Bilaspur, INDIA //.

9
February, 1990 l(^-^
Dear Co-workers,
"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock
of our salvation." Psaltn 95:1
There has been more delay between this letter and the last one we
wrote back in November, '89. It has not been the fault of the postal service,
however. We just haven't been able to get around to writing and keep up with
all of the work. Sickness has slowed us down again, too.
In November we wrote that we were going to try other ways to send our
letters to La Crosse. We tried two new ways, in addition to the usual
registered air-mail. One took only 13 days, the other 15. So, hopefully our
"news" will get to you now before it gets "old". Mrs. Oelkers said the
Christmas letter left La Crosse to you on December 7th; so you must have gotten
in well before the "Big Day", as Christmas is called here.
Christmas celebrations here were rather "low key" this time. Extra
time and effort were being given to completing the new church building. The
three usual dramas were performed in the schools, not publicly. There were no
carolling, picnic or sports competition. The church building was mostly
finished by December IBth, the day set for dedication, so it was used for
Sunday services, and Christmas and New Year's Day services. The baptismal tank
has been built into the new platform, instead of outside as before. In January
we witnessed the first three baptisms for the year: two of our Training
Institute students, and another young man whom one of the church members has
been teaching.
January 26 is Indian Republic Day, so is a vacation for the C.T.I,
students. There is always a special meeting with a parade and speeches over in
the Police Grounds. Students like to go over and watch that. This year
we(Wiiliam & Jean) made a long weekend of it and took a short trip to the west
of here. The first night we stayed at the Safari Lodge, in the Kanha Kisli
reserve forest. The next day we drove on west to Pachmarhi and spent the night
there. Pachmarhi is in a 3000 foot mountainous area, so is considered a summer
hill resort. We had never been there and wanted to check it out, thinking we
might want to spend a summer there instead of going to Mussoorie. On the
return we stayed at the Safari Lodge again, then came on home Sunday
afternoon. There was some excitement around the Lodge because a tiger had been
sighted nearby. We didn't take time to try and see it, however.
Our special thanks to those of you who have sent Birthday, Christmas
and New Year greetings. We do appreciate your love and concern. Hearing from
you gives us much encouragement. This year cards and letters have come over a
very extended period again. The first Christmas greetings came on December
7th. The most recent Christmas letter arrived February 5th. It is good to
have them spread out that way, rather than coming all at one time. If it is
like other years we will be receiving more.
Several have written to say that rumors are going around the States to
the effect that we have left the Bible College work, have moved our work to the
Hills, and that we have retired. We do not know for sure how these false
rumors got started. But that is just what they are: false, and very
disturbing. It is probably from the erroneous article printe"3~~by Mr. Mrs.
Getter in their paper, THE EVANGEL. In our August '89 letter we wrote about
our present work with the Bible training program. We have also written a
special supplement about THE EVANGEL article. If you care to see it please
request a copy from Mrs. Oelkers at La Crosse, KS. The Getters have
misinterpreted our verbal and written communications related to our work with
the Christian Training Institute; and have jumped to erroneous conclusions. It
has caused much confusion and heartache here, too. What the outcome will be
only God knows. We ask you to join us in much prayer about it. We will keep
you informed. Please rest assured that we are still in Bilaspur and working
with the Training program.
At the time of writing, February 15, Jean is very ill. She hasn't
been feeling the best for several weeks. Then on about February 5th she began
having chilis, fever, and body aches. We thought it was probably malaria, but
the usual malaria medicine hasn't cured her. The doctor is also treating her
for malarial fever. It must be one of the new strains we have read about.
After a week and a half of treatment she is still not well. She has had an
average temperature of more than 100 for nine days, with a high of 102.6. It
has been accompanied with vomiting, so she has been on a liquid diet, and is
getting very weak. We request your prayers for her, and for William that he
can cope with the extra care required. Fortunately the Institute is on a four-
day vacation this week, so that has given more "breathing space". ^
We just recently had a short visit with Bill Ethel Gulick,
Jesurathanam, one of their Indian colleagues. They were here from early on the
9th to around noon on the 11th. Both Bill and Ethel were tired from traveling,
and Ethel was ill with tummy trouble and a cold. But in spite of illness on
their side and ours, we enjoyed their visit. It was a boost to our spirits.
Bill spoke to the students during one chapel service, and for the Kududand
Church at the Sunday morning worship service. Ethel and Jesurathanam helped
with house work, so gave William some rest from that. They expect to stop in
Belgium on their way back to the States. Mary Esther and family are looking
forward to their visit.
"The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores
rejoice." Psalm 97:1
In the Service of the King of Kings, o , \
Bilaspur; INDIA //'73
/^fO Warch, 1390 '
Dear Co-workers,
lb hasn't 'been long since we wrote just about a month. But we want bo bake
time now to give you an update about Jean's condition. We are grateful for
youi' prayers on her behalf.
Last Sunday, March llth, was the fifth Sunday that she has nob been able to
attend worship services. Her needs for my<Wi11iam's) help have been so
unpi-edicbable that 1 do not go away from the house for long. On Suiidays 1 go
to the Communion and Offering services of the Kududand Church. The building is
just 100 yards or so from our house. Tlien 1 return and bring communion for
her. We miss the Bible School and Preaching services. But we are thankful for
tapes of worship services that the Wesbside Church of Wichita, KB gave us. We
listen to them, so enjoy a service in English.
It has been a month and a half now since Jean began to be ill. After two weeks
on malaria medicines the Doctor saw it wasn't doing any good so discontinued
lb. After week "being off of medj.cine3 lie, at _ou^requestj_ did ^me_lab
bests, but nothing showed up. After another week 1 took her to the Doctor
again for him to check the red spots that she has had from head to feet since
about the 9th of February. The Doctor had teen treating them, thinking it was
a reaction to other medicines. Bub neither of the meds he gave did much
good.
Di-U'ing that visit Doctor ordered a chest "X-ray and more lab tests. He said
everything was OK, except, for a ui^inary infection which shoved up. He put her
on a series of antibiotics. Tliab has seemed bo help some: temperature is
normal or below normal, but "hasn't gone a"bove; the red spots are clearing up
slowly; the stuffy nose and sore bliroat have about cleared up; most body aches
have gone; her eyes have been aching and puffy, too, bub are better; and she is
beginning bo do things for herself again. We still do not know what her
trouble was from the beginning. She has lost a lot of weight and continues to
be very weak, and gets dizzy when getting up or burning over in bed. Doctor
has put her on a tonic now, which we hope will help her gain strength more
quickly,
lb has "been a long and exhausting siege for her and tiring for me. 1 became a
male nui-se, chief cook and bottle washer pretty fast; besides trying to keep up
with my beaching and other work^ Bub we are beginning bo have hopes of
recovery. She is eating well again, so should get her strength l^ack, even if
slowly. She lias been working on lier liair which she hadn't been able bo comb
since she began to be ill. She did a little, then rested. Mrs. Lai, oui-
closest neighbor, has helped her some and brought over food a few times; so
that has helped. We are so thankful that 1 haven't been sick dui-ing this time;
don't know what we would "have done if 1 had. And we are thankful, too, that
the weather has k>een fairly cool. We still need your prayers.
Just, this morning, March 16th, one of the last year graduates came to visit.
He has 'been working with several area churches in Orissa, his home State. He
has been called bo Bilaspui- bo he.lp Ishwari Lai with the Kududand Church work.
We are looking forward to fellows'hip-with him now as a co-worker.
We have completed the financial i^eporb for 1989. If you would like a copy
please request, one from Mrs. Oelkers.
1 lift up my eyes bo the hills where does my help come from? My help comes
from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1,2
In Chi-'isbian Love,
William & Jean Poland
Dear Co-workers,
Mussoorie;INDIA
April/May, 1990
This time our greetings come from way up north againin the
foothills of the Himalayan Mts. We have been here since April
7th. Jean regained her strength enough for us to travel, so we
left Bilaspur April 3rd. William fixed a bed in the back of the
Van. Jean spent most of the trip lying back there, relaxing and
sleeping. Fact is, the trip seemed to be quite restful for her.
She felt much better on arrival here than when we left Bilaspur.
The weather was cool enough so we could drive during the days.
We spent four nights on the way. Three nights in hotels, and one
night by the side of the road in the Van. We didn't have any
serious car trouble, just two flats.
The first thing we did after arrival was get an appointment for
Jean at the Landour Community Hospital with the Australian
doctor. From his review of the symptoms, and a thorough
examination, he felt Jean had suffered from either Typhoid Fever
or Dengue Fever. His examination revealed her liver was
enlarged. He also ordered extensive lab tests. From these the
doctor diagnosed her trouble as a severe case of Typhoid, He
ordered strict rest for recuperation. So Jean has been taking it
easy. Except for a spell of dizziness and vomiting for a few
days from May 7th she has been feeling much better, and is
regaining strength rapidly. The doctor has been periodically
checking the condition of her liver. He said if it did not go
down to normal he would send her for an Ultrasonic Scan to
determine the trouble. But, when he checked her on May 10th he
said the liver is returning to normal, so the Scan will not be
necessary. Now he wants to check her again about June 15th
before we return to Bilaspur.
Again we thank you for your prayers and concern. We are grateful
for cards and letters from many of you. They have been very
encouraging.
William is keeping busy with correspondence and mission records.
The big project is getting the financial receipt records
transferred from cards to computer disks. We were able to get a
computer program for typing in the Hindi language. He wants to
spend time learning how to use it so he can do more work on the
study notes.
Before leaving Bilaspur William' finished teaching his class in
Acts, and gave the final exam. The other teachers were expecting
to continue until toward the end of April. We haven't had any
news from there, but students must be back in their home areas
now. We pray that they will be able to use the things they have
learned as they work in local churches and programs.
"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will
never let the righteous fall," Psalm 55:22
In His Service,
William St Jean Roland
//'T?
-f^o
Dear Co-workers,
Mussoorie;INDIA
June 1990
//73
Greetings once again from these high parts of India. This will probably be our
last greeting from here this year, because our stay up here is drawing to a
close. As planned now, we will leave on the 29th morning to start the trip
back to Bilaspur.
Jean is regaining her strength nicely, and is able to get around more. The
checkup with the Doctor on the 14th showed that her liver is normal now. The
dizziness has also stopped. We thank God for her recovery, and you for your
prayers on her behalf.
We had hoped to be able to take a camping trip again this year, similar to what
we did last year. But we have not been able to do so. We have been able to
get out to worship services in two of the local Churches. Union Church is down
in the town. During this summer tourist season traffic is very heavy, but we
have not had too much trouble. Kellogg Church is up on top of the mountain
behind where EdgehiU is located. We were glad to be able to go there and hear
three of the messages the Woodstock Principal brought from the First Letter of
John. These Churches are interdenominational so do hot have communion every
Sunday. We usually have our own service here in our room.
The Landour Community Hospital has allowed us to park the Van in their parking
space. It is just a short distance from Edgehlll, so Jean has been able to
walk over there and back. It is the Hospital that purchased Aloha Cottage from
Jean some years ago. It, too, is located near the Hospital so is a good place
for two staff families.
A few days ago William finished transferring the Mission financial receipt
records to the computer. Entries on two drawers full of cards came on one
diskl It is amazing what the computer will handle. He has been able to do a
lot of correspondence and other records, too,
As things look now, we will probably not be teaching in the Institute this
year. At the Mission Governing Body meeting last January it was announced that
several of the Indian brethren had volunteered to teach Institute classes. So
we are beginning to look toward retirement from our service with the
Institute. We want to continue working on translation and printing of study
materials. Along with these considerations we are also taking note of our age
and health. We feel we can continue the study-material work in the States. So
we are making tentative plans to return to the States and take up residence in
one of the Church Retirement Homes. A big question mark, of course, Is the
refciiemenfe.- We--trust -that the Lor-d wi4-Isurely-provide-;--passibi-y-
partly by your continued gifts. After winding up things in Bilaspur we want to
do some final touring in India. We will possibly return to the States in the
Spring of '91. Winding up 40-plus years of mission service is a difficult task-
-physlcally and emotionalIv. We ask you to be in prayer with us concerning it
and concerning our future years of service for the Lord.
"0 lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit down and
when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar....I praise you because I am
fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full
wel1....Search me, 0 God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious
thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me In the way
everlasting." Selected from Psalm 139,
In Christian Love,
William Jean Roland
1173
Bilaspur; INDIA - July 1990
Dear Co-workers,
Greetings froni Bilaspur again. We arrived here July 6th, about noontime.
The Monsoonrainy seasonis going full force; it started in Landour
right on schedule, June 15, We were able to take things between showers and
get the Van packed, but we had to leave in the rain on the 29th morning. In
most places rain has been heavy. Many fields on both sides of the road were
filled with water; in some places it looked like a vast lake. It didn't rain
on us much after we got out of the mountains; just had light showers in a few
places. We were sure grateful for that, because the Van leaks around some of
the windows. Rains had cooled things off so the trip was quite pleasant.
In New Delhi we had reservations at the YWCA Guest House. After spending a
day shopping we intended to leave early the next morning, but William wok up
sick and spent the day in bed. He felt OK the next day, though, so we were
able to resume the trip. That evening we stopped at a little hotel in Gwalior,
where we had stayed before. The good AC room wasn't available, so we had to
spend the night in a real crummy ordinary room. The next night we parked in a
gas station and slept in the Van. The next morning William got up early to
start driving and saw that we had a flata healthy 3" nail! We were next
door to a tire repair place, but it took awhile to get the man out of bed and
working, so we didn't get away until after 8 a.m. How's that for a different
way to celebrate the 4th of July! The last night we slept in the Van again,
that time up in the forest area northwest of Bilaspur.
Institute classes had started by the time we arrived. As expected, we are
not needed in the teaching program; six Indian personnel are sharing the
teaching load, and three are helping with study and work periods. But some
staff and students have requested and urged William to supply class study
notes. So he is spending quite a bit of time getting Gospels Harmony and
Speech/Homiletics notes printed and bound. The photo copier is sure a
wonderful facility.
We are also keeping busy getting belongings sorted and ready for selling,
packing, or whatever. First, we had to clear our things out of the upstairs
rooms so they could be used for classes. A big project William is working on
now is the Truck/Camper. It hasn't been used for about four years, so it is
taking quit a bit of time to get it cleaned up and running, and ready to sell.
A few days before we returned a long-time Kududand Church member died.
Her husband, who died a couple of years ago, was a worker in the railways; but
they have lived in Bilaspur since retirement. An eider son is also in the
railways, but is in Bilaspur, sick just now. Another son and a granddaughter
are teaching in the Bilaspur Mission Schools.
One Sunday we learned that Jean's Indian sister, Miriam, was not well.
When we visited her she was in traction to relieve the back trouble she is
having. The traction apparatus is "home-made": a rope fastened to each ankle,
extending over the end of the bed, and tied to bricks. It is similar to what
we have used a couple of times, and seems to help.
For six years an All-India Convention of Christian Churches/Churches of
Christ has been held. Last year, you may remember, we told about our trip to
Kerala for the Sixth one. This year it is to be in Bilaspur. We recently
attended a meeting of local leaders to work on plans for the meeting. The main
speaker is to be Bro. Lee Doty of the Great Lakes Bible College in Michigan.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear...The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is
our fortress." From Psalm 46.
In the King's Service,
William Se Jean Roland