^r57

a I"Thes things.entrus tofaithulmen.who il beal to eachoters

Vol. II, Number 1 January - February, 1983

"THINGS . . . ENTRUST . . . TEACH . . . "

I I

also" 2 Tim.2:2. This principlegiventoTimothy byPaul centuriesagoisone of the methods we are using. Tim Thomas and I have been teaching two

Raul and Arnaldo, in spite of recurring physical problems, have been learning

men for a few months. God has blessed them and they are making progress,

and putting the material into practice. We are encouraged by recent developments. Wesley Stepp of World Bible Insititute - Yo itJi Aflame spent five days in Portugal. He is developing a world-wide training program for leaders in local churches and those who desire to lead and establish new congregations. Presently the training is being done in the Philippines. Guyana, India, Dutch Antilles and the Yucatan. The students are taught by Wesley and other qualified teachers that visit the mission field from time to time teaching concentrated courses. The local missionaries are incorporated into the teaching program whenever possible. Men are allowed to remain in their culture and still receive training and practice while studying. During his stay
but were not able to be in the classes. The schedule is flexible and provides

here four different men were taughtan initial course. Others were contacted

opportunity to learn in spite of difficult work hours. Consideration is being given to continuing on with this program in the future. An invitation has been extended to W.B.I, to join with us in training Portuguese. It will help us reach

more andtrain betterthan ifwe tried todo it byourselves. Thetrainingcanbe

given in English and/or Portugese simultaneously or separately. More

information will be forthcoming as this program develops. Regular 4-5 hour teaching sessions are being held at Tim's house on Saturdays. Individual instruction is being given during the week also. A study center is being set up with an effort to develop an adequate library and acquire good teaching tools. Your prayers for this step are greatly anticipated and appreciated.

Germany. Even though it was our first time to attend, we were made to feel welcome. It was great to renew old acquaintances and make many new friends. There were people there from Belgium, Germany, Holland, England, Scotland. Switzerland, Italy, USA and we and the Thomases from Portugal. We had expected severe cold and snow there but were very grateful for good weather. Tentative plans call for the rally to be in Paris next year or a possible return to Germany and we hope to attend. Pray with us for the countries of Europe who need the living
Jesus in their lives and communities.

time was had by all who attended the rally atRusselheim,

Wonderful fellowship, good singing and an inspiring

BjlllBlHft

,Jj[

POLITICAL CHANGES
In a surprising development the Prime Minister of Portugal has resigned. From that day until now, the President has dissolved Parliament, formed an interim government and set the date for new elections for the 25th of April. The President maintains his position. The date chosen is significant as the day which marked the "flower revolution" of Portugal in 1974. There is no indication of any possible takeover of the country by any other forces, but trends seem to lean towards the election of a left of center government. The Socialists and Communists will probably be the parties to register gain. This situation offers no immediate threat to Americans here. Only time will tell if this is to change. Pray that we will use our time wisely during these days. There are good signs that the work of the Lord is beginning to move ahead. Pray for wisdom and patience for all of us
here.

THE WORD CONVICTS

A young woman, Alemxina, made her public profession of
faith on Sunday the 31st of January. Arnaldo Braz has been talking to her about this decision. She is studying the Bible

with him and she will be baptized after some more teaching.
This is an entry into another family. Pray for her, her family, and Arnaldo as he guides her in the first steps in this
new life.

"THORN IN THE FLESH"

Both of the evangelists, Arnaldo and Raul, have been sick lately. Raul has had what was diagnosed as a heart attack and complications. Pray with us for his recovery. Two and
one-half weeks later he was in church and one week later

gave a testimony to the Lord's goodness. He is 47 years old. May the Lord grant him more time to minister to his people. He is praying for this to occur. He is spending 4-8 hours a week in study with Tim and me. Plans are being laid for a mission preaching point to open up in his house and neighborhood. Pray that God's grace will be sufficient for his physical problems.

PRAISE
1. Raul's recovery from heart attack. 2. Mid-Winter Rally & Christmas in Germany 3. Faithful supporters in 1982 4. Jamie Lynn Berrier's arrival 5. Men's training classes 6. More & more teaching material available in the Portuguese language

PRAYER

NEWS BITS
1. Seven payments on Van made (23 to
go) 2. New format for Portuyal Pioneer 3. Paper cutter has arrived 4. No missionaries of our fellowship in Spain

REQUESTS
1. 2. 3. 4. To glorify God in our lives Housing for refugees Wesley Stepp Portuguese elections

5. Paula Harford 6. Conversions 7. Co-workers

Mission Services PO Box 2427

Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

"NEW GRANDDAUGHTER'
Jamie Lynn Berrier

Knoxville, TN 37901
ADDRESS COFtfteCTION BEQUESTED

Knoxville, TN
37901 Permit #374

Jesse is pointing to his new sister. She was born on Mary Lou's birthday 12/17/82, just
with one hour's difference.

Mother, Rick, and Jesse are doing fine and enjoy

Germany. We are happy for

them and proud with them. That makes seven grand
children for Sarah and me. How about that?

ili'SJi''

Vol. II, Number 2

March - April. 1983

AM I "THE MERCENARY"?
Have you ever wondered what your neighbors think about you? What is their impression of you? What work do you do? The international setting of which Sarah and I are a part, accepts people from different backgrounds as a normal thing. In our apartment complex there are people from Brazil, Angola. Mozambique, Iran, Holland, England, and Portugal. One hears French, English, Persian, German, and Portuguese. Most of the time we have a fairly accurate picture of what others are saying and thinking. However, just recently, my thoughts were directed towards what
others think about me in a vivid' manner.

From time to time I substitute for the Physical Education

teachers at the American International School of Lisbon.

One young boy was explaining to his mother who I was and he said, "You know who he is. He is 'The Mercenary'That is the first time I have been aware of someone calling me that. It set me to ask myself, "What does God expect of His servants?" What does Heexpectof us? I am suggestingthree facets of "The Mercenary" of God: being, doing and

"The Mercenary"

becoming. We are to be culturally adaptive, to tap into the

unrestricted power available, and to strive towards the goal
of the life above.

Paul was an unlikely candidate to be the culturally adaptive apostle. Yet he did just that. He writes about this effort (I Cor. 9:19-23) to the Corinthians and sums it up when he said, "So I became all things to all men. that I may save some of them by whatever means are available. (I Cor. 9:22
GNB). "For I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more

than enough. I have learned this secret so that anywhere at any time, I am content whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little." (Phil 4:11b. 12 GNB). This must be a daily struggle to "The Mercenary." God adds His grace and as we "think in our hearts so we are." Thinking

determines our actions. Sanctified change is the order of the day for "God's Mercenary." 'Tap into the unrestricted power of God is Paul's advice to you and me, "I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me." (Phil. 4:13 GNB). Christ gives us the power to do all things. Isn't that a comfort? What spirit guides you in your daily walk? "For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid: instead His Spirit fills us with power, love and self-control." (2 Tim. 1:7). His promise is valid for us now. Forget the past and "strive towards the goal in order to win the prize which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above." (Phil 4:14 GNB). I have mentioned "being" and "doing" but "becoming" is the last facet of "God's Mercenary." Are you a becomer?

"APPLE BEACH"
Many of you have been praying for housing for the refugees from Africa. Your prayers have been answered for the Arnaldo Bras family. Tim and I helped move them on
March 5 to a house in a small resort area on the coast northeast from Cascais where we live. Here is a translation

of a letter of thanksgiving that he wrote recently.

"""Beloved brothers in Jesus Christ, How can I thank the Lord for what He has done? How

many blessings has He given me? He performed some miracles for my family; He healed some also. He answered the prayers of the Portuguese and American brethren who prayed for me day and night and for the church here and continue to pray for us. Through the prayers to the Lord, He made it possible for me to have an adequate house. To me God showed how rich
in love He is to His beloved children. He touched the hearts of

a couple that put their house on the beach, at my disposal, where I am now living with my family. He also has made it possible to have a permanent apartment to live in that is in the final stages of completion. How can I thank the Lord for

Apple Beach Move.

these blessings? By continuing in His way and working

harder each day in the harvest of the Lord. ''Therefore, dear brothers, stand firm and steadij. Keep busy alivays in ijour work for the Lord since you knoiv that nothing iiou do in the Lord's service is ever useless." (I Cor.
15:58).

Arnaldo Braz, Evangelist"

P.S. We are meeting with the Braz family on Sunday mornings for Bible School and Communion. Tim and family are ministering to the English-speaking group in Cascais.

Van used to move.

COME ON IN THE WATER'S FINE

The largest baptistry in the world (the Atlantic Ocean) was the scene of some baptisms on March 16th. Jose and Guilhermina Braz, son and daughter-in-law of the Evangelist, were immersed into Christ. It was a tremendous day for the whole church. Keep prayingthatothers will take the "Oath of Allegiance" to Jesus soon. We do appreciate your prayers for us and the work. This is what we covet most
from you.

CHERI OAKLEY RETURNS TO THE U.S.

Cheri will be leaving Lisbon, Portugal on May 3rd for
Heyworth, Illinois, her home. We want to thank her home church, Heyworth Christian Church, and other churches and individuals who have been supporting her in the Portu guese ministry. She has served well and we pray God's blessings upon her and her future plans. She has taught and
coached basketball and soccer at the American International School in Lisbon and has made a considerable contribution to

the lives of the students and players, teachers and administration. Her teams have placed first in most competition. She will be missed by the PCM team here. At this time her plans are indefinite. She can be reached at Heyworth Christian Church, Box 576, Heyworth, Illinois
61745.

Baptisms

'A
Cheri Oakley and visitors past.

PROF. MATTINGLY AND WIFE TO VISIT PORTUGAL

Jerry and Pam Mattingly will be visiting Portugal and sharing with us through the preaching and teaching of the Word. He has completed a year's dig in Jordan and will be going to England on his way to Johnson Bible College where he will assume his teaching responsibilities there. These visits from friends we love are always a blessing to us. Come
and see us.

VISITORS WELCOME
Ralph and Marcella Parlin were brethren from Leonidas. Michigan who visited the work here during the llth-17th of March. They were part of a tour group. It was our pleasure

PAULA HARFORD
Paula is making plans to arrive in Lisbon, Portugal in June 1983. She is a graduate of Johnson Bible College, class of
1982. Her efforts will be with the children in the Portuguese

to meet them and to escort them to different places close by.

They fell in love with the Portuguese folk at the church. We were pleased that they presented a Thompson ChainReference Bible in the hands of Arnaldo Braz, one of the

evangelists. Thank you Parlins for your encouragement.

Please keep us in your prayers. You have a special place in

our hearts.

Language. Much time will be spent in acquisition of language skills. The help that she can give in D.V.B.S. and
Sunday School will be an enormous help. Regular monthly support is still needed. We urge you, your church, or class to consider supporting her and the future ministry here. Contact her through her Forwarding Agent (Temp.), Cleo Harford, Box 89, Clarksburg, IN 47225.

PRAISE
1st anniversary of Port. Services 2 baptisms - March 16, 1983 Training classes for men
Easter Sunrise service

PRAY
Paula Harford and support Arnaldo Braz - eye operation
Raul Silva's health

NEWS BITS
Parlins' visit

Jim Phegley's schooling finished Dave Robison completed Jumpmaster School

Wesley Stepp and W.B. I.

Debbie Brunsman and S.S. work

Special Service across Tagus River Translation going forward

Miriam

Nascimento,

foster

Tim Thomas family

daughter from Brazil, has four boys 5,103 known languages in the world
Tim's visit to the lands of Oriental

Christianity
Nofi Profit Offl. Mission Services
PO Box 2427

U-S. Postage
PAID

Knoxville, TN 37901
ADOBESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Knoxville. TN
37901 Pefmil #374

20th CENTURY AMANUENSIS

A deal was closed in March to purchase, on time, a XEROX COPIER, Model 2370 II. This will serve as a

secretary, mimeograph, ditto, off-set press, and substitute secretary. It amplifies as well as reduces. We are producing the Portuguese church paper, O Farol Mensageiro - The Lighthouse Messenger on it. Copies from articles, books newspapers and old notes are easily made now. It is serving very well now as a substitute secretary. We are thankful for
this very useful aid to the ministry.

VOLUME II, Number 3

May - June, 1983

"PIECE OF MIND"
"I gave him a piece of my mind," or "I'll give her a piece of my mind one of these days". Have you heard someone say this? Have you said it? A small brick church in my home town had a "slogan-of-the-week" on its church sign and I remember readingone that said. "Most people who want to
give another a piece of their minds are the ones who can least afford to do it." How true that is. Is there really any reason for wanting to "straighten another out" in this manner?
Perhaps, but I sincerely doubt that God wants this. Recently a person mentioned this in a letter I received. These thoughts came to me. What is our mind? Can we really get along without a part of it? What does God say about our mind? How about a "peace of mind"? Giving

The scriptures of the New Testament speak about the

mind. Very clearly it informs the readers that "we have the

mind of Christ" (I Cor. 2:16). Does that surprise you? It's

possible and desirable to have the mind of Christ. Wow! If

you are still in doubt about this statement we are urged further to "Let this mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus"
(Phil. 2:5). Minds need to be renewed and reactivated. Listen to the apostle again - "Do not conform to the standards of this

world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete

change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God - what is good and pleasing to him and is perfect" (Rom. 12:2,3). Renewal comes by changing the mind for

someone a peace of mind. This is what God wants. According to W.E. Vine, the mind is defined as... "the seat of reflective consciousness, comprising the faculties of perception and understanding, and thoseof feeling, judging, and determining." This makes it very obvious to me that most of us should not part with the smallest part of our minds. Therefore I have resolved to keep all that 1 have and not give any of it away. How about you?

good. Transformation comes by a complete change of mind.

Knowing the will of God could be yours with a mind transplant from the Great Physician. It seems to me that

change, renewal, transformation, and spiritual growth are

conditioned upon a change of mind towards God. As God brings about this change within our lives we become

equipped to give a "peace of mind" to others. Yes. give others

a "peace of mind!"

'WISE MEN SEEK JESUS"

One never knows how God is going to operate in the midst of his people. Just when you think you have a possible explanation as to how God works, he changes his tactics and methods abruptly. The truth still is that (jod honors true
seekers. Peter's words to Cornelius in Acts 10:35 are still

brother-in-law determined that he was ready to follow Jesus.

After a talk with his brother-in-law and sister they all

decided to follow Jesus and let him be Lord of their lives.

They were baptized in the Atlantic and have become faithful

followers of our Lord. For obvious reasons we are not going to disclose many details about them, but do request your

true, i.e., "Whoever worships him and does what is right is acceptable to him, no matter what race he belongs to."

prayers on their behalf as they attempt to reach their

families and fr'iends for their new-found Lord. He is being

Within the last six weeks God has placed within our outreach
some of the modern descendents of the "wise-men" and the

outright heirs of Cyrus in the Old Testament. After some initial contact with one young married man in which I sought to help him with survival Portuguese he told me that he wanted to stop Portuguese and learn as much as he could about Jesus. We began a study in the gospel of Matthew that went on foratleast eight chapters. His wife
and brother-in-law were attentive learners. Tim Thomas

taught and is making much progress in his studies and preparation. Pray for a people's movement among this group as there are over 900 other refugees in and around
Lisbon.

We have written for material available in their language and some has arrived. We are looking for a typewriter also.

Pray that God will give us wisdom in dealing with them. Your prayers and understanding will be greatly
appreciated at this time.

and I alternated with the teaching. Tim took much time to help out with details of visas and documents. The young

LAY LEADERSHIP TRAINING

teach a New Testament Survey in English. They are making considerable progress. Pray that we will find adequate classroom space. Tim and I are using our apartments. At times they are crowded. Pray that God will use these men to go out and teach others who will continue the process of expansion. Pray that Tim and I will have the wisdom in leading them. Pray for a contact in Angola that may prove to be beneficial to the
Kingdom's work.

We are looking forward to having Dr. Jerry Mattingly and his wife Pam here in July and then Wesley Stepp during
the month of August. God has blessed us with good men sharing their lives with us. May many more be able to come
and share with these men and others.

One of the highlights of each week is the men's classes on each Saturday. Three to nine men meet each Saturday from 2:30 - 6:00. They are divided into two different languages, English and Portuguese. These men give up Saturday afternoons to study. For this we give praise to God. This is a varied group that meets. They come from four

different countries speak three different languages plus

some dialects. A young man from the Azores visited us in
May. He was in Lisbon for medical treatment. His father

and family are disciples of Jesus for many years. Tim is teaching two classes in Portuguese, one an Old Testament Survey and the other a New Testament Survey. I

NEW FACILITIES
We are in need of a more adequate and usable place for worship services and classes. As of right now it is most difficult to find anything within the area of Cascais that is
across the river in a few months. We are undecided as to

which direction we should move. Please pray that God will

grant us wisdom in this decision. The English Services will still be held in Cascais. Several

for rent. Study and prayer are being given to the possibility
of moving to another area close by. We could possibly stay wHere'we are and cbmmute~to~th"e other places. The move " would concern only the Portuguese meetings. Several families have already moved from this area that attend the Portuguese church and the rest will be receiving housing

families have moved back or will be moving back soon to the

UhTtMStates. Tim is le^mg this work". Decisions about the

future of this work will be made in the future. Possibly Farsi services will begin in Cascais soon. Keep all of this in
your daily prayers.

PRAISE
1. Men's training classes English & Portuguese 2. Four baptisms recently
from Africa

PRAY
in
1. New meeting place 2. Azores-Goulart family

NEWS BITS
l.One million Portuguesespeaking Americans. 2. We answer every letter. Either we didn't get yours or you didn't
get ours. 3. We lost two families from NATO who were active in

3. Housing for the retornadoH

8. Support for Paula Harford lacks $200 per month. 4. PossilDility of beginning
meetings in Farsi.

4. The S.S. growth in the English

group

5. For Bibles and other training

material in Farsi that we
have received.

English Services. 4. Definite furlough time will be

announced in the next Pioneer.

Mission Services PO Box 2427

Non Profit Org. U.S.Postage

PAID

Knoxville, TN

37901

Knoxvltle. TN
37901

Mi.^sionaries:

ADDRESS CORReCTION RBQUESTED

Permit 374

M/M Richard Robison, Sr.

Av. Eng. Antonio Coutinho Bloco P.Q., Porta 13 2750 Cascais, Portugal

Funvarding Agent:
Mr. Phil Wiltshire 3284 Lancer Drive

Powder Springs. GA 30073

VOLUME II, Number 4

July-August, 1983

IS IT POSSIBLE?"
Is it possible that it was two years ago that we arrived in Lisbon, Portugal? Actually it was on August 28th, 1981

that we arrived by train from Germany. The picture by this

article shows some of the frenzy that missionaries are subjected to as they prepare their barrels to go overseas. God has proven to be faithful again and again. I feel that
after two years on the field we can see the work in a better perspective. It is obvious to us now what we need to do and in what direction we need to be moving.

Recent visits by Jerry Mattingly and Wesley Stepp have been very encouraging. They have given some excellent
constructive advice that we will heed. We continue to ask

you to pray to God for wisdom for us to follow His leading. We thank you, our faithful supporters, during this time. Your continued support is needed as we consolidate, plan, and expand this work together. I thank the Board of' Portugal Christian Mission for their advice and support. We praise God for the I.R.S. approval and Bob Wheatley's work on this. We praise God for the registration of the Church of Christ (Christian) in Portugal! We praise God for the initial growth of the Kingdom here. We praise God

for faithful men who are studying His word. We praise His
name for the outreach in Portuguese. We praise God for the English services. We praise God for the Iranian believers.

We praise God for housing for the Angolan and

Mozambican refugees. We praise God for our co-workers. We praise God for our many new Portuguese friends. We praise God for our new brothers and sisters in Christ.

Yes, it is possible that two years have gone by however the best is yet to come. I am excited and enthused by what I see happening and the plans that we are making. Thankyou for being a part of these two years - Jehovah-jireh.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

We are happy to report two successful VBS's this year, one at Apple Beach and the other in Cascais. This year instead of vying for points they worked for "dracmas - Biblical money," made on the style of Monopoly money. They received them for attendance, Bibles, and learning Scripture verses. Large sums were given for learning the books of the Bible, Psalms 1, 23, 100, the Beatitudes, the Lord's Prayer and 1 Corinthians 13. The same little girl who took first place last year took it again this year with over 2,000 dracmas and second and third places were not too far behind. We were very pleased with their cooperation, enthusiasm and determination to study the Word. Next year we hope to be in permanent locations
where we can accommodate more children. Even so our VBS

this year will be hard to beat. It was great to have Diana,

Brian and Sherri Stepp plus Scott Swelbar help with the Muppets and crafts. The number of VBS's are limited only by our personnel and by our own energy. Come and see us
and we'll put you to work.

NEW ADDRESS
By the time you receive the PIONEER, Sarah and I will be moved. Our old address was Sr./Sra. Richard Robison, Av. Eng. Antonio Coutinho, Bloco P.Q. Porta 13, 2750 Cascais, Portugal. Our new address is Sr./Sra. Richard
sent to us. We will be seven miles closer to Lisbon from

where we were. There will be much more room and the

location is more central in relation to the different works.

This two-story house is large enough to hold our training

classes if necessary. The address above is the one to use if

Robison, Largo da Rebelva, Lote 2, 2775 CarcavelosParede, Portugal. Please use the new one. Mail is so
essential to us so we don't want to miss anything being

you come to Portugal to visit us. Please change this on

your records.

FURLOUGH

GOALS ARE BEING SET FOR

THE NEXT THREE YEARS

We plan to be in the U.S. for a short furlough in 1984. Arrival date is the middle of April with the return set for the end of July. Naturally our intentions are to visit all of you during this time. Please write to our For. Agents or to us personally and indicate a 1st and 2nd choice of time. I am going to send out special letters to you so be on the
lookout for them. We are anxious to share with you personally in this ministry.

Wesley Stepp and family spent three weeks helping us. He has taught many, many hours of classes with the men. Diana, Brian, Sherri, and Scott Swelbar have been a real
boost to our work.

Wes is ready to share with any of you the work here in Portugal and the future direction we'll be taking. Please contact him for an up-to-date review of this part of God's Vineyard. His address is Youth Aflame, Route #1, Box 163A, Diamond, MO 64840.

PRAISE
1. Good VBS

PRAYER
1. Bras surgery
2. Place for church 3. Outreach into the extended families of folk we know

NEWS BITS
1. Jim, Ann, & Rachel Phegley &
visit to Portugal

2. Help of the Stepps & Scott

Swelbar

2. Correspondence Course
available

3. New place to live in 4. Men studying

5. Growth in their lives

4. Paula Harford & the support

she lacks

5. Debbie's work

6. Cheri Oakley

Mission Services PC Box 2427

Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

MisHionaries:

Knoxville,TN 37301
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Knoxville, TN
37901 Permit #374

Sr./Sra. Richard Robison, Sr. Largo da Rebelva, Lote 2

2775 Carcavelos-Parede

Portugal

Forwarding Agent:
Mr. Phil Wiltshire 3284 Lancer Drive

Powder Springs, GA 30073

III'!:!!'''

VOLUME II. Number 5

September-October, 1983

PAULA HARFORD
Recent word from Paula informs us that she has received

the necessary support that was lacking. Praise the Lord for his provision! Paula plans to be in Portugal before the end of the year. She joins the Portugal Mission team to work with the children. This will involve direct teaching, puppets, V.B.S., and group singing. We are anxiously awaiting her
arrival.

For the past 18 years the Cleo Harford family have been members of and active in the life of the Clarksburg Christian Church. Her father is serving as temporary Forwarding Secretary. The address is Box 39, Clarksburg, Indiana 47225. Any correspondence or gifts should be sent to the above address. If you would like to contact Paula by telephone before she leaves her number is (812) 527-2685. She is waiting final approval on her visa and wrapping up the last details of shipping her baggage to Lisbon. Paula comes highly recommended from the Clarksburg Church. Mr. Jerran Jackson, minister of the church, Mr.

Walter Jones, Elder and Missions Chairman, and Maybelle Miller, church Secretary, have given their hearty approval to her coming. The church as a whole has underwritten a substantial part of her support. Paula is a graduate of Johnson Bible College having finished a BS Degree in Bible/Missions in May 1982. Professor Stan McDaniel of JBC gives his recommendation
to her also.

Paula Harford

Tennessee, is President of P.C.M.

The Board of Portugal Christian Mission has unanimously approved Paula for work in Portugal. Hillier Duke,

Language study will be the main concern as she adjusts to Portugal and begins the processof acculturation. Acquiring primary language skills will occupy her first year on the field. Pray that God will be able to utilize her skills in this
new field of labor.

minister of the growing First Christian Church in Cookeville,

Welcome to the team, Paula Harford!

STRATEGY PLANS
After two years of Portuguese living many insights have
become clear to us as we labor and reach out into the areas

use it. Thousands of cards will be distributed in highly populated areas in and around Lisbon. A demographic study of recent population shifts is giving us some highly possible growth areas. Pray for us as we continue in this new
outreach. Bible studies are still being held in homes. Sarah and I have moved into the fringe area of one of the highest growth areas in Lisbon. Distribution of cards and

around us. In any assessments there of necessity must be changes. We have reached a point in which serious study

and prayer are being given to present and future outreach.

It was decided to cease English services on Sundays in Cascais for the present time. Three families have left within the last few months. Portuguese services in Cascais were
discountinued for other reasons. Distance and cost have

literature will be extensive in these areas. Follow-up will be top priority. Our new house could be used as a temporary meeting place for Bible studies and church services. Pray with us as we seek a Portuguese couple to minister with us.

influenced this decision. Transportation costs have gone up recently. Portuguese services are held with Sunday School and training classes for the men being presently held on Sunday A.M. at Apple Beach where the Braz family now
lives.

It has been decided to begin using a Bible Correspondence Course, What Does the Bible Say?, to make more interested contacts available for follow-up. Missionaries from the noninstrumental Churches of Christ have given us permission to

Possible church location

PHEGLEYS' VISIT
How wonderful it is to see family after a few years have passed. Jim, Ann, and Rachel planned and saved for a couple of years for a trip to Europe to visit family. Several weeks were spent in Lisbon with us as we took them to various places in Portugal. Part of their plan was to see a part of Europe, particularly Germany, where Rick, Mary Lou, and family live. We were able to see a good part of Europe: Spain, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy plus Andorra. All of us were glad to arrive back in Lisbon. Jim helped with the driving. Thank God for family. Thank God for His family. May God continue to bless these, our family members, in their life
vocations.

Jim. Ann and Rachel Phejjiey

with Dick and Sarah Robison

Mary Lou and

Rick Berrier

NEW HOUSE AND ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER

Wesley Stepp is pictured with Dick in front of our new house in Carcavelos, Portugal. The house is two stories and has a small front and backyard. There are four bedrooms, an office plus the other normal rooms. We have plenty of room. Please note the new address: LargodaRebelva, Lote2 2775 Carcavelos-Parede, Portugal. Our phone number is
011-o51-l-247-7537. There is a six hour difference in time. We are six hours ahead of State-side time.

Please note the address of our Forwarding Secretary in Powder Springs, GA. Phil and Dot Wiltshire: 404-9404668. If you cannot reach us, you can possibly reach him
there.

Dick and Wes Stepp of Youth Aflame

MARTHA TIBBY ROBISON GRADUATES

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from

PRAYER
1.Brax'es successful eye operation 2. Paula Harford has her support and her arrival this year. 3. God's provision
4. Continued health for us and coworkers

henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from
their labours; and their works do follow them." Rev. 14:lo.

Sarah and I received word of Mom's passing away on

November 3. She went to be with the Lord on October 24, 1983. It was her 69th wedding anniversary. Words can never express our feelings at this time. I thank God that she served her Lord and her family well during her 90 years on the earth. Thank you. Mom, for all you have done for me. I look forward to seeing you in Heaven.
Your son,
Dick

5. 32nd wedding anniversary-Oct.

12.

PRAISE
1. Raul & heart congestion
2. Distribution of the cards for

Non Profit Org.

Mission Services PO Box 2427 U.S. Postage
PAID

Bible Correspondence Course

3. Direction for Debbie Brunsman

Knoxvllle, TN 37901
AOOReSS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Knoxvllle. TN
37901 Permit *374

4. Housing for Braz and other

facilities

5. Robison family in bereavement 6. Support for Tim Thomas family

Forwarding Agent:
Mr. Phil Wiltshire 3284 Lancer Drive

Powder Springs, GA 30073 phone: 404-943-4668

Miasionariea:

M/M Richard Robison, Sr. Largo da Rebelva, Lote 2

2775 Carcavelos-Parede

Portugal

phone: 011-351-1-247-7537

J?s-s-/

pmtrnuhL
^
VOLUME II, NUMBER 6
Dear friends:

fill ^

PC. SI ft

Novera'ber-Decemt)er, 1983

"Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so." One of the most sublime thoughts of eternity is included in this verse of this well-Known hymn. This is the sessage of Christmas-God with us. Not Universe loves us. He loves even me. That reality is breath-taking and awesome in its scope. God loves you as well. He loves your family and friends. He loves the unlovely as well. He loves Portuguese, Amer

only is He with us but He loves us. Jehovah, the

icans, Lebanese,

Creator-God of the

Iranians, Hondureans, Russians, Chinese and all the

other l6,?50 unreached peoples of the world. This message never grows old. It is always relevant and eternal. It is comforting to young and

old, male and female, black, white, yellow, brown or any other color.

Isn't that great!!!

Wesley Stepp made two visits here. He came in January by himself and then in August with his family and Scott Swelbar. We thank thera
all for their contribution to our lives and the work here,

I have been counting the blessings of 1983 for the Portugal Christ ian Mission Team and I'll share them with you. One of the nicest was the visits of friends from the USA. All have blessed our lives._

furniture convention during

the brethren,

Ralph and Marcella Parlin from Leonidas, Michigan were here for a
March and endeared themselves to .us and

we lift our voices in praise to God,- for all of God's people who left their love with us. May many more come during 198it!!! to the states in May of this year.

Jerry and Pam Mattingly spent several days teaching and visiting during July, Their visit was a blessing for all. For all of these
The PCM personnel has changed during 1983. Cheri Oakley returned

We are thankful

for what she did

while here and ask God's continued blessings upon her.

Paula Harford arrived December 29 th to begin a three year term of service and we are glad to see her come and join with us in this work, Tim, Dixie, and Sarah Thomas have been here from the beginning and will continue to ser^'e until fui'lough in the summer of 198i'-. Sarah and myself round out the team for 1983 Debbie Brunsman, not officially a member of PCM, worked in the same area as the PCM team. She left on furlough December 1. We ask God to bless her as she and her elders pray and plan for her future place
of service.

Highlights of the year were the baptisms, leadership classes, Bib le studies, publication of a Portuguese paper for believers and ser vices in English and Portuguese through October 30th.
Permanent progress has been hindered by several we request your prayerful consideration for 198^: factors for which

1) permanent meeting place in and around Carcavelos-Oeiras area

2) permanent housing for the flock to which we minister

3) reasonable good health for the national workers and missionaries

k) a desire for the new missionaries to learn Portuguese 5) a unity of purpose and service among the PCM Team 6) necessary funds for the purchase of a permanent place

May God be praised in all that has been done during this year for the spread of the Kingdom. Pray for strength and wisdom for the PCM
Here are some suggestions as to Why and How to Prav for a Mission ary. that are gleaned from a pamphlet from the Oversea's Missionary
Fellowship.

Team for 1984.

Why Prav for Missionaries! "The v/eapons v/e use in our fight are not the world* s weapons but God's powerful weapons which we use to

destroy strongholds. We destroy false arguments." II Cor. 10:4.

1) THE 2L THE 3) THE k) IHE MISSIONARY IS INVADING ENH^iY TERRITORY MISSIONARY FACES IVIANY FRUSTRATIONS LONLINESS OF THE MISSIONARY MISSIONARY HAS NEED OF SELF-KNOVfLEDGE 5) THE MEANING OF BEING A MISSIONARY 6) THE MISSIONARY'S NEED OF STABILITY

7) THE MISSIONARY'S INSIGHT NEEDS TO BE SHARPENED 8) THE MISSIONARY* S INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 9) THE MISSIONARY' S NEED TO BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT
10) THE MISSIONARY'S HEALTH PROBLEMS 11) IHE MISSIONARY' S TRAVEL 12) THE MISSIONARY' S CHILDREN

13) THE MISSIONARY' S CONSTANT NEED TO SHOW LOVE

14) THE MISSIONARY'S BURDEN FOR ADDITIONAL WORKERS, BOTH NATIONAL ANI
FOREIGN

15) THE MISSIONARY'S OWN INTERCESSORY LIFE

How tn Prav for Missionariest

* Be specific, systematic, and steadfast in praying for deinite needs.

* Agree in prayer with others.

* Practixje saturation prayingcovering many aspects-wi^h many brief

requests.

* Pray as for yoxirself.

* Try using a passage of Scripture when you are praying for your missary, like Eph. 1:15-19 or Eph. 3:14-21.
"Someone has said: 'Better, far better, do less work, if need be, ii order that we may pray more; because work done by the rushing torren* " of human energy will not save a single soul: whereas work done in vi
is to actually put it into practice."

No doubt, we would all heartily agree with this-the trouble of course;

we trust that He will be in 1984: Thank you for being a part

tal and unbroken contact with the living God will tell for all eternit

God has proven to be faithful once again during this year of 1983 <!
of the

past. Please continue to be a part of the present and future work of

Portugal Christian Mission.

Sincerely in Jesus' name,

Dick and Sarah

Our Field Address;

Our Forwarding Agent's Addr

Phil Or Dot Wiltshire

Richard David Robison

Largo da Rebelva-Lote 2 2775 Carcavelos-Parede

Portugal

328^ Lancer Dr. Powder Springs, Ga. 30073

Phone;

Phone; 011-351-1-2^^7-7537

PRAISE

PRAYER

1. Paul Harford*s arrival

2. PCM Board of Directors

1. Portuguese Leaders 2. Direction for Debbie Brunsraan

3. Blessing during 1983

k. Baptisms

3. PCM Team in Portugal Plans & strategy for 198^-1987

5. PCM directors
6. God's leading

5. Visits of friends & family

6. Leadership training for men

7. Assistance from For. Agents

V--.;