3

g M

<"0^1 Uo, knp unto nuf ^ ani o,

m WM m m m m/J

mm

lu^kunto wipaik." --'Jidmi II9:I0S

aFRicaN

TORCH

Republic of

Port Shepstone

South Africa

After 16 years, Lynn and Lucille

Stanley enjoyed having their children all
together. Larry and Duane (on the left)
were visiting from the USA and Michael
and Debbie (on the right) live in South
Africa.

Transkei

>Cape Town

(VmzumDe Bible institute)

East London*

First Quarter 1987

Volume 38

Number 1

MEMORIES TO CHERISH
by Lucille Stanley
We have just experienced a long-time dream of oursto
have our family all together for Christmas. The last time we

were together was in 1970 when there were only 10 of us. Now
there are 21. It was most exciting to watch the plan come
together when we learned first that Duane and his family
would be joining the work here for a six month period; then
word came from Larry that they had been able to arrange a
trip for December.
There were a great many comings and goings in those
months. In June we met the plane in Durban that brought
Duane, Kathy and the children. Then in July we met the train
that brought Michael and his family back from their year's
furlough. With them came Mike LaHaye and Anita Mann,
young people who would also share in the work for a period.
Family get-togethers took on a whole new dimension.
The departures had to come, too. Alvin and Vernita Nichol
son left for six months in the States. Mike and Anita said good
bye, too, as they closed their time with us. Both of these depar
tures were in December.

Then excitement reached peak again as 16 of us waited in

the Durban airport for the plane that was to bring our family
all together. It is hard to express the joy we felt as once again
we had our family in our home. One cannot make up for the
periods of separation, and maybe we are inclined to try, but we
did take advantage of every opportunity to be together. As
proud and happy as we were, there were still times when the
noise level and the activities got a bit much for us.
Then came Christmas Day. It was easy to understand those
who had trouble feeling Christmasy in the heat of summer.

Decorations and lights are not so much a part of our Christ

mas. It was pure joy, however, when the entire family at
tended a small Norwegian church where Duane gave his
characterization of "Joseph." After church we shared our
gifts and bountiful meal at Debbie and Lynton's farm. There
are some advantages to Christmas in the summer, as the big
yard became the playground for 11 grandchildren.
Inevitably the good-byes had to come, and for all our years
of partings, they do not get any easier. Duane and family re
turned to the States on January 2nd. The family, though
smaller, got together as often as possible.
One especially enjoyable time was a day trip into a game
park in Northern Natal. In spite of the heavy growthfor
rains have been plentiful this yearwe were thrilled at the
amount of game we saw, especially a herd of about 8 elephants
which we watched for some time. They crossed the road in
front of us, but we decided it was time to move on when the bull
elephant gave us a trumpet warning.
On the 16th of January we once again drove to the Louis

In December, 1986, the entire Stanley family was able to be to

gether. We all enjoyed getting reacquainted and savouring ex
periences we have not had during years of separation.

Botha airport in Durban. After saying good-bye in the airport

lounge we went out to the parking lot and watched a plane
until it was lost from view. This time Larry and his family
were on it. The family had all been here, and we had loved
having them. God had been very good to us. Now tucked in our
hearts remain a lot of memories!

NICHOLSON

NEWS

by Alvin Nicholson
Alvin and Vernita Nicholson left South Africa for America

on the 2nd of December. They will be returning to South Africa

on the 12th of July 1987. They will make their home with their
daughter and family while on furlough. The address is 7108
Lower 170th Court W., Rosemount, MN 55068, telephone 612431-2590.

December was spent in visiting with their immediate

families. Vemita's mother was placed in a nursing home
toward the end of last year. She will soon celebrate her 92nd
birthday. Last time we were here, she was very forgetful, but
this time she did not recognize Vernita. However, her general
health is very good.
We would ask for your prayers for the Christians in South
Africa. While the unrest has made some changes in their
continued on page 4

YOUTH CAMP -

BARKLY WEST STYLE

by Michael Stanley

Bill Weber, missionary to Johannesburg,

organized the camp at Barkly West. John
Mpornpo, former Umzumbe Bible Institute
student, helped with the camp. He served as
interpreter and teacher.

Classes were held in the mam auditorium

and outside under the awnings. These were

the youngest campers and included 4 mis

sionary children. Michael taught during

most of the class hours.

To find a satisfactory campsite for African youth has al

ways been difficult. In Upington we never did find a good one

and the result was that we used facilities that left a lot to be de

sired. In other places the camps are held in town using the
church building for classes and meetings. The campers are
housed with local families and a result has been that some of

the campers miss many of the camp activities. The only good
campsite that the Africans could afford was in the Port Shepstone area. A few years ago, after improvements were made to
the camp, they increased the rental. For a couple of years we
used other facilities that were available, but in the end the
need for good facilities won out and we paid the higher rental.
In the northern Cape the situation was different. Bill Weber
planned a youth camp in the Kimberley area for December,
1986. Someone suggested that he consider the campsite at
Barkly West. When it was investigated it was found to be not
just adequate, but outstanding. It is called "Deo Gloria" and it
is a large and well-equipped facility. The auditorium will seat
about 700 and the kitchen is equipped to feed that size group as
well. Housing is comfortable and to top it all off the rental is
only Rl,50 (about $0.80) per camper per day. What a welcome
surprise!

Camp started on December 5 and campers arrived through

out the day. I dropped off the group from Upington (11
campers) and then drove to Kimberley to pick up my family
and 3 campers from the Kimberley area. By the time we
arrived in the evening we learned that because of a funeral,
there would be no campers or teachers from one congregation.
We were all disappointed at the news, but had to accept the
fact that a funeral in that community disrupted the entire
community. Later we also learned that Bill Weber was not
well. He had seen the doctor about a complaint, but on the way

to camp his condition had deteriorated and he was in great

pain.

In spite of the bad news at the beginning, camp went very

well. The program was adjusted and classes were consoli
dated because of the missing teachers. There were about 85

Camp is the same the world over

campers have to line up to get their food.

Because of a funeral in one of the congre

gations the Sunday morning speaker was
not able to come to camp. Michael Stanley
filled the pulpit with the help of interpret
er Roland Joseph from Kimberley.

campers instead of the anticipated 100+. The weather was ex

tremely hot and with the consolidated classes, it was easier to
arrange a place for each class. Because there were several
students whose home language was not Afrikaans (e.g., the
children of the missionaries) I taught in Afrikaans and did my
own interpreting. Afterabitofthatldecided that it was easier
to use an interpreter. My tendency was to continue the lesson
when I changed languages rather than to repeat what had
already been said in the previous language. One particularly
noteworthy feature was that food was always ready in
advance of the scheduled meal time. That was something new
to all of us.

Bill Weber spent much of his time in bed and was very un
comfortable when he was up walking. When he arrived back
in Johannesburg, he went straight to the doctor. We are
pleased to report that he has since recovered.
I helped a lot with supervising the campers and that meant
having afew late nights,buteventhathaditsgood side. After
10:00 p.m. it was beautifully calm and cool out. Teachers sat
outdoors and visited while they waited for the campers to
settle down in their rooms. A very pleasant experience!
On Sunday morning we taught our last classes before
gathering in the main auditorium for worship. Jim Conley, a
missionary from Botswanna, preached at the worship service

and then, everyone enjoyed a delicious chicken dinner before

heading home.

I have attended camp where we slept in tents and had to

clean the sand out of our ears in the morning. I have eaten

food that was prepared outdoors in the rain. I have had to

organize unwilling workers to carry water up from the river in
buckets. I have taught when as many as 50% of the campers
were missing from the first class of the day. I have preached
when the only light was a candle on the table in front of me. At
Barkly West we had all the comforts of home (except warm
water in the showers). Maybesomeday all of our camps will be
like that and we will forget that we are on the mission field half
way around the world from the States.

The food was good and plentiful. The

campers got their plates and sat at long
tables to enjoy the food and fellowship.

The MK's (Missionary Kids): Sarnantha

Mugliston (friend of Dina Stanley), Diane
Stanley, Dawn Stanley, Dina Stanley,
Christy Conley, Donovan Weber, April
Conley and Miki Weber.

A MIXTURE OF Business AND PLEASURE

by Caryl Stanley
We seldom take vacations, as such, as a family. However,
students to their homes in Kimberley and Upington and then
when we have to travel for any reason, we try to see whatever
went to the youth camp at Barkley West. Wetook our children
the area has to offer.
and one of Dina's friends, Samantha Mugliston, with us.
In December, we took some of the Umzumbe Bible Institute
continued on page 3

Seminars were held in four areas during

the time that Duane Stanley was in South
Africa. He taught a group of ministers who
were able to come to Umzurnbe Bible Insti

Alvin Nicholson participated at the

seminar in Barberton. Wiseman Pepeta,
part-time teacher at Umzumbe Bible Insti
tute, interpreted and helped with classes.

John Kernan, from East London, came to

Umzumbe Bible Institute and taught a class
to the ministers who came to the seminar.

tute in November.

The need for leadership training in

every area of the life of the church in
South Africa cried out daily as we lived

were given to preaching services. The

third seminar was a two week training

and travelled there for six months. Al

weeks of the school year. It was aimed at

most as loud was the recognition that the

existing missionaries have far more to do
than time allows. One of the things that
our time allowed us to do was to experi
ment with leadership seminars in the

existing ministers and our own students,

and although it added much to the hectic
schedule of the end of the year, it was de
clared a success by all. Seminar #4 was a
four day program for the Queenstown
circuit of congregations (the largest of
our S.A. churches with about 16 preach
ing points). Elders and members from
many of the preaching points joined us at
the Hinge, just across the border into the

local churches.

Among the changes in our churches in

South Africa during the last few years is
a growing desire on the part of the local
men to have training in their faith. Most
of these will never be able to take a year or

program at UBI during the last two

Transkei.

While each seminar differed from the

to fill the need for training it must include

some way of getting training to them in

others, each was effective and exciting to

be a part of. Different missionaries and
African leaders joined me as leaders,
giving different ones a feeling for what
can be done in the future, and plans are
already underway so as not to let this new
initiative grow cold. An effective training
program for leadership of the South
African churches must go beyond the
campus of UBI. A strong training pro
gram at the school itself must be com
bined with carefully designed training at
the ministers' week in March, the annual
conference in September, and a
systematic plan for holding leadership

We sponsored four seminars during our

short term, each of them in a little differ
ent form and giving us an idea of what
can be done in the future. The first was a

nine day program atGraaff-Reinet. Here

we had a good number of ministers and
elders from the area for training during
the day and the evenings were aimed at
the local congregation. In Barberton we
worked only with a single congregation
offering some training for the men on the
two weekends and during the week
holding a VBS-type program for young
people after school each day. Evenings

seminars in the churches themselves.

BUSINESS AND PLEASURE continued from page 2

Michael left us with friends in Kimberley for two days while
he went to Upington to get campers. We used our time to visit
the Big Hole and Diamond Mine Museum. We had a lovely,
sunny day and were able to visit all of the old buildings, which
have been restored to show us what Kimberley was like when
diamonds were first discovered there. We also went to see a

play, The Christmas Carol, presented by a Kimberley

dramatic group. And, typical of women, we spent some time
shopping in the mall near where we were staying.
When Michael returned from Upington, he took us to Barkly
West for the youth camp. It was a camp organized mainly for
Afrikaans speaking children, but there were a lot of children
there who did not speak Afrikaans as a home language.
Classes were taught in English or Afrikaans and intrepreted
for those who did not understand the first language. Our chil
dren participated in the classes and really seemed to enjoy the
camp.

When camp was over, Michael took some of the Upington

campers back to Kimberley so they could ride a bus home the
next day. Then our family and the six remaining campers

/i
Barnabas Songo, African minister from
Margate, and Maart Joseph, Coloured min
ister from Graaff-Reinet, enjoyed the
classes and fellowship at the seminar at
Umzumbe Bible Institute.

two off in order to come to UBI. If we are

their own areas.

1^.

At Upington, the Stanleys attended an

evening meeting at the African church. The
congregation is currently without a
minister and so there is not much teaching
done. Michael was thankful for the
opportunity to provide much-needed
instruction.

went to Upington in our Microbus. There were twelve of us in

the vehicle so it was crowded. Fortunately, we had a twowheel trailer for the luggage.
We spent two full days in Upington, visiting Christians
there and seeing some of the sights in the area. Michael
preached at an evening service in the African location after we
had had supper with one of the families. We also had tea with
the family of an Umzumbe Bible Institute student.
One day we visited a museum. It is housed in an old church
building and minister's house. It was very interesting. We
also visited the dried fruit factory where we saw how the
sultanas and raisins are brought in from the vineyards,
cleaned and packed for sale. Upington is the largest sultanaproducing area in South Africa.
Upington is very hot and dry so we spent a lot of time in the

swimming pool at the municipal park where we were staying.

We also drank a lot of pop, juice and teaa real necessity in
such a dry climate.
We were away from home for just over one week. I think
every member of our family would say they enjoyed our

combined business and pleasure trip.

South African TORCH

UBI UPDATE

SNAKES

by Lucille Stanley

by Lucille Stanley

The 1987school yearhashadagood be

ginning with better than average on-time
students. We have six second-year men

Snakes are the subject of many terror

stories here, but the truth is that we truly
do not deal with them very often. Just
talking about them is sufficient, thank
you! It was a shock, therefore, to receive a
phone call from the school saying that

Published quarterly for the following

MISSIONARIES
and their

FORWARDING AGENTS

Mr. & M rs. Alvin Nicholson and family

and one woman. With the arrival of three

P.O. Box 219

Port Shepstone
4240 Rep. of SOUTH AFRICA
Forwarding Agent
Mrs. Richard Hanson
7108 Lower 170th Court W.

Rosemount, Minnesota 55068

Mr. & Mrs. Lynn Stanley and family

P.O. Box 219

Port Shepstone

4240 Rep. of SOUTH AFRICA

Forwarding Agent
Mrs. Sybil Evans
Box 181

St. Joseph, Illinois 61873

students today, there are now six men

and two women in first year class. Dis
appointingly, one of the women is preg
nant and will not be staying.
After all the extra staff last year who
have now left, the present teachers are
having to carry a much heavier load. One
of the black teachers from last year also
left to go to University. Floyd Stamm is
coming down from Durban to teach parttime. Wiseman Pepeta, who has taught
for a number of years, comes from his
church in the Transkei to teach the rest of

the week. Also, added to the staff, is a

second year student who is greatly
interested

in education.

He will be

serving as an assistant teacher and keep

ing the library.
The big project is the construction of
the kitchen/dining room unit which is

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Stanley and family

P.p. Box 13
Umzumbe

4225 Rep. of SOUTH AFRICA

Forwarding Agent

now ready for sub-flooring and then

block laying can begin.
The planning and preparation which
Duane helped with before he left has
been greatly appreciated and certainly
helped get the year off to a good start.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eckman

Route 2, Box 3
Kimball, Minnesota 55353

NICHOLSON

NEWS

continued from page 1

one of our students had been bitten while

drawing water at a tank. The message

was that Mr. Qwemesha was in town, so
they had phoned for the ambulance and
one of the men who could drive had taken

her in the big lorry to the nearest shop to

meet the ambulance.
What were we to do from our home 5

miles away? We phoned the shop. The

shopkeeper was home for lunch, but said
she would phone back as soon as she
learned anything. That call was not en
couraging. The ambulance had notcome.
So Lynn departed. Later another phone
call from Mrs. Qwemesha said the driver
had returned to school with the girl when
the ambulance did not arrive, but the foot
was swelling and they were worried. I
assured her Lynn had gone out, and
suggested they go back to meet him. Then
Lynn arrived home. Arriving at the shop
and finding no one, he assumed that she
had been cared for so he came home. I

hurried him off again.

After his departure, another call from
Mr. Qwemesha this time to ask where

Lynn was. He had not checked on the girl,

so I learned nothing. Having a proper
respect for snakes and knowing how
deadly some of them are, I was most con
cerned. Her life might be in danger while
people were driving back and forth! Lynn
had gone back out and 1 could do nothing
but pray.
Much later Lynn came in smiling. All

of Christ Mission, and is published four

times each year in F'ebruary, May, August,
and November by Mission Services Asso
ciation, 7525 Hodges Ferry Road, Knoxville, TN
37920-9731.
Second-class

church programs, there is no place where

they have not been allowed to meet. One
minister is holding home meetings in the
evenings. He said that one man walking
alone is in little danger. The people are
anxious for study and prayer so the
meetings have been well attended. The

postage paid at Knoxville, TN 37901-2427.

problems have led many people to a

POSTMASTER: Send address changes

to South African TORCH, c/o Mission
Services Association, PO Box 2427,
Knoxville, TN 37901-2427.

hospital and they kept her overnight, but

closer walk with Christ, for they are

taking more careful thought as to why
they are Christians.

he had heard the doctor tell the nurse it

We are thankful for the students that

studied at Umzumbe Bible Institute

snakes. Smiling and limping just a little,

Henrietta greeted us when we picked her
up at the hospital. It was the first time in
27 years a student had been bitten, and

The South African TORCH (501-820) is a

publication of the South African Church

First Quarter 1987

Volume 38

Number 1

during 1986 and we pray that the attend

ance will be even larger this year. There
are many places that need and want
leaders.

was well. Henrietta had been taken to the

was not a Mamba bite. The green and

black mambas are the most feared of all

we thanked the Lord for His protection.

Thus ends our snake story of the year!

Form 3579 requested PO Box 2427, Knoxville, TN 37901-2427

Diane Stanley narrated a play depicting

the birth of Christ and directed her younger
cousins as they acted it out before very

appreciative aunts, uncles, parents, and

grandparents at our family get-together on
Christmas Eve. The children planned and
prepared this without adult supervision or
help.

m m MV g

"^hf
Jh/f midUa.
woid a a, IImp unLo nuf jed and a,
--"Jiolmi 119:105

mm m A|^V

li/jkunio
li/jkl unto mijpolk
mj paLk."

aFRicaN
TORCH

Republic of

Michael Stanley puts a sheet ofpaper into

the printer to print yet another article for
the South African Torch. The Tandy 1200
computer has worked many hours as a word
processer and we now wonder how we
managed before we got it.
Volume 38

Port Shepstone

South Africa

Transkei

iCape Town

tUmzumbe Bible insliiule)

East London*

Second Quarter 1987

Number 2

MINISTERS WEEK, 3-6 March 1987

by Michael Stanley
When I prepared the VW Microbus for the trip to Ministers
Week in Graaff Reinet, I had expected a full load. In the end,
we left Port Shepstone with only five passengers. Floyd
Stamm decided to drive down on his own and Dad decided to

stay in Port Shepstone as Mom had just been released from the
hospital after surgery to remove a damaged knee-cap. We
expected to pick up one man on the way but he did not arrive so
we had plenty of room during the 13 hour trip.
The executive committee of the Church of Christ Mission

met on Tuesday (3 March) which was the day before Ministers

Week was scheduled to begin. As usual those meetings were
tedious but I regard them as a necessary evil.
Even though there was a preaching service on Tuesday
evening, the official opening was on Wednesday. The speaker
was the mayor of Kroonvale, the Coloured township, and the
turnout was good. After the lengthy meeting "cooldrinks"
(pop), cookies and cake were served.
This year special emphasis was placed on teaching, with
Robert Mills teaching on Discipleship and Church Growth.
John Kernan taught concerning Discipline in the Church.
Both men also manned stalls selling Christian printed
materials. During the afternoon. Bill Weber taught on Chris
tian Unity and I used a class period to discuss the Building
and Evangelism Fund of which I am director. Time was also
planned for discussion of the material which was taught.
Generally this time brought lively discussions.
Bill Weber and I also made a special contribution to the
evening programs. Before the main message, I presented a
Bible story with the aid of a filmstrip and Bill gave a short
Bible word study. These were well-received.
During the week, John Kernan distributed the latest issue of

John Kernan teaches a lesson on Discipline in the

Church. Attendance and interest at the teaching
sessions was very good. It seems that the ministers

and other church leaders are increasingly aware of

their need for continuing education.

Future Leaders, a magazine which he publishes for young

people. Again we were reminded of the great interest which
there is in this magazine by people of all age groups.
Even with all of the activities, the missionaries found time
to visit and discuss issues related to our work. Since four of us

were staying in one cabin at the trailer park, we had quite a bit
of time together. On a couple of evenings we all got together at
John Kernan's trailer for a "braai" (barbeque). On these
occasions our group numbered seven and included Heather
Kernan, Floyd Stamm and Alice Fishback.

After all of the work that went into the program, it was
unfortunate that the attendance was lower than

usual.

Several complained that the change in dates for the meeting

had made it difficult for them to attend. Hopefully that will
not be necessary in the future.
The issues that were dealt with in the afternoon sessions

were particularly pertinent to the present situation in South

Africa. Division has been a problem in the church during the
last few years so Christian teaching on this is much needed.
We are also trying to help the church to make the transition
from a missionary receiving body to a missionary sending
body. The African Christians recognize the need for mission
aries to come and help them, but the idea that they could be in
volved in sending out missionaries to other parts of South
Africa, or the world, is still new to them.
Ministers Week has become an annual tradition of the

Cornelius Koeberg, the local mayor, addresses the

group on the opening night of the annual ministers
week. Cornelius' father was a charter member of the
Graaff Reinet congregation.

Church of Christ Mission and as such, it has been a valuable

forum for discussion of issues as well as a time of fellowship.
In a country like South Africa' where the ministers, and the
missionaries, are widespread, this is important. But I believe
that as greater emphasis is placed on teaching, the meetings
can be made even more valuable to those who attend.

The present kitchen/dining room is in an old 17-foot diameter

rondowel. It was built in 1968 using homemade blocks. The plaster
has been repaired and the roof has been replaced, but both are in
bad condition again. The room is very dark because it has small
windows and is very crowded as it has to contain cupboards, stove,
refrigerator, tables and chairs.

Once the foundations had been poured. Samson Mtimkhulu. an

African block-layer, came and built the walls up to floor level.
Then the areas had to be filled with rock and rubble.

Alvin Nicholson manned the cement mixer and Anita Mann,

Alvin Nicholson's 2-ton Isuzu truck was used to haul rock and

missionary intern, and Umzumbe Bible Institute students pro

vided labour when the foundations for the new building were
poured in November, 1986.

gravel for fill. This quarry is about one mile from the campus.
During the school holidays we hired high school boys from the
area to dig and load gravel for us.

The building was marked out and Umzumbe Bible Institute

students dug the trenches for the foundations. Concrete was
brought by wheelbarrow from the mixer to the trench on a plank
path. Michael Stanley worked in the trench, leveling theconcrete.

The gravel which was put over the fill had to be smoothed and
tamped down. Victor is a man from the area who has worked for
Umzumbe Bible Institute periodically over the past few years.

UMZUMBE BIBLE INSTITUTE

K- *

The sub-floor was done in February, 1987. Lynn Stanley ran the
cement mi.xer and a new group of students gained some practical
experience in building church buildings.

Samson Mtimkhulu, the block-layer, checked his builder's line

to see that everything stayed level.

:-*df

Michael Stanley, along with two Umzumbe Bible Institute

students, leveled the concrete as the sub-floor was poured. Quality
and efficiency improved as the work progressed.

Michael Stanley and the students raise a beam into position.

The roof does not use trusses so there are two beams, one at the
peak and one along the front of the porch.

MANY HANDS RAISE

A KITCHEN

mWm

All the materials and labour which have gone into the
building so far are paid for. We also have the roof and the doors
and windows. However, the cash which we have on hand will

not be sufficient to finish the building and its furnishings.

Therefore, we appeal to any individuals, ladies' groups,

T '

_5 <

Sunday school classes, youth groups, VBS's, etc., who are

looking for projects, to please consider our new building. Pos
sibilities for projects include: Stove-$50().00, Refrigerator-

Progress! Afternoon shadows lengthened and another day's

work was done. Window frames were braced into place as the walls
climbed higher.

$500.00, Tables-$100.00 (2 needed), Chairs-$25.00 (20 needed).

Miscellaneous equipment such as curtains, dishes, paint,
etc.-$10.00 and up. Please send contributions to Mrs. E. L
Evans, P.O. Box 181, St. Joseph, IL 61873, marked "Kitchen"
or a specific project.

South African TORCH

Published quarterly for the following
MISSIONARIES
and their

TODDLER TO

TEACHER

By Lucille Stanley

By Alvin Nicholson

How embarrassing! I had fallen as I

left the parking lot in town. But I wasn't
aware of that emotion very long, for as I
looked at my left knee, I knew that I was
not getting up and walking away either.
A stranger with a two way radio called
the ambulance and tried to reach Lynn.
When he couldn't find him, he left a note

FORWARDING AGENTS

From the very beginning of our work in

South Africa, we went to the Puffadder

Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Nicholson and family

church in Pondoland. This church was

ibuilt at the home of Brother Gontsana,
one of the elders. I do not remember

P.O. Box 219

Port Shepstone
4240 Rep. of SOUTH AFRICA
Forwarding Agent
Mrs. Richard Hanson
7108 Lower 170th Court W.

Rosemount, Minnesota 55068

Elijah Gontsana as a little boy but he

says he remembers me and my visits to
his home. I first became acquainted with
Elijah at one of the Pondoland camps. It
was at this camp that he told Nic
Qwemesha that he would be coming to
school at Umzumbe.

Elijah came to Umzumbe Bible Insti

Mr. & Mrs. Lynn Stanley and family
P.O. Box 219

Port Shepstone

4240 Rep. of SOUTH AFRICA

Forwarding Agent
Mrs. Sybil Evans
Box 181

St. Joseph, Illinois 61873

tute for two years and then went out to

preach and minister to the church at

Knysna. Here he met Enid and later
married her. When Elijah returned to
Umzumbe Bible Institute to complete his
third year, he brought his wife with him
so that she could also get Bible training.
At the end of the year they returned to
Knysna to minister again. He had not
completed high school before he came to
Umzumbe Bible Institute so he enrolled

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Stanley and family

P.p. Box 13
Umzumbe

4225 Rep. of SOUTH AFRICA

Forwarding Agent
Mr. and Mrs, Richard Eckman

Route 2, Box 3
Kimball, Minnesota 55353

The South African TORCH (501-820) is a

publication of the South African Church

of Christ Mission, and is published four
times each year in February, May, August,
and November by Mission Services Asso
ciation, 7525 Hodges Ferry Road, Knoxville, TN
37920-9731.
Second-class
postage paid at Knoxville, TN 37901-2427.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes
to South African TORCH, c/o Mission
Services Association, PO Box 2427,
Knoxville, TN 37901-2427.

Second Quarter 1987

Volume 38

Number 2

in a government program to complete

matric, as it is known in South Africa.
In January of 1986, the Gontsanas
moved to Umzumbe with their two sons.

During the 1986 school year he taught

two classes for the first year students. At
the end of the year Elijah passed the test
to be a marriage officer in the Transkei.
He is the first of our African ministers to

do this for many years. (Being a minister

does not automatically allow one to
perform marriages; a man must have a
certificate from the government to do so.)
Elijah has had a great desire to go on to
University and get a better education. I
promised I would help him with his fees if
he could go to one of the Universities. He
was accepted at the University of Fort
Hare at Alice in the Ciskei. He is from the
Transkei and for a while it looked like he

would not be able to go there because

there were problems between the Ciskei
and the Transkei. However, he was able

to go and his family moved to Dimbaza,

not far from Alice, where they will stay

with family members while he is at

University.
Remember Elijah as he studies and his

family as they are separated from one

A BAD FALL

another.

on the windshield of our car.

The ambulance was prompt and my leg

was strapped on a board and I was taken
to Port Shepstone hospital. In a short
time I had received a pain relieving in
jection, the doctor had been to see me and
x-rays ordered and taken. Then the bad
news I would have to go through to
Durban for the necessary surgery. The
decisions were all being made for me.
Another ambulance trip. A visit from
the specialist, who simply said, "I have
seen the x-rays and we will operate im
mediately."
A week later I was home, but life was
different.

had

crutches

but hadn't

learned to use them. At first Lynn waited

on me hand and footas I couldn't move

my leg. Thankfully, progress was

amazingly quick, and I soon learned to
manage the crutches and do more for
myself.
Now I move confidently around the
house, but less so when I leave that
security.
I keep asking myself what I have
learned from this experience, thinking it
should be more profound, but I can't find
it. I was very thankful for the knowledge
that the Lord was in control, for the
immediate care in each situation. Itcould
have been so different.

I have known patienceand impatience.

There were times just knowing I could not
do anything about it, helped me to accept
the situation. Other times, frustrations
took over at my helplessness when I had
to depend on someone else for almost
everything out of reach of my bed.
I hope I have learned understanding
for others who are dependent on someone
else for their care.

I learned a real appreciation for family

and friends who rallied to help. There
were cards and letters from family and
friends overseas which said, "Wish we
were closer and could help, but we are
praying for you!"
And God has so
graciously answered those prayers. The
surgeon confirmed that when I went back
to him and he said, "Your progress has
been outstanding." Thank you. Lord.

Form 3579 requested PO Box 2427, Knoxville, TN 37901-2427

%^
Elijah Gontsana (left) has completed 3
yrs. of study at Umzumbe Bible Institute
and is fulfilling a life-long ambition. With
financial aid from Aluin Nicholson he is
studying toward a Bachelor's degree at the
University of Fort Hare.

m m

jhif woid
uotd Ua, Itmf unto nuf lotojuL a,

m m

m ^^ mj M m/J

li/^k
iu^lLmdo
mdo mf
mif faik"
fxtlk

--TuJju Il<i:t05

aFRicaN

TORCH

Republic of

* Port Shepstone

South Africa

Transkei

The new dining hall now has windows,

doors, and some paint. Wc are looking for

ward to being able to purchas the necessary

equipment so the building can be put to use.

Cape Town

(Umzumbe Bible institute)

East London*

Third Quarter 1987

Volume 38

Number 3

BARNABAS SONGO
by Lynn L. Stanley
We lost one of the most respected min
isters of the Church of Christ in South

Africa with the passing of Brother Bar

nabas Songo on June 12 from cancer. He

had been in very poor health for some

time but carried on with his church work
until near the end.

Barnabas was born into a minister's

home in March, 1932. His earliest mem

ories were from Middelburg in the Cape

where his father ministered. His father

passed away about 27 years ago while

serving the Imvutshini church in the
area south of Port Shepstone. After his
death the congregation asked Barnabas
to be their minister. Barnabas and his

wife,

Anna,

received

training

at

Umzumbe Bible Institute. In 1962 he

began his work with the church which he

served faithfully for 25 years. During
that time it grew to be one of the largest
and best giving of our congregations.
Barnabas not only served his congre
gation, but his community, and he was
held in high esteem. He was a member of
the chiefs council in his area. The chief

spoke very highly of him at the funeral.

There were many denominational min
isters present, also, too many for each one
to speak, so one man was asked to speak
for all. Our own ministers came from

around the country, and Nic Qwemesha

was asked to speak on behalf of them all.

For three hours, various ones paid trib

Brother Barnabas Songo (right) was a much-respected minister and we were all saddened
by his death from cancer on June 12. He leaves a wife and seven children.

ute to him. The crowd was estimated to be

near 2000. The casket was then opened

for over an hour as the many people filed

past to pay their respects.
Barnabas was a worthy leader in the
church of Christ and served many years
on the Executive committee
mission. He was a member

of
of

the
the

Umzumbe Bible Institute board, where

his insight and advice were always

greatly valued. He was also a leader in
the youth camp work for this area. The
youth camp which was to have been held
the week before his funeral was cancelled

at his death.

Barnabas left a wife, seven children

and one grandchild. The two oldest girls

will complete teachers' training this year.
His oldest son is using a government
grant to prepare as an electrics teacher at

a technical college. The next girl had

completed high school and was working
in the shop which they owned. The
younger three are still in primary and
secondary schools. Barnabas, himself,

only had a tenth grade level education,

but he made every effort to see that his

children had more. He proudly displayed

their certificates in frames on the walls of
his home. He commented one time when

we were looking at them that these were

"his" certificates of achievement, and we
knew without a doubt that he had worked
hard for them.

To be absent from the body is to be

present with the Lord, and in that we can
rejoice for Barnabas. But for his family,
and the congregation and community
which he served, we are saddened. He will
be greatly missed.

THE OLD LADY WHO CAME TO VISIT

by Michael Stanley
Youth camp always attracts a lot of

mind. Even though I missed part of the

attention in the community and the camp

at Butterworth was no exception. Chil

conversation because it was in Xhosa, I

dren would come and listen to the classes

or watch me eat. Passers-by would stare

at the tent and sometimes stop and listen
to the singing. When we practiced the

a l| r>

a:

plays we could not chase the children

away, so we stopped trying. The fact that
many of the people had seen several
practices did not seem to detract from
their enjoyment when the play was
finally done for the audience.
One day an old lady came to visit. She

was impressed with the alertness and wit

which her answers showed. Her hearing
was obviously also very good. When I
later inquired about her health her neigh
bors told me that her legs gave her some
trouble, but even so she could walk long
distances {the measure they gave was
about one kilometer).

"Lindipasi" was obviously some sig

nificant national event in the lives of the
Xhosas so I tried to find out what kind of

event it was. They explained that it was a

disease which caused a lot of deaths, I

had no doubt heard that the camp was on

and came to see first-hand. After greeting
everyone in the room she went to sit down

of the other men obviously wondered how

asked if it was mostly children or adults

who had died. They explained that it was
not people who had died but rather cattle
and they told me that it was not just in the
Transkei, but all over. When I heard that
I finally realized that "lindipasi" was
Xhosa version of "Rindepest," a disease
that had caused widespread destruction

well she could see. After a while he asked

her what kind of a man I was. She looked

Africa.

near the door. When she was offered a

chair, she refused. She said that she was

accustomed to sitting on the floor. She
wore very thick glasses, so I assumed
that she had had cataracts removed. One

of cattle and wild animals throughout

I was fascinated with everything about

this lady so I decided to take her picture.
Since it was indoors, 1 had to use the flash
and each time it flashed, she jumped
violently. One of the younger men

carefully at me and then said thati was-a

"light" man. He responded by asking,
"How light?" Again she peered at me
through her thick glasses and then said,
"Mlungu!" (a white man). This produced
a lot of laughter and again she had to
shake my hand.
Next they tried to work out how old she
was. This involved an extended conver
sation because she did not actually know
how old she was. She could, however,

supply some clues and eventually her age

was determined. She indicated that her
older sister was born during "lindipasi"

present pointed out that older people are

An old lady from the community came to
see what was happening when she heard
about the tent which was set up for youth
camp near Butterworth, Transkei. When
offered a chair, she refused because she was
". . .accustomed to sitting on the floor."

often afraid of lightning and that this

was probably true of her as well.
After about an hour she evidently
decided that her visit had lasted long
enough so she got up to leave. Getting to
her feet was difficult, but once on her feet
she moved quickly for one so old. She
leaned heavily on her walking stick, but
did not require the help of others to get

and eventually they decided that

"lindipasi" took place in 1897. {Because

born and there were two years between

of an Afrikaans statement about the year

her and her sister. She was therefore born

It is visits like this that help to keep life

I at first understood the year to be 1879

and I placed her age even higher than it
was.) This lady was the next child to be

in 1899 which placed her age at 88. Her

interesting for missionaries. They also

give insight into a culture which is
changing very rapidly today.

body certainly appeared to verify that

age, but the years had not dulled her

where she wanted to go.

Themissiontent has proved mostusefulfor many meetings. Atcampitservedasmeetinghallanddiningroom. Thesheepand cattle which
grazed near the tent did not even warrant a curiousglance from the campers who spent every free moment sitting in the sun.

Elijah Gontsana, former Umzumhe Bible Institute student and teacher,', who is now studying at the University of Fort Hare near Alice,
taught at the camp. Students ranged in age from about 10 to 22 years.

Alice Fishback made preliminary arrangements for the

youth camp in the western Transkei before she returned to the
States on furlough. Final arrangements were made by Ben
Labatala, the local elder.

The camp was to be held near Butterworth and since this is

an area that I had not visited before, I wondered what the week
held in store. I took the mission tent with me and set it up at

Nqokozweni about 20 km outside of Butterworth. The tent

attracted a lot of attention and camp activities centered
around it. We gathered in it for classes, to practice the plays
which the campers acted out, and for the evening services. The
men even had their meals served there.

In typical African fashion, the men ate separately from the

women and children. Sometimes we would have an audience
as we ate. At other times the women and children chose to go to

worked, I asked how long he had been blind. It was only five or
six years ago that he had gone blind. I then decided to tell him
about the light that I had brought. It was a fluorescent tube
that drew power from the car battery. He could feel the wires
and he could feel that the light was warm. When he learned
how the light was turned on and off, he switched it off and got
an immediate response from those present since that was the
only light in the tent at the time.
I was fascinated by this old man who could frequently be
seen walking with one of his friends as a guide. He obviously
lived in the vicinity of the camp since his wife was present. He
had an alert mind which was demonstrated when he joined in
discussions concerning Bible topics. (When I was not teaching
campers, I often met with the men who were present.)

the huts, or simply to sit outside as it was warmer there. In the

evening the tent cooled down more quickly than the outside
air.

One evening after the last play practice had been completed,
we were conversing in the tent while we waited for the evening
meal to be served. I heard the exclamation, "My witness!" The
thing which was so striking was that it was in English. Most
of the conversation around me was in Xhosa. When the excla

mation came the second time, I decided to find out what was
causing this outburst. It was coming from Mr. Jordaan, who is

affectionately called "Oupa Yode." He is blind and one of the

other men was explaining how his flashlight worked. The
flashlight was an elaborate one with a swivel head and a
separate spotlight and area light. They explained to him how
to switch each light on and how to swivel the head. With each
new piece of information came the exclamation, "My
witness!" and then followed more conversation in Xhosa.

After realizing that Oupa Yode could understand how lights

FURLOUGH REPORT
by Alvin Nicholson
Alvin and Vernita Nicholson have been traveling through

parts of America visiting with the churches that support them

and also family and friends. We have found it to be tiring at
times, but it has also been a blessing to us and a time of being
strengthened as we see and talk about the work of the Lord.
The Lord willing we shall be going back to South Africa on
the 12th of July. We will be spending the first weekend after we
arrive there in Johannesburg, as we make plans with the
missionaries and ministers concerning the Annual Meeting of
the churches that is planned for Dobsonville the third week of

September. Dobsonville is one of

townships which make up Soweto.

the

southwestern

The men were served their meals at a table in the tent. Women

and children ate separately after they had served the men. as is
their custom.

We have received many letters from the ministers in South

Africa since we have been home this time. Many of them have
reported baptisms and almost all of them have reported that it
has been easier to carry on their work as most of the children
have been going to school and most areas have been quieter
We have been asked to bring back a metal communion tray
with us (most of the churches use the wooden ones that have
been made and sold to them over the years). Another minister
has asked if we can bring him a Minister's Manuel. Others
have asked that we bring back books for study and we have
been asking ministers what books they recommend and
looking for ourselves books that will help our people in the
work of the Lord.

At the end of May we attended the graduation of our oldest

grandson, Matthew Nicholson. The first weekend of June was
the graduation time for our oldest granddaughter, Valerie
Hanson.

4 STUDENTS RECEIVE
CERTIFICATES

South African TORCH

Published quarterly for the following
MISSIONARIES
and their

by Lynn Stanley

FORWARDING AGENTS

Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Nicholson and family

P.O. Box 219

Mid-year closing exercises were held at Umzumbe Bible Institute on the 25th ofJune.

Four students completed their two years of work. We rejoiced in having had this part in
their Christian growth and training.

Port Shepstone
4240 Rep. of SOUTH AFRICA
Forwarding Agent
Mrs. Richard Hanson
7108 Lower 170th Court W.

Rosemount, Minnesota 55068

Mr. & Mrs. Lynn Stanley and family

P.O. Box 219

Port Shepstone
4240 Rep. of SOUTH AFRICA
Forwarding Agent
Mrs. Sybil Evans

CONRAD SAULS came from Graaf Reinet, and we met him first as a petrol
attendant and worker in the black church of that community. That church went
through a difficult period, and Conrad went to the Coloured congregation. When racial
trouble flared in the area 2'/j years ago, Conrad's wife and the congregation urged him
to come to school. His house had been damaged and his life was threatened in the unrest
situation. A year ago, during a school break, under pressure, he attended a banned
meeting which the police raided and he was held in detention for two months. It was a
difficult time, but he told us he was glad the police interfered before violence broke out.
Conrad is somewhat older than most of our students, and we are pleased with his
maturity and commitment. He has two children. He went back to work with the black
congregation of Graaff Reinet with the help of the local coloured minister. One of our
present second year students is a convert of Conrad's.
STEPHEN LESALA, another student who completed his work, is the son of an elder
at Campbell in Cape Province. He is a coloured (one of mixed blood) and is Afrikaans
and Chuana speaking. He has a good church background, and is very anxious to

evangelize. He had a wider experience in the work field than many who come, having

Box 181

worked on the farm his father works on and in town; he was a commendable driver and

St. Joseph, Illinois 61873

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Stanley and family

P.p. Box 13
Umzumbe

4225 Rep. of SOUTH AFRICA

Forwarding Agent
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eckman
Route 2, Box 3
Kimball, Minnesota 55353

we relied heavily on him for that task. He has great enthusiasm and some good common
sense. One desire, and almost a prerequisite for the ministry, is to get married.
JACKSON NENE is a city man from Durban with a rather dubious background. By
his own words he was a professional gambler at one time. He is married with two
children. He works with some small groups in the Durban area. He will undoubtedly
have to hold down a secular job to cover his living expenses.
SARAH SHABALALA came from a city home where drinking is a real problem and
encouragement is lacking from her home. She has tried to improve her way of life and
expressed a desire to do personal work, but she left school with no specific plans in mind
for the future. She, unfortunately, tends to be very moody. She keeps contact with the
missionary families on a regular basis, and will need encouragement from us.

The South African TORCH (501-820) is a

publication of the South African Church
of Christ Mission, and is published four
times each year in February, May, August,
and November by Mission Services Asso
ciation, 7525 Hodges Ferry Road, Knoxville, TN
37920-9731.
Second-class
postage paid at Knoxville, TN 37901-2427.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes
to South African TORCH, c/o Mission
Services Association, PO Box 2427,
Knoxville, TN 37901-2427.

Third Quarter 1987

Volume 38

Number 3

Stephen Lesala, a Coloured student, spoke at closing exercises. He explained why he had
come to Umzumbe Bible Institute and expressed his gratitude to his teachers and fellowstudents. He and three others received their second year certificates in June.

At closing exercises we were privileged to

have several ministers present, as they had
been attending a two-week seminar. Pic
tured are (L to R) Michael Stanley. Freddie
Sithebe of Estcourt, Lawrence Malafu of
Queenstown, Hubert Leve of Middleburg,
Lynn Stanley. Columbus Ncanazo of
Kopozo. Simon Mtshayisa of Barberton,
Elliot Majola of Hammarsdale and Nic
Qwemesha.

Form 3579 requested PO Box 2427, Knoxville, TN 37901-2427

mm

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t
nuf ffA (uuL a
--yiolm Il'i:i05

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path."
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uMo mimiff folk

t"-"i'' '^- -a''iWrv/;

aFMcaN

"SU2U

During furloughs, missionaries always

accumulate materials for personal and mis
sion

use.

Alvin and

TORCH

Republic of

Port Shepstone

South Africa

Vernita Nicholson

Transkei

packed and shipped 13 barrels of these

items and used clothing to be distributed
amongst the Christians. The barrels were
shipped to Durban and then collected and
brought home in two pick-up trucks.

>Cape Town

(Umzumbe Bible Institute)

East London*

Fourth Quarter 1987

Volume 38

Number 4

CHRISTMAS GREETING

! i

Lynn and Lucille Stanley

Alvin and Vernita Nicholson

Michael,
Stanley

t Lir.r

Caryl, Dina, Diane, and Dawn

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, may we be reminded of our responsibility to share the "good tidings of
great joy" with people around the world.

64th ANNUAL CONFERENCE

by Alvin Nicholson

A/isstortan'es visit while they wait for the

opening service to begin at Conference.

Host minister, Gladstone Ndamase(center),

makes final arrangements for the service.
The 64th Annual Conference of the
Churches of Christ was held at Dobson-

ville in Johannesburg from the 23rd to

the 27th of September. I think many of
the people were apprehensive since this is
in the Soweto area. There were no prob-

The "kitchen." Tables, on which to pre

pare meat and vegetables, were set up in the

church yard. The cooks worked out in the
open.

lems at all and the attendance was very

good. In fact the second day the minister
was very busy finding places for the
people to stay.
There were 250 people who paid table
money. Every one of the ministers was

Cooking for large groups is still done in

traditional pots over open fires. Unfortu
nately, rain and hail on Sunday morning
e.xtinguished the fires and left the dinner
only partially cooked.
present, except for two older men.
Johannesburg is far from the area where

there are many churches and where the

churches are the strongest. The Johan
nesburg area today has two of its own

ministers leading the work there and we

look forward to great growth in the
future.

The building at Dobsonville was built

by George Khosa many years ago. After
the coming of Max Randall to South
Africa, he went to work by himself. When
he died he had no one to follow him. The

church divided into several small groups

and they failed to pay the money for their

site or to keep their building-in repair.

Some years ago I was called to Dobson
ville because the building was registered
to the Church of Christ Mission. We were

told that if the money was not paid, the

building would be sold. We paid this
money, but it has only been Gladstone
Ndamase who could unite the people in

ter. This was not an easy task. They put

in the windows one day and awoke the
next morning to find them all gone. At
Conference time they were only short
electricity, but the next door neighbor to
the church let them hook up to his.
The meetings began and ended with
rain, and even hail on the last day. The
noise of the hail was so great on the tin
roof that the minister quit preaching and
the people sang. Yet in spite of these prob
lems there was a wonderful spirit.
One of the joys of the meeting was the
outstanding preaching done by some of
the younger ministers. One of the older
men said, "I do not cry in church, but that
young man really pricked my heart."

of Phyllis Mills, who has been helping the

Kimberley Road Church in Johannes
burg as they wait for their new minister.
The theme for the meeting was "The
Church, the Body of Christ," using I Cor

The women of the churches have in

years and a new building will be dedi

that area and lead the work until it could

creased the amount of money that will be

host such a group of people.

The people of Johannesburg churches
had repainted the building, fixed the roof
and put new glass in the windows. They

given to the ministers' widows and they

have increased the number since they
have lowered the age at which they can
begin to receive help. There was also
more money brought in this year for

have also built a new home for the minis

Building and Evangelism. Buildings are

both beginning to cost "more money to
build and the people are wanting bigger
and better buildings.

A special guest this year to help with

teaching was John Nichols, the brother

inthians 12 as the basis for the messages.

Six

messages

were

brought by

the

African ministers and two of the mission

aries.

It appears that the places for Confer

ence have been set for the next three

cated at each one of these meetings.

Other buildings will also be built. Min
isters' Week for 1988 has been set for

Klerksdorp in March and Conference for

the African Location at Douglas in Sep
tember.

FAREWELL, MRS. JAMJAM

by Lynn Stanley
It will be with a real sense of sadness

quently been a difficult task, and as she

that we will say goodbye to Mrs. Jamjam,

our school cook for the last 12 years. In

got older she was not able to exert the

same amount of control. In the old Afri

the earlier days of the school, the

can culture there was great esteem for the

students picked their own cook from the

elderly, but that is not true in the younger

generation. Mrs. Jamjam has always

student body. In their culture this often

meant the younger members of the
student body got the job. No doubt, the
men were pleased when we opened the
doors to women, and the most capable
person took on the task.
Mrs. Jamjam, a widow with no
children, came to us from Pondoland. She
had had some experience as she had

had a great concern for the "children" as

she calls the students. She has always
had a student helper from the girls, and
has helped in training them in the
kitchen.

More and more she relied on the girls.

She wanted to retire, but she was also
working for enough money to build her

worked as a cook in a doctor's home in

self a two-room house for that retirement.

Durban.

Through the years she has been a great

collector of anything which might be

Being cook for a group of men and

women from various areas and circum

going.

stances was not easy. There was always

someone objecting to the food, to the way

she was born in 1918. She has earned her

it was cooked or to the amount. The stu

dents from rural areas want their mealie

meal, samp and beans with a bit of fat

and/or gravy. Others come from urban
areas, and their diets have changed
greatly.
Besides being cook she served as house
mother to the girls. That, too, has fre-

Her age is a bit indefinite, but she says

Mrs. Jemima Jamjam has served

Umzumbe Bible Institute for 12 years as

cook and housemother. Now at the age of69

she plans to retire and build a 2-room house

near her brother and his family in the

retirement, and we are pleased that she

shall have her house, as well. She has
drawn her retirement fund, and beyond
that she will receive some help.
But for us school just won't be the same
without Mrs. Jamjam.

Transkei.

A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON THE

NATIONAL MISSIONARY CONVENTION
by Michael M. Stanley
Cook Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee, was quiet
on Saturday morning. A few people were walking around
carrying display materials, others were sitting visiting, but in
the exhibit area most of the long lines of tables with their blue
dividing curtains stood empty. In the background one could
hear someone testing the P.A. system and then a choir began
to practice. As I stood and watched the people, greeted friends

and fellow-missionaries, I felt the thrill of excitement which

comes from knowing that something important is going to

happen.
On Saturday afternoon the level of activity rose sharply and
the convention with all of its activities and displays began to
take shape. The display area with its rows of tables and
curtains had become a garden of color. In many places the blue

curtains were completely hidden by towering displays. It was

Alice Fishback, a missionary to the Transkei, shared my

clear to all that something important was beginning to

booth and we even took time to discuss mission business

happen.

during quiet times at the booth. It seemed strange not to have

children to drop off at their sessions, not to hurry to a
rendezvous with my wife so that we could make arrangements
to meet after a workshop, not to have to look for a child that did
not arrive at the arranged meeting point for a meal.

In the past I had always attended the National Missionary

Convention with my family. We had squeezed sight-seeing
into every free moment and then collapsed from exhaustion
when the convention was over. This year I had returned to the
States alone to speak at the convention. Instead of sight
seeing I took the two days before the convention to relax and
review the message that I was to bring. As a result even my
feelings were different, On Sunday evening I was part of that
great gathering for the Lord's Supper, but what I felt most of
all was loneliness. At first I looked around for faces that I

recognized, then my thoughts turned to my wife and children.

I was reminded that they had taken the Lord's Supper ten or
twelve hours earlier in South Africa. It was hard to concen

trate on the Communion Meditation and since I had left my

song sheet at the hotel, I could not even join in the singing with
the enthusiasm that I would normally have shown.
During the year before the convention I had come to appre
ciate the amount of thought and work that Don Baughman
put into the program as we exchanged correspondence and
even the occasional telephone call. Of course I have long been
aware of the endless hours of labor which Walter Birney
devotes to each convention. This year I had the added respon
sibility of knowing that instead of sitting listening to someone
else speak, on Tuesday evening I would be God's messenger to
others. This demanded hours of prayer and preparation.
My primary motivation in returning to the States for the
convention had been to make others aware of South Africa as

a mission field which needed laborers. Because of this I spent

most of the time that I was not attending sessions speaking to
people about South Africa. Some were curious, some knew my
father or other missionaries in South Africa, some were re
cruits headed for other fields, but what pleased me most was
that a few were interested in going to South Africa as mission
aries. Several hours were spent talking to these.

After the evening service on Monday, I got permission to use

a downstairs meeting room at the hotel so that I could practice
my sermon without disturbing others. I had never had to do
that before. On Tuesday afternoon I went back to the hotel to
review my message for the last time and to dress for the
evening. I went to the dining room at 5:30 p.m. for a light meal
and became impatient at what seemed to be excessively slow
service. When I finished eating, I returned to my room to get
my briefcase {which now bulged with 12 pages of sermon
notes) and then I headed for the convention center. After ex

changing greetings with several people and conversing

briefly with a few, I made my way to the platform.
My heart was beating wildly as I took my place. I tried to
read over my sermon notes, but found that I could not keep my
attention on them. Finally it occurred to me that many people
all over the world were praying for me; that God was in control
of the situation and that I had done my part in preparing. I did
not need to worry. I immediately felt calmed and turned my at
tention to the other activities on the platform and to faces in
the audience which I recognized.
The program seemed to go on forever, but eventually Don
Baughman introduced me. Next came the special music which
was hard for me to hear because I was sitting behind the
singers. Then I took my place behind the pulpit. The next 45
minutes were spent repeating what I had practiced so many

times before, but this time with all of the expression and
enthusiasm that I could muster. When I finished I had the as

surance that I had said what God wanted me to say. The

hearty greetings and hand-shakes after the service told me
that some had been touched by the message. What a thrilling
experience to be used by God in that way.
I had attended previous conventions for the benefit that I
could derive from the program. At Memphis I started out
almost as an observer, a sensation that was heightened by
having a room to myself at the hotel. Gradually I became more
involved until Wednesday evening and then I was alone in my
room as I packed my things so that I could return to Minne
apolis.
My feelings are mixed as I look back on the convention. I
was lonely, but always around people. I was always busy, but I

-jaeiiwieawer V

didn't leave the convention exhausted. Part of the time I was

hhitiv.im
Michael Stanley, Dan Phoebe, Ben and Karen Rees.

an observer, but I had also been an evening speaker. My life

was changed because of the convention in Memphis and so
were the lives of many others. My conclusion is that
something important happened at Memphis, and in a small
way I contributed to that happening.

ON OUR OWN
by Caryl Stanley
On the 19th of August, we drove to Durban and left Michael
at the train station to begin his trip to the States for the
National Missionary Convention. For the first time in our
married life, we had to be separated for 6'/j weeks.
It wasn't long before the first problems came my way. On
the way home from Durban, the heat and fuel gauges on the
Microbus stopped working. We had been having problems
with the heat system for about two months and had taken the

vehicle in twice to have it checked. Now as Michael left, I was

to discover that it still wasn't fixed. It took three more trips to
the VW garage (and $60 worth of parts) before everything was
working properly again.
The next major problem came when one of the girls wanted
to go to an activity which I wasn't sure I wanted her to attend.

In the past, I could always discuss these things with Michael

and we could make a joint decision. Fortunately, I could dis
cuss it with Mom and Dad Stanley. I also spoke to several
Christian friends. What would we do without one another to
help and advise?!
The biggest change to our way of life was in activities which

involved going out at night. Our house is the only one on this
block so we are quite isolated. I felt uneasy going out at night
and having to come into the dark house through the dark yard.
One hears of so many people who are attacked as they enter
their homes. So we seldom went out at night and, when wedid,
we left lights on in the house and often had Dad follow us home
to make sure we were safely inside.

Just before the folks returned we had very heavy rains

South African TORCH

Published quarterly for the following
MISSIONARIES

and their
FORWARDING AGENTS

Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Nicholson and family

P.O. Box 219

Port Shepstone
4240 Rep. of SOUTH AFRICA
Forwarding Agent
Mrs. Richard Hanson
7108 Lower ITOth Court W.

which resulted m floods. They made it home from Johannesburg less than 24 hours
before the roads were closed because of landslides and damaged bridges. School was
cancelled on the 22nd and 23rd of September. I think that is an all-time first for Port
Shepstone. The authorities didn't want all of the school children to get stranded at
school and the police did not want school buses and heavy vehicles to cross the bridge.
(There are four bridges between here and Port Shepstone.)
I tried to keep busy-hoping that it would help the time to go quickly. I was able to get
some sewing and knitting done, as well as keeping up with most of the usual activities.
There were many things which I had wanted to do which I didn't get done.
Fortunately, the time soon came for Michael to return. We met him at the Margate
airport and returned home. Within less than an hour there were 32 people herecelebrating Michael's return and his birthday. It was a joyous occasion for the whole
family.

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY

Rosemount, Minnesota 55068

by Lucille Stanley
Mr. & Mrs. Lynn Stanley and family
P.O. Box 219

Port Shepstone

4240 Rep. of SOUTH AFRICA

Forwarding Agent
Mrs. Sybil Evans
Box 181

St. Joseph, Illinois 61873

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Stanley and family

P.O. Box 13

Umzumbe

4225 Rep. of SOUTH AFRICA

Forwarding Agent
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Eckman

Route 2, Box 3
Kimball, Minnesota 55353

The South African TORCH (501-820) is a

publication of the South African Church

of Christ Mission, and is published four
times each year in February, May, August,
and November by Mission Services Asso
ciation, 7525 Hodges Ferry Road, Knoxville, TN
37920-9731.
Second-class
postage paid at Knoxville, TN 37901-2427.
POSTMASTER; Send address char.ges
to South African TORCH, c/o Mission
Services Association, PO
Knoxville, TN 37901-2427.

Box

When we were children we used to sing a little ditty, "Rain, Rain, go away; come again
another day." But in this country which knows so much of drought conditions, we do
not usually think that way, So when the rains began, we thought of the blessingsfull
watertanks, assurance of good crops and so on. As we journeyed back from Conference
in Johannesburg through the heavy rain, we saw full farm reservoirs and were pleased.
But further on into Natal when fields were beginning to look like lakes, and we saw the
swirling waters of overflowing rivers, we began to see the rain in a new light. At
Ladysmith one entrance to town had been closed because of flooding. The toll road area
we would have passed through was closed because of landslides.
It was only after our return home and another night and day of heavy rainfall, we
began to see how frightening it was. And the devastation mounted as bridges, roads,
fields and homes washed away. Natal has a lot of smaller rivers flowing into the ocean,
and every one of them was carrying a vast amount of possessions, trees and fertile soil
out to sea. At least 15 bridges washed out.
Two days later when the rain had eased and the sun shown through, people began
counting up their losses. The vast city of Durban was almost without water. Industries
had been shut down to conserve supplies. The Agriculture Union counts farmers' losses
in the billionsfarmland destroyed, cattle losses, farm roads and bridges, etc. Over
56,000 left homeless, and that seems to be an underestimate. But Rands or dollars
cannot count the loss of lives. A month later the death toll is about 320, hut at least
another 150 are still missing.
Again we are counting our blessings. We lost nothing and our loved ones were all safe,
as was the school. Some of the students had gone home during Conference, and they
were unable to return immediately. School roads are so bad anyway, and they just got a
little worse. No classes were held for several days. As near as we can ascertain our
church people have been spared. Homes damaged but not lost.
God has given most people a very caring heart, and help poured in from everywhere.
The whole country began raising funds for the flood victims. Help came from foreign
countries. Why does it take such a disaster to show us that we really are our neighbors'
eeper?

2427,

Fourth Quarter 1987

Volume 38

Number 4

Form 3579 requested PO Box 2427, Knoxville, TN 37901-2427

Lynn and Lucille Stanley and Aluin and

Vernita Nicholson celebrated their 45th

wedding anniversaries.