Canada
Alberta
Fort McMurray: John Fitzpatrick and Jim Jarvis were with the assembly September 12-26 for gospel meetings. Four thousand seed sower packages with invitations were delivered to homes in the area, and a few visitors came as a result. No one professed at the time, but a man told of his profession prior to the meetings. A new family moved here and the mother is in the assembly. We are praying for her unsaved husband.
British Columbia
Vancouver: The Thanksgiving conference in October was blessed with the help and ministry of A. Bergsma, J. Fitzpatrick, B. Funston, A. Hull, D. Oliver, D. Richards, S. St. Clair, and J. Smith. The Bible Readings led by D. Oliver were very helpful on the “Gospel of Your Salvation,” and were used to reaffirm the basic doctrines of the gospel.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Gander: A. Dryburgh and D. Dunsire gave helpful and encouraging ministry on October 27. Prayer is requested for gospel meetings commencing November 7 with R. McIlwaine and A. Hull.
Gander Bay: The saints enjoyed two nights of ministry meetings shared by A. Dryburgh (ON) and D. Dunsire (MB). Mr. Dryburgh spoke on truths found in the book of Ruth while Mr. Dunsire gave some thoughtful ministry regarding the Lord Jesus. The saints request prayer for gospel meetings that commenced November 1 with Gaius Goff (OR) and Irving Payne (ON).
Nova Scotia
New Glasgow: Noel Burden had three nights of appreciated ministry with the assembly.
Barss Corner: In October, M. McCandless, helped by J. Meekin and Joe Potter, began meetings, three nights a week in a rented building. This was a follow-up from the fruitful meetings in August/September in Bridgewater, NS. Attendance has been encouraging.
Tatamagouche: At the afternoon ministry meeting October 23, F. Bartlett, A. Hull, S. MacLeod, and A. McCandless shared in the ministry. The gospel was shared by A. McCandless and A. Hull and five young believers obeyed the Lord in baptism. The Truro assembly joined in for this event, and the hall was filled to capacity.
Ontario
Clinton: The assembly was thankful that a few parents and grandparents attended the annual Sunday school picnic in September to hear the gospel faithfully presented. At the annual fall conference in early October, the saints were blessed with the faithful and varied ministry of E. Badgley, B. Crawford, A. Dryburgh, R. Dryburgh, P. Poidevin, A. Robertson, B. Rogers, B. Snippe, and F. Sona.
Laurel: A new assembly was planted here October 3 as the culmination of several years of labor that started with children’s work and moved into several gospel tent series. The Lord has blessed in salvation and established the saints in their desire to gather in His Name. There are presently 14 in fellowship with others sitting back observing the order. The assemblies in Brampton and Bolton have been a great help in this work through the years. The young assembly is in the process of purchasing a building in Laurel and hope to move in before the new year. See Updates for assembly correspondent.
St. Thomas: The assembly was encouraged with the baptism of a Sunday school girl in August. There was a good response from the parents of Sunday school children at the Thanksgiving dinner held in the hall. N. Mellish was with the saints from October 17-21, giving appreciated ministry on Philippians. Children’s meetings began November 15 for one week with B. Snippe, and continue weekly through the winter with local brethren, Lord willing.
Wallaceburg: The prayers of the Lord’s people will be valued for a series of gospel meetings that J. Nesbitt and W. Metcalf will commence, Lord’s Day, January 16, in the will of the Lord.
U.S.A.
Arizona
West Phoenix: R. Vanstone and D. Booth had two weeks of well-attended gospel meetings. The believers supported the meetings very well, many new contacts were made, and God blessed in the salvation of the middle-aged son of believers in the assembly.
California
Fresno: The saints enjoyed the visit of S. Wells the last week of October. In the four nights of very practical and needed teaching, he looked at the lives of the early patriarchs and their four altars, four wells, and four pillars.
Connecticut
Terryville: The annual October conference meetings were shared by W. Gustafson, D. Oliver and other visiting brethren. A large number of young people attended the hymn sing at the gospel hall Saturday evening.
Iowa
Manchester: On September 22, J. Smith gave excellent ministry on the model Christian. On September 28-29, A. Davidson gave a report on persecuted Christians in Russia and India, then ministry on Paul, the servant. Mr. Davidson opened the October conference on the subject of prayer, and others who shared in the conference were E. McCullough, L. Perkins, J. Portman, R. Orr, B. Seale, W. Skates, R. Weber, and S. Wells. John Wells gave an excellent closing word as well. All the ministry was needed and very much appreciated. Following the conference S. Wells gave informative ministry from his chart on the book of Daniel.
Maine
Augusta: A. Hull and B. Joyce had gospel meetings August 11-29 with blessing in salvation. On October 20, John See spoke of the Lord’s work in Malaysia.
Massachusetts
Saugus: The outreach work at the rehab center has commenced its fifth year. Each Monday evening is devoted to the spread of the gospel and distribution of Bibles, tracts, and other helpful literature. As men cycle through the program, there are new faces each week. The staff listens attentively, and there is time for personal discussions over refreshments following the meeting. Please pray for this work.
West Springfield: The assembly had a booth for the fifth year at the large regional fair, “The Big E.” This year, 1.25 million visitors attended, and many thousands of texts, tracts, New Testaments, and magnets were distributed. Many good personal gospel conversations were had, and prayer is requested for God’s blessing on His Word. W. Gustafson visited the assembly for one evening, ministering on the ways that the Holy Spirit helps us to please God.
Michigan
Jackson: A. Robertson was with the assembly in September for a week of well-attended children’s meetings and the Sunday school picnic. The Christians also appreciated a week of ministry meetings on the seven Churches in Revelation 2-3 with J. Meekin in late October.
Livonia: E. Higgins held three weeks of gospel meetings, using his chart “The Impact of the Bible and Christianity in America.” One young woman professed to be saved, and many of the believers’ children showed deep concern. The conference in October was well attended. Profitable and searching ministry was given by J. Meekin, L. Parks, M. Penfold, D. Petterson, F. Sona, and A. Ussher.
Ohio
Clyde: A. Christopherson and M. Smith preached the gospel and two precious souls professed faith in Christ, bringing joy to the believers.
Mexico
Ciudad Obregón: The sudden homecall of Bethany Beckett on October 25 was keenly felt by the believers in the new assembly formed here on September 26. Bethany’s gentle spirit, kindness, and hospitality endeared her to the people, not only since her marriage to Duncan in June 2010, but also in her previous visits. Duncan’s labors were greatly enhanced by Bethany’s presence at his side as the “help meet for him,” and he will dearly miss her. On October 26 over 200 people attended the funeral service held at the Obregón Gospel Hall. S. Kember, A. Andrío (a new believer in the Obregón assembly), and Duncan expressed thoughts regarding Bethany’s life of service to her Lord. J. Dennison had help from God to preach the gospel on this solemn and sad occasion. During the funeral service a young man professed to be saved.
Bethany was Mexico’s most recently commended worker and the first to be taken home. Her life was short, her impact great. Your prayers for the assembly, and especially for Duncan, are most valued.
Cotaxtla, Veracruz: With the recent tragedy caused by the rising of the Cotaxtla river in September after Hurricane Karl struck, the attendance at the meetings has increased. Several new children are coming to children’s meetings, and some new families are coming to the weekly gospel meeting.
Hermosillo: As a result of invitations handed out in the area, several new families came along to hear Biblical teaching regarding the family as well as the clear preaching of the gospel. The believers in the assembly were challenged by the ministry given by J. Dennison over the course of four evenings.
Pachuca: Nightly gospel meetings continue in their third week in a rented hall in Matilde, Pachuca. The small hall has been filled each night with both believers and new contacts in attendance. H. Rodriguez and local brethren have been helping with the preaching.
St. Lucia
On Saturday, October 30, Hurricane Tomas struck the island of St. Lucia with high winds of 90 mph coupled with heavy rains causing much destruction. It was estimated that two years’ worth of rain fell in 24 hours. The island’s southern area took the brunt of the storm, with the towns of Vieux Fort and Soufriere hardest hit. Many roads and bridges have been severely damaged and for several days the whole island was without hydro. Hydro has been restored in some areas. Communication between communities is limited.
While there has been loss of life, there has been no recorded deaths among those in assemblies and no gospel halls damaged from reports received. The island now faces massive economic damage with the entire banana crop wiped out. Believers have lost all their produce which is their main source of living. Houses have also been damaged or destroyed. Please pray.
Conferences
Monrovia/Downey, CA
December 30-January 1. The conference will be in a retreat format in the Village Center of Forest Home Christian Center, near Redlands, CA. Prayer and a study on prayer will be held Thursday evening, December 30. Bible studies will be held Friday and Saturday. Subject will be 2 Corinthians 3, with Romans 6, 7, and 8 freely referenced. Any inquiries can be sent to Adam Thropay at heathrop@juno.com, or to Reuben Thropay at rcjx4thropay@verizon.net.
DeLand, FL
February 4-6, in the Gospel Hall, 109 E. Rosehill Ave., east off N. Woodland Blvd. Friday: Prayer Meeting 7pm. Saturday: Ministry 10:30am & 3:45pm, Bible Reading 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Bible Reading 2pm, Ministry 3:45pm; Gospel 7pm. Bible Readings: Ezekiel 38 & 39. Lord willing, there will be two nights of ministry following the conference on Tuesday and Wednesday (February 8 & 9). Corr: Fred King, 215 Lake Talmadge Rd., DeLand, FL, 32724. Tel: 386 943-4000; Hall 386 736-1009.
Jackson, MI
February 18-20, in the Jackson Gospel Hall, 910 Bennett Street. Prayer Meeting on Friday, February 18 at 7pm. Saturday: Prayer and Ministry 10am. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 9:30am, Sunday school 11:30am, with Prayer and Ministry in the afternoon. Several brethren have responsibility for the conference ministry meetings. Accom: Jason Wielenga, Tel: 517 917-0282; E-mail: jt@marketplacejackson.com. Corr: R. Douglas Losey, Tel: 517 787-9169; E-mail: rdlosey@juno.com.
Conference Reminders:
Saugus, MA – December 4-5
Pennsauken, NJ – January 8-9, 2011
Change of Address
Andrew Bergsma: 8 Prout Drive, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3N4. Email aebergsma@mts.net.
Emily McCandless: 5846 Boxall Road, R.R. 1 Port Stanley, ON, N5L 1J1, Canada.
Gary and Bonnie Sharp: RR1 – 149 Bayview Ave, Port McNicoll, ON, L0K 1R0.
Change of Correspondent
Burnaby, BC (South Burnaby Gospel Hall): Ross Smyth, 7877 Berkley Street, Burnaby, BC, V5E 2J9. Tel: 604 526-6008; E-mail: boss3777@gmail.com.
Laurel, ON: Joel Kember, 514290 2nd Line Amaranth, Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z1. Tel: 519 942-9447.
Change of Address of Correspondent
London, ON (Highbury Ave. Gospel Hall): Philip Lampkin, 98 Moraine Court, London, ON, N6G 4Z1. E-mail: felipe524@execulink.com.
Change in Meeting Times
Clyde, OH: Breaking of Bread 9:30am, Sunday school & Ministry 11am, Gospel 12 noon.
Home-calls
William (Bill) Pley of Port Alberni, BC, on June 23, age 78. Born in Holland, Bill came to Canada in 1953, followed by Maria, whom he married shortly afterwards. Our dear brother was saved in 1965 in a remarkable way. Conscious of his need, and bombarded by spiritual advisors, he decided to ignore them all and read the Bible for himself. After a period of steady reading he found peace with God while reading about the crucifixion. He then, equally remarkably, decided that if God brought him this far, God would tell him what to do next. Shortly after this, the late Tom Hay of Japan knocked on his door and invited him to hear the Word of God. Subsequently Bill was in fellowship with the saints at the gospel hall for 46 years. Very much a “people person,” Bill was the means of a large number of friends and relatives coming to Christ – many of them to the local assembly, which resulted in a “mini revival” for the small group. He is sorely missed. Bill leaves his wife of 56 years, Maria, five children, twelve grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, for whose salvation he longed. The large funeral, consisting of a large Dutch connection as well as former workmates from the plywood mill, heard the gospel faithfully preached by Philip Atkinson and John Fairfield. Ralston Atkinson and Harry Vissia spoke words of comfort at the graveside.
William Cairns of Cleveland, OH, on September 26, age 82. Bill was saved as a young man of 19, while listening to James Lipke preach the gospel from Isaiah 53:5. He was baptized and was in the fellowship of the West 85th Street Gospel Hall until 1980. He then became part of the fellowship at the Monticello Gospel Hall where he served as an elder. Bill was a friendly, outgoing person, and a true spiritual shepherd. He would often phone believers who were sick with a word of encouragement, and was an excellent visitor of those who were shut-in. Bill was a Shell Service Station owner for 60 years, the longest in the country. He enjoyed his customers and took great interest in visiting with them. He often visited customers that were shut in and would ask if he could pray for them before leaving. Bill is survived by his wife of 36 years, Ruth, daughter Susan, and sister Cathy. Art Pile and Dale Brandt opened the service with memories of Bill’s life. Bill Seale spoke words of comfort and preached the gospel at the large funeral service and at the graveside.
Beulah Wilson (Mrs. Alex Wilson) of Abbotsford, BC, on October 3, age 95. She had undergone surgery for a broken hip about eight weeks previously, but was very frail and never fully recovered. Beulah was a true helpmeet for brother Wilson and often travelled with him in his ministry. She was also known for her faithful and practical help in preparing parcels for Zambia, to aid in the spread of the gospel to hospital patients at Chavuma in particular, where their daughter Marion served for many years. For the past nine years, Beulah was cared for by Marion in the family home in Abbotsford. She is survived by her loving family: Don (Ella) Wilson, Marion Wilson, Heather (Adam) Thropay, June (Terry) Tanis, and many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. On October 8 the family held a private burial, followed by a memorial gathering for her many friends and neighbors, where her son Don Wilson and son-in-law Dr. Adam Thropay shared memories and a message from the Scriptures.
Mable D. (Cowan) Kay of Jackson, MI, on October 12, age 88. She was born in Bay City, MI on May 13, 1922 and married Cyril Kay in 1967, who preceded her in death on October 31, 1973. She was awakened to her need of salvation and trusted Christ as her Savior during a meeting in Bay City as Sam Barr preached the gospel. Mable was a very kind and caring person and was a help in the assembly in Jackson until health problems hindered her in recent years. Please pray for those relatives and friends who heard the gospel presented by Stu Thompon.
Miss Gretta McClay of Bridgetown, Ireland, on October 14, age 78. She and her brother Tommy were saved at gospel meetings held by Mr. W. P. W. McVey in the old hall at Carrick, Laghey, in 1950. She was baptized shortly afterward and received into the assembly in Laghey where she gave herself to help forward the work of the Lord. She was consistent in every aspect of assembly life, and showed much kindness and hospitality to the Lord’s people, even until the time of her home-call. She will be greatly missed, both on her own account, and also as she was the last member of the McClay family which had a long association with the assembly. The very large company from many parts that gathered for her funeral showed the high esteem in which she was held. T.W. Wright spoke at the service in the hall and W.J. Nesbitt at the grave, both bringing the message of the gospel which was dear to Gretta.
Marian Meinberg of Cedar Falls, IA, on October 15, age 89. She was saved November 19, 1941 during special gospel meetings by the late Oliver Smith and William Warke in Hampton, IA while reading John 5:24, “He that heareth My word and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life.” She faithfully gathered with the believers at the Hampton assembly for many years, and then, in 2004, moved to Cedar Falls. “A virtuous woman whose price was far above rubies.” She leaves two daughters, five grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren. Her husband Harold preceded her in death in 1999. Ken Alberts (son-in-law) and Russ Nesbit shared in the large funeral service.
Luigi (Lou) Giraldi of Guelph, ON, on October 25. He was born in southern Italy and emigrated to Canada with his family in 1960. They were introduced to the gospel by Italian Christians in Sault Ste. Marie, ON. Lou was saved on July 8, 1962 after attending an Italian prayer meeting with Guido Cedolia and hearing brethren pray for his salvation. Two years later, the family moved to Toronto where they began to attend Brock Avenue Sunday School. Lou was first received into fellowship in Brock, then Mimico, and for the past 20 years in Yorkshire St., Guelph. In each assembly Lou was happy to accept responsibility in children’s work. He was a gracious brother and the Guelph assembly has suffered the great loss of a caring shepherd and respected elder. Stephen Vance, Marcel Giraldi, and Gary Williamson shared in the funeral service, and Vince Giraldi spoke at the graveside. Pray for his wife Sheila and the grieving family, and also for the many unsaved who heard the gospel preached at the funeral.
Mr. James Alfred Hall of N. Ireland, on October 25, age 74, after a short illness. He was saved August 22, 1969 at meetings held by the late W. J. Wells and W. J. Nesbitt in a rented community hall in Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh. Soon after, he was received into the Clones assembly where his varied spiritual exercises were consistent with his desire to maintain Scriptural principles. He married Martha Clisdell in 1978 and had the joy of seeing their son and two daughters saved, with James and Martha in assembly fellowship, and Sarah recently saved. Marked by grace and godliness, his contribution to gospel testimony and children’s meetings at the outreach Drumlone Gospel Hall in Newtownbutler area was invaluable. He also made a very large annual circulation of Scripture calendars with a gospel tract over a wide area, and helped W. J. Nesbitt and others in door-to-door visitation in towns, villages, and rural areas during gospel series. His large funeral services were conducted by M. Emerson, W. J. Nesbitt, and B. Glendinning in Clones Gospel Hall, and by G. Woods and S. Nelson at the cemetery.
Bethany Colleen (Kroeze) Beckett of Cuidad Obregon, Sonora, MX, on October 25, unexpectedly, one day before her 24th birthday. She was born October 26, 1986 to Ken and Linda Kroeze of Arlington, WA, with older brothers Gerrit, Craig, Andy, and Tim. At the age of 12, Bethany trusted Christ as Lord and Savior, and then dedicated her life to pleasing Him. Shortly after her conversion, she was baptized and received into assembly fellowship in Arlington where she was a great help in Sunday school and youth work. In December 2008, she left her job and went to Mexico with a six month commitment to help the missionaries there. It was in Mexico that she met and fell in love with Duncan Beckett whom she married June 5, 2010 in Arlington. Together they have served the Lord in Mexico where they have been a tremendous help. Bethany had a quiet and gentle spirit with a faithful heart to serve others rather than herself. A few days before her sudden home-call she wrote her brother Tim – “All the pleasure we can have in this world won’t even compare to what God has in store for us in heaven. This life is short; eternity is long. When we get to heaven, I’m pretty sure we won’t remember the things we thought we were missing out on, or even the things we thought were so great.” The funeral on October 30 at the Arlington Gospel Hall with about 400 present was shared by S. Kember, her husband Duncan, T. Hoy, M. Cain, and T. Klein. The gospel was faithfully preached. Please pray for Duncan and the Kroeze family.
Clifford Frazier of Blue River, WI, on October 25, age 92, went to be with Christ on his 63rd wedding anniversary. He was saved September 10, 1960 and was in the assembly here until he wasn’t physically able. He is survived by his wife Beth, and three sons that have the blessed hope. He was preceded in death by one son, John, by one month. Many unsaved heard the truth plainly preached by his grandsons, Ryan, Isaiah, and Jason at the funeral, and Joel at the graveside.
Subscription Reminder
The subscription rate for Truth and Tidings, 2011, will remain the same.
1. Please remit as early as possible. This reduces costs incurred by frequent reminders to those who are late or delinquent in paying. Prompt payment is appreciated.
2. Please send any subscription changes in by December 10.
3. Whenever possible, please include your subscription in an assembly bundle as this helps to reduce mailing costs.
