Volume II, Number 1

January-February, 1982

Phase U2 to begin:
Dear Faithful Ones:

Sarah and I want to thank you for your faithfulness towards us in prayer and financial support. Our hearts are strengthened daily by your steadfastness and God's provision. Paul shows us the source of power and provision in this verse, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." (Eph. 3:20 NIV)

After being here six months one is able to stop and analyze what has happened to us during this time. The conclusion is that we have completed Phase #1, that of initial
acculturation. We do not think that we have adjusted 100% and now understand the

Portuguese Culture completely. However, the initial phase is over and we are anxious to begin Phase #2. These first six months have included the following: (1) arriving in Portugal, (2) moving into adequate living quarters, (3) completing official registration with the local authorities, (4) finishing four months of intensive language and cultural studies at the University of Lisbon, (5) welcoming and helping new missionaries to make first adjustments, (6) becoming familiar with the work done by the previous missionaries, (7) making surface contacts with people for future evangelistic outreach, (8) adjusting to the different foods and customs, (9) experiencing the use of the public transportation system of Lisbon, and (10) having our struggle with culture shock. Praise God for being
our strength.

As we look toward Phase #2, direct and full-time involvement in outreach, it has become obvious that much time has been spent on travel. To be better stewards of our time we are requesting that an all-purpose vehicle be acquired for our ministry. I mentioned several times while in the States that we would experiment with the public transportation before deciding which way we would go.

The experience of using public transportation exclusively has given me the following
outlook: (1) It is reasonably reliable in and around Lisbon and Cascais under normal circumstances; (2) this is an exception and not the rule for the rest of the country; (3) the wear and tear of the body is considerable, but tolerable; (4) it's unreliable or close to non existent when there are strikes (recently there have been many); (5) inclement weather

usually promises a drenching either coming or going; (6) perhaps the most important drawback is the time consumed: (a) 1'/2 2 hrs. to the University one-way vs. 45 minutes by car; (b) 2 hrs. vs. 45 minutes to visit a print shop; (c) delays and difficulties in making
Missionaries:

M/M Richard Robison, Sr.

Forwarding Agent:
Mr. Phil Wiltshire 3284 Lancer Drive

Av. Eng. Antonio Coutinho

Bloco P. Q. Porta 13

2750 Cascais, Portugal

Powder Springs, GA 30073

hospital calls; (d) some missed teaching appointments and/or Bible studies because the
buses were late.

After six months of trial and error, I believe that a combined use ofpublic transportation plus a personal vehicle would be the best stewardship of time. Our ministry would be enhanced tremendously. Jack Webb, an elder from Ohio and a recent visitor, said to me, "You need a van here for the work." I agree with him. Here are the possibilities: (1) continue as we have been, (2) buy a used car or van here, they are V2 the price of a new one, (3) import one from the states: (a) import duties are 100% and up, (b) red tape is almost
insurmountable, (c) it can take as long as one year to cut through it, (4) buy a small car here, (a) $7,500 up, (b) limited use, 4-5 passengers, limited baggage, (5) buy a new van through a dealer here. This last option is my preference. I ask you to prayerfully consider it and then let us know. Your positive response will determine the action we take.

Toyota makes a van that is sold here called the Hi-Ace. It is a 9 passenger diesel van. The cost is now $12,500 and could go up to $13,500 with the new rise in prices at any time. The m.p.g. is 23-29. Fuel costs are 6'/2 cents per mile for diesel vs. 13.6 cents per mile for gasoline. We will try and raise $5,000 down payment and assume 30 monthly payments of
$350.

A Special Vehicle Fund is being set up for this project. Would you do one of the following? Make a one-time gift to the vehicle fund. Ten gifts of $500 could make the down payment. Make a monthly commitment for 30 months towards the $350 monthly payment. Set aside a special day for a specific offering. Make an effort to emphasize this in camps and/or V.B.S. We will keep you posted on the progress of this fund.
School's out! We are grateful for that experience.

Next issue of the Pioneer will be given to an explanation of Phase #2. If you would like a
ba^~copy7wnte t^ Phil^r Mission Sef^ces: ~

In the May-June Pioneer we want to present our Forwarding Agents.

Pray that God will direct our lives as we change gears. May God continue to make us all
sufficient for our ministry.

Sincerely in Jesus' name,

Dick & Sarah

P.S. We welcome Chapel Rock Chris

Mission Services Box 177

Non ProlH Org

tian Church as a new contributor.

Kempton. Indiana 46049

ADDRESS COPfteCTlON fieOUSTiO

U S Postage
PAID

Kempion IN
Permit *4

P.P.S. If a supporter desires a copy of the financial report, please send your request to Phil.

March-April, 1982

"Jehovah-jireh" (Gen. 22:8)

To God's Providers:

As Abraham trusted God to make provision for a sacrificial lamb years ago, we trust the same God to provide for our physical and spiritual needs now. He has not failed us yet. You are God's providers for us in Portugal. We thank you for your faith. Keep praying that we will let God work through us more and more. Cascais is where we live and is cosmopolitan in its make-up. It is located 18 miles west of Lisbon on the coast. There have been many radical changes in this fishing village in the last few years. The commuter train from Lisbon has its western terminus here. Tourists flock here and itrivals some oftheothertowns along the coast. Several towns on the way to Lisbon offer possibilities for evangelism and church-planting. According to the town council of Cascais there are 135,000 people living here in the greater Cascais area.

The English speaking church meets in a place called the Columbofilo which is a Homing Pigeon Club. They rented this facility for a four hour period on Sunday morning with the idea of having a Portuguese service there some day. We use it only about two hours on Sunday morning, so Tim and I were able to make an agreement with the Directors of the club to split our time and use it two more hours later in the day for the Portuguese service
and at no extra cost. The total cost is $25 per week. Praise the Lord for that. This service

was inaugurated Sunday, April 18th, with 33 people present including missionaries. Some folk whom you have been praying for were there; seven who aren't in any of our regular Bible studies and we'll be following these up. There is ample room for growth and it's easily
accessible.

The availability of this meeting place will enable us to direct the people in the Bible studies, which we will continue during the week, to a central area once a week for a celebration and praise service. The three different studies vary in distance from the Cascais meeting place from I'/i, 6'/j, & 7'/j miles. The trains and buses usually are adequate for these trips. God is helping us reach one of our goals for 1982, i.e., to have our Bible
studies directed toward a more permanent status.

Presently we are reaching an average of 71-82 different people per week in our Bible studies and teaching. Pray that this will increase to 150 before the year is over.

Missionaries:

M/M Richard Robison, Sr. Av. Eng. Antonio Coutinho

Bloco P. Q. Porta 13

Forwarding Agent:
Mr. Phil Wiltshire

3284 Lancer Drive

2750 Cascais, Portugal

Powder Springs, GA 30073

Preparations are being made to distribute gospel literature house-to-house in Cascais offering a Bible Correspondence Course. This will give us more prospects who are interested. Pray for us as we put the finishing touches on the Course.
Training is being given to two men, Raul and Arnaldo. They are excited about the first steps we are taking. Pray that God will give us the knowledge to train them. May they also
have instilled within them the servants hearts.

Tim and I are working on the registration of the church by-laws and statutes. They will be registered legally with the proper authorities. All of this takes time and patience.

Plans are being made to hold four Vacation Bible Schools during the long vacation that we have. Most any apartment complex has dozens of kids. We want to concentrate on the
ones where we live.

Vernon Oakley, the minister of the Heyworth Christian Church, and father of Cheri Oakley, a co-worker, was a recent visitor with us. We appreciate all who come our way. Our permanent I.D. Cards have been issued to us.

Here is a Robison Family up-date:

Jim, Ann & Rachel Phegley have arrived safely in San Jose, Costa Rica to begin language study and mission work.

Dave, Toni and Jennifer Robison are expecting another Robison in the beginning of
May. He is stationed in Panama with his family.

Rick, Mary Lou and Jesse Berrier will be transferred to an Army Base near Frankfort,
Germany June 15th.

Pray that the Lord of the harvest will bring forth the fruit in due season. We will keep on
planting, watering, and nurturing.

Pray that God will help us to be what He wants us to be so that we can accomplish what
He wants us to accomplish.

In the love of Jesus,

Dick & Sarah

ass-1
Mission Services

PC Box 2427 Knoxville. TN 37901

Non Profit Org

U S. Postage
PAID

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Knoxville. TN 37901
Permit #374

P.S. Visit and see the Portugal Christian

Mission Booth at the North American

Christian Convention - July 27-30, at Kansas City.

Volume II, Number 3

May-June, 1982

Dear Helpers:

The African Continent is rocked by various armed struggles for territorial expansion.
Each side has a valid claim, they say.
Iran and Iraq are recuperating from a very bloody war over territorial claims in the

Middle East. Each one feels they are right in their quest. Israel has invaded Lebanon and has taken one-half of its territory which they affirm is
necessary.

Britain and Argentina have been fighting on an isolated group of islands in the South
Atlantic. Each claiming they are right. Again, the problem is territorial expansion. In London, the Israeli Ambassador has been shot and is critical in a local hospital. His
recovery is doubtful. The Aide-de-Camp of the Turkish Ambassador in Lisbon was shot to death and his wife seriously wounded by an unnamed assailant, thought to be an Armenian nationahst. With the death of the Turkish official and the wounding of his wife some 25 miles from our house, we have become keenly aware of the world's acute problems in this small, remote country on the southwestern corner ofEurope. As the chaos of the world seems to engulf all
of us, I am reminded of the words of Jesiis in Matthew 24:6-14. "Ye will hear of wars and

rumors of wars but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come...And this gospel ofthe kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a
testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

Have you asked yourself the question, "What am I to do in a situation like this?" In the scripture cited, Jesus gives us four warnings before the end comes: (1) Don't be alarmed

about wars and rumors of wars {v. 6); (2) many will turn away from the faith (v. 10); (3) stand firm until the end and you'll be saved; (4) and this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations. Now that is chilling,
challenging, and comforting.
Missionaries:

M/M Richard Robison, Sr. Av. Eng. Antonio Coutinho

Bloco P. Q. Porta 13

Forwarding Agent:
Mr. Phil Wiltshire 3284 Lancer Drive

2750 Cascais. Portugal

Powder Springs. GA 30073

God is in control of all that is happening or will happen. We are to trust Him, remain faithful to the end, preach the gospel to all nations. Now that's pretty simple to understand. Isn't it? That is what we are trying to do in and around Cascais, Portugal.
How about you?

I want to introduce to you RaulJoseOliveira da Silva.

Raul became interested in helping us in the winter of '79-SO when I visited with him in Lisbon with a group of students from the U.S. He expressed a desire to help us with our work and has done so. He has known
the Lord for years and is capable in teaching and

r
Y

f Ijc

mIb

Tim ThomiiK. ilu-k Hohimm. preaching. He, Tim Thomas, Arnaldo Braz andmyself Thomas.' Thumas. and"Kaui'sUva^"'""""' and Haul Kilvii.

Sarah

have alternated in the presiding, teaching and

preaching in the Sunday services. Raul lives in Lisbon and travels out here each Sunday to
give of his time for the Lord's work. He and his wife Augusta have offered their house in Lisbon for us to use for a monthly meeting. We thank God for their willingness to serve.

Our Sunday services have averaged 23 during May and June. I am particularly encouraged by the willingness of Raul to work and serve unselfishly. Next month, JulyAugust, I will feature Arnaldo Braz our other helper in this work. We were to feature Phil

Wiltshire and family this month in the Portugal Pioneer but will reserve that for Sept-Oct.
Flash!

Richard David Robison HI was born to Staff Sergeant David Robison and wife Toni in Panama, Central America on May 5.
Prayer Requests: 1. 2. 3. 4. Opening of a work in the Azores. Opening of a Bible study across the Tejo River from Lisbon. Film Strips in Portuguese. V.B.S. in the months of July and August.

5. Vehicle Fund.

6. Continued strength for the Portuguese Team.

We love you in Jesus' name,

Dick and Sarah

Mission Services
PC Bo 2427 Knoxville. TN 37901

Non Pfolit Org

U S Postage
PAID

ADDRESS COfffiCTION REQUESTED

Knoxville. TN
37901

Permit #374

f
"W-

Volume II, Number 4

July-August 1982

Dear Colleagues:

VAN PURCHASED
have transportation. Praise the Lord! On July

^
IlkjPilBBBmi

Ist, we closed a dealfor a 1982 Blue, 9-12 passenger, Datsun,

Diesel URVAN. God is faithful and His timing is always

I -/" *^9IE'*
^

JBEIBiK

\\\

impressed us once again that there is design in what God

does. Near the end ofJune I called Phil Wiltshire and found

perfect.

Three things happened simultaneously that

JH

that we had enough funds for an immediate down payment

of$4,000.(itwasactually $3,600). Withinthreedaysthelocal

Datsun Dealer was able to obtain a Van at the old price,

J|[B|

M JK

saving almost $700 on the total purchase price. The Portuguese Government devaluated the Escudo 10%

overnight which provided another savings of $700 on the

down payment. We have assumed payments of $348 per month for 30 months. (Two months have already been paid.)

The price is set in Escudos and will fluctuate from month to month in actual dollar price. The Van gets 23.6 mpg. and fuel is $1.41 a gallon. Praise God for His provision through His faithful people. You are very special to us. After arriving

onthe Madrid-Lisbon express and spending nearlyone year

on public transportation (trains, buses, street cars) we are adjusting to driving in and around Lisbon and Europe. It's quite a challenge. The V an has made our work a little easier -

^
.
^

and quicker.

-V.#^^ii2ia

E. B. F. ANTICIPATION

Have you ever seen an E.B.F.? Have you ever attended one? These are questions that I have asked several people in a weekly Bible study. E.B.F. stands for V.B.S. People were excited about the possibilities. These are being held outdoors in yards and driveways. Some of the adults have been coming as well.
The first week we met on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and had the final program on Sunday afternoon at the church. Attendance was 25-29-30. Interest was high. Could we do this at least once a month? God blessed all who

participated and served. Thanks for your prayers.

Missionaries:

M/M Richard Robison, Sr.

Forwarding Agent:
Mr. Phil Wiltshire 3284 Lancer Drive

Av. Eng. Antonio Coutinho

Bioco P. Q. Porta 13

2750 Cascais, Portugal

Powder Springs, GA 30073

INTERNATIONAL FOOD

On July 4th we had a fellowship meal with those attending the Portuguese services. Fifty-four people were present. There were rice and chicken plates with a "curry" flavor. Others had Angolan and Mozambiquean spices. Codfish was plentiful - Portuguese style. It was the best attended service that we have had. Sound femiiliar? Several husbands and family members were there for the first time. P.T.L.

ARNALDO ASSUN<;3AO BRAZ

3ro. Braz is the other leader that we want you to know. He

was bom in Lisbon but spent a major portion of his life in Mozambique, Africa. He and his family have been back in Portugal for six years. His relationship with the Lord goes

back 23 years. He and his wife Emma and three chil^en

have been very helpful to the work. A weekly Bible study is held at their apartment on Tuesday evenings. Tim Thomas leads in this. During the month of August, his vacation month, he is taking time to help out in the V.B.S. He is pictured on the extreme right of the picture with four of his children who were baptized by Lew Cass. Pray for him that God will also help him find a better place to live. Three
adults and four children live in one room.

NEWS BITS

. Mission Services of Knoxville, Tennessee informed us that they were behind in their printing. The May-June
Pioneer was late. This issue may be also. Please bear with them and us in this matter.

. Our phone number has been changed very slightly. To call us from the states (5p.m. -5 a.m. is the best time)
dial 011-351-1-28-3146.

7 If you desire newsletters from the rest of the Portugal Team, write to the individual Forwarding Agent ofeach
worker.

. Thanks to Chapel Rock Christian Church and Dennis for the weekly tapes. The music and sermons are
great. We have enjoyed the free travel.

PRAYER REQUESTS
. Jim Phegley's complete recovery from broken bones sustained in a fall from a church building in Costa Rica.
. . . . Paula Harford as she begins to raise support to work in PortugiI. Debbie Brunsman and her teaching responsibilities. Cheri Oakley and her coaching opportunities at the American School. Tim Thomas, Dixie and Sarah in their dual ministry.
. . . Filmstrip project.

. Sarah and I for continued health and direction in the work.

Knoxville. TN 37901

1
Non Profit Qrfl- j iNon proin Orfl U S Poiiage

. . . New people attending services.

. . . Azores contact.

po Bo*

us

. . . Church registration in Lisbon.

^ _ Vehicle Fund.

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

PAID Knoivide,

TN TN

National Missionary Convention in Lexington,

Kentucky.

s'wi 37901
Permit 1374

PRAISE
. . . Slide projector is here and being used.
. . . Good health for the Team. . . . Van. . . . Raul and Braz and their families.

All for now. Write us. We answer letters!

We love you,
Dick & Sarah

Volume II, Number 6

November-December, 1982

GARMENT MAKERS (Ex. 28:3)

Would you be willing to be a "garment maker" for the Lord? God gave instructions to Moses "to speak to the skillful persons whom He had endowed with the spirit of wisdom, that they make the garments for Aaron to consecrate him, that he may minister as priest to Me." We have skillful persons with "wisdom" that equip us to "minister" in Portugal. We speak of our Forwarding Agents, Phil and Dot Wiltshire and their children, Tanya and Jason. We could
not minister here without their dedication.

Dot and Phil came from Virginia. Having graduated from Va. Tech, Phil taught Biology for five years before going to Johnson Bible College in 1975. Dot

taught Home Ec. during this time. We first met them at JBC and have enjoyed their fellowship since then. Dot taught Adult Home Ec. for Knoxville City Schools while Phil taught Biology
and directed Christian Service at

In 1981 Phil was led to pursue chiropractic as a field to minister to people's physical as well as spiritual needs. They moved to Powder Springs, Ga. Phil pres ently teaches Anatomy at Life Chiropractic College in Marietta, Ga. and takes courses part-time. Dot teaches 5th-7th grades at a Christian School in Atlanta. Tanya is age 9 and Jason is age 6. In spite of a very full, tight, stressful schedule they have been faithful in their service to us and our supporters. Their desire to serve Jesus and be prayer partners in the work have continued to impress us. They are dedicated to serve God and to help others. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Phil, Dot, Tanya, and Jason.
. . honor to whom honor." Romans 13:7

EVANGELISTS SET ASIDE

Fifty-seven people were present at the special service on December 5th. There were two special reasons for meeting that day. The "Santos Family", a fine vocal group, was presenting a concert and two men were set aside as
evangelists. These two men, Arnaldo Braz and Raul Silva, have been presented to you in previous "Pioneers". Many

visitors were invited and attended. The musical program set the pace for the rest of the program. They sing very well. God is already using these men to reach out and touch other lives. Much time and teaching have been given to them. Pray that God will use them mightily in the Kingdom. The reception afterwards with all the fine food that was served was enjoyed by all. Praise goes to God for the people who were present and participating. Pray that the new
contacts will be fruitful to the church.

Missionaries:

M/M Richard Robison, Sr. Av. Eng. Antonio Coutinho

Bloco P. Q. Porta 13

Forwarding Agent:
Mr. Phil Wiltshire 3284 Lancer Drive

2750 Cascais, Portugal

Powder Springs, GA 30073

ONE WEEK REVIVAL IN TWO DAYS

Sarah and I were invited to participate in a preaching and singing rally among five Church of the Brethren Churches in Porto on October 30th and 31st. Mdrio Santos, leader of a singing group, asked me to preach in two of the churches.

They were scheduled to sing at all five. I ended up preaching in two churches on Saturday and three on Sunday. It was an enjoyable and refreshing time. Although we were tired, God blessed us. On Sunday we enjoyed a communion service at
one of the churches and then I shared with them from God's

Word.

God is breaking down barriers here.

It was

refreshing to share the Word. We have astanding invitation to return any time. Hopefully we will try to visit during the
month of January.

1983 - WHAT DOES IT HOLD FOR PORTUGAL?

The December 12 elections for local offices were held in Portugal without any trouble. It was so orderly as to be a model for

other countries. Portugal follows a trend in Europe although there are other factors that influenced the results. I speak of a tendency to lean towards Socialism. The government party retained 58% of the local governments. The Socialist Party increased
to 31% and the Communists maintained 20.4%. There is no danger of any kind to us here.

The economy of Portugal is in shambles. Inflation in 1982was 27%. This year has no promise ofthings getting better. Housing and jobsare two pressing problems that have to be faced or there will be more politicalchanges. AsPortugal facespossible entry
into the European Common Market many more changes will be forthcoming.

There is social unrest throughout the whole country and hope is what is needed. Hope in those things that change not. Help us to be the messengers of hope in seemingless hopeless situations through your continued prayers. Pray that our faith will reach out through the church here and permeate families for the gospel.

We are encouraged by God's blessings and His people around the world. Your prayers, letters, and financial support give us
strength each day. God is moving among His people. Pray for our local workers to be filled with God's Spirit and power. Pray that

they will be good witnessesfor Christ at all times. Pray for the "retornados" to be able to obtain housingsoon. Pray for the growth in spiritual matters. We love you and ask God to make us sufficient through Him to be His light and salt.

PRAISE
1. God's provision 2. Our Forwarding Agents
3. Immanuel

PRAYER REQUESTS
1. Housing for "Retornados"
2. Conversions

NEWS BITS
1. Sarah's 50th

2. Mid-Winter Mission Rally - Europe

3. Continued health for us & co-workers

4. Consecration of 2 evangelists

4. Guidance for political leaders

Uittion ScrvicM PO Box 2427

Knoivill*. TN 37M1

Non Profit Org.

U S PotUgt
PAID

ADORESS COftfiiCTION REQUeSTEO

Knoxvillt. TN
37001

Pcrmil 1374