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ROLAND RIPPLES
May - August 1985 Vol. 14, No. 2
The Training Institute graduation
was April 21st, with Bro. Kangaloo
bringing a challenge in his message
on World Evangelism. Bro. B. E.
Getter delivered the "charge" to
the graduates. William handed out
certificates to the men, and let
ters to the women. Each of the stu
dents was given a gift of books.
After the graduation dinner all
were free to depart for home or
places of summer service. And we
Rolands prepared to leave for the
cooler- climate of Mussoorie.- -
In the Himalayan foothills we had
some of the 3 rsrest, relaxation,
recuperationas well as time to do
some of the work we took along.
Revising and refining commentary
notes on various books of the
Bible, correspondence, and other
necessary business kept us busy.
After a couple of months there, we
headed back to Bilaspur.
We have to change trains in Delhi, so stayed there over the 4th of July
to attend the celebration held at the U.S. Embassy. In all the years we
have been in India, last year was the first of these we have attended, and
we were happy to take it in again this year. They play games, have races,
pony rides for the children, and hot dogs and hamburgers with cold drinks
for sale. Later three Marines present the "Colors", and it is a thrill to
see the Stars and Stripes, which is seldom seen here. There is the singing
of the National Anthem, and a message from President Reagan is read. Then a
speech by the Ambassador is followed at dusk by fireworks.
As our train neared Bilaspur we saw evidence of good rains, and learned
on arrival that the Monsoon had started about a week earlier. It was a
pleasant surprise as things were green and much cooler than when we left in
April. Rains have continued quite regularly ever since, keeping the temper
ature around 80 and humidity around 90. With fans it is quite comfortable.
Drying laundry, and keeping things from moulding, are problems.
On Sunday, the day after we arrived, the church service was longer than
usual. Some of the teen-age boys sang several "special" numbers, accompa
nied by drums, tambourine, etc. Then there was a long sermon. Just before
the end of the service a young man came running in the door and down the
aisle, up to the pulpit, asking for protection from those pursuing him. Jean
was sitting near the back door and saw several young men approach, so went
out and asked them please to not interrupt our worship service, but wait
outside until it was finished. They said they were after the young man be
cause he had run off with their money. After the benediction they were de
termined to take the young man with them by force. Then we noticed that he
had about a four inch cut through his clothing and flesh near his shoulder
blade, which was bleeding. We realized this was a serious incident and it
would be dangerous to let him be taken by those who were bent on revenge.
When we pointed out the cut the others said nothing had happened to him
"yet." We said it was a case for the police. Jean got a ricksha and rushed
to the police station to report and ask for help. The church men stayed to
prevent the pursuers from forcibly taking the young man. When the pursuers
realized the police would come soon they made a hasty retreat. The police
came and presumably took the young man for treatment at the hospital, and
probably had him report his story. We do not know what the outcome was but
have heard that he was involved with the wife of one of the assailants. When
the young man first ran down the aisle Jean thought he was another crazy
person, until she saw his pursuers.
We wrote in the April newsletter about
Michael Lall, headmaster at Sitapur, It now '
appears as though he deliberately quit taking |
his medication so his symptoms would re-occur |
and he would be taken home. He had evidently i
registered to take a college government exam. I
It wouldn't look good on his record if he I
just quit his job at highschool exam time to ' ^ I
take the college exam. As soon as he got home I
he evidently resumed his meds and improved _ I
enough to take the exam. Or perhaps he was . I
only pretending to be "crazy" again. He has ( t
not returned to take over his work in Sitapur B
now that school is in session again. It is so m
sad that so many dishonest methods are used ^ I
to further one's ends. ^
Ajeet, the bachelor grad of last April, is
helping with typing up Hindi notes for Will- JB
iam. He is working at this full-time now un- ^
til the evangelistic program is arranged for
him and Mr. Kangaloo. He will be helping here
later, also, between meetings. Results still a I u j?
aren't out on the government typing exam, but i" v '
Ajeet is doing well. It keeps William busy to
have work translated and ready for Ajeet to type. He is using a five year
old machine which needs repairs quite often. William is also teaching him to
do the needful whenever there is a breakdown.
There are several reasons for the delay in starting the evangelistic or
revival meetings in the area churches. The monsoon season is a poor time to
travel. Often bridges are out and buses or trains are delayed or rerouted.
It is hard to get people out to meetings when they have to wade in water or
mud. Also, when Mr. Kangaloo was retired from the Railway Area Church he
had to vacate the parsonage, so he has had to spend extra time building his
own house. He just recently finished a small three-room building, which he
had to supervise closely to be sure the work was done properly and with the
right materials. One cannot trust laborers to be honest, but has to watch
constantly. Then this August, shortly after the house was completed, his
wife took sick, and he has had to spend much time with her. At first it
appeared to be a heart attack, but later seems it is just from anxiety
partly due to Mr. Kangaloo's retirement without pension or means of
support. Their two older girls are working, one a nurse, and one a teacher.
They are living on their incomes, and have built the house from that, too.
The son took stenographic training, but failed the government exam, so has
no job. Hindi shorthand is especially difficult. Many have to take the exam
several times before they pass; or pay a big bribe to get the certificate.
Even if one passes it is usually hard to get a job unless there is a friend
or relative in the office, or he gives a bribe.
Mrs, Kangaloo, Miriam, was an orphan given
__ to Jean's Mother, Dr. Joena Rothermel, when
Miriam was about two years old. Please pray
that she may have her mind "stayed" on God, who
will then keep her in "perfect peace." Also,
pray that suitable employment may be
found for their son Joses. Their oldest daught-
mentioned in April who had been
badly burned. She has recovered and is teaching
again, for which we are thankful to God, and to
you who were faithful in praying for her.
i ^ J Abhimanyu, the April graduate who is now
ft . #WBSSiw I working with the Raipur Church, seems to be do-
Abhimanyu &Basanti, daughter ^ work. Since going there in May he
Shashi Prabha, sons Ashish immersed one couple. The last we heard an-
Kumar on right &Masth Prakash other person was ready for baptism and may have
been baptised by now. Abhimanyu and his wife
were still Hindus when they enrolled in
the institute. He was eager to learn and had many questions. He was diligent
in searching the scriptures, and has a keen mind as well as interest. His
wife, Basanti, was completely illiterate, but not unintelligent. She learned
to read and write quite well, and learned many Christian principles and much
doctrine. In spite of her lack of education she should not be a drawback to
her husband's service. She seems to be very conscientious and committed.
Please pray for this family as they serve the Lord.
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Furlough plans are still very indefinite. Having had only one three-month
and one two-month visit to the States in 10 years, we are beginning to feel
the need of a longer furlough. However, Indian Government regulations may
make it impossible. There is some indication that only three-month return
visas are being issued. We do not want to leave now unless we have that as
surance of being able to return. We would like to be in the States when Paul
and family are on furlough. But they are planning a winter visit, and we are
not sure we can endure winter weather after being used to the mild and hot
weather of India. So tentative plans are for three months during the summer
of 1986.
We have been working recently on bringing our mailing list up to date.
There are many people and churches on the list from whom we haven't heard
for many years. We want to continue to send newsletters to all who want to
receive. But we want to be sure you are receiving, and want to continue to
receive, so the Lord's money won't be wasted. So, we have a SPECIAL REQUEST-
if you have not communicated with us in some way recently please write
and let us know if you want to continue to receive our newsletters or not.
If you send word to our Kansas address, just a postcard will do. We would be
most happy to get a letter from you in India. For that you should use an-
aerogramme, and our new India address, as mentioned later. We have printed
an up-to-date information booklet. If you would like a copy please request
it.
Speaking of mailit continues to be a problem: "lost" mail, mail opened
and resealed, letters torn open, and much that we know of just not deliver
ed. The local Post Master has suggested the post bag system as a possible
help, so we have applied for and received a Post Bag Number. In all corres
pondence to India now, please use our new mailing address as noted below.
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be
called children of God! And that is what we are!," 1 John 3:1. Thank you for
joining with us to make that love known in India.
*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%*%
Our U. S. Address: 521 Poplar St.; La Crosse, KS 67548. Please make checks
payable to the First Christian Church, with 'India
Mission Fund' on the memo line.
Our new India mailing address: Post Bag No. 2
Bilaspur, M.P. 495 001
INDIA.
Shivmangal, a former graduate from a village near here where our students
were going for services on Lord's Days, has taken over the work of the Chir-
miri Church. He was a good student, but seems to be very timid and needs a
lot of growth in confidence. Please pray that he may also trust God to help
him and not become discouraged, but may boldly preach and teach the Word.
You have probably been learning of the tur
moil, terrorism, and many problems in this
land. We wonder what the outcome will be, but
we are confident that Almighty God, ruler of
the universe, is in control. He will bring
about His will ultimately.
What the reason or reasons are we do not
know, but this unrest and materialism may have
some bearing on the fact that we have no stu
dents enrolled in the Institute this year.
There is student unrest in so many of the sec
ular institutions. Students want to run
things, cheat on exams, and other things of
this kind. Most of our students have been
aboriginal tribes-people. Now the government
is giving them many special privileges (which
is causing some of the student agitation), so
they are more and more interested in the
materialism available.
William 6 Ajeet mimeographing
study materials in Hindi
Since we have no classes there is time to work on translation and getting
material ready for printing in Hindi. There is such a derth of Bible study
material in Hindi that these things will be useful in the churches. So, for
the time being this will be our emphasis.
Henki and Mary Esther (our daughter) and their two boys continue their
work for Christ in Belgium in spite of some physical hardships and illness.
They have rejoiced in witnessing or participating in several baptisms recent
ly. One was an elderly friend wih whom they have been working and praying for
years. Occasionally there are discouragements as somefall away or backslide.
Charles and Mary and son still live in Bal
timore, but they don't keep us up to date on
their activities.
David and Glenda and their two boys live
near Lincoln, XL and are active in one of
the Lincoln churches. They have had the
thrill of witnessing to a young couple for
whom Glenda baby sits. The wife has accepted
Christ and been baptized by David.
Ajeet with cycle and new Post Bag,
ready to bring the mail
Paul and Helen and their son and daughter have been in Uruguay now for
about two years. They are working with other missionaries there and have won_
about 25 to Christ. They, too, have experienced some sorrow as some of the
converts have fallen away, wanting to continue to live in sin instead of
making Christ Lord of their lives. They have been able to rent a building in
the city for worship services and office space; facilities which they expect
to be of much help in the work.
Three of our seven grandchildren have recently accepted Christ and been
baptized into Him. This gives us much joy and we request your prayers for all
of them.
We have been working on this newsletter for several weeks. Here it is Sep
tember 16 and we are still at it. But the delay makes it possible to include
a real last minute news flashjust today we got word that permission to stay
in India has been extended for another year!! Jean was getting ready to go to
Bombay to take care of some work. William went to the registration office to
report Jean's intended departure. The officer said, bring your residential
permit, too, the order for your extension of stay has come through. We have
to apply for the renewal each year in February, so the extension is up to
February 4, 1986. When permission is being refused for so many this is very
welcome news, and we thank God for it.
Bilaepur INDIA; November 28^ 1985
Deiar Friends
What better way to spend part of Thanksgiving Day than to thank yon
friends who are iastrtiments of God in supplying the needs of the work here*
A primary need is to' be upheld in prayer before the throne of Graoe*thank-
you for doing that so faithfully. Also we are thankful for the finaneial-
help we receive. Letters of encouragement and news from you are greatly
appreciated.
We thank God for the privilege of serving in this great land of idols
and paganism, where we can carry the message of a living, loving attd'|ldWer<-
ful God who sent His Son to redeem us. and be our Way to heaven and the iiOme
being prepared for the faithful. When we came to India in 19^7 It was ru
mored that after India became independent missionaries would soon be for
bidden to work here. Throughout the years this rumor has persisted* At
that time many young people came to work before the doo:^ elOsed. Host have
left for various reasons, so the number of foreign workers has dwindled.
Since the storzoing of the Sikh's Golden Temple and Mrs. Indra Gandhi*3
assassination even members of Qoimo^wealth Countries^ have te^.^
Several couples and single people whCfi'W ImoW pereoh^ly ha^e.hihd tC go.
It was a day of rejoicing for us personally when, on September 16, we re
ceived our residential permits allowing us, to stay in India legal^ until
February 31 *86. Our, permit expires each year on February 5t an<t %
j.i7g to rules we apply for a renewal by mid January. Then'we wait w^h
uncertainty until the answer comes.
It was a real shock, shortly after our good news came, to learn that
on September 25 Bernal and Joan Getter were given one month to leare. ^oy
have appealed, and have been given some more time while investigations are
made into their activities. Appeals have been.made also through some sen
ators and the U.S.Embassy. Petitions have been signed by many people and
sent to both State and Central Governments. Severed. Catholic priests work
ing in the same tribal area as Getters ifere also told to leave. There have
been articles in Hindi and English newspapers protesting the expulsion of
these workers who are helping educate ^d give medio.ai^.'aiiv to downtrodden
peOple'in areas whi^re there are few modCrn eonveniencea., and where: goyexn
fflf^pt'.officials are iransferifed to as "puiiishment"". We have heard that the
Cp:^trai^vernaent is malsing investgatJ.ons to review its policy on all
i^ssioj^ary work. We don't Imow what the outcome may he. Plejese pray with .
iis that God will. guide the ones in power to make the decisions which will
bring,glory to His name.
Because of attempts to reverse'the expulsion order, and: the uncertain'!^
of the outcome^ our ihhual^rcohvehtiC schediiicdv.f Gctob,eFr< .was .postSC^ ^
November. While preparing: for the oonvention Bernal bttSQzod his brd^a asp
(which isnt healing properly). and. Joan; was ill, so they not' -ed>3je to
attend. The convention was held here in Bilaepur; at the Railway. Area
phurch. . Xt v;as one. of. the. best such meets we have had. The maiu speaker
Waif^Silas Skka. He is a converted Roman Catholic who taught for some time
in^ the ^iespur SenKLhary. He and his wife are now working toward taking
over ihe BargUja work when Getters do .have to ieave. William taught the
convention adult class each mornihg. l^lnted notes for the lessons on ^d,
Christ and mankind, and oh First Peter, were handed out. Many have ex
pressed appreoijation for them.
On October 20 we and Ajeet were in Raipur where Abhimanyu is min^ter-
ing. Ajeet led the worship service auid William preached. After the service
we went out about 5 miles to visit a group that holds services in a. village
home. They were just finishing their service but asked Abhimanyu to spook*
He gave em excellent impromptu message on the plan of salvation. So the
Lord continues to provide opportunities to serve and witness.
At this time of. thanksgiving, and rejoicing we remember "God so loved
the world that He sent His one and only Son...". Bay. the Christ of Christ
mas fill you with many good things;..during this season and throughout the New
Tear. May we ever give Him the honor; and service He expects, and deserves.