Buzzard Bylines 1976

• Rhonda Hartell
  Hello from Jungle Camp! I've spent 3 weeks traveling from Norfolk to Main Base here in Chiapas, Mexico. So far I've learned a new way of canoeing (standing up), giving injections, how to hang a hammock, build a campfire, kill and dress a steer, suture wounds, and build my own shelter and oven. A majority of my time is spent learning the Tzeltal [sell-tall] language and answering letters. Please continue to pray for my health and growth as well as for safety.

• Don Morgan
  I am now in my 3^rd year of teaching 5^th grade. Every day is full of problems, blessings, and 36 young lives. There is no joy like watching a 10 yr. old boy accept Christ and start having daily devotions.
  Hebrews 13:8

• Marlita & Bill Walker
  The Walkers are still in the same big house with horrid heating bills! We've been busy since Sept. with the Awana program. Bill is the overall director and I work with 2 classes of girls. We also are working with 2 quiz teams. The youth group is coming along; our big prayer is that we won't be so busy for the Lord that we don't take time to be with Him. Bill is slowly gathering credit at the community college so that eventually he'll go back to Moody for his Bachelor's and then on to seminary.

• Wanda Dowdy
  It seems funny that all of us are so far away. I spent this past summer in France with Operation Mobilization. And now am living at home in El Paso helping my parents in CEF. I plan to get a part-time job and share an apartment with my sister. The work is spreading and is very encouraging to see "little ones" get a good foundation in Christ.

• Armand & Jean LeBlanc
  In one week a church here in Columbia took on part of our support, leaving us needing about $80.00 a month, and we also learned that we were going to have an addition to our family. We are very happy about this baby and do consider him or her as a gift from the Lord, and also will need to raise extra support. Our baby is due in April, so it looks as though it will be at least June before we can leave. We still believe with all our hearts that the Lord wants us in Iran.

• Wendy & Wayne Graves
  Wayne is still in his second year of Seminary at Grace. He likes school and has been studying hard. I'm still working as a secretary in the Free Methodist World Headquarters here in Winona Lake and enjoying it very much. My sister Cindy became a Christian a little over a year ago and is living with us and going to Grace College. We enjoy having her here very much and we all learn together.

• Glynis Fields
  I'm still in Macon, teaching fourth grade at Cross Keys Christian Academy and sponsoring cheerleaders. This year brought a "revival" among the high school students--what a change! It is so beautiful to see young teens who've dedicated themselves to be used by Him and for Him. I've moved into an apartment near school during the summer. Between teaching ball trips and church (I type the church bulletins besides other work), I keep quite busy. It's so beautiful to see God at work in my life and others.

• Al & Daisy Ortiz
  Our house church continues to grow slowly but we need men! Pray for men (they think Christianity is only for women). Pray also for me-- to prioritize. I'm involved in 7 different Bible studies besides the 3 weekly church services. Praise God with us for 80% support. Edwin is finishing his senior year and is applying to CBC for next year. Cindy is in the 8^th grade and would like to go to Ben Lippen for 9^th. A gift was received toward their education expenses--a small cloud on the horizon, but an encouraging one. Pepe, Daisy's dad, continues healthy and has been an encouragement to the church.

• Tricia & Dan Miller
  The pathway of God for us had lead to SIL in OK this summer, then to Albuquerque to visit Tricia's sister & family. Seeking God's next step, we felt His leading to remain here for the present. We were accepted as Members-in-Training with Wycliffe on Aug. 1. Dan has a job in aircraft maintenance and has also been able to do some flight instruction and other flying. We have a comfortably furnished home here and God is planning a new family member for us, to arrive in early April. We need continued prayer for payment of school debt, guidance, and timing for Jungle camp and Waxhaw orientation, and a strong, healthy baby.

• Steve Parrish
  I'm in the first semester of an M.A. at Bob Jones, plus the summer school I did last year. This will take until May 1977 to finish since I'm spreading the thing out and adding extra courses to the usual requirements. I really enjoy graduate study. The Hebrew and Greek courses are raising my proficiency to the point I can use the original languages; there is quite a bit to be learned, but this school is tops at teaching such things, especially Hebrew.

• Jayne & Cliff Moore
  In May, midway through his training program with ServiceMaster, Cliff developed acute peritonitis, requiring emergency surgery, and the doctor seemed surprised that Cliff even lived. The Lord wonderfully undertook and healed. When Cliff finished his training, the company moved us to Ardmore, OK where we've been since Sept. Cliff is Director of Environmental Services at an Adventist hospital; hopefully after the new year, we'll be starting a Bible study in our home, and Cliff will resume his volunteer work with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Heather is now 16 months old and gets more and more precious to us each day.

• Grady & Vicki Merritt
  God has provided abundantly for us last year while Grady was unemployed for almost 4 mos. due to the construction slowdown. He is continuing as an apprentice carpenter though has not done much carpentry; he's also in the SC Air National Guard for at least a year. We are still involved in our local church and are seeking the guidance of the deacons as to whether Grady should continue in lay-work or if God wants us to return to school and into the ministry. Vicki has the daily challenge of keeping up with 15 mo. old Benjamin, our "perpetual motion machine."

• John & Patty Chestnut
  John is applying to Seminary and hopes to start in Grace (D.V.) this May. I'm not accepted yet, but trust God will continue as he has started to lead. Patty continues to work in the bank and we both are very busy here in the church--Sunday school, adult Bible class, teen Bible class, young kids and some preaching. Come and see us while we are still in Kosciusko, MS--a beautiful little town; we love it.

• Dan Wall
  Much has happened since the last letter. God has led Kathy Lawrence and me to be married on Jan. 17. We are living in Myrtle Beach at least until I am discharged from the Air Force in 1 1/2 years. We are looking forward to the many opportunities God gives us to minister to neighbors and to military men.

• Debbie & LaVon Post
  We're enjoying the beauty of Colorado. School is now halfway through and we are doing well. Debbie is working in an office and LaVon is also working part time. LaVon is loving Colorado more and more each day and wants to stay here. It is the most beautiful place we've ever lived. God is providing and taking wonderful care over us.

• Clint Morrison
  I graduated with a M. Div. degree from New Orleans Bapt. Theo. Seminary on Dec. 19, 1975. On Dec. 20 I was married to Laura Dubuisson from Gulfport, MS. In January I started work on my Doctor of Education degree in the field of counseling and psychology. God has been good and I am praising him continually.

• Marcie & Felix Rodriguez
  Felix and I attended the fall session of CEF Institute and the Lord has led us into that work. We are waiting now to hear from the State Committee in CT if we are accepted for work in this area. If this door closes, we will head to Chicago to work. We should hear by the end of Jan., but we are sitting "on pins and needles" because we are anxious to get started working.

• Steve Fields
  I am still in Dalton. Having earned my Black Belt, and though I don't teach, I work out with students in 2 schools and a real ministry is developing. The teacher is a Christian. I am taking some courses at Dalton Jr. College and plan to go for a BA and then a Masters in Social Studies at West GA U. Life is great and God is SO good. I'd love to see any of you. I work at Lance Electric and live ??

• Dottie & Stan Smith
  We're still at Southwestern Seminary. Stan graduates in May of 1977 and then we hope to head back Carolina way to get experience in a church for a couple years. After that it's to the mission field as church planters. Of course, that's all a "bird's eye view" of the way we feel God is directing us. He surely may re-direct our course--time will tell.

• Roy Surles
  I am still at home with my parents. The Holy Spirit seems to be leading me into teaching and preaching for He is using me in a casual, unplanned manner. And I enjoy sharing God's Word informally. Furthermore, God is faithful and I sense a preparation for marriage, contact with more people, a new and more satisfying job (I now work at a grocery store, 5 nights a week). Matt. 6:33, 34

• Rachel Ellis
  There isn't really any new news with us. I'm still working in two different dental offices and enjoying my work more every week.

• Larry & Lenore Hill
  Lenore and I are doing fine. She is putting me through Seminary here in Phila. We are halfway through our seminary work; I've just finished exams and only have 3 more semesters to go. We are enjoying our time at Westminster; it is a great place to study, but we don't anticipate staying than the summer of 1977 when I will graduate.

• Deb & Paul Haken
  Our barrels and crates arrived on Oct. 17 (after 8 months of waiting) and it is such a blessing to have and use our own things. We are thrilled beyond measure to announce we will become parents in June. Because of this, we decided now would be the best time to get language school, so we're here in Kano to learn the Hausa language and will be until May. Our first term has really been one of changes and adjustments. Next Jan., Lord willing, we'll be coming home for a 4 mo. furlough.

• Ed & Marg Maehlmann
  Right now Marg & I are living in Winnipeg where it's very cold. Marg is from a small town just south of here. I'm working in a Chrysler parts dept. as a counterman and Marg is selling Avon. We are involved in the evangelism program at church and are also youth sponsors. We are getting ready to start deputation the end of Feb. and beginning of March as God continues to lead us to Germany with GEM.

• Linda & Mark Thomas
  Mark is director of Ravencrest Chalet (Torchbearers) school and we have a capacity "snug" student body of 35-40 next term. I am in charge of the domestic side of things. We are seeing God work in lives (changing attitudes, straightening out priorities and teaching kids daily about Himself) a truly rewarding ministry!

• Terry & Bev Thames
  Terry is still working in the cafeteria at CBC and Bev is considering returning to USC to get her bachelor's degree in nursing.

Other news

• Deb & Doug Stromberg are in language school for SAM; Amy Christine was born in Oct.
• Fred & Pam Tuggy have returned from Mexico to do mechanical work for Wycliffe; Celinda Grace was born June 30.
• Doris & Neil Wolfe are in language study with Wycliffe, headed for Bolivia; son Andrew Neil was born May 24.
• Al Bosson is associate pastor of Howick Baptist Church and Cindy is home economist for the Auckland Star newspaper and a speaker for the New Zealand branch of the Christian Women's Convention International.
• Bee Van Engen at CBC has given this thrilling news on behalf of Jochen and Scooter Stahl:

  Rebekah Analisa was born in March. On Nov. 5, Scooter was involved
  in a freak single car accident. The car rolled several times,
  throwing her from the car and rolling over her. This broke several
  ribs and punctured her lung, as well as other internal injuries.
  At first she was kept alive only by machine. Jochen's call to Bee
  came through as she "happened" to be in the Dean's office,
  just 10 minutes before chapel. Soon the whole CBC student body was
  praying. Bee made the trip to Hendersonville, NC to tell Scooter's
  parents, and tell them honestly that she was not expected to live.
  Within two days, God made a way for them to fly to Germany. Mrs.
  Mashburn said she went expecting to bury her daughter and instead
  saw God heal her before her eyes. Scooter returned home from the
  hospital about a month ago on crutches with apparently all her
  injuries healed except for paralysis in her left arm. She is now
  off crutches and reports baby Rebekah is doing much better now that
  her mother is home. It is not known yet the cause of the paralysis
  and whether there will be a need for future surgery or if therapy
  will restore use. Continue to pray. With a baby and living in a
  house on 4 levels, you can understand how this is a hindrance.
  But oh, let us praise the Lord together!! He has indeed done great
  things whereof we are glad. Jochen continues to be a busy associate
  pastor in a Lutheran (state) church there.