BENIN

Africa

Steve & ShawnALLEN

296 N. Oakland #8Pasadena, CA 91101

February, 1990

Dear Friends,

"As long as there are millions ofpeople in the worldwithout the Word of God or knowledge ofJesusChrist it will he impossible for me to devote timeand energy to those who have both."

This is what I bring back from Africa. A strong motivation to prepare for the task that is ahead-giving the Word of God and knowledge of JesusChrist to those who do not have it.

If I could summarize my trip into one word it wouldbe RETURN. My heart burns like a blazing fire as Ithink of the millions of people who are perishingeach day without the message of Jesus Christ.There is only one option-return and give it tothem.

I wish it were possible for me to come to each one ofyou and share the things I have experienced in person. Since I can't do this, I will try my best to express them in this letter. Realize it won't be thesame.

I chose the book of John to read each day while inAfrica and God opened its pages to me with everynew reading. John 14:13,14 stands out in mymind.

I will do whatever you ask in my name, sothat the Son of God may bring glory to theFather. You may ask me for anything in myname and I will do it."

Isn't that a great promise? Jesus Christ will doanjdhing for us if we only ask. But how do Christians ask? Simple, through prayer. If there is oneconviction on my heart, it is to pray. Pray. PRAY!

Shawn. Victoria, and Steve

Four coconut collectors in Benin.

Steve and translator Justin Sylvestreenjoying a coconut milk break!

An African mechanic?

Christian Missionary Fellowship Prayer Newsletter

My first seven nights in Afi*ica, I cried every night... burdened by what was there, overwhelmed by what was ahead. God gave me the grace to endure—He answered yourprayers for me. I can't stress enough our need for your prayers. Please keep praying.

One of the hardest feelings I dealt with was the absence of Shawn. It was the longest we'dbeen apart since we met three years ago in Auburn. No letters, no phone calls, justthoughts of being reunited once again. At one point I was over five days' travel fromhome. That was the hardest... knowing if I needed to return it would take at least fivedays without any travel complications.

But what is the next step in our preparing to return to AfHca? The month of March willbe spent in Georgia and Tennessee, showing slides and sharing experiences. Wewill thenreturn to California and move to Pasadena. This will enable us to utilize the well of resources available in the School of World Missions. September 1,1990, we will return toGftorgifl f.n fflkft rarfi of the financial needs of our going, and then we will leave for Franceone year later.

We have a longroad ahead ofus with many potential obstacles-pray fervently that theywill be knocked down before we even get to them.

We loveyou all dearly: our supporters, our friends, our family. You are all our family,and we thank God for blessing us with you.

In His Service,

Steve, Shawn, and Tori Allen

2/90

CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIPP.O. BOX 26306,5674 CAITO DRIVE

INDIANAPOUS, IN 46226

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

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BENIN

Africa

July 1990

Steve 81 ShawnALLEN

296 N. Oakland #8

Pasadena, CA 91101

Shawn & SteveClark & Tori

"Happiness is belonging, not belongings."

You might say, "Oh, no, not another missionary letter about simple lifestyle" . .. and youwould be right. This is not another missionary letter about simple Hfestyle but rather aboutbelonging and friendships.

In May, we completed a class at Fuller on language learning and bonding. Our eyes wereopened to the reality of what Jesus did^when He came to this earth. He bonded. For His first30 years on this earth He lived with man, worked with man, and bonded with man. His lastthree years. He ministered to man.

In this class we were required to learn a language from people. We chose Lithuanian because of Shawn's heritage, found a community of about four hundred Lithuanian-speakingpeople, and started to learn their language. Tori did much better than we did, but thenagain sometimes her English is Greek to us. Our time with the people was a memorable oneto say the least, and we now have the confidence needed to learn French then Fon.

As Shawn and I begin to prepare for our return to the South, we are having to put everything we wish to bring back into six rather small boxes. We have no trouble getting rid ofthings and consolidating our stuff, but we are having trouble with the reality of sa3rmg,"Goodbye."

It was very easy for us to say goodbye to the South when we left a year ago, because weknew we would return soon. As we leave California, we reaHze we might never return.

Recently, we said goodbye to some very close friends who are headed for Singapore. Torisaid goodbye to Pauline and Silas who are headed for Hong Kong. In the next few months,we will say goodbye to families going to Kenya, Nigeria, Chile, Pakistan, Tahiti, China, Cambodia, Baltimore, and, of course, our many fHends who are staying right here in Cahforniadoing what God has called them to do.

We really feel a sense of belonging to these people. They are brothers and sisters inChrist, very dear friends whom we will miss. Shawn and I never thought we would havetrouble leaving California, and we're not. We are having trouble leaving these close friendsthat we might not see again here on this earth. However, knowing we will see them again inHeaven makes sa5dng, "See you soon," so much easier.

Christian Missionary Fellowship Prayer Newsletter

Tori and her international playmates(Nigerian, Vietnamese, and French).

A \\

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Take me to Africa, Nnoweke! WELCOME, CLARK!Our nest is full now.

The last weekend of June, Tori and I did a little bonding. We took a three-mile hike up fourteen hundred feet, spent the night, then returned the next morning. She hiked about 30 yardsand rode on my shoulders the rest of the way. Tori almost slid down the mountain at one point,but just like her~dad, God has assigned her extra guardian angels. She is going to needfhem. Itwas great fun; a very neat experience for both of us. Shawn stayed home with Clark, so the twoof them had a little time alone.

Clark, our newest and LAST addition is also bonding very well to his new family. Tori keepshim cr3ring, Shawn keeps him fed, and I just sit and let him stare at me. Unfortunately, he gothis father's good looks. Poor guy will be running from the girls while his sister is chasing theboys. I guess Shawn and I have our work cut out for us.

: *•>

God continues to show us how BIG and GRACIOUS He really is, and we are so thankful for theway He stands beside us in our many times of need.

We ask for your prayers in the areas of family adjustment, brother/sister adjustment, and forbasic stress relief.

Thank you for always being there for us, and we will continue to be in touch.

Moving forward with the Lamb,

Steve, Shawn, Tori, and Clark Allen

7/90

CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIPP.O. BOX 26306, 5674 CAITO DRIVE USFtoLe

INDIANAPOUS, IN 46226-0306

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Permit No. 2975

IrKfianapolis, Indana

mission serviceshditorial dept^ 0 BOX 2427KNOXVILLE TN 37901