the

mdonesiAn
VISItOR
FEBIUARy 1972

News from Ron and Ellen RItchey, Missionaries to Indonesia

MORE
"Apa kabat?

GOOD
Kabar baik!"

NEWS
(What's the

news? The news is good!) We are in our house, our goods from America arrived, we are in good health, and working steadily toward greater Indonesian evangelism. These, and many, many more blessings God continues to shower upon us

We are very happy and thankful for God's pro

vision. Thank you all for your special gifts
time. Some cards were and cards at Qiristmas

sent directly to the field while other have been forwarded. It was such a joy to hear from many of you and leam of news in your
GRAIW STORAGE HUT WEAR BAA/PUWG
church and home area.

MOVE

MADE

Thursday evening, December 23, we moved into our new home. God has been so good in providing through you, not only the financial gifts, but also a place here renting for the amount we budgeted and prayed about. We are one block east of a main street, and we have normal daily doses of children walking to school, men carrying their loads and shouting their wares, along with vehicles and animals travelling by. We have ample space for an office, bedrooms, and kitchen. Please come and see us, we would enjoy
introducing you to Indonesian food and living.

Our new address in Indonesia:

Ron and Ellen Ritchey

Djl. Raden Pat ah 15

Bandung, Java, Indonesia

A

GOODS

ARRIVE

Januairy 13, our expeditor called explaining

the problem and ^king permission to open

the crates. We made a rush trip to Dja karta in pouring rain the next morning to make sure nothing would be stolen (a not uncommon occurance) and to resolve the problem. Finally after nineteen and a half hours on the truck, the boxes arrived Sunday morning at 7:15. Everything works, and we are delighted to have our belongings: Books, file cabinets, pots and pans, table
service, etc.

"AlWA/S OWE MORE" "AiWA/S ROOM ROOM FOR FOR OME MORE"

CHURCH

WORK

After the excitement of getting things into the house, we left for church. Ron preached for a small congregation here in Bandung, using Daniel 3:1 ff. This challeng

ing story encourages Christians to stand up to tests of their faith knowing that God is able to deliver them from any temptation. Ron also preached the Sunday before Christmas using Luke 2:10-20. On January 16 Ron accompanied the Winegamer and Fumas families

to the church where Chuck Winegamer is working and worshipping. Usually we attend the church where Lew Cass is preaching on Sunday mornings and go where Bob Sigafoose is
teaching on Sunday evenings.

DAILY

LIFE

Each of us takes one hour of language study a day. Our language teacher comes to the house from ten to twelve each morning. Another two or three hours is spent in study

for the next day's lesson. Any errand takes a long time and one adjustment has been understanding that, and patiently planning to take that long. For errands we hop on our bicycles (bought as Christmas presents) and go. Yet many items are too big or too breakable to carry back on the bicycle; so we ask for transportation from the other
missionaries. In the afternoon or early morning Ron is working on a study course for winning non-Christians to the Lord. It is designed to reach a Javanese audience with animistic, spiritistic, and Muslim backgrounds. Steps are being taken to establish teaching points using Theological Education by Extension principles. Most of the Bible colleges here in Indonesia are aimed at young men who can live on campus during train ing. We hope to supplement this type of program with New Testament teaching but also want to reach present leaders unable to leave work and go away to school We will report more about these projects and their results in the next newsletter.

VEHICLE

NEEDED

We praise the Lord that two of the missionary families here recently purchased cars. A third family will purchase one as soon as a suitably priced and working ve hicle is found. A vehicle is necessary if one wants to stay dry, transport goods, and meet appointments on time. We too, hope to purchase a vehicle reasonable priced and adequate for our needs. (One need being transportation to teaching points across

Java, as our outreach develops.)

HISRETURN

the rice fielps wear bawpuwg

IWPOWESIA'S "B REAPSAS/CET" Again, thank you for your continuing prayers and giving. God is treating us bountifully. Please pray that God will continue increasing our wisdom as we write and produce teaching materials. Our language teacher mentioned yesterday that perhaps these are the last days.

Things seem so strange, "The unusual weather and the flooding here in Indonesia espe cially makes me think Christ will return soon." Indeed, we are witnessing wars, rumors or war, and natural catastrophes. Christ's prophecies (see Mt. 24) are true. So let us also "keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." . . . "Therefore you also be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not
expect Him" Mt. 24:42,22. Let us all work energetically now on the harvest fields, for the night comes,
when man's work is done.

Yours in Christ,

Ron and Ellen Ritchey Mr.'fflid Mrs. William H. Ritchey

18 Kenmore Court

Joliet, Illinois

60432

News from Ron and Ellen Rifchey, Missionaries to Indonesia

WE

ARE

FREE!

Early Sunday morning women came to the tomb

W-^

of Jesus.

Jesus was gone.

For several hundred

7* flp
M X^l^y

years prophets of God had been telling the Jews

that on that specific morning three days after

Messiah's death. He would not be there. For,

God, death could not claim

conquest over Him.

Jesus Christ has broken every barrier to

\I.

\g
'

save mankind. We need not be bound by sin, by

guilt, or by death. You and I have a living Sav
ior. This is our message in Illinois, Nebraska, Indonesia, and the uttermost parts of the world.

unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your
labour is not in vain in the Lord." I Cor. 15i58. What a blessed assurance!

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast,

Our

prayer is that each of you will take courage from the eternal truth of a living Lord. THE STEADY
r

RACE

The last two months were in such a hurry, they hardly waited for us to even run

Taju (prounounced Tie-you) and Pati, cities nearby. On the last day, workers from many of the area churches were included in a service where Ron explained his plans and de
sires for developing Bible extension teaching for church workers in that area. Ellen had hoped to accompany Ron but found herself left behind fighting her first bout with
sickness since arriving in Bandung.

along behind. During the last week in February, a week of preaching was completed in the Kudus area. Ron held a four day revival meeting at Kudus and also preached at

Even though Kudus is 249 miles from Bandung, the trip continued for ll| hours. The suburban picked Ron up at 6:15 A.M., so it was a long day. A suburban is a Chev
rolet panel truck that has been converted into a small bus.
together for Ron's legs, and the train route is not

There is room for nine

people to sit down and room to stand up outside for whomever wants the "experience"
and fresh air. Buses and trains go to Kudus, but the seats on the buses are too close direct. the sea. The road to Kudus winds along the northern A bridge repair project is being carried
One views the "4 Ton ^

coast of Java and often presents spectacular views of

'

out on Java, and of fourteen bridges, twelve are under

repair forcing one lane traffic over wooden bridges.

The Indonesian has great faith.

Limit" sign and then can see three or four two-ton

trucks loaded over capacity crossing the temporary

bridges.

wm
w

"

FUTURE

TEACHING

Ron was pleased to be invited to return to Kudus

once each month to teach at a new Bible School that

will open April 17.

A seven month course is planned

To equip Christians
DRESSED FOR HOLIDAY

after which the students will engage in practical work,

applying what has been learned.

with a deeper knowledge of God's Word that each might

expand his witness, is the purpose of this school.

ANOTHER

MOVE

AHEAD

After having developed fluency in Bahasa Indonesian, we plan to move from Bandung. We believe God has called us to work primarily in Javanese areas (Central and Eastern Java). We are convinced of the need and opportuni ties for Bible teaching and follow-up work in this area. Presently we are praying for guidance about where and when to move. We have in mind a city which is centrally lo cated. Living there would allow us to travel easily to central Java's four largest cities.

We ask you to pray God^s continued guidance

FATHER AND SON CARRYING WOOD
so that wise decisions will be made.

POINTS

TO

PONDER

"Sedikit, sedikit, lama, lama, djadi bangkit. A little bit at a time, thus a mountain." This Indonesian proverb is certainly true when it comes to learning a language. A word here, a word there, always adding a little bit more each daythis

is how progress is made.

The principle reminds me of Christ's parable about steward

ship in Luke 19. Verse seventeen gives the important truth that because we are trust worthy in a little, we later can have authority over larger matters. Each day as we are faithful in mastering a small part of the Indonesian language our mountain grows.

Finally the outcome is authority (command of)

small parts were faithfully learned.

over the whole language because the

Each Sunday a lesson is faithfully

This is also the way of Christian service.

taught, or a youth group led, or a sermon prepared and given; as we are faithful, God opens to us ever increasing opportunities to be used by Him. The small but steady deposits to build Christian lives eventually reap their harvest of mature men and women whom God uses to herald His gracious message. So may we encourage you all to

continue your deposits in the Bank of Heaven knowing that God's rate of interest is
far beyond our small deposits.
Yours for Christ in Indonesia,

Ron and Ellen Ritchey

^ore^ttCLtions

6oi)^teack\ all ^

Mr. and Mrs. William H. Ritchey

18 Kenmore Court

BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Joliet, Illinois

60432

NEW LENOX, IL. 60451

PERMIT No. 26

jjn

the inOonesiAn
JUNE 1972

VISItOR

News from Ron and Ellen Ritchey, Missionaries to Indonesia

WHILE

MEN

SLEPT

bitterness, strife, hate, desire, and war. Such seeds reap a harvest of death and bloodshed. The
latest crisis is Viet Nam strengthened even more

While men slept, the enemy sowed seeds of

g our conviction that Indonesia needs the gospel,

now! We have no promise of tomorrow, or ten or twenty years of opportunity. The agents of Red
China and the Soviet Union are hard at work.

L'

Mifengai They are diligently seeking ways to reinfiltrate

The latest communist offensive challenges

work, to preach, to witness all the more

DOWNTOWN BANDUNG DOWNTOWN

diligently while there is still time.

What has

disheartening news?

been your reaction, dear friend, to wars and rumors of wars? Are you tired of hearing the Let's do more than feel bad! Send reinforcements. Send us a
Hundreds of

wave of Christian soldiers who know how to use the Sword of Truth.

witnesses are needed. We praise God for the foothold, for the beachhead. Now, we need to advance, to set our sights higher. Our aim is victory. Will you join us
in prayer for these specific goals. * That God will double our forces im the next year AskGod, send 12 more Christian soldiers to Indonesia * That God will give us 200 converts in the next year * That God will open 4 churches for New Testament teaching

* That God will give us 10 new prayer/Bible study groups

We look with excitement to the coming year to see how God will marvelously

answer these requests.

Join the adventure!

Tell God about your love and desire

for the salvation of Indonesia's millions.

TRIP

TO

CENTRAL

JAVA

In our last newsletter we asked for prayer concerning plans to move. Thank you for praying for us. In order to make a wise decision, Ron accompanied Bob Sigafoose and Lew Cass to Salatiga, (See map) Bob and Lew were in the midst of locating houses to rent. After much prayer and thinking we concluded staying in Bandimg through November is the wisest action. This accords with plans for a years language study. We believe Bandung is a better base for developing more lessons and aids for evangelism and Bible teaching. The longer stay in Bandung will provide the time and resources necessary for this work.

ON

TO

KUDUS

After almost a week in Salatiga I continued on to Kudus, taking a bus from

Java
fetrabon
Kudus

^SalaKgo.

Samarang.

The Bible course at Kudus opened

May 1st.
250)

(The former April 17 date was moved

up to May 1st.) All the area churches were invited, filling the church to capacity, (about
There were six special numbers, prayer,

Si

a sermon, greetings and admonitions from local preachers, followed by cake and fruit juice
served to all by the church ladies. The man planning to translate could not do so, so Brother Sudiharto was asked to help. He could only help this first week. After discussing the
situation with him, I felt I should try to use Indonesian. Sudiharto helped if there was

difficulty with words or in explaining a scrip

ture.
HOPEFULLY SEABCHING IN GABBAGE

God strengthened and encouraged in this

task. There is room for much improvement, but praise God a start has been made.

NEW

PREACHER

Brother Lew Cass and his family have been helping at

the Rama church here in Bandung. Lew preached and taught, Since the Cass family is moving to Central Java, a young Indonesian preacher has been called to serve the congre gation. Your prayers are needed for this congregation. First, would you pray for Hendra, the young preacher. Also pray that the church will grow. The church needs more people in order to support an expanding ministy. We
plan to continue serving at the Rama church, with Ron teaching and helping in evangelism.

#.

hill

tarr n n

WITNESSING

IN

INDONESIAN
God has answered our prayer.

To tell people about Jesus using Bahasa, Indonesian,

this has been our desire.

Ron has had many opportunities to witness using Indo TAKING VEGETABLES TO MABKET nesian. Several beggars have heard about Jesus'when they came seeking a gift. Ron has given testimonies at church. Now some simple teaching is being done. We- thani' the Lord for His help. We pray that God will bless us with converts.

REALLY ?
Ify brother in Illinois plans to move.
hood to Ellen.

I tried to describe the new neighbor

I said that a

Former farm land is now a sprawling subdivision.

mere fifteen to twenty years ago all that area had been rice fields. Rice fields, mind you! Ellen thought it was hilarious. Perhaps it is a sign that we have
adjusted to a different culture. Yet there is another sign. It is a call to evan gelize the human fields. The world is growing weeds. Are we Christians planting good seed? Let^s announce the Good News, now, before thousands of other fields

pop up.

It is time to catch up.

So that Indonesia's 124 million will hear the

Yours in His service.

gospel we ask your continuing help.

Ron and Ellen Ritchey Mr. and Mrs. William H. Ritchey

18 Kenmore Court

BULK RATE

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Joliet, Illinois

60432

NEW LENOX, IL. 6045

PERMIT No. 26

the Indonesian
AUCUST 1972

VISItOR

' News from Ron and Ellen Ritchey, Missionaries to Indonesia ^ A FIRST

r
IIPpmmB

- ^

#58 expecting the next two months to pass quickly, hoping to

in a hospital about two blocks from our home. She is in WK good health and has been eagerly comparing her knowledge

About ten months ago, we arrived in Indonesia. We are

celebrate the year anniversary by the arrival of our first child. Ellen plans to be delivered by an Indonesian doctor

*||M

and text books with the actual experience of pregnancy.

have to find two names that are "just exactly

FREEDOM

PROCLAIMED

On August 17, Indonesia celebrates "Hari Kemerdekaan,"

PASSENGERS IN HONDA MINIBUS

freedom from Dutch control and established the Republic of Indonesia. This day involves one of the biggest cele

Day.

On this day in 1945, Indonesia declared

brations of the year, with each Kampung (district, neighbor hood) decoratiijg, it^ homes and preparing representatives to march in a parade. The twenty-seven years of freedom have been turbulent ones. The future holds large question marks as Communism threatens from without and- dis-content threatens from within. The high unemployment rate (almost 50%) and threat of food short age if a major natural calamity occurs, daily thal-lenge the planning and resources of the government. Into this chaldron of human anxieties, Christians are pouring the hope-

giving promise of God's Word. The message of freedom is, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:36

FIRST

TRIP

In July, Ellen made her first trip across Java in our newly purchased 1961 green Opel Kapitan. After about three months of searching and bargaining we finally found a car fitting for our needs and pocketbook. The Opel is a German-made car with right hand steering. The six cylinder car has four doors and seats six. The search, bargaining, red tape, and actual purchase was a good learning experience, affording plenty of practice in using a new set of Indonesian words. A greater blessing is that the son of the former owner has come to the house asking about Christ. Will you pray that his heart continues to open, accepting Christ as Lord and Savior? Since our arrival here last October, Ellen has not been able to make any trips
across the Java island. In the third car, Ellen and I formed a caravan with the Cass and Sigafoose families who were moving to Salatiga. We separated at Samarang and con tinued on to Kudus. There, for the first time, Ellen met the preacher and his wife, and
the students of the Bible course where I teach once a month.

ANSWERED

PRAYER

of your prayers in our behalf.

Again and again we receive letters from you telling

We know that our sense

God, through you, is

Vy
'
'

-J

of joy and God's continual blessings are coming as

answers to your and our prayers.
faithfully supplying our financial needs. Strength and the desire to serve are given by Him day by day.

Each culture has its old wives tales.

We have

received advise several times that Ellen should not

drink much ice water, as this would make the baby large and cause troubles during pregnancy. Also, a certain

type of banana should never be eaten during pregnancy.

WARUNG: WARUNG:

ROADSIDE ROADSIDE FOODSTAND FOODSTAND

Ellen particularly enjoys both ice water and bananas

at home.

The other day I was telling an Indonesian friend that we have been so thankful for the missionary friends who have given us used baby clothes. He looked at me unbeliev

ingly and said, "DjangenI"

(Don't). The Sundanese people

believe that it is taboo to put used clothes on a new baby.

He did not expand on the awful results that would befall us if we insisted on such a reckless course. However, he understood, taking into account that we were foreigners.
His final advise was that we at least should not tell other

Indonesians, lest they silently shudder at our stupid risk. We believe Colosians 2:20-23 is applicable at this point.
MRS,

BACKPORCH KITCHEN OENTARIJO FROM KUDUS

TERM

ENDS

August 11, is the closing day of classes at Madjalengka.

This is where I have taught at an evangelist-training school. The students are graduated after two years of classes. They attend for seven months, then have four months of prac
tice serving in a local church. Those who graduate work in a church or start new

churches.

We ask your prayer on their behalf that they will remain faithful and their

"ministries will be fruitful.

THE

CONTINUING

BATTLE

We have just sent material to Mission Services for a forthcoming C.O.M.E. packet.

The theme is "Make War, Not Peace" and uses II Cor. 10:3-5 as a text. The packet will feature Indonesia. The packet will be of great value for you who are going to spotlight
Indonesia in an evening service, youth group, faith promise, or other educationalinspirational mission program. Please continue praying for the goals mentioned in the last Indonesian Visitor. We ask that you would especially focus on the upcoming NATIONAL
MISSIONARY CONVENTION. A goal of 500 new recruits has been set for the dual conventions.

We are asking that 12 of those new recruits come to Indonesia, Let us wage a vigorous spiritual war "inasmuch as we tear down reasonings and every proud barrier that is raised up against the knowledge of God and le-ad every thought into subjection to Christ."
II Cor.
ATTEND! PRAY FOR! > ' 4

10:5.

25th National Missionary Convention 2 In '72

"Scope" (Convention Center)

Norfolk, Virginia September 26-29, 1972

Civic Plaza

Phoenix, Arizona November 21-24, 1972

Information Address:

Convention, Box 11,

Copeland, Kansas 67837

FOR SALE: Yours in His service,

BOOKS AND SANDALS

Ron and Ellen Ritchey Mr. and Mrs. William H. Ritchey

18 Kenmore Court
BULK RATE

Joliet, Illinois

60432

U.S.

POSTAGE PAID

NEW LENOX, IL. 60451

PERMIT No. 26

(fii % Ifyuu^

the Indonesian
NOVEMBER 1972

VISITOR

News from Ron and Elien Ritchey, Missionaries to Indonesia

NEWS!

FLASH!!

IT'S A BOYI Deric Paul Ritchey came at 9:39 P.M. Tuesday, October 24, 1972. VITAL STATISTICS: 7 pomds, 19 inches, blue eyes, healthy mother and baby, and
exuberant father. Deric waited a week and a half past his due date before arriv

ing.

He is certain to be a success here using "waktu karet".

(An Indonesian

term meaning "rubber time". Almost all appointments and datelines are subject to this phenomena of being stretched past their original boundries.) The new Daddy
watched the delivery, encouraged the about-to-be mother, and kept from fainting! Thanks to all of you for your prayers, cards, and gifts, some of which we have already received and some of which are still on the way. We are trying to answer personally those who sent things. If you have not received word yet we ask your patience, either your package is on the way or our letter of thanks is
in the process of being written and sent.

FIRST

YEAR

ANNIVERSARY

Sunday, October 22, we began our second year in Indonesia. A year ago, Monday, October 18, we said good-by to parents and friends and boarded a K.L.M.

jet at O'Hare Airport in Chicago. ^ That Friday, October 22, we touched down in
Jakarta. A year of language study, Bible teaching at two Bible-evangelist

training schools, visits to the

the expanding ministry before us.

"red-tape centers" (government offices), bar

God has prepared tis for
More about that below.

gaining, traveling, and much more have filled the year.

VISA

EXTENDED

With the passing of our first year came the expiration of our temporary visa. Our application for extention was granted. We are now permitted to stay another year to preach and teach. Praise God for the privilege and His answer to our
prayers.

NEW

TRACT

A tract in Bahasa Indonesian to be used in evangelism is now on hand. Pre viously there were no tracts including the call for surrender in baptism for the remission of sins and becoming one with Christ. Ron developed this new tract and Ellen drew the illustrations. It is in the testing stage. Would you ask God to bless this effort? May God grant a harvest of precious souls.

NEW

PROGRAM
Central Java". This excit

We happily announce the new program "Challenge:

ing slide-cassette tape presentation tells of the challenge to evangelize Central Java and of the work we hope to do from Salatiga. Write now and schedule a show ing for your congregation, Bible class, or fellowship. Please address requests to Mr. and Mrs. William Ritchey at the address on the back.

tecLcK,
all

0- P.

NEW

MOVE

Final plans are being made for our move to Salatiga. Ron has always believed was leading him to work among the Javanese people. Being two-thirds of the population of Java, these 50 million people are the largest ethnic and language
group in Indonesia, Areas in Central and Eastern Java are some of the most

responsive areas to the gospel in all Indonesia. The Javanese are a key target for transmigration plans carried out by the government. The potential for spread ing the gospel throu^out Indonesia via migrant people is great. Salatiga places us in the center of Central Java's three major cities. We look with great excite ment and anticipation toward the days ahead and how God will use us in Salatiga. We plan to move around Decercber 7th. Please pray that God's blessings will con tinue to flow through our lives.

GREETINGS

TO

N. M. C.

Hello to all of you participating

in the 25th National Missionary Conven tion at Phoenix, either through attend ance and/or prayer. May your faith and vision be raised so that God can use you
even more. Are you familiar with God's workings in Indonesia and Southeast Asia? Praise God for your concern.

Please contact us so that we may be of

help challenging you and informing you

about Christ's march across Southeast
Asia.

"And this good news of the kingdom

will be preached all over the world to

testify to all the nations, and then the end will come."
of peace.

Matthew 24:14.

Come

join us in proclaiming to kingdoms at war or facing war about the Eternal Kingdom
Yours in Christ's Victory,

Ron and Ellen Ritchey

Mr. and Mrs. William H. Ritchey

18 Kenmore Court

BULK RATE

Joliet, Illinois

60432

U.S.

POSTAGE PAID

NEW LENOX,
PERMIT No.

IL. 60451
26