the

India Challenger
Missionary FieldAddress
Ruth Morris

Fwd.AgiyEditor of Publications
D. Eugene Houpt
PO Box 531482

#11 Ramanathan Street

Kilpauk, Madras
India 600010

Indianapolis, IN 4625S-1482 Office - 317/293-1495 (FAXalso) Home - 317/291-0717

THE INDIA CHALLENGER is a quarterly publicationof South India Church of Christ Mission (foundedin 1950 by Art and Ruth Morris) Arthur Morris - Founde^Director
1924-1989

Volume 44

Match 1994

Niunber 1

New Building Dedicated on College Campus

The community of
Southern Asia Christian

College dedicated a new

clcissroom and research 11-

brary building on the campus in Madras, India^FebruThe building knownn as

Alexander Campbell Hall,

was dedicated by Mrs.Ruth H

jjf

Morris, principal ofSouthem Asia Christian College.

H
m

The building is approxi-

mately 6,000 sq. ft. and has

two stories. The upstairs
floor is to be used for a 3,000

ff
mm

volume researchlibrarywith
a focus on the Restoration Movement. This will be the

The 58 students, the fac

ulty and the administrative staff were present as well as

representatives of the builder.

ALEXANDER (CAMPBELL HALL dedicated on the campus of Southern Asia Christian College February 26,1994
In India the idea of the need to restore New Testament

In the dedication speech. Dr. David Morris said: "Alexander Campbell's advocacy of the plea for restora tionoftheNewTestamentchurchthroughouthislonglife
resulted in a movement that now numbers millions of

Christianity is still very limited. The Indian context is one inwhich allChristiansare a minority. Isitpossibleto think
a new idea?

supporters. The Church of Christ/Christian Church is a

uniquely American church that has now spread around

the world.

Our Southern Asia Christian Collegewas founded as a Restoration Movementcollege,joining 38other Restora tionMovementcolleges around the world. Thesecolleges

TheneedtorestoreNewTestamentChristianityisalso a plea for Christian unity based on the most fundamental principlesof the New Testament. Can unity be otherwise tinan based on the New Testament? Can the thoughts of
man replace the words of God?"

servethousandsofchurchesaround theworld,providing
pastors, educators and administrators.

The ribbonwas cut by Mis. Ruth Morrisfollowing a

dedication prayer.

Ruth's Letter To You

Dear Friends:

Greetings from Madras, India. Since January things have been going ata
very fast pace here, and the rush is not over yet. As you know, Christmas season lasts until the middle of January. It was a wonderful outpouring of your love for the children of India, and a renewing of our faith as we watched the
many dramas of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

'"'jy

^^5

The heavy monsoons and the impassable roads have led to a lot ofhardship this year. We even had to travel where roads did not exist. Fortunately David Morris has been here to help the Mission through some of the rough spots and to help with the daily needs of the people. I will list just a few of the things we have been involved with. ^ We are continuing with our "Adopt A Village" program where we are putting up a church building along with a literacy area, a well, and other very needed items. ^ A windmill has been added to the Boys' Home at Madrapakkam. Now the boys can have showers and all the water they need. ^ A new home is also under construction for boys at Gummudipondi. It will soon be completed. ^ We dedicated the new building at Kayathar, and the new Alexander Campbell Hall on the campus of Southern Asia Christian College. What a busy and thrilling time it has been! Many of our dreams are coming true, but there is always so much
more to do.

God has been so kind to us, and my health is very good. Now I'm planning a short visit to the USA for about

three months. I may be able to visit with some of you as well as some time to visit my family including my granddaughter. David plans to be with me and to help me through the many areas we must cover. I hope to see you-at the North American Christian Convention in-july. Shortly after that>we will be returning to India. We are just completing the 40th year of the Boys' Home of India and are having a two-day retreat with the children. During this time, several children and guardians plan to be baptized. There is also a baptism in a village close by which we hope to attend. Twenty young people have accepted the Lord. I know you will rejoice
in these victories.

We are looking toward a victorious Easter with all its joyful message. We hope you, too, experience His
overwhelming love at this time.

May God bless you for all your help in this area of the world. The villages would be dark indeed without
your help and prayers.
In His Service,

MAILING ADDRESSES

LETTERS & CONTRIBUTIONS:

SOUTH INDIA

CHURCH OF CHRIST MISSION

and/or
BOYS' HOME OF INDL\ P.O. Box 531482

IndianapKDlis, IN 46253-1482
FOR PACKAGES: SOUTH INDIA CHURCH OF CHRIST MISSION

4271 N. High School Road

Indianapolis, IN 46254

Village peoplewholwe in Poovali. They aresohappy toshow thissignwhere theirneio church building
will be. This was prior to start of construction.

A Report on Christmas 1993

By Ruth Morris
God has been so good to us this year in India and to the children of the villages in particular. What a thrill it has been to see the happy faces of the children during the Christmas programs. What a privilege it is to experience this event with them. Wide-eyed with wonder at the old, old but ever new story of the birth of Jesus, these children sit on the ground or on mats to
listen.

After the drama, the sweets, gifts, Bible portions and toys are distributed to the children. Each church has the names of the children. The preacher of the area, with the help of the Lamplighter, sees to the presenta
tion. When there are500 to 800children in each area, the

excitement runs high. Balloons burst, babies cry, chil dren jump up and down with joy. On all the faces we see the happiness and the blessings of the moment. This event starts early for us, somewhere in late
November, and continues thru the first week of Janu

The drama of the birth of Jesus is usually on a stage. This may be a wagon bed or the veranda of a village school. December is usually a cold month, but the children and adults sit in the bitter cold wrapped up as much as possible. Or they simply sit shivering as the songs and dramas begin. (Editor's note: When we visited India one December we did not require a wrap. It just got comfortable for us. "Bitter cold" is a relative term.) The dramas are spectacular both in color and form. Live goats are brought in for the shepherd scene and a live baby represents the baby Jesus. The Herod is a real villain with mustache and flashing eyes. He roars as he
reaches for his sword to kill the male babies.

ary. Our Christmas season was unusually severe as the rains came and stayed longer than usual. This meant that many of the dramas had to be planned aroimd these natural problems. Bridges were washed out, and roads became non-existent. But in spite of all the difficulties, a feeling of joy and excitement pervaded the program. Your generous gifts make Christmas the special time for the children of the villages and brings the message of love and a living Savior to thousands who
do not know Him.

The drama is played again and again thru the Christmas season in interior villages, in the children's homes, in the city slums, and at the college. This year
the children from our homes took the drama to the main

area of the towns around them, and the witness was

This year over 20,000children received the gifts that you helped provide. It was a tremendous outpouring of love and compassion for these wonderful folk. Pray for these children and their parents as they live through the rigorous hardships of village life. Their hope and prayer is for daily food, for education for their children, for happy marriages arranged for their girls, and for houses that do not fall away during the rains. May God richly bless you.

34th Graduation Held at

Southern Asia

Christian College
On February 27,1994, eight third-year stu dents received the diploma of Southern Asia Christian College. Graduation services were held on the campus of SACC in Madras, India.
Over 300 parents, friends and other stu

dents attended the graduation. The keynote

speech was titled "The Church and India in the 21st Century." Mrs. Ruth Morris, principal, awarded the degrees. A video of the graduation service will be available soon to anyone interested in the progress of the college.

Preparingthefoundationfor thenewchurchbuildingat Poovali. Viis is thefirst buildingin our "AdoptA Village" program. Tfie earth ishard, and the toolsare primitive.

Fortieth Annual Convention

Held Febraaiy 25-27

In America it's the North Ameri can Qiristian Convention. In the

Tamil language speaking parts of

South India it's the Annual Church

Christians who are surroimded by Hindu idol worshippers. Every churchhas a great deal of prajdng in
the order of service.

made less than 100 yards from the temple. It took two weeks of struggle to get permission to meet on this public land, and there was
some doubt it could be held. But

of Christ/Christian Church Tamil Conventionheld by the South India

Church of Christ Mission. This is the 40th Annual Con vention held since Art and Ruth
Morris came to South India in 1950.

During that time, an entire genera

tion of Christians has lived and died

as a part of the church. The congre gations today are the children and grandchildren of the first Christian
converts.

The sermons are longer than in America two hours in length is common. For the purpose of the conventionthepreachershavebeen requested to keep their sermons to one hour in length. This is to allow more preachers a chance to address the crowd. This puts a strain on the preachers, but the session leaders
have strict instructions and few are

God in His wisdomand mightover

came the forces of darkness, and the
tents were raised on time.

Over six hundred people from the Tamil churches registered and attended the three-day convention. It was a mighty witness for Christ. When the three days were finished,
and tents were folded, there was

allowed to go past their allotted time. These longer sermons would

be familiar to the frontier Christians

one last prayer of thanksgiving.

The convention in India is very

much like the North American in

having preaching, singing, and wit nessing. The physical appearance is very ditterent. Instep ot having
afineconvention center for the meet

ings, the participants gather imder decorated tent tops. They eat their
breakfasts, lunches and dinners to

gether. They use banana leaves for plates and sit on the floor of the dining tent while eating. The songs are differentinwords and tune but not in the glorification of our LordJesus. Although mostof the songs are in a minor key more
suited to Indian voices, the words
ofdevotion are beautiful and would
be familiar sentiments to Ameri

of the Campbell, Stone and Scott years. When Thomas and AlexanderCampbellwerebaptized, they preached tor seven hoursT The preaching, the singing, the prayers, the meals, the chance to be away from home and meet other Christians from other places ~ all these are the same. (Ruth did note
that there were bare bottom babies

in great number. That would be

different.)
The location for the 40th An

nual Conventionwas very different from an American city. It is a fa mous temple town. This is where
the annual Dravidian festival is held
that lasts for ten weekends. The

cans. The song leaders use drums and tambourines instead of a piano or organ, but these are familiar in
struments from the Old Testament
times.

Dravidian festivals are "dawn of

The prayers would sound com pletely strange to an American lis tener yet the fervent and heartfelt
emotions would be familiar. Prayer

time" and far pre-date the Hindu festivals perhaps to the days fol lowing the flood and Noah's ark. Until recently the blood sacrifices were humans. Now they are goats,
buffaloes and chickens. Itwas a deliberate choice to have the convention in this location. A

has a deep meaning for the Indian

public witness for Christianity was

the

India Challenger
Missionary FieldAddress
Ruth Morris
#11 Ramanathan Street

Fwd.Agt/Editor of Publications
D. Eugene Houpt
PO Box 531482

Kilpauk, Madras
India 600010

Indianapolis, IN 46253-1482
Office - 317/293-1495 (FAX also) Home - 317/291-0717

THE INDIA CHALLENGER is a quarterly publication of South India Church of Christ Mission (founded in 1950 by Art and Ruth Morris) Arthur Morris - Fotinde^^irector
1924-1989

Volume 44

September 1994

Ntunber 3

this Christmas in the Villages of India.

out

to more than 25,000 children in our village areas.

$8.00 will buy for each child:
1. Christmas treats
2. A Bible
3. Tracts

4. Special Gift

Sincel986 this annualprojecthas increasedthe evangelistic outreach ofSouth India Church of Christ Mission, It is a great opportunity for youth groups, congregations, classes and individuals to participate in a very special effort!
Wewill supply you with fliers that may be used as bulletin inserts. Letus know how many you can use.
Tax deductible gifts may be sent to: South India Church of Christ Mission
P.O. Box 531482

Indianapolis, IN 46253.

(Designate for Christmas project.)

Ruth's Letter To YouDear Friends and Prayer Partners:

E>uring my short visit to America this past summer, I was happy to be at the North American Christian Convention. It was a refreshing time as seven years have passed since my last convention in the USA. In times past this would have been top priority as Art Morris so loved conventions. I was thrilled to meet my friends, to enjoy displays of missionaries from aroimd the world, to listen to wonderful messages of the Word, and in general just to
refresh myself spiritually. I look forward to the combined conventions in Indianapolis, and I am making plans to be there.

But in the meantime, the work here is exciting and demanding. It's just a 24-hour work day. There is so much to do because the Holy Spirit is at work among our village and city people, bringing them forward.
David Morris, my son, has been working with the college full time since we arrived back. We first
established the new curriculum and started the new year of the School of Missions. David's focus is on the graduate library and the new M.Div. program, but he also attends the village programs and takes an active
interest in the children's homes.

Our children's homes are open for the 40th year. Likechildren all over the world, our residents have special problems that need solving. We have crippled children along with non-handicapped children. It is a
touching scene when one of the strong boys picks up the crippled boy on his back and carries him. I am

prying that we can find some yehk or bicycle for the crippled children to use. They are getting a good education and overcoming some of their adversity with happy siniles and polite manners.
We are now in the process of putting up a modem kitchen in the Madrapakkam Boys' Home. The material is being gathered, and the contractor assures me that in two and a half months it will be finished. This is a much-needed addition, and is adjacent to the new bore well. In the meantime we are struggling on in a make-shift kitchen. I ate with the boys yesterday, and the food was delicious. Our plans for the Christmas program will get underway at this month's preachers' meeting. I know it is early, but to reach such a vast group of children takes enormous planning and preparation. Gift items need to be bought now while the prices are down; dramas and village services need to be planned. This program has been a wonderful blessing to all the villages, and it is a witness to all of Christ's love to them. Your cooperation in this has been wonderful, and I know you will be praying for us during this season.
We are also getting ready for my daughter, Sharon, and her husband, Mark, to arrive about the first week of December. They will be a great help in the children's homes and in our building program.

MAILING ADDRESSES LETTERS & CONTRIBUTIONS: SOUTH INDL^

CHURCH OF CHRIST MISSION

and/or
BOYS' HOME OF INDL\
P.O. Box 531482

Indianapolis, IN 46253-1482
FOR PACKAGES: SOUTH INDL\ CHURCH OF CHRIST MISSION

I want to thank you all for your great help in this work. Also, your prayers and letters of encouragement are very precious to me. It is just by such prayers and help that you have brought thousands to Christ. It is for His glory that we work. Do write and keep praying for us here.
In His Service,

4271 N. High School Road Indianapolis, IN 46254

First "Adopt-A-Village" Church

Dedicated

FLASH!!!

Book To Be Released
The Cross and A Crown is a new

book concerning the South India

Church of Christ Mission to be re
leased the first week in October.

Charles Grubbs, minister of the

Antioch Christian Church, Washing

ton, Indiana, is the author. Bro. Grubbs

has made two trips to India and stud ied publications and records covering 44 years in order to capture the adven ture and hard work ofbuilding Christ's
Church in the states of Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in
South India.

Bob Reeves wrote the foreword for

this book. Here are just a few of the

The new church building at Poovali. (Insideview on DedicationDay.)
statements he made: "Arthur and Ruth

The first"Adopt-A-Village" church was dedicated on August 28 in the village of Poovali. This is a village of field laborers and fishermen located 11/2 miles from the nearest paved road. The brick church is now the main building in titiis village and a fine witness to the presence ofJesus. The local congregation has been growing steadily with regular baptisms. This permanent structure will help continue the growth. The church is also designed to hold village weddings as well as adult literacy and job training for the xmemployed. The JAM youth group of the Treaty Church of Christ, Wabash, Indiana, totally funded this first building project. Three other
groups provided funds for a teacher, a well and Bibles. How thankful

Morris are among the most effective missionaries the Christian Churches/
Churches of Christ have ever sent out.

I am happy that Charles Grubbs has

undertaken to tell their story. There

are many lessons here for the mission ary recruit, the student of missions,
and the local church which should be involved in missions. This is an im

portant missionary biography. Read

it and leam. Read it and be inspired.

Read it and pass it on."
Additional information concern

we are for each participant in helping to get this special program

started!

The next "Adopt-A-Village" church is to be modeled on this

ing how you may acquire copies is available from the forwarding agent:
Gene Houpt, P.O. Box 531482, India napolis, IN 46253.

building and will be in Thandipondi, another field laborer village.

Ragu,ourpreacherin theMaravararea, experiencing the fruits ofpreadiing anothersoulfor the Kingdom.

Children at Vacation Bible School.

Mark & Sharon

Southern Asia Christian

Southern Asia Christian College opened its doors for the 38th time when classes began on
July 5,1994.
There are 45 students in the accredited four-

Bilsborough Closing in on
Plans
In the last issue of this pub
lication we announced the

College Opens Its 38th Year L

year B.Th. program and 15 students in the School

plans of Mark and Sharon

ofMissions held on the college campus.

The students who graduate from the B.Th. program, like students in the American Bible

Bilsborough for a year of work in India. They plan to arrive in

India the first week of Decem ber in order to be involved with

t
RuthMorrisopeningceremonies at the college markingIndia's 40th Independence Day.

the many Quistmas activities. During the time they are in India, both will be helpingwith many phases of thework of the
Mission. Each, however, will
direct most of their attention to

colleges, go directly to churches as preachers. Most of the students are supported by their churches

return to these churches on ^

The SchoolofMissionsstudents are in training to be

during their studies and so

^
i

%
f |

one aspect. Mark will be in

volved in construction and

village evangelists for the SouthIndiaChurchofChrist

Sharon will be working with the children's homes espe

cially with the records.
Mark and Sharon are mov

same level of high school

education as the B.Th. students. Their classes are in

Mission and do not have the , t 1- 1 . T 1 1

C Southern Asia Christian College students came to Madrapakkamon]uly. Madrapakkam onJuly9 toattendthememorial meetingJbrArt

Morris. They thenwent then wet to thetown and villages topreach the
Word.

ing forwardrby-faith. Funds

for their travel and living ex

penses are not yet available.

Tamil, and their siimmers^espent work ing as assistants to the preachers from

their home area.

We know this couple will make an extremely valuable

contribution of service to the

Several new faculty members have

joined the college in anticipation of the move to begin a M.Div. and B.D. (Bach-

^J
S^

mission work during their

stay in India. Please consider

elors of Divinity, equal to a M.Div.) pro-

this as a special need for sup port. Allftmdsmaybesentto

South India Church of Christ

further training in ministry. These programs require additional library facilihoused in the top floor of the new

gram. This is so graduates of the college can return to take graduate degree and

|J
g.|
| e

Mission, P.O. Box 531482, In

ties as well. The graduate library is to be

dianapolis, IN 46253. Indi cate for Bilsborough support.

Alexander CampbellHall.
One goal for the graduate program is

.a|

tobea center for studies in the Restora-

tion Movement for India. There is currently no place inIndia for church leaderstostudythedocuments andhistoryof
the Restoration Movement. Without ac-

i ^ | |"||c rc
| g|5' i g5
< Ji

1^

cess to these materials, there can be no

independent Indian Restoration Movement. We are seeking donated books

Ht i|ll i S

forwarding agent for shipping instructions. Yourhelpwillbegreatlyappreciated.

for this area of study. Please contactthe

11
|

51

the

India Challenger
Missionary FieldAddress
Ruth Morris

Fwd. AgtyEdilor of Publications

D. Eugene Houpt
PO Box 531482

#11 Ramanathan Street

Kilpauk, Madras
India 600010

Indianapolis, IN 46253-1482 Office - 317/293-1495 (FAXalso) Home - 317/291-0717

THE INDIA CHALLENGER is a quarterly publication ofSouth IndiaChurch ofChristMission (founded in 1950byArt andRuthMorris) Arthur Morris - Founde^Director
1924-1989

Volume 44

Jtme 1994

Number 2

News From the AdoptA-Village Program

1. Poovali Village Church Buildine Dedication Tulv 21

ThePoovaliAdopt-A-VillageProgram is a success with the new church building and multi-purpose building to be dedi cated with a prayer and worship service. This Poovali project was funded by one church youth group, a junior week offering from a Christian Service Camp, a BibleSchool Class and a church gift. The

youth group paid for the building; the

camp offering bought Bibles; the Bible School Class paid for a teacher for one year; and the church gift paid for a well. Thanks to their friendship across the Pa cific Ocean to the people of India, this remote village now has a Christian com munity center and an enduring Christian
witness.

The dturch building in thevillage ofPoovali under cx)nstruction.

2. Support for the Thandipondi Adopt-A-Villa^e Pm^am

Thesecond projectis in the villageof Thandipondi, a villageof fieldworkers. Just beforeRuth and Davidleft

India inApril, a Christian couple sent a gift to provide a church building. No other funds are available yetfor supplies, Bibles, a teacher and a well. We pray there will be some who will consider this project. Here again are the costs ifyou would beinterested inhelping tofund the project for the village ofThandipondi.
Cost of a church building (brick) $2,000.00

Salary for one Lamplighter (teacher)for one year

100 Tamil Bibles

120.00
200.00

Resident male niu-se for one year A concrete-lined deep well

360.00 800.00
$3,480.00

Ruth's Letter To You-

One of my greatest joys has always been in returning to the U.S.A. This year has been especially blessed, as I have been able to be with family and friends in just the six weeks that I have been here. The purpose of this visit has been specificallyfor the operationon my left eye. God led us to a brilliant surgeon, and my eye has been repaired. It included a cornea transplant as well as a cataract removal. I was able to fly to Indiana from Floridajust10 days after the operation, and all is progressing well. I appreciate your prayers in this matter. This has been a fast-paced six weeks, and I have visited many people and as many churches as possible, thanks to the able assistance of David Morris, who has also come back from India, and is helping me get around to the churches this year. We have been to Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Florida. Some of you may want to know where and how I am living. I am staying at the D & D Home for Missionaries in St. Petersburg, PL a place in which I first stayed with Art, and where we spent many of our brief leaves from India. This Home is geared especially for missionaries and Qiristian workers. During this leave, I have been able to spend time with three of our children: David, Patty and Sharon. I have also visited Joe, and plan a visit from our granddaughter. Ginger, before this time is up. I plan to return to India along with David, just after the Nortii American Christian Convention, which is being held in Orlando, FL July 4-7. One of my greatest joys has been in the fact that our daughter, Sharon, and her husband, Mark, are planning on coming to India for a year's volunteer work with the Mission. There is so much to be done in India that this will be a real blessing. Mark will help with the buildings and village work, while Sharon will be working with the Boys' and Girls' Homes and records of the Mission. Both are young, talented and eager to work for the Lord. We know you will pray for them as they sacrificiallyleave their homeland in the U.S.
for this dedicated work.

Their plan is to arrive in India in time to help with the Christmas program, which many of you sponsor. This means they will immediately start their village work, and that we will have a blessed Christmas. David is busy searching for books for the Alexander Campbell Library for the Southern Asia Christian College in Madras. We need books on Alexander Campbell or copies of the Millennial Harbinger. If any of you know of these books, please call us at (513) 522-5003or write us at 923 Oak Street, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 imtil July. After July, our address will be the usual #11 Ramanathan St. Kilpauk, Madras 600 001. I hope to see you at the North American Convention. Our booth number is 417-419. Our beloved forwarding agent and his wife. Gene and Alice Houpt, will also be there, and we welcome your visits. I am once again amazed at the beauty of America. I have been amazed at the resurgence of attendance in the churches across the U.S. I feel confident that this generation will truly know God's blessings. In every church I have visited, the attendance is up, and several services have been added. As in India, camps are being attended, and DVBS'splanned

MAILING ADDRESSES

and held. I miss the work and the community of Christians in India, but

jenjoy getting to renew friendships here in the U.S. Wouldn't itbe

ETTERS & CONTRIBUTIONS: SOUTH INDIA fflJRCH OF CHRIST MISSION

wonderful if the two countries were closer and we could all visit each 7 ^ ,

BOYS' HOME OF INDIA

and/or

seen on the television. This happens every year, until the rains come.

The weather now m India is 115 degrees, as some of you may have

Indiai^^'l^^^4^3.1482
FOR PACKAGES: SOUTH INDIA

support and prayers for the work in South India.

Thank you once again in the name of our Lord for your sacrificial
In His Service,

CHURCH OF CHRIST MISSION

4271 N. High School Road Indianapolis, IN 46234

First Annual Pulicat Islands Boat

Race
By David Morris
Fishermen in India, including those in the Pulicat backwa ters north of Madras, lead tough, solitary lives. Each fishing family survives independently, and quarrels betweenfishermen are frequent. Sois death. And their gods are equally bloody and
imforgiving. South India Church of Christ Mission has been working
Agraduatingstudentat SouthernAsiaChristian College. This is Tonga, from Burma. Thecollege is nowsponsoring him in Burma as he beginsa ministry among independent churches bringing New Testament Christianity to them.

closelywith these unreached people for the past year, building on abase of medical evangelism. Two islands now have churches. Church buildings are to be bxiilt in the next six months on land already purchased. One of the paramedical workers is to be replaced by a clinic ~ the first cliruc since the British left India. To broaden the constituency for the evangelistic work and to make Christ known to fishermen throughout the 50-square-mile
area of the Pulicat Islands, it was decided that the South India

Church of Christ Mission would sponsor a Boat Race from

Arambakkam to Venadu Island. This is over nine miles of open water, where the fishermen daily go to sea.

On Boat Race Day, 400 fishing village people showed up, with16 boats from 10different fishing villages. Since this was the
first ever boat race in this area, there was a tremendous amount

ofshouting, boat jockeying,and encouragement fromthe crowd. Workers from the Mission plimged into the water to help orga nize the boats fairly. The fear was that if someone jumped the gim, other fishermen would fight rather than race. But, at the starting signal, after a word of prayer by the organizing preacher, the boats took off in a billow of sail. The boats are wooden and can carry up to 20people, all powered by sail. When they took off, it looked like a Viking charge. The lead boat was sailing so fast that it was almost on its side during most of the race two of the crew steering and 3 bailing water. Two boats were locked for second and third place, and the rest of the fleet was strung out behind. Three boats lost their sails and dropped out. The winning time was one hour and ten
minutes.

ChristianHospitalatMadrapakkam. Aftermanychanges, there is now new interest. A great amount of medicine has been bought, and the new X-ray is attracting many. All the beds arefull ofin-patients, and as many as 200 out-patients perdayarebeing seen. Added staffmembers have been called.

Boatsusedin theIslandMinistry. Twofull-timeworkers are now assigned to this ministry. Thishas been a greatly neglected area. Artbegan theworkyearsago, butdidn'thave
time to work on it. Now we can concentrate on this area

At the awards ceremony, there was heartfelt prayer and thanks that the competition had ended safely. The village
administrative officer, who had been raised on the island and

throughfaithful workers of theMission. There are needsfor buildings, but the work goes on. The high caste peopleare
much interested.

who is a Hindu, said, "Today, we see that you have come here and that you care for our island people. We have been forgotten by everyone. We have even thought we must abandon our village. But today you have brought our people together. We

hear that you are the preachers of Christ. Becauseyou carefor us,
we must listen."

A young man from the Boys' Home reciting

Bible verses.

And then with Tamil hymns and with prayer, amongst a

Hindu kali-worshipping crowd 9 miles from the mainland, the

First Annual Pulicat Islands Boat Race ended.

Mark & Sharon Bilsborough

Plan Year in India

June 3rd marked the anni

versary of the begimiing of the

work of South India Church of Christ Mission in IiiJi.i. On

" ' rSk

Sharon is the youngest child of Art

and Ruth Morris. She was bom in India

that dale inl95l). Ait .iiiJ Uulli

June 27,1965 and graduated from high

school at Kodaikanal, S. India. She then

arrived with their young ^>on, David, to begin their life-long

work. When Ruth returns to

entered Cincinnati Bible Seminary for after which she took up residence in Florida.

the field after the convention,

she will be starting her 45th

year of service.

Sharon then attended St. Petersburg Junior College and the University of
South Rorida. She met and married

Mark Bilsborough in Florida. For the past 5 years she has been working in the
O'Cormell and O'Connell Law Firm and

is now Trust Administrator. She plans to join her husband, Mark, for one year's

volimteer work in the Mission focusing mainly on the work of the Boys'
Home and Girls' Home.

Mark Bilsborough was bom June 28, 1958, and grew up in Fontana, Wisconsin. After finishing high school, he attended college classes at
Tampa College and now is working with Welch Tennis Courts in St.
Petersburg, FL.
Mark and Sharon are active members of Central Christian Church in St.

Petersburg. Mark felt the need to help the mission work in India, so both Mark and Sharon will put their careers on hold for one year to fulfill this

long-standing desireto work in India. Markplans to help in the constmction of church buildings. He has had wide experience in house construc

tion. This construction activity willbe especially usefulin thevillages, the IslandMinistryand the Adopt-A-Village Program. Markis also a talented
musician and is full of zeal and energy to do the Lord's work. While Mark and Sharon are coming as volimteers, there will be ex

Pi
IS e

^11
I'^li i 8

penses fortraveland living. Funds to assistwith theirsupport for the year

may be designated as such and sent to the South India Church of Christ Mission, P.O. Box53148, Indianapolis, IN 46253.

tm
^6-1%

00?/j {J

Ifili i I

g|S| i
S fc ^I
I
2 /T n A S>y 5> ^ :

New converts waitingfor baptism.

(IS-^
the

India Challenger
Missionary FieldAddress
Ruth Morris #11 Ramanathan Street

Fwd. Agt^Edilor ofPublications

D. Eugene Houpt
PO Box 531482

Kilpaulg Madras
India 600010

Indianapolis, IN 46253-1482 Office - 317/293-1495 (FAXalso)

Home-317/291-0717

THE INDIA CHALLENGER isa quarterly publication ofSouth India Church ofChrist Mission (founded in1950 by Artand Ruth Morris)
Arthur Morris - Foimde^Direclor
1924-1989

Volume 44

December 1994

Number 4

These children are saying to you: "Thank youfor the gifts and Christmas cheer!!"

Ruth's Letter To You

Dear Friends and Prayer Partners:

"May thefavor of the Lordour Godrest upon us; establish the workofour hands

for us yes, establish the work ofour hands." Ps. 90:17.

Wonderful things have been happerung here in Madras and in the villages. " i Christmas is nearly here!! Programs are finalized for the village dramas and programs. Excitement is in the air, and the feeling of expectancy from the children is thrilling. This is a program set up by our beloved late Art Morris, and it continues even today. The children participate in dramas, in song and Bible verses. Then the v^onderful Christmas drama is re-enacted. The angels who proclaim the birth look just like angels should, and the Herod is a fierce man with no understanding. He sends shivers of fear down the backs of the audience as
he shouts out the command to kill all the babies.

Then the three wise men come and kneel as they give their gifts. It is an awesome moment as the drama comes to the conclusion. At that time, a strong sermon is preached, and the Good News of the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus is again heard by all in attendance. The children take home gifts given from your love and concern for their Christmas. They also take home a New Testament which they will read personally. We are now buying 10,000New Testaments and have more
on order.

Thesechildren appreciate all the gifts along with the balloons and candies. This may be their only Christmas gift. They are fond of the mirrors, the ball point pens, the plastic drinking glasses, the ribbons for the girls, rulers, geometry boxes, balls and more balls for the boys, and other well-loved items. Wehave just survived the cyclone at the end of October. Trees were uprooted everywhere, and houses have fallen down. There are 22 houses in Poovalai and many on Venadu Island that need to be rebuilt. We lost over ~100"trees in the MadrapaifeLm"area; Throughoulrthe area the effect of the cyclone is seen~ The winds were up to 125 miles per hour. The roads to the villages are filled with pot holes and it is a very rough trip for us when we go to the villages for Christmas programs. But our joy in these programs overcomes any difficulties. We are thrilled with these Christmas programs and with the thousands of children who now can know the joy of Christianity.

Thisyear isending on awonderful note. David ishelping in the work this year (ashe has the past two years), and Mark and Sharon (Morris)Bilsborough have just arrived. What a wonderful meeting we had at the airport with people greeting and garlanding them with flowers. Mark and Sharon were very tired after their long journey (there's no way to get to India without an all-night flight) and went through only two days of jet lag. At once they began the Christmas meetings along with us. Mark has made a remarkable adjustment to a new culture and climate. Sharon recallsmany of the people and areas where are now visiting. The people have expected her to come back and are delighted to get to know her husband. We look forward to a busy and productive new year.

^
MAILING ADDRESSES
LETTERS & CONTRIBUTIONS:

I
1

WepraiseGodforHismany blessingsthis past year, and rememberin

wonder all the great works of our mighty Lord. And I thank you for being

partners in this work here in South India. May God continue to richly
bless you.
t tt. ^ In His Service,

cr^T^^LJT^TOTA

IN MEMORIAM... Recently we have lost two goodfriends ofSouth India Church of Christ Mission. Mr. Jesse Behle and Mr. Don Gress, both from First Christian Church, Washington, Indiana, have been takenfrom this life. Jesse was one of the first trustees when the Mission began, Don was currently serving as a trustee. Both men served their Lord faithfully in many ways, and we were gladfor the years of fellowship we had with them. Our sincere sympathy is extended to theirfamilies.

Southern Asia

Mark & Sharon Arrive

Mark and Sharon Bilsborough arrived at MadrasAirporton Sunday,Dec. 4. Theywere met at the airportby someofthefaithfulwork
ers of the Nfission.

Christian

Oiristian College Completes Semester

On December 9, an End of

HospitalA
Constant TA^tness
Christian Hospital stands outside the village of Madrapakkam this Christmas
season, 1994> as a constantwit

Semester Party was held on the campus of Southern Asia Chris tian College.Hdspartyisachance for one last fellowship before the college community leaves for
Christmas break. Now the se

Sharon says: "Markloved India from the

moment he arrived. He has also been amazed

niors arevery dose to graduating,

and the freshmen have become

college boys, and everyone is happy to return home. Hiis year there have been the
addition of two wardens, one of whom is a counselor, and two

new faculty members. The se

mesterend tests showed thatthere

at the number of people, the traffic, and the tremendous generosityofthe Missionpeople." After two days of rest to recover from the trip and jet lag, Mark and Sharon went out to Madrapakkam for the Christmas program. Their comments: "We had such an enjoyable andspirituallyrewardingprogram. Therewere approximately500childrenfromseveralneighboringvillages (Madrapakkam's churches and the Boys'/Girls' Homehave a separateChrist mas drama.) The children were very colorful wearingtheirheadbandsandholdingballoons." Two days later Mark and Sharon attended
the Christmas drama inThinikundalum. 'This

ness to the mercy and love of ChristJesus. For40yearsthere

has been some kind ofmedical

evangelismthroughtheChris tian Hospital. As the South

India Church of Christ
Mission's Christian commu

nity has grown, the witness of the Christian Hospital has also changed. This Christmas is a good timetorememberallthat has happened and will hap
pen.

willbe a large graduating classof

26 students one of the largest
ever.

Work on the new Alexander

Campbell Library and the new Masters of Divinity program con

tinues. Over500new books are in
and several himdred more are

coming from the United States,

thanks to wonderful donors. It

looks like the goal of 2,000 new

books will be met

With the new graduate pro gram willcome new faculty and a morebroadlybased studentbody. The curriculum is being planned

so that the graduate students will be enrolled for the entire year. Of
the 12 months, 6 months will be

spent in a "Guided Evangelism" program where the graduate stu dents will have responsibility for a village church imder the guid
ance of a South India Church of

was Commxmity Theater at its best," Sharon says. "We loved the Prop Department When the scene with BabyJesus started, there was a littlegirlwho turned out to be too old to play a baby. So a call went out for a real baby. A church elders' baby was located and handed carefullyup tiie line until on stage. After this, the drama continued as though nothing had happened." Mark and Sharon will continue to partici pate in the Christmasprograms in addition to their other responsibilities. "The enormous enthusiasm among the children is so charming and contagious," Sharon says. "We have al ready beensoblessedby theloveand spiritual ity ofthe people,and we have been richlyand joyouslywelcomed here in India. We want to thank those ofyou who have helped make this dream a reality through your prayers and sup port." Markwillbeworkingwiththeconstruction
activities of the Mission, while Sharon will be

In the 1950's, the hospital

was a small mud hut what

we would c^ today a dinic. Now in 1994 the hospitalhasa

full time medical doctor, five

nurses, an X-ray technician, a

lab technician, cooks, and even

a goat herder for the hospital's goats. On an averageday there

are around 100 out-patients and 30 in-patients. But the day-to-day linesof out-patients waiting to see the doctor is not the only function ofChristianHospitaL Hiemost

important thing about the Christian Hospital is that, like

Christ's love, it is always there.

The people in the nearby vil lages know that Christ'smercy has provided the Christian Hospital.
Just like the love of Jesus,

helping with the Boys'and Girls' Homes.

Editor's note: Mark and Sharon went to India

ChristMissionpreacher. Tliiswill increase the evangelistic outreach

of Southern Asia Christian Col

legeand ensurethat the graduates

are "on fire for the Lord" as well as

academically qualified.

without strident support beingpromised. Also their travel expenses had to befinanced. Should any who read this beledto assist, yourgift would bemost appreciated. Send to South India Church of ChristMission,P.O. Box531482, Indianapolis, IN 46253. Indicatefor Bilsboroughsupport

the Christian Hospital is avail able 24hours a day. Andso,at Christmas, we give a special prayer of tiianks for His life and His message oflovefor aU, even the poorest

A Wonderful Christmas Present

This Christmas 1994thecMdren
Traders Point Christian Church, In

13,editor).
This means the children will be

of the town of Gummudipondi re

ceived a wonderful Christmas

present - a new home! The Boys' Home of India in Gimunudipondi is housed in a 50year-oldbidldingdesignedoriginally
as a schoolhouse. A new home has

dianapolis. Indiana, made possible plans to build. Somelegalproblems developed, but God's will prevailed and it suddenly became possible to
resumeconstruction. Withintiietime

able to occupy the building in Janu ary. They are tremendouslyexcited even thoughfinalconstruction won't
be finished imtil March.

available, the foimdation has been

been planned for years, but opposi tion from un-Christian people has blocked all attempts to build a new
home.

A special one-time gift from the

completed,thefloorhasbeenlaid,the brickwalls areupandbyflietimeyou read this, the roof will be on. (As this was beingprepared formailingtothe printer,a callcamefromIndiastating that the roofwas being pouredDec.

The new building has space for 60bo)^ plus space for a warden and an office. It is located on approxi mately half an acre of land on the main road in the town and is a light
house for Christ The Gummudi

Christmas Celebrated in tiie Villages

ThisChristmasof1994isbeingcelebratedin himdreds ofvillagesthrough
out the churches of the South India Church of Christ Mission.

OnChristmas Dayitselfthecelebrationismarkedby a churchservice that is often preceded by caroling. Of course, the songs are differait than in America, but the Tamilsongshave their own specialbeauty. Throughout the month ofDecember, separatevillages have their Christ\ose Hindu

pondi area is a rapidly growing in dustrial area even though 40 miles from Madras aty. The villages sur rounding Gummudipondi have many South India Chimii of Christ congregations, and the new Boys' Home complex offers a center for
their activities.

Truly the Boys'Homebuildingin Gummudipondiis agreatChristmas present to the Christians of this area.

students contemplatingChristianity in a program ofsongs,Bible verse recita tion, a Christmas drama, presents and sweets. Since each program includes from 100-600 children, these are noisy, colorful affairsespecially sincethechildrenreceive balloonsand streamersto decorate theirparty. On Christmas Daytheservices areveryserious as Christ isremembered in village churches, but thesepartiesare for childrento enjoy. ItisalongwayfromasmallSouthIndian\nllage toAmerica,butGod'slove
brings us all together.
r

THE CROSS AND A CROWN

hyCharles Gruhbs

A history oftheSouth India Church ofChrist Mission. This is a story of sacrifice, struggleandvictoryaroundthelivesofArtand RuthMorris. This
bookwillchallengeyou,informyou and motivateyou togreaterservice. A chargeis madejust to recover the costof producingthe book. Ifany extra funds are left,theywillbe used for the work of the children's homes.
Please send
Name:
Address:

mi

copy (copies) to:

Enclosedis checkto cover books at $9.95each, plus $2.50 shippingfor total order.
Order From: South India Church of Christ Mission
P.O. Box 531482

Indianapolis, IN 46253-1482