The University of Rochester
Rochester, New York
[letter head]
08 24 1960
Dear Folks,
I might as well write some more while dinner cooks, in exchange for your pleasant letter rec’d today. Am having pork steak (broiled; we broil nearly all our meat, except chicken & bacon, which fry); yellow squash & ½ cant for dessert. I miss fresh summer vegetables very much. Am also just about out of spuds-I like them baked best; they have more flavor that way.
Today I spent some time thinking about high school classmates such as Kauths, Nutley, K. Lyons, etc with whom I have kept up no contact. I wonder also what Duane Hudson is doing now? I seldom miss these kids, but expect to miss my college friends much more. It is much different to be just friends and to have eaten, lived, prayed, and worshipped the Lord together.
Last night I made contact with Bill Matthews & wife-biked out to their home & introduced myself, talked for several hours. Bill’s brother, Dick has been pastor @ Ridgeland Baptist Church till very recently. He is now planning to leave for Formosa to take the good news to those who are not familiar with it. Bill had planned to take a group of young Christians up Mt. Marcy over Labor Day, but due to fact he’s helping brother in Christ, build house, has cancelled plans.
I had tho’t possibly to go also, but feel more free with my time now that that’s out. Perhaps I will go to Scranton all-day mtg instead. Had good luck on last hitchhiking expedition from NYC even tho I was wearing gray Bermuda shorts which I expected to lessen ride offers! Reckon the Lord provides in spite of what we wear!
Just completed Shadow of the Almighty. Hope to finish 2 more books before I sail. Will send some home. Am leaving others in IVCF library till I graduate, that others might read, enjoy, profit.
Plan to purchase 1. $10.00 haircutting outfit-am learning to give myself my own haircuts; as long as I keep hair short it looks ok. 2. Trunk-was not able to borrow Kauffman’s. Hope to get 2nd hand one for $5-$10. New ones sell abt $20. More shortly; desire to go to Gospel Chapel prayer mtg now. Arrived chapel 20 min early so will continue.
With further reference to weddings, I may attend that of one of Mae’s cousins this next Saturday. For my own self, I much prefer that of Jim & Betty Elliott followed perhaps by a prayer mtg. Such as our Belgian friends mention in their description of their wedding. I’d still like to get hitched in C & E Berney’s backyard!
Would like very very much to join you in N. Idaho. Officially my job lasts till Sep 10, however; and I sail Sep 15 & plan to go to NYC Sep 13 and stay either with Dave Neu’s folks or Sophie Pappatheodorou. Naturally would prefer latter since I already know her folks.
Please give my love to Ted & Verna & Family, Dorothy. I do hope Verna will get well soon. Will pray such, in the Lord’s will.
Enjoyed your letter, John. Am glad you liked farm of Sesters. I love farms myself and have spent part of nearly all my weekends this summer on farms (the last 5 weekends straight!)
Have been thinking about your question, Dad-it is not a new question to me, as I often spend time evaluating both my life and those of other Christians-in order to see 1) how I might better live so as to set an example for younger Christians. This is easier in theory than practice. I often have a fair idea what should be done, but seldom am able to do it in just that way. 2) so as to be able to encourage fellow Christians. Particularly those such as Sue K. & John D., Helmut S. etc. ie. Mostly the college age kids.
I still haven’t answered your question and don’t know exactly how to do so. One of my biggest failures, I feel, is lack of persistence in reading from God’s word daily or more often. I wish you knew my friends personally so that you might better judge perhaps through such acquaintance-I often tell them that if they dare to come within a 1000 mi of Wash. Without stopping at home for a night, that I will prosecute them horribly. Hope you’ll forgive my free invitations, but would like much for them to get to know you. They have certainly been hospitable enough to me.
Next day-Have lost my former track of tho’t!
[no ending found dew 12 27 2017. Letter in MER’s file]
Sep 15, 1960 sail for Germany?