Canada
British Columbia
Vancouver: From June 28 through July 7, brother Han of Korea ministered to the Korean believers at Nanaimo Road Gospel Hall before visiting assemblies in California and New York. In late July and early August, Won Jae Lee of Korea also visited with the saints and gave appreciated help while visiting family in the area.
The Deep Cove, South Main, and Victoria Drive assemblies held vacation Bible schools in five different parks in the area during July and August. The weather was ideal and many children and parents were exposed to the gospel. It is expected that many of these children will attend Sunday school in the fall.
Please pray for gospel meetings in the Victoria Drive Gospel Hall following the Thanksgiving Conference.
Surrey: The Fleetwood assembly expects to have gospel meetings in September with Marvin Dersksen and Peter Ramsay. Please pray for these meetings. The assembly is also in the planning stages for a much needed new hall. Remember them in prayer also for this endeavor for which the assembly will likely have to temporarily relocate.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Gander: Bruce Poidevin was with the assembly on July 24 for a missionary update on the work with the air service in Zambia. In July, the assembly started using the open air trailer in the hall parking lot each Sunday night for the preaching of the gospel. There has been some interest from the area. During the summer months, the open air trailer will be at various locations in central NL. George Whey and other local brethren have been holding these meetings.
Nova Scotia
Baddeck: The Christians recently came into ownership of a gospel tent and were praying for a site for gospel meetings. They were encouraged to be permitted to use the parking lot of the local arena and were planning to start meetings for the month of August. The saints have been amazed to watch the hand of the Lord arranging circumstances favorably for these meetings to commence.
Blues Mills: The Christians were greatly saddened by the sudden death of a young son of Christian parents in a car accident. Joel would have been 21 in August, one of nine children. He had made a profession of faith as a young boy which is a comfort to the family. The funeral was held in a local school gymnasium with close to 800 people present to hear the gospel presented with care and compassion by Albert Hull and a local brother. Please pray for Joel’s brothers and sisters, for the community of Port Hood which lost three young people in the accident, and for the assembly in Blues Mills. Most of all, pray for Joel’s parents, Gary and Beulah Chandler in their time of deep grief.
Isle Madame: Noel Burden and various local brethren concluded four weeks of gospel meetings and a week of children’s meetings in West Arichat, with favorable attendance. This was the fifth summer the tent has been pitched here with encouraging interest from the community. The summer work was also highlighted by the baptism of a recently saved husband of a sister in assembly fellowship in Baddeck.
Tatamagouche: James McClelland and Brody Thibodeau continued into their fourth week in a community hall with support from the Tatamagouche, Pugwash Junction, Truro, and Port Howe Christians. They had the joy of hearing one young man tell of being saved, and of about a dozen people from the community coming out for the first time, some attending regularly. Please pray for the Lord to continue working in the meetings as they feel this may be a final opportunity for some. Visiting has been encouraging as well with almost all being somewhat receptive.
Ontario
Earlton: In late June, the four area assemblies gathered under pouring rain at a lake to witness the baptism of seven souls, including a couple and their teenage daughter, all saved in the past year. Please pray for the salvation of their teenage son. One of the seven, a teen, was from Charlton. House meetings in North Cobalt with Alvin Cook have produced several contacts with children and a week of children’s meetings is planned for August to expand contacts.
Huntsville: The believers are thankful for two adults who were added to the assembly.
Kapuskasing: The assembly was encouraged with profitable ministry provided by Brian Owen on July 1-7. He also spoke to the children at the annual Sunday school picnic on July 6. The believers are thankful for the recent visit of Alex Dryburgh and his brother, Robert, from Scotland on Lord’s Day, July 14. Hearts were warmed by profitable ministry on “The Coming of the Lord and the Believer’s Hope.” There has been encouragement of late by newcomers from the community coming in to hear the gospel on Lord’s Day evening. Prayer in this regard would be appreciated.
Mississauga: The saints of Applewood Heights were encouraged with the response to the Bible camp held in July. Over 80 children and teens came each day and listened to the Word of God spoken, learned memory verses, and heard Bible stories. Steph Parent presented the gospel each day. On Friday, over 25 parents attended and heard the gospel. A couple of families showed an interest in coming to the Sunday school. Please pray that God will continue to work in these young hearts.
North Bay: Bruce Rodgers was with the Nipissing Junction assembly recently when two sisters obeyed the Lord in baptism. Lord willing, he plans to return in the fall for a gospel series in the north end of the city from September 22 – October 11.
Toronto: The Rexdale assembly held a one week DVBS in July. Stephen Vance clearly presented the gospel message to children, young people, and adults. The assembly was encouraged by two professions of faith in Christ during the week. Please pray for these new, young believers, that other unbelievers who visited will be drawn to the Savior, and that some Christians who visited from other local evangelical gatherings will be drawn to the New Testament assembly gathering.
Welland: In June, the assembly appreciated visits from Frank Sona who gave ministry on the journeys of Israel using his chart, “Egypt to Canaan,” and from Paul Poidevin who gave a report on the work in Zambia.
Quebec
Pincourt: On July 4, around 4am, a fire that apparently started just outside the Grace Gospel Hall destroyed much of the building that was acquired and enlarged in 2005-2006. There was smoke and water damage, and the building will likely have to be demolished and rebuilt. The police and fire department are unsure of the cause, though it was deemed suspicious. Thankfully, thousands of tracts were salvaged, but if anyone has surplus Believers Hymn Books please contact the assembly. They are now meeting at 1:30pm on Sunday afternoon for the Breaking of Bread and Ministry/Bible Study, and Wednesday at 7:30pm for prayer at the Presbyterian building down the street at 242 Fifth (5eme) Avenue. They would appreciate the prayers of the saints. Those wishing to visit should call Stephen Johnston, Tel: 514 630-1168; or Cell: 514 887-1168.
U.S.A.
Connecticut
Terryville: The assembly had joy in receiving a brother into fellowship in July.
Florida
Tampa: The Christians were recently encouraged by the baptism and reception of a man saved last summer. This man has been the occupational therapist of Doug Vitale at the Veterans Hospital in Tampa, and through the patient daily witness of Dale Vitale, came to know the Savior. The assembly has also enjoyed the visits and ministry of Harold Hatt in June, Jack Hay in July, and Gene Higgins in August.
Iowa
Stout: The assembly has enjoyed visits from Gaius Goff and Robert Surgenor, both giving ministry on a Lord’s Day and several nights, which was appreciated. Young brethren have also had four nights of children’s meetings which were encouraging. On July 23, the assembly marked 90 years of testimony for which they are thankful to God, trusting Him for preservation until the Rapture.
Maine
Madawaska: Murray McCandless continued into August with gospel meetings in a tent with encouragement and interest. There have been a number of visitors including one 25-year-old man who professed faith in Christ, and another young man who showed interest and brought, first his father, then his mother, and then a brother and his wife to hear the gospel. There have also been two baptisms in which four were baptized.
Massachusetts
Saugus: Gene Higgins was present for Vacation Bible School held the week of July 8. The theme was centered on our God; that He exists, He is Light, He is Love, He is Judge, and He is Faithful. A good number of children and some parents from the surrounding communities visited. The assembly is thankful to God for continuing interest on the part of some who have since attended the Sunday school and annual picnic. In the will of the Lord, John Stubbs is expected on October 7 for a week of ministry on the “Garments of the High Priest.”
Michigan
Saginaw: Bruce Cottrill and Dan Shutt are in gospel meetings here; there is good attendance and support from surrounding assemblies. There are unsaved out every night. Older Sunday school students also attend with some interest. Brothers Shutt and Cottrill gave valuable ministry at the bimonthly ministry meeting on August 4, and continued into the second week with gospel meetings.
Minnesota
Fridley: The saints were very encouraged by a 47-year-old man, living two blocks from the hall, coming out every night in July to hear J. Jennings and J. Portman preach clear gospel messages. This man said that he feels very blessed to have encountered the local gathering and hopes to continue coming to the meetings.
New Mexico
Albuquerque: One week of children’s meetings and two weeks of gospel meetings ended on July 21. William Skates and Ike Frazier taught the children in the mornings and preached the gospel in the evening. The believers were refreshed and encouraged by their ministry. Some new contacts were made and others renewed. The brother of one of the sisters in the assembly, a middle aged man who is blind and in poor health, attended all but a few of the meetings and is still coming out regularly. Pray for his salvation.
Virginia
Crandon: Please pray for two weeks of tent meetings with David Petterson sharing with Darris Barney and Dan Shutt from August 26 to September 6. The meetings will be located in a corner lot in White Gate.
Washington
Okanogan: The assembly was encouraged in June with two weeks of gospel meetings in the tent and one week of Vacation Bible School. Tom Hoy and Matt Hebert of Orangewood, AZ assisted the assembly in this work and were encouraged with good numbers at the VBS, and adults and youth nightly to the gospel meetings.
Marysville: An encouraging week of VBS was held in the hall during the final days of July and first days of August. An average of 80 students and several parents attended daily. Steve Flett (Cypress) and Matt Hebert (Orangewood, AZ) were a great help to the local believers in this effort.
Moses Lake: During the month of July, approximately 12,000 Seed Sower texts and invitations were delivered followed by two weeks of gospel meetings, and two weeks of VBS. Tom Hoy and Bryan Joyce labored together with a great team of young believers, teaching between 80-100 children each morning. Many of the youth came to the gospel meetings also, several accompanied by parents. We were encouraged with the blessing of the Lord.
West Virginia
Keyser: Please pray for a gospel tent series with Robert Surgenor starting August 4 in the town of 11,000.
Mexico
Cancun: Eight believers, three men and five women, obeyed the Lord in baptism at a public beach.
Chihuahua: Miguel and Maria Hernandez, of Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, visited here during the second half of July. Our brother gave appreciated ministry in the Valle de la Madrid assembly, and helped in the Porvenir hall, in another area of this city of three million people. They also delivered texts in Delicias, 55 miles away, and had a house meeting with a family that was initially contacted by David Smith (Vancouver) and the display of the model of Noah’s Ark.
Ciudad del Carmen: A sixty-year-old woman recently trusted Christ as Savior. Also, after a Lord’s Day gospel meeting a teenage girl said, rather uniquely, “As I sat listening to the preaching, my soul pleaded with me to be saved.” Both cases are sources of much joy.
Guasave: Marcus Cain visited for several nights and gave appreciated ministry.
Pachuca: The annual conference was characterized by an outstanding number of new believers present from the Mexico City area, as well as from the new work in Iguala. For many in the seat of the unlearned it was the first time they had ever witnessed the Lord’s Supper. Eleven believers from Hermosillo made a commendable effort to attend as it is a 1,200 mile drive. Duncan Beckett, Jonathan Seed, Alejandro Von Zeschau (Mexico City), and Abisai Vieyra helped with the ministry and preaching of the gospel.
Puerto Vallarta: Joel Thiessen (Zapopan) spent a Lord’s Day with the Coapinole assembly and spoke at the well-attended annual Sunday school event.
Santiago Ixcuintla: James Dyck and Jesse Klein have concluded a special series of gospel meetings. There was some fruit in salvation, and much cause for thanksgiving for the number of unsaved that attended, many for the first time. Jamer Rodriguez and Carlos Castaño (both of Colombia) continue to be a real help to the work in this area.
Xalapa: As well as preaching in the open air, Timothy Stevenson has rented a hall here and is seeing a few souls come in to hear the gospel. Xalapa is the large, capital city of the state of Veracruz, some 64 miles from where John and Rebekah Nesbitt live.
Zapopan: In July, the assembly convened one week of children’s meetings with almost 100 visitors each night. Concurrent with those meetings was a two week series on “The Tabernacle and the High Priest” with Jonathan Seed and Paul Thiessen.
Republic of Ireland
Rathmines: Monthly Saturday afternoon gospel meetings concluded in June. John Fleck ably presented the gospel. A number of brethren have had appreciated visits during July in gospel and ministry including Stanley Wells, Samuel Ussher, and Michael Penfold. During the summer season the weeknight Bible reading is substituted with a Bible study, the subject being “The Lord in Old Testament Prophesy.” These meetings have been well attended and helpful. It is planned, God willing, to distribute invitations prior to special gospel meetings commencing September 1 conducted by Eugene Higgins, with the subject “The Impact of the Bible and Christianity on World History.” Please pray for these meetings.
Donegal: The conference was large with over 200 present. Helpful ministry was given by Elton Fairfield, John Fleck, and Jack Hay.
Conferences
Manchester, IA
October 4-6, with Prayer Meeting on Friday at 7:30pm in the Gospel Hall, 1308 N 3rd St. Other meetings held at the West Delaware Middle School. Saturday: Prayer/Ministry 10am, Testimony meeting 6:15pm, Gospel 7pm, Sing in Gospel Hall. Sunday: Bible Reading 9am (Christ as High Priest), Worship 10:30am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm (Gospel Hall). Contact Ken Gentz; E-mail: kensuegentz@windstream.net.
Roseisle, MB
October 4-6, with Prayer Meeting on Friday, October 4 at 7:30pm. Saturday: Bible Reading 10am (Hebrew13), Ministry 2pm and 7pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday school 1:30pm, Ministry 2:15pm, Gospel 7pm. For more info call John Dyck, Tel: 204 435-2341 or E-mail: dgf@cici.mb.ca.
Cape Breton, NS
October 12-13, in Memorial High School, Memorial Drive, Sydney Mines. Saturday: Prayer/Ministry 10am, Bible Reading 1:30pm, Ministry 3:30pm, Gospel 7pm. Lord’s Day: Bible Reading 8:30am, Breaking of Bread 10am, Ministry 2:15pm, Gospel 7pm, preceded by an open air meeting. Corr: Melvin Bonnell, Tel: 902 794-3888; or Lorne Richardson, Tel: 902 562-2978. Accom: John Ingram, Tel: 902 794-2691 (please call in advance); E-mail: j.p.ingram@ns.sympatico.ca. See www.thegospel.ca for Bible reading outlines.
Edmonton, AB
October 18-20, Connor’s Hill Gospel Hall. Pray that the saints will be blessed and God glorified. Meals will be served. For information and accommodations, contact Joe Bowman, E-mail: josephjbowman@gmail.com.
L’Anse au Loup, LB
October 18-20, with Prayer Meeting on Thursday, October 17 at 7:30pm. Saturday commences with Bible Study 10:30am (1 Corinthians 12). Lord’s Day commences with Breaking of Bread 10am. Accom: Francis Barney, Tel: 709 927-5696; or Preston Belben, Tel: 709 927-5622. A warm welcome awaits all.
Lindsay, ON
October 20, with all meetings will be held in the Gospel Hall, 5 Howard Ave., Lindsay. Lord’s Day only. Breakfast 8:30am. Bible Reading 9:15am, Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Ministry 2:30pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Contact: Craig Foreshew, 125 Sandhills Rd., R.R. 3, Woodville, ON K0M 2T0; Tel: 705 374-4407; or Don Nicholson, 191 Sandhills Rd., R.R. 3, Woodville ON K0M 2T0; Tel: 705 374-4883; E-mail: drnmen@yahoo.com.
Terryville, CT
October 18-20, with Prayer Meeting, Friday, October 18 at 7:30pm in the Gospel Hall, 36 North Main St. All other meetings held in the Harry S. Fisher School, North Main Street, 1/8 mile north of the hall. Saturday: Ministry 2pm, Gospel 6pm. (NOTE: No meeting on Saturday morning). Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 4:30pm. Accom: Steve Morin, Tel: 860 583-9904.
La Crosse, WI
October 26-27, at Logan High School, 1500 Ranger Dr., La Crosse. Saturday meetings at 10am, 2 and 6:30pm. Lord’s Day Devotional ministry 9:15am, Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Ministry 1:45pm, Gospel 7pm. Contact Paul Aspenson, Tel: 608 787-0074; E-Mail: aspensonlumber@hotmail.com; or Cal Erickson, Tel: 608 790-7724; E-mail: cberickso@hotmail.com.
Newington, CT
November 2-3. First meeting for ministry at 2pm on Saturday. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 9:45am. Brethren walking in and teaching the “old paths” are welcomed to minister as the Lord leads. Corr: Matthew J. Brescia, 81 Cobblestone Way, Windsor, CT 06095. Tel: 860 688-2388. Gospel Hall: 860 666-4342.
Bryn Mawr/Hatboro, PA
November 9-10, with Prayer Meeting on Friday, November 8 at 7:30pm at Bryn Mawr Gospel Hall, 8 N. Summit Grove Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA. Other meetings at the Colonial Elementary School, 230 Flourtown Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA, one mile east of the intersection of routes 476 and 276 (Norristown exit of the PA Turnpike or exit 19 from route 476); take Germantown Pike East; turn left on Colonial Road just beyond the Plymouth Whitemarsh High School. Saturday: Ministry at 10:30am and 2pm; Gospel 6pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday school 11:45am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 6pm. Brethren expected for ministry and gospel: Murray McCandless, Shawn St.Clair, Andrew Robertson, William Seale, Jr., and David Petterson. Accom: Alan Oliver, Tel: 610 399-3199; E-mail: ado535@juno.com; or Jack Coleman, Tel: 215 675-7253, E-mail: JackColeman125@aol.com.
Conference Reminders:
Akron, OH – August 31-September 1
Arlington, WA – August 31-September 2
Clementsvale, NS – August 31-September 1
Kansas, MO – August 31-September 1
Beetown, WI – September 2
Sault Ste Marie, ON – September 6-8
Arnstein, ON – September 13-15
Hardwick, VT – September 13-15
Hitesville, IA – September 20-22 (Note correction)
Chapman Valley, Parry Sound, ON – September 20-22
Midland Park, NJ – September 28-29
Sussex, NB – October 5-6
Brandon, MB – October 14
St. Thomas, ON – October 12-13
Vancouver, BC – October 12-14
Blue River, WI – October 18-20
Change of Address
Gerda Bouwman: New E-mail address is: geertruidabouwman@gmail.com.
John and Joanne Clingen: 3329 W 18th LN, Yuma, AZ 85364. Tel: 928 248-4871; Cell: 928 750-5814; E-mail: jjclingen@gmail.com.
Jerry Jennings: New E-mail address is jeromejennings@gmail.com.
Bryan and Rachel Joyce, 220 North Meadow Crescent, Thornhill, ON, L4J 3C5.
Mitch and Lori Parent, Apartado 166, Correo de Jinotepe,Carazo, Nicaragua. Cell: 505 8484-4600; E-mail: ml_parent@hotmail.com.
William Skates: New E-mail address is wskates25@gmail.com.
Jim and Muriel Webb, 3-322 King Ave., Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3Y7. (P.O. Box discontinued.)
Home-calls
Elizabeth M. King of Edmonton, AB, on February 13, in her 100th year, widow of the late Alston King. She was saved February 4, 1931 through contact with the Sutherland family and Bible study outreach in North Edmonton. Elizabeth was in fellowship in Connor’s Hill Gospel Hall (formerly 97th Street Gospel Hall) for 82 years. She missed very few of the gatherings of the Lord’s people. As a young believer she started weekly hospital visits. After studying medicine with the view to missionary work in India, her life was redirected to teaching. She married in 1942. Visitation, volunteer work, and reading the Scriptures to shut-ins were carried on throughout her life up until two weeks before her home-call. Her home was always open for the saints and Lord’s servants. Hundreds of her family, friends, former school friends, and Sunday school students received annual birthday, anniversary, and Christmas cards with a gospel tract or leaflet of encouragement. Her missionary interest and support spanned the world for four decades. Mrs. King was a quiet, compassionate, unassuming, godly sister, whose presence and prayers will be missed. The service at Connor’s Hill Sunday evening was conducted by five brethren. At the funeral service Monday, Howard Williamson and James Ronald gave words of comfort and gospel testimony. Edwin Presley spoke at the grave Tuesday. “Her children (and all who knew her) arise up, and call her blessed” (Prov 31:28).
Fred W. Hannah of Toronto, ON, on March 8, age 87. During a series of children’s meetings held by Mervin Paul, he was saved at the age of 12. He was in fellowship for over 70 years in Birchcliff, Lansing, and Highfield assemblies. Fred cared deeply for the assembly and was faithful, prayerful, and consistent in his service for the Lord. He loved the gospel and thousands in Toronto and elsewhere heard him plainly preach it. He engaged in many gospel activities including gospel series, children’s work, the open air, and door-to-door visitation. He was a student of the Word and enjoyed collecting church truth and expository books by old assembly writers. He was an able minister of the Word and godly overseer for many years. He and his wife opened their home to all and showed much kindness, self-sacrifice, and hospitality over the years. He bore his blindness and hearing loss in later years with grace, patience, and godly contentment. After a short battle with cancer he passed into the presence of the Lord surrounded by family at home. His warm smile and presence will be missed. A large company attended his funeral conducted by Frank Sona, Fred G. Hannah, and Robert Reilly at the grave. Please pray for his wife of 57 years Margaret suffering from Parkinson’s, his son Fred (Esther), daughters Margaret and Janet, four grandchildren, and brother Ed.
Henry Wright of Taylorside, SK, on June 26, three days short of his 85th birthday. He was saved at age 18 while attending the Portage la Prairie Conference. His desire was to be at all the assembly meetings and he encouraged others in this also. He was predeceased by his wife Elaine in 2000. Theirs was a home for hospitality. He was unable to attend the meetings for the last two years, yet he was marked by gratitude and contentment. Eulogies were given by his son Ron and nephew Don Forsyth. The funeral was taken by John Parker with Neil Flett (son-in-law) at the graveside.
Linda L. Entsminger, of Manchester, IA, on July 3, age 68. She was saved as a teenager through the words of the hymn, “Only Trust Him,” at the close of a gospel meeting. She was a faithful sister in the assembly, also known throughout the Midwest and beyond as the “hat lady” due to her sale of hats for over 25 years. She will be greatly missed for her cheerful disposition and smile. She is survived by her husband Garey of 50 years, four children, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. The large funeral in the Manchester Hall was shared by her brother-in-law, Ken Gentz, and Russ Nesbit. Al Christopherson spoke at the grave.
Emily (Lilly) Simon of Akron, OH, on July 23, age 91. Our dear sister was not raised in a home where the gospel was known. Her first contact with the gospel was through children’s work in her neighborhood. Saved as a young lady, she was baptized and received into the fellowship of the assembly for which she had a genuine care until the Lord called her home. Lilly was marked by a kind and humble spirit. She loved the Lord and will be greatly missed. David Metcalf, Murray Metcalf, and Kenneth Webb shared the funeral service.
David Warden, of London, ON, on July 29, age 82. David was born in Port Rush, NI , came to Canada as a young man, and married Eileen Speer in 1956. It was through the efforts of Eileen’s mother that they were encouraged to go to gospel meetings in the Pape Hall where Albert Joyce and Harold Paisley were having meetings. On October 29, 1956, as Mr. Paisley was giving his conversion, David was wondrously saved. Soon after, both were received into fellowship there. In 1960, they moved to London where he proved to be steady, faithful, ready to participate, and willing to help. In his years as an overseer, his warm smile, hearty handshake, and words were a blessing to many. D. Derksen, H. Clingen, P. Lampkin, and K. Banks spoke to a large company that came to show their love and appreciation to Eileen, John, and Lois.
