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February, 1964

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Excerpts from Letters written by our Missionaries:
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Courtney, Private/Bag 9170,
Fort Victoria, Southern Rhodesia, Africa
Published By:
The Christian Church
1079 S.W. Allen Ave.
Beaverton, Oregon
Forwarding Agents:
Mr, & Mrs. Merle Schroeder
10975 S.W. Walnut Ave.
Portland 2 3, Oregon
Fran writes on November 1 3, 1 9 63:
Man, this is living! Not many women can stand at their kitchen sink, eat
homemade cookies, drink coffee and watch Nebraska go by.
Tom writes on November 21:
It is now Thursday morning and perhaps at last we are almost ready to
ship. The truck is a real oddity here. New Yorkers who are usually blase a-
bout everything, surround the truck where ever it stops and just stare. I'm
sure we will not attract this much attention in Africa. I sure appreciate that
big bumper on the front of the truck. It puts us in good stead for the "tank"
type of driving here.. .The children were thrilled with Washington D.C, To
see our nations early history has, I am sure, given them a new appreciation of
the land they are leaving.. .We have not had much time to go sightseeing in
New York. It has taken so much time to get the (truck) wheel and shipping
and custom matters cared for.
Tom writes on November 28:
It is now 6:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving evening. Because this is an English
boat, there has been no recognition of Thanksgiving but we are very thankful
in our hearts for all God has done for us. The trip across the Atlantic has had
both its good and bad moments. The first few days were quite nice and then
came the gale. Fran and Pam took on the usual green look. While I did not
become ill, I found it nearly impossible to sleep with the bunk rotating in an
elliptical 360 degrees. Today the sun is out and the sea moderate. We are
enjoying ourselves again. We will be at Le Havre in the early hours tomorrow.
Breakfast will be at 6:00 a.m. - then customs.
Tom writes on December 1:
This morning we were able to find a small Church of Christ work of the
non-instrument group. They had three American preachers or missionaries
present and their families and a total attendance of 35, ourselves and a visit
ing couple from Baltimore included. The service was in French, but the fel
lowship of kindred faith was wonderful.. .After the service the preacher who
lived in the rooms over the meeting room invited us to stay to dinner with
them. Our first American meal since we left the States and it was ver^' good..
..It is now 9:00 o'clock Sunday evening here in Paris. This is a city that is
difficult to describe. Five million people. It is nearly impossible to des-^
cribe the driving. However, it resembles the Indianapolis Speedway with all
the vehicles manned by mental patients. They almost all drive the small cars,
but they have no lanes either marked or understood. The real sport seems to
be howclose you can come to your opponent without hitting him. To play the
2.
game you must use your hom frequently and flash your headlights often. At
night it is against the law to drive with your headlights on so all the cars
drive with only their parking lights, unless you see a pedestrian or come to a
blind intersection, then it is legal to flash your headlights on and off. A kind
of signal for a fair collision.. .Things are expensive here. Paris is a very old
city and our hotel was one of the first ones built I think... Our experience here
has been very good preparation for the mission field. It is frustrating to say
the least to not be able to communicate.. .Every day, I become more convinced
that we must do more than we are presently doing in the U.S.A. to send more
evangelists into "all the world". Everyone, it seems, should have an oppor
tunity to hear the gospel at least once.
Tom writes on December 12:
Today we are in Belgium visiting with the Don Casteliens. Don is a native
of Belgiumthat was converted as a result of a contact with an American soldier
during World War II. The correspondence that followed after the war led Don
to an understanding of the New Testament position. He went to Johnson Bible
College in Tennessee, studied for the ministry and came back to Belgium to
work in a town called Genk (pronounced Hank). Without question, he is doing
the best work of any we have seen in Europe. They have a little church house
and about 50 people meeting regularly. Frances and I were overcome by their
extreme poverty and yet their gracious hospitality. They insisted that we eat
with them - a piece of bread and a cup of tea. I told Fran that the people in
America would never believe how so many of these people live. Oh, but how
th_Spirit of _God is working here. They would have given us all that they had
because Jesus would havedone the same. This has been a humbling experience
for our entire family.. .By the way, tell your children not to complain about
the amount of homework they have. Here in Belgium, the young people who
are in their 11th year of school are taking (7) seven languages, Latin, Greek,
German, English, Flemish, Netherlands and French, plus trig, history, liter
ature, etc. They go to class in the morning and come home and study all aft
ernoon and evening. Pam and Mike have suddenly stopped complaining, lest
we send them to school here,. .Close to here, Fran cut her hand badly while
cutting a chocolate bar. It took 5 stitches to close it. We found an American
Army base nearby, who cared for her hand. I have taken the stitches out but
her hand is still very sore., .It has been very cold here but we expected it in
the wintertime. Fran has not been warm since we left Oregon. She will appre
ciate Africa.. .Pray for us, especially at Christmas time. It will be so differ
ent for the children. They have been wonderful. Have seldom eaten with reg
ularity, most of the time in Europe we had bread and tea for breakfast and hard
bread and bologne for mid afternoon lunch and for supper. Then perhaps an
orange. They have never complained. We have slept often in small rooms
with only three single beds. Again they just do not complain. God has been
good to give us such wonderful children. They do miss their dog.. .We rented
a Uttle Renault in Paris, $98 for 19 days plus gas and no additional mileage
charges. This was a good deal for us because we were able to travel 1,800
miles through France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Holland and back to
France. Of course, we lived on the European standards, which is a good bit
lower than our standards in America. Sure got tired of the long, hard loaves
of bread and sausage. But one can always eat and seldom get to see things
like this.
3.
Tom writes on December 17:
It seems like we have been gone for years. We are enjoying the trip but
feel at times like a man without a country. I think our trip through Europe has
helped us already to re-evaluate our lives. We were not aware, really, how
our cultxire traps us in Its own ways. We so often confuse culture with Chris
tianity ,
Tom writes on December 18:
Then back to Calais, France where we left our little car and caught the
ferry for Dover. A train brought us quickly to London. We have enjoyed many
things in the city here. Once again it has been a great source of education
for the children. Today I took them to the House of Commons, where they were
able to see the House of Lords In session. Pam almost giggled at the wigs
worn by the Lords there. Also saw Westminister Abbey, scene of the corona
tions and so much history. When we were at St. Pauls Cathedral, we were
interviewed for some overseas broadcast. St. Pauls is really beautiful and
when they asked Pam what she thought of It, she replied In her good Ameri-
canese, "Oh, I think it's neat". Well at least she didn't say "cool". We
leave in the morning for Southhampton where we will catch our boat.
Tom writes on December 19:
We are so happy to be on the ship because It means that we are that much
closer to our destination. Thanks be to God for His provident care over us
thus far.. .We heard Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones last Sunday. He preached for 50
minutes on John 1:12 and It seemed like 10,. .It may sound strange to you, but
If I were to again preach in the States I think I would spend less and less time
on administration and more and more time on the word and witnessing,
Tom writes on December 21:
When we left Southhampton there were no tears as there were In NewYork,
We were so glad to be on our way again. Today we are somewheres off the
coast of Portugual.. .Our trip through Europe was worth several years In the
class room for the children. It was so easy to study their history lessons
there. We adapted our studies from the Reformation through the Second World
War when they visited the concentration camp at Dachu, Germany. The old
cathedrals In Europe were beautiful, got some new Ideas for the next building
program.
Fran writes on December 21;
Greetings In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Well, here we are rocking
and rolling again. At least Pam and I haven't turned green as yet. The sea Is
much smoother this time. It was a much happier feeling to get aboard the ship
this time even knowing It was going to take us farther away from our many
loved ones. This voyage Is taking us closer to our destination and the work
that God is sending us to do.
Tom writes on December 22:
Today we are about 275 miles north of the Canary Islands.. .The weather
Is moderating, becoming much warmer. After church we went for a walk around
the deck with just our suit coats on.. .At breakfast today, however, the swells
were quite heavy. The dishes slid off two of the tables, even with the side
4.
boards on, and one woman next to us fell over backwards in her chair when the
ship heeled a bit. (No sense of balance I guess). We are told that we will
be entering sub-tropical weather tomorrow and that it will continue warm to
Cape Town. This will be a welcome relief to Fran who has been colder for
longer than 1 can remember,
Tom writes on December 27:
We crossed the equator this morning at 10:03. We had the usual ceremony
of King Neptunes Court, with the mock trials, like the Kangaroo Courts we
have in our summer youth camps. The victim, anyone who has not crossed the
equator before, is always guilty and ends up in the swimming pool.
Tom writes on December 31:
It is Tuesday morning and our excitement increases as we come nearer to
our destination. We are only about 750 miles from Cape Town this noon, and
after all the miles thus far, it seems that we are practically there. It has
been a good trip, giving us discomfort at times, but always educational and
sometimes inspirational. The experience to this point has made a great con
tribution to my ministry and I am thankful to God for it. I think above all other
things, it has helped me to sift out the meaning of the New Testament Church
from our western culture. I was amazed to discover how much our culture has
shaped the church and how little our church has influenced the culture of which
we are a part.. .We have been able to talk to a number of folk from Rhodesia
on the ship. They have certainly given us some new Insights to some of the
proElenis we will be facing. A Federal Rhodesian police officer, who has lived
there for 14 years, and knows the area into which we are going, told us things
that amazed us. He also has given us many warnings about what to and not
to do. In fact both he and his wife seem worried about us going out into the
bush by ourselves. They have been valuable companions on the trip.
Fran writes on January 3, 1 9 6 4:
We had little trouble clearing immigration and customs yesterday with our
personal effects, but it was a holiday and Tom was not able to get the truck
and camper. He said it looked O.K. on the outside but some little black ants
were taking up housekeeping in the camper.. .Tom and Mike went this morning
to clear customs for the truck. Pam and I are waiting anxiously to see our
little home again - it might take all day. The ship that is carrying our barrels
and crates is supposed to arrive today.. .Christmas was much different for us
on the ship, but our delight was when we opened the Christmas card box from
the congregation. I hope they do it again next Christmas, The celebration on
the ship was very spirited, liquid that is, and so was New Years. Our own
devotional time meant more to us than the Divine Services conducted on the
ship by the captain who believed in nothing.. ,We do jolly so appreciate the
letters - keep it up.
Tom writes on January 3:
This hurried letter to tell you we arrived safely, January 2, but have been
in a dither since then. I have been working 8 hours a day trying to clear
customs. With the offices closed on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, we
cared for all we could and have headed north. This is my first break.. .The
truck arrived in reasonable good shape with no great damage. A little paint
5.
here and there, but we felt fortunate nothing more. They failed to disconnect
the batteries In New York so we had the problem of charging up both batteries
before we could move the truck...Have had about $100.00 cost here in dock
fees, insurance, handling fees, etc...We have started on our Malarial pills
today. Have seen a hippo and some elephants thus far.. .What a blessing this
camper is. At least we feel at home wherever we are. The truck is running
very well and the air-conditioner is our greatest blessing so far. We estimate
Beit Bridge (Rhodesian customs) Friday morning. Road conditions here are not
exactly freeway style.
Tom writes on January 14;
Just a very hurried note while I am in Fort Victoria. We have arrived and
things are just plain rough. I have hurried into town to get some supplies and
must get back before dark. We are staying at Mashoko temporarily.. .The
weather is very hot 100 degrees plus.. .Fran and I have felt so close to God
and so in need of Him since we have been in Africa. We had a wonderful
prayer meeting together last night.. .Do pray for us and give folks our regards
and address.. .Just called Bulawayo - will have to go over there to settle the
customs - the agent felt I could save some money.. .Keep Africa Greensend
money
Tom writes on January 21;
I have left Fran and the children at Mashoko, temporarily, until I can care
for some matters in the Nuanetsi. Next week I must meet with every headman
in their own Krall and then have a joint meeting with the headmen and the
chief. I am sure all things will work out, but it will take more time that I had
anticipated. Also, I must devise a water filtration and purification system
before I move the family in. There is an adequate supply of water in the dam
nearby, but its a little scummy and loaded with Bilharsia. I wish it were pos
sible to have a well drilled. I shall check on the possibilities soon. Also,
before I can even build a store room for our things, I must survey the mission
site, plus an airstrip 100 yds. by 1800 yds. All of this, of course, must be
located with consideration of water, prevailing winds for the airstrip, eleva
tion for the house (for a bit of breeze), drainage for the summer cloudbursts,
shade if possible for the house, freedom from fly and mosquito as much as
possible, etc. The other day I climbed a rock koppi, a large solid granite
mountain, perhaps 500 ft. above the terrain to try to get some perspective.
Everything on the level ground was covered with small trees and thorn bushes
as far as I could see. The trees are hardwood, average some 6 inches in di
ameter and are from 8 to 20 feet high. This means that I must cut the airstrip
out by hand, a mile long and 100 yards wide. What I wouldn't give for a bull
dozer. ..It is difficult to explain the remoteness of this area. After we left
the main road we drove for 40 miles through a large European ranch, where no
one lived, neither European or African. The next 30 miles was through a native
reserve and we frequently saw African Kralls. The last IS miles into the mis
sion site could not be reached without an African guide.. .1 will blaze a trail
in soon, so I can find my way.. .Expenses here are nearly prohibitive. One
must buy in large quantities because of the distance to the source of supplies.
I have had to buy diesel in several drums, bottled gas and groceries in larger
supplies. Also kerosene lamps, mosquito nets, kerosene in bulk, gasoline
for generator, etc. I am sure we will receive a check from you before this
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letter arrives, but we are currently In a real bind, I had saved some of our
travel expenses, given me by my folks, for just such an emergency but they
are about gone.. .1 earnestly pray that I can give you an evangelistic report
by our next letter. Last week I preached at a new European work in Hippo
valley. Two came to be baptized. The fields are white unto harvest among
the black folk. With patience we shall enjoy the harvest.
Tom writes on January 25:
It is now Saturday night and we are in Bulawayo. The city Is about 300
miles from Mashoko and about 370 miles from our new mission site. We came
over last Wednesday for the quarterly meeting of the missionaries and have
enjoyed meeting with all of them. It was a good meeting and they seem to
effect a good unity. We had to come to Bulawayo to clear customs and decided
to make the one trip for both matters.. .Our things arrived by rail (from Cape
,Ti)wn).ia Bulav.rayo on January 22-, the very day we arrived so we will-
to take part of them back with us and probably store them in Fort Victoria un
til I can get a store room built at the Nuanetsi. The customs on the truck
amounted to $371.00 which was less than I had feared. The camper came in
without any custom charge. Everything else was custom free except the flan
nel graph material.. .1 shall send home slides and a tape just as soon as I can
get them processed.. .Now among everything else, will you be praying that we
shall be able to have the necessary help within the next couple of years. We
will need a nurse with training in mid-wivery and teaching-secretarial help...
Mike and Pam like their correspondence work. It will be easier when we can
get some little building for them to study in. I foresee the first year filled
with many problems and physical difficulties, but I can also foresee a harvest
with the powers of a great and wonderful God.. .Thanks be to God for this tie
that binds us as one. P.S. Have received permission for first school O.K.
after threatening to go to the prime minister. Things are working outthanks
be to God.
Tom writes on January 31:
I have moved the family into Fort Mctoria. This is only 180 miles from the
Nuanetsi and makes the development work much easier,. .It is much easier to
keep the family supplied here than it was in Mashoko,. .Your letters area
life-line of hope to us.
Fran writes on February 3:
We do hope people at home know that it takes three times longer to get
things done here. This is why our progress might seem to be so slow to you
folks.. .We truly love Africa and have enjoyed the weather.
Hhoclesian Htport
March 20, 1964
A report on the Nuanetsi Mission work of
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Courtney, Southern
Rhodesia, Africa.
For This Hour We Had Come
With our camper still located in Fort Victoria and our presence in the Nua
netsi still dependent upon our commuting the 170 miles, we had fallen asleep
that night in the bush in our little pole and thatch hut, to the patter of rain on
and through the roof. Fitfully we slept, under the mosquito nets, not so much
because of the discomfort as the knowledge that the rain in this drouth strick
en land would curtail, if not completely prohibit, our preaching service on the
morrow. Our only place of worship had been under a large tree next to our hut
and in such weather it offered little protection against the elements. I had
concluded that no one would come on that day, but decided that if an excep
tional one should brave the weather we could meet under a little thatch shelter
we had used to store our unburned brick in. In the three preceeding Sundays
I had been having services, I had learned that the African has no sense of
time as we would consider it. While I had announced the first service for
9:00 a.m., it was after 11:00 by the time the chief and 84 members of his
tribe had arrived, I also remembered that on one Sunday I had had several
services as people came in small groups throughout the day.
Reflecting on the sermon I would preach if anyone came, I was interrupted
by a woman who told me her husband had been bitten by a snake during the
night and could I come at once. Her village was some four miles away and
with the rain and the terrain, I was ever so thankful for the four-wheel drive
Dodge. After treating the victim, I returned to find a number of people waiting
for the church service. Twenty-one of us gathered under the little shelter and
after singing their favorite Shona hymns, I preached from the second chapter
of Acts. While this was our fourth preaching service, it was the first time I
had chosen to extend an invitation. We wanted to be ever so sure they under
stood. When four people came forward to give their witness for Christ, we
were overjoyed. The happiness is always the same wherever you are when
people respond to the Gospel. Of the three men and one woman, two were
immersed believers who wanted their witness to be known. A young man said
he wanted this Jesus to be his saviour and a young mother wanted to be bap
tized, "the way the Bible said" . It was a glorious procession as I watched
Marrata, our Christian translator, lead that little assembly single file through
the woods to the nearby dam where the two were immersed into Christ. As
they marched, they sang in their own rhythmic way, a Shoiia hymn, "Hallelu
jah, Jesus Christ is Risen", I looked at Frances and saw the tears in her
eyes too. Deep in our hearts we both knew, "For this hour we had come."
Published For:
SOUTHERN RHODESIA MISSION
By: THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
1079 S.W. Allen Avenue
Beaverton, Oregon
Edited By: Thomas Courtney
Out of necessity we have installed
a settling tank and chlorinating sys
tem and a pump. All of which will
enable us to get our water from the
dam without the tedious task of boil
ing it. As a little extra, Mike and I
installed a shower under one of the
storage tanks. What it may lack in
privacy, it makes up in sheer com
fort and delight.
Several have asked about the truck
and its performance. In the past two
months, we have driven nearly 8, 000
miles and have been extremely pleas
ed with the performance and the econ
omy of the diesel engine. The front-
mounted winch has not been needed
to pull us out of the mud yet, but we
have used it frequentlyin construct
ing the road into the mission site.
Currently we are having some side
boards made for the bed. This will
make the hauling of cargo over the
rough terrain considerably easier.
We have purchased a small Japan
ese Motor Bike for our transportation
to the nearby villages. It is consid
erably more economical for such short
trips than the truck and is often eas
ier to maneuver over the trails in the
bunda. When I say we have pur
chased it, I should more properly say
we have made a down payment on it.
We would welcome contributions for
the $150.00 balance.
We were especially pleased when
the children received their first
grades from their Calvert corres
pondence courses. Both Michael and
Pamela ' seem to be keeping abreast
of their academic opportunities.
We have applied for an additional
lease for a rock kopje (pronounced
koppie) directly adjacent to the Mel-
elezi Dam, The kopje is approxi
mately 125 feet in height and has a
number of shade trees on the top.
The wheels of the government here
move painfully slow at times. We
pray that the lease will be granted
and we may begin to build some per
manent storage facilities. As yet,
we have not been able to unpack our
barrels that were shipped from the
States.
While we have not wanted to start
our clinic work as yet, it is extremely
difficult to turn emergency cases a-
way, especially the babies. Some of
you may remember seeing the slides
of the baby with the "witch doctors
eyes" while I was in the States. Last
week our first baby with the "eyes"
was brought to us. The lids were
swollen to a full 1/4" in thickness
and tlie eyeball so bloodshot you
could only see "red" in more ways
than one. How we have come to hate
witchcraft and the superstitions that
permit it. Some day with patience
and teaching, these people will be
able to see the light.
i ^
Pictured above is Thomas Courtney
beside their present mission home.
Financial Report as of Pehruary 2Q, 1Q64
BALANCE, NOV. 30, 1963 $2,123.15
INCOME:
Mrs. Nellie Ackerman 5,00
Sherryl Alex ,50
Mrs. Darline Anderson 5.00
Karen Bell 2.00
Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Blanton 30,20
Mr. & Mrs. Veldon Boge 15.00
Vinnie Bourland 10.00
Mrs. W. J. Bryan 15.00
Susan Bryant 3,00
Mr. & Mrs. W. T. Butler 30.00
Mrs. Roberta Carpenter 2.50
Mr. & Mrs. Don Cowles 120,00
Cheryl Creamer ,05
Mrs. Evelyn Creek 15.00
Mr. & Mrs. Ira Egli 33.00
Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Ely 15.00
Mr. & Mrs. Otto Fischer 8.00
Mr. & Mrs. William Foss 109.53
Mr. & Mrs. Earl Hall 6.00
Mrs. Mamie Hill 1.00
Mr. & Mrs. ElDon Hoven 10.00
Mrs. Vema Jensen 1.00
Mrs. Florence Johnston 15.00
Wanda Knopf 10.00
Mr. & Mrs. Don Kimball 15.00
Mr, & Mrs. Bill Kretschmer 150.00
Mrs. Hazel Kuiken 60.00
Mr. & Mrs. R. C. Leonard 550.00
Mrs. Mamie Lewis 2,00
Coleen Longanecker .50
Mr. & Mrs. Len Longanecker 30.00
Mrs. Cora Metzentine 4.00
Mr. &Mrs. Garth Mickey 31.00
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Miller 60.00
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Moore 5.00
Mrs. Elizabeth Myers 15.00
Mr. & Mrs. A1 Niemeyer 10.00
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Newton 30.00
Mr. & Mrs. John Parish 25,00
Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Parks 30.00
Mrs. Trost R. Richards 30.00
Connie Richardson 36.00
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Saunders 21.50
Glenda Saunders .65
Mr. & Mrs. Merle Schroeder 60.00
Les Schultz 5.00
E. G. Sears lOO.OO
Mrs. Bessie Siegner 15.00
(Financial Report
Mr. & Mrs, Lloyd Sipe 60.00
Mr. & Mrs. Duane Smith 15.00
Mrs. Bemice Taylor 14.00
Mr. & Mrs. W. A. Taylor 25.00
Fred Tinker 21.00
Mrs. Edith Vemon 3.00
Mrs. Elaine Walker 2.00
L. O. Walton 3.00
Mrs. Sylvia Weaver 3.00
Mr. & Mrs. Homer Wolf 35.00
Mr. &Mrs. Don Zentzis 20,00
Northwest Missionary Con. 92.00
Augusta Christian Sun. Sch. 50.00
Mr. & Mrs. E. R. Wells 3.00
Mrs. Bessie Marshall 5,00
Beaverton Christian Church
Neon Class 13.12
Kum-Join-Us Class 5.00
Central Christian, Boise 87.00
Christian Church, Emmett 27.00
Enfield Christian Church 107.00
Kirklin Christian Church
Mr. & Mrs. Floyd Sims 10.00
Mrs. Sibyl Clark 50.00
Suburban Christian Church 150.00
Ladies Group 4.00
Church of Christ, Oregon Cty 100.00
First Christian, Pheonix 478.70
Expenses, reimbursed 156.00
Central Christian, Portland
Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Gillam 10.00
Mrs. Margaret Meyers 10.00
R. J. Crick 1.00
Parkrose Christian, Portland 300.00
E. Hawkins 150.00
Southgate Christian, Portland 45.00
St. Johns Christian, Portland 111.30
C. H. B. Class 9.00
Mr. & Mrs. H. Blue 5.00
Mr. 6e Mrs. L. Messinger 10.00
First Christian, Rupert 243.16
Mrs. Paul Moore 10.00
Karl Kaufman 1.00
Court Street Christian,Salem 231.93
Sisters Church of Christ 15.00
Church of Christ, Sweet Home
Junior High Class 10.00
McKinley Park Christian 15.00
First Christian Church 9.00
Willamette Church of Christ 10.00
continued on back)
TOTAL INCOME $4,482.64
TOTAL TO ACCOUNT FOR $6,605.79
DISBURSEMENTS:
Winches 26.20
Gas, Oil 200.53
Camper Materials 22.95
Shipping Charges:
Truck and Camper 1,247.71
Barrels and Crates 896,23
Telephone 44.70
Balance on Cameras, Equip
ment and Pictures 293.44
Mashoko Mission, November
Brick making 221.64
Postage, Rhodesian Report 7.44
Pension Fund, December,
January, February 144.00
Thomas Courtney, Salary,
Dec,, Jan., Feb., Mar. 1,487.67
Insurance, Prepaid* 56.35
Addressograph 200.00
Shells 11.65
Service Link** 1. 375.00
BALANCE ON HAND
235.51
370.28
* Withheld in monthly
amounts from salary
** Expenses incurred in Africa:
Diesel 150.00
Oil and Lube 6.00
Tire Tools 7.50
Postal Bag and Permit 9.00
Kerosene Lamp 15.00
Film 31.50
Batteries 3.00
Mosquito Nets 34.00
Ledger and Bookkeeping Sup. 4,00
Licenses and Maps 6.50
Electric Cord 1,00
Paint 3,50
Geophysicist (waterexplor.) 60.00
Structural Steel (storage bldg) 150.00
Tarpolian 45.00
Diesel Engine, Pump, Pipe 549.00
Tanks, Chlorlnation and
Filtering System 275.00
Workers Labor, Mealie-Meal
January 132.65
February 176.40
Postage 35.00
1,694.05
Note: Customs, freight and truck li
cense bills have not yet been deter
mined but will approximate $900.00.
PLANE ACCOUNT:
Mortgage obtained on Plane 5,
Plane Pay-off ^
Reserve for Shipping Exp. 1,
Received:
First Christian, Caldwell
Mr. & Mrs. Roger Berglund
First Christian, Rupert 1,
2,
Disbursements:
Plane Registration
Insurance to cover Mortgage
Payment on Mortgage, Feb.
Balance on Hand $1,
500,00
387.97
112.03
25.70
10.00
000.00
147.73
4.00
46.62
167.00
930.11
YOU - AN ANSWER TO PRAYER
You can be, yes, you; An answer to prayer.
There is work to be done; A field is to be won;
And millions are praying - Hands lifted, hearts saying;
O Lord, yet how long. Until right conquer wrong?
You can answer that prayer - You, answer that prayer.
Be an answer to prayer - You, an answer to prayer;
By performing the task, God and Right of you ask;
By your courage, your smile; Fortitude under trial;
By the faith songs you sing; By the good cheer you bring;
You can be, yes, you - An answer to prayer.
Be an answer to prayer - You, an answer to prayer;
By doing your part. Everyday from the heart
As for Christ; everywhere. Gladly doing your share.
Money, service you give. Life, love - nobly live
And you truly will be - You, an answer to prayer.
A, D. Burkett
Sendina An ing Airplane
You would think one, having
been up in the "air" as much
as Tom has been since going
to Southern Rhodesia, would
have no need for an aircraft,
but that is the very thing he is
now asking for. Having been
purchased in January, we have
no problem here, but getting it
to Southern Rhodesia is en
tirely another matter.
The plane, which is pictured
here, is a 1955 Cessna 180,
capable of carrying four pass
engers. It was selected for its
ability to take off and land in
a short area, and because of the type of landing gear. Many of the newer
ships are equipped with three wheels forward, as a tricycle would have. This
one you see has two forward and one small one aft. In rough terrain this type
will not be so near to upset. The age of the plane is old as we may consider
an auto, but was owned by Porter Yett, a general contractor who took immacu
late care of it. Looks almost new. Has four radios, one of which is a range
finding unit. Even with all of these there is still one lacking in order to have
communications from the bush with civilization. This is a High Frequency
transceiver. The price of which, at cost, with installation, would be nearly
$1, 000.00. Needless to say, it is going without it since our petty cash fund
is not adequate to meet the need. The Lord has been good and maybe it will
come even yet.
While Tom's own airstrip is not, as yet, carved out of the wilderness, there
is a Liebig Ranch (million and a quarter acres) a few miles away, where there
is an airstrip which he can use until such a time as the one at Nuanetsi is
ready. He has driven 7,800 miles in two months, which Tom says "feels"
more like 78, 000. Needless to mention the many long hours spent at the
wheel to traverse these bush roads. The plane will save this abuse of body
and truck.
The passage has tentatively been scheduled on the "Neder Ebro", the same
ship which carried the Courtney's household goods to Capetown, for April 4th
out of Portland. We say tentative for reasons beyond our control. The ship
ping lines need a Shippers Export Declaration, before this you need an Export
License which is issued from Washington D.C., and before this an Import
Certificate. "Red tape" is the toughest invisible object you can confront. If
all goes as clock-work, we shall make it.
The plane has to be crated and very well. The crate must be watertight,
since it could be either on deck or below and should be airtight'to prevent salt
air from corroding and making useless the radio gear and making many other
functional parts inoperative. To make such a crate is no real problem but
costly. Three quarter inch, waterproof, good one side and sanded plywood
will be used. This is a better grade and thicker than needs be, but the sal
vage once there will be used for cabinets and house construction. The frame
must be 4 X 4's and bolted together, with lifting anchorage built in.
(continued on next page)
o^^Q 'le TijeuuTOujo
snuaAV uo^nuieH 0018
.i3i;na syjna 'in
uofisiQ 'uoyaABag
jaqiuriM
aivd aovxsod 's *n
uoiiiBzjuBfiao iTJoJduoH
uoBbjo 'uo^aaABsg
aAV uanv 'Ni'S 6Z0T
qoanqo UBps^aqo aqx
Ijodag UBTsapoqH
("Sending an Airplane" story continued)
After crating, the plane will be taken from the Troutdale Airport, by truck
and trailer, to the dock in Portland where it will leave by boat to Beira, East
Africa, thence by rail to Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia where it will be un-
crated, re-assembled and then flown to the mission site. Very simple. Total
cost of shipping, crating, rail freight, dis-assembling and re-assembling will
be nearly $2, 500.00. Some of this we have, much we do not have, but we are
sure through you all, God will provide.
Merle Schroeder, Forwarding Agent
"I have but one candle to burn, and
would rather bum it out where people
are dying in darkness, than in a land
which is flooded with light."
- The African Hat Trick -
One night when we went to bed in
our pole and thatch hut, Michael hung
his hat on one of the poles that make
up the walls. We had done this on
other occasion with no harmful effects
but had not on this time reckoned with
the appearance of the African white
ant. During the night they consumed
about l/4th of the fabric hat, much
to Michael's disgust. On another
occasion, a large lizard, some 14
inches in length, insisted on sharing
our hut with us, but we were rather
poor hosts and insisted on his leav
ing.
Missionaries:
Mr, and Mrs, Thomas Courtney
Private/Bag 9170
Fort Victoria, Southern Rhodesia,
Africa"
"To this end was I born, and for
this cause camel into the world, that
I should bear witness unto the'tnittr*^
John 18:37
- One Of Our Experiences -
One time when we were driving on
one of the main bush roads we saw a
black object in the middle of the
road. At first we thought it was a
log, then an animal, but as we drew
closer, we could see it was a little
black African boy. Fearing that the
child had been attacked by an animal
I got out to investigate. As I tried to
roll him over, I awoke a perfectly
healthy African child from his after
noon nap. He looked at me with
large fearful eyes and without saying
a word, scrambled to his feet and ran
oH into the bush.
Forwarding Agents:
Mr. and Mrs, Merle Schroeder
10975 S, W, Walnut
Portland 23, Oregon,
U, S, A.
Bhotlesian Beport
June, 1964
A report on the Nuanetsi Mission work of
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Courtney, Southern
Rhodesia. Africa.
The First Five Months - A Report
j, Being aware of the American Churches' concern over their
' worldwide Evangelistic investments, this issue of the Rhodesian
1-, Report is dedicated to the many congregations and individuals
who have invested both faith and funds in this evangelistic
enterprise in Southern Rhodesia.
Travel and Shipment:
It seems that a certain amount of
lost motion is necessary in travel
and shipment of materials to a new
mission station. Although we shipped
a considerable amount of machinery
and tools at no small cost, we have
been ever so grateful for every item,
now that we are located in such a
remote area. We spent a short time
of orientation at our station at Ma-
shoko, then moved to Fort Victoria,
where I commuted to our bush loca
tion until I could build a road to move
our camper into the new area. Still
in the area of shipping, our aircraft
has just arrived and is now being as
sembled in Salisbury. The aircraft
will enable us to yet open additional
areas for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Housing:
The building of any permanent resi
dence has been delayed by the ob
struction of a petty government offi
cial. Many have been praying about
this matter and a fairly reliable rumor
now indicates that he will be trans
ferred from this district, in the near
future. In the interim, we have been
ever so grateful for the camper. To
those who contributed to both the
construction cost and who helped
with the actual building, may we
give our deepest vote of gratitude.
It has given us a place to sleep away
from the snakes and night predators.
While its relative small size creates
more "togetherness" than we some
times desire, we are mindful of its
superiority over living in a tent or a
mud hut. In addition, we have con
structed a small, corregated iron
building that serves as a storeroom,
school room, dressing room, work
shop, pharmacy, office, pantry, etc.
The winter season is now upon us and
while the days are usually balmy, the
temperature drops to 40 degrees or
less at night.
Water - System:
Because this is a semi-arid coun
try, water is a scarce commodity.
Currently we are getting our water
from a dam that was built to catch
the run-off during the rainy season.
The water is highly contaminated
with typhoid, Bilharzia, etc. A chlor
inating system was necessary before
(continued on page 2)
It could be used. This dam Is now
drying up and we must soon try to
have a well drilled. We shall have
to wait for available funds.
Schooling:
Most of you are aware that our
children are taking the Calvert's
Ck>rrespondence Course. They are
now past the halfway mark in this
year's study. They will continue
studies through what are called the
summer months in the northern hem
isphere. Their grades from their
Stateside supervisor have beenabove
average and we are indeed grateful.
Clinic:
Because our facilities are yet so
basic, we have tried to hold our
clinic work to emergencies only, and
treat patients only onWednesday and
Saturday. Little did we realize just
how many emergencies there would
be. The Africans almost invariably
wait until the illness is critical be
fore they come for help. It is not
unusual to have what was a simple
abrasion in the beginning, be gan-
There are numerous cases of con
junctivitis, often caused bythe smoke
from the open frres in their huts and
frequently aggravated by the witch
doctors "muti" before they come for
help. We are yet in need of a micro
scope to more accurately diagnose
the cases of T.B., malaria, and Bil-
harzia. It is not unusual to treat 30
patients on an average clinic day.
Evangelis m:
While we have been delayed in our
building program, we have not de
layed ovir evangelistic efforts. We
began church services in February
under a large tree near the Melelezi
Dam where we hope to have a head
station. This group now averages
about 50 each week and have pxar-
chased their own communion table.
There have been some problems in
this group by one member who was
adverse to the scripttiral teaching on
the stewardship of money. This prob
lem has now been resolved and we
expect more rapid growth finom the
Melelezi group.
More recently we have established
a second church some eight miles a-
way at Mukuwa. This group shows
excellent promise with an average
attendance of 150. Their stewardship
has thus far been excellent.
In our many conversations with the
churches in America we continually
stressed our evangelistic intentions.
We can gratefully report forty-three
baptisms during these formative
months. We believe that far greater
victories are yet to come as we gain
the language and are able to estab
lish the various schools.
The Future:
Should the Lord tarry, we have made
application for a number of schools.
The mission will be responsible for
constructing the building and over
seeing the teachers who will be paid
by the government. We must also
build a clinic as soon as possible.
As soon as the lease or purchase ar
rangements can be completed, we
airstrip.Ihis-will
serve, not only as a base for our own
aircraft, but will make the clinic
immediately available for our medical
supervisor. Dr. D. Pruett. If it
proves to be the wisest in the long
run, we will purchase land from a
nearby ranch for a mission base.
This land will cost about $2.80 per
acre and approximately 200 acres
would be needed, including the area
for a landing field.
In Conclusion:
While these first five months have
been basic and preparatory, we be
lieve they have also been fruitful in
the building of the Kingdom in Africa.
We are pleased to so report to those
who have made this extension of the
Kingdom possible.
Forwarding Agents
For The Thomas Courtney Family:
Mr. and Mrs. Merle Schroeder
10975 S. W. Walnut
Portland 23, Oregon
Financial Report as of / June 12, lQ64i
Balance On Hand, Feb . 29 $370.28 E. G. Sears
10.00
Contributions, Mar. 1 - Jun.l2:
Dessie Siegner 15.00
Sherryl Alex .60 Lloyd Sipes 10.00
Darline Anderson 3.00
Duane Smiths 15.00
Elmer Blantons 26.20 D. P. Spoffords 10.00
Veldon Boges 15.00
Bemice Taylor 14.00
Vlnnie Bourland 15.00 Herbert Thompsons 150.00
Mrs. W. J, Bryan 20.00 Merrill Valentines 60.00
Susan Bryant 3.00 Edith Vemon 3.00
W, T, Butlers 30.00 Elaine Walker 3.00
Roberta Carpenter 5.55 L. O. Walton
3.00
Don Cowles 27.00 Sylvia Weaver 5.00
Cheryl Creamer .62 Homer Wolfs 50.00
Clarence Creamers 12.00 Don Zentzis 15.00
Evelyn Creek 25.00 Cllf Tongelands 2.00
Horace Dentons 47.50 E. R. Wells 25.00
Earl Dunlaps 50.00
Churches:
Sara Dunlap .20 Ashland Christian 15.00
Ira Eglis 18.00
Beaverton Christian
Glenn Elys 15.00 (Neon Class) 28.29
Frank Ferrins 70.00 Boise Central Chr. 223.25
Otto Fischers 14.00 Emmett Christian 32.00
Mrs. Ralph Foss 10.00 Enfield Christian Youth
Mrs. Keziah Hall 6.00 (Motor Scooter) 100.00
Mrs. Elsie Hill 6.00 Hillsboro Christian 125.00
Mrs. Mamie Hill .50 Courtney Eve. Gr. 12.00
ElDon Hovens 30.00 R. McCandlish 5.00
Vema Jensen 4.00 B. Marshall
5.00
Florence Johnston 10.00 G. Collins 20.00
Don Kimballs 15.00 Mrs. V. Miller 5.00
Bill Kretschmers 69.00 Mrs. W. Kennedy 2.00
Hazel Kuiken 60.00 Suburban, Klamath F. 174.05
R. C. Leonards 35.00 Milwaukie Church
Mrs. Mamie Lewis 1.50 Ellen Maxfield 50.00
Len Longaneckers 15.00 Concord Christian 25.00
Cora Metzentine 3.00 Oregon City Church 230.00
Garth Mickeys 40.00 The Church Belles 15.00
Charles Millers 55.00 Mrs. Mirwald 5.00
Elizabeth Myers , 15.00 Phoenix 1st Christian 800.00
Albert Niemeyers 5.00 Portland Central Chr.
Charles Newtons 30.00 E. Gillams 30.00
John Parishs 25.00 Mrs. G, Fisher 20.00
John Parish III .25 Parkrose Christian 300.00
Ruth Ann Parish .10 Teenage C.E. 20.00
Ernest Parks 40.00 Southgate, Portland 60.00
Walter Peterson 5.00 St. Johns Christian 717.50
Mrs. T. R. Richards 30.00 E. Ramsthel 20.00
Connie Richardson 36.00 Mossbargers 20.00
Bruce Saunders 30.00 C.E. Morris 75.00
Merle Schroeders 80.00 CHB Class 28.00
Leslie Schultz 10.00 E. Barnes 22.00
Bill Blsh
H. Burgen
P. Snavely
E. Davies
A. Overstreet
10.00
2.00
2.00
1.00
1.00
Rupert 1st Christian 263.99
Salem Court Street 148.70
Sisters Church 10.00
Sweet Home Church
(6th, 5th grade boys) 5.00
The Dalles Christian 75.00
R. Robertson 25.00
Willamette Church 30.00
Interest 22.24
Total 5603.32
Disbursements:
Stewart and Tunno 55.78
(Insurance on plane)
Postage, R. Report 16.53
Pension Fund, March,
April, May, June 192.00
Humble Oil & Refining 15.51
Standard Oil, Nov. 16.90
Mashoko, Dec. wage 216.01
Prudential Insurance 26.60
Thomas Courtney, Apr.,
May, June 1095.67
S.R.M. Service Link,
Mar., Apr., May 2075.00
Furlough Fund, Dec.
through Jim. 525.00
Plane Payments, Mar.,
Apr., May, June 668.00
Principal 567.08
Interest 100.92
Balance 678.08
Plane Accoimt *21.48
Balance on Hand, Jun. 12,'64 699.56
Balance on Hand, Plane Acct.
February 29, 1964 1930.11
Designated Gifts:
Vemon Millers 500.00
Mrs. T. Richards 20.00
Boise Central Chr. 116.00
Roger Berglunds 5.00
Total
Disbursements:
Plywood Center 157.48
Transpacific Trans.
(Plane Freight) 1493.08
Skyways Inc. 250.00
2571.11
West Coast Telephone
(Night Letter) 8.07
DesignatedPlane Gifts
(Trans. to Gen. Acct) 641.00
Balance, transfer to Gen.Acct. *21.48
Plane mortgage, Feb.29
Montniy fayments:
Principal 567.08
Extra Gifts 641.00
Balance Due 4175.92
Expenditures from Service Link, Mar. 1
to May 31, 1964, reported by Thomas
Courtney:
Motor Bike 186.00
Lubricating Unit 36.00
Propane 27.00
Film 6.00
Pipe Tools 18.00
Shona Hymn Books 4.00
Steel Storage Cabinets 100.00
Structural Steel 250.00
Shock Absorbers, Spring
Repair 75.00
Air Conditioner Repair 24.00
Hotel bill 7.00
Lease Deposit J..50
Lettering Stencils 9"^50 ~
Electrical Repair 9.00
Typewriter Repair 24.00
Rear Spring Repair 45.00
Dennis Pruett (Utilities) 30.00
Ammunition 15.00
Watson's Shipping 900.00
O'Hare Curios 45.00
Nimac Engineering
(Sideboards - truck) 180.00
Plumbing Fittings 10.00
Copper tubing (gas hook) 18.00
Two Truck Tires 160.00
Film and Processing 70.00
Paint 10.00
Drugs for Clinic 30.00
Building Materials 12.00
Stretcher 18.00
Transformer 30.00
License Payment, Truck 75.00
License Plates 5.00
Shona Bibles 17.00
Diesel, Oil, Grease, 253.50
Gasoline
Workers Labor, Meal 75.00
Postage 47.00
Total Expenditures $2822.50
This is Mduba, our first convert,
and now one of our regular workers.
He translates for Mrs. Courtney on
clinic days and for Mr. Courtney at
the Mukuwa services.
He is supported by the youth group
at Parkrose Christian Church in Port
land, Oregon, where Roger Aydelotte
ministers.
Here Thomas Courtney holds the
small infant of a young mother who
had come to the clinic with a badly
infected finger. Pamela Courtney,
who stands next to her father, often
helps with the clinic chores.
HOW DO YOU
SPEND SUNDAY?
Some have enquired about our
schedule on the Lord's Day. There
are few idle moments. For example,
last Sunday was spent like this:
5:45 a.m. Rise and shine. Hur
ried breakfast and preparation for
church.
7:00 a.m. Leave for Mukuwa,
preaching site. Pick up a few Afri
cans along the way.
8:00 a.m. Arrive Mukuwa, open
tail gate on the truck and out of cur
iosity count the people who get out -
42, 43, 44, 45. Not bad for a truck
bed that is 7 1/2' by 8 1/2'. We hold
preaching services and seven respond
to the invitation.
9:00 a.m. Mukuwa people insist
on a business meeting to elect a
church treasurer. We must stay and
supervise. First they nominated six
persons and then began the voting
process. We noticed that they were
voting more than once. There were
167 people present and the final vote
tabulation was 289. When I pointed
out this discrepancy, they said, "Ah
but we are very happy". Well by a
process of fatigue they finally sel
ected two persons to be the chxirch
treasurer.
10:00 a.m. We began the journey
back to Melelezi. Only eight miles,
but will take a full hour to make it.
Our African Christians have conducted
the Bible School hour. We arrive back
just in time for the worship services.
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Today
after the preaching services there are
many questions. They also want a
business meeting. Decide they
should, build some kind of shelter to
keep the preacher from sunbuming
his head. (The leaves have now fal
len from our shade tree). They will
meet again on Friday to build such a
structure.
12:30 p.m. We hold the baptismal
service for those who have responded
to the invitation. Always we thank
God for His blessings, (continued)
uoBajo ' uo:MaAsag
Xif jaqiunN muJSd
aivd aovisod *s "n
uoTiBZ|UBfiao ITJojduoN
OTMO '18 TlBuupuiO
anU0AY UOllXmiBE 0Qit>8aao 'Uo^aaABag
jeir^ng STajng'a^^ytjanv 'm's 6zot
qojnqo UBTJS|jqo aqi
uodag UBjsapoqa
1:30 p.m. Lunch time - a welcome
break from the dust and heat.
2:30 p.m. We leave to preach to a
Zionist gathering some twelve miles
away. I always preach wherever they
invite me. Soon we leave the main
trail. Now it is necessary to shift
to four wheel drive. We push down
the smaller trees with the truck. Fin
ally we can drive no further. We
leave the truck and walk the last mile
to the meeting place. The beating of
the drums and the playing of a Kudu
horn reaches our ears. We are near-
ing the site of their pagan and lustful
dances. Imagine preaching to people
like this. We soon see the cloud of
dust, raised by the many barefoot
dancers. This is my families first
visit to such a place. There are per
haps 300 people in what seems to be
a large corral. As the Africans enter
the gate, they fall on their knees and
walk through the gate on their knees.
As we entered (standing up of course)
they all formed a line and crawled
past us on their knees shaking our
hands. We learned later that this
was "Holy Ground". The frantic,
savage and sometimes lustful dances
continued. The dust raised from such
pagan gyrations has us all coughing.
We have been given a seat of honor
on a nearby log. Then, as the red
robed priest raises his hand the drums
are silent. The shakers still their
rattles and the "trumpeteer" puts
down his long spiraling Kudu horn.
And the "high priest" says, "The
Great Umfundi from America has come
to teach us, you must listen". I
preach to them about the authority of
Jesus Christ only as it is revealed in
the Scriptures. They are an attentive
audience.
4:30 p.m. We head back toward
the truck. Suddenly we are surround
ed by a hundred screaming, dancing,
drumbeating, homblowing black per
sons. They dance around us as we
walk toward the truck. Frances looks
nervously to see if there is a large
black pot on any of the nearby fires.
We leam that this is only a honored
escort. Something like a "jet fly
over" for V. I. P's.
6:00 p.m. We arrive back at our
"camper" to reflect upon the day.
7:00 p.m. Just as we had cleaned
up a bit - a request came from a
neighboring village to come gee-^a
man who was very" sickr~who could
not breath. Sounded like phneumonia
or T.B.
7:30 p.m. Although oior flashlight
is now very dim, Mike, Mduba, our
interpretor, and I set off on foot for
the nearby village.
8:00 p.m. We arrive to see a se
vere asthmatic. We insist that he go
to the nearest hospital (70 miles a-
way). We can only hope he will go.
8:30 p.m. Back home again. Time
for our evening bath, letter writing
and then to bed. I suppose we could
conclude that we are seldom bothered
with idleness.
Published For:
SOUTHERN RHODESIA MISSION
By: The Christian Church
1079 S. W. Allen Avenue
Beaverton, Oregon
Edited By: Thomas Courtney
Private / Bag M 99, Bulawayo,
Southern Rhodesia, Africa
]Q.h.o<lie6ian )Q.ei2ott
1
A Report on the Nuanetsi Mission
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Courtney
Southern Rhodesia, Africa
November, 1964
Petmanent Miision Site Qtanted
After an inexplainable delay of eight months, the permanent mission site
promised to the Ckjurtneys in the Nuanetsi area in Southern Rhodesia has at
last been granted.
granted. God does open doors in His
time and in His way.
The new site, however, is approx
imately thirty-five miles east of their
present location, or two and one-half
hours by four wheel drive truck. The
permanent location is at the juncture
of the Nuanetsi and Dine Rivers and
comprises 100 acres for the mission
development, plus an additional grant
of land for an airstrip of 800 by 100
yards for the Courtney's Cessna 180
aircraft. Most of the mission site
and airstrip is heavily wooded with
hardwood trees averaging thirty feet
in height, with some very large ex
ceptions .
Near the new location, are two
large pools of water in the Nuanetsi
River that still have an adequate
supply of water, even though the
area is suffering from the worst
-drouth in thirty-five years. A geo--
physicist has also tested the area
and given an 85% chance for water
from a drilled well. It is believed
that eventually both water sources
will be used as the mission develops.
Topographically the mission site
is terraced on three levels. The top
or highest level, is ideally suited in
grade, approach and heading for the
airstrip. With the prevailing wind
blowing from 140 degrees here, the
new strip will be headed straight in
to the wind. The approaches are
also clear, which will permit heavier
air traffic to use the strip as the
occasion arises. The second level
is rockier ground and will be nicely
suited for both schools and clinic.
The lowest level, adjacent to the
river, seems to have the best soil
and largest trees and will be best
suited for residential sites. It is
well above flood stage of the rivers.
The Courtneys have expressed their
deepest thanks to the many who have
been praying daily for the site to be
^ot Small
It is not a small task to establish
a mission station in a remote area of
the African bush. All of the supplies
must be hauled in from the nearest
supply source, nearly 200 miles a-
way. Additionally, one tries to keep
in mind the future development of
the mission in the early installation
of water and other utilities.
The installation of a water system
is of course always.foremost in such
a development. A diesel engine and
pump have been installed near the
largest pool of water in the nearby
Nuanetsi River. Inch and a quarter
pipe-hasHaeenlaid'-to~the^ropos ed
homesite, approximately one-half
mile away. A twenty foot steel water
tower has been erected at the home-
site and a 1,000 gallon tank placed
on top to provide a pressure water
system. As soon as possible a larger
reservoir will be erected on the upper
level of the mission site to provide
more adequate storage. Inasmuch as
all water from the river must be fil
tered and treated with chlorine, con
siderable storage is an advantage.
Also nearlng completion is a small
(8' by 12') concrete block building
that will house the generator. The
electricity is needed to operate the
welder and other power tools.
Soon, if funds are available, we
will build a storeroom, 20' by 40',
that will contian two small rooms for
the children to sleep in. The "to
getherness" in the little camper with
a floor space of 3' by 8' at times be
comes a bit close. We are most
grateful that at last we are able to
begin construction.
J^lnda Schroeder Plan^ T)o }oin J^uanetii
Miss Linda Schroeder, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Merle Schroeder (forwarding agents for the
Courtneys), has announced her plans to join the
Mission Staff at the Nuanetsi Center in Southern
Rhodesia in late 1966.
Miss Schroeder will receive her R. N, from
Emanuel School of Nursing in Portland, Oregon
in September of 1965. She will then be able to
speak to churches on behalf of the mission. We
are desperately in need of a Registered Nurse for
the clinic work. Linda will need a Living Link
support of $150.00 per month, Service Link of
$350.00 per month, plus her travel funds. We
are praying that many churches might pledge their
early support to Linda to enable her to come to
the mission field as soon after her graduation as
possible. She may be contacted at 10975 S.W. Walnut, Portland, Oregon,
or 2828 N. Gantenbein, Portland, Oregon.
We're Always (grateful Air Strip Progress Slow
We are always grateful for the
equipment that was given to us while
we were in America. Recently, when
a part on the truck broke, it was cer
tainly comforting to be able to get
the Welder, start up the Generator,
and repair it. We are, however, still
in need of a gas welding unit. Or,
when we were erecting the water
tower, to be able to raise it into
position with the winch on the front
of the Dodge Power Wagon. When I
was struggling to place the 1,000
gallon tank on top of the tower, I was
grateful for all the block and tackle
that had been given to us. Again
and again we have been grateful for
the firearms. In both the repair of
the engines and the painting chores,
the air compressor finds regular use.
Every clinic day we think of those
who contributed the sterilizer, den
tal forceps, surgical tools and med
icines . This is by no means an at
tempt to give a complete catalog of
all of the gifts, but to indicate in
part that the thoughtfulness of so
many of you in America has gone a
long way to make our task easier
here. We are grateful indeed.
The clearing of the airstrip, 800
yards by 100 yards, with a cleared
200 foot overrun on each end at times
seems impossible. However, we
continue to remove the trees, a few
at a time. We have, of course, dis
covered the marked difference be
tween these hardwood trees and the
soft pine and fir we were accustomed
to in the Northwest. A chain saw
would be of considerable help in this
project. As soon as the air strip is
cleared and graded, (by hand, of
course), we will construct a hangar
to house the beautiful Cessna 180
aircraft. We have elected just now
to keep the aircraft in Bulawayo rath
er than leave it on an unprotected
field. Sabotage is not unusual in
this part of the world.
And Zhen Jt Kalned
Recently when we were in Bulawayo
for our supplies, we were given a
preview of what happens when it
does rain in this country. Four and
a quarter inches of rain fell in a
space of three hours.
IIMLELEZI
I
F IIHHIST
Here Tom inspects signs he just made to mark new schools and mission site.
Svangelism CoMtimes School at Mdelezi
Both the churches at Melelezi and
Mukuwa continue to grow with those
coming weekly to be buried with their
Lord. The Christians at Mukuwa are
most anxious for us to begin a church
building for them. They have made
the bricks and will furnish the roof
ing. However, at this moment I am
unable to supervise the building.
God continues to add His bless
ings .
We have been granted a school at
the Melelezi site to open in January,
1965. We must construct the build
ing and the government will pay the
teacher. With the rains nearly upon
us, we are faced with many building
problems and cost all at once. The
school will enable us to continue the
effective evangelistic work at Melel
ezi where we have lived for the past
eight months.
Here we see Frances hanging up the meat to dry, as she is making Biltong.
Visitors and Kesidents
A recent visitor to the new mission
site on a Lord's Day afternoon was a
young Lioness. We were not sure
whether she had come for church ser
vices or for the only water supply in
miles. However, there was really
no close communication.
We also have a resident in our
water hole, a crocodile more than
eight feet long. {He won't hold still
for a correct measurement). Recent
ly he did kill two goats that came too
close to his domain, but has not
openly expressed himself on our
pumping rights. He does, however,
keep the cattle and the Africans from
bathing in the water hole which keeps
our supply much cleaner. Perhaps
he is not such a bad resident after
all.
"The Lord hath done great things
for us; whereof we are glad...They
that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
He that goeth forth and weepeth,
bearing precious seed, shall doubt
less come again with rejoicing,
bringing his sheaves with him."
Psalms 126
Mike caught this chicken thief.
"And whoever would be first must
be the willing slave of all - like the
Son of Man; he did not come to be
served but to serve." Matt. 20:27-28
Mike and Pam examine a lizard that became too "friendly" at the mission site.
Mike helps the family grocery bill with this eight hundred pound Koodo.
Make Me A Capt'm jCord
Make me a captive. Lord,
And then I shall be free:
Force me to render up my sword
And I shall conqueror be.
I sink in life's alarms
When by myself I stand;
Imprison me within thine arms
And strong shall be my hand.
My heart is weak and poor
Until it master find:
It has no spring of action sure
It varies with the wind.
It cannot freely move
Till Thou has wrought its chain:
Enslave it with Thy matchless love
And deathless it shall reign.
"The harvest is plenteous, but the
laborers are few; Pray ye therefore
the Lord of the harvest, that He will
send forth laborers into His harvest."
Matthew 9:37-38
My power is faint and low
Till I have learned to serve;
It wants the needed fire to glow
It wants the breeze to nerve;
It cannot drive the world
Until itself be driven;
Its flag can only be unfurled
When Thou Shalt breathe from heaven.
My will is not my own
Till Thou hast made it Thine;
Ifitwould reach the monarch's throne
It must its crown resign;
It only stands unbent.
Amid the clashing strife
When on thy bosom it has lent
And found in Thee its life.
G. Matheson
He That
Winnefh Souls
Is Wise"
Prov 11:30
Financial Report As Of Octoher 31
Balance On Hand, June 12 $699.56
Ck>ntributlons:
SherrylAlex 1.50
Mrs. Darline Anderson 6.00
M/M Elmer Blanton 45.00
M/M Veldon Boge 20.00
Vlnnle Bourland 25.00
Mrs. W. J. Bryan 20.00
Susan Bryant 5.00
M/M W. T. Butler 40.00
M/M Ed Carpenter, Jr. 80.00
Roberta Carpenter 1.75
M/M Don Cowles 94.00
Cheryl Creamer .21
Mrs. Evelyn Creek 25.00
M/M Earl Dunlap 46.00
Sara Dunlap 1.50
M/M Ira Egli 9.00
M/M Glenn Ely 30.00
M/M Otto Fischer 20.00
Dr/M Lee Gleason 20.00
Tom Goodrich 35.00
Mamie Hill 4.40
M/M ElDon Hoven 42.00
"^^Tfs. Verna Jensen 6.00
Mrs. Florence Johnston 10.00
M/M Bill Kretschmer 103.00
Mike Kretschmer 4.50
Pat Kretschmer 3.60
Mrs. Hazel Kuiken 100.00
M/M R. C. Leonard 50.00
Mrs. Mamie Lewis 1.00
Coleen Longanecker 10.25
M/M Len Longanecker 25.00
Mrs. Cora Metzentine 5.00
M/M Garth Mickey 59.00
M/M Charles Miller 95.00
Mrs. Elizabeth Myers 25.00
M/M Albert Niemeyer 20.00
M/M Charles Newton 50.00
M/M John Parish 45.00
Ruth Ann Parish .45
John Parish, IH .10
M/M Ernest Parks 20.00
M/M Robert Reed 20.70
Mrs. Trost Richards 50.00
Connie Richardson 60.00
M/M Bruce Saunders 82.00
Glenda Saunders 2.15
Doug Schroeder 1.00
Janice Schroeder .74
M/M Merle Schroeder 80.00
Les Schultz 20.00
Mrs. E. G. Sears 25.00
Mrs. Dessie Siegner 25.00
M/M Lloyd Sipe 30.00
M/M Duane Smith 20.00
M/M Del Springsteen 10.00
Mrs. Bemice Taylor 21.00
Fred Tinker " 20.00
M/M Merrill Valentine 40.00
Mrs. Edith Vemon 4.00
Mrs. Elaine Walker 2.00
L. O. Walton 4.00
Mrs. Sylvia Weaver 15.00
M/M E. R. Wells 50.00
M/M Homer Wolf 30.00
M/M Don Zentzis 35.00
Mrs. Frank Mauracher 2.00
Scottville Christian 54.01
M/M Alger Fitch 25.00
Walter Ehlers 26.00
John Brandl 10.00
Belle Shores 10.00
North Plains Christian 17.77
North Plains C. W. F. 5.00
Hayesville Christian 20.00
M/^ Jean McCorkle 9.00
Turner Christian 27.10
Marie Doremus 2.00
Vemonia Christian 20.00
Victor E. Hoven 20.00
M/M Arthur Davidson 5.00
Ashland Christian 170.00
Beaverton Christian:
High School C.E.
D.V.B.S.
Neon Class
Jr. High C. E.
Emmett Christian
Enfield Christian
Hillsboro Christian:
Mrs. Agnes Hubert 5.00
Mrs. Elmer Ross 5.00
D.V.B.S. 90.35
Mrs. Verle Miller 5.00
Mrs. Bessie Marshall 5.00
Kirkline Christian 86.22
Klamath Falls Christian 250.00
Concord Christian 100.00
47.
99.
60.
40.1
41,
80.1
42
05
99
00
Central Christian, Boise 271.06
00
00
omo 'IC neuuiouTO
anu9AV uo^iTuiBH 00T8
jatrins sijung 'jr/\i
pe^senbaa umisa
uoBaJO 'uoipaABaa
jaqiunN ;TUuaa
aivd aovisod 's 'n
uopezxuefijQ^XjQjduoN
Oregon City
Church of Christ 2 32.82
7th Grade Class 17.18
Phoenix 1st Christian 902.15
Central Christian, Portland
M/M E. Gillam 60.00
Rolla Crick 2.00
Portland Parkrose Christian
Church
Teenage C. E.
Southgate Ctelstlan,
Portland
St. Johns Christian,
Portland
Rupert 1st Christian
Salem Coiirt Street
Christian Church
Loyal Friends Class
Liberty Church of
Christ, Salem
Sisters Church of Christ
Sweet Home Church of
Christ, Jr. High Class
Twin Falls 1st Christian
Willamette Church
Total
500.00
30.00
70.00
500.00
340.12
327.75
150.00
65.50
15.00
15.00
13.00
60.00
$7,460.90
Disbursements:
T. Courtney, for July,
August, September,
October, November 1845.51
Western Union (Release) 8.44
Postage, RhodesianReport 8.62
Prudential Insurance 53.20
Furlough Fund 300.00
Pension Fund 192.00
uofiajo 'uo^iaAeaa
aAVuanv 'M'S 6Z0I
qojriqo uensyaqo aqi
)Jodaa ueisapoqa
Plane Payments
For Schooling:
University Ext. Div.
Calvert School
Central African Mission
Service Link to
Courtneys
Balance On Hand,
October 31, 1964
683.00
293.53
125.00
3380.00
6889.30
571.60
PLANE FACTS:
Balance, June 12, 1964 4157.92
Paid on Principal 589.95
M/M Roger Berglund 15.00
Balance on Mortgage 3552.97
Published For:
CENTRAL AFRICA MISSION
By: THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
1079 S.W. Allen Avenue
Beaverton, Oregon
Edited By: Thomas Courtney
Forwarding Agents:
Mr. and Mrs. Merle Schoreder
10975 S.W. Walnut
Portland 23, Oregon
Nuanetsi Mission Address:
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Courtney
Private/Bag M 99
Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia,
Africa

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