Dear Folks;
Well here I sit in the annual mission meeting at Elate. An African, pastor is now holding forth telling the "fraternal workers" how to get a long. We've been listening to all the problems of the church; its frustration, persecution and it's pleasures. Here are all our missionairies in Cameroun - about 120 strong - with many fine, talented people in the group.
Paragragh edit out by tcc
The last week I've been sick with some kind of African measles. The damage done - but its much nicer to be sick at home than out in the bush.
Am getting some names and addresses down South so will be able to stop at other missions in Africa. The Congo etc. It will probably take me two or three weeks to get to Johannesburgh - but thats ok. I have plenty of time now the big game hunt looks out of the question - but am going into elephant country and might see some of the beasts.
At the work camps we had a tape recorder and took some type of drums, dancing and singing. This will come home sometimes in the fall so PERSERVE IT for me. Got the film bags - THANKS - will send some home. I appreciate this very much. This presents a problem. 1. That I won't see the film to identify the shots before I forget 2. There is no opportunity to see how my camera is behaving if it leaks light and if my exposure is correct. There are KODAK processing plants around the world (not technicolor) and I can get my film develped in these various places, ie. Johanessburg, Rome, Paris, etc. That s why I want KODAK - kodachange bags for technicolor I have to send home without editing. Still I would like some 6 exposure bags to carrry with me 4-6.
There is very little native craft work in this area. What little handiwork there is, is rough and dying out. The people would rather buy an enamel kettle than make one of their own. They hang advertisements out of magazines on their walls instead of creating their own art. All these cheap foreign goods replace the native crafts. Hence I won't be able to send much from this part of Africa.
Just got a letter that my friend Robbie MacFarland is getting married to a Lutheran girl. He just met her this summer, and Aug 1th the ceremony. If he can do it so can I; when I am old enough for such a responsibility. Would like to send them a present. Would you please wrap up the "salad forks" from Denmark and asend them from me.
He has accepted "a call" to a church in North Dakota and I am sure they will have a powerful ministry now that Robbie has direction, his tremendous drive and brilliance will know no bounds.
A guy wanted to give me an ape today. What would I have done with the critter - after all, as I said previously I am not ready to get married.
John and I are thinking of going down to the coast tomorrow - should be fun swimming in the surf and we are only 3 hours away. This is just North of Spanish Guinea on your map. Then to Libama and another mission station for a couple of days, Douda and then South to Brazzoville. I hope to spend about a week in the Congo area - Then on S. to Elizabethville and Ndola. From Ndola I hope to go via bus to Victoria Falls - This should take another week - Then a couple of weeks in the Johannesburgh area - So start sending my mail down there for the next month. I hope to visits Kruger Park, look over he racial problems of Apartheid and see life "down under".
There is so much to see and this is such a big country that I don't know when I'll get north. I have heard no word from any church so it looks like I might as well relax and just wander. I'm scheduled for the Am. Sch. In Jerusalem the middle of Sept. but might not make it by then. Besides my expenses are minimal, so what's the rush - only $100 this last month.
Well I'd best send this on it's way. Do write tell me what's going on.
Love,
Bruce
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