am

ii
JANUARY - MARCH 1987
NUMBER 1

VOLUME VI

HARVESTERS FOR THE FIELD

David Braz, 12 year old son of Ev. Arnaldo Braz, and brother to Luis Braz, preacher, has expressed his desire to be a preacher. He plans to finish high school and then take formal Bible Training. He has preached tv/ice on Youth Sundays recently in Carcavelos. Keep praying for more
workers.

PORTUGAL CHRISTIAN
MISSION BOARD

NEW CONGREGATION
IN 1987

Pray for wisdom as we look

towards a new congregation this year. In keeping with our goal of one new church each year, we are making plans to open in Povoa de Sta. Iria. Pray that God will provide Portuguese-speak ing workers to work there. Pray for the Spirit to make us recep tive to the needs of the people.
Pray for funds to undertake all of
this.

We are part of a body. Each

member has a function that makes it essential to maintain

proper health for all. TheP.C.AA.

missionaries thank God for each one of these members who are

CHURCH REMODELING IN RIO DE MOURO Church remodeling at Rio de

AAouro is about finished. Thanks to all who contributed towards

faithful to our work. A new member, Dr. Lovell Richardson

of Kimberlin Hgts., TN., is not pictured. Welcome aboard, Dr.

Richardson.

this project. It is very adequate. Youth, women, literacy classes, and a small clinic will be using this building. More will be said
about all of this in the next Pioneer as we have the re-

inauguration.

PROFOUND CHANGES IN PORTUGAL

Portugal's assembly voted into law a bill which revoked the privileged status of the Roman Catholic Church in reference to a new radio frequency. Now, all will have to submit a proposal and a commission will decide which proposals will be accepted. It's seen as a step in the direction of full freedom for other groups, whether religious
or not.

In February, the 1st International Congress on the Inquisition was held in the

beautiful Gulbenkian Foundation. Over 1000 specialists from Portugal, Spain, Brazil, France and other countries presented papers and discussed 285 years of Portugal's
past. That this Congress took place is a testimony to the freedom of expression here.
Praise God for four new babies in

the church. Thank God for His grace

and love towards us. Thank him for ^

Aaron Canda's visit from Angola.

Praise God for Bill and Jeanette Sum-

here. Thank God for help

from Margaret Eubanks and Dr. Birdwell while on furlough. Pray for final approval on the

'

building here in order for us to open the Clinic in Carcavelos. Pray for support for the Robert Fife family. Pray
for Joshua Fornam and funds for

U I I BB

Bibles for Mozambique. Pray for more

laborers for the harvest.

CONGRATULATIONS
Tim and Dixie Thomas are

the parents of a baby son, Andrew Benjamin Thomas, born

on December 10th. Tim and his

family will be finishing up at Em manuel in May and they hope to be able to return to Portugal this year. Keep them in prayer and ask God to supply the $1,500 additional monthly support they need, plus their travel funds.
Dick & Sarah Robison

Rua Por do Sol, 29

2775 Carcavelos

Apartado 41
2777 Carcavelos

Portugal Portugal Telephone - 011-35M-246-1596

FORWARDING AGENTS:

Phil & Dot Wiltshire

3284 Lancer Dr.

Powder Springs, GA 30073

404-943-4668

Non Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID
RETURN ADDRESS: Bob Mitchell
R.R. 2

Permit No. 12

Heyworth, IL
61745

Bloomington, IL 61701

Mission Services PO Box 2427

Knoxville, TN 37901

ADDRESS

CORRECTION

REQUESTED

RAPPORT lyJP 0

Pua P6r Ho Scl,

'

29

May 1987

2775 CAf?CAVELOS PORTUGAL

It has been a loong tiime since we've had a good "rap-session" so thought that

we'd "best catch you up on our many activities

this year or since the last PORTUGAL PIONEER.

The response to"the PIONEER ranges from "I love i t because it's

not too long" to "It doesn't say anything." The first one went on to say "I love the pictures too, but especially enjoy the good
news of the people becoming Christians." We try to highlight our
work with pictures in the PIONEER, so rtiaybe this will, satisfy '

some who want more detail. A picture is worth 1,000 words, isn't it?
After the New Years watch, the first big event was a Retreat our youth 12 yrs. & up which is annually held
durmm

ft ing the Carnival time. While the greater part the country is whooping i t up, their last
before Lent, we get the kids together to have

fling

positive influence in their lives. They were

divided into two groups & among other things produced two fine posters on the theme, "JESUS IN MY LIFE."
On March 15th we celebrated Rio de Mouro's 1st

birthday. She had a whole new outfit for the occa

sion. Many hours of cleaning,

scraping, painting, carpet & curtains

wiring, matching colors of tile,

went into the preparations, but at last, the re

sult was beautiful. A minister's study was made
with built in desk & bookcases. A small Clinic was

installed for a weekly visit

by a Christian pediatrician. Praise

God, there was a good participation by the members & we were all

brought closer together through i t all. Orlando, an evangelist from the Taguatinga Church in Brasilia, Brazil, working in Portu gal, was our guest speaker & singer. We are praying that he will join the ministry here fulltime. We should know by the end of May.

We have been waiting since October 198^ for the Church

in

Carcavelos to have its final,

official inspection. We

have no idea why i t took so long. We did ask the build er how much were the officials expecting, but he as
sured us that was not the case.

We are so grateful to FAME who agreed to underwrite a Clinic in our basement in Carcavelos but we couldn* t make any permanent
changes until after the final inspection. Fin
SPREADING
the

ally we decided to put a small Clinic in the Rio de Mouro Church and Praise the Lord, 10 days

before it was inaugurated (April5th) on March

26th we passed inspection. Already we are at

of CHRIST

work making changes and within a short time the Clinic here in Carcavelos will open.
For the inauguration at Rio de Mouro, the

Lofts from Spain were here. Bill represented FAME and had an ex

cellent message. Dr. Raquel was present and gave her testimony.
She said she had never worked out of a Church before & v^as moved

that we wanted to help the community in this way. While the Lofts were here we were having our 1st Iberian

Conferences with Bill's preaching and Ginny holding a S.S. Teach-

er's Seminar. It was a working conference. We even left them for

1 1/2 days to attend a Cairnpfor University students. Dick had 2

sessions, one, on the rise of the Papacy and the other on the Se cret of the Success of the Early Church Expansion. It was wonderful.
On May 22nd we had a

one-day Retreat for kids 6have a maximum of 15i but 29 seen the cooks "multiply the might ask how we had double?

11 yrs. We thought we'd

showed up. You should have
loaves & the fishes". The answer lies in a You man

named Salvador; ^he had done

the ceiling in at the Rio de
ested in the Church and wants

the electrical work & put

Mouro. He got real inter-

to begin a Bible Study in his house anticipating a new church in

his area. There are two other possible areas under consideration.

The week before the retreat he took 9 people to church. On the day of the. Retreat, he brought 9 kids in a VW Bug. It looked like
a can of saradines rolling along. We were thrilled and while I was

putting name tags on I found out that he had gone to get another load. That's when we started scrambling in the kitchen. Heavy rains
were forecast and it was pouring about 6 A.M. but we were blessed

by good weather. The Lord knew that we couldn't handle 29 kids &
rain too.

The corrections on the Adult Literacy Pri mers are about done and we hope to get this
program going soon.

We were happy to have Duane Keeran of Austin, Texas drop in for a visit. Ha was refreshing, interesting & encouraging.

CT ^ i

Veteran Brazilian Missionary Tom Fife will arrive here May

23rd for 3 weeks of teaching Hermaneutics and the book of Romans

to the men. He is enroute to an ICCA meeting in Stuttgart, Germany.

We are excited about the work right now. There have
been some rearranging of priorities among the members, new people attending services, the Clinic taking shape, possibilities for new Churches, Bibles for Mozambique,

& the return of workers Tim & Dixie Thomas & family in the near
future. Things seem to be falling into place as God leads us. It

has taken over 5 y^rs. Suppose we'd stayed only 3yrs. & gone home? It would have been a different story. Do you realize, you are mak ing all of this possible? Your gifts, your interest, your pray
ers, your encouragement.

This year we are expecting Tim & Dixie Thomas back. They have
worked here for 3 yrs. already, returned to the U.S. & Tim will

complete a Masters this month. They will be better prepared in nearly every aspect "than when they came in I98I. They need additional support to come back so if
you, your Church or someone you know can help.

Encourage them by writing them right now, at Emmanuel-Milligan College, Tn. & let them know, now'. We're also expecting Robert & Derlani Fife & family from Bra zil by the end of this year i.e., 198?. The Churches of Brazil
will be behind them, but they will need more funds too. Robert

has spent his life in Brazil so neither knows or is l^nown by

many stateside Churches.

If Orlando Nascimento decides to work with us,

it will be possible to provide his salary, a place

to live & working funds for about $500 a month... much more cost-effective than getting an American family. We hope that you will help us raise this extra amount. The beautiful thing about these men

tioned is they all speak Portuguese.With all of us, plus Luis & Luci Braz & Arnaldo Braz, we believe that with God's help we can
surpass the goal of 10 Churches in 10 yrs..

Special thanks to Joshua Farnham & the student body, faculty of JBC and friends who raised the necessary funds for Bibles for
Mozambique*.

Here are 1,000 words in lieu of a picture.

Again we're grateful for all the support, prayers, letters,

tapes & special things you send our way.
Love in Jesus Name.

Tim, Dixie, Sarah, and Andrew Thomas, an experienced missionary family, is needed NOW in Portugal! Tim hos completed his M.A.R. on May 31, 1987 and is now raising additional support to return os soon as possible this year. They are in need of $1,500 more per month, $500 is already in hand. One-time travel and shipping funds needed are $2,500. They know the Portuguese people and Portugal. They have ministered in Portugal and are anxious to return here. Contact them at P.O. Box 674, Apt. 26, Milligan College, TN 37682, or by phone 615-928-8956. The Lord of the Harvest has responded to our call for Portuguese-speaking laborers. Will you help "thrust" them into the harvest
field?

HONORS RECEIVED
Here are the kids v/ho received

honors during our latest Retreat.

Our expectations were surpas

sed by the number present and potential growth!

LQUVAI-^ COM

lH
BIBLES TO HONORS GIVEN

MOZAMBIQUE
Bibles have been purchased and
some are on their way to Mo

zambique. Bro. Braz is from that country and rejoices with you for this victory! Keep praying for
this ministry.

Mother's Day is celebrated in Portugal on the first Sunday in May. Flowers were given to the mothers present at both church
es. Thank God for them.

PROFESSOR FIFE HERE TO TEACH

Professor missionary Tom Fife has been in Portugal teaching

two classes - Hermaneutics and

Romans. He is a professor of our Seminary in Brasilia. Mission

aries in various Portuguese-

speaking countries are now cooperating In many phases of evangelism and training. More interchange Is being planned in
this direction. Tim Thomas will

BLESSING OF MAIL! Literature in Portuguese is hard to come by. We received 13 mallbags from Christians in
Action of Columbus, Indiana

be leading this phase of the

work when he returns.

recently. It is being distributed.

Thank You!!

NEW CHURCH FAMILY

MEETING TOGETHER

Once a month we go to a small city near Lisbon to preach and have the Lord's Supper with a Christian family. Our plans are

Dick & Sarah Robison

Rua Por do Sol, 29

2775 Corcavelos

Apartado 41
2777 Carcavelos

Portugal

Portugal

to possibly make this a weekly preaching point and have a church in this area yet this year. Pray with us to this end.

Telephone - 011-351-1-246-1596
FORWARDING AGENTS:

Phil & Dot Wiltshire

3284 Lancer Dr.

Powder Springs, GA 30073

404-943-4668

Non Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID
RETURN ADDRESS:

Permit No. 12

Bob Mitchell
R.R. 2

Heyworth, IL
61745

Bloomington, IL 61701

TN 37901

ADDRESS

CORRECTION

REQUESTED

iGREJA DE CRISTO EM (CRiSTA)

Apartsdo 41
2777 CARCAVELOS PORTUGAL

Portugal
246 - IWd
Si-tle !

Rua P6r Ho Sol;

PORTUGAL

29

2775 CARCAVELOS

A DIRECgXO D ICRgJ*
RICHARD ROBISOn, Pres.

ARNALDO BRAZ, Ste.

LUIS BRAZ

To Brethren Everywhere, Greetings: May the peace of God and His grace be your constant comfort as you serve Him in your specific ministry.

HISSBO

The work in Iberia, Spain and Portugal, is moving forward. God

RUA 9i I<OTE lS7f CAVE ESQO.

SERRA DAS NINAS
RIO DE KOURO JORWAL DA ICREJA 0 FAROL NENSACEIR0>KEH8AL

Bro. Bill Loft and myself have shared in this work through many
tears and hard decisions. God has been blessing us in spite of
many obstacles.

has shown His manifold wisdom in many aspects of the work here.

director-educasto crist;;
TIWfTEO THOMAS (Estudos

^08-^raduadot-EUA>Julhp

quisition of permanent, adequate and reasonably priced facili ties. Bro. Bill and Ginny have shown much wisdom in looking for the proper place to begin their work in Spain. Murcia is located in the southeastern part of Spain. It is the place the Lord has indicated. After much prayer and a lot of hard leg-work a suit
able place has been located which fits the three criteria stated

One of the most pressing needs in Spain at this time is the ac

with Bro. Loft to go ahead with the purchase as soon as the

down-payment is raised.

above: adequate, permanent, and reasonably priced house. I have personally examined the facility and am in complete agreement

Would you get behind them in this new venture for Biblical

Christianity? Bill has the experience to get the job done. He

can do the job as you well know. I feel that there is no other

neer in difficult areas of this world. Europe needs the Bibli cal gospel of our Lord. Become partners with them in their new endeavor to reach this new field of Spain. Trusting God will direct you to open your hearts and pocketbooks to make it possible to acquire this much needed facility.
In the precious name of Jesus.

couple who is willing and as capable as Bill and Ginny to pio

AS IGREJAS DE CRISTO VOS SAUDAM"i

LAMP No. 56

Romanes I6tl6

September 1987

PREVIOUSLY RENTED OFFICE BUILDING FORERUNNER OF THE NEW ALCANTARILLA CHRISTIAN CENTER
(And Mission Vehicle) Although this building was too small, too hard to find, easily broken into and rat in fested, and offered no permanency, we are thankful unto God that we found a place to begin our work for N.T.Christianity, until we learned our way around, "learned the ropes," and could find more adequate and more stra tegically located quarters!

ittiiMa

B.L.M., Inc. PROVIDED

THIS PING-PONG TABLE
This is in the converted garage of the house purchased by the Sangonera congregation and converted into a house of worship.
Table tennis and other recreation have

aided tremendously the program of estab lishing a rapport and friendship with the people and in communicating the Gospel of
Salvation.

It has helped to create an environment in which Christians can have fellowship and
activities with each other.

B.L.M., Inc. PROVIDED

MATERIALS TO CLOSE IN THIS PORCH
The people themselves did all the work. Even the women and kids helped carry the bricks from the street. The women helped paint doors and prepared food. Everyone participated. This is now a place for fellowship dinners and other social gatherings. These wonderful people love one another, help one another, and love to be together. Please pray for the Sangonera congregation.

LAMP No. 5G

i-

Septomber 1987

IGLESIA EVANGELICA DE SANGONERA LA SECA Munoz Barberan, II Tel. (968) 81 10 00 MURCIA

Arrepentios, y bauticese cada uno de

vosotros en el nombre de Jesucristo

para perdon de los pecados; y recibireis el don del Espiritu Santo.

Hechos 2:38

To the brethren of the United States of America:

From the brethren of Spain, by means of this letter, we wish to inform you that our church is a new church of only one year, with 23 members. We have the privilege of having the missionaries William Earl Loft and his wife, Virginia Sarah Loft, who are working in different ways with our church and we are trying to establish new churches in many towns of the region of Murcia where there are still no evangelical churches. Our church is independent. We are with no denomination and we appreciate very much the help that we have the collaboration of the Loft family. We love them greatly because they know how

to identify themselves with the poor people of the region of Murcia. We are praying so that God will move the hearts of many brothers in America so that they'll feel
love for the lost souls in Spain. We have freedom here now and now is the time to open new Christian churches, Christian schools, Seminaries, Christian printing and Christian centers, etc., etc. But we do not have the necessary means. We need your help.

Pray for the needs of Spain and we know that together we'll take advantage of this time of
opportunity that God gives us. Your Spanish brothers and sisters of the region of Murcia, Spain. . .
Pastor

Jose Parraga

1
Brother Parraga helps prepare a Spanish dish on a recent church outing and picnic. Some outsiders went along and were really impressed with the great joy these Christians have in being to gether!
f
A

V.V

LAMP No. 56

September 1987

ADVANTAGES OF THIS PARTICULAR PROPERTY

1. WHY DID WE NOT PURCHASE A LOT AND BUILD?

3. WHAT PLAN DO YOU HAVE FOR THE USE OF THIS BUILDING?

If enough money had not come in soon enough, we may have had to do just that. We just had to trust the Lord to take care of such a contingency. But, from what we have discerned thus far, it may well have cost more in the long run than to purchase the building being offered to us at that time. And, we would have had to continue paying rent on a residence and mission building during the time we would be delayed. And, it would have meant a longer wait before we could put into operation much of our mission program. Some lots, in a very strategic location, would cost almost as much as this house and lot. In many of the places we examined we would have been restricted to building for residence OR business, but not both on the same lot. When you take into consideration the architect, building permits, permits to hook up water and lights, and sewers, it can get quite hectic. It is not unusual to have a delay of more than a year to obtain a permit to build and another two years to get an in spection for occupancy. Many people don't wait that long, though. They just move in (and connect up to a neighbor's water and lights) and pay a monthly fee to the government which would be about equal to rent. It is legal to do it this way, and is just another way for the local government to take in more money. But, you can't make any changes in anything until after the inspec tion by a team from city hall. We were advised to buy something already built and legalized if we could possibly do so. Some ready-built places would not serve our purposes and we just may have had to go the route just explained. But, one piece of property, already built and legalized, in a very strategic location, came to our attention and has now been purchased, on which a $20,000 short-term loan for down payment must be paid very soon.

(a) Residency for Ginny and Bill Loft, directors, and

one or two guest rooms.

(b) Christian Worship Center and Bible study

classes.

(c) Christian Literature Centerfor preparation of suitable Bible study and evangelistic literature, trans lation work, composition and lay-out, and storage and
distribution center of N.T. literature. Bibles, New Testaments, etc.

(d) Christian Youth Center for reaching area young people. This will include Bible dramas, plays, movies,
social events and recreation in a Christian environ

ment; possibly a Christian coffee shop and rehabilita

tion program.
(e) Christian Audio-Visuals Center, studio for re cording radio programs, video tapes and cassettes for a special ministry, editorial office, photo darkroom,
etc.

(f) Christian Education Center, for training church leaders, possibly an adult literacy program, possibly a manual arts program, and a good library for the Bible
Institute.

(g) Christian Social and Benevolent Center to meet

various humanitarian needs.

(h) Christian Counselling Center, to meet spiritual

needs.

4. DOES THE LOCATION OFFER ANY SPECIAL

ADVANTAGES?

2. WHAT IS BUILDING?

THE

FLOOR

SPACE

OF THE

There are approximately 545 square meters (5,653 sq. feet) of covered floor space on all three levels, but not counting the entire tiled roof terrace, porch, ground-level terraces, balconies, and flower garden. See the attached floor plans for the arrangement of the
different levels.
LAMP No. 56
7

It is in Alcantarilla, a very populated and growing Murcia suburb; next to two large schools; one block from the open-air street market which occupies a dozen or more blocks every Wednesday and hundreds of people pass by this house going and coming; within walking distance of the business district of the city and the bus lines and train station; within walking distance of the famous irrigation water wheel and museum of the "huertas" (gardens), the name by which this fruit growing region is known; accessible to the people from all over the Murcia area and close enough to the Sangonera church to facilitate close cooperation; only one small non-Catholic church in Alcantarilla.
September 1987

PAYMENT PLAN

l.THE FULL PRICE IS ABOUT$80,000.00. That, to us, is a mountain too big to tackle. But it can be removed by faithyours and ours. That which is im possible for us is possible for God. If the dollar had not

4. HOW MUCH DOWN PAYMENT?

The bank

become so cheap to entice other countries to import from the USA, we could have purchased this property for much less. Still, it is a real bargain.

2. THE

PRICE

IS

RIGHT.

This

is

well

constructed building. It is a nice modern building and not something our churches would be ashamed of, nor would the people here be ashamed to enter it. And, the
local church here would not be ashamed to let it be

said they would finance up to 70%of the value, but that would make our monthly payments too high. This will be on a 10 year mortgage plan. In order to make the monthly payments fit into our budget and be just a bit more than we had calculated for rent, we had to raise at least 50% of the total price, or $40,000.00, $20,000.00 of which the Mission borrowed, to give us a little more time. That will make our monthly payments come to $640.00. In 10 years the property will be completely paid for. Before coming to Spain I was informed that just a 3 bedroom residence in a decent part of the city of Madrid would cost around $800 a month. After moving to Spain and looking around, I can well believe it. This is part of the reason we did not locate in
Madrid. Since 1985 the dollar has been devalued and

prices have shot up. We could not rent in the city of

Murcia itself, a building as large, as well constructed

known that they were a part of the same program. It is 8 years old and built back when such building was not so expensive. One reason for the bargain.

and as well located as this one for less than $1,000 a month and perhaps a good bit more.

5. WHAT ARE OUR PLANS TO COVER THE

DOWN PAYMENT?

3. WHY IS THIS HOUSE PRICED BELOW THE

MARKET VALUE? The owners raised a big family and all the kids, except for one daughter, have married and moved away. It is much too big for them to do all the housework. The man is ill, had an operation on his throat and they cut out his vocal chords. He now has to write out all he wants to say. They want to get a smaller apartment near his work and hospital. These folks study their Bibles daily, are no longer Catholics, and would like to put the property into the hands of
someone who will use it for Christian work.

(a) We would like to find ten churches willing to guarantee $2,000 each to repay the loan obtained by
the Mission here in the USA. We understand that some churches cannot make such a commitment until

they make up their new missionary budget, but maybe

some members of the Missions Committee or church

elders would be willing to step out on faith with us in

this endeavor until at least some of this can be included

in the new budget. The other half of the down payment

has already been received in contributions! (b) If no ten churches feel that they can commit themselves to that much at this time, let them do whatever they can do, and that which they feel is the Lord's will in the matter, with the realization that this is a highly important matter for the future of N.T. work in Spain. (c) We will continue to make a strong effort to raise all the money still needed to pay off the loan balance within two years. We just did not have the time to wait for responses to our appeal for the full down payment. The need for immediate action was urgent. (d) We will continue to pray, and trust in the Lord for results. We do want to give all our brethren an opportunity to participate in setting up a permanent "base of operations" in Spain!
-8-

A lady in the Sangonera church knows these people

well and knows of our dreams for a Christian Center. When she learned that the house would be sold she told

them about our plans. They believe, as we do, that the Lord brought us together at this time. They said they would wait three months before advertising it. There aren't very many "Evangelicals" in this part of Spain, and we are hoping that we will be able to raise the $20,000.00 which the Mission borrowed in the USA to complete the down payment before it comes due! We had to take action very quickly in order to latch on to this deal. Otherwise we may have had to build. We are very happy to be spared all the headaches this would
have entailed.

lamp No. 56

September 1987

>

S
T)

ALL STEEL-REINFORCED CONCRETE AND BRICK STRUCTURE!

Total of 545.50 sq. meters = 5,653.6 sq. ft. of covered floor space not counting porch, balconies, ground-level terraces,
roof terrace and flower garden!

2:
o

PLANTA BAJA
First Floor

PLANTA ALTA
Second Floor

PLANTA SOTANO
Basement

/
/
9.60

n.70

/ I3.5m=^ 'S
2.95

I
106 m2
166m2
in
o

/
o

Large basement not divided into rooms. May be divided as needs develop!

tr" O O

PS
200fn2.
CCochero )
rn Q

g
o

A.60
Balcon
o
N

cc

Bo Icon

Jardin
23 m2
3S0

|
1
1

Porch

36 m2
2^0

500

I-

5.30
13.20

1.10

9.90

This building is so constructed that another floor could

w
(0

is approximate!) (Actually, 1 sq. meter is 10.50square

feet plus another 9 inches!)
The roof is a poured steel-reinforced concrete slab

be added later, if this were ever desired.

fS" 3
c*
n

All measurements are given in meters! Calculate 3.25

(3'X) feet per meter, or 3 ft. 3 inches or 39 inches per meter!

00

covered with red tile. The stairway to the roof terrace is

covered and the door is reinforced and lockable.

Calculate 10.50 (lO^j)square feet per square meter. (That

SANGONERA "BIBLE CLUB" ATTRACTS YOUNGSTERS

f
games.

A FEW OF THE BIBLE CLUB MEMBERS

Just show these kids a Bible picture and they can tell you the whole story. They enjoy "Parables From Nature" film strips, building model tabernacles, singing and competing in Bible
We will soon start "Bible Bowl Contests."

-I

Bring your friends!

kf f
I/r
Study God's Word!

Have a sense of "Belonging!"

Pi
Play together!

'No, little brother, you are too young!"

"We have small children who want to participate, too! So we have to plan special things for them." "Let the little children come unto Me,
and hinder them not." Jesus said.

LAMP No. 56

-10-

September 1987

LL

Terrace

. 2.95
Resti Rooms
- 4.60

Kitchen

Formerly
this was a sandwich

shop for
school kids

Livmg
Room

Dining
Literature Center
or

Room

Medical Clinic
or

Christian Coffee

Shop
4.70

Terrace
Entrance
to

/Basement

MAIN FLOOR PLAN

How many square meters will you, your class, your group oryour church pay for? Get in on this first great inititive of the N.T. church in Spain! Step out on faith! Give cheerfully!
LAMP No. 56 _11_
September 1987

c* J

uu 1-|

f,

"^OTOSm.

Hi
SANGONERA La SECA CONGREGATION PURCHASES A HOUSE FOR WORSHIP AND BIBLE
SCHOOL!
With no commitment from B.L.M., Inc., this small congregation stepped out on

faith to obtain this property. They now have a $50,000.00 mortgage to pay off. They mortgaged their personal properties because they had no money for a down payment.
That is FAITH!

Bill and Ginny Loft

Bill and Ginny Loft on the steps of the
Immigration Police building in Murcia,

imm
N

Spain. They hold in their hands their

official "Authorization of Residence."

After a lot of red tape, delays, run-arounds, and additional documents at every

turn, the official residence papers finally

arrived!

Devotion time at recent church picnic!

Two school buildings across a side street from new Christian Center! The Lofts have always worked with children

and young people, the future of the church. They hope to reach many of these youngsters with the Gospel!
LAMP No. 56 -12September 1987

WHEN ROLLS AROUND, WHAT WILL BE THE STATUS OF NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY IN SPAIN? WILL YOU BE ABLE TO TELL THE LORD
THAT YOU DID YOUR SHARE ALL THAT YOU HONESTLY COULD?

Open to the Terrace

on the floor below!
Beciroom for

Interns

or

Photo Dark Room & Li

brary.

torraco

Hill's office, Administration, Kclitinp Dept.

Slides/Video

Omny s
Christian

Ed. Dept.
and

Film Librar.s Tape Library Rccordinjr Studio

Bedroom foi

Duplicating Room

Missionary
Interns

Down

Hall

Master Bedroom
(lUest

Bed room

Library and
Classroom

Balconv

Balcony

UPSTAIRS FLOOR PLAN

$1,200.00 will pay for 8 square meters of floor space! 600.00 will pay for 4 square meters of floor space!
300.00 will pay for 2 square meters of floor space!

150.00 will pay for 1square meter of floor space!

This does not have to be given in one lump sum. You decide howyou want to give it.! You do not have to pay for exact meters! Any odd amounts are welcome! But,please tell us how much you will
try to give, with the Lord's help, and over how many months!
LAMP No. o6 V.i September 1987

AN URGENT APPEAL

Dear Fellow Christians:

This is a now or never situation! We earnestly desire

to see N.T. Christianity planted firmly in Spain. We now have the greatest opportunity to do this, and if we don't do it NOW, we may never have such a golden opportunity again. 1992 A.D. is just 4 years and 4 months away. By then the pagan traditionalism of an apostate church hopes to regain its lost power, prestige
and control over Iberia and the Americas.

ion. . .Then we had a reception afterward, , .1 came home to get some of your "maracuja" (a Brazilian fruit flavored drink I [Bill] love so well and had purchased in Portugal) because we had so many peopleand all our glasses as well.. .It was a magnificent day and by 10:30 p.m. I was beat, as were Carmen (preacher's
wife) and Gloria.
"I was so tired that Israel drove for me to take some

We have other plans! We desire to see N.T. Chris tianity deeply rooted in Spanish soil. When Spain is celebrating and receiving visitors from all over the
world, what will be the status of N.T. Christianity

there? It is in your power to do something about it. You hold the keys to unlock the doors of spiritual dark ness to let the Gospel light shine in! 1992 A.D. has been designated "The Year of Spain." 1992 A.D. - the Fifth Century of America's discovery
by Columbus. 1992 A.D, - World's Fair at Seville, Spain,

of the folk home.. .Everyone was feeling on top of the world and Juanco kept saying, 'Oh, sweet victory' each time someone was baptized. "I was really impressed with Maria Dolores, Antonio, and Manolo Saturday evening at the Bible Club. They all prayed for you and your trip, but these

three kids prayed especially for the Christian Center

in Alcantarilla where the young people could have a

place to meet and play and study. We are all praying!

Give everyone my love."
Love, Ginny

1992 A.D. - Olympic Games at Barcelona, Spain. 1992 A.D. - the year the Apostate Church hopes to re conquer Iberia and Latin America! 1992 A.D. - just 414 years away! Let us go forth in
faith!

I received this letter from Ginny; "Since you left,

people have been here or I've been invited out continually.. .Wednesday, Samuel, Maria Gloria and I worked on the youth paper. . .Thursday, Pepe and Santi came and spent the day.. .Friday, Samuel and
Maria Gloria were at the office and we finished the

youth bulletin. . .1 cooked spaghetti for the people working at the church. . .we painted and cleaned the church building.. .Saturday morning I got ready for
the Bible Club.. .visited Gloria (Recio), had a Spanish lesson, and then went to church.. .Sunday morningBible School, afternoon finished up the Bible Club
I.D. cards. . .the kids loved them and were showing

Faith is the victory that overcomes the world! The obtaining of this property is a great victory for New Testament Christianity in Spain. Now, it has to be paid for. You can still get in on this initial outreach in this great land. Please step out on faith with us! You can help by paying for one or more square meters of floor space at $150.00 per meter. A self-addressed envelope has been enclosed
herewith for your convenience. Why not tell your

friends about this? Why not form a "club" and pool your efforts? It is so very important that we hear from you right away. We urgently need $20,000.00 to pay
off this short-term loan which has been extended to us

them to everyone. . .at 6:00 p.m.6 baptisms. . .Augustin and Maria Africa (the folk selling us the house for Christian Center) called Gloria, and I went and got them for the service.. .there were really a lot of people there. . .Brother Parraga preached for an hour on baptism. . .and then another hour on the commun ion. . .can't really say which sermon was the best, but
no one was left in doubt about baptism and communLAMP No. 56
-14-

to cover the down payment on this property. Please pray that others will also respond to this appeal.
Yours in Christian love.

William E. Loft

September 1987

FACTS WORTH CONSIDERING

1. For several centuries Iberia (Spain and Portugal) knew primitive Christianity as the many "immersionist" baptistries and ruins of many ancient church buildings well testify. 8. But, the Evangelicals are badly divided and are

fiercely competitive over the few who are fed up with

Romanism, yet do not accept the doctrines of atheism.

There seems to be a lot of infighting, and in some cases,

con-men and those with little or no training, or, worse yet, those who hold some wild and far-out doctrines, who often worm their way into some of the very few
Evangelical churches which do exist.

2. At the same time there existed a number of pagan religions and the ruins of their temples still exist.

9. Even missionaries have failed to impress the

3. A form of Catholicism reached the Peninsula around 500-600 A.D. The authoritarian Roman

Spanish people. Some claim that they are lazy, un

interested in the people, have no real love for them, prefer to settle down in coastal resort areas, or that

Catholic Church began to make its appearance in Spain around 1025 A.D. and in Portugal around 1085
A.D. during the Moorish occupation of the Peninsula. The Moorish occupation was strongest in the south.

they just don't know how to communicate the gospel

across cultural barriers, and for one reason or the

other, fail to become a part of the Spanish culture! Far

too many are known as turnstile missionaries who

buzz in and buzz off, here today and gone tomorrow. 4. Finally the Roman Catholics pushed the Moors out and back into North Africa. Then they instituted the

10. Our brotherhood has sent 4 families to Spain. The

one who stayed the longest worked under an interde

horrible Inquisition through church tribunals. They

burned alive Jews, Moslems and heretics and took over

their lands, animals and vassals (slaves). It is recorded that the stench of burning human flesh filled the land.

Some so-called heretics were pulled apart in public

executions.

nominational mission. For one reason or the other, all departed without establishing a permanent work. One has continued a ministry in the USA and another is now a missionary in Uruguay. These young, dedicated and highly motivated missionaries had two strikes against them before they even got up to bat.
The country was under a harsh Roman Catholic

5. By force and fear all the people who remained

became "good" Roman Catholics and this remained the greatest stronghold of solid Romanism until less

dictator, and all were without previous missionary ex perience. They began too soon after graduation from
Bible college and were in deep, turbulent waters with
out even knowing how to swim.

than 15years ago, when the present generation started

turning away from religion to atheism, socialism and

communism, in great numbers, especially among the

educated class.

11. Now, after a time of complete openness to every religion, the government is beginning to put more restriction on missionaries seeking permanent residence in Spain. From the experience they have had with foreign missionaries, we can hardly blame them for becoming more selective. We hope this will help to keep out those who will give us all a bad name.
The mayor of a small suburban town told us that the

6. Following the death of dictator Franco, the Socialists came to power in Spain and a new
constitution was adopted which allowed freedom of religion and speech, but entrenched Romanism still

retains control over the vast majority of the people.

Roman Church does not have the answer for Spain's needs. Now, they are waiting to see if "Evangelical" Christianity is the answer. He said he wouldgive us permission to show a good Christian film in a public
park if we so desire. The problem is that we have no projector, no large outdoor screen and no Christian
films.

7. Even so, many people are just now becoming

courageous enough to test their new-found freedom of

religion and thought. They are now finding a "breath of freedom," and many Evangelical groups have al
ready "set up shop" in Spain.
LAMP No. 56 -15-

12. Our 35 years of missionary experience make us believe that right now is the best time in more than 1000 years to evangelize Spain. It may be our last
great opportunity.
September 1987

OPERATION SPAIN UPDATE

by William E. Loft, Sr.

1985: Survey of Spain made in March and April. Also also purchased a filmstrip projector and small screen and a slide evangelism in Portugral. Resigned as president of El Paso viewer. The Lord has really blessed us in so many ways. We still
School of Missions: made plans to open a new work in Spain: obtained new passports and documents, and packed [)ersonal and mission effects: transferred many items to other missionaires and Mexican preachers. We sold our house and
of them in the near future, but we are so grateful to those who

need a number of items and we expect to be able to obtain some

support this work and thankful unto the Lord.

We've started a Bible Club for the kids, work with the young

moved to Memphis. Tennessee, and began in earnest U) raise

funds for the move.

people and help them produce a monthly paper. Twice a month

we have a church social at our house after the evening service.

1986: Continued promotinK Operation Spain; obtained more

documents: made arrangements for shipping; settled all private affairs in USA and departed for Iberia in April; started the process to live in Spain; relieved the Robisons forafew months (mini-furlough); reiited two small houses, one for residence and one for mission: rented a P.O. box: purchased a mini-car: had a

telephone installed; replaccfi most furniture, appliances and

some mission equipment; had our container shipped from

We are preparing Bible correspondence courses, making plans for a leadership training program, a radio program, orientation progi'am for new missionaries and a missionary small congregation which had purchased a $50,000.00 housein internship program, social and benevolent program, a oiir area one or two weeks before our arrival. But we did not Christian Service Cam)), helps for unwed mothers, and possibly discover this group until about three weeks after renting our a home for orphaned and abandoned children, and, someday, a house in the same area. These brethren have really stepped out home for the elderly (they say, "in the third age";. We would like no difficulty in getting them to observe the Lord's Supper every
Lord's Day. We believe that the liOrd directed ua to Murcia and to this

Memphis: cleared customs:discovereda small congregation we could work with. They are a Bible-believing group and we had

Ginny has a women's meetingevery Monday afternoon and this is beginning to bring in women who have never attended any non-Catholic religious programs. One lady who was the most outspoken against anything non-Catholic is now about ready to accept the L<)rd. Several of them are concerned that their church says one thing and the Bible just the opposite. Ginny is helping Bible school teachers with teaching materials and {jointers. I preach quite often and do a lot of informal teaching
with the men.

on faith to accept such a financial obligation. Wehave been able to help finance a bit {)f remodeling and to obtain some equip ment, but we have no obligations for paying for the building. They are lOO'.'i behind us in obtaining property for the Christian Center as a base of operations, and have proniised to cooperate with us in developing the programs we have envisioned. 1987: We are probably the last missionaries to get residency permits without coming in under an officially regi.stered
church, and that wa.s the greatdifficulty and alotof negotiating and maneuvering. Received a $1200 refund from our deposit with the Customs House, the bank finally located $2000 which

to .see ciiurches established in a number of the fi4 "'pueblas"

surrounding the city of Murcia. expand to other cities and towns in the Murcia Province and eventually to places all over Spain.
We have discovered that it will be extremely difficult to

they had lost in transit, and extra contributions from our RackUp Team made it possible for us to purchase a Xerox type writer and copier/printer, and a two month supply of paper. We

purchase property in the heart of Murcia. After discussing this with the i)reacher and some of the leaders of the Sangonera church, it was decided that it would probably be better to go ahead and work on the "pueblas" in the Murcia municipal area first, and then when there are several strong churches, all go together and purchase property in the heart of Murcia itself. These people have already shown that they are willing to do their part to push Bible Christianity. But, we and they are in agreement that we urgently need a permanent base of operations fr()m which to launch such a program.

V.
BII.I. I.OFT MISi^lONS, i K C . .

BillumKliiinv Ufl. Missioiiaries, .Ap!iriaiio(>7y. .\ltircia,-Spain.(T'n;Pll-:i-l-68'-'()-7t;S2t,

Ploastvdeyijjnativiiifts

aijTihaiidiU ^upp-irt urH.L.uNL, liu-., c o>l;u:(;ullaZcriw. Fiiiunar

LAMP'is iiublisliwi liy Inc. William F;-.

jVlrisliifyinrare wl^ll awa^ro iifllu> ('S;U'TisK:<:Miussioii prcrKMnulUiil! aiidtlimiv! Ivayi/hvai rrta'iiUxi i)y

supiTori ni,is>innari<-.s yca ih.'ir u.ial iiicomf for l'i'vinj.':''-^P''nsos and ail niissionat'y cndcavofs is k-sMlian ntiisiniiiiisttirs an; riM-t'ivinKa;- ^^alai'y and other IjenL-fits. Bill
. irauk rocurd" is well o.-itablishod. Hui. they arc limited inmurcach beca(i;-ii'c)f liir.ili.'d ' ' , ' . - ' "liack liiirtR'r" waiting for\i.iur response'ti.itlie nct-i.i?l Srv.-rai i>uu'oaf!i,pri vrramsare nowon iho ' . ' .

-i"-Mission'Si.Tv-it;<!S
"i/O'fSox ii.i:i7

i\iius:vil!o/l'N
. i'K""

Address Correction Recjiie.stod

VOLUME VI

OCTOBER, 1987

NUMBERS

SUMMER CAMP PORTUGAL 1987

Five young people from our churches, tour of whom had never been
to camp, attended summer camp this year. Orlando Nascimento, a re

cent addition to our personnel, had organized the camp time and had set
it all in motion last March. A total of 60 young people were in atten
dance. Our kids returned with a real desire to be more active in the

Lord's work. We hope that next year more young people will go and have
the experience of Christian camping.

1. Renewed Youth meetings 2. Recent baptisms

3. Additional workers

1. Wisdom for future plans

2. For servant's hearts here

3. Quick, safe arrival of

4. Summer Camp
5. God's faithfulness

Thomas family 4. Additional monthly support

for PCM

6. Tapes from US churches

7. Good, honest ropeholders

8. Recent visitors

9. Our earthly family 10. Our extended family IT. Dick & Sarah's 36th wedding
anniversary

5. Robert Fife & family on state side trip 6. Open, receptive hearts 7. Printing funds for translated
material

8. Daily renewal

PLANTING, WATERING,
INCREASING
As you know, these three steps
take time and in God's timetable he

YOUTH MEETINGS
Youth meetings have started again on Saturday evenings under the leadership of Orlando Nascimento

and Luis Braz. Interest is very high

and God is operating in the lives of
the youth and families. To reach Por tugal, the youth must be reached.

brings forth the fruit. Manuel Basilio

was buried with Jesus as his Lord and

Saviour in July. His wife and several children had preceeded him with this

Outreach into the community is in

decision. We are glad to see a family united in Jesus Christ. Keep Manuel
in your prayers that he will continue to
be faithful.

future plans as well as singing

witnessing in groups. Pray for two young girls, age 18, who have been

forbidden to come to the church. Pray for the parents to have a change of
heart and be converted.

PCM BOARD MEMBER

VISITS THE FIELD
Carlos Fields, PCM Board member

NEW WORKER

and Evangelist for the Smoky Moun

tain Men's Fellov/ship, visited Por tugal in July and shared with us from Ephesians. Both congregations were

blessed and there were two baptisms.

It was really great to hear some

preaching

in Tennessee

English!

Carlos endeared himself to our members, co-workers and visitors.

Orlando Pereira do Nascimento,

a Brazilian evangelist, began working

with our churches in Portugal on September 1st. He is from our church in Taguatinga, Brasilia. Pray to the
Lord of the Harvest for more laborers and thank Him for this answer to

Thank you Carlos and may God bless

you in your new work in Louisville,

TN. Thank you Carol for sharing him with us during this time.

prayer.

This does mean that addi

Several have

tional monthly support needs to be

SEU SANTD

secured for Orlando.

responded favorably and for this we praise God and thank you.

Just OS Carlos and Marcos Braz

ore "On the Road Again", we are anx iously awaiting word that the Tim Thomas family will be arriving in December and the Robert Fife family
in March.

BIBLES TO

MOZAMBIQUE
Twenty-two boxes of Bibles
have been sent to our brethren

in Mozambique thus far. We ore waiting for positive confirmation before sending more boxes. Ask God to open the doors for
these Bibles to enter into Nor

thern Mozambique.

Dick & Sarah Robison

Rua Por do Sol, 29

2775 Carcovelos

Aportado 41
2777 Carcovelos

Portugal

Portugal

Telephone - Oil-351 -1-246-1596

FORWARDING AGENTS:

Phil & Dot Wiltshire

3284 Lancer Dr.

Powder Springs, GA 30073

404-943-4668

Non Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID
RETURN ADDRESS:

Permit No. 12

Bob Mitchell
R.R. 2

Heyworth, IL
61745

Bloomington, IL 61701
Mission Services PO Box 2427

Knoxvllle ,

TN 37901

ADDRESS

CORRECTION

REQUESTED