The

ITALIAN

CHRISTIAN

CHARLES f fVIA PHIPPS

//^ CW

72019 San Yito del Uoraannl

Cssaella Poatale Aperta ,

MISSION

1 SPRING 1989

c^toX^T

7/\ I

(BR) Italia

Fro* Italy, Feb.*89 Ivl&-Is active in the "Women

of the Chapel" on the USAF Base near here, and doing
volunteer work in the Chapel office.
December found us winding down our time at Lecce as
Pino returned with Jessie Lee Troyer. We spent a quiet

Christmas Day after church services, missing our fami

ly, but thankful they were all well.
Charles had the privilege of speaking and acting as

interpreter in two meetings for Christian unity held In

Roman Catholic church buildings, in addition to preaching
in services for the church at Francavilla and having the

Sunday night services at the Base Chapel. He is also ac

tive in the "Men of the Chapel" and area ministers' meet
ings thete.
WE PRAISE GOD -for stoves to keep warm, and enough

money for fuel for them (it takes about $100/month for

the fuel). And for you, our prayer f^rtners and support
ers of God's work here in Italy that made this possible
after our December appeal. You helped "together by prayer

for us, that the gift bestowed upon us by the means of

many persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf".
for health, and for opportunities to witness, reach,
and teach both Italians and Americans this side of the
big water.
for our faithful and efficient forwarding agent who
keeps the link between you and us intact.
WE ASK YOUR PRAYERSfor Charles as he witnesses to

an Italian postal clerk. Last week God gave them 45 min.

to talk in a usually very busy Post Office.
for a Russian-bom girl married to an American
serviceman. Hungry for the word of God, she is attending
the Tuesday rooming Bible study Ivia attends. Courtesy
of Vanita Dulin in Austria, we were able to get her a
Russian-language New Testament. Ivia and several of the
ladies are witnessing to her and teaching her.
Please continue to pray for us in 1989...
...as together we serve Him,

'

1st Class

ITALIAN

CHRISTIAN

MISSION

Mail

P.O. Box 717 * Joplln, MO 64802

Peralt 88

1st Class Mail

JCXTJ[N MO
6 480 1

.-1 _

mm

*w

D3o^f-

JUNE '89 <> VIEWPOINT, a EORUM-7 publication

from Ray Downen, Box 1065

(and a news bulletin

Joplin, MO 64802-1065

concerning.Charles and Ivia PHIPPS)

The address of Charles & Ivia Phipps, Italian Christian Mission,

is as always, Box 717, Joplin, MO 64802-0717. Write them today.

ballet to "the

I SINCERELY BELIEVE THAT EVERY CHRISTIAN

worship" is sinful. Perhaps just as bad is adding

SHOULD RESTRICT HIS TV-WATCHING TO NO MORE

Our brother implies that adding

WORSHIP to "the worship". WHERE do the scriptures

describe Christian gatherings as "worship" or

"worship services"? Where do some of us get the
idea that worship is synonymous with service? Is

TIME EACH DAY THAN HE SPENDS IN B.IBLE STUDY

AND PRAYER. SHOULD WE PASS A LAW ABOUT
THIS? If SO, HOW SHALL IT BE ENFORCED? NO,
I'm not SERIOUSLY ADVOCATING AN ANTI-TV LAW

"worship" a priestly garment we put on once or

twice a week, or even three times, when we go to
the "holy place" to worship and praise and show re

WE HAVE TOO MANY MAN-MADE "LAWS FROM GOD"

ON THE BOOKS ALREADY. I MENTION IT TO ASK

spect for God (in contrast to what we do in nonworship hours), or is it an attitude of mind con

stantly with us as we live and work? Where DTD we

THOUGHTFUL READERS TO CONSIDER HOW MUCH OF

THEIR LIVES THEY OUGHT TO BE INVESTING IN
BEING ENTERTAINED BY PERFORMERS WITH LITTLE

come

INTEREST IN THINGS OF GOD.

up with

the theory

that a certain

RITUAL is

more pleasing to God than spontaneous adoration or

The MATERIALS ZlDEN

unfettered (unplanned) joy, or any other natural

emotional

response

to

His love

demonstrated

in

things of nature and in things done by His chil

dren?

BLAKELY
Early disciples greeted one another with a holy
kisswere they not showing mutual love? We don't
KISS. Do we LOVE?

Presuming your suggestion on banning TV-watching

was meant to be given serious consideration [Notet
I do think it deserves attention since many Chris
tian men and women are allowing themselves to spend
several

hours each

week

being

influenced

by "the

tube", and the influence of free TV programming is

in no way a godly influencesee my comment later],
I see no logic in an attempt to ban TV-watching for
Christians ...

I must disagree with Gene Barren with regard to

Elder

is a

DESCRIPTION

rather

than a title. Elders were older, and called to lead

for that very reason. To make elders "titled" is to

systematize
Gene

tions

that which God did not systematize.

is correct that

there

about

baptism.

PRODUCED

these

AVAILABLE
OTHER

ON

VCR

Good

CASETTES,

EXCELLENT

News

LESSONS.

GODLY

AS

SHOWS

Produc

ThEY

ARE

ARE

MANY

CHRISTIANS

COULD WELL WATCH ON A TV SET. BUT THESE EX

CELLENT MATERIALS ARE NOT NORMALLY AVAIL
ABLE ON THE TV SET IN MOST HOMES. HoW CAN
WE AVOID BEING INFLUENCED AWAY FROM THOSE
VERY THINGS WHICH SHOULD PERMEATE OUR MINDS

AND HEARTS WHEN

ON

NORMAL

TV

SHOWS

AVAIL

ABLE TO US, GODLINESS IS AT BEST PORTRAYED

AS POWERLESS AND A QUAINT TIME WASTER} WHEN
EVERY EXPERT OPERATES ON THE BASIC ASSUMP

TION
OF

titles for elders.

CREATE CAUSED ME TO

BUY A TV SO I COULD WATCH ONE SERIES:

LOOKING BACK ON YOUR BAPTISM, a 13-lesson
PRESENTATION (30-MIN. EACH) BY GIVEN

THAT THERE IS NO GOD} WHEN THE MORALS

AND

BILLY

GOAT EXCEED

HEROINES

CUPY

OF

MAJOR

THE

THOSE OF THE

SOAP

PORTION

OPERAS

OF

HEROES

WHICH

AVAILABLE

OC

"FREE"

VIEWINGHOW CAN WE WATCH THIS WITHOUT BE

ING

SHAPED

BY

IT

INTO

BEINGS

DIFFERENT

THAN God wants us to be?

is no legislative,

executive, or judicial AUTHORITY in their function

Packed

into

the

48

pages

of FREEDOM

AT

RISK

in the body of Christ, All mature, knowledgeable

are

saints are elders because of their age and experi

brief inquiries and wanderings like the above.

THIS special VIEWPOINT newsletter is to bring
you news of CHARLES & IVlA PHIPPS, and to in
vite you to order the July VIEWPOINT, "Freedom

considerable

number

of

brief

and

not-so-

ence. Their advice and counsel should be sought and

welcomed by younger saints. Because of their age,
because of having lived through good and bad times,
their experiences and insights are of value to all

at Risk". This special June issue is being sent

in the body. Elders ideally teach and persuade, but

(at no

never prod or thrust to get their way in the con

mailing list. It's being merged with a slightly

different edition going to my usual mailing

gregation as an authoritarian "official" might.

expense to I.C.M.) to all on

the

I.C.H.

list. Some will receive both editions.

Keep those articles coming. I find them stimula

ting to my mind and my spirit.

Since the normal mailing was prepared on Fri

day but missed the 4:30 p.m. deadline after

I WAS THRILLED to learn for sure that at

LEAST ONE FRIEND WAS READING THINGS I CHOSE
TO SHARE IN PREVIOUS VIEWPOINT ISSUES.

which the Post Office will not accept bulk mail

ings, I decided to include in copies going to
friends of I.C.M. this unexpected news of Ivla's
sickness. I'll have later news for any who want

to call for it to 417/782-0814. It's likely you

will be concerned; WILL PRAY; and will send an
extra gift to I.C.M. (Box 717) if you can.

As FOR TV, I HEARD ALSO FROM ZIDEN NUTT,

OF GOOD

NEWS PRODUCTIONS, who

PRODUCING

EXCELLENT

TEACHING

is actively

AND

INSPIRING

TV MATERIALS. POR SOME REASON, HE FELT MY

SUGGESTION

MIGHT
SAID.

WAS

HAVE BEEN

HITTING

IF

BELOW

REALLY

THE

BELT,

MEANT

WHAT

OR

Your SEPARATE check (but it can be included in

the same envelope as notes to I.C.H.) made out

to North Joplin Christian Church for $4 would
bring you a copy of FREEDOM AT RISK, a 48-page
booklet by Ray Downen, which is soon to be
mailed, that I hope YOU might want to read.

N.J.C.C. c/o

NON-PROFIT

JUNE '89 <> VIEWPOINT, a FORUM-7 publication

from Ray Downen, Box 1065
Joplln, MO 64802-1065

Box 1065 <> Joplin, MO 64802-1065

3rd

Class

Permit

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

67

JOPLIN, MO
6 4 8

0 1

Carmen Fellows

Box

2427

KHOXVL TH 3'7901-2427^J;;^;;-' , '

North Joplln Christian Church

meets at 516 H.Wall In

Joplln, MO 64801-2442

This

special

edition

of

VIEWPOINT

(a

NEWSLETTER FROM RaY DoWNEN) IS PREPARED

FOR MAILING TO FRIENDS OF CHARLES AND IVIA
PHIPPS AS A FIRST REPORT ON A SERIOUS
MEDICAL

THIS
HOME

EMERGENCY

WRITING TO
TO JOPLIN

HOSPITALIZATION

CAUSING

CHARLES

AS

EACH

PERSON

ON

MY

TREATMENT.

She was thrown into shock by an excess

OF INSULIN. The Italian doctor she saw
June 1st spoke of congestive heart fail

WHO

As

I- WRITE

THIS,

WI-tnr~HANDLE

THE

EXACT COST FOR

PRAYER MEETING
OF

THE

NEED,

to

contribute,

AND

SIBLE

unusual

TO

SET

care

ASIDE

IT
ANY

HAS

NOT

BEEN

EMERGENCY

POS

FUND

WAS

They

available, more news will follow...

other
TO

This year, I re-dated my April news (A

VIEWPOINT) to May [to skip AprilI since it
TO

SEND

OUT

AN

April issue, and mailed it. Soon after,

THE April ENSIGN was deliveredso good
THAT ALL MY READERS NEEDED TO HAVE ONE.

So, less THAN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE MaY

SUE

WAS

April

MAILED,

issue

to

MANAGED

urge

all

TO

to

IS

PUT

OUT

AN

send

for

an

April ENSIGN. LLOYD PELFREY reports that

both issues got to his mail box IN MoberLY THE SAME day!

prepared

one

to

May issue, and another

Prior to having either

mail

as

late

as a June issue.
of these printed,

I determined to combine them to save on

postage. The combining got out of hand un
til THE 8-page newsletter BECAME A 48-PAGE
BOOKLET. It will COST MORE MONEY TO PRINT
THE LARGER EDITION. I'VE WRITTEN A LETTER
TO

TEN

ING

THE

WILL
BE

FRIENDS

$1,500

COST

ABLE

TO

ASKING

BEYOND

THEIR

HELP

ANTICIPATE
WHAT

IN

THIS

EXPECT

RAIS

MAILING

MYSELF

GENE

THE

PRELIMINARY

being

BARRON

having
been

seen

set

WORKED

had

the

for

there

chosen

material

printing

and

ON.

TO

SPEND.

church

through

tracts

and

printed materials. They were willing

SHARE

SEE

of my hope to encourage unity

Lord's

THIS
IT

HAPS

IN

BE

THE

EXPENSE

MATERIAL

AND

PERHAPS

INFLUENCED

INTO
EVEN

TO

INVOLVED

PRINT
READ

KNOW

SO

IN

SOME

IT,

AND

(EVEN

PUT

WILL
PER

BETTER

THAN before) THAT THE LORD WANTS ALL

LOVE Him to also love one another.

WHO

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED in parts of a May

27, 1989 letter from an Arkansas reader
COMMENTING ON THE MaY VIEWPOINT:
Your

"brother

from

the

South"

seems

to

tijinJc

that the Jaw was CHANGED. Wy reading of Paul sug

gests that it was ELiniNATED, with or without the
definite

Then

now

know

the

TING

AFFORD

SHOP

WHAT

TO

in

TO

has

THEN

FINANCIAL HELP, PLEASE DO SO. As IT BECOMES

IMPOSSIBLE

WHAT

OR

AND LOUISE FIELDS wrote a check

which

PAY FOR. Please pray. If you can send extra

SEEMED

ARE
500

WILL BE. AT OUR

6/2/89, I SPOKE

BRANDISHING

help. Earlier.

tra

LIST

COPY OF THE FREEDOM AT RISK booklet. WIL

to

EMERGENCY.

UNSURE

THE JOB
ThURS.,

BUR

Whether here or there, she will need ex

I'm

PRINTING,

GLYCEMIA (opposite OF DIABETES) CAUSED HER

MEDICAL

MAILING

ARE.

ure. The base doctor on June 2nd says hypoACUTE SHOCKA

USUAL

WHICH IS roughly 1,000 FRIENDS WHO

NOT IN THE AnTI-MuSIC FELLOWSHIP AND

OF

PLAN TO BRING IVIA BACK

ON MONDAY, JUNE 5, FOR
AND

TO

article.

Hebrews

does

not

contrast

an

old law with a new LAW, but an old law with a new
system of grace. Melciiizedec was UWrQUE as God's
priest, as is Jesus Christalthough each observed
the commands of God, neither fits within the
framework of LAW.

The entirety of Hebrews is devoted to demon

strating the superiority of all facets of our re
lationship with God by contrast with the corres
ponding circumstances under the law delivered to
Moses. If we have but changed from one yoke of
bondage (code of Jaw) to another, how, except with

reference to tbe one wbo gave it, is our heritage

I've
point,
AND

set the copy for the July

NAMING it a freedom at risk

INTENDING

TO

SEND

IT

WITHOUT

View
issue
CHARGE

superior? And was not the law of Hoses also given

to them by Cod?

ITALIAN CHRISTIAN MISSION

June 13, 1989

THE PHIPPSCharles & Ivia

Telephoned message 6/6/89 7:30 a.m. "IVIA HOSPITALIZED.

SEDIOUS. CHARLES & IVIA HAVE TO COME HOME ON EMERGENCY

LEAVE FOR IVIA'S HEALTH. ALL OUR CASH AND SAVINGS SPENT
FOR AIR FARE. IVIA HAS NO MEDICAL INSURANCE. CAN YOU

HELP, PLEASE?"
LATEST NEWS!

Ivia is in OAK HILL HOSPITAL in Joplin (Room 226),

receiving the care she has so long needed. At this time
we do not have final information as to her condition.

We'll keep you informed.

The financial emergency still exists. Thanks for pray

ing about our situation with us. We've spent more than
we had in order to come here to find the medical help
she very urgently needed. Now we must have your help in
meeting the expenses. We know we can count on your car
ing and sharing. THANKS.

*Permlt#d8*
*l3t Class*

THE ITALIAN CHRISTIAN MISSION

P.O. Box 717 * Joplin, MO 64802-0717

* n A I L *

MISSIONARIES:
Forwarding Agent:
CHARLES & IVIA PHIPPS
Ray Dovinen
"They of Italy salute you!" Heb.13:24

*Joplin no*
*64801*

1st CLASS HAIL

Cariwn Fellows
Box 2427

NEWS FLASH
FROM Charles
& IviA PHIPPS-

KHOXVL TH 37901-2427

iliiillJfillFillsHn!!!!.'!!!!!!!!!!!:!!!!!!:!!!!!

ITALIAN CHRISTIAN MISSION

June

29

X989

THE PHIPPSCharles & Ivia

LATEST NEWS!'
In late afternoon on June 28th, Ivia was released from OAK
HILL HOSPITAL in Joplin and will be treated now at the home of
RON & LINDA SLAUGHTER near Neosho (20 miles south of Joplin).
Cause of the medical emergency was overtreated incipient dia
betes and (undiagnosed) stomach ulcers, which led to severe

anemia, complicated by extreme physical and mental stress.

Her blood sugar and blood pressure still fluctuate wildly
without apparent cause. Arthritis pain complicates the ulcer

problem, since aspirin helps the arthritis but is counterindicated for ulcers. She is now on insulin for the diabetes.

We're trusting in the Lord's leading. The doctors say, "Take

it one day at a time."

Our financial emergency still exists. We spent more than

we had in order to come here to find the medical help she

very urgently needed. Hospital & doctor bills will be high.

Thanks for praying with us and for your already-generous

sharing! We know you will continue to bless us as God enables you. With all our love,

Charles & Ivia Phipps

Permit 88

The ITALIAN CHRISTIAN MISSION

p 0 Box 717

^^.ass
Mailing

JoPLiN, MO 64802-0717

64'"ro'^l

1st Class Mail

(Hosard h

Ray

KHOXVL TH 37901-2427
/

NEWS FROM Charles

NONPROFIT

N.J.C.C.

AcJdress Correction Requested

3rd Class

c/o Box 1065

Joplin, MO 64802-1065

Permit 67
JOPLIN MO
6 4 8 0 1

TJ__ 37901-2427

ITALIAN CHRISTIAN MISSION

August 1983
Box 717 * Joplin, MO 6it802-0717
TO: Friends of CHARLES & IVIA PHIPPS
ti^e praise the Lord for --

A good report for Charles from the Cardiologist.

the

The fact that Ivia is improving in

sugar and blood pressure keep shooting

many ways, although

up and make changes

of medication necessary.

For

the

Family of God who have been so good to help us.

Thank you for your cards, prayers and gifts.

We are over $10,000

in debt for hospital and related costs, and even with all the
help your gifts have given, we will be paying for a long time.

Pray for us --

For healing of fragile nerves.

For Ivia's continuing return to health.

For money to buy medicines; Charles' cost over $100.00

a month and Ivia's close to $300.00 every month.
For God's direction in our lives.
What are we doing?

Since Ivia is not yet able to travel, Charles is preaching

when invited and teaching in VBS's in this area.

Folks ask us what our plans are, and the answer really
lies in the fact that God knows the future and is keeping details

?
Hold

iives to
We He
haveistoGod.
resort
to let
the
button, be still,
andHimself.
know that
..then

patience have her perfect work.

We earnestly pray to be\ alert to the guidance of His

Spiiit, so that we will always be in the very center of His will
for us.
I

We need and value your prayers, folks, your regular support and
any extra you can send to help us with these medical costs.

We do praise God and give thanks daily for you, Ris family

who

care and share.

In His grace,

ITALIAN CHRISTIAN MISSION

Box 717 * JoPLiN, MO 6if802-0717

The Phipps' - Charles and Ivia

August

1989

The:

ITALIAN

CHRISTIAN

MISSION

'

CHARLES t IVIA PHIPPS

P.O. Box 717 * Joplin, MO 64802-0717

"They of Italy

Forwarding Agent:
Ray Oownen

salute you!" Heb.13:24

OUR 1989 Tf/EME: Listen and HEAR

Look and SEE, what the Spirit of Cod
has to say.
FALL, 1989

Dearest Family in the Lord!

'Tis Autumn and the leaves are falling 'Tis Thanksgiving and we are thankful!
Each of our eleven years together, we make a list every Thanksgiving
of the many things God has blessed us with during the past year.
This
year we'd like to share part of that list with you.
This past year in Italy was, as always, both fruitful and rewarding
we witnessed, taught and preached, both to Italians and American

as

service people.
Among other things, Charles was invited to speak
(freely!) in a Roman Catholic church to a group of cloistered nuns and
to translate for two Chaplains on that occasion.

In

base

April,

chapei,

although

Charies

Ivia

was

was

honored

very

for

ill,

his

at

52

the

years

San

of

Air

Force

preaching

Vito

God's

Word, most of them on the field in Italy.

He served on the San Vito
base as Auxiliary Chaplain, and was presented the cross of an Air Force
Chaplain, which he wears very humbly and proudly.
Ivia was given a little
gold angel pin in honor of her service as Chapel Volunteer of the year.
We have much to be thankful for healthwise.

in

Italy

saved

Ivia's

life,

and

we

are

so

The hospital and doctors

thankful

for

our

American

doctors and hospitals.

Charles' last visit to the Cardiologist gives
us a iittie concern, since he was told his heart is beating much too

slowly and that he may have need of a pacemaker.

Pray for him please;
he feels fine and is, as always, busy about His Father's business.
We are

thankful

Ivia

is now strong enough

to do cooking

and

light

housekeeping.
We are in a iarge mobile home park, which is a mission
field in itself.
We have taken a few easy trips and although Ivia's
sugar and blood pressure shot up a little, she made the trips okay.
As soon as our slides arrive from Italy and the doctors feel
is strong enough we will begin our furlough travel.
Look

for

letter or call from

us soon,

asking

when

we can

Ivia

visit

you.

We

are

thankful

for

the

trip

to

Wichita,

Kansas,

where

we saw our

brand new granddaughter...the tenth!...Cassandra Morgan Collins, born

October 19th to our son Larry and daughter-in-love, Judy.
Larry is in
the

Air

Force and

Judy

teaches school

great-granddaughter...the

in

third...Miranda

Wichita.

Lynn.

We also have a new

She's five

and

half

months old now and so sweet.

These are just a few of the things we are so thankful for.

We ask your
prayers for IvUi's continued return to health - for Charles, even though
he feels great and is always working, preaching, teaching, singing, etc.

We ask your prayers for Ivia's continued return to health for Charles, even though he feels great and is always working.
preaching, teaching, singing, etc

Also pray with us that we ijnay get Medicaid cards to help

us with our high medicine costs.
And

remember

we are so

tha ikful

for all of you who keep

prayers and financial support,

us going with your encouragement

We are truly grateful and praij e God for each one of you, as
together we serve Him.
Love and prayers.

The Phipps'Charles and Ivia

To arrarige speaking dateS please contact us at
Box 717, Joplin, MO 64802
417/782-0814

or

417/451-0566

THANKS

Thanks for giy ng us our dally bread

Thanks for se1^(1ing sun and rain

Thanks for li^fening

to each prayer we pray

Thanks for ansivl^ering

them by night and day

Thanks for sehiiding us Your only Son

iwing us the Way
Thanks for sho'

Lord, we realJ. don't know how

To tell You "TiIhanks"
Yes, Lord, THAl iiIKS!
CHARLES Phipps

NJCC

ITALIAN CHRISTIAN MISSION

Box 717
Jopl IN, MO 6'802-0717

BULK RATE
3rd Class
Permit 67

ADDRESS

CORRECTION

REQUESTED

Joplin MO
6 480 1

Howard i 6ien Ray

Box

242

TN 37901-2427