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PORTUGAL
PROFESSOR
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VOLUME MARCH 1990
1990
1 234 5 6 7 8 90
Cat
NUMBER 1
"The skies shall unfold ... We shall behold Him!" What great things 1990 has in store
for each and every Christian. The walls of communism are crumbling, countries are
opening, churches are growing . . . The Kingdom is on the march and the Victory is
Ours!
Continue to pray for us here in Portugal, and for ail the missionaries and churches
around the world. Satan will work even harder because time is short. Stand firm!
Remember Colossians 4:2 and I Corinthians 15:51-52.
CHAMPIONS!
I zao
Wow! After four practices my girls' team
entered a tournament and won! Iwas so proud
of them. We had some close games and won
the championship by one point. They are a
special group of girls and I will miss them
next year.
MEET THE THOMAS FAMILY
1
lOUVAl AO SEN
imivAi * nFilPji'' SEU
Timothy and Dixie Thomas with their children
Sarah and Andrew, are members of the
Portugal Christian Mission team. My friend
ship with them goes back to Johnson Bible
College where we all graduated together.
Tim was born and raised in Brazil. They were
also in Portugal in 1981 and then returned to
the States to finish some graduate studies.
Tim teaches and preaches. Dixie helps with
Sunday School and helps teach at the Chris
tian School where Sarah attends. They are
true friends and I'm glad they are here in
Portugal.
Ft
Sunday School Class
My dear friends and family!
I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of my thoughts and prayer
requests for 1990. First of all, however. I want to thank you for your continued support,
both financially and in prayer.
A big decision has been made this year in that I will not return to the American School
this fall. I feel the Lord has more for me to do with Portugal Christian Mission on a full
time status. I will be making a trip to the States this summer to raise the extra support
and report to my supporters. Please keep this in your prayers. There is so much I
need to do with the youth, English classes, guitar lessons for some of our youth, music
preparation, computer work, etc. The Lord has blessed and continues to do so!
As you pray for me and the work here in Portugal I would like to suggest some requests.
Remember to pray:
that I will be sensitive to God's will in my work for His kingdom.
that I may always keep my priorities right.
that I may have the wisdom to respond when confronted with difficult decisions
or situations.
for quiet, uninterrupted times of rest, study and prayer.
for safety in daily travels and health.
that I may encourage prayer warriors to pray for the work here and the evange
lism of all.
that the Christians here may use their talents and gifts in the Service of the King.
for local believers to be sensitive to God's leading and be willing to be used as
He desires.
Above and over all of these is the reason for it all pray for souls to come to know
Christ Jesus as their personal Savior and be obedient to His commands.
In His Service in Portugal,
Cheri Lynn
KIDS' KORNER
Hi kids! I'll bet you are about to enjoy a spring vacation from your school. We have a
spring vacation here in Portugal too, and everyone enjoys having several days off from
school. Our weather is a little warmer than yours is if you live in the central part of the
United States. If you live in Florida or California or Texas or Arizona, you probably
have warmer weather now than we do. We have many of our practices outside now for
sports, and many of our gym classes are outdoors too. We do not have snow here so
we did not have any days off school for bad weather during the winter.
I will be in the States during July and August and I hope to see many of you then. I
would like to visit as many places as is possible during this time and I will be looking
forward to seeing you and meeting all of your friends.
FIELD ADDRESS:
Cheri Lynn Oakley
Rua Por do Sol, 29
2775 Carcavelos
PORTUGAL
FORWARDING AGENTS:
Portugal Christian Mission
Bob & Bonnie Mitchell
R.R. #2, Box 288
Bloomlngton, IL 61704
Non Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 12
Heyworth, IL
61745
Mission Services
PO Box 2^27
Knoxville, TIN 379l
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
ABCDEFGHUKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
PORTUGAL
PROFESSOR
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VOLUME Ml OCTOBER 1990
THANK YOU LORD!
Proverbs 17:6
1 2 34 5 6 7 8 90
Cat
NUMBER2
The time I spent in the States this summer was great and I really accomplished much. However, the
time I spent with my family - my parents and sister and brother and sister-in-law - was very special. My
parents gave me a place to call my own for all 2V2 months and supported my work whenever I was
close. I just want to take this time to thank the Lord for giving me such great Christian parents. I thank
them for teaching me the ways of Christ and for allowing me to make my own decisions.- Their counsel
ing, support, encouragement and love are very vital in my life. I have truly been blessed above and
beyond my highest expectations. Thank You Mom and Dad for your love. Thank you Lord for Vernon
and Kathryn Oakley, the greatest parents in the world.
"THE BEGINNING?"
My travels took me many different places this
summer and I praise God for His guiding
hand in all. One trip, however, was very
exciting as Cindy (my sister) and I returned to
Winslow, Arizona. Believe it or not, this is
where my life began - October 1,1957. What
memories and great experiences we enjoyed
there this summer. We stayed with a dear
family friend, Geraldine Bates. I had the
opportunity of sharing with the Jr. High Sun
day School class at the church there and with
the congregation about my work in Portugal.
It was an honor to sing and speak to these
long-time family friends. Many had known
me since birth and our family for years through
my grandparents. Cindy and I also had the
opportunity to see some of the countryside
and were amazed at the differences from
Phoenix to Winslow. What variety! I also
learned some about my early life. Geraldine,
did you really know my parents were leaving
me???
-mk
Cheri & Geraldine Bates
PRAYER CONCERNS:
For Dick and Sarah while they are in the
U.S. during October.
For the work here in Portugal.
For those who made decisions this
summer involving their spiritual lives.
PRAISE CONCERNS:
For my safe trip back to Portugal.
For a great summer.
For Fife's safety and productive summer.
For the Christians here in Portugal.
MICHIGAN VISITED
One of the last weekends that I was in the
States, the Mitchell family traveled with me as
we went to Vestaburg, Michigan. We stayed
with my grandparents, Herbert & Helen
Baynes and my aunt, Bonnie Clark. I shared
with the Vestaburg Church of Christ about the
work in Portugal and received a very warm
welcome from the congregation there. That
Sunday was the 59th wedding anniversary of
my grandparents and it was such a joy to
share that special time with them.
Herbert & Helen Baynes, Bonnie Clark
Bob Mitchell Family
V MEET MY
FORWARDING AGENTS
Up close and personal, I would like to say a
few words about my forwarding agents - Bob
and Bonnie Jo Mitcheli. They are my co-
workers and do an excellent job with the
financial matters, church contacts, news
letters and much more. They are a dedicated
Christian couple with missions foremost in
their minds. Bob is a farmer and Bonnie Jo is
a registered nurse. They have four children:
Sandy Mitchell Hill, who was married In July
to Chad Hill; Bob II, who is a freshman at
KCC; Cindy, a junior in high school; and
Debby, an 8th grader. They attend and are
active at the LeRoy Christian Church, LeRoy,
Illinois. Thank you Bob and Bonnie Jo for aii
your work and support.
KIDS' KORNER
Wow kids! I saw the biggest hole I have ever seen this summer. They call it Grand Canyon. Whew!
It was awesome! Its beauty took my breath away. We need to always be aware of God's creation for us.
Look around you and notice the trees, the lakes and the fields. God is so good! Genesis 1:1-31
FIELD ADDRESS:
Cher! Lynn Oakley
Rua Por do Sol, 29
2775 Carcavelos
PORTUGAL
FORWARDING AGENTS:
Portugal Christian Mission
Bob & Bonnie Mitchell
R.R. #2. Box 288
Bloomlngton, IL 61704
Non Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 12
Heyworth, IL
61745
Mission Services
p o Box 2427
Knoxville, TN 37901
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
Chen Lynn Oakley
Rua P6r do Sol, 29
2775 Carcaveios
PORTUGAL
Dear Family and Friends;
<955"^
September - October
Rio
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of
those who love Him, who have been called according to his
purpose." (Romans S:2Q) This verse is so true, but there
are many times we think God has , forgotten His promise.
During the past two months l have remembered this verse as
well as another in Hebrev/s 13:6. "So we say with
confidence: The Lord is my helper; i will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?" i have had some very difficult
weeks, but God has helped me through and I have conquered In
His name. Praise the Lord!
Many different events took place in September, but the first
two weeks were spent resting and recuperating. The last of
August C27th) I had some major surgery. All went very well.
Praise be to God! i am feeling much better and thank my
family and friends for their many prayers and for their
encouragement. I needed a little time to recover, but still
found time to visit many friends and eat at every possible
moment. Whew! vLi/
I received a real blessing when i returned the car i had
driven all summer and found that I owed nothing. A very
generous offering and much appreciated. Priase the Lord for
His goodness and the way He takes care of His own. Thank
you for your gift. "Through Jesus, therefore, iet us
continualiy offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit
of lips that confess His name." (Hebrews 13:15)
I had a great time with my parents' and my sister the last
few days in the States, as well as with close friends. I
was able to return to Portugal with renewed forces to face
whatever God had in store. i met the Fife family in New
York and we returned together. They helped me with the
suitcases (^), the guitar, carry-oni and everything else. I
praise God for such good friends!
We arrived safely in Portugal a few hours late, due to a
generator problem in New York, to be met by Dick and Sarah
Roblson. After a light brunch with, a family from the church
It was to bed to rest after a long night on the plane. We
participated in a "pot-luck" supper about seven-thirty at
the church. it was great food and also gave us an
opportunity to greet the members of the church. There were
over thirty here. We ate well that night too! O
I started teaching at the Christian . school the last week of
September. They are a smaller ,school, but run on an
American schedule and American material. it is great to be
in a Christian atmosphere. I only teach two hours a day,
Monday through Thursday, and teach English as a Second
Language. l am really enjoying it and still have time for
all the other activities i need to do.
My work with the music and youth continues and October 21st
marked a big day for us here in Carcaveios. Naomi, Anna
Fiavia, and Christianne played, for the first time, in church.
They played for congregational singing and also accompanied
me for a special. Naomi played the recorder (flute), Anna
the organ and Christianne, the guitar. They praised God
with the talents He has given them, we have more youth that
will play In the future. Remember this area of ministry In
your prayers and that God would use it in a special way.
Dick and Sarah Robison left the last part of September to
month of October in the USA. During that time we
. Pi^'vilege of hosting Derlani Fife's parents, Joaqulm
and Maria Chaveiro Tolentino. They were a great blessing
for ail, but especially for me. They brought great
happiness and much encouragement to me during the month.
They are people that live each day for the Lord, praising
Him and giving Him the glory for ail things. I have a
wonderful set of Braslllan parents. Joaqulm shared several
times in different services and Bible studies and Maria was
able to participate in Bible studies and our ladles prayer
^3s enjoyed by all, but especially
by their daughter and her family.
I started this letter by saying I had some very rough weeks.
+K that the devil is alive and well. Someone entered
the hoLi.se the night of my birthday while I was waiting to
(10^1) I heard the door open and as I yelled l saw a
trfnoH k"'! V'' stairs. Needless to say, I was somewhat
scared, but happy that nothing had been taken. I remembered
the verse in isalah 12:2; "Surely God is my salvation; i
will trust and not be afraid. The Lord is my strength and
my song; He has become my salvation." And also the verse In
^"^^^tatlons 3:25; "The Lord Is good to those whose hope is
in Him, to the one who seeks Him." God takes care of us and
Is taking care of me. He Is my strength! i have had other
trying moments throughout the past few months, but I am
confronting and conquering with the help of the Lord and my
brothers and sisters In Christ. However, I still ask for
your prayers on my behalf.
many things that I want to accomplish before the end
3Q^_hope th.at_in. :tbe- next let-t-er^^nwbe^ble -to
Thank you so very much for your
Portua^i States and since returning to
words Of John -e'ne'nbertng the words of John. if we walk in th.e light, as He is In the
j|sus'*^Hls^''son'"n''f"' another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifces us from all sin." (ijohn i:7)
I am enclosing a list; "Ways to be Soirituaiiv in rnn .
received a copy from the Christian Business Mens Association
here ,n Portugal and found them to be very Interestfno Inn
you richiyi'''" continue to bless
^/n.Hls ^ervlce and Love,
Chen Lynn
nat!on^a nl , People, a royal priesthood, a holy nat on, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the
praises of him who called you out of darknLs intn hif
wonderful light." (iPeter 2-9) aarkness Into his
Ways to be Spiritually in Forn
1. Study the Sibie reQuiariy and once a week check and see
If your life is or isn't in accordance with that you
have already learned. Aiway.s have your heart open to
change when God's will is different from yours.
2. Keep a diary of your spiritual progress. Record that
which God does in your life daily, even though it seems
apparent that nothing he's happened.
3. Memorize the Scriptures that you find personally
useful. Keep a list of the verses you've memorized and
review them regularly to refresh your memory.
i. Write and encouraging note daily, taken from your Bible
study. Place it in a place where you and the family
and^'or other people ^an read it, or keep it with you.
5. When you promise to pray for someone, demonstrate a
real interest in sharing their problem. Later, tell
them that you prayed for them.
6. Make a list of your normal prayer requests. Review and
update It now and then.
7. When you read an article or book that is encouraging,
make a copy or lend it- to someone else to read.
8. Forgive hira that does you wrong, even if he does not
ask for forgiveness. Write a note of forgiveness ana
read it when you are tempted to murmur or back'bite.
9. If someone is an encouragement in your life - tell
themi
something good anonymously and don't ten anyone who
11. Don't take your anger to bed. Find a way to say I'm
8ut your hurt will be
atk / Afterwards,
you help ^you control it and to encourage
something that you really like, because he
could need it more than you.
M. <^ve God a present: an enormous check; a day spent
only with Him; an extra service of some sort;...
really needs to talk! But
don t always give counsel.
'>'P in a -behind the scenes- type of
work, where noone knows who did the work.
' "" ""VO'- "uang th.
Navigators - Adapted from
"Dally Walking"
Chen Lynn Oakley
Rua POr do Sol, 29
2775 Car-cavelos
PORTUGAL
January 17, 1991
Dear Family and Friends;
:?53'
November - January
Happy New Year - 1991! A very blessed and Christ-filled
New Year is my wish for each and every one. As I sit here
at the computer, I am listening to the Armed Forces radio
and the continuous report of Operation Desert Storm. We
were all awake last night when the first attacks were made
and listened almost ail night to the news. My classes at
school were called off today as well as the American School,
due to security reasons. We are all fine, but do continue
to keep us in your prayers.
First of all, I want to apologize to each of you for not
writing sooner. I talked with Bonnie Mitchell the other
night and told her I was really frustrated at not being able
to get my correspondence caught up and letters written. I
really don't have any great excuse, except that things have
really been crazy since before Christmas. I do plan to do
better, but please forgive this delay.
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve
others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various
forms. If anyone speaks, he should do It as one speaking
the very words of God. . If anyone serves, he should do it
with strength God provides, so that in all things God may be
praised through Jesus Christ." (I Peter -1:10,11) We have
seen many different gifts being used in the past few months.
Hospitality, physical ability, listening and generosity to
name a few.
November saw several visitors in our midst. Derlani's folks
left on the 1st and Tim Thomas arrived on the 2nd. He spent
a week with us sharing In the different studies and
services. A couple from Brazil, friends of the Fifes,
arrived the 10th and were here for three weeks. What a Joy
to have Belinda and Alcedlno. They participated in many of
the Bible studies and services. They were even able to
participate In our Thanksgiving dinner. We ail ate together
on Thursday the 22nd enjoying the fellowship and great food.
I have received many letters and cards expressing concern
for my safety. We have taken some security precautions and
on the 0th of November, pick and three volunteers built a
new wall^door to close o-ff the Robison's house and my
apartment from the offices* and church area. A dead bolt was
placed on the door and we all feel much safer. Thank you
for your prayers in my behalf concerning the security
situation.
December was packed full of many different activities. Our
team shared in several meetings to plan and make goals for
the work here in 1991. Several changes are being made and
we know the Lord has great things in store for the work
here. 1 had the privilege of leading the singing and
worship for the annual Missionary Carol Sing. It was good
to have fellowship with one another and sense the unity as
we celebrated our Savior's birth together in worship.
Another big event of the month was the musical that the
youth gave for the church. We did "The Gift Goes On" in
^\C/ Portuguese and it was great. I directed the music and
Derlani sang the narrator's part. Wow! The kids did a
wonderful job and the love of Christ was truly expressed In
their smiles and love. We were also asked to present it at
a home for the handicapped here in Carcavelos the following
day. May God continue to use us in many different ways to
spread His gospel. Praise the Lord!
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by
prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests
to God." (Philippians I was truly rejoicing on the
11th of December when I was able to purchase a car. Thank
you Lord for answering my prayer in your time. I am now the
owner of a Renault 12, 1976 station wagon. I have had to
have some work done on it, but it gets me around. ' I was
aJ3ietopucuchase it for the same- priceIreceivedf-orthe
van when sold this past summer. Isn't God great?!!
Christmas was a very joyful and meaningful time for me this
year as I celebrated with my family here in Portugal. I
spent most of the holidays with the Fife family and truly
enjoyed the fellowship and love we shared. New Year's eve
was spent in the church with many of the members. We sang,
ate and welcomed the New Year in prayer and communion. What
a blessing to be in the presence of God on the dawning of a
New Year!
1991 has been quite eventful thus far as well. I began a
new class on the Christian Life which I am teaching in
Portuguese. It Is really a challenge and a blessing as I
see the interest of the five students and their willingness
to learn and grow in Christ. I am also continuing to work
on a new hymnbook for the church as well as the music for
the different services and Bible studies. We will begin an
afternoon service in February for the church here in
Carcavelos. Please pray for this new endeavor. The
services in Rio de Mouro are also undergoing some changes.
Once again, we know the Lord has great things in store for
His people in 1991. "Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed. In his heart a man plans* his
course, but the Lord determines his steps." (Prov. 16:3;9)
I would hk*e to share one more thing with you before I
close this small epistle. Csmiie) Many of you have asked '
about the financial situation here in Portugal. There was i
an inflation rate of last year. The prices of
utilities, food, gasoline and postage have all gone up. The
purchasing power of the dollar has decreased considerably in
that what $100 was a year ago is now $75. in other words, a
25'^ drop. The Lord is faithful and continues to provide my
every need. I would like, however, to request your prayers
concerning this situation. if you would like further
details and Information, please contact my forwarding agents
or myself.
Praise and pray with me for the following:
- different visitors throughout the past two months
- my continued health and stamina
- the unity of the PCM team
- the new service beginning in February
- the crisis in the Gulf
- the new class and the students
the financial situation
- the different areas of work in which we are involved
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you
trust in him, so that ' you may overflow with hope by the
power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13) This letter is
sent with kisses, hugs, my love and greetings to all.
In the Service of the King;
With His love and mine.
Chen Lynn
Another Year
Another year is dawning
Dear Master, let it be,
in working or in waiting.
Another year with Thee.
Another year of leaning
Upon Thy loving breast;
Of ever-deepening trustfulness,
Of quiet, happy rest.
Another year of mercies,
Of faithfulness and grace;
Another year of gladness
In the Shining of Thy face.
Another year of progress
Another year of praise;
Another year of proving.
Thy presence all the ' days.
Another year of service.
Of witness for Thy love;
Another year of training.
For holler work above.
Another year Is dawning
Dear Master, let It be.
On earth or else in heaven,
Another year for Thee!
--Francis Ridley Havergal
And The Children
"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a
sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his
name." (Hebrews 13:15)
A sacrifice of praise is Just what the youth of the church
are striving to give. With different programs throughout
the week, they are continually praising and giving thanks
for the talents and gifts they have been given. Our numbers
are not great, but the love and dedication are strong and
abundant. Praise and prayer are emphasized in the different
youth activities.
The youth of the church are involved in the work of the
church. Saturday afternoon youth group, Sunday School,
Junior Church, and special programs all help to equip them
for their tasks of spreading the Good News. They are
sharing and telling their friends at school and around their
homes about Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord for their faith
and dedication.
As most children and young adults, our youth love to sing
and participate in the praise services. We have a music
class weekly, where we learn, practice and prepare for the
times of praise. Guitars, an organ, recorders, and
tamborines make up the Praise Ensemble which leads in the
worship services. Using the talents and gifts God has given
to each one in a very special way, they offer a sacrifice of
praise!
"Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; . . . Let
everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the
Lord!" (Psalm 150)
Contributed by Cheri Lynn Oakley, a single American
Missionary; working with Youth and Music.
AA It could be noted here that in Spain it is against the
law to evangelize children under /(^ and In Portugal, not
adviseable without parental consent. Very often when a
young person wants to come to church, he/she is prohibited
by one or both parents. We have some cases where the wife
also is forbidden to come, and therefore have to follow from
afar.