USD and RAWANG CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN BURMA

NORTH BURMA CHRISTIAN MISSION

"Where Cfiina, Tibet-, Burma and India Meet" (Formerly Yunnan-Tibetan Christian Mission)

Eight Cousins and Their Mol-hers: Mrs. Eugene Morse with John Lowrence, Tommyj Ronnie ond David; Mrs. LaVerne with Marcia; Mrs. Robert with Robert, Jr., Jonothon and Stephen.

fered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews."
I. Thess. 2:13,14

"For this cause aho thank we God without ceasi^ig, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suf

FIRST 1956 NEWSLETTER

No. 10 New Series Beginning January. 1953

The J. Russell Morse Family and Associates

P. O. Putao, via Myitkyina
Kachin State, Burma

IT HAPPENED IN 1955
JANUARY

On the field: LaVerne flew from Bangkok, Thailand to Rongoon, Burma, on

Jan. 7 (leaving Lois in Thoiland) to work on entry end residence permits. Once within Burmo, he made a quick trip up to Mulodi to confer with those on the field, arriving at the close of a 2-month Bible School. When he re turned to Rangoon, he was occomponied by Mrs. J. R. Morse and Mrs. Robert (Betty) Morse who were both in need of medical treatment. Concluded twomonth Bible School held ot Muladi for students from entire field.

In the U. S.: Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Morse visited churches, and Eugene finished semester at LBI. They moved to Terre Haute, Indiana, where Helen's Living Link Church, Maple Avenue Christian, is located, for the remainder of their
furlough.
FEBRUARY

On the field: Mrs. J. R. Morse received treatment in Rongoon for the shoulder which she had injured when thrown from her horse several months before.
Mrs. Robert Morse underwent obdominol surgery in o Rongoon hospital. Robert
and son Jonothan went to Rangoon for dental care.

In -the U. S.: Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Morse decided to shorten furlough, began preparations for returning to the field.
MARCH

On he field: All-Rawong Bible School held for six weeks, with 100 students attending. Taught by Robert Morse and Rawang preacher Peter. In the U. S.: Mission forwarding agent, Mrs. Oscar Myers, hospitalized for 5 weeks with pneumonia and septicemia. Due to unsettled conditions in Burma, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Morse left Terre Haute for the field on March 26.
APRIL

On the field: Mrs. Gertrude Morse went to Tiliwago, accompanied by preachers

Daniel ond Peter, to hold a two-month Bible School for Lisu and Rawong stu

dents of that area.

than ten months.
MAY

Easter convention at Mulodi, with attendance of 2460.

In the U. S.: On April 25, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Morse and family left the U. S. via Pan-American Airways en route to Burma, having been in the States less
On the field: Mr. ond Mrs. Eugene Morse and fomily orrived in Rangoon, Bur
ma, on Moy 9.

Beginning of 2-month Bible School at Tiliwago. LoVerne flew to Muladi on May 26 for final conference before beginning of
monsoon rains.

JUNE

On the field: Drema Esther arrived in Rangoon on June 6 for medical treat
ment. While there, she underwent minor surgery.

LaVerne returned to Rangoon on June 20, receiving final word a few doys later of granting of entry visa for wife, Lois. John Lawrence, fourth son of Eugene and Helen, was born June 24. Lois arrived in Rangoon on June 29, after 6-month wait in Bangkok, Thoiland.
Mr. J. Russell Morse at Muladi base station, carrying on medicol work, etc.
JULY

On the field: Mrs. J. R. Morse returned to Muladi from TMiwago, having com

pleted Bible school, which was attended by 40 students. Eugene and Helen and family flew from Rangoon to Myitkyino on July 25.
AUGUST

On the field: Eugene and Helen and family started overland journey from Myit kyino on August 2, arrived in Muladi on August 16. Morcia Louise, first child born to LaVerne and Lois on August 30.
SEPTEMBER

On the field: Robert Morse neoring completion of Rawong translation of Acts.

OCTOBER

Ob the fieM: LaVerne and Lois and baby Marcia flew from Rongoon to MyiN
kynio on October 17. Started overland journey on October 31. Thonksgiving conventions held throughout Putao plains area, with totol at
tendance of 2500. NOVEMBER

One-week school for elders of plains area held October 3J-November 5, with
124 elders attending, representing 30 congregations.

On fhe field: LaVerne ond Lois and Marcio arrived in Mulodi on November 15.

One-week "retreat" for preachers, November 21-26, followed by conferences with individuols concerning their problems. Attended by 31 full-time preach
ers, 33 part-time workers.
DECEMBER

On rile field: Trips to various.viiloges of the Muladi area were mode by Mr. and
Mrs. J. Russell Morse, Eugene, Robert, and LoVerne. The Christmas Conven tion wos held ot Muladi with more than 2,000 Lisu and Rawong in attendance.

"SAVIOR, LIKE A SHEPHERD LEAD US"

About 5:00 A. M. on the

17th day of October, LaVerne and I were riding through the

streets of the city of Rangoon

airport. There was the usual mad rush that seems to

^ '^
I

^,1 J ^ P3st 6:30 A. M. the DC-3 JBIiJ Union of Burma Airways flight
Mandalay, Bhamo, and Myit-

integral part of our lives!

k
'

into the cool mornj iB H kyina '"9 lifted 'Garcia was peacefully
enjoying a warm bottle of milk;

m 1

I f

"J \

Mischa, our tinythan kitten who ^ week older Marcia, was nearly frantic in her bamboo
basket. We could actually hear
her mewing over the terrific roar

toil, Marcia and La Veine Moise plane's engine. We landed in Mandalay in mid-morning and had just enough
time to eat a good meal while there. LaVerne had chicken curry with rice; and I enjoyed some roast mutton, with vegetables and potatoes. Marcia was on my lap crying for her meal, and it was given to her as we again lifted into the air towards the sleepy town of Bhamo. After a brief stop there we headed northwards for Myltkyinathe end of the railroad line in the northern part of Burma and the last all-weather airport in this section of the country. About noon we
reached our destination.

By this time there was still no definite word as to when plane

service would be resumed to the field. For this reason and others as

well we found It advisable to continue our journey to Muladi by the

overland trail.

On October the 31st we boarded the jeep for the beautiful vil

lage of Sumprabum, which is located in the mountains about 4,000

feet above sea level. Our ride was a relatively smooth one until we

reached Mile 53, as reckoned from Myitkyina, at which point we left the Malihka, one of the two main branches of the Irrawaddy River. Then I really began to feel as though I were in the wilds! 1 remember how much I enjoyed the thick vegetation of the jungles which lay to
either side of the narrow road, the cool, refreshing streams, the beau

tiful sunsets, and the huge, golden moon. The skies were particularly
beautiful towards the close of our second day's journey. The silverlined clouds rose majestically over the tremendous mountain ranges

in the distance. As I gazed at the scene, 1 thought of that old chorus: "Got any rivers you think are uncrossable, Got any mountains you can't tunnel through, God specializes in things thought impossible, He does the things others cannot do." The chorus seemed to be more meaningful to me than it ever had before; and as I looked at the mountains towering into the heavens, I realized that the forces of Satan were still more impregnable. Thank God, He is our strength! The sky turned a beautiful pink, and a tiny silver star adorned her
delicate cloak. We reached the dak bungalow, or government stage

house, after dark. How thankful we were for that four-walled house,
which sheltered us from the cold night wind.
We some

try. We had a good deal of difficulty, however with the Chinese

horsemen; and finally, we arranged for seven other horses to

incaryingour' ^

leave Sumprabum en route up country.

go In place of the nine horses on whom we had first depended. The owners of the second group of horses planned to begin the overland
halfway point, La-awnga.

evening. They did not agree, however, to carry our loads beyond the

journey on Tuesday and to catch up with the rest of us by Thursday

-i/> as we began our journey approximately 1:30 P. M. cloudy on the and 7th misty of November. I really was thankful for the horse which we were able to secure for me to ride. I don't suppose I walked more than a mile during the entire trip. The light drizzle turned Into rain by evening, and the path became dark and slippery. was very grateful for my horse and for Barnabas, our helper, who led him along the muddy trail with the help of his flashlight. LaVerne had given his flashlight to the boy who was carrying our little daughter; so he stumbled along behind the horse, trying to follow its
dark form. There was neither sign of moon nor star in the comfort

the wooden bungalow and prayed for Marcla's safety. Before long the rest of the party arrived. I opened the lid of Marcia's portable crib and looked at her beautiful face by candlelight. She was just as
hours past her feeding time; evidently, she had just awakended from a luxurious nap. When she was settled down for the night, LaVerne
and I had some rice; and then we crawled into our bedrolls.

our precious bundle. I sat alone in the dark In the front room of

yet come with their loads, including the Lisu boy who was carrying

place of refuge for our weary party of travellers! Barnabas and some of the carriers began to prepare the rice while LaVerne and others of the carriers went out In the darkness to meet those who had not

outline of the dak bungalow against the sky. Here, at last, was a

Barnabas led the horse over the area. I walked on with LaVerne for a short while, but the road was becoming so difficult I mounted the horse again; and onward we went. About 8:00 P. M. we saw the

came to a section of the trail over which a huge tree had fallen; so I dismounted, and LaVerne helped me along the path. Then he and

much longer we would have to travel on in the darkness. In time we

less sky. We weren't sure just where the dak bungalow was or how

sweet and calm as she could be, despite the fact that it was over two

after our days travelling was ended as four of our carriers from Sumprabum were returning to their homes. We knew that three of

The following day was another rainy one. As we began to jour ney in the morning, I glanced down at my wedding ring, as my hand rested on the horn of the saddle, and thought of the pledge of Ruth which had been sung at our wedding: "Entreat me not to leave thee,' and to return from following after thee; for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God; . . We were faced with a problem

fourth carrier, the one who had been planning to carry the baby all of the way, became quite ill. We sent word regarding our need to a Christian Rawang village about two miles to the north of us, and you can imagine the delight that was ours when six carriers appeared on
the scene the following morning.

them would be ping only two days' journey with us; and then the

By Wednesday, November the 9th, we were really having the rains! We might as well have been travelling in the middle of the monsoons. 1put on my boots in the morning before we started out to
water container! We sang hymns together as we journeyed along the trail. The rain-laden jungle grass hung heavily over the leech-infest

keep my shoes dry, but I soon found that I had merely put on another

ed trail, and I had to spend a good deal of time trying to duck beneath the terrific growth. You should have seen our party! The umbrellas, the horse's mane, my ponchoeverything was literally covered with hundreds of sharp, pointed grass seeds. When we arrived at the dak bungalow that afternoon, we took off the leeches which had been feasting on us and hastened into some warm, dry clothes. As we trav elled during those three cold, rainy days, it was wonderful to realize
that there would be a four-walled shelter and dry clothing awaiting

us at the end of our journey. Praise God from Whom all blessings
flow!

path. By mid-morning the trail was blazing hot. As we travelled along, I suddenly heard a noise in the jungle to my left and immedi ately pulled the horse to a stop. In a moment I was staring right into
the face of a black gibbon. He stared back at me, swung on a few of the near-by branches, and then disappeared from sight. Onward we journeyed. The scarlet flowers were beautiful among the green, jungle growth; and the elephant-ear plants looked like velvet in the warm sunlight. I thrilled as 1 saw a pure white butterfly fluttering against the lovely, blue sky. Soon after noon we came to the bridge which stood high above the river dividing the Sumprabum Subdivision
from the Putao Subdivision. As 1 looked at the broken bamboo sides
(Continued on Page 15)

On Thursday the rain broke, and we actually saw sunlight on our

of the bridge and gazed at the turbulent waters far below, I must adMuladi, Kachin State December 30, 1955 Our dear faithful friends and co-labourers in Christ;

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! He has wonderfully blessed the work here these last few weeks, and we do thank Him for it. We want to share the good news for you. The first of November here at Muladi we had a really inspiring week with about one hundred

and twentyof the elders from twentyor so congregations in this Putao area. Regular Bible classes interspersed with inspiring sermons and prayer filled up the week. The elders were so pleased that they
begged for a month of such meetings next year. About two weeks after the elders school, we had a week of

this conference, or "retreat," at Dukdang where we had the use of a new school dormitory for the preachers, and the school chapel for the services. Both of these buildings were a short distance from the vil

prayer and Bible study for the Church leaders of this plain. We had

lage, so it was nice and quiet for the services. God really poured out His blessings wpon the services. The students were in earnest as they studied, listened, and prayed, and God met them and blessed. Some
months before this conference, the preachers had started praying for

one another in a definite way. But at this time, this Inter-church prayer band was better established.
Although the upcountry preachers had not been called down to the preachers' retreat, yet the Lord arranged that quite a good num ber of them were here on the plains at the time. So they were able to attend the services, for which we were Indeed glad. One of these far-away preachers told of how one of our congregation where he was ministering had prayed for the conversion of a heathen priest for a

whole month when this man and his wife both be^came very ill. Their
non-Christian friends. Including other priests, came to propitiate the evil spirits and work for their recovery, but to no avail. Instead, they grew worse. Finally the non-Christians left them to die. In some way the Christians were called, and were asked to pray for them. After the Christians had prayed for them about a week, the sick ones re covered and became Christians! This preacher also reported a large number of other conversions. His joy and enthusiasm were an in spiration to all the other preachers of the conference.

A few days after the preachers' retreat, I was called to go to one of our congregations located about fourteen miles north of Muladi to hold a Bible school for the women and girls. During the rainy sea son it is extremely difficult for anyone to go to this place, as there are several large streams and numerous swamps which must be crossed. But In the dry season, the streams are much smaller and the swamps have dried up to a large extent. As we did not get started very early, we did not quite make the stage and had to stop for the night at a small village where there were mostly non-Christians and only a few Christian families. I rode my horse the first part of the journey from Muladi, but sent it back when we got to the larger stream which had to be crossed in a dug-out boat. From then on, I went by foot, and waded the smaller streams. About dark we got to this small village, and the people were quite interested in all that we did. After a meal of rice and soup, I got out my phonograph and the Lisu Gospel records, and played several for them, and then talked to them. They all listened quite attentively and some expressed the purpose of accepting Christ later.
next morning

1^^.,

walked on to another non-Chris-

tian^ viMage. We^had to^cros ^a

we

The Morse Women: Be^ty (Mrs. Robert), Helen (Mrs. Eugene), Gertrude
Lois (Mrs. LaVerne).

(Mrs. J. Russell), Dremo Esther ond

standing in line In front of their

tion, arriving there about noon on Saturday. The people were all

village to shake hands and welcome me to their home. As I had

never been there before, they all wanted me to do the teaching that
evening and the next day. The classes for the women started on Mon day morning. About forty came to study, including about twelve

from a neighboring congregation. I had insisted that the women get someone to care for their children so that they could study unhin dered. So we had classes for about five or six hours during the day,

and an hour at night. The women really seemed to be hungry to study,

and were so grateful for the teaching. The Spirit really worked in their
hearts so that a number of them confessed their sins with tears. At

the end of the week the women did not want to stop the school, but as I had promised to speak at a neighboring church on Sunday, I had to close the school about noon on Saturday. The elders had asked that everyone go to a certain house for tea, but instead of just tea, it was a surprise feast. In this country, at such feasts, the portions of food are wrapped in green leavesthe rice for one person in one
leaf and the meat and vegetable in another. After the feast and a farewell prayer and handshaking, the students and I left for our fourmile trip through the jungle to the next church.

Here again we had to cross several streams, but arrived at the next congregation about five o'clock. Quite a nice little group were out to welcome us. We spoke there four times, gave out medicines
to a few sick people, and talked with the elders about some of their problems. Then on Monday we came on home, as the Christmas con
vention was to be held near Muladi that week.

Now the convention has come and gone. There were over two thousand who attended the services. It was a great meeting, and it lasted from Friday evening until Monday morning. So these are a few of the Lord's blessings showered upon us just recently.

All of our family here are well at this time. LaVerne, Lois and
baby Marcia Louise arrived here November 15. It is so nice to have

all of the boys here, but Robert is leaving for furlough real soon now,
if all goes well. I am due to hold a number of schools for the women

in various congregations in the next several months. Please pray for all of these schools and the many new Christians. Eugene and LaVerne are due to hold a Bible school in the mountains twelve days'
journey from here. Please pray for them and that school also.

May the Lord's blessings rest upon the work of His Kingdom
there, and upon all of you as you serve Him. Sincerely yours in His service,
(signed) Gertrude H. Morse

"FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN" On the beautiful moonlit night of December 23rd, hundreds of

Lisu and Rawang tribespeople gathered together in a large open field

in northern Muiadi village to remember the humble birth of the King of Kings. As they sat close to one another beneath a temporary bam boo and grass shelter, Sopater, one of the Lisu ministers in the area,
aloud a portion from the Word of God: "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth ... for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace." Daniel, the minister of the congregation of northern Muiadi,
stood before them on a small platform made of split bamboo and read

delivered the first message of the convention. At the close of the service, the three kerosene lanterns which lighted the bamboo and

shown. In the days that followed, inspirational messages were given

grass shelter were removed; and slides of the birth of Christ were

in the Lisu language by Eugene, Robert, LaVerne, and some of the native preachers; and each message, at the time of its delivery, was

could not understand Lisu. The people found great joy in singing
together the grand old hymns of the faith, and both the accordion

translated into the Rawang language for the benefit of those who

and the blue portable organ were used at various times throughout the services. On the Lord's Day, December 25th, over 2,000 Lisu and Rawang met together to break bread and to feast upon the
spiritual truths of God's Holy Word.

Converition was held; and, according to custom, the people spent some little time shaking hands with one another and saying, "Hwa
wang tribespeople the latter. A line began to form at the back
end of the line and continued to shake the hands of those still com ing out of the shelter. A tremendous circle was formed about the

On the following morning, the parting service of the Christmas

Hwa,' or "Pa-ma-ra," the Lisu using the former phrase and the Ra

opening of the meeting house; and each individual, after having shaken hands with all who were in the line thus far, remained at the
meeting place. Then, after the singing of the hymn, "God Be With

You," the people began to prepare for their homeward journeys; and
of them had camped out were soon abandoned.

the small lean-tos about the bamboo and grass shelter in which some
Centuries have come and gone; and still the words of the

prophet Isaiah ring bold and clear, bringing unlimited joy and peace

born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Yes, the announcement has been made to all men. But "how shall they believe in him whom
and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written

to all men everywhere who would believe: "For unto us a child is

they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

us all as we strive to proclaim to the 20th century "the old, old storv
of Jesus and His love."

How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things!" This is the task of each and every Christian. May God help
Lois and LaVerne Morse

MESSAGE FROM J. RUSSELL MORSE

It is so hard in our busy

plains (a "lost horizon"). We

have had temperature down to
and no stoves.

ring this "Shangra ^a" Putao"

43 degrees for several days. That is pretty cold for bamboo houses

may be the first lap of their homeward journey. We realize that it may be necessary for them to remain in Rangoon for some time, but pray that their re-entry permits may be granted. They don't intend leaving without these permits but they really need to go home and
Rangoon or elsewhere in Burma.

Robert, Betty and family have gone to Rangoon, which we hope

have a rest. If they cannot come home, they must rest a while in

Many problems confront us daily. Some are difficult to explain at this great distance, with many needs and circumstances to be taken
January 4th going first to attend a convention in a mountain village
and then on to Rawangtang in the eastern sector of the mission field
to hold a two month Bible School. Eugene has been building the new church here and was to join LaVerne in Rawangtang as soon as the
construction of the framework was completed and the natives could work alone. For several years we have been able to charter planes

into consideration.

LaVerne, with preacher Peter, left Muladi on

to bring our supplies from Myitkyina, and had been counting on the same service this year. Instead, the plane service has been curtailed and there are no charter planes. All of the supplies (for five years) brought out by Eugene and Helen, and LaVerne and Lois, were brought to Myitkyina by rail; but now, with no charter planes, we are
confronted with the tremendous task of getting the supplies overland. In addition to the personal supplies of the Eugene and LaVerne Morse families there are 5 cases of Lisu hymnals, weighing about 5-600 lbs.

each, 12 cases of Lisu M-l-Ml (primers), and 14 cases of Life of

Christ Visualized. These represent a great deal in terms of work and mission funds and their value to the work is inestimable. We will also need a year's supply of sugar and lard, as well as kerosene for

lamps and fuel for the tractor. The spring rains begin in mid-March

so unless we act quickly, we cannot hope to complete the task of

bringing the supplies overland before the low-water bridges are

washed out.

Now, it seems that instead of going to Rawangtang, Eugene will have to go to Myitkyina. The roads will permit the supplies to be brought to Sumprabum (about halfway) by truck. If this is accom plished, we feel that we may hope to bring them the rest of the way by ox-cart before the heavy rains set in. It is no small operation to supervise 30,000 lbs. of supplies overland with the problems created by primitive methods and roads as well as the danger of banditry. Eugene is the only one here to take care of this very important task. It means a great deal of hard work and the disappointment of having to give up his trip to Rawangtang. To LaVerne it means the disap pointment of not having Eugene's help and the added strain of hold ing the school with only Peter to help. May the Lord give them
health and strength!

The results of our efforts in agriculture are gratifying. We feel that the Christians have been greatly benefited. This phase of the

work along with the medical work keeps me very busy, although in the latter, Drema Esther is a tremendous help. We send our love and greetings to our many beloved Christian
friends and we covet your continued prayer support. (signed) J. Russell Morse.

The following letter was received by Betty Morse's parents, Mr.

and Mrs. J. W. Meriwether of Alexandria, La., with the request that

they share it with their many Christian friends. As we read this letter
we can better understand some of their problems and will continue in prayer for them:
Rangoon, Burma

January, 1956
"Dear Folks:

As I sit here at our study table with Burmese study books and
notes scattered around I can look out the window and see cars and

buses, men on bicycles, people walking along in their colorful Longyiis (skirts)so many sights and sounds strange to us after living upcountry in the quietness of jungle and mountains. Across the busy Kokine Road there is a dip in the landscape and then up a slope on the horizon just even with my eyes lies Mingaladon, Rangoon airport.
Will it be soon I wonder, 'til we drive out there and board a plane to

start our journey back to America? I hear a planeit will join the others that I can see glistening so brightly in the sun. Is one of them the plane which will start us toward loved ones and friends whom we have not seen for so long? Or will we not get to make the trip for which we have prayed and planned so long?

Maybe will be a Union of Burplane taking us back to Pu-

^30. It was hard to say good-bye

to our beloved Christians in Puunited sooner

thought when we said our tearful farewells, then we will count it a privilege to work

jp

for the Lord there continuously.

At this writing we do not
know what our the Lord's will for We came to Ran-

goon

January 2nd in the hopes

of going back to the States for

Acts in Rawang to be printed here in Rangoon. We thought that get

the manuscript of the book of

ting the necessary re-entry visaes would take us two or three weeks

and then we could be on our way. The first day someone with much knowledge of the ways of his government told us not to expect a re entry permit for several months! There is a very real chance that we permit but were told to go on furlough and then re-apply from there. But in leaving the country without a re-entry permit, we would lose
our status of permanent residents and would be forced to return on a one year or less visa with no guarantee of renewal. We feel that

will not get it at all. Several missionaries have been denied a re-entry

this would be wrong to do until the Rawang have more of God's Word. However, we are in a great need of a change if we are to continue to

work effectively for Christ in Upper Burma. We feel very tired physi
cally and the mental strain the last year has been great. When one

observes first hand, man's cruelty to his fellow man, it lingers long
in one's mind.

We have thought that if the Lord closes the door to America,

we might rent a house and stay in Rangoon for a season. This would

be a change for us and would also give us a chance to study Burmese. The mission policy has always been to master the National language. Thus, in China, many years were spent by each missionary, learning Chinese, even though he or she might then go to tribal areas and only
have opportunity to converse in Chinese rarely. When one does have contact with people or officials of the National government, it makes a better impression if one can speak the national language. They can not always understand why the foreigners can speak the tribal lan guages and not their mother tongue. In our case we are far north of any Burmese villages, but feel the need to be able to converse with officials and friends down here. We are very fortunate to have a Burmese teacher come to our house everyday. He comes at seven every morning and we feel that we are making progress. The writ ten classical is extremely complicated and we hadn't wanted to spend our time on it but this teacher wants us to get a good grounding in the written so we are spending many hours on it. We are surprised though, that with a good teacher it doesn't take nearly as long as we

had thought. The spoken language is much simpler than either Lisu or Rawang, I think. If we have to stay on, we will have a good start, and if we do-get to go home for a year this will probably be our only chance to study with a teacher, because when we get back we will, of course, want to go straight up to our folks up-country. Since starting this, we feel a bit more hopeful about getting to leave soon, but I guess Mother had better not try to save the Christ mas tree for us. When we first came down on January 2nd, we went to a hotel, thinking we could find more suitable accomodations if we had to stay very long. When we tried getting a place, however, once more we came face to face with one of our mission's biggest problems lack of a mission home in Rangoon. We do truly need a family to live in Rangoon and be forwarding agent for the staff up-country, and have a home we can come to when it is necessary to be in Rangoon. I think it is quite possible for a family to get in on a year by year basis if they state that they will remain in Rangoon and not go to the
border area.

We put an ad in the paper but the only answer we had was pro hibitively expensive and with no kitchen so we would have had to go out for all of our meals. This is very hard with the children, unused to lower Burma style food. Then our good friend, Dr. Ba Han, sent his son to tell us that he had an empty house which was undergoing re pairs, in which we could stay if we wanted to. We accepted and so we are staying in a lovely big house with a big yard which the children enjoy very much. It was all quite different than we had planned, but we are happy that the Lord guides us and uses us even in the matter of where to stay. Just across the road is the Burma Union High School. There are a number of boys from Kachin State and even some Rawangs! They come over every night and we read the Bible in Eng
lish with them. Our Burmese Christian friends have said how thrilled

they are to see the Lord working In our lives. We too are thrilled the way God has been with us every step of the way. I especially hope our

family can be patient in their long wait to see us and the children they have never seen. I know that when our. family knows that we are being used of the Lord, they will be happy, and able to wait patiently. It is now February 5th. This is the month we have been having
as our dead line for leaving for the States, if it be the will of God for us to go. We have February as "deadline" because Bobby will be two years old on February 23, after which we must pay half fare for him instead of the 10% before the age of two. The saving on his roundtrip ticket will be considerable, so we want to take advantage of going

before his birthday. Although we have no word about our re-entry permits, I have tentatively booked our passage to Hong Kong via Bangkok for February 15th or 18th. Then if our permits come through we will have a place on the plane. If we wait any longer the plane will be booked solid, in case our permits do come through by
that date.

We have some work to do in Hong Kong so we are thinking of buying our round-trip ticket which will allow us to fly from Rangoon to Hong Kong, sail to San Francisco, and then when we return, to fly

ail the way back to Rangoon. If the Lord wills, we can get the ship on March 18th and arrive in San Francisco on April 5th, then be at Long Beach, Robert's living link church on April 8th, Robert's birthday! We would be in time also to give my mother a Happy Birthday hug
and kiss on April 13th.

Last Thursday and Friday I was feeling discouraged and wonder

ing why we had to be delayed. I didn't seem to be able to cope with the daily problems that came up and I was wishing that we could
know definitely how long we must go on like this. But we really saw one result of the Lord's leading yesterday. "Gospel Recordings" has a man in SE Asia, Vaughn Collins, who is recording Gospel messages in tribal languages to make phonograph records. We have made won derful use of these in Lisu and Rawang, but had wanted the same for about 10 other dialects in our area. We'd planned to do this before

going on furlough, but Vaughn never got permission to come to

Burma while we were still up-country. Yet now that we are down here, and where we can get informants from most of these dialects,

Vaughn has also come; so now we are busy arranging to record a

series of simple Gospel messages in as many different dialects or languages as we can find here. If we find it is to go back up-country to do this then we are willing to delay our plans and pray, "Thy Will be done." Please pray for us, that we may ever be used of God." Love, (signed) Robert and Betty.
LATE REPORT FROM BURMA The following is an excerpt from a letter received from Helen just as we went to press.

Rangoon, February 11, 1956

. -

the above address. David and 1

now and I have been very busy,
ladi. It was so hard

"It seems strange to write have been here nearly a week

./qS / 7^^
v

'IP
C; L
f

but even so have been very lone-

ly for my boys up home in Muto come

away and leave them, but 1 know they will be well cared for.
Since there
the from Putao to

no UBA agent
wired a reserva-

at Myitkyina and when they

found ^1 them piece 5:30.

for us from Myitkyina Rangoon. The pilots had lunch

Eugene R. Morse family taken we had not eaten, one of around Christmas i_ I . _i L. j Cnristmds time. brought sandwiches and a of cake for David. We had planned to eat at Mandalay about The plane was quite chilly so when David went to sleep, the

-.nJ.

same pilot covered him with his coat. 1 really appreciated his kindness.

We've been staying with Robert and Betty in the house loaned to them by our good friend, Dr. Ba Han. It is quite far out from town, but on the bus line, so isn't too much trouble. With some difficulty
I have been able to accomplish quite a few of the things on my list. Of course the main reason for our trip was getting David's teeth fixed. You know I wrote about the abscessed tootha permanent tooth. He has four to be filled and abscessed one must be pulled. I have been able to get spare parts for the various things up-country bike, tractor and mimeograph. I think I have even managed to find out what has been causing the trouble with our mimeograph and how to fix it. I hope so, anyway. Vaughn Collins of Gospel Recordings is planning to come to Putao about February 27th to spend a week. We are hoping to be able to get speakers from seven or eight different languages for the recordings. Please be praying especially that It will be possible to get good speakers for Shan, and that there will be someone available to speak the Burma dialect of Tibetan. The latter is not usually avail able in the Muladi or Putao area, but some do come occasionally for trading. So do pray that they will be there at the right time. I'm planning to go back up-country on the 20th, the Lord willing. I just hope I can finish everything I need to do here."
Love, Helen.
(Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us Continued)

mlt that I trembled a bit and uttered aloud, "Oh Lord, make it hold!" The horse took me about a third of the way across; and then he stopped. I did all in my power to make him go ahead, but he refused to carry me on any further. So we turned around and went back to our starting point. I dismounted, walked across the bridge by my self; and when I had reached the other side, the horse came leisurely across. In a matter of minutes we had reached the next stage house. The horses didn't catch up with us on Thursday evening as we had formerly planned because of difficulties caused by the unex pected rains, but the following evening we saw them coming slowly across the bridge which we had crossed the previous day. What a
joyous sight, and how delightful we were when the two Chinese horse men agreed to carry our loads on to within one day's journey of the
field.

As we continued down the trail the following day, I began to sing that glorious song of hope, "When I Shall Come to the End of

My Way," when LaVerne, who was walking behind me, called to my

attention the Tibetan borderland mountains, which could be seen In the distance. Shortly after we had passed some wild elephant tracks, we saw the welcome sign, "Inspection Bungalow," which meant that another day's journey was ended. November the 13th was the Lord's Day, so we held services with the carriers in the morning, afternoon, and evening. How we did

thank the Lord for His watchful care over us all along the way. The next morning I aroused and gave the baby her 6:00 feeding. Mischa also sat on my lap and looked longingly at the milk which
Marcia was drinking from her bottle. She didn't finish all of her

formula, so Mischa had a little feast before we started on our journey.

Soon the barefoot carriers were ready to go with their opproximotely sixty-pound loads, end we followed shortly after them. It was fun to listen to the gibbons play ing in the early morning sunlight. Several hours later we come to the worst stage house I had ever seen in my youthful experiences. It wos a filthy, mainly oneroomed offoir. As I fed Marcia her juice end vitomins as she lay in her portoble crib, I gazed ot the holes in the gross roof end then through the holes in the floor to the ontmals which wondered obout underneath. There wos o newer stage house 0 bit further olong the troil, but it was decided that we should remain here os it was much nearer to the congregotion where LoVerne was to speok in the evening. The people of the villoge flooded into the dok bungalow for medicines that afternoon
and then ogoin in the morning just before we were about to deport. We were

grateful for those of the villoge who agreed to carry on to Muladi the loods which hod been carried thus for olong the journey by the horses.
As we stood without the stage house on thot joyous morning, November the 15th, with some of the notives of the village and our helper, Bornobos, we proyed, as was our custom, before undertoking the journey of the day. A million and one gnots hovered about us as we bowed before our heavenly Pother, asking His bless ings upon those with whom we hod hod fellowship and likewise upon ourselves. Tears come to my eyes as I thanked the Lord for giving us life and heolth and strength to see this doythe lost day of our journey to Muladi. We trovelled on

ond on, eagerly watching the mileposts along the way. reoched the villoge of Mulodi, which is situated on the Some of the Christians left their work in the fields along and greet us. Others hurried from their homes to shake
Hwa," or, "Peace be unto you."

By late afternoon we had edge of the Putao plains. the roodside to come out our hands and soy, "Hwa

I had to choke back the tears as I noticed one

little girl on the porch of her home who all but pushed everyone oside in her anxiety to greet us first. Well, it was o wonderful, wonderful day; ond we thonked

the Lord for His blessings. Our reunion with the folks was o joyous one; and, of
course, we were most anxious to show them our dear, precious child.

eorthly sojourn. As we turn our eyes upon Him, we say, "Savior, like o shepherd
our use Thy folds prepare: . .

We hove confidence in our God os we recall the way in which He has led us in' the post. We hove faith thot He will continue to be with us throughout our

lead us: Much we need Thy tend'rest core; In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, For

FLASH!! Rc^ert-^ Betty and family left Rangoon February 21st. Time
of arrival in states not confirmed.
Moiled by Mrs. OSCAR L. MYERS
2024 N. 14rii Sf.

Sec. 34.65

(e)P.L.&R,

Terre Haute, Indiana

For

U. S. POSTAGE
PAID

NORTH BURMA CHRISTIAN MISSION

Terre Haute, Ind.

PERMIT NO. 21

Form 3547 Requested

Mr, Burris Butler

8100 Hamilton Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio

USU and RAWANG CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN BURMA

NORTH BURMA CHRISTIAN MISSION

"Where China, Tibet, Burma and India Meet"

(Formerly Yunnan-Tibetan Christian Mission)

Rowing Bamboo raft ocross fwift ttreom, Robert and Betty Morae wrrti sont, JoneHion end Stephen.

'"'Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may he able to stand against
the wiles of the deviV Efhesians 6:11

SECOND 1956 NEWSLETTER

No. 11 New Series Beginning January, 1953

The J. RusseH Morse Family and Associates P. O. Putao, via Myitkyina

Kachin State, Burma

PRAYER OPENS DOORS

By Robert and Betty Morse

last February 19, a young Christian Burmese lawyer stood up and asked to make a testimony. He spoke first in Burmese, then in English, and Robert translated into Rawang, for there were Burmese, American, Kachin, Lisu and Rawang Christians assembled there. "You'll be pleased to hear," he said, "that Robert and Betty have been granted their re-entry permits by the gov
ernment, and will be leaving us this week for a year's leave in America. But

As Sunday worship service was dismissed in a Burmese home in Rangoon

story of how what had seemed impossible had come to pass, and in such a way that no man could claim credit, but God would be glorified.

direct answer to prayer." And then he went on to tell in detail the thrilling

I would like to point out that this is not of our doing, but of the Lord, in

they could, at the discretion of the government officials, be refused a re entry visa and thus be blocked from returning to their work in Burma. We

The Burmese government had for some time past adopted a policy of not issuing re-entry permits. Thus, whenever any foreigner or missionary wanted to leave the cpuntry, even for just a brief visit to India or Thailand,

had decided not to leave the country under those conditions, and yet there seemed to be no way in which we could be issued a permit before we left, through diplomatic, legal, or political channels. Our petition was in the hands

of the government bureau, and for seven weeks now we had been waiting
and praying. Time and again we went to see the various officials concerned;

each time we were forced to accept the statement that our case was "pend
reportedly investigated, for possible misdemeanors.

ing." Meanwhile the whole history of our labors on the mission field was

wait, and had asked us to settle down in Rangoon and start up a work there.

Our Christian friends in Rangoon felt that we would have a very long

Friends, English and Chinese, see Robert, Betty ond family off on the ship
which brought them from Hong Kong to Son Francisco.

We had plenty to keep us busy for the mission during the time we were
there. We would have preferred to return to the States at a time that would

allow us a year's schooling, i. e. July or August. For, if we stayed out of Burma longer than twelve months we wouldn't be able to keep our status. But there was one other consideration: if we started on furlough at any time after February 22little Robert's second birthdayit would cost the mission at least $400 more for his fare. The deadline for our February 18 airline reservation had passed though, and we still had no word about our permits. The 18th saw us just about decided to put off our furlough; our plans had failed. But as we read our Bibles and prayed together, we felt led once more
to commit this matter unto the Lord for a definite answer, and to claim the promise contained in II Chron. 20:17, "You will not need to fight in this

battle; take your position, stand still, and see the victory of the Lord on your behalf. . . . Fear not, and be not dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, and
the Lord will be with you."

Then our Burmese lawyer friend, in whose home we were staying, re ceived a call from the Police Special Branch, saying they wanted Robert to
come and explain some matters. A

membering the violent anti-foreign attacks against us in the local press, and all the false charges made against us by the leftists. He asked our lawyer friend to accompany him, but at the
minute he was called out of town.

He arranged for another prominent lawyer to go with Robert, but as they

JjjjjjL

stepped out of his office, he too got

Court, and so couldn't go with him. Robert was left expecting to be questioned mercilessly, or be tripped into making indiscreet statements. For

a hurry up call from the Supreme

dwn down in in the the ship's ship's hold hold for for most most of of
the woy ocross Mie t'hc Pacific. Paciric.

oily oily colled, colled, meoning meoning "Third son" in in Lisu), was was in in quorontine quarantine (meosles)

Lirrle Little Robert Robert (Ahkey, (Ahkey, os os he', he's usuusu-

we tried to remind ourselves, "Thus sayeth the Lord, Be not afraid nor

^ moment our faith was weak, though

i t

dismayed by reason of this great mulj x ii_ u j.i.t i. i

titude; for the battle is not yours, but

God's." Only after he had made the rounds of some fifteen or more high officials, and was finally handed an official document authorizing our per mits, all in one day, and without his having had to do any talking at all, did we realize how much the Lord was fighting for us.
It still seemed impossible for us to leave by the 22nd, for there still remained enough red tape to keep us busy for another week. But the Lord was working for us. Finally at closing time Friday evening, an official handed Robert the still incomplete papers, and directed him to another department
saying, "Go there next week!" Just at that moment an aide called him

aside; it turned out he had to go there too, immediately. "Come along, I'll take you," he said, and over in the other department, many blocks away and
long after offices were closed, another hurdle was passed.

Although we cannot give each step and all the details here, we do
want to share with you this wonderful experience of ours, in which each one of several dozen seemingly impassable barriers to our return was overcome

for us by the Lord in answer to prayer. And when we presented our passports

for inspection at the airport before departure, we got an idea of how great was that which God had done for us, when incredulous officials pointed unbe lievingly at our permits and said, "But the government isn't giving these per mits any more/' and went into a huddle to decide whether they were au
thentic.

Many F>eople helped us, and our Christian lawyer friend especially could have claimed credit for helping us through that difficult time. We were thrilled though to hear him give all credit and glory to God. We continue to feel assured that the Lord has blessed our furlough plans at this time, and feel privileged that we are welcome to return to work with our beloved fnends
in Burma.

"FAITH COMETH BY HEARING . . /'

By Helen Morse

"Quiet, now! We're ready to record." Everyone was almost holding his breath. All eyes were on the little group around the recorder. The microphone was in place. One of the two Hkamti Shan men began singing "Jesus Loves Me," and then the other broke
in, saying,

"Greetings, friend. I can tell by your song that you are a Christian." "Yes, indeed," answered the first man, "and I'm mighty glad that I am." One of the speakers was Shan Paul, the other a non-Christian from his village who was willing to help. This was the first opportunity to make rec ords presenting Christ in the Hkamti Shan language. The completion of four sides (two records) was, we felt, one more step toward reaching these people with the Gospel. We only wished there might have been more records made. Because of the language barrier, it has been difficult to witness to the Shans. But now, with recordings in their own language, it will be much easier to gain a hearing among them.

Thus, we were very happy to have Vaughn Collins, of Gospel Recordings, Inc., with us for a week. Before coming to Muladi, Vaughn was in Rangoon for a week. When word was first received that he was in S. E. Asia, Robert began to look for informants and by December 1955 had been able to obtain them for most groups and had arranged for therrt to come from the far-flung out-posts, some as far as 22 days' journey away, down to Muladi. We had
hoped Vaughn would be able to come by Christmas, at which time all in formants, even the Rawang speaking Tibetans from up at the foot of Burma's 19,000-ft. mountain of eternal snow, would be assembled. But his permit

-didn't come through, and most of those informants went their various ways, and Robert and Betty had to go on down to Rangoon en route to the States, without making the recordings. Yet the Lord had His schedule planned, and they were kept in Rangoon until the middle of February and were able
to work with Vaughn there. The Lord also provided the informants with which to work in Rangoon, for they found that in the Union Nigh School close by their place were over half a dozen boys from various groups in our field, Christians who were more than willing to spend every minute of their spare time, often going without their meals, in order to make the recordings. During that week they were able to make a number of records in the Rawang, Zewang, and Kwinpong languages.

You friends who are not acquainted with the work of Gospel Recordings
might like to know a little bit about it: Gospel Recordings, Inc., 124 Witmer

St., Los Angeles, Cal., Is a missionary enterprise headed by Miss Joy Rldderhoff, dedicated to the task of making Christ known to all peoples of the world in their own languages. It is a faith mission, and all of the 40-odd workers de pend on the Lord and trust Him to supply all their needs. None of them re
ceive a definite salary. The workers bring a variety of talents to the task. cording of messages In countries all around the
world. Others are concerned with the techni

^Someof them, likeVaughn, do the actual re

which are sold to the missionaries at a mini

cal processes involved In transferring the mes sages from tape to discs. Along with this

phase of the work, comes the clerical work necessary for labelling and cataloguing all the records. Another group of workers takes care of packaging and mailing records to mis sions all over the world. Much volunteer help is used, particularly in the construction of the small, portable, mechanical phonographs

mum price which just covers the costs. The

Stephen, and Vaughn Collins

making Lisu recordings.

Hlen, Preachers Titus and

main staff, and the record processing plant Is in Los Angeles, but just recently, branches have been opened in London and In Australia. Gospel Recordings began in 1939 and was in corporated in 1943. Over 1300 languages have been recorded from all parts of the world, Including some Very remote and difflcult-tO-reach areaS.

A week Is not very long for this type of work, and the days of Vaughn's stay were packed full. To Eugene, largely, fell the task of rounding up in formants for the various languages used In the area of our mission work. Also, he, together with Mother and Drema Esther, had the task of translating
scripts from English into Lisu. These translations were then distributed to

various ones who could re-translate into Rawang or Kachin. These, in turn, were translated into various other languages, such as Shan, Duleng, etc. Some of the Inguages to be recorded had no written form, but in most cases the informants were able to write, using either Rawang or Kachin letters. But

a few of the informants could neither read nor write. In some cases, where
two persons were required for a script and only one was able to read, the one who could, would read the script sentence by sentence, and the other would

repeat his part for recording. Although all the missionary staff was kept busy in various waystranslating script, typing scripts, assisting with the

actual recordingthe job could not have been done without the various

scripts, and did the actual recording. The value of the work they did will
probably never be fully realized.

preachers and others who served as Interpreters, helped in translating

The making of all these recordings was worthwhile and satisfying work, but real work, without question. The variety of languages created a problem in itself, in that it was sometimes necessary to go through four interpreters
English to Lisu to Kachin to Shan. The making of a record by untrained in
dividuals is a slow and laborious process, in some cases it took as much as

in order to make one informant understand what was wantedfor example,

an hour to complete the recording of a script which. In its final form, will take three minutes to play. Each person who did any recording had to prac-

tice, a few lines at a time. Some informants were not very fluent readers, and had to go over and over the script until they nearly memorized their
lines before they were able to read them without a mistake. Whenever a

mistake was made, it usually meant the erasing of a whole section of speak ing, although in some cases it was possible to take out the wrong portion and

splice the tape. We were all amazed at how Vaughn was able to take out just
one word, or even a portion of a word, such as a repeated syllable. Not hav ing a soundproof room in which to work also presented problems, as well as
having a large audience of onlookers most of the time. If one of the

onlookers coughed, or shuffled his feet, or if a baby cried, or a dog barked or

a rooster crowed, it meant that a section had to be done over. And all those things happened more than once!

But we are thankful that in spite of delays, interruptions, and diffi culties of translation, it was possible to complete twenty-five sides (IZ'/z records) in eight different languages. The last half-recordone side, in

Lisuwas done while Vaughn and Eugene were in Myitkyina, with Eugene
reading the script. The language in which recordings were made included

Lisu, Hkamti Shan, Rawang, Zewang, Masang, Didong, Krangku, and Duleng. Yes, truly "faith cometh by hearing," and we are grateful to Gospel Re cordings and to Vaughn Collins for the work they are doing in making it
possible for more unsaved souls to hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ

and come to a saving knowledge and abiding faith in Him. We will be looking forward to the time when these new records arrive on the field, and we pray
that the Lord will use them to enlarge the area of effectiveness of the toofew workers in this needy land. Dorothy Sterling to RetMrn to Burma
I

Dorothy Sterling is preparing to return to Burma early in September together with her two children, Mark and Judy. She will be speaking in

churches and Christian Service camps

in the northwest and in Canada dur ing the summer. She is needed In Lisuland to continue with her chil dren's Christian School and with her

medical work, and she requests your

Dorothy, Mork and Judy (eft Pu> too by plane when ^hey started for furlough in July, 1955. Doro thy's school children ond Dremo
Esther Morse were there to see
them off.

earnest prayers on behalf of herself

and children, that the necessary offi cial documents and supplies will be ready for their return in September.

Putoo Ploins Rawang Bible School was launched in April, 1954, but due to pressure of
other work, the first session only losted for six weeks. The Rawang congregotions on the

ploins were so eager to see this work started thot they got together ond built o personage
especially for the Bible School teachers, Robert ond Betty, and Peter, ond also helped rebuild a church building nearby so that it could occomodote the dosses. The second semester was held again in the spring of 1955, in a villoge some 20 miles from Mulodi. The 1956 session

originally scheduled for April, has hod to be indefinitely postponed due to pressure of other work, the shortage of teachers, and Robert and Betty's furlough.

"SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO ME"

By Betty Morse

The children didn't finish their lunch again, and as I looked at the half empty plates I thought how different our eating habits had become since leaving the mission field. Very seldom do we get our favorite staple, rice, here in the States, although there is a great variety of vegetables, the like of which our boys have never seen. No wonder they don't clean their plates, I thought. I remember thinking once that all children seem to sense the abundance of food available in civilization. They don't feel, as the tribes children do, that they have to fill up before the long uncertain wait till the next meal. Unless he is sick, a child from the mountains always cleans his bowl, and there is a sense of urgency in the atmosphere till he finishes and the food is safely tucked away.
Jonathan thinks of his friends out on the mission field daily. I wish they could know how much he loves and misses them. ,He calls them by name every day and remembers the way they played, fished, and explored forests together. He thinks most of brave little Bee Four and the other refugee children. Hearing them tell of their experiences living under the communists, fleeing, living in the jungle almost as wild animals, and being beaten and starved by soldiers made a little old man out of Jonl. For his sake more than anything we wanted this furlough, so he could have the carefree life a six year old should know before the business of growing up
starts.

Little Bee Four (fourth son of the Bee clan)

Is the son of the first

Lisu missionary sent from the Salween valley into the jungles of upper Burma. He took his family to the land of the Daru aborigines, a land of yearly famine. There he gave his life in an epidemic, after many hard years of faithful service in love of the Gospel and those people. He once made paper

Robert and Betty with Dukdang villoge headman and their household, which included two orphan children. Peter, standing by Betfy, lived with Robert and Betty most of 1955 while working with Robert on Bible translation into Rawong.

during the war years when he couldn't get books to teach his people. He
found a lead deposit and carved out
the letters on slabs of lead. In the

jungle he gathered herbs and berries to make ink. There, away from all

3bF
'.ifc

'outside" influence, this gallant Lisu missionary was reprinting the Lisu
Gospel primer. This preacher's genius inherited by several of his children. When we saw them, refugees out from across the border,
their bodies were stunted and starved.

Out
hearts

the refugee
to these the

our

Lisu children. Mony like these, need core and leye.

sacrificed to give the Living Word to Burma. Two, at least, of the children

thinking how much the family had

were born in Burma when their father taught the Daru. But ail were under orders to be deported, back to certain ? Bee Four was the size of an eight year old, although we figured up his age and found he was four

teen. Living in famine country as a baby stunted his growth I think. I gave
him a big cup of milk every day and he grew several inches while we knew him. We helped him go to school for the few months left of the term. The teacher didn't know his background so accepted him as just another child.

He came one day and asked who the child was. I asked why, fearing the worst. He said he had never seen a child as smart and eager to learn as Bee Four, and wondered if he might adopt him! .It broke our hearts to know that the children were included in the deportation orders. Having lived under the terror of communism as children, then finding sudden freedom could have made them the finest citizens for Burma, if such had been possible.

When will we wake up? Why do we have food, clothing, moneyevery

thing in excess of what a person needshere in this country? God has

we can't expect to receive the same blessings if the nation is no longer

Christian.

blessed America because it began as a Christian nation. But I think that

Picture your little boy as Bee Four, your little girl as Bee Second Daugh ter. Then thank God that they are really Johnny and Sury, with a chance to make the world a better placeif their parents will turn back to God and
dedicate the whole family to Him.
When Robert ond Betty first got bock to the States with their three sons, Jonathan Rus sell, 6 yrs., Stephen Anthony, 3 yrs., ond Robert Junior, 2 yrs., all three spoke Lisu constontly, and only Joni would tolk English, although the other two did understand it. In order

thot the children not forget their Lisu, Robert ond Betty planned for one of them to always in the Stotes, Lisu seems to be losing out. Little Bobby is more apt to talk Lisu than Stephen, who now talks o steady stream of English. They ore still having some trouble getting used to the strange assortment and wide variety of foods eaten in America. They think they'd
prefer to hove rice three times a day.

use Lisu when speaking to the children, while the other used English. But ofter two months

wooden boxes ond rough shelves were the only furniture besides some rough benches ond rickety tables. This still holds true for the eostern sector of the field, at Kobudeh and Tili-

first time, bookcoses ond chairs were added. During the post 20 years of Lisulond work,

For the first time in the history of the Lisu work, "civilized" furniture found its woy into the missionaries' homes in 1954 when severol desks ond chests of drawers were gotten from o Chinese Christian corpenter in Myitkyino and brought up to Putao. This year for the

wogo. But now most Lisu and Rowong homes on the Putoo plains hove tobies, benches, and bamboo-mode beds, as they slowly leorn mony smoll woys to improve their way of living.

CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
By Robert H. Morse

An indication of the growth of the Lisu and Rawang work in the North
Burma field was had last December at the conference of church leaders of

the Lisu and Rawang Churches of Christ held at Muiadi. About 150 elders, deacons, and preachers assembled for three days of rich spiritual fellowship
and discussion of problems and needs throughout the field. Some came from 17 days' journey away, in the eastern sector of the field. For some

It was their first time down out of the high mountains onto the Putao plains,
and there was much to wonder at: a flat field stretching out farther than a bow could shoot; a long straight road wider than their ridgetop houses were long; a strange smelling and noisy contraption that plowed more land in ten minutes than they could hoe in a day. But most wonderful of all was

the open-hearted fellowship between so many people from such far-flung

outposts, speaking more strange dialetcs than any of them had ever heard at
one time.

Yes, the conference was a wonderful time for the missionaries too,
realizing as we did that not many years ago some of the tribes and clans

represented had been mortal enemies, yet now they were as one family in
Christ. This was the second such conference to be held in the north Burma

field. The first one had been in 1945, when about thirty men gathered for a 10-day period of conferring on church problems, adjustments between

Christian and non-Christians, establishing of new churches, and workshops in Christian doctrine. There had only been about a dozen churches then, and aside from the half dozen or so Lisu evangelists from the Salween valley, only
three native preachers. The missionary who had come over for the confer ence that time was kept over an extra 6 months to hold Bible schools and

# -rT ^

- 41a

The 50 or so students in the ministerial eloss of the Lisu and Raweng Bible School, I955. Over three-fourths of these ore ministering to from 2-5 congregotions; ond the others, os "student preachers," ore either assistants or ir>embers of evangeKstic
teams.

train some more preachers and teachers, and as a result, 12 more young men entered the ministry. Work among the Rawang was just starting then, and when it became evident that there were no preachers to send, two of the elders attending stepped into the gap, left their own churches and went to live in Rawang villages, to work and build up new congregations. Growth in EvangeKsm Now, ten years later, the needs and calls seemed to be just as great, just as pressing. From 16 days' tortuous walking through strange jungles, came the call for the Gospel, for an entirely new and untouched field. A branch of the Rawang tribe speaking an altogether different dialect had come Into contact with some of our Christian Rawangs, been so impressed by their Christian way of life that they sent a call to us, 16 days' walk away, for someone to come and teach them. Elsewhere a congregation of about 30, belonging to a denomination, "backslid" from that denomination when they saw the difference between what they had, and true New Testament Chris tianity, and sent word to the nearest Christian church, asking for a teacher, in another new area that a few short years ago had never seen a white man, there had been almost 400 conversions within the past year, in some 15 congregations (mostly new), and there was a desperatefieed for more min isters to help out the 4 who were trying to hold the fort.

Nor was it all front-line problems. Due to famine conditions in so many sectors, hundreds of families were moving out to new lands on the plains.
Almost every congregation in the eastern sector was losing from 4 to 10 families, and the problem was whether the church leaders, elders as well as pastors, should stay behind with those remaining, or move out with the

emigrants. The need for more teachers and pastors is desperate, although
Bible Schools are in progress in both sectors of the field most of the time.

lages amongst the tribespeople, each new settlement sends a call for Eugene to come and help them plan, and set up a good Christian village from the
start.

And following the example of Muladi and Dukdang, the first "planned" vil

Progress in Education

Another big development which wouldn't liave seemed possible ten

years ago, is the establishment of the various Christian day schools. The Muladi school is the first and largest, and now serves some 20 congregations

and has been integrated into the State school system. But the big load of
maintenance and support still falls upon the Christians, and it is wonderful to see how much the people themselves can do. Besides doing all the build ing, they raise the necessary food for the boarding school, which alone has

about 170 children. Far to the east, 13 days' walk away, is the Rawangtang

school, also serving over 15 congregations, and an attendance of over 150. Here the problem of food is the most acute, and several times the school has

almost had to close down. This year saw four or five new schools starting, in other far-off sectors of the field. The problem, however, is to get Christian teachers. We have been sending as many qualified Christian young people as we can get off down to civilization where there is a mission high school, for
training, but the needs are overwhelming.

growing up in the Lisu and Rawang congregations, their Christian training has become one of our most important problems. Although each congrega tion with a preacher has had D. V, B. S. type month-long schools occasionally
in the past, a resolution was passed at the conference, to enlist all of the ministers in a definite church school program for each congregation, to

Meanwhile with thousands of second-generation Christian children

Student body of the Dukdang Christian Doy School. The school building it in the background and is just next door to Robert ond Betty's house there. Notice Jonothon in the middle row, right. Students study Burmese, Kochin nad Rawang besides the
other courses.

cover 2-3 months each year. Because these will necessarily have to be In Lisu amongst the Lisu and Rawang amongst the Rawang, the missionaries now have a further job of preparing study materials in two languages. It is because of this new development, with some 60-80 schools scheduled, that we now for the first time welcome, and would like to receive from any church group which might be interested, any left over or used Bible School pictures. Since we can't use English, only the picture material would be useful. Any group which would like to send this sort of material to the Lisu and Rawang work is reqested to contact Robert and Betty first, as to the best way of sending it.
The conferring church leaders felt that the womenfolk needed more teaching too, and discussed various ways whereby the women could get the teaching and fellowship their menfolk have been getting in the many "re

treats" and workshops and conferences and schools. As the impossibility of

getting them together for a centralized school became evident, they unani mously agreed to go back and make arrangements in their individual con

gregations, for all the menfolk to take over the household duties, and baby sitting for a week, to let all their womenfolk have a week of Bible study and fellowship. Mrs. J. Russell Morse and Esther were requested to take over
responsibility for the teaching.

Many other problems were discussed and prayed over during the three long, gruelling days of conference, but we have given you a picture into a few, to help you realize the scope of the work. It was an inspiration for all, most of all to see in North Burma a growing group of Christian churches independent of human organization, and all working together in harmonious fellowship to build something which will be to the glory of God.

ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD

,, f

The large group gathered around

\ T''
f
//S

and Rawang. Some were local vlllagno one seemed sleepy.

place in the Russell Morse home included old and young, Lisu
n^ost were from outlying dis> In fact, just

tricts. Although it was near midnight,

came from the kitchen carrying a large teapot and a big bamboo tray rnugs and unobtrusively
conference and plenty of discussion

moment two of the younger

t ^
J. J. Russell Morse

handed out steaming cups of strong black tea. There had been a long

, B

their local family and church problems 1.1. j i. j ^ r _i to the missionaries, and tried to find

solutions which would pioneer a forward step in social adjustments for their new Christian communities. They had no history of Christian customs and traditions to draw on, only a discarded primitive animistic background. This and similar informal, unending conferences with the missionary were

essential to help them translate basic Bible precepts into practical everyday
life. And the missionary had to be careful not to suggest solutions based merely on Western cultural traditions, but a Christian answer which would
fit into the tribal culture.

Animists sacrificed to appease the evil spirits both before undertaking

their annual farm work, and before gathering in the harvest. Now that these

chains of fear were loosed and they knew the only "Giver of every good gift"
God, shouldn't they offer something to God instead? . . . Some non-

Christians from afar off had come to a Christian man, demanding his
daughter in marriage, but offering an extraordinary large price. Insulted at the refusal, they first threatened the traditional libel suit, then tried to

solve the problem by abducting the girl, forcing her to go through certain
unchristian practices to "prove" that she had backslidden. . . . A mixed

Lisu-Rawang congregation had had a bilingual preacher. Now they had won a few converts from a nearby Kachin village, who needed to be taught more thoroughly in Kachin. So could the missionary find them a tri-lingual preacher for the next year. . . . Several times during the evening different groups gathered around each of the two or three missionaries present to
work out individual solutions to the general problem discussed.

Finally the conference was brought to a close. Immediately all those from outlying villages clustered around Russell. All of them had requests for medicine, not only for themselves, but usually for half the people in their
village. These would have to wait over until the morrow. But that still didn't

end it. Earlier in the evening Russell had spent some time telling them about the advantages of having their own fruit and vegetable gardens to give them a healthy diet. Through the years, most of them had been convinced by the practical demonstration provided through his agricultural and horticultural s'deline. Now they had a chance for personal attention, and they would have kept him up all night. . . .

The scene at the mission station the next morning was typical. Long be fore sun up people began to collect on the porch, waiting their turn to be

served. Eating an early, hurried brealcfast, Esther Drema went over to the clinic to help take care of the lesser sick cases. Usually there would be re quests fro mseveral native pastors or evangelists to have their medical kits refilled. This is one of many services which Esther keeps up. Each of the
60 or so native workers who have been trained in the use of about a dozen

different specific remedies for the most common and widespread ills, is fur nished with a medical kit, to remedy most superficial infections, and to com bat the epidemics of malaria, dysentery, etc., etc. Then there are almost always several long lists of medicines needed to treat people out in the dis tricts who need help but are unable to make the trip to Muladi. Meanwhile back at the house Russell has been cornered by several urgent cases carried from other villages on stretchers and laid out on the porch. With no hos pital, these are treated on the spot while housing is arranged in the village. Muladi village undertook the building of a three-room "guest house'' some time back, as a community project, just to take care of such "in-lying pa
tients" from outlying areas.

Meanwhile there would be varied other requests and calls on the work ers, and Gertrude would also be kept busy. A congregation planning a DVBS needed advice on its plans. They also needed chalk, paper, pencils and books, which would be supplied by the mission. A preacher was starting on an evan gelistic trip, and wanted to take along a dozen New Testaments and some hymnals and primers.
Russell has found that malnutrition seriously complicates most of the sicknesses of the people, and is an urgent problem. Although no statistics are available, it is known that all these mountain tribes were dying out before Christianity reached them, due to malnutrition, malaria and other diseases. And Russell's goal is not just to convert people in preparation for the grave. During the first dozen years of work among these people, and even now, in the new areas, the Christian population hardly increases as the rate of mor tality keeps apace with or surpasses the rate of conversions. In order to build up a strong, indigeneous Christian church able to carry on with its own pro gram, and establish a strong and vital witness for Christ in the midst of a sin-darkened continent, It would be necessary for us to initiate some lines of action to combat this. God has used the mission's medical program, through Russell and Esther, and Dorothy Sterling, to His glory, and the saving of sev eral thousand lives annually, while at the same time showing us that this was not the only way. First and foremosl', we and all native Christians, b^ieve in the power of prayer, and have seen some marvelous answers to prayer in this regard. There is always prayer as medicine is given out to the people.

Russell's agri-horticultural interest has also been used to the glory of God, and is gradually becoming known throughout all Burma. An agricul tural school down south expressed the wish that Russell could come and help teach there. And everybody is waiting to see the results of his small but rapidly growing nursery of selected fruit trees. In 1954, with the help of the Burmese Department of Agriculture and the American foreign service, Rus sell received several shipments of citrus as well as apple, peach and plum
stock. Now many villages throughout north Burma have fruit trees on which

have been grafted the best American species. And with the help of his livinglink church in Inglewood, California, as well as various other friends he is

able to distribute many varieties of seed, helping the villages to get their vegetable gardens started.

Before, bananas and papayas

were unknown to Lisu and Ra-

wang. Now most Christian vil lages where they will grow are dot ted with clumps of these valuable tropical fruits. The tribespeople
used to think that these fruits

would cause certain sicknesses, al though they would search the jun gle for many a less nutritious and tasty a wild fruit. By practical The troctr is ferried across a river to do demonstration and teaching, they plowing for e neishboring village. Eight viU lages have so far benefi|ted from use of the now prefer to plant their own, and mission tractors. will even go to the unheard of ex tremity of fencing in their trees, many of which have been personally dis tributed by Russell throughout the area, year after year, from his "nursery."

Many friends have been asking if Russell has recovered from his har
rowing experiences of post-war years. By the grace of God we can say he has regained most of his health, although not able to return to the strenu ously active work of former years. But the Lord has opened up new fields of

endeavor which keep him just as busy, just as exhausted at end of day, right at the home base. We hope that this passing picture will help you to under stand some of his work, and enable you better to pray for him and the work in north Burma, that the Lord's will be done, and God glorified.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR NATIVE WOMEN
MRS. MORSE HOLDS SERIES OF SCHOOLS

Following the December confer ence of church leaders, when Mrs. J.

Russell Morse was asked to visit vari

ous congregations and hold short-term Bible study schools for the women, she has hardly had a chance to get home. This type of work is not new to Mrs. Morse, who traveled quite considerably when over in China, as
well as now in the Burma field, beveral

times now she has made a 10-12 day trip one way, to help out in one or an
other of the 2-3 month Bible schools.

But this year, with the Christians

seemingly more awake spiritually than in years past, as material insecurity looms large and persecution has bro ken out, they feel the need for their womenfolk to get more firmly estab
Mn. Gertrude Morse with her

lished in the faith.

helper, Martha, who occompantes her on her trips to the various villages.

So Mrs. Morse has been having

a series of wonderful week-long meet-

ings in various surrounding congregations, sometimes traveling 2-3 days through the jungle to get to her teaching points. Not always has she been

able to get back home, between these schools, and at times has been gone
over a month, off by herself, with the Lisu or Rawang congregations. By the end of March she had visited about eight churches, and wrote, "1 have held the schools for the women at Leepodi, Namshe, Wakee, Donglihtu and Baen,

Dukdang, Namdihku, Namsabum and now I am going out again to Magamu, both churches, Mitruwa and Shanggong, and will perhaps be gone a month
this time."

Mrs. J. R. Morse holds evening class for the Muladi young people by the light of two storm lanterns. Notice the bomboo-mat partitions, and the fireplace in the
center.

We believe that this is really a tremendous accomplishment, and yet, when one sees how hungry the people are for teaching, how eager they are to learn, we feel that no one could be in the same position and do otherwise.
The menfolk of each of these villages promised to relieve their womenfolk

of their many duties just so they could be free to study all day and at night, too. Young mothers and elderly ladies, girls and occasionally boys, attended the classes during the day, and at night everybody would come and take part in the wonderful fellowship, until Mrs. Morse would be too tired to keep on, and have to ask the local Lisu or Rawang preacher to take over. In a letter written in May, upon return from teaching another four congregations or so, she wrote: "I was so happy upon my return home this time to be able to read several of your letters written to all of us here. It

almost made me feel that I had had a real visit with you. Thanks so much

for your faithful letters. (Note: Perhaps we can read between the lines,
time to writie occasionally!!!)

and sense how much the occasional letters from the homeland mean to those

toiling so far from home and loved ones on the mission field, and maybe take

holding short schools for the women in each congregation. I have already held (these) for thirteen congregations, and I still have eight more to hold,
(here on the plains). That will take up most of the summer, for I do have

"I have been away from home most of the time since Christmas . . .

to stop every three or four weeks and have a rest and get my clothes washed etc., and eat a few home meals. (When out this way, she eats along wit^ the natives, in whichever home she is staying, so the food is very poor, and
the diet sparse and monotonous.) "It is really quite hard to have almost no privacy most of the time, but I have had things much better than they might have been. I take one basket load containing my bedroll, a bundle of clothes, and a small case of books, and a bag of toilet articles. Then a second basket containing a small medi cine kit, my eating and cooking utensils, teakettle, wash-pan, storm lantern and bottles of kerosene, etc. A couple of Christians from the church to be

visited come after me and I go along with them by foot. It may be eight
to twelve or 16 miles. There are usually rivers to be waded and others to be crossed by means of rough bridges such as a couple of logs or bamboo. But as 1 go across a place on a log or two, there is nearly always a friendly hand to help steady me If there are no rails.

"In this work 1 am trying especially to help the mothers. 1 try to get them to have their babies taken care of by someone else so that they can study unhindered. I fee! that on the whole it has been quite successful. The Lord has given the people a mind to study. 1 hope and pray that much good may be accomplished. In almost every church, the men have also
studied."

Mrs. Morse also wrote, elsewhere, "My, I surely would just love to have a month's vacation at home. I feel the need of a change so much." Yes, the work over there, with no new missionaries able to get in, is so much that there is, and never has been, time for a '.vacation." All the calls that come

to the missionary seem so vital, and are Important to the job of winning lost souls, so much so that the workers almost get a guilty feeling If they take time off for a rest, when there Is so much waiting to be done. Please do pray for them personally, to be strengthened daily.

Moiled by Mrs. OSCAR L. MYERS

2024 N. 14Hi S.

Sec. 34.65

(e)P.L.&R.

Terre Haute, indieno

For

U. S. POSTAGE
PAID

NORTH BURMA CHRISTIAN MISSION

Terre Haute, Ind.

PERMIT No. 321

Form 3547 Requested

8100 Hamilton Ave,

Cincinnati, Ohio

Burris Butler

mmm

n '*''',

mm
A Baptismal Scene

OUTLINE OF MISSIONS

UNDENOMINATIONAL NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY

By R. LaVeme Morse
THE TIBETAN-LISULAND CHURCHES OF CHRIST
Yunnan-Tibetan Christian Mission

"WHERE CHINA, TIBET, AND BURMA MEET"

"Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have command ed you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the worU."Matt. 28: 19,20

MISSIONS

I.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MISSIONS

A. The necessity of missions

1. The Great Commission from Christ. 2. "Unto the uttermost part of the earth." 3. "No other name under heaven."
.5. Have not I commanded thee?"

28:18-20 Acts 1:8 Acts 4:12 4. "He that feareth him... is accepted "with^him." ^ Acts 10:35
Josh. 1:9
Matt. 10:37-39

6. "He that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
B. The conducting of missions

1. By "the foplis^ess of preaching." I Cor.1:21 2. "Teaching^em to oBsctv^^ things whatsoever I have

commanded you." Matt. 28:20
Rom. 10:13-15

3. "How shall they hear without a preacher?"

.4. The spreading of the Gospel.
Matt. 13:31-33; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-21
C. The locations of missions

1. "In all the world... unto all nations."

Matt. 24:14; Matt. 28:19

2. "God is no respector of persons."

D. The present prospects for missions

Acts 10:34,35

1.JPossibly one-fourth of world evangelized; almost every nation tau^t; but many people still ignorant of &e Way
of Salvation

2. "The harvest is plenteous." Matt. 9:36-38; Luke 10:2; John 4:35,36

CONCLUSION

A. "For whether we live, we live unto the Lord."

Rom. 14:8; Rom. 8:28; Hebr. 13:56; Deut. 31:6 B. "And the stone... became a great mountain." Daniel 2:35,44,45
II. The Tibetan-Lisuland Churches of Christ

A.

Beginning

1. Trip to Batang with Dr. Albert L. Shelton in 1921

2. Necessity of resignation from organization in 1926

4. Trip throu^ jungles of Northern Burma to Myitkyma in 1927 because of political strife in China
5. Return to China in 1929 as "indq)endent" or "direct-s
support** missionaries

7. Growth of work among Lisu tribespeople

B.

The Field and Its Missionaries

1. Location of field: "where China, Tibet, and Burma

meet"

a. In China and Burma on the border of bmer Tibet

b. In three main valleys: Mekong, Salweeh,, and Upper Irrawaddy

2. Size of field: 15 da3^ required to walk from N. E. (Tibe tan border) to S. W. (Burma)
3. Morse family

a. J. Russell Morse: graduate of Phillips University; extracurricular hobby: fruit trees

b. Gertrude H. Morse: graduate of Oklahoma State University with additional work at Phillips
c. Eugene R. Morse: bom 1921 at Enid, Glda.; interests: evangelistic work and engineering
d. Robert H. Morse: bom 1923 at Batang, China (Tibe tan border); interests: teaching and linguistic work e. R. LaVeme Morse: bom 1929 at Los Angeles, Calif.; student at Central High School, Tulsa, Okla. f. Ruth Margaret Morse: bom 1935 in Hong Kong
4. Mr. and Mrs. Warren P. Dittemore

a. Mrs. Dittemore (nee Miss Isabel Maxey): from Cin cinnati Bible Seminaiy; first term on mission field
from 1937 to 1941

b. Mr. Dittemore: froin Manhattan Bible College and Butier University; first term on mission field from
1945

c. Janet Leigh Dittemore: bom May 24,1945

5.

Seminary; firjjtterm op. mission

Dorp^y. StCT

froRi Ginciimati Bible

1944

6. ]VEf, and-Mi^. David H. Rees

a. Mrs. J. Lois (nee Fuller) Bees: from Minnesota Bible CoUege; Jo field in 1-. r

b. Mr. David HoweU Rees: Alberta Bible College, Can

ada; to Burma part of mission field in 1946 c. Master Emrys IdloeS Bees: bom December 23, 1945
C. Physical Conditions
1. Food

a. Absence of markets or stores: pt^chase of supply for

' ' one yeai^frotn iiidividuals ' b.; Types of food (1) At home (mission base): "American" style with
native grains, etc. (2) On tn{: boiled rice and corn with greens, morih^, tdt, etc. ..

2. Housing a. Thatched roof: leaky, smoiy, dangerous in case of

fire

' '

bUBamboo mats for walls and floors (floors raised on stilts): bree^, lack of windows, trouble with tropical .termites" ,

Open fireplace in boXjinlaid in floor, (for natives):

insufficient heating, sooty

d. Recent coh^ructioh of improved adobe house for

mission base

. '3/Natural'conditions , a. Mountains

; , , (1) Steepness: gorge or canyon (2) Altitude: 5000 to 19^0^ (3) Division: r^ges N.-S.; passes over mountains
b. Rainy weather . (1) Rainy large part of year: March 1 - September 1 - (2) Landslides and floods (a) Daingers of roads (b) Flood at Tobdo i (3) DiHiculties of garden and clothing

(4) Discomforts of traveh slipperine^ and wet

(5) Sickness caused by conditions: malaria, typhoid fever, etc. r ,, ; ^

4. Travding conditions
a. Hoads

(1) !Some"roads" siutaUe

(2) Monkey trsdls: iip down (3) Plank scaffoldingfor roads ^und cliffs (4) ^vd on foot; ppi^rs for^uipment

distance of four days*

white family
tor road

from nearest other

(6) Distance of fifteen ^ays* w^ from nearest mo

b. River crossing

(2) &mb)t:)0;^i^ .
(3) Rope bridge; person susp^ded from slider on cable;'dstogei?^ s 'iij iSf I^Wem of isUpi^

Ti^Boispbrtktibn of sii^
:upon going, to field from civilization
gene's shoes

for ^

years

(1). I^pbl^^ofj dothes. for growing children: Eu

(2) Loss of supplies in Tobaloflood: patching dothes

b^ Use of Qiineise t^^ and doth and Tibetan salt as
currency

6. Languages

a. Necessity oflanguage study by new mi^ionary upon

arrival in mission fidd ^ b. Use within mission field of seven different languages:

Lisu, Chinese, Kanung, Nung, Tibetan, Nashi, and

. Kachin ,

c. piff^ntiation of same langiiage in different parts of

^mbsion fidd: sa-gwa and
in two different tteas

for same meaning

i d. LisU' (Le^sii): main language of mission fidd

(!) Forty letters in alphabet (2) Difficult sounds: h^uh; nga (3) Importance of tone: meaning of nyi: to press, two, day, or frost

(4) Lisu hyinns........

D.

........

Devdopment of the People in Christianity

1. Changefrom heathens i Christians

a. Customs of the non-Qiristians

(1) Worship of evil spiritis, chanting and "medica tion" of witdi-docfors when sick

, (2) Squandering of livdihood on idtra-powerful

grain whiskey

(3) Intensive and definitely noticeable use of dried

tobacco leaves

(4) Unhygienic conditions:, possibly one bath in life

time; unwashed clothes

(5) Total illiteracy and ignorance

(6) Marriage customs: polygamy and purchase of

wives according to value as figured in number
of cows

b. Improvements in Christians

(1) Most important change: acceptance ofChrist, the

Only Way of Salvation

(2) Discarding of all liquor and tobacco habits (3) Greatly improved hygiene: occasional case of

daily face-washing and weekly clothes-washing

(4) Knowledge of reading and writing within six months (aptitude of avierage Lisu in learning to
read)

(5) Strict observance of monogamy; non-pajonent of price for wives; general elevation of status of
women

2. Organization of churches

a. Congregations

(1) 50 to 300 members per congregation (2) Chapels, built by members, made of straw and
thatch or of adobe ministers)

(3) Support of native minister if available (lack of

(4) Annually elected elders to attend to church af
fairs

(5) Enterprise of congregations: support by Tada church of minister as native missionary to

Biuma area

b. Arrangement of preachers,
(1) Some part-time; some full-time

(2) Arrangement in Salween .Valley work of ten

circuits of sevetal churches ea(^ with experi

enced preacher, and student-pireacher for each
circuit

(3) Periodical rotation of pastors of chxirches

(4) Periodical service of preachers as evangelists in

new areas

c. Elders' Conferences and Bible Schools

(1) Gatherings of representatives from churches to

decide important questions

(a) Up to five days' walk for three-day con

ference

(b) Decisions upon measures against planting opium, buying of wives, action of churches
in case of Japanese invasion (during war),
etc.

(2) Bible Schools to train veteran preachers and

evang^ts as well as new preachers or studentpreachers and church workers: one week to one month long; regular daily classes taught by mis
sionaries

d. Christmas and Easter Conventions

(1) Distxibution; one in Mekong Valley, one in

northern part of Salween work and one in southern part, and another in Burma area.

(2) Groups of Christians from four days' walk away; total up to 900 at single convoition

(3) Meetings from l^iday night through Saturday and Svm.day; singing all ni^t (4) Endurance in sleeping outside around camp fires and sitting all day on leaf-covered ground dur
ing services
3. Perseverance of the Christians

a. Steadfastness in spite of beatings, extortion, and oth

er persecution by corrupt Chinese officials

b. Willingness to go far to go to church and to stand hardships in doing so

(1) Practice of people living far away to come to chapel Saturday afternoon for early Sunday
morning services

(2) Endurance of sitting on cold earthen floor in imheated chapel in winter for three-hour services

E. Development of the Mission for Spreading the Gospel

1. Growth of the work

a. From 0 in 1930 to approximately 5000 converts in

1946

b. Spread of work from Mekong Valley at first into Salween Valley; then into valleys of Irrawaddy Riv
er in Burma

c. Estimated 40 congregations and 30 preachers and evangelists (death of a number of preachers) 2. Recent developments and expectations of mission work
a. Translation of hymns, tracts, etc.
b. Printing of Christian literature at mission base (Tada, Salween Valley, China)

3. Prospects of spreading the Gospel even more

. a. Eastern section, Mekong Valley: estimated 600 Chris tians; invitation from natives to teach in Yangtze Valley, east of Mekong

b. Central section, Salween Valley: teaching in un

taught "pockets"; congregation on border of Inner Tibet: possibility of teaching over border in Tibet
in future

c. Western section, Irrawaddy Valley (Burma) (1) Ahkyang area: very responsive, comparatively untaught area, thickly populated; Mr. and Mrs.
Rees to go there

(2) Burma-Tibet border area: hardly explored; wild people, wild country; difficult territory, but con
gregations definitely started

CONCLUSION: Greatest need: sincere, capable workers to go out

as missionaries

"Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest." John 4:35. "The harvest truly is plenteous,
but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the har vest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."
Matt 9:37,38

LISU and RAWANG CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN BURMA

NORTH BURMA CHRISTIAN MISSION

"Where China, Tibet, Burma and India Meet"

(Formerly Yunnan-Tibetan Christian Mission)

CRISIS

IN BURMA

Why Your Prayers aie Needed!

USU PASTOR SOPATER AND WIFE, with BABY.

A second-generoHen Christian. He is one of the more promising young ministers of the Lisu church

THIRD 1956 NEWSLETTER

No. 12 New Series Beginning January, 1953
The J. Russell Morse Family and Associates
P. O. Putao, via Myitkyina
Kaehin State, Burma

FOREWORD

of Burma by the Communists July 31, 1956, we were Inclined to dis count it as another "scare." Each year since the Morse family and
their co-workers came into Burma to work after the Communists took

When we read the newspaper reports concerning the Invasion

China in 1949, there have been rumors, especially during the summer
when the mountain passes are open. But this time there seemed to be

authentic confirmaion; this time the Communist troops were actually

inside Burmese territory and were firmly entrenched in scattered
areas to the south and east of the mission area.

Knowing that mail would be slow because there is no air service

to Putao during the monsoon, we eagerly awaited a letter written after the reported "invasion" date of July 31. At last there was a letter from Eugene and Helen which was written August 3rd and
received September 7th. No mention was made of trouble. What a

shock then, for Lois' parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Elliott, to receive the following cablegram on September 8th: "LAVERNE LOIS MARCIA REACHED MYITKYINA OVERLAND SEPTEMBER 2. FOLKS

AT MULADI ALSO REPORTED SAFE.

PRAYERSsigned, LAVERNE.

REQUEST CONTINUAL

Then came letters from LaVerne and Lois, and Eugene and Helen, making us realize the desperate need for definite, specific and
unceasing prayer. Most of the ropeholders and those who attended

the National Missionary Convention at Joplin have received Prayer Request sheets telling of the emergency which exists in Burma. In this letter we wish to let you know a bit about the background and the circumstances of the workers on the field, so you may pray
more definitely on these matters.

As indicated above, LaVerne, Lois and Marcia are at Myltkyina. Mr. and Mrs. J. Russell Morse and Drema Esther, and Eugene, Helen
and family are still at Muladi. BACKGROUND

As we review the letters of the past few months and see the work being done and the plans that were being made for the future
in carrying on the Lord's work in Burma perhaps we can understand

to some degree the heartache that was theirs as they contemplated the possibility of having to leave their people. We can realize the immeasurable spiritual value these years of work have been to the nationals and know that the work will go on even if the missionaries
should have to leave.

As the village of Muladi expanded to the north side of the river because of its safe location, hundreds of new settlers helped to build
a whole new village. As they had done on the south side where the village was first started, they made the church the Center of their

lives. Under Eugene's supervision a new church building was con structed. It was the first permanent building In Lisuland and was dedicated on April , 1956. There were 675 present and we can share their joy as they dedicated their building to the worship of God.

Short Term Bible Schools

During the early spring and
summer Mrs. Gertrude Morse was

"A

busy holding schools for the worn-

l3'5j
|-^;i '

en of the various villages. Unless

which these women camea cut-

must have meant to these women.

She was so eager to hold as many monsoon season that she did not B

allow herself sufficient time for

rest. The latter part of May she wrote: "I have been quite busy
churches. I have held twelve

Morse is is only only 5'2" 5'2" ond ond you you eon con tee tee up to May 5 with schools in the Morse how toll she appears in eomporison.

women. women. This This shows shows how how very very short short these people ore. Mn. Mrs. some of these people ore.

Mrs. Gertrude Gertrude Morse Morse and and three three Doru Doru

schools and have eight or nine yet to hold if my strength is sufficient. In one school we had 100 women and girls. I usually held about three schools of one week each, then returned home for a week of rest. This last time I held four schools without resting, so got too tired. My left eye has caused me a lot of trouble. I have not been working for about two weeks now, and am better. Really ! think
these one-week schools are an excellent idea. The churches are so

appreciative and God has really blessed the classes. In other letters

Mrs. Morse mentioned severe headaches and extreme difficulty with the vision of her left eye. Others of the family wrote about her con dition and asked for prayer on her behalf. A very dear friend in Cali
fornia to whom Mrs. Morse had written about her health has made

the following statement: "I've been thinking that perhaps the Lord has kept Gertrude home during this time for rest and proper diet and has used this illness as a blessing so the family would all be together during the emergency we know must have existed; and so she would be rested and strengthened if she must travel." We do know that He Is watching over and caring for them and in His wisdom the things that seem like near-tragedies often prove to be blessings. Letters from the folks written in August indicate an improve ment in Mrs. Morse's condition as she was helping with the medical work during the latter part of the Bible School held at Dukdang by LaVerne and his native helpers. She also was planning to help Eugene
and Helen with the Preachers Bible School at Muladi which was to follow.

MEDICAL MINISTRY

were continuing their care of as many as possible, especially the

babies and those who were very ill.

from stores which now have supplies of anti-malaria medicines. They

As Mr. Morse carries on his faithful medical ministry, his per

Due to famine in the mountain areas great numbers have moved to the Putao plains area, increasing the population to such an extent that it has become impossible for J. Russell Morse and Drema Esther Morse to care for all of the medical work. Of course Malaria is the most prevalent illness in that area and they were encouraging those who could, to secure medicine from the Government hospital and

spired. The very fact that he was "restored" to them has been a wonderful testimony to the Lord. Drema Esther Morse has been his
willing and capable help in other phases of the mission work.
FIRST NEWS COMES

sonal evangelism, exhortation and counselling, the Christians are strengthened, non-Christians are won and are strengthened and in

faithful co-worker in the medical ministry as well as being a most

parents. It was written August 6, and reveals something of the deep

can do is to. sit tight and wait for His definite direction of our lives.

The first letter indicating the trend of events came to Lois'

when we have but human eyes, and we know that the only thing we

need they felt just then for Divine guidance: "We stand in definite need of strength from the Lord. Decisions are most difficult to make

are not working and the telegraph system is broken. But your let ters with God's prayers upon them, will come through. . . . The stars are awfully pretty tonight, small tokens of His matchless power and
might. Sometimes we feel as though we could touch Him If we
reached out our hand to the heavens. He feels so close to us."

should follow. . . . Please continue to writeand often. We feel a bit cut off sometimes aside from the mail which comes in from the outside world by the slow overland trail. The radio here and at Muladi

We know that He will indicate to us in some way the road which we

the last day of school! LaVerne is now teaching the final morning class and soon will be home for lunchfried rice and dehydrated
which they are living is miles from Muladi where the rest of the folks
are living.)

Then in another letter dated August 10, Lois wrote; "This is

soup. We'll soon be leaving for Putao to take care of some business

with the folks for a while this evening. (Dukdang, the village in
"We have all been working to the limit of our strength. LaVerne has been spending most all of his waking hours In teaching

items this afternoon and then we'll probably go over to Muladi to be

and conferring with the preachers; and I have been going ovisr our supplies item by Item. What a task! We are gathering together a few things which we think we will be needing in the coming days and weeks down-country. The folks at Muladi are working their heads

off too.

. . . "Class is over now and

LaVerne has returned, along with

a number of the students. Do be

praying for them, and for the oth

er Christians in this area, won't

you? How we have prayed that these days may be a mighty bless ing to these young people, repre
sentatives from all over the mis

Looking out over the impenetrable jungle lowlands from hilbide vitioge
of Damtehker.

sion field! May God's richest blessings attend each one as they return to their homes, strength ened, we pray, in the Word, and renewed in spirit/'

After LaVerne and Lois were several days journey toward Myitkyina, runners caught up with them and brought a letter from Helen which LaVerne mailed when he got to Rangoon. She tells of the problems they were facing and we share with them as we read por
tions: "August 2123.

Muladi, August 21, 1956 Dear Mother, Daddy, and all:

The past three weeks have been one long nightmare of anxiety and feverish activity, alternating with moments of optimism and hope. We and all the people have been much in prayer, and have had nightly prayer meetings throughout the village. The same has been true in other places. Now it seems that for a time, at least, the ten sion is relaxed somewhat and things have returned to nearly normal. The first "shock" was the night of July 31, when we were listen ing to the news broadcast from Radio Australia and were jolted into sudden attention by the announcement that Burma had been invaded by Chinese communist troops, and positions were held from Putao southward to a point below Myitkyina! We had heard nothing of any such thing, and every thing was peaceful and quiet and going along as usual. So our first reacion was to laugh. But we listened to the news broadcast from Rangoon an hour later, and heard the same thing, with the addition of a government statement refuting the report as untrue as concerned the Kachin State, but saying that it

was true there were Chinese troops in the Wa State, and that they
had established outposts there. The next night we heard a similar report on Voice of America, and after that nothing, from anywhere

Voice of America, Radio Australia or Rangoon. Then a few days

later came a special messengertwo boysfrom up on the northern border with news of large numbers of troops massed there. They had actually seen up to 300 soldiers, and told of barracks and camps
which had been built. Some of the people up there had talked with some of the soldiers, and various reports resulted. Some said that the soldiers said there was nothing to fear, they were not there to harm

anyone, but only to "liberate" the people from Burmese oppression. (That sounds familiar!) Others said they had been told there was not any use in their trying to run away, because wherever they went they could be found. The soldiers were reported as saying they were
coming down to Putao by harvest time or before. We have heard re

this is the first time the soldiers have actually been on the Burma side. So it seemed just a bit more serious than in the past. Even Eu gene, who usually discounts all these various reports, was impressed

ports of "invasion" plans every summer since we have been here, but

this time that perhaps they really mean businessespecially in view

area, of additional troops, of movement this direction, etc. LaVerne was in the midst of his school, with 300 students, many of them from And what were the missionaries going to do?

south. It seemed as if the soldiers on this northern border might be just part of a larger, over-all plan for simultaneous attack. Reports continued to come In from people coming down from that general

of the fact that they were already firmly entrenched in areas further

that area, and there was a great deal of questioning and anxiety among them. What did it all mean? What was going to happen?

All of us felt that we should be prepared to leave if necessary. With so many of us, and so many mission supplies to care forpar ticularly books and medicinesit would take some time to get
things properly taken care of, and we felt we shouldn't wait until the last minute to take necessary precautions. Several of the local head

men and village elders thought, too, that we should be making ready to leave on short notice. We didn't have much heart for packing up.

The very thought of leaving was almost more than we could bear.

And the people were so upset, partly because they were all wondering what would happen to them, but also over the idea that we might be leaving. Because we have the radio and are the only ones in this area
getting outside news, everyone was watching to see our reactions to

local news in the light of world news. The whole community was in a state of turmoil. With the news as it was, and seemingly true, we hesitated to remain very long, for fear of getting caughtand after the experiences of all of us, we have no desire to renew our acquaint ance with the communists. Yet, we didn't feel that we could just leave in a hurry, without knowing just how real the danger was. If we
were to leave, and then the whole thing were to blow over, we'd feel

as if we'd just run out on our people for nothing. And we were afraid that the government, too, might not be very happy about it. We were afraid that if we were fro leave wifrhoufr good reason, leaving tfie pTOpie all worked up and unsettled, that they might not feel very
kindly toward us, and might cause trouble when we wanted to come back. So Eugene and LaVerneafter numerous conferences with the

elders here at Muladi, the elders at Dukdang, and among ourselves went to Putao to see various officials. The Asst. Resident had not yet returned from Myitkyina, where he had gone to take the ballot boxes. But they were able to see the Inspector of Police, who had been one of those present when the boys from the border area gave their report to the officials. He confirmed what we had already heard, and said It seemed as if there really might be trouble. So, we decided we'd bet ter really get things ready to go.

Can you imagine what It would be like to pick out the things from your household and clothing which would be considered essen
tial for a family of six for an indefinite period of time, not knowing whether you would be in civilization, and if so, for how long; not

knowing if you'd be coming back, and trying to decide which things were most expendable, which you felt just must be kept safe with you; not knowing where you'd be for winter weather, if you might be coming back in cold weather, and need warm clothes for travel ling; trying to pack bedding for six people, trying to decide how many
blankets to take, and what kind, and whether to take any extras in

case you might be having to go somewhere else where you'd need them; trying to fix up food loads for travelling, not knowing how long

you'd be needing themtwo weeks, three, or four; fixing sep-

Listening to Gospel recordings in j^g decide all these things, and native onguoges. packing, besides trying to carry
on the usual routine of living without too much interruption, so the children would not be upset or frightened. Eugene has been tied up with conferences, finishing up a place where things could be stored there for leaving behind, making trips to Putao, repairing phonographs to send out- fo outlying churches at the last moment, trying to dispose of extra boxes of books in such a way that they could still be gotten out to the people even in case of trouble, etc. etc.; and hasn't been free to talk over what things should and shouldn't be taken. I've been nearly frantic with a sense of frustra

could be away, what could be left behind without great loss, and what should be taken along. I've had one long nightmare, try-

tion, and a feeling of inadequacy. Yet, through it all, we haven't been really frightened or panicky, or even very nervous except for getting nervous from having so many worried people around all the
time! Folks were here from breakfast time until midnight. Each eve

ning, the living room is crowded with peopleanywhere from 20 to

40to hear the news. It has been a wonderful way in which to get

folks together, so we could talk with them, and try to calm them
down, and also to have our nightly prayer meetings.
LaVerne finished with the Bible School at Dukdang on the 13th,

and he and Eugene went to Putao again on the 16th. Meantime, we had heard through other sources that negotiations between the Bur-

the matter had been brought before the Security Council of the
there wasn't so much urgency after all. Then after Gene and La-

ma government and the China government were going on, and that

United Nations. That seemed reassuring, and we felt that perhaps

The A. R. was back, and he advised that we not leave just yet, that

prayer at each church service, and having our individual devotions.

time we were continuing our prayer meetings, and having special

Verne went over to Putao, we all felt that even though there hadn't been anything new, yet we should continue getting ready. All this

bedoing. He said he felt it would be a great mistake for us to go off

situation actually was, and expected him back at the end of the

the people were watching us and the officials to see what we would

in a hurry. They had sent a special investigator up to see what the

someone to come over and give information concerning the mission ary staff. After talking with him, it seemed that because of the ne

Monday. But on Saturday came a letter from the A. R. requesting

impatient to get home, so LaVerne and Lois felt they should go ahead and go, which they did. They came this far on Thursday then started on from here on Friday, the 17th. We were to leave on Saturday or

ready, and some of the students had waited over specially to carry their loadsstudents from the Sumprabum areaand they were

he brought bck. But LaVerne and Lois had their loads packed and

week, so, the A. R. advised that we at least wait and see what word

and are keeping our loads ready, so that if the need arises, we will be
ready any time.

further right at this time. So it seems the immediate urgency is alleviated, at least temporarily. However we are still on the alert,

gotiations going on, it is quite unlikely that they will come very much

incomers are still up north, 3000 strong, building roads southward to join up with existing government roads. Once they reach the main road they are only about 6 days of hard travel from Putao. So, we are keeping our loads packed up, while at the same time trying to

August 23; Well, we still don't know just what is going to hap pen. The rumors are flying again, and the latest report is that the

Mdueto begin on the 20th had to

carry on the usual routine of work. The preachers school which was

be postponed, but we are planning

the Lord willing. It remains to be seen just how things will work
g m i s s i o n a r i e s , but the

s people too. We have a prospect

Cr,ig Crossing streom

p have being able of to the leave, butThere they nothing sort.

D.,u Doru style-with style

log. log.

escape.

Many of them have had

ment, and have no desire to have anything more to do with it.

, ,

, .

. 9 taste of the Communist govern

Gene and I have been well, although tired and under consider able strain. We said the next time we pick a mission field, we'd like to have one where there wouldn't be quite so much uncertainty and the constant war of nerves, ft is hard on a person, not knowing whether you're coming or going or staying, or what. Well, it's 12:30 a. m. and I'm getting awfully sleepy. A boy is

leaving very early in the morning to take this along with a letter to LaVerne and Lois down at Sumprabum, and they can mail it from there. Please do pray for us. It's impossible to know what the future holds, or to know where we may be by the time this reaches you. But whatever happens, remember that we are in His keeping, and He is faithful, and able to keep that which we have committed unto Him. We have been so comforted by the verse "Whose trusteth in the Lord shall not be put to shame." And "This is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will. He heareth us; and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we

know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." Do pray with us, that it may be possible to continue working here. Ask the Lord to hold back the evil forces, and to confuse them and bring their plans to nought. He IS ABLE. ALL THINGS are possible with God. NOTHING is too hard for the Lordeven the seemingly im possible. Let's praise Him for His faithfulness. His goodness, and
His mercy, and His love.

LaVerne and Lois Arrive in Myitkyina After her arrival in Myitkyina, Lois wrote her parents on Sep tember 5: "When I last wrote, we were all together on the field under a considerable amount of strain and tension. It was during the last
week of our six-week school that we received word of Communist

aggression several days' journey to the north of us, and there was immediate concern on the part of all. In the days that followed, each family was busy sorting through trunks, boxes, drums, etc.; and a selected group of valuable items were placed in bamboo baskets to be placed on men's backs and carried through the jungles of north ernmost Burma along the overland trail to Myitkyina. We figured on 15 carriers, each carrying a 60 lb. load. That sounds like a lot of supplies but by the time you pile precious books, typewriters, brief cases, phonograph and records, canned foods for the road, etc. on top of the scales, the pounds mount more quickly than you imagine they might. It was difficult in some instances to know what to take and what to leave behind. We hated the thought of leaving our wonderful
library, and decided to take about two carrier loads of books. We

couldn't bear to leave our phonograph and so finally decided to take

it and about half of our records. Then another load consisted of bed

ding for the road, another contained foodstuffs for the road, a couple of others were packed with some of the best articles of clothing for all three of us. Then there was a load including camera equipment and so it went. I was busy day and night at the task while LaVerne was up to his ears in finishing the work connected with the Bible School. How we prayed for strength. His strength, and peace which passeth all understanding; and He supplied both in a wonderful way. "There is a place of comfort, sweet; Near to the heart of God."

constantly that the Lord would lead us according to His will, that we might only walk with Himnot before or after. By the time the week had passed, we all felt, from information available, that it would be best for all of us to withdraw from the immediate area of the field, especially as plane service was not available in case of emergency due to the monsoon rains. We planned to go in two different sections, remembering what effect such a departure would have upon the people. Conferences were being held with them through the days
and nights of our preparation, and LaVerne told them of the work we

"As we worked to the limit of our strength, we were praying

Verne and I were ready to leave first; and on the 17th, we tearfully at the time of our departure and began our journey down the muddy road through the monsoon rain. All along the way there were people
with outstretched hands to bid us farewell. We wondered if we

could do for them down-country in the printing of books, etc. Labid farewell to the folks and to the few people who were at the house

would be seeing them again.

a few encouraging reports had come in since our departure. During this time, also, they had been planning to hold a six-weeks school; and so they thought they would call the students together, despite
the unrest, and teach as long as it would be wise for them to remain

On the morning of the 5th day's journey we received a note from the others stating that they had decided to stay for a little while as

In the area. We felt it best to continue with our strenuous journey,

however, for we know that we would undoubtedly be of much more help to the Christians on the field in the printing of vitally-needed books down-country that we would be if we were directly in their midst. We had been looking forward to building a home of our very own in the village of New Sabom (about a day's journey from Muladi) but it seems the Lord had other plans for us. Our sentiments at the moment"Home surely is a wonderful, wonderful place; but
where on earth is it???????!!!"

"I wasn't too well during the last half of the journey from Muladi to Sumprabum and had to be carried on a stretcher for four

days by the natives. In reality it was our light-weight cot with two long bamboo poles tied to either end. The last two days were par

ticularly difficult. I was trying to find shade beneath the blazing tropical sun with the use of an umbrella one minute and snuggling
beneath a rain cover to keep partially dry and warm from the torerntial rains the next. By the time I arrived I was clear down to 108
pounds.

We waited there for several days In a dirty, stuffy vacated

store down in the dirty bazaar, as the government circuit house was

occupied. We continued on by jeep and arrived in Myitkyina on the

2nd of September.

It was night time as we drove into the small town. How strange, how exceedingly strange, it was to see street lights, telegraph poles,
lighted shops and restaurants; and how overwhelmed I was when we arrived at the house. It hadn't made much of an Impression on me one way or another coming up-country, but it seemed like a castle on the way down. The whiteness of the walls nearly blinded me when

the electric lights were first put on! And those electric lightsoh,
such a blessing. And the bathroom was inside the house with an

actual pretty white sink and running water! After we put our loads on the porch, I went into the dining room, and soon Mrs. Tegenfeidt handed me a cold glass of juiceit was FRESH FROM THE REFRIG ERATOR WITH ICE CUBES IN IT!! I nearly gasped as I touched the glass to find it so delightfully cool and refreshing. We were inter ested during this time, too, in watching the reactions of our three helpers, two boys who had lived with us during the Bible School at Dukdang and Johanna (girl helper). This was their first visit to "Civilization," and they were prefectly stunned. We had a bit to eat and soon were fast asleep on a beautiful white sheet^washed in hot, soapy water in the washing machine downstairs instead of in cold
river water.

The next morning we deeply enjoyed some beautiful music which was being played on the tape recordersongs I hadn't heard for many months. The hymns were thrilling to hear that Sunday A.M. It reminded me of programs we had heard In our own home or In the car en route to a speaking engagement. I glanced towards the breakfast table and saw to my surprise a waffle iron on a little table nearby. And there was fresh pomelo from the market. I wanted to
cry, everything seemed so wonderful. I wondered how I would react if I had landed in America instead of this remote, small, backward
town in northernmost Burma. It wasn't too far from Putao on the

maps, but it seemed to us as though we were in a different world. No one knows just what is going to happen in the coming days and weeks, though there is no question as to Red China's determina

tion to "liberate" the people of the land. Burma is of course facing

an extremely critical situation just now; and we, as missionaries in the difficult far-away, questionable, borderline area of northernmost Burma, find ourselves in an extremely precarious position. We can not know what lies ahead, and so we merely cling to Him, trusting that He will care for us and guide us according to His will for our lives individually, praying that whatever comes He may be glorified through us. Our Lord has promised to be with us always^yea, He
will never leave us nor forsake us. The Psalms are such a source of

strength.

I think I will be feeling better in a little while. My weight has gone up a bit and should be considerably higher with the better diet fresh meat, potatoes, vegetables, and fruit EVERY DAY AT LEAST
ONCE AND SOMETIMES TWICE!! We have even tasted dear old

ice-cream again, and my, was it lush! Of course we won't have an icebox when we leave here, but the food situation is remarkable bet

ter than it is up-country. We'll have to go down-country once again before returning to the field (if we return) to see about the printing of the books, so I can get a check-up at that time. I simply didn't feel like going with LaVerne Monday after being in this place for just a couple of days, and I wanted Marcia to have at least a partially settled life for a while. She was so good on the trip, though it was naturally hard for her. How wonderful it was, after approximately two weeks of being held and playing on beds, to let her down on a
clean floor to crawl.

5^;., ?i"!

'iil.lt

Students at Rowang Christion School in N'Moi Valley.

LaVERNE ON TO RANGOON

On September 3, the day after their arrival in Myitkina, LaVerne went by plane on down to Rangoon to see about the printing
of mission Rawang Bible literature and other matters of business for the mission. Concerning their decision to come down-country he
wrote:

"Lois and Marcia and ! started out from Muladi for Sumprabum with our carriers on August 17. It had been agreed by the entire
mission that under the circumstances as known then it seemed wisest

for whatever farr.iiy was ready to go ahead towards Myitkyina, the

others to follow In several days unless later news indicate otherwise.

Thus, we left from Muladi on August 17. Lois and I felt that, wheth er there was complete trouble or not, one of the most vital things to be done for at least one family down-country was the printing of books for the churches. Thus, we felt fully assured of God's leading for important work for the mission and the cause of the Gospel in our going down-country."

It seems there had been radio reports of negotiations being

considered, which if the report had been true, would have improved the situation considerably. LaVerne seemed somewhat concerned as

he wrote: "The general situation would recommend temporary with drawal at least to Myitkyina rather than staying, with women and children, ten days' overland travel from air service in the monsoons. I hope you can figure out some of the problems involved, and be praying about them. There are many more details, but it's impossible to write them to you."

There are other problems which complicate the future for spreading the Gospel in Burma. The government has cited a let-

.1

of 1940 which designated the

These These i>eop1e people live live in in Hie orea orea which which a^ea and the Putao-Muladi area
is is reported occupied in in the present present
erisw-

would include bofh the N'mJ

is located. There is a

where more than half of the work

need of

clarification as to the area of operation of the mission. LaVerne has

been trying to verify their status with the government in Rangoon.

Meanwhile the government has decided to restrict any missionaries from working at all in the N'Mai Valley (the area in which the 1940 permit stated they could work). It also seems that there is a further order limiting the missionaries to within fourteen miles of Putao. We

fear that pressure is being brought on the Burmese government. Here we want to quote a paragraph from the Prayer Request Sheet. "Since the days of the Apostles, those that have' gone forth to carry the Gospel to the nations have had to face many trials, hard
ships, temptations and persecutions. Whenever and wherever there Is an eager seeking after the truth as found in Jesus Christ, our Lord,

the more evident becomes the opposition of Satan." Surely these restrictions are "Satan" inspired and we can see the great need for
prayer on behalf of the native preachers and teachers who will be

carrying the Gospel beyond the fourteen mile limit. How imperative it is that the missionaries may stay to continue in the training of native leadership! Mrs. Morse wrote recently: "This year the Lord has enabled us to send out quite a large number of evangelists into large new fields which have never heard the Gospel before. Please pray for these workers and also that the hearts of the people may be opened to the Gospel." These native evangelists are supported large
ly by the native congregations which send them out.

POLITICAL ACCUSATIONS

On June 6th, an article appeared in an English newspaper in Burma accusing "certain American missionaries of political activi ties," the son being accused of openly campaigning for one of the parties in the Rawangtang area. The article quoted the various state
ments the missionary was supposed to have made. LaVerne was the only one in that area at the time so was the accused. Of course the
reports were untrue. All of the missionaries understand that Ameri-

can citizens are forbidden to interfere in any elections or other political affairs of foreign countries and such action would be con sidered grounds for refusing passport facilities to anyone who would misbehave in such matters. We thought the matter was fully settled when LaVerne and Lois wrote: "Recently we heard that the police and the Special Branch of the Government of Burma have thoroughly investigated the slanderous charges which have been made against
us and found them to be totally false." It seems now that the matter was not fully settled. In his letter LaVerne told of the latest develop ment. "A further matter; please be praying: Regarding recent elec tions, you may have heard about the scandalous and false reports against us by unsuccessful opposition candidates. It seems there is to be a case before the Elections Tribunal about October in Myit-

kyina, wherein we will be called to testify. The charges against us

are astoudingly, ludrlcrously false.

y
' v -

to a thousand witnesses to the

fact that I definitely did not camfor any political party as charged, nor did I at any time mention politics. I'm not sure

In the N'Mai Val ey would be up

Burma. Please ask

j recent information, from the govtruth may be evidenced, that Rowong Viltoge in the "Crisis" ereo. Christ's name might be glorified." URGENT NEED FOR PRINTING Before Robert and Betty left Burma to come home for their much needed furlough, Robert and his Rawang informant, Peter, had worked tirelessly to complete the Rawang translation of the book of Acts. So now LaVerne has been able, while In Rangoon, to hurry up the printing. Also, the entire supply of the Gospel of Mark in Raw ang (4,000 copies) is exhausted so there must be a reprint of that as well as of the Rawang Bible Primer and Hymnal, of which 12,000 copies have already been distributed. Some may wonder, "Why print more books if there is a possibility of having to leave the field?" In such an eventuality the printing is even more imperative! The native preachers and teachers will be In even greater need of these materials
as they carry the Gospel to remote areas.

Many times the Gospel portions, hymnals and phonograph rec ords will actually be the "preachers and teachers." This matter then, is one of the specific prayer needsthat the printing may be com
pleted and the books properly distributed. REPORT OF THE CHILDREN

From time to time the progress of the children is reported. Sometimes they are not doing so well. Our hearts have been bur dened during the past months because Eugene and Helen's baby, John Lawrence (Larry) has not been well. He has had a circulatory

trouble since birth and although he had grown and developed in many ways, this trouble holds him back. The doctors in Rangoon offered no medical solution, so they feel that his improvementquite marked in many ways, is definitely in answer to prayer. We quote from Helen's letter: "About the small frythey are about as usual. Tommy had quite a round of fluwith sore throat, croup and a bad cough. Ronnie had it too, but not so severely. Tommy had three days of sulpha and two of penicillin before it broke up. Otherwise they've been O.K. David is just getting over a case of what looked like "Pink-eye." It's been very stubborn, and hard to clear up, but
seems to be almost well now. He's had it for about two weeks now.

He's been fine otherwise. What with al! the upset, plus his sore eyes, we've had to let his school go again. We've sure had a hard time keeping at it regularly. Larry is getting really big now. (He was one year old June 24th.) He is 30 V2 inches tall and weighs 27 pounds just 3 pounds less than Ronnie! He is still very unsteady on his feet, even with us holding him, although he is some steadier than before. He makes no attempt to try to take steps. He kicks and moves his

legs freely when lying down, but they seem stiff as sticks when he's standing up. His left foot is still swelled quite a bit, although per haps hot so much as formerly. But it still Isn't possible to put shoes
on him. I don't know what we will do when winter comes. When he's

sitting up he can lie down but when he's down, he can't get up by himself. He scoots around on his tummy and tries to go after things, and is pushing with his legs more than he did. He has quite a sense of humor and teases and plays real cute. He's very loving. He loves to have the other boys play with him, and enjoys their romping
around. He has the cutest chuckle when he gets tickled. He mimics
when we call the other kids and answers when we call him. He's still

a very good baby, cries very little, although he does object somewhat
if we leave him alone too long at a time. He seems content many

times just to be in the same room with us, not necessarily needing to
be picked up."

Please pray with us that Larry's trouble may be overcome and

he will be a sturdy boy, physically able to be an effectual servant for
the Lord."

ROBERT AND BETTY MORSE AMD FAMILY IN CINCINNATI Robert and Betty Morse, with their three sons, Jonathon, 7, Stephen almost 4, and Robert Jr. 2'/2 are in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Robert and Betty are enrolled at Cincinnati Bible Seminary. They are each carrying the maximum number of semester hours at the Sem inary. Joni Is in the second grade and the two little ones are in Nursery school.
After a strenuous four months of travel (they arrived in the U.S.A. April 5th) they felt.it necessary to be settled for the few months until they must return to Burma. The children (and their parents) needed a feeling and stability which is impossible to achieve while on the move. These few months of "regular school" will mean much to Jonia time he will remember for a long time and from

which he will gain much in many ways. Robert and Betty feel that the "Spiritual refreshing" they receive as they study God's Word with others who are fellow-servants in the spreading of the Gospel, they will be inspired and strengthened for their return to the mission field. The question is frequently asked: "Will they really go back with conditions so uncertain?" The answer is definitely, "Yes." If the family had held back because of "uncertain conditions" the past six years of mission work in Burma would not have been accom plished. There would not be the many native preachers ready to continue the spreading of the Gospel in North Burma. There would
not be the Rawang translations of the Gospel of Mark, Acts, and the Rawang Primer. The seed has been sown and cultivated and we look

to God for the increase. Unless Robert and Betty are back in Burma by mid-February they will lose their residence permits. They and the rest of the family will strive to maintain the mission inside Burma as long as the Lord permits. Tentative plans call for Robert and Betty to complete their work at C. B. S. in time for them to spend Christmas with Betty's folks in Louisiana. Then they plan to go to Oklahoma for a brief
visit with relatives and friends and from there on to California to

visit Robert's living link church at Long Beach, preparatory to return ing to Burma early in February. They, with the rest of the family need the prayers of Christian brethren that they may ever remain in the Lord's will as they make
plans for the future.
LATEST WORD FROM THE FIELD

A letter from Helen ond Eugene doted September 6th tells of the Bible School for preachers being held as scheduled with 110 nrolled. They planned to continue as long as conditions permitted. No word hos been received of them having to leave so we know that their faith which impelled them to remain is truly being rewarded as they further prepore these evangelists to take the Gospel to areas in which the
missionaries connot go.

From Myitkyina comes word from LoVerne and Lois doted September 25th. They had found suitoble living quorters ond were busy with plans for expediting the printing of the Christian literature which has been delayed. Lois was teoching

typing (four hours a day) to several of the Lisa ond Rowang who ore with them at
the present time. Two of them are helpers who came with them from Muladi; the others ore students from the field who hove been receiving further education in Myitkyina.

Moiled by Mrs. OSCAR L. MYERS

2024 N. }4rtt St.

Terre Houle, Indiana

For

Sec. 34.65
U.

(e)P.L.&R,

S. POSTAGE
PAID

NORTH BURMA CHRISTIAN MISSION

Terre Houte, Ind.

PERMIT No. 321

Form 3547 Requested

8100 HAHELTON-AVE. CINCIUKATI 31, OHIO

BOERIB mum

LISn and RAWANG CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN BURMA

NORTH BURMA CHRISTIAN MISSION

"Where China, Tibet, Burma and India Meet"

(Formerly Yunnan-Tibetan Christian Mission)

The Tiliwago chopei building on ridge-top omidst mists thousands of

feet obove canyon of N'Moi River.

They that trust in the Lord shall he as Mount Zion which

cannot he removed hut dbideth forever. Psalm 125

FOURTH 1956 NEWSLETTER

No. 13 New Series Beginning January, 1953

The J. Russell Morse Family and Associates P. O. Putao, via Myitkyina

Kachin State, Burma

FOREWORD

We are departing from our usual custom of three Newsletters In a year because this has not been a "usual" year. The very exist ence of the North Burma Christian Mission has been threatened by the forces of evil, but PRAISE GOD, the prayers of faithful Christians
have been answered and we rejoice that even though restricted in a measure, the Gospel still goes forward through the work of faith ful teachers and evangelists. The many Bible Schools held through out the years are now bearing fruit far beyond the expectations of the missionaries in the light of the then foreseeable events.
At the time of our last Newsletter it seemed doubtful that the

Morse family could remain much longer in North Burma. Now, it seems that there is at least a lull in activities and according to radio and newspaper reports there ore negotiations going on. Let us con tinue to pray that this area may be kept safe for His people.
Again we feel the need of the fellowship with those who have fol

lowed the progress of the work throughout the years and who are praying for its continuance as we bring you the joys and problems
in this special Newsletter.
There are four media which have been effective as aids to the

native preachers as they carry the Gospel to remote and unevangelIzed areas: Literature, including New Testaments, Bible Primers, Bible portions and Life of Christ Visualized; Gospel Recordings, Viewmaster sets and occasionally flannelgraph lessons... The in creased needs of the field are set forth. We want to share parts of these letters with you so you may better understand the problems of the missionaries and the native evangelists. NEW MISSION FIELDS

Two new mission fields have been opened up among the Rawang during the past year due to the efforts of native evangelists Elijah and Peter, with their Timothys. There are many thousands of Rawangs living in a vast area never yet entered by any white man. The dialect of Rawang their speech is almost unintelligible even to the native missionary evangelists, but the response to the Gospel has been wonderful. Evangelist Peter, In a recent letter to Robert wrote 3S follows: (translation from Rawang) "To my dear, unceasingly remembered teacher in the Lord and family, greet ings and a few words of longing from a distant land ... As I wonder about the land to which you have gone, to accomplish your task there, I pray constantly for you against the day of your return here, that the Lord may keep your family safe . . . Here in the "Krangku region, the church continues to grow, though in these days there hangs over us (a terrible threat . . . ) By the grace of God we hope there may be some few days yet spared to us to preach the Gospel.

When is your family arriving back here? Please hurry and get back here before your trme is upGod willing, by the first of the year may we meet again safely in the
Lord. All this year I have been

mm

teaching in new areas, and I've

found that the Bible story pictures

are of great value (View Master

sets and Life of Christ Visualized). But I cannot use them when the

crowds are great.

I keep thinking

how much more effective it would be if 1 could have a light box

(karosene projector) with slides of Bible pictures. Would it be possible for you to bring out one
for use in the newdy evangelized)

areas? May the Lord abide with you continually is my fervent

heartfelt prayer."

Rawong preocher Peter, on trip into the Krong Ku areo of the mission field, standing beside a Kochin altar
to the evil spirits.**"

rivers, the N'moi or Norn Tomai to the east, and the Mali to the west ore the rnore populated volleys in which the mission work hos concentrated to date.)
Harvest of Souls

* (The Krongku or "Triangle" is o wild stretch of sparsely populated jungle lying between the two rivers forming the headwaters of the Irrawoddi river. These

Elijah, native teacher and evan

I area in 1955. This field was so

AJ difficult that another native

gelist, was sent to the Krangku

preacher who had been sent to

teach the 300 or so Christians

, there, became so discouraged by

/

Mthe primitive and difficult conditions there that he gave up and left. It was a great test of faith

Elijah to take his wife and two

*

children into the area. They endured times of severe starvation

as

as periods of

per-

secution.

because

need, and because souls were beElijoh, Rowang Evangelist serving j^g saved from eternal damnation,
Krongku oreo. (With Harvest of
Souls.)

obeying the Lord's command to "go and teach." Although he could easily have had the most comfortable and influential pastorate in the entire field, yet he was willing to continue his service and en dure hardships in this difficult but most rewarding field. He writes: "Last year there were only about 500 Christians in this

He was comforted and strengthened in the knowledge that he was

area but by September of 1956 the total was over 1,500, thank God. In conference with the congregations and leaders, it has been de cided that we should continue here in this work for 1957, and I
have agreed, thinking the Lord's will is to be followed rather than

hurry back at the first of the year, for there are many problems here, though we are praying that we may by the grace of God and in His strength overcome them. Be sure the new Gospel records get here by the time you do. These records and phonographs have

my own. So I continue my labors here. May your family of five

made the task easier for us teachers, and it is certainly helping

other thought comes to me, that it would be really helpful if you

could find and get a set of slides and karosene projector for each area of the mission field. There should be one for the Krangku area, one for the Nam Tamai area and one for the Putao plains area, is my thought, so I bring it to you to confer about. Or if it

to keep the churches working and winning many new believers. An

graph sets as Lady teacher Drema Esther uses to teach us the story of the Bible. Please; and if it is the Lord's will for you to get these,
may you obtain them and bring them or have them sent to us.
"Churches have now been established in the new areas where

is impossible to get those, perhaps you could find for us the flannel-

Peter has been preaching; new congregations have also been started

in other areas. Please let us know when you are returning.

praying for us."

Keep

Your beloved Elijah.

As you read these pleas, perhaps some of you have been touched by the fervor and simplicity of the appeal made by these native
evangelistsasking nothing for themselves or the co-workers in

their labor of love for the Master, but only that they might have the "tools" with which to do a more effective work. Enduring privation and hardship for the Gospel's sake, they are in the midst of a great harvest field, busily reaping where the missionaries can no longer go.
The materials for which they have asked will help them in the vital work of winning souls and establishing churches NOW (in the face of impending darkness) . . . We feel that certainly it should not be

amiss for us to respond to their request. Should the Lord lay the
burden of this need upon your heart, will you pray with us about the problem of obtaining these things and getting them to the field?
(Ed. Note; Any funds designated for this purpose will help us as we realize the prayers and interest of our rope-holders to know their will in this regard.

We are concerned not only with the holding of Bible Schools but also in the printing of Gospel portions, translating more and more Bible study helps and literature, providing phonographs with the Gospel message in the dozen or so native dialects, using ViewMasters with Bible Story reels, Sunday School picture rolls, Bible Story projector slides and flannelgraph. Important as these audio visual aids seem to us, much more important are they to these people who are just awakening, intellectually, and cannot yet clearly discern with their mind's eyes, but need the help of their physical

eyes ^nd ears.

Letter From Tychicus

(Primaiy School Principal and Evongetist)

Pastor Tychicus was

Robert's

first informant in helping to re duce the Rawang language to writ ing, and in translating the Gospel
Primer. Then he returned to his

pastorate, started the Rawangtang Christian Day School, has been one of the busiest evangelists and teachers in the Rawang church
ever since. The Lord has certain

ly blessed him, and the Rawang church is blessed In having such

a consecrated, devoted leader as
he.

For two years now there has been a popular demand to make
he has turned his back on the

work and remained faithful to his flock.

Please pray for him as

you read this, that he may be kept pure for the Lord's use in the

Rawang church. In a recent letter to Robert and Betty he wrote: To my beloved teachers, who, enduring all heartbreaks, night end day have striven in the labor of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, with love and devotion at all times to enlarge, to make grow, and
to establish the Church of Christ: (Note from Robert: "Doesn't he

my Rawang teacher and that he remains a preacher! That is actually

an almost literal translation of his salutation!") To continue with Tychicus' letter: "Although many Christians from the Nam Tamai

have a rich vocabulary though! With him teaching me, no wonder 1 got a good start in Rawang. Yes, thank the Lord, I had him as

(eastern mountainous border area) have moved out to the Putao

plains in the west, it seems as if there are just as many Christians,

because so many continue to turn to the Lord, Even the chieftain

of this area has finally become a Christian. (This man was a great
source of persecution for many years past, a continual thorn in the side of the churches of that area.) We praise God for this, and for
many others like him who have believed. But we need to continue

much in prayer for there are still many who yet need to become Christians, and many who are not yet established in the faith. I tried in September to count the Christians just in the area around Rawangtang and south, and got an incomplete count of over 1,250. We have gotten two new teachers for the Christian Day School, but will have to find some new teachers for next year, as at least one of
them wants to' go south to Government schools to advance his
education . .

Tychicus closes his letter with an appeal for Robert and Betty to hurry back: "Now then teachers, may your family speedily return here, for we know not how much we still may have of peace, so I

think it advisable that, taking advantage of these few remaining

days of comparative peace, you hurry yourselves on out here and

make the most of the remaining days in translating, Bible Schools, etc. (Then he urges them not to change their "plans just because of him, but wants them to know the time is short.) "The Rawang Christian church is not yet firmly established, and there is much people needing to be reached, and much work to be done, but the voice of the wind rumbles loudly so as to cause much

worry, (an allusion to the Communist threat.)

However, may the

venting the missionaries returning to the Nam Tamai, when as yet

the church leaders are not able to stand on their own feet. For

will of God be accomplished, and we truly hope that our beloved brethren in Christ in that country (meaning America) will continue to exert themselves in unceasing prayer as part of their labor on our behalf, for our hearts are troubled, because of the order pre

this reason hasten back, that in the area where you still may work, around Putao, you may continue to labor on; for we know not what the future holds, so we look for your soon return."

Rawong Christian women carrying 60 lb. loads ocross on icy stream in the
wilds of f4ie Northern Triange.^*

At the close of the translations of these letters Robert odds

the following note: "You can see what a strong pull there is in
land could also get a vision of the urgency, and need for working and evangelizing NOW in EACH and EVERY place where the mission
these letters. How I wish that some of our folks here in the home

ary can still go, whether it be Korea, Japan, Okinawa, Philippines, Hong Kong, Formosa, Viet Nam, Thailand, Malaya or Burma. In
the Gospel, but there are other places just as needy where the love of God could stir up just as much response. Assuredly 1 feel that if the missionary will but exert himself to the utmost to be "corisumed" if necessary, by the love of God, to the extent that he is
Burma we have many people who are receptive and responsive to

willing to break down each and every barrier between himself and

the needy lost soul, and pour out to that soul the unvarnished, un diluted love of God, there CANT FAIL to be a response. Oh, would to God there were even a mere 25 censecrated, dedicated souis, willing to take up their cross, deny all, and follow Christ into the foreign field. The time is NOW, for the church to push back the falling curtains and 'snatch brands from the burning."
RETROSPECT
In the Third 1955 and the First 1956 Newsletters we had re

ports from Eugene and Helen and from LaVerne and Lois, telling of their arduous trips overland from Myitkyina to the mission field at Muladi. Eugene and Helen with their four boys, (Larry only five weeks old at the time) made the trip during the worst of the mon soon season, arriving on the field the middle of August. LaVerne and Lois, with Marcia just two months old, made the very difficult trip in early November and arrived in Muladi in Mid-November. Many problems confronted them, among which was the problem of getting supplies for all of them transported from Myitkyina to Muladi. Then there was the problem of holding a Bible School in the Tiliwago areathe eastern sector of the field where Robert and Betty and Dorothy Sterling have spent much of their time. Finally plans were made for Eugene and LaVerne to go but when it was learned that there would be no charter flights from Myitkyina, it was necessary for Eugene to make the trip to do the repacking of all
supplies and make the very difficult trip overland from Myitkyina with oxcarts bringing their much-needed supplies. LaVerne, with the help of evangelist Tychicus held the Bible School for the Tili-

wago-Rawangtang area.

The following article recounts his trip and

the report of the school. Due to the unsettled conditions in Burma and the subsequent poor mail service, this report was not received
in time for our last Newsletter.

MOUNTAIN-TOPS AND VALLEYS IN SPREADING THE GOSPEL

By LaVerne Mone

The tribespeople of northern Kochin State ore essentially

mountain-dwellers. About two-thirds of the entire work of the

North Burma Christian Mission is scattered throughout the rough, jungled mountains and yawning gorges east and north of the Putao plain. Tiliwago village and Rawangtang village, ten and twelve days' walk respectively from the Putao plain, are two main centers of the work in the mighty canyon of the N'Mai River in the east.
The Lisu and Rawang churches of the eastern area had been pleading for the missionaries to hold a concentrated Bible Seminary course for the young people and preachers in their region. It was decided that I should go. Thus, on January 4, 1956, I said good bye to Lois and Marcia Louise and the others. With a number of Rawang Christians as helpers and companions, I began the long hike over mountains and through jungles.

S-.'

Rowang Christians ferrying loads across (he N'Moi River in the Grand Canyon of tthe N'Mai, below Rawongtang. Taken by Loverne Morse on trip to Rawongtang in January, 1956.

Christmas Convention (in mid-January) in the remote, wild North

ern Triangle of Kochin State. Heavy snows had fallen on the high ranges separating us from the Krang Ku. For most of one day and part of another we trudged through deep snow, the Rawangs barefoot and all of us soaked to the skin. Because of piercing, freezing winds along the top of the range two of the party almost collapsed with cold. A tin of "canned heat" which I was carrying for just
such emergencies, though, provided a fire in the snowstorm to

r^vi ^ th^ mo^r sev re ^

Rowang

En route, we detoured four days' walk to attend the Krang Ku

the massive wall, moving up per-

hours. Far off in the hazy valley

where the Christmas Convention

haps half a mile in three or four

below, we could see the villages on bock, coming on bock, coming through through end end of of tuntun
was soon to start. At nightfall we
net nel hocked out of bamboo and thorn> thornforset on on f"P trip o*er over pass pass into into Krong
Ku areo."**

preacher Mark, with pock

preacher Mark, with pack

had to camp in our man-made

otea.""*

green tunnel on a ridge-top. With no streams or springs within hacking distance, we ate dry parched rice and went to sleep. To wards morning, a brisk shower of rain crashed down. Carefully gathering rain-water caught in sags of our waterproof load covers, we portioned out several swallows to each person. The following midnight we arrived at the Christmas Convention just after the conclusion of the opening session. It was thrilling to see almost eight hundred Christians gath ered from the churches of Christ in the Krang Ku area. Rawang evangelist Tychicus and 1 had mode the first evangelistic trip there in 1950 when there was not a single church in the entire area. Rawang and Lisu evangelists had continued the work in the years

since. Robert and Mel Byers also had made a trip there in 1951. As I saw the large gothering, all formerly evil-spirit worshippers, now with changed and happy faces singing hymns of praise unto God and listening to His word, I marvelled at the wondrous power of Almighty God. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth." "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase."
Note; The account of the threat of Communist invosion and all of the oroblems

created thereby is reloted in the Third 1956 Newsletter, including the account of LaVerne and Lois' trip to Myitkyino where they arrived September 2nd. From
Myitkyina LaVerne wrote:

Here in Myitkyina, we have been working on the proofs for the initial printing of 10,000 copies of Acts in Rawang. Also, we hove been working on the revision of the Rawang Gospel Primer with Hymns, which needs reprinting. The Lisu New Testament and Psalms
also is sold out; thus we have been working on arrangements for another printing. Meanwhile, during our stay here, through Rawang leaders working with us, a new Rawang church of Christ has been
established in the Myitkyina area.

(T:

Government suspension bridge, suitable for pock onintols on main troil to Tiliwogo, just before turn-off to Krang Ku region.

Note; The account of the political accusations against LaVerne and Eugene and
their father was related in the Third 1956 Newsletter. At that time the trial

was set for October but was postponed until January. We have no report of any further changes. In referring to the impending trial LaVerne wrote:

"Anti-Christian elements will probably try to use the occasion to do their worst stirring up false propaganda against us in the cause of Christ, especially amidst present troubled times. "Amidst international troubles and internal antagonism, and yet the growing challenge of the Gospel, we ask friends throughout the churches back in the homeland to pray for us in this time. Above all, please pray that the Christians throughout all trials might remain faithful to Christ, and that we missionaries might use effectively every opportunity to strengthen the churches, and
to spread the Good News of eternal life."
MISSION REPORT
From Mrs. Gertrude Morse

Putao, Kachin State

November 20, 1956

Dear Friends in Christ:

Greetings to you from Putao! By the Lord's mighty intervention on behatf of His people in this area, we are still carrying on here in Lisu-land. We started our scheduled Bible School the twenty-ninth of August, determining to hold the school as long as we possibly could. Day by day the students prayed that God would hold back
the evil enemy forces and keep the door open for His work to be done. Likewise the Christians of the many churches round about were praying. Also, now, we know that many, many churches in Tmerica were praying. How happy we are to report that God has answered prayer and kept the way open for us to finish the Bible School. The enemy was kept back! During the school, many times there were reports which mode us think we might have to leave any hour or day. However we tried to keep our eyes "off the angry
waves and upon our mighty Christ and His promises." If it is His will to continue to keep this place as a refuge for His people, we
know He is able.

In spite of the confusion existing here in August due to the trouble on the border, as reported in your newspapers, approxi mately one hundred students came to study in the Bible School. We were amazed that so many would risk leaving their home and family in such a time. It surely showed us that the students really wanted to study the Bible. Perhaps many were afraid that we might have to leave, and so they would not have an opportunity to study later. We had classes about seven hours a day, for we wanted to give them as much as we could in the days spent here. God surely blessed the school, and several volunteered for service. We were indeed happy. The school closed with the Thanksgiving Convention of this Muladi church and several neighboring churches, with an attendance of about 1,600. A day or two before the close of the school, the elders of the churches in the Putao plain met together for a conference. It was decided to allow the twenty or more pastors of the churches on the

plain, to go as evangelists into the distant non-Christian areas for a period of two to four months. The assistant workers and the elders are to carry on the work while the pastors are away. They are due to leave soon now. Will you please be praying that God will pre pare the hearts of the people and bless the workers in this evange
listic effort?

Hofabout six hundre students.

churches near here.

and girls of most of the twenty

Due to their

yet, but they are making plans for having one soon. It is a usual practice also, for each church to
have one or two schools during

the year for their children and young people. Some preachers
have several congregations to pas

tor, so they quite often hold a

Mr. ond Mrs. J. Eussd Mo.

churches.From'all oter tine field,

the requests come in for more teaching. We are so glad to see this hunger for the Word. More and more it is being realized, as many
have had to leave their homes and possessions behind, that the

things of eternal value are of more importance than any earthly

thing.

I wonder if you know that most of our Christians live in vil

lages which are entirely or almost entirely Christian? In this coun try most non-Christians make and drink strong, intoxicating wine,
and hove drunken parties, and do most of the other evil things. Be cause the life in a small village is so inter-related, it is not con venient or wise to live in a village where there are non-Christians. So the Christians work hard to get everyone to accept and believe in Christ. Consequently almost all of the older congregations are

located in villages which are entirely Christian. It is surely very, very nice. Perhaps many months will pass by without our having
to even smell tobacco smoke. And if we do, we know that a nonChristian has passed through the village.

This year, due to the greatly increased population here on the plain, caused by the influx of people from the famine-stricken moun tain country, there have been unusually large numbers of sick peo ple. Some come from places two or three days journey away, but most people who come are within a day's walk. I believe the daily number coming for treatment would average about a hundred. So our medical supplies are about depleted and in need of replenishing. During the days when the enemy was reported on the way, people

simply swarmed to us for medicine. Poor folk! They thought that

they were soon to be without helpers. We do thank the Lord for

peace to this time, and trust that He will continue to give peace. One of our evangelists who returned four days ago with his
family, told us about his trip down from the mountains where he was stationed. It was raining, and they could not make It to the rest

house for the night. So they camped in a tiny shed built over the end of a bridge. Perhaps you have seen pictures of oriental bridges which have a small roof fixed over either end. During the night, there was very heavy rain, and the bridge went down. It pulled away
the moorings of the bridge, with the ground round about. Conse quently this teacher's little ten-year-old son went over the cliff in

the land slide, along with their basket of provisions and things. Their
camp fire also was token, so that they were left in the dark and the
pouring rain. They were almost dumb with shock at the sudden

ness below them came a little cry for help. As it was pitch dark, they were helpless! Just then, right near them, they happened to
see a pine chip and made a light and found a way down over the
cliff. The child's face was covered with blood and mud and his head had been cut to the bone in several places. The white skull bone

disappearance of their little son!

Then suddenly, from the dark

shone in the darkness! They had no medicine with them, so they simply covered his head with a garment. The next day, regardless
of the child's weakness, they hod to go on to the rest house.
bad in the rainy season.

that particular stretch of the road, the leeches are always very, very
So the blood from their leech bites was

In

running down the bare legs of all, including the injured child, who was walking. He walked several hours, and then almost collapsed.
The father quickly put his load beside the road and carried his

child on his back to the house, where they fixed some food for him,
and made him more comfortable. The next day, as there was no medicine there, they continued their journey to the next rest house, where there is an army out-post. The officer in charge had some

medicine and he very kindly dressed the cuts and wounds on the boy's head. Both the evangelist and his little son said that it was all a part of taking the Gospel to others! And so the Gospel continues to be taken over the high mountains and down steep, almost impass
able canyons to people who still sit in darkness.

I believe I mentioned in my last letter something about having

some trouble with the vision of my left eye, did I not? It continued

to bother me for four or five months, regardless of everything that was done for it. During the Bible School in September, the vision grew much worse until I could see very little out of it. It looked as if I would have to give up my teaching. One day I was too sick to attend my class. So, unknown to me, the students prayed for me. The next day my eye seemed so much better that I mentioned it to some one. Then I was informed that the students had prayed for me. From that time on, the eye steadily improved, until today the left eye vision seems almost the same as that of the right i^ye. How thankful I am that I can continue to do my work here.

Please do continue to pray that this country may be kept from the hands of the enemy aggressor. Also remember these many evan end January. In some places the food will be scarce and they will
them. Please also pray for the two elders' schools in December and

gelistic workers as' they start out on their long trails in December be unable to find any for sale, so they will have to carry some with

for the winter Bible School to begin in January, the Lord helping. There will perhaps be several hundred students, as we are having
two grades of the seminary course this year.

Ed Note: After reoding the preceding letter from Mrs. Morse we think you would be
interested in the following translation of a letter written by Acho, the girl who some times goes with her as companion and helper on her teoching trips. This letter wos written to Robert and Betty and is on excellent example of the very close ties thot exist between the missionaries end the native helpers. Whenever the missionories

ore home on furlough, this is the type of letter they receive from the people who
know they ore loved by the missionaries. We hove seen various members of the
Morse family shed tears as they reod the letters from the field.

I The transloti n: "Dear Map and

Sincerely yours in His service,
Gertrude H. Morse.

Mama (teachers) who are laboring tire lessly that God's work may grow and abound. A long time has passed since you

went away from us and we have not been

able to see you, so we are very lonesome for you, and wishing to visit with you, I
am through o few words of this written greeting saying 'Peace be unto you.'

. . Whenever we go past (your home at) Dukdang, we are reminded of you, and because you are not there, the whole place seems desolate, and is not pleasant. "Dear teachers, even though I am not

one of your household, you two ore as my older brother and sister to me. But mayhardly think of us. It makes us

envious to think of how you must be living so happily there in your country, apart from us. O me! But there is no help for it, and my tears fall of loneliness, when I look at the picture of my Mapa, Mama, Yonatan, Adi (Stephen) and Ahkey.

"My beloved Mama and family, we are looking forward very

much to your return home. Just occasionally, because there is no worldly peace, we wonder if perhaps you may not get to return, and it
makes us very sorrowful. So please pray for us, also. Now how are

the three boys? They must have grown real big by now. When you get back Adi and Ahkey will probably have forgotten us, and al though we will want to take them up and hug and carry them, I guess they won't want to come to us, much as we want them to. Oh my dearest Mama Adu (Betty) : How I long to see you again; how I look forward to seeing you and the children back here again.

nothing and there must be many mistakes. ( Robert says there aren't) But please don't be angry. Now may Mama and your whole family enjoy peace in the Lord. Thus i end my words, and the writer is Ocha of your parents' household, who thinks of you very much." longing in the hearts of those on furloughtheir great desire to
The first Lord's Day that Eugene and Helen were in the services of
Helen's home church when they were on furlough in 1954 she came

"Dear Mama, not knowing how to write we hove written but

After reading this letter we may better understand the great

return to those who are truly their brothers and sisters in Christ.

home after services and said "Mother can you understand what I mean when I tell you I am so very homesick for Lisulond? The services this morning made me realize it even more."

there is so much to be done right here at home? As they go into such a field of service, taking their children, establishing their

Perhaps we can read the answer to the frequently asked ques tion "Why do they go to such a remote and dangerous field when

homes, living with the people, sharing their life, their problems, winning converts, but are establishing indigenous Christian commu mission, realizing that nothing is said of their 'return.'"
nities and societies. We can also better understand their willing ness to accept the 'Go . . . and I'll be with you' of the great com

their joys and sorrows, they are not only preaching the Gospel and

Christians and the missionaries is not produced by mere preaching. There must be a living witness and example. This is especially

The close bonds of Christian fellowship between the native

the element that holds Christ's people together in unity and strength. The ever present danger of the missionary becoming too important and too prominent is lessened when a ministry of love and humility
prevails.

true among a people who have never known the meaning of true trust, love and fellowship. There must be true Christian fellowship,

UNCERTAINTYBUT BIBLE SCHOOL HELD

been planned for the six weeks period beginning August 20. It had to be postponed for a couple of weeks but was held, nevertheless. Eugene and his mother did the teaching. There were classes in Corinthians, Romans, Biblical backgrounds. Psalms, writing and com position We were especially interested in what Helen wrote about
favor of doctrinal subjects.

Before the border troubles came up a preachers' school had

these last two subjects: "The class in writing is something they have needed for quite a long time, but it has been put off each time in

school, and who have no literature to read other than the Bible, it
for other people to read for pleasure or edification. They don t even know how to put down their thoughts in any k'nd of logical
order or sequence. So Eugene is starting at the beginning is difficult for them to gain any conception of writing something ^sentence

For people who hove never been to

construction, spelling, punctuation, etc. Many of them have devel-

oped quite a nice handwriting, but their sentences are incomplete, their spelling is poor, and punctuation (tone marks, etc.) very poor or lacking completely. Such a class could only be taught by some one who had a thorough knowledge of Lisu, like Eugene or Robert, and a knowledge of rules of grammar, etc., as well."
THANKSGIVING CONVENTIONS

The end of the school was marked by the Thanksgiving Conven tion. The Muladi and Dukdang areas held their convention together with an attendance of 1,620. The Bible School students preached
all seven sermons both in Lisu and Rawang.

At Donlituq three congregations held a joint convention with attendance throughout the three days (a long weekend) of about 900 Christians. On the southern edge of the Putao plain, one of the youngest congregations had at attendance of 250.
The convention at Sirkumdang was attended by Mrs. Gertrude Morse. About 370 were present. Mrs. Morse followed up with an
intensive week's school for the women of that area.

**These Pichires and aho the cover picture were taken by LoVerne Morse while on the trip to the Rawongtang-Tiliwago orea, about wftich he tells in his orticle
in this Newsletter.

People gathered for meal at conventionchurch building in background

(old section of Mulodi village).

As we go to press we add these items of news just received:

A two weeks Bible School for elders was held December 5-19 at

Muladi. There were 50 elders in attendance. Eugene did the teaching. Mrs. Gertrude Morse arrived home after several weeks at Myitkyina where she had her eyes checked. She was happy to be there for the closing day of the elders' school and helped with the teaching that last day.

LaVerne and Lois returned to Muladi on December 24th as

they had hoped they might.

The plane service had been so un

certain and even then their helpers had to wait and come later. They

all were so happy to be together for Christmas and concerning the day Lois wrote, "That evening we sat down with grateful hearts to a big plate of pork chops (from a freshly killed pig) rice, gravy, native sweet potatoes, and there may have been greens, also, and two tins of applesauce. After we had finished the lucious meal we went from Mother and Daddy's house over to Eugene and Helen's where we listened to the radio, sang carols together, gabbed in typical family style and handed out a small number of gifts, mostly for the children. This done, we looked hungrily towards the dining room table where there were two pies yet to be cut, one a lemon pie and the other, a mine pie from the one and only jar of mince meat Mother happened to have. It was a wonderful day, long
to be remembered.

The Bible School which started January 7th had reached an enrollment of 410 according to latest word. There were two

classes, one for preachers and one for other students. Mrs. Gertrude Morse, Eugene and LaVerne were doing the teaching. More than half were Rawang students. This is a most encouraging answer to the problem created by the order restricting missionaries to the Putao area. The great influx of students from the restricted areas indicates that they are truly 'hungering and thirsting after righteousAfter three weeks of final preparations in California, Robert

and Betty Morse, with their three sons, Jonathon, Stephen and Robert, Jr., left the International airport at Los Angeles at 9:30 p.m. January 27th. They were scheduled to stop over in Hawaii,
Tokyo and Hong Kong.
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