Canada
British Columbia
Westbank: Four weeks of gospel meetings with Bill Bingham and John Fitzpatrick concluded with the salvation of a young man. The Lord spoke loudly with death coming into families twice during the meetings.
Vancouver: The Easter Conference was well-attended and marked by challenging ministry on Christian living in view to the Lords returns to the air and to the earth which were the subjects of the two Bible Readings led by John Grant. Six of the Lords servants shared in the meetings. A lady professed faith in Christ during the weekend. The conference was followed by a week of profitable ministry by John Grant and Norman Mellish in South Main and Deep Cove assemblies. Later, brother Mellish visited other assemblies in the area.
Langley: At two sessions on April 6, the saints enjoyed the ministry of Norman Mellish, John Grant, and Bryan Funston..
Saskatchewan
Taylorside: Two weeks of gospel meetings were held with Don Welborn and Steve Kember. We still look to the Lord for evidence of salvation. The Easter Conference was large and encouraging with brethren Joe Clark, Peter Smith, Bert Snippe, and Ross Vanstone taking part.
Manitoba
Winnipeg: The West End assembly enjoyed a week of children’s meetings with Peter Smith from March 18-23. Over 100 different children and several parents attended and many new contacts made. The meetings were an encouragement to all and the assembly viewed the exercise as a time of sowing.
Ontario
Clinton: The saints appreciated a visit by Alex Dryburgh in March, during which we had eight nights in ministry on the Messages to the Seven Churches in Revelation.
Eden Grove: The assembly enjoyed four nights of gospel and ministry on assembly truths with Frank Sona in March. Two young men were received into fellowship, encouraging the saints.
Newbury: Our recent conference was deemed profitable with five of the Lords servants assisting in the ministry. Please pray for proposed meetings to begin April 7 with Jack Nesbitt and Ken Taylor.
North Bay: Bruce Rodgers was with the Nipissing Junction assembly for the monthly ministry in February. During March, David Booth and Brian Crawford visited with helpful and profitable ministry. We take courage and give God the glory for two adults professing faith in Christ in the last month.
St. Marys: Two teenagers obeyed the Lord in baptism, bringing joy to the saints.
Victoria Road: A time of ministry and fellowship was enjoyed with Larry Steers. One week of childrens meetings with Ed Miller is planned for April 15-19, D.V..
Nova Scotia
Amherst: The assembly planned a series of gospel meetings to start April 14, with Robert McIlwaine and Peter Ramsay as the speakers.
Oxford: The saints here and from nearby assemblies were encouraged by an afternoon of ministry on January 5. Speakers included W. Bingham, R. McIlwaine, P. Orasuk, and K. Taylor. The gospel was preached by N. Burden and K. Taylor. Please pray for the salvation of souls in this area and for additions to local assemblies.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Charlottetown: Four weeks of gospel meetings with E. Fowler and B. Barkhouse were well attended with a soul trusting Christ, bringing great joy. The annual conference was smaller than normal due to the weather. Ministry was shared by B. Barkhouse, W. Buckle, D. Hunt, and D. Swan.
English Point: The conference was profitable with ministry given by W. Buckle, C. Hiscock, D. Hunt, and D. Swan.
Fogo: Bryan Funston and David Hunt had a good response, with many older contacts being visited, and a number of unsaved out to the gospel meetings.
Gander: The annual Easter conference was a real blessing and profit to the saints. A good number gathered, with ministry given by E. Fowler, C. Hiscock, A. Hull, D. Hunt, B. Joyce, J. A. Joyce, and P. Matthews. The Bible study lead by A. Hull on John 16 was excellent. The Christians were delighted that a man trusted Christ during a recent Sunday evening gospel meeting.
Lance au Loup: Large numbers attended the gospel meetings held by J. Procopio and S. Vance with some blessing in salvation.
Sandringham: The assembly concluded three weeks of gospel meetings with Marvin Derksen and Bryan Joyce. Attendance was good with unsaved out almost every night. A young woman professed faith in Christ and another young lady from Glovertown was baptized, giving us much joy.
U.S.A.
Arizona
Phoenix: The Garfield St. assembly enjoyed the ministry of John Slabaugh during two weeks in the month of March. Also we have been encouraged by the reception to the assembly of two young brethren in January. The Sunnyslope assembly had two encouraging weeks of special Children’s meetings with Gary Sharp at the beginning of March. The Spanish outreach work continues to give encouragement with the wedding and baptism of a couple in April. Others are also desiring baptism. A prison outreach resulted in permission to give an all-day presentation of the gospel and scriptural truths to forty men, one of whom was saved in the Sunday School and maintains a bright testimony in the prison. The assembly also was encouraged during March with timely ministry from Gary Sharp, Marcus Cain, and John Slabaugh.
S. Dakota
Rapid City: Al Christopherson was encouraged by the response seen at his gospel display at the Home Show. Ben McCandless and Scott Barrett of the Hitesville, IA assembly gave excellent help in this work. Over 400 names were received from people expressing an interest. Dave and Sandy Brandt from Seattle spent a weekend here, with our brother giving an encouraging report of their recent work in St.Lucia.
Iowa
Antioch: Jerry Jennings and Roy Weber continue into April with gospel meetings.
Cedar Falls: The Sunday School treat, the first in our new hall, was held the first week of March with adult visitors attending. One week of children’s meetings, held the last week of March by the local brethren were well attended by children and some adults.
Garnavillo: Local brethren had a week of children’s meetings in the Gospel Hall during the third week in March with a good turnout of children and parents.
Postville: Tom Baker had gospel meetings here during the last two weeks of March.
Arkansas
Alpena: Joel Portman has ministered to the saints here on frequent visits. Our brother has been having personal visits and then preaching in Spanish in the Alpena and Springdale area for about a week each month.
Wisconsin
Black Earth: Arthur Ward and Don Wardell gave helpful ministry at the March 17 all-day meeting, and Fred Krauss gave two nights of helpful ministry March 26-27.
Blue River: Lorne Mitchell and Eugene Badgley are preaching the gospel here into April.
Mt. Sterling: The Bible readings March 23-24 were large and the ministry was very helpful.
Waukesha: Another young man was added to the fellowship recently, greatly encouraging the assembly. Fred Krauss spent two nights here at the end of March in ministry. The following week, Art Ward was with the assembly for three nights.
Michigan
Livonia: The March bi-monthly Bible Readings were very well attended. David Oliver took up the Stewardship of the Gospel in a very profitable and practical way, which was much appreciated. Following the Readings, Norman Crawford had nine meetings on the “Garments of the High Priest.” The assembly was touched by the devotional ministry of our esteemed brother.
Ohio
Akron: Please pray for purposed gospel tent meetings starting June 30 with our brethren David Oliver and Gene Higgins.
Clyde: The assembly has been encouraged by a number of visiting brethren who have come to give ministry and preach the gospel. A good number were present when Sandy Higgins opened the area Bible reading on the subject of “Lordship.” The teaching was most practical and profitable.
Mansfield: Robert McIllwaine was with the assembly for a Lord’s Day and three nights of helpful ministry.
Pennsylvania
Bryn Mawr: The assembly had a week of children’s meetings in mid-March conducted by local brethren, and was encouraged by the good attendance. A number of the children were regular Sunday school students from a nearby town, and they brought a number of friends with them. Mr. Jack Nesbitt was with the assembly for a Lord’s day and gave appreciated ministry. He also visited in Pennsauken and Hatboro.
New Jersey
Livingston: Eugene Higgins was with us for a brief gospel series using his chart on future events. The saints were greatly encouraged and there was excellent interest among the unsaved.
Longbranch: The conference was marked by practical ministry which was shared by W. Gustafson, S. Higgins, F. Tornaquindici, and A. Smith.
Maryland
Cumberland: Walter Gustafson and David Oliver completed three weeks of gospel meetings on March 24 with a few unsaved attending most nights. We are still looking to God to bless the Word that was sown to the salvation of souls for His own glory.
Florida
Tampa: In January we had three weeks of gospel meetings with Murray McCandless and John McCandless with blessing seen in salvation.
Massachusetts
Byfield: During the month of March, the assembly was pleased to hear a report by Ken Taylor on the Seed Sowers distribution in Haiti, a report by David Jones on gospel work in Chile, and also ministry by Wm. Lavery.
Methuen: The conference March 23-24 was a big encouragement as a large number attended, and excellent, timely ministry was given by Wm. Lavery, David Jones, and Frank Tornaquindici. Brethren Lavery and Jones gave helpful ministry preceding the conference.
Watertown: The conference was well attended and five of the Lord’s servants were present to minister the Word. They were brethren David Jones, W. Lavery, Murray McCandless, Ken Taylor, and Frank Tornaquindici. Brethren Lavery and Jones remained in the area to minister the week following.
Connecticut
Newington: Mr. Paisley gave a week of encouraging ministry on the lives of great New Testament Christians. Following that, Eugene Higgins had a three-week series of gospel meetings. The Christians were encouraged by the good attendance, and we continue to pray for blessing.
N. Ireland
Ballygawley: A. Davidson and B. Glendinning were continuing in the gospel here in March.
Ballynashee: D. Kane had two weeks of ministry here on the prophecy of Zechariah.
Dunmullan: J. Martin and W. Martin are engaged in the gospel here.
Dromore: Brian Currie had one week’s well attended and profitable ministry here and also in a number of other assemblies during March and April. T. Topley and C. Law are having a gospel series here.
Glengormley, Belfast: S. Wells and W. Fenton commence here in the gospel on April 7.
Harryville, Ballymena: R. McKeown and W. Martin have concluded with encouragement in salvation of souls.
Killyleagh: J. Palmer and T. Meekin have concluded gospel meetings in this small village.
Lurgan: T. Bentley and D. Gilliland have concluded after seven weeks and were encouraged with a soul trusting Christ on the last evening.
Plantation, Lisburn: D. Gillies (Scotland) gave a week of profitable ministry in the assembly here.
Portadown: S. Ferguson and a local brother, D. Callaghan, are preaching the gospel in this town.
Shanaghan: J. Rodgers and A. Aiken have concluded their meetings in the gospel hall with good numbers attending. God blessed in salvation.
Conferences were held in Bandon, Monaghan, and Portavogie during the month of March. The gatherings were well attended and profitable ministry was given by quite a number of brethren.
Mexico
Palmar de Ixtapa: The saints here look forward to the baptism of two sisters and a series of gospel meetings starting in mid-April, D.V., in their new hall.
Puerto Vallarta: Four weeks of well attended and fruitful gospel meetings were held during the month of March.
Zamora: M. Cain, Jim Frith (of Vancouver) A. Kelly, H. Rodrguez, and P. Thiessen gave help in the 5th annual conference in this place. Two hundred believers from across the country used the new hall facilities for the first time.
Conferences. D.V.
Livingston, NJ
May 3-5 in the Livingston Gospel Hall, 405 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, NJ. (Directions at www.livingstongospelhall.org or phone (973)535-1485). Friday: Prayer meeting 7:30 p.m. Saturday: Ministry 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Gospel 6:30 p.m. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10 a.m., Sunday School 11:45 a.m., Ministry 2:30 p.m., Gospel 5 p.m. Meals and accommodations will be provided. All are welcome. Corr: Allan Valvano (973)377-7839, or (201) 404-5611; email: allanvalvano@livingstongospelhall.org for assistance or accommodations.
Byfield, MA
May 24-26 (118th Conference). Friday, May 24: Prayer Meeting 8 p.m. in the Gospel Hall, Central Street, Byfield. Saturday, May 25: Prayer, Praise & Ministry 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Gospel 6:30 p.m. Lord’s Day, May 26: Breaking of Bread 10:30 a.m., Sunday School 12:15 p.m., Prayer, Praise & Ministry 2:30 p.m., Gospel 6:30 p.m. Corr: John H. Short, Tel: (978) 465-2207, Hall: (978) 465-5569.
Grants Pass, OR
May 25-26 in the Gospel Hall, 1611 SW “G” Street, with Prayer Meeting on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Breaking of Bread at 10 a.m. Bible Reading subject to be announced later. Corr. Don Gratias, 141 Timberlane, Grants Pass, OR 97526, Tel: (541)479-4521, Hall (541)476-3956.
Eden Grove, ON
June 2, with Prayer meeting Saturday, June 1st at 7:30 p.m. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10 a.m., Ministry 2 p.m., Gospel 7 p.m. All meetings in the Gospel Hall, Eden Grove, one mile west of Bruce County Rd. #3 (Elora Rd.), on Bruce Rd. 15 (#111). Corr: John W. Boddy, Sr., R.R. #4, Walkerton, ON, N0G 2V0. Tel: (519)366-2302, email: boddysyr@wightman.net.
Victoria Road, ON
June 15-16 in the Gospel Hall with prayer meeting on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday: Bible Reading 8:45 a.m., Ministry 10:30 a.m., 2 and 7 p.m. Lords Day: Bible Reading 8:45 a.m., Breaking of Bread 10:30 a.m., Ministry 2 p.m., Gospel 7 p.m. Bible Readings will be on Assembly Privileges/Responsibilities. Supper served at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Corr: Ken Stone, RR 3, 187 Sandhills Rd., Woodville, ON, K0M 2T0, Tel (705)374-4688, email: kenstone@sympatico.ca.
Glen Ewen, SK
June 21-23 in the Gospel Hall located 8 miles south of Glen Ewen. Prayer meeting (June 20 at) 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday morning Bible Reading sessions at 10:30 a.m: James 1 and James 5. Accommodation provided. Corr: Allan McFarlane, Box 172, Glen Ewen, SK S0C 1C0, Tel (306)925-4401, Hall (306)925-4805.
Augusta, ME
June 22-23 with prayer meeting at 7 p.m. June 22 in the Gospel Hall, 893 Old Belgrade Road, Tel (207)626-2786. Corr: Jim Thompson, Rte. 1, Box 2971, Belgrade, ME 04917, Tel: (207)495-3590.
Kirkland Lake, Englehart, Earlton, Charlton, ON
June 29-30 in the Englehart High School, with prayer meeting on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Meetings both days at 10 a.m., 2, and 7:30 p.m. Supper served at 5:30 p.m. Friday in the school. Corr: Philip Potter, Earlton, ON P0J 1E0, Tel (705)563-2942 or Harvey Pratt, R.R.#1, Charlton, ON P0J 1B0, Tel (705)544-7758.
Pugwash Junction, NS
June 29-30 preceded by a Prayer meeting Friday at 7:30 p.m. Breaking of Bread 10 a.m. Order of meetings as usual. Subject of Bible Readings to be in June issue. Corr: Harold Elliott, R.R.#1, Wallace, N.S. B0K 1YO. Tel:(902)257-2236, Hall: (902)243-2205.
Conference Reminders:
Livingston, NJ – May 3-5
Newmarket, ON – May 5
New Lenox, IL – May 11-12
Frostburg, MD – May 17-19
Midland/Waubaushene, ON – May 18-19
Ottawa, ON – May 18-19
Prince Edward Island – May 18-19
Hickory, NC – May 25-26
London, ON (Spanish) – May 25-26
Sarnia, ON – May 24-26
Bancroft, ON – June 1
Saugus, MA – June 1-2
Garnavillo, IA – June 8-9
North Bay, ON – June 8-9
Change of Address
Peter Ramsay: email, pdr@islandtelecom.com
With Christ
Mrs. Hinke Vissia of Port Alberni, BC on November 23, 2001, age 88. Mother of 11, she emigrated with her family from the Netherlands in 1952, ultimately settling in Port Alberni, where she heard the gospel and was saved in 1968. Faithful to the local assembly for the rest of her days, she left a large family, including children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, some of whom know the Lord. (Interestingly, she was led to Christ by the late Tom Hay of Japan, and died on the very same day the assembly commended one of it members to full time service for the Lord in Japan.The well attended funeral was taken by local brethren. The funeral was taken by John Fairfield and her son, Ron Vissia, with Bill Pley at the graveside.
Clarence Ayars of Burlington, WA on February 23, age 95. He was saved as a young man in N. Dakota through an evangelist preaching in a country village school. In 1943 he moved his large family to the West Coast so they would have more exposure to the gospel, and was for many years in the Arlington assembly. Clarence was a quiet consistent brother who loved the Lord and His people. His loving wife Edyth to whom he was married almost 70 years predeceased him nearly two years ago. Please pray for his large family connection, many still unsaved. The large funeral was taken by Robert Weltz, Don Kazen, and Bryon Myers.
Earl Parolin of North Bay, ON on February 25, age 85. He was born in Arnstein, ON and born again there in 1958 after a fruitful gospel series with Mr. Albert Grainger and the late Mr. Albert Ramsay. He was actively involved in the work in Nipissing Junction from its inception, and was a respected elder and shepherd. He is survived by his wife of over 58 years, Deltha, a daughter and a son and their families, and two sisters who share in the blessed hope. He will be greatly missed. Brian Crawford conducted the funeral service with Clarence Black and Aaron Barnett, his grandson, sharing.
Jennie Dalfino of Tampa, FL on February 25, age 97. Jennie was saved in 1928 after hearing the gospel from her husband. She was later baptized and received into assembly fellowship in Bristol, CT where she continued faithfully until she moved to Tampa in 1957. She was one of the original members of the North Tampa assembly (1959). The assembly formed a very vital part of her life where she was in happy fellowship until her “homecall”. She is survived by nine children and their families, most of whom have the blessed hope. Her large funeral was taken by her grandson-in-law, Joseph G. Procopio, and Robert McIlwaine. Her son(,) Oronzo Dalfino, spoke at the grave.
Mrs. Stella Katherine Totten of Monaghan, N.I. on February 28, age 84. With her husband Hugh, who pre-deceased her in 1997, she was in fellowship in the assembly at Templetate for some years, and since 1959, in Monaghan. Both had a consistent godly testimony, with spiritual exercise and deep interest in all aspects of the Lords work. They were greatly given to hospitality and especially cared for those fully engaged in evangelization and ministry of the Word. The assembly and community have sustained an inestimable loss by their departure. Suitable messages were given by W.J. Nesbitt and S. McBride to the large number in attendance at the funeral.
Helen Brandt of Garnavillo, IA on March 8, age 83. Our beloved sister was saved at 19 through children’s work by Don Charles. She married Gerold in 1940. They made their home in Garnavillo for 57 years. She will be remembered for her faithful, consistent assembly life, encouragement to others, especially the young, and gospel zeal which was witnessed to the end in Linn Manor Care Center. Survivors are her husband Gerold, sons David and Tom, daughters Jan, Joan(,) and Jean and many grandchildren, who are in happy assembly fellowship. Giving tribute were David and Tom Brandt, Don Kregel and Grant Hagen. Al Christopherson spoke the gospel with Shad Sluiter, grandson, speaking at the committal.
Martin Krumme of Cedar Falls, IA on March 11, age 83. Our brother was saved January 6, 1956 in gospel meetings conducted by Oliver Smith and Paul Elliott in Cedar Falls. In June of the same year he was received in the Western Avenue assembly in Waterloo, remaining in the fellowship until his homecall. For the past 3 1/2 years he resided in a care center, but attended the meetings when able. His wife Fern survives him along with eleven nieces and nephews. Russell Nesbit and Robert Orr shared in the service.
Mrs.Vernon (Doris) Rodgers of North Bay, ON on March 27, age 73, after a year-long battle with cancer. She was saved on November 29, 1938 at the age of 10, while contemplating each phrase of John 3:16. Formerly associated with the Charlton assembly for many years, she and her husband have been in fellowship at Nipissing Junction since 1981. She will be greatly missed by her husband, and three sons, Gary, David, and Bruce and their spouses and families. The funeral, taken by her three sons, reflected upon the preciousness of a godly upbringing, and the influence of a virtuous woman (Proverbs 31). E.Doherty, K.Moore, and B.Crawford also shared in the service.
