I read with interest the appeal made in the August OPA by brother Jim Franklin for help in obtaining a work vehicle for his work in Malawi. I personally feel an obligation to say something in behalf of his need for this vehicle. Neither Jim nor the Little Rock congregation asked me to write this letter.

My family and I lived in Zambia, Africa from March of 1987 until August of 1989. During this time I was able to visit the Malawi work on four separate occasions and help with the work there. I was able to witness first hand the demanding workload placed upon the missionary in that work. During the dry season he must conduct scores of bush studies at various places located throughout the country. The vast majority of these studies are located in out of the way places and over very bad roads. It is absolutely essential that the preacher have a reliable vehicle for transportation.

Someone may ask, "Why doesn't he just buy a good used truck?" The reason he cannot buy a good used truck is because of the low availability and high cost of such vehicles. Cars are not plentiful in most African countries. They come at a premium. A vehicle that is almost run down will cost more than a new car here in the States. The law of supply and demand makes these beat up cars cost far more than what they are worth.

I realize there have been problems in Malawi recently, but there were major problems in the first century church (Acts 15) and the brethren worked together to overcome them. How are we going to heal our wounds today without the one we have purposely sent there for that purpose being able to accomplish his work? Isn't it time to set aside personal controversies and look to the preaching of the gospel?

Brethren, we in America have been blessed above all other countries of the world. We, of all people, must be most generous in our support of the gospel. Remember, our Lord told us, "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" (Luke 12:48). Jim is not wanting a luxury vehicle for his own personal use, but one that he can use for the work.

As the children of Israel were conquering the Promised Land, the Bible says that Joshua "hamstrung" the horses of their enemies (Josh 11:9). This act crippled these animals so they could not be used for war. When we send a man to a foreign country to do a difficult job and then not give him the support he needs, we, in essence, have "hamstrung" him. Let us consider Jim's requests and see what we can do to help bring about the glorification of God in Malawi.