/357

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Sigafoose, Missionaries

Forwarding Agent:Delmer Rhodebeck1429 Norwood

Granite City, IL62040

ic?v5Overseas address:

Robert Sigafoose69 Tanjong RhuSingapore 1543

P.O. Box 67, Collinsville. IL 62234

Greetings in the Name of the Lord:

We trust you are all happy in the Lord and serving to the utmost. Our days are still filledwith plenty of happenings and we thought youmight like to share some of them with us. Included in this newsletter are pictures of someof the people we have been working with.

The 1978 Fiatt is still one of the

helps in our ministry in Singaporethree years of busses and occasionalour hearts fill with gratitude eachstep into this car, even thoughthe expense is somewhat stag

gering. The time this car hassaved for us greatly offsets the

expense of it and we truly aregrateful.

We have been kept busy with the

regular teaching and preachingservices. The first picture you

will find is of the extended

youth services group. "In thebeginning God created the heavensand the earth and the weekend,"

so read Jonothan Chng of his ver

sion of the Genesis passage. TheSingaporeans, including the children are gifted with a tremendoussense of humor - consequently ourclasses are quite lively at times.

On another occasion we wanted the

children to sing using candles.It was the first time for some of

our young ones to use candles.They were a little apprehensivein the beginning, but delightedat the new idea.

biggestAfter

taxi * s ,

time we

The 3rd picture is of a group ofolder youth attending a day campsession on an island off of Singapore. (The day was filled withteaching, fellowship, and fun.)

Evangelism in Singapore worksbest through peers or friendshipsrather than through family relations. Most Christians here in

Singapore are first generationChristians and thus have no fami

ly background of being "raised inthe church." Working among thepeople in Singapore is becommingmore difficult than in the past.Many do not feel the .need for theLord as they once did.

Diane is still teaching Englishto the group of Japanese womenand doing some evangelism withthem also. The Japanese peopleare considered foreigners here inSingapore.

We are beginning another homechurch in a new residential

development. These people are alittle more financially affluentand seem to be open to theGospel. This will be a totallyindependent group with no support from the others we have

been working with*

The Center For Life Enrichment

group is interested in some work

in the nearby country of SriLanka and they are helping mewith some preliminary work there,1 feel that there is a need for

Good News Christian Mission to

establish something in Sri Lanka,However, there is a good deal offighting going on which seems tobe spreading. So that will haveto be looked into also.

We are anxious for Rich and

Jo Ann Sheeley to join us herein Singapore. The work we are

doing with the three groupskeeps enlarging and with theother areas that need the Gospelwe certainly need another missionary couple or two residing inSingapore. Singapore is a prime

place for being a central location to missionaries to go intothose countries that will not

allow permanent mission work.

It is a prime spot in Southeast

Asia for others to use as a

springboard in spreading theGospel to Southeast Asia. Pray

with us that we will be able to

find missionary workers for this

We want to thank you for your

prayers, your support, and yourlove. Without that, we could not

be here working for Jesus. Welove you all.

PRAYER NEEDS

1. A new typewriter. (Our personal typewriter has worn out andis beyond repair.) Cost of $600.2. Survey funds.

3. Living Link funds.4. The new Home Church group.5. Workers to come to Singapore.

^SINGAPORE GOSPEL CHURCHSGC BUILDING, 2ND FLOOR, 69, TANJONG RHU ROAD, SINGAPORE 1543

TEL: 3440721

First Christian Church

15 0 2 Vandalia

Collinsville Illinois 62234

U.S.A.

2nd January 1985

Dear brethren:

ROBERT & DIANE SIGAFOOSE

Greetings in the name of the LoRd.

We are glad to report to you the good work that brotherBob and Sister Diane are doing in our church communitysince their posting to our church in 1984,

Brother Bob serves as the pastor of our church, beingin charge of the pulpit mini^ry, as well as takingthe young adult class in the Sunday ochool. He is alsoconducting church membership/baptism classes foi newbelievers preparing their lives for a closer walk withthe Lord.

Sister Diane is doing a great job with the young peoplein our congregation, inspiring them to a more spontaneousand creative Christian living.

Both Bob and Diane have made the last (1984) Christmasand Year-end celebration memorable events, not to forgetmentioning the All-American (turkey) dinner which allof us thoroughly enjoyed.

Together, we are looking forward to this year as moretime of growth in corporate as well as individualmaturity.

Yours in His Most Precious Name,

^imoth/' C.H. ChngPresidUnt

6-080SC0MBE ROAD • (OFF TANJQ.NG KATONG ROAD) • SINGAPORE 1543 • TEL: 4480430

6 January 1985

Good News Christian Mission

Dear 3ir

In the year 1984f God was indeed gracious to us by sonding "Bob andDiane Sigafoose to work with is in the ^enin" Worship Service.

During the year. Bob was actively involved in the following area's;

(a) teacning the Bible Class on "'Survey of the Old "'estament";

(b) preaching on the average of twice a uonth.

Besides these 2 areas,: Bob had also counselled and officiated theniarriage of a couple, "^ob and his wife, Diane, had also constantlyencouraged us by their presence and sriarinF of the word of God.Their fellowship with us was also a greet source of encouras-enient.

It was really a great joy and blessing to have been able to work withBob and Diane for the glor^/^ of God in the past one year.

Yours-ln-Christ

Richard Wong^DHiTTlNG. WORSHIP SERVICE

Tan Kock LyeOUTREACH CHAIRMAN

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Greetings ?rom Singapore:

X9flh has come to a close and we havenow begun a new veer here in Singapore,We are anxious to bring you a report ofthe accomplishments of 190U., so we havepreoared this "year-end" report.

Our main thrust during the past year has

been to teach in two different churches.

I have been preaching the morning services and teacning a Bible class at tiieSingapore Gospel Jhurcn. Diane is teaching the young primary school age cnild-ren and is in cnarge of the extendedsession class during worship service.Friday evening dlole classes are alsotaught at this church.

On Sunday evenings I preach at tneChurch of Christ and also teach a class

on Old Testament Survey. I have alsobeen involved witn counselling at bothchurches.

SINGAPORE GOSPEL CHURCH

All of those that Diane and I have been

working witn are fairly new Christians.Tiierefore, tney do not really understandwhat they must do and how tney must liveas a Christian. They still all emphasize the Chinese New Year season much

more than they do tne Christmas season.Although I realize that most of us getcarried away at Christmas tins with allof our celebration and buying of gifts.But we as Christians look to it as the

virgin birth of our precious Lord andSavior. We try to think of it as a timeof caring for others and the giving ofgifts to those we love and to help thosewho are in need.

The concept of love to tne people hereis almost unknown. The cninese have

never been brought up to love or to helpothers. The people know aoout Christbecause this is what tney have beentold. They believe that He is the Sonof God. But wnat do they do now? Thatis the question that is on their lips.Just like the people in Acts 2:37. TheJewish people knew that they needed todo something, but what? "Repent and bebaptized." But why, we haven't .doneanything wrong.

Of course, as we all know, this is thehardest part of the teachers responsibility - to teach tne people about theirspiritual growtn. The churches in Singapore have seen a tremendous growth innumbers in t.ne last few years out noreal change in the lives of the people.No spiritual growth. In 193^ it was'ayear of teaching for the knowledge anduplifting of tne Saints. For 1985, wewant to see the people of this congregation go out and use that knowledge.

Last year we were priviledged to teachand baptize one into the Lord JesusChrist. She is from the Philipines,working here in Singapore, , Nine otherPhilipinos have been worshipping withus. Pray with us that during this yearwe will see others who are willing togive of their lives to tne Savior. Ihave recently held classes on -Baptism,Becoming a Christian, and Growing as aChristian and several people have attended. We are looking forward to a greatyear of working with this church. Praywith us and for us.

/an

m Z5 1985

"Go therefore and make disciplesI of all nations. . . "

' Box 67, CoUinsville, Illinois 62234

BOB and DIANE SiGAFOOSE

69 Tanjonf;: RhuSingapore

CHURCH OP CHRIST

It has been a blessing to be able towork witn this group during 198M. Wewere asked by the Leadership of thecongregation to help in the eveningservice. The Churcn of Christ has a

wonderful group of Christians. Theystill average more than 100 on Sundaymornings and some of the people stillhave to stand up because there is. notenough space for more chairs. They donot need my help i.n the administrationof the church. All of the decisions are

made by the nationals. They sometimesask for my advice, but all of the finaldecisions are tneirs.

We attend many functions with them, suchas camps and retreats. In tne coningyear, I will continue to work with tnemby teaching and setting up a callingprogram. They are to start housechurches (cell groups) during this coming year and we will be helping in thisway. Pray for them in this endeavor fort.cey have no more room in their presentbuilding and they cannot afford to buildor buy anything else. The cost of landand the building is so very very expensive. The land and the building wouldcost aoout one million U. S. dollars.

The average i.ncome of the people in thecongregation is about -JbOO U.S. dollarsper month.

CENTER FOR LIFE ENRICHMENT

Diane and I will be holding seminars forfamily enrichment during the coming yearJust as we have during 193^. Last yearI made a trip to Sri Lanka in order tosee what the Christian work was there.

I'm proud to announce to you that one ofthe young men there is receiving supportfrom the church in Singapore. Even withall the problems that the churches inSri Lanka are facing, the church isstill growing. Churches are being builtin the rural areas as the cnurches in

the capital are being burned down.Praisethe Lord, notning can stop the growth of

the Lord's church. The young peoplefrom our Sunday School Class are alsosending money to the church there.

Diane and I have been asked to go toSabah this year. That is an area whichbelongs to Malaysia, but in the northernhalf of Boreno, an island of Indonesia.I have been counselling and working withtwo young men. One Just finished BibleCollege and is now assistant -pastor atone of the Churches. The other is at

tending the Singapore Bible College, butis not sure if ne wants to go into thefull time ministry when he graduates. Imeet for lunch with them about once a

monthi

There Is much to be done in the way ofcounselling here* So many people try totake their own lives. The pressure isso strong from the family and the government to do well In everything thatthe people Just cannot handle all theoressure and the only way out is to take

their Own lives. Of course, the onlyanswer is Christ. "And being fullyassured that what he had promised he wasable to perform" (Romans b.:21). "Beingtherefore Justified by faith, we havepeace with God through our Lord JesusChrist" (Romans

We want to thank each and every one ofyou for your helo during the past year.It has been a great time to be able toserve our Lord and I pray that you toohave experienced a year of great Joy andhaoniness as we have. We miss you allvery much but know that you are prayingfor us as we are praying for all of you."Not that we are sufficient of ourselvesto account anything as from ourselves;but our sufficiency Is from God"(II Corinthians 3^5)-

In His grace we serve.

FORWARDING AGENT

Delmer Rhodebeck

1 429 Norwood Dr.

Granite City, IL 62040

618-877-7120

INTRODUCES

Rich & Jo Ann SheeleyMissionaries to Singapore

GETTING ACQUAINTED

Rich: I was born and raised on a farm just outsideof Emporia, KS. During my freshman year in highschool, I accepted Christ at Central ChristianChurch in Mad/son, KS. The next year Flint HillsChristian Church began in Emporia, and I had theprivilege of being a charter member.

Upon high school graduation. I went to OzarkBible College and graduated in 1982 and was ordained the same year. During my last two years ofcollege, 1 served as Youth fvlinister for FHCC. Istrive to maintain a singleness of purpose in life:reaching as many people for Jesus as He can useme to reach.

Jo Ann: I also was born and raised in Emporia, KS.The summer before my senior year in high school Iaccepted Christ at Youth tor Christ summer camp.Life changed drastically as i learned to live for theLord instead of myself. I went to Emporia StateUniversity to study chemistry and biology. At thattime i worked as a volunteer youth leader forYouth for Christ and co-sponsored a high schoolyouth group for FHCC. I'm excited about sharingthe good news of Jesus Christ with people nearand far.

Rich & Jo Ann: \Ne became acquainted with oneanother through church, and especially throughsponsoring the high school youth group at FHCC.On Dec. 18, 1982 we were married at FHCC. A yearand two months later, we went to Thailand as missionary interns with the Alan Bemo family.Originally intending to stay six months, our internship was cut short by an illness in Jo's family. Inthe time we were there, we came to love the Asianpeople. God has given us the desire to return toAsia and reach out for Him.

Prior to Departure:

Rich & Jo Sheeley7702 W. Hwy to H103Emporia, KS 66801316-343-7498

Post Departure:

Forwarding AgentsLawrence & Eiien HammanR. R. «5 Box 128

Emporia. KS 66801316-342-9368

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ivii. <k Mrs. hobert Sigafoose, Missionaries ^ 3 jr/

Overseas address:Robert Sigafoose

69 Tanjong RhuSingapore 1543

Forwarding Agent:Delmer Rhodebeck.1429 Norwood

Granite City, IL62040

P.O. Box 67, Golllnsville, !L 62234

Dear Brethren;

It is very near the time -for ourfurlough to begin and it may be thatwe will be "in flight" by the timeyou read this. We have been blessedby the arrival of Rich and JoSheeley. They have been preparingfor our departure with a "ready andwilling" mind and they have alreadybeen a real blessing here inS.ingapoore, They will provide aneeded "shot In the arm" while weare away on furlough.

The tripblessi ng.Prathana

to Sri

We

Church

Lanka was

worked

hoi di ngBible School

and had 20congregat i on.in Sri Lanka

God for the

been accomplishedInserts)

and revival

add It i ons

We feel the

is fruitful and praisework that has already

<see p i cture

real

wi th theVacat i on

mee t i ngs•to that

work here

We wish to thank you for yourcontributions to our travel andautomobile funds. Without thatsupport we would not be able to cometo you on furlough, even for theshort time that we have. Pleasecontinue your support. We stillhave need of ^3,287.00.

Please be praying for our safeflight and travel while we are home.We hope to see you soon.

God bless you

bec.9-20,1985 SRI LAHKACTBwaaBaaBEBBBtei-

MISSION

Audrey LIm , Elizabeth Wee & Bob Sigafoosein fellowship with

R.K.Wilson, his family & members of

the Prathana Church

Praise Ilia Loid...

.tile medicai

supplies aij'iveil

safely,

llie iame and llie sick r

Come' to the

Vacation Bible

School..

.and

-learn that

Jesus

loves you.

March

March

March

Apr i 1Apr i 1Apr i 1Apr i 1MayMayMayMayJune

June

June

June

June

JulyJulyJul y

AugustAugustAugustAugust

16

23

30

6

13

20

27

4

11

18

25

1

8

15

22

29

6

13

8

3

10

17

18

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Those who had

received the

Word .... •

... were

baptised .

....and there

were added to the church

20 souls,

SPEAKING ITINERARY

(March 1986 to August 1986)

- Waco Christian Church, Waco, TX- First Christian Church, Collinsville, IL- Time with Daughter and -family- North Hills Christian Church, Mi1waukee, WI- Prospect Christian Church, Prospect Heights,- LeClaire Christian Church, Edwardsvi11e, IL- Community Christian Church, Metropolis, IL- First Christian Church, Nashville, TN- Mt. Pulaski Christian Church, Mt. Pulaski, IL- Parkway Christian Church, Pekin, IL- Deep River Church of Christ, Merri11vi11e, IN- Cat! in Church o-f Christ, Cat! in, IL- South Side Church of Christ, Danville, IL- Gethesemane Church of Christ, Mechan i csv i 1 1e , *JA- Pickaway'Church of Christ, Ashville, OH-Enon Church of Christ, Enon, OH- Rileysburg Church of Christ, Covington, IN- Oxford Church o.f Christ, Oxford, IN

to August 2 - Time with families- Open for St. Louis, MO or Danville, IL areas- First Christian Church, Brookport, IL- First Christian Church, Col 1 Insvi11e,.IL- Return to Singapore

IL

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