Missionaries supported by the congregation

Hebron Church Manaus Brazil  - ...............................  see testimony below

Rev Fred Orr

Fred has been prayerfully supported by the Church for over 50 years.

 

AsiaLink  http://www.asialink.org.uk/
Martin Dudgeon

Asialink is a Christian mission agency connecting churches with ministry among the unreached peoples of Asia.

 

CMJ  (The Church's Ministry among Jewish people)   http://www.cmj.org.uk

Kelvin Crombie

 

 

Messianic Testimony http://www.messianictestimony.com/
Dr Sam Gordon

Sharing Yeshua with Jewish people wordwide

 

 

Mission Africa  http://www.missionafrica.org.uk/ 

Michael Cook

An interdenominational, evangelical, Christian mission working in Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Chad, focusing on theological education, church planting and evangelism, Hospitals and medical work, HIV/AIDS ministries, and youth ministries especially with street-kids.

 

 

 

 

Nazareth Evangelical Theological Seminary Israel  http://www.nazarethcenter.com/

Rev Dr Bryson Arthur (President and Professor of Systematic and Contextual Theology)

NETS is an independent, inter-denominational evangelical seminary with links to and historic roots in the Association of Baptist Churches in Israel.

 

New Tribes Mission   http://www.ntm.org/

Daniel & Elizabeth Moore

in Madang region of Papua New Guinea

 

 

OMS International  http://www.omsinternational.co.uk

George and Joan Owens  

·        Partnering with local churches where possible;

·        Evangelism at every opportunity;

·        Training national believers to take responsibility;

·        Enabling new churches to be born.

·         

 

 

 

Rehoboth Children’s Homes, Philippines http://www.rehobothchildrenshomes.org/

Mrs Connie Andrews,

Rehoboth Children’s Home is in the village of Santa Maria, a few kilometres from the town of Camiling, in the province of Tarlac, on the northern island of Luzon.

 

TearFund   http://www.tearfund.org/

We’re passionate about our vision to work with and through a worldwide network of local churches – forming one global church – to end poverty.

 

 

The Raven Trust  http://www.theraventrust.org/

John Challis

The Raven Trust provides practical, direct support to needy communities in Malawi, East Africa. Take a look around this site and find out how anyone can get involved in the struggle to fight poverty!

 

 

 

 

W.E.C in Senegal   http://www.wec-int.org/
Barbara Scott

Reaching out to people who have limited or no access to the good news of Jesus Christ...

 

 

 

 

 

Let Me Burn Out For Thee

“Let me burn out for Thee, dear Lord,

Burn and wear out for Thee.

Don’t let me rust, or my life be

A failure, my God, to Thee.

Use me and all I have, dear Lord,

And get me so close to Thee,

Till I feel the throb

of the great heart of God,

And my life burn out for Thee.”

 

It is fitting that this concluding chapter should mention something of the price that may be paid in carrying out the Great Command to preach the Gospel to every creature.

 

I was not long in Brazil when I met a missionary who, from far off Mato Grosso, had, with his wife, just arrived in the town of Manaus. Before leaving the mission station one of their two children had died, and the other during the long journey had gone to be with Christ. This was sorrow indeed, bravely accepted without a complaint.

 

In Manaus they were met by three English missionaries who had come to take their place on the Indian station. We had very happy fellowship with this young trio — a man, his wife, and a single nursing sister, while they waited the release of their baggage (80 cases) from the Customs. We saw them off on their long, hazardous journey, and for days the sound of their hilarious laughter resounded in our ears.

 

Shortly after their departure I received from the British Consul a note requesting that I call and see him. He told me that the launch in which they were travelling had foundered on a rapid of the River Machada. (Some years after this I travelled over the same rapid and saw the spot where this had happened.) As the water was shallow, the missionaries were able to salvage the cargo and transfer it to another launch. A further conversation with the Consul revealed that the Indians had burned their home, destroying most of their food supplies and clothing. Some time later, a final message informed us that they had all died of malaria. This was a high price; yet we are confident that it was all in the plan, and that Christ was magnified by their suffering and death.

 

On the evening of the 14th March, 1954, a special meeting was held in Castlereagh Evangelical Church, Belfast (of which I was Pastor) to bid farewell to two young members, Fred and Ina Orr, who were due to sail for Brazil under the auspices of the Acre Gospel Mission.

 

There was much enticing them to remain at home. For Fred, business prospects were good, and the Lord was greatly using them both in their many activities in His service. The call from Brazil, "Come over and help us," was persistent, and it was with willing hearts that they surrendered all in obedience to His command. Ina had a sweet voice, and many were those who had received blessing through her solos. The last solo she sang in this country, at her farewell meeting, contained the words of the chorus heading this chapter, "Let me burn out for Thee." She sang with much feeling, leaving a deep impression on the audience.

 

We cannot fully understand why the Lord accepted the offering: within weeks she was literally burning out with a temperature of 102 degrees.

 

Fred and Ina sailed from Belfast on the 15th of March, 1954. A few months were spent in the town of Manaus, on the Amazon, where enough Portguguese was acquired to enable Ina to sing solos in that language, in the various churches, resulting in souls being saved.

 

It was with great anticipation that they started their long journey on the river steamer — a flat-bottom affair, driven by a wheel at the stern. Their destination was the Mission Station at the Boca do Acre. They had not travelled far when Ina went down with a high fever, which continued for almost a week. As they drew near to the town of Labrea she entered into the presence of her Lord. The day after her decease I received, by cable — sent by an American missionary — the sad news: "Ina took fever on journey; went to be with Jesus; advise families; letter follows — Willard Stull."

 

The grief of Fred Orr can be imagined, as he laid to rest the remains of his beloved wife in the little cemetery at Labrea. With a very limited knowledge of Portuguese, and no English-speaking person present with whom he could share his deep sorrow, he resorted to the never-failing friendship of the "Man of Sorrows" — the Lord Jesus. Abundant grace was given, enabling him to take the funeral service.

 

The Apostle Paul was ever conscious of

 

The first letter I received from Fred, after Ina’s death, reveals something of the grace and glory given to him, under the trying circumstances. The following is the letter, in full:

 

"Loving greetings in the precious name of Jesus! Just a few lines to let you know that I am keeping well, and finding His grace sufficient for each day.

 

"I am sure it was a terrible shock to you to receive the news of Ina’s Home-call. It all seems such a wild dream, and I feel I shall waken from it. At such a time as this one is inclined to ask — Why? But we must trust in Him who never makes a mistake, to glorify His name in it. I am sure you realise something of the burden upon my heart, and I would ask that you will pray and influence others to pray also at this time.

 

"How many things seem to add up in these days and throw light upon mysteries of the past! I do not just say this as Ina’s husband, but truly, God used her mightily, right from Belfast.

 

"On board the ship she won the hearts of all, and I have seen big men stand at the rail and cry as she testified for Jesus, and then sang His praises. Then the places we called at, and the witness she bore there, especially in Brazil, the Lord knows. The greatest of all her witness was in Manaus, and then on the boat to Acre.

 

"The Believers just loved her, and I have seen the church packed and also the road outside, as she sang for Jesus.

 

"Many people told me that she sang beautifully in Portuguese. Grace Stull suggested that she should record some hymns, as there are so few hymns on records in that language.

 

"Praise God! we saw souls come right to the front and accept Jesus even while she stood there in the pulpit. The last night the people crowded round her, and some cried as they bade farewell.

 

"The night we left Manaus many came to the boat, and one couple brought a lovely home-made cake in the shape of a heart.

 

"I had letters from Grace and Willard (American missionaries) again today, and they say that in the church, if her name is mentioned there is hardly a dry eye. The other evening the evangelist in Willard’s church asked the people to rise and observe a moment’s silence in honour of Ina, and afterwards sang ‘Whiter than the snow,’ which was one of the last pieces Ina sang there. They have held many such services since the news reached them, including a Memorial Service for her.

 

"On the boat she again won many hearts, including that of the captain, who was a real father to us both. We spent hours on the bridge with him, and we lacked for nothing.

 

"Never once did Ina complain, but she was actually running over with joy. She would say to me: ‘Freddie, why are you afraid? don’t you trust the Lord?’ She was an inspiration to me, and she even made me kneel at her bed and confess my sin of doubting, and ask for faith to trust in Him. This was the morning of the very day she went Home.

 

"Right from the start she had no pain, and as far as I know she had none right until the end. She became delirious on Friday afternoon, and then went unconscious about 6 p.m. and passed away about 8 p.m.

 

"God alone knows what a week I spent, as Ina slept very little, and I sat with her right until the end. The Lord seemed to be preparing me for what lay ahead, for I could not get the thought out of my mind right from the start. Ina’s condition did not do this of itself, for as I have already said, she never seemed to be seriously ill. Her temperature was very high, although one day it was almost normal again. She actually sat on deck for a few hours on two occasions, though on the second she had to go back to bed as she felt a little queer.

 

"The doctor said that it was typhoid, though I question that very much. I have read all the books here, including the ones you advised me to get, and Ina had little or none of the symptoms of typhoid. However, she did not respond to treatment; but the whole thing is a mystery. The doctor took a anti-malarial blood slide, and said that there was no sign of malaria. She went so quickly that it is hard to believe, especially as she was in the best of health previously. Even the doctor said that she was very strong, and yet in six days she was gone.

 

"Thank God, He is still my trust. To Him be all the glory.

 

"The way before looks dark, but I feel that He who called us to serve Him has all the answers. Ina never doubted her call, and was emphatic that she was where He would have her, even during her sickness."

 

On receiving news of Ina’s death I immediately contacted Fred, offering passage money to bring him home. This he did not feel led to accept, resolving by the grace of God, to plough the lone furrow.

 

After the burial he proceeded to the Boca do Acre, where some time was spent in language study. It must have been with a heavy heart that he returned to Labrea to labour and witness for the Lord.

 

A large home, part of which was suitable for meetings, was constructed, and soon numbers were attending, and finding the answer to their souls’ hunger. One of the outstanding conversions was that of the grave digger who opened Ina’s grave. He was an alcoholic.

 

Extracts from letters sent to me from Fred Orr will best tell the story of the "Corn of wheat dying and bringing forth much fruit."

 

To get a foothold in Labrea was costly, as seen from the following extract:

 

"As you know, I became acquainted with a Syrian trader in Labrea, and he allowed me to stay in a house which he used as a store.

 

"This house was completely overrun with rats, and had no toilet facility whatever. Then, being a store, it was full of nuts and farinha.

 

"I had one room in which to live and sleep. However, it was a foothold. Many of you are aware of the opposition we received right from the start. The R.C. bishop and priests started risings to take from me the ground which was given by the prefect, but, thanks be to God, they have all come to nought.

 

"God has supplied all our material need for the building of a home. When the Lord laid the challenge of Labrea upon my heart I knew immediately that the task would be great. Most of the materials came almost 1,000 miles by river, and today they are on the site.

 

"We have now the roof finished and are busy sheeting the walls."

 

"We have been building a church at the Praia do Gado, down river. This is the little memorial to Ina, which I mentioned some time ago. The Believers have all joined heartily in the work. Some have given days and others weeks, in this service. All the materials have been taken out of the forest by the Believers, and what happy fellowship we have had in this!

 

"There have been some remarkable cases of conversion of late. One such is that of Senhor Celio who was radio officer on the ship on which Ina and I travelled in 1954. After preaching the Gospel, one Sunday night, I closed in prayer. Celio, who was in the meeting, stood to his feet, saying: ‘Excuse me, Mr. Fred, but I want to accept Jesus as my Saviour.’ From the beginning he has boldly testified for Christ. He has been instrumental in leading four souls to the Lord — and that in two months.

 

"The whole town is waiting for him to return to his old ways, but one night, at the open-air meeting, he said: ‘I know that you are all waiting for me to return to my old life. I only wish I had a hand like Goliath so that I could wave it all over Acre, saying: No turning back, no turning back!’

 

"This week, the anniversary of Ina’s home-going, has been one of the most blessed times in the work here. On Sunday we had the joy of pointing to the Lord the gravedigger who opened Ina’s grave, six years ago. His name is Senhor Jose Cariry, an alcoholic, who was seldom sober."

 

Later Mr. Orr writes:

 

"On Sunday we had great meetings. In the evening the house was full, with a real sense of the Lord’s presence. The greatest thrill was when Jose Cariry stood up to give his first testimony. My, what power accompanied the word! He told how that he had helped at Ina’s funeral. Then how he — a social outcast and confirmed drunkard — had found the Saviour. There was a hush over the gathering as we beheld the evidence of God’s grace and power.

 

"The Lord continues to save souls. We have been full of praise for the salvation of Dr. Omena, a dentist who lives opposite us. His wife and a son are members of the church, and for a long time have been praying for him. Recently I had the joy of leading him to the Saviour. His testimony is bright and clear.

 

"God is working in a mighty way in Labrea. Just this week I had the joy of pointing six souls to the Lord. One family has rocked, or shaken, the town! A 'Visitadora' of the Roman Catholic church has been gloriously saved, and is as transformed as was Saul of Tarsus. Both she and her husband are on fire for the Lord, and even the priest is speechless.

 

"On Sunday we had our largest Sunday School, to date. There were 140 present. It was a great thrill to hear some of the pupils from our Day School taking part and answering questions publicly about the second commandment, etc. We now have 200 pupils at the Day School, with four fine Christian teachers. It is marvellous to think that in a Roman Catholic town so many are studying the Word of God, one hour daily.

 

"The work in Labrea has deepened recently and nearly fifty members of the church have vowed Jacob’s vow — to give a tenth of all that the Lord has given them. The weekly offering is more than what came in two months. We have roofed the pastor’s house, and are now getting the floors, etc., ready. I have learned many lessons from these dear souls."

 

We were always hoping that the Lord would provide another helpmate for Mr. Orr. It was not until 1969 that I received word of this taking place. His choice was a lady from the Bible College in Manaus.

 

Fred wrote the following:

 

"Zeni and I were married on the 1st of February, and the Lord gave us a wonderful day, with glorious sunshine and His presence all the way. The church was crowded, and many friends gave us beautiful presents, and prayed with us for His blessing upon our lives. ‘The world and his wife were there’— as they say, and we do praise God for the many friends He has given us, here in Amazonas."

 

Fred and Zeni now have two fine children, and are enjoying much of the Lord’s blessing upon their labours in Labrea.

 

A fitting verse for closing this Missionary

 Story is one that I wrote in my Bible, while a youth, before going to the Mission. Field. I was reminded of it by reading the story of an old friend — Edgar Bryson — who burned out for God in Kenya, and died in the homeland. The verse is as follows:

 

"When I am dying how glad I shall be

That the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.

I shall not mind if the way has been rough,

That Thy dear feet led the way is enough.

When I am dying how glad I shall be

That the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee."