the

India

Challenger
Missionaries: Art & Ruth Morris 11 Rutland Gate 4th Street

Forwarding Ager}t: D. Eugene Houpt

P.O. Box 215

phones:
Home 217-442-6736

Madras. India 600006

Danville. IL- 61832

Office 217-446-1542

Volume 32

March, 1982

Number 1

THE FIELD REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS

My wife and I ended the year 19H1 and began the year 1982 in India with Art and Ruth
Morris. We are so excited about what we were

able to see during the three weeks we were there. It has been our pleasure to be
associated with the Mission since November,

1950. We had the privilege of visiting the field in 1973. But the changes that have taken place since then are beyond imagination. It is an exciting and victorious mission field.
The area now being served is 800 miles long
and 200 miles wide. More than 120 million

people live in this region, so the prospects for continued growth are unlimited. The work
continues to be carried on under six basic

departments. Any one of these departments could well be a work all its own and justify the support and leadership. But all are brought under the heading of South India Church of
Christ Mission. To summarize, we list the

departments of the Mission for you: 1. General evangelism . . . involving over 500 preachers & over 700 congregations.
2. Southern Asia Christian College. ;i. Christian Hospital.

Bangalore are a gigantic challenge. We visited four congregations there, and they need so much help to reach out to the more than three million people of their city. Southern Asia Christian College is helping to meet the needs for more evangelism by doing a thorough job of training preachers. Christian Hospital not only is doing a great work among the lepers and other patients at the hospital, but thousands are being helped at the roadside clinics. To see the people lined up for treat
ment at these clinics was itself worth the trip to India. Then we thrilled at the joy expressed by the boys and girls in the eight homes for children. How different they are from the children of the villages who do not have the care and love that is provided by the Mission

4. Boys' Home of India (now includes two

homes for girls). 5. Printing ministry. 6. Rural development ministry. The continued growth of the work among the Maravar tribes is another real story of victory.

The possibilities of growth in the great city of

staff. The printing ministry and the rural development ministry help all parts of the Mission. Each part of the work is vital to the spread of the Gospel. You would be happy to continued on back page

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Lab technician checking for leprosy.

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Scene in the market place downtown Madras

Alice Houpt presenting gifts to hostel boys while Gene watches.

Mr. A.B.C. David teaching a class at Southern Asia

Christian College.

Art Morris and Gene Houpt pictured with some of the preachers at Madrapakkam.

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Art and Ruth Morris in front of new building forthegirls'hostel at Madrapakkam.

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Patients waiting for treatment at the roadside
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Building of Southern Asia Christian College in Madras.

A leper being examined on the roadside clinic.

THE INDIA CHALLENGER ia a quarterly publica

tion of the South India Church of Christ Mission.

Please note addresses for missionaries and forwarding agent elsewhere in the publication.

Girts at the Madrapakkam hostel.

see that the native workers are taking the

made to arrange a date with you.

responsibility of leadership.

Art and Ruth

Morris have led this work so faithfully and

well. In order to make sure their efforts will be

SPECIAL MAILING
INFORMATION Your response to our request for bandages, shirts, clothing, etc. has been so good that we
have a crate in excess of 1,000 pounds going to India the first week in April. This is a way so

lasting, they have trained these workers to carry on. And the task of training and equipping continues under planned
programs.

Without hesitation we can tell you this is a

tremendous work. Your missionaries have

stretched the gifts to make them do so much. All of this work is being done on a budget no larger than that of an average size congrega tion here in the U.S. Any one part of the work
should have as much support as we are using for all of the work. But we do thank the Lord

many can help who have no money to give, and a very essential need is met. We need so many supplies for the hospital work as well as summer weight clothing. Clothing can be used for children in all eight of the homes, but summer weight clothing for adults also can be used. We ask that you continue sending your

packages either by UPS or U.S. Mail to the

following address:
SOUTH INDIA CHURCH OF CHRIST MISSION

for helping make possible the gifts that have helped produce such a viable work for the glory of God. We thank you faithful supporters of the work, and we want you to
know that those who labor on the field are

C O Houpt Insurance Service

711 N. Gilbert St.

Danville. Illinois 6IS:i2

truly the Lord's servants.

They need and

Thank you for the help you give in this part of

the work. If any can assist with the cost of crating and shipping, that would be helpful. But don't let your inability to give money prevent your having the joy of contributing
these other material needs.

deserve the financial backing of Christians

everywhere. We commend them to you.

NEEDS ARE MANY In previous issues of this publication we have tried to suggest projects that are within the
reach of individuals and classes. These needs

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SOME SPEAKING DATES AVAILABLE

Gene and Alice Houpt are busy visiting churches across the nation. Having just returned from India, they have a message to share that will challenge your people. Gene is

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an experienced minister and is always glad for an opportunity to preach as well as to present the work of the Mission. Their slide program will interest you as an effort has been made to get pictures not generally included in a mission presentation. The Houpts travel with a camping trailer, so no hospitality arrangements are required. There are a few open dates in 1982, and scheduling has begun
for 1983. Call or write. Every effort will be

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the

India

Challenger
Missionaries:

Art & Ruth Morris 11 Rutland Gate 4th Street

Forwarding Agent: D. Eugene Houpt

P.O. Box 215

phones:
Home 217-442-6736 Office - 217-446-1542

Madras, India 600006

Danville, IL 61832

Volume 32

June, 1982

Number 2

REACHING OUT TO THE VILLAGES

The Rural Development Programs of South India Church of Christ Mission
By Arthur Morris India is a land of villages. In spite of modern civilization, India is still 85% rural. Any missionary planning a program in India must include the villages in order to succeed. We have five churches in Bangalore, a city with more than 3'/2 million population. Then in Madras, a city of about 5 million, we have 22 churches. We minister to all, but the majority
of the Church of Christ mission work in India

seen that one or two new Christians are

usually forced out of the social system. With no friendship, they will stagnate. In the village the best way is to get consensus of village opinion and then unlock iheir hearts
for Christ.

Education plays a very important part in

opening the closed doors of India. We have

tried regular schools. These are good, but costly. Then we tried night schools, and won hundreds of villages. Now we are using night schools for the adults. The people love the
teacher and he or she becomes a hero. By

is in the villages.

The basic needs of the villagers of India are three in the physical realm and three in the spiritual realm. All the people need (1) education, (2) health care and (3) job help. The cities have schools and hospitals. Also there is government help for the poor. The educated people of the country prefer the lifestyle of the urban areas. The spiritual needs of the villagers are (1) churches near enough to walk to, (2) a preacher who understands him and cares, and (3) a community to fit into and be a
part of.

teaching them to read and count, the teacher wins respect. Their word is believed. Then
when the teacher recommends Christ, the

people will listen. The adult night school is now our port of entry into the unreached villages of India. Within four to six months the village will be ready to accept Christ as
Savior. Most of the men and women who attend our schools have missed formal

We find the villages to be fertile fields for evangelism. Community is so important to the villager. We teach a village until there is a group ready to accept Christ. If there are 20 to 30 or sometimes 50 Hindus who accept Christ at one time, then this new unit is viable and strong. It is thus able to resist pressures, defend and care for itself and grow. We have

education either by poverty or lack of schools. Eagerness is the strong point in our favor. As they learn the alphabet and numbers, they are thrilled. Their first book is a large print story book of Bible characters. They read it again and again until they know the stories by heart. Soon they will repent and accept Christ. For the past few years we have been

THE INDIA CHALLENGER is a quarterly publication of the South India Church of Christ Mission. Please note addresses for missionaries and forwarding agent elsewhere in the publication.

having a 50% success in teaching the villages

of India.

that was given. These programs were started to find ways of winning the lost souls of India who are so precious to our Lord. Hinduism teaches the idea that matter is evil, and the way to please the god is to punish the body. Christianity is
so different. We are able to teach that Jesus loves all His children. He loves our bodies as

Medical evangelism is another successful entry into the hearts of Indian villagers. Hospitals are usually miles away. Doctors are
non-existent or poorly trained. Many set out to

rob and mistreat the villagers. We use the

hospital work to introduce the Christian message to new areas. In any medical unit we meet leprosy cases, sufferers of T.B., pneumonia and malnutrition. If the case is minor, then they will be treated in the mini
health center near their home. But if the case

well as our souls. In our ministry to the body we are able to bring the message for salvation
of the soul.

is serious, the patient will be recommended or escorted to the base hospital at

Madrapakkam. In the hospital, the patient

gets a clesm bed, good care and Christian teaching. Now a stranger becomes a firiend.

Over a million people die each year of T.B., and we are also in the worst leprosy-effected
area in the world. We have over 1200 school

children who have leprosy and are being treated regularly. We have milk powder from CASA to help the poor children and expectant mothers. This is usually the only milk they get. It is a ministry to help them in their need. We have had the largest feeding program for many years with 7,500 school children and 5,000 adults on a food for work program. It took a lot of time, but it opened many doors in our area for Christ. Fortunately, large scale famine does not exist at this time, so this part of our ministry is not in full operation.
We also dug 122 wells in the villages of our area that did not have a well. Again this was a tool of evangelism. The well diggers heard a sermon every day, and they were introduced to Christ. The preacher who supervised and who gave out the gift food had a real chance to
witness of Christ's love.

T.G. Aruldoss, who visited in the States from May 4 to June 21. Many were able to meet tiim in camp and VBS. Aruldoss is responsibie for the daily operation of the eight hostels In
India. He had a wonderful visit in the States and is thankful to

any of you who had a part in making his trip possible.

We did seven major road systems with our

food for work labor. Now six of these are

blacktopped and have buses on them. The people usually say, "Ah, this is the Christian road." So here is another way of opening
doors for Christ.

We use tons of butter oil, milk powder, wheat and rice. The value of a three year famine programs was over 3 million dollars, so you have some idea how extensive was the help

A Hindu temple. This is the center of all village activity. One of

our roadside clinics is held under a tree just In front of this
temple.

PACKAGES FOR INDIA

Thank you for the generous response to our request for bandages, clothing and other
supplies for use on the field in India. The accompanying picture shows a crate full of goods on its way to the truck line. From Danville the crate goes to Missionary Expediters in New Orleans for shipment to India. We ask that you continue to send all packages to our Danville address. Here Mr. and Mrs. Pat Wilson sort and repack ibr shipment to India. Here again is the address to be used for sending packages:
SOUTH INDIA CHURCH OF CHRIST MISSION
A meeting at one of the village churches. Bro. Vincent, pictured in rigtit foreground, is a ieader in this congregation.
He aiao assists with many of the other business details of the
Mission in India.

c/o Houpt Insurance Service

711 N. Gilbert St.

Danville, Illinois 61832 Many have asked about the cost of shipping. It costs us $12.78 per 100 pounds to have the goods trucked to New Orleans. From there the cost is based on cubic feet. The shipment that just went out weighed 1,670 poimds and was in a crate containing 128 cubic feet. The total cost for this shipment will be ,just about $1,200.00. So you can see, it is still costly. These materials are badly needed in India. We appreciate your continuing to send supplies. If you are able to assist with the cost ofshipping at any time, this also will be a great help to the
work.

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Hosprtal workers arriving In .jeep to assist with roadside

clinics. We are now in need of another Jeep. Thisoneisnow worn out and no longer in service.

Crate of hospital supplies ready for shipment to India.

Landlord taking workers to the fields by truck.

REPORT ON THE MORRIS FAMILY

Art, Ruth and Sharon Morris arrived in the States the last of May for a six week visit. The main purpose of the trip was for Art to get a complete medical checkup by his specialist in Indianapolis. Art was hospitalized for several days and given many tests. The reports have been very positive, and there is every
indication that the doctors in India have

MISSION BEGINS THIRTY THIRD YEAR

Art and Ruth Morris with their young son, David, arrived in India to begin the work of
South India Church of Christ Mission on June

3, 1950. Since then, the growth of this work has been phenomenal. We praise God from Whom all blessings flow and look forward to year #33 with eager anticipation.

given good care. Art has been advised to continue at his present level of activity. By the time you read this article, the Morrises will be back in India working. Continue to pray for their daily strength. Both Art and Ruth carry a heavy load of work. Having good
health is a definite asset. We are so very thankful for the Lord's blessings on His
servants.

GENE & ALICE HOUPT ON THE ROAD

Since the last week in February, the Houpts have travelled 10,000 miles and made over 40 presentations for the work in India. A very busy schedule lies ahead for the rest of 1982. There are no more open dates for this year, but we welcome your including us in your plans for 1983. We are available to help with rallies, special mission programs, mid-week programs or regular Sunday services. It is a joy to come and share with you about the work in South India. Write to us for a possible date
in 1983.

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Boys from the Maravar region who are residents of the boys'
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OCT 2;? '2 1981

SoutA ^hMcl (^Accic^o^

0. S*2fS -:FORWARDING AGENT D. EUGENE HOUPT

"DmvUU. *)tUKcA, 61S32

MISSIONARIES MR. and MRS. ARTHUR MORRIS

Tel. (217) 442-6736

September 16, 1982

Dear friends,

A great victory has been achieved! Southern Asia Christian College has now received the final report from the Serampore Accrediting Committee. The College has been granted full accreditation. For Southern Asia Christian College and for the work of the Lord in all of Asia this is more important than words can express. The graduates of the College will be able to transfer their credits to any school in the world without difficulty. Those who are trained in the College will be able to spread
the Gospel more effectively because of the high quality of the training they are receiving. This means more victories for the

Kingdom now and in the future. A well trained native leadership is the key to continued growth of the Lord's Church any place
in the world. Certainly it is vital in India.

BUT WE HAVE A MAJOR PROBLEM! Thoseofyouwhohavebeenclosetothisworkformanyyearsknowthatwedonot

make needless appeals. When there is a very urgent need, we share it with you. This is the present situation. Wehave a very
genuine need that we must explain to you. You may not be able to assist financially, but we do need to have you make it a
matter of prayer. So please consider the rest of our letter.

One of the requirements of the Serampore Committee for granting accreditation to the College has been that the physical facilities of the school be improved. They have granted their approval on the basis of the plans that we now have in process for
making the needed improvements. Workers from White Fields World Mission Builders Dept. are scheduled to arrive in India

about October 1 to begin this remodeling work. Don and Millie Harris from Moline, Illinois, and John Spratt from Maryville, Tennessee, are the workers coming. Mr. Spratt has his support, but Mr. & Mrs. Harris left the States without having all of their support underwritten. South India Church of Christ Mission stands in need of at least $50,000.00 for the building materials the workers will need when they arrive. At this writing we do not have any of this money nor the promise of any.

With this letter we are enclosing two reply envelopes. One is for your use if you are able to send a contribution to help with support for Mr. & Mrs. Harris. The other is for your use if you are able to send a contribution to help buy the building materials

for the College building. These are gifts that we need above and beyond the regular support that is sent for the work. Any
amount of help for each of these needs will be so very much appreciated.

Also if you know of any individual who would be willing to loan any part of the $50,000.00needed by the Mission for a period of
18-24 months at a reasonable rate of interest, this also would be a welcome answer to this need.

We know this work must be done. We have no choice but to plan ahead to have it done. But the venture is entirely by faith without any visible means of accomplishment. Therefore, we must come to you, the Lord's people. If you can help with a contribution or a loan, we would appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible. And do pray for this project that the needs will be met. This is the Lord's business. Thank you for even now making this request a matter of urgent prayer.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

D. Eugene Houpt, Forwarding Agent

SOUTH INDIA CHURCH OF CHRIST MISSION