VOLUME XXIV

January-March 2004

NUMBER 1

Setubal Updata
Since arriving in Portugci nearly 23 years ago, it was obvious that it had its own particular Christian history that goes back, I believe, to the early cen
turies of the Christian faith, Paul's desire to come to

Iberia (Rom. 15:24-28) ignited a desire in me to know more about the Christian beginnings in Iberia. After examining several archaeological sites and paleoChristian ruins. I thought, "Why not try and recon struct a baptistry that is centuries old In a new Church plant?" Finally, on February 1st we officially dedicated the new Church building and baptistry. It is a replica of a late 14th century one located in Monforte, Portugal. We have tried to unite the very
old practice in a new cultural form that honors

antiquity and restores a biblical and tice, i.e.. immersing people as it had N.T. times. It is refreshing to see and reaction to the new baptistry. We and Omega as well as IXTHYE, the FISH, an early Christian symbol to the Several people had a special

cultural prac been done in hear people's j

added the two Greek letters Alpho I

front of the baptistry.

^ ^
ShE

part In the service as well: two HI, young ladies, Deborah and Elisa pre- F*

pared and presented a choreogra- I

phy; the praise group accompanied

the singing; two brothers gave us an exhortation using "rap;" diplomas were given to 3
students who had completed a course on the Old Testament; special music given by Wilson & Eduardo; 3 people came forward, We lifted our voices in praise to the One who makes all things possible. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Caroavelos:
-fri

give you an Idea, Among the children participating were 5 different countries represent
ed. The teachers worked hard to get all things

Couples Banquet:
Seventeen couples came together In the audi
torium of the Church and were served a very

healthy menu of delicious food and inspiring singing and a challenging message. The area was decorat
ed with hearts and centered on Valentine's Day.

The youth of the Church were prominent in their serving the tables and cleaning up. Thank you, planning committee and youth, who made an

enjoyable evening available for very busy people. We are convinced that several cou ples are now thinking seriously about what was said by the speaker,

Crazy Hat Night:

"Crazy Hot Night" was a roaring success. Several hats were very cre ative and all had an Interesting time.
Hats, music, and food were the talk of

the night as well as many creative posters that appeared. These young people surprise me all the time. May God protect them at this difficult age and very difficult times.

Early Church History Ciass:

There is a certain pleasure in
teaching for the teacher,
minds of the students as

One's

goal is to instill that pleasure in the

well.

There are 11 first year students and

they have proven to be seekers.

Most of them are computer literate and multi-lingual. It is a bless-

_j|^B
i

ing to share with them for this short

time.

Before you move, please send the mailing label with a copy of your new address to
MISSION SERVICES ASSOCIATION. PO Box 13111. Knoxville. TN 37920-0111.

Mission Services Association

PO Box 13111

Non Profit Org.

37950-9998

ADDRESSES
Missionaries: Dick & Sarah Robison Rug Per do Sol 29 2775-680 Corcavelos

Knoxvilie, TN 37920-0111

U.S. Postage Paid

Knoxville, TN
Permit #374

Return Service Requested

Portugal 011-351-21-457-0065 (Robison) 011-351-21-456-1596 (Church)

E-Mail:

richardrobison@netcabo.pt clbertig@netcabo.pt
Forwarding Aoents: Phil & Dot Wiltshire 4824 Westbourne Dr,

Powder Springs, GA 30127

Telephone: 770-943-4668

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VOLUME XXIV

April-June 2004

NUMBER 2

Co-workers Are?
WHY co-workers? One very tl-ieoretical and pragmatic reason is that they constitute an essential part of Christian ministries. Examples abound in the scriptures, Search the OT and/or NT and it is very evident that the majority of God's servants had one or many more co-work ers. No one has been able to be and do what God has mandated without a good portion of "HELPERS." They have come in all sizes, shapes, and in a variety of ways. Praise God for "COV\/ORKERS."

Paul in Romans 16 cites the names of at least 26 people who have helped him and worked with him. That list is not a complete one. There were many more. He used words like, "co-laborers," "partners." "builders," "apostle (messenger)," "servants" and "under-rowers." Through the years various co-workers have served here and displayed the characteristics of
biblical co-workers.

The longer we work at this task in Iberia, the longer I am convinced that God is sending to us and will send us His chosen co-workers in His time and not those of our choosing. Thank you. Lord, for these couples. This edition of the PiONEER is going to try and show the work and contributions of our pres ent co-workers in and around Lisbon. Portugal. However, not all of the world-wide co-workers
can be listed in this PIONEER. Obviously not all of their contributions can be mentioned as well.

Robert and Derlani Fife have been working with

Portugal Christian Mission for 16 years. Both are very capable and dedicated servants. Presently they are at Emmanuel School of Religion where Robert has just com-

pleted very successfully his 1st year towards his MDiv. They

JHk
j: 'W

will be in Portugal during the time that Sarah and 1 will be

stateside. V\/e miss them on a daily basis but realize that their
before them. Here is an excerpt from their new Forwarding

furttier preparation will enhance the progress of the work of

the Lord Immeasurably. Many more years of service are

^11

As if being a returning college student weren 't enough, Robert has been busy visiting
churches and even had the opportunity to travel to New York to present workshops for

forty-plus Portuguese-speaking leaders. Robert taught two sessions on missions and the Restoration Movement. This was an incredible opportunity to promote these ideals into the Portuguese-speaking community. The Fifes also had the opportunity during a visit to Brazil to visit with their brother, Jeff, sharing with and encouraging the churches there. Robert is also working to get several students from Emmanuel to bring a missions team
to Portugal in 2005. In addition to Robert's studies, DerianI has been taking classes and working to help meet their financial needs while here in the States. - Steve Hamilton

They can be reached for a speaking engagement by contacting their Forwarding Agent: Steve Hamiiton, 11850 E., 310 S., LaGrange, iN 46761.
Wilson and Elsa Spindola have been worl<ing with us for the lost 4 years. Again, both are very capabie and desirous of serving in just most any capacity, By being younger than

the Fifesand us, they have a tremendous capacity and wiiiingness to serve. They have 2 children, Lucas and David, both pre-schoolers. While we were gone and before the
Fifes arrived for the summer, they assumed and fulfiiled admirably the ieadership of the 2 churches and all that this demands. May they continue to be willing servants and

it

ieaders for many years to come, We iool< forward with conEduardo and Sandrine Ferreira. God sent this couple (mid 20's) to Portugal to be abie to serve Him with us. They sold everything they had in Santa Catarina, Brazii before coming. The Lord has provided a place for them to live, fur niture, clothing, a new Church in which to serve (Setubai), medical care and a new and loving family. Sandrine should have their first child by the time this reaches you. His name is IVliguel, They are worl<ing with Setubai in the praise service, discipieship, and preaching & teaching. This con gregation is geared towards Brazilian immigrants and their
contacts,

Carcavelos News
Overseas Visitors: Sarah and I enjoyed the visit of our grandkids Josh & Rachel Jackson of Connecticut. They spent 10 days seeing many, many sights of cen tral and southern Portugal, They spoke about coming back again to see more and learn more

about Portugal. Both are students at UCONN.

Baby Presentation:
Jo and Yolanda Karange (parents of Ina Lucia), along with her grandmother, Ernestina Venancio, and dearest friend from Angola, Ester Ucuahamba had the pleasure of presenting their newly born daughter to God with sincere promises to raise her in the Lord, The Church also assumed their role in this as well. It is always a time for rejoicing. Ctiurch Soccer Team: Wilson, a former professional player, is the team's captain, coach, and most skilled player. The team had
2 wins and 1 tie when we left. The

name of the team is

team.

"THE SPIRITS,"

Come on over and play against this

Setubal News
New Sign:
The Church here has a new sign.
with two of the from the Carcavelos Church.

ty

Wilson & Eduardo put their brains and

Ibrawntogetherandmadethesign,wiredit, andattachedit to
the building 1/3 of the price of a professional sign maker. People can now find out the exact location of the meetings. Chilean Visitor: A young Chilean Christian appeared at the Setubal
Church and wanted to worship i
with us. His name is Richard and

ICniA
CRISTO

he came two times, He is a sailor

on one of Chile's many ships that
sail from South America to the rest t

ifflfc'
"

of the world. months at sea

It had been 3 had wor-

shipped the Lord. Thank God for this opportunity to serve. We were really blessed with his witness.

This and That

Praise:
For a vehicle to use during the short trip to the USA God's provision at oii times Faithful supporters
Excellent co-workers

Daily health & strength

Prayer:
For present and future plans
For wisdom In all decisions

For the National Missionary Convention to be held in Peorio. Illinois September 30 - October 3

Correction to the January-March 2004 newsletter: The baptistry pictured in the new church is a replica of a 14th Century baptistry located in Monforte, Portugal -- not a 4th Century baptistry. We are sorry for any confusion this many have caused.

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NUMBER 4

VOLUME XXIV

October-December 2004

God's Ghronometer is Always Perfect!

Greetings from Fayetteville, North Carolina
We arrived in the USA on October 9 in Newark, NJ.

After a shortflight to Raleigh-Durham, NC we were picked

up by our son, David, and we enjoyed a trip to Fayetteville. Our main purpose was to celebrate the wedding of David
III with Alicia Wester on October 16. Plans had been made

and all we lacked was the ceremony.

^H|||Ks
, ^

I always look forward to these occasions as a time for family and a time of celebrating. It was a privilege to have

performed the marriages of our three children and to have ^

performed the weddings oftwograndchildren already. We g

looked forward to this time together as well and were not \\

disappointed.

The wedding went off without a hitch in Savannah, Georgia at the iVlackey House. The beauty of the city and surroundings was very appealing with its southern hospitality and histor ical features, Of course, David and Alicia made a fantastic couple and God blessed this union, Our return to Portugal was scheduled for October 25th, A second aspect of this trip was to visit an urologist which we did on the 13th of October as I was dissatisfied with my doctor's opinion about my PSA Test that I had in Portugal before leaving, The doctor here suggested a biopsy which was completed and we were informed that the test was positive and I had an aggressive cancer. After talking with him he suggest ed strongly that steps should be taken quickly, A CT Scan and a bone scan were completed and his opinion was that the cancer was organ contained and could be treated with external
radiation and hormones,

I met with the oncologist on the 15th of November and she concurred that external rdiation and hormones would be sufficient. She also ruled out surgery at this time as well. It will take eight weeks to complete the treatment. That means I will be in treatment until the end of January 2005. In talking with the doctor, I mentioned that we fully intended to return to

Portugal to continue our mission work. Her answer was, "You wiH!" By the time you receive this
Pioneer. I wll! be in the midst of treatment,

We are taking this one day at a time and trusting the Lord for His leading. We covet your
prayers for us. Our telephone number while here Is 910-826-0417, The address is: Richard

Robison. 6813 Netherdale Dr Fayetteville, NC 28314-5432, We are enjoying tremendously the time we are able to spend with Dave &Toni during this time of treatment. The hospitality is
tremendous.

Thanks to you who have already called and/or written. People are praying for us in at least 5 different languages. God Is a "polyglot" as we all readily know. God knew what I was needing and at the right time put us in one of the best places to be treated. Sarah and Iwant to wish you all a great Holiday Season. We pray that God will become
more real day by day in each of your lives. May the "Babe of Bethlehem" become the Saviour

and Lord of your lives. We look forward to the year 2005 with great expectation. Our goal is
to return to Portugal during the coming year. We submit our desires to the One who is in charge.

Life's Blessings are Amazing!

Seems like the month of October Is a special month for

the Robison Family. Birthdays and particularly weddings occur with frequency.

Three generations of Richard David Robisons

Wedding in Portugal
On October 5th, Carlos and Ines were

married at a seaside resort near "Apple Beach." We rejoice with them and their respec tive families on this joyous occasion. Ines and family were some of the first people we met after arriving in Portugal 23 years ago. Praise to our Father for her grovi/th and this next step in
her life.

20th Anniversary nf
u -

Carcavelns Church
Barbecued chicked, fresh salads, and deli

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cious desserts plus coffee and soft drinks and the

usuals were enjoyed by the Church family. Tim Cavaco, the Secretary of the Portuguese Bible Society, was the special speaker,

2nd Anniversary of the Setnhal Church

A great time was had by all on September 26 In Setubal, Carlos Fontes, Dean of Mt, Hope Bible College, was the fea tured speaker. Pray for Wilson & Elsa Splndola as they lead both Churches during this time, that God will give them wisdom and discern ment In a special way, In Setubal, plans are being made for after-school activities. PCM has a contract on the premises where this Church meets for the next 4 years.

Carlos Fontes

Wilson, Elsa and David

Everybody is Pitching in During

our Absence
We have received word that many of the members in the churches are pitching in and picking up the slack. This encour ages the leadership there and, of course, us here as well. The Daniel Been family, missionaries to Mozambique, are presently in and around the church in Carcavelos, They are in

The Daniel Been Family

Before you move, please send the mailing label with a copy of your new address to
MISSION SERVICES ASSOCIATION, PC Box 13111, Knoxville. TN 37920-0111.

Non Profit Org.

37950-9998

ADDRESSES
Missionaries:

Mission Services Association PO Box 13111

Knoxville, TN 37920-0111

U.S. Postage
Paid

Dick & Sarah Robison

Rua Por do Sol 29

2775-680 Carcavelos

Return Service Requested

Knoxville. TN
Permit #374

Portugal
011 -351 -21 -457-0065 (Robison) 011-351-21-456-1596 (Church)
E-Mail:

richardrobison@netcabo.pt

cibertig@netcabo,pt

Phil & Dot Wiltshire 4824 Westbourne Dr.

Powder Springs, GA 30127

Telephone; 770-943-4668

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