Two major problems face Christians when they decide to financially assist a work that is going on overseas:

1. To locate trustworthy native preachers.

2. To assist in such a way that overseas congregation does not become permanently dependent on us.

Untold thousands of dollars of the Lord's money have been literally wasted because of failures along these lines. Some have become soured on overseas work because after diligent support of a preacher for a number of years they discover all too late that he is guilty of immorality or of preaching "another gospel." Others have sent money to build meeting-houses, buy teaching materials, or assist in other special efforts, only to find out that an attitude has been fostered of "the American uncles are rich; why should we foot the bills?"

It is refreshing, then, to find overseas brethren who are already doing all they can to help themselves. The church in Krugerdorp, South Africa, is only five years old. During our year's absence they are fully supporting the evangelist working among them, brother Bas il Cass. This they have accomplished by frugally saving over a two-year period. The congregation numbers less than twenty. It is their desire to continue Basil's support even after our return the middle of next year. In view of the fact that their savings will be completely gone by then, they will not be able to support him fully. An additional $150 per month is needed if Brother Cass is to carry on the good work he is doing. I am appealing to some good congregation here at home to assist in this amount until such a

Basil Cass, wife Gloria and child time as the Krugersdorp brethren can fulfill their desire of fully supporting Brother Cass.

I have personally known Basil since 1957. He has been in training classes I have conducted and has been preaching with some degree of regularity for the past eight years. He is 27 years of age, married and has three children. His earnest, conscientious manner commends him to faithful brethren wherever he goes. It is his desire to preach the gospel all of his life. The last three years he has been preaching under adverse conditions, while supporting his family as a machinist. I am persuaded that his interest in preaching is not in the financial remuneration. He has been tested and tempted regarding his sound stand on institutionalism and has stood fast in the face of great opposition.

There is a great need for more congregations to be established in that country of 16 million lost souls. With another evangelist such as Brother Cass at work full time at least one other field of evangelism may be opened up.

I appeal to thoughtful brethren here at home to consider this particular need. Why not consider Brother Cass in your budget for 1967, even if it cannot be for the full amount of his need? I will be glad to furnish interested brethren with further information.

TRUTH MAGAZINE XI: 3, p. 1
December 1966