Use the links to download the PDF version of the resources. Using a windows computer, right-click on the link and choose "Save Target As..", then select where you would like to save the file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view these files. If you do not have this program use the link below. It is a free download.
January 1986 Newsletter
COLOMBIAN CHRISTIAN MISSION
Dale and Jeanie Meade
In the jungle and prairie of Southeastern Colombia
Volume 14, Issue 1 January, 1986
WRAPPING THINGS UP
It is that time again. Furlough has passed very quickly. So once again we are packing. This is always a time in which we reflect back and look forward at the same time. I finished up my last trip to KCC during the second week of January. I spoke for their faith promise renewal. That was somewhat of a melancholy time for me. I felt a certain satisfaction as I completed a specific task that I had accepted. But at the same time it was sad to say goodbye to so many close friends. But even in that, there was another of expectation. Three of my students will be coming to Colombia for summer internships. After returning home from KCC, we prepared for our last speaking date. On the twelfth of January, we were scheduled to speak AM and PM at the Palmyra Church of Christ. Again this was a bittersweet time of saying our goodbyes to many very special friends.
Back in Rittman we began to wrap things up too. We began to look for a renter for our house. Barrels were brought out and we began first the job of packing all of the things that we will be taking to Colombia. Even though we took many things down when we traveled in August, there seemed to be a huge pile of stuff to be accommodated in our barrels, trunks, and suitcases. It is at this time the reality and proximity of the trip begins to really sink in. Packing is also one of the more difficult aspects of missionary life.
Also, during this time, we want to work on some publicity material. We always take on so many obligations during our furlough that we don't have time to do the office work that we should. We hope to be able to update and reprint our booklet on the work in Colombia. This will give us something to send out when people write in and ask for information. If time permits, I would like to also work up a new slide program and a mailable display. That way we will have a program to send to you in our absence. I also hope to prepare for and take another radio license exam. Here our biggest problem is time. It seems like there is never enough time to do everything that needs to be done. We will just have to try our best and see what we can accomplish.
Finally, we will have to buy our plane tickets. After that, we began packing everything from our house down into the storage room that is in the basement. We should be doing that about that time you are reading this newsletter. After all is packed and we have said our final goodbyes, we will be traveling to Colombia. We have made our reservations to travel via Eastern Airlines on the 10th of February. We will leave from Cleveland Hopkins Airport on an early flight to Miami and then change planes for the remaining trip into Bogota, Colombia. Please mark this date on you calendar and take a few minutes to remember us in your prayers.
At this time we also look forward. Because of the great tribulation that Colombia has undergone in recent years, there appears to be a great door opening for preaching the Gospel. The new center in Bogota will allow us to develop the work in that area in a much more aggressive way. It will also help us to train the leaders more effectively. There is one fringe benefit too. It allows us as Americans to "draw back into the woodwork" so to speak. While we will be limited in our movement by the political situation, we can still multiply our ministry by working through the Colombian leaders! So in this dangerous time there is a bright ray of opportunity shining through the darkness. Together with you, we can move ahead and take advantage of this open door, before it slams shut.
A NEW ADDRESS?
Several of you noticed a new address on the Christmas card that we sent to you. We have opened a little office in the back of the building where my mother has her print shop. Over the years we have been accumulating display materials, equipment, and records. The only trouble was that no one had enough room to store all of this material for us. As a result it was scattered around in four different locations. Whenever someone wanted some display materials or other information, somebody had to rummage around and get the items together. If the person was in a hurry, it was often very difficult to get the material out on time. By consolidating it together in one place, we hope to bring greater efficiency to our operation.
The new address can be used for any communication with us, but the old address is also usable. Either way, the mail will still get to us. The office will also permit us to print up publicity literature and store it. This will permit rapid and positive response to your requests for information. We can keep our slide projectors and programs handy for someone to get them out for a showing. we can now even keep the same phone number from furlough to furlough. While the office will not be the panacea for all our organizational problems, it should be very helpful.