Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
BENIN
Africa
teve 81 ShawnALLEN
2605 Ben HiU Rd. #13East Point, GA 30344
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 primarilyfinished with our academic and cross-cultural preparations, and, yes, it is 8 moremonths 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 worthycause. We are meeting weekly with top "executives and boards, as well asinfluential 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 hadincredible response from ministers, mission committees, and prayer warriors wehave contacted. Almost all have responded to the need to support missionaries inthe 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" preparefor the battle ahead. We are teaching strategies on how to rescue our spiritual MIAsand POWs, as well as how to surround andconquer the enemy through prayer.
We also spend time telling people, who havenever been informed about the state of theworld, about the captive souls of the world. Wehelp these people form their own committeesand guide them in finding resources andinformation that will help them betterunderstand missions.
After helping the new committees formguidelines for choosing ambassadors tosupport and send out into the world, we helpthem implement a system of raising theircongregation's awareness of the "state of theworld." This includes mission displays,speakers, bulletin boards, reading missionmagazines, writing missionaries, doingmission simulations, and especially stud5dngwhat the Bible says about the evangelizationof the world.
Christian Missionary Fellowship
The Allen Family Band,starring Tori on drums!
Making rolls with Grandpa. We love Aunt Tami.
As you know, the day-to-day work of running a business involves more than just meetingsand public relations, so—in addition to our main job—we must keep records, make financialreports, and stay on top of all pertinent paperwork. Steve's office is in Tori's bedroom; it issometimes very complicated to work out a good schedule to allow time enough for theseprojects.
In addition to our full-time job, we work as part-time "ministers" on the campus of AtlantaChristian College. We try to attend events, coach various "sports," sponsor an in-depthQ-lunch, advocate and chaperone get-away activities, and basically enjoy rapping with theChristian 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 aspossible. 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 stronglyencourage you to take your family and fnends to see it. It is rated "G" and is a magnificentfamily movie that leaves viewers with a feeling of warmth, inspiration, and renewed faith infamily values. Put the word out!
Well, time to make dinner and pick up toys. Our departure is only eight months away! We areexcited about our "business," and we hope you are, too. At least, your BIG QUESTION maynow-have an-p^swer Flepse in tonrh ond ask all the questions you want-we'll reply assoon as we cein.
Moving Forward with the Lamb,
Pfvc, skSteve, Shawn, Tori, and Clark AUen
2/91
CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIPP.O. BOX 26306,5674 CAITO DRIVE
INDIANAPOUS, IN 46226-0306
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
mission serviceseditorial oeptp 0 BOX 2427KNQXVILLE TN 37901
Nonprofit Organzaton
U.S. Postage
PAID
PemitNo. 2975
Indartapofis, Indiana
BENIN
Steve & ShawnALLEN
445 Cedar LaneFayetteville, 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 tr3dngtoraise our support. We have attempted to share with you what exactly this entails and keep youupdated on our progress.
As far as our actual dollar figure, we have raised $4,400.00 per month and $61,000.00 in one-timeoutgoing funds. As you can see the Lord has truly been faithful in providing for our financialneeds.
Aside from that we would like to share with you some ofthe other challenges we have experienced during supportraising. Steve likes to sum it up by saying, "There is goodnews and bad news about support raising. The good newsis: when we get finished we get to leave for four years. The
r VH mtk T| bad news is: I am married to my business partner."
B, For thosewho have experienced it, they would agree thatthis is a good nutshell summary, for it has been a time of
^ physical and emotional trials and triumphs.^Hjjk 1
V We are going to list some of the trials we have seen but' while reading, keepin mind that the triumph in ALL is
Meet Dave and Carol Gustin (3 daughters not that the Lord has used each person and situation in ourshown), ourCMF co-workers inFrancelBenin. lives to make us more humble, submissive, and
servant-hearted. We have truly experienced the Grace ofGod.
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'snot worth their time.
Trying to keep our children disciplined up to everyone else's
Explaining to non-Christian family members that we are going HHlto serve the Lord and He will protect us, when all they think about isthe separation and loss they are feeling. ,4 aH
Fighting for missions awareness in an area that doesn't Uke tothink about missions.
Trying to relate to college friends who are buying houses andcars and moving up the social and corporate ladder, yet they won'ttalk 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 andunsaid expectations.
Couldit be3generations ofpreachersin theAllenfamily?
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 "somuch time on your hands."
Having my business partner as my husband.
Friend and mentor Jimmy Collinspraying for us at our commisswning
service,May 5.
Scott Easter and CourtneyMasters hopeSteve (holding the onlycatch ofthe
weekend - 3 inches)is a betterfisher ofmen than a fisherman!
Not having an office, so office hours seem to extend from 8a.m. to 11 p.m.
Both trying not to be grouchy at the same time.
Trying to define work and home roles without anyexamples or set parameters to work from.
Trying to set aside family and marriage time andstick 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 andimpatience as we look toward the future.
But in all, God is Faithful -- He has the last word!
We are excited about how far we have traveled over the last threeyears since our decision to "look into missions." We haveexperienced miracles of God in all areas of our lives. We are filledwith anticipation as we wait for August 27 when we will fly fromAtlanta 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 r-—^
• Be our friend and partner in theLord's work, after all weare an extension ofyou. ^
your heart to encourage ^youas yotrthink of us. ^'
"Christ is like a single body which has many parts; it is still one bodyeven though it is made up ofdifferent parts." 1 Corinthians 12:12GNB
Serving as Christ's feet (Romans 10:15) in Benin,
SjlThe Allen Family: Steve, Shawn, Tori, & Clark
P.S. This is our last Stateside newsletter for 4 years. The next timeyou hear from us we will be in FRANCE!!!
CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIPP.O. BOX 26306,5674 CAITO DRIVE
INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46226-0306
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
MISSION SERVIC=S
editorial oept
P 0 BOX 2427
KNOXVILLE
Haley and LieselLangstraat are readytojoin Clark and Tori in Benin.
Nonprofit OrganizationU.S. Postage
Permit No. 2975
Ittdianapolis, Indiana
MISSION SERVICES ASSOCIATION
PERSONAL FILE FORM
For office use only:
Date Sent:
Date Rec'd:
•71<
Information from this form will appear In Horizons and other Information formats published by Mission Services Association.
'Please type or print clearly
This form Is prepared to help you give accurate 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 publicizeyour work that may help produce new friends for you, prayers and financial assistance. If any questions seem too personal or seem offensiveto you, please feel free to leave them blank.
Date: 1^ %1!
Name in full .
(Month Day Year}
Spell out all names First Name Middle Name Last Name
Vo fMF P.O. 6oy(Number • Street • City
HJidianopoii's. r:A/ Ub77(hstate Zip number • Country)
bo'vVV 'oe ir\ Njac\DO£, •Sbtuvs, ibPhone number on fidd: In Case of Emergency call # : Voy ' v?7 - ?y:r5
Ask for:l-lc,rc}^ yViT ce-ja^ CA^
(First • Middle - Last name and address)
Your complete address while In USA:(Number - Street • City - Sfafe - Zip)
Your USA phone number: area code phone number ZHH-is IS
Name and address of Livlnglink church or churches:
City
(Full name ol church)
/OcM-h
Number & Street
State
(Da</i[nqt(^n ^d.
J Number &Street Po. fey Ibl(Full nanle olchurfih) A tO Ti
City: wnr state W Zip ^1^ j
livfrA U'aL.Names and addresses of other opo^boring churches whose elders recommend you:
/\Ar^fisJJ<- Number &Street l\lb '̂\f\^[nO_ PPCity:
(Full name of church)
State Zip ilZJD
City:
S^tl/uilk Number &Street '̂ O niC(Full name ofchurchl ^ ii
Sr\t 110} State ^ 4
•.sooi-n
ipjDznSPlease send letters of recommendation from theelders In
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 helpyou contact these elders if you will send the full
addresses of the churches.
Please sketch a map directing visitors to your location on the missionfield. Where are you In relationship to other missions and to the nearestlarne^itv?
^ Oo (ACs^r
e^OOr \(Xa-\AcA boirft3r«LD^
Recommendations by Christian Leaders: (List names here and enclose a copy of each letter.)
Name;
City:
Name
City _
Place of Birth
Date of birth _
(Number & Slreel)City
(Month) (Day)
Number & Street
State
Number & Street
State
iz_£l(Year)
State
(Add date of arrival and naturalization date(Month) (Day)
(Year)if applicable.)
Where baptized? F!City
(Year)
State
Date
TV
/I
Zip
Zip
(Month)
Zip
(Day)
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 ^ Where married?(Month)
Who solemnized your wedding?
(Day) (Year)
AL
Lisifchildren py full name giving the place, birthday, month and yearin the order of your children's birth days. (Ifyourchildren 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
l//cFl^ A/!/) AlF ^ AIMonth,
Alt
Day
.27^
Year
/ "fs-s-
ill
Please list places of previous Christian service and what service you did as a brief career summary. Giveapproximate dates:
Place
I
Position
Ta
EDUCATION (high school and later):
Name of school
^K.lkh'̂ A Ja ///j a77Tc<^ln [aA^
U/'/J lAAttJ.
/^Hcr/
Location
\kK 7^
/)•/
t cX\ c
Service
ijni ns'
Number of years
yX
Degrees granted and date(List honorary degrees)
- / A
%What Influenced you to become a missionary? ^
Ar r , ^\\ia ^VXiM (S\ GNCcx)\-e Vxfes\^ 'icraDLf\^i^ vasn^VHNsa kM^r\frv^ CihWtOv^ TVr fiioVL^rrs ^ ^
CJcNr^>{GX\ ^Aou::iE.Hp,
r
What Is your purpose In missions? Or what do you hope to accomplish on the missionfield? pi '̂̂ h •H '̂t •HA^cllr^JYour own explanation in some detail might be Influential in leading others into full-time service. (Use extra sheets ifyou need more space):
TR3in cnn^^h OQSii^ nnr\
Describe briefly in outline form the nature of your daily duties on the field: eV\0Cx
\/i' tr^ MiWoac^ (on^pjX,
pff?cnm\ I- M KCifl Qchfp ^ ryl (orvj o/^ff) -knin ioc -Which of the following terms most nearly describes your missionary status?Evangelist V Bible College Teacher Bible Reader Public School TeachetHomemaker Doctor V
ministry Radio follow-up Christian Service Camp Linguistics Maintenance ofmission equipment Maintenance Benevolent
Music Teacher Radio
Office Work Production of Bible
VillageCorrespondence Courses
Evangelism K, Name other:Production of Christian literature In the National Language
Languages you know (fluent/non-fluent) Jy
PARENTS: ,,
Father's name and his home address:
Living ^ Deceased Number &Street cecL^
Mother's full maiden name ^
. ' MIddIo, • Last name)
7ip Phnnp
His occupation Is he aChristian? Yes —K. NoWhat positions of leadership has he held in the local church?
yp
What Christian service does he now do?
{First • Middle - Last name)
Living ^ Deceased Number &Street ^City ^/g. State ^ ^ Zip PhnnoIs she a Christian? Yes No Her 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 No
If so, please list their names, location, kinship and details on a separate sheet with a brief explanation of theirmissionary activity.
FORWARDING AGENT:
' ' • ' -
{First - Middle TT tssfnam®! If applicable, list troth Mr. and Mrs. lull names.)
Number and Street /? dJ. '̂ 6}oC> CityState r/Zy Zip Phone ZH -Si1 (>Where attend church? ^ kJJ^Number &Street VJJ" City State Zip "What duties are performed by the forwarding agent? —tiL corn^ixty/-Should money be sent to the forwarding agent only?
Does the forwarding agent receive asalary? dYl In what form should funds be sent?Please give the full name of the mission: /^YjK<y\
Does the mission have official tax exempt status?C/T)^ 4(^y7
Please give details of HOW checks should be written to this mission:
Iffunds are to be sent directly to the missionary on the mission field, please explain the details of HOW to do it,so wecan give your explanation to HORIZONS readers and others who may inquire j—
rJo 7^// r/^(^ /Z -AnJj -k <^/fLMission 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 FORMDateSent: ] ;|
Date Rec'd:
Information from this form will appear in Horizons and other infor- Thisform is preparedto helpyou giveaccurate background Informa-mation formats published by Mission Services Association. tion about yourself and your mission work.
•please type or print clearly *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 publicizeyour work that may help produce new friends for you, prayers and financial assistance. If any questions seem too personal or seem offensiveto you. please feel free to leave them blank.
Date:lAU- rMonfkj Day Year)
Name in full S'naioriYcASpell out all names First Name Middle Name Last Name
^/n C.Mr P-0. Bok PU^tio TjriionafX^lfe(Numt>er • Street - City - Slate Zip number - Country)
Xn^tnm, qioZ7Id ^be. ifAvoriois. 0,a(££> so+bvs ^ bejikr^ ua-i-qufn
Plioiie iiuiiibei ON Held: In Case of Emergency call # : ^ O ( n
w. fliien [i\~Ask for:(First • Middle - Lasi name and address)
Your complete address while In USA:(Number - Street - City • ^^te • Zip)
Your USA phone number: area code §11 phone nnnnhpr3^^
Name and address of Livlnglink efweh-or churches:
ruf\sYhf\ Chm Number &Street(Full name ol cfturcft) ^
City , s,.,. £)fi ^ Z.P Arasvj,^pnrvAr(yv^ Qr\r\Ssiinn Chcx?jijMmhfir &street P.O. fW [h7
(Full narp^lichufch) _ i ^ ^
gM- fanf s». zi,City:
City:
\V<. ,Names and addresses of other sponsonog churches whose elders recommend you; _
Number & Street .shM /vtyrfigdo.Or."~Mkm s..t. iifi ZIP siaD
Number & Street^nelh/fllr rnrKtiQnOicxrJi(Full name ol cAorc/iJ .
City: "(N)JZ4!r^ Sco/l\C fluiJ
State £a ipZDT^Please send letters of recommendation from the elders In
your sponsoring churches which will encourage other
churches to support your missionary work. Certainly thewords 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 helpyou contact these elders If you will send the full
addresses of the churches.
Please sketch a map directing visitors to your location on the missionfield. Where are you in relationship to other missions and to the nearest
-vcMs IS a oovouwt Locdo ncd V\jiv3^ap€XiO: bor (^•\\
^ anea
Recommendations by Christian Leaders: (List names here and enclose a copy of each letter.)
Name:
City;
Name
City _
Place of Birth(Number i Street)
Date of birth _(Month)
(Add date of arrival(Month)
If applicable.](Year)
City
Number & Street
State
Number & Street
State
9\xr\es.ZO \QU)Z
(Day) (Year)
Zip
Zip
State
and naturalization date(Day) (Year) (Month)
Zip
Where baptized?
City -—' State _ ^ Zip AM
(Day)
On an extra sheet please describe any details regarding your conversion which you might care to mention..
MARITAL STATUS:
Married X Single Divorced WidowedPlease give the complete name of your husband or the maiden name of your wifftSCJpVOADate of marriage. SfD^fjwbtr r Where married? Aton. ftyiVAnYi
(Month) (Day) (Year)
Who solemnized your wedding? Or. W.Llst,d^Mdre^y full name giving the place, birthday, month and yearin the order of your children's birth days. (If yourchildren have been adopted please Indicate.) In case you are single, please list your brothers and sisters by name Inthis space.
Name Place of birth
AWeA Buhrn A\rtorrY?0\€.ptvDn rnrr PHlmrr. Wc\<Vh'er.^rft
Month, Day Year
ZI)\vAi 2^,^ ^ Zl^
Please list places of previous Christian service and what service you did as a brief career summary. Giveapproximate dates:
Place Position Service« Dates
kOXYra"x) riU \)mVA\\rQ?n [vg^T^!a6r
EDUCATION (high school and later):
Name of school Location Number of yearsDegrees granted and date
(List honorary degrees)
t^a\\ M . _EBi^\avn.fioV\Y(A V)^W ttU . .,5 , =
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
fieid7Yosba«i.-vUi ^ \CKiaoFcr\^isv uj^poao^Your own explanation in some detail might be InfTuenTral in leading others Into full-time service.explanation in some detail might be InfTuenTral in leading others Into full-time service. (Use extra sheets ifyou need more space): Ci^)pOC~\0CW^Vh Ofc CXW FCX\r^\/pr ucTr^nc'̂ r^ rivn QQp Ho
X WOaVlC V v^OCDpU^CDOfte -\o feocxo ^^Veedcxn (^4 Ori^-vDescrToe 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 ^ xv-N Ki,'\\r.r.^ Crr\Y CW vrxDPvl.C. ^TY^r^A'fk-VT^vx'f^ rv^r^-\rN/rwsr\^ MvWaae, (xx%-cxx ^^a\o,-\avQ oor-nov^.ac^-VT^rcYirTQY b&omsfN uolhrni^^ VrrvrA FmcoWhich of the following terms most neariy describes your missionary status? 30-'-i.Pv/flngpiiftt Bible College Teacher Bible Reader Public School Teacher Pilot
Homemaker Y Doctor Nurse Social Worker Music Teacher Radio
ministry Radio follow-up Christian Service Camp Linguistics Maintenance ofmission equipment Maintenance Benevolent Office Work Production of BibleCorrespondence 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:
Deceased
(?\'rhnr/1Number & Street Qxi::ws^Q
Last namo)
Living
City(^mXtillCHis occupation
•Qtatrn) coG Zip 'SzzM _PhonecarvVf n\rAnor _ Is he a Christian? Yes No
What positions of leadership has he held in the local church? f\aon
What Christian service does he now do? ^00*?
Motl laiden name
Is she a Christian?
home
Yes
Number & Street
State
(Fint MlddlB Last name)
.Phone
occupation if employed outside the
What leadership positions or Christian service has she rendered to the local church?
X^ Do you have relatives in mission work? Yes No
If so, please list their names, location, kinship and details on a separate sheet with a brief explanation of theirmissionary activity.
FORWARDING AGENT:
Name(FiraU - MldjlJa • Laal^me. Happlicable, list
s,™.
State H M Zip Qlg77(Q
cao's. iisi both Mr. and Mrs. toll names.) ^
City TYV\\r>0Qcn\ \c.Phone
Where attend church?(Full name ofchurcM , ^ 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\OVsDoes the mission have official tax exempt status?
Please give details of HOW checks should be written to this mission: C MFVT\iUT\D- fVWer^
iffunds are to be sent directly to the missionary on the mission field, please explain the details of HOW to do it,so wecan give your explanation to HORIZONS readers and others who may inquire. ^
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 willbe 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 monthas you serve on the field.
TheHarvest
IsPlentifulBut The
HarvestersAre Few
Excerpts of a letter from Steve and Shawn Allen writtenin France.
September 5,1991
What can I say —we are in Albertville, France, settled into ournewest home. I must admit, however, that it did not come easily.
We were able to secure our visas in New York City in only 15minutes which left us three full days in New York City (because allthe flights to Brussels were booked). It was exciting, challenging,and lots of fun. We conquered the subway and saw almost all themajor sights. Tori and Clark enjoyed the zoo most of all.
After an eight-hour wait in Kennedy Airport with little to do, wetook off for Brussels. It was a seven-hour flight but the kids sleptmost of the way. We arrived at 9:30 a.m. (Belgium time) and madeour way to the train station with seven pieces of luggage, fourcarry-on bags, and two tired kids. A day in Brussels gave us thestrength to handle what was ahead.
We awoke Sunday to find that the train schedule on Sunday isdifferent from the schedule the rest of the week. This really threwoffall our plans. To make a very long story short, we finally madeit to Paris (after a sardine and anchovy pizza for dinner because wetranslated the French menu wrong), waited eight hours in a dirtytrain station, rode a sleeper car all night, and arrived in Albertvilleat 6:47 a.m.
Of course no one was there to meet us since we were twelve hourslate. Taxis are hard enough to find in Albertville during workinghours much less at 7 a.m. Out of frustration, we began walking in adirection of chance with all our luggage and the kids. Through anumber of short, choppy "conversations," we found the school!(This is truly a village; you could walk end to end in about anhour.)
From that point on, things went perfectly. We were taken to ournew home that is a warm, spacious, cheery two-bedroomapartment on the second floor of a widowed Frenchwoman'shome.
STEVE & SHAWN AL 50 rue des Galibouds 73200 Albertville France
CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP lis, Indiana 46226-0306 317/542-9256
9/91
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 butwants us to learn French quickly so she can talk to us. Tori calls her "Frenchgranmudder."
My mom (alias Mary Poppins to the kids) arrived with no problems and hadalready found "cheap" Cokes and a grocery store. Now we are settled in.The Alps-sur-round^uSr-T^e^Qlympics are-fee4alk of-the-t€Kv\m, and-nobody, Tmean nobody, speaks English.
God is good. The children are safe and have transitioned very well. We areall healthy and very excited about what is ahead. If others could see thistown, missionary recruitment for Benin would skyrocket!
A new chapter in our life has begun. Sometimes I wish I could skip to the endand 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
CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIPP.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 2427KNOXVILLE TN 37901
y
PRAYER LETTER FOR THE ALLEN FAMILY %NOVEMBER 1991 *
ALBERTVILLE, FRANCE
I couldn't believe my eyes when 1 saw snow on the peaksof the mountains "in September, but you wouldn't believe itnow. All the mountains have snow on them and it is slowlycreeping into the valley here in Albertville!
As the weather cools we are forced indoors much of the time
(plus it rains almost everyday) so cabin fever seems like themost prominent "virus" going around right now. Our studiesare intensifying and the professors are expecting much moreinteraction from us now during conversation class. Manypeople are finding this tiring, emotionally draining,humbling, and nerve wrecking.
Last week, during an especially rough week in conversation, arainbow appeared everyday in the valley outside our classroomwindow. What a glorious sign from God encouraging us topersevere-He hears your prayers for us and IS meeting ourneeds 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 acyst removed from his throat near his thyroid. His familyleaves for Chad, Africa in Nov and are special friends ofours.
Lack of sickness, as it continues to get colder & colder
Sensitivity to family and personal needs as opposed to Justgoing through a daily routine
Clark has started into a very aggressive stage and has becomequite a nuisance in the nursery
Patience with language learning. Hitting learning plateausare very hard times
Opportunity to make contact with a French faimily who we canreally build a relationship with
Comfort for sad hearts as many of our new and dear' friendsleave for Africa at the end of Nov. (They started school herein Jan)
Kara Gustin, daughter of our teammates, is having troubleadjusting school. Pray for this 4 yr old friend of Tori
Pray for us to be peacemakers rather than becomingcompetitive in our language learning
Pray for support contacts to open for teammates, Dave Sc HeidiLangstraat, as they prepare to leave the USA
IMPORTANT***
V Our professor and founder of the school has been recentlydiagnosed with breast cancer and must have major surgery onOct 29. She will not be able to teach for quite some timeafter that. (Mademoiselle Ghevallier)
-Pray for the peace of God to comfort her
-Pray for our class (14 beginners) as we either receive a newprofessor or are divided into existing classes_at higher
levels. Both situations have the potential for negativerepercussions. Pray for Gods divine wisdom to be used in thedecision and for encouragement for us all!!!
It is a challenge to your faith and trust in God when asituation like this occurs. It also makes one apprehensiveof what may, might, or could happen in their own lives,(une.xpectedly like this) Most of all pray for us to be securein Gods sovereignty in all things! We are slowly learningto accept this truth.
Praise God for always caring and hearing our prayers. Ouradjustment has been very smooth and all of us are progressingin French at a remarkable rate, no major sickness to speakof, safe travels, sad but peaceful goodbyes, and in allthings, we have been able to praise God for His faithfulness!
Thank you for your faithfulness to persevere in prayer forus. Please write if 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 oncemore, December. It is not my
favorite because it is the same monthas my birthday or because it is thesame month as Christmas but rather
because it is for me a month ofreflection. It is a month that
encourages me to look back over thepast year and be thankful for the blessings of God.
When 1992 began, Shawn and I were scheduled to speak at adifferent church every Sunday through June. It was anexciting time for us since we were constantly meeting newpeople and having the chance to share with enthusiasm ourfuture plans to go to Africa. We never had a bad experienceor a discouraging moment as we traveled and spoke.
The summer was also full of excitement as we took on 7Vacation Bible Schools in the Georgia area. More than onceour home for the.week was a motel room but the .kidsseem to mind and in fact loved having mom and dad's fullattention for the week.
In July we were able to travel North through 8 states as weattended two family reunions. It was wonderful to see ^relatives again as well as to meet new ones on both sides. ^(Shawn side & Steve side) Naturally, we enjoyed bragging onour kids since they are the first set of grand-children onboth sides.
In August we went to New Orleans to drop off our cratesAfrica. They will ship in April of 1992 but we recently ^ ^found out that our inventory listings have to be in Frenchbefore they can clear customs. Wliat that means is I have tore-type 20 pages of items such as a shovel, crayons, andcanned food in French. What a great incentive to startlearning vocabulary.
'/"Before leaving on August 27th, Shawn and I had spoke at' 50 churches, stirring excitement for missions, and traveled
close to 40,000 miles visiting family and friends. It ishard to believe, but now we are in France and many thinphave changed. Usually when we speak, we get either a ^lank /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 walkingeveri'where. Life has been radically altered for us but weare so very happy. We never have to return phone callsbecause we don't have a phone and every shop in town isclosed on Sunday as well as for 2 hours during lunch. _ Thepace of life is at a speed where life can truly be enjoyed.
y^
Albertville is a beautiful little town located in the heax^tof the Alps. It is only 350 meters high but the' surroundingmountains are 2,000-2,500 meters high. It is the home ofConflans, a 14th century medieval city which still stands as <well as the home of the 1992 Winter Olympic's V7hich are thefocus and excitment of the area. Trains will be coming intoAlbertville every ten minutes during the Olympic's.
Yes, we have some tickets aiid plan on attending the down-hillski jump as well as a hockey game. The USA vs Sweden onMonday February 17. We had wanted to go to a skating eventbut tickets have been sold out since before we arrived inAugust. They are also very expensive.
^^ana (Steve's mom) came with us to France and stayed for 6/( weeks. She gave us lessons on washing clothes by hand,
1 hanging the laundry on the line, and getting the kids into a// 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 isreally neat because Shawn is better than me when it comes towriting and pronouncing French however I tend to be more ableto speak French in normal conversations with people. We havethe best of both worlds since we are able to help each otherin different ways. God continues "to form us into a team.
Tori is now three and continues to try and teach her frenchfriends English. She may be successful before the year isover. Her teacher informed us that she was comforting thefrench children who didn't want to go to school. She hasdeveloped a great sense of flexibility and just rolls withwhatever situation she is placed in.
Clark is now 18 months and has passed Tori in weight. Helooks like a linebackex% he talks like a linebacker, and heeven tac.^les Tori like a linebacker^. It's a good thing weare not planning to have any more children because one morelike Clark and we would go broke trying to feed them.
The blessing of being able to write a letter like this is notthe writing but rather the sending. It is great to have afriend who cares and is interested in our life. We hope thatthe ending of this year for you will also be a time ofreflection 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 ourfuture. H^e has been faithful. He is faithful, and He willcontinue to faithful as we put our trust in Him.
God Bless you and Keep you Safe
XffWf
" " ©•© ^ -
-5^
^5^
Benin
Steve & Shawn
ALLEN
50 rue des Galibouds73200 Albertville
France 14Steve, Shawn, Tori, & Clark
RISTIAN MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP PrayerNewsletter
December 1991
"The motto ofevery missionary,whether preacher, printer, orschoolmaster, ought to be'Devoted for life.
- Adoniram Judson
' ^ (S • ' •
Vfe 'love'being in school (all ofus)!
I believe it is time forconfession. For these past twoyears Shawn and I have talkedabout being missionaries. Wehave talked about sacrifices wewill be making, we have toldabout learning otherlanguages, and we have sharedhow hard it will be to saygoodbye to family.
All of that was talk, now thereality of doing has set in. Wehave been here for over 10weeks and the excitement andglamour of being in France isover. Learning this newlanguage is hard; not
understanding very much nomatter where you go is hard.But most of all, missing familyand friends is the worst. Thereare days I hurt inside because I
I miss myfamily so much.We learned a Frenchproverb that states thesefeelings so well: "Partir,c'est mourir unpew." (ToIf leave is to diealittle.)
j IfI did not know for sureI that I was in the will ofI Gk)d, I can honestly say} that I would packup myL family and return toj Atlanta. But I know Grod1wants us here, so this is
where we will stay. I am"Devoted for Life" for thecause of Christ.
I believe the greatestadjustment we have had tomake, besides being away fromfamily and friends, is ,the fact that we can'tjump in the car andgo wherever we want,whenever we want.
The reason is LZ!S|Hbecause we don't rhave a car. Going ^places loses some of • 'mlaits excitement when 'you always have to -walk. For example,the next time you goto the grocery storeand pick up a gallon
of milk and put it in your cart,imagine having to carry it for afifteen-minute walk home alongwith all your other groceries.This has been an adjustment.
Or the next time you cany yourlaundry from the bathroom tothe laundry room, imaginehaving to carry it ten minutesto the laundromat. And themost crucial adjustment for me,stated best by my teammateDave Gustin, "I never thought Iwould open my refrigerator andsee nothing but the top of it."The refrigerators here are lessthan three feet tall, but, thenagain, I can never carry homeenough food to fill it!!!
Please do not think we arecomplaining but ratherenjoying the blessings of God.There are so many things inthis new land that we just have
The view out our kitchen window.
The term 'French bread' has taken on awhole new meaning.
to laugh and move forward. Didyou know that France doesn'tcelebrate Thanksgiving? Infact, they don't even have anyPilgrims in their history. Iguess we can forget celebratingthe Fourth of July as well. (Ha!Ha!)
They do celebrate Christmas,and during this upcomingholiday season we ask that youkeep us in your prayers.Shawn's sister is coming to
Laundry isa new experience: carryit totownand back, wash a fewloads in the bathtub, and
hang it everywhere todry.
visit so we will get to see somefamily, but we will sure missthe Christmas Eve candlelightservices and - most of all - the <movie "It's a Wonderful Life."
Tonight during our biweeklyAmerican church service, wesang a wonderful hymn that Iknow by heart. As I sang,however, the emotions I havebeen experiencing gave thesong new meaning to me. Hereare the first few lines of eachverse. I pray it will have newmeaning for you as well as youlive each day being salt andlight in the world.
I have decided to followJesus...Though none go with me I still
Christian Missionary FellowshipP.O. BOX26306,5674CAITO DRIVE
INDIANAPOUS, IN46226-0306
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
MISSION SERVICESEDITORIAL DEPTF 0 BOX 2427XNOXVILLE TN 37901
will follow...The world behind me the crossbefore me ...No turning back. No turningback.
God bless you all, and we prayfor you often.
Merry Christmas and HappyNew Year.
Cfc^jc. Alh/y
The Allen family
Merry Christmas - we missyou!
Nonproltl Organization
U.S. Postage
Permit No. 2975
fndianapols, Indiana
