serving the Independent Christian Churches Sipoe 1950

Western Mexico Christlsn MissionSB N. VillarreBi St

Dlfsctor

Ht. ^erjild 0. DowtinPhiyciys Evangefiftm

.- Dear Christian Friends:

(Mailing Addraaa)

apArtado postal no. 350HBftMOSIULO. SONORA, MEXfcO

MAT 196S

Telephone 3-61-59

Co-Director

Mrs. Geneva S. BowlinBible Schools Benevolence

"still doing "business at the same old stand"same location, "but new "bi^ldlng, ascan see in the enclosed photo, "Colonia Olivares" (prnounced-: Coe-low-knee-ahOh-lee-bar-es) is part of the new, far-western portion of this capital city of otrer100,000 people. Pictured is the "Chapel of the Cross", hailt vrith funds given "by oneof llrs, Bowlins' Living-Link Churches, Maryvale Christian Church, phoenix, Arizona,-'Lowell Megorden, minister, (Prof. Hilhert Fletcher of.DanYer, Olorad/i donated thecement "patio tile" floor.) The Chapel is huilt of soft "hurnt-adohe" "brick, etacodinside and out. The cross on the top is painted with white fluorescent paint, and whenspotli^ted at night, can be seen for many blocks. There are an estimated 3000people vrithin a 5 block radius of this chapel; easy walking distance.

Our adopted Mexican son, Oscar 22, and I share the services at the "Chapel of the Cross^^He has charge of the Sunday Bible School and teaches the youth class, (one of eur youngladies teach the children's class); also the mid-week service. I preach the Sundayevening service (no morning service in this part .of Mexico), and we share the calling,I am avraiting new literature for the adult class. The average attendance is 30-40,Oscar performs the weddings and I handle the funerals, I only wish I could convey tOyou my joy in having one of my ov/n children v/orking with me after all these years onthe Mission Field.

I am sure you will also rejoice v;ith me that this same church, Maryvale, Phoenix,Ariz, recently spark-plugged a successful drive among the phoenix Churches to put a50 h,p. motor in Geneva's 1962 Volkswagen Kombi, which serves as a Sunday School,Church and Ifeily Vacation Bible School bus, ambulance, v;edding and funeral car, hoarse,etc,, etc.

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JUST 1 BLOCK

FROM the ^SBB

WORLOlSFAIR

HSi^lSFA I R68

THE SUST

SA TIO ISfi A L.'SISSBOIVSARY

COIVIVEIMTIOIM

V I U L I T A

fASSSMBLY HALL

September 24-27, 1963 'SAN ANTOHK), TEXAS

ifester v;ook was a busy one-: Our daughter, Kathy,brought four car-loads of students and their advisor fromthe Univ. of Arizona for a work week, plus anotherbeautiful Easter Sunrise Service with over 60 personspresent.

Thanks you again for your prayers and your continued-financial support.

Yours in Mexico for Christ,

X^^-rmlT-n Ti Tf/lW

Sefld Ail neHef Packages To:

Mrs. Carol Strong. Forwarding Agent W. M.C. MissionS674 E.Eastland St., Tucson. Arizona 85711 U.S.A.

'GERALD D. BQWLIN

p.S. Our annual (1967) financial report is now-available.

Serving the independent Christian Churches Since 1950

Western Mexico Christian Mission58 N. Villarreal St

Director

Dr. Gerald 0. BowiinNative Churches - Evangelism

(Mailing AMresa)

APARTADO POSTAL NO. 350HERMOSILLO, SONORA. MEXICO

Octo"br 196s

Dear 5'ellow Christians:

Ranemher the joy at yoiar "baptism?At the baptism of your converts?ihe joy of the first baptism youperformed, if you are a ministeror an elder?

Thus in sweet memory can youappreciate somewhat the recentaiperience of our son, Oscarwhen he . baptized his firstcandidates. Also perhaps, theproud happy feeling that cameto his parents, (One of theyouiig men is pictured withOscar.)

In llexLco where a native bom

meidcan citizen must, accordingto the Constitution, "perform therites of the Church", I .must say with the Apostle fault "For Christ sent me not tobaptize, but to preach the Gospel*" How wonderful it is to have our soxi^ .a seaez^generation missionary, baptize our converts,

Eiank you who sent financial help, a receipt for which is enclosed. Only as youhonor your pledges month by month, or send a love offering as the Lord prospers you,are we able to meet our personal needs and continue the work for Christ's Church inb'ostern Hesico,

Truly ARE laborers together with God." May God richly bless our joint efforts,

Your^brother in Christ

Gerald D, Bowiin

Telephone 3-61-59

Co-Director

Mrs. Geneva S. BcwiinBible Schools Benevolence

P. S, If you have not sent an offering this year, may we have one soon, at least tocover the mailing costs of pur newsletter? Ttemh"' you,,,,GCB,

Send All Belief Packages To:

Mrs, Carol Strong. Forwardirg Agent W. M. C.Mission5674 E. Eastland St..Tucson, Arizona 85711 U.SA

HELP! BOWLINS NEED EINANCIALHELP. NOW/Yes, the- ^O'vllns need personal financial help, iranedlateljl"fe on'e for three neeks g-rccerles at the supernarket; housepoToont of $110.15(June & July); an equal anount at thedrug store; and arain at the garage v/here v/e have our carand hus repaired.

"Yhy haven't ve let you friends know? We kept thinkingall year offerings would pick up enough that vire could sendout th"e' attached "?.esu;ne" and Financial report (which raanyhave requested, and been expecting) and this in turn wouldstimulate regular giving, plus some extra offerings. Thingshaven't picked up, but we managed, to squeeze out enough moneyhere and there for paper, ink and postage, so

PL EASEREAD TT^S ATTACFED ?,EPOF;T. THEF IP yOU BELIEVE TFIS WOFKIS WORTWILE AFD S'^OlEXi CO""'Tr''UE

SEND THE BOWLINS A GENEROUS CHECK TODAYOEF.ALD D. bo?/liii

WESTERIT r-EXICG CT-IR. 1ST lAF FISSIOFAPDO. POSTAL 350

FErr'OSILLO, SO^TORA, imico

WESTERN MEXICO--I967-66G3FLALD BOWLlxT JjUIIlY-

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2 1st.

FAT lOFAL

MISS IONAPYC ONV TNT ION

SEPTEMHEP 24-27, 1968.

VILLITA ASSE' ^BLY HALL,

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS,

WESTEP-N MEXICO OHFXSTIAN MISSION

APDO. POSTAL 350

HEP.MOSILLO, SONORA, ?CEXIOO

BUILDIITG 50E CHRIST IN V/EST-^T MSHCOl96T-6g

As Paul espressos it in the socond chapter of his lottor to tho Sphosian Church so wo too,in a foreign land are attempting to "huild together an habitation of God throu^ theSpirit", by living, preaching and teaching the Gospel of Josus Christ, Vmd as Mexicansbecomo Christians wo aro holping build oarthly buildings as noodod for thorn to moot forworship and followship, Horo follows a rosumo in picturos and words of cur latest efforts.

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BUILDING THE CHURCH (BAPTISMN)^During tho yoar 1967 twonty'- soTon baptisms wororqpcrtod in this field, (scmo 5OO since 1950). young pooplo fJhovm with mo atour outdoor baptistry on 0. hill overlooking tho city of Eormooillo (125f000 pop,} arcsocond gonoration converts. That is, they woro raisod in Sunday School and Church muchas you woro. This wo fool is a groat stop forward in tho forming of tho iadogonousMexican Church, Those young people kaov whr,t its all abou1>--not moroly that tholr sinsarc forgivoa, as happons \"/ith most adult convorts.

During 1967 our young proachor in tho villago of La Mosa also had his first convorts, Thoboy's namo was Juan (John) and ho wanted to bo baptized on St, Johns day, which woorrangod, On@ of tho villago girls nsmod Juana (Johnnio) hoard about it, loft hor birthdayparty to como to Hormosillo to bo baptizod too,

Th^ Box^lin family has somo candidatos for baptism back in tho hills botwooa us andChihuahua, but wo must go to thornthoro* s a nico door atroam noarby . Ono, whom Ithought wasn' t q.ulto' far motigh along to undorstod baptism said when I montionod our plannod tripi "Mr, Bowlin, when you start bsmtizlng, I'll bo tho first in linqjMust havo boon reading tho Now Tostamont I gave hlmj

mmm

BUILDIKG- CHAPSLSThe Chriatian church has four chapels here la Herraoaillo and one inthe country, IThese in the city are located almoat in the north, south, east and westextremes of the city. Here where the woricing man does not own an automohil, we needchapels within easy walking distance in order to he successful.

Pictured is the Maryvale Christian Church, Phoenix, Arizona, "Memorial Chapel" in ColoniaOlivares, (V/estside, Hermosillo) Completed in 196?. It is called ' "The Chs^el of theCross"the spotlighted cross can he seen many blocks at ni^t, \fe estimate there are3000 persons living in a five hlock radius of this chapeli

The Eanchito (Eastside, Eermosillo) was our first building. Villa de Seris (Southslde,Hermosillo) was furnished a brick building which seats about 120, The La Mesa (country)building is about the same sizebut of adobe. In San Benito (Eorthside, Hermosillo) webuilt a chapel similar to the one pictured,

BUILDIIIG (EDlPyiHC) BELIEVERS ^My oldest son, Oscar and I share the duties at theColonia Olivares "Chapel of the Cross," I care for the Sunday evening service (nomorning preaching service in our part of Mexico); Oscar has charge of the Bible School,teaches the Junior-intermediate class and the V/ednesdE^ Bible Study, Ten persons recentlybegan a course "The Bible for Youth" which I translated while on the staff of ColegioBiblico 20 years ago. However, \Je call it "The Bible for Everyone" in Danish, Averageattendance on Sunday evening is 30 tho has been running ^ to 50 lately, Oscar handlesthe Weddings (Ceneva making the cake as a gift and furnishing the punch and coffee) andI handle the funerals. He works with the youth in La Mesa each week, A member who canneither read nor write has charge of the Thurs,'prayer meeting, (His eldest son helps).

Mrs, Alex (Ssther) Julian reports an average attendance of 15 in the eve. ning service and25 in 3ihle School in Villa de Seris, Our Seminary student in La Mesa has about thesame attendance , Eanchito, v;here members have cared for their o^m services for sometime is estimated at about this number too As no preacher is available, children arebeing bused from San Benito to Colonia Olivares,

Some have commented on the fact that Alex and 3sther Julians' names do not appear on ournew letterheads, A letter was sent out but for those who did not see it, Bro, Julianrequested to be released from his duties with Western Mexico Christian Mission and MexicanBible Seminary as of Dec, 31t 1966, was accepted by the Board of Trustees, The Trusteesare currently negotiating the transfer of Church, Mission and Seminary properties whichare held in trust# They still reside in the Villa de Saris parsonage. We sincerly v/ishthe Julians well in their ornimental iron manufacturing business, Alex fabricatessteel sash windo\i;s, fences and old Spanish style ornamental grillv;ork for v/indows whichare used extensively in modern Mexico home construction,

IIo Seminary classes are being held at present as Me seem to be in a slack periodv/here there are no interested students at tl^e right age. Other religious institutionsin the city are also affected. The Catholic seminary was reported as being able tofill only ei^t of the forty vacancies in 1967J

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BUILDIHO A MISSIONARY R3SIDEITCB Rent is hi^ in the cities of Western Mexico and as wewere forced to move from the house we had rented at a frozen rate we found we must payaround $125 dollars per month rent for a house adequate for our familyl Thus afterconsultation with various of our supporting churches# we thought it hest to attempt tohuild a home, The hrethem generously supplied money for a lot and a do^m payment onthe house. Payments are $110,15 dollars a month for 1^ yearsi

We chose our location carefully# with evangelism of the new upper-middle class in mind,V/e are thankful that the Anerican Churches who support this work realize that missionarywork today is not the "hit and run" or "shotgun" method of the 19th century "but rather along range proposition, To our way of thinking a life-time joh# and even then we prohahlywon't see all the fruits of our labors,

MISSION BUILDINGFor several years we had been slowly making cement block in the backyard of the house we rented. These you see made into a shell of the mission building onthe back of the SOrf.20 ft, lot where our home stands. As you can see# we have only a shell#V/e need a roof# doors, windows and floor, V/e estimate that $2,500 dollars would coii5>letethis project, giving us an office, storage space# printing room, and room for a caretakerto live. We have been robbed txfice since moving inj V/ith this danger we have talcenturns going to church on Sunday evening in order not to leave our house unguarded.

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Yolanda Geneva (Veva) 7 ajui ELiza"beth (Becky) 6i vill both begin first grade in a Mexicanschool in S^tember, They graduated from 3 years of Xindergarden this June, (They reallydo graduate,get a diploma ^dth picture and everything])

BUILDIITG THS CHURCH OP TOMOREOWAs I believe our U.S. Christians are well aware, thereis no "Standard Publishing Company" in Latin ijnerica. Thus hrs, C-eneva Bowlin spends longhours of her time desigiing the lessons for our Sunday School and Vacation Bible Schools,'Thru the years she has acquired quite a library of Anerican Bible Story books containingoutline drawings of Bible events, and is thus usually able to find illustrations forthe lessons. The lesson leaflets she prints (Cestetner silk-screen process) and distributes to the various groups, (How our children do love to use the crayolas]) She has3 years of Children's Sunday School lessons now and also k years of Daily Vacation BibleSchool materials. But always looking for new ones.

She also arranges for Christmas sacks'for all our Sunday School Children, This year theSan Benito-Colonia Olivares groi:5)s also got sweaters, (Thanks to Mrs, Gene Sandburg, aTucson, Arizona school teacher])

Geneva, Oscar and I believe we are building a"habitation of God in the Spirit" here inour city, Hermosillo, State of Sonora, in Western Mexico, V/e also believe we are settingthe residents of this city and our Christian brethem an example of Christian living,service and charity.

Wa firmly "believe that we, in our lifetime will see a fully oelf proyogating OhriBtiandhurch in the Hermoaillo area of V/eatern Mexico.

V/e invite you to share in this building program, because it it is Christ* s)with your prayers and your regular designated financial contributions. Send an offeringnow and ask about a specific project that interests you,

SMD OT

SMD-AIL KJNDS TO! 'Gerald D, BowlinWestern Mexico Christian MissionApdo, Postal 350HEK^OSILLO, SONOR-I, MEXICO

SEtTD JiLL RELIEF PACKAGES TO:Mrs, Carol Strong, Forwarding AgentV/estem Mexico Christian Mission567H B, Bastland St,TOO SCR, ABIZOITA, S5711

TRUSd^EES!

Lowell Megorden, MinisterMaryvale Christian ChurchP, 0, Box 1^365PHOERIX, ARIZOHA, 85033

benevol"b:nceWESTERN MEXICO CHRISTIAN MISSION

FINANCIAL SDimRY--1967:-

Beginning* Jan. 1, 19.67, ending Dec. 31, 1967.

Receipts for Year:January.February-March. .April. .May. . Jun e

July . .August .Sept emberOctober.NovemberDec ember

Total Receipts

Disbursements forBENEVOLENCE FUND

Year

Medicines. . . . Christmas ChildrenExchange of funds.Printed checks . .

20.002o.:bo

53v0050.26

133!0086.004o;oo

89.70

4266.8 526.20

. 25.00

5^83

TINKER MEMORIAL FUND tExchange of funds. 531.00X-Ray Machine. . . 300.00Freight, X-Ray Machine i 24050XRay EQuipt . . . . 28.55

DEPUTATION FUND;

Printed Checks .... 5.83

Jf

WESTERN mXlCO CHRISTIAN MISSIONFINANCIAL SIRfMARY1967

Beginning Jan. 1, 1967, ending Dec., 31, 1967.

Peoeipts for Year:January. . February March. . AprilMay. .....June .....

July .....August ....September. . . .October. ...November . .December . .

Total Receipts. .

Diaburs ements for Year:GENERAL FUND :

581.22443.24445.23393.39322.50558.78354.15284.25750.67362.24408.54330.59

Salary Bookkeeper* . 1 730.50Rent Office. . . . . 456.00Construct Office . . ' 359.60Insurance Auto .... f 33*9.52Utilities Office ... ' V2'?3.20Publicity.^ ... .- . ' 168.63Repairs Auto . 164.25Bquipt. Repair Office. 73.77Travel .... ''A 72.57

Federal Auto Tax . . 24.00P. 0. BOX Rent . . 18.25Supplies Office. ... 14.64Exchange of funds. . \ 10.00P.O. BOX Rent, Arizona 9.00Stamps .... 8.00Auto Lie. Inspection. 8.00Books..... .... 7.79

5,234.80

SEMINARY FUND:Tranarer of funds. Salary Director. . .Exchange of funds. .Sem. Property Taxes.Postage ... .

1,577.15202.0083.0051.00

20.00

.CXiNTiD

WESTERN MEXICO CJIRISTIAN MISSION-

EVANGELISM FTJND;EvangelismYouth. . .Bldg. Rund Col. OlivaresConstruct Col. OlivaresDeposit- Cancelled. .Auto Repair. . ....D.V.B.S. and S.S.' . .La Mesa. .......Magazines, Evangelism.Bibles ':and Books . .Literaturepostager. ..Misc . 5, .

^ ^ ^

614.15

569.88426.04133 13120.00

52.3534.0033.6315.835.705.001.76

CONT*D.

SUMMARY

Balance on Hand January 1, 1967Receipts for 1967

Total Disbursementsi 1967:General Fund $ 2^737.72Seminary 1>933.15Evangelism 2,011.46

1^981.635>234.837,216.48

6,682.33

BALANCE ON HAND, DECEMBER 31, 1967534.15

; -Sf * * * -Jfr

DUE AND PAYABLE:

1.- Building Fund Col. Olivares. .$ 306.242.- Construct, Mission Office. . 224.603i- Publicity . . . . . . . ... 120.004.- Deputation Travel. . . . . . . 107.845.S. S. and D.V.B.S. . . . * * 90.156.- Salary Bookkeeper. ... . . 65.007.- Mag. Subs., Spanish Evang. . . 40.00

953.83

SEND ALL FUNDS TO:

WESTERN MEXICO CHRISTIAN MISSIONAPDO. POSTAL 350

HERMOSILLO, SONOPA, MEXICO

V--;L-J

196 T68

House (15 year nortsaGo)

Ilcctricity (Sunnor,6nO, )--" ("inter ,6no,)

Z-H] GHTuiD D, 30^111" ?jU:ILY

Uonthly paynonts-$110.15

Ho,0025.00

Water( Sumer )" ('Jin tor)^

butane (Sunr.ior)-" C-^intcr)'

'$10,00 5.00

20,00- 30.00

Hec!:ly 3:rpcnGe.$20.00Pood (for eight persons)

POOD cosps, k:

Apples- ,50Apricots (ih. ) ,^5Alun, foil (Syds,)- ,HHAsparagus (y2 ceji) 1,00Pananas (ih,,10Ib.'bjr food-'-'^,18Pread Sn, sandv.'ich**-^.- ,22Paling po\'der (reg, .H2Paloney (l"b, )- ,5^Bacon (ih, )- 1,10,Beans Pinto (l"b,) ,12

6HBullion cuhec (each) ,0HCatsup31Coohies average^ ,32Corn Hakes (sn)-*' ,22

Crackers- 25-Colgate tooth paste(Sn)- ,HS

Coffee (ih) - ,6sCoffee Instant (reg)- 1,13Car::pjell's Soup- ,22Cloro"' (ct,) ,32Detergent (2 l/2 IPs)- ,95Deviled neat w,12Dog food, can ,23Ugge, ned, (Don) ,60Pruit Cocktail (,;^) ,51Pryers (ih, ) ,52Hour (20 ih, sack) 1.20Hone '' (16 03.) ,75Hanhurgcr (ih) .56Ice crean (gal) 1.72Jello .12Juices (sn Can) .loJans (16 on) .53

IHeenox (200)- -22Hra.ft .1.^. Cheese (ih) 1,22Lettuce (hoad)- ,2HkayonaiSG (nt, )- l.HH-

1. iOSIIoLO, 1IJiXiCO!Iastard .r $ ,31

"Hill: condensed(Lg, can)' ,12":;ilk povfdered(l"b,) ,22llaple Syrup (16 03.),H0

ntir.^garino (ih) .Ha..>I!ill: 'freshCrtj ' .23liazola.68Ilacaroni, spagetti (ih,). ^20iTihlet's Corn ,31Olives (/ 2 can)-- ,36Oats ('^uick, romid oo::)^^- ,l6Oranges (ih.)^- ,15Onions (ih) ,12?c. k d peans,3SPudding*--"*""*^"' *11Potatoes (ih) - .16Plunhs (i"b) ,25Pineapple ,53Peaches {f2) 1,56peas (.,-' 2)- #30Po". ouga.r (ih) ,15pepper (reg, can)^ .80Rice rki-ispicG- ,30Ritz Crackers (l"b, )-* ,33

. Rlc e {l\ ) g 20Sugar I'risp (sn. )--- ,28Scuash (lo) ,103"^ing "beans (^= 2) ,30Sardines- ^26Scott tissue - ,10Sugar (ih)- ,07Salani (ih.) ,95Shortening (ih. ) .36Soap (face) .20Bonatoe Sauce (sn)- ,10

Vinegar (-f5R)- ,31Yicna, Sausage ,40Yel, liquid (sn) . ^5Velveeta Cheese (ih)

Heiners (l"b). w