VOLUME XI

JANUARY-MARCH, 1994

NUMBER

ROBISON FAMILY REUNION

First, there were two, Dickand Sarah. God added three more to these two: Ann, David,

and Mary Lou. Three more were added: Jim, Toni, and Mike. To each pairwere added two
more: Rachel and Mark, Jennifer and David III,

Jesse and Jamie. Thank you. Lord, for each

Personally speaking, the Robison-Dunn Family Reunion, with over 40 present, in Au gust 1993 during our furlough, was the high light of our activities, it had been 16 years since the children and grand
children had all been to

gether. Twenty-five from

the Dunn side, Sarah'sfanv

ily, were also present for a couple of days. What a foretaste of that great fanrv ily reunion in Heaven that God is preparing for all of

WORLD EVANGELISM CONFERENCE

Itwas great to be in Knoxville, Ten
nessee and to attend the NMC/WEC.
PORTUGAL CHRISTIAN MISSION was

MiSSisi

present and many people came by and visited us. It was good to see former
Brazil co-workers Stan Wolhenhaus and

Carol Lowe.

Tom Fife, co-worker in

Portugal, was there as was part of his family. Becky Howard from First Chris
tian Church, Maryviile, TN spent some time chatting with us. PTL!

TEXAS TRIP
The Lord provided us with an opportunity to visittwo
churches in Austin, Texas.
"The Southwest Christian Church has been a faithful

supporter for years. The leaders of the new Capitol City

Christian Church wanted to hear about the work in

Portugal. Many of these leadersare forming the basis for the new church. Luke and SherryNail shared with us their vision for the new group. May God bless you inthe Lone
Star State.

EXCHANGE STUDENT TO PLAINFIELD, IN

Rute Santos is now living with Mike
and Rita Arnold in Plainfield, IN. She is

doingvery well inher studies. Itwas our joy to have her and the Arnolds, with daughter Leslie, and another exchange
student, Franciso, from Panama, visit us in Knoxville, TN during the Missionary Convention. They visited the JBC can> pus as well.

FUTURE MISSIONARIES
Itwasourprivilege to be in andaroundJohnson Bible College. We were able to visit with several foreign students at the college and to encourage
them to continue on with their studies and to consider missions. There are three students from

Portugal and Spain enrolled in JBC already.

The JBC Soccer team, JBC

SPIRITS, was coached byDick and completed a difficult schedule by

going to the District Finals in

Florida. They tied Toccoa Falls in the 1st game and lost in the shoot-out. They were the only
team in the District to tie Toccoa

this year. They were a good group whichincluded JoyBroyles,

a freshman from Knoxville. She

did a good job.

INTERNATIONAL

COMMUNION SERVICE
Dick was asked to lead the Communion Sen/ice at the

Seymour Heights Christian Church in Seymour, TN. Bro. Pino Neglia, from Italy, assisted as well as Ruth Santos. Pino prayed in Italian and Ruth in Portuguese. Several missionaries and nationalspresent helped sen/ethe bread and cup to all present. It was a very excellent visual of the Church universal and how God is working all over the globe. Thank God for our missionaries and the churches who support them. Only in eternitywill we know the full extent of the Kingdom of God. It is a joy to be with our brothers in the Seymour Church.

BACK IN PORTUGAL
We arrived in Lisbon the 3rd of December safe

and sound and were glad to see the Fifes, our coworkers, waiting for us at the airport. Twenty-five hours had passed since we started our trip back and we were exhausted. Thank God for daily renewal. Ourheartfeltthanksgoto Boband Bonnie Mitchell for their work with the preparing and mailing of the
PIONEER. Mission Services Association. P.O. Box

2427, Knoxville,TN 37901-2427(Teiephone615-5779740) will handle the preparation, set-up, printing and distribution. The PIONEER will be published in the months of February, May, August, and November of each year. Any questions can be directed to MSA.

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Missionaries:

Dick & Sarah Robison

Rua Por do Sol, 29

2775 Carcavelos

Portugal Telephone: 011-351-1458-1729

Forwardina Aaents:
Phil & Dot Wiltshire
3284 Lancer Dr.

Powder Springs, GA 30073

Telephone: 404-9434658
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i'T.-

VOLUME XIII

April-June, 1994

NUMBER 2

WHAT A CHOICE!
Toamputate the fingersor leavethefingereand havethe hand
immobile; that was the decision the doctors wanted our co\-

leagues, Floriano and Esther, to make within 48 hours. This was concerning Graciete Esther, a six-year-old, whom they consider to be their granddaughter. She arrived from Africa two days after having been shot acddently inher smallhand, destroyingbone and ligaments. She was taken directly to the hospital where they did surgery to repair the ligaments. Now as they agonized over the decision, they brought this concern to the team prayer meeting. We prayed for a miracle. Before the day was over, the doctor
Grade with new friends Timothy and
Inga Braz.

decided he could save the hand. Now she is our little miracle in
residence.

NEM BOM VENTO NEM CASAMENTO

A Portuguese proverb says, "No good wind or no good marriage can come from Spain.' Our Bro.Jose das Neves married Mercedes Espada Camacho on March 24 in the city of Badajoz, Spain. They have known each other for 12 years. For the time being they will use both addresses. The Fifes and Robisonswere present for the occasion and were official witnesses. We rejoice with Nevesand Mercedes. Theywill prove that the proverb doesnt applyto them. TheCarcaveloschurch presented them with a Bible in the new translation recently produced by the Portuguese Bible Society in conjunction with Catholic scholars.

TIME FOR A CHANGE

Cheri Lynn Oakley will be leaving Portugalat the end of May 1994 for the
USA. She says that, "It's time for a change and after much prayerand tears and consultation with supporters and family, I will return to the States after a total of 8 years in Portugal." She goes with the blessing of the church and the leadership here. May God give her direction in her future in all aspects.

FATHER'S DAY IN MARCH?

Father's Day iscelebrated in Portugal on March 19. On
Sunday, March 20, Sarah and the ladiesof the church had aspecial program to honorthe fathers. Someone from the congregation presented each father present with a book.

Eleven fathers were present that day. Some of us get to celebrate two times a year.

OUR RECENT BRAZILIAN

CONNECTION
Gilberto Costa from Manaus, Brazil, a brother in

Christ, has been a very good help with theyoung people andolder youth. His work with the recently established
"Royal Rangers" in Portugal has been excellent. This isa groupsimilar to the Scouts, but with a greaterChristian

emphasis. We have an advanced post in our church.

Also, as a ComputerProgrammer and Instructor, he has found hisskills in demandand hasgiven usmuch-needed help with our computers.

PROFESSOR THOMAS FIFE

Tom was here for three months teaching leaders and future leaders in the church. Somefrom other

While here he also preached and contributed tothe ongoing of the church. Tom has taught here each year since 1987. The church here thanks him for his efforts and thanks him for his son and his family, Robert,
Derlani, Anna, Chris, Deborah, and Jonatas.

congregations participated in thesedasses. All told, seventeen peoplefinished oneormore courses this time.

National Missionary Convention & World Evangelism Conference

October 20*23,1994

Civic Center, Peoria, Illinois

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ADDRESSES
Missionaries:

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Dick & Sarah Robison

Rua Por do Sol, 29

2775 Carcavelos

Portugal

Telephone: 011-351-1-458-1729

FonA/ardina Aaents:

Phil & Dot Wiltshire

3284 Lancer Dr.

Powder Springs, GA 30073

Telephone: 404-943-4668

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VOLUME XIV

Juty-September, 1994

NUMBERS

"AVON CALLING"
Hasthe "Avon Lad/ called upon you lately? TheChurch in Portugal received a visit from brothersfrom Avon, Plainfield, Indianapolis and from parts unknown from the HoosierState. "GrupoVida''fromKingsway Christian Church spent 16 days among us and blessed us beyond our fondest dreams. Five adults and 12 teenagers made the tripand shared Jesuswiththe Churchand withthe Carcavelos communitythrough street evangelism,2 VBS's inthe neighborhood, a Faith Promise Missionary Rally, and a good dose of enthusiasm
for all of us here.

In retrospect, here are the characteristics that "GrupoVida" demonstrated: (1) excellent preparation, music,puppets &mimes-several inPortuguese; (2)a servant's heart; (3)a willingness to share and to learn, (4) good adaptabilityto the culture; (5) good oversight bythe accompanying adults; (6) superb ability to merge with the Portuguese youth. Come back again!

SHOTS OF VARIOUS ACTIVmES

Thepuppets were the hitof the "Grupo Vida." Both adultsand children alike enjoyedthe songsand skits. During the presentations in the streets as well as in the services, all gave their attention to these little preachers." ... At the local market puppets, skits, and mimes and clowns... inthe local park a VBS... at the first Faith-Promise Missions Rally ($480 US per month promised)... blessed beyond measure with the presence
ofsomenewbrothersinChrist

from Germany . . . Wycliffe

BibleTranslators... YWHAM

leaders, Brazilian, American,

Portuguese and Germans, all celebrating God together not to mention the two times

at the beach and our experi

ence at Carcavelos Train Sta

tion, and the experience at the shopping center.

"Grupo Vida" in the Church...

... at the local market 8=

in the local park.

German tourists present at many activities.

Adult participants.

COLLEGE SUMMER INTERNS

It's beenfortyyearssincewe had ourfirst internand manyhavecome, and manyhavegone, and much haschanged. Butmyfaith has been rekindled for internsagain. Both Cindy and Sethwere willing to do what was asked. KCC &OCC should be proud of theircontributions. Their maintask, among other things, was to teach English using the Gospel of Luke to 30+ people. Seth did a lot of physical work inthe remodeling. Cindy aided much with musicinterpretation with the
youth.
Intern Seth Arnold (OCC) teaching English. Intern Cindy Mitchell (KCC).

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NOT THE FOUR HORSEMEN OF REVELATION ... BUT...

Luis Braz, RobertFife, Floriano Ucuhamba, and Dick Roblson are the four preachersat the Carcavelos Church. Mozambique, Brazil, Angola and the US as wellas Portugalare represented here with over 100+ combined trans<ultural ministryyears. PTL!

JBC BOUND
The Hoxworthfamily, Stacey,Teresa, Ashley, and Tyler, recently belongingto the US Navy at NATO here in Portugal, are out of service now and will be enrolling at JBC this Fall. Theyjoin Kenny and Nicole McAbee, alsoformercolleagues at NATOin Portugal,who transferred to JBC this Fall. CheriOakleydid much work to influence these young couples. Counting Valdecy and Mima DaSih/a and Josias Martinez from Spain, there have been or are now 7 different students at JBC from Iberia (Portugal/Spain).

FISH FRY ANYONE?

Come over and try some fresh sardines and ribs cooked over a charcoal fire. Several pounds of fish and pork were consumed by 70+ people in our backyard. Good fellowship.

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Missionaries:
Dick & Sarah Robison

Rua Por do Sol, 29

2775 Carcavelos

Portugal Telephone: 011-351-1-458-1729

Forwardina Aaents:
Phil & Dot Wiltshire
3284 Lancer Dr.
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Powder Springs, GA 30073 Telephone: 404-943-4668

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VOLUME XIV

October-December, 1994

NUMBER 4

X ANNIVERSARY

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One of the highlights of this special day,

September25th,wasthebaptIsmsoftwosisters,
Irina and Maria Joao, who recently had been

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coming to the church services and the youth

meetings. In all of the years that Ihave partici-

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pated in baptisms, as well as having seen many

more, I never have seen the joy expressed by Maria Joao, the one on the left, as she 3me up out of the water. She gave a very loud "OH YES! 11" that was heard by all plus the angels in

heaven and other witnesses and gavetheveryemphaticsign ofvictory asshe raised her right hand inavictory salute. Many have been the times when athletes have done this when they have won a great victory over a difficult adversary. Without a doubt, this action expressed her feelings aboutthe victory Jesus had given
her overSatan and histactics. Theparents have

same day and also expressed this same joy.

since the baptisms.

placed their membership with thechurch onthe I

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Adequate teaching is being given to the family

The grandparents of Irina were present for I her baptism and participated in the church din- R ner after morning services as well. S
One of the most encouraging parts of the church activities isthe participation of the youth.
David Braz, Gilberto Costa, Rute Santos, Marta
Soares, and Edilson have taken the reins of the

kJQ

activities such as the regular meetings

the

results. God has giventhem a vision for evangelism and expansion of the king-

interns from the US and youth from England and a groupfrom Portugal to joinforcesnextyearinLondon to attempt to establish a congregation there among the Portuguesespeakers. Saraspoke about certainv\/omen that had a profoundinfluence upon the churchduringthese past ten

idea of joint co peration with summer

years. Several people who hadnt beenhereforsometimecameandspentthe daywithus. Dick spokeabout the highlights of the past and plansfor the future which the church had formed for the next six years.

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WORKERS FOR THE VINEYARD

Edilson Rodrigues Bandeira from the Churchof Christ
in Manaus, Brazil, has been with us since June. He is now
enrolled in the Bible Institute of the Assemblies of God in

Portugal. He has completed the firstsemester and isdoing

good. Being a little older than the normal student has given him a better perspective of Portugal and the work
of the Lord. He has helped us out tremendously and hopefullywill continue to do so in the future. Sarah and I count it a joy to have him stay in the church with us on
weekends. He has a real servant's heart for the work.

JONI VISITS PORTUGAL

InOctober, Jonivisited Portugaland came to Carcavelos on her way to Eastern Europe. Our church participated in a great way by being present and supporting the efforts to bring her here. She spoke three times in Carcavelos: once for a general audience, another time for the Bible
Action Church, and a third time for a home for

disabled people. Her message is powerful and our prayers go with her as she travels to other parts of Europe. Thank you, Joni.

MOZAMBIQUE MISSIONARIES MM
Jon and Bonna Ray visited Portugal in November on
their way back to Mozambique. They are part of a team of missionaries who minister in the city of Maputo. We

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knowthe otherfamilies and have had them In our prayers. ^ Jj^

Two of our ladies, Mimi and Vicky, interviewed Jon about ^ ^ \ Mozambique and the effort to reach the Macua tribe on the western coast of that country. A joint effort of U.S. and Brazilian churches have targeted this unreached people group as a missionary project. Vicky prepared an excellent background profile on the Macua. One lady from the church had lived in the area with the

Macua. Wehavefoundthat Jon'svisit wasa real blessing forusto get an updateon theirworkandthe future work among the Macuas. This church iscommitted to prayand support this work.

CHRISTMAS AND YEAR'S END

Asthisyeardrawsto an end several eventscometo one'smind. There was our returnto Portugal and the rejoidng withthe missionaries and coworkers. Furlough was good, but it was good to get back. The visit of two intemswith usfor the summer blessed usi What a blessing the "Groupo Vida" was to our lives and the life of thischurch. We rejoice inthe growthofthe church inspiteofsomenecessary subtractions. Some missionary realignments alsotook place, such as Cheri Oakley's return to the US and the RobertFife family's 6-month furlough inthe US. We rejoice withthe battlesthat have been waged and the lives that have been changed give us hope above ail. Cessation of hostilities inmanypartsof the worldhavegiven us a thankful
heart. The reminder of the visit of the Christ<hild in our midst

givesthe world its hope if it wants it.

Whatabout1995? God wants us to befaithful. He wants

us to be loving. Hewants us to be consistentand persistent. Hewants usto be Christ-like. Hewants usto glorify Him inall things. Hewants us to be activeinprayer. Hewants us to be encouraging. He wants us to be thankful in allthings.

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ADDRESSES
Missionaries:

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Dick & Sarah Robison

Rua Por do Sol, 29

2775 Carcavelos

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Portugal Telephone: 011-351-1458-1729

Forwarding Aaents:

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Phil & Dot Wiltshire

3284 Lancer Dr.
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Powder Springs, GA 30073

Telephone: 404-9434668
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