Canada
Alberta
Edmonton: The believers enjoyed a week of ministry on 2 Timothy with David Richards. The ministry was very profitable and timely.
Fort McMurray: James and Florence Ronald from Saskatoon were with the assembly March 6-8. Our brother gave ministry and shared in the gospel. Gordon Williams from Grande Prairie was here from March 21-26 for ministry with his chart on Revelation, and also spoke in the gospel.
British Columbia
Vancouver: Several hundred gathered for three profitable days of conference over the Easter weekend. Ministry was shared by Jim Currie, Marvin Derksen, Ian Gibson, John Grant, and Murray McCandless. Brother Grant led two Bible readings on Galatians 5 and 6. Bryon Meyers and Steve Kember gave interesting accounts of their labors. City-wide gospel meetings continued for the remainder of the week with Marvin Derksen and John Grant. Dr. Rodney Strahan (Australia) and Mr. John Grant shared the monthly Missionary Meeting in April at Victoria Drive.
West Kelowna: Pray for a gospel series with Jack Gould and James McClelland which began on April 11 at the Highway Gospel Hall.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Fogo: Tom Hoy, holding a gospel series in St. John’s and Sandringham, visited March 8-10, giving ministry on Romans 1-8. The saints appreciated the encouraging ministry. On March 14-21, Alex Stephenson had a short gospel series with Edward Heath from Fogo helping. A number of communities on the island were visited with tracts, and the meetings were well-attended. Pray that souls will be saved.
Gander Bay: The saints enjoyed a visit from Tom Hoy of Washington for three days during the first week of March when he gave appreciated ministry. Andrew Bergsma gave three nights of very practical ministry in March. The saints were very encouraged with both visits.
Corner Brook: Three weeks of gospel meetings with Robert McIlwaine and Bryan Joyce began on February 21 with a good number of unsaved attending consistently and new contacts showing interest. The ministry given during their stay was encouraging and edifying. The saints also appreciated the visit of Andrew Bergsma for ministry; he also visited Rocky Harbour, Parsons Pond, and Flowers Cove.
Rocky Harbour: The assembly was encouraged with the number that attended the preaching of the gospel for three weeks in March with John Fitzpatrick and Eric Fowler. Some who had not been out for years came, along with others related to the saints. We continue to look to the Lord for the salvation of souls.
Parsons Pond: Gospel meetings began on March 21 with David Swan and Carl Payne. Jerry Jennings was supposed to help in these meetings, but was prevented due to the health of his father. Bruce Barkhouse arrived on March 27 to continue the meetings with David Swan.
Ontario
Hamilton: The assembly appreciated recent visits and helpful ministry by Marvin Derksen for a weekend and two nights of ministry, and David Oliver for three nights of ministry on Romans 8, prior to the Toronto Conference.
Sudbury: The assembly enjoyed having Eugene Badgley for the annual Sunday school Treat on March 13. He also took the monthly ministry meeting, and remained for Lord’s Day and two nights of ministry. Ministry from Brian Owen was also appreciated, with some encouraging updates on his recent visit to St. Lucia.
Victoria Road: The saints have been blessed and encouraged by appreciated visits from Bruce Rodgers, Byrnell Foreshew, Fred Krauss, Lorne Langfeld, Eugene Badgley, David Booth, Peter Smith, and Ken Nicholson.
U.S.A.
Arkansas
Alpena: The assembly enjoyed a short visit in March by Joel Portman who continued a series of profitable teachings from 2 Corinthians and, as always, gave help in Springdale. A Seed Sowers effort is being planned for early summer for the Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville areas of Arkansas. Prayer for this upcoming effort will be greatly appreciated.
Iowa
Dunkerton: In March, the assembly enjoyed the visit of Eric McCullough and William Lavery. An excellent week of children’s meetings with Shad Sluiter concluded with over 130 children attending. Dan Shutt is expected for a few nights of ministry in April.
Michigan
Saginaw: Our April ministry meeting was held a week early to avoid conflict with the Easter conferences. Fred Krauss and Dan Shutt gave excellent and timely ministry. Brother Krauss gave an additional night of ministry, and also visited the Cass City assembly. Brian Owen had two nights of ministry that encouraged the saints.
Minnesota
Fridley: In a quarterly all-day meeting in March, Eric McCullough and Bill Lavery gave helpful ministry on the Power of God, The Bride of Christ, and various attributes of the assembly as seen in living stones manifesting the nine-fold fruit of the Spirit. For April, John Slabaugh and Stu Thompson planned, in the will of the Lord, to have two weeks of Bible readings on “Things Most Surely Believed Among Us.”
Missouri
Kansas City: Joel Portman was with the saints March 1-4 for four nights of encouraging ministry on Hebrews 11.
Ohio
Akron: Please pray for purposed gospel meetings with Gene Higgins in May.
Clyde: At the March area ministry meeting, Andrew Robertson provided excellent studies on Philip and Thomas. He also had a week of exposition on the book of Romans. His teaching was appreciated and is available at www.clydegospelhall.com
Cleveland: Dan Shutt and Matt Smith gave helpful ministry on three Bible characters at the February area ministry meeting.
Virginia
Matoaca: The conference this year was a great encouragement to the Christians. There was excellent ministry from Henry Carmichael, Jack Coleman, Walter Gustafson, Sandy Higgins, Rob Oliver, Jonathan Procopio, and John Slabaugh.
Chile
David Jones writes, “Many have expressed an interest in an update on Chile and especially news about the assemblies and the Christians who were affected by the earthquake. Sebastián Piñera, the new President, took over on March 11, less than two weeks after the destructive quake. He and his government face an enormous task of reconstruction.
“Phase 1 concentrated on the provision of foodstuffs. Phase 2 is still in progress and provides help for homes damaged by the earthquake. Phase 3 contemplates the repair or reconstruction of halls. Building professionals are assessing the extent of the damage and this will determine what has to be demolished and what can be repaired.
“Gospel Halls built in the last few years are no problem. They were built according to anti-seismic specifications. Our main hall in San Felipe was built in 1967 and not a crack is visible. Another building on the premises is older construction containing the large kitchen and an all-purpose room with thick adobe walls. There are a number of cracks which appear to go through to the other side and could be in danger of crumbling. The brethren are waiting for the inspectors to make a final assessment.
“In some places, the inspections have been made and the brethren are weighing up the options. The little dwelling at the side of the Talca hall, which was occupied by two single sisters, will have to come down. At this writing, eight halls require attention. Talca and Echaurren Street hall in Santiago are the two requiring the most work.
“Dennis Hanna has spearheaded the construction of six homes for Christians affected in the Peñaflor area. David Rodgers and Andrew Kluge have collaborated in this endeavor, as well as Brendan McIntyre, his son-in-law from Canada. Today, arrangements were made to supply housing for a brother in Talca whose house was demolished on municipal orders.
“In response to their request for help, the Talcahuano assembly was supplied with funds to make up food parcels for 20 families living in a very poor area which had a lot of damage. These families were contacted because their children go to the Sunday school regularly. On Sunday, out of gratitude, eight adults from the area came to the hall for the first time to listen to the gospel, including a lady whose house had burned down the night of the earthquake.
“The government issued a statement on March 19 indicating that they have confirmed 452 dead and 96 missing. Some were killed as a result of the earthquake, but quite a few died as a result of the tidal wave that destroyed so many coastal communities.
“Many have expressed thanks for the help received and I promised to pass their appreciation on to those who have prayed and shown an interest in them. Christians in Chile have also responded. A young sister recently came to me. She is the mother of two little girls and her husband is not saved and has no interest in the gospel. She has worked to earn a little money to help family finances. It was touching as she gave me the equivalent of ten dollars, nervously saying, ‘just to help a little.’ That amount would represent at least 50% of what she would earn in a day.”
N. Ireland
Belfast: The Easter Conference, April 3-7, was well-attended with profitable ministry, gospel, and reports of the Lord’s work in the homeland and foreign fields.
Ballyshield: J. Rogers and R. Reynolds – gospel
Bloomfield: D. West – ministry
Craigavad: J. Rogers and T. Armstrong- gospel
Craigyhill, Larne: M. Radcliff – ministry
Crosskeys: G. Woods – ministry
Kells: D. McGarvey – gospel; R. McKeown – Bible readings
Kingsmoss: W. Fenton and P. McClarty – gospel
Lungs: W. Martin and J. Martin – gospel
Portadown: W. Boyd – ministry
Conferences
Livingston, NJ
April 30-May 2, with Prayer Meeting on April 30 at 7:30pm. Saturday: Ministry 10:30am, 2pm, Gospel 6pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Ministry 2:30pm, Gospel 5pm. All meetings will be held at the Livingston Gospel Hall, 405 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, NJ. Tel: 973 535-1485. Directions: www.livingstongospelhall.org. Contact Allan Valvano, Tel: 973 377-7839 or 201 404-5611. E-mail: allanvalvano@livingstongospelhall.org. Accom: David Valvano, Tel: 973 884-2484, E-mail: dvalvano@optonline.net.
Tylertown, MS
May 8-9, at the Gospel Hall, 179 Oral Church Road, Tylertown. Saturday: Prayer/Ministry 2-5pm with supper served. Sunday: Ministry 10am, Breaking of Bread 11am, Lunch 12 noon, Prayer/Ministry 2pm. Accom: Ben Lohrbach, Tel: 228 396-8876; or Keith Young, Tel: 601 268-6802.
Calgary AB
May 22-23, in the West Hillhurst Gospel Hall, with Prayer Meeting on Friday at 7:30pm. Accom/Inquiries: D. Hanna, Tel 403 236-4126, E-mail djhanna@shaw.ca; or K.Armson, Tel: 403 285-8185, E-mail karmson@efirehose.net.
Gander Bay, NL
May 22-23, with Prayer/Ministry on May 21 at 7:30pm, and ending with the Gospel meeting on Sunday night. All are welcome.
Hamilton, ON
May 21-23, in the Nash Road Gospel Hall, 105 Nash Road South. A. J. Higgins will be speaking Friday night at 7:30pm and Saturday commencing at 10am on the theme “Fundamentals of the Faith,” covering such topics as “The Believer’s Food, Fellowship, Foes, Fruitfulness, Faith (under trial, when faced with challenges from secular society), Failures (Is failure final with God?), Freedom (Legalism vs. Liberty vs. License), and Fears (anxiety, depression).” For further information contact Paul Glenney; Tel: 905 664-5151; www.nashroadgospelhall.com.
Goodwood, ON
May 29, in the hall located on Hwy 47 near the Third Concession. Prayer and ministry meetings begin at 1pm. Supper served at 5pm. Ministry and gospel meeting from 6-8pm. Contacts: Todd Snooks, Tel: 905 852-4874; or Bob Diebel, Tel: 905 852-5241.
Welland, ON
May-29-30, Spanish Conference in Welland Gospel Hall, 405 Lyons Creek Rd. Saturday: Prayer/Ministry 10am, Bible Reading 1:45pm, Ministry 3:15pm, Gospel 7pm. Sunday: Lord’s Supper 9:30am, Sunday School 11:30am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. All meetings except Lord’s Supper and SS will be in Spanish. Speakers expected: Jack Saword, John Thropay, Shawn St.Clair, and Tom Baker. Accom: Fernando Rodriguez, Tel: 905 938-9646, E-mail: fernando.rodriguez149@yahoo.com.
Burgessville, ON
June 5, at Burgessville Gospel Hall. Meetings start at 10am with lunch and supper provided. Expected speakers are Fred Krauss, Frank Sona, and Bryan Joyce. Corr: Ernie Dyck, Tel: 519 469-3097; Luke Winkels, Tel: 519 424-2796, Cell: 330 231-0159.
Garnavillo, IA
June 5-6, in the Garnavillo School gymnasium. Prayer Meeting, June 4, in the Gospel Hall at 7pm. Saturday ministry starts at 10am and ends with Gospel at 6pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10am. Last speaker of the afternoon will be for gospel. Contact John Kregel, Tel: 563 880-0520. E-mail: j_kregel@yahoo.com.
Barrie, ON
June 12, at Timothy Christian School, 750 Essa Rd., Barrie, ON. Meetings are as follows: Ministry 10am, Bible Study 1:15pm (Hebrews 11), Ministry 3:30pm, Gospel 7pm. All are warmly welcome. Corr: Ken Bond; Tel: 705 733-1225; kbond@rogers.com.
Glen Ewen, SK
June 18-20, in the Gospel Hall, nine miles south of Glen Ewen. Prayer meeting on Thursday, June 17, 7:30pm. The conference will continue three full days with ministry, Bible readings, gospel, and the Breaking of Bread. The subject of the Bible readings will be the two aspects of the Second Coming of Christ: The Raptureand His Coming to the Earth in Judgment. General inquiries: Sidney Griffin; Tel: 306 482-3678; E-mail: sgriffin@sdcwireless.com.
Victoria Road, ON
June 19-20, in the Gospel Hall, with Prayer Meeting on Friday, June 18 at 7:30pm (Supper served at 6pm). Saturday: Breakfast 8am, Bible Reading to follow (Discipleship), Ministry 10:30am, 2 and 7pm. Lord’s Day: Breakfast 8am, Bible Reading to follow (Lordship), Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Corr. Ken Stone, 187 Sandhills Rd. R.R.3, Woodville, ON, K0M 2T0; Tel: 705 374-4688; E-mail: ken-stone@hotmail.com.
Augusta, ME
June 26-27, with Prayer Meeting, June 25 at 7:30pm. All meetings in the Gospel Hall, 421 Old Belgrade Road, Augusta. Corr: Jim Thompson, 262 Quaker Road, Sidney, ME 04330; E-mail: jptbooks@gmail.com; Tel: 207 512-2636.
Kirkland Lake, Englehart, Earlton, Charlton, ON
June 26-27, in the Englehart High School. Prayer Meeting on Friday, June 25, at 7:30pm. Times of meetings both days are 10am, 2pm, and 7pm. Supper served at 5:30pm Friday in the school. Corr: Philip Potter, Earlton, ON, P0J 1E0; Tel: 705 563-2942, or Harvey Pratt, R.R.#1, Charlton, ON; Tel: 705 544-7758.
Taylorside, SK
June 25-27, in the Taylorside Gospel Hall (3 mi. south and 4 mi. west of Beatty, SK.) Prayer Meeting, Thursday, June 24 at 7:30pm. Meetings begin Friday at 2pm. Corr: John Parker, Tel: 306 752-4079.
Kamloops, BC
July 2-4, in the Westsyde Gospel Hall, 849 Wawn Rd,. Kamloops. Friday: Prayer, Praise, Ministry 7pm. Saturday: Prayer, Praise, Ministry 9am, Bible Reading 2pm (Ephesians 4:1-16), Ministry 4:15pm; Gospel 7pm, Youth 8:30pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 9:30am, Open Sunday School 11:15am, Prayer, Praise, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm, Youth 8:30pm. Please request accommodations in advance. Meals served in the hall July 3 and 4 at 8am, 12pm, 5pm. Corr: John Eggers 3664 Westsyde Rd. Kamloops, BC, V2B 7H6. Tel: 250 579-8814; E-mail: jfeggers@telus.net. Hall 250 579-5850. For further info: www.westsydegospelhall.com.
Pugwash Junction, NS
July 3-4, with Prayer Meeting on Friday, July 2 at 7:30pm. More details to follow. Corr: Harold Elliott, 40 Hwy #6, Wallace, NS, B0K 1Y0. Tel: 902 257-2236; E-mail: wiretrap@ns.sympatico.ca.
Conference Reminders:
Peterborough, ON – May 1
Newmarket, ON – May 2
Cumberland, MD – May 15-16
Langstaff, ON – May 14-16
Ottawa, ON – May 21-23
Prince Edward Island – May 22-23
Byfield, MA – May 28-30
Hickory/Denver, NC – May 28-30
Sarnia, ON – May 28-29
Bancroft, ON – June 5
Eden Grove, ON – June 6
Saugus, MA – June 5-6
North Bay, ON – June 12-13
Portage la Prairie, MB – June 11-13
Change of Address
Eric Parmenter: New E-mail address: egp@mypostoffice.co.uk.
Larry Steers: New E-mail address: larrygj957@bell.net.
Change of Address of Correspondent
Tacoma, WA (Tacoma Gospel Hall): Bob Stephens, 8234 22nd St. Ct. W, University Place, WA 98466; E-mail: bobco92@hotmail.com.
Home-calls
Arlene DiMarzio of Newington, CT, on February 9, after a year-long battle with leukemia. She was saved as a young girl in January 1946, and later baptized and received into the assembly where she continued for over 57 years. Never married, she loved and served the Lord in her own simple way, and was a great believer in the power of prayer. She leaves one sister, Theresa Grillo of Watertown, MA, and numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral was shared by Matthew Brescia and Paul Tornaquindici, with Bill Nason speaking at the grave.
Tom Barnes of Bothwell, ON, on February 17, age 80. Our dear brother was born in Oil Springs, ON, and was saved in March, 1958, during meetings held by Robert Booth. The meetings were held in the CPR railroad station in Glencoe, ON where brother Murray Regis of Milton was station master. Brother Barnes was a quiet brother who helped in every way he could and was faithful in his support of the assembly gatherings right up to the last. He was held in high esteem in our small community and an overflow crowd filled the funeral home. Brother Regis told of his initial contact with the Barnes family. Bill Metcalf, Lorne Mitchell, and Jim Beattie shared in the funeral service. Please pray for the four sons and their families. Most in the family are not saved. Also remember his wife, Laura, who shared with our brother in her faithful support of the Newbury assembly.
Tom Smyth of Newtownhamilton, Co Armagh, N.I., on February 22, age 73, having patiently borne illness for almost 18 months. Saved during ministry meetings by H. Paisley in 1964, his life was spent in faithful testimony along with his devoted wife Mary who, with the family, mourn his passing. In the mixed community of South Armagh, he was highly respected in business life. This, along with being well known among saints, resulted in an exceptionally large funeral. Of cheerful disposition, he was, for many years, a godly shepherd of influence. He will be greatly missed in the assembly as well as in the family. He and Mary had the joy of seeing their two daughters and two sons saved and in assembly fellowship. Christine, with her husband John McCann, serves the Lord in Brazil. W.J. Nesbitt and J. Fleck preached to very attentive audiences at the funeral, assisted by J. Preston and S. McBride. We can remember his widow, children, and grandchildren. The memory of the just is blessed.
Leonard Keith Tomalty of Red Deer, AB on February 22, age 94. He was born in Brownsville, QC in 1915, and was saved at age 41 in November 1956. He was truly a Christian gentleman with a genuine love for his Lord. Len and his wife Norma met with the saints at West Hillhurst, Calgary for a number of years and loved the simplicity of gathering alone to the Name of Christ. He also had a deep exercise for his own family and city, and arranged a number of gospel series over the years. He was predeceased by his beloved wife in 2002. Left to cherish his memory are five children, their spouses and families. Prayer is requested for those yet unsaved. The funeral was taken by Bryan Funston, with Howard Williamson speaking at the graveside.
Eric Walberer of Phoenix, AZ, on March 6, age 81. Eric was born in Memmingen, Germany and born again in 1946 while serving in the US Air Force, stationed in Panama. Eric and his beloved wife Muriel gathered with believers in Akron, OH in 1953 and later in Phoenix and Sunnyslope. They gladly opened their home to many believers through the years. Eric was a faithful shepherd and Sunnyslope assembly correspondent for many years. Muriel went home to be with the Lord 16 months ago. He leaves four children, Ruth Turkington, Lois Swaan, Bruce, and Phillip, their spouses, and twelve grandchildren who all share the blessed hope. Son-in-law S. Turkington and P. Vizzini spoke at the large funeral.
Eva Kroeze of Marysville, WA, on March 16, age 94. Our sister was saved at the age of eight and was in happy fellowship for more than 75 years in the Arlington and Shoultes assemblies, and the Lynden, WA assembly this last year where she had moved to live with her daughter. She enjoyed 60 wonderful years of marriage to Peter Kroeze who was taken home to glory in 2000. They enjoyed entertaining the Lord’s people in their home and cared for elderly saints. She was a faithful supporter of the assembly and was always interested in the work of the gospel. She is survived by a son and three daughters, 17 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Her funeral was taken by Bryon Meyers, Al Flett, and Phil Kazen.
Filomena Vincenzo of Newington, CT, on March 17, in her 80th year. She was saved as an older teenager in the late 40s at a Methuen, MA conference. She was in the assembly that now meets in Newington for over 60 years. Never married, she and her sister Jennie, who survives her, were always in their place at the meetings and marked by faithfulness. Generous and helpful, she assisted greatly in the Sunday school bus work for many years back in the 1960s. Predeceased by her mother and father and an older sister, Sarah, the Vincenzo family was a great asset to the company and our beloved sister will be missed. She battled cancer for the past months, but she is now “at home” with the Lord. Pray for her sister Jennie, nieces, a nephew, and others that she has left behind. The large funeral was taken by Don Ramsay and Frank Tornaquindici, with Philip Rockey speaking at the graveside.
Lavanda Walvatne of West Union, IA, on March 27, age 77, just one month after her sister, Helen Smid, was called home. Our dear sister was saved in October, 1952. She was baptized and received into the West Union assembly, where she was faithful in attendance through the years. She and her sisters with whom she lived were given to hospitality. Lavanda was always cheerful and will be missed. She is survived by two sisters, one brother, several nieces and nephews, and other relatives. The funeral service was shared by Eric McCullough and Robert Orr.
