Going To Nigeria
Dear Brethren:
The Lord willing, my family and I will be going to Nigeria about September 9. Since making this decision in February, much has transpired. I have taken all the necessary steps to ready myself and my family for this departure date.
Nowhere in this present day of ours is there a place so ready to receive the gospel as is Nigeria! Nowhere are there so many "babes in Christ" that need to be taught! What would we here in America give as ministers of Christ to be able to have street preaching that would draw crowds of 50 to 350 persons who have never heard the gospel? My brethren this land is indeed "white unto harvest."
This our second appeal to the brotherhood. Our financial needs are still great. No matter to what degree we ready ourselves; this cannot be made possible without your help. For two years in this country we will need: $650.00 personal support plus $6000.00 travel and work fund. Following is a report of our progress through the end of June:
Personal Support:
Church of Christ, Port Arthur, Texas ...... 175.00 Church of Christ, Kirkland, Wash. ......... 65.00
Anonymous no. 1 .............................. 40.00 Glenn Woolpert, Everett, Wash. ............ 20.00
Church of Christ, Shelbyville, Ind............. 25.00
(they have indicated they prefer this to go to our work and travel fund while we are in Nigeria.)
Work and Travel Fund:
Church at Beaverton, Oregon ............... 50.00 Church at Dallas, Oregon..................... 50.00
Church at Bremerton, Wash.................. 200.00 Church at Sunnyside, Wash................... 300.00
Church at Bald Knob, Ark..................... 100.00 Church at St. James, Mo...................... 150.00
Al and Darlene Craig, Everett, Wash......... 100.00 Albertine Gandy, Apple Valley, Texas ...... 15.00
Bro. Southard, Silver Lake, Wash ......... 20.00 Sis. E. G. Parker, Hendersonville, N.C. ...... 10.00
Church at Shelbyville, Ind ..................... 25.00 Anonymous no. 1 .............................. 65.00
Anonymous no. 2 .............................. 100.00 Members at Payette, Idaho .................. 40.00
Total travel and work fund..................... $1225.00 As you can see from this report we are far from achieving our goal. Brethren, if the church where you worship has funds for preaching the gospel, I know of no better place where it could be spent. Individuals, if you have money you wish to donate I am sure that you could not find a more worthy cause. It is most needful for us to go as soon as possible. We need a church or churches to take care of the balance of our monthly support. If you feel you cannot help in this way perhaps you could in our travel and work fund. There are three ways in which you may help in this: (1) send us a lump sum - large or small. (2) Send us a regular amount each month while we are in Nigeria. (3) Send us a regular amount each month from now until we leave in Sept. All contributions will be properly acknowledged. We do pray that you will help in some way.
It has come to our ears that the liberals plan to invade upon Lagos this fall and start a school. This indeed disturbs me much. In May the brethren on the field at that time held a 2 weeks lectureship in which the Nigerian brethren were taught of this event. This we were told upset the liberal brethren much. If we can be on the field, we hope to be able to delay the coming of the liberals until we have fully taught the Nigerian brethren. Teaching these brethren is as equally important as preaching to them.
We have sent out over 500 letters here in the U. S. Some have helped, some have indicated they are unable to do so, but many have said nothing at all. My brethren I beg you to please give this you immediate attention. Consider the work in Nigeria. I will go. Will you send me?
I would like to again take this opportunity to thank all the brethren that have helped us thus far. I am sure the Lord will richly bless you, for He loveth a cheerful giver.
Pray for us! I will be waiting to hear from you. Sincerely, James E. Link
13065 — 110 th. Ave. N. E.
Kirkland, Wash. 98033