:

i;.i

S'.'X.. 3(X^
'

mm

^ I

ti\i\^\
6th & Gibbs

j\jjsjoj\j

Church of Christ

Cottage Grove,
97424

Oregon

June,

1976

Dear Brethren,

than his furlough.

Both the Scriptures and our own experience testify to the swift passage of time. I suppose that no segment of time passes more quickly for the missionary
Perhaps because it involves quite a lot of travel and be

cause we try to pack so much into it. Add a few unexpected ingredients, and it

goes unbelievably fast.

Our furlough began trypically enough. Furious packing in preparation for our reti^n; arrangement for the care of things left behind; acquiring transpor tation in the U.S.; visiting fanily and establishing a "home base" before get ting into the itenary of speaking dates, faith-promise rallies, etc. We indicated at the beginning of our furlough that one of our objectives
for the year was to determine how well the church on Andros did "on their own"

during our absence. That would figure strongly in determining idiether they
were able to carry on vdthout continuing missionary assistance.

The unexpected indredient was introduced as we were preparing to return to the island to make that evaluation. step-father became critically ill. Much of his time in the hospital was spent in Intensive Care on life support systems.
He did recover. However, the doctors say he will live the rest of his life with
severe respiratory limitations.
the fanily during that crisis.

We delayed our return to the island to be with

VJe did return to the islands April 29, after having been gone approximately eleven months. ^ We were delighted (not surprised especially) to find the church on Andros continuing faithfiilly in a regular schedule of services and in appar ent good spiritual health. They had oontiniied to work on their building. Four
new members were added to the church the first week we were back.

While we will be sad to leave them, it will be with a sense of satisfaction. We

to continue without continual missionary help. That was our gpal in gping there.

We have concluded that baning unforseen circumstances, they should be able

hope to be able to return in the future for meetings to encourage their growth

and maturity.

in the islands and return to the states. We are preparing to accept a ministe
rial opportunity that has been offered to us in recoit weeks.

Therefore, we have made the decision to close our fourteen year ministry

We have consulted with our sponsoring elders and prsyed for wisdom to be able to make this transition in a business-like and proper manner. Thus in tBais newsletter and in personal letters to our supporting churches and individ uals we are asking with the elders' recommendation that our monthly support be

tiohal ne^s. This would amount to approximately one week of transitional sup
port for each year of service in mission work. We trust this will meet with

continued for three months, (through September) to allow us to meet our transi

your approval and that your support will continue through September.

real sense of satisfaction for your part in carryirig the Good News to the islands,

Meanwhile we very sincerely and gratefully thank each one of you who have had part with us in making this achievement possible. VJe hope that you have a It has been a wonderf\il privilege and pleasure to have served as your mis

to work with you in any manner in the future we will be delighted.

Sincerely,

sionary in the Bahamas. If in God's design of things it would be our privilege

Ed and Dona Spencer