preached about ten

times with 506 decisions. There

were four people baptized in the natural rock baptistry behind the
Forest Rest House. I understand

Ben Ray Bean baptized some there also back in August of 1984.
Small world!

was with the Lambardi people. We had five meetings in one evening which resulted in 648
decisions for the Lord. There are

When

we

descended

the

mountain, we could not find a place to stay, so we slept on the

concrete slab roof of the home of

about 20,000 of these Indian people of which some are land owners and business people. This
seems to be an area where the

Gospel could really expand and

there should be many young men to become preachers of The Word. On January 16, we left

Chengam and ascended up the mountain range. The scenes were breathtaking. When we arrived at the Milpet Forest Rest House a
cool breeze welcomed us. It was

Dr. A. Yesudasan ("Doc"). He and his wife, Esther, were very gracious. They also had Thomas and his wife, Rachel, and the team of boys staying there. While back in Chengam, we held seven meetings with 1020 decisions. When Wednesday came around, we were ready to get back
to Madras. On the way we

quite refreshing after the day heat

of about 85. This house was a white stucco structure built in 1896 at the cost of 1035 Rs. The

stopped by Veerananal and took part in dedicating the first Christian Church building in this part of India. Then on to Madras some 300k away. We arrived at 1:20 p.m. at the home of Art and
Ruth Morris.

evenings were quite cool and

blankets were welcomed at 3,430

I had the privilege to conduct three classes at the Bible College

in Madras teaching classes on

feet. It was quite comfortable here until we started losing weight.

Max and I both lost at least

twenty pounds during the trip. There were the usual things to
be aware of here in the

mountains: monkeys, cobras and

a new wrinkle called the moun

"The Church in Typology". It was very rewarding. What a wonderful two days in Madras. We were able to visit the boys' and girls' homes and hospital in Madrapakkam also. It was good to
see friends we met four years ago
when we were there.

tain snake, which grew very large. We only saw monkeys.

Arriving home at 1:45 a.m.

Sunday (January 27) ended a great adventure in faith where we

were able to witness
our

Christ. Thank you, Lord, for permitting me to be a part of this

work in Your name.

3,909

decisions

for

Lord Jesus

A Letter From Ruth

NOTE: Ruth Morris provides some inter esting insight to life on the mission field of India in the following letter. Dates she refers to are late January and early Feb ruary, 1985. We are sure you will find Ruth's letter informative reading.

This

week

Art

has

been

in

hospital and was recuperating, we had a cyclone; the cruel death of Mrs. Gandhi; a fire in the college; and cold rains that lasted for some time. The Boys' Home garden was washed out twice. We thought we would never get vegetables, but this last garden
has succeeded. We have been

been drawn up for that. As we have our own laboratory and physio-therapist, we are ready to go into the children's work. In all our surrounding villages and
from our Children's Homes we

have children who are crippled from polio and birth defects. Dr.
Chandra is confident she can

Calcutta meeting with the Serampore Conference where Southern Asia Christian College
has its affiliation. As soon as Art arrives on

repairing roofs

and removing
The

debris for six weeks now.

Dear friends. It seems a long time since we have written to you. But time passes so fast also in India. (I know how it whizzes by in the USA.) Our year in America was a blessed one. We are still basking in the glow of seeing so many friends and talking to churches
about India and the work here.

Sunday, he has a meeting in

Kerala with P.V. Alexander for

the first graduation of that college. Now our third set of guests is arriving. These include

places are looking better. Two shipments of clothing have arrived. One shipment has been cleared by customs. What seemed an impossible task was accomplished with not too much
trouble. Now if the second one will come out of the harbor

remedy these defects. Until that time comes (estimated two months), we are funneling these cases through Dr. Chandra into
Madras where she works on a full-

time basis at the Kalayani Hospital. Here they receive excel lent nursing care and specialists
are called to work on their

M/M Clyde Brooker, Arlene Rice

and Joy Mclnturff. Then we have a feature program scheduled with Raldo Cook and the group he is bringing about the 13th of February. It is a crazy time getting schedules set up so each can be the most effective. Adding to the hardships is the fact that communication is practically im possible once one is in India, and
tickets on the trains are hard to

without too much duty or fine, we will be most happy. (Elsewhere in

this issue note information about

problems. Recently we have had two burn

cases. One was the son of our

When we arrived back in India, we had almost immediately some guests from USA: Ben Ray Bean, Mike Haggard, Fred & Becky Dhue. But before Ben Ray Bean left for the States, Art had a near stroke and went to the hospital for
observation for 48 hours. He was

sending bandages and clothing). In the hospital we have devel oped a panel of the staff to handle the major problems of day to day working. Dr. Chandra Asirvatham has been added to our staff

hostel manager, T.G. Aruldoss. This youngest child of his had burns on 40% of his body. He was
rushed to Madras where Dr.

warned again to take it easy and not involve himself in too heavy work. That is, he was not to go into the village work for six months. He could do the college
and Madras work and work with

get and need to be reserved. The Brookers are coming here from Kerala, but again tickets were messed up so they aren't coming
on the exact date that was scheduled. But it will all work out

and comes from Madras weekly to Christian Hospital at Madrapakkam. Along with her we have a
medical advisor. He is Art's

Chandra took charge of him. To day he is fully recovered and will have few, if any, scars. About the same time a young lady from the villages was admitted into the Madrapakkam Hospital with
terrible burns. life was saved. Our staff im

printing and evangelism as long as he did not go out of the city. So I took over the village work for a few months, and we have been working in this way. Now he is so improved. At Christmas before the six months' restriction was up,
he went to the villages to enjoy the
dramas and various Christmas

and meetings will be held. At the end of these meetings we are having the 10th annual convention of Churches of Christ, and this year we are adding the first Conference on Evangelism. It will only last for two days, but it is a beginning. All the preachers
are enthusiastic about this con

doctor. Dr. Michael John, and he has become involved in helping us at the hospital. Also two doctors are daily at the hospital with one living on the premises.
Dr. Chandra Asirvatham is a

mediately flew into action and her

Through the hospital we have

five mini health centers where

functions. He planned the program for Max Coins and Bill Grove in the "regions beyond".

ference, so everything is ready to

go.

surgeon. We are developing a sec tion of the hospital into a Crippled Children's Hospital where we will be able to do operations on the spot. WehavetheX-ray unit, and a technician is coming to put it together. Naturally we have to get a room ready for it by putting in lead. Also the operating room
needs to be revised. Plans have

many of the boys and girls who have finished their schooling in the homes have been trained by the government to fulfill this work. They do more work with preventive medicines rather than big operations. Dr. Rajarathanam and Dr. Reddy from our hospital visit these centers on a daily basis. Any difficult cases
are admitted into the base

After

Art

came

from

the

hospital at Madrapakkam.

We are happy to report that the team who went to Regions Beyond had over 3,900 baptisms. In previous years thousands have been baptized in different areas of
South India. We have been

concerned as to their growth in Christian living. So we have devised correspondence courses, one in Tamil language and one in Telegu language. This program
will now be taken to all who have

village for more teaching. I see one of the leading needs as literature for the preachers and for the church in the village. Noth ing is available in the villages, and very little is available any place in their own language. What materials they can find are too costly for most of the people.
So I am more and more convinced

ted.

We enjoyed your messages

also. It was a touch of home and a

BOOKS STILL NEEDED FOR COLLEGE

time of remembrance of last year

when we were in the USA with

friends and family. bless you.

May God

Bro. Charles Wogman, minister at Rockville, Indiana, is still making an effort to secure funds to purchase
books on micro-fiche for Southern

been baptized so they can follow through with these lessons. It is a stupendous task, but we have bro ken it down through the local

that our greatest gift to the people of South India during this, our fourth decade here, is to get
Christian literature into their

preachers who have participated in these baptisms and revival meetings. All of the preachers join with us in being excited at this growth among the Chris
tians. We are now getting out 3,000 courses and more are to follow during this month. I know many have wondered about the follow-up program after the meetings. This is a great concern of all of us, and I have sat month after month in preachers' con ferences to help devise plans for meeting this need. I am confident that all preachers will have these
courses and will reach the new

hands. We have our own printing press and capable men to run it. We have a supply of books and literature as well as copies of Christian Standard, The
Lookout and Restoration

STOP SHIPMENTS OF BANDAGES & CLOTHING This is an unusual request! For years we have been asking for band ages and used clothing to send to India, but now this project must stop immediately. The government of India as of the first of this year set a charge of 320% on these items. We had two shipments on the way before this charge was levied. They let the first shipment come in for $800.00. We
do not know the outcome of the sec

Asia Christian college. Recently a real opportunity became available for micro-fiche readers. Five were pur
chased for $45.00 each. Now we need the books to go with them. Also we

still welcome your gifts of used books

to be sent to India. These can be sent

by parcel post at a reduced rate.

BIBLES NEEDED FOR NEW CHRISTIANS

Herald. Many of these we brought with us, and others have been sent by caring Christians in
the States. I believe the material

ond shipment as yet. But we know it is impossible to send any more. The cost of shipping alone is very great.
Now with the extra charges being

As the headline on page one indi cates, there have been some tremen dous victories during the first part of this year. Many of you have helped supply funds for the purchase of Bi
bles and New Testaments for which

Christians under a type of church growth program. In addition to the above plan, each preacher has become re sponsible for from five to twelve villages - to undertake their spiritual growth and care. Some of these villages are quite small and can be cared for by a preacher
on a rotation basis. He is also re

is at hand, and can be reprinted and used in both languages. Painting has been going on in the Bible College. To help in the work of teaching we have been able to purchase an overhead pro jector that was made in India. Thus, all parts are available. Many boxes of books have been received for the college library. Now we have about 8,000 books. The need is for 15,000 books on religious subjects. (Editor's note:
Several hundred more books have

imposed upon arrival we have no choice but to stop sending materials that are still very badly needed. It is still possible to send medicine, some hospital supplies and books by parcel post. We will still receive and ship
these items. Our genuine thanks to the hundreds of people who have rolled bandages and collected cloth ing for the tons of shipments that have been made. Much good has been done through these efforts.

we are most thankful. This help is still needed. It is going to be a monu mental task to follow-up in the care of
these thousands of new Christians.

Correspondence courses, Bibles, tracts " all are part of the follow-up
work for which funds are needed.

SEND ALL PARCELS TO OUR STREET ADDRESS: 711 N. Gil

bert Street, Danville, IL 61832.

THE INDIA CHALLENGER (USPS 700-730) is published quarterly. March, June, September, and December, by Mission Services Association, 752r) Hodges Kerry Road, Knoxville, TN 37920. Second-class postage paid at Knoxville, TN 37901. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE INDIA CHALI^NGER, c/o Mission Services Association, PO Box 2427, Knoxville, TN 37901.

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

been sent since this was written, but we continue to urge many to

participate in this project. See article elsewhere in this issue.)

We thank all of you for your prayers during this time ofillness and daily as we seek to do God's
will here. The Christmas cards

sponsible for teaching the leading men of the village or at least a man who will see to the Sunday
church service. Then he calls

them to meetings at his base

came in abundantly, and all were so beautiful and much apprecia

1(6-^

India

Challenger
Missionaries Field Address

Fled. Ant.' Field Hep. D. Eugene Houpt

I'.O. Box 211-5

Art & Ruth Morris #11 Ramanathan Street

Danville, IL 61H:i2
Home 217-442-H7.i6 Office 217-446-ir)42

Kilpauk, Madras
India (iOOOlO

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

Volume 35

June, 1985

Number 2

Thirty Five Years In India

Art & Ruth Morris. Taken while attending Christmas

functions, December 1984.

The date was June 3,1950. The place was Madras, India. Two
eager young missionaries with their three year old son left the

freighter that had brought them

to this distant land that was to be their home and field of service.

Many times Art and Ruth Morris

port several days later. Sudden ly they were swept up with the press of people in a totally strange country with most of the comforts of life missing. But there was a job to be done. This family was committed to the great challenge of taking the Gospel to the
waiting masses of South India.

have described their feelings about their arrival in India, and especially when the freighter left

They lost no time in getting on with the work they came to do.

Many years earlier the Fred Smith family and Mrs. Rothermel
had worked in this area of India.

credited by Serampore Universi ty. A very high quality teaching

staff is faithfully training

They left behind a nucleus from which to begin. At the time Art and Ruth came to South India, there were 17 Christians, two congregations and one preacher.
Here was the start for one of the most unbelievable stories of

preachers to go back to their native villages with the Good News. The College graduates between 15 and 20 preachers each
year.

CHRISTIAN

HOSPITAL:

missionary endeavors in this century. Following is a brief summary of the work as it is today.
EVANGELISM: More than

125,000 have been won to Christ in 35 years. There are now more than 800 congregations being served by more than 500 trained preachers. Many of our preach ers, though well trained for preaching, still have to support themselves in part from other employment. The budget of the Mission is not great enough to pay the full salaries of all of them. But they are zealous and faithful in proclaiming the Word.
COLLEGE: Southern Asia

More than 4,000 leper patients are being treated each year. In addition, many general and maternity patients are cared for. In March of 1985 the new surgical center for children began providing services for children who have been crippled by injuries or birth defects. This is a steadily expanding work.
CHILDREN'S HOMES:

More than 400 children are being cared for regularly in the seven
homes for children. There are six

homes for boys and one for girls.

A new outreach has been started

among the children of ragpickers.

These are children who have known no home but the streets.

Many of these are now receiving

the concerned care that our

Christian College is now fully ac

Art Morris standing in front of his home. The decoration on the ground was part of the Hindu festival called Pongal.

A MATTER OF LOGISTICS
by Max Goins
The Allied victory in Europe during World War II was brought about in part by logistics. Gener al Omar Bradley's U.S. First Army was able to sweep across France. General George Patton's U.S. Third Army was able to race South to relieve Bastogne. Both
of these decisive military move ments were made possible because more men and supplies
were moved further in a shorter

expected it would be our last. We were fearful that the political atmosphere, due to the change in leadership, would prevent us from ever going again. We found everything different from what we expected. All the government people we had to deal with were very helpful. The main antichristian forces were soundly
defeated in the election. The

Mini health center in action.

Christian

homes

are

able

to

THE REST OF THIS YEAR:

provide.
PRINTING MINISTRY: The Dunn Memorial Press con

tinues to provide much needed materials for teaching. Special programs are conducted to prepare people for receiving the preaching of the Gospel. Then special studies are prepared for the new Christians to help them grow in the Lord. The presses are kept humming as tracts and lessons are produced. THE FUTURE: Literally thousands are waiting for the Gospel to be preached to them.
The foundation has been well

Mrs. Norma Fagerstrom from Robinson, Illinois, and Miss Laura Livengood from Council Bluffs, Iowa, are leaving June 15 for India. They will work in the hospital and children's homes for
a few months. Mr. & Mrs. Steve

period of time than ever before in military history. One of the trans portation groups became famous
as the Red Ball Express. Our
Allied forces were able to win the

war because we got there first

with the most.

laid.

The preliminary work has

Now is the time to

been done.

gather in one of the greatest

harvests for the Lord ever known.

We are moving ahead in an effort to attain the goal of winning 250,000 to Christ in the next five years. This is an ambitious goal, but with your help, it is
attainable. We know it is the Lord's will that it be done. SOME OF THE PLANS FOR

Karges are going to India later in the summer to help with some special programs. Then late in the fall Gene & Alice Houpt (forwarding agents for 35 years) will spend some time on the field in India. During their visit, they will participate in a 50th anniver sary and rededication program with the congregation originally established by the Smiths and Rothermels. So it is with great anticipation for further victories that this Mission is celebrating 35 years ofreaching India for Christ.
OUR THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE MADE THESE GREAT VICTORIES POSSI

The evangelization of India is in such a position today. India is ripe for the preaching of the Gospel. Our trip in January was
this writer's third. It was better in

many ways than prior trips. As we prepared for the trip we

present administration seems to be very tolerant of Christianity. We now look forward to many fruitful trips to India. As we began our evangelism in the villages, it became obvious that the Gospel teams had done a good job of preparation. The people were ready for the preaching of the Gospel. Every where we went the people seemed eager to hear our message. Our first preaching experience was with the Lombadi people. The
leader of the Lombadis came to

BLE. Many have supported this work from the very beginning and continue to do so today. We thank God for you!

Pictured left to right: Art Morris, Bill Grove, Yesudoss, Max Goins, Aurldoss. Taken at Madrapakkam, January 1985.

our bungalow in Chengam to make sure we planned to preach among his people. When we went out the next day to begin our work, he was away on business. In his absence his oldest son, who will inherit the leadership ofthese ancient people, went with us from village to village sharing with us his dreams for his people. He is
educated and works in a bank in

road. They had been expecting us and recognized Dr. Ayesudasan, our interpreter. They requested that we stop and preach to them immediately. We responded to their invitation and preached in
the market area of a small town. A

India is ready as never before to hear and accept the claims of

Christ. The return on our

investment will be great. If we invest much, we will reap many

souls for Christ. We need to be

increasing our support for the

increase

total

of fifteen

of them were

Pondicherry. It is his desire to see the entire group become Christian. In every village he

baptized, including the elder of the group. They indicated a desire on the part of many of the gypsy people to settle down and live a
more normal life. Included in

work in South India so we can the number of

preach. Every village is ready for a church building and school. If we can step into the gap and provide the training for these young men and the facilities for them to use in their work, we will reap great rewards. If we can get there first with the most, we will
win the battle for the souls of India. It will be a matter of

conversions. There are young men in every village who are

ready and willing to be trained to

logistics.

asked

us

to

build

churches,

schools, and medical facilities.

After our first evening of preach

ing, we returned to his home and preached in the main tribal village. His mother, the First La dy of theLombadis, went out of her way to make us feel welcome and
show us how much she wanted us

to help her people. Dr. Donald McGavran says these Lombadi people extend from South India to Rajasthan. He says in the northern area they are called Banjaras. He also says that if we are to reach all of them, our work must be greatly expanded. The
work will have to be carried on not

only in Tamil and Telegu, but also

in Marathi and Hindi. What we

have begun to do only scratches

the surface of what can be done

with these very receptive people.

Art and Ruth Morris had

previously told us of the receptive attitudes of the gypsy people of Tamil Nadu State. They were right. Our first experience with them happened one afternoon as we were driving to a village preaching point. Two gypsy men stopped us as we drove down the

their plans for a new lifestyle were plans to accept Christ and be Christians. They offer another great challenge to our movement. When we left the city of Chengham and moved up into the mountains to preach in the villages there, we found another fertile opportunity. In the first village where we preached the village elder responded to the Gospel and donated five acres of land in a prime location for us to build a church, school, and hospital. We were told there were over 600 villages in this area. We were well received and many people accepted Christ and were baptized. These mountain vil lages, so isolated from the main stream of Indian society, are ready to do something for Christ. As we left the area, we understood that Dr. Ayesudasan's able assistant, Thomas, and his new wife were moving to the
mountains to lead the work in

Preachers on new motor bikes,

programs.

They are ready for lots of evangelistic

TliRJ INDIA CHALLKNGER (USPS 700-730) is published quarterly, March, June, September, and December, by Mission Services Association, 7525 Hodges Kerry Road, Knoxville, TN 37920. Second-class postage paid at Knoxville, TN :57901. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
THE INDIA CHALIJ^NGKR, c/o Mission Services Association, rO Box 2427, Knoxville, TN 37901.

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

these villages. Thomas is a good man and will do a good work. What we need to realize is this, India, especially South India, is ripe today for the preaching ofthe Gospel. The common man in

India

Challenger
Missionaries Field Address

Fwd. Agt./Development Director D. Eugene Houpt

P.O. Box 215

Art & Ruth Morris #11 Ramanathan Street

Danville, IL 61834-0215
Home 217/442-6736
Office 217/466-1542

Kilpauk, Madras
India 600010

THE INDIA CHALLENGER is a quarterly publication of South India Church of Christ Mission
Volume 35

September, 1985

Number 3

OPEN THIS PAPER TO READ

ABOUT GREAT PROGRESS AND CHALLENGING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE LORD IN SOUTH INDIA!!

This may look like a statue, but this is a live

watchman at a park near Madras.

American Guests Serve As Short Term Missionaries

Mrs. Norma Fagerstrom came
in June for a three month work

On September 1 Steve and Janette Karges from Children's

Ministries International came

program. She and her husband, Bruce, have been interested in the
work in South India for over 20

from California to help for one week. Both will be leading special

years. By the time you read this,

we trust Norma will be safely back in her home in Robinson,
Illinois.

programs at the College and Steve will be preaching. We really need this knowledge of how to more effectively work with
children. Steve's father, Al, was with us in 1975 on the Big Evan

Miss Laura Livengood from Council Bluffs, Iowa, and a

student at Manhattan Bible

gelistic Team.

Following their

College, came in July. She will

continue to work in India with P.V. Alexander in Kerala until
October.

week in Madras and Madrapak-

kam, Steve and Janette will serve

another week with P.V. Alexan

der in Kerala before returning to

Both of these ladies worked at

the States September 13.

the hospital
homes. As a

and

children's

result of their

teaching the lepers and children, many have accepted Christ. We have appreciated their efforts for the Kingdom, and we hope their experiences have given them a new insight into the whole program of missions.

Meal time at Art & Ruth's apartment.

L. to R.: Norma Fagerstrom, Joan Getter, Laura Livengood, Art Morris.

Good News From Southern

Asia Christian College

A fine group of students once and counselling. He has now

again are enrolled for study at

Southern Asia Christian College. There are 48 day students and 12

opened a counselling center at the College and is starting another at

the Mt. Carmel Christian Church. Also we have added Bro.

night students at the main campus. The final report of enrollment is not in yet from the
extension units.

Abraham to the College staff in the Theology department.

A new house has been built for

Bro. Samuel Jayakumar has returned to the College following

two years of study in Bangalore.

He received the degree of Master of Theology with a high scholastic standing. His studies
were concentrated in ministry

the College. Living in it is the College Business Manager and Warden, Bro. Bhaktia Paul and his family. It is good to have a staff member living on the grounds. Among the other physical improvements this year

was the erection of a new wall and

gate which were badly needed. Every Wednesday is a special prayer day for the College. It is
always a thrill to our hearts to see

use flannelgraph, object lessons and some types of used Bible School literature. When you have some of these materials that you

Church of Christ (Christian Church) are down to 15 Americans from 50 at the peak of
the work in India. All of us have

the Manallore Town Church of

Christ. The building cost about $4,000. This amount was

collected from the members and

might want to send, check with

the office at P.O. Box 215,

the great faith of the students and

how much they love God.
A WAY YOU CAN HELP: We have started our Christian

Danville, IL
supplied to you.

61834-0215.

An

been training leaders as fast as possible, so we are ready for the future. Everywhere there is work
to be done!

exact list of the needs can be

built over a five year period. It is a spacious building and very well done. We congratulate the nationals on this indigenous
effort.

FLASH!!!

From the Gospel

Education Department. We can

Teams! A report has just come in from Paul Raghu that three new
churches have been started

Personal Lines From

Art and Ruth
Among our visitors, we want also to mention Dale Pershing,
Art's cousin from Fowler,

around Madras City. They are named: Yagangipuram, Dessa-

recovering from an operation on

his elbow and arm. We rushed to

Indiana. He stayed with us for two weeks. During this time he went with us to Melpar Hills,

the hospital where both Bernie and Joan were staying. Bernie was in intense pain, but as the days passed, he recovered to the
extent that he could be dis

puram, and Manive. We would like to again mention the new building and congrega tion at Madrapakkam. It is called

Progress is being made at Bangalore. Their building has stood unfinished for many years. A special gift has been given for the roof. Progress is being made on the papers which are required for building improvements to proceed. We look forward to the early completion of this project.

Hospital Work Greatly Expands

We are happy to report some
miles. This service is very

Karigari Leprosy Experimental

Station and then on to Vellore to visit in the famous Ida Scudder

charged

from

the hospital.

Joan had to take the train back to

Hospital. Also we were able to include a visit to Bangalore with preacher Wesley and other
friends.

Sitapur, but Bernie remained in Madras to spend some time in

therapy.

very significant growth in the hospital work. Some vital improvements in the services offered at the base hospital have
been made. Also a new clinic is

necessary, and it is popular with the people. We have trained a young man from the Boys' Home to be the X-ray technician and EKG operator. He had previously
been a house father for five years.
4. An unusual offer came to us

About a month after Dale left,

we were so happy to welcome our son, David, for a short three days. He was in Asia on business, but managed to fly in from Singapore
for the brief visit. He also came

We praise God that our application for visa was granted for another year. This paper must be granted on a yearly basis, but
we feel blessed to have this

being established in the Malpar

Mountains about 150 miles away. First, let us share with you what

to purchase seven acres of land

bordering the front of the hospital. Now we have a total of 17 acres which helps provide an attractive campus with plenty of room for expansion. This opportunity to make the hospital
secure for the future was most welcome.

opportunity to witness for the

Lord. We ask you to please pray in a special way for India. Pray for
missionaries to use their days wisely and to train as many
dedicated Christian leaders as

with us to Madrapakkam where

the new Manallore Town Church

of Christ was dedicated just the latter part of August. It was a joy
for him to see all of his old friends

and those who had grown up with

him. All too soon it was time for him to return to the USA. We are

possible. Also pray that evangelism will be a part of every

church. In the past, missionaries
carried this burden. Now our

has been happening at Christian Hospital in Madrapakkam: 1. The Crippled Children's Unit is being set up. In preparation for the surgery procedures, the X-ray unit has been set up. Much of this equipment was given several years ago and has been in storage. Now it can be put to good
use.

5. We had been without a lady doctor for the past two years. No one would come out to the village
area. ' Now Dr. Srinivasa has

now anticipating another trip

soon when David will also be able

numbers are so few. We must give

this charge to the leaders of the

Indian Church.

2. In a separate room the dental unit is in place. We don't need to employ a dentist as many from
Madras will come out and help serve the people. 3. We have our lifesaving unit
in action. There are no other

married and has brought his wife, who is also a doctor, to work here.
Dr. Srinivasa's needs for housing,

to bring his wife, Jane.

As soon as we returned from our

Our Gospel Teams are the great

soldiers of Jesus Christ and are

trip to the Melpar Hills, we

learned that Bernie Getter had

daily in combat with the forces of

Satan. We missionaries from the

meals and companionship have been met. We have a happy young couple doing a good work.
6. We have made some repairs

arrived in Madras. He was just

centers with oxygen for many

and improvements to provide better housing for our nurses and other hospital workers. They
have been able to move outofmud

Family Retreat
This year we began a family retreat. It was held at Madrapakkam Compound. Norma Fagerstrom and Laura Livengood were in charge, and it was a very successful retreat. Although it lasted only two days, much good came from it. A lot of
discussion was stimulated and a

has been out of operation since June. Let us hope it soon returns as we will be needing water for the crop starting in October.

huts into clean quarters complete with electricity. Now a brand new project is being undertaken with the help of F.A.M.E. Because of their special

One young man in the Home

has had tuberculosis, but seems to
be cured of it now.

As we begin our new year, we hope you will pray for these young

men and young girls that God will give them wisdom and guide them in His way this year. They have had many fine lessons from both Norma and Laura. In addition, Norma has been teaching English to them. They have found this helpful indeed.

gift as well as the help and prayers from others, we are able
to set up 'a new clinic in the Malpar Mountains. These poor mountain people and gypsies have no medical facility at all, so this will be a valuable help in winning thousands to Christ. The physical and spiritual needs can both be met in a tremendous way. We are so thankful for the special help to get this project underway. Otherwise, it might be years
before we could consider it.

happy

family

feeling

existed

Needs
Prayer is the first of all our needs. In particular we ask for prayer that the boys and girls of
the Children's Homes will be able to leave here with Christian

throughout. Men, women and children all had separate classes, and we were

project.

We want to tell you more about the Melpar Hills Tour, but that
must wait until another issue.

pleased with the ideas brought about by the teachers of the retreat. We see fine, capable, mature leadership arising within
the South India Church of Christ
Mission.

character

and leadership well

established.

News From The Children's Homes

We are happy to announce the

completion of a new well at Kalaimaidupet. We had to dig through heavy rocks, and blast the way to
the water. The boys, needless to
Quilts from the U.S. being put on the beds at Christian Hospital. Norma Fagerstrom is seen here with some of the leper patients. Patients are thrilled with the quilts. We are saddened by the sudden death of Dr. Don Sears of Odon, Indiana. He had just returned home from the North American
Christian Convention in Cali

say, are very happy to now have a supply of water.

New uniforms are being made

We are able to buy cloth and gauze here in India now for the bandages needed by the lepers. We appreciate all the hours and days devoted to this task by so many of you in the past. Nowyou can still help. Bandage material here costs 80C a yard! After it is purchased, we then cut it into bandage size at the hospital. If you can, please remember to send financial help for this very needed

Keep praying for these folk. They are eager for any help we can give them. They are so anxious to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Your

financial

help

is

needed more than ever. This has been a difficult summer. We are thousands of dollars

behind budgetneeds. You can see the tremendous opportu nities. We must not stop now!

for the boys and girls. Notebooks

have all been bought, and now we

THE INDIA CHALLENGER (UiSl'S 7U0-730) is published quarterly, March, June, September, and December, by Mission Services Association, 7525 Hodges Kerry Road, Knoxville, TN 37920. Second-class postage paid at Knoxville, TN 379UI. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
THE INDIA CHAIXENGER, c/o Mission Services Association, PO Box 2427. Knoxville, TN
3790]-2427.

are trying to get the books for those boys and girls requiring
them. The Government has given books this year to many of the
students. This has relieved us of a

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

fornia when the Lord called him home. "Doc"provided much help and counsel to the hospital work.
We will be among those who will miss him very much.

great burden. Even so, our school

book list is costly.

Now we are repairing the Boys' Home building at Madrapakkam.

All of us involved with the work of South India Church of Christ Mission pray God's richest bless ings upon Mrs. Sears and family.

We hope to replace some window

frames that burned several years

ago. The kitchen and store room

must be retiled. The deep bore

well pump is being repaired. It

the

India

Challenger
Missionaries

Field Address

Fwd. Agt/Development Director D. Eugene Houpt

P.O. Box 215

Art & Ruth Morris

#11 Ramanathan Street

Danville, IL 61832-0215
Home - 217/442-6736 Office 217/446-1542

Kilpauk, Madras
India 600010

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

Volume 35

December 1985

Number 4

MY SUMMER IN INDIA
by Norma Fagerstrom
I arrived at the airport in Madras, India June 20th, after an unexpected extra two night layover in Singapore. I was greeted by Art and Ruth, who had been waiting for over an hour, in 100 degree weather, for me to clear customs. They introduced me to Queenie, who would stay with me at the mission until Laura Livengood, from the United States, arrived. She had planned to travel with me, but the night
before I left, she called to say her visa had not come

responded during the summer. Twelve ofthese were lepers from the hospital. As they responded, we took them to a
nearby lake for their baptism. About three weeks before leaving, I decided to begin

teaching the Plan of Salvation to the boys in my Bible

class from a booklet chart Art had given me earlier. When I finished, six boys gave their hearts to the Lord. When we

baptized them, others joined them and we baptized twelve.

Then I asked Laura if she would like to use the chart for the

through. I was very thankful for Queenie in the days to

come.

After an hour and a half of dodging people, oxcarts, bicycles, cars, etc., and marveling at the sights ofIndia, we finally arrived at the mission bungalow where Queenie and I would be staying. She spoke Tamil splendidly, so that I was never at a loss for communicating. She was always by my side. I was very thankful to Queenie. She is a wonderful Christian lady who loves the Lord very much and sacrificed much to come out to the primitive conditions of village living to help. Art and Ruth live in an apartment in Madras, but they stayed three days to acquaint me with the many aspects of the mission work at Madrapakkam. I was introduced to the postmaster and village shopkeepers, as well as to all the workers and people of the mission. While shopping the first day, Ruth bought me my first sari and said, "The first sari in India must be a gift." For the next three weeks, I taught Bible and English to the children at the children's homes, as well as a daily Bible class at the hospital. I also painted and helped with

girls. She did and twenty-three responded. I then used the same chart to present the Plan to two other boys' homes, and the rest of the 74 responded.
Several weeks after I came, Aruldoss, Ruth, and I were

walking near the bungalow, and Ruth asked if I'd seen the sunken tub. She explained that they had used it as a fish pond in the past. We decided it would make an excellent baptistry. So when we began to baptize the boys, we had the tub dug up and cleaned. It made an excellent portable baptistry that we transported by jeep to the girls' home
when they were baptized. I returned home the twelfth of September, after three months in India that I will always cherish. It was a summer I had always hoped to live, and I will always be grateful to those who made it possible. I want to mention

my husband, in particular, because he was the one who suggested I go. Our youngest had just graduated from high school, and my husband thought this would be a good time to do something I had always wanted to do, but never
had been able to accomplish. It was very unselfish of him to allow me to be away for three months. When I left India, I left Art and Ruth, the precious ones at the mission, and the people of India, who became more than names. They are now cherished friends. But there is One I will never leave behind, who helped me most of all, andthatistheLord Jesus, He said, "Go . . . and I will be with you." He certainly kept his word. His presence was

the cleaning at the hospital. I enjoyed getting to know and love the people. I attended engagement parties, weddings, births, baptisms, funerals, church services, etc. I visited schools, shops, government hospitals, etc. I also went shopping and sightseeing in Madras, as well as in many
other villages of the area. After three weeks, Laura Livengood, a senior student from Manhatten Bible College, arrived to help. I asked her to teach the younger boys in the mornings and the girls in the evening. She did a great job ofrelating to the children. They loved her as did the adults. The most exciting part of my summer was extending an invitation at times I felt appropriate, and experiencing the thrill of seeing souls respond. There were a total of 74 who

very real, and the precious things experienced in India are

all because of Him.

Editor's Note: Norma Fagerstrom is a member of the Highland Church of Christ, Robinson, IL.

A classic picture of bringing

the water home.

Steve & Janette

ip.
t

l'-W$

Of INDIA

0 >\ssaNAne3 % 4 AffT&RUTNMMRIB r

a.

;iT
Hospital Jeep with staff.

'

^s.2:rfcli^r;^C

Norma Fagerstrom discovering Indian store & food.

t Madrapakkam Boys Home

c
nds attend a Hindu Festival and ride

ir untold miles. They must cook and live cart for perhaps 4-5 days.

Baptizing Lepers in Lake.

TWO NEW PROGRAMS

Adult Literacy Program

The government is pushing these programs. We have had them in progress for years. Now we can enlarge the programs for the glory of God and be pleasing to the government at the same time. THIS IS QUITE AN OPPORTUNITY. We hope to open adult literacy centers in 100 villages as quickly as funding is available. The cost is $50.00 for each center. That will run the program for five months. The money is used to pay a teacher $5.00 per month, and the supplies cost $5.00. We have some excellent teaching materials already to be printed. These have been used in other campaigns with great success. Also the World Home Bible League is involved in this program, so books through
them are available at very reasonable cost. This is a great opportunity to further spread the Gospel. There are now millions ofadults who cannot read or write. When they learn to read, we are able to put a New Testament in their hands so they can continue to grow in their knowledge of the Lord. The new Christians that are reached through these programs will be brought into the congregations that already exist. Where none presently exist, house churches are being used. This is the New Testament way, and it is proving to be a great answer to the need today. By using those churches we can avoid the cost of buying land and buildings.

Leprosy Eradication Program

Again, this is a program favored by the Government of India. We are the official leprosy eradication center of the whole area, appointed by the government. Leprosy is to India what cancer is to the United States. In some ways it is worse because leprosy patients are facing starvation each day. They are shunned by family and society. They
are shamed and beaten. NOW WE HAVE THE MEANS TO CURE THIS

cost is only $60.00 for full treatment. We can promise a 90% success rate in curing the disease. Again this is a tremendous opportunity to reach lost souls by ministering to the human needs. These Programs would be an excellent Project for classes or young people who want to do something but don't have a whole lot ofmoney to do it with. This would be a very valuable project that you can do with a small amount of money.

DISEASE. Multipurpose drug therapy is great. The

THE INDIA CHALLENGER (USPS 700-430) 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 37901-2427. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE INDIA CHALLENGER, c/o Mission Services Association, P.O. Box 2427, Knoxville, TN 37901-2427.

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