Around the World with Eldon Tenniswood in '84

Click on Picture to view in Gallery - Eldon Tenniswood in TUX

(See Letters Below)

Here are the links to copies of the original letters by Eldon Tenniswood:

• Page ONE - 1-6-84 - Page TWO - 1-6-84 - Page THREE - 1-6-84

• Page ONE- 1-16-84 - Page TWO - 1-16-84 - Page THREE - 1-16-84 - Page FOUR - 1-16-84

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Here is the refutation of Tenniswood's pleasure trip produced by Gray:

The following documents demonstrate a KING’S tour by the self-appointed 2x2 ‘Overseer’ of Washington and Oregon and California, Eldon Tenniswood, done in 1984. One might wonder what the ‘Overseer’ of Washington and Oregon and California had as ‘business’ in Africa, Italy, Greece, Crete, Switzerland, Germany, England and all across the USA -- and his documents do not even suggest an answer – he gave NO purpose behind this tour whatsoever. So, since most religious leaders, with yearly financial statements to prepare, would at least attempt to justify such a tour, and he did not, I will assume this was just a pleasure trip fit for a king.

Below are listed in order of visit the places mentioned by the documents, but the reader must realize that at least travel from Los Angeles to Johannesburg, was also funded by the average hard working American 2x2 within his North Western USA ‘see.’ It would be interesting to cost out this grand tour, but I’ll let the American 2x2s who footed the whole bill do that if they like.

• 1 Johannesburg to Bulawayo, by air
  

• 2 Bulawayo  to Harare, by air

• 3 Harare to Nairobi, by air

• 4 Nairobi to Douala, Cameroon by air

• 5 Douala, Cameroon to Lagos, by air

• 6 Lagos to Benin, by mini-bus

• 7 Benin to Cotonou, by taxi

• 8 Cotonou to Accra, Ghana, by air

• 9 Accra to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, by air

• 10 Abidjan to Rome, by air

• 11 Rome to Athens, by air

• 12 Athens to Chania, Crete, by air

• 13 Chania to Iraklion, by bus

• 14 Iraklion to Athens, by air
  

• 15 Athens to Zurich, Switzerland, by air
  

• 16 Zurich to Dusseldorf, Germany, by air

• 17 Dusseldorf to London, by air
  

• 18 London to Boston, by air

• 19 Boston to Pittsburg

• 20 Pittsburg to Detroit, by air

• 21 Detroit to Milwaukee, by air

• 22 Milwaukee to Los Angeles

Special entertainments that Elden enjoyed on his world tour.

• 1 “We had a picnic lunch in a lion park” (Carmel)

• 2 “They have some nice stores in Nairobi, but David took me to shantytown…” (Kenya)

• 3 “…took Ken, Abraham and me to visit the Kenya Wildlife Park…” (Nairobi)

• 4 “We saw the palace of the Minoan rulers, with the paintings on the walls of some of the rooms…” (Greece)
  

• 5 “…met our plane and took us to Mars' Hill, which is mentioned in Acts 17: 22-31. From there, we saw the Acropolis--the Parthenon, or ruins of the celebrated Doric temple--and from the Acropolis, we saw many ruins…” (Greece – this tour by air from Athens, specifically for the tour)

Gospel Meetings (i.e., a Worker’s only work in return for the world tour = approximately 4.5 hours of ‘work’ for Eldon Tenniswood!!!);

• 1 “Wednesday morning we had a workers' meeting, and at 5:30 p.m. we had the study meeting, with about 15 of us gathered.” (Kenya)

• 2 “About 30 of us gathered…” (Douala)

• 3 “Tuesday evening, Jan. 24, we had a meeting with about 25 gathered…” (Lagos)

• 4 “Thurs. night, Jan. 26, we had another meeting…” (Lagos)

• 5 “Sunday, Jan. 29, a union meeting was arranged…” (Cotonou)

• 6 “Lorne and I spoke to about 15 people.” (Ghana)

• 7 “…we had a gospel meeting...” (Abidjan)
  

• 8 “I was able to be in the gospel meeting that afternoon, where about 250…” (Greece)

• 9 “…and a meeting at 8:00 p.m….” (Switzerland)

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Here are the Letters:

January 6, 1984

My dear family, fellow-workers and friends,

Friday morning, January 6, we left the Johannesburg airport for our flight to Bulawayo, Zarnbabwe (formerly South Rhodesia). We were surprised to see a number of our fellow-workers and friends gathered to see us away, making one feel so unworthy of the love and kindness shown us while we were in their land. Again, we are reminded of the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus which makes us "one family in Christ." Ten of the workers laboring in Zambabwe left Johannesburg Thursday morning by train and we all arrived in Bulawavo about the same time Tuesday. We went to the home of John and Pearl Heuer. That evening our brethren gathered in two homes to meet us and have a visit. Jim Brown was taken to David and Alice Kirk's home and I was at Kasper Schmidt’s home. The colored and white friends were together to see us. The Schmidt’s have a son, Alan, laboring in Zambabwe. The following labor here:

• Luke Kennett      
• John Hickley

• Alan Schmidt
• Jison Chigara
  

• Averil Perlmutter
• Eunice Caldecott

• Jacqueline Perlmutter
• Neddie Nanwehwe
• Muriel Arthur

• Barbara Barrand (caring for mother)
• Alice Kirk (resting)

• Heather Oldknow (labors in South Africa, but is visiting home now)

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Sunday, about 160 gathered in a hall where a number of us spoke. We met at the Heuer home for supper and some singing. A nice thought was given us from II Kings 6:13-17. Everything looked so hopeless to Elisha's companion until Elisha prayed for him and the Lord opened his eyes and he saw all the help that was with them just as Elisha said, "Fear not, for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." It is easy to forget the words in I John 4: 4, "Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."

We left Monday morning for Harare, about 450 miles by air.

In 1980, Zambabwe was declared an independent county, and Harare is the capital. Before they obtained independence, Rhodesia was rich, exporting maize (corn), wheat, cotton, sugar, potatoes and seed beans, but now the country is broke. When the new government took over, the money disappeared. Most of the white people are leaving, and they can take very little with them. When they take a holiday, they can take just $360 a person, or $180 a child, for a three-year period. If your car is under four years old, then you must leave a $6,000 deposit before you leave the country but if your car is over four years old, you can take it without leaving a deposit. It is hard to get repairs for anything. The workers said you cannot even buy flashlight batteries. He inquired about getting a few reduced copies of my itinerary made; the price was $21 for 250. They would not copy less. It appears to be a communistic government. When getting independence, the slogan was, "Give us liberty, even though we have poverty." Now, they have poverty, but very little liberty. However, there is more liberty for our co-workers. Everyone must vote, but there is only one man to choose. Gasoline is $1.00 a litre.

At Harare, we were taken to "Carmel" convention grounds, at the home of Herbert and Inez Sherwin. "Carmel" is a beautiful, quiet, restful spot with some very large trees which make ideal shade for the meeting tent, where about 250 gather in August. There is a nice shed for dining, cooking and sleeping. There's a high hedge around the property, making it private and secluded. We took a morning walk in the country and had a chance to learn more about the work of God here and visit with the workers. Most of the workers are natives. We had a picnic lunch in a lion park, but the forty lions were safely behind strong wire fences. The little ones were as playful as kittens. They also had leopards which are a powerful animal. We saw a picture of a leopard carrying an antelope up into a tree so the wild dogs and hyenas couldn't get the meat while the leopards roamed.

The very first Christians in Rhodesia were Eric and Gladys Archer, who passed away recently at the ages of 83 and 88. They were on their holiday in Natal in 1921, near the Durban convention, when one of their relatives told them of their newly found treasure. They attended the gospel meetings, decided and were baptized within ten days, then returned to Rhodesia. Later, Willie Clark and Tom Bourne went there to labor,and the country opened up for the gospel. Mrs. Weldon, a widow, was among the first to receive the truth in Salisbury.

Her late husband had always said "If you ever meet people going out as the Bible teaches, then know they are God's true messengers. " Mrs.Weldon offered her home for the first Rhodesia convention in 1925. We met a number of black people at the special meeting in Bulawayo . Our hearts were deeply touched when we were told of one 'black family who walked three days, about twenty miles a day to get to one of the early conventions with the mother carrying her baby on her back. They also carried a sack of white cornmeal for the convention.

The mother spoke only the tribal language and understood very little English. 'How marvelous to hear of such love for the Lord and the desire for fellowship with Him and His people. The words of our hymn #251 came to my mind, "We can find these souls of greatness, where" the walls are weak and low where the burden is the greatest and the tears most often' flow .. ,” Now, they have a convention where the tribal language is spoken and there's an interpreter for those who speak English. Neddie and Jison would have the tribal language and some of the other workers are studying, as there is liberty to work among the black people. The special meeting was held in a 'hall' with about 160 present.

We were glad Ken Pagington could be with us. In speaking of Daniel, someone said; "The secret of success, is success in the secret place." Daniel went into Babylon a prisoner of war but purposed in his heart that he could not defile himself with the things of' Babylon. He prayed, and God gave him wisdom; he was preferred above the presidents and princes because of' his excellent spirit; he could show others his God was a living God. If we purpose in our hearts to be a clean vessel for God to use, He will give us wisdom above which will set us apart as His 'children. Jison and Neddie are black workers from the local tribe and are so useful in this land..

Averil and Jacqueline are identical twins of Jewish parents. About 1923 a tent meet was held in Salisbury (Harare) in which Mr. and Mrs. Sim and Mrs. Sim's youngest sister, Bertha de Waal, age 11, decided. Bertha's parents were staunch Dutch Reformed people and her father was bitterly opposed to the truth, forbidding Bertha to go to meetings. After Sunday School, Bertha would borrow her brother-in-law's bicycle and rush to the little meeting a few miles away. When Bertha was 15, her mother died and she went out to work in a hospital. Bertha's mother decided two years before she died but seldom got to meetings because of her husband's resistance to the truth. Bertha wished to be a nurse and was working at the hospital where the twins were born. Jacqueline weighed about two pounds when born and the doctor did not think she would survive. He saw their mother was not able to care for the babies and asked Bertha if she would care for them as Jacqueline needed to be fed hourly. Bertha took the job and in three months, both were strong babies. At that time, their mother went away for three months; she had never picked them up or done anything for them. Bertha had sole charge of the babies and took them to meetings when she could. They attended convention when they were four months old! Bertha had planned to resume her studies but when the Perlmutters were to return to Rhodesia, Bertha couldn't part with the twins, so returned as their nurse. Their father went to war for six years, so Bertha had complete charge of them as their mother did not care for the girls.

She preferred to play cards with her friends. Bertha took them to meetings and conventions and they grew up knowing what our children understand, although they lived in a cold, unwelcome home.

When the father returned from the war, Bertha had Sundays and Wednesday evenings off and, of course, went to meetings. The twins would ask their father if they could go and play with their friends. One of their friends was Heather Oldknow, where the meeting was held; they got to meeting that way by cycling. However, Sunday afternoons they had to go with their parents to a club or hotel which they detested.

They were about eight years old when they said to Bertha, "Teach us to pray," and also asked for a Bible. Bertha said, "You have your pocket money; go and buy one!" The Bible was their treasured possession. Bertha was responsible for the twins learning all that rich Jewish children went in for--studying French and Hebrew, dancing, horseback riding, etc. She took them each Saturday to the synagogue. Later, they saw the great wisdom in all that she had done. The twins missed convention first when they were nine, as their parents took them away to celebrate the Passover with relatives. The twins wept most of the time during the Passover, so when Sunday night came, their father was glad to give them back to Bertha at "Carmel." Monday, they ran happily around, helping put away things used at convention. While on holiday in CapeTown, South Africa, a few years later, they attended the convention where they felt their need of serving the Lord. They asked Bertha if they could stand when the meeting was tested and she said, "If you know what you are doing.”

They knew little of what it meant but knew they were outside God's fellowship and wanted to belong to God's family, so made their choice at the age of twelve. When at home, they pretended to be Jewish, but in their hearts they tried to serve God. In their meeting, there were several other young girls professing, which made their fellowship special. The parents divorced soon after the girls decided and their mother returned to England without even saying goodbye to them. Their father sent them to a boarding school in Cape Town, South Africa, 2,000 miles away, to get them away from the influence of Bertha and her friends. Bertha had to seek other work after caring for the girls day and night for thirteen years, having had only two short holidays when she was sick, and a meager salary.

Amid many tears, they left for the boarding school with advice from Bertha to take only their small Bibles, no hymnbooks, to be careful before others, seeing they would be at a predominantly Jewish school, and to "behave themselves." Their father tried to break their connection with the few Christians they knew in CapeTown and with Bertha as well, but she still wrote them regularly and prayed for them. In her first letter to them, she mentioned, "God's way is a battlefield, not a playground."

When they went home on holidays, they carelessly left a letter in their bedroom from a worker signed, "Your sister in Christ," which was found by their father and step-mother. Mr. Perlmutter stormed up to Mr. Oldknow's home, as he was the elder of the church, and demanded to see Bertha, but Mr. Oldknow kept him outside during the meeting and tried to answer his questions regarding his religion.

After the meeting, Bertha went to see Mr. Perlmutter in his home, where he railed on her for influencing his daughters away from the Jewish faith. After he cooled down a little, Bertha said, "Who made your girls learn Hebrew, French, dancing, horseback riding, etc, and who took them to the synagogue every Sabbath?" He admitted Bertha had done this.

Bertha also said, "Did their mother ever pick them up, caress and love them, or feed, clothe and bathe them?" He had to admit their mother never wanted her daughters and he, himself, had shown very little love toward them. Then he said, "But your life influenced them." What a wonderful testimony to have!

Mr. Perlmutter forbade Bertha to have any further communication with his daughters. Then he flew to Cape Town to see Averil and Jacqueline at their school and forbade them to have any more communication with the friends in CapeTown.

After much pleading he conceded to let them go once in three months.

During the next three years at the boarding school, they had only these few meetings, which meant everything to them. When at home during holidays, they couldn't go to the Sunday morning meeting, but sometimes the friends would phone their father and ask the girls over for "tea" and they enjoyed a Bible study then. The twins tried to have their own little Sunday morning meeting before the other girls arose at 6:00 a.m. and the Lord kindly taught them many things from the scripture. They kept on reading and praying in secret until the last year in school when they began to read and speak
freely. Some of the Jewish girls asked questions about the New Testament and began to read it and were astonished when our sisters could explain the scripture.

As their school days were coming to a close, they knew a stand had to be taken and their parents must know they chose to be Christians, which may mean their father would disown them. A week passed after arriving home and nothing was said about their decision. Their parents planned an overseas trip and discussed this, saying they would like the girls to dress like other Jewish girls. This caused them to lose courage. They went to bed feeling ashamed of their cowardice. The next day, their father had a severe thrombosis attack and died within minutes. Then they saw God's hand in preventing them saying anything about their choice, as all their relatives and Jewish friends would have said he died of shock. After the funeral the family met and the girls were questioned regarding their "faith," whether they wished to remain Jews or change their religion. They replied, “We have changed our religion." The mountain they feared disappeared into the sea. The next Sunday their step-mother offered them her own car to go to meeting, which was the first time in seventeen years they went freely and honestly. They found work in Salisbury, but after six months in their step-mother's home, she began to get nasty and went to the Master of the High Court (the man who attends to estates and is guardian of minors under 21) with accusations against the girls. This man called Bertha, questioning her in detail for hours of their childhood and upbringing in the truth. Next he called Mr. Oldknow and questioned him about this way. The judge then called the girls and told them about the step-mother's complaint. But after listening to Bertha and Mr. Oldknow, he decided on that day that Bertha would be their legal guardian and advised them to hold on to their faith with all their strength. They went to live with Bertha. Later Bertha moved to "Carmel" and lived there very happily from 1961-1979, when she died of cancer. Averil and Jacqueline cared for her during her illness.

Luke Kennett is the elder worker in Zambabwe . He comes from South Africa. He told us in spite of the poverty in the country, they have more liberty to work among the blacks there than in South Africa. He is studying one of the tribal languages.

We left Harare January 16. Jim Brown returned to visit in South Africa and Ken Pagington and I journeyed on to Nairobi, Kenya. Such love and kindness and appreciation as was shown us in Zambabwe made it difficult to leave, but it will be easy for us to remember our brethren who are courageously flying the banner of God's love in the midst of a  perverse and crooked generation. Precious memories linger in our hearts. Thanks for all your letters, kind thoughts and prayers, with best wishes in Christ for a fruitful new year.

Your brother, Eldon

P.S. I forgot to mention we saw Michael Wannenburgh and Ernest Prinsloo at the South African conventions. Both were well and had a part in the meetings. Our brother, Jurgens Slabbert was not able to attend the conventions this year, as his health is gone. However, I spoke with him on the phone and he wished to be remembered to his many friends. It was a privilege to visit Ernest Robinson's parents in their home and to see them at convention, as neither are well. We could say as we read in 3 John 2, "I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."

Eldon

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January, 16 1984

My dear family, fellow-servants and friends,

Monday, January 16, Ken Paginton and I waved our dear friends in Harare, Zimbabwe, farewell. We had a 3 1/2 hr. flight to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, one of the last British possessions in Africa.

Kenya gained its independence from Britain in 1964 and became a republic, situated astride the equator on the east side of Africa. It is about the size of Texas. The productive highlands of the southwest have a relatively mild climate because of their elevation. The coast is tropical and humid with an average temperature of about 80°. After passing through the immigration office we were delighted to see Pieter VanHeerden and David Nightingall waiting for us. They took us to the home of Hazen and Dorothy Hughes and children. The Hughes are from Eastern Canada on a teaching assignment
for the Canadian Government. They have a four-bedroom home, which is a real haven of rest for our fellow-workers and friends. Here we met Lettie Hilligan, Jean Johnston and Abraham Felicite, a native worker of Kenya. Lettie and Jean are from Ireland; Pieter vanHeerden is from South Africa; and David Nightingall was born in Kenya, but I think his parents are now living in New Zealand.

Lettie is a cousin of Gladys and Primrose Weir. Lettie and Jean are laboring about 200 miles north of Nairobi, and have a little interest. People live very primitively there. I didn't have time to visit that part. Pieter vanHeerden is alone in the coastal area while his companion is on a home visit in Great Britain, and David and Abraham are working in the Nairobi area.

Wednesday morning we had a workers' meeting, and at 5:30 p.m. we had the study meeting, with about 15 of us gathered. Mrs. Isabel Beverley, where the workers get their mail, was in the meeting; also, the three black children she adopted. Tuesday we went to town. They have some nice stores in Nairobi, but David took me to shantytown, where the shops have only a roof over them for shade, and what a mess under foot! It reminded me of some of the markets in the Orient. The vegetables, meat, etc., are cheaper than in the supermarket. When our sisters, Lettie and Jean, were to leave on the bus for their field we asked, "When does your bus leave?" The answer was, "Maybe six or seven o'clock- - whenever the bus gets filled up. There is no definite time, so you just exercise patience." Ken told us they wished to take a bus about noon and were given word it wouldn't leave until 2:00 p.m., but when they returned a few minutes before two, the bus had already gone.

One man was just furious, and they asked him why he got so 'angry. He replied, "I was supposed to be the driver!!" This is life in some parts of Africa. We said farewell to Lettie and Jean, and how grateful I am to have had a wee visit with them
and be refreshed by their spirit of a love to seek the lost and feed the flock of God. David, who grew up in this part of the country, took Ken, Abraham and me to visit the Kenya Wildlife Park just outside of Nairobi. We first saw a flock of ostriches, then a lioness resting. David drove about 15 ft.from her.

We saw three cheetahs up close. Are they ever beautiful, sleek and thin, and the swiftest animal to catch its prey. We saw giraffes, waterbucks, impalas. wildebeests and buffaloes. David said the buffaloes are the most dangerous animals in the park, as sometimes they have charged cars.

Some have asked me about the man in Tanzania who once worked for David Nightinggale’s father. David accompanied a couple of the sisters to where they lived, but due to political problems in the country, they were not allowed to stay, after making the long, tiresome journey. David is hopeful that later on some may be able to labor there. One of our friends who had a business trip down that way visited the elderly man, who is seeking to keep true to the Lord, and his family. He has a good influence over his family to keep them separated from the influence of the world. David hopes to make a visit there later. Friday, January 20, Pieter vanHeerden, Abraham Felicite and David took me to the airport and I said farewell to our brethren in this lonely part of Africa.

The flight from Nairobi to Douala, Cameroon, was about 5 1/2 hours, with a two-hour change of time.

Cameroon is a federal republic in west Africa, about 183,591 sq. miles, or a little larger than Oregon and Washington States, and racing the Gulf of Guinea. It obtained independence in 1960. It was good to see the smiling faces of Lorne Moore, Aleta McCrae and Teresa Cadore. Lorne is from Alberta, Canada, and Aleta from Alberta,Canada.

Teresa is from Grenada, but we met in England in 1974 when she entered the work and then went to West Africa. Her mother was the first in her family, to decide. This is a hot, humid country, with temperatures between 80-95 degrees and a humidity of 90-95%, The weather reminded me of Samoa, but in other ways, West Africa is like some places in the Orient.

You see so many light-framed pushcarts on two bicycle wheels, burdened down with heavy loads.

Also, you see mothers with babies tied on their backs, carrying a load on their heads; others selling in the marketplace, with babies on their backs. Many of the wee shops are dingy-looking places, with only a roof to protect them from the sun but no protection from the rain. Others just lay their wares on the sidewalk or side of the road, etc., and are in business. There is a wee, dingy shop in front of where Aleta and Teresa live, about lO'xl4', and I was surprised to learn the people live there also.

The girls have a nice three-room apartment on the second floor. It was good to sleep under mosquito nets, for this is malaria country. Saturday at 8:00 a.m., the President of Cameroon announced the day a holiday for everyone because he was elected to office. Everyone must vote" and everyone must vote for the one man, the one that was in office before election. Saturday afternoon, we workers went to Limbe, a lirtle town on the ocean (once called "Victoria") about 35  miles from Douala. There we had the special meeting on Sunday, January 22, in the home where Lorne Moore had his bach.

About 30 of us gathered, and all there speak French, but a few speak English. Only two men in Douala profess, but it was encouraging to hear of their search for truth and how they prize their high calling in Christ. These men speak English; also a young man, Zechariah, who shows interest. Sunday night after the special meeting, he came to the sisters' bach for a visit. Monday a.m,  January 23, Aleta and Teresa accompanied Lorne and me to the airport in a taxi. The street was narrow, crowded with cars, and, to really make it interesting, three men were driving about 100 long-horned cattle down this street, holding up cars, trucks, pushcarts, etc. Besides, the street was very rough, often with deep holes in the pavement. How fortunate for me that Lorne was free to accompany me as far as Accra, Ghana. What a relief to have one who has been over the road for a guide.

We waved farewell to Aleta and Teresa, then boarded the plane for Lagos, Nigeria, a 90-minute flight.

Lagos is the capital of Nigeria, a republic which gained independence in 1960. It is one of the largest and most populated countries in West Africa, 356,669 sq. miles (larger than Texas and Miss.), with about 90 million people. English is the official language but there are also many tribal languages. Nigeria is rich in all resources and the wealthiest country in black Africa, with a military government since Dec. 31, 1983. "After passing through the immigration office we were welcomed to Nigeria by Jack Duncan, James Coker, Fannie Hastings, Mabel McKendry, and lona Opoto. All of us
workers had supper at our sisters' bach, and a pleasant evening hearing about the Lord's work in this land, which goes slowly as in other parts of the world. While visiting, the lights went out but soon the lanterns were lit. We were in Lagos three days and had electricity only two days for 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening.

We men slept in the sisters' bach and they went to the home of Enuma and Gloria Ukegbu (Gloria is lona's sister).

Tuesday evening, Jan. 24, we had a meeting with about 25 gathered, so it was special to meet our brethren here who were all black but one lady. On Wed. night, when we workers had supper with Enuma and Gloria Ukegbu and their family we met lona's three other sisters. Fannie, Mabel and lona have three rooms, 10'x12', with a tiny kitchen. They use one room for the gospel meetings. Water is very scarce here and our sisters carry their water. Iona is expert in carrying it on her head.

Jack Duncan, Fannie Hastings and Mabel McKendry are from good old Ireland. Mabel's parents live on the Antrim conv. grounds. James Coker and lona Opoto are Nigerian and can go into other West African countries without a visa, so they don't have the difficulties we have.

Thurs. night, Jan. 26, we had another meeting in our sisters' bach, using benches without a backrest. It is always special to be with God's chosen people. After the meeting, we said farewell to our friends and went home with Clement and Atuam Lowal for the night. Clement has a car so took Jack, James, Lorne, and me to the place where we got on the bus--no, not a bus station, but a large vacant lot, packed with busses, mini-busses, cars, and people! Many were waiting to get on a bus; others had something to sell, to eke out a living. Among the busses, cars, and people were mothers with babies tied on their backs and caring for other little ones while they sold hard-boiled eggs, bread, and soft drinks to passengers for a quick lunch. They carried the eggs, bread, and soft drinks on large serving trays or their heads, taking them off their heads when making a sale.

Experts! Others were selling rugs, cloth in bolts, hardware, etc, with their merchandise spread out on the ground or on a dilapidated box or table. The streets in Lagos were dirty and messy, with trash strewn along the sides, and crawled, packed with taxis,busses, trucks, cars, oxcarts, pushcarts, motorcycles, bicycles, and you name it! besides people darting across the streets, dodging cars, and amid all this chaos you see people with their merchandise spread out along the sides of the streets. Seeing all this chaotic behavior made me appreciate the order we have in our country.

Since we were the first ones to board a mini-bus traveling to the Benin border, we had our choice of seats, but had to
wait l 1/2 hours for them to pack the bus to full capacity. James Coker came with us to help us cross the Nigerian-Benin border, and he was a good guide. The border was closed for three weeks after the military coup. The streets and roads are in bad need of repair, but it was a nice drive along the coastal road, where we saw palm trees, palm oil trees, and a few rubber trees. We had no trouble crossing the border and entering Benin, with the aid of our guide. Here we saw a number of dilapidated cars and taxis, anxious to get passengers going to Cotonau. James picked out a taxi and when it was packed full we were off on the last lap of our lOO-mile journey to Cotonou, and James returned to Lagos.

Benin, formerly called Dahoney, is a republic, having achieved independence on Aug. 1, 1960. It has an area of 43,483 sq. miles, a little larger than Tennessee. French is the official language, but there are many different tribes and tribal languages. When we reached Cotonou, the streets were lined with people selling merchandise on wee rickety stands or spread out on the edge of the street, making it difficult for people to walk along the street away from traffic, but who cares?

When we reached the bach where Jim Ratcliffe, Claude Allohan, and Leslie Pountney were living we were told of the Fri. night (Jan. 27) gospel meeting in the yard of Moses Tossoukou. How nice to meet our brethren there, who were all black.

Saturday afternoon, Bernard, the first man to decide in Benin, came to thank us for our part in the gospel meeting. He had been seeking for truth and was not satisfied with any religious group but obtained a New Testament and loved to read it.

One day, Jim Ratcliffe's companion saw him reading, so he took the book and began reading Matthew 13 about the sower and the seed. After he left, Bernard followed him to learn where he lived, and then came to study the Bible. Later, he decided and obtained the Pearl of Great Price. Sunday, Jan. 29, a union meeting was arranged in the home of Joseph and
Louise. Their room, 18'x36', was packed with about 130 people, all black. About 60 children were there, all of them quietly sitting on benches without backrests. A nice thought was given from our 'hymn" #255, "I "hear and obey and my soul is set free." Obey means victory; disobedience means defeat.

We all want to obey but are tempted to do as our human nature moves us. How true! The evening meeting was at 5:30 in the yard of Christopher VoDovme, with about 150 present and about 70 of them children, all sitting on those backless benches and listening attentively. For a while, the workers here translated English into French and then had a native interpret French into the tribal language. However, now that Claude Allohan has a good command of English, he interpreted for me into his native tongue. Benin has been the most fruitful of all the countries in West Africa. Lorne and I managed to get our visas to enter Ghana on Tues., Jan. 31, and about 20 of our friends came to the brothers' bach to visit us and say farewell.

One man, at the age of 12 years, had three cuts made on one side of his face, near his mouth. This signified he was of the Fetiche religion. Neither he nor his mother wanted it, but his father had the final say. He was delighted to find the truth as it is in Jesus.

Outward marks brand people, but when we possess the Holy Spirit we are new creatures in Christ and belong to God's family. I hope we can say as Paul in Galatians 6:17, "I bear (branded) in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." Tues. the plane was scheduled to leave at 10:00 a.m. but never arrived until 2:00 p.m. Jim, Leslie, and Claude remained with us until we boarded the plane; then Lorne and I had a good flight to Accra, Ghana.

Ghana is a republic, tropical as other West African countries, with a temperature of 800 to 90° and humidity about 90%. It gained independence in 1957, and has an area of 92.100 sq. miles, a little smaller than Oregon. Accra is the capital, and English is the official language. However, there are many different tribes and tribal languages. 99% or the population is black. The country is amongst the poorest. Cocoa is the important crop but they also raise coffee, and diamonds and gold are mined.

Tom McGiven, a young man from the old sod of Ireland, met us at the airport and loaded us in a minibus, which was made for 20 passengers but about 38 were packed into the vehicle. Sam McKay, Tom's companion, also from Ireland, had gone ahead to get their recreation building ready for the 6:30 gospel meeting.

Tom, Lorne, and I arrived about 10 minutes before the meeting began and Lorne and I spoke to about 15 people. It was nice to meet them. After the meeting we returned to the bach, as lights are out at 9:00 p.m .. Wed. evening, Sam took us to visit a family that was showing interest, and on Thurs. night there was another meeting, with 23 black people; 4 were strangers but showing good interest.

There, as in all the West African countries, there are plenty of mosquitos. Some carry the malaria germ, so we slept under mosquito nets. What a comfort, unless you sleep too near the edge. They are also plagued with a tiny insect called "no-see-um" because you can't see them but they have a healthy bite which you feel.

People queue up to buy bread and other groceries, and some are not available. One pound of meat or fish costs the equivalent of a man's wages for one week, so conditions are distressing. Streets are in bad need of repair. One of the main streets of Accra had open sewers on each side, about 8"to 2'' wide, filled with stagnant water, etc. It is about impossible
to walk on the sidewalks, so people walk on the street. As in other countries, people have their wee stands, or merchandise spread out wherever they can. We saw long lines of autos queued up to buy gasoline. Sam McKay took me to a large department store. It would have been excellent thirty years ago, and now there is practically no merchandise on the shelves; the building is going to wrecks.

Early Sat. Feb. 4, Sam, Lorne, and Tom took me to the airport to get checked in, and .... what confusion!

People were trying to push in the line up at the desk, and suitcases and packages were stacked all over the place. Was I ever grateful for my brothers' help. Here I said farewell to Lorne, Sam, and Tom and finally made my way to the tarmac where we waited to board the plane . The flight to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, was about 2 hours.

Abidjan is the capital of "Ivory Coast", an independent republic in West Africa which achieved independence in 1960. French is the official language, but it also has many different tribes and tribal languages. It has an area of 124,503 square miles, a little larger than New Mexico. Ivory Coast received its name in the late 1400's when French sailors began to trade for ivory there. The population is about 9 million, almost all black Africans. Ivory Coast is a more prosperous country.

I had a little problem in the immigration office, but soon by my side was Lilian Lausselet who labors in Ivory Coast with Doreen Maynard. Lilian is from Switzerland and Doreen from Barbados.

They have a cozy little bach with a 10'xl6' room for meetings and a small bedroom with twin beds. There were 9 adults and 8 children for the Sun. fellowship meeting at 9:00 a.m. (Feb. 5), and at 10:15, we had a gospel meeting as the folk could hardly afford to make two trips on the bus in one day. Doreen interpreted for me in the fellowship meeting and Lilian in the gospel meeting.

In the afternoon we visited a family who couldn't get to the meetings. These people are so poor -- perhaps the best word to use is "destitute". Monday morning Lilian and Doreen took me to the market, and you couldn't imagine a place like it. There were shacks 6' wide and about 200' long, with a booth 3'x5' on each side. There must have been 12 or more rows, with a walkway between them. People had their merchandise spread out on shelves in these booths--meat, fish, groceries, vegetables, hardware, drugs,shoes, shoe repair, tailoring & dressmaking, etc. The tailors, men or women, had their foot peddle sewing machines ready to work. While in Abidjan to get my ticket changed, the girls took me to a supermarket, which was like those in our country. What a contrast! Tues. morning we had a meeting with George Kaoumet who decided a couple years ago. He had been a heavy smoker and was afraid he would get sick if he quit, but he was finally free from that bondage. The electricity is turned off at 6:00 a.m. and comes on at 6:00 p.m., then turned off at 9:00 p.m., due to water shortage in the dam.

Lilian and Doreen took me to the airport. Only passengers go past the security check-out after the guard looked them over he told Lilian and Doreen, "Seeing you are 'sisters" and haven't a gun, you can go through." So I had company until I boarded the plane. I must say it was difficult to say farewell and leave them in such a large country with so few friends. Never will we know the sacrifice of poured-out lives, which help in finding the lost sheep and feeding the flock, to make-up the family of God in heaven and in earth. It was 10:00 p.m. when our plane left Abidjan for a I0-hour flight to Rome and then a 2-hour flight to Athens.

Athens, the capital of the Republic of Greece, is a beautiful city, as the older buildings are made of white marble and the recent buildings are also mostly white. With the olive and citrus trees and green grass, this contrast makes a picturesque view from the plane window. I never thought Greece would be so rough and rocky. It has an area of 50,000 sq. miles, about the size of Alabama. However, 1/5 of Greece is composed of islands. No part of Greece is more than 85 miles from the. sea. About 2/3 of the people earn their living by farming grapes, lemons, olives, wheat, and cotton, and raising goats.

Nicolas Papadakis and Anna Economidis were waiting for me. At 4:00 o.m. Nicolas and I took a plane for Chania, a city on the west end of Crete, a one-hour flight. Here George Manetas, Nicolas' companion, and Kimon Vardakis met us, and we had supper at Kimon's home before going to the meeting arranged at George Ksirouhakis' home. Thurs., Feb. 9, Kimon took Nicolas, George and me to Rethimnon, where there was a meeting at 5;00 p.m., with about 20 present, and supper at 8;00 p.m. Friday morning, Nicolas, George and I took a bus to Iraklion, the home of Minas Kazakis, brother of Alexandra Kazakis who labors in Athens with Anna Economidis. Here we saw their convention grounds on Crete; also Knossos, a city archaeologists have unearthed which they think existed between 1900-1100 B.C. We saw the palace of the Minoan rulers, with the paintings on the walls of some of the rooms, and we marveled at the clay sewer pipe used for drainage in that age. The city was destroyed by an earthquake, so the archaeologists think, and as ages passed, the ruins were covered with earth.

They removed an olive grove to start digging, as there was no outward trace of the ancient city. While viewing this, I was reminded how quickly the handywork of man can be destroyed, and thought of Daniel 2;44, "The God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people ... it shall stand forever."Heb. 11;10,16. The meeting that evening was in the Kazakis home, with about 30 present, and supper at 8:00 p.m. Nicolas told me John McLetoo was from Crete, and when he and his wife, Ann McLetoo, began to labor in Greece, they first tried visiting on Crete. Just visiting with people about the truth was called "proselytizing", which was forbidden by the law. This made it difficult for the workers, and many workers and friends served time in jail after some people made their choice to suffer reproach with the people of God. Once, when John McLetoo was baptizing some people, an officer came to arrest him so called John out of the water. John replied, "I have two more to baptize." He then served time in jail.

Another time when he was in jail a man named Demitrious Patrakis was also in the same jail. There he attended some bible studies John was having, and made his choice. When Demitrious was released from prison he spoke to his wife about the treasure he found, and she made her choice. Mrs. Fotini Galerakis listened to the testimony of Demitrious and Evagelia, studied the bible with them, and she decided to walk in the truth. I asked her, "What happened when you decided to serve the Lord?" She replied, "It was like an earthquake--the whole city rose up against the church." The priest had Demitrious put in prison, and her husband beat her, gave her no money, and tried to influence their 8 children against her, but she remained true and now 6 of her children are walking in the truth. A heroine indeed! I could mention many other things, but this letter is already too long.

On Sat. Feb. 11, Nicolas and I flew to Athens, and Anton Athanassiadis met our plane and took us to Mars' Hill, which is mentioned in Acts 17: 22-31. From there, we saw the Acropolis--the Parthenon, or ruins of the celebrated Doric temple--and from the Acropolis, we saw many ruins of the marvelous work of men which they made to their many gods. Nicolas wanted to take me to Corinth, Philippi and other places to meet the different workers, but I had a little stomach upset when on Crete so went to bed at Anton and Rody Athanassiadis' home. I was sorry to miss the union meeting; however, I was able to be in the gospel meeting that afternoon, where about 250 were packed into the hall and all listened attentively. Nicolas interpreted for me. It was special to be with our brethren in Athens and hear some of their testimonies. Just a few spoke English. Many had spent time in jail because of the truth, and we are grateful they now enjoy liberty to have public meetings and conventions. Anna and Alexandra, who labor in Athens and Piraeous, both speak English. which made it nice for me. Some of the friends came by for a visit on Mon. and Tues., and on Wed. a.m. Feb. 15, I was ready to travel. One of our friends took Nicolas, Anna, Alexandra, and me to the airport.

At 9:45 we said farewell and soon were airborne, headed for Zurich, Switzerland.

The sky was overcast which hid the country from view, but the snowcapped Alps which protruded through the clouds just glistened in the sun. What beauty! I looked forward to seeing Margrit Horber and her companion, Meieli Tschannen, but was surprised to see Willy Geiser and his sister Suzanne who labors in West Africa, Hansruedi Fehr, Erica Hurzeler, and Johanna Siegenthaler. We had our noon meal at the airport; then rest and supper at Mrs. Hedi Hanaruedi's home, and a meeting at 8:00 p.m. at Ernest and Martha Baumann's home. Imagine my surprise to see Marianne Battig and her mother in the meeting. Marianne was an exchange student who met Maja Boren and her parents in Anaheim at a restaurant and decided here in California. Emil Hegg joined us going to the airport, and soon I said farewell to beautiful Switzerland, where everything is well-organized. Werner Leonhardt met me at Dusseldorf, Germany, and took me to see Arnold Scharmen who is about helpless.

Andreas Knoop, Bert Nelson, and Werner have all been helping care for him in the home of Lidia Mann; also Ilse Koch and Chantal Bouteveille. It was special to see Arnold once more. He decided in Michigan in 1914 in Arthur Benton and companion’s meetings. In 1915, he worked for my father when we lived on the farm; then in 1916, he joined Arthur Benton, and since that time, he has poured out his life for others and has refreshed the Lord’s people in many countries. Sunday, we were 8 in the little meeting. It was hard to say farewell to our beloved brother Arnold. Monday morning, I flew to London and had two days with Percy Fletcher at the Johnston home.

A few of the workers and friends saw me away at 11:30 a.m. for Boston. True gratitude wells up in my heart for the little place God has given me in His wonderful family. We landed at 2:00 p.m. after a 5 ½-hour flight, and it was nice to see the Stars and Stripes and be welcomed home by my niece, Lula Brown and her companion, Rose Mary Fandrich. After two days, I headed for Pittsburg, where my niece, Karen Tenniswood and her companion, Sandra Balko, were waiting for me. I was glad to be with them for two mtgs. Sunday, Feb 26, Mon evening; I landed in Detroit in a real snowstorm, the first I had seen in years. I was glad to stop traveling and spend a few days with my brother, Irwin and his wife, Annie, as I had bronchitis.

What a privilege to attend the Detroit special meeting on March 4 and see all the Michigan workers and so many old friends and new ones; also to be with our family. Friday March 9, I flew to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and there was my sister, Lillian and her companion, Pam Erickson, with other workers and friends. Tuesday, March 13, I left the cold north country and landed in Los Angeles to a big surprise.

About 120 people were waiting with a sign, “Welcome Home, Uncle Eldon.” On each side of the door, there  were about 15 little children, from ages 3 to 10, all lined up to greet me. We certainly are rich in friends, and I’m so glad to have invested my life in God’s great kingdom.

                                                                     Your brother,

                                                                      Eldon

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