BENIN

teve 81 Shawn ALLEN

2605 Ben HiU Rd. #13

East Point, GA 30344

Africa

Shawn & Steve Clark & Tori

February 1991
. . . BUT WHAT ARE YOU DOING RIGHT NOW?

This may very well be the number one question on your mind. Yes, we are primarily finished with our academic and cross-cultural preparations, and, yes, it is 8 more months until we leave. But why is it taking so long? WHAT ARE WE DOING?

Well, we have been assigned the privilege of raising support for a very worthy
cause. We are meeting weekly with top "executives and boards, as well as

influential individuals" in churches to introduce ourselves and present our mission.

We:

work hard to prepare our presentation, travel many miles and hours to meetings, call and write present and potential donors regularly,
review our strategy and goals every few weeks, are continually on the lookout for and speaking with people who are interested in someday working in our business.

We proudly wear the title Ambassadors for Christ, and, so far, we have had incredible response from ministers, mission committees, and prayer warriors we

have contacted. Almost all have responded to the need to support missionaries in
the liberation of the people of the world from Satan's chains of sin and death.

In addition to raising $4,343.00 a month and $79,000.00 in one-time set-up funds,

we are helping these "executives, committees, and influential individuals" prepare for the battle ahead. We are teaching strategies on how to rescue our spiritual MIAs
and POWs, as well as how to surround and

conquer the enemy through prayer. We also spend time telling people, who have
never been informed about the state of the

world, about the captive souls of the world. We help these people form their own committees and guide them in finding resources and information that will help them better
understand missions.

After helping the new committees form guidelines for choosing ambassadors to support and send out into the world, we help them implement a system of raising their congregation's awareness of the "state of the world." This includes mission displays, speakers, bulletin boards, reading mission magazines, writing missionaries, doing mission simulations, and especially stud5dng what the Bible says about the evangelization
of the world.

The Allen Family Band, starring Tori on drums!

Christian Missionary Fellowship

Making rolls with Grandpa.

We love Aunt Tami.

As you know, the day-to-day work of running a business involves more than just meetings
and public relations, soin addition to our main jobwe must keep records, make financial reports, and stay on top of all pertinent paperwork. Steve's office is in Tori's bedroom; it is sometimes very complicated to work out a good schedule to allow time enough for these
projects.

In addition to our full-time job, we work as part-time "ministers" on the campus of Atlanta Christian College. We try to attend events, coach various "sports," sponsor an in-depth Q-lunch, advocate and chaperone get-away activities, and basically enjoy rapping with the Christian leaders of tomorrow. We are very fortunate to be able to serve in this way.

As far as family and personal time, we have tried to see the grandparents as much as possible. We also have set aside a date night where we get away from it all at a park, mall,
restaurant, or even a movie now and then. Last week we were invited to the world premier of

"The Pistol: the Birth ofa Legend." It is the story of Pistol Pete Marovich. We would strongly encourage you to take your family and fnends to see it. It is rated "G" and is a magnificent family movie that leaves viewers with a feeling of warmth, inspiration, and renewed faith in
family values. Put the word out!

Well, time to make dinner and pick up toys. Our departure is only eight months away! We are excited about our "business," and we hope you are, too. At least, your BIG QUESTION may
now-have an-p^swer Flepse
soon a s we cein.

in tonrh ond ask all the questions you want-we'll reply as

Moving Forward with the Lamb,

Pfvc, sk
Steve, Shawn, Tori, and Clark AUen

2/91

CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP

P.O. BOX 26306,5674 CAITO DRIVE INDIANAPOUS, IN 46226-0306
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Nonprofit Organzaton U.S. Postage

PAID PemitNo. 2975

Indartapofis, Indiana

mission services editorial oept

p 0 BOX 2427

KNQXVILLE

TN 37901

Steve & Shawn

BENIN

ALLEN
445 Cedar Lane

Fayetteville, Georgia 30214

Steve, Shawn, Tori, & Clark

Christian

Missionary

Fellowship P.O. Box 26306 Indianapolis,

Indiana

46226-0306

ONLY 58 MORE DAYS AND COUNTING!!!

As you know, during these past nine months we have been traveling from church to church tr3dngto

raise our support. We have attempted to share with you what exactly this entails and keep you
updated on our progress.

As far as our actual dollar figure, we have raised $4,400.00 per month and $61,000.00 in one-time outgoing funds. As you can see the Lord has truly been faithful in providing for our financial
needs.

Aside from that we would like to share with you some of the other challenges we have experienced during support

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raising. Steve likes to sum it up by saying, "There is good news and bad news about support raising. The good news is: when we get finished we get to leave for four years. The

bad news is: I am married to my business partner."

physical and emotional trials and triumphs.

For those who have experienced it, they would agree that
this is a good nutshell summary, for it has been a time of

^Hjjk
'
V
Meet Dave and Carol Gustin (3 daughters not shown), ourCMF co-workers in FrancelBenin.

1
We are going to list some of the trials we have seen but

while reading, keep in mind that the triumph in ALL is

that the Lord has used each person and situation in our lives to make us more humble, submissive, and servant-hearted. We have truly experienced the Grace of
God.

Support Raising is...

Knowing each time we visit someone it is probably goodbye but not talking about it.

Having people pull away from us or not get into a friendship because we are leaving and it's

not worth their time.

Trying to keep our children disciplined up to everyone else's

Explaining to non-Christian family members that we are going

the separation and loss they are feeling.
think about missions.

HHl
,4 aH

to serve the Lord and He will protect us, when all they think about is
Fighting for missions awareness in an area that doesn't Uke to

Trying to relate to college friends who are buying houses and cars and moving up the social and corporate ladder, yet they won't
talk about our work because it threatens the "status quo."

Working our hardest then having a supporter call and say, "W7iy aren't you doing this or that"... living up to all the said and
unsaid expectations.

Couldit be3 generations ofpreachers in the Allenfamily?

Having people constantly ask, "So what are you doing now?"...

then assuming we would be great babysitters or VBS organizers or speakers ... because there is "so
much time on your hands."

Having my business partner as my husband.

Not having an office, so office hours seem to extend from 8

a.m. to 11 p.m.

Both trying not to be grouchy at the same time.

Trying to define work and home roles without any

examples or set parameters to work from.

Trying to set aside family and marriage time and

stick to it.

Always feeling pressure to achieve and, therefore, pressuring one another to work, work, work.

Wrestling with the U.S. system in all areas (government, social norms, insurance companies ...) with frustration and
impatience as we look toward the future.
Friend and mentor Jimmy Collins praying for us at our commisswning
service, May 5.

But in all, God is Faithful -- He has the last word!

We are excited about how far we have traveled over the last three

years since our decision to "look into missions." We have experienced miracles of God in all areas of our lives. We are filled

with anticipation as we wait for August 27 when we will fly from Atlanta to Paris on the first leg of our lifetime journey.
Be excited with us; Praise the Lord with us; Cry with us as we cry tears ofjoy, sorrow, fhistration, and exhaustion;

And, most of all, agree with us in prayer. Keep updated on our lives and

work; keep us updated on

Scott Easter and Courtney Masters hope Steve (holding the only catch of the weekend - 3 inches)is a betterfisher of men than a fisherman!

r-^

Be our friend and partner in the

Lord's work, after all we

are an extension ofyou. ^

your heart to encourage ^

you as yotrthink of us.

"Christ is like a single body which has many parts; it is still one body even though it is made up ofdifferent parts." 1 Corinthians 12:12
GNB

^'

Serving as Christ's feet (Romans 10:15) in Benin,

Sjl
The Allen Family: Steve, Shawn, Tori, & Clark
P.S. This is our last Stateside newsletter for 4 years. The next time

you hear from us we will be in FRANCE!!!

Haley and LieselLangstraat are ready to join Clark and Tori in Benin.

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage

CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP

P.O. BOX 26306,5674 CAITO DRIVE INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46226-0306
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
Permit No. 2975

Ittdianapolis, Indiana

MISSION SERVIC=S e d i t o r i a l oept

P 0 BOX 2427 KNOXVILLE

71<
MISSION SERVICES ASSOCIATION
For office use only:
Date Sent:

PERSONAL FILE FORM

Date Rec'd:

Information from this form will appear In Horizons and other Infor mation formats published by Mission Services Association.
'Please type or print clearly

This form Is prepared to help you give accurate background Informa tion about yourself and your mission work.
'Do not abbreviate

'Please do not write on this form anything other than that requested. Attach extra sheets for additional information you may want to provide.

This Is not an application form. It is not an official form endorsing you and your work. It is simply a worksheet designed to help us publicize your work that may help produce new friends for you, prayers and financial assistance. If any questions seem too personal or seem offensive to you, please feel free to leave them blank.

1!
Date:

1^
(Month

%
Day Year}

Name in full .
Spell out all names
First Name Middle Name Last Name

Vo fMF
(Number

P.O. 6oy
Street City
state

Zip number

Country)

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bo'vVV 'oe ir\ Njac\DO,
Phone number on fidd: Ask for:

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In Case of Emergency call # :

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(First Middle -

yViT ce-ja^ CA^

Last name and address)

Your complete address while In USA:

(Number Street City Sfafe Zip)

Your USA phone number: area code

phone number

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Name and address of Livlnglink church or churches:

Number & Street
(Full name ol church)

(Da</i[nqt(^n ^d.
Zip ^1^ j
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City

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State

City:

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Number & Street Po. Afey Ibl

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Names and addresses of other opo^boring churches whose elders recommend you:

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Number & Street

State

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Zip

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Number & Street

State

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Please send letters of recommendation from theelders In

Please sketch a map directing visitors to your location on the mission field. Where are you In relationship to other missions and to the nearest

your sponsoring churches which will encourage other churches to support your missionary work. Certainly the words of these elders will help to convince others regarding the worthiness of your mission work. Please help MSA to spread your news through HORIZONS by sending these elders' letters from your sponsoring churches as soon as possible. MSA will be happy to help you contact these elders if you will send the full
addresses of the churches.

larne^itv?

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Recommendations by Christian Leaders: (List names here and enclose a copy of each letter.)
Name; Number & Street

City:
Name

State
Number & Street State

Zip

City _
Place of Birth
(Number & Slreel)

Zip
State

City

Zip

Date of birth _
(Month) (Day)

iz_l
(Year)

(Add date of arrival

(Month)
(Day)

and naturalization date

(Year) (Month) (Day)

if applicable.)
(Year)

Where baptized? F
City

Date

/I

State

TV

On an extra sheet please describe any details regarding your conversion which you might care to mention..
MARITAL STATUS:

Married

Single

Divorced

Widowed

Please give the complete name of your husband or the maiden name of your wife

Date of marriage

2
(Month)

^
(Day) (Year)

Where married?

AL

Who solemnized your wedding?

Lisifchildren py full name giving the place, birthday, month and yearin the order of your children's birth days. (Ifyour
children have been adopted please indicate.) In case you are single, please list your brothers and sisters by name in this space.
Name Place of birth

Month,

Day

Year

l//cFl^ A/!/) AlF

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Alt

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Please list places of previous Christian service and what service you did as a brief career summary. Give
approximate dates:
Place

Position

Service

Ta

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EDUCATION (high school and later):

Name of school Location

Number of years

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Degrees granted and date (List honorary degrees)

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What Influenced you to become a missionary?

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Or what

field?

What

Is your purpose In missions?

pi^'^h

H^'t

do you

hope to accomplish on the mission

HA^cllr^J

Your own explanation in some detail might be Influential in leading others into full-time service. (Use extra sheets if
you need more space):

TR3in cnn^^h OQSii^ nnr\

Describe briefly in outline form the nature of your daily duties on the field:

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pff?cnm\ I- M KCifl Q chfp ^ ryl (orvj o/^ff) -knin ioc Which of the following terms most nearly describes your missionary status?

Evangelist
Homemaker

Bible College Teacher

Doctor V

Bible Reader
Christian Service Camp
Benevolent

Public School Teachet

Music Teacher Radio

ministry

Radio follow-up
Maintenance

Linguistics
Office Work

Maintenance of
Production of Bible

mission equipment Correspondence Courses

Production of Christian literature In the National Language

Village

Evangelism K,

Name other:

Languages you know (fluent/non-fluent)

Jy

PARENTS:
Father's name and his home address:

,,
. ' MIddIo, Last name)

Living ^
His occupation

Deceased

Number & Street

7ip

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Phnnp

Is he aChristian? Yes K.
yp

No

What positions of leadership has he held in the local church?

What Christian service does he now do?

Mother's full maiden name

^
{First Middle Last name)

Living ^
City
Is she a
home

Deceased
^/g.
Christian? Yes

Number & Street

State
No

^
Zip Phnno
Her occupation if employed outside the

^ ^

What leadership positions or Christian service has she rendered to the local church? Do you have relatives in mission work? Yes
missionary activity.
FORWARDING AGENT:
' ' ' -

No

If so, please list their names, location, kinship and details on a separate sheet with a brief explanation of their

{First

Middle TT

tssfnam!

If applicable, list troth Mr. and Mrs. lull names.)

Number and Street

State r/Zy

/? dJ.

'^6}oC>
Zip

City
Phone ZH -S i 1 (>

Where attend church?

Number & Street VJJ"

City
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State

Zip
corn^ixty/-

kJJ^

"

What duties are performed by the forwarding agent? tiL

Should money be sent to the forwarding agent only?

Does the forwarding agent receive a salary?

Please give the full name of the mission:

In what form should funds be sent?

Does the mission have official tax exempt status?

Please give details of HOW checks should be written to this mission:

C/T)^

4(^y7

Iffunds are to be sent directly to the missionary on the mission field, please explain the details of HOW to do it,so we

can give your explanation to HORIZONS readers and others who may inquire

rJo

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Mission Services Association is depending upon you to keep her informed regarding your missionary activity. Thanks so much;

you are the BEST source for your information we know, so you are a vital partner. Ifyou have additional information that you think will be helpful to thestaff of MSAIn preparing news stories about your ministry,
please feel free to send it.

Include Mission Services on your mailing list for your newsletter and we will send HORIZONS to you free of charge each month
as you serve on the field.

For office use only:

PERSONAL FILE FORM

Information from this form will appear in Horizons and other information formats published by Mission Services Association.
please type or print clearly

Date Sent:
Date Rec'd:

] ;|

This form is preparedto helpyou giveaccurate background Information about yourself and your mission work.
*Do not abbreviate

Please do not write on this form anything other than that requested. Attach extra sheets for additional information you may want to provide.

This is not an application form, it is not an official form endorsing you and your work, it is simply a worksheet designed to help us publicize your work that may help produce new friends for you, prayers and financial assistance. If any questions seem too personal or seem offensive to you. please feel free to leave them blank.

Date:lAU
Name in full
Spell out all names

rMonfkj

Day

Year)

S'naioriYcA
First Name (Numt>er Street -

Middle Name

Last Name

^/n C.Mr P-0. Bok PU^tio TjriionafX^lfe

City Slate Zip number Country)

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Ask for:
(First

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^ O ( n In Case of Emergency call # :

be. ifAvoriois. 0,a(> so+bvs ^ bejikr^

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Middle Lasi name and address)

[i\~
(Number Street City ^^te Zip)

Your complete address while In USA:

Your USA phone number: area code

11

phone nnnnhpr3^^

Name and address of Livlnglink efweh-or churches:

ruf\sYhf\ Chm Number &Street

, s,.,. )fi ^ City ,^pnrvAr(yv^ Qr\r\Ssiinn Chcx?jijMmhfir & street P.O. fW [h7 (Full narp^lichufch) _i ^ ^ gM- fanf s. City:
Names and addresses of other sponsonog churches whose elders recommend you;
Number & Street

(Full name ol cfturcft)

Z.P Arasvj
zi,
_

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.shM /vtyrfigdo.Or.

City:

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City: "(N)J
(Full name ol cAorc/iJ .

Number & Street

Z4!r^ Sco/l\C fluiJ

a

State

ipZDT^
-vcMs IS a oovo

Please send letters of recommendation from the elders In

Please sketch a map directing visitors to your location on the mission

field. Where are you in relationship to other missions and to the nearest

your sponsoring churches which will encourage other churches to support your missionary work. Certainly the words of these elders will help to convince others regarding the worthiness of your mission work. Please help MSA to spread your news through HORIZONS by sending these elders' letters from your sponsoring churches as soon as possible. MSA will be happy to help you contact these elders If you will send the full
addresses of the churches.

uwt Loc do ncd V\jiv3^ap

XiO:
^

bor (^\\
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Recommendations by Christian Leaders: (List names here and enclose a copy of each letter.)
Name: Number & Street State

City;
Name

Zip

Number & Street State

City _
Place of Birth
(Number i Street)

Zip
State

City

9\xr\es.
\QU)Z
(Year)

Zip

Date of birth _
(Month)

ZO
(Day)

(Add date of arrival

(Month) (Day)

and naturalization date

(Year)
(Month) (Day)

If applicable.]
(Year)

Where baptized?

City
MARITAL STATUS:

-'

State _

Zip

AM

On an extra sheet please describe any details regarding your conversion which you might care to mention..

Married X Single Divorced Widowed Please give the complete name of your husband or the maiden name of your wifftSCJpVOA Date of marriage. SfD^fjwbtr r Where married? Aton. ftyiVAnYi
(Month) (Day) (Year)

Who solemnized your wedding? Or.

this space.
Name

W.

Llst,d^Mdre^y full name giving the place, birthday, month and yearin the order of your children's birth days. (If your
children have been adopted please Indicate.) In case you are single, please list your brothers and sisters by name In
Month, Day

Place of birth

Year

AWeA

Buhrn A\rtorrY?

ZI)\vAi

0\.ptvDn rnrr PHlmrr. Wc\<Vh'er.^rft

^^

2^,

Zl^

Please list places of previous Christian service and what service you did as a brief career summary. Give
approximate dates:

Place

Position

Service

Dates

OXYra"x) riU

\)mVA\\rQ?n [vg^T^!a6r

EDUCATION (high school and later):

Name of school Location Number of years Degrees granted and date (List honorary degrees)

t^a\\
fioV\Y(A V)^W ttU

M
. .,5

. _EBi^\avn.
, =

What influenced you to become a missionary?

gJoa^lapJi\srY^ \fr\ Fa OfGn n^\\\(\s (l-y ftoW^rn rFYFtiQ'H

What Is your purpose in missions? Or what do you
.

hope to

accomplish on the mission

. . . . . .

you need more space): Ci^)pOC~\0CW^Vh Ofc CXW

Your own explanation in some detail might be InfTuenTral in leading others Into full-time service. (Use extra sheets if

fieid7Yosbai.-vUi ^

\CKiaoFcr\^isv uj^poao^

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r^\/pr ucTr^nc'^r^ rivn QQp

Ho

X WOaVlC V v^OCDpU^CDOfte -\o feocxo ^^Veedcxn (^4 Ori^-v DescrToe briefly in outline form the^ature of your daily duties on the field: -Vennrv mu OfA\V\rpri .^^^\'FQOi(r\ aTrY.^^c\ ngcAsixK cxVicV - u-^nW^
>t_Krv ^

ac^-VT^rcYirTQY
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Homemaker Y

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Bible Reader
Nurse

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^TY^r^A'fk-VT^vx'f^ rv^r^-\rN/rwsr\ ^^a\o,-\avQ oor-nov^.

Which of the following terms most neariy describes your missionary status?
Bible College Teacher
Doctor Social Worker

30-'-i.
Pilot
Radio Music Teacher

Public School Teacher

ministry Radio follow-up Christian Service Camp Linguistics Maintenance of mission equipment Maintenance Benevolent Office Work Production of Bible Correspondence Courses Production of Christian literature in the National Language Village Evangelism Name other:

Languages you know (fluent/non-fluent)

\I

lr~Cr)

PARENTS:

Father's name and his home address:

(?\'rhnr/1
Number & Street

Living

Deceased

Qxi::ws^Q

Last namo)

City(^mXtillC
His occupation

Qtatrn) coG
carvVf n\rAnor

Zip 'SzzM

_Phone
No

_ Is he a Christian? Yes

What positions of leadership has he held in the local church?

What Christian service does he now do?
Motl
laiden name
(Fint

f\aon

^00*?
MlddlB

Last name)

Number & Street

State .Phone

Is

she

Christian?

Yes

occupation if employed outside the

home

What leadership positions or Christian service has she rendered to the local church?

^ Do you have relatives in mission work? Yes

missionary activity.
FORWARDING AGENT:
Name

No

If so, please list their names, location, kinship and details on a separate sheet with a brief explanation of their

(FiraU s,.

MldjlJa

Laal^me.

cao's. list iisi both Mr. and Mrs. toll names.) Happlicable,

City TYV\\r>0Qcn\ \ c.
Phone

State H M
Where attend church? (Full name ofchurcM
,

Zip Qlg77(Q
^ n t

.A-

^ .j

Number &Street

City

State ^

Zip

What duties are performed by the forwarding agent? '^CP\'d^^

Should money be sent to the forwarding agent only? Does the forwarding agent receive asalary? QL) ^ In what form should funds be sent? CJ0Q_C.1C^

Please give the full name of the mission: Cll\r\SV\OVs

Does the mission have official tax exempt status?

Please give details of HOW checks should be written to this mission: can give your explanation to HORIZONS readers and others who may inquire. ^

VT\iUT\D-

C MF

fVWer^

iffunds are to be sent directly to the missionary on the mission field, please explain the details of HOW to do it,so we

Mission Services Association is depending upon you to keep her informed regarding your missionary activity. Thanks so much;

you are the BEST source for your information \we know, so you are a vital partner. if you have additional information that you think will be helpful to the staff of MSA in preparing news stories about your ministry,
please feel free to send it.

Include Mission Services on your mailing list for your newsletter and we will send HORIZONS to you free of charge each month
as you serve on the field.

Excerpts of a letter from Steve and Shawn Allen written

in France.

September 5,1991 What can I say we are in Albertville, France, settled into our newest home. I must admit, however, that it did not come easily.
We were able to secure our visas in New York City in only 15 minutes which left us three full days in New York City (because all

the flights to Brussels were booked). It was exciting, challenging, and lots of fun. We conquered the subway and saw almost all the major sights. Tori and Clark enjoyed the zoo most of all. After an eight-hour wait in Kennedy Airport with little to do, we took off for Brussels. It was a seven-hour flight but the kids slept most of the way. We arrived at 9:30 a.m. (Belgium time) and made our way to the train station with seven pieces of luggage, four carry-on bags, and two tired kids. A day in Brussels gave us the strength to handle what was ahead.

The Harvest Is Plentiful But The Harvesters Are Few

We awoke Sunday to find that the train schedule on Sunday is

different from the schedule the rest of the week. This really threw

off all our plans. To make a very long story short, we finally made
it to Paris (after a sardine and anchovy pizza for dinner because we translated the French menu wrong), waited eight hours in a dirty

train station, rode a sleeper car all night, and arrived in Albertville
at 6:47 a.m.

Of course no one was there to meet us since we were twelve hours

late. Taxis are hard enough to find in Albertville during working hours much less at 7 a.m. Out of frustration, we began walking in a direction of chance with all our luggage and the kids. Through a

number of short, choppy "conversations," we found the school! (This is truly a village; you could walk end to end in about an
hour.)

From that point on, things went perfectly. We were taken to our
new home that is a warm, spacious, cheery two-bedroom

apartment on the second floor of a widowed Frenchwoman's

home.

STEVE & SHAWN AL

CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP

50 rue des Galibouds

73200 Albertville

France

lis, Indiana 46226-0306

317/542-9256

Page Two

She has a huge yard, lovely rose garden, and a very fertile vegetable garden. To top it off, the bakery is right outside her gate. She speaks no English but wants us to learn French quickly so she can talk to us. Tori calls her "French granmudder."

My mom (alias Mary Poppins to the kids) arrived with no problems and had already found "cheap" Cokes and a grocery store. Now we are settled in.
The Alps-sur-round^uSr-T^e^Qlympics are-fee4alk of-the-tKv\m, and-nobody, T mean nobody, speaks English.

God is good. The children are safe and have transitioned very well. We are all healthy and very excited about what is ahead. If others could see this town, missionary recruitment for Benin would skyrocket!

A new chapter in our life has begun. Sometimes I wish I could skip to the end and see what is going to happen, but for now all I can say is Praise the Lord! He abundantly provides for all who seek to do His will.
In humble service for Him,

The Allen Family ~ Steve, Shawn, Tori, and Clark

9/91
CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP P.O. BOX 26306, 5674 CAITO DRIVE INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46226-0306
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
Nonprofit Organization

U.S. Postage

Permit No. 2975

Indianapolis, Indiana

MISSION SERVICES EDITORIAL DEPT P 0 BOX 2427

KNOXVILLE
TN 37901

PRAYER LETTER FOR THE ALLEN FAMILY %

NOVEMBER 1991
ALBERTVILLE, FRANCE

I couldn't believe my eyes when 1 saw snow on the peaks of the mountains "in September, but you wouldn't believe i t now. All the mountains have snow on them and i t is slowly creeping into the valley here in Albertville!
As the weather cools we are forced indoors much of the time

(plus i t rains almost everyday) so cabin fever seems like the most prominent "virus" going around right now. Our studies are intensifying and the professors are expecting much more interaction from us now during conversation class. Many people are finding this tiring, emotionally draining, humbling, and nerve wrecking. Last week, during an especially rough week in conversation, a rainbow appeared everyday in the valley outside our classroom window. What a glorious sign from God encouraging us to persevere-He hears your prayers for us and IS meeting our needs every day!

SPECIFIC NEEDS THIS MONTH

Good weather and no sickness during fall break Get 26-Nov 3

Get 29, Stephen Godbold (4 yr old friend of Tori) is having a cyst removed from his throat near his thyroid. His family leaves for Chad, Africa in Nov and are special friends of
ours.

Lack of sickness, as i t continues to get colder & colder

Sensitivity to family and personal needs as opposed to Just going through a daily routine
Clark has started into a very aggressive stage and has become quite a nuisance in the nursery

Patience with language learning.

are very hard times

Hitting learning plateaus

Opportunity to make contact with a really build a relationship with

French faimily who we can

Comfort for sad hearts as many of our new and dear' friends leave for Africa at the end of Nov. (They started school here in Jan) Kara Gustin, daughter of our teammates, is having trouble

adjusting school.

Pray for this 4 yr old friend of Tori

Pray for us to be peacemakers rather than becoming competitive in our language learning

Pray for support contacts to open for teammates, Langstraat, as they prepare to leave the USA

Dave Sc Heidi

IMPORTANT***

V Our professor and founder of the school has been recently

diagnosed with breast cancer and must have major surgery on Oct 29. She will not be able to teach for quite some time after that. (Mademoiselle Ghevallier)

-Pray for the peace of God to comfort her

-Pray for our class (14 beginners) as we either receive a new

professor or are divided into existing classes_at higher

levels. Both situations have the potential for negative repercussions. Pray for Gods divine wisdom to be used in the
decision and for encouragement for us all!!!

It is a challenge to your faith and trust in God when a situation like this occurs. It also makes one apprehensive of what may, might, or could happen in their own lives, (une.xpectedly like this) Most of all pray for us to be secure in Gods sovereignty in all things! We are slowly learning to accept this truth. Praise God for always caring and hearing our prayers. Our adjustment has been very smooth and all of us are progressing in French at a remarkable rate, no major sickness to speak of, safe travels, sad but peaceful goodbyes, and in all things, we have been able to praise God for His faithfulness! Thank you for your faithfulness to persevere in prayer for us. Please write i f you can and we promise to write back. Your partners in touching the world with Christ's Love,

The Allen Family

^\

My favorite month has arrived once

more, December. It is not my

favorite because it is the same month

as my birthday or because it is the

same month as Christmas but rather because it is for me a month of reflection. It is a month that

encourages me to look back over the

past year and be thankful for the blessings of God.

When 1992 began, Shawn and I were scheduled to speak at a

exciting time for us since we were constantly meeting new people and having the chance to share with enthusiasm our future plans to go to Africa. We never had a bad experience
or a discouraging moment as we traveled and spoke.

different church every Sunday through June.

It was an

The summer was also full of excitement as we took on 7 Vacation Bible Schools in the Georgia area. More than once
our home for the.week was a motel room but the .kids seem to mind and in fact loved having mom and dad's full
attention for the week.

attended two family reunions.

In July we were able to travel North through 8 states as we

relatives again as well as to meet new ones on both sides. ^ (Shawn side & Steve side) Naturally, we enjoyed bragging on our kids since they are the first set of grand-children on
both sides.

It was wonderful to see

Africa.

In August we went to New Orleans to drop off our crates

found out that our inventory listings have to be in French before they can clear customs. Wliat that means is I have to

They will ship in April of 1992 but we recently ^ ^

What a great incentive to start

re-type 20 pages of items such as a shovel, crayons, and

canned food in French.
learning vocabulary.

'/"Before leaving on August 27th, Shawn and I had spoke at close to 40,000 miles visiting family and friends. have changed.

' 50 churches, stirring excitement for missions, and traveled

hard to believe, but now we are in France and many thinp

It is

stare or we get corrected. The most we travel each day is 2/ miles. You don't tend to go as far when you are walking

Usually when we speak, we get either a ^lank

everi'where. Life has been radically altered for us but we are so very happy. We never have to return phone calls because we don't have a phone and every shop in town is closed on Sunday as well as for 2 hours during lunch. _ The pace of life is at a speed where life can truly be enjoyed.

Albertville is a

beautiful l i t t l e town located in the heax^t

of the Alps.

It is only 350 meters high but the' surrounding

It is the home of

mountains are 2,000-2,500 meters high.

Conflans, a 14th century medieval city which still stands as < well as the home of the 1992 Winter Olympic's V7hich are the focus and excitment of the area. Trains will be coming into Albertville every ten minutes during the Olympic's. Yes, we have some tickets aiid plan on attending the down-hill
ski jump as well as a hockey game. The USA vs Sweden on

Monday February 17.

We had wanted to go to a skating event

but tickets have been sold out since before we arrived in August. They are also very expensive.

/( weeks. She gave us lessons on washing clothes by hand, 1 hanging the laundry on the line, and getting the kids into a

^^ana (Steve's mom) came with us to France and stayed for 6

// schedule. It was great to have her with us during our first / month of adjustment, however, re-adjustments had to be made
after she left since we lost our extra set of hands.

'

French is coming very well for both Shawn and myself.

It is

really neat because Shawn is better than me when i t comes to writing and pronouncing French however I tend to be more able

to speak French in normal conversations with people. We have the best of both worlds since we are able to help each other
in different ways. God continues "to form us into a team.

Tori is now three and continues to try and teach her french friends English. She may be successful before the year is over. Her teacher informed us that she was comforting the french children who didn't want to go to school. She has developed a great sense of flexibility and just rolls with
whatever situation she is placed in.

-5^

y^

Clark is now 18 months and has passed Tori in weight. He looks like a linebackex% he talks like a linebacker, and he even tac.^les Tori like a linebacker^. It's a good thing we
are not planning to have any more children because one more

like Clark and we would go broke trying to feed them.

The blessing of being able to write a letter like this is not the writing but rather the sending. It is great to have a

friend who cares and is interested in our life.

We hope that

the ending of this year for you will also be a time of reflection at how God has blessed your life.

We look forward to January and the newness that it brings.

God reminds us to remember our past as we look forward to our

future.

H^e has been faithful. He is faithful, and He will

^5^

continue to faithful as we put our trust in Him.

God Bless you and Keep you Safe

XffWf

" "

Steve & Shawn

ALLEN
50 rue des Galibouds
Benin

73200 Albertville
France

14
Steve, Shawn, Tori, & Clark

RISTIAN MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP PrayerNewsletter

December 1991

"The motto of every missionary, whether preacher, printer, or schoolmaster, ought to be 'Devoted for life.
- Adoniram Judson

understanding very much no matter where you go is hard. But most of all, missing family
and friends is the worst. There

are days I hurt inside because I

of milk and put it in your cart, imagine having to carry it for a fifteen-minute walk home along with all your other groceries. This has been an adjustment.

' ^ (S

'

If leave is to die a lit le.)

We learned a French I

I miss myfamily so much.

proverb that states these feelings so well: "Partir, c'est mourir unpew." (To
Or the next time you cany your laundry from the bathroom to the laundry room, imagine having to carry it ten minutes
to the laundromat. And the

j IfI did not know for sure

that I was in the will of

} that I would pack up my

L family and return to
Vfe 'love'being in school (all of us)!

I Gk)d, I can honestly say

most crucial adjustment for me, stated best by my teammate Dave Gustin, "I never thought I

would open my refrigerator and

see nothing but the top of it." The refrigerators here are less than three feet tall, but, then again, I can never carry home enough food to fill it!!!
Please do not think we are

j Atlanta. But I know Grod

1 wants us here, so this is
where we will stay. I am
"Devoted for Life" for the cause of Christ.

I believe it is time for

confession. For these past two years Shawn and I have talked about being missionaries. We
have talked about sacrifices we

I believe the greatest

adjustment we have had to

make, besides being away from

complaining but rather enjoying the blessings of God. There are so many things in this new land that we just have

family and friends, is ,

the fact that we can't

will be making, we have told about learning other languages, and we have shared
how hard it will be to say goodbye to family. All of that was talk, now the reality of doing has set in. We
have been here for over 10 weeks and the excitement and

jump in the car and

go wherever we want,

The reason is

whenever we want.

LZ!S|H
r

because we don't

have a car. Going

places loses some of
its excitement when

^
'mla
'

glamour of being in France is over. Learning this new language is hard; not

you always have to walk. For example, the next time you go to the grocery store

and pick up a gallon

The view out our kitchen window.

will follow... The world behind me the cross before me ...

No turning back. No turning

back.

God bless you all, and we pray

for you often.

Merry Christmas and Happy

Laundry isa new experience: carryit totown
and back, wash a fewloads in the bathtub, and hang it everywhere to dry.
New Year.

Cfc^jc. Alh/y
The Allen family

visit so we will get to see some family, but we will sure miss the Christmas Eve candlelight
The term 'French bread' has taken on a

services and - most of all - the < movie "It's a Wonderful Life."

whole new meaning.

to laugh and move forward. Did you know that France doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving? In fact, they don't even have any Pilgrims in their history. I guess we can forget celebrating the Fourth of July as well. (Ha!
Ha!)

Tonight during our biweekly American church service, we sang a wonderful hymn that I know by heart. As I sang,
however, the emotions I have been experiencing gave the song new meaning to me. Here
are the first few lines of each

They do celebrate Christmas, and during this upcoming holiday season we ask that you keep us in your prayers. Shawn's sister is coming to

verse. I pray it will have new meaning for you as well as you live each day being salt and light in the world.
I have decided to follow Jesus...

Though none go with me I still

Merry Christmas - we missyou!

Christian Missionary Fellowship

P.O. BOX26306,5674CAITO DRIVE INDIANAPOUS, IN46226-0306
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Nonproltl Organization U.S. Postage

Permit No. 2975

fndianapols, Indiana

MISSION SERVICES
EDITORIAL DEPT F 0 BOX 2427
XNOXVILLE
TN 37901