Robert and Diane Sigafoose

50 Monk's Hill Road

#04-50
Singapore 0922
Republic of Singapore
Dear friends,
Serving in Singapore
1429 Norwood, Granite City, IL62040
March, 1991
Forwarding Agent:
Delmer Rhodebeck
1429 Norwood
Granite City, IL 62040
(618) 877-7120
As we begin our 21st year in mission work, particularly in Southeast
Asia, we want to take this opportunity to thank you for your prayers and
your financial support over the years. As many of you know, we had
originally planned to return to Singapore on March 1st of this year.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances, our plans have changed. Bob
must return to Singapore for two months. There is a need to take care of
Singapore's income tax, renewal of our visa, plus arrange for someone to
stay in our apartment. The couple who are staying in our apartment now
are moving out the end of March and there will be no one to pay the rent
and utilities. We don't want to lose this apartment as it is the best
place around.
Debbie Bartscher, our oldest daughter, who is now six months pregnant, is
experiencing several complications. Due to the stillborn birth of their
last child, Debbie has developed a blood condition called "Anti-C", also
known as "Little-C." This antibody prevents the unborn baby from getting
the nutrient blood it needs to survive. She is being monitored very
closely and plans are being made to transfuse the baby before it is born.
It is uncertain at this point how many transfusions will be required.
Debbie will have to be traveling to Minneapolis for specialized critical-
care treatment. Because of this condition, Diane will be remaining in
the States to be near Debbie and her family to give support where it is
needed.
Our daughter Laurie, is having quite a time trying to finish her
elementary educational teaching certification. She works full-time
during the night and then is doing her student teaching in the daytime.
That doesn't leave much time for sleeping and classroom preparation. Her
schooling will be finished on May 7th. She will be one happy and
relieved girl. Laurie will begin teaching full-time starting in
September.
We do wish to thank all of you for your prayers on behalf of Debbie,
Laurie and for ourselves. Your support in EVERY way is so appreciated.
God bless you,
Bob & Diane
WONDERFUL NEWS!
THE CHURCH IN MALAYSIA IS NOW RECOGNIZED BY THE GOVERNMENT
A visit to Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam, Malay^sia from.August
5th through-^ 8th-, 1991 brought excitement and joy as word was
received from the Malaysian Register of Societies, The
Christian Church of Malaysia is now fully recognized by the
government of Malaysia.
Bob and Diane Sigafoose, missionaries to Singapore, accompanied
by Richard and Mary Alice Winson, Minister and wife of the First
Christian Church of Collinsville, Illinois {one of the major
supporting churches of Bob and Diane), were able to share in
this joy during their stay in Malaysia. The letter of
recognition was received ^prf^August 7, 1991 by John Millason, a
Malay national leader of the church. Bob and Diane have been
praying for 20 years that the church might be established and
recognized in Malaysia. Praise the Lord it has finally taken
place through the efforts of many faithful workers from
Southeast Asia, the United States, and Australia.
The Malaysian government is very strict about church meetings in
the home. Therefore, a building will have to be rented for
church meetings and activities. The cost of renting and
maintaining such a building will be about $300.00 per month. At
the present, there are a few Bible Studies meeting in homes.
These groups are kept small so that attention is not drawn to
them and that the neighbors do not complain to the police. In
the beginning, financial aid will be needed for the church to
grow.
Join with us in rejoicing in the first registered Christian
Church in Malaysia. Remember them in your prayers, as they
endeavor in their new beginnings and growth!
In the Love of Christ Jesus,
Bob and Diane Sigafoose 'j)
Rich and Mary Alice Winson
B5j
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Robert and Diane Sigafoose
50 Monk's Hill Road
#04-50
Singapore 0922
Republic of Singapore
Serving in Singapore
1429 Norwood, Granite City, IL62040
GREETINGS FROM SOUTH DAKOTA,
The Lord giveth
Forwarding Agent:
Delmer Rhodebeck
1429 Norwood
Granite City, IL 62040
(618) 877-7120
Austin Robert, son of Damon and Debbie (Sigafoose) Bartscher, finally made it
into this world on June 4, 1991. As you know, it was a real time of trial and
anxiety for all of us as we waited for this precious little boy who is so
"fearfully and wonderfully made." Austin weighed 7 lbs. 15 oz. and was 21
1/2" long at birth. He is perfect, healthy, and happy. For eight days he
stayed in the critical-care unit of Sioux Valley Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD
waiting to see if a blood transfusion was needed. It wasn't!
\
We praise the Lord
for His ever watch-care
and
"marvelous works
He is able to perform."
Diane and I want to thank those around the world who continually prayed for
all of us during this critical and difficult time. It's wonderful to serve a
living God who hears and answers prayers.
The Lord taketh away
On May 25th Diane's dear mother passed from this life in Nashville, TN at the
age of 80. Mrs. Addie Holman was survived by two sons and six daughters,
fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. A beautiful funeral
service was held on May 28th in Nashville. It was good to be with so many
family members again, but sad that it was such an occasion.
We want to thank those many individuals and churches who called, sent prayers
of support, memorials and condolences on Diane's behalf. Bless you all for
your comforting words and thoughtfulness.
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TRAVEL PLANS
We are trying to keep you informed of our plans as quickly as possible.
However, it may be that part of our travel will already have taken place by
the time you read this newsletter. Diane and I will be leaving South Dakota
near the end of June. I have the great honor of participating in the wedding
of a Singaporean girl, Ruth Loh, in Toronto, Canada, on June 29th. Ruth has
been a very important part of our life and ministry during our long stay in
Singapore and it is a blessing that we will be able to be with her on this
very special occasion. From Toronto, we will stop in St. Louis to catch up
on office and financial matters. On July 8th we plan to be with Laurie in
Waco, Texas as she has some necessary surgery which will need parental support
and comfort for a few days.
WE ARE SCHEDULED TO LEAVE FOR SINGAPORE ON JULY 12TH.
We ask continual prayers as we rush to get back into our routine in Singapore.
We also will be having to study up on the new Religious Harmony bill put out
by the Singapore Government. We'll need to know what restrictions will be
placed on us and our work.
Thanks to all of you who "have stood by us all these years, sharing the vision
for the lost, committing your faith and love, through prayers and support.
Our next newsletter will be from the field to bring you reports of the
ministry, yours and ours.
\
Robert and Diane SIgafoose
50 Monk's Hill Road
#04-50
Singapore 0922
Republic of Singapore
Serving in Singapore
13^1
Forwarding Agent:
Delmer Rhodebeck
1429 Norwood
Granite City, IL 62040
(618) 877-7120
1429 Norwood, Granite City, IL62040
Dear Friends,
We arrived back in Singapore on July
12, a late 2 a.m. and were greeted by
very sleepy faithful friends.
Emotions ran high as we were welcomed
back. The end of a long safe flight
was a reality, but our hearts still
tugged with aches at the thought of
leaving our families and loved ones
behind. The past year had been a busy
one. It was the longest time we had
spent with our daughters in twelve
years. We were so thankful the Lord
saw clear to let us have that precious
time together so we could be with them
both during very difficult times. We
also felt blessed about being in the
States when Diane lost her mom,
although there was not enough time to
spend with her family. We still covet
your prayers concerning this matter.
Just before leaving the states, Bob
had the opportunity~ to immerse his
grand-nephew Tony and his grand-niece
Shelly into Christ. Tony and Shelly
attend the Catlin Church of Christ in
Catlin, Illinois. What a joyous
occasion that was!
We understand our newest addition to
the family, Austin Robert, is a very
happy, healthy boy who looks just like
his grandpa Robert. Amber, his sister,
who was five years old on September 12,
is such a big help to her mom, but she
does let them all know she needs
attention periodically.
Laurie began teaching first grade in
the public school system in Waco,
Texas, on August 26th.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF OUR RETURN
The blast of tropical heat seems always
a shock to our system when we return
from the states. Days of heat and
jet-lag do make us move around very
slowly.
We set out to clean our apartment after
a year's absence. The blown volcanic
ash from Mt. Pinatubo in the
Philippines was not very kind to our
large number of plants nor to some of
the contents of our home.
Many buildings from the secondary
school behind us had been demolished
while we were gone, so our view had
turned from a beautiful green soccer
field lined with trees to brown mounds
of earth. Heavy equipment machines are
everywhere, working from morning til
night. We have no idea what will
replace the former scenery. As we live
in old housing, (post WWII) owned by
the government (which is sitting on
prime land), we can afford to be a bit
anxious about our own future housing.
While we do let the Lord plan our days,
we will keep one ear open for the
bulldozer.
GUESTS FROM COLLINSVlLLE, IL
Two weeks after our return, we had
visitors from Collinsville, Illinois,
Richard Winson, Minister of First
Christian Church, and his wife, Mary
Alice, were here for two weeks. (The
Collinsville Church is one of our major
supporting churches). The time was all
too short for them to observe the work
here, take in some sights, and taste
all the flavors of our Asian food, good
and bad.
Rich did manage to hold a two day
seminar for our Singapore Christian
Canaan Church, (Rich Sheeley ministers
to this one), preach during the worship
hour at Boscombe Road Church of Christ,
plus held studies in the various homes
for the Life-Link groups.
Rich and Mary Alice were able to
accompany us to the west part of
Malaysia. While we were there, we
received word that the government had
approved our registration for the
Christian Church in Malaysia. God had
finally answered many years of prayer.
It was a wonderful time for all of us
to share in the excitement! Many
efforts from those in the U.S.A.,
Australia, and Southeast Asia have been
put into this work. As you know,
Malaysia is a strong Muslim country.
Therefore, meetings in homes pose a big
risk, especially if someone complains.
Church meetings must currently be held
in homes. Rich was able to share some
of the Gospel to many as we met in
different homes. These Malay Indians
were very much encouraged by his words
and wanted him to stay longer. So did
we!
This picture shows Rich and Mary Alice
along with Bob at a meeting in a home
in Malaysia (Diane was taking the
picture) . The man in the white shirt
is the Malaysian minister, John
Miliason.
' fi'.'
IN CONCLUSION...
It will take us some time to get back
into our work here in Singapore. There
have been many new exciting
developments since we have returned.
We will share these with you in our
next letter.
Please remember in prayer:
1. The national minister in Malaysia,
John Millason, as he looks for a church
building in which to meet.
2. Diane, as she continues to need
emotional strength and comfort.
3. Both of us here as we seek the
wisdom of our Lord as to how best we
can serve Him.
Blessings to you and yours in Christ,
Non-Profit
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Granite City, IL62040
Permit No. 51
Good News
Christian Mission
1429 Norwood
Granite City, IL 62040
MISSION SERVICE
BOX 2427
KNOXVILLE, TN 37901
Address Correction Requested
Serving in Singapore
GOOD NEWS
FOR
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AUGUST 1991
THE GOVERNMENT OF MALAYSIA
LEGALLY RECOGNIZES CHRISTIAN CHURCH
GOOD NEWS FOR MALAYSIA
THE CHURCH IN MALAYSIA IS NOW LEGALLY
RECOGNIZED BY THE GOVERNMENT
A visit to Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam,
Malayasia from August 5th through 8th, 1991
brought excitement and joy as word was
received from the Malaysian Register of
Societies. The Christian Church of Malaysia
is now fully recognized by the government of
Malaysia.
Bob and Diane Sigafoose, missionaries to
Singapore, accompanied by Richard and Mary
Alice Winson, Minister and wife of the First
Christian Church of Collinsville, Illinois
(one of the major supporting churches of Bob
and Diane) , were able to share in this joy
during their stay in Malaysia. The letter of
recognition was received on August 7, 1991 by
John Millason, a Malay national leader of the
church. Bob and Diane Sigafoose have been
working and praying for 20 years that the
church might be established and recognized in
Malaysia. Praise the Lord it has finally
taken place through the efforts of many
faithful workers from Southeast Asia, the
United States, and Australia.
The Malaysian government is very strict about
church meetings in the home. Therefore, a
building will have to be rented for church
meetings and activities. In the beginning,
financial aid will be needed for the church
to grow. At the present, there are a few
Bible studies meeting in homes. These groups
are kept small so that attention is not drawn
to them and that the neighbors do not
complain to the police.
Good News Christian Mission will assist with
the establishment effort during the next 36
months by forming a new division of its
mission. Good News For Malaysia. At the end
of that time, the involvement of Good News
Christian Mission will be reviewed and
evaluated.
They will need about $35,600 over the next
three years. A close estimate of expenses
has been secured. Details are as follows:
Needed upfront to begin services: $3,200.00
This will supply funds for:
rent - living quarters for minister $350.00
utilities - living quarters 200.00
rent for church meeting place 150.00
renovation of meeting place 1,000.00
supplies and operating expenses 800.00
Travel & lodging for Bob for 4 weeks 400.00
Administration (registrations, etc.) 150.00
Office supplies in U.S. 150.00
Needed per month to sustain: $900.00
(for 36 months)
This will supply funds for:
rent for living quarters 350.00
utilities 200.00
rent for church meeting place 150.00
supplies & operating expenses 200.00
($900 X 36 mos. = $32,400
+ $3,200 start up = $35,600)
We are asking you to pledge a gift toward
this mission work. A bank account for the
Malaysian work will be established, from
which funds will be drawn to pay expenses as
they are submitted. Accounting and reporting
procedures for these funds will be
established by the Good News For Malaysia
division and will be provided to you on a
quarterly basis.
Please address your correspondence,
questions, and pledges to:
Good News For Malaysia
1429 Norwood
Granite City, IL 62040
Phone (618) 877-7120
Join with us in rejoicing in the first
registered Christian Church in Malaysia.
Remember them in your prayers, as they
endeavor in their new beginnings and growth!