Torch, Fall 1985

14 ToRCH: Did you find an established church when you began your job abroad? Elliott: Yes, my wife and I joined Faith Baptist Church in Central, Hong Kong which was under the leadership of my father-in-law, Rev. Bill Reid, an A.B.W.E. missionary. Engelmann: We attend a small Spanish-speaking mission started by a missionary couple two years ago . Attendance has grown from 19 to 38. Griffeth: There was a Baptist church in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka . We attended the church and became close friends with the missionaries. Later we were involved with other missionaries in starting a church in Kandy. TORCH: Please describe your tentmaking ministry. Elliott: We work mostly one-on-one with people at our place of employment. The job and our ministry sort of melt into one . We also lead a gospel meeting through our church on Sunday evenings. Engelmann: On Tuesday evenings, Judy and I host a weekly Bible study led by our missionary pastor. Eighteen to twenty English-speaking people attend and it lasts about two hours. We have also passed out English/Spanish gospel literature. Griffeth: Our ministry was comprised of counseling and opening our home for Sunday school classes, perhaps five to twenty hours each week. TORCH: Do you consider your secular job apart from your ministry? Elliott: They are one and the same. My wife and I are teachers; it is through our jobs that we hope to minister by building friendships and trust so we can eventually share our faith. TORCH: What difficulties have you experienced in tentmaking? Elliott: Discouragement, weariness , and homesick– ness, especially during holidays. The need in Hong Kong is so vast - so many people and not enough of us to go around. Engelmann: Our only real difficulty has been the language. We attend a Spanish-speaking church . TORCH: Were there Bible or missions studies in your background that aided your ministry? Elliott: The course Four Gospels I took at Cedarville was a definite help . It would also be beneficial for prospective tentmakers to take courses or read books that compare Christianity with other religions. Also, I was involved in a discipling ministry with teens. This was a stepping stone to our tentmaking. Griffeth: Neither Fran nor I have taken Bible courses in a Christian college setting. However, we have been believers for many years and have benefitted from instruction received in church, Sunday school, and through personal study. TORCH: Did you receive any formal preparation for living in another culture? Engelmann: We had a three day cultural training class in Denver prior to moving to Mexico. However, I must say that some events occur in Mexico for which there is no preparation. TORCH: How has God used your tentmaking? Elliott: We have seen people saved and have been able to encourage believers to grow in grace. Engelmann: The mission was able to build an addition with some monetary assistance from us. And we believe we have been a source of encouragement to our missionary pastor, to Americans at Saltillo , and to the nationals at our church. Griffeth: We had a supportive role m the establishment of a new church at Kandy. TORCH: Share specific blessings you have experienced through tentmaking. Elliott: Both of us had to lean on God as never before . Abroad there are no "crutches" to lean on . Engelmann: Our eyes have been opened to missions, missionaries, and their unique problems . Also, we have rejoiced to sense the Christian bond between believers of different cultures. Griffeth: Of course the establishment of a local church was thrilling . Additionally , we have made many special friends with whom we continue to maintain close contact . TORCH: What can Christians in the States do to stand behind your ministry? Elliott: PRAY for us. We fight loneliness because we are not linked with any organization. Encouragement from other Christians would help. There's nothing quite as special to brighten our day as a letter from home assuring us of prayers. Engelmann: Find out specific needs that we have and pray earnestly for them . TORCH: What suggestions would you give to someone considering becoming a tentmaker? Elliott: Know what you're in for. Be open-minded , trust the Lord, and stand back and marvel at what He does through you! Engelmann: If you can , learn the language . Griffeth: Become well trained in your technical field and get some good Bible training that will help you in evangelism and church planting. Furthermore, I would certainly think active involvement in your local church prior to going would be very important. James Engelmann is general superintendent of production at General Motors' Saltillo engine plant in Mex ico and is a 1966 graduate of Cedarville College. Charles Ell iott teaches at Hong Kong Baptist College, Hong Kong. He is a 1977 graduate of Cedarville College . Dr. Walter Griffeth , retired , was an agronomist and professor at Cornell University, Baptist Bible College and Seminary, Cedarville College, and Wil mington College.