in3

Madras, INDIA, May 1992

Dear Friends,
At Christmas time we had wanted to visit Ruth Lincoln in Kerala, but William
wasn't feeling up to it at that time. Ruth has spent years in Kerala, and for
several years has been housebound and mostly bedfast. She is not well cared
for but still does what she can for the children in her care. We managed to go
in mid-February and got there on Valentines Day. Jean had baked several
goodies and made candy and we took some canned goods and fruit. Some she
shared with the children and some she enjoyed herself. It took us two days to
drive each way, and we spent parts of two days with Ruth.
After we returned from Kerala Bob Sigafoose came from Singapore. He wanted to
see the Hospital work so we made an extra trip there to show him. We had not
met him before, but our son, Paul, had worked with him while in Portugal, so we
were glad to meet and get to know him.
Our daughter, Mary Esther Boonaerts, and her younger son, James, came from
Belgium and were with us from April 3 to 23, It was so hot they could not
really enjoy themselves. They also went with us to the Hospital for our
regular monthly staff meeting. It is even hotter there, and the "desert
cooler" in our room broke down, so we about "roasted". Also, while they were
with us in Madras, our house water supply failed, so we had to hire a water
tanker truck to fill the roof tank, and we filled pails, tubs, kettles, etc.
for our needs. It was quite an operation.
We are making plans for our return to the U.S. in time for the NACC. It is so
hot here that we really look forward to getting away. We had planned'on
"retiring" from the India work, but friends are urging us to return after
furlough. Recently the Indian Government announced that foreigners who have
resided in India more than twenty years can be granted five-year residential
permits and multiple-entry visas. This would cut out a lot of red tape. They
are not granting permits for new people, and we know there is still much to do
here. So we have applied for these permits. They have not been granted yet.
One problem seems to be that the police officials in Bilaspur, who are
responsible for foreigners' activities, have not yet transferred our files to
the Madras office--even after more than a year since we moved to Madras. If we
get these permits, and financial support is provided, we will feel it is the
Lord's will for us to return.
We were shocked to learn from our forwarding agent that our main supporting
Church has decided to shift the support they are giving us to another mission.
June will be their last to us. We are especially encouraged to remember the
verse that "my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in
Christ Jesus", from Phil.4:19.
The last few days we have been concerned at hearing of the racial riots in Los
Angeles and other U.S. cities, and even in Toronto, Canada. We do not have TV
but listen to the VOICE OF AMERICA radio broadcasts and read the local papers.
India has so many Internal problems that most news here is national. VOA said
last night that two conventions scheduled for LA have been cancelled. We hope
the NACC is not one that is cancelled.
We don't have much news of son Charles and family. David's older son, Boomer,
a student at Lincoln Christian College, spent some days in Uruguay with our
youngest son, Paul, on an "internship". Paul's son, Jonathan, graduates from
high school this year and plans to attend Lincoln, also.
We^ thank God for each of our faithful supporters and thank each of you for your
faithful support. We are grateful for the assurance that so many of you
friends are upholding us spiritually by remembering us before the Throne of
Grace. Without such support we would certainly fail more often that we do.
"Grace and peace by yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and Jesus
our Lord", 2 Pet.1:2. God be with you till we meet again!
With love and gratitude,
F-S. After June 15 please use this address:
William & Jean Roland Box 286
Bison, KS 67520
CHURCH OF CHRIST IN INDIA
A Brief History and Update to October 1992
on furlough
WILLIAM & JEAN ROLAND
Box 286
Bison, KS 67520
913-356-2390
A Half Century In India
Mr. Sterling C. and Mrs. (Dr.) Zoena S. Rothermel went to India first in
December 1914 to give their livesto the cause of Christ inthat land. They
had spent a year of special preparation at the College of Missions in
Indianapolis, then went to serve under the Christian Women's Board of
Missions. They were stationed at Maudaha (now called Ragaul) in the
United Provinces of northern India. Their entire India service was carried
on in this area about 60 milessouth of the industrial cityof Kanpur.
Mr. Rothermel with helper on evangelistic trip by motor cycle.
During theirfirst term in India the various Mission Boards had joined to
form the United Christian Missionary Society. At the end of seven years,
whentheywere preparingfor furlough, fellow missionaries on the field,
following a Mission practice, voted for the Rothermels to return to India
after ftjriough. When their furlough was over, however, they were
informed bythe U.C.M.S. that they couldnot retum to India under their
Mr. and Mrs. Rothermel with son Charles and daughter jean Just
before returning to India In 1926.
(Continued on page 2)
forwarding agent
JEAN GELKERS
Box 503
La Crosse, KS 67548
Forty Five Years In India
0^
William Si Jean with daughter Mary Esther ready to go to India In
1947.
Ragaul - S years.
William & Jean Roland went to India first in 1947 to join Dr. Zoena
Rothermel, Jean's mother. Inthe evangelistic worfc at Ragaul. Even before
going to India their preparation in Bible College had been aimed at
conducting a program of Christian education in India-training Indian
men and women for serviceamong their own people. The Ragaul Bible
Seminarywas started inJanuary 1949 with one student, a recent convert
from Hinduism. Rolands were still in language study so most of the
teaching wasdone byDr. Rothermel and twoofthe Indian evangelists. In
July 1950 12other studentsjoinedand the Rolands starteda programof
full-time Bible studies. Thefollowing yearothersjoined for the Seminary's
thirdsession. Dueto William's illness, however, the Seminary had to be
closed in the Fall of 1951. Arrangements were made for students to
continue their studies at the Kulpahar Bible College.
(Continued on page 2)
A Half Century (Continued from Page 1)
The Rothermels continued to speak Inchurches, and they sent letters to
friendsasking if,under the circumstances,theyshouldreturn to India. The
great majority thought th^ should return, and promised all possible
support. So in 1926 they ventured out on faith in the Lord jesus Christ to
supply their needs. Thus they became the first direct-support mission
aries to India, and among the first such missionaries of the churches of
Christ/ChristianChurches. It was not long, though, after their return that
Mr. Rothermel, in 1928, finished his earthly ministry for HisMaster, and
Mrs. Rothermel was left to carry on alone.
The work had been mostlyevangelistic, along with the training of Indian
men and women to work among their own people. Mrs. Rothermel, as a
medical doctor, had been able to make many contacts through her
medical work. Therewas alsoa primaryschool for the children of Christian
families. Beyond primary school children were helped to study in other
schools as far as they could advance. Many were given the opportunity to
learn a trade. Some were orphans and some had only one livingparent.
Thus many children of poor Christian families who could not otherwise
have had an education have been helped.
In1930 Mr. &Mrs. FredSmith joined the work, making it possiblefor Dr.
Rothermel to take a furlough. The Smiths continued to work until their
furlough in 1936, after which time Dr. Rothermel continued to carry on
the workwith the helpof Indiacolleaguesand the Lord'sguidance. During
a furlough started in 1943 she spoke In churches and Biblecolleges to
challengeyoung people todedicate their livesto India. In1945 Mr. &Mrs.
Tom Rash and Miss Edna Hunt accompanied her to India. These new
workers spent some time in Ragaul, but after leaming the language they
branched out to work in an adjoining area. In 1947 Dr. Rothermel's
daughter, jean, and her husband, WilliamRoland, went out to work with
her. About the same time Mr. RalphHarter joined them. In subsequent
years these workers also moved to other areas: Rolands to Central India,
and Mr. Harter to Kanpur, where he is still working. Dr. Rothermel
continued in the Ragaul work until 1964 when, at the age of 82, she
returned to the States. The RagaulChurch continues under the leadership
of Indian men, with occasional help and guidance from Bro. Harter. Dr.
Rothermelgave the greater part of her life,SOyears, to India, her adopted
land. Their three children were born there; two of them and her beloved
husbandare buriedthere. Manypeople, Indianand missionarycolleagues
alike, affectionately call her "Mamaji". Though many who were won to
Christ by the Rothermels have gone on to their eternal reward, their
influence still continues to be felt in that land.
Afterreturningto the Statesin1964 Dr.Rothermel spent ayear inCanton,
Ohio. First Christian Church there was her living link, and continued to
Dr. Zoena S. Rothermel, veteran direct-support missionary In India
from 1914to 1964.
take care of her needs. From 1966 she was a resident of Mt. Healthy
Christian Home in Cincinnati, Ohio until her death at the age of 96 in
1979.
Forty Five Years (Continued from parge 1)
i ''j1
Central India Bible Seminary at Bilaspur. 1955-56 staff and students.
Bilaspur ~ 6 years.
After furlough Rolands returned to India in 1954, this time to combine
their Christianeducation program with that conducted by HarrySchaefer
inthe Central Provinces at Bilaspur.The BibleCollege program, along with
evangelistic work in the area and the neighboring State of Orissa,
constituted the major part of Roland's work. During these sixyears about
200 students took the main three-year course and other special courses.
Anextension-class program was also conducted in the Mission Middle
and High Schools. Students from that time are still serving in many
capacities. Some are in government service. Still ofriers are engaged in
business and other secular jobs. The aim has always been to give sound
Bible teaching so the graduate can be a good Christian witness in
whatever vocation he chooses.
f a.*
Missionary children at Woodstock gate.
Woodstock " 4 years
The program of Christian education was continued at Woodstock School
in northern India. Woodstock isa boarding school that provided general
education from Kindergarten through High School for children of mis
sionary and other foreign personnel, plus a small percentage of Indian
students. The curriculum also contained Bibleclasses for each grade. As
full-time staff William& jean helped to meet the affiliation requirements
of the School so church of Christ missionaries could enroll their children
at less cost. There were about 20 children of our missionaries at that time.
The Rolands taught Industrial Arts, Home Ec, Life of Christ and Acts/
Church History. They were also able to help with Sunday School classes,
C.E., Bible study groups and weekly communion services for those
wishing to attend. There were as many as 14 nationalities represented in
the student body. Work at Woodstock was an opportunity to help mold
young lives for world-wide service.
Extended furlough --10 years.
In1964, after daughter MaryEsthergraduated fromWoodstock, Rolands
traveledoverlandfrom Indiato England, then by plane to the States.The
9,000 miledrivetookthemthrough Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey,
Greece, Italy, Svfltzerland, Germany, Holland and Belgium to England.
The Third and Fourth Generations
MaryEstherRoland was born inCincinnati, OHinjanuary, 1945. Shewas
two years old when William & Jean went to India. For most of her time
through HighSchoolshe attended Woodstock Schoolin the Himalayan
Mts.as a boarding student. Aftergraduating there she accompanied the
family tothe U.S wheresheenrolled inLincoln Christian College. Later she
transferred to St. Louis ChristianCollegewhere she met Henki Boonaerts,
a Belgian student. They were married in the Ferguson, MO Christian
Church. Ason, John Mark, was bornto theminMay, 1969before theyleft
for Belgium to work in Henki's home church at Cenk, and start work in
other areas. In February, 1974 another son, James Matthew, was bom,
also in St. Louis while theywereon furlough. TheBoonaerts family has
continued inBelgium, helping tostarta numberofothercongregations.
In1983Henki, Mary Esther and the boysdroveto India to helpin Madras
at the Hope Rehabilitation Center for some months while the Eldon
Weesnerswere on ftjriough. Boonaerts were also able to visitthe Rolands
at that time.
Johnfinished hissecondaryeducation inBelgium, thenworkedforasvhile.
InSeptember, 1990 he was married to Sonia Amson. Now he Isa freshman
in Lincoln Christian College. James is continuing his studies in Cenk,
Belgium. Heand hismothervisited her parentsinIndia forthreeweeks in
April, 1992 before Rolands left Madras for the U.S.A.
Henki &Mary Esther arehoping to be ableto comeagain to the U.S. in
thenearfuture. Theyareneeding anewforwarding agentasLouella Roller
feels shecannot continue anylonger. She has continued this long, even
afterher husband died and she no longer had hishelp.
Charles William Roland wasborninMussoorie, India inMay, 1948.He had
mostofhiseducationthroughmiddleschool at Woodstock. After coming
to the States with his parents he finished High School in Hays, KS, then
went on to attend Lincoln Christian College. He then served his
Country in Vietnam, Thailand and Greece. While stationed in Baltimore,
MDhe met and married MaryFaulknerand they are stillliving there. Their
firstson, CharlesWilliam 11 (calledChad), was born in May,1979. Asecond
son, Daniel Matthew, was born inFebruary, 1989. William&Jean have not
yet seen this youngest grandson, but hope to be able to soon.
DavidLaVerne Rolandwas bom in Kanpur, India in March, 1950. Hehad
all hiseducation through middle school at Woodstock. Healsograduated
from High School in Hays, Ks and went on to attend Lincoln Christian
College. There he met and married fellowstudent Clenda Trott. Their first
son, David Rothermel Roland (called Boomer), was born in February,
1972. Hehad all hiseducationinLincoln, IL, and duringhissenior yearof
High School also tooksomework at Uncoln Christian College. InAugust,
1992 he marriedfellowstudent AngelaRiley. William &Jeanwereable to
attend the wedding.
David &Glenda's second son, Benjamin Wayne, was born in February,
1975.He isa senior inUncoln, IL High School. David andfamily areactive
in church work in and near Uncoln. David has been on the pulpit
committee, sunginthechoir, sometime preaches, andalong with Glenda
has taught youth.
Paul Sterling Roland wasbominPittsfield,ILwherehis father, William, had
graduated from High School (aNational Honor Societystudent). Paul had
his education through middleschool inWoodstock. He finishedJuniorand
SeniorHighat Hays, KS, and graduated valedictorian of hisclass. He,too,
went on to Lincoln Christian College where he met and married Helen
Smith. Helen had been born in the same Pittsfield Hospital about six
Over
John Mark & Sonla Booaerts
months apart. She graduated from Criggsville, IL HighSchool as valedic
torian of her class. Both Paul & Helen graduated from Lincoln Christian
College with honors.
Their son, Jonathan Paul, was born in September, 1974, and their
daughter, Amy Michelle, was born in September, 1976. Paul and femily
were missionariesin Spainfor two years, then in Portugal for a year. While
they were back in the States, trying to recruit helpers, Paul was asked to
go to Uruguay to help a team of missionan'es get started there. Paul knew
the Spanish Language used In Uruguay, while the new missionariesdid
Boomer & Angle Roland
not. After helping theothersfindplaces to live and startstudying Spanish,
Paul returned to the U.S. They then finalized plans, raised support and
went to Montivideo, Uruguay to work with the team, jon and Amy
attended the Uruguayan American School where Helen taught, and
where childrenof Embassy personnel of variouscountriesattend, sinceit
isconducted in English. Jon graduated in the class of '92, valedictorianof
his class (inspiteofthefactthat theMiericanAmbassador's sonwas vying
for the honor). Jon isnowa freshman at Lincoln Christian College. Paul,
Helen and Amyhave shifted to Argentinawhere they have been loaned
to help new missionaries start a work there.
8t^S/9 S>l '3SS0J3 ei
80S xog
NOISSIN VIQNI QNVlOy
The Roland family during extended furlough, 1965.
The main aim of the furlough was to take graduate studies and secure
teachercertification so theycouldretumto India and continueteaching
at Woodstock. William enrolled in the University of Illinois in 1964, but
found their Industrial Arts programto be industry oriented, rather than
teacher oriented,whichhe needed. In1965theymovedto Hays, KS and
enrolledinFortHays Kansas StateCollege.BothWilliam and Jeansecured
teacher certification &Master of Sciencedegrees.
In the mean time the Industrial Arts section at Woodstock had been
closed, so there was no longer that opportunityfor Rolands to return
there.While waitingforanopportunitytoreturnto India Williamdidsome
advanced graduatework at Fort Hays and started teaching inoneofthe
local schools. Jean pursued studies for nurses training andcompleted the
R.N. program, and worked for sometimein the La Crosse, KS Hospital.
William continued to teachand serve as principal in the Bison, KS Junior
High School until 1974.
Even though Rolands were not resident inIndiaduring these 10yearsthey
feel sure the Lord was usingthe time to prepare them for their next term
of service in India. Cod still works In mysterious ways, His wonders to
perform.
In India again 18 years.
Inabout 1972 David &J. Lois Rees askedthe Rolands to jointhem inthe
Leprosy detection, treatment, educational and hospital program which
they had started north of Madras, India.William's Industrial Arts training
and Jean'snurse'strainingqualifiedthem for that work. It isalso the type
ofworkthe IndiaGovernment isglad to haveforeignpersonnel helpwith.
Application for an Indianvisawas made. Itwas granted in1974. TheLord
providedfinancial support Inrecord time and inamazingways;extensive
and rushed preparations for travel were made with the help of the La
Crosse, KS Church people and Bison, KS neighbors. InNovember of '74
Rolands were able to start the long joumey by road and ship to India in
their truck-camper and luggage trailer.
They visitedsome familyand friends on the way to NewYork. SonCharles
met them there and sawthem offon the Queen Mary11 bound for France.
After spending a few days in Belgiumwith daughter Mary Esther and
family they started the 9,000 mile overland trip to India, it was winter and
they traveled in snow most of the time from Belgiumclear into Iran.The
rigors of the trip-extreme cold, truck repairs, etc.-have left that trip very
clearly etched in their memories. With the help of the Lord and friends
and colleagues along the way they reached India February 2nd, 1975.
It took another five months to get the truck-camper, trailer and luggage
cleared through Indian customs, but at least it was all allowed induty-free.
Rolandshad intended to spend the firstyear Inlanguage study since they
would be working in a different language area. But on arrival in Madras
Reeses informed them that they were going on furlough. Even though
manyofthe Leprosy ProgramstaffknewEnglish itwasdifficultto takeover
management of the worksoquickly. Againthe Lordprovided and Rolands
had a good year of service. When Reeses returned Rolands attempted
language study but soon realized it would take too much of the four years
they expected to be there to make it worth while.
After Reeses returned Rolands spent one year in Kotagiri, a small town in
the southern mountains west of Madras. There theymanaged the Kotagiri
Community School for sixmonths, and did languagestudyfor sixmonths.
When a suitable residence could not be secured near the LeprosyHospital
a house was rented in Madras. Forthenextthreeyears they livedin Madras
and took part in the church work there. They also taught in the Madras
School of Evangelism, assisted in the Hope Rehabilitation Center and
continued to serve on the managing committee of the Leprosy Hospital.
' ! . i
A1985 Convention picture ofworkerstrained by Rolands during their
Bilaspur ministry.
In 1977 William was invited to be the main speaker for the annual
convention of churches ofChrist inthe Hindilanguage areasofcentral and
northern India. Following that convention, which was held in Kanpur, he
was asked to speak for the convention in Bilaspur. During that visit to
Bilaspur Bernel Getter asked the Rolands to return to Bilaspur and help
again with the BibleCollege program. Rolands had been making plans to
return to the States but felt Getter's invitation was God's leading for them
to continue working in India, especially since it was in an area where they
could use the Hindi language which they knew. For a couple of years they
w-
' -N.'' 1 J#
Jean with some children of the Training Institute students.
spent two- and three-month sessions of teaching in Bilaspur, while
continuing their commitments In Madras. Then in 1980 they moved to
Bilaspur and spent the next 10 years workingfull-time there. Inaddition
to the Bible teaching vocationaltrainingwasadded to the curriculum and
the school wascalled Christian Training Institute. Many young men and
women were trained for work in village churches and schools, and for
variousother avenues of service,jean wasable to use her R.N. trainingto
care for the medical needs of students and their children.
In 1990 Rolands were again planning to retire from the Indian service.
Theyhadsoldmost oftheirbelongings inpreparationforleaving Bilaspur.
Then Emrys Rees and family attended the annual All-India Convention
thatwasheldinBilaspur that year. While visiting with themthesuggestion
was made that it would be good if Rolands could manage the Leprosy
workagain, thus making it possible for Reeses to take a long-deiayed
Leprosy Hospital new vehicle shed dedication, May1992.
furlough. Asthe matter was pursued further in conversationand prayer
Rolands decided to delay leaving India and accept the challenge of
managing the Leprosywork again. They moved to Madras early in 1991
so they could have time to become familiar with the work before Reeses
left.
The Leprosywork had grown considerably since they were helping with
it in75, but it iswellorganized and there is a good staffto work with. The
extra year and a half of serviceproved to be veryenjoyable and beneficial.
Besides the work with the Leprosy program Rolands also enjoyed the
fellowship and work with the Madras churches, and the staff and students
of the MadrasCollegeof Evangelism.
Furlough and future service -- as the Lord leads.
Whenthey movedto MadrasRolands fully intended to stayinIndiaforjust
another one and a half years, then retire to the States. But it now seems
the Lordhas something else instore for them. Sothis section isnot entitled
"Retirement".
When friends and colleagues in the Madras area learned that Rolands
intended to leave Indiafor good in '92 many of them began to urge them
not to leave.Theywere repeatedlyaskedto return aftertakinga furlough.
Such outpouring of love and concern led them to wonder if the Lord
wasn't telling them something.
Then there was the matter of Govemment permission to live and workin
India.Duringtheir 30or soyearsfactual living inIndia Rolands havehad
to renew their residential permit each year according to Govemment rule
forall foreigners. Afewyearsago the IndianGovernmentannounced that
allforeigners who had livedin Indiafor 20 years or morewere eligiblefor
a 5-yearresidential permit. Rolands appliedfor the 5-year permit in 1990
but received onlythe usual one-yearpermit.Whentheymovedto Madras
they applied for the 5-yearpermit again. The Madras office personnel
assured the Rolands that theycouldissue it. Buttherewasone delayafter
another as "redtape" wasunraveled. Among other thingsthey required
proof that Rolands had been in India for 20 years or more. Rolands
managed, with difficulty, to dig out the proof fromold files and records.
Still there was delay after delay 'till they began todespair ofever getting
a5-year permit. They began topraythatifCod provided the5-year permit
and the necessaryfinances it would indicate it was Cod's will for them to
return after furlough.
Well, about amonth before Rolands were toleave India, the Immigration
Office receptionist said thattheChief Immigration Officer had decided to
give the5-year permit. Rolands hadtogototheoffice oncemore andfill
upacouplemoreforms andwait anotherhouror two-then each oftheir
old Residential Permits were brought out with a new entry: "Period of
validity of this permit is extended up to 05-02-1997"!l How they praised
Cod for that. There was also anote in brackets that read "withmev". They
didn't knowwhat that meant, but the Officer explained thatRolandswere
to return to theOffice oneweek before departure from India, at which
time a "multiple-entry visa", also valid to February 3, 1997, would be
stamped in their Passports. Nowthere will not betheyearly renewal ofthe
permit, andtheanxiety thatalways accompanied it. Rolands will also be
able toenter and leave India without the usual runningfrom office tooffice
to secure various permits.
Now there remains the matter of financial support for another term of
service. Most of you who have so faithfullysupported the Rolandsover the
years are continuing to do so. Forthat they are grateful. They ask that you
continue to provide for furlough expenses, and later for the finances
necessary to return to, and work in, India. Later news letters will Indicate
what they expect their needs to be. They are sure the Lordwillprovide if
He wants them to retum to India.
Since arrival in the States on July9th at Los Angeles Rolands have been
keeping very busy. First they attended the North American Christian
Convention in Anaheim, CA.. Then they went north to Oregon and
Washington to visitfriends, and were able to purchase a vehicle for their
furlough travels. From there they were able to go to Calgary, Alberta
Canada to attend the Alberta Bible College 60th Anniversary meetings.
Theyalsogot to visitwith more friends, and especially former colleagues
they had workedwith in India. Next they attended William's High School
graduating class50th Re-union in Pittsfield, IL; and, the wedding of one
of their Grandsons, Boomer Rothermel Roland with Angela BethRiley.
William &jeannowon furlough and preparing to retumto India In
October 1993.
During this furlough there are several things the Rolands have on their
schedule to do. 1. Visit with family - children, spouses, grandchildren.
There are stillseveral to go; one grandson they still have not seen for the
first time. 2. Get their house in Bison, KS repaired and livable. As of this
writingmuchprogresshasbeenmadeonit. 3. Visit supporting churches,
groups and individuals. 4. Visit several Church retirement homes and try
to finalize plans for eventual retirement in one of them-possibly four or
five years hence.
Please praythatall mayworkout according toGod'swill, andforHis glory.
;/z "los 'ix
Dear Friends & Co-workers in Christ,
Box 286
Bison, KS 6752O
Phone: 913/356-2390
October, 1992
Christian greetings from Kansas, U.S.A. our first news letter after retuirning
to the States. It is good to be back and enjcry life in this country, Troutle is,
we are keeping so busy that we have hardly had tdme to relax.
The big news to pass on to you concerns our Indian Residential Permits. Sometime
before we left Bilaspur the Indian Government announced that foreigners who have
resided in India 20 years or longer woiiLd be elegibLe for a five-year residential
penrdt. Previously that permit xTas issued only for one year, tlien had to be ap-
piLied for again. V/hen it was time to renew our permit we applied for a 5-year one,
but only a one-year one was granted.
When we moved to Madras we appiLied again for the 5-year permit, but no answer was
given for more than a year, in effect we were iiULegally in India. But we kept
praying that the Lord's will be done, Meanwliile friends and colleagues in and
around Madras were urging us not to retire, but to take a furloiigh and then re
turn to continue working in India. V7e felt if it was the Lord's will for us to
do so, the permit would come through. It was getting close to time for us to
leave India, and even for tliat we needed Government permission. Then the author
ities asked for proof that we had actuality spent over 20 years in India. We then
hunted up documents to prove that we had been in India since 19^-^7, FinaiLly, about
a monUi before we left India, the 5-year permit was granted! And a 'treek before we
left a 5-year multiple-entcy visa was stamped into our passports II All this we
take as proof that it is God's wiilft for us to return to work in India.
V7e continue to pray also that God will supply the finances for oxir furlough needs
and for our return to India. In recent years some supporters have st-dtched their
support to some other mission work. Somo churches have found it difficult to con
tinue alL or part of tlieir support because of the recession or because of didndling
membership. But ire are confident tlie Lord idlL provide. Our plan now is to spend
a little more than a year here before going back. Me do not plan to tales much
equipment idth us, as we did in 197^ but if ito are out of India more than a year
we can talce more in dut;>'-free.
Emrys Rees and family ai'rived back in India near the end of June, and we turned
things back to them. VJo flew from Madras on July 8tla and arrived in Los Angeles
on tlie 9th, in time to celebrate our ^9th wedding anniversary, and to attend the
North American Cliristian Convention, It was exciting to see and visit vdth raary
friends, and fellovjship with thousands of brethren, and hear some wonderful
messages, and participate in glorious praises to our Lord.
After the Convention \ie headed north visiting churches, former alassmates, college
friends and overseas co-workers in California, V/ashington and Oregon, and on to
Alberta BiKLe Coilege in Alberta, Canada, They were celebrating their 60th Jubilee.
We had never been tliere before, but had been close in spirit as Mother Rothermel
liad recruited some of their students who had worked wiih her and us in India.
Our next destination was Bison, Kansas, but wlien we arrived here xTe found the
renter still occupying cur house, and that necessary repairs had not been completed.
When -we learned that our son Paul and family had arrived in Illinois from Uruguay
we decided to go there to be ijith them for awhile. Then -wre Trent on to attend the
iredding of son David* s older son, Boomer, also in Illinois, Our daughter I-Iary
Esther's son, John Mark, was also at the wedding so xre got to have a good visit
Tjith him. He is in the U.S, to attend Bible CoiLlege, Paul's son, Jonathan, is
also staying to attend Bible College, His parents and sister have tumed to
South America, but to Argentina to help start a new work there. So, now -we have
three grandsons attending Lincoln Christian College(Boomer and his bride, Angie,
are both attending also).
We returned to Bison toi-xard the end of August when the renter was to have vacated
for sure, but he was stilL in the house and didn't have the work done, A neighbor
offered for us to stay in their camper until we could get into our house. We Trere
there several days until the renter finally moved out, and we could get enough
cleaning and arranging done so we could move in.
Previous renters had had a big dog which scratched doors and windows and caused
a lot of damage. We had to replace several windoif panes, and screens on both
doors and T^dovre, The renter smolred and dropped butts on the hardwood floor
leaving charred spots. It took many days of hard work to sand and refinish the
floors. He had also dropped burning cigarettes on the bed so there were bum
holes in the mattress. We wonder that he did not set the house on fire, but are
thankful to God that this did not happen. Vie had never had mice in the house, but
they had gotten in and damaged many things. The refridgerator T-ras mouldy and
rusty, and the -washing machine no longer works. We have had to repair plumbdLng,
put in a new sewer pipe and replace some electrical and furnace parts. We are
slowly getting things cleaned and repaired and unpacked and livable.
Now -we are getting ready for the National Missionary Convention to be in Wichita
ICansas this year. Our" booth If~you attend the Convention do stop by and
visit us.
We ^e also beginning to make plans to visit supporting churches j groups and in
dividuals, Please let us knovr if you want us to visit you, and xThen it would be
best for you. As of now w expect to be in Ohio next March,
"Gra.ce to you and peace frcmi God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ," Phil,3
in Christian Love,
Vfilliam & Jean Roland