'.

3F

-r ^

REN EWAL

Si
The Dick Smith Family in New Zealand
January - February, 1978 Nu Number
3

"CHRIST ONES"
The 1978 Conference president Dr. David Coulter has chosen as his theme, "Christ Ones". While the Conference is not until October, already
we are considering a hymn contest to follow this theme as well as "reconciliation" & "brotherhood". This is never an easy or automatic way
of life.

In the church we do have a lot more liberty in opinion than most folk understand or appreciate, however there are so many things where a clear
line of division must be drawn. Jesus said that we can not serve two

masters, it is a matter of either God or money. Truly it is time for Christians to be more selective and get back to the old paths of righteousness and not

compromise and tolerance of the world in the Body of Christ. Paul says it best, "Do not unite or try to work together as equals with unbelievers, for it cannot be done. How can right and wrong be partners? How can light and darkness live together? What fellowship or communion can righteousness
have with lawlessness?" How can a Christian work and unite himself with those who believe and teach doctrines inconsistent with the faith that has

once and for all been delivered to the saints? How can Christ and the devil agree? One of the very important questions being considered in New Zealand right now has to do with negotiations for union with denominational

groups and whether or not such possible agreement with unimmersed believers is consistent with the Lord's prayer for unity. This question is a very serious one and there is a very wide variety of opinions being put
forward. As one man wrote in the New Zealand Christian "The

Christians in the other Churches believe that they have obeyed Christ in baptism, for I have heard them testify at g^i^eat depth how much their baptism (in infancy) means to them personally. Doctrinally they are one with us on baptism; we still differ in practice." His statement is certainly one with which I disagree as to being one with someone doctrinally holding
such a belief.

With small and isolated congregations throughout the country of New Zealand, the problem is more compound. The figures given of "Christ Ones" in the twelve largest congregations of New Zealand among the
Associated Churches of Christ are as follows:

Total Membership 1. Rutherford St. (Nelson) 299 2rStT^ndrew Str(Dunedin) 226 3. Annesbrook (Nelson) 206 4. Bishopdale (Christchurch) 134 5. Moorhouse Ave. (Christch.) 118
6. Palmerston North 118

Communicants average '76-'77

1. Rutherford St. 2. Aniiesbrook 3. St. Andrew St. 134 114 110

4. Feilding 5. Bishopdale 6. Wanganui

7. 8. 9. 10. Motueka Richmond Palmerston North Moorhouse Ave.

72 70 70
70 68 62 58

7. Wanganui 8. Feilding 9. Spring Grove

10. Gisbome 11. Motueka 12. Richmond

113 108 107

97 96 78

11. Spring Grove

12. Gisbome

55
55

Five of these twelve are in the Nelson District where ten ofthe forty-three "affiliated" Churches of Christ are located. This is the North part of the South Island. There are six "affiliated" congregations in the Canterbury District but three of these are "Union" parishes and one without a preacher.
Just south of that district is the Otago District where there are four congregations "affiliated", one without a minister and one a "union parish." Then in the Southland District, the extreme tip ofthe South Island, (150 miles from Dunedin) there are two congregations, one of which is without a preacher. In the North Island there are 21 "affiliated" congregations, 4 ofwhich are "union parishes". In the Auckland District there are ten congregations, two "union parishes"; these are in the Northern part ofthe North Island of New Zealand. In the Wellington District there are 11 "affiliated" congregations, 2 are "union parishes" and 4 do not have full-time ministers. The saints are fortunate if they live in areas where there is close

fellowship with sister congregations within a few miles distance. An example is that in Southern Illinois within a 35 mile radius of flora, there are more congregations than in all the country of New Zealand. From the
North to the South it is about 1300 miles in length and varies from 150 to 250 in width. The highways that we have traveled thus far are like many black top county and state roads in the Mid-west. The land and people are lovely but they have not desired, had the money or for some other reason developed the road system like the National or Interstate systems of
America. Takaka & Bainham are about 25 miles apart and it takes about 40 minutes travel time between, but when we go over the hill to Motueka, the 30 miles takes an hour. This does not encourage fellowship. The isolation is real when some members of the Body of Christ like Mrs. Cowin and Mrs. Richards whose loyalty to the Lord continues in spite of

infrequent meeting with fellow Christians. These ladies live another 40 miles beyond Collingwood, just six miles from the end of the road. How grateful we ought to be when we can drive on wide, smooth roads for only a few miles and find fellowship with an assembly of saints, "Christ Ones". Please remember your brethren in New Zealand in prayer. Total membership at the end of June, 1977, was 3013, an increase of 12 over the previous year. The average number of communicants per Lord's Day was
1803. There are about 457 isolated members of the church like these ladies

mentioned. One thing is for sure, they are not too busy in all the other organizations either. Certainly a simple life-style without all the frills and
luxuries is in evidence.

Other situations will be shared in future and they are not unlike some within the USA in places like the West or East or South or North, where
there are few Christian Churches or Churches of Christ.

Prayer, PETITION & PRAISE

1. Praise and Thank God for His
the Word of God.

goodness in the area of church

finance. Takaka The brethren at have trebled their

5. Praise God for His watch-care

over the Smith family and thank Him for your own good
health.

giving. One Lord's Day in January the offering exceeded

$170.

2. Petition God for His guidance

and care as Bob Smith from

6. Petition God regarding the possibility of Glenda visiting and serving as an intern for the
summer months in the work in
New Zealand.

Australia comes in April to

conduct his "Mission Possible" seminars at Bainham and Takaka. 3. Praise God for the faithfulness of the deacons at Takaka:

7. Priase God for making the hills,

trees, grass, etc., so very lovely.
How we wish we could share

Nelson, Walter and Gerald Langford. Already we have seen changes and growth in these men and we pray that it
will continue. 4. Petition and interceed on behalf of the Church in New Zealand that there be a sense of brother

these with you in the midst of the cold, snow and ice that we see you are having on our TV
screen. We trust that we can each share with those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

8. Pray for a gathering of those

interested in the Restoration

Fellowship on June 10, truly

some do want to see the "old
faith restored".

hood uid reconciliation upon

All funds sent to Forwarding Agents. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brentlinger
757 Burchwood
Oi o CD

Flora, IL 62839 phone: (618)662-6479

South Pacific Evangelistic Fellowship Johnnie Marion, P.O. Box 4157 Columbia, SC 29240
Field Address:
Richard Smith

a
(U

iii
l>
/.I
1-H

X
0

138 Commercial Street

Takaka, New Zealand

Renewal Report is published bi-monthly (Jan. - Feb.), (Mar. - Apr.), (May - June), (July Aug.), (Sept. - Oct.), (Nov. - Dec.), for South Pacific Evangelistic Fellowship, Richard and Wilma Smith, by Mission Services, Box 177, Kempton,IN 46049. Second Class pending at Kempton, IN.

1
3 O*
o

Pi

[2

The Dick Smith Family in New Zealand

March April, 1978 Number 4

PERMANENT RESIDENT
PERMITS GRANTED
Praise the Lord, our passports now bear the official record that we are "permanent residents" of New Zealand as from March 7th, 1978. How truly grateful we are to all of you who have been making this a matter of much prayer. Certainly God is so good for already we had made up our mind that God just might close the door; He was not to be thought slow. Though we often do not understand the "red tape" and slowness of bureaucratic offices, we received a form letter saying that we had been granted the permits and please take our passports along to the Nelson office for the permits to be stamped in the passports. A week after receipt of the notice Dick went over the hill to Nelson to take care of the matter, only to find that the Nelson office had received no correspondence and I could either leave the passports or bring them back later. Wilma tried to tell Dick to wait, why didn't he phone? Well another case of hind-sight but the passports were left against a desire not to do so. On the 10th of March a registered packet was in the mail at 7 p.m. On Friday the Post Office opens between 7 - 8 p.m., so they were in hand at last. Then when we opened them were in for a very pleasant surprise, we had also been granted multiple re-entries for a period of four years. What an unexpected, un-requested, absolute gift from God. After all the hassle, confusion and seeming last minute approval (our six month work permits expired the 10th of April) here now were our permits with the re-entry during four years. TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS
HE HATH DONE.

'

Though your feet may never reach the mission field ofa foreign country, you*
can always reach it on your knees.

God sometimes puts us in the dark to prove to us that He is light.

PEOPLE

HAVE A

MIND TO WORK

We continue to be thrilled at the

response of the people in Golden Bay and their desire to make us as

comfortable as we can be. Several

working bees now have the undercoat of paint on the manse

and the final coat of "Jasmine"

average was 48+. This is our busy season with many visitors coming into Golden Bay for vacations, we're thankful that they come along to services when they are on holiday. The thing that we are
most excited and wish to share

(very light yellow) is started and will be finished by the time you
read this. Six men has been the

largest number at any one time but others have come to paint for one
or two or more hours between
times.

This season has been the time to

"lay by in store as God has prospered" just as the hard working ants get ready for the
winter time. On March 12th we

with you is the constant growth of the giving at Takaka. In January we averaged $123, and then in February the average was $144. We ask that you join with us in Praising God from Whom all blessings flow. If we all work together and there is great healing going on amongst the members, we will meet our goal of having 78 members in '78 by the close of the year. We are averaging
about 33 in the Bible School since it

celebrated Harvest Thanksgiving

and the folk brought along apples, pears, plums, carrots, beets,
onions, potatoes, tomatoes, lemons, egg plant, eggs,

has begun for 1978.

Other items that reflect

pumpkins,

squash,

marrow,

"willingness to work" is the delightful Fellowship Sunday where the twelve congregations of
Nelson District meet at Motueka on March 5. Dick was asked to

cucumbers, peaches, grenadilla, lettuce, silver beet, peas, beans,

corn, celery, rhubarb, cabbage, parsnips, oranges, grapefruit, Chinese gooseberries, several kinds
of flowers and other forms of

preach for the occasion, he adapted Marshall Leggett's "Four planks in the platform of New
Testament Christianity" sermon All of the comments that have

handcraft from canning to sewing. These were sold and the proceeds

been

forthcoming

from

the

were used to help Bible College students; it amounted to almost

$150. Folk have been working too as evidenced by the average attendance in January of 57+ for

audience of about 500 has been

very favorable. Tony Barnett preached in the afternoon service on the "old paths" as well. Tony
was ordained to the Youth

Ministry of Rutherford Street and

Annsbrook in the morning service.

morning worship. In February the

The offering of the day (which amounted to about $500) is to be

^given to the Takaka congregation

tQ help retire the debt on the
manse.

Wilma and Dick went over the

folk are giving to the Lord. 2. Petition Gofl for love and grace as preparations are made for the Conference in October. Pray especially for understanding and love among folk who have
had their differences over the

*hill to pick tomatoes one day, 10<i: a I^und. The Maxi (Austin 1750)
went back over the hill with

enough to make forty-five quarts of juice, eighteen quarts of catsup &

puree. Please don't ask for her international recipe, no two batches are alike, but they are good. Her bottling now included 28 quarts of pears, 10 peaches, 12 relish, 4 beets, 10 greenbeans plus 16 quarts frozen com, 15 frozen peaches, 12 frozen apples, need I say she has been busy. But one is never too old to leam, who likes to peel all this? Next time you can or freeze peaches, boil a large pan of water and place 6 - 8 peaches in a large discloth and dip them in the
boiling water for about 30 - 60 seconds, the peels just slip off. Once aground the peach with a knife and

years, relating often in the realm of opinion and church organization. 3. Thank and praise God for a great Harvest Thanksgiving at Takaka, truly He has been very good to the folk in the past year.
Of course thev too have grown

much in faith as evidenced by their puchase of the manse at $27,000. They still owe about half of it, pray that God's bless ings will continue and that the giving will increase according ly. 4. Glory and thanks be to God for making things ready for
Glenda's work and visit with us

from May to August.

All funds Agents.

Please

then the knife point into the pip where the stem was and the peach is halved, peeled and ready for canning or freezing. Try it, you'll like it.

sent to Forwarding

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brentlinger

757 Burchwood

A flood: A river that is too big for

its bridges.

Flora, IL 62839 phone: (618)662-6479 South Pacific Evangelistic

Fellowship

Observation proves: that peace at

any cost is too expensive. Too many in the church are like

Johnnie Marion, P.O. Box 4157 Columbia, SC 29240

Field Address: Richard Smith

straight pins: they point one way

but head the other.

One never falls but on the side

toward which he leans.

138 Commercial Street

Takaka, New Zealand

Even the best family tree has its

sap.

Renewal Report is published bi

PRAYER:

monthly (Jan.-Feb.), (Mar.-Apr.), (May-June), (July-Aug.) (Sept.-Oct.),

(Nov.-Dec.), for South Pacific Evangelistic Fellowship, Richard and Wilma Smith, by Mission

Petition & Praise

1. Praise and thank God for the

good attendances during Jan uary and February and the way

Services, Box 177, Kempton, IN 46049. Second Class pending at Kempton, IN.

pray that she will receive her papers and support to make this possible.
5. Petition God on behalf of Jack

Stuart (Spring Grove), Gareth Stringer (Bishopdale) who are

at Woolwich and Martin Rees at Glen Iris. Thank God for these

Bible Colleges in Australia. Jack was at the camp at St.

Omer with us.

6. Praise God for the way He is leading and stirring His people out of their self-satisfied ways, if we really believe the Bible, let's apply it to our daily lives. 7. Please piay for the Conference Council as they assess the results from the questionnaires sent to each congregation regarding the Covenant and
Unification of Ministries.

FIRST CAMP
About forty youth from the Takaka, Bainham, Spring Grove & Richmond Baptist congregations attended a camp held at St. Omer,

the Purple Feather", fortunately enough Phillip Whaley (bom in Rhodesia) was present and served as the "King of Siam".

up in the Sounds of the Northeast part of the South Island (500 miles
north of the Milford Track in the Sounds of that area featured in

January National Geographic). Unlike any camp or retreat that had been attended by the Smiths, Dick was the one preacher present,
so he had all classes, sermons, devo

tions, etc. The theme of "Right and

Wrong" was used with the youth. Most of them appreciated the

to

emphasis on the Bible, Holy Spirit and the glory of God as the goal of
all our action. All of the kids had a chance to

*0
h'
rvj

:
:
I

uy
QC

water ski and/or ride the toboggan behind the speed boats. Would you
believe that the boats did not have

a:

ixi

DC !
l>0

-J
rH

^ z
I a

enought "horses" to pull Dick up on top of the water on skis? They didn't, but he surely got a mouthful
of salt water.

O
CO

O ft-l ^
O o

-J fH -3

It was joy to be able to initiate the group into the camping brotherhood of the "Royal Order of

REN WAL
E P R T

The Dick Smith Family in New Zealand

May - June, 1978

Nu

JOY IN

HEAVEN

The Easter camp at Hokotika saw five young people buried with the Lord in Christian baptism. Among them was one of our own girls from Bainham, Heather Langford. How we rejoice with her and the angels in heaven at this step she has taken for the Lord. Heather finished high school last December and has been packing apples this season (March - May) waiting for a place in nurses training. How pleased we are to count her among the first-finiits of our ministry in Golden Bay. Twenty other young people made either a profession of faith and returned to their home congregations to complete their obedience or rededicated their lives to the Lord Jesus. There were 125 present for the camp which the Hokotika Christians hosted us in their homes (billeted), and then we met at the local high school for meals and assemblies (classes and preaching and singing). Barry and Tricia Hughs from the Rutherford Street church served as the cooks and did a very fine job with plenty of delicious food. Dick got in on helping serve the food onto the plates and it was a joy to dish it out when it was received so well. It was also his privilege to teach two classes and preach during the camp. Bob and Barbara Miller (local minister/ex-Florida) serve the congregation there at Hokotika and are doing a tremendous work for the Lord. Andy Wyman, an intern from Cincinnati Bible College, will assist the Millers for six weeks this summer. Praise God for the seed sown, harvest gathered and plants watered during the camp. Some of the youth had to return to difficult situations in their
homes and work.

One of the girls who rededicated her life to the Lord returned to break up with her steady boy-friend who was not a Christian. By so doing, he has been led to the Lord and his parents are taking note of changes in his life and a witness is being made for Jesus, praise the Lord. Do remember other youth who have returned to school to find the going rough or to work where they are heckled
because of their faith.

Since being in New Zealand our

kids have been involved in three

camps and each one has been a unique experience. Thank God for
the ministries of Rick Keller and

Tony Barnett, who work or have worked with youth in Nelson district. Negative, destructive theology holds no hope for youth, but truly changed lives among men are a tremendous testimony of the power of the Gospel
of God in what the Lord Jesus Christ

can do and is doing today. Robin Davis graduated in early May from Atlanta Christian College and returns to minister to the Spring Grove congregation. Praise God for Christian youth who are becoming
the leaders of the church all over the world.

Harvest Thanksgiving

finished them and left. Like many places there are numerous empty
farm houses that are in various

MISSION
a

POSSIBLE

success

states of ruin. With high prices and stress on alternate life-styles the age group that has increased dramatically is the 20 29 age bracket. The church is not at present reaching this group but we are now more aware of it and plan to make
some effort to do so.

The visit of R. V. (Bob) Smith, from

Australia to the Golden Bay area was very worthwhile and stimulating. The total membership over the last twenty-eight years shows a low in 1953 of 30 and a high of 67 in 1969. A steady decline has
occurred since 1969 to 37 in 1977.

The folk were challenged to look out for opportunities to share and
care for those in need who are near at

hand and those who are far away. Their giving is about doubled thus
far in 1978 what it was in 1977. Ten

years ago the average offering was

$53, last year it was $74 and thus far the weekly offering is $134. We have

been able to pay off a $1200 loan, install a new heater, support one missionary for $50 per month and
have had three missionaries in to

speak this year besides the regular church program and expenses. Until 1975, the community had been losing population but since then it has been gaining. The total population is about 4000 in Golden Bay County. In 1956, just over 4000 liyed in the district but over 200 were only temporary residents here working with the Ministry of Works on special projects and have since

In the next month specific goals will be set and plans made to reach them. It is exciting when people are willing to give up old ways that have their security and pray, plan and work in new ways to try to reach folk who have not yet been reached for Christ with the Gospel. Of course we have some "impossibility thinkers" but even they can see the inevitable unless something changes their attitudes. Solid doctrinal teaching is much needed and as folk accept us a part of the community we will be given a hearing with them to present Jesus as LORD, and He can solve their problem of sin. Continue to pray for the Smiths that patience, love and physical and emotional strength will be adequate for the task in Golden Bay. Thank you for your continued prayer and financial support for truly a "possible mission".

Girl: Do your folks have prayer

before breakfast? Boy: No, we have prayers before we go to bed, we're not afraid in the
daytime.

MONEY MATTERS
Godissogood! With the time delay
in mails and communication we just have to ask God to help when the need occiirs and trust that His people

changed ^a bit but we are edlfit and

well.

Those who have given in February

and March are:

^1 respond both in New Zealand

and America. Like all farmers and

most people everywhere there are

various demands that fluctuate as

well as the amount ofincome. During the first four months of1978, Takaka has had an average weekly offering of $134.01 with an average Sunday attendance of 46.5. The largest

Meigs, McConnelsville, Ohio Broadway, Lexington, Kentucky Hillsboro, Ohio Edgewood, Roanoke, Virginia Hickory Street, Centralia, Illinois Georgetown, Ohio
Dover, Ohio Jr. Hi Class, Hillsboro, Ohio White Oak, Cincinnati, Ohio Flora, Illinois Bethany, Montgomery, Indiana Antioch, Montgomery, Indiana

offering

was

$310.36

and

the
The

smallest one $47.69. The largest attendance (with many visitors) was
86 and the smallest one 30.

Ellettsville, In^ana
Kennard, Indiana
Individuals:

average number of communicants this year is 34.5 as compared to 30 for last year, 32 ten years ago, 26 twenty years ago, and 16 twenty-five years ago. The average offering ten years ago was $53, twenty years ago it was $32 and twenty-five years ago it was $19. So we believe that progress is being made to the glory of God. Please keep up the good work for only as you share can such progress be
continued at this rate. We still do not

M/M J. L. Hand, Illinois M/M J. L. Williams, Ohio M/M R. Ellett, Indiana J. E. McElroy, Ohio
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!

have our car paid off, $1600 is still

owed on it. Thanks be to God it is on

All funds sent to Forwarding Agents. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brentlinger
757 Burchwood

a personal loan which had no fixed

time limit but we do trust He will

provide through you that it be paid

off this year.
An idea of costs in New Zealand in

Flora, IL 62839 phone: (618)662-6479

South Pacifle Evangelistic Fellowship

April 1978, 250g (about 8 oz.) $2.25 2.90 for cocoa; Wilma, looking at an outfit in the window, thought it might be about $50 - $60, was shocked to see the price tag of $105. (How thankful we are she sews, but polyester cloth here is $6 -$15 a yard. Shotgun shells are $1 each. Hair spray is $2.25 - 2.50 for 250g (8 - 9 oz.).

Johnnie Marion, P.O. Box 4157 Columbia, SC 29240

Field Address:

Richard Smith 138 Commercial Street

Takaka, New Zealand

Gas for the car is about 30<;: a quart (a liter). Bread is 40$ a loaf, milk is 12$ a pint, hamburger is 60(|: a pound, bacon is $3.80 a pound, cheese is 90$ a pound. Carrots are about 60$ a pound bunch, tomatoes about 40$ a pound now, oranges 40$ each, chicken is $2 a pound, apples in quantity now are only about 2$ each. You can guess that our diet has

Renewal Report is published bi monthly (Jan.-Feb.), (Mar.-Apr.), (May-June), (July-Aug.) (Sept.-Oct.), (Nov.-Dec.), for South Pacific Evangelistic Fellowship, Richard
and Wilma Smith, by Mission Services, Box 177, Kempton, IN 46049. Second Class pending at Kempton, IN.

PRAYER

POINTS

1. Praise God for Lewis Langford at Bainham along with Roger and
Ian. These men and their families

form the congregation along with

lan's mother and sister. 2. Petition God for direction and

watch-care for Glenda as she arrives during the week of May 14 to work until mid-August.
3. Praise God for the lives and witness of several visitors to
A race at the Sunday School Picnic

New Zealand, Hal and Evelyn Martin, Johnie and Patra Marion and Max and Gladys Randall. 4. Thank God for a very successful Mission Possible which stirred up the congregation to take a look at the future with hope and expecta
tion of God's blessing.

Some folk do odd things to get even.

5. Petition God for His guidance in the extension work at Bethany Park church camp near Motueka
at Kaitiritiri.

Dig your well before you are thirsty.

6. Praise God for Heather Langford as she continues to grow in Christ, pray that she will be accepted tor nurses training and always serve the Lord. 7. Pray for the North American
Christian Convention and the

An ideal wife is any woman who has

an ideal husband.

National Missionary Conven tion, bless them with your attendance if possible, you'll be
blessed.

c
o

Q.

B
a>

c-"
ri-H

X
0

Jcc 0, <r
il

CQ

tT
01

's-' y
Youth Progressive Tea (Dinner)

Hi

<v

3 O*
o;

cr'
KT

oi
Oi t~ la

r-

CO

c
*

When a youth begins to sow wild oats, it's time for dad to start the
threshing machine.

Eih

REN _WAL
E P R T
y-**-

The Dick Smith Family in

July - August, 1978

New Zealand
Number 6

1978, THUS

FAR

Can you imagine a church where there is not even an attendance board? Well the only board Takaka or Bainham has is one on which the hymn numbers are displayed; by the way, that's cheaper than a bulletin. The announcements are either projected by an overhead projector during the prelude or given aloud just after the prelude. Our services are different from most of yours in that the minister or preacher does not preside. Another man presides, which means he gives the call to worship, the welcome, and has the meditation for the Lord's Supper. Prayer for the loaf is made usually by the one serving and then it is distributed by the men and partaken of by the congregation at their leisure. Prayer for the cup is made and it is distributed for the congregation to partake at leisure and then replace the cups in the pew holders. The offering is received and then the prayer of thanksgiving offered. The sermon follows by Dick except on the first Sunday of each month when we go to Bainham. Four men in the congregation at Takaka take turns preaching on these times. Thus far in 1978, we've had good cooperation in the program. The statistics tell the story.

For SUNDAY SCHOOL we have averaged 29 per Sunday which is up about ten over last year. The highest attendance was 34 and the lowest, 25, so there has not been a great deal of variation considering that there is only 35 on the roll. The Adventure Hour has ranged up to25 Junior aged youth and has helped feed the Sunday School and morning worship services. For MORNING WORSHIP the average attendance has been 45.6, thus far in

1978. This seems to be about 15-20 above last year's attendances. The high attendance has been 86 and the low 30. We trust that the Lord will stir through us many who have just dropped out of church or attend only spasmodically. The OFFERINGS are the real focal point, the average has been $125. This is up about 400% over last year. The largest offering was $311 and the smallest $47. The vast majority of the congregations are dairymen and this is their offseason with virtually no income but in the next month milk production will begin again
for about ten months.

The

number

of

COMMUNI

CANTS has averaged 33.3 in 1978. The largest number of cups used for a single service was 60, and the smallest number 23. This is up about 15% over last year.
The EVENING SERVICE is

Glenda and Andy were met in Auckland by Dick and they worked with the Mirangi Bay congregation in a week of meetings and a week-end camp.
One was united with Jesus in the

baptismal grave of water in that

effort. Over one hundred different

much more prone to fluctuate in attendance with the low of 8, and the high of 87. The average has
been 27.8. The crowd for the film

youth were contacted and attended some service during the week. Glenda and Andy worked for
two weeks then in Takaka with

"A Thief in the Night" as well as the evening service with the team from Atlanta Christian College in charge were very well attended. Thus far in 1978, we have also participated in another camp since the last Report, this one was lead

muppets, Bible in Schools and youth club before Andy went to spend the rest of the time in
Hokotika with the Millers. It has

by the Atlanta team at Bethany

Park late in June. What a thrill to see five older teens buried at sea with their Lord Jesus for the

been great to share with these interns and watch them grow in response to different opportunities and challenges. Their attitude has been good and their willingness to
fit into the NZ situation is

forgiveness of their sins. The tide

was coming in and it was about 9 PM and very dark. Most of us had heavy coats on and formed a
prayer huddle around those who were baptized. This was a tremendous closing of the day and

appreciated.

beginning of THE LIFE for these youth.

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
The New Zealand churches have been blessed with four Bible
Atlanta team - 1978

college students for 8 -12 weeks of work, May-August. AndyWyman

and Glenda Smith from Cincin

nati, Anne Crowe from Atlanta

and Tim Martin from Milligan are

the youth involved mainly with youth work with the churches. A quartet from Milligan traveled , with professors Wakefield and
Webb as well as a quartet from Atlanta that traveled with Robin Davis. The needs and opportun ities abound everywhere and it has been wonderful to share with these who have come to help.

COMPETITION
In July the Nelson district churches took part in a "Competea-rama" sponsored by the
Richmond church. It was held in

the YMCA building and about 200 youth and sponsors meet on the appointed day to have a practice
session in the afternoon and then

the games for real in the evening. The youth of Golden Bay did themselves proud by taking second in the competition. It was almost like "anything goes" and truly was a delightful time for participants and spectators. From the point of view of those on the side-lines with hind-sight, things would always be different. It is the same way in the church. There are always a few who will freely point out what should have been done, but they usually are the ones also who are unwilling to put
their shoulder to the work. This

Hubert Hinton family - AucMand

The bigger a man's head gets, the easier it is to fill his shoes.

sort of competition is useless. However, the church needs to develop a sensitivity so various ideas and changing patterns can be used and expressed, as long as they are compatible with the New Testament principles of Christian living. The competition between opposing views in a church is a waste of energy and focuses
attention on bitterness rather than

All funds Agents.

sent

to Forwarding

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brentlinger

757 Burchwood

Flora, IL 62839 phone: (618)662-6479

South Pacinc Evangelistic Fellowship

love. Too often it involves political

maneuvering (shades of the Pharisees and Sadducees) and Jesus had some very strong words to say to both groups. We're not to emulate either group. We must strive, stretch, strain, exercise daily as individuals and as congregations to become mature in Christ, but the battle is
with Satan not the saints

Johnnie Marion, P.O. Box 4157 Columbia, SC 29240

Field Address:

Richard Smith 138 Commercial Street

Takaka, New Zealand

(regardless of how much you may differ with them in opinions). To God be the glory, great things He has done, let's live and give for Him and His Kingdom.

Renewal Report is published bi monthly (Jan.-Feb.), (Mar.-Apr.), (May-June), (July-Aug.) (Sept.-Oct.), (Nov.-Dec.), for South Pacific Evangelistic Fellowship, Richard
and Wilma Smith, by Mission Services, Box 177, Kempton, IN 46049. Second Class Postage Paid at Kempton, IN

PRAYER POINTS
1. Please remember the congrega tions in New Zealand as they
prepare for their Annual Conference, this year to be held in Lower Hutt. Pray that it will provide a time of inspiration as well as time for working out the business in an atmosphere of love and good-will.
2. Thank God for the lives ofColin

A poor listener seldom hears a good sermon.

Profanity is the effort of a feeble mind to express itself forcibly.

Langford and Julie Williamson as they united their lives and

live for the Lord as well as one another. The Youth Club went

Are you a PILLAR or PILLOW in

the Church?

"tin-kettling" (the NZ equivalent to a shivaree/

charivari).

3. Praise God for the good work done by Glenda and Andy and petition God's blessing for them and Bobby as they begin another school year at Cincin nati in late August. They travel -tturing-dre-first-week-ofAitgustfor their return to the USA. 4. Thank God for the watch-care He continues to bestow on each of us as we strive to serve Him to

Don't pray for rain ifyou complain

about the mud.

Oi o CO

the best of our ability. We ask that He continue to guide us by His Spirit, through His Word. 5. Praise God for the great response among the Bainham and Takaka congregations in paying off the manse. We hope to meet the challenge and pay
off the debt in the next two

s
o,

i
ctI

years, with God's help and blessing it can be done. 6. Thank and praise God for the Atlanta and Milligan teams, pray that the seed sown in the hearts of youth will grow to fruit
and adults will continue to

X
0

PQ
73
0)
M

QQ 0)

encourage and be the models for the youth. 7. Pray for the church leaders
around the world to have the

01 iO CO

courage to stand up and preach

the word whether it be in the

face of persecution or apathy.

1
The Dick Smith Family in New Zealand
Sept. - Oct., 1978
Number 7

GOLDEN

BAY RENEWAL

The close of the first year of ministry in Golden Bay is fast coming to a close. As we look at the situation and try to assess it, there has been some very noticeable improvement in attitudes, attendance, giving, relationships. This does not mean that all members have halos and are perfect, but it does mean that progress at renewal has been made. Two notes in the past week have come to hand regarding "The Page", our local newsletter in New Zealand. One says, "Just a note to thank you very much for the copies of "The Page" ... we both appreciate them and are able to pass them on once we've read them. Please use the enclosed gift towards postage, printing, and perhaps increasing the circulation of "The Page"." The other says, "We thought we would drop you and your family a line to tell you how much we appreciate getting your newsletters. They are always full of such good advice and things that are very dear to our hearts, not forgetting of course the jokes which we think are very good and some of them have a lot of truth in them. Such expressions of appreciation help one through the discouraging times of life. But in fact the ministry through "The Page" reaches throughout New Zealand and the local folk are now underwriting the expense of it, $38 per month. Praise God for their vision, in spite of the fact that some still believe it ought to be handed out on Sunday rather than delivered
in the post at mid-week.

Personal and family problems continue to dominate as the primary need in the growth of the congregation, as is almost universally true. This is mixed with some of the best givers we have ever known along with very big hearts and concerned, active folk in so many different organizations. For example, do you know the difference between the OMS and the OMF, the Oriental Missionary Society and the Overseas Missionary Fellowship? The interest in missions and outreach is great but over the years a better selection of efforts might have encouraged most positive and greater participation rather than just makings token but worthwhile donation instead of a meaningful involvement, personally. With God's help we hope to direct and correct some of these

problems. It is a pleasure to host guests and since we last wrote through October, we will have enjoyed Orval and Sandra Morgan, Joe McElroy and Keven Harvey and John and Sarah
Mott in our home from the USA and Australia and the Rollo's from Nelson and various folk from around the district. With the low air fares between the USA and New Zealand

Answers: not at all; temporarily, for

say up to ten years; much longer or permanently. Do you wish discussions about

union, unity, common faith, joint

action and current moral and social

issues, etc. to be continued? Answers; vigorously and often; on an occasional basis; not at all; or only in ways which allow for our
continued existence.

we hope for more visitors. In July it

was our joy to entertain the district

Do you believe there should be a

preachers with special guests being

Johnie and Patra Marion, SPEF director serving as ad interim
minister with Rutherford Street with

church meml^rship? Answers: yes;

no; unsure.

minimum age for baptism and

A practice has been introduced in

some Churches of requiring

immediate baptism (eg. without previous preparation and as a matter of urgency following confession of faith). Regarding this practice is your attitude - answers: approval; disapproval, uncertainity. In our churches there have been, relatively recently, baptisms of children younger than usual, down to seven years of age, whether
younger is not know. Enter in the

a view toward accepting a call if Patra's health permitted. Since returning to the USA, the ear infection experienced a few years ago in Nelson recurred and the decision has been made not to accept the csdl to minister. Efforts are being
made to find a suitable minister for

the congregation, please pray that God will raise up someone for the
situation.

We continue to try to establish the congregations whereby they can be

self-sustaining and pay off the indebtedness on the manse. Already this year we have paid off two loans,
one for $1200 and one for $1000.

All funds sent to Forwarding

Agents.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brentlinger

757 Burchwood

Hopefully by the end of the year another $1000 might be repaid, these are interest free loans by Christian folk who take seriously their stewardship and have strong feelings about charging interest. We hope we have learned a few things as well in this aspect from the
Christians in New Zealand.

Flora, IL 62839 phone: (618)662-6479

South Paciflc Evangelistic Fellowship Johnnie Marion. P.O. Box 4157 Columbia, SC 29240
Field Address:

RENEWAL IN NEW ZEALAND

The Conference Council has

Richard Smith 138 Commercial Street

Takaka, New Zealand

Renewal Report is published bi

recently sent out a questionnaire to assess the leadership of the congregations and their opinions. Here are some of the questions. Do you wish to see the Associated
(Churches of Christ continue as a
movement or "denomination" or

monthly (Jan.-Feb.), (Mar.-Apr.), (May-June), (July-Aug.) (Sept.-Oct.),

(Nov.-Dec.), for South Pacific

Evangelistic Fellowship, Richard and Wilma Smith, by Mission Services, Box 177, Kempton, IN 46049. Second Class Postage Paid at
Kempton, IN

Church with separate existence?

I
M

I I I
99 85 2044
175

s
.o

I
30

3| I
293
59

I
205 128 233 221 358 2098 2107 2106 279 3301 3272 3233

1950-3960
168
77

18

363
3368 2099

1951-3925
112
27

72 218 40
57

7 253 465 2052 3301 3293 3337

10

1952 - 3899
144

166 23 343
353 50
53

1953 - 3894
150 87

80
108 21
24

15

1954 - 3885 155

70

270 98

128 146
222

1955 - 3847
131

55
11

11

208 36 37
a>

64

1956 - 3840
177

103 92 123
126
103
c

64

344
351

1
246 2103
2318 2355 2337
2417 2410

1957-4112 173
114

325 612
46 54 49 151 57
123 137
o

1958 - 4105
196 111 59
>>

1
366
193 303 377 392 311 3773 2455 2402 3564 3464 3727 373 413
<s

1
171
3472

340 3614 3701

3511

1959 - 4215

209
97 107 78

1
s
513 197 203
117

1960 4351 345 90

49 366

1961 4325 205 52

c
6

112
159
48

1962 - 4393
172

1963 4157 220

80

330 630 103

368 397

1 i
868
407 334 252 241
357

379
52 142

1964 - 4048

134
49

115
81 26

1965 - 3923 131 238

36 89 72
56 6 46 47

g B
209 128 139

298
54

132 3262 1870

2083
2156

221 3155 3193

2948

2367

1966 - 3729 83
13 8 233 8 15 234 115
80 71 117

21
15

1967 - 3712
95 22

1968 - 3480 188 59

59 58

93
16 218
113

16 189
351 283 199

1950

1969 - 3382
104
71

26 214 182
53

13 19 57
44 44

2871
2774

1913
1834 1747

1970 - 3315
82 118 57

24
10 19 222 17

^19M-3238-

68 29 50
48

82

2720 2566

1972 - 3073
78 65 228 43 71 14

201
103
106

342
235
236

1698 2513
2560 1661

1973 - 3029
117

56
211

19 52
51 40 41 52 30 49 24 27 65

19 48 58 25 15
21

32

1974 - 3073
181
117 71 68 26 7

282
242

1687 258
2553
1715

1975 - 3044 37 1976 3003 136 91

17 7

128 198 116

141

31
45

265
217

306
205
257

2508 2556

1861

1977 - 3013
115

48 35
40 81 2779 1516 52 304 14 50

9
12

1803 2569
1829

1978 - 3020 116

55

264 8826 1437

2773
96

106990 4264
147 96

267

287
22

5146
177

9542

90679

59477

Ave. 3689

329

3127

2051

Thus in twenty-one of the twentynine years there have been more lost

been an equal number transfer in

from other Churches of Christ as has

than gained. In twelve years only

have there been more than the

Christ, and an average of 8 more

transfer out churches. to denominational

average baptized into Christ. It is interesting to note that there has

box the minimum age that you

believe would allow for believer's

baptism. Enter the minimum age you would propose for taking communion. Do you approve women in
Brotherhood administrative and

committee posts, yes or no. Do you approve women

as

members of local Church admin

istrative boards, yes or no. In Communion services (morning worship) do you approve women as readers, yes or no; leaders in prayer, yes or no; servers of the communion elements, yes or no; presidents (presiders giving a meditation) at the Lord's Table, yes or no. Do you approve women as elders, yes or no. Do you approve women as ordained

ministers, yes orho. Do you approve women as preachers of the Gospel

message, yes or no.

Zealand is very different from Africa. God still supplies our

every need as we ask and wait,

upon Him. 7. Thank God

Six questions had to do with

ministers from the USA and financial aid from the USA. It will be

for you

local

interesting to see what is reportedly said in reply to the questions.

congregation and her leaders as you read about some of the issues

The ^aph of additions and

subtractions of the churches in New

we face in New Zealand; please keep the leaders here in your

prayers too.

Zealand from 1950, shows far more

loss than additions which I think

ought to spur some question from the

Conference leaders.

Some people pay so much attention to their reputation that they lose
their character.
Who was Jonah's teacher?

PRAYER POINTS
1. Ask God's guidance for the church leaders as they face opposition to taking a strong stand on the Scriptures as they go to

Ans.: The fish that brought him up.

Some people are like blotters - they

soak it all up but get it all backwards. It's easy to be easy going when the going's easy.
Salvation is nightcap. a helmet not a

Conference. Pray that The Holy

Spirit will be able to use those present to speak His peace, even if
it divides. 2. Thank God for the visits of Orval

and Mrs. Morgan as well as

Jameso and Mrs. Fuzzell and

Forbidden fruit is responsible for many a bad jam.

their family. Both men spoke to the folk in Golden Bay and were
appreciated very much. We also

welcomed Joe McElroy and were surprised to have him with us,
come again, Joe. 3. Petition God for youth in Bible

<yi o CO

Colleges from the churches in New Zealand; David and Diane at Johnson, Doug Higgins at
Atlanta, Jack Stuart at Woolich with David Rees, Bruce Bell and
others.
a

a
o,
0)

4. Praise God for the safe journey home for Glenda and Bob, remember them as they begin a
ew year at school at Cincinnati Bible College.

w
rH

i<
o

5. Seek God's counsel and guidance

as you make your witness known and felt where you are. After all you are a missionary too and in your own right God can, will and is using you to salt, light or leaven those around you if you are living
a Christian life.

PQ

nS
-M

00

V 5.

a"

-o

^-1

Ph

CO

6. Give

glory

to
the

God

for such
-J'
Ji

wonderful and faithful financial

supporters,

work in New

1^ .^1
I.'I!

'"M

-'l

REN WAL
E P R T

The Dick Smith Family in New Zealand

Nov. - Dec., 1978 Nu:

HOLIDAY TIME
The first year of work in New Zealand is history and as we approach November and December things in New Zealand pretty much close down from December 15 through January 30. That is for those in the city, for they then come to the country and that means that Golden Bay's population is doubled. We're looking forward to guests in our services as well as on Christmas day going over to Lake Rotoiti for services there in the chapel at 9:30 A.M. Your weather during November and the fall has been lovely we understand as we trust that Thanksgiving will truly be a time of expression to God and friends of your thankfulness for the blessings to which you have been entrusted. The
Smiths will have been the hosts for the Beeson and Moore families in celebration

of Thanksgiving on our side of the hill this year. But since the "kiwis" don't honor that particular Thursday, we are celebrating on Saturday the 25th, so our
school children can share in the festivities.

MERRY CHRISTMAS
To each of you we trust God to give a special day of honoring the birth of Christ regardless of your circumstances, remember for at least half the world in the southern hemisphere there are never "white" Christmases. What is your shortest day of sunlight, is our longest and with the tilt of the earth's axis this means that those of us in New Zealand barely have six hours of darkness atthis time. Remember that Christmas is "peace on earth" for those who accept it and
live in accordance with God's will. It is a gift of love wrapped in human flesh,

securing God's promises for obedience to His commands.

Christmas turns to XMAS for many people:
X haustion: X - cuses:

X - changes:
X - cesses:

X - travagances:

X - asperations:
X - hibitions: X - citement.

What does it mean to you? Is the Christ left out of your Christmas?

HAPPY NEW YEAR

As you prepare for the new year we know you will be making God's claim on your life a part of your planning. "If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that" so says James. We pray that your physical health and prosperity will be in relation to your spiritual prosperity. Here is a thought. GOD NEEDS THIS YEAR:
More tithes and fewer drives. More action and less faction.
Youth at Bethany Park.

needs or the needs of others who

suffered loss in the wide-spread flood damage. Without any formal collection being taken, an appeal was made to help Rhodesian Christians in this time of hardship and over $1000 was received, which
goes to show when needs are made

known God's people will respond,

even to needs of the brotherhood.

More workers and fewer shirkers. More backers and fewer slackers.

One of the things we

have not

understood in New Zealand is how

More praying and less straying. More of God's plans and less of
man's.

so much is given to interdenomina

tional causes and not to Church of

Christ sponsored or oriented causes.

This was mentioned at conference

More divine power and less human "powwow".

More burden-bearers and fewer
talebearers.

and one congregation and perhaps

more give more to mission causes

1978 CONFERENCE
There were 69 delegates of the 73 entitlement present for the
Conference where the attendance at

than the whole of the total given through the Overseas Mission Board, which was $6735 in the past year or between 3and 4<r a week per
member. Don't be too critical until

services and meetings was less than last year. 154 attended the opening

session on Thursday evening and then 138 for Friday night. Youth
from Takaro church in Palmerston

you figure out your giving in your congregation to world evangelism. John Fulford will be the president next year and his theme is "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism". Graeme Todd is the vice-president. Conference sermon preacher next year will be Ron O'Grady, for the
Conference Conference is to be be held held at at

Christchurch while in 1980,

will

North gave a musical on Saturday

night to an audience of about 300. Sunday morning's service was

attended by 484 and Sunday evening's attendance was 328. The morning's offering was $519 for the ].ocaI arrangements costs and Sunday evening's offering of $547 was given to the Mataura church to
be used at its discretion for its own

Palmerston North. After a year in New Zealand and having been present at two Conferences it seems that my opinion is that the congregations are very jealous of their local autonomy but at least half
of them look to Conference as some

sort of group guidance control. Two special remits were passed which

bear up my point.

"That prior to

Conference ordaining a woman to the official ministry of the

Associated Churches of Christ in

New Zealand, the churches be given

full opportunity to decide on this matter following one year of study

and consideration and a relevant

Deliverance

be

prepared

by

Conference Council for decision at next Conference". The first vote was tied 32-32 with some absentions. The

chairman rather than casting a deciding vote asked if anyone

desired to change their vote, one

absention cast in favor and a second vote then carried 35 in favor and 32

opposed to the year's study (they were prepared to ordain a woman minister, now). It seems to me that a great deal of bitterness is engendered in arguments at such large gatherings and most people have their minds already made up anyway. The
second remit reflects this: "That Conference Council views with

concern the increasing divergence of viewpoint expressed by churches

over recent discussions of some

Johnie and Patra Marion visit.

hardening of attitude which does not promote the development of

harmonious and constructive

All

funds

sent

to Forwarding

Agents.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brentlinger

757 Burchwood

relationships and unity of purpose as a Brotherhood and in keeping with

the President's theme of Reconcil iation consideres it of the utmost

Flora, IL 62839

phone: (618) 662-6479

South Pacific Kvangelistic Fellowship Johnnie Marion, P.O. Box 4157 Columbia, SC 29240
Field Address:

importance that basic causes be identified and proposals suggested for improving the situation and seeks Conference support for such a project during the coming year with a view to reporting to Conference."

Richard Smith

138 Commercial Street

Takaka, New Zealand

Renewal Report is published bi monthly (Jan.-Feb.), (Mar.-Apr.), (May-June), (July-Aug.) (Sept.-Oct.),

for South Pacific Evangelistic Fellowship, Richard and Wilma Smith, by Mission Services, Box 177, Kempton, IN 46049. Second Class Postage Paid at Kempton, IN
Mealtime at Camp.

(Nov.-Dec.),

PRAYER

POINTS

Beat "wear and tear" with

care

and "prayer".
Recommendation for the booze and tobacco industry: Market their,

1. Please pray for John Fulford, the Conference president for the next year. Ask that God lead through the theme, "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism".
2. Praise God for continued health and watch-care with Bob and Glenda at Cincinnati Bible

products with a set of ear plugs so purchasers won't have to hearahout cirrhosis of the liver or lung cancer. Those who carry tales, monkeys out of themselves. make

College as they face the end of the first term's work this year. Please help us hold them up for guidance of the Holy Spirit in their lives. 3. Thank God for continued grace as the Christians give better than they have ever given at Takaka
and Bainham. The witness of

When a man sings his own praise he invariably gets the tune too high. Responsibility, our "response", God's "ability".

their stewardship of money is being seen in their lives before

others. 4. The need in most communities for

sharing lives with older folk is felt in Golden Bay, please remember Mr. and Mrs. Bill Frew, Mrs. Agnes Langford in your
prayers.

5. As George and Pauline (Jefferies) Langford begin th!rm?rrie<^ life, petition God's guidance and blessing to be on them. Dick had the honor of presenting them at the reception after brother Tony Barnett had lead in the marriage
vows. The whole church has

helped them get their house ready and we trust will help them grow in their lives together. 6. Thank God for each of you who faithfully share in the ministry here, world inflation continues to take its toll on the value of money. If you know those who are looking for people to help, please put us in
touch with them.

4
cr

a
o

{X

S.

B
<v

'.0

7. We pray that you will have a happy holiday season as you

remember Him Whom to know

X
o

CQ

t/i

cC

means eternal life even as you

serve Him.
tv

UJ
a. <s
j

9
o4>

S.

05

CtO

C-

10 CO

r-i a.

S s