Phylis wrote her mother on November 16, 1947 as follows:

"This morning before breakfast a fellow came from our farthest outstation with a letter from the evangelist. He said a big palaver had come up there and he wanted Heber and the elders to come at once today. Heber jumped on his motorcycle and ran into town to call the elders. I had the cook make some biscuits for his lunch, as we had toasted our last bit of bread for breakfast. We have a camp cot there and he took a blanket. It’s almost 6 [PM] and he isn’t back yet, so I’m a bit doubtful about his coming today. I guess he’ll have to have a chicken cooked with rice in a native pot for supper. Maybe he can fill up on boiled eggs for breakfast.

Next day. Just as I finished writing the above, Heber came. He was tired, and shaken up, but O.K. He brought home a big catfish, which we enjoyed. The outstation is near a river. The palaver was one (Christian?) was seeking the church leader’s wife when he happened to be away for a day or two. Things like that seem to be so common among the people out here. Oh, me! They certainly need our prayers."

Phylis wrote home again on March 9, 1948:

"We enjoyed our time on trek very much. The women there were so eager, and anxious for the little help I could give them in the week I was there. Sometimes we get a bit discouraged at their indifference here. Heber taught the men Revelation with the chart he made in Biola. They were just thrilled with it. Sometimes their ’½ hour’ class would stretch to 2 or 2½ hours. They wanted to be sure he finished the book before we had to leave. We enjoyed our time with them, but were glad to get back to the comforts of home again. It as real hot while we were there. This wee we’re having dust again, and some cooler weather.

The chief here at Deba has always hindered the work to some extent. He is Muslim, and one of the kind that keeps his wives inside the 4 walls of his compound. His first wife of about 35 or more years had been very sick. The chief asked Heber to come in to see if we could help her. (Muslims do not allow any men to come in their homes to see their women folks.) Seeing the condition of the woman, Heber told him he needed to take her to Zambuk to see our nurse. Can you imagine suggesting that to a Muslim? Surpise of all surprises, he agreed, and she is now in Zambuk receiving treatment. Everyone is amazed. Perhaps the Lord is softening this hardened heart."

(She later returned home well.)