Canada
Alberta
Fort McMurray: The annual Sunday school picnic was held on June 11. A number of parents and new children attended. The gospel was given to a very attentive crowd by Dustin Mackenzie, a young brother who recently moved here with his wife.
British Columbia
Kamloops: The July conference was one of the largest in a long time. Many of the saints expressed help given from the ministry of the Word of God. A nice number of young people attended with an evident interest. Speakers were Bryan Funston, Ian Gibson, Gaius Goff, Dave Richards, Stan Wells, and Gordon Williams. The assembly was very much encouraged.
Langley: Throughout the Langley Canada Day Celebration, June 30-July 1, the local assembly staffed a booth on the fairgrounds allowing for the distribution of literature and invitations to the upcoming DVBS, July 18-22. Continued prayer in relation to gospel outreach is appreciated.
Vancouver: The Carleton assembly held a reception and commendation meeting on June 23 for Jonathan and Hannah Seed, who will be engaged in full-time service in gospel work in Mexico. Hannah is from Jackson, MI. They will be making their home in Obregon where our brother has already been engaged in this new work. Representation from other assemblies expressed fellowship in their exercise. Local brethren joined Shad Kember and Duncan Beckett in giving words of counsel and encouragement.
Nova Scotia
Avonport: God blessed in salvation during 3½ weeks of gospel meetings that started after Easter with John Meekin and Bruce Barkhouse. Some who had never been to a gospel meeting before heard the message.
Ontario
Lambton Shores: Christians meeting in Grand Bend and Lake Shore Gospel Halls joined for a three-week gospel series in the village of Thedford with Marvin Derksen and Andrew Robertson. Good numbers attended with some professing to be saved.
Nipissing Junction: The assembly is very thankful to the Lord and to all who attended, and also to eight of the Lord’s servants who contributed cordially in the ministry of the Word and to the Gospel. The Bible Reading on “The Person of Christ” should help place our focus on our blessed Lord Jesus Christ. The Reading on “The Example of the Apostle” was very practical.
Straffordville: On June 19, the hall was packed to capacity as eight obeyed the Lord in baptism. Three were teenagers who have been attending the assembly Youth Outreach Program, and became convicted of their need to be baptized by immersion. One of their cousins was saved after the meeting that night. This program, which was an exercise of two sisters, is held each week with at least 20 coming from the surrounding communities, plus our own young people. This has been a blessing, and recently four teens have professed salvation.
The first conference in many years was held June 25 in the newly renovated hall. The Christians worked together well and the practical ministry from Stephen Vance, Jim Bergsma, and Andrew Robertson was appreciated.
The first Sunday in July, the regular gospel meeting, preceded by a free community barbecue in the local park, was well-attended. Another is planned for the first Sunday of August. Please pray for this assembly and its outreach.
U.S.A.
Arkansas
Alpena: Joel Portman visited in June to help with the work among Hispanics in Springdale in the absence of Harrys Rodriguez (currently in Mexico). As a consequence, the assembly also profited greatly from his ministry.
Michigan
Deckerville: Louis Smith visited the assembly in June and gave a missionary report on Russia and a word on prayer. Also, Larry Perkins gave encouraging ministry for two nights which the saints appreciated very much.
Jackson: The assembly appreciated the Seed Sower effort prior to three weeks of well-attended gospel meetings with Frank Sona and David Petterson during the month of June. There were a number of children who attended for the first time, the Sunday school picnic and the week of children’s meetings in the tent. The Lord kindly blessed in salvation. Please continue to pray for the many who attended the meetings.
Minnesota
Fridley: The assembly was graced by visits in June from Matthew Cain with ministry on Matthew 5, and William Skates who ministered on Spiritual Gifts. Also in June, two young women and a middle-aged man obeyed the Lord in baptism. An all-day meeting is planned for August 7.
Mississippi
Tylertown: Brethren Paul Barnhardt, Jerry Jennings, Larry Perkins, and Joel Portman shared practical ministry on the Christian walk and the clear Gospel during the May conference. One unsaved man present said the gospel affected him, but, sadly, has not shown further interest.
New Jersey
Midland Park: The saints enjoyed Lord’s Day visits from Joel Portman in April, and from Walter Gustafson in June. In May, Dan Shutt had four evenings of helpful ministry on Assembly Principles. Prayer is requested for a Vacation Bible School planned for August 8-12, ending with the Sunday school picnic on the Saturday where Larry Perkins is expected to give a gospel message.
Prospect Park: Two weeks of gospel meetings by Andrew Zuidema (Midland Park) and another brother were held in a rented storefront. These meetings ended on June 14 and were preceded by distribution of tracts, gospel texts, and invitations in Prospect Park and Paterson. The turnout was small, but some from the neighborhood came a few times, including some Muslims. Prayer is requested for further gospel exercise in this town near Midland Park where gospel meetings were held in the 1920s and 30s by brethren from the assemblies in Paterson and Midland Park.
Pennsauken: Peter Ramsay and Bryan Joyce had four weeks of tent meetings. The meetings were well-attended and there was blessing in salvation.
North Carolina
Hickory: The 29th conference over Memorial Day weekend gave encouragement to local and visiting believers. Five of the Lord’s servants gave profitable ministry. A young sister baptized on June 19 brought additional joy to the believers. Please pray for children’s meetings with Andrew Robertson which began the week of July 10.
Washington
Tacoma: June 2011 marked the centennial of the assembly testimony here, with the saints encouraged to continue by the grace of God. There was also rejoicing as two young sisters were baptized.
Mexico
Borrego: Timothy Stevenson and Paul Thiessen were present for a well-attended gospel meeting and the baptism of a young man.
Chihuahua: Three women and a younger man were baptized on July 2. The hall in Valle de la Madrid was well-filled for this happy occasion. A busload of people came from the area of the Porvenir hall, as two of the women baptized are the firstfruits of that work.
Ciudad del Carmen: Visits were made over six weeks in the area helping the assembly on this island, as well as visiting the mainland outreach works in Emiliano Zapata, Paraiso, Santa Rita, and Cancun.
Cotaxtla: John Nesbitt baptized an older man in the river on June 19. A good number from the town were present, as well as many believers from the Veracruz assembly. Please pray for Agapito and Carmen, a very dear elderly couple here who lost a son in very tragic accident.
El Barril: Paul Thiessen and Jason Wahls preached the gospel here on June 3 to about 80 people; they also witnessed the baptism of seven believers. Ron Wahls (Garnavillo) was greatly encouraged to see this work growing.
Hermosillo: John Dennison gave appreciated help during a week’s visit. The assembly was very encouraged with the crowd that came to the Sunday school program at which Marcus Cain gave a word. The work in Tirocapes has seen a real increase of late, and one woman from the area made known to Tim Woodford that she had professed faith in Christ.
Nezahualcóyotl: A married couple and three sisters have recently been added to the assembly here. The saints appreciated a brief visit by Paul Thiessen and Tim Stevenson.
Obregón: Shad Sluiter and his family, along with young people from Canada and the US, spent a week here having children’s meetings in the open air in various locations of the city.
Pachuca: Harrys Rodríguez and his family made a prolonged visit to the country and brought much joy to the saints in Matilde, as well as in Nezahualcóyotl, Veracruz, and Cotaxtla.
Puerto Vallarta: Large numbers of children and adults attended the year-end Sunday school presentations in the Cañadas, Coapinole, and Volcanes halls.
San Luis Rio Colorado: John Clingen, Tim Woodford, Duncan Beckett, and Daniel Barbour gave appreciated help during the month of June.
Santiago Ixcuintla: James Dyck keeps busy with the construction of the hall. Marcus Cain was with the assembly for two nights of ministry in June. Please pray for young Simon Dyck who suffered a serious fracture in his leg.
Tepic: Marcus Cain was with the assembly for three appreciated ministry meetings in June.
Zamora: As a result of an explosives accident at work, the assembly here lost a brother in fellowship. Paul Thiessen helped local men with the funeral. Patricia, a second-time widow, and her three children are “waiting for the dawning of that bright and blessed day.”
Conferences
Clementsvale, NS
September 3-4, in Champlain Hall, Cornwallis Park. Saturday: Prayer and Ministry 10am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Sunday: Bible Reading 8:30am (The Burnt Offering), Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday school 1pm, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Corr: Lionel Cress, Tel: 902-467-3115. Accom (please call in advance): Jonathan McClelland, Tel: 902-638-3260; E-mail: jkmcclelland@ns.sympatico.ca. Directions to conference and Bible Reading outline will be available at www.clementsvalegospelhall.com.
Hardwick, VT
September 10-11, with Prayer Meeting on September 9 at 7:30pm in the Gospel Hall, 153 Cherry St. Saturday and Sunday meetings in the Hardwick Elementary School located downtown adjacent to the junction of State Routes 14 and 15. Saturday: Ministry 10am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 6pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10am, followed by Sunday school, Ministry and Gospel in the afternoon. Breakfast served 9am Saturday and 8:45am Sunday, with meals are served in between meetings. Accom: Bill Scott (Corr.), Tel: 802 472-6257, or E-mail: billsinvt@earthlink.net.
Chapman Valley/Parry Sound, ON
September 24-25, in the Chapman Valley Gospel Hall, 9 Miller Road, Hwy #124 at Miller Road,18 km west of Hwy #11. Prayer Meeting on Friday, September 23, 7:30pm, with supper served at 6pm. Breakfast served at 8:15am on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday: Bible Reading 9:45am (Depression Does Effect Believers), Ministry 1:45pm, Ministry/Gospel 6:45pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 9:45am, Children’s Meeting 1pm, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Chapman Valley Corr: Russ Longhurst, 28 River Road, RR#2, Sundridge, ON, P0A 1Z0; Tel: 705 387-4393. Parry Sound Corr: Delcoe Jeffery, 11 Hoddy’s Side Road, RR#3, Parry Sound, ON, P2A 2W9; Tel: 705 746-8453.
Midland Park, NJ
September 24-25, the 70th conference in the Midland Park Gospel Hall, 61 Prospect St., Midland Park, NJ. with a Prayer Meeting at 8pm, Friday, September 23. Brethren expected for the ministry and gospel are Malcolm Radcliffe (N. Ireland), Clark Logan (Botswana), Denis O’Hare (France), and A.J. Higgins (New Jersey). Saturday: Prayer/Ministry 10am and 2pm, Gospel 6pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday school 11:45am, Prayer/Ministry 2pm, Gospel 6pm. Accom: David Hamilton, 189 S. Central Ave., Ramsey, NJ 07446; Tel: 201 312-8439; E-mail: davidandjoyhamilton@gmail.com.
New Lenox, IL
September 24–25, in the Lincoln Way West High School, corner of Spencer Rd. and Gougar Rd. in New Lenox. Prayer Meeting Friday at 7:30pm in the Gospel Hall, 13550 West Rt. 6, Mokena. Saturday: Ministry 10am and 2pm, Gospel 6:30 pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 3:30pm. Accom: Brent Studnicka, Tel; 815 463-9590, E-mail bstudnicka@aol.com.
Manchester, IA
October 1-2, with Prayer Meeting September 30, at 7:30pm in the Gospel Hall, 1308 N. 3rd St. Saturday: Ministry commences at 10am at the West Delaware Middle School, 1101 Doctor St. Testimony and Gospel at 6:15pm at the Gospel Hall. Sunday (West Delaware Middle School): Bible Reading 9am (Leviticus 1), Worship 10.30am, Ministry 2pm. For advance reservations: Kenneth Gentz, Tel: 563 927-4662.
Sussex, NB
October 1-2, at the Sussex High School, with Prayer Meeting on Friday, September 30 in the Sussex Gospel Hall. Saturday: Ministry 10am and 2:30pm, Sunday school 1pm, Gospel 7pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday school 1pm, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. All meals are provided each day. For information, please contact Jim MacIntosh at 506 847-5863, or j1947m@rogers.com. Advance accom: Trevor McClelland, Tel: 506 432-1234 or trevor@commercialtent.com.
St. Thomas, ON
October 8-9, with Prayer Meeting at 7:30pm on Friday, October 7 in the Gospel Hall, 1 Sunset Drive. All other meetings will be held in the Parkside Collegiate, 241 Sunset Drive. Saturday: Ministry 10:30am and 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10am, Ministry 2:30pm, Gospel 7pm. Corr: Lyle McCandless, 45 Pol Crescent, St. Thomas, ON, N5R 5P9; Tel: 519 637-1602. E-mail: johnmccandless1@gmail.com.
Brandon, MB
October 10 (Canadian Thanksgiving), in the Brandon Gospel Hall. Bible Reading 10am (Philippians 3), Ministry 1:30-5pm. There is no evening meeting. Corr: Alan Ritchie, E-mail: agr4971@mts.net, Tel: 204 727-4971.
Vancouver, BC
October 8-10, in the Burnaby South Secondary School, 5455 Rumble Street, Burnaby. Prayer meeting Friday 8pm in the Victoria Drive Gospel Hall, 4659 Victoria Dr. Meetings on Saturday: Bible Reading 10am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 9:30 am (Gospel Hall), Ministry 2:30 and Gospel 7pm. Monday: Bible Reading 10am, Ministry 2pm. Corr: Phil Broadhead, Tel: 604 468-4979, E-mail: pabroad@gmail.com.
Blue River, WI
October 14-16 in Highland High School, off Hwy. 80, north side of Highland. Prayer meeting on Friday at 8pm in Blue River Gospel Hall. Saturday: first ministry meeting at 10am Sunday: Bible Reading 9am (Isaiah 53), Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Gospel in the Gospel Hall. Contact: James Frazier, 15513 Richwood Estates Lane, Blue River, WI 53518; Tel: 608 537-2977; E-mail: woodind@mwt.net.
Conference Reminders:
Akron, OH – September 3-4
Beetown, WI – September 5
Kansas City, MO – September 3-4
Sault Ste. Marie, ON – September 9-11
Arnstein, ON – September 16-18
Hitesville, IA – September 16-18
Change of Address
Robert J. McIlwaine, 205-46 River Ridge Drive, Charlottetown, PE, C1C 0B7; Tel: 902 894-4179; E-mail: robertmcilwaine@eastlink.ca.
Additions to Address Book 2011
Jonathan and Hannah Seed, 1206 Paseo Las Palmas, Cuidad Obregón, Senora, Mexico 85059; Tel: 644-07-27-63; E-mail: seed.jonathan@gmail.com.
Home-calls
Eric McGrath of South Africa, on November 9, 2010, called home suddenly following a short illness. Saved as a young man of 19 during gospel meetings conducted by H. S. Paisley in Belfast in 1960, he was baptized and received into fellowship at the Ebenezer Gospel Hall, Belfast before moving to South Africa in 1968. He then spent five years in the Cape Town area during which time he used his skills as a draftsman to build and extend a number of gospel halls in South Africa. In 1971 he left secular employment for full-time service in the Lord’s work. He moved to Port Elizabeth in 1973 and was in fellowship in the Gelvandale assembly until his home-call in 2010. Although his main sphere of service was among the assemblies in the Eastern Cape, he travelled widely throughout Southern Africa and the fruit of his labour is evident in many places. The very large funeral service was indicative of the high esteem in which he was held, with many travelling long distances to attend. It was conducted by D. McKillen, with various brethren from Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, and Belfast sharing in tribute, prayer, and appreciation. R. Brown spoke at the graveside, before our brother’s mortal remains were laid to rest in the land where he laboured for 42 years. Prayer is requested for the small family and the wide circle of friends in Africa, N. Ireland and elsewhere.
Mary Eileen Boies (nee Radcliffe) of East Aurora, NY, passed peacefully into the Lord’s presence on January 25, her 89th birthday. She was born in 1922 in Orillia, ON and born again at 12 years of age on December 18, 1934. In 1951, she married Raymond Boies and soon after moved to East Aurora, NY where they were in happy fellowship, entertaining many of the Lord’s servants over the years. Raymond was called home in April 2000. Mary continued to faithfully gather with the saints until ill health hindered her. She had a love for the assembly and the Lord’s people, praying faithfully for all. She is survived by a daughter, Donna (Allan Yade) and their family. The gospel was preached at the service by James Smith, with memories shared by nephew Bruce Cottrill.
Emily Taylor of Taylorside, SK, on May 28, age 91. She was raised at Esk, SK until five years of age when the family moved to Portage la Prairie, MB. She was saved at age 13, baptized and received into assembly fellowship. On March 26, 1943 she married Ken Moffit and they raised three sons. She was a caregiver all her life. After Ken went to be with Lord, she married Arthur Taylor of Taylorside. She was given to hospitality, and visiting the elderly and homebound. She had a love for the Lord’s people and the assembly, and leaves behind a legacy of faithfulness and trust. The funeral was taken by John Parker and Randy Moffit at Taylorside, with interment the next day in Portage la Prairie. Richard Lawford spoke fitting words at the graveside. Please pray for the family.
David Ward Chesney of Langley, BC, on May 30, age 80. Our esteemed brother is lovingly remembered by his wife Mona and extended family. Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1931 David moved to Canada as a young man spending a number of years in Kitimat, BC. He relocated to Langley in 1980 to take on the position of Chief Building Inspector with the Township. David was a respected, godly elder, and capable teacher who gave himself wholeheartedly to the spiritual care of the assembly. He epitomized Romans 12:8, “he that ruleth, with diligence.” David had a true affection for the people of God and was an example in his faithful visitation and encouragement of the saints. David was involved in the Langley Canada Day and International Day Festival gospel outreaches. His vision and initiative resulted in the construction of the Hilltop Manor & Apartments. The funeral service was conducted by Colin Abernethy, David Campbell, and Gaius Goff. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Cecil Denham of Abbotsford, BC, passed into the presence of his Lord June 9. He was born and raised in Chilliwack, BC, and was awakened to his spiritual need later in life through tent meetings held in the valley by Harold Paisley and Ed Billingham. He was a faithful, quiet brother who had a good testimony. He was in fellowship at Parkview Gospel Hall in Abbotsford, BC. Funeral services were held June 16 at which time Jim Barron and Cap Van De Wetering officiated. He is survived by his wife Helen. Also pray for his sons, Grant and Barry, and their families who do not know the Lord.
William Smith of Livingston, NJ, went to be with Christ on June 10, age 82. Born in Newark, NJ on December 31, 1928, he trusted Christ after a gospel meeting on February 19, 1951 through the words of John 3:16. He married Rose Rannelli on June 24, 1950, and together they endeavored to honor the Lord in their family life. They faithfully served the local assembly, the Lord’s people, and visiting servants of the Lord for over 50 years. Bill was highly respected in the Livingston assembly, and was known for his warmth, constant smile, and cheerfulness. He is survived by his wife, two sons Tim (Laurie) and Andrew. There are also four grandchildren who are not saved. Those who gave help in the responsibilities for the large funeral service were Frank Tornaquindici, Matt Brescia, Allan Valvano, Cyril Binns, David Valvano, and Gene Higgins. His home-call severs another link with a generation of believers who loved the Lord, His Word, and the place of His Name.
Daniel (Donato) A. Rannelli of Livingston, NJ, went to be with Christ on June 28. He was born on September 20, 1921, the third of nine children. He trusted Christ on June 9, 1939. For years he was in fellowship in the Italian assembly in East Orange and then in Livingston when the assembly relocated. For over three decades he was the cook for the meals at the conferences and special meetings held by the assembly. As long as health permitted he faithfully attended the meetings. He is survived by three sisters (Elizabeth Rannelli, Rose Smith, and Ruth Brescia) and nieces and nephews. His funeral service was taken by Cyril Binns, Allan Valvano, George Bruno, Charles DelPlato, and Gene Higgins. The Gospel was preached faithfully to the unsaved, many of whom were family members.
