93of

OHRISTI/\IM

IVII3SIOI\l

Charles and Ivia Phlpps

"They of Italy
salute you!"

Box 717
Joplln, MO

Heb.13:24

64802-0717

January, 1990

Dearest friends.
We are well into 1990 and excited!

As you know, these past few months, while Ivia has been recuper
ating from her collapse, we have been praying and asking all of

you

to

pray for

God's

will

in

our

lives.

Since we cannot get

proper medical care in Italy, we felt that after 42 years in that

work, perhaps God had another place for us on this side of the
water.

For almost a month now, we've been traveling in Texas and Florida

following leads, visiting churches and missions.

As a
in

result,

mission

we
work

are convinced
with

the

that God

would

"International

have us continue

Seamen's

Center"

in

Brownsville, Texas, where ships from Italy and 144 other countries
have been served by the Center.

The Seamen's Center is in desperate need of workers who have their

own support
to continue

and we feel God is giving Charles the opportunity

to develop and use languages he has studied these

many years on the foreign field.

(See the enclosed page.)

Brownsville is right on the Mexican border.

We will worship with
Central Christian Church while we look for a Spanish-speaking
place to attend and help however the Lord shows us.
We are shooting to move between
if we find a place to live.

April

15 and

May 15, or sooner

Meanwhile, Charles continues to preach, teach and to study Spanish

at Crowder College in Neosho.
We

ask

your

prayers

for

continued

health

and

for funds

to

move

We praise God for answering your prayers and ours, and for
faithful, continuing support, as together we serve Him.

your

the 825 miles to Brownsville.

Together, let's make 1990 mighty for our God!

Charles and Ivia

PLEASE NOTE I Ray Downen is still our Forwarding Agent, and our
address remains Box 717, Joplin, WO 64802-0717,

IHE

ITALIAN

CHARr.ES

<ff

IVIA

CHRISTIAN

3rd Class
BULK MAIL
Permit#88
JOPLIN MO
6480 1

MISSION

RHXRRS

Box 717 * Joplin, MO 64802-0717

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

SPRING 1990

3790^
Itt

March 30, 1990

GREETINGS from the "Tip o'Texas"Yes,

we bring you greetings from about as far

away from most of you as we can be and

still be in the continental U.S.A.

There is so much news it is hard to con

dense it into one letter, yet we pray this

HILL catch you up on our doings for the
Lord.

We are settled in a rented mobile home

in LOS FRESNOS, TEXASeleven miles from

NIKOS & CHARLES

Brownsville, about 15 minutes away from the

Port of Brownsville where the International

Seamen's Center is located. When we have the Lord's Day free, we are worshiping
American and Spanish churches. He began attending the First Christian Church in
Texas with our friends, "Dutch" and Elolse DeVore, in whose guest house we were
while we found our place to live. Our things from Neosho came a couple of weeks
arrived, so we are still unpacking and getting settled In.

with both
Harlingen,
made welcome
after HE

To those who helped with moving expenses, Thank Youl The continued support of our
many friends is roost heartening and encouraging. We are thrilled with the opportunities
the Lord is giving us in this new
phase of our missionary service.
We feel so grateful and fulfilled
that God has placed us in this
vital field. Already this month
we have served as missionaries to

seamen from Greece, India, and

the Philippines!

The EUGENIA C, of Greece, docked

March 22nd, and HILL ATEN, founder/
director of International Seamen's

Center, led the way as he and

Charles went on board to offer
their services to the seamen. Since
the Center's van was out of ser

vice, they packed nine into a sta

tion wagon going to the Center.

* ? COSTOS, THE Captain, IVIA, and

THE Chief Engineer of EUGENIA C

From early in the evening until

well after midnight, we were busy

helping the seamen do some neces

sary shopping, exchanging money,

and telephoning home, as well as
us counseling with these men of

the sea and witnessing to them.

The Greek captain of the EUGE

NIA C recalled the Apostle Paul's

having preached in Athens, and

there speaking of "the unknown

god." The captain said, "There

should be no division among those

Mho believe in Jesus Christ/"
Charles says "AMEN!"

WILL ATENr FOUNDER-DIRECTORf

International Seamen's Center

April 1990 letter from CHARLES & IVIA i>HIFPS, continued.

Charles had a long conversation with Victorino, a Philippino crew mem-

ber. This lonely man, separated from his family not only by the broad
expanses of the Pacific but also by th spirit of unfaithfulness working
in his wife, longed to see his four-ye Er-old daughter. It was a genuine
pleasure to hear him say, "But I trust in God. I pray to Jesus every night,"

The last morning the EUGENIA C was ijn

port, Ivia met the Captain, the

Chief Engineer, and Costosone of the crew for whom she sent mail back

to his family in Greece. The seaman's iife is a lonely one. Xvia always

prays for the lonely, since she was onfS

alone and lonely, and feels

deeply for them. While Charles was asslsting some of the men in the

Mall, the Captain very gallantly sat with Ivia. She told him she would
be okay alone here in America, but he wouldn't hear of it.

The CONNY, a tanker from India, arri^Ed a few days later. Both Charles
and Will were impressed with the courteous manners and the clean and

neat appearance of these men, as they mre with those of the Greek ship.
The ship was closely guarded by securii;^ police. This did not interfere
with our going on board for the Lord's work. In fact, it made us newly

conscious of the way He opens the way ^or His servants.

Another ship is due in on March 31st .j Pray for us in this new schedule
in our work. The Center is opened as soon as the men get off work. It
stays open until their needs are met. wj.ll is expert at getting their
telephone calls through to all parts ol the world. This frequently is
an exasperating process since not all < Iduntries make telephoning as

simple and direct as we're used to in tjqe U.S. The men very quickly
become aware of this. The other night, qfter several calls to India,
one of the seamen said he wanted to maklc^ a "local" callto Cleveland,
Ohio, only 2,700 miles from Brownsville!
ALREADY WE ARE LEARNING that is is haid to "let go," for when a ship
leaves, we feel we've said goodbye to 0 R boys.

PLEASE NOTE that our mailing address has NOT changed from Box 717,

Joplin, Missouri 64802-0717. Gifts fok

name of ITALIAN CHRISTIAN MISSION and

our work should be made in the

mailed to our JOPLIN address..*

* We are working WITH the International Seamen's Centernot FOR it.

* Our supporters provide our income. We are not paid by the Center.

The Center has many needsthe main on

just now being a replacement

van to haul these seamen the 15 miles to do what they need to while in

port. The old van has given GOOD service

with 292,000 miles now on the

speedometer. If you can help, please de Lgnate your check for the VAN

fund and mail it to ITALIAN CHRISTIAN MlfeSION, Box 717, Joplin, MO

64802-0717. We give you our THANKS right now/ The new van also will
belong to the Center.

Meanwhile, we (Charles & Ivia) were able with your help to finance
-a-1982-MereuFy-station wagon for the Cert :er which will be paid out iiv
another seven months. This is the one we stuffed nine people into,
and that was not the last time!

This news only touches the surface, biit dear ones, we roust stop this
and get busy; so much to do as we "work for the night is coming" and

the Lord expects us to "make disciples c

all the nations."

Please continue to pray for us...as tociether with you we serve HIM,
CHARLES & IVIA PHIPPS

OH/\RLES
/\f\iD IVI/\ PHIPPS
ITALIAINi CHRISTIAN MISSION

'

Box 717 * Joplln, MO 64802-0717

p ^^

Od-^o
Fowardlng Agent

Also working with:

Ray Downen

INTERNATIONAL SEAMEN'S CENTER

Brownsville, TX

78523-4033

"l set the shorelines of the world. .

Jeremiah 5:22 (LB)
Summer, 1990

Warmest Greetings!

Yes, It really is warm down here In the "TIp-o-Tex", but that doesn't stop God's work
from moving on. As usual, there is good news and bad news, but through It all, we know
God is in control.

First, the bad news...on June 12, our Executive Chaplain had a serious accident, totaling

the Center's old Van (292,000) miles!.

This leaves only the 1982 station wagon the Phipps'

are buying to haul the seamen. Then a week later, the wagon quit, costing over $400.00
to repair. Our Chaplain, WIN Aten, was badly bruised and battered, suffering a huge cut
on the forehead, and nerve damage, which the Dr. says will be two to three years healing.
Now for the good news...during this time, the Center has been open for its usual services

to the seamen: helping them to get in touch with their families via telephone, furnishing
tracts, Bibles, New Testaments, as well as books and magazines, with TV and videos to watch,
plus recreation In general.

During the time Will was unable to do so, Charles preached in his place, also doing
a VBS to raise money toward a new heavy duty van and keeping the Center operating. We

praise God for Charles' continuing health. He Is so happy to serve God and "the boys" through
the Center.

We ask your prayers for Ivla, since once more she Is having sugar, blood pressure and

arthritis problems.

This has resulted In many hours at the Dr's office, and, of course, high

costs for extensive tests. She keeps going, but Is not feeling well at all.

Please continue to pray for replacement of the van.

The station wagon is good auxiliary

help, but Is not large enough nor sturdy enough for the purpose.

Since beginning work with the international Seamen's Center, Charles has done missionary
work with seamen from twenty-seven different nations!
This would have been Impossible
In an entire lifetime In any other way. And all without a hassle over visas or permission
to reach them!!

don't forget!
vital work.

God has marvelous ways of scattering the seed of the Word abroad.

And

It Is your continuing prayers and support that allow us to carry on in this

Thank You!

The hurricane season is here.

So every time you thank God that a storm turns out

to sea and away from our shores, remember our seamen who are pounded by the rageing fury
of the tempest. You might pray this for them...and for yourself:
Oh Lord, be good to me...The sea is so wide...My boat is so small!
In Christian love.

The Phipps Charles and Ivla

Charles spent almost two hours with

this Moslem Captain of a Canadian

ship explaining the gospel and an- J

swering questions about Jesus.
Charles & Will with Captain and
crew of ship from Communist China

***********

Address Correction Requested *3rd Class*

CHARLES &
IVIA PHIPPS
Box 717

Joplin, MO 64802-0717

*BULK RATE*
*Permit 88*
*JOPLIN MO*
*64801*
***********

TAC.C. Fellow
Box 2427 KHO^VL IH 37801-2427

Charles with friends from India.

Iiiiiijtiiliitiiiiiiiiiilhij ihititn MIh.I

I I le:

1 f AL i AN

aHA.ui^E:s

CNR I ST IAN

MISSION

3rd Class

BULK MAIL

<5r

Box 717 * Jopiin, MO 64802-0717

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Periiit#88

JOPLIN MO
CHRISTMAS 1990

6 9 8 0 1

services

iiilliln'
Dec. 15, 1990 /'
CHARLES with n<en of the Sea ..
from Reel Cliina.

NEWS FROM ITALY GIUSEPPE reports increased attendance and greater com

munity interest at TERRACINA, with new prospects. NINO, one of the first
members of the church there, now 81, is not well. He needs our prayers. We

praise the Lord for the growing activity in the church in the historic city
of Fondi.

A 40% increase in the rent for the meeting place in Terracina (probably

due to oil prices?) is creating a serious problem for the church there. We
do ask your fervent prayer for GIUSEPPE, his family, and the congregation
in TERRACINA.

BRUNO has been a very active part of the congregation in Terracina ever
since he was a small boy. Giuseppe baptized him in the Mediterranean Sea
several years ago. Bruno is a member of the Italian Carabinierl (military),
and for some time now has been stationed in Tel Aviv, Israel, He continues
in his faithful witness.

MAGARITA, a precious lady Charles baptized, writes: "It

year and a half since you left, and yet it doesn't seem it
longwe feel so close to you in the lord." This faithful
Lord continues, "Jesus says, '! am the bread of life' (John

Is already a
could be that
sister in the
6*35), and it

is true, dear ones, I have written these things so that you, too, wiiJ

Sarah's first photo, rejoice with us for this joy, and we ask you to include us in your prayers,
now more than ever, since the Lord is calling us to renewed evangeliza
tion."

PRAYER

REQUESTSPlease pray

that

the church in Terracina will re

ceive support to save their meeting

place. Your offering will Increase
the amount we are sending.

^airea<Jy*> 1,
levet Ieach

'VGcand""

uhBRE'*'

Pray for the remaining funds to

come in to pay for the much-needed
van for the Center.

Pray that our witness to seamen

from all over the world will bear
fruit as the seed of the Word finds

0 hai-^

rich soil in the hearts of people

we could never reach In person.

THE INTERNATIONAL SEAHEN's CENTER

is

busy, and we're happy about itt Re

cently, a large group from the First
Christian Church in Harlingen visited
us. In doing so, they took a trip to
HONG KONG I

They

were given a guided

tour of

the ship, YOU SHENGa vessel from

Hong Kong. Since being on board means
you are on the soil of the country of
that ship, these Texans made a round

trip to Hong Kong, visited the Cen

ter, and were back home in time for
lunch!

ship from

Communist

China

was

just in port, the AN PING. Another

also, the HUA II (say HUA SHE). So
Charles and Will were invited to go
aboard, where they had the opportuni
ty to eat with chopsticks. As you see
in the picture, Charles would have
gone hungry. But Will ate a satisfy

Seated between YOU SHENG's Political

Officer and Captain, CHARLES TRIES TO

CAPTURE (food, using) CHOPSTICKS

ing meal with these tools.

In the past few days, we've had the

BALSA 22, CHIN CHONA, STAR SKARVEN,
and PACRA2I0 V from Columbia. So we

have been missionaries IN China, the

Philippines, Norway, and South Ameri
ca without spending a cent on airline

tickets, or being barred from doing

the Lord's work in farflung fields.
en on a Brazilian ship could speak
only Portugese. This gave Charles a
chance

to

see

how

his

mixture

of

Italian and Spanish could work at

providing two-way communication. We
made the gradeand the Word sailed

Center visitorstouring the YOU SHENG

for yet another country.

Hindu seamen bade me farewell with

welcome

words as

they

prepared to

sail, "God bless you. You pray us."

God is indeed at work here.

Our thanks to you for caring and

for sharing so that the Light that
shines from your heart might span
the oceans and eliminate the dark

ness dominating the hearts of some

who are loved by God.

We pray that you may have a

blessed Christmas and a peaceful

New Year!
CHARLES & IVIA PHIPPS