NEWS WITH THE NICHOLSONS

IN SOUTH AFRICA
Vol.

6 -

No.

January, 1965

How grand our Christmas was with all our family present here at Litchfield!
There were so many nice gifts from family and friends.
Then the cards and
letters from so many to remind us of the great love of Christ our Lord.
Thank
you all so much for holding us up in the service of the Lord this last year both
with your gifts and your prayers.

How thankful Vernita and I were that my mother could come and stay with
James and John so that Vernita could make a trip with me down into Iowa and
Missouri! We visited Sheldon, Storm Lake and Correctionville in Iowa.
Elma,
DeKalb, Westside Christian in Kansas City and Humansville in Missouri and

Cummings in Kansas.

Along with these, I had part in the Planning Committee for

next year's National Missionary Convention to be held at Joplin, Missouri.

This

meeting was held at Ozark Bible College.

Before returning home we spoke for a
chapel service at the Bible College and for the Lord's Reapers, their missionary
group. Back in Minnesota, we spoke at Litchfield,
and Tracy to finish out the year.

To make our

cup of joy

run over,

Bloomington, Minnesota that they

in Africa.

word was

Kimball,

received from

will be contributing $25

While in Kansas City, Missouri,

Dassel,

the church

a month

we had a phone call

Lamberton

at

to our work

from a

young

couple that they would be sending us monthly support of $10 also. Our prayer is
that God shall bless us all as we join hands in this great work of Evangelism.
The Lester LeMay family

is now

in Johannesburg,

South Africa

and the Al

Hamilton family is back in America.

We do hope if you have opportunity to hear
them you shall do so. The Gordon Nelsons have much of their support raised and
now need their visa. They have even scheduled sailing for the last of March, so
let us pray that they shall soon have their visas.

Just today a good check

came for making blocks

for one of the churches in

Africa.
This check was from the adult Bible Class (mostly retired folks) of
Painesville, Ohio.
They had had a buffalo hunt and gave this money for blocks.

ES'^h^lock that we make for one of our church buildings costs aboi^^^ent^ e,aQ.h^c
We are getting new

passport pictures

taken

as our

passport will

expire

shortly. The new passport will have to be sent in to be visaed. Inquiries are
being made as to available space for our return during the month of July. Our
passage to the field this time will be about $1,500.

Please pray for the workers on

the African fields - for the Nelsons,

that

they may receive their visas- for the Hamiltons and ourselves as we travel here
in the States.

Yours in Christ in Africa,

The Nicholsons
Box 827

Litchfield, Minnesota

Forwarding Agent:
Mrs.

Ed

Widlund

1603 Morley Road

Albert Lea, Minnesota

,266
NEWS WITH THE NICHOLSONS

Vol. 6 - No. 2

February, 1965

With the weather

like it is here in

Litchfield we almost

wish that

we

were back in South Africa.

It was 24 below this morning and colder is pre
dicted for tomorrow.
But still we are enjoying being home and even enjoying
this weather since we do not have to spend too much time out in it.
Most of the month of January was spent in the State of Minnesota.

We were

only out of the state for our visit with relatives in South Dakota for the New

Year's holidays.

Still this has been a busy time, for many letters have been

written to get our schedule ready for the rest of the time that we are home.
Financial reports have had to be gotten in order, also we have done some
writing that has been postponed for a while,
January

College.

is the

time

The high light

their ordeal

for the

of this

in Stanleyville.

Mid-Winter Conference at

time was

Minnesota Bible

the story by Clifford Schaub of

Praise God for the faith of

His children and

the wonderful power of God!

Vernita and I greatly enjoyed the lectures by
Wayne Shaw and the sermons by friends whom we have known for a long time. The
fellowship with many brethren was a rich experience as well.

We do miss these

meetings on the foreign field.

The missionaries in Africa gathered in Capetown this month, where they

had fellowship together, talked over plans for the coming months, and a pro
gram of inspirational messages for the Capetown churches.
We would like to
get together more often, but when we are separated by 500 to 1,000 miles, the
cost is prohibitive.

Bob Mills has just written to me that both the plans for Natalspruit,
near Johannesburg and Kimberley have been approved. We have no buildings at
all in Johannesburg, so we greatly need this one.
In Kimberley our building
is off the location in what today is the buffer zone.

Our rates here are ex

ceedingly high for this area.

The building here is one of the oldest in
Africa, having been built in the early 20s of sun dried bricks.
It has been
strengthened by putting in new windows and burned bricks around these.

have been helping us by giving money for

cents a block.

Some

the Johannesburg building at five

Will you lend a hand in building a church in South Africa?

The Stanleys are

planning to return to

be returning to Africa the week following.

sent to help with our return fare.

the States on July 20.

We shall

At this writing, one has already

What about you?

Your messengers in South Africa,
The Nicholsons

Forwarding Agent:
Mrs.

Ed.

Widlund

1603 Morley Road

Albert Lea, Minnesota

NEWS WITH THE NICHOLSONS

Vol. 6 -

No. 3

2h 1965

March,

1965

The storm

has really caught

up with us with

a vengeance.

I have been able to stay ahead of most of the storms.

So far this winter

But the one that came in this

first day of March, has stopped most everything here at Litchfield,

I am to leave
by train tonight for Cincinnati Bible Seminary, if we can get through the snow to
the depot.

How grand

it is to be a

families here at

Christian and to have Christian friends!

Litchfield gave us a half a beef

One of the

for the deep freeze.

This farm

grown beef is delicious.

Vernita and I spent one whole week with the church at Worthington, Minnesota.
The congregation was divided into five parts and we had the evening meal each even
ing with a group after which we talked about the work in Africa.
Vernita got some
lessons in painting flannelgraph backgrounds and also was given a wonderful shower
of things by their Women's Groups,

The first week in February, I was at Platte Valley Bible College, where I had
part in the program with Laverne Morse and Ila Belle Henning, It is our prayer that
out of this group shall come some who will work in the other parts of the world for
their Lord.

I also spoke

once in Colorado and

five times in Central and

Eastern

Nebraska.

After a hard trip

to get out of

the snows of Nebraska,

Vernita, James and

visited three churches in Northern Minnesota over one week end.

at Minnesota Bible College on Linguistics and the
sionary's work was greatly enjoyed also.

Brother George Fuphi,

some of his work.

minister at

The Mission Program

relation of cultures to the mis

Cradock, sent

us a letter

and picture

of

It was wonderful to hear from him.

Another thing which makes our hearts greatly rejoice

n

is the fact that

Brother

and Sister Gordon Nelson with their family will be leaving for South Africa the l7th
of March and will go to work in Capetown. We thank God for this open door.
We still have not

received the

exact date of our return

are certain it will be right at the last week of July,

to South Africa, but

This is not a mission need, but if someone has a pair of binoculars they are
not using and would like to give away, the Nicholsons would like to have them. They
are very helpful in travel and from our home we like to see the names of the ships
as they pass by and watch the monkeys in the trees and game when we are able to
visit a game reserve.
r*

Some have been moving and not notifying us of their change of postal address.
Every time they do this their letter is sent back and we are charged 8<1; for it. We
are sure you do not want us to have

to bear this extra expense,

to give us your change of address.

It is also important

so please remember

that you include your zip

code number.

May God richly bless you all

In Christ's great love.
The Nicholsons

Forwarding Agent:
Mrs,

Ed Widlund

1603 Morley Road

Albert Lea, Minnesota

I
.

'co-^
THU/V\B-NAIL SKETCH FOR HORIZONS

Please c

id mafL^o Harrold MpFarljipd, Box 14656, Long Beach, California 90814

Name

Forwarding Agent s Name

Addres

Address

Zip Code
Where were you born'/^

Day_^^Year^2^

Month

SCHOOLING

High School

Seminary or Graduate work

Degrees and Dates

When and Where Baptized?

FAMILY FACTS; Married_J::^Single

Spouse s Name

Children
Name

Place of Birth

Day

Month

/9

CHRISTIAN SERVICE
Where?

What?

When?

(Over)

Year

List of terms of missionary service:

Starting date
Second term

6
Third term

. Furlough date

^ Furlough date_^
/ 6 Fnrlongh dafp
^

Mission location

Mission location

.Mission location

Fourth term.

Furlough date.

.Mission location

Fifth term

Furlough date.

.Mission location

Additional Information. This information is of great value in preparing your news for publication in Horizons.
Keep second copy for your own reference.

NEWS WITH THE NICHOLSONS

Vol. 6 ~ No. 4

May 1965

There are many good things that we can write to you about this month.

We

have

received our reservations to leave New York on the 2eth of July and arrive in Johan
nesburg, South Africa on the 3lst. This should bring us home to Port Shepstone on
the 2nd of August.

All the members of

tasks again.

our family are once more in good

Your prayers have

helped In

thank everyone who sent cards and letters.

health and back at

their recovery.

Vernita would

their
like to

She received so many lovely ones and they

have been a real help.

From the 4th through the 8th of April I visited Hampton, Mason City, Fertile and
Goldfield, Iowa. The 9th through the 13th was spent with the church at Clarion, Iowa

with a Mission and Preaching Program each night.

from attending

as often as they

spiritual experience.

Muddy roads hindered many people

would have liked, but it

still was a time

Easter weekend was spent at home with the family.

of the 20th I spoke at First Church of Christ, Cherokee, Iowa.

of rich

The evening

The next afternoon to

the Women's Meeting at Logan, Iowa and that night for the church at Lewis, Iowa. The
23rd and 24th I was present for the Missionary Fair at the Madison Park Christian

Church at Quincy, Illinois. This church had spent much time and preparation for this
time, and it was enjoyed by all. These times are always a great blessing to me be
cause I get to visit with old friends,

who are working in other parts of

the world

and make friends with missionaries from other areas. The last week of April I
preached in a Spiritual Clinic for the church here at Litchfield.
Even though we
live here, I am gone so often on Sunday that I seldom have fellowship with the folks,
so this was greatly

enjoyed.

like home in many respects.

Mrs. Nicholson and I once ministered

here so this is

(The Litchfield Church gave us a wonderful offering to

help us with the recent bills for hospital, doctors and medicine.)

We have packed two barrels of clothing for the field this week besides getting
in order, so that they will be right at hand at packing time.
We will be in Litchfield until the 11th of June. After that we shall be traveling
some of our own things

until time to leave.

The Travel Agent says he will

15th of June.

ask for the money for our return

This cost is $1,247.50.

fares about the

Your help with the money for fare will be

greatly appreciated.

We can buy a new filmstrip whicn is half the size of the present 35mm and will
work well for showing in our African Churches. These strips are 4 for $5.00 as against one 35mm which costs about $6.00. We need $50.00 to buy the filmstrlps that
are now available. The Africans love to see these pictures and it is a wonderful way
to teach, not only the children but the adults as well. Here is an opportunity for

your class to send the gospel

to Africa

In a special way.

Mark your offerina,

filmstrips".

Cliff Flurer of Clarion, Iowa has given us binoculars. Our many thanks for this
gift.

Some flannelgraph material has been received from the Lincoln Park Church at
Rockford, Illinois.
Several other churches have sent Christmas cards that can be

made into pictures to hang on the wall.

Most of these will be used as prizes in the

Sunday Schools. We can use any type of Sunday School material. Brother Lynn Stanley
has asked us to bring back 20 dozen communion cups. This also would be something for
someone or a class to sponsor.

PLEASE NOTEI!

If you

are moving

would you

PLEASE write to

the Madison Park

Christian Church, 215 North 25th, Quincy, Illinois 62301. The post office will tell
us each time you move, but if you do not inform us, then they will make a charge
which is almost as much as mailing you the News for six months. If you do not want
the News Letter, please let us know and we will take your name from the mailing list.
Please pray with us and for us as we make plans to return to the

field for

the

third time.

Yours in Christ's great love,

Alvin and Vernita Nicholson

Forwarding Agent
Mrs, Ed Widlund

1603 Morley Road

Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007

NEWS WITH THE NICHOLSONS

Mailed by..,.

Non-Profit Organization

First Christian Church

U.S. POSTAGE

Camp Point, Illinois

Camp Point, Illinois

PAID

Permit No.

Mission Services
Box 968

Joliet, rillnois

60434

JUN EH

Return Requested

NEWS WITH THE NICHOlSONS

Vol, 6 - No, 5

June, 1965

The mad rush of packing is just about over.

We nave filied seven barrels
with things for use on the field.
We have the largest collect-ion of men's suits
to take back with us that we have ever had.
Up until the things were about
packed, we were wondering just how much we would have to pay because of the
higher duty that came on last year as we were getting ready to return to the

States,

However, the last week a letter came from the

ment had decided that this

duty was too high and will

Stanleys that the govern

now charge 20 percent

of

the estimated value of the clothing and we shall again distribute it free of
charge to the ministers, I wish that you might have seen some of the people as I
gave bags of clothing to them? they were really nappji. Four "barrels of clothing
were packed by the University Church of Christ, Minneapolis. Minnesota.

money

Mr, Bowker of Universal Travel Service of Chicago will be writing for the
for the fares this month.
An offering ^or either fares or to help in

transporting the barrels will greatly be appreciated.

Work is going ahead on the first church building that we shall have in the
Johannesburg area, as the Natalspruit congregation work on theirs. Brother Mills
has written that Kimberley is also starting work on the new building in the

Location.

The old building was the first one to be built by_the .congregations in

South Africa.
Through

With changes in boundaries, it is now outside the limits, however.

the help of a

back to the field.

fine Christian woman we have a new projector

This will be a real help in

to take

teaching concerning Christ and of

drawing the interest of others who might not otherwise come,

Last

month went

by very

quickly as we

spoke in

Minnesota,

North Dakota,

Montana and Idaho.

I am glad that these long trips which I took alone are over
with.
Our family now will be going to visit members of the immediate family on
the West Coast before returning to South Dakota and getting ready for our return
overseas.

The time of departure is IOjOO P,M. on the 28th of July,

Since school is

out Steven has gone to South Dakota

to work for the summer,

Sandra is going to travel with us until we leave and tnen will have a Daily Vaca
tion Bible School at Cohasset, Minnesota.

We are so happy that we can be together

for this extra time.

Darrel Stanley will be going to New York City to meet nis parents so we shall
not go to New York early as planned before, but will see the Stanleys and turn the
Rambler American over to them here just before we are to leave for New York,

If you would still like to have a part in buying some new film strips for the
work in Africa, will you please send your money to Mrs, Widlund and mark it, "Film

Strip".

Five dollars will buy four film strips.

Pray for the people of South Africa in this time of great drought.
Pray for
us as we teach the Minister's Training School,
Pray for these who shall plan to
come that we may have a good class.
Sincerely in Christ,
The Nicholsons

Forwarding Agent:
Mrs,

Ed Widlund

1603 Morley Road

Albert Lea, Minnesota

56007

NEWS WITH THE NICHOLSONS

Vole 6 - No. 6

July, 1965

The days for our return to South Africa are growing very short now.
We have
had our smallpox shots and will soon pick up our tickets from Minneapolis to New
York.
We still must pack our things at least once to see how we are doing as far
as the 44 pounds allowance is concerned, and perhaps get a few things ready to send
overseas by parcel post.

We know that the drums we sent

to New York are on

their

way and we hope will arrive not too long after we get there.

A letter has just come from the Lester LeMays and they will be meeting us at
Jan Smuts Airport at Johannesburg and Sunday morning the 1st of August, we will be
speaking at Jubulani for Hercules Madikane and that evening Beit St. and Noordgesig
brethren in the evening.

The Kimberley Church is getting the roof on their new building and at Natalspruit they are working on the walls.
The Daily Vacation Bible School of the
Worthington, Minnesota Church gave money enough to buy 985 blocks.
This is almost

enough blocks to do the front wall of a church building.

They set a goal of 800
blocks and went way above it. We truly thank these boys and girls for their wonder
ful effort.

We have covered quite a bit of country since we last wrote a news letter. We
traveled to Washington State to visit my mother, three brothers and one sister

there.
On the way. we stayed two nights with members of our families, one being one
of Vernita"s brothers.
Two nights we stayed with ministers in Montana as we spoke
for their churches.

The first was at Lewistown and the second at Ronan.

The second

was in answer to an invitation received when we got to Lewistown and was right on
our way. The folks gave us a wonderful turn out on a Monday night which we greatly
appreciated.

While on the West Coast we took time to go see the space needle, which we found
was not as high as our Hertzeg Tower in Johannesburg,
An exceedingly low tide gave
us the opportunity to go digging clams on the sound, I had never eaten clam before,
but found them to be very delicious.

Our return trip took

us to Unity, Oregon

was spent with relatives in

Christian Church,
We joined the

to see Vernita's sister.

Idaho and then to Salt Lake City

One night

to visit the Southern

This is a new church showing a good growth and great enthusiasm.

tourists through

Wyoming and the Black Hills

buffalo were right beside the road

at Wind Cave Park,

of South Dakota.

The

which thrilled the children.

So often we go right by many of the wonderful things of this land because we are in
a hurry to make an appointment.
Here in South Dakoka we have spoken for First
Christian at Rapid City, Pierre, Mitchell and Huron.
These are always great times
for us, because both Vernita and I being South Dakotans, have such a host of friends
in this area.
I have been able to spend some time with my two sisters here and
Vernita to see the rest of her family.
Please keep us in your prayers as we return to the field and just as soon as we
get back to our home in Africa and write to you, we shall be doing so.
Yours for Christ in Africa,
The Nicholsons

Forwarding AgentMrs. Ed. Widlund

1603 Morley Road

Albert Lea, Minnesota

56007

NEWS WITH THE NICHOLSONS

Vol. 6 - No. 7

August, 1965

Greetings from sunny South Africa!

We had some last minute changes as we left
America, Trek had canceled the flight we were to have taken, so we changed over to
Pan American from New York to London and Central African Airways to Johannesburg,
but flew the B.O.A.C. VC 10, one of the latest jets.
We left New York at about
8?00 P.M. on Wednesday the 28th and was In Johannesburg just after 2:00 P.M.
on Friday the 30th,
We had about 14 hours lay over in London,
The flights were
very smooth and the service excellent, but this change did cost us just over $200
more in fares.

The Lester LeMay

Johannesburg.

family met us

at the airport

and took us

to their home

in

Saturday we spent some time visiting and reacquainting ourselves with

some of the areas.

Sunday morning we went

to Jabulani, where we had

services with

Hercules Madikane and some of the folks.

They had prepared some special songs to
sing for us.
Sunday night we spoke for the folks at Beit Street.
These were the
two congregations that we spoke for just before leaving for America in 1964.

Monday morning I went with Lester LeMay to see some men in the Non-European
Department for Johannesburg. There was a problem which they wanted help with, and
since it dealt with one of the men who had at one time been one of our ministers, I
was able to help with the information needed.
We left Johannesburg and drove about
half way and got a motel room for the night.
It was about noon when we arrived in
Port Shepstone on Tuesday.
We got our house key and some food and then went to our

home. It was quite a job getting our things opened that we had packed here. We had
made no list in packing, so had to hunt for the dishes and things that we needed
first.
Before we get the things back into each room, we are trying to give it a
good cleaning, so that there is no need for moving things again and the job will be
out of the way for later.

Each time we go to town we find that much time is spent in visiting with many
friends that we meet. They have given us a very warm welcome.
We have gotten new
school uniforms for James and he is back with his old class again. He is really go
ing to have to work on his Afrikaans.

The effect of the

bananas.

drought which they had can be seen on the

The sugar cane is very yellow.

blooming beautifully.

sugar cane and

But at home we found many of the flowers

The bougainvilla is one mass of color.

and tomorrow gives off such a sweet aroma, when it is in bloom.

The yesterday, today

The Kaffirboom tree

has no leaves on it when the flowers come, but still makes a very pretty picture.
We left Steven and John in South Dakota.

Steven is working for the Bureau of

Reclaimation and John is helping with the harvesting on my sister's farm. Both will
be back in Minnesota at the end of this month.
Steven to college and John will go
to High School in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Sandra saw us off at the airport. She has
a Vacation Bible School to lead at Cohasset, Minnesota

and then she will be back at

Minneapolis for school.

We saw the Stanleys

apolis with us

for just a short time on the 27th.

that he might take the car home with him.

Lynn came to Minne

We drove theirs back from

Johannesburg, and are trying to make up our minds for what we should trade it.
Must get out a letter at once to the ministers with

more information about the

Training School and see if we can get an idea of how many we can expect to have for
the first term.

Bob Mills wrote that"the Kimberley Church is about completed. George Fuphi has
moved into the minister's home at Cradock, which the church has built there. It is

also reported that the church building at Tarkstad is nearly completed.

At
Natalspruit near Johannesburg, Simon Mtshyisa said that they were held up because of
blocks, but they have some on hand now and more to come.
The builder will soon be
back and ihey should soon finish the work.
Shortly they are to start on a new
building at Upington.
Next time

that we write we

can give you more

information as

to how we

found things and what our needs shall be.

I know that shortly we shall
more film strips and help with these shall be greatly appreciated.
Mrs. Widlund

has

some

little tracts

These are free for the asking.

help us.

This is one

on "How

to Pray for

have

be getting

Your Missionary".

place where we know that

every one can

We were glad to find that we had retained most of our Zulu.

God bless and keep you as you labor for Him.

Yours in ChristT
Vernita and Alvin Nicholson

Forwarding Agent;
Mrs. Ed. Widlund

1603 Morley Road

Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007

NEWS WITH THE NICHOLSONS

Non-Profit Organization I

Mailed by....

U.S. POSTAGE

First Christian Church

Camp Point, Illinois

Camp Point, Illinois

Permit No.

Mission Services
Box 963

Joliot,.11linois

60434

AU3 31 1965

Return Requested

*-

PAID

1-

NEWS WITH THE NICHOLSONS

pi

Vol. 6, No, 8

September, 1965

It hardly seems possible that we have been back in South Africa for one
already, but we are getting settled back in again and really feel at home.

This last weekend we had a very welcome rain.

fell so that none ran off.
But today's paper said

month

Three inches in three days tbat

that many cattle and goats died

in Northern Natal from the cold and the hardest hit area was where one of our minis

ters lives.
pi

The temperature in the house got down almost to 60 degrees and we wish

ed for a stove for awhile.

The drums of clothing

and personal

effects that we sent

from the States were

finally cleared through customs and on Friday I went to Durban in the rain and
Some contained personal things we needed.
The shipping
brought home six of them.
strike had kept them from getting here as early as we supposed.
This afternoon we are going to the Primary School where they are having their
sports day.
The school children are divided into four teams and compete against
each other. James has been shosen to run in the 880 and relay team for his side.

After much looking and studying we have purchased a new Peugeot pick-up. These
are manufactured in France.
They give good gas milage and the motor is good also.
The bad thing on the coast is the rust.

School is to begin in about a week. We are not sure how many we shall have,
because the greater number who have answered said they will be coming next year.
Had to take time out. The other day Vernita heard a noise that she thought was
on the roof, but did not see anything.
Now she heard something again. I went into
the attic, but could not see too well with the drop light, but would guess that
it was a snake.
It was on the far side of a two by four and would only show its
head once in a while.

We want

Suppose one of these days we shall find out what it is.

to get the

new set of

film strips

and still need

about $40.00

for

these. Hercules Madikane had borrowed Brother Hamilton's tent in Johannesburg and
by using the film strips each night, had been able to draw good crowds.
Those who would like to help us with candy for Christmas
money as soon as possible.

There will be

should send in

four different places

their

where we will

be

doing this, so any help will be greatly appreciated.

n

I
1*1

One of the young men who was in Christian Service Camp last June is in jail.

Coming home on Saturday night from church service, he surprised someone in

chicken yard.
He took his sticks from the house and hit him as he ran away

killed him.
^

While here on the South Coast there is sugar cane almost anyway you look,

is often very

difficult to buy sugar (often only 5 pounds or so at

bought) because of

the
and

it

a time can be

last year's drought and the desire to keep their export market.

We find that the cost of meat has gone up quite a bit since we were home.
(-1

Have been getting

ii^

some practice on my Zulu in an interesting way.

small son of the Qwemesha's,

is like all small boys,- he loves

Mark, the

to ride in the car.

When I am out to see to things at school or to check on the garden he goes with me.
He is completely full of questions.
thing is to be put in Zulu.

Quite often I get some new words or see how a

One retired minister and one minister's wife died last month.

been loog at this one place and has

wife died very suddenly.

The minister has

been failing for some time, but the minister's

The Gcilima church building looks really nice and shows

right

on top of a hill.

up so plainly being
Fuphi asked me to come to Tarkastad to help get the roof

on the building there, but then his lumber for the trusts did not arrive.

God bless you all and thank you so much for holding up pur hands in the Lord's
work here.
Many of the folks have written to us ' since our return saying "Th&nk
God you have come back to help us once again". This truly lays a burden on us for
the Lord's work here.
Pray for usi pray for the students who come to school and
who should come to school; pray for the evangelistic program; pray that God's will
shall be done in all things.
Did you get your phamphlet on "How to Pray for the
Missionaries"?

Yours through Calvary,

ATvln &~V^nTita Nicholson

Forwarding Agent;
Mrs. Ed Widlund

1603 Morley Road

Albert Lea, Minnesota

56007

NEWS WITH THE NICHOLSONS

Non-Profit Organization

Mailed by....

U.S. POSTAGE

First Christian Church

^4^ PAID
Camp Point, Illinois

Camp Point, Illinois

Permit No.

Mission Services
Box 968

Joliet, Illinois

5fp
Return Requested

^3

60434

NEWS WITH THE NICHOLSONS

Vol. 6. No. 9

Biggest
appendix.

news at

our house is

He was out of school

something else.

that James just

returned

earlier in the month,

When he was not feeling

from the

October,

1965

hospital minus

his

but we were not sure if it was flu or

good last week,

we took him to the

doctor.

The

following morning he became sick at school, went first to the doctor and then to the hospital
where it was all done before supper time. He has made good progress all the way.
The Minister's Training School did not open as planned. At the last minute, several wrote
that they could not make it, and so we felt it was better to wait until next year when more
men have promised to come. For our part now, it looks likeagood thing, forwehave been able
to give much more time to Zulu study and to other things which needed our attention.
We
have little trouble reading Zulu, but the concords still give us trouble in writing and
speaking it.

Last Sunday at Gcilima, Vernita taught the Sunday School.

One of the ministers from
Pondoland was present with one of his Elders.
I do not think they had ever heard Vernita
teach before or ever saw her use the flannelgraph.
It was Interesting to watch them shake
their heads and say, "yes, yes".
They really enjoyed it and she did well that these Xhosa
men got the lesson and felt it was good.
For Sunday preaching we went further into the Reserve for
the quarterly meeting of that circuit.
I preached the morning
sermon and Isaac Nomazele of Pondoland spoke for the Lord's Sup
per. We had to hurry somewhat for we wanted to get in and see
James before

the services here at the house.

When some of the

people asked for a ride back toward their homes,

it was good to
be able to say we could take as many as could get in.
for with
the car before, this was not possible.
We either had 12 or 13
in the back, one was a blind girl who went about six miles with
us.

If anyone has lessons which you feel are simple and would
be good to put into another language to help them know the Bible
and the Church better, we would like to know about them.
We have

month,

had some

wonderful letters

and some have said that they were

get the film strips,

so I shall send

from the

States this

collecting to help us

the order to Mission Ser

vices at once.

This month we went out to Hibberdene to the T.B. Hospital.

We had two good groups present.
They have done a lot of build
ing in the last year, and have a room now which is just used for
church and other gatherings.
Vernita said the children sang so

ALVIN NICHOLSON WEARING

HAT

THAT WAS MADE

FOR

HIM BY ENOCH ZOBOLO.

wonderfully, and she did not even have to choose songs for them.

The lady who is the school

teacher, has always been a great help.

The Barnabas Songo's who minister at Invutshini have just had a little baby girl.
This
is their third child.
Some of the churches gave us baby clothes and we shall get some ready
at once for them.

We have had many rains since we came back and almost all of it has gone into the ground.
September has been unusual in that we have had very little wind.

We are hoping that

with us in October.

some visitors from the States will at least stop and spend the night

This is

the Michaelmas Holidays

so there

is no school

until

almost

the middle of October.

One of the high school boys who has been meeting with us here in our home for services
on Sunday, made the good confession. We thank God for these seeds that are bearing fruit.

Mrs. Widlund has

Missionaries".

written that many

have

sent for

the booklet,

We do hope that it will be a help to you.

"How

to Pray for the

We would like for you to pray for

our plans for the school next year.

There are some who trouble the work by going about say
ing they are a part of the Mission, but only stir up trouble or beg for money.
In this
place we need the Lord's leading to overcome this problem and strengthen the brethren.
Pray for us in the study of the language, that we may use it to prepare works for others.
We have just had word that Mrs. Stanley has undergone surgery in America.
Please pray for
them also.

Thank you so much for your help and prayers.

May God richly bless your labors for Him.

Sincerely in Christ,
Alvin and Vernita Nicholson

FORWARDING AGENT:

Mrs.

Ed Widlund

1603 Morley Road

Albert Lea, Minnesota

56007

NEWS WITH THE NICHOLSONS

Non-Profit Organization |

Mailed by....

U.S. POSTAGE

First Christian Church

Camp Point, Illinois

Camp Point, Illinois

Permit No.

Mission Services
Box 96B

Joliet, Illinois

Return Requested

PAID

60434

NEWS

Vol. 6, No.

WITH THE NICHOLSONS

10

November.

James has responded very well

part in sports at school.

since his operation

and is now doing

everything except

The llth of this month was a holiday which made a long weekend so we drove to Eas t

1965

taking

London where

Vernita and James stayed with Mrs. Kernan and the children while I went with John to Cradock where
he had two weddings. One of these was the daughter of George Fuphi who is the minist er there.
It
is a great day and they really prepare for the occasion. I cannot say that I am real ly fond of the
On Sunday
purple rouge which they paint on their faces, but to them it must be a thing of beauty
morning we drove out in the country where services were held in a machine shed of a farm.
We had
been having some rain and there was snow on the mountains not 40 miles away,
so i t was far from
warm.
I learned long ago that when you go to certain parts of the country you take warm clothing
right up until near Christmas time.

The next week end was a very cold one here as well, when snow blocked the road via Standerton
to Johannesburg and even kept the trains from running. Even inland just over 60 miles from us the
road was closed one day.
This was the road we had taken to East London.
known more .snow here than all the other years we have been in Africa.

These past two years have

Last week end I drove over into Pondoland for services at Puff Adder.
This was my first trip
into this area.
I saw four of the six ministers for Pondoland. Brother Elias Sogoni had been sick
for a while. When he is at his best he is so small it looks like a good wind would blow him away.

We have given out used clothing to all the ministers in this area. Ev.eryone of them expressed
their deep appreciation.
To us it is second hand, but to them it is something they would not have
otherwise and they count it a real gift. When we opened some of the drums to start unpacking, we
found some place along the line some of the things had been taken.
Every precaution is taken to
keep away from this, but it still happens.
Our hearts were made happy when James made the Good Confession and he and Jasper Dix, a high
school senior here at Port Shepstone, were baptized in the sea pool at Umtentweni, We are so thank
ful for these who have given their hearts to the Lord.
Pray for Jasper's sister. Penny, who hopes
some day to come to America to study in Bible College.
She is a very interested and consecrated
Christian.

Robert Sibenya, the son of one of

one of our old ministers,

the early ministers at Kimberley, passed away.

has been sick for quite sometime

now.

Asof Mvane,

He has always been an inspiration

to the Lord's servants.

Our prospects for school next year look very

bright,
so will you please keep praying for the
opening of the school on the first of February?
The Cradock Church has been collecting bricks
and irons for a roof for several years.
Last year
they had enough to get started and with a little
help they have their parsonage built and they are
very proud of it.
The minister has so much more
room than he had before, and they do not have to pay
the rent

THE SCHOOL WITH THE DINING ROOM & KITCHEN

that

the other house cost them.

Mr, and Mrs. De Bar from Los Angeles spent

night with us.

one

They have been visiting missionaries

throughout Africa and in some of the other countries.

We greatly enjoyed their fellowship and they
were happy for a little change from hotel fare.
They have been helping with the Hill's work in
Korea and were interested in the soil cement machine for making blocks.
Since we have used these
machines quite a bit, we were able to show some blocks made by the machine and share some of our
experiences.

The other day I received a statement from a wholesale house in Durban with whom we do business.

On it was written, "Your balance is nil, all you owe us is a visit".

Now this

is

good as

far as

our creditors are concerned on earth, but at the same time it caused me to stop and think, "What is
my balance in the Lamb's Book of Life, and do I owe Him a visit?" I am sure there are many who's

balance is nil, because they have never paid Him a visit, never prayed, never read His word, never
really done anything for Him.
How sad this is, because all we are and all we hope to be we owe to
Him.

God bless you all. Thanks many, many times for sharing with us in this great work of the Lord.
Without your help our hands would not be free to do His bidding.
Yours in Christ's great love,
Alvin and Vernita Nicholson

FORWARDING AGENT
Mrs. Ed Widlund

1603 Morley Road

Albert Lea, Minnesota

56007

NEWS WITH THE NICHOLSONS

Non-profit Organization

Mailed by....

U.S. POSTAGE

First Christian Church

M PAID

Camp Point, Illinois

Camp Point, Illinois

Permit No.

Mission Services
Box 968

Joliat. Illinois

Return Requested

60434

-L
l

NEWS WITH THE NICHOLSONS

Vol. 6. No.

II

December, 1965

As we remember Jesus' birth, we wish you all a truly lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year.
work through you in a great way that His will be done in your life as you bear fruit for Him.

This has been a busy month with two trips being made away from home.

May God

On the 12th, 13th, and 14th, I

visited at Chieveley with S.D. Gumbi and his people. It- rained all three days so the attendance was cut
quite a bit. We did have a very good fellowship though. We saw that the minister is doing very well in
teaching the children of his area. Also there was present a young couple who hope to come to school next
year. Mrs. Nicholson had a letter today saying that Brother Gumbi is in the hospital.
This is one of
the ways that the Africans work.
She would not write directly to me but to my wife, knowing she would
tell me.
The Gumbi's have a large family, eight children are living and four have died. They have

planted a large garden around their home so are better off than many.
On the 23rd, I drove to Mquanduli for services both afternoon and evening.
At Tarkastad we worked
on the building, putting up trusses ready for the iron roof. Cement just now is very hard to get. It
has been so for some time and comes because of the building boom in this land, George Fuphi, who is min
ister here, called the wood that was used "Canary Pine"; it is about the hardest wood I have seen. Even
5 inch nails would bend and sound like they had hit iron.
Friday we had services in the evening.
vices and drove back east

Sunday morning we were west of town about 20 miles

of town for services in the afternoon.

for ser

At the last farm I had tea and visited

with the farmer's wife for a little.

The evening services were in town again.
The folks really need
this new building in the new location. They are having to go back to the old location over a mile away
In the morning we had nine
and many find it difficult to do. The people are very happy for the pickup.
besides us three ministers to go to services and in the afternoon there were ten extra.
George Fuphi is one of our outstanding ministers.
lie has always worked very hard and his circuit
shows it. This time he told me that he has been writing stories for the African paper called "Imvu" and
I heard
with the money from these he has been paying for the school supplies which his children need.
him tell the people that as soon as school is out

his wife will visit the women's work

of the areas.

young coloured girl will be coming to school with Brother Fuphi next year.
We are glad because she
speaks Afrikaans and can teach the Sunday School in the area.
They have a man who will be in school the
first term and stay for the whole year.
On the way home,

we stopped in Queenstojvn to see

Lawrence Halafu,

who will be in school this coming year. His wife has attended before

and directs the Sunday School at Queenstown.

Elias Sogoni, who has been ill.

difficult to get around.

for Christmas.

At Emagusheni, we saw

He is better now,

but still finds it

Brother Sogoni and his wife gave us a sheep

We will share it with the three ministers of our area.

One more stop to see Minister Isaac Nomazele.

^9"^.

|L

ly

He asked that we come to

visit them and we hope to go in January when Mrs. Nicholson can go with
We have purchased 112 pounds of sweets for the children's Christmas

sacks.

We must have some ready for the TB hospital a week from Sunday.

Saturday night we go to Gcilima to show pictures and Vernita will I^ H

be playing the accordion.

Sunday, the 5th,

will be a farewell for the

Stanley boys, Michael and Duane, who leave shortly to join their parents
in the States. They start Bible College next year. Two other young men

I
I

v81
MB

IB

shall be finishing school also, so we shall lose them from our meetings
James found the

end of the year

gone for half the year,

exams a little

but still did fairly

rough having been

well and will go on with

class.

SOUTH AFRICAN MOTEL ROOM

Do remember that the first of February, we shall open the Bible Training School. Please pray that
many shall be in attendance and that with the Guidance of the Spirit we may prepare them to bring the
Gospel to their own people. There will also be extra expenses with the opening of the school, so your
support will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for your help during this year.

We try to pray for you every day, even if we can

not do it by name.
Yours in the Master's service,
The Nicholsons

FORWARDING AGENT: Mrs. Ed Widlund

1603 Morley Road

Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007