Hoff William Margy 1976 Mexico
Content
THE
FIELD ADDRESS
Mr. & Mrs. William Hoff
CHALLENGE
Apdo. Pcstal 57
C^ieretaro, Qro., Mexico
79
FORWARDING AGENTS ADDRESS
"^tocieUm
Mr. «Sc Mrs. Richard Baker
Star Route Box 909 E
Buckeye, Arizona
85326
2
Published Bi-Monthly
February 1976
MORE EFFECTIVE EVANGELISM!
In my short experience I have seen several missionaries who have spent their entire lives
in the Lord's work, but who have only one or two churches to show for their arduous labor.
I am not criticizing them; they have worked hard.
But perhaps by use of proper techniques
we
can achieve more with the same labor.
Traditionally, we have gone into an area, gathered together a small group of women and
children and begun to preach.
Many years later we may still be preaching and the church
be so weak that it still is unable to meet without us. The problems are obvious; we haven't
won men who will carry on with or without us, and we can only be in a few places a week to
preach,
so our outreach is limited.
Several of us in Central Mexico have been concerned about the problem and have been look
ing for solutions.
This past summer at camp we were privileged to have Woody Philips
teaching the S.W.I.M. group. As we spoke with him, we began to see some great possibilities
in a program being used in Honduras.
more
This program was very intjgigsting,
so Norm wrote for
information.
The basic idea
expand
of the program
is that we,--ghbuld^-^ch others
our possible outreach many times.
to teagj)/—" By so doing we
Tho^ Tiii\otK^'^j___jdiL>-We^t^ch,
in turn are to
teach others to teach and so on.
The program rs obedience oriented; the student who will
not obey the commands of Jesus (be baptized, partake of the Lord's supper, win others, etc.)
is dropped as he is useless.
The students" or Timothies are always married men who show
leadership in their community.
Under this plan I would never go out to preach but I would
teach the man who is the first link in the teaching chain.
Our interest in the program was so great that Norm Dungan, Richard Atkinson, and I were
planning a trip to Honduras to see the program in action.
The trip would have entailed a
large cost and at least two weeks: but fortunately, the Lord provided another way to learn
about the program.
In December a worker in the program was returning to the U.S.
He made
arrangements
to spend several days with us and gave us a short seminar on the program and
the materials they are using.
In February we are going to have a one-week seminar on the same kind of program by brother
Ed Matthews from Abilene Christian College.
He has devoted years to the preparation of
materials for programmed learning.
If we can institute this type of program here,
it will be of great help in evangelizing
the 50 million people of Mexico.
WE
GIVE
THANKS:
that there were 50 in attendance for the Spanish Christmas program here on December 22nd.
that the Joaquin Renz family now have their permanent resident papers and live in Cuernavaca.
that camp construction continues and plans are being made for two weeks of camp this summer.
I
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
*75
The last few days have been cold here In Queretaro.
We finally bought a little heater
that uses propane so now we can be comfortable rather economically.
We enjoyed the Holiday season but were glad when it was all over.
I made quite a few
cookies during December and gave most of them away as gifts to our friends.
Christmas
morning we opened our gifts and watched Mark play with his new toys.
Some neighbor kids
came to see what Mark
the Dungans
had received so I gave them
where we enjoyed dinner with them
all some cookies.
We left at noon for
along with the Sholds from Tulancingo,
and
an American lady that lives here in Queretaro.
A couple of weeks ago we took Mark to the doctor for a check-up. He was declared in good
health.
He weighed 20 pounds and was 30 i.nches tail.
He was inoculated against measles,
mumps,
and rubella.
He has a mouth full of teeth and sure suffers when he cuts each one.
His favorite toy is still a ball.
He has learned the word "hot" and to blow on his food.
The other day he walked to within 2 feet of our new heater and blew at it.
CONTRIB UTORS
Mrs.
G. W.
Brandon
Athens,
Ga.
M/M Richard Baker
Buckeye, Ariz.
M/M Orville Daemmer
Mr. Ben Hoff, Sr.
Phoenix, Ariz.
Atascadero, Ca.
M/M Ben Hoff, Jr.
Atascadero , _Ca_^_
M/M
Mrs.
M/M
M/M
^I/^^
Lemon Grove, Ca,
Long Beach, Ca.
Phoenix, Ariz.
Acme, Pa.
Las Vegas, Nev.
Robert Legg
Lizzie McCreary
W. T. Merrick
A. J. Schurr
Richard Shine
M/M Kenneth Stewart
Long Beach, Ca .
M/M Ralph Suiter
Parker, Ariz.
(NOVEMBER-DECEMBER)
The Christian Church
Buckeye Christian
New Hope Christian
First Church of Christ
_, Christian Church of Hopwood
Vegas Valley Christian
Pleasantview Christian
Dominguez First Christian
Atascadero, Ca.
Buckeye, Ariz.
Columbus, Ind.
Flagstaff, Az.
Hopwood, Pa.
Las Vegas, Nev.
Li:ibo(\, Oh.'.o
Long Beach, Ca.
First Christian
Phoenix.
Lake Mount Church of Christ
Rogers, Ohio
Ariz-
First Christian
VJestminster, Ca.
Christian Women's Fellowship—Tolleson, Ariz.
Glendale Christian Church
P.O. Box 415
BULK RATE
U.S. Postage
Glendale, Arizona 85311
PAiD
Address Correction Requested
Permit #36
Glendale, Ariz.
Mission Services
Box 177
Kemptonf Ind, 460^9
'•PR.
2
FIELD ADDRESS
Mr. & Mrs. William Hoff
Apdo. Postal 57
Queretaro, Qro.. Mexico
FORWARDING AGENTS ADDRESS
Mr, & Mrs. Richard Baker
Star Route, Box 909E
nPROGUM
Buckeye, Arizona 85326
Published Bi-Monthly
The Encounter is-bur new Bible correspondence course
June 1976
which offers its students
an encounter with
the""" ^0'rd"Jesus Christ through a study of the Bible.
These courses have proved to be very success
ful, and the series is now our standard material.
The original series was written by missionaries
in Chile.
When the first copies were received here, it was felt that the Chilean Spanish, and ill
ustrations,
would need to be changed in order to use them.
Also paper is more expensive here so a
change of format was desirable. But we all recognized the great strength of this series of courses.
They were developed as a unit planned to lead an unbeliever through a study of God's Word, and bring
him to the point of accepting Jesus in the waters of baptism.
Last year the revision was begun.
It has involved about six different people who have re-written
various portions.
We have added an extra course and eliminated some material.
Each course must
pass the careful scrutiny of many people, who seek to make the course perfect; in spelling, punctua
tion, grammar, and in the clear expression of ideas.
Once we are satisfied with the content of the
course, it is sent to
Renz, missionary in Cuernavaca, who sets the type.
His co-worker, Paul
Chaverria, does the illustrations, and layout art.
The finished product is then ready to print.
There are seven courses in the series.
The first teaches that to know God's will for our life we
must read His Word.
It is called "Knowing the Bible."
The second is called "The Bible—Human or
Divine?"
It teaches the origen of its scripture and that the whole content of the Scripture is the
Good
News.
The third,
Jesus
Christ.
"The Theme of the Bible,"
The
teaches that
lesson is built on the
there is one theme
idea that the Bible
teaches
that someone is coming,
that someone has come,
and
that that someone is coming again, then shows that that some
one is Jesus.
The fourth course,
"How to study the Bible,"
shows
the
student
how to read
the Bible.
I t shows
how to
distinguish between verses and chapters and how to find in
dividual books.
It also tells the story of "how we got our
Bible
in Spanish."
(The first Spanish translation was in
1280, long before our King James Version).
The fifth course is "Why do they call me a sinner?"
It is
a course which deals with sin,
and God's punishment of sin,
death.
The sixth course "The World has a Hope,"
tells the
story of how God's grace provides for salvation through the
sacrifice
of Jesus Christ.
The
seventh course a "l:s
"How can
man
respond to the grace of God?"
The answer is clearly
taught
to obey his commands concerning receiving Jesus
through repentance and baptism.
Previously we sent our work to a commercial printer,
be
cause the small press
duce the
the Lord
of
which Bro.^ob Wright has
cannot pro
quality printing we wished to produce.
However,
has just provided an opportunity for the purchase
a Multi 120
from a denominational mission.
They weren't
even asking for a down-payment.
So Bo^_has purchased it. At
present we owe $720 , but the press is well worth this consid
ering that it is legally imported into Mexico.
through the
whole Bible,
CHAPEL CONSTRUCTION
A concentrated effort was made
the third week in
March to accomplish as much as possible on the cha-
pel at the campgrounds.
Steve Shold, missionary in
^Puiancingo, Hidalgo stayed at our home during that
week.
Each morning at 7:00 a.m.
Bill left
Norm, Steve, and
for about 8 hours of work.
Pouring the
cement floor and laying block was the major jobs of
the week.
Norm, Steve, and Danny Wright are shown
in this picture.
Since this time another work day
was spent putting
up trusses.
The sheet metal is
purchased and now ready to be put on.
we are look
ing forward to two great weeks of camp in July.
FAMILY LIFE
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are
called according to his purpose." Rom. 8:28. it was difficult to understand this passage
in the light of losing, another baby. But we put our trust in God, and even though we don'-t
know the reason why, we do believe this promise.
After a couple days of rest, I was almost
as good as new.
April was a month of many visitors.
And almost everyone that came had car trouble.
Bill
worked on six different cars during the month and some of them twice.
A couple of the cars
involved major repairs. But Bill is always happy to help a fellow missionary.
We decided to take a short vacation so on SundayMay.9,th,we took Mark out to the Wright's
The following morning Bill and I left for Mexico
City to see the "Holiday on Ice" show. We really enjoyed the day. The following morning we
o^hanage where he spent the next 3 days.
went to Cuernavaca where two fellow missionaries prepared a small display in pictures for
us.
Our forwarding agent will send it out when display material of our work is requested.
After spending the night in Cuernavaca we returned to Queretaro.
Mark had thoroughly enjoyed himself during our absence.
words in Spanish.
He had picked up a couple more
Now he loves to kick the ball and say "goal."
He hears it all the time
here due to the popularity of soccer.
CONTRIBUTORS (MARCH-APRIL)
M/M
M/M
M/M
M/M
Kenneth Stewart
Thomas Gallagher
Ralph Suiter
Richard Shine
Long Beach, Ca.
Palm Desert, Ca.
Parker, Ariz.
Las Vegas, Nev.
Mrs. Lizzie McCreary
Long Beach, Ca.
M/M Ben Hoff, Jr. --—-^^Stascadero, ca.
Mr.
Ben Hoff, Sr.
Atascadero, Ca.
M/M Richard Baker
Mrs.
G. W. Brandon
Women's Study GroupThe Christian Church
Buckeye, Ariz.
Athens, Ga.
-Flagstaff, Az.
Atascadero, Ca.
Lake Mount Church of Christ— -Rogers, Ohio
-Phoenix, Az.
Dominguez First ChristianLong Beach, Ca
Pleasantview Christian
-Lisbon, Ohio
Orviston Christian ChurchOrviston, Pa.
"Vegas Valley Christian
-Las Vegas, Nev,
Christian Church of Hopwood— -Hopwood, Pa.
First Church of Christ
-Flagstaff, Az.
New Hope Christian
-7-Columbus, Ind.
Buckeye Christian
-Buckeye, Ariz.
Vanderbilt Church of Christ— -Vanderbilt, Pa,
Christian Women's Fellowship- -Tolleson, Az.
First Christian
Glendale Christian Church
P.O. Box 415
BULK RATE
Glendale, Arizona 85311
U.S. Pottage
PAtD
Address Correction Requested
Permit #36
Glendale, Ariz.
MISSION SERVICES
BOX 177
KEKPTON, IN. 46049
%
O
FIELD ADDRESS
Mr, & Mrs. William Hoff
Apdo, Postal 57
Queretaro, Qro., Mexico
FORWARDING AGENTS ADDRESS
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Baker
2
Star Route, Box 909E
Buckeye, Arizona 85326
IDFimiUIII
"And when they were come,
and had gathered the church together
they rehearsed all things that God had done with them, and that he
had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles." Acts 14:27.
In these few words Luke describes Paul's return to Antioch and
his report to the church there.
Since that time every honorable
missionary has sought to give an accounting of the work God has
done through him to each of his supporting churches.' Sometimes
this is done through written reports but sometimes it must be done
in person.
August 23rd we left Mexico
to report to some of the churches
who support the work here.
We had spent long hours planning the trip which would take 2 months and cover about 8,000
miles.
After planning
a prospective itinerary,
asking for speaking dates.
As we dropped
weather.
out of the mountains
It was then
we wrote to 20 individuals
and churches
A few changes were made along the way.
of Mexico
that we discovered
working. The next day's drive was very hot.
to the coast,
we arrived into hot,
that the air conditioner
in the truck
Later I discovered a slow leak.
humid
was not
Thus, it
was
necessary to add freon until a permanent repair could be made.
Our first visit was with the Clinton Looney family who live in Harlingen, Texas.
Brother
Looney was one of the founders of "Dulces Momentos."
We discussed the radio program
and
our part in the production of material for Latin America.
At the same time
we looked for
ways to economize in the production of both our radio programs such as buying our tape and
supplies together to get better prices and avoid duplication of equipment and efforts. His
son produces a program that is heard in other areas throughout Latin America.
Our next stop was in Houston
both the
vited us
ering we
We then
where we spent two days.
On Sunday
we fellowshipped
with
English and Spanish speaking groups of the church. The Spanish-speaking group in
to show slides that evening so we did and they graciously gave us the largest offrwere to receive on our whole tour. It was a pleasure to worship with these groups.
travelled on to Baton Rouge where the Lord had a surprise waiting for us.
The
former minister had moved and the parsonage sold so we didn't have any contacts there.
After spending the night in the mud and rain, we decided to drive by the church on our way
out of town.
There were several cars in the parking lot so we pulled in to say "hello."
We were received like royalty by a woman's fellowship and invited to speak on Wednesday
night.
We stayed in the home of the L. E. Wallace family.
(He has contributed many arti-
cules to the "standard").
Three days were spent visiting some of my relatives in Georgia, then we were on our way
again towards Virginia.
We stayed a couple of days with some very wonderful friends, the
Gitchell family.
They have 4 children, a cat, and a St. Bernard which Mark insisted
was a horse. We took a break to see Williamsburg while we were so close.
Our next visit was with the Stephen Gohr family north of Scranton, Pa. Carolyne and Margy
have corresponded since sixth grade but this was their first visit in nearly 25 years.
One stop we made before visiting another church was with A1 and Mary Schurr.
These peo
ple have been friends of Margy's family for many years. Our visit was very enjoyable.
Western Pa. and Eastern Ohio is the area from which we receive regular support.
It was a
real pleasure to visit these various churches and the many friends we have there.
The chu
rches we visited in Pa. were in Hopwood, Vanderbilt, and Grindstone.
The churches in Ohio
i^iGluded Lake Mount Church of Christ in Rogers and Pleasantview Christian Church in Lisbon.
The growth in some of these churches was amazing.
Our last stop before heading for the border was in Barberton, Ohio.
Our week and a half
sto^ here allowed me to do some minor repairs on the truck as well as purchase many things
that we are unable to buy in Mexico. We visited many of Margy's relatives in the area and
spoke at the First Church of Christ and the Sheman Church of Christ in Barberton, along
with the Clinton Church of Christ not far away. We then took the most direct route to the
border.
It was great to arrive in Queretaro on October" 14th'after a "safe trip.
GOD'S SOLUTION
While we were in the U.S.A., I was asked about a problem that we had had with the
chief
of police in San Juan del Rio.
Not until then did I realize that although I had written
asking for your prayers, I had never written to tell how the problem was resolved.
In July 1974, a young man was baptized in San Juan del Rio.
He was happy to be part of
the family of believers but his brother, the chief of police in San Juan, was very upset.
First he threatened to kill me, then he began threatening the believers in San Juan.
He
locked his brother up for nearly a week without food. Vicente Rico was at that time help
ing me with the leadership of the San Juan church, and he was running the Christian coffee
house.
One night as he was closing the coffee house,
former missionary)
and currently director of the language school in San Miguel, dropped by to see the coffee
house. The police chief mistook him. for_me_. He_ and four officers.pistol-whipped Jack^and
Vicente.
""
----
We feared that filing a formal complaint would further antagonize the police chief, but
after much prayer, Jack and Vicente filed complaints.
Jack, a legal resident, could file
a complaint while I could not have done so due to my tourist status.
No official action
was taken against the police chief, but he suddenly stopped harassing the Christians in
San Juan.
Then we personally went to the attorney general of the state, who assured us
that no further legal action would be necessary, and that we would be safe in San Juan.
I'm happy to say that we haven't had any more trouble in the past two years and that the
chiefs brother
church
still attends
in San Juan.
Thanks to your prayers
the Lord
saved the
there.
CONTRIBUTORS
M/M Richard Baker
Buckeye, Ariz.
Mrs.
Athens, Ga.
G. W.
Brandon
(MAY-AUGUST)
Christian Women's Fellowship—Tolleson, Az.
Women's Study Group
-Flagstaff,Az.
Women's Council-Dominguez
Long Beach, Ca.
M/M Thomas Gallagher
Palm Desert, Ca.
M/M
Mr.
M/M
M/M
Hampton, Va.
Atascadero, Ca.
Atascadero, Ca.
Rome, Ga.
The Christian Church
Pine Flats Christian
Atascadero, Ca.
Clymer, Pa. .
New Hope Christian
Columbus, Ind.
First Church of Christ
Flagstaff, Az.
Lemon Grove, Ca.
Glendale Christian
First Christian
Glendale, AzJ ^
Grindstone, Pa.
Robert Gitchell
Ben Hoff, Sr.
Ben Hoff, Jr.
R. W. Hoff
M/M Robert Legg
M/M Darryl Olson
M/M Al Schurr
M/M Richard Shine
Phoenix, Ariz.
——Acme, Pa.
Las Vegas, Nev.
M/M John Stapleton
M/M Ralph Suiter
M/M Wesley Tottingham
Buckeye Christian
Phoenix, Ariz.
Parker, Ariz.
Atascadero, Ca.
Buckeye, Ariz.
First Christian
Phoenix, Ariz.
Christian' Church "of HopwOod-=-Hopwood, Pa".
Vegas Valley Christian
Las Vegas, Nev.
Pleasantview Christian
Lisbon, Ohio
Dominguez First Christian
Long Beach, Ca.
Orviston Christian
Orviston, Pa.
Lake Mount Church of Christ
Rogers, Ohio
Vanderbilt Church of Christ
Vanderbilt, Pa,
Glendale Christian Church
P.O. Box 415
BULK RATE
U.S. Pottag*
Glendale, Arizona 85311
Address Correction Requested
PAID
P«rmH #36
Glendal*. ArU.
MISSIOI-J SERVICES
BOX i??
KEMPTON, IN. ^^60^19
FIELD ADDRESS
Mr. & Mrs. William Hoff
CHALLENGE
Apdo. Pcstal 57
C^ieretaro, Qro., Mexico
79
FORWARDING AGENTS ADDRESS
"^tocieUm
Mr. «Sc Mrs. Richard Baker
Star Route Box 909 E
Buckeye, Arizona
85326
2
Published Bi-Monthly
February 1976
MORE EFFECTIVE EVANGELISM!
In my short experience I have seen several missionaries who have spent their entire lives
in the Lord's work, but who have only one or two churches to show for their arduous labor.
I am not criticizing them; they have worked hard.
But perhaps by use of proper techniques
we
can achieve more with the same labor.
Traditionally, we have gone into an area, gathered together a small group of women and
children and begun to preach.
Many years later we may still be preaching and the church
be so weak that it still is unable to meet without us. The problems are obvious; we haven't
won men who will carry on with or without us, and we can only be in a few places a week to
preach,
so our outreach is limited.
Several of us in Central Mexico have been concerned about the problem and have been look
ing for solutions.
This past summer at camp we were privileged to have Woody Philips
teaching the S.W.I.M. group. As we spoke with him, we began to see some great possibilities
in a program being used in Honduras.
more
This program was very intjgigsting,
so Norm wrote for
information.
The basic idea
expand
of the program
is that we,--ghbuld^-^ch others
our possible outreach many times.
to teagj)/—" By so doing we
Tho^ Tiii\otK^'^j___jdiL>-We^t^ch,
in turn are to
teach others to teach and so on.
The program rs obedience oriented; the student who will
not obey the commands of Jesus (be baptized, partake of the Lord's supper, win others, etc.)
is dropped as he is useless.
The students" or Timothies are always married men who show
leadership in their community.
Under this plan I would never go out to preach but I would
teach the man who is the first link in the teaching chain.
Our interest in the program was so great that Norm Dungan, Richard Atkinson, and I were
planning a trip to Honduras to see the program in action.
The trip would have entailed a
large cost and at least two weeks: but fortunately, the Lord provided another way to learn
about the program.
In December a worker in the program was returning to the U.S.
He made
arrangements
to spend several days with us and gave us a short seminar on the program and
the materials they are using.
In February we are going to have a one-week seminar on the same kind of program by brother
Ed Matthews from Abilene Christian College.
He has devoted years to the preparation of
materials for programmed learning.
If we can institute this type of program here,
it will be of great help in evangelizing
the 50 million people of Mexico.
WE
GIVE
THANKS:
that there were 50 in attendance for the Spanish Christmas program here on December 22nd.
that the Joaquin Renz family now have their permanent resident papers and live in Cuernavaca.
that camp construction continues and plans are being made for two weeks of camp this summer.
I
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
*75
The last few days have been cold here In Queretaro.
We finally bought a little heater
that uses propane so now we can be comfortable rather economically.
We enjoyed the Holiday season but were glad when it was all over.
I made quite a few
cookies during December and gave most of them away as gifts to our friends.
Christmas
morning we opened our gifts and watched Mark play with his new toys.
Some neighbor kids
came to see what Mark
the Dungans
had received so I gave them
where we enjoyed dinner with them
all some cookies.
We left at noon for
along with the Sholds from Tulancingo,
and
an American lady that lives here in Queretaro.
A couple of weeks ago we took Mark to the doctor for a check-up. He was declared in good
health.
He weighed 20 pounds and was 30 i.nches tail.
He was inoculated against measles,
mumps,
and rubella.
He has a mouth full of teeth and sure suffers when he cuts each one.
His favorite toy is still a ball.
He has learned the word "hot" and to blow on his food.
The other day he walked to within 2 feet of our new heater and blew at it.
CONTRIB UTORS
Mrs.
G. W.
Brandon
Athens,
Ga.
M/M Richard Baker
Buckeye, Ariz.
M/M Orville Daemmer
Mr. Ben Hoff, Sr.
Phoenix, Ariz.
Atascadero, Ca.
M/M Ben Hoff, Jr.
Atascadero , _Ca_^_
M/M
Mrs.
M/M
M/M
^I/^^
Lemon Grove, Ca,
Long Beach, Ca.
Phoenix, Ariz.
Acme, Pa.
Las Vegas, Nev.
Robert Legg
Lizzie McCreary
W. T. Merrick
A. J. Schurr
Richard Shine
M/M Kenneth Stewart
Long Beach, Ca .
M/M Ralph Suiter
Parker, Ariz.
(NOVEMBER-DECEMBER)
The Christian Church
Buckeye Christian
New Hope Christian
First Church of Christ
_, Christian Church of Hopwood
Vegas Valley Christian
Pleasantview Christian
Dominguez First Christian
Atascadero, Ca.
Buckeye, Ariz.
Columbus, Ind.
Flagstaff, Az.
Hopwood, Pa.
Las Vegas, Nev.
Li:ibo(\, Oh.'.o
Long Beach, Ca.
First Christian
Phoenix.
Lake Mount Church of Christ
Rogers, Ohio
Ariz-
First Christian
VJestminster, Ca.
Christian Women's Fellowship—Tolleson, Ariz.
Glendale Christian Church
P.O. Box 415
BULK RATE
U.S. Postage
Glendale, Arizona 85311
PAiD
Address Correction Requested
Permit #36
Glendale, Ariz.
Mission Services
Box 177
Kemptonf Ind, 460^9
'•PR.
2
FIELD ADDRESS
Mr. & Mrs. William Hoff
Apdo. Postal 57
Queretaro, Qro.. Mexico
FORWARDING AGENTS ADDRESS
Mr, & Mrs. Richard Baker
Star Route, Box 909E
nPROGUM
Buckeye, Arizona 85326
Published Bi-Monthly
The Encounter is-bur new Bible correspondence course
June 1976
which offers its students
an encounter with
the""" ^0'rd"Jesus Christ through a study of the Bible.
These courses have proved to be very success
ful, and the series is now our standard material.
The original series was written by missionaries
in Chile.
When the first copies were received here, it was felt that the Chilean Spanish, and ill
ustrations,
would need to be changed in order to use them.
Also paper is more expensive here so a
change of format was desirable. But we all recognized the great strength of this series of courses.
They were developed as a unit planned to lead an unbeliever through a study of God's Word, and bring
him to the point of accepting Jesus in the waters of baptism.
Last year the revision was begun.
It has involved about six different people who have re-written
various portions.
We have added an extra course and eliminated some material.
Each course must
pass the careful scrutiny of many people, who seek to make the course perfect; in spelling, punctua
tion, grammar, and in the clear expression of ideas.
Once we are satisfied with the content of the
course, it is sent to
Renz, missionary in Cuernavaca, who sets the type.
His co-worker, Paul
Chaverria, does the illustrations, and layout art.
The finished product is then ready to print.
There are seven courses in the series.
The first teaches that to know God's will for our life we
must read His Word.
It is called "Knowing the Bible."
The second is called "The Bible—Human or
Divine?"
It teaches the origen of its scripture and that the whole content of the Scripture is the
Good
News.
The third,
Jesus
Christ.
"The Theme of the Bible,"
The
teaches that
lesson is built on the
there is one theme
idea that the Bible
teaches
that someone is coming,
that someone has come,
and
that that someone is coming again, then shows that that some
one is Jesus.
The fourth course,
"How to study the Bible,"
shows
the
student
how to read
the Bible.
I t shows
how to
distinguish between verses and chapters and how to find in
dividual books.
It also tells the story of "how we got our
Bible
in Spanish."
(The first Spanish translation was in
1280, long before our King James Version).
The fifth course is "Why do they call me a sinner?"
It is
a course which deals with sin,
and God's punishment of sin,
death.
The sixth course "The World has a Hope,"
tells the
story of how God's grace provides for salvation through the
sacrifice
of Jesus Christ.
The
seventh course a "l:s
"How can
man
respond to the grace of God?"
The answer is clearly
taught
to obey his commands concerning receiving Jesus
through repentance and baptism.
Previously we sent our work to a commercial printer,
be
cause the small press
duce the
the Lord
of
which Bro.^ob Wright has
cannot pro
quality printing we wished to produce.
However,
has just provided an opportunity for the purchase
a Multi 120
from a denominational mission.
They weren't
even asking for a down-payment.
So Bo^_has purchased it. At
present we owe $720 , but the press is well worth this consid
ering that it is legally imported into Mexico.
through the
whole Bible,
CHAPEL CONSTRUCTION
A concentrated effort was made
the third week in
March to accomplish as much as possible on the cha-
pel at the campgrounds.
Steve Shold, missionary in
^Puiancingo, Hidalgo stayed at our home during that
week.
Each morning at 7:00 a.m.
Bill left
Norm, Steve, and
for about 8 hours of work.
Pouring the
cement floor and laying block was the major jobs of
the week.
Norm, Steve, and Danny Wright are shown
in this picture.
Since this time another work day
was spent putting
up trusses.
The sheet metal is
purchased and now ready to be put on.
we are look
ing forward to two great weeks of camp in July.
FAMILY LIFE
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are
called according to his purpose." Rom. 8:28. it was difficult to understand this passage
in the light of losing, another baby. But we put our trust in God, and even though we don'-t
know the reason why, we do believe this promise.
After a couple days of rest, I was almost
as good as new.
April was a month of many visitors.
And almost everyone that came had car trouble.
Bill
worked on six different cars during the month and some of them twice.
A couple of the cars
involved major repairs. But Bill is always happy to help a fellow missionary.
We decided to take a short vacation so on SundayMay.9,th,we took Mark out to the Wright's
The following morning Bill and I left for Mexico
City to see the "Holiday on Ice" show. We really enjoyed the day. The following morning we
o^hanage where he spent the next 3 days.
went to Cuernavaca where two fellow missionaries prepared a small display in pictures for
us.
Our forwarding agent will send it out when display material of our work is requested.
After spending the night in Cuernavaca we returned to Queretaro.
Mark had thoroughly enjoyed himself during our absence.
words in Spanish.
He had picked up a couple more
Now he loves to kick the ball and say "goal."
He hears it all the time
here due to the popularity of soccer.
CONTRIBUTORS (MARCH-APRIL)
M/M
M/M
M/M
M/M
Kenneth Stewart
Thomas Gallagher
Ralph Suiter
Richard Shine
Long Beach, Ca.
Palm Desert, Ca.
Parker, Ariz.
Las Vegas, Nev.
Mrs. Lizzie McCreary
Long Beach, Ca.
M/M Ben Hoff, Jr. --—-^^Stascadero, ca.
Mr.
Ben Hoff, Sr.
Atascadero, Ca.
M/M Richard Baker
Mrs.
G. W. Brandon
Women's Study GroupThe Christian Church
Buckeye, Ariz.
Athens, Ga.
-Flagstaff, Az.
Atascadero, Ca.
Lake Mount Church of Christ— -Rogers, Ohio
-Phoenix, Az.
Dominguez First ChristianLong Beach, Ca
Pleasantview Christian
-Lisbon, Ohio
Orviston Christian ChurchOrviston, Pa.
"Vegas Valley Christian
-Las Vegas, Nev,
Christian Church of Hopwood— -Hopwood, Pa.
First Church of Christ
-Flagstaff, Az.
New Hope Christian
-7-Columbus, Ind.
Buckeye Christian
-Buckeye, Ariz.
Vanderbilt Church of Christ— -Vanderbilt, Pa,
Christian Women's Fellowship- -Tolleson, Az.
First Christian
Glendale Christian Church
P.O. Box 415
BULK RATE
Glendale, Arizona 85311
U.S. Pottage
PAtD
Address Correction Requested
Permit #36
Glendale, Ariz.
MISSION SERVICES
BOX 177
KEKPTON, IN. 46049
%
O
FIELD ADDRESS
Mr, & Mrs. William Hoff
Apdo, Postal 57
Queretaro, Qro., Mexico
FORWARDING AGENTS ADDRESS
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Baker
2
Star Route, Box 909E
Buckeye, Arizona 85326
IDFimiUIII
"And when they were come,
and had gathered the church together
they rehearsed all things that God had done with them, and that he
had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles." Acts 14:27.
In these few words Luke describes Paul's return to Antioch and
his report to the church there.
Since that time every honorable
missionary has sought to give an accounting of the work God has
done through him to each of his supporting churches.' Sometimes
this is done through written reports but sometimes it must be done
in person.
August 23rd we left Mexico
to report to some of the churches
who support the work here.
We had spent long hours planning the trip which would take 2 months and cover about 8,000
miles.
After planning
a prospective itinerary,
asking for speaking dates.
As we dropped
weather.
out of the mountains
It was then
we wrote to 20 individuals
and churches
A few changes were made along the way.
of Mexico
that we discovered
working. The next day's drive was very hot.
to the coast,
we arrived into hot,
that the air conditioner
in the truck
Later I discovered a slow leak.
humid
was not
Thus, it
was
necessary to add freon until a permanent repair could be made.
Our first visit was with the Clinton Looney family who live in Harlingen, Texas.
Brother
Looney was one of the founders of "Dulces Momentos."
We discussed the radio program
and
our part in the production of material for Latin America.
At the same time
we looked for
ways to economize in the production of both our radio programs such as buying our tape and
supplies together to get better prices and avoid duplication of equipment and efforts. His
son produces a program that is heard in other areas throughout Latin America.
Our next stop was in Houston
both the
vited us
ering we
We then
where we spent two days.
On Sunday
we fellowshipped
with
English and Spanish speaking groups of the church. The Spanish-speaking group in
to show slides that evening so we did and they graciously gave us the largest offrwere to receive on our whole tour. It was a pleasure to worship with these groups.
travelled on to Baton Rouge where the Lord had a surprise waiting for us.
The
former minister had moved and the parsonage sold so we didn't have any contacts there.
After spending the night in the mud and rain, we decided to drive by the church on our way
out of town.
There were several cars in the parking lot so we pulled in to say "hello."
We were received like royalty by a woman's fellowship and invited to speak on Wednesday
night.
We stayed in the home of the L. E. Wallace family.
(He has contributed many arti-
cules to the "standard").
Three days were spent visiting some of my relatives in Georgia, then we were on our way
again towards Virginia.
We stayed a couple of days with some very wonderful friends, the
Gitchell family.
They have 4 children, a cat, and a St. Bernard which Mark insisted
was a horse. We took a break to see Williamsburg while we were so close.
Our next visit was with the Stephen Gohr family north of Scranton, Pa. Carolyne and Margy
have corresponded since sixth grade but this was their first visit in nearly 25 years.
One stop we made before visiting another church was with A1 and Mary Schurr.
These peo
ple have been friends of Margy's family for many years. Our visit was very enjoyable.
Western Pa. and Eastern Ohio is the area from which we receive regular support.
It was a
real pleasure to visit these various churches and the many friends we have there.
The chu
rches we visited in Pa. were in Hopwood, Vanderbilt, and Grindstone.
The churches in Ohio
i^iGluded Lake Mount Church of Christ in Rogers and Pleasantview Christian Church in Lisbon.
The growth in some of these churches was amazing.
Our last stop before heading for the border was in Barberton, Ohio.
Our week and a half
sto^ here allowed me to do some minor repairs on the truck as well as purchase many things
that we are unable to buy in Mexico. We visited many of Margy's relatives in the area and
spoke at the First Church of Christ and the Sheman Church of Christ in Barberton, along
with the Clinton Church of Christ not far away. We then took the most direct route to the
border.
It was great to arrive in Queretaro on October" 14th'after a "safe trip.
GOD'S SOLUTION
While we were in the U.S.A., I was asked about a problem that we had had with the
chief
of police in San Juan del Rio.
Not until then did I realize that although I had written
asking for your prayers, I had never written to tell how the problem was resolved.
In July 1974, a young man was baptized in San Juan del Rio.
He was happy to be part of
the family of believers but his brother, the chief of police in San Juan, was very upset.
First he threatened to kill me, then he began threatening the believers in San Juan.
He
locked his brother up for nearly a week without food. Vicente Rico was at that time help
ing me with the leadership of the San Juan church, and he was running the Christian coffee
house.
One night as he was closing the coffee house,
former missionary)
and currently director of the language school in San Miguel, dropped by to see the coffee
house. The police chief mistook him. for_me_. He_ and four officers.pistol-whipped Jack^and
Vicente.
""
----
We feared that filing a formal complaint would further antagonize the police chief, but
after much prayer, Jack and Vicente filed complaints.
Jack, a legal resident, could file
a complaint while I could not have done so due to my tourist status.
No official action
was taken against the police chief, but he suddenly stopped harassing the Christians in
San Juan.
Then we personally went to the attorney general of the state, who assured us
that no further legal action would be necessary, and that we would be safe in San Juan.
I'm happy to say that we haven't had any more trouble in the past two years and that the
chiefs brother
church
still attends
in San Juan.
Thanks to your prayers
the Lord
saved the
there.
CONTRIBUTORS
M/M Richard Baker
Buckeye, Ariz.
Mrs.
Athens, Ga.
G. W.
Brandon
(MAY-AUGUST)
Christian Women's Fellowship—Tolleson, Az.
Women's Study Group
-Flagstaff,Az.
Women's Council-Dominguez
Long Beach, Ca.
M/M Thomas Gallagher
Palm Desert, Ca.
M/M
Mr.
M/M
M/M
Hampton, Va.
Atascadero, Ca.
Atascadero, Ca.
Rome, Ga.
The Christian Church
Pine Flats Christian
Atascadero, Ca.
Clymer, Pa. .
New Hope Christian
Columbus, Ind.
First Church of Christ
Flagstaff, Az.
Lemon Grove, Ca.
Glendale Christian
First Christian
Glendale, AzJ ^
Grindstone, Pa.
Robert Gitchell
Ben Hoff, Sr.
Ben Hoff, Jr.
R. W. Hoff
M/M Robert Legg
M/M Darryl Olson
M/M Al Schurr
M/M Richard Shine
Phoenix, Ariz.
——Acme, Pa.
Las Vegas, Nev.
M/M John Stapleton
M/M Ralph Suiter
M/M Wesley Tottingham
Buckeye Christian
Phoenix, Ariz.
Parker, Ariz.
Atascadero, Ca.
Buckeye, Ariz.
First Christian
Phoenix, Ariz.
Christian' Church "of HopwOod-=-Hopwood, Pa".
Vegas Valley Christian
Las Vegas, Nev.
Pleasantview Christian
Lisbon, Ohio
Dominguez First Christian
Long Beach, Ca.
Orviston Christian
Orviston, Pa.
Lake Mount Church of Christ
Rogers, Ohio
Vanderbilt Church of Christ
Vanderbilt, Pa,
Glendale Christian Church
P.O. Box 415
BULK RATE
U.S. Pottag*
Glendale, Arizona 85311
Address Correction Requested
PAID
P«rmH #36
Glendal*. ArU.
MISSIOI-J SERVICES
BOX i??
KEMPTON, IN. ^^60^19
