Canada
British Columbia
Vancouver: Jim and Edythe Currie of Japan are currently at home in the area. Our brother is giving help in the area, and took part at the monthly area missionary and ministry meetings in February. Please pray for health concerns.
Manitoba
Brandon: The assembly had a week of well-attended children’s meetings in January conducted by Pete Smith. Numbers reached as high as 60 children. Pray that the seed sown will yet yield fruit.
New Brunswick
Fredericton: Dr. Samuel and Elizabeth Simonyi-Gindele are resuming their service on the mission field and have been heartily commended to full-time service in Angola. They will spend about a year in Portugal in concentrated language study before settling in Angola, and purpose to leave at the end of February with their five children. See Updates for their Portugal address.
Newfoundland and Labrador
L’Anse au Loup: The annual Sunday school program on December 28 had large attendance, and Tim Stefl spoke. Gospel meetings started on January 15 with Jon Procopio and David Hierlihy and continued into February. Two teenage boys professed during the second week and good numbers attended.
Nova Scotia
Halifax: Albert Hull spent the last Lord’s Day in January with the assembly and helped in ministry and in the gospel. The gospel meeting was preceded by a community supper and was well-attended. James McClelland made visits to a number of local assemblies in Cape Breton and Nova Scotia, which were appreciated.
Ontario
Brampton: Please pray for blessing in gospel meetings planned to commence April 8 with Jim Jarvis and Bryan Joyce.
Prince Edward Island
Rosebank: Albert Hull purposed to conduct a series of ministry meetings on Tabernacle teaching, February 26 to March 2.
U.S.A.
Arkansas
Alpena: The assembly greatly appreciated visits by Joel Portman and James Dyck in the early part of the month. Also, the saints are happy that two have requested fellowship with the assembly.
Connecticut
Newington: Albert Hull held appreciated ministry meetings on Bible Characters from the Old Testament, February 5-10.
Massachusetts
Byfield: Eugene Higgins was with the assembly for a two-week gospel series December 4-16. It pleased God to bless the Word preached with two souls professing faith in Christ. The saints were cheered.
Michigan
Cass City: Andrew Robertson gave helpful ministry on the last Lord’s Day in January. Fred Krauss had two nights of ministry in February, and one night in Deckerville.
Saginaw: Jack Nesbitt and Fred Krauss gave excellent ministry and gospel messages at the ministry meeting on February 5. Fred Krauss also had two nights of ministry. All these meetings in the area were appreciated.
Minnesota
Fridley: A young Sunday school lad professed faith in the Savior at the LaCrosse conference and is enjoying his new salvation. Bruce Rogers and Dan Shutt finished a gospel series in November. The gospel was faithfully presented to a number of new visitors, and was a cheer to the saints. Visits for ministry from Eric McCullough and Joel Portman in January were timely and practical.
Missouri
Kansas City: Joel Portman spent January 1-4 with the saints and gave encouraging ministry.
New Mexico
Albuquerque: John Fitzpatrick continues visitation, literature distribution, and gospel meetings in five of the smaller and more remote towns in the lower half of the state. There has been blessing in salvation and restoration, as well as contacts made. The assembly benefited from his timely ministry and help in the weekly gospel meeting.
Ohio
Akron: At the end of the fall children’s series, the annual Sunday school treat was well-attended by students and parents. Recent visits from Stuart Thompson and Allan Christopherson were appreciated.
Clyde: In January, Dan Shutt encouraged the saints in their presentation of the gospel to neighbors through building trust in the community. Andrew Robertson gave helpful ministry on the Christian’s armor at the area ministry meeting.
Pennsylvania
Bryn Mawr: Gilbert Stewart (Co. Donegal, Ireland) had a brief visit to this assembly that commended him to the work in the Republic of Ireland over 51 years ago. Brother Stewart gave help in the gospel and gave a report of gospel work in Ireland. He also gave a report in Barrington, NJ. The saints were also pleased to have a visit in the gospel from Peter Ramsay at the close of the Pennsauken conference. The assembly was encouraged with the baptism of two men, one converted from Catholicism, the other brought up in the Sunday school. Michael Hughes and Jack Coleman (Hatboro) shared the gospel with more than 50 in attendance, the largest gospel meeting in some time.
Vermont
Hardwick: A. J. Higgins was with the assembly for a weekend late in November for a series of eight sessions covering valuable practical lessons from a number of Old Testament saints. Local believers and several visitors from Ontario voiced their appreciation for truth learned and relearned.
Mexico
El Barril: Gospel meetings began on January 15 in this town of 3000 souls. Attendance has been encouraging, especially because of several contacts, much prayed for, who are coming to the hall for the first time. There are seven baptized believers here who helped Jason Wahls cover the town with invitations.
Ciudad Obregon: Duncan Beckett and Jonathan Seed rejoiced to see God bless three weeks of gospel meetings with the salvation of several souls. Believers here had previously delivered 13,000 invitations in the area.
Hermosillo: Jessie Klein, helped by local saints, had a week of well-attended open air children’s meetings. He and Timothy Woodford began a series of gospel meetings in the main hall on January 25. In anticipation of this effort, saints from Obregon and Hermosillo worked together in the delivery of 10,000 invitations.
Puerto Vallarta: Local brethren worked together in a week of gospel meetings in a lean-to in an outlying area of the city where Diego Alves has carried on a children’s work for several years.
Tepic: The assembly here appreciated a week of ministry meetings by Sid Emberly, who also visited the assembly in Santiago Ixcuintla, as well as the gospel outreach works in El Borrego and El Cora, also in the state of Nayarit.
Veracruz: With the help of local believers John Nesbitt delivered 4000 calendars with Bible texts here and in Cotaxtla.
Zapopan: Timothy Stevenson returned from N. Ireland accompanied by his bride Jenna. During the month of January, Paul Thiessen and local believers delivered 4000 texts in the area of the Zapopan hall, and were encouraged with contacts interested in hearing the gospel. Helped by young people of the assembly, the Stevensons delivered texts on the south side of Zapopan. There has been exercise for some time about an open door in the gospel in this area of this large city adjacent to Guadalajara. Our dear sister Jenna faced a severe trial early on in her experience in Mexico as a gas leak in their rented house ignited and she sustained third degree burns. After several days in a private clinic, doctors marveled at her measure of recovery. Her mother, Mrs. Agnew, was able to come from N. Ireland to help with her care at home. Our sister deeply appreciates the prayers and care of God’s people.
Conferences
Antioch, IA
April 1, in the Antioch Gospel Hall, 18929 Vail Avenue, Clarksville, IA. Ministry 10am, Breaking of Bread 11am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 6pm. Corr: John Wessels, Tel: 319 269-3493; E-mail: jwfarms@netins.net.
Culver City, CA
April 6-8, in the Culver City Gospel Hall, 11138 Venice Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90230. Prayer Meeting on Friday, April 6 at 7:30pm. Saturday: Bible Reading 10am, Gospel 2pm, Ministry 3pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Gospel 2pm, Ministry 3pm. Stanley Wells and Dan Shutt are expected. For accommodations, please contact Martin Baghramian, Tel: 714 936-1449. Corr: David Singleton, E-mail: singletonlaw@gmail.com.
Nineveh, NS
April 7-8, in Park View Education Centre, 1485 King Street, Bridgewater. Prayer Meeting on Friday, April 6 at 7pm in Gospel Hall, Route 208, Civic #2495, Nineveh. Supper will be served on Friday at 5pm in Gospel Hall. Bible Reading Saturday morning at 8:30am (1Cor 15:35-58). Ministry meeting on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Corr: Robert Kaulback, 19 Medway Street, Bridgewater, NS, B4V 1J8; Tel: 902 543-5530; E-mail: robert012@ns.sympatico.ca. Accom: Clark Hubley; Tel: 902 543-3268.
Toronto, ON
April 6-8, in Le Parc Conference Centre, 8432 Leslie St., Thornhill. Meetings on Friday and Saturday at 10am, 1:30, 3:45 and 7pm. Meetings on Lord’s Day at 2:15, 4 and 7pm. Prayer meeting on Thursday, April 5 at 7:30pm in Langstaff Gospel Hall, 1300 Langstaff Rd. Corr: Ian Margerison, 47 Manor Ridge Trail, Mount Albert, ON, L0G 1M0, Tel: 905 473-5400, E-mail: ijmargerison@gmail.com; and Randy Marisette, 30 Fieldview Cres., Markham, ON L3R 3H7, Tel: 905 475-7919; E-mail: marisettes@hotmail.com. Expected speakers: Brynell Foreshew, Eugene Higgins, David Petterson, Peter Ramsay, William Seale, and Shawn St. Clair.
Vancouver, BC
April 6-8, the Vancouver Easter Conference. Prayer on Friday, April 5 at 8pm in the South Main Gospel Hall. All other meetings in the South. Burnaby Secondary School for Bible readings, ministry, missionary reports, and youth meetings. Visitors welcome. Contact Earl Ritchie at earlrit@aol.com for more information.
Waterloo, IA
April 14-15, with Prayer Meeting on Friday, April 13, at 7pm in the Cedar Falls Gospel Hall, 1302 Walnut St, Cedar Falls. All other meetings are in the Cedar Falls High School, 11th and Division St., Cedar Falls. Saturday: Ministry 10am. Lord’s Day: Bible Reading 9am (Isaiah 53), Breaking of Bread 10:15am. Corr: Richard Orr, 614 Bland Blvd. S.W. Independence, IA 50644; Tel: 319 334-3931; or Mike Palmer, 18502 X Ave., Dike IA 50624; Tel: 319-989-0869; E-mail: mjpalmer89@gmail.com.
Austin, MB
April 28, in the Gospel Hall. Coffee 10am, Ministry 10:30am and 1:30pm (with break). Lunch and supper will be served. Contact Garth Knox E-mail: geknox@mymts.net.
Waukesha, WI
April 28-29, in the Waukesha Gospel Hall, 2641 Pebble Valley Road, Waukesha, WI. (Please note change of location.) Saturday: Ministry 10am, Ministry 1:30pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Ministry 2pm. Contact Cory Peppler; Tel: 262 549-2386; E-mail: mrpeppler@gmail.com; or go to waukeshagospelhall.com for maps and more information.
McKeesport, PA
April 27-29, in the McKeesport Senior High School. Friday: Prayer Meeting 7:30pm at the McKeesport Gospel Hall. Saturday: Ministry 10am & 1:45pm. Gospel 6:30pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday school 11:45am, Ministry 1:30pm, Gospel 4pm. Speakers expected are Gene Higgins, Bryan Joyce, David Petterson, and Andrew Robertson. Accom: Rob Oliver, Tel: 412 664-1004, or rob@oliverpages.com. Other inquiries: Tom Clark, Tel: 412 751-5283, or tclarkjr5@aol.com.
Newbury, ON
April 30, in the Newbury Gospel Hall. Ministry from 2:30-5pm; Ministry and Gospel 6:30-7:30pm. Contact Chris Snooks; Tel: 519-695-5779; or E-mail: snooks90@hotmail.com.
Newmarket, ON
May 6, in the Newmarket Gospel Hall, Breaking of Bread 9:30am, Bible Study 11:30 (1 Thess 5:1-11 lead by Frank Sona), Ministry 2pm, Gospel 6:30pm. For directions or accommodations, contact Tim Scheer; Tel 905 898-4369, or E-mail tescheer@netzero.com. Pre-conference ministry/question/answer for the young in Christ on Saturday, May 5 at 3pm, followed by supper and a time of fellowship/activities in the early evening.
Toronto, ON
May 11-13, Langstaff Missionary Conference. Friday: 7:30 – 9pm. Saturday: 10am – 8 pm. Lord’s Day: 10am – 12:30pm (Breaking of Bread & Sunday school), 2 – 5:15pm. Expected speakers: John Dennison, David Richards (Russia), John See (Malaysia), David Vallance, and Kyle Wilson (Nicaragua). For accommodations, please contact Irving Payne, Tel: 905 773-3822, or for more information: www.langstaffgospelhall.com.
Byfield, MA
May, 25-27, 128th annual conference with Prayer Meeting, Friday, May 25 at 8pm. Saturday: Ministry 10:30am, 2:30pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Sunday school 12:15pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Corr: John H. Short, 145 Main Street, Byfield, MA 01922; Tel: 978 465-2207; E-mail: johnhshort@comcast.net.
Hickory, NC
May 26-27, with Prayer/Ministry, Friday at 7:30pm. Saturday: Prayer/Ministry 10:30am, 1:45pm, Gospel 4:15pm, Sing 6:30pm. Lord’s Day: Lord’s Supper 9:30am, Sunday school 11:30am, Prayer/Ministry 1:45pm, Prayer 5:30pm, Gospel 6pm. Lunch and supper will be served both days. Contact Fred Dancy at afdancy@charter.net.
Conference Reminders:
Matoaca, VA – March 3-4
Mt. Sterling, WI – March 24-25
Manchester, CT – April 6-8
Stout, IA – April 7-8
Change of Address
Elton Fairfield: additional email address for assembly correspondence: erfairfield@afo.net.
Dr. Samuel and Elizabeth Simonyi-Gindele: Rua Morgado Covas No. 2-1D, Sto. Antonio dos Caveleiros, Portugal 2660-249. E-mail remains sg@chameleonsolutions.ca.
Change of Address of Correspondent
Brandon, MB: Alan Ritchie, Suite 111, 1321 – 13th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4S5.
Home-calls
Laura Barnes of Bothwell, ON, on October 3, 2011, age 80. Our dear sister was born in Enniskillen Twp., ON, and was saved in 1958 during meetings held by Robert Booth in the CPR railroad station in Glencoe where Murray Regis of Milton was station master. John 3:16 was always close to her heart – she would always say “that was the verse that pointed me to the Lord.” Her favorite hymn was Amazing Grace. Laura was a great help in every way she could and was faithful in her support of the assembly gatherings right up to the last. She was loved in this small community. At the funeral, brother Regis told of his initial contact and long-time friendship with the Barnes family. Please pray for four sons and their families.
Isabel Macdonald of Blues Mills, NS, age 98, from her home on October 10, 2011. She was saved in 1945 along with her husband David. They were in happy fellowship in the Blues Mills assembly when it began in 1954 where she remained steadfast until her home-call. She and David were given to hospitality and many enjoyed food and fellowship around their table. She was truly a “mother in Israel.” She is survived by two sons, four daughters (one being Isabel Macdonald who is a missionary in Venezuela), 23 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. She was predeceased by her devoted husband David, infant daughter Esther, daughter Ione Bartlett, son-in-law Bruce Sinclair, and great-granddaughter Dawn Lenna Swan. Her funeral was taken by Noel Burden, David Swan, and Fred Bartlett where many unsaved heard the gospel faithfully preached. Donnie Bartlett and Ron Steffensen shared the service at the graveside.
Margaret Beattie of Oshawa, ON, on November 4, 2011, age 91. Our dear sister was saved after her husband William at the age of 34. After coming into contact with other believers, they learned the truth of gathering to His name. Both she and her husband came into fellowship in the Pape Ave. assembly. After retirement, they moved to the country and were in Orillia; then the last years with the Oshawa assembly. Our sister was quiet but faithful, a sister who could see the good in all believers. She was a godly wife, mother, and grandmother. Mrs. Beattie was predeceased by her daughter Darlene and husband Bill. Her daughter Debbie and many grandchildren remain. The funeral was taken by Ken Nicholson.
Laura Barney of L’anse au Loup, LB, on December 12, 2011, age 83, after being confined to the long term care facility for several years. Laura was born September 9, 1928, and was saved on October 27, 1970. She was in fellowship in L’Anse au Loup for many years until she could no longer attend. The funeral was taken by her son Eddie Barney, with help from Francis Barney. Many family members attended and heard the gospel preached.
Ervin Henderson of Albuquerque, NM, on December 14, 2011, age 91. He was born April 25, 1920 in Meridian, Mississippi, moving to Albuquerque when 12 years old. Our esteemed brother was saved at 14 years of age, baptized, and received into fellowship in Albuquerque where he continued faithfully until he was called home. Ervin was a steady brother who was genuine, generous, and consistent. He served as assembly treasurer for many years and was a respected overseer. Ervin loved the gospel, and in younger days visited and preached the gospel at the jail and the veterans’ hospital. His desire was to have his family and friends at gospel meetings, and had a pocket full of tracts to give out as opportunities arose. Our brother is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy, two sons, three daughters and their spouses, and 25 grand and great-grandchildren. The service was conducted and the gospel preached by local brethren.
Doris Southard of Stout, IA, age 91. She was saved May 11, 1950 through the truth of Isaiah 53:6 and lived in the enjoyment of her salvation. She was a devoted Christian and faithful to the assembly with her late husband, Talmadge, who went home to heaven about five years ago. She touched many lives as she brailed for the Iowa School for the Blind for over 40 years. She also resurrected the Belgian art of bobbin lacemaking and authored an instruction manual. Eric McCullough spoke at the funeral service on January 3 to large number in the hall who came to pay their respects.
Cecil Oakes of Niagara Falls, ON, on January 9, after a long battle with diabetes. He was born in PEI on May 27, 1924, saved early in life, and received into fellowship in PEI. After many moves he eventually located in Niagara Falls. He had a real love for the gospel, and spent many hours in the parks handing out gospel papers and speaking about the Lord. His last 10 years were spent in a senior’s home. He was well loved, and will be missed by his family.
Hendrik (Henry) Tolsma of Abbotsford, BC, on January 11, 2012 at age 90. He was born in the Netherlands and immigrated at age 28 to Canada with his wife and two sons. While attending a church and listening to a message about the broad and narrow way, he came to understand there was no middle way. After being deeply burdened, he cried out to the Lord for mercy and the burden was lifted. He had no spiritual guidance in Holland, and only when he came to Canada did he embrace what it was to be “born again.” He was predeceased by his first wife and daughter. He remarried and for many years was faithful to all the assembly gatherings until the Lord took him to his heavenly home. He was a loving husband and father. The funeral service was taken by his three sons-in-law, Brian Breedveld, Murray Hutchison, and Ray Hanna, with John Lightfoot at the graveside.
Gerald Hannigan of London, ON, on January 16, age 82. Our beloved brother and his dear wife Gladys attended gospel meetings by G.P. Taylor in Welland. Gladys was saved first, and soon after, Gerry. Under deep conviction of sin, he stopped under a tree by the roadside and read Acts 13:39: “By Him, all that believe are justified from all things.” Gerry said, “I believe God.” They were received into the fellowship in Welland, and in the spring of 1960 moved to Highbury where they were in happy fellowship. They were given to hospitality and had the joy of seeing both of their children saved as well as many of their grandchildren. Unable to communicate for the past two years, it was a blessed release from a body of suffering to see his Savior and his dear wife. Their family members and Hubert Gratton shared in the memorial service, and Gordon Brodie spoke at the graveside.
Raymond Grazin of Sturgeon Lake, MN, on January 22, age 85. Our dear brother passed quietly into the Lord’s presence from his home. He was saved during gospel meetings near his home in September of 1974, conducted by Leonard DeBuhr and Robert Orr. He and his wife, Hazel, who survives, were among those that formed the assembly in Hinckley in 1985. He was a faithful brother in attendance, who showed a spirit of humility and could give wise counsel in a humble way. A nice number from the community attended the funeral service, along with several nephews and nieces who came from a distance. Roland Ekstrand took the service, with David Klar sharing in prayer.
Vivian Lynds Rockey of Cedar Falls, IA, on January 23, age 83. Our dear sister was born in Lynn, MA in 1928 and trusted Christ as her Savior through the truth of 1 Corinthians 15:3 when she was 11 years old. She married John Rockey in 1952 and they lived for 21 years in Virginia, attending the Matoaca assembly with their four children. In 1973, they moved the family to the Bryn Mawr, PA area and were in happy fellowship there for 32 years. She delighted in being with the Lord’s people wherever she was and rarely missed any gatherings of the assembly. In 2005, she and John moved to the Cedar Falls, IA area to be near their daughter, Susan, and the family, where she was lovingly cared for until her home-call. The gospel that she loved was faithfully preached by Russ Nesbit in the funeral service in Iowa and by Eugene Higgins in Pennsylvania. She was predeceased by her son Stephen in 1991 and is survived by her husband, John, two daughters, one son, 10 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Muriel Stubbs of Orillia, ON, on January 27, age 98. She was born in Huntsville, Ontario and brought to Sunday school from an unsaved home as a young girl by the saints there. In September 1931, she was saved during gospel meetings held in Huntsville by John Silvester. She married Ray Stubbs of Orillia in 1941 and was associated with the assembly meeting in Dominion Gospel Hall for just over 70 years. A faithful wife and mother, she was renowned for her hospitality and generosity among the saints and the needy. In the last few years, she was not able to attend meetings due to age and weakness. Her son, Doug Stubbs, and her son-in-law, Andrew Adams, as well as the grandchildren, shared in the funeral service.
Betty Heartley of Niagara Falls, ON, on January 31, age 91. She was sick for a number of years and in a senior’s home for the last 10 years. Betty loved to sing the hymns in The Believers Hymn Book, even when she no longer knew anyone, and would sing along with others. She was preceded in death by her husband Tom in 2010, and leaves behind two children with a number of unsaved grandchildren. The gospel was faithfully preached at the funeral.
