MORSE-LS

Of NEWS from the MORSES

NORTH

BURMA

CHRISTIAN

MISSION

"Where China, Tibet, Burma and India Meet"

SEASONS

GREETINGS

As the old year has ended and the new year is just beginning we come to you, our Christian friends and co-workers to share with you the latest word concerning those for whom you have shown your interest and love through your faithfulness in prayer support and as rope-holders, sharing with us and upholding the work in a material way
as well as spiritual.

had all been included on Helen's residence permit. But since the boys were all past the age of seven when they re-entered the country, separate residence permits for them were required by the Burmese governmant. They were granted only three-month

Until Eugene, Helen and family returned to Burma in August, 1961, the children

visitors visas at the time of their return, application to be made again when they
Eugene went to %ltkyj.na in November be valid until they reach the age of again we could only say, "Thank you. News received from the field in

expired. Special prayer was requested on behalf of the boys and we received assurance that this prayer support was being given by many churches and individuals. So when

usual. Never enough hours in the day to accomplish the work that needs to be done, and strength limited by human frailties# ABible School (Seminary) was in progress, to be concluded about mid-December after 3 months of intensive study. All were help Physical Theraj^ wrote," I just wish I knew more about it so I could give more help to Lois," After explaining the case to the Dr, in charge of Physical Therapy at the hospital ^om which Helen graduated, material on the subject was sent to Helen, Miich
also busy teaching their children their Calvert School courses. Then too, they were spending time each day with Lois' arm. Helen, who as an R.N. has some knowledge of
ing either in teaching or in preparation of teaching materials, Helen and Lois were

and the boys were granted residence permits, to l8j without further action and/or expense, once Lord, for another wonderful answer to prayero" December indicates that all are very busy, as

Please pray for these Christians and for the other 200 that they may leam to put Christ first in their lives. The rest of the tribe are watching the change,,,. This evangelist said that several of the Naga tribe were sick and alinost dying. They had no medicine, so they prayed and God raised them up.,,. The non-Christians said. Surely your God is a living God." They had hever seen anything like this before."

where they will give up their opium plan;^ng so our preachers will not baptize them we also approve of this. We don't want a lot of people who are not true Christians,

we hope will enable her-to give more hel^ to Lois as they try to restore more use to her arm which was broken last April, and which has remained stiff and in a condition which allows only limited use. Please pray for her improvement. In a recent letter ^Vs. Gertrude Morse wrote: "... The missionary evangelist who went to the Naga tribe returned telling us that 50 have been baptized. There are 200 more who are studying and >ho say they believe, but they have not come to the place

in a rented house at 339 S Lincoln, Blooinington, Indiana, where tfieir three boys are attending grade school and Robert is working towards a Master's Degree in Linguistics# He is taking 19 credit hours of classes along with lo hours of work per week in re search, and speaking in the surrounding churches as his schedule permits. He has worked some this term on the Linguistics of Lisu, and next semester expects to write

Robert and Betty Morse and family, presently on fui'lough, have set up tVieir home

his Master* s Thesis on the Linguistics of the Rawang Language - a language for which he, with the help of his Rawang informants devised a script in 1950. Previtiusly the

the complete medical checkup and tests which Betty had beai needing, sbeshe.itirent up there for about three weeks while the doctors made all sorts of tests She took 3 yr old Dorothy Drema (D*D.) with her and her mother, Mrs. J. W. Meriwether stayed with Robert and the boys in Bloomington to helpo Though Betty had beai critically ill for

Rawang tribe had no written language* The church at Grand Rapids, Michigan, Gene Carter, Minister, undertook to finance

Lord for her continued recovery. She hopes to jloin Robert in some studies at the
University during the spring semester.

ally in answer to prayer, for which we thank the Lord. The worst thing afflicting her now is an acute condition of rheumatoid arttoitis in her back. She also has gall stones which ^11 require an operation in the sj^ing, but we continue to look to the

some months on the mission field before furlough, her condition had improved drastic

Last summer a real crisis developed in regard to the permits of LaVerne and Lois, and
the whole mission. But in answer to the many, many prayers of all the mission's

Robert wrote of conditions in Burma after receiving letters from the families now on the field: "We praise the Lord for continued victories on the mission field.

able to continue liieir work. Recently the Government even granted permission for the
missionaries to once more go into the eastern sector of the field which has been baiw

faithful prayer warriors, the crisis was averted and the mission staff have all be^

red to them these last six years, so Mrs. Gertrude Morse made a four day tzdp to a Christmas convention up in that area, and LaVeme plans to make another one before long. Please continue to pray that these new opportunities may be fully used in the
"Satan, of course, has not rested andseems to be redoubling his efforts to coun

strengthening of the churches in these far-off sectors.

teract the spiritual victories and blessings. Receotly an u]u*easoning, neurotic fear has possessed many of the Lisu Christians who have seen the Comnwnist Chinese rule, and have suffered deep wounds thereby. Having suspi^ioned the Burmese Govern ment was becc^ning pro-Communistic, (which to feel it is notf) fliany hundreds have just

panicked and fled into the jungle miiy, man^r days' jpurney away. Two of the congre gations have coii5)letely disappearedU - leaving their hom^s an^ fields and most o^ their property behindllt The situation may become critical if panic spreads, so once again we ask your fervent prayers that the fears and panic of the Christians'be
overcome and that they continue to work to build up their communities and witness

for Christ."

^ Baton Rouge, I^a. Her father has not been well and recently her sister was quite ill. When Robert, Betty and family went to Baton Rouge for Christmas they found her mother very ill* She was some better when we lastheard but we ask that you join us in prayer that all might have in^roved health, that they may be able to spend some
it will be another fitee years or more before they can be together again.
Mrs. Osca* L. J^yeis

We have one more prayer request - that is on behalf of Betjzy's parents and sister

time with Betty and family before the few remaining months of furlough are gone and

Terre Haute, Indiana

202U N. Hith Street

USD and RAWANG CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN BURMA

NORTH BURMA CHRISTIAN MISSION

"Where China, Tibet, Burma and India Meet"

(Formerly Yunnan-Tibetan Christian Mission)

Christian Lisu family at Muladi, eight children and one grandchild. Taken by J. Russell Morse.

40 YEARS IN THE MASTER'S SERVICE

on the Tibeto-Burman border
PART II

FIRST 1962 NEWSLETTER

No. 29 News Series Beginning January, 1953 The J. Russell Morse Family
P. O. Putao

Kachin State, Burma

FORTY YEARS IN THE MASTER'S SERVICE

the past forty years, we concluded with the account of those up country
about route throughTibet, Mrs. J.Russell Morse and Drema, Eugene, Helen and
Burma; LaVemeMorseandMel Byers were enrouteto the mission via the round

In Part Iofour review of the work ofMr. and Mrs. J. Russell Morse during

(Robert and Betty Morse, Isabel and Janet DIttemore, Dorothy Sterling, the David Rees fami y and Jane Kinnett) having crossed the Hump Into Northern David had flown to Hong Kong on the last plane out ofChina before the change

in government; Mr. J.Russell Morse hadstayed on in Kunming, China to con tinue as long as possible with the work there. Then, because there had been so many requests for copies of J. Russell Morse's account of his prison experi ence we included it rather than waiting for its placein the sequence of events.
Now we want to quote from some of Mr. Morse's letters to his mother, sis ters and daughter written from Kunming, showing some of the strain under which he labored those last months before his imprisonment. On December 1, 1950 he wrote, "I am so very homesick for all of you these past weeks, and

aside and clear the deck for my departure, it seems I can hardly get away on
my journey to Hong Kong before international developments may make my de parture inadvisable. After 29 years given to China, my roots are too estab

the thought of how rapidly time is running out on me. The needs of my min istry here are so manv and pressing, that try as Ido every day to lay them
lished here for easy transplanting... .The only news of our folks in Burma

hardly a day passes that my heart does not overflow with tears sometimes at

so terrible in Assam (northeast India) to their west. Mr. Phillips forwarded me a letter about it written by Helen's mother in Terre Haute, then the letter from my mother a few days ago. We are all very grateful to Mr. Phillips for
his great spirited Christian help....in this situation.
"Since the last of our missionaries left Kunming, there have been two hun

to learn of their being safe and well after the many eartl^uakes, which were

comes to me in telegrams from Mr. Phillips in Hongkong. I was so relieved

dred and twenty new Christians baptized, and one new congregation well
established ana thriving, and another well started.

"Dec. 4, 1950. I have written this letter with own hand as additional proof that I am still alive.. .Repeatedly my being here has saved everyone of these congregations from going to pieces. I estimate that my medical ministry this past year has saved nearly 100 lives, and brought healing to over 1,000...I am assured again and again that it has beenGod's will for me to stay by the work here. But I 'feel my way in the dark'. Only God knows when and where we shall meet again, but it is such a comfort that He (Our Heavenly Father)
knows and cares,

January 9, 1951 Mr. Morse wired Mr, Phil I ips in Hongkong, "Thirteen more baptisms. Total this year, 235." The next wire to Mr, Phillips showed

the anxiety that was beginning for Mr, Morse: "No Exit-Permit yet. Every
thing unpredictable. Request special prayers homeland churches."
"March 1, 1951 - Still no exit permit. My sense of isolation and loneli ness builds upsometimes dangerouslynear to dismay and to despair (which are delusions of Satan), but then I remember so many faithful Christians '.outside' who are constantly upholding me in prayer....I stayed here simply because I saw a great need withno other missionary to meet it...For a whole year I had a very full and fruitful ministry; then during the past ten weeks the tide has

seemed to ebb away and leave me stranded. I was so preoccupied with me work here that, so far as my own future Is concerned. It seems to have caused
me to 'miss the bus'. But I suppose I am only one of thousands of missionaries
who In these adverse times have shed rivers of tears and cried to God at see

ing generations of loving labors seemingly swept away as by a flood... It is

Jesus' words, 'Come unto me all ye who are weary and heavy laden' Is spec

now March 5th and this has been written.. .with a heavily burdened heart.

ially for the missionaries and native Christians now. 'Trust in the Lord with
all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding.'

March 12th Mr. Morse wrote a letter to his daughter, Ruth Margaret in

very uncertain, he was returning all family pictures. After mentioning var ious ones he spoke of the ones of his mother, Mrs. Ruth Morse and commented to Ruth Margaret, "I wonder if you realize what a TRULY GREAT and GOOD character my little Mother Is...Do you realize she was already PAST SIXTY when she first sent me away as a foreign missionary in August, 1921? How

which his near-despair Is apparent. He explained that since his future was so

wonderfully rich and full and fruitful for the Kingdom of God these past 30 years have been, both for her and for the family of her son, J. Russell, for be great Indeed when she meets the many thousands who have been saved
through her influence."

Her ministry., .has been a blessing to tens of thousands during these what are often called the "Twilight years of life". Her joyful reward in heaven will

whom she has been the power of a "one-little-woman missionary society".

mit yet... .Meanwhile, God gives me plenty of work todo every day. It's a
consolation to know my life Is not useless for God and for needy humanity,"
This was Mr. Morse's last letter before his imprisonment March 16, 1951.

At the close of this letter Mr. Morse's final message was, "No travel per

then on up to the mission area in North Burma. The work of J.Russell Morse
and Gertrude Morse is our central theme as we continue so we will use quota
prlntea during the years of the work in Burma.

baby David were able to go on to Burma from Hong Kong via Rangoon, and

After numerous delays Mrs. Morse and Drema Esther, Eugene, Helen and

tions by them and about them from the various Newsletters that have been

J. Russell Morse with his mother. Mis. Ruth Morse, soon after his release from prison.

I arrivea here May 11 at Putao...The Lord opened the way for us to come up by plane and also to bringpartof ourbaggage. Although the airfield at Putao was not In use and the pilot had notseen It since the war, yet the Lord brought us safely through and we landed on the grassy strip. There were many of our
LIsu Christian friends as welI as Betty Morse and Jane KInnett waiting to greet us. We were so happy to see them. "I have spokenseveral times since I have been here, I thought I would have

In May, 1950-Mrs. Morse wrote from Muladr: "Helen, Drema, David and

to study up on my LIsu but find I haven't forgotten it. There are many of our
Salween Valley Christians here. It Is good to see them. We are having to treat many sick people, and many will have to be helped with food. "Eugene arrived yesterday. The elephants brought the loads clear up to our porch. All Is well. Robert is six days from here, holding a school. We are holding a school here soon If we can buy enough rice to feed students. Rice is so scarce. Our bamboo house Is about finished so we may move in tonight.
JonI Is so sweet and David loves him so."

Food was very scarce and the village of MuiadI was just a small cleared place In the jungle. In discussing those days they have wondered In looking back just what they did eat - there was a famine that year - little rice, no meat, eggs, chicken, salt, sugar, lard or many of the foods considered es sential. But they felt that In a very unusual way, the Lord truly provided. LaVerne Morse and Mel Byers had a very eventful trip across Tibet down into the mission of West China and from there over Into North Burma. They joined the others of the family atjd co-workers In May 1950. Their trip Is a
separate story In Itself.

On August 15, 1950 there was a tremendous earthquake In the Himalayas.

Home folks had no word for six weeks, and nev^ from all around them told of

m9m

all were for the letter to Mrs. Ruth Morse j\ Rv

from Helen-the first to come since the

entire villages being destroyed - some just disappearing. How thankful we

a /^

!'

'v _
'

earthquake; "We had some excitement

last night in the form of an earthquake ^ of s izab Ie proportions. Drema and I (lilffl

small stream nearby has had hundreds j | fi )i[,| Tp m

had gone home, so it was just women j ' ' ^ -ft III )! what frightened, but prayed and the ?j r |;' / g* "7* 4/'. I' / Mi " //' li Lord kept us safe. This morning, evi- lliti It) jL\ M9 w fi ify dently as aresultof the earthquake, the f[IjH ^IjW w^uM B wTTTFT'
folk here. Of course we were some- Ij'fPi!
of big fish in it. All the folkare going llir il Ii W i f. f'
^ ff, a!: :i

were here with two Lisu girls when it IfjSm ft happened. Even our boy who helps njiwrT

>

n"

'

/ '' '* *

downand bringing back fish by the bas- TJTAU^ I Hj^ ket load; 20-^ fish, each weighing 10-15 lbs or more." What a marveli " jK Sf
ous provision for those hungry people!
On September 20, 1950 Mrs. Ger-

trude Morsewrote concern ing the earth- '

Shan Paul, Paul, first first Shan Shan convert convert v/ith quake. "We do praise the Lord for His Shan vi^iih tender care over us through these past Paster poster Levi. Uvi. Both be with Both hove hove gone gone to to be with

the Lord since this picture was taken. I I i month, _ i,L and.the since this taken, more quakes in 1.L the last

weeks. There have been a hundred or

, ,

some have been so hard the people could not stand up. The earth has cracked
in many places and there have been countless landslides which have filled
the rivers with mud and killed the fish.

"Eugene and I wenton a threeand a half weeks' preaching trip to the chur ches when the earthquakes started. Then the elders wanted me to come and help Eugene hold a Bible School, so I went there and we had a school for the women... .We had a good school and the Lord blessed.

"As the earthquakes seemed to be accompanied by hard rains, the streams were flooded terribly, bringing down immense treesdue to the quakes and the landslides. So it was impossible to get letters to Helen and Drema here at Muladi, but we trusted them to His care constantly all the rest of the trip.
It certainly made everyone seek the Lord. We did not know what minute a

harder quake would come, or what would happen, or If Christ would come. Surely we do believe that this is oneof the end-of-time happenings. How we would like to hear from the outside world what has happenedl"
Eugene wrote about the same time as he and his mother returned from their

trip: "Manypeople are turnlngto the Lord asa result of the earthquakes. We are not sure of all that has taken place. We have heard that the quake cen tered in Assam, and that a volcano erupted. But whatever the explanation, we feel that it was the hand of the Lord. Around here the people have been praying for the Shan people - Bhuddists - to open their hearts and turn to the Lord....they had special prayer that morning at Nam-htu-hku.. .That night came the earthquake, and a great many of the Shan idols, temples and other

objects of worship were either completely destroyed or badly damaged. One of their largestcentersin all of N. Burma was madea wreck. Surely it seemed as if God were working in a mighty and wonderful way to answer prayer!"

Robert and Betty as well as LaVerne, Mel Byers and the David Reeses were
in the eastern part of the mission field at the time of the earthquake. A letter from Robert tells of conditions in the Tiliwago area: "As our earthquake goes into its 22nd night, we are anxious for news from outside, and want to know if this is just our private show, or has been affecting the rest of the world. Of course it seems like the 'big thing' to us, at least It has, so to speak, upset

worlds, both spiritually and physically. To most Christians it hashed a heart

ening effect: Scripture was right in preaching such things in the latter days:
fusion that they all seem to say, "Truly, you Christians are the only ones who can have peace; what profit is therein living as we do? There is no hope, no
future, no security.'

'Look up for redemption draweth nigh, is closer than when we first believed.' To the non-Christian it has brought such great upsets, bewilderments and con

"The earthquakes have made the situation one with which we cannot fully

Mission house at Tiliwago, fen days travel S. E. of Muladl.

cope. Certainly, people who do not know what the next dawn will bring are
not going to wait several weeks until teachers find time to come...to teach

them. Yet, unless they are taught, how can they even be considered as believ
ers or Christians...?"

We have shown in these excerpts from letters what a great Impact the earth quake made on the lives of the people. Because of the physical changes in the terrain and the rivers of the area, there would be physical changes in the village of Muladl as the river changed its course and brought floods to the
village.

Work continued inthe T?liwogo area as well as in the Muladi area. In late 1950 Mrs. Gertrude Morse went to help Robert, Betty and LaVerne and their
co-workers in a Bible School. Robert refers to this trip as "the most heroic

return to Muladi in January, 1951 Mrs. Morse wrote; "It seems so good to be home again after three months ofabsencel.. .As vou know, I reached Tiliwago after a ten day's foot journey.. .Our school enaed Dec. 17, then our mission force prepared to go to work in other areas. Robert and Mel Byers attended
the Christmas convention at Rawangtang and after the convention planned to stay to evangelize that area... LaVerne went to the Latago Christmas con vention right near the China-Burma divide where preacher Stephen isworking'.'
23. ang svng *>6^^ fvat^vA no xaq dvt Iva

trip that has been made across this jungle area, - Putao-Tiliwago." After her

d-fo

Ang 8i5m lOng^ tie, bw xl lun Ivo dvpvt, na edi rS 110 ang
Vfe yvng kenl Yeau^ na ang nvng dlatml* Vsvng lokaok lokga gB

xoT&m wur ehap xl ra it, atloe.

ang mepfvng flirno na, angmaql ang evng xrgSra^tna.

TYg .V? 87mar^ dvtSing Iphk

25. 26.

Tlqf^ vnf ning haq rvwl vyS na ga we avmar^ tlq a& ga vbilg. Ang na. f\ avra nnnnS gfi yvng dvxa Ivm mvme pvn vh^mo na, ang

dvrjt &1 dvngte xvngbe b^asi ni ga, tlq

z& liitngl.

ga mv-bSn I5ng, dvx^2i r&

27* Yeau mbng Bvng atngl

b^a na, vavng lokaok dvhi yvng ang

mopmg tvna dl dl na, ang belaq avng xQipmbe.

28.

Kada le wa nl na, ang na, Ng&l ang belaq svng wft xtlp l&b nl

ga, nga na bSn ISngo, wae.

29, Ang xvwl vyB lig na, we laingl k^iml na, ang vg^ng taq
satsiUI long z^matal we, ang vl dJm xl btfl.
1 2 ofng lun na ang Portion of Rawang translation of Book of Mark.

As Robert spent many months teaching and preaching among the Rawang tribespeople he was preparing for the task of reducing their language to writ ing. These people had been learning Lisu in order that they might read God's Word. In 1951, with the help of Rawang informants, Robert was able to give
First was a primer with basic Christian doctrine and a few hymns. The writ ten language for the Rawang tribe opened a new era of evangelism on the
mission field.

to the Rawangtribespeople, for thefirst time, literature intheirown language.

"I came back here to help Eugene with a school which he had started on January 7th...I found the folks here, including Drema quite well and very busy. As Helen is a graduate nurse, she does the work which Mr. Morse and later Nurse Dorothy Sterling did for the ill and afflicted. Eugene has been busy directing the building of a new bamboo house as the termites have about
wrecked the one he is now using. "We hope to have a happy time during the March-April preachers' School

his sofe evacuation from China. We-need Russell's greater experience in treating Oriental diseases. One of us is kept busy most of the time caring for malaria cases. There's an especially virulent type from which the victim usually dies in three days unless he can be treated by intravenous shots of
quinine."

which is to be held here, for our three sons will be teaching in it. We hope that by that time our "Daddy" (Russell Morse) may be with us. We pray for

school for which they were hoping Mr. Morse would be able to join them,
just seems that I can't endure the suspense any longer; no letters, no word from Russell 1 Ifonly one of the boys were here to talk to, or if only someone would write I I don't sleep very we Iand when I get awake I can't stop think

Unknown to the family in Burma, it was about the time of the Preacher's

that he was imprisoned. In August, 1951 Mrs. Morse wrote; "Sometimes it

ceived the news about him, (his imprisonment) and was very, very weak. My old anemia was very bad so I had Drema give me shots everyday and finally I
was fairly well.." (Robert and Betty were in the States for three months
intensivestudy at WycliffeSchoolof Linguistics, Norman, Oklahoma so Robert could continue in his Rawang translation. Eugene and Helen andalso LaVerne were in Rangoon to oversee some printing. LaVerne needed new glasses and Eugene and Helen were awaitingthe birth of Tommy, (July 22, 1951 ) so Mrs.

ing, wondering about Russell. I was quite sick for about a month after I re

Morse and Drema were alone at Muladi for several weeks at a very critical
time.) In February 1952 a letter from Mrs. Morse told of her continued work for the Lord, even as her heart was breaking as she wa i ted for word about Mr.

Morse. A brief quotefromher letter is typical of herinspiring zeal: "Eugene, several Lisu preachers and I arrived home about January 15, from a six weeks' trip into the Taron Valley where we held a Bible School for Christians of that

area. This was the part of Burma through which Russell and I, and the two

older children, traveled in 1927 when we evacuated from China by Burma's backdoor. So because of this, it held many, many memories for me. Besides
having their own churches and pastors. And now the little six-year-old boy

at that time there was not a single Christian where now there were hundreds

dren, they had seen the white family with the two little boys carried in bas

of that trip (Eugene) was with meto help teach in a Christian school for those people1 Some ofthe elderlyChristians remembered that when they were chil kets. That was the first time they had seen white women and children." Af ter giving details of the trip and the school, Mrs. Morse closed, "We thanked the Lord for this time of sowing precious seed and we trust it will bring forth fruit for His glory. Please pray for these dear people."
At last came the wondrous news of the release of J. Russell Morse. Mrs.

Morse and LaVerne had already left the field and were in Hongkong. Eugene
wrote, "The highlight of the month of June was the day we received the tel egram saying Daddy had reached Hong Kong, havingbeen released from China. When we received the news, we couldn't help crying for joy. The Lisu man who brought the telegram to us spread the glad tidings through the village as he returned home and soon peoplebegan to come to ask "is it really true? Is

MA-PA DA-MA (elder teacher) really free again?" and they were as happy
Especially in the way God arranged that Mother ana LaVerne should be there in Hong Kong |ust at the time Daddy arrived unannounced 1"

as we, for they had all been praying for his safety and release too. And now

they could see another proof that God does answer prayer for his children.

Mr. and Mrs. J. Russell Morse and LaVerne taken soon after their reunion in

Hong Kong.

Mr, and Mrs. J.Russell Morse and LaVerne arrived tn the United States on

July 3, 1952. Their plane landed at Seattle, Washington where they were greeted by Mr. Morse's sister and her husband and many friends of the Seattle
Christian Churches and Puget Sound Bible College. After a brief visit in Se

attle they went on to Inglewood, California. Mrs. Ruth Morse, mother of J. Russell Morse, flew toCalifornia to welcome her son, on whose behalf she had so earnestly prayed during the months of his "silence" - not knowing whether
she would see him again.

ate and to visit family and also Christian friends throughout thechurches, Mr,
and Mrs. J.Russell Morse left Inglewood, California, for the mission field on May 1, 1953. They were unable to get an extension of the time limit for

After ten months of being back in the United States on furlough to recuper

Mrs. Morse's re-entry permit as they had hoped. It was an especially hard parting for Mrs. Ruth Morse when she said goodbye to her son, J.Russell. It
was hard for him, too, as he realized it was unlikely that he would see her

again in this life.

Even though he realized herhealth was failing, Mr. Morse did not realize nor did any of the family and friends - that her Home-going would come so
soon. Mr, Morse was still In Bangkok, Thailand awaiting his entry permit so

he could join Mrs. Morse in Burma when news came of his mother's death. May 20, 1953, following a brief Illness. No loved ones were with him to
share this grief,
REUNION IN BURMA

Mr. Morse had applied in February, 1953 for his entrance visa for Burma

but It had not yet been received when they left the States. They reached Bangkok on May 6th and since Mrs. Morse had her re-entry permit, she went pers. Finally on June 15th the visa was granted and on June 23rd Mr. Morse arrived in Rangoon. In just a week his permanent residence permit had been obtained and on July 2, in the height of the monsoon season, they left Ran goon by plane early In the morning, enroute to Muladi. Eugene wrote, "It was a wonderful reunion for the family, as we had not seen Daddy since we left him in Kunming, in November, 1949 - over three and a half years, and
Concerning their return Mrs, Morse wrote: "When I stepped Into the plane I had the strongest feeling - like God was there and would take us through. When we left Myitkyina we had clouds all the way and could not see the
it had been more than a year since we had seen Mother."

on to Rangoon to try to hasten the proceedures necessary for Mr. Morse's pa

mountains. We just prayed that God would guide the plane!. ..o It seemed the pilot could not find the Potao field due to the clouds. Russell and I hod

We found out later that Eugene, seeing the time was overdue, hod called a number of Christians to pray as they were waiting at the field. We landed
safely, and there we saw Eugene and about four or five hundred of our LIsu

hole In the clouds and the earth beneath! Praise God, He saw us through I

prayep/ of course. After about and hour and forty-five minutes (Instead of the usual 50 minutes) just after we had prayed again, we looked out and sow o

friends. It was wonderful! How we did praise the Lord!... .When we got

across the river on the new bridge Eugene and the Christians had built, there was Drema, Helen, David and Tommy and another long line of Christians. The next day we had a holiday, with a Thanksgiving service at the church with 500 present. Both Russell and I spoke.. .many people came to welcome

us back. On Sunday Russell preached to a large crowd and I spoke again too. I started teaching In the school on Wednesday - two classes. Eugene and Helen also teach, with Drema translating for Helen. Russell worked all day

taking care of the sick."

Concerning the medicol work J. Russell Morse wrote: "Both days and nights have been filled to the Iimit of my strength, for I find the needs and opportun ities so vast. Scores and scores of very sick people fill our clinic from morn ing to night. Despite nearly seven years absence from Lisuland, I preached
twice in LIsu to audiences of fourto five hundred inthls great Muladl church.

many critical cases of sick that have flooded in. We surely are standing
Ing^ It would both grieve you and inspire. Lisu and Rawang peoples living in poverty and semi-starvation and sickness and yet because they have
in need of prayer. I wish you could be herewith us and see what we are see-

It has been difficult to find time for research in the medical books here on

Elephant grass near Muladi. May be for His children. We have received resame same as as "Pampas grass" of of Argentina, Argentina. ports that the Irrawaddy river is at the
It has has beautiful soft plumes. 11 beautiful soft plumes. Taller Taller now highest !eve! ever recorded You see why we were ready to hold a very

of of two two men men is is Muladi Muladi headsman. headsman.

special Thanksgiving."

toplayer,an^evidnce

PLANS FOR NEW VILLAGE SITE

(Reprint from 1954 Newsletter)

During the post few years, floods in the Muladi (western) area of the mis
sion field have endangered this largest of the Christian villages in Burma. This has necessitated the Christian's moving to higher flat lands across the Muladi river. The natives have sorely needed a means to open the plain to fields, since it is covered with tough elephant grass six to ten feet high. We

are very thankful that a Christian friend in the church at Newberg, Oregon, has given $5000 to buy and maintain a tractor for the people to supply this
need.

These plans have been made with the encouragement of the Technical Ad visor of the Agricultural Department of Burma. If more food can be produced on thePutao plains, more Bible Schoolscan be held in the entire mission area,
as food is one of the great problems of a school.

J.Russell Morse will be a great help to the natives in this phase of their development. In addition to his medical and evangelistic work he is vitally interested in improved methods of cultivation and has long been interested in giving to these under-privileged peoples a greater variety of foods. Addition al fruits and vegetables will help improve the health of these folk so they will have the physical strength equal to their zeal in carrying on the Lord's work. With God's help this hope will be realized as the plains area across the Mul
adi river is developed.

"After the money was given, it was only after much prayer, and careful consideration of all problems involved, that the equipment was ordered. The. tractor was a Ferguson - a small, light weight unit, designed for use in back ward, undevelopedareas. It arrived inMuladi in February, 1954, havingbeen accompanied by an instructor from the company to teach Its operation.

grass lanahad been plowed underforthe first time.. ..This work is being done by native drivers for the native people, under the supervision of the mission. "Because It can be~operated and maintained by native workers, the tractor will require only a small amount of time in supervision, once the work is well un der way. The primary purpose of the missionaries' presence on the flejd is to preach Christ, not to do social work. The primary emphasis Is and will continue to be placed ^TRe spiritual we I fa re and development of the people.
But we are thankful that the Lord has provided this means of Improving their

ate it. By the end of the second week of use, twenty-five acres of virgin

Besides J.Russell Morse and Eugene, two Lisu drivers were taught to oper

physical well being also. We pray that it may be used wisely, and be another reminder of the goodness of God, who supplies all our needs, and who de
lights in giving good gifts to His children.
A NEW VILLAGE GROWS

A new Muladi, model Christian village, was laid out by Eugene with the assistance of his father, then cut out of the jungle and elephant grass across river from the former site of Muladi which had been so damaged by floods. Two roomy mission residences with bamboo floors and walls, and grass-thatched roofs were nearly completed when Eugene and family left for furlough In the summer of 1954, and Robert, Betty and family, Mr. and Mrs. J. Russell Morse and Eugene, Helen and family had moved into the new houses. Also, a small temporary chapel and a sick clinic of the same construction were built. The
benefits of the tractorwere soon evident as was indicated In a letter from Mr.

 ra berwhenshefl rom her ose. She

thev do not have the benefltand comfort of nearby doctors and hospitals. One
-. *5*, had been teaching in churches several days' travel away. Within a couple hours of home, the horse scented a tig erand wheeled around sharply, throwVlH ingGertrude to the ground. A native
one of the men went toMuladi for help.
Christian girl remained with her'while

Morse, "The Inc reas ed food supp Iy has a Irea dy enobled more students toattend Bible Seminary and the Christian Day School and has rel teved famished
refugees, and fired the hope and courage of thousands. Yield in tractor-

did it unto these my brethren ye did it unto Me.'" Mrs. ^ Russell Morse Injured Accidents occur on the mission field as well as In the homeland. But there

worked fields was about five times that of mountain fields. 'Inasmuch as ye

such accident is described as follows in a letter from Mr. Morse; "Gertrude

(Mrs. J.Russell Morse) is recovering from painful Injuries received last Octo-

with great pain and weakness, but the terrific Impact had been on her right
armand shoulder. We treated for dis-

blue areas show ed alI over her body,

During the following days black and

location oftheshoulder with wrenching

ofmusclesand ligaments withprobable bone damage. Our reliance is on God

who answers prayers. She asks your

finally able to go to Rangoon, X-rays showed that there had been a very bad
break but even though there were no M. Gertrgde Morse with one of her X-raysto guide them, Mr. Morse with
prayers." Note; When Mrs. Morse was

helpers who travels with her.

of setting Mrs. Morse's arm. Suffering For Their Faith

Robert's help, had done a very fine job

the summer of 1954: "A very disturbing and for us-unique experience occured
the Communists, came pouring over the high mountains from across the border

A letter from Mr. J.Russell Morse tells of the problems that were theirs in

who had fled from their Salween valley homes because of the persecution of
in China... .This being theheart of thenotorious "Hump" region. It took these

early In August when, without warning, hundreds of Lisu Christian tribesmen

across to the first village on the Burma sidel Consequently all were starving, emaciated and sickly from exposure. Yet they could not stop until they had

refugees from 13-19 days to get from the last habitation on the China side

rejjort to the Burma ofticials. The Burma-side Christians, though they them selves had suffered crop failures, took pity on them, so that none died of hung

gone another seven days' walk down the Burma-sld valleys to find food and

er, yet the refugees have had to suffer terribly... .Altogether some 600-700
refugees were reported to have fled the border, of whom all but 90 -some

an appeal to the Burma government, and were confidently awaiting a reply, when they heard of the forced return of the others.. .fled 10 days over to ttie
Putao official, inasmuch as there is no other means of communication. Such

hove been sent back to the Communists. This group of 90 or so had written

was their faith in a free, democratic government. At present they are under

bond, being guoranteed by about 20 of the leading Christians in the Putao area churches, while the government considers whether to let them stay or
send them back.

...It has been thrilling and heartening to know that the Lord's people have kept faithful all these years behind the "Bamboo Curtain." But more, this has

been a powerful witness to all of what C hr ist i an i ty means to these simple tribespeople. Non-Christian soldiers guardingthem atone place were brought to tears as they heard the starvingrefugees continually singing their hymns of hope and dependence on God. A lukewarm church in an area through which they passed was shamed into saying, "Now we have seen what being a Chris
tian can really mean.".., .This is the first experience of this sort for this

mission field. In this crisis we request most urgently the earnest prayers of all, especially for these things: that through these trials the Lord may be glo rified; His Church strengthened; for the future of the mission work in North Burma; that the Lord will continue to take care of the refugee group and pro

vide refuge for them somewhere; and that the work of the missionaries may
continue unrestricted."

Brother Morse concluded his letter by saying, "Brethren in Christ, we need

mostof all your SPIRITUAL support. Trulv, it's dangerous to support the Mor

ses - they might lose both their lives ana your money (as detractors began saying over 25 years ago), but it is only in places of danger and Man's EX TREMITY that Divine Providence becomes most manifest. We are in just that
situation, so please PRAY for us, and also for the government."

MISSION NAME TO BE CHANGED - September 1955

The missionaries working in Burma felt that it was vitally essential that the name of the mission should be changed to correctly indicate the location of their work. The explanation came as follows after a meeting of all those on the field; "Although for about twenty-six years we have been known as the Yunnan-Tibetan Christian Mission, unfavorable political involvements of the
name at ttiis present time make the change necessary. The name chosen unan

imously "NORTH BURMA CHRISTIAN MISSION." In a report drawn up at the request of the government we have given a detailed account of our work in Burma, being very careful to explain and to emphasize that our work is strictly Christian missionary work in Burma, not transgressing any international borders'.' The North Burma ChristianMission is incorporated underthe laws of the State of Oklahoma asa non-profit organization supportedthroughcontributions
of Christian Churches and Churches of Christ.

By December 1955all of the family weretogether on the mission field. LaVerne had completed his work at Cincinnati Bible Seminary. He and Lois
were married in March, 1953 and in November, 1954 left the States. Lois did not have an entry permit and it took until June, 1955 to obtain her visi tor's visa. In the meantime Eugene, Helen and familv had completed their furlough and arrived back in Rangoon in May, where they remained until af ter the birth of their fourth son, John Lawrence (Larry), June 24, 1955, going overland from Myitkyina when Larry was five weeks old. LaVerne and Lois stayed in Rangoon until after the birth of Marcia Louise, August 30, 1955. They, too, went overland from Myitkina when Marcia was two months old.

ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD

By Robert Morse (Excerpts from Second 1956 Newsletter) The large group gathered around the fireplace in the Russell Morse home included old and young, Lisu and Rawang. Some were local villagers, but most were from outlying districts. Although it was near midnight, no one seemed sleepy. In fact, just at that moment two of the younger men came from the kitchen carrying a large teapot and a big bamboo tray of cups and mugs and unobtrusively handed out steaming cups of strong black tea. There had been a long conference and plenty ofdiscussionall evening, as this group brought their local family and church problems to the missionaries, and tried
to find solutions which would pioneer a forward step in social adjustments for their new Christian communities. They had no history of Christian customs and traditions to draw on, only a discarded primitive animistic background. This and similar informal, unending conferences with the missionary were es sential to help them translate basic Bible precepts Into practical everyday life. And the missionary had to be careful not to suggest solutions based

merely on Western cultural traditions, but a Christian answer which would fit
into the tribal culture.

Finally the conference was brought to a close. Immediately all those from outlying villages clustered around Russell. All of them had requests for medi cine, not only for themselves, but usually for halfthe people in their village.
These would have to wait over until the morrow. But that still didn't end it.

Earlier in the evening Russell had spent some time telling them about the ad vantages of havingtheirown fruitand vegetable gardens to give them a heal thy diet. Through the years, most of them had been convinced by the prac tical demonstration provided through his agricultural and horticultural sideline. Now they had a chance for personal attention, and they would have kept him up all night....

Meanwhile there would be varied other requests and calls on the workers, and Mrs. Morse (Gertrude) wouldalso be kept busy. A congregation planning a DVBS needed advice on its plans. They also needed chalk, paper, pencils,

and books, which would be supplied by the mission. A preacher was starting
an evangelistic trip, and wanted to take along a dozen New Testaments and some hymnals and primers. Russell has found that malnutrition seriously complicates most of the sick nesses of the people, and is an urgent problem. Although no statistics are

Lisu Christian young married women, digging place to plant an orange tree.

k!

t^ /lV

'. :.- ^"Jh%<i

Ki

J. Russell Morse en Mission Tractor. Betty in background.

available, it Is known that all these mountain tribes were dying out before

Christianity reached them, due to malnutrition, malaria and other diseases.

And Russell's goal Is not just to convert people in preparation for the grave. God has used the mission's medical program, through Russell and Esther, and

Dorothy Sterling, to His glory, and the saving of several thousand lives an nually, while at the same time showing that this was not the only way.
First and foremost, we and all native Christians, believe in the power of

prayer, and have seen some marvelous answers to prayerin this regard. There is always prayer as medicine is given out to the people.
Russell's agri-horticultural interest has also been used to the glory of God, and is gradually becomingknown throughoutall Burma. An agricultural school down south expressed the wish that Russell could come and help teach there. And everybody is waiting to see the results of his small but rapidly growing
nursery of selected fruit trees. In 1954, with the help of the Burmese Depart ment of Agriculture and the American foreign service, Russell received sev eral shipments of citrus as well as apple, peach and plum stock. Now many villages throughout north Burma have fruit trees on which hove been graftec the best American species. And with the help of his living link church in Inglewood, California, as well as various other friends he is able to distrib ute many varieties of seed, helping the villages to get their vegetable gar
dens started.

Before, bananas and papayas were unknown to Lisu and Rawang. Now most Christian villages where they will grow are dotted with clumps of these val uable tropical fruits. The tribespeople used to think that these fruits would cause certain sicknesses, although they would search the |ungle for many a less nutritious and tasty a wild fruit. By practical demonstration and teaching,

they now prefer to plant their own, and will even go to the unheard of ex tremity of fencing in their trees, many of which have been distributed by Russel personally throughout the area, year after year, from his "nursery".

Many friends have been asking if Russell has recovered from his harrowing experiences of post-war years. By the grace of God we can say he has re-

gained most of his health, although notable to return to the strenously active
work of former years. But the Lord has opened up new fields of endeavor

which keep him |ust as busy, just as exhausted at end of day, right at the home base. We hope that this passing picture will help you to understand
some of his work, and enable you better to pray forhim and the work In north Burma, that the Lord's will be done, and God glorified.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR NATIVE WOMEN

Following the December 1955 conference of church leaders, Mrs. J. Rus sell Morse was asked to visit various congregations and hold short-term Bible

study schools for the women. This type of work is not new to Mrs. Morse, who traveled quite considerably when over in China, as well as now In the

Burma field. Several times now she has made a 10-12 days trip (one way) to

the Christians seemingly more awake spiritually than in years past, as mater
for their womenfolk to get more firmly established in the faith.

help out in one or another of the 2-3 month Bible schools. But this year, with

ial insecurity looms large and persecution has oroken out, they feel the need
So Mrs, Morse has been having a series of wonderful week-long meetings in

various surrounding congregations, sometimes traveling 2-3 days through the jungle to get to her t ea c h I ng points. Not always has she been able to get
back home, between these schools, and at times has been gone over a month,

off by herself, with the Lisu or Rawang congregations. By the end of March she had visited about eight churches. We believe that this is real ly a tremendous accomplishment, "and yet",
wrote Mrs. Morse, "when one sees how hungry the people are for teaching, how eager they are to learn, we feel that no one could be in the same posi tion and do otherwise. The men-folk of each of these villages promised to relieve their womenfolkof their many duties just so they could be free to study

' '

"

Christmas ConvenHon fellowship "feast." Most of missionaries in left foreground.

Snapped by J. Russell Morse.

all day and at night, too. Young mothers and elderly ladles, girls and oc^
would come and take part In the wonderful fellowship, until Mrs. Morse would
to take over.

casionally boys, attended the dosses during the day, and at night everybody

be too tired to keep on, and have to ask the local LIsu or Rawang preacher
"In this work Iam trying especially to help the mothers. I try to get them

to have their babies taken care of by someone else so that they can study un
accomplished. In almost every church, the men have also studied."
Message from J. Russell Morse

given the people a mind tostudy, I hope and pray that much good may be

hindered. I feel that on the whole it has been quite successful. The Lord has

January, 1956. "It is so hard In ourbusy worldto get letters written - seems Ishall have to learn ail over again as It has been so long since I have done any writing. After a spell of cold dry weather, we are at last having a light

La Putao plains (a "lost horizon"). We hove had a temperature down to 43 degrees for several days. That Is pretty cold for bamboo houses and no stoves.

but soaking rain, very welcome for ouryoung fruit trees and gardening efforts. But it will not be so good for the new chapel being built by Eugene. Doubt less much snow is falling on thehigh mountain ranges whichring this "Shangri

"Robert, Betty and familytiavegoneto Rangoon, which we hope may be the first lap of their homeward journey It may be necessary for them to re main in Rangoon for some time, but pray that their re-entry permits may be granted. They don't intend to go without these permits, but they really need
to go home and have a rest...

with preacher Peter, left Muladl on January 4th going first to attend a con vention In a mountain village and then on to Rawangtang in the eastern sec tor of the mission field to hold a two month Bible School. Eugene has been building the new church here and was to join LaVerne as soon as construction

great distance, with many needs to be taken into consideration. LaVerne,

"Mariy problems confront us daily. Some are difficult to exp Ia i n at this

years we have been able to charter planes to bring our supplies from Myltkylna (250 miles to the south of us.) Instead, the plane service has been curtailed and there are no charter planes. All of the supplies (for five years) brought out by Eugene and Helen, and LaVerne and Lois, were brought to Myltkylna
by rail; but now, with nocharter planes, we are confronted with the tremend-

was completed to the place that the natives could work alone. For several

'

--

c,

Ox earts that -took Eugene's and LoVerne's goods overland.

ous task of getting the supplies overland. In addition to the personal supplies of Eugene end LoVerne Morse families there are five cases of Lisu hymnals,
weighing about 5-600 lbs. each, 12 cases of LIsu M-I-MI (primers), and 14 cases of Life of Christ Visualized. These represent a great deal In terms of
work and mission funds and their value to the work is inestimable. We also

need other supplies The spring rains begin in mid-March so unless we act quickly, we cannot hope to complete the task of bringing the supplies over land before the low-water bridges are washed out.
"Now, It seems that instead of going to Rawangtang, Eugene will have to

go to Myitkylna. The supplies will have to be brought to Sumprabum (obou t

halfway) by truck. If this is accomplished, we feel that we may hope to bring
them the rest of the way by ox-cart before the heavy rains set In. It Is no small operation to supervise 30,000 lbs. of supplies overland with the prob lems created by primitive methods and roads as well as thedanger of banditry. Eugene Is the only one here to take care of this very important task. It means

if

Gospel recordings, an effective means of evangelizing.

a great deal of hard work and thedlsappointmentof having to give up his trip to Rawangtang. To LaVerne it means the disappointment of not having Eugene's

help and the added strain of holding the school with only Peter to help. May the Lord give them health and strength! "The results of our efforts In agriculture are gratifying. We feel that the Christians have been greatly benefited. This phase of work along with the medical work keeps me very busy, although in the latter, Drema Esther is a tremendous help." Gospel Recordings

One of the means whereby the Gospel Is carried to the various out-lying areas Is through the use of Gospel Recordings. There are many, many tribal languages and dialects in North Burma. The more Gospel messages available in the various languages, the more effective Is theworkof the native evange lists as they go among peoples whose language they do not speak. While Rob ert and Betty were in Rangoon awaiting their papers which must be received

before starting home on furlough, they were somewhat blue and feeling dis couraged over the delays. In telling of this feeling and theirstruggle to over come it, Robert and Betty wrote:".. .We didn't seem to be able to cope with the daily problems that came up... .but we really saw one result of the Lord's leading yesterday. "Gospel Recordings" has a man in SE Asia, Vaughn Col
lins, who is recording Gospel messages in tribal languages to make phonograph records. We have made wonderful use of these in Lisu and Rawang, but had
wanted the same for about 10 other dialects in our area... .Now while we are

here, where we can get informants from most of these dialects.. .we are busy

recording a seriesof simple Gospel messages in as many of the dialects and/or languages as we can find here.. .Please pray for us that we may ever be used of God". Robert, Betty and family left Burma on February 21, came by boat,
arriving in the U .S. April 5th.

More work in recording the native languages was done up-country, when Vaughn Collins was given permission to go to Muladi. Helen wrote from Muladi: "He is associated with Gospel Recordings, Inc., Los Angeles, Californ ia... It is a faith mission and all of the 40-odd workers depend on the Lord to supply their needs. None receives a d e f i n i t e salary. The workers bring a variety of talents to the task. Some of them, like Vaughn, do the actual re cording of messages in countries all around the world. Others are concerned with the technical problems.. .A week is not long to do this type of work...

Eugene rounded up informants in the various languages; he, Mother and Drema
Esther translated scripts from EngI ish to Lisu. These translations were then distributed to various ones who could re-translate into Rawang or Kachin. These in turn were translated into other languages such as Shan, Duleng, etc.

.. .Although the entire missionary staff was kept busy in various ways - trans

lating script, typing scripts, assisting with actual recording - the job could
not have been done without the various preachers and others who served as interpreters, helped in translating scripts, and did the actual recording. The value of the work they did will probablynever be fully realized... .We com pleted 12-1/2 records in eight different languages. Eugene finished up the last 1/2 record (one side) in Lisu. The languages in which recordings were made Included Lisu, Hkamti, Shan, Rawang, Zewang, Masang, Didong, Kranku and Duleng."
COMMUNIST THREAT - Summer 1956

Each year since the Morses have been working In Burma, there has been a
period auring the summer, when the mountain passes are open, that the Com munists could cross over into Burma at will, and some did each year. When we read the newspaper reports concerning activities we were inclined to think it was |ust another "scare." But this time there seemed to beauthentic confirmation; this time Communist troops were actually inside Burmese terri tory and were firmly entrenched in scattered areas to the south and east of
the mission area.

As we have reviewed the letters of the past few months and have seen the work being done In Burma and the plans that were being made for the future, perhaps we can understand to somedegree the heartache that was theirs as they contemplated the possibility of having to leave these people.
First News Comes

The first letter indicating the trend of events came to Lois' parents. It was

written August A, 1956, and reveals something of the need they felt just then for Divine guidance: "We stand In definite need of strength from the Lord. Decisions are most difficult to mnke when we have but human eyes, and we know that the only thing we can do is to sit tight and wait for His definite direction of our lives. We know He will Indicate to us in some way the road which we should follow..Another letter was dated August 10, 1956, "This is the last day of school I LaVerne Is now teaching the final morning class... We'll be leaving soon for Putao to take care of business, then will probably go over to MuladI to be with the folks for this evening. (LaVerne and Lois were at Dukdang, 3 miles from Muladi, living In Robert and Betty's house
while they were on furlough.) We have all been working to the limit of our

strength... .trying to go over our supplies item by item.. .gathering together a few things we think we will need In the coming days and weeks down coun
try. The folks at Muladi are working their heads off too."

LaVerne and Lois had things ready to travel so It was decided that they
should go ahead and perhaps establish a "link" with the outside. The radios at Dukdang and Muladi were out of order and the telegraph was not working so all were quite isolated. When they were several days on their way towards

Myitkyina, runners from Muladi caught up with them, bringing letters from

the folks there, to be mailed to the family in the U.S.A. Word was given of soldiers being on the border, government acknowledgement of occupation of some areas, word that the soldiers were only there to "liberate" the people. The natives were concerned. What did it ail mean? What was going to hap pen? And what were the missionaries going to do?

"All of us felt that we should be prepared to leave if necessary... .With so many of us... .so many mission suppi i es to care for - especially books and medicines - it would take some time to get readyso we felt w.e shouldn't wait until the last minute... .Several local headmen and village elders thought

too, that we should be ready to leave on short notice... .The very thought of
leaving was almost more than we could bear... .We were afra 1d that if we were fo leave without good reason, leaving the people all worked up and un settled, that they might not feel very kindly toward us, and there might be trouble when we wanted to come back. After a trip to confer with the offi

really get things ready to go. Can you imagine what it would be like to pick
out things from your household and clothing which would be considered es sential, for an indefinite period of time, not knowing whether you would be in civilization, and if so, for how long; not knowing whether you needed to provide for winter orsummer or both; fixing travelling loads etc." There were ten to plan and provide for, including the children. LaVerne and Lois had started for Myitkyina on August 17th and this letter was concluded on August 23. "The rumors are flying again. Latest report Is that the In comers are 3,000 strong, building roods southward to join up with existing roads. Once they reach the main road, they are only six daysaway from usl The preachers school which was to have opened on the 20th was postponed but we hope to start on the 29th, the Lord willing. PLEASE PRAY MUCH FOR ALL OF US OUT HERE, meaning not just the missionaries, but the people too....it is

cials at Putao, what we had heard was confirmed, and we decided we'd better

that we are In His keeping, and He is faithful, and able to keep that which we have committed unto Him. We have all been so comforted by the verse, "Whoso trusteth in the Lord shall not be put to shame" and "This is the confi dence that we have In Him, that. If we ask any thing according to His will,

impossible to know what the future holds... .but whatever happens, remember

He heareth us;... "Do pray with us.. .ask the Lord to hold back the evil for ces, .. .He Is ABLE. ALL THINGS are possible with God.... Let us praise Him.." During this time LaVerne and Lois were busy in Myltkyino with var
ious phases of mission work.

Robert and Betty, in school at Cincinnati Bible Seminary during their fur lough, received letters from native evangelists telling of progress In evange lization of out-lying areas.
Report from Mrs. J. Russell Morse

November, 1956: "Greetings to you from Putao! By the Lord's mighty inter vention on behalf of His people In this area, we are still carrying on here In

Lisu-land. We started our scheduled Bible School August 29, determining to hold the school as long as we possibly could. Day by day the students prayed
that God would hold back the evil forcesand keep the door open for His work

to be done. Likewise the Christians of the many churches round about were praying. Also now we know that many, many churches in America were pray ing. .. .During the school, many times there were reports which made us think we might have to leave any hour of the day, however we tried to keep our eyes "off the angry waves" and upon our mighty Christ and His promises. If
It is His will to continue to keep this place as a refuge for His people, we know He Is able. "... I wonder If you know that most of our Christians live

in villages which are entirely or almost entirely Christian? In this country

most non-Christians make ana drink strong, intoxicating wine, and have drunken parties, and do most of the other evil things. Because the life in a small village is so inter-related. It Is not convenient or wise to live in a vil

lage where there are non-Christians. So the Christians work hard toget every
one to believe In and to accept Christ. Consequently almost all of the olaer congregations are located in villages which are entirelyChristlon. It is sure ly very, very nice. Perhaps months will pass by without our having to even smell tobacco smoke. And if we do, we know that a non-Christian has passed through the village."

LaVerne and Lois had arrived in Myltkyino after a difficult trip overland from Mulodl, taking from August 17 to Sept. 2 to complete the journey. The day after their arrival, LaVerne went on to Rangoon to see about the printing
of Rawang Bible literature and other matters of business for the mission. In

cluded in business was an attempt to clarify the areas In which the mission aries could work. Some questions had arisen in this regard. Final decision

Adult missionaries now working in

[ ^ North Burma. Back row: Robert, Eu-

iwi Front gene, row: RussellBetty, and Helen, LaVerneGertrude, Morse.

Hs Orema Esther and Lws Morse.

was that becauseof the border uncertainties, the activities of the missionaries
were restricted to an area within a 14 mile radius of Putao. The native evan

gelists were to be permitted to travel freely, though, so work has continued.

Efforts have been concentrated on the training of a native leadersFip - always

a practice of the Morses, but now the program has been intensified. Because

of the years of this type of leadership, many have been sentout toevangelize. Mrs. Morse wrote: "Thisyear (1956) the Lord has enabled us to send out quite
a large number of evangelists into large new fields which have never heard the Gospel before. Please pray for these workers and also that the hearts of

the people may be opened to the Gospel." These native evangelists are sup
ported largely by the native congregations which send them out.

wonderful reunion as all were together again after months of uncertainty - and all rejoiced that again the "cloud" ofdanger had passed over. The new year, 1957 started with a Bible School with an attendance of 410. Robert, Betty
and family left the States on January 27, 1957, and arrived in Muladi Febru ary 25th. So once more all of the family were together in Burma.
Hopes and Plans for the Future

LaVerne and Lois returned to Muladi on December 24th, 1956. It was a

The following excerpts from a letter written by J. Russell Morse tell of some
of the hopes and plans for the work in Burma. "Muladi, March, 1957: .. .The

school was finished three weeks ago, but the conferences with the preachers continue to the present. We still have about four or five congregations with out a preacher. We do not make an arbitrary placement, but talk with the church elders as well as the preachers. Sometimes we spend several hours convincing apreacher of a need. Sometimes they accept at once but this
time-consuming get-together is very necessary. There are about 90 preachers and several junior assistants to confer with, advise and instruct. So we find ourselves weary at the day's end. LaVerne has been very hel pful in these conferences and he is to supervise the educational work. We have decided to establish a Christian DaySchool on the plain between Muladi and Dukdang. Here, the mountain people, Lisu and Rawang, meet modern civilization. They realize that they must have education if they are to have a part in gov ernment and business. Wedo not want themto get that education in theschools
of the "idol-worshipers." This is the teaching task in which many of us will
nave a part.

"I am resolved to make some radical cha nges; for one, to get back into writing again, and I am beginning a diary. Can you imagine what a "back

woods country doctor" like me has to do in a place where there are no corner
drugstores and no hospital? Drema Esther ana I carry the clinical load and it is as exhausting as a day in the field. My greatest relaxation comes as 1work among my trees, now beginning to fruit. I even grew a prize pineapple this S. standards but a great advance for this country... .We are so happy to have Robert and Betty home again for they are greatly needed in all phases of our
work."

year. It weighed ten pounds and was eleven inches long.. .There is a jeep trail being constructed from Myitkyina to Putao, which is pretty awful by U.

As we looked over a resumeof the activities in Burma during the year 1957, several events stand out. Robert and Betty and fami ly had a safe ceturn to Burma after their furlough. The first Christian Day School, about which Mr. Morse wrote in the preceding article, became well established under LaVerne's supervision, with the first four grades being held at Dukdang, and the fifth and sixth at Muladi. Robert accomplished much in the translation field. Eu-

gene and Helen took their youngest son, Larry to Rangoon for medical care.. In September, Margaret Elaine, fifth child, first daughterof Eugene and Helen was born at Muladi. There were special guests at the mission during the
Christmas Convention - Dr. and Mrs. Robert Drummond, of Terre Haute, Indi

ana, (Helen's home town). They were at Mandalay University under Fullbright Fellowships. LaVerne made an extensive evangelistic trip among the

Shan villages. Larry, Eugene and Helen's youngest son, who had suffered a prayer on his behalf. LaVerne and Lois went to Rangoon right after Christ

circulatory trouble since birth, thrilled the family as he finally was able to walk - he was about 2-1/2 years old when he wallced. There had been much

mas for medical checkups, and Drema Esther went to Myitkyina for a rest. The year 1958 was an eventful year. On February 3, 1958 Mr. J. Russell Morse wrote:" Iwish that all of you and the others who have been praying for us could spend a few months out here and see the vast extent and variety of this work and realizesomething of the thrilling transformation taking place in
the thousands of lives and on the faceof the earth also. It almost overwhelms

us - truly "what God hath wrought" - words fail us.

J. Russell Morse with prize pineapple grown at Muladi. It weighed more than 11 lbs.

"Feb. 15th. LaVerne and Lois are safely home again and he Is taking his turn teaching the 250 students from all over North Burma who have come in for the two months Bible School. This school is specifically not for the pas tors and evangelists, who want to shepherd their congregations, but Is for promising young people, prospective Life Work Recruits, we might call them, because there is an urgent need for Christian workers in every phase of this

steadily growing work. Manyof these students come from communities a week

our class notes for the school, both in Lisu and Rawang. This saved time so

or even two weeks hiking trip away, and of course can't bring their food, nor are there any Food Markets here, so we are supplying nearly half of them with rice, raised on the formerly wild grasslands opened up with the mission trac tors."^ A letter from Mrs. Gertrude Morse written about the same time tells ofactivities ofother members ofthe family: "Eugene and Helen mimeographed

wall. Out here we cannot buy building materials from a store. It takes end

that the students did not have to copy their notes after each period. As Eu gene was busy directing the construction of our Bible School building, he did not teach this time. Also he was supervising the building the walls of our church. We have had bamboo walls, but now are making a rock and cement less conferences and much patience, for men must be sent into the jungles to

cut and saw lumber according to the desired length and thickness. Then other men must be sent to carry the lumber down to the village. In like manner,
since the cost of cement is prohibitive, local lime concrete must be used.

sired place. The bamboo and grass roofing are more easily secured for they
are not so far away."
Fallen Asleep

The lime must be burned where the stone is found, then it has to be carried by people to a nearby village, from where ox-carts can haul it to the de

The ability of J. Russell Morse in his medical work has been a blessing to thousands and when little Larry, fourth son ofEugene and Helen was critically ill, he was able to make Larry's last hours easier, helping Helen asthey sought
to relieve his suffering. Larry had climbed up and gotten a bottle of malaria

walk and his physical abilities were so limited, his being able to climb to this extent was not realized. His death was a great shock to all, but they

medicine (tasteless) and had eaten several before they found him. All efforts to save his life were futile, but Russell's medical knowledge andHelen's nurs ing skill made his Home going easier. Because he had so recently learned to

pain b6cause there were so many things wrong with his frail little body, any one ofwhich could have caused'intense suffering. His sunny smile was missed and it was hard to understand "why" but as we trust the Lord we must be will ing to say, "Thy will be done." He was laid to rest May 22, 1958 on a little
knoll overlooking the river, surrounded by his grandpa's fruit trees.
PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS

were comforted in the knowledge that he was, perhaps, saved much Intense

In the spring of 1958 an article appeared in the paper in Rangoon, Burma, telling of the persecution by the Communists in China of all religious groups,
including, of course, the Christians. Portions of a letter from Mrs. Gertrude

show has dropped! Some of the trials which our brethren are undergoing are generally known in these parts." Mrs. Morse told of the Christians being for bidden to meet for Sunday worship, heavy burdens of work were put on adi/lts and children alike, families were separated, a near-starvation food ration
was imposed, torture was the punishment for those who dared to resist. Beat-

Morse give a little insight into the situation. "We are so grieved over the sufferings of ourLisu brethren in the Salween Valley. For the past nine years, since the Communists took over China, there has been some degree of toler ance of religion. The Christians were told that they could believe in God, and even the New Testament was printed for them. It seems that the Com munists wanted to make the border a showcase for the benefit of the ignorant audience on the adjoining side. But as of February, the final curtain on the

Ings, burnings, mutilations, etc. In closing Mrs. Morse wrote: "Our brethren in Christ are going through a terrible time of suffering in these days. Truly, they are suffering for Christ's soke! Most of us have never really suffered much for Christ. Let us spend much time In prayer for these poor people that they will not fail to confess their faith In Christ, that they moy be true to Him
till death."

The year 1958 was an eventful year on the mission field. In addition to events that have been related in the portions of letters from Russell and Ger trude Morse, other events took place which were of vital Interest to them and In which they hada part through prayer and the concern that all parents have for their children. In May, 1958 Robert was critically III with Traumatic Menegitis following surgery for hernias in Rangoon, Burma. While he was so critically III, their fourth child - Dorothy Drema, was born. They had three sons but this wastheir first daughter. The joy was overshadowed by their deep concern for Robert. It was a rugged time for Betty as she tried to care for the new baby and still be with Robert as much asposslble, still being weak after the baby's birthMr. and Mrs. J. Russell Morse had the thrill of seeing their two oldest grandsons accept the Lord - David, son of Eugene and JonI, son of Robert; the first step toward the development of THIRD generation missionaries for the work In Burma. During 1958 LaVerne and Lois did much toward getting a work started among the Shans and Kachins through training young men who could speak these languages and also In preporing teaching materials for them. After their return to the field following Robert's Illness, he and Betty taught in the Christian Day School, and held special schools for preachers In several
villages.

In November, 1958 Mrs. Gertrude Morse wrote that they had just finished another term of Bible School at Muladi. She and Eugene, LaVerne and Lois had done theteachlng. Robert wasnot able to teach but had helped In trans-

Mrs. Gertrude Morse with Rawang girls.

lating and conducted a Bible Study once each week. In summarizing Mrs.
Morse wrote: "The Ephesldns notes clone, which Robert translated for me

(prepared as a verse by verse commentary) made a 52 page booklet. Helen

took care of all our mimeographing. Mr. Morse and Esther took care of the

sick students as well as the many, many other sick people who continued to come as usual each day. Esther also fixed up a small kit containing a few medicines for each of the far-away preachers to take back with them.
. .We had a time of prayer for various probi ems before classes started each week... By the end of the school the students had seen many of their prayers answered.. .The music class tought by Lois had prepared to sing the Hallelujah Chorus for the convention at the close of the school... .Two schools
are planned for December - one for elders to be held In Muladi and the other

for women to be held In Dukdang.. .Please pray that they may be blessed and
used of God to further His Kingdom."

It was in October 1958 that the army In Burma took control, thereby preventlnga Communist take-over. The following quote from a newspaper article explained the situation: ".. .This little Southeast Asia republic of 19 million people between Thailand and India, has a 1,500 mile border with Red China.

The army seized power.. .moving swiftly to control key points, after two days of rumor that a coup was Impending. An army communique said the selsure was to preserve law, order and democracy." This coup was effected with the approval and cooperation of the Prime Minister.
The years of 1959, 1960 and 1961 have been "Furlough Years." In March, 1959 Lois went to Rangoon to await the birth of their second child, Mark, who was born April 14th. At the time Lois went to Rangoon, Mrs. Gertrude Morse and Betty also went. Betty was quite ill and had to be hospitalized. Robert and LaVerne joined them In a few days. March 15th, J. Russell Morse came to Rangoon and was Immediately hospitalized, having been very HI with a

I .

<

gall bladder attack. He had an operation on April 2, and made a remarkable

recovery. By May 15th Robert and Betty and Mr. and Mrs. J. Russell Morse
had returned to Muladi. Helen and the children and also Drema Esther came

to Rangoon for medical care. It had been several years since Helen and the

children had received care. Eugene arrived in Rangoon before Marilyn

Louise was born July 28th. LaVerne and Lois had started their furlough, com ing to the Statesvia the European route. They arrived in New York, July 14, 1959. After a year at Cincinnati Bible Seminary it was time for their return,
LaVerne having received his Master's Degree. Before we proceed, it would be well to answer a question that has been asked frequently. "Why do LaVerne and Lois not have permanent residence as do the rest of the family?"
Mr. J.Russell Morse explained this situation in a letter from Rangoon and

dated July 3, 1961 by saying, "Originally, he had an "unrestricted period"

permit like the rest of us, and when he went to the States to work for gradu

ation at Cincinnati Bible Seminary was promised (orally) by Controller of Im migration that he would have the same permit after return even though over staying the one year life of the re-entry permit. He stayed two years, also married, and upon return found changes in Immigration personel and policy, so really was fortunate to be readmitted at all, with 3-year permits for both himself and Lois. These expired August 22, 1960 so since then they have been here on a temporary visa, awaiting the decision regardinga more perma nent status." Mrs. Gertrude Morse wrote from Rangoon on July 11, 1961: "We had expected to go right on to Putao, but about 2 days after we arrived, we
received word about LaVerne and Lois' order to leave and also a telegram

saying they were coming to Rangoon. So we waited. They arrived on July 4. The next day Russell and LaVerne went to a conference of three Kachin State Officials who spoke very encouragingly to them. Many, many Lisu and

of their signatures. Then li^ leaders sent a petition. Afterwards 2400people

signed a petition and sent it in, and also several telegrams were sent. Then

Rawang friends had sent in petitions. First, 26 headmen sent in one with all

finally the churches gathered money to send five headmen to Myitkyina to

petition the Kachin Cabinet. Two of them came on to Rangoon. On the fol lowing day Russell and LaVerne had an interview with a high military man of our area. He had |ust talked to the top immigration officer who promised to give the permit since the Kachin State Officials and the military officials of our border and the people wanted him. bo the permit is supposed to be in

LaVerne's hands by tomorrow! (July U) We surely do praise God for this and we do thank all the friends for praying." The final word was written by Lois: "It seems that we definitely will be permitted to remain in the country at least
one more year."

As soon as possible after their return to Burma, Eugene, Helen and family
and Mr. and Mrs. J. Russell Morse started for the U.S.A. (Sept. 1960).

Eugene and family came as quickly as possible so the boys could have a full year in school, but Russell and Gertrude stopped for fellowship with the var
ious missionaries enroute and arrived in the States on October 20, 1960. Be cause of the illness of Drema Esther, Lois' accident in which her arm was in

jured and the refusal of a renewal of the residence permits for LaVerne and
Lois, Russell and Gertrude cut their furlough short and arrived back in Burma the last of June, 1961. Eugene and Helen and family arrived back in Burma in August 1961.

CONCLUSION

The faith, consecration, courage and humility that was theirs when J. Rus sell and Gertrude Morse answered Dr. Shelton's call for recruits forty years ago has not diminished. They have been used of God in a mighty way, in spiring co-workers to join in their labors; so living and serving that all four of their children have followed their example and all are in the service of the Master; teaching and preaching so faithfully and zealously that thousands and

thousands have been lead to Chris'^. As those with whom they worked became Christians, they travelled to remote areas to share the "Good News" with those who had not yet heard, crosfing streams and mountains, learning new languages, even as their teachers d'd, in order that they could serve the Lord
more effectively.

Now as their sons, Eugene, Robert and LaVerne, together with their famili'js are working in North Burma with their parents, J. Russell and Gertrude are seeing the fruits of their labors being multiplied. Many of their hopes and plans for the spreading of the Gospel are being carried out as new work ers are constantly being trained. They are experiencing the joy of fulfillment as, through these forty years they have honored the admonition given in God's Word: "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the
same commit thou to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also."

II Timothy 2:2. "For we are labourers together with God; ye are God's hus bandry, ye are God's building. According to the' grace of God which is giv
en me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another

buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no manlay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
I Corinthians 3:9-11.

Newsletters for 1959, 1960and 1961 are available in limited numbers, but

we will be glad to send copies for church files or to individuals who are in terested in reading a full account of activfties for these years.
Mailed bv Mrs. OSCAR L. MYERS

2024 N. 'HHi St.

Terre Haute, Indiano
For

Sec. 34.66 P. L & R

U. S. POSTAGE
PAID

NORTH BURMA CHRISTIAN MISSION

Terre Houte, Ind.

PERMIT NO. 321

RETURN

REQUESTED.

LISD and RAWANG CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN BURMA

NORTH BURMA CHRISTIAN MISSION

"Where China, Tibet, Burma and India Meet"

(Formerly Yunnan-Tibetan Christian Mission)

Picture by J. RUSSELl MORSE

Muladi Lisu woman threshes grain bundles, one by one.

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall

not return unto me void, but if shall accomplish that which I plea, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. i,aigh5s-)i

SECOND

1962

NEWSLETTER

No. 30 News Series Beginning January, 1953

The J. Russell Morse Family

P. O. Putao

Kachin State, Burma

FOREWORD

The usual time for our Second Newsletter is late June or early July so we offer a word of explanation since this one will be reachmg you late in Sept ember or early in October. On June 11/ my husband had a coronary attack and was in the hospital for more than three weeks. During that time and for some time after his return home, my work for the mission had many interruptions. Friends and family have done all they could to help and correspondence will soon be caught up. Mr. Myers has always helped me in so many ways, and without his help it has been necessary to leave many tasks undone. Many friends as well as loved ones were in prayer on his behalf and he hastruly made a wonderful recovery.
He will have to be limited in his activities for several months but we thank

the Lord for answered prayer in restoring him.

Because a number of our readers have expressed a special interest in our

"It Happened

" feature, we are including (even though late) "It Happened

in 1961" as this has been used as reference material. We are also using the

article by LaVerne with the Khasi letter, it too, being late. But eventhough
this visit took place at a definite time, we feel that it is still of great interest

because the fellowship here demonstrated, the Christian love, the inspiration that was experienced by the visitors and those they visited are constant and
timeless. So as we use these two features which had-to be omitted in the First

1962 Newsletter in order that we might finish the story of Mr. and Mrs. J. Russell Morse's "Forty Years in the Master's Service" we trust that they will fulfill the purpose for which they are intended. Mrs. Oscar L. Myers, Editor
IT HAPPENED IN 1961

JANUARY - In the U.S. - Eugene and Helen's third daughter, Frances Jeanette, was born Jan. IS, in Terre Haute, Ind. They have three sons also.

Boys attended school in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Mr. &Mrs. J. Russell Morse speaking at variouschurchesand rallies inmidwest. In Burma - Betty to Rangoon for medical care. Robert continuing translation
work in Rawang, Maru and Lashi.

LaVerne and Lois teaching Bible and English in Putao Christian Middle School. Held two-week seminarfor teachers of the Christian Day Schools of the Putao
area.

FEBRUARY - In the U.S. - Mr. & Mrs. J.Russell Morse, Eugeneand Helen all speaking in Ctiurches, rallies, etc. in midwest and southeast. In Burma - Robert to Rangoon to join Betty; also for overseeing Rawang printing and for medical check-up.

LaVerne to Rangoon for annual purchasing of school, medical, and other sup
plies.

Drema Esther continuing medical work; also caring for part of Robert and Bet ty's children. MARCH - In the U.S. - Helen underwent major surgery, including removal of gall bladder. FIcipitalized for two weeks.
Mr. & Mrs. J.Russell Morse with relatives, and speaking.

In Burma - Drema Esther seriously ill with nervous breakdown. Cared for by
Lois.

LaVerne back to Muladi. Close of Putao Christian School.

APRIL - In the U.S. - Helen recovering from surgery, Eugene speaking in

churches.

Mr. &Mrs. J.Russell Morse rushing preparations to return to Burma, due to

needs on field, and possibility that LaVerne and Lois might be denied per
mit to remain.

In Burma - Lois and Drema Esther to Rangoon for medical check and rest; foliowea a week later by LaVerne, because Lois fell and broke her right elbow the dayafter arrival in.Rangoon. While in hospital, Lois alsohadsome min
or surgery.

LaVerne and Lois received word that they were to be denied permitsto remain
in Burma.

Robert and Betty returned to Dukdang, workingwith conventions, conferences

as well as translation.

MAY - In the U.S. - Mr. & Mrs. J.Russell Morse making final visits with relatives; shopping; packing.

Eugene and Helen speaking in churches; buying and packing supplies for re
turn to field.

In Burma - LaVerne and Lois, and Drema Esther in Rangoon. LaVerne and Loismade application for reconsideration of granting of stay per
mit.

Robert and Betty in Dukdang, carrying on mission work;also keeping LaVerne and Lois' baby, Cynthia.
JUNE - In the U.S. - Mr. & Mrs. J.Russell Morse completed preparations for return 15 tield. Spent some time with churches in California before leaving
on June 20.

Arrived in Rangoon on June 29. Eugene and Helen and family completed packing, left Indiana for west coast after three boys finished school year, visiting relatives en route. Received word of orders for LaVerne and Lois to be out of Burma by July 10. Special prayer requested. In Burma - LaVerne and Lois returned to Muladi, awaiting reply to their application for reconsideration. Received notice that they were to be out of Burma by Julv 10. Lisu and Rawang churches and individuals made appeals to govt. on their behalf. Much prayer. Beginning of new school year at Putao Christian School with Robert helping.

July - in the U.S. - Eugene and Helen and family on west coast, visiting
living link ctiurch, relatives, and completing preparations for leaving.

In Burma - LaVerne and Lois to Rangoon on July 4th, supposedly on way out ot country, following orders to leave. Further appeal made. Permit granted for LaVerne and Lois to remain in Burma for one year, in ans wer to much prayer. To India for a 2-week vacation.
Drema Esther, Mr. & Mrs. J. Russell Morse all returned to Muladi.

Robert and Betty to Myitkyina to attend Kachin Literacy Committee confer

ence and Lisu Old Testament Revision Conference, enroute to USA for fur lough.

AUGUST - In the U.S. - Eugene and Helen left U.S. on Aug. 4. Met Rob ert and family in Hongkong, together 4 days; arrived Rangoon Aug. 17. Robert and Betty arrived in U.S. on Aug. 27, spent three days in California, then flew east to visit with Betty's family before going on to Bloomington,

Indiana, where Robert enrolled at Indiana University for graduate studies in

linguistics.
-3-

In Burma - LaVerne and Lois arrived back from India, returned to Muladi.

SEPTEMBER - In the U.S. - Robert studying at I.U. Three boys enrolled in

grade school.

In Burma - Eugene andHelen reached Muladi on Sept. 4/ after being delayed

in Rangoon due to airline pilots strike. Mrs. J.Russell Morse teaching Bible in Putao Christian Middle School. Lois teaching English in Putao Christian Middle School; also Calvert School

to Marcia and Ahph (Sammy), Drema Esther's adopted Lisu son. J. Russell Morse and Drema Esther continuing in medical work.

Helen began teaching Calvert School to her boys.

OCTOBER - In Burma - Began 3-mo. BibleSchool forasst. and student preach ers, with Mrs. J. Russell Morse, Eugene, LaVerne and Lois all teaching.

Thanksgiving conventions in seven different places attended by various mis

sionaries.

NOVEMBER - In Burma - Bible School continuing, with 230 students. Eugene toMyitkyina on Nov. 7 to make application for stay permits for three

boys. Permission granted for them to remain until 18 years of age with no
additional permit renewal. Eugene returned to Muladi Nov. 28. Rawang preacher Peter, accompanied by Lisu companion Yu-li-ya, returned from one-year stav In newly-opening Naga work. Reported 50 baptisms, 200 inquirers, ana told of need for more workers there. DECEMBER - In Burma - Visit from Col. Saw Myint, head of Frontier Areas Administration group, and party. Permission requested for members of the mission to be allowed to cross to east side of the Mali Hka (river) on preach ing trips. Informed that we need only make request for specific times, and permission would be given. Mrs. J.Russell Morse to Nogmung area (on east side of Mali Hka) for Christ mas convention there. Accompanied by her girl helpers and Rawang preach
er Peter. Convention attendance 1476.

New evangelistic team sent to Naga area - Lisu evangelist Yeshwe, who will remain two months, and Rawang student preacher Solomon.

Bible School closed after 11 weeks of study.

The year of 1961 was a full one. It brought a full share of trials for all the missionaries - Drema's, Helen's and Betty's illness, Lois's broken arm, the un certainty and anxiety over LaVerne and Lois's permits, to mention a few. But there have been many wonderful answers to prayer, and many things in which we can rejoice. We d like to mention a few, and ask you to join us in praise and thanksgiving.

1. The recovery of Drema Esther. Although she still needs extra rest, she

the improved health of Betty and Helen. 2. Lois's broken elbow, which has caused her so much pain, and which it

has been able to resume a large portion of her medical work. Also for

was feared mightbe permanently stiff, with not more than 80% usefulness, isgradually responding to physiotherapy at home. We believe that event ually her arm will be nearly, if not completely, normal. 3. Lois and LaVerne were given permission to remain in Burma for an ad ditional year. This surely came in answer to much earnest prayer, both in Burma, and the U.S. Please continue to pray forthem, that there will be no repetition of their difficulty this next spring, when their permit is
again due for renewal.

4. Mr. & Mrs. J.Russell Morse, and Eugene & Helen and famiiy were able
to return to Burma without incident, although at one time it was feared that their return might be hindered. 5. There have been wonderfully encouraging reports from the new work in Naga country, with new souls won for Christ, and still others asking for teaching. Two new workers, also, have gone to this area. 6. The Bible School, which lasted for 11 weeks, was completed with less than the usual amount of sickness among the students, and with no in terruptions. At Ihe close of the school, there were 90 students who re
consecrated their lives to the Lord's service.

7. Partial lifting of restriction against crossing the Mali Hka, thus making it possible to visit congregations where the missionaries have not been able to go for several years.
"I WENT TO THE ORIENT" Louise Morse Whitham

What most impresses a traveler in the Oriental countries will depend in part

and Thailand. I left the tour party after sight-seeing Bangkok to go to Ran

American Express all-expense conducted tour of Japan, Formosa, Hong Kong

on his previous interests and ideas. I went with nineteen other members of the Tulsa Garden Center, under an

goon, Burma, hoping from there to fly to Putao, some eight hundred miles
nearer the Chinese border and so to the North BurmaChristian Mission Station

at Muladi. There mv brother, Justin Russell Morse and his sons, Eugene, Ro bertand LaVernewitn theirwives and families, carry on a diversified and ex
tensive missionary pro|ect.

It was my interest in their work that caused me to remember some things

quite different from the rememberances of other tour members. Some noted

the tremendous new building now going on in all these countries, the fine highways, the large use of electric power, the speed and good service of the rail and airlines, the quaint dress, the elaborate courtesies, and the fine
foods which we were served.

All these comfortable observations were not lost on me but the things I re member most vividly were the shrines, pagodas, temples and religious prac
tices of the Orient. I had glimpses into some of the most ancient forms of
worship as well as the most modem.

from direct descent. His wife was a Methodist, but her daughter might be a

cult, for Parseeism is never added to by converts. Membership can only come

An example: In Rangoon, I met a very well-educated man whose early home had been in India. He said he was a Parsee, a member of a dwindling

teacher and that when Alexander the Great, some four hundred years B.C.,
dia, where their descendants have since followed the religious practices and teachings of Parseeism. Mr. Virjee is a Christian in spirit, no matter what religion he inherited from his great grandfathers. He and Mrs. Vir|ee are
among the closest and most helpful friends of the Morse families. It was in Tokyo that we visited a Shinto shrine. Shintoism is about the old
conquered Persia, a great numberof Persian men took to boats ana fled to In

Parsee through her father. Then I was told about Zoroaster, the great Persian

est religious form in Japan, and it is followed by great numbersof village and
-5-

(continued on page 8)

FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRISTIANS IN INDIA By R. LaVerne Morse

In July, 1961, after Lois and I were finally grantedvpermission by the Bur
mese Government to continue work tn Burma, following months of intense strain, we felt very much in need of a brief, complete change for a vacation. Thus, it was decided that we should go for two weeks to vistt the missionaries
and native Christians in the Khasi Hills of India.

another houranda halfof flying northwards in an Indian Airlines plane brought

cutta, only two hours and forty minutes of flying by jet-prop airliner. Then

From Rangoon, Lois and I with our children flew by Union Airways to Cal

there, waiting to meet us, Archie Fairbrother, Emrys Rees (son ofDavid Rees),
and Philip Ho. Philip Ho is the Chinese-Tibetan Christian who for about ten

us to Gauhati Airport at the edge of the Khasi Hills. We were thrilled to see

years has been working faithfully as a missionary together with the other mis sionaries, among the Khasi people. He traveled with me and Mel Byersin 1949 on part of our trip through Tibet, so it was a pleasure to see him again. The David Rees family were our co-workers in the work in the China-^rma area for many years. Mrs. Marguerite Bare Fairbrother, of course, spent many of her early years on the Tibetan border area of China where her parents were thia, arrived In the Khasi Hills, it was almost like a grand homecoming. We had a very concentrated two weeks of fellowship with the missionaries
and native Christians in the Khasi Hills. We were thrilled that there are about

missionaries. Thus, when Lois and I, together with Marcia, Mark and Cyn

1500 Khasi Christians already. We appreciated very much the opportunities of speaking in the churchservices of theMawlaiand Garlhkanachurches, and

sharing our problems, goals, and joy in Christ, we were greatly inspired by
them. We enjoyed so very much the hospitality of David and Lois Rees, with Gospel throughout the world is ONE WORK. Shortly before Lois and I were
appears on the opposite page.

of having many meetings and conferences with the individual Christians. In

whom we stayed, and of Archie and Marguerite Fairbrother, with whom we had many meals. Truly we realize more than ever before that the work of the

to return to Burma, the Khasi Christians and missionaries had a special "sendoff party" for us at whichthey presentedus with a plaque with theletter which

LaVerne in a Khosi home. Just like a Lisu home in Assam, India. July, 1961.
-6-

Garikhana, Shillong 3rd August 1961 Dear beloved Brother and Sister Morse,

sincere regard and affection for you all. We are overjoyed to see you. We

On the occasion of your visit to our KhasJ Hills, we the members of the Church of Christ, Garikhana, Shillong desire most earnestly to express our

feel we are truly brothers in the blood of Christ and are of one family.

We fully appreciate your good mission, a mission to infuse spiritual blood

into the infant and Infirm Christians to rouse our dormant spirit. We cherish

you very muchfor yourvaluable services rendered during the short span of stay in this place. Still then we expect more servicesfrom you and all our patrons. You are most welcome in our midst and we request you to come as often as you can and have meetings with our KhasI and Jalntia Churches of Christ. When we see you here, we begin to realize the greatness of the Churches which Christ established and we do not feel so lonely any more. Our words fail to express our gratitude for your mission, however in the heart of hearts we shall never fall to cherish your good services. Burma Is quite adjacent to India particularly, KhasI Hills. From the pic

tures you showed us yesterday, we came to know that the mode of living of

the KhasI people hao certain similarities with those Rawang and LIsu people during a few hundred years ago. From all points of view we dare say that a day will come when Khasls and Burmese Missionaries will inter-change for preaching the Gospel to the places where it does not reach. Man may come and man may go but the Churches of Christ here In KhasI Hills, Burma and through out the whole world will go on with their activities for ever. We hope and pray a moretangible form of communicationsuch as news paper links our churches together and In any case we will never forget you. When you return to your field of labour, please convey our greetings to our Brothers and Sisters in your respective places. We covet your prayers for the

works here even as we will pray for you there. We hope your Christmas season

will be a happy one and that tne year ahead will bring you much joy In your
service for him. At the same time may we appeal to you to allow our memory a little room In the soft comer of your heart?

With a heavy heart, we say good-bye. Let God bless you all.
S. Bnasan Urian,
In behalf of Brothers and Sisters Church of Christ

Garikhana, Shillong

Eating a Khasi meal in Shulling, Assam.

Lois with Reeses and

Fairbrothers

and

Khasi friends.

(continued from page 5)

country folk. We were there on a special festival day and the huge building was crowded with people. There was no ceremony or order, except that no one wore shoes inside the temple. Families ate picnic lunches, and children
played and shouted. Venders of sacred emblems and charms were numerous.

There was no altar, yet there were niches where offerings of food or money were laid by the faithful, for the upkeep of the shrine. This is a very simple form ofworship orof thanksgiving for fertility of fields and family. Modern Shintoism has been influenced by the teachings both of
Buddhism and of those of Confucius. Along the roads are little "god houses", of family shrines. Some call Shintoism the spirit of old Japan. The existence of these ancient religious forms, the Parsee and the Shinto, despite countless conquests and political changes, brings the realization that Christianity has also withstood persecutions. Surely it can endure and survive future trouoles. This is the hope and the faith of Christian missionaries.

Buddhism came into Japan in about the fifth century, probably from Thai land, but the Japanese variety differs in many ways from that of the earlier

forms. We were told that there were at least three hundred "denominations", or cults, in Japan under the general name of Buddhism. There, as in the

Shinto shrines, shoes were forbidden. Religious buildings were very large, manv of them dating back hundreds of years and in all of them wefound great

numbers ofstatues usually representing different moods of their great teacher,

Buddha. Some of these statues were carved from stone, but most were from

wood, then lacquered, then gilded. Buddhist followers insist that they do not worship the great founder, nor his many statues, but are reminded by them of his ethical teachings. They say "Our religions are much the same, only your
teacher was Jesus, while ours was Buddha".

We were in andout of so many of these temples that it was almost a surprise to be told that over 300,000 of Japan's population fol Iowed some form of Christian worship. I thought of our own pioneer missionaries in this great country and marvelled at their courage and potience. Formosa stands in sharp contrast religiously to the other Oriental countries I visited, for its ruler Premier Chang Kai Shek is a Methodist Christian. On the lovely island, which is so much more important than I had realized, are to be found about everv type of religion from the spirit worship among the so called Aborigineesto tne temples of Buddha and Confucius. There are several

Christian Missions and the influence of the Premier andMadame Chang is very evident. It was in the exquisite Empire Hotel owned by Madame Chang, that
we found the only Bibles in hotel rooms on our tour. Madame Chang also

holds a Christian Women's Prayer Meeting in her home on every Wednesday

afternoon.

Hong Kong is British territory, very busy with it's trade and refugees even on Sunday, but there are oil sorts of religious buildings. It was the one place where the pagoda was more an ornament than a place of worship, for instance
in the Tiger Balm Gardens. It was in Bangkok where we found the center of Buddhism, the most elab orate shrines, the most amazing images of Buddha, the greatest number of

yellow-robed priests, the most beautiful Wats or monasteries. In this country,

that she has hopes of only one convert, but hasfoundspiritual peace, oecause she knows she has been Christ's minister both to the leper colony and to her neighbors. It was there, too, I met the heroic nurse, Dorothy Sterling, who is to work among the Lisu people who are refugees in Northern Thailand. Here in the hill country are several other Christian workers of whom we all have heard. They lay the foundations of Christian faith.
-8-

Williams who has lived a Christian example for about twelve years, yet says

the Christian Missionary finds a most difficult field. There I met Imogene

I leff the safety of our escorted tour to go into Burma hoping to get as far north as Putao, the farthest north air field in Burma and near Muladi, site of

the North Burma Christian Mission Center, but on the day we were to fly, a terrible monsoon covered all the area south of the great mountain ranges. The winds and slashing rain were most violent. All flights north from Rongoon
were cancelled and neither the Morses at the Mission, or I, with Lois Morse

and Drema Esther, who met me in Rangoon, could go anywhere. It was a great disappointment, yet my enforced stay at the Baptist Guest House in Ran goon was time well spent. There I met missionaries from many denominations and got a more general picture than I had had of the great work being done in central and northern Burma, where the change from the ancient spirit wor ship of demon fear, to the freedom and kindness of Christianity istaking place. I want here to give credit to Drema Esther, foster daughter of my Morse fami
lies on the mission field, for her fine work as nurse and interpreter and all

around capable women. In every sense she is a fine Christian Missionary.

Lois told meabout her work as leader of the Mission Choruses, of her pleas ure in teaching the six year olds, Marcia and Ahpu, Drema tsther's foster

son. She and Helen now carry the burden of typing and mimeographing of
Missionary teaching material. She told me also of LaVerne's new venture in the Christian Day School, a class in typing. He hopes some of his students may thus be able to help with the great task of preparing lessons and reading material for the Lisu and the Rawang students. In this way, I was able to picture the busy daily doing's of the Mission at Muladi.

On this tour, I noted the great help a Christian Guest House is in a foreign

land. I found them in Bangkok also, out not in Honolulu, where I was a guest one night in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Gallagher. They are gallantly trying to care for many of the missionaries who pass through Honolulu. It is too heavy a burden for a busy pastor (and his wife!). The missionary families working in Hawaii have shared in caring for those enroute back to their fields of service - this included veteran missionaries Mr. and Mrs. Owen Still, in

whose home Robert and Betty Morse andfamily stayed whilein Hawaii enroute
back to Burma in August. Someone should arrange a guest house. It could be

self supporting, if once established. Honolulu is the Air-gateway to the Ori ent. This should be a brotherhood project.

ridge, I learned that my nephew, Robert Morse and family, were with their
supporting congregation, the First Christian Church of Long Beach. I wor

^Back in Inglewood, California, at the generous home of Ray and Clara Part

shipped with them onthe Lord's Day, and afterwards enjoyed a Church-picnic dinner in a closeby park. There I remembered the family picnics in the Shinto
shrine in Tokyo, so different 1
I'm glad I went to the Orient. I came home with a renewed faith in Chris tianity in Asia. I had a new realization of the difficulties and trials our for eign workers undergo. They are God's Peace Corps.

THE JEEP

About three years ago Betty Morse mentioned in a letter that it would be such a great help if there were a jeep on the mission field. One of her Liv
ing Link churches (Skidmore, Missouri) started the fund and made contacts

with other Living Link churches of various members of the family. We also
made it known through letters to friends of the workand in a few months there were sufficient funds designatedbychurchesand individualsto make it possible.
-9-

Mission jeep, LaVerne Morse enroute from Rangoon to Myitkoyina.

LaVerne and Lois were on furlough/ returning to Burma in the summer of

Muladi. It was a pretty rough trip as the roads were in bad condition from the

1960. Before leaving the States LxiVerne ordered the Jeep. After some de lays because of permits, etc. the Jeep finally reached Rangoon. When re turning upcountry after a business trip to Rangoon, LaVerne and a companion took Jt as far as Myitkyina. The accompanying picture was taken during that trip. Finally in November, 1961 Eugene drove the Jeep from Myitkyina to

Moisoon rains. But the Jeep has been areal blessing andtripshave been made to various villages in the area that might not have been made without the

Jeep because it was Impossible to makea round trip in one day on foot or with the tractor. It has made it possible for the whole family to go, taking the
One great need for the Jeep was that so much time was spent going from

children, too.

Muladi to Dukdang - 4 miles - as part of the work is carried on in each vil

ladi. As Administrator (or Principal) LaVerne had to make frequent trips back and forth. Now all grades are held in Dukdang so any of the Muladi folks who help in the teaching must travel back and forth. Robert and Betty live In Dukdang, and as they help with the Bible Schools which are usually held In Muladi, must travel backand forth too. As Betty said not long before their
because so many times we need a way to move people who are seriously ill or have serious iniuries, and who come to the missionaries for help." We hope that sometime tnis dream may become a reality. To those who had a part in the Jeep project we express our deep appreciation. It is proving to be a real
"tool" in the Lord's work.
-10-

lage. Until recently, grades one through four of the Christian Day School were held in Dukdang and grades six, seven and eight were conducted in Mu

return to Burma, "Now we need another Jeep - really, an ambulance Jeep,

ROBERT

MORSE

FAMILY

Top: Robert, Betty and Dorothy Drema. Below: Johathon, Stephen and Robert, Jr.

Long Beach, Californta

July 14, 1962

Dear Friends and Fellow-workers:

The time has come onceagain forBeftyand I withour four children Jonothan, Stephen, Bobby (Akey) and D.D. (Dorothy Drema)to return to the field. We will be starting our air journey to the other side of the world from Los Ange les at 10 a.m. on July 16th, traveling via Seattle, Honolulu, Tokyo, HongKong, Bangkok and Rangoon by a variety of airlines, and arriving at our des tination about the first of August. This will begin our third term of service as a family, with the North Burma Christian Mission, working with the Lisu, Rawang, Kachin, and other nationalities or minority groups found in North Bur
ma.

Looking back on our 10 month furlough here In the States, we are encouraged and thankful for the great wealthand variety of experiences which have been

done. Many of you whom we haa earnestly hoped to come and visit never
sow us; many to whom we planned to write a good personal letter never got

ours. It has been an extremely busy time for us, and many things got left un

those letters. We had hoped to tell more fully of the needs and the opportun ities for the Gospel in the Burma field, so that your interest might be en couraged, and your pravers more understanding. All these failures must be rung up on the debit siae of ouryear in the States, and we are sorry for them.
But we are also glad that we were able to do as much a6 was done. We don't

think we just "kept ourselves busy" withoutaccomplishing the Lord's purposes.

And for all that has been done, we do give all credit to the Lord, for His

guidance and help, His wisdom. His strength. We do praise and thank Him

for many, many things. We felt the Lord's leading, in our going to school, rather than taking all the time to visit the churches. The Lord provided a 6-room, old house in how ever a convenient neighborhood, and Robert was able to work 10 hoursa week at a linguistic assistantship which helped with the more than $200 a month rent and utilities bill. Expenses ran high in the small university town, but living-link supporters were generous and helpful, and the various extra ex penses such as tuition, necessary books, etc., were all met. Even little D.D. got to go to nursery school. During the second semester Betty also kept busy
with school work.

Thus, with the Lord's help, Betty was able to finish her BibleSchool courses, and got her B.A. from Cincinnati Bible Seminary, in addition to 8 hours of post-graduate work in Indiana University, and Robert was able to complete
38 hours of post-graduate work in Linguistics, write a thesis entitled "Hier-

archial Levels of Rawang Phonology", and get a Master of Arts degree from IndianaUniversity. Both of us are also enrolled for the next year. In absentia,
to do research work on the field. Extra copies of Robert's thesis were printed to give to our various Bible college libraries, inasmuch as it presents a

thorough-going structural analysisof language and should be useful for refer ence to other students of language. This was made possible by a generous gift from the Strongs in northeastern Indiana. Two purposes have been accomplished by this time in school. Both of us
have learned a lot which will help us in our work on the mission field, in an thropology, sociology, and linguistics. A missionary isn't just a person who knows the Gospel and can preach it. He also has to have the training to be able to communicate it, to all kinds of people, and across all kinds of bar

riers, whether of language, culture, or race. We are much better equipped

has been in preparing ourselves in ways that may be useful to maintain our status oracceptability in Burma. The time may come when all doors are closed
foreign fields, if we are also trained in other capacities, even as Paul was a
tent-maker.

to tackle these problems after this year of study. Anotherpurposeaccompiisned to "missionaries" as such. We may be able to continue to serve the Lord in

The Lord has blessed us in regard to our family health problems. Betty's serious ailments were diagnosed and treatment begun with the help and work

of Dr. Ray Fuller and the Northside Church of Christ in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Gene Carter, minister. Her back and joints are afflicted with
rheumatoid arthritis, and she needs an operation for gallstones, which was

supposed to take place this spring, but still has not materialized. We may
have to have this taken care of at some hospital in the Orient, after our re

turn to Burma. Bobby has not been as strong as he should, but is improving, and the other children are all developing well. Robert needed a minor oper ation to remove a tumor on his tongue, and this was finally taken care of,
with the help of arrangements made by the First Christian Church of Long Beach, at a hospital in Long Beach on the 5th of July. We were thankful to know that the tumor was benign, and the temporarylossof the useof his tongue has not been any great disadvantage. We have been surprised, pleased, and
- 12-

thankful, at the way the general health of all the family has stood up during the year, and we do not feel too worn out, as we head out towards Burma
again.

We had first planned to return to Bunma via Europe, but various situations and things arose to change our minds, and once again we head back over the Pacific. We packed up our goods in Bloomington and arranged for their ship ment from New York, via Terre Haute, but didn't finish in the time we had so ended up hauling a trailer down to Louisiana. In Indiana we were thrilled with all the friends whohelped us In so many ways. Many new groups became interested in the North Burma work, and have joined the many who are al ready supporting the Lord's work there bothfinancially and spiritually through

prayer. Many individuals and groups gave specific gifts such as books and
magazines, useful items of equipment. Special mention must be made of the Amish horse-buggy, and church bell from Odon, Indiana, the large amount of

gardening tools and equipment from Pete and Pat Mitchell of Robinson, Illi

nois, the windmill ana water pumps, bells, and many other Items also from there, some beautiful kitchen cabinets from Green Fork, Indiana, where Bro.

Al Biilingsly is minister. The churches at Solsbury and Ellettsvllle, where

Louis Sosebee and Wayne Shaw minister, helped continually with gifts and donated labor, when it came time to pack and crate the goods. Also, we want to express our thanks to Mr. Sam Silverberg of the Christian Church of North Terre Haute, Indiana who provided the metal drums for our goods and to Mr. N.C. Eddingsof Maplewood Christian Church of Terre Haute, Indiana
who drove the truck to move our drums and crates from Bloomington, Indiana

to Terre Haute, Indiana. Mr. Eddings also completed the crating and ad dressing when "Daddy" Myers was unable to do so because of his Illness. Down in Louisiana, where we were able to spend one week at ArcadiaChris tian Service Camp, and learn that Home Missions continues to be a very im portant work, we enjoyed a wonderful fellowship with ministers in the "French

Field", the Duhons, Pricers, Claycombs, and many others. We enjoyed one week "at home" with Betty's parents and folks, and finished up some more packing for a shipment out of New Orleans which includes many good and

useful gifts from friends down there collected with the help of Mrs. Ruby St. Dizier. We were also given a portable generator by the Julian Duhons which we hope will be a great help to usthis next term. With the short time we had before departure, we haven't been able to do the usual planning, buying and packing for our next 5 year term, but the Lord has certainly provided us many unexpected, and unusual gifts, through the generosity of the many friends of the work. These we are taking not because we desire the "modem conven iences" on the mission field, but because each item we feel will help us be
more efficient and more useful to the Lord in our work. So we do not feel we

shipping.

are wasting money, when we have such a large bill for transportation and
A long letter could be written, and will be written later, as to the spiritual needs we see and feel as we set out once more. It seems as though the fight

ly we would not feel equal to going back at this time, if we did not know that we did havea very large, faithful groupof prayer-warriors here In the States, whowere upholding usin this task. Remember that we are depending upon you, and do need your prayers at all times, as we concentrate our efforts on the

Satan sees his time Is short, and is desperately trying to subdue the Lord's workers. So we feel the ne^ of your continuea prayers very much. Certain

Is really Increasing in intensity, between righteousness and evil. It isas though

job of getting out there, and everything lined up foranother term of full-time service, trying to win new souls to Christ, and help establish the faith of the many thousands already won. Faith is the Victory that Overcomes, and that througl; the Cross of Christ, under whose banner we march forward. May the Lord bless each one of you as you continue to serve Him here in the homeland. Sincerely yours for the Lord's Kingdom, Robert and Betty and children
NEWS FROM BURMA

Portions of letters written by various members of the Morse families in Bur ma will give an insight into the work, problems and joys of life on the Mission Field during the past few months.

For several months during the late 1961 and early 1962 a number of Lisu became alarmed, thinking that there would be Communist trouble so they fled toward the India border. Those whofelt this was a mistake could not persuade them to stav. They suffered many hardships and gradually some came back to Muladi ana surrounding villages. Early last spring Mrs. Gertrude Morse wrote concerning them, "The Lisu people who ran away have not been received by the Indian government because they had no passports. So, many of them are returning.. .They could not buy food for the return journey and had to eat anything they could find in the jungle. They have had a very hard experi ence. A few died from starvation and cold. Now some of them realize they
were in the wrong. .... "Our Lisu and Rawang missionaries who have been working with the

Naga tribe report that about fifty converts have been baptized and that about two hundred more are studying and we hope, can soon be baptized. These say that they believe and they have given up smoking opium but they still plant it to exchange for food. Our preachers are teaching them how to plant
rice and also teaching them the wrong in planting opium. We don't feel,

and our missionaries there do not feel that they can be baptized until they are willing to give this up. Please pray much for these new "believers" as well as for the fifty already baptized.
"We now have nine Lisu missionaries working in the Naga field. Please pray much for all of these."

In early summer J.Russell Morse wrote to his Living Link church in Inglewood, California, "In my last letter I wrote to you for special intercession

and prayers for the work on our behalf here in Putao, Burma. It has become very hard to plan ahead, not knowing whether we will be able to continue much longer. Since my request conditionsare no worse, but do still continue to pray for us. The Stay Permit for LaVerne and Lois has been extended to May, 1963. Also, it seems there is no obstruction to new Foreigners Regis tration Certificates being issued to Gertrude and me, so we will still try to
continue working and witnessing while we can... It seems that most other missionaries elsewhere are facing similar dangers and uncertainties... .The Churches out here continue, and there is very encouraging advance in some sectors. The harvest is plenteous, laborers few. Please request continuing prayers for us. God bless you, every one." Letters from LaVerne and Lois, too, give an insight into problems: "At

this time (May, 196^ it seems the mission work is going through a very real
- 14-

trial, so that if we did not have reassurance from our Heavenly Father, we

would very surely despair of the future. The trials, needs for discipline, and heartaches within the churches out here weigh very heavily on vour hearts. It
would seem as though Satanic forces are making a concerted effort to sow tribal dissensions, enmities, mistrust, fear, and sin of all sorts among the churches. At the same time, the world events bear all the more heavily on

the prayers of fellow Christians in America that the forces of Satan may be held back, that the Gospel may continue to march forward in the further
strengthening of the present Christians, and in the reaching of manynew areas where doors are opening, especially in areas of Burma to the south of the pre

the churches here because of geographical proximities.. .We very much need

sent work... .Please pray that our faith might be strengthened, and that we might look increasingly to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords."
About the same time Lois wroteof herpart in the increased activity in which the missionaries have been striving to increase and stimulate the faith of the Christians - especially the voung people, "I've started a youth sing every Friday night here in tne village and have been thrilled with the response. There are about 85 who come together to learn songs we're in the process of

translating. They are so eager to learn and so love to sing. And there is no phase of the mission work I en oy more. The 85 or so include a few older folk
who are anxiousto learn too. Later - last night there wereover one hundred!" Lois and Drema Esther went to Rcngoon for medical check-ups and also to meet Mrs. Whitham (J. Russell Morse's sister) whose article appears in this
newsletter. While there Lois wrote:"... I saw Dr. Suvi about the elbow I had

broken a year ago. Further x-rays were taken... .and he indicated that noth ing would now be accomplished by trying to force it to bend or straighten. .. .The problem now with reference to pain and stiffness seems to be due to arthritis... I am so grateful for this final word and advice regarding my arm;
for one thing, it will save endless pain that I have been going through trying to still bend it and straighten it further. I think Helen and I were both dis couraged with our sessions together toward the lastas my arm would stiffen up

again shortly after we had "limbered" it up. We were evidently just breaking arthritic adhesions, and I can tell you that was no fun.... I am so very thank
ful to Helen for during the months we worked on my arm after their return last fall, we did make considerable progress with it, and I am confident If it were

not for her patient help my arm would not be nearly as well as it is today."

the longing to be with you. But He has helped and comforted mie. And too,
We have been so burdened for these young people for quite some time. There

Helen wrote after receiving word of her daddy's illness; ".. .This is one of those times when It is only through the Lord's helpand strengththat I can bear

to offset the longing and homesickness. He has given the pleasure and satis faction of being able to help in starting a young peoples' Bible study group.

are so many trials and temptations against whicn their old way of doing things
has not prepared them to stand. We feel the need of much prayer as we try to teach them and ground them in the things of the Lord, to prepare them for some of these things which they will meet as civilization catches up with

them. Even their own LIsu leaders are not fully aware of the dangers to the
young people."

In a letter to their living link churches in June, Eugene and Helen wrote; "Forabout two months now, we have felt the need of special prayers concern ing various problems here on the field, so have been gathering a few people
- 15-

who are also deeply concerned about the spiritual needs and having a weekly
prayer meeting. Eugene has been meeting with the men and Helen with the

women, and we have felt greatly blessed. Now others who are aware of the

These meetings are in addition to tne regular Wednesday evening prayer ser

needs are beginning additional prayer groups in various homes in the village.

vice. Also, beginning this past Monday night, Eugene began a Bible study

class for all the men in the church. We are hoping soon to be able to have a similar class for the young people. Mother started a Bible class for the wo men about a month ago. Please pray that the Lord will bless and use these
groups.

Robert and Betty and family arrived back in Burma August 6th and went upcountry on the 13th. Robert wrote; "With terrible rains this summer, noplanes for 3 weeks, we had no word but telegrams from Putao In Rangoon, so decided to try and come up without delay, and without trying to buy some of our es sentials. Apparently this also was the Lord's will, for our plane came straight

on up on Monday, without even the usual stopover in Myitkyina Monday

night. Thus we landed at Putao in the middle of the monsoon, at a moment when the weatherjust cleared uplongenough forus to findPutao andland, and unexpected by most of the local Christians, but Gene, Helen, Dad/Mom were here to meet us in the jeep. Before the plane took off the rains had started

up again, and by the time we got home, we were soaked. But it was good to get back, and feel the good old 150% humidity and dampness that penetrates clear through to the marrow, and feel the pure, high quality mud of Putao splatter all your city clothes and ooze through clear into your pores and seek out any mistaken civilized inhibitions which might have been acquired in a vears absence . Yes sir, we sure are glad to get back to thedcrk dingy, nomey, smoke-filled home where we have to watch where we step or we go through the floor, or play soccer with a viper, cobra or krait. We love it,
praise Godl

Regarding their return Helen wrote, "This is the first time since the Spring
of 1959 that all 4 families have been together. Margaret and D.D. went around with their arms around each other. Just think, there are 6 little girls out here now, all so different but all so sweet, pretty and cute."

Mailed by Mrs. OSCAR L. MYERS

2024 N. 14th St.

Terre Houte, Indiana

For

Sec. 34.66 P. L & R

U. S. POSTAGE
PAID

NORTH

BURMA

CHRISTIAN MISSION

Terre Haute, Ind.

PERMIT NO. 321

RETURN

REQUESTED.

USD and RAWANG CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN BURMA

NORTH BURMA CHRISTIAN MISSION

"Where China, Tibet, Burma and India Meet"

(Formerly Yunnan-Tibetan Christian Mission)

Students beating out rice.

. The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another. . ithess. anz

THIRD

1962

NEWSLETTER

No. 31 New Series Beginning January, 1953

The J. Russell Morse Family

P. O. Putao

Kachin State, Burma

WHAT IS A MONSOON?

By Mrs. Louise Morse Whitham

When people talk about monsoons, they may be referring to monsoon rains, or to the monsoon season but a dictionary defines monsoon as a wind. It is the wind that determines the length of the monsoon season and it is the wind that
brings on the torrential rains so often called monsoons.

The monsoon winds are seasonal, blowing from over the tropics and the In dian Ocean in a steady, northeasterly direction across southeastern Asia, for
about six months. Beginning in March, and increasing in violence as the warm

moisture laden air from the Indian Ocean meets the cooler air masses coming off the snows of the Himalaya Mountains, the monsoon is most violent from June to August. These winds correspond to the trade winds of the western hemisphere. Each is caused by the rotation of the earth in its annual orbit

around the sun. If the Rocky Mountains lay from east to west across the United
States, all the lands south of the mountains might also have regular and cloud burst-like rains. In the valley where the North Burma Christian Mission is
located, the rainfall of the monsoon season is never less than 200 inches.

(The annual average rainfall in the United States is usually about 40 inches. A monsoon storm is very violent. The wind twists and beats and pounds with slashing rain much like a cloudburst. The first days of the monsoon season are dreaded for then the great storm has an almost cyclonic fury, making all forms of travel dangerous. Roadways are dug out by torrents of water. Air planes are blown about like leaves in a high wind. No one knows how high these storm clouds may be, for planes have not been able to fly above these
storms. They just stay on the air strip waiting for a break in the storm. There
will be brief intervals of calm between these rains after the first violence has
subsided.

In spite of the destruction caused by these seasonal deluges, or monsoons, they are welcomed for they bring relief from the intense heat of summer and they fill water reservoirs and flood the rice paddies. These quotationsfrom recent letters from the Missionary Morses tell some of the difficulties of living and of traveling in Burma during the monsoon season. Mrs. LaVerne Morse (Lois) wrote of her return from Rangoon on June 18, "Esther Drema and I actually reached Putao from Rangoon in one flight. There were times when we thought the little plane would fall apart as it dropped into

air pockets or was wrenched by the violent winds. Esther was very air sick and 1was dizzy and afraid because the rains, like torrents of water, were
heavier as we flew toward the mountains. A week later another plane was so badly damaged by the storm that it could not get off the Putao Air Strip until repairs could be made. Since then these air flights have failed to reach Putao and we have been unable to get mail in or out,"
Robert Morse wrote, "We arrived in Rangoon on August 4th, and were im

mediately overwhelmed by the monsoon atmosphere. I never realized how ut terly pervading the dampness is in this season. Mr. Virgee said that their air-conditioner in a bedroom condenses 4 quarts of water per 24 hours. That is, it extracts 1 gallon of wctferfrom the air in a closed room each day, water which has been deposited there by the monsoon humidity. In no time at all, all ofour good, new clothes and items from the U.S. were moldy and mildew ing and smelling. And from 4th August to 31 August, we have had a steady, continuous, heavy downpour of rain except for 2 brief periods on 2 days. Nobody expected our plane to get up here to Putao, for it had been turned back the two previous weeks. In answer to prayer, we came safely through,
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a spot opening up in the stormclouds to let us drop right down on Putao. No

sooner had we landed, however, than the rain started up again, and by the
time we got home, even riding the |eep, we were soaked. We found that our house was so greatly deteriorated, that we will have to rebuild in the winter dry season, a job we dread." Robert Morse also wroteon September15, "We have nowbeenhere a month, very busy and not minding the passage of time becauseit meant the ending of
the monsoon season, sometime in October. One cannot realize how isolated you can be until making an effort to get out in the rain and travel.

"Last Saturday LaVerne and I made such an effort, and failed. A church about 8 miles away was having a feast at the end of their church summer school, and wanted us to come. We managed to get from Dukdang to Muladi alright, in the jeep, since that road is being kept up by the tractor hauling stones and gravel from the river bed and dumping it in the worst mudholes. Then we started out, taking a Lisu worker along with axe, machetes, and hoes, for digging out if necessary. Within half a mile the jeep was stuck in the mud and we had to back out. Then we got the tractor and started out again, got through several holes and a bit further, cautiously detouring, un til we were finallystopped several miles short of destination by a bad mudhole turned into a waist-deep stream by a recent shower. As we didn't relish the

appear before fellow-humans, we just gave up and came home. It reminded me of the times I had determinedly set out for preaching points on the plains

idea of wading waist deep in the mud, risking getting bit by the foot-long buffalo-leeches in that hole, and arriving at the feast completely unfit to

of this valley in the rainy season, usually traveling in my bathing suit, with my clothes in a waterproof bag on my shoulder.

"No other way to get through. And one place within sight of our Dukdang house here, which in dryweather can be bicycled to in less thanhalf an hour, had required 3 swimS/ 5 waist-deep fordings, and about 50 other places that
would have been impassable with rubber boots - as it was I went barefoot as
well as in swimsuit, and made it in three hours.

"The first snows have hit the Tibetan mountains above us, reminding us that we are not really in the tropics, although the humidity is more than 100%."
On August 19, Lois wrote, "Just yesterday we were wondering when we
had last seen the sun, and Esther remembered it had come out week before

they still must be a part of the universe, but this is something which faith
reckons on, not sightI

lastl I have no idea when we last saw the moon and the stars. I feel like

muddy mess; clothes hang on the lines under our shedroof for days before they are dry enough to tackle with an iron; things smell musty because they really
are, not because it's your imagination!"

"Everything in our house is saturated with dampness; the roads are soupy,

By September 12, Gertrude Morse was able to write, "Our rainy season has slackened now and we are having some sunshine. We have haa some clear

blue skies, and the moon is again visible. It was very beautiful outside last night. Soon the ground will be dry enough for the winter planting season."

Monsoons rank with typhoons, hurricanes, cyclones, and blizzards as seas onal forces of Ntaure, They |ust have to be endured.

THEN COMES THE VOICE

By Helen Morse
Just when the darkness about us seems deepest. Just when we feel that we haven't a friend,
Then comes the voice that can comfort our sorrows,

"Lo, I am with you, e'en unto the end."

Just when we feel that the load is too heavy.

The (ourney yet long, and the way we can't see.

Then comes tne voice to our heart gently speaking, "Child, bring your burden and come unto me."

Flow forth from Him who can speak to us so. What wonderful grace that would reach down in mercy
To comfort and guide us as through life we go. Let us then praise Him with all of our being. For His great mercy. His wonderful grace.
And for the love that sent Jesus, our Savior

What tenderness, gentleness, love, and compassion

To shed His own blood, and to die in our place.

Please DO NOT send any funds direct to Burma. Send to: Mrs. Oscar L. Myers, Forwarding Agent 2024 North 14th St., Terre Haute, Indiana

DEDICATION

By Betty Morse

Our family got to attend onlv one camp this past summer, Accadian ChristIan Service Camp. We regret tnat we couldn't go to more and share the won derful fellowship, but we did have the privilege of seeing a family dedicate their lives to Christ's work, even to the mission field if that is where He wants

them. There must be many from this summer's camps who have made similar
what. I first dedicated my life at Accadian Christian Service Camp, and that
The following article, I hope, will show all the young people who have

decisions. We want to encourage them to stick to tneir decisions, no matter

public dedication iswhat took me clear to China,for many timesi would have givenup if I had not publicly made that pledge to follow Christ ANYWHERE.
made decisions thispast year now God is now countingon them, that He needs
them, for as all can see, the need is so very great. Sometimes I feel sorry for our Father, who has to use such as we, for we are so unworthy; but He can take the little that we can do for Him, and multiply it many times and some

thing great can actuolly come of our efforts1 This is a part of spiritual reward you will never see if you back out of your pledge. So, read on and realize that our lives are no more precious in God's sight than the lives of the thous ands who have died needlessly, a direct result of Christ's Name not having been made known throughout the whole world.

you all especially now, and can imagine how God will use your wonderful
talents beyond all your dreams if you will let Him. Hurry and finish prepa
above all, won't all of you hurry while there is still time?
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Our dear Blanche and Bill, June and Arville, Jan and Ron; I'm thinking of

rations and hurry to come and enjoy the spiritual feasts and rewards you will

have; hurry while you and the children are young enough to "take it"; and

WHY DIDN'T YOU COME SOONER?

B/ Betty Morse

"Mommy, we have some Naga boys In our school I" said one of our children

as became back from hisfirst dav of Burmese school after our recent furlough.
What a thrill to the children to have as class-mates the children of former

far to study in a Christian school. Robert and I remember the first stories we
heard about their contact with the Good News.

head-hunters* And what a thrill to us to realise that they had come from so

We had felt verybad about the pitiful experiences which the Lisu Christians had had after managing to flee from China over into Burma. The Burmese government, afraid of the red giant, had ordered them all back to China-

to their death. They had refuse them food and even would not let them stay in the homes of local people who gladly would have received them. But in
spite of, or because of, this ill treatment, the soldiers who had to guard them

felt pity and shared their own food with them, and later, when the refugees had been cruelly ordered to go back, let some escape into the {ungle where

they had a slight chance to survive. Not daring to live near Putao, a small

band had made its way sixteen days through the {ungle, over monkey and elephant trails, to an unknown valley that they had heard hunters tell about. There, as they tried to create a new life for themselves and forget the hor rors of the past years, they were faithful to God, and worshippea Him regu larly. Everyone who has ever heard the Lisu have been moved at their sing ing, and oneday a hunting partyof Nagas from many daysjourney away over heard them singing. Amazed, they hid and watched these strange people, noting that they asked a blessing on the food which they ate. TheNagas could recognize and approve of this, for they themselves asked the Unknown

G^ for His bIessi ngs on their fields, saying, "Let there be a good harvest

this year."

The story has been written of their contact finally, andof their desire to hear about Jesus. After some had heard, and believed, one of the first ques tions these new Christians asked was, "But why didn't you come to tell us all
this sooner?

And we, who had even felt bitter that God would allow His faithful fol

lowers to suffer so, had to humbly admit that His plan had been best. He may have had other plans once, though. He may have planned that some Ameri can take the Gospel to the Nagas of North Burma. Maybe the Lisu would not
have had to suffer so if someone God had tried to lead to the mission field had

been faithful to the Call. But since, at this late date they hadn't heard the name of Jesus, the Lisu Christians were not given refuge and they were scat
tered, as was the early church of which we read in the Bible.

Some might ask, "But what if the Nagas had heard sooner? Maybe they wouldn't have believed anyway." This might possibly be so, but what if they

and mercy of God. What would have happened to the starving, dying refu

of History might have been altered if these same villagers had known the love

hadl Many would have been saved from a Christless grave; and the very pages

gees who fled from the Japanese over the now famous Ledo Road, at that time just a muddy track? I ask because some of the new Christian villages are on that track1 This is what did happen, however. Let me quote from the book. Forgotten Frontier, by Geoffrey Tyson.

through the remnants of a large family after his parents had died. After carry
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'^The Road Commissioner told me of a case of a fourteen-year-old AngloIndian boy, Norman Richardson, who by his single handed courage brought

ing him to the Idist, he had to leave the body of his little baby brother in tne mud of the track between Ngalang (Nalong) and Tagung Hka villages where

did, when He was on earth. It might even have been one of our schoolboy's
us.

with loving hands he finally laid him. Many a night after reaching camp he would go back on his tracks for two or three miles to help on his aged grand mother." Nalong is the village that our schoolboys are from, and the little Richardson baby would be about the same age as some of these children if he had lived. And he might have lived if one of the Nalong women had known that the Christian's expects His followers to help the helpless as His Son

mother who offered the starving baby her breast, sharing her life-giving milk that her own baby needed - if she had known then that Jesus gave His life for Again, "Near the spotwhere the Richardson babywas laid there was found,
some three months later, the bones of a Gurkha woman who had fallen in the
mud and been unable to rise. The skeleton of her little child was still bound

fast upon her shoulders." Would ithavemade a difference if the villagers had heard that Jesus lifted up the sick? That he even raised some from the dead?

Would the terrified wailsof the child havebeen heeded and the mother helped up if the villagers had known that Jesus had said, "Come unto me ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest?
Just once again let me quote Mr. Tyson, who saw so many, many similar cases. "One thinks with horror and a profound pity of the two little English

girlswho were left in a slender leaf-coveredsheltersomewhere between Tagup Ga and Namlip. One was dead and the other, racked with high fever, was
peering hopelessly into the rain, waiting for the release that was soonto come."

As a mother, I know that I would rather have left my little daughter in a vil
lage cemetery such as the Christians make with a rude wooden cross on the

grave. And it would have made a difference to the little dying girl to have heard other children singing "Jesus loves the little children, all the children

all of you know it, for someone cared enough for you to teach it to you.
have asked, "Why didn't you come sooner?"

of the world; red and yellow, black and white..." You can finish the verse -

So the poor Lisu have taken someone's place and have reached these most northern Nagas who had never heard of our Lord. Pray for us, that we might

not forget what they were - and please, won't you remember, too, that they
PROGRESS REPORT IN MISSION FIELD AREA

Burma's largest English-language newspaper carried an account of their trip, and since it also described conditions in this part of the country, we felt it might be of some interest to friends in the homeland. Following are portions
of the orticle which pertain to the mission area: "The northernmost regions of Burma have been formed into a frontier district

northern tip of the country - that part in which most ofthe work of the North Burma Christian Mission is located. On November 14, 1962, "The Nation",

Recently a group of high-ranking government officials in Burma visited the

istration, a department dlr^tly under the control of the Chairman of the Re

volutionary Council. With dense forests and high mountains, communications are extremely difficult in this district, and because of shortage of level land for cultivation, the people have to eke out a precarious living out of taungya* cutting.

known as East Putao Districh, and administered by the Frontier Areas Admin

rhe task of the FAA in these regions is concerned more with measures to in

crease the food supply than with those for the advancement of health and ed ucation. Top priority is given to the workof teaching thepeople about meth ods of terrace cultivation, by whichalone they can ever hope to get adequate
food.
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Second priority is given to the work of building roads on the hills. These areas can be reached only on foot, walking across high mountains and deep valleys from Putao, where Burma's northern-most airfield exists, and from Machanbaw, the headquarters of the East Putao District. The time taken for the journey ranges from 20 to 25days. Construction of roads in these areas
is now progressing well. The mountains here are from 10,000 to 20,000 feet high, and the valleys

are correspondingly deep. Mountains of 10,000 feet and above are covered
with snow from oMut the beginning of winter, while those of 15,000 to 20,000 feet are ice-capped throughout the year."

*taungya - the method of cutting and burning jungle from the hillsides for temporary fields (one to three years only), used by all the hill tribes in north
ern Burma.

"PORTABLE PREACHERS" AT WORK

By Eugene R. Morse

We would like to introduce to you a new program which is in thebeginning stages this year in the work here, so that you maybe able to pray for us, that Godwin guideand bless in all that is done, that His Name might be glorified. Before going on furlough in 1960, we had discussed with various preachers here as to what equipment might be most useful in furthering the evangelistic work in all areas. After much discussion, it seemed that we should try to get some kind of tape play-back unit which could be used by evangelistic teams. This would have a number of advantages over old-style phonographs. For ex ample, recording could be done on the field, and, unlike phonograph records, taped messages could be of any length desired. Furthermore, messages could deal with immediate problems of the moment, and when the need was past

could be erased and replaced by new ones. To fit our needs, the unit must be portable, tropicalized, use flashlight batteries as power source, be sturdi

ly constructed, and yet simple enough that the Lisu and Rawang preachers could learn to operate and maintain it. When we returned to the U.S., we could find no one who knew of such a unit as we had envisioned. There were plenty of tape recorders on the mar ket, but no strictly play-back units suchas would fit ourneeds. After several months of fruitless searching we even considered trying to get one designed and built to our specifications. However, difficulties in this soon became
apparent, even aside from the fact that the cost would have been prohibitive. So, after exhausting all known sources, we again took the matter to the Lord and committed it to His care, feeling sure that if getting this equipment was

type of playback unit also. The people there knew of nothing, but suggested

His will, that He would guide us to the right place to get it. Soon after this we were shopping in Chicago for some other equipment and asked about this

that we contact a Christian organization in New York called Electronic Aids, Inc. This we did, and our letter was forwarded to a Christian electronics engineer in California, who wrote directly to us. He said that he had been working for ten years on just such a unit as we were wanting, designed es pecially for use on the mission field, with almost the identical specifications we had stated II It was under production and would be ready for delivery

about May, 1961. He was thrilled that we were searching for just the type of unit he had designed, and we were thrilled because of the way the Lord had guided us in contacting him. So, in July, 1961, just before we were to leave the States and return to Burma, we took delivery of two units of the "Portable Preacher". These are really three-in-one units, for they have an
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exterior loudspeaker and can be used as a public address system, they can
play phonograph records, and play tapes.

goes, and because of the external speaker (P.A. system) can be heard for long distances. The preacher who took the initial test trip reported that
something unusual, people will come to listen who would not listen to the

ment was a great success, and demonstrated the almost unlimited possibilities to be developed in the future. It attracts tremendous interest wherever it

The two units reached the mission field last spring, about May, and have been tried out during the past several months. The first trip using this equip

people heard it as much as a mile away, and came running to see what it was. For this reason it is excellent for use in a large gathering. Also since it is

evangelist alone, and thus are reached with the Gospel message. On that one trip alone, there were 40 new believers as a result of having heard the taped messages and the follow-up by the evangelist. ing from full-length sermons to short messages interspersed with music, to

We have been experimenting with various kinds of recorded material, rang

group discussions on a theme. All the recording is done here at "home base",
in whatever languages are to be encountered in a given area. We have some recorded sacred music, both instrumental and choral groups, which we have

dubbed in on some of the tapes sent out, and it has been a real thrill for the

recordings from which we can draw as needed. In this connection, we would appreciate any really good tape recordings of church choirs singing anthems or well-known hymns.*

people, especially those up in the mountains, for they have never heard any thing like it before. We are hoping to build up a "library" of all types of
At present, plans are being made for this evangelistic work to be taken up

by four ofthe older, capable preachers, who will be supported by the local

churches as a missionary project. Several reels of recorded tape will be sent

sections of the country. They will stay from two to four days in a village, will playthe taped messages, and in addition will give messages of their own, answer questions which mav arise, and clarify points which may not be under stood. They may be askea tore-play the recordings several times, as happened on the first trip, where the interest was so great that meetings sometimes lasted

with each team of two evangel ists, who will then make tours of different

until dawn! They will also talk over problems with the local preachers and leaders, and help in straightening out difficulties when necessary. Then they

send out two teams, we are hoping it will be possible for the area to be cov

will go on to the next place. We estimate that it would take one team a full year to cover the entire field fust once. But since we have two units and can

ered twice each year. This will supplement the work of the local pastors in
been done as yet, since this same equipment can be used for any other new language groups among which work may open up in the future.

each congregation. But besides helping the already established congrega

tions, we hope to send these teams from time to time down into lower Burma to tour among the Army camps, and also Into new areas where no work has

special prayers daily before the throne of God, for nothing we may plan or do
will prosper unless the Lord blesses. We would like to hear from each one of

We would like toask all ofyou thereat home to support this work with your

you who may feel led to undertake special prayer support for thisevangelistic program. Pleasewrite to us direct*(Mr. &Mrs. Eugene R. Morse, P.O.Putao, Kachin State, Burma) and let us know that you will be praying for us. It en-8-

courages us mightily to know that you are praying, and we will try to answer as we are able. Above all, we desire that this equipment may be used to the glory of God and the saving of souls. Do pray for God's guidance and bles sing for those who prepore the recorded material, and for those who use the equipment, that all may be done in accordance with His will. *Tapes may be sent, byFirst Class Mail - (Registered) to Eugene and Helen,
addressed as directed in the above paragraph.
REPORTS FROM BURMA

With conditions uncertain, the missionaries of the North Burma Christian Mission continue to concentrate on the training of a faithful native ministry -

fulfilling the admonition of the Apostle Paul to Timothy; "And the things tnat thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful
men, who shall be able to teach others also." Thus the Gospel will continue to be spread among those who have not yet come from "Darkness Into Light", In areas where the missionaries are not permitted to go.
Letters from the field make us feel almost as If we have been there sharing

In the work. And truly, we do share in the cause of world evangelism as we do all in our power to help supply the physical needs of those who laborIn Burma and as we maintain a faithful ministry of prayer on behalf of the work
and the workers.

A letter from LaVerne dated October 9,1962 tells of onephose of the work. Excerpts follow:

are truly Christians, trained in their scriptural responsibilities, and dedicated

to the Church for which Christ died. We had looked forward to and planned

"One of the greatest necessities for the spiritual strength of the churches is a strong group of elders and deacons in each local congregationmen who

for this Bible School for several years, and really enjoyed teaching the 137 older men who gathered together from many churches of Christ in spite of the heavy monsoon rain. We taught three main subjects In the school: my mother taught TheGospel of Luke, Eugene taught the bookof Acts, and I taught "The Church Revealed in the New Testament," with emphasis on the specific work of elders and deacons. Each of us taught two hours per day. Many of the men who came together for the school could not read or write; they had been already quite old when they first turned to Christ, or their eyesight was poor. However, their minds were very keen for the Gospel. These older men could become one of the main sources of strength for leading the churches to stond more strongly on the Scriptures. The older men who could not read or write had to rely upon hearing and memory to absorb and retain for later use what they were taught. Nevertheless they hadhadtheir memories sharpened bymany years of leading their village communities In settling problems according to
their tribal customs. Thus, following their tribal customs, I used bamboo sticks to teach them and to enumerate the main steps of "the argument."

Then forthosewho could read and write, we prepared mimeographed booklets In both the LIsu and Rawang languages. It was a |oy to see the enthusiasm of the church leaders preparing to work more effectively for the churches. We truly hope and praythat through the school the elders and deacons throughout the churchesmaybe strengthened to grow close to Christ, and to stand against false doctrines, denominational ism, and atheistic materialism. Next year, also, we hope that God may enable us to hold a similarleadership-training school for older men from throughout the 190 churches of the mission field.
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Concerning fhis school Eugene wrote:".. .During the fourth week Robert

came over from Dukdang and held a few classes on specialized problems of the church. All In all we have had a very good and interesting school and have

our midst, although at the same time the devil did all he could to stir up trouble to distract from the outside. We surely praise the Lord for ail the victories, and we ask all there to pray with us continual ly for the further
awakeningof the churches and leaders... .We do feel the need for "Co-Inter
cessors" to help in this constant battle."

cation, service and what the Lord can do through us If we will only give our whole life to Him to use. We certainly did feel the presence of tne Lord in

been constantly proving that these elder men will also catch a vision of dedi

Three weeks later another school started and lasted until mid-December. We quote from a letter Lois wrote November 23, 1962:"., .These are troubled

times. No doubtyour ears have been "glued" to the radio In your case TV
even as ours have been. Let me assure you we are safe and sound up here in this Isolated part of the world. The situation In India is cause for deep

concern... .We have no fear of Impending dangers. All four families are liv

trylngto do our part for the on-going of the work of Christ In this needy land.
"We are presently in the midst of holding a Bible School for some 200

ing perfectly peaceful lives, working each day as a family unit, each of us

preachers who have gathered from all over the mission field. Mother, LaVerne, Eugene, Robert, Helen and 1have been teaching. Esther has helped so much,
also, in giving medicines out to preachers in their illnesses.

of music. We have been learning, "For Unto Us A Child Is Born," Inaddltlon to quite a large number of new hymns which have been translated into the Lisu language. It Is rewarding to beable to present these new songs to the students.

"Together, the preachers and I have been strengthened through the ministry

I am thinking just now of some lines written by Mrs. Kuhn, former missionary

among the Lisu in China, In her book entitled Stones of Fire: "The Occidental

reader, conditioned to radio and television programs7"tHie~nash of neon lights

on highways, the ever-new magazine or book, cannot be expected to under

stand the delight and thrill of the simple children of the hills when a newly translated song or anthem is given to them. To them it is excitement, some thing new to break the monotony of the tedious daily round, and a new outlet of praise to God." At the close of the school, Mr. and Mrs. J. Russell Morse wrote: "Our Bible School is now finished and so we have time for the long over-due letter to

you all. I have thought of you many times and wished I could write, but the school kept me pretty busy. There were 200 preachers and assistants enrolled
in the school. It lasted for 11 weeks, closing on December 14th so that the preachers could get back to their distant churches in time for the Christmas convention. God blessed in the school and kept the real cold 48-degree weather from coming until after the school was finished. Because our church floor is dirt, any cold wind mokes it impossible to sit hour after hour to study. So we were very thankful for the mild fall weather. At the close of the school, the elders gave a feast of rice and buffalo meat. The guests all sat on the grass around the church. They had placed new boards on the grass for tables. The rice portions were wrapped in large leaves. There were also two portions each of meat which was also wrapped in two leaves. The coffee was served in small bamboo sections. According to Burmese custom, a pan of water was given for washing the hands and then no forks, spoons, or chop sticks were given, but everyone used their hands. "A large number of the students got small medical kits fixed by Esther, sup plies of books, and notebooks for helping them to hold schools for the young people in{heir ownchurches, and other supplies, as well as the little branches of fruit trees for grafting and the grafting strips which Russell keeps prepared. Air of this takes lots of time and effort, but we trust it will all be helpful for His people." Another phase of teaching is explained by Eugene and Helen in a letter as follows; "For a long time we have been burdened about the young people of the village, concerned with the increasing tendency toward wildness and dis respect for elders and for authority in general. So, after much prayer con

cerning the matter, we (Eugene and Helen) began an evening Bible Stu^ class

for these young folk. Duringthe summer, attendance was high-around /0-90. But OS harvest time approached, attendance dropped down 20-40. We are

hoping that after the first of the year attendance will build up again. We have studied mostly in the Gospel of John, although we varied the program

from time to time with quizzes. Old Testament stories etc. We always close

with a prayer time, and have been thrilled with the many, many answers to our prayers. We feel that it has greatly strengthened the faith of these young
people... .We have both been blessed in teaching this class, and it has been an excellent opportunity for Helen to teach in Lisu without using an inter
to this area."

preter. We ask your prayers for this class, and for all the young people out here, for they aremeeting many new problems with the coming of civilization
here for the Christmas Convention. Our house has been like a beehive with

In speakingof Christmas Helenwrote: ".. .The entire village is just teeming with people, and I would guessthat there must beat least 3,000 in attendance

people from the other villages wandering all over the house, "just to look", even into the bedrooms 1 But that is to be expected when so many strangers
are here.

ing trips before Christmas, we decided to have our family get-togetherearly.

"Since Eugene, Robert and LaVerne were all scheduled to leave on preach

on December 18th. The four families had dinner together (23 of us counting all the children) herein our house. Robert and Betty provided the turkey and
dressing and the rest of us shared In preparing the rest of the meal. Since the next dov was Mother's birthday, Drema Esther made a beautiful cake for her.

ing our gifts...Our little Jeanette and LaVerne and Lois' little Cynthia were big enough this year to |oln In the fun, exclaiming over their gifts along with
the older children."

.. .We had some recordings of Christmas music which we played while open

Mrs. Gertrude Morse wrote of the closing events of the convention:

"Our Christmas convention closed on December24 with more than forty

churches of Christ of the Putao Plain area meeting here at Muladl. This vll(coneluded on page 16)

December 31, 1962

..

for fire under her arm.

Nativa girls take laundry to riverside. Girl on left has kindling piciwre by J. RUSSEii morse

Portions of letters from LaVerne written to Lois while he was on an extended

trip In the mountains and jungles East of Muladi Village. This Is the account shared with his living link church In Jollet, Illinois.
LaVerne on Evangelistic Trip

Eleside an open-air log fire. In a mountainside rice field. On a high mountain overlooking the Hkrang Hka valley and The Triangle mountains and lungles, Christmas Day, 1962

My dearest Lots, .. .A feeling of loneliness has accompanied the joy and thrill of seeing God's creation in the bright winter sunshine of these mountainsand forests and spark
ling streams.
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This day started out for me in the wintry cold at the head of the green for ests and golden fields of theSinyang valley. The bamboo house of-the preacher there is perched on a rounded ridge-top high above the crashing stream in the canyon below. To the northeast are the high mountains which separate the valley from the Putao bowl. To the south are the ranges and peaks of the southern Triangle lined up, range after range, into the blue hazy distance.
and comparatively clean; a special outhouse had obviously been just newly completed; and the Christians had killed a pig specially to welcome me and theRawang preachers andothers travelling with me. The footpath on our route to the village had been newly cleared for several miles. The Christians even had a new church building in spite of the persecution by surrounding nonChristians who two years ago chopped down the preacher's house. It was really inspiring to see the warm-heartedness of the small group of about forty young
Christians.

been preparing for my arrival for some time. The preacher's house was swept

The group of warm-hearted new Christians at the Sinvang Hku village had

polished off with a hot cup of coffee and milk, the two Rawang preachers,
carriers, and I shook hands with the Christians and started down the valley
towards the Hkrang Hku churches three days' walk further on. Fresh wolf

After a breakfast of rice, boiled pork wrapped in leaves, and fried eggs,

tracks were plentiful in the sandy trail before us, so that a woman and child made sure to stay with the main group. One preacher, young Tolam David..
went ahead with mv rifle. As our trail dwindled to a mere clearing over fal

len tree-trunks ana through dense jungle into a gorge, we heard a gun shot up the canyon. Soon David caught up with us carrying about thirty pounds of fresh meat, a giant red monkey. Everyone workea to skin and cut up the an imal. In a clearing of the jungle we Duilt a fire and celebrated by roasting chunks of saltedmonkey meat on bamboo spikes. In spite of my apprehensions, the meat tasted quite juicy and delicious, though the monkey was a bit tough
to chew I

The trail continued through jungle with tall, beautiful trees. Shafts of sunlight from the western sky broke through the tightly interlaced branches. The cold, clear winter sky was bright blue. We passed several non-Christian

Kachin villages partly hidden in the jungles. Suddenly we came to a sandy, hot-water salt spring in the jungle with plentiful tracks ofwild animals that

had come to the salt lick. A letter in Rawang addressed to me, on a split

stick beside the trail at the salt lick, told of a very sick person at a nearby village who needed medicine to be sent by the hand of any travellers going
that direction.

Just as the red sun was disappearing over the mountain ranges in the hazy west, we came over a high ridge overlooking the yawningchasm of the Hkrang Hka valley. Far, far across the steep valley, the men with me pointed out the locations of the churches I hope to reach about a week from now. In the gathering dusk, we decided to camp out in a mountainside field high above the breath-taking canyons and mountain ranges to the south. We can see mountains that would perhaps take two weeks to reach far south in the Tri
angle.

It's now bitterly cold on the open mountainside. I'm sitting on the ground beside a blazing welcome log fire, writing by the light of a kerosene lantern perched on one of the logs. The stars are twinkling overhead in the dark, chilly, moonless sky.
-13-

For Christmas dinner, I hadmonkey meat boiled withpickled bamboo sprouts, fresh pork boiled wrth dehydrated tomato flakes and Rawang field herbs, rice^
choirechoing over the mountain-tops. Ispecially got out the transistorized

Christmas carols chimes, organ, and even the Cincinnati Bible Seminary

you baked specially for me. After supper, we all heard a special concert of

coffee with condensed milk, some tinned cheese, and home-made cookies that

Marcia, and Mark and Cynthia.

phonograph and P.A. system, to celebrate Christmas, thinking of you, and

ground. There Is a leaf-covered, open-sided shed over my bedroll. The air is exhilaratingly freshand crisply cold 1 Merry Christmas, Honey.
LIFE IN BURMA

My mattress tonight is fresh rice straw from the surrounding field, laid on the

fllivein orthernBurma mongthe

By David L. Morse

Lisuand Rawang tribes. I have liv

ed here in this area for about ten

years. I like it out here, even

though we don't have television,

super-markets, running water, in door t o JI e t s, etc. We do have a

nice river about 100 yards away

from us, from which we get our wa ter. We also go swimming there. My father is a missionary here. I The only American friends I have
are my cousins. Jonathan is about

David Lowell Morse, 13 Yr. old son of Eugene and Helen Morse.

my age and is my favorite cousin. about four miles away In Dukdang Village. 1live In Muladi
Village.

buy clothing, soap, pens, ink, etc. which the shop owners buy from Myitkyina, about 200 miles (to the south) away. They usually go down-country by plane, but sometimes thev go overland by jeep. If they go overland, they have to
during the summer rainy season.

There are many Christians here in Putao. Their customs are quite different from those In America. They have abandoned their non-Christian habits (such as smoking, drinking, selling their girls, etc.). They are beginning to get civilized, too. There are several shops or stores from which the people can

wait until winter because the motor road from Myitkyina to Putao is closed Lisu and Rawang eat only two times a day, and maybe drink tea or have some

The food here Is not bad except you have to eat rice three times a day. The

squash in summer and mustard greens In winter. Once in a while, we get

some meat which may be beef, pork, deer, or wild boar. Before, when we
got some meat, we had to use it up auickly, or It would smell, but now there

popcorn at noon. Most of the time we can get something green to eat, like

is one refrigerator (for three families}, so the meat can be kept. There is no
food market here so we have to bring In some canned foods from the outside
world.

diesel engine. We have tnree tractors (all old and about worn out) and one

We have electricity only at night, from our private generator, which has a
Because there is no School here where I can study the subjects I would in

jeep. The |eep is the only fast transportation we hove. Before we got the jeep, we had to use one of the tractors, or go on bicycles, or walk.
Istudy from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In my spare time, Ido things in the me
I ask Dad.

America, I study at home, with the Calvert School correspondence course.

chanical line. Because Dad is busy much of the time, 1have to help keep the different machinery in working order. Anything that I don't know how to do, 1like living on the mission field, and would rather be here than anywhere
else.

Tommy, son of Eugene and Helen with Lisu playmates on primitive

home-made cart with trailer, in which Sammy, Esther's adopted son

is riding. ON THE LIGHTER SIDE Piclvre by J. RUSSELL MORSE

sation, Mrs, J.R. Morse recalled the time when she was of the age to enjoy

about "the go<^ old days" whentheywere children. In the course of conver
to share for a time - if it was short. The time came when a cousin was spend

One evening various members of the family were visiting and reminiscing

playing with dolls. She had one special favorite doll, which she was willing
ing several weeks with them, and inevitably she "fell in love" with the fav

orite doll. Little Gertrude didn't want to be selfish, but she did want to play with her ov/n favorite doll. She puzzled for a long time as to how this might

be effected without appearing rude or selfish. Finally she had the solution, and suggested to her cousin, "Let's play like you're me and I'm you I" Thus,
as the "guest", she could play with the doll to her heart's content.
-]5-

lage certainly was over-flowing with people. There must hove been well over
and Rawang preochere again and also to see many of the Christians from the far away places. But we feel that in the future, it may be better to divide the area
three thousand In attendance. It was good to hear some of our more distant Lisu

and have four or five smaller conventions instead of one very large one. We be lieve that the smaller groups con have a better and more spiritual worship and

fellowship than the large one.

one were served wrapped in large green leaves, and placed on long new boards arranged in rows on the grass in the church yard. There were no spoons or forks, but everyone ate with his fingers in true Burmese style. The coffee was served
In small sections of bamboo.

farewell feast of rice and meat and coffee. The rice and meat portions for each

"At the end of the school on December 14 the elders from this village gave a

service for the coming year and about many other problems.

each one. Some of us helped In conferring with the pastors about their places of "At last the feast was over and nearly all the students were saying their fare
wells and hurrying back to their home churches for the Christmas conventions. Our village certainly seemed empty after all had gone. How much we will miss

"For many days before the close of school, during after-school hours we were all kept busy getting supplies of Bibles, hymnals, and translated material as well as other supplies for the preachers. Drema Esther fixed up small medical kits for

"We felt that theLord abundantly blessed the school and answered many pray ers. There was no serious Illness among the students, for which we were very
thankful. We were especially thankful that the beautiful, mild autumn weather lasted until the close of school. In former years our cold weather started In No

these co-workers in the Lord's vineyard. Please pray with us for them.

vember. Immediately after the school closed, the real winterweather has set In, with room temperature In the bedroomdown to 43degrees. With unfinished, open

windows and no heaters, the students would not have been able to sit and study

hour after hour In the open church building. "As we face a new year of opportunities for doing the Lord's Work here, we
covet your prayers that we mayalways be found to be suitable vessels for the Mas

ter's use. There are always many adversaries, but our God Is able to give us vic
tory. Please pray for all the preachers, elders and Christians In the mission field."
Moiled bv Mrs. OSCAR L. MYERS
2024 N.
For

14th St.

Terre Haute, Indiana

NORTH BURMA

Sec. 34.66 P. L & R U. S. POSTAGE

PAID

CHRISTIAN MISSION

Terre Houte, Ind.

PERMIT NO. 321

RETURN

REQUESTED.

MR. BURRIS BUTLER

8100 liAI-lILTON'AVE,
CIHCBMATI OHIO