Bro. and Sis. Diestelkamp have decided to journey to Nigeria next summer to spend two years working in this needy field. They are to be commended for their willingness to leave their native land and journey into a far and distant country in order to help fulfill the "Great Commission." Our prayers should be with them in their preparation for, and execution of, this great task.

But going to a new and difficult field is nothing new to these soldiers of the cross. In 1943 they received a letter saying, "The field is white unto harvest in Wisconsin-Come and help us." In that same year they moved to Wisconsin, a state with but very few Christians. Their efforts were rewarded, and they have been privileged to see the Lord's work grow from four tiny congregations with a total membership of about 60 people, to about twenty churches with about 700 (or more) members. Three years were also spent in the needy field of Minnesota.

In 1954 they were called by brethren to come to Chicago. Although Chicago is not a new field, it has been, undoubtedly, one of the most difficult fields known to brethren. It is my opinion that it has been the "melting pot" of the church in this country. Modernism and premillennialism have flourished in this area. General indifference has characterized the large number of members who have moved into the area from the Southland. To this large and needy field the Diestelkamps moved their family, and set their hands to the task that was before them. I speak personally, but frankly, when I say that I don't believe any man in recent years has done as much for the strengthening of the church in Chicago as has Bro. Diestelkamp. As concerning his work in the Wisconsin area, Bro. Monroe Hawley states:

"Probably Leslie Diestelkamp, now of Chicago, has done more to help the church in Wisconsin than any other man in recent years as he has worked in one capacity or another with most of the Wisconsin churches." (Harvest Field, 1958 Ed., p. 40.)

Early this year the "call" came ringing from Nigeria, in west Africa. The need for mature men to preach the gospel and teach young native Christians was deeply impressed upon Bro. and Sis. Diestelkamp, and their decision to accept the challenge comes after much prayerful consideration.

The Thomas Blvd. church in Port Arthur, Texas (formerly known as the Sixth St. Church), has agreed to support them in this work when they leave next summer.

BUT YOU CAN HELP. Bro. Diestelkamp has the difficult task of raising a travel fund before him. It will take considerable money to travel to and from Nigeria. YOU can make contributions direct to Bro. Diestelkamp. All contributions will be acknowledged and a full financial accounting will be sent to every contributor. I plead with faithful brethren to rally to the support of this worthy undertaking. Send your contributions to Leslie Diestelkamp, 2331 S. Lombard, Cicero 50, Illinois.

Truth Magazine II:11, p. 2
August 1958