551

uEp nl^emaESoini
MISSIONARIES TO SOUTH AFRICA
PETER AND FRAN LAUGHREN

P.O. Box 165, Kraaifontein 7570, South Africa Telephone; (Direct Dial) 011-27-21-902-0682
Januarv-March 1987

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Summertime in South Africa. As we hear about the cold weather in the

U.S.A. this time of year, we do not envy it. We enjoy summer whenever we can recieve it. Our last three months have been rather busy, but enjoyable.

In October we were part of a Colored Preaching Convention in Barkley West which is near

Kimberley. While we were there, we were able to meet other missionaries that are working in South Africa in Johannesburg and Port Shepstone. At the meetings, Fran taught twice and
1 also taught twice. We had a real enjoyable time meeting people that we had not met before
and also teaching and preaching.

In November we took a 2= week trip that took us many places. We left Kraaifontein on

November 14 and spent two days in Graaff-Reinet teaching classes and having Sunday morning service with them. From there we went to the Transkei and held seven days of meetings
in Butterworth. Fran taught flannelgraph lessons a couple of nights and I preached each

evening. On Saturday that week, we even held outdoor services. OnSunday morning we
held an ordination for the minister there, Colben Mngonyama. As a result of the weeks work, brother Mngonyama tells us that over forty people made decisions and they are following them up for the church in Butterworth. It was a great week, and one that we thoroughly enjoyed. From there we drove to Johannesburg to spend a week with Bill and Verna Weber, missionaries in Johannesburg. While learning about their work we also spoke at the Kimberley
Road church where Bob Mills works, and at the Eldorado Park church that Bill and Verna

work with. During Friday and Saturday of that week, we took a trip to Mafikeng in Bophutatswana and had Thanksgiving dinner with the missionaries there. The Jim Conley family and the Larry Mullins family, ii wa^ good to have an American Thanksgiving dinner
so far from home. After our trip, we arrived home exhausted on December 2.

During all of this time we were still teaching at Macassar and Bishop Lavis. The work at

Bishop Lavis is going very well. We have had some baptisms and the work is growing. During December, my mother, Flo LaCighren" came for three weeks and spent Christmas with us. It was really nice to have someone here from home. The people at Bishop Lavis and Mfuleni were also glad to have someone come and worship with them from so far away. She brought with her some communion cups which are now in use at Bishop Lavis, and for this we would like to thank the Berea Christian Church in Hampton Georgia. They have
helped greatly.

Please pray for us as we continue to work here. Please especially pray for us as we teach, travel, and preach Jesus Christ. We hope that you have a good end of winter and nice
springtime. May God bless you in all that you do.
In Christ,

LAVERN & BARBARA CLARK. Forwarding Agents

Phone; (317) 689-7085
Route 1. Box 15 Bunker Hill Indiana 46914

DnEemaooiniall
MISSIONARIES TO SOUTH AFRICA PETER AND FRAN LAUGHREN

ylreacliti

^
p / --

P.O. Box 165, Kraaifontein 7570, South Africa

Telephone: (Direct Dial) 011-27-21-902-0682

February 1987
Dear friends in the Lord,

We greet you from the work in South Africa, a work that be possible. We thank you from the bottom of our hca.ts for y
here in South Africa.

It has been a pretty busy usy month for ^^.-assar us trying have to started get back again into on the Thursday routine nights of

LnLrhas st;rted teaching anew one on Thursday afternoons '"^he sisters

The weekend of January 16 ,

re^i^g !lrL her -ay School .ery HLr/trlplrlJi^terLr-^: :^:-d

three churches and shared the teaching.

Ste^^liLerli: cLri^^^rhirci^^I't "e^e on Tuesday

a way. We both were real pleased with the results of the weekend.

We have been working at a^we^'try^trget^^orgLized to maL another efforfafstarti;g tirLhLl! We desperately need local leaders in the churches
anfwe fLl the bLt v,ay is to train them to work among thexr own people.
is not as freely available. Everywhere we go, people ask us for materia
teach the children with. Please help us if you can.

Again, thanks for your help this month. Please pray for us as we labor here in this country, that more people might know know Jesus Chrxst through our work.
Until next month. May God Bless.
Yours for South Africa,

I , i (! BARBARA CLARK, Forwaiding Agents

Rt. 1, Box 15, Bubker Hill, IN A6914

551

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l[n]l^er[n]ao[nial
MISSIONARIES TO SOUTH AFRICA
PETER AND FRAN LAUGHREM c' Cp'iC; icr ljic<lj -'1

,
. '.n.'O
M-jrch i'jy

Dear

Fri^-nris

!!.

L.oi cl,

Thank-vo'i so i^uch fof your supoort this month.

be hei-'^r .r.
for you. ri-rV'i Zi-ii-i v-j::- r"', "-tl-i

Without your helpr we could never

e. It i.v -.I'uly ^ j-.-y t-.- be here

.,: ic-d workiu-T afpoii-j

la.-.t we-5rU '.r. ..j... to "-.iir :';' iL-e-.l States to try ani

rats':: o'i.-u'''"

13

ioinin-";

wozk iuliuine.

w-i-

tharjk Lh-.; L-'u-.l tC'r

that as we havs i^een needing some help to try and get. th-r school started. He Will be back in South Africa in April. He will be traveling in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan .-nainly, but will also be in Tennessee and Florida some. Please pray
for him as he travels, and see him if you can.

Since he has left, I have started teaching his Tuesday night class in Bishop

Lavis. It is going very well. I still teach the class in Macassar on Thursday nights and Fran also a woman's class in Bishop Lavis on Thursday afternoon.
These keep us quite busy.

On the 8th of February, Steve and I went to Ashton for the day and held services and taught a class in the afternoon. This is a group of people that live in a faraing areas and live on the farmer's property. The farmer has built a building for all of his helpers to use for church services on the property, and really looks after his people. We hope, starting on the 14th of March, to make this

a monthly trip as they need teaching and it is close enough to make a day trip
out of it. We were encouraged by the faith in these people.

On February 20 we had to make a quick trip to Graaff-Reinet to preach a funeral as one of the elderly sisters had passed away. It was 400 miles one way and VERY
hot. We took David Jantjies with us who is becoming a great helper for me and he

did all of my traslating.

The sister who died left behind a 99 year old husband Even

and 26 children, most of whom are faithful in the church. She was a strong Christian lady and therefore it was an easy funeral to preach. We had a service

on Friday night, the funeral on Saturday and services on Sunday morning.

though funerals are sad, it was a good weekend.

In between all of this, we have been preparing our lessons, working some at Polo Road on the building, compiling books for sale, and working alot with Steve,

trying to get hinm to the U. S.

up.
for them.

He is learning most of the work from the ground

While he is gone we are trying to help his wife and 3 boys, so please pray

Again, thank^you for your support.

would love to hear from you.

If you get a chance, drop us a line as we

Love,

Until next month, may God bless.

/) ^

[ avHm . IS/VF-iBAFSA CLAUk r-;)i v. rJrdm^) A.it-'.ts

551

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inite(rini(io[ri)<
MISSIONARIES TO SOUTH AFRICA PETER AND FRAN LAUGHREN

P.O. Box 165, Kraaifontein 7570. South Africa Telephone: (Direct Dial) 011-27-21-902-0682

April

1987

1 Greet You In The Name Of Our Lord Jesus Christ!

That is the way everybody expects you to begin teaching, preaching, anouncements, etc. Any time you get up to talk to a group, you should begin with that phrase. Neat, huh! Well, another month has

already gone. Time is surely going by quickly. We have been very busy, especially Pete. So I am
trying to help out by writing you all this month. Hope you don't mind.

For the month of March, we have been gone three weekends.

As you know, we keep ourselves

available to the people as much as we possibly can. When they call us to come teach, we do our best to be there. The people are finding out we mean what we say when we tell them to call or write and set

the date, we will be there. We have been getting many call and letters asking us to come. Which is great!
On the sixth thru the eighth of March we were in Upington. Upington is a seven (or so) hour drive from Kraaifontein. We had to drive through the Karoo (desert). It was the hottest trip we have ever taken. We were fortunate to have a cool air-conditioned hotel room, next to the Orange river. We have been
there before, and enjoy it every time. They particularly asked us to come this time so Pete could do

some weddings. At first it appeared that Pete would be marrying around six couples at one time. The

minister had informed the other congregations of Pete coming and being able to perform weddings. He did not care what denomination they would be. There are very few ministers (from any denomination) that have license to perform weddings. He only ended up with one couple to marry. It was a good thing because it was a compl cated one. There are many papers to fill out that when there is any kind of a snag, it really takes a long time. The couple that got married had been living together under the laws {of the traditional African custom for 15 years. They wanted it done legally. It was real nice. We also lhad classes for the adults and children, besides the regular Sunday services. They all went real well.

jSunday A.M. we met under the tin carport at the minister's house. It was very hot. There were some

decisions made to accept Jesus, and three men were ordained as elders.

Sunday P.M. we went out of

town, about 50 kilometers, to a farm and met with folks there in the Congregational church building. ;The different groups are real good about sharing their buildings. There v;as no electricity. Pete preached
"with a lantern burning over his head. The building was packed with people. After the service we had

the usual line of shaking hands and singing. After the last person had gone thru the line, they put the lantern in the middle of the yard and danced and sang around the lantern. It was really a fun time. They ;were so excited about American missionaries being there, they hated to leave. They kept hanging

jaround us asking for our signatures and address, and trying to get a chance to talk to us. There was
something that happened this trip that has never happened to us before. On Friday night we were ;supposed to have a class, but nobody showed up. So we just had a prayer time with the family. Then the
minister put on this old jacket and said "Brother, it is time to kill." Neither of us said a word for a minute.

'We just looked at each other with wide eyes. We had no idea what he was talking about. Pete got brave and asked "kill what?" "The sheep. Brother, the sheep!" It was good for a laugh. Since nobody :was there, they thought it would be a perfect time to slaughter the sheep for the weekend. We asked if
iwe could watch, and they thought this was unusual for a white person and funny. All the more reason we

^wanted to. Brave or stupid - - I don't know, but it was sure an education. It was a big black, three year iold sheep whick cost them 50 Rands ($25). The man who got the sheep works in Askham (208 K's away

'from Upington) He picked it up on his way home for the weekend. Most people who live in Upington
have jobs a long way from home, so they are home only on weekends if they are lucky. We watched

them cut the sheeps throat to kill and bleed it. T^en th9'skinned it. It was dark by now and they were
trying to do this by candle light. Pete pulled our car around so that he could shine the headlights on the

process. Once it was skinned they cut the head and hoofs off and handed thenf the women. Pete asked

551

them what they did with it. They said, "Eat it, Brother." UGH!! Sure enough they did. We watched them cook it the next day. The sheep was hung up on a bar across the carport. They rinsed it and cut ^it down the middle and proceeded to gut it. Once again, "What do you do with all that?" Afraid of the answer - - the reply was "We eat it all, except for the gall." The meals were good (inspite of the fli es) but we dared not ask what part of the sheep we were eating. We saw a few of the kids tugging away and

chewing on a rubber,tube like piece of sheep. They were also chewing on the jaw bones. This was a real
treat for them. The folks worried about us spending money to be with them. They insisted- on
us for His glory.

feeding us and they sent a tin of food for ou trip. It was a big chunk of sheep and a small chicken. They give us the best they have. V/e really enjoyed our stay. Our prayer and hopes are that God was able to use
from Kraaifontein.fWe took a young couple from here with us.) These folks work on a farm. The farmer built them houses and a church building. He is a real nice guy. Actually his specialty is stud farming. He l^uys horses that come from Kentucky. They gave us a big bunch of their best grapes. Boy were they ever good! Had a good S unday School and church service. After the service the choir sang for us,
which is not uncommon. "Then we were fed a lovely meal. It was a day of good fellowship.

The 15th of March we were at Ashton. Ashton was a one day trip. It is only one and a half hour drive

This past Sunday, the 22nd of March, we were home at Bishop Lavis. Got up at 5:30 a.m. to be at the
family. The weather was cool, the water was like ice, but inspite of the cold they were so happy. One of the girls said to me: "I do not mind the cold, because it will not last. I am now a child of God, and
that will last!" Is'nt that neat! At 10:00a.m. we had the usual Sunday school and then church service.
river at 7:00a.m. for six baptisms. P.T.L! This was exciting and we were pleased to welcome them to Vne.

Most of the people had been up all of Saturday night having services with the ones who had accepted

Jesus. They were still going strong until Sunday night.

services with them on Sunday. George is about a five hour drive from here. It is a b eautiful area on the coast, and we always have good services while there. We are looking forward to the weekend.
Wednesdays, 1teach on Thursdays. The classes are going real well. Praise the Lord!

This coming weekend, 28th of March, we plan to be in George. Lord WiUing. The planning committee meeting for this year's conference will be Saturday. While the men are meeting, I will be teaching a class for the women. They asked me to do this. It is so neat how the people here want teaching as often as they can get it. It can sure wear us out, but that is our reason for being here. We will also have
Of course, we are home during the week and keep very busy. Pete teaches classed on Tuesdays and

We appreciate you all for your continued support financially, emotionally and physically. Please keep it up. Know that we are well and happy. We are getting ready for Winter. We wish and pray this letter finds you, too, happy and well. Thank you for being a part of the work here in South Africa.
May God continue to bless you as you live for Him.
Love and Prayers,

Pete & Fran

(.

551

yEreacti
oteiriniiiEtooi)!
MISSIONARIES TO SOUTH AFRICA PETER AND FRAN LAUGHREN

P.O. Box 165. Kraaifontein 7570. South Africa

Telephone; (Direct Dial) 011-27-21-902-0682

Dear Fellow-laborers:

April-June 1987

Greetings to you in the Name of pur Lord. We hope that this letter finds you serving Him wherever your are. We are doing well on this side of the Atlantic.
January through March have been very busy as usual. In January, Stephen Zimmerman
and I went to Kimberley for a weekend of teaching. We met in the township in Kimberley 1n small shack that was real hot. Steve and I both taught a class and the people were glad to have us. On Sunday afternoon, the
minister there took us to Romance which was an African location in the

middle of nowhere, but near Barkley-West.

He had worked with these people

and they were wanting to get away from the Catholic Church and become Christians
only. We had a meeting with them and taught a class. In the evening we
went to the Church of Chnst in Kimberely and had services with Roland

Joseph where Steve spoke. From the weekend there were ten decisions and a lot of encouragement for us.

We have made two trips to Ashton for teaching and preaching. From Kraaifontein, It is only 95 miles so we can go there, teach and come back all in one day. These brothers have asked us to come and teach on a regular basis, and we have been trying to go once a month. The owners of the farms in that area have built church buildings for their workers and they let us use them for this purpose. It does both them and us good to be there once
a month.

In February, we had to go to Graaff-Reinet to preach the funeral of a sister

who left behind 26 children and a 99 year old husband. She had been a

faithful Christian for many years, so it was kind of a celebration service instead of a dreary funeral. I look along David Jantjies, a brother front

Mfuleni to do my tranjating for me, and he was a big help.

We also made a trip to Upington the first weekend of March and performed a wedding and taught classes. Fran taught the children and ladies and I preached and taught all. Upington is 842 kilometers from here and one

of the hottest places in]p.he country. On the way back we beat the heat
by leaving early and it paid off.
house. It was a great weekend in Upington with 3 decisions.

While in Upington we were taken to a

farm called Strausberg on Sunday evening and preached there to a packed

Steve Zimmerman Is presently in the States on a speaking tour raising support.

He is joining the work fulltime and will be back here April 14. We are looking forward to having him here as he will be a great help. He has
lived in South Africa since hp was 12 years old so has been here close

to 30 years. He and I work together so I am really looking forward to the relationship. His wife, Pat, will also work well with Fran.
S BARBARA CLARK. Forws'dinr: Aaenls

Pr^one: (615) 929-1374

Box 403 Milligan College, TN 37682

Willie oteve nas oeen gone, I have Deen teaching his class at Bishop Lavis.

are home. The correspondence lessons are going well andjfere getting good
response.
to

at Macassar on Wednesday nights.

maintain it.

Fran is still teaching her class to the women there and I am still teaching
So our weeks remain full even while we
We have also done some work on the Polo Rd. building tryinq 551

Please pray for us as we are scheduled to be in the Ciskei, the Transkei,

every minute of it. Thank-you to all of you who helped on the Dogwood Ministries scholarship. It was really quite a surprise. It was a very
It is nice to be remembered so far from home. And thank-you to Chuck and Fran King and Bonnie and Clyde Chillicut for the video tapes of the World Series and football games. We actually watched football on New Year's Day this year. It was a refreshing change from Cricket. It was good to also
see some basebal1.

Kimberley and Ashton in the next month. We are keeping busy and loving
And thank-you to all of you who remembered us at Christmas.

nice gift.

Africa.

Thank-you each and every one for all that you do to help us here in South
We are your servants here for His glory. May God bless.
Love,

B220'y9*N0idWyH
3iMaa HinoB 0E2 NBdHonyi Old

NSyHOnV"! NVHd V d313ci

tl "ON

K1 '<^0 uosmpf
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MOWnUJ'^ N'W? LJi V I

551

'T

'[rin]ao[n](il
MISSIONARIES TO SOUTH AFRICA PETER AND FRAN LAUGHREN

P.O. Box 165. Kraaifontein 7570, South Africa

Telephone: (Direct Dial) 011-27-21-902-0682

May 1987

Dear Friends,

I really hope that you enjoyed Fran's letter from last month. She adds a little spice to the reports and even j[enjoying reading what we did even though I was part of it.
Since the last letter was written, we have been to George for the planning committee meeting for this years conference and have been to a district conference in Douglas.
In George, we made plans for this year's conference that will be in Graaff-Reinet

on the 30th of September to the 4th of October. We are really looking forward
to a good time this year as we will be having some brothers come from the U.S.

to help us with the teaching. Also while at George, Fran taught a class and 1 preached
on the Sunday morning. It was really good to see brothers from all of the churches

gather together to make plans for the work of the church. The meetings went
well.

This past Easter weekend, Fran and 1 made a trip to Douglas for a district conference

of the churches in the northern Cape. There were people from Upington, Kimberley,
Holpan, Barkley West, Hopetown, Grobblers-Hoop, Douglas and Romance. While there, Fran taught twice and I preached three times and taught twice in the three

days. As a result of the meetings, there were five decisions. It is really a joy to be with these people as they sing like you would not believe. I really wish that you could see them in person and that they could see you. Before coming back
to Cape Town, we spent a day with Roland Joseph in Kimberley.

Steve Zimmerman arrived back from the U.S. last week and is slowly getting readjusted to life here. He will be a great help in the work. He has resumed teaching his Tuesday evening class at Bishop Lavis. My class on Wednesday night is still going well and Fran's on Thursday is also well. The church at Bishop Lavis is growing and we are having to look for another place to worship because the house is becoming
too small. Please pray for us in this.

During the next month we will be in the Ciskei, Transkei and teaching at a Leadership Seminar with Bill Weber from Johannesburg in Kimberley. We recently had a visit from the Micheal Stanley family from Port Shepstone and it was good to see and
talk to some fellow missionaries.

Thanks for your support this month. We could never be here without your help.
May God bless you as you serve Him.

Until next month,

Love,

LAVERN & BARBARA CLARK. Forwarding Agents

551

yEir
MISSIONARIES TO SOUTH AFRICA PETER AND FRAN LAUGHREN

P.O. Box 165, Kraaifontein 7570, South Africa

Telephone: (Direct Dial) 011-27-21-902-0682

June 1987

Dear Friends,

First of all, let us say a big thank-you to all of you who have sent Sunday
School material to us for use here. As we cannot get it here as readily and people are always asking us for some, we cherish ail that we can get.

Thank-you for sending it and it is already being put to good use.

As this is written on May 25, we have had a good previous month. Steve Zimmerman and I went to Bisho in the Ciskei on May 2 & 3. We preached in a small town called Frankfort and had good results. David Matutu is now living in the Ciskei, so it was good to see him also. He is living with a minister there by the name of B. J. Mguzulwa who is the chief chaplain for the Ciskei police force and is helping David to get back on his feet. I came home after the weekend, but Steve went on to the Transkei and preached for a week of services with Brother Mngonyama. He had real good results there. I went to Kimberley on the 12th of May and met Bill Weber from Johannesburg there. From Wednesday to Sunday we taught classes to ministers and elders of the local churches. I taught I & II Timothy and really enjoyed the week. It was probably one of my favorite weeks so far in South Africa. While I was there, Fran stayed at home and spent time with her brother, Jon, who was in town for a week. It was a very useful week and one that I hope that I have the oppurtunity to do again soon. Since I have been back, I have had tonsillitis.
of fun when I have work to do.

That is not a whole lot

Fran has also had a bad cold as winter is

setting here.

It rains just about every day here in Cape Town, so we can

expect the illnesses.

Other than that, we are doing fine. We still feel priviledged to be here for you in South Africa. Thank you for your support and prayers. We could never be here without you. May God bless.

Love,

-f

LAVERN & BARBARA CLARK, Forwarding Agents

Phone: (317) 689-7085 Route 1, Box 15 Bunker Hill Indiana 46914

551

yEreaeSi
oteirifDattoinial
MISSIONARIES TO SOUTH AFRICA PETER AND FRAN LAUGHREN

P.O. Box 165, Kraaifontein 7570, South Africa Telephone; (Direct Dial) 011-27-21-902-0682

July 1987
Dear Friends,

greet all of you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

June was a very busy and good month and we thank-you very much for supporting
us and helping us to be here another month.

May 30, Fran, Steve Zimmerman and I were in Worcestor, which is about 100 kilometers from here for Sunday services. Steve and I held classes for

elders and deacons and they were recieved very well.

This was at a meeting

of all of the elders and deacons from the Cape peninsula area. There were many questions asked about elders and deacons roles, as it is just as important
a subject here as it is in the U.S. The next week, Fran's brother, Jon came to town with a summer intern named Jon Muchow from Ft. Wayne Indiana. Jon Hamilton wanted to expose Jon (since there were two Jons, Steve and I called

the "Team Jon") to as much mission work as possible in a short time.

They

arrived on June 3, and joined Steve and I on a trip to Grobblers-hoop on the

5th through 8th. As it usually is with most work here, one never knows what to expect on a trip. We knew that there would weddings to perform and classes to teach, but played it by ear from there. When we got there, we also found

that we needed to do a funeral as well. So during the course of the weekend, Steve spoke three times, Jon Hamilton two, Jon Muchow once, and I had a funeral sermon, a class and three weddings. It made for an interesting weekend, one that I don't think Team Jon will forget for a while.

On June 14, Fran and I were in Johannesburg picking up my mother, Flo Laughren, and a friend from Canada, Mae McPhatter at the airport. They came
on vacation and took Fran and I to Kruger National Park. It was really a nice trip. We came home through Durban, Transkei, Port Elizabeth and Outsd-

hoorn because they wanted to see South Africa.

We planned our trip to be

in Lusikisiki, Transkei for services and classes on Sunday the 21st. It was really great to be with the people at Lusikisiki. We spent all day with them
and Flo and Mae saw a side of Southern Africa that most tourists will never

see.

We arrived back in Cape Town on the 24th, and have trying to get back
While we were gone, Team Jon stayed in our house and Steve

to work here.

took them to Robertson, Mfuleni, and Bishop Lavis.

but the trip to Kruger was a much needed break.

We have all been busy,

As you may or may not notice, this is being typed on a new typewriter

of his help in getting this typewriter and of course for your support so that we^were able to purchase it for the work. Since Steve has come into the work, A1 s old mission board which is now Steve's gave all of the old office equipLAVERN & BARBARA CLARK, Forwarding Agents
Phone; (317) 689-7085 Route 1. Box 15 Bunker Hill Indiana 46914

that we purchased the first week in June,

Thanks so much to Vern for all

551 !

that we were using to Steve for his work, so we are having to replace it all for ourselves. So we were able to buy this typewriter which has a 7K memory
and several other features on it. It was on sale for the month of June for

R600.00 less than the normal price which was lower than any other typewriter that I had seen with similar features. We thank-you for your help in support for this. We need to buy a copier sometime and so we are saving funds for that. I am hoping also to find a desk soon that will suit our needs.

Thank-you very much for your support this month.

material.
bless.

out your continued support. Thank-you to those of you who have^^^nday School
We will definitely put it to good use. Until next month, may God

We could neveL he here with

Yours for South Africa,

-f

ytreaclfl
[nite[rini(ioin](i[
MISSIONARIES TO SOUTH AFRICA PETER AND FRAN LAUGHREN

P.O. Box 165, Kraaifontein 7570, South Africa

Telephone: (Direct Dial) 011-27-21-902-0682

August 1987

Greetings Folks!

Boy, does it ever feel cold! I say "feel" because, tfie coldest it has been here so far is around 30 degrees. For some reason it feels much colder. We have been fortunate
so far and have had a mild winter, until this past weekend. It started raining on

Friday night and did not atop until Monday.

When it rains, it feels much colder.

Pete and I have been well. Except for colds. Pete was sick in bed last weekend, but he is mostly tired and rundown. He insists on working all the time. While he is lying in bed he complains and feels guilty about all the work he has to do, I have to practically tie him in bed. Wouldn't that be an interesting sight?

As you know, Pete's mom, Flo, was here with a friend, Mae McPhatter. They left on July 3rd. We sure did enjoy their visit. They were especially impressed with the
Transkei. I don't know who was more pleased about the visit, Flo and Mae or the people we were visiting. It was a real treat for all. Flo helped me with the ladies class which we both enjoyed doing. It is so nice to have some help and the people enjoyed hearing a different view. Flo and Mae took some sweets for the children and got to

give it out after the Sunday School class.

The kids ate that up!

Thanks Flo and Mae!

Pete's Wednesday night claaa is going real well. He has been teaching the book of Revelation. I think he is doing a good job. The people of Macassar had asked him to teach Revelation, and they are really enjoying it. While we were with Flo and Mae up country, my brother Jonathan had the claaa and things went real well. By the way, Jonathan is living and working in Kimberely and things seem to be going well there. We really needed someone up there. I am still teaching the ladies at Bishop Lavis on Thursdays. As far as I know , the class is going real well. I am grateful to Pat Zimmerman, for she fills in for me when I am not able to be there. We have been studying the women of the Bible. We have had some very interesting lessons. Any of you really think much about what kind of a lady
Lot's wife was, or Job's wife? Since our last letter, we have been in Worcestor, Bishop Lavis (they are meeting in a different house now), and Mfuleni. Things are well with them. Last week we were at Mfuleni during that awful rain. Water was ankle deep. Times like that you don't worry what your feet look like, besides, everyone has water and nud dripping from their feet
anyway.

Do you remember us talking about the Polo Road building? It is a church building that was not being used for a long time. It is in the white section of town. We were hoping to use it for a school. Well, we have found that the location ia not good at all
LAVERN & BARBARA CLARK, Forwarding Agents
Phone: (317) 689-7085
Route 1, Box 15 Bunker Hill Indiana 46914

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for the people. So Pete and Steve Zimmerman are taking atepa In getting it sell. They have been fixing and cleaning for a while. The money that we get
let you know the details.

building will be rechanneled back into the niasion projects here and we will be sure

Right now we are busy getting ready for the yearly conference. It is amazing how fast time goes by. It does not seem like it should be that time already. Conference
this year will be at Graaff Reinet on the last week of September and the first week
and

of

October.
men.

We are looking forward to it.

Pete will be preaching and

also

teaching

the
Pat

I will be teaching the women and children.

This year we will have Steve

Zimmerman to help in the teaching. Jonathan will also be there. He will be heading up a program for the youth this year. We are hoping, if it is God's will, that my dad, A1 Hamilton, will be here to be the main speaker. It really excites me to see people show such interest in the work, people and us. I only wish more of you could come pay us a
visit. HINT!

Steve and Pat Zimmerman are working with us now, as you know.
the office equipment that A1 and Jean Zimmerman had left behind.

We
Since

have
the

been
and

using
Pat

Steve

had none, A1 and Jean's mission board gave us instructions

State-side.

to

give

equipment
be

to

Steve and Pat. So we have been getting our own office equipment. So far, we have a very nice Brother typewriter. We were able to buy it on sale with money we had saved
And, now we are waiting on our new office desk and chair to delivered.

One of our faithful supporters provided us with the funds for the purchase. We appreciate the gift SO VERY MUCH! We praise God for the way He provides for us through our supporters. Thank you for letting God work through you.

Pete is presently taking advantage of the dry day and mowing the yard. Bogey (our cocker spaniel) is doing his best to help. He is dancing all around Pete and is chasing away the moles or any other critter that may be in the way. And I am sitting in front
of the heater. Make sense?

We pray this letter finds you well and happy, and busy serving our Lord. for your prayers, support, and love. Enjoy the rest of your summer while we
our shoes.
Love in Christ,

Thank you shiver in

Just remember, while you will be having winter we will be in summer.

551 fil

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MISSIONARIES TO SOUTH AFRICA PETER AND FRAN LAUGHREN

P.O. Box 165, Kraaifontein 7570, South Africa Telephone: (Direct Dial) 011-27-21-902-0682

September, 1987

Dear Faithful Supporters,

First of all, I greet you in the name that is above all names, Christ. I hope that you are doing well where you are.
Africa this month.

Jesus

Secondly, thank-you so much for your support of the work here in South
Without you helping us there, we could never be here help

ing the people. You will never know how much we really appreciate your sup port. We count it a privelage to be here for our Lord and you. As I am writing and typing this letter on August 25, Fran is on the bus with Pat Zimmerman coming from Kimberley. They went there for the weekend
to be with Fran's brother Jonathan to plan the children's sessions for this

year's conference in Graaff-Reinet. While they were there, Fran taught the youth group on Friday night, another group on Saturday evening, gave a flannelgraph lesson during church Sunday morning and taught Sunday School in the
afternoon. Pat also taught during Sunday. So they had a very busy and pro
ductive weekend.

Last weekend,
Transkei.

August 14-18,

Steve and I made a trip to Butterworth,

We took Martin Khota with us [he is a long time worker with A1

Zimmerman] from Knysna.

While there on the weekend, there were 12^ baptisms.

Many of these were people who wanted to become Christians as a result of the evangelistic meetings that Steve held in that area back in May. The baptisms took place in Tafalofefe (say that word real quick) and we all walked over a mile to the pond ('pond' is a generous word for the watering-hole) to witness
the new births. It was really a wonderful weekend.

Bill and Verna Weber and family from Johannesburg were here for weekend
at the first of the month.
A residential school does

Bill, Steve and I talked about Leadership Training

not seem to fit the bill at this point in time.

courses that we are going to start to more fully equip the local leaders.
Please pray for us in this endeavor. It was very good to have other
missionaries come to Cape Town for a visit.

On August A, we purchased a new Sharp copier for the work.

We got a

good price on it and it has a lot of features on it that cost extra on other models that we looked at. It reduces and enlarges and makes perfect copies first time, every time. Thank-you for your support in helping us get this much needed piece of equipment.

Steve and I are making a quick trip to Graaff-Reinet this weekend [August
LAV^ERN & BARBARA CLARK, Forwarding Agents
Phone: (317) 689-7085
Route 1. Box 15 Bunker Hill Indiana 46914

551

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29 & 30] to make final preparations for conference. Conference is always an important time for all of the churches to get together and everyone looks forward to the times of preaching and teaching. Please be especially in prayer for that time. Conference starts September 30 and ends October 4. Your pray ers are really appreciated.

Again, thank-you so much for your support.

you safe this month.

May God bless you and keep

Yours for South Africa,

/
Pete and Fran

P.S. My "Supporters Letters" tend to be *just the facts* while the ones that
Fran write give you a more expanded view.
as I do.
work.

I hope that you enjoy them as much

Next month is her turn again to share a more personal side of the

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MISSIONARIES TO SOUTH AFRICA PETER AND FRAN LAUGHREN

P.O. Box 165, Kraaifontein 7570, South Africa

Telephone; (Direct Dial) 011-27-21-902-0682

October 1987

Dear Friends,

Greetings in the name of our Lord. Our hope and prayer is that you are well, happy and busy
serving our Lord. Pete and I are well, happy and very busy with the work here in South Africa. The weather has been crazy. One day it is sunny and hot, the next is wet and cold. Needless

to say, we have been fighting colds. Summer will be here soon, though. We have already

had some of our flowers bloom and are they ever pretty. Can't wait till the others are blooming.
August 29 & 30, Pete and Steve Zimmerman took a trip to Graaff-Reinet. Plans for the conference

are going real well. The folks there have all the arrangements taken care of. I think it will be a success, Lord willing. Right now we are getting ourselves ready for the conference.

The preparations are wearing us out before we even get there. But, we are looking forward to the week of teaching, learning and fellowship. We do appreciate your prayers.

For the month of August, one of us was gone every weekend. We were almost on the go too
much. This month (September) we have stayed around here so we would have more time

to get our lessons ready for the conference. Our regular weekly classes kept us busy enough. Now here it is, the end of September, already. How time flies when you are busy and having
a good time.

Every once in awhile we get invited to a family's home for a meal and fellowship. Last Sunday, Sept. 2nth, we had such an oppurtunity . David and Audrey Jantjies (a coloured family) asked us to spend the day with them in their home. We really had a grand time! They fed us a big

luneh and wg had the whok afternoon to visit before lhy fed us again and went home. While
we were there they found out about contact lenses, it is a shame the way we take things

for granted. I had to pop out one of my lenses before they could believe 1had a piece of glass
in my eyes to help me see better. They could not understand how the contact lenses did not
hurt me. I wish you could have seen their faces - "Oh sister!!"

As I am typing this letter (by the way it is Sept. 23rd) Pete is in the office making a bunch
ol copies for the conference next week. Today, we went into Cape Town and paid for our copier. Thanks to you and God, all of our new office equipment is now paid in full. That is
a good feeling.

I almost forgot to tell you about my trip to Kimerley. Pat Zimmerman and I took the bus

LAVERN & BARBARA CLARK, Forwarding Agents Phone: (317) 689-7085

Route 1. Box 15 Bunker Hill Indiana 46914

on September 20th, arriving in Kimberley on the 21st. It was along 12 hour ride. The bus 551 jfM
was a real nice luxury bus. We saw two videos, were served drinks with cheese and crackers, and were given a blanket and pillow. It was like flying. When we arrived to the hotel in Kimberley it was to find out that the city was in the middle of a black out. There was no electricity in the whole area, therefore no running water, no lights , etc. We had to wait three hours before we were assigned a room. We had just put our things down in the room when the porter said they have us in the wrong room. So , we thought, no problem. We were just putting our things down when they said this room was also wrong. We moved a third time. Now this was rediculous. We were affraid to put our things down this time. But, much to

our delight, they let us stay until two nights later. The third room had a door that would stick. Every time we wanted in or out we had to either give the door a body slam or put a foot on the wall and pull. Two nights later, the key broke in the door and we were moved to a fourth
room. We were then above the kitchen and heard some sort of a lift all night. One night

in trying to drown out the sound of the lift I turned on the radio and there were terrible screams and shooting. I turned on the simulcasting of the late night horror film. The next morning
I turned on the radio to hear the looney toons. Man! By then I felt like a looney. Beside all

of the crazy experiences with the hotel, we had an enjoyable stay in Kimberley. We were with my brother, Jonathan and the people he is working with. On Friday evening, I taught the youth group. Saturday the three of us had a meeting to discuss the children's program during the conference. That same evening we went to a farm and all three of us were asked to do some teaching. On Sunday I taught twice and Pat taught once. Then on Monday evening before going home, we were invited to a prayer meeting. We kept busy, but we had fun. It was Pat's first time to Kimberely, so Jon and I took her to see "the big hole". It is a huge diamond mine that has been closed up for a long time due to flooding and falling rocks. They
have made it into a museum/park. That was nice. We got back on the 25th. Pete had stayed

up all night so he could go to bed with me when I got home. I thought that was pretty neat! He got a lot of work done that night, in fact he typed the last supporter's letter at 2:00 a.m. on the 25th. He said he fell asleep once in the chair. Woke up with his face on the desk. Bless his heart. We were both ready for a good sleep after being up all night. Aint he sweet!
Well that is about it for this letter. We will have a lot to tell you regarding the conference,

next month. Thank you for your continued support financially, prayerfully, emotionally and physically. We pray that God will bless you for your kindness. It is hard to believe we have been here for over two years now. Before we know it, it will be furlough time. Take care
and keep in touch.

^ove and prayers,

V
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Pete and Fran

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551 !

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MISSIONARIES TO SOUTH AFRICA PETER AND FRAN LAUGHREN

P.O. Box 165, Kraaifonteln 7570, South Africa Telephone: (Direct Dial) 011-27-21-902-0682

November, 1987

Hello Folks!

We pray that this letter finds you all well, happy and busy serving our Lord.
Pete and I are happy and busy. Lately we have not been very well. Since our conference in Graaff-Reinet, I have been sick, and Pete has felt bad off and on. Pete had the touch of the flu and I had a bad chest and eye infection. We both

were coughing like crazy, had sore throats and just felt bad. again. It was nothing serious, just run down and tired.
Our annual conference in Graaff-Reinet was wond'erful!!

We are almost well,

There was a great crowd

of around 320 trucks, cars, Cramped space up with it. year,

Pat Zimmerman,

or more. buses and did not Everyone

Jonathan

They came from all over the place. Some travelled by small vans. They would put as many as possible in each vehicle. keep them away. Those who wanted to come bad enough put seemed pleased with the way conference went. A few made
So far, it has been getting better every Several of the African men

the comment that it was the best ever.

in my opinion.

So that is good.
Hamilton,

The teachers this year were: Steve and This year, we were able

Pete and myself.

got an oppurtunity to preach during the main sessions.

to have more available for the children in classes and recreation which was a big success. We were also able to have classes for the teenagers. Jon and I taught them about morality and then we had a combined question and comment time. It went

over real well. The kids suggested that we do that every year. We are willing to do anything to help them be a Christian in this world of sin. All in all it was good. The weather was good too. We just had a bit of rain the first evening, but that was all. During the service that evening, Jonathan was preaching and going strong when there was complete blackout. We found out later that someone
had run into a light pole down the road. The lights were out for about 20 minutes. Jon kept on with his sermon. He was preaching by candlelight, could not see his notes or his bible, but knew what he wanted to say. It was fun. I already men tioned this in our quarterly newsletter, but I thought I'd tell it again. This was the first conference for the Zimmerman boys. Kent [16], Kyle [7] and Kelly [5] really got to experience quite a lot for the first time. One of those exper
iences was being able to watch the men kill the goat for our meals. Kent was con cerned for his little brothers getting sick or upset. It turned out to be the other way around. Kent could not watch while the little boys were fascinated. In fact, when the men were opening the goat, Kyle said, "Look Dad! There's meat in there!" I wish I could have been there, but Pete was and got a good chuckle from it. Thank you for your prayers about conference. God did take good care

of us and the conference. It was well organized and problem free. Everyone worked hard and did their part the best way they could. So now we can start thinking
about next year's conference. enough. The location is not certain, but we will know soon

LAVERN & BARBARA CLARK. Forwarding Agents

Phone: (317) 689-7085
Route 1. Box 15 Bunker Hill Indiana 46914

551 -iiP*l
From October 23 to 25, we attended another conference in Barkly-West, which is near Kimberley. We just got back on Monday the 26th. It was a very hot drive up, but not so bad coming home. It is about an eleven hour drive one way, and we had no problems [praise the Lord]. The conference was grand. We were able to be with the people, which by the way were more than last year. We were also
able to be with most of the missionaries from South Africa. Most of us taught,

but some were there for the fellowship, which is also important.

The missionaries

present were Jim and Ginger Conley and Larry Mull ins from Bophuthatswana, Bob and Phyllis Mills, Bill and Verna Weber, and Stuart Cook from Johannesburg, Jonathan Hamilton from Kimberley, Lynn and Lucille Stanley, Micheal and Caryl Stanley and Floyd Stamm all from the Durban area, John Nichols (Phyllis Mill's brother) from
America, and Steve and Pat Zimmerman and ourselves from Cape Town. Most of the missionaries brought their children and some of the people that they have been working with. It was really a great time. Pete taught a lesson for the men on marriage and it was well recieved. I was asked to do Bible stories with my flannelgraph three different times (during esch main session) and the people seemed to enjoy it as much as I did. Two of our coloured brothers were ordained into the ministry on Sunday. They had been taking training and schooling under Bill
Weber. That was a joy to see.

One of the colored brothers in Kimberley [David Jossie] gave us a beautiful 31 day mechanical clock while we were there. It looks and works like a miniature

grandfather clock. He wanted to show us in some way how much he and his wife, Ann, loved us. They knew that Pete loves clocks so they gave us this one which
was dear to them. Now it is even more dear to us.

On November 6, we will be leaving again for the Kimberley area. We will be in Holpan for a weekend of meetings. Then later in November we have a trip to Upington to make. So as you can tell, we are very busy, but enjoying it. In December we will have the Larry Mull ins family coming here for a two week rest. They have not had a vacation for two years. We look forward to their coming.
Also in December we will have Pete's mom, sister and brother-in-law and Jon coming for Christmas. That means there will be some great fun at Christmas.

Well I guess- I had better go. Until our next letter, may God bless you as you live for Him. Thank-you for your prayers and support. You are also in our thought and prayers. Have a nice Thanksgiving.
Love in Christ,
X

UJe

, .

Pete and Fran

T'e

CC' ^ .

oEreacti
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MISSIONARIES TO SOUTH AFRICA PETER AND FRAN LAUGHREN

P.O. Box 165, Kraaifontein 7570, South Africa

December 1987

Telephone: (Direct Dial) 011-27-21-902-0682

Dear Fellow-laborer,

We greet you in the precious name of Jesus Christ. It is summertime here in South Africa, and you would not believe the beauty of the flowers this year!
We are well, as we hope that you are.

November was busy as usual.

On November 6-9, Fran, Steve and I made a trip

to Holpan, which is a small farming community near Kimberley.

We were there for

We really

the district conference for the churches of the northern Cape province.

had a good time. We also took Jonathan Hamilton with us from Kimberley. Steve and Fran taught the people there. As Kimberley is not the coolest place in the
world, it was really hot out on the farm. There were people from Upington,

Douglas, Barkly-West, Hopetown, and others in attendance.

weekend to be with the people.

It was really a good

One interesting note was that on the way back,

we started having car trouble 100 miles from Beaufort-West, which is the midpoint of the trip to Cape Town. We hoped that we would make it there, and we did. The car quit on us as we were rolling into the town and had enough rolling power to go into the service station that we always stop at. Some people might call that coincidence, but we prefer to call it the Lord taking care of us. What do you
think?

Steve and I have made plans for our education program next year. Please pray for us in this. Feeling that a residential school would not adequately meet the needs of the people, we are starting an extension program where courses will be
offered on short time basis in different churches. This way the leaders of the

local churches can get some education and not have to leave their job or family for long periods of time. We hope to have three of them in 1988, with the first one being in Kimberley. We are also continuing to do correspondence lessons. At present, we have about 20 students taking lessons in various stages of progress. Other plans that we have are of selling the Polo Road building, having one or two
VBS's and also a training program for women teachers. Fran will be heading that up. Please pray for us in all of these things, as we will be having a busy year.
Fran's class with the women at Bishop Lavis is going real good as is mine on Revelation at Macassar. After a year of meeting in member's houses in Bishop Lavis, we are in the process of obtaining the use of a local hall for meetings. We are all excited about that. It will give more room for Sunday School and
classes.

We thank-you for your support this year.

We could not be here without you.

We hope that you have a great
Lave,

Thank-you very much for the oppurtunity to be here. Christmas and a happy 1988. May God bless.

LAVERN &BARBARA CLARK, Forwardi^^gw

Phone; (317) 689-7085 '
Route 1. Box 15 Bunker Hill Indiana 46914