Canada
British Columbia
Burnaby: The saints at South Burnaby completed a week of DVBS in August called “Adventures in the Wilderness.” Over 150 were in attendance each day. Please pray for lasting results from this outreach into the community.
Richmond: Please pray for gospel meetings which commenced September 13 in the West Richmond assembly with Marvin Derksen and Brody Thibodeau.
Vancouver: The gospel tent was erected for the 43rd year at the 15-day Pacific National Exhibition. The first five operating days were the strongest attendance in a decade. However, on August 29, a violent windstorm knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of people in the Lower Mainland, which had a significant impact on the attendance. Pray that God will bless the Seed that has been sown in personal conversations and literature distributed. Please pray for gospel meetings planned to commence October 18 in Victoria Drive with John Meekin, with local brethren helping.
Ontario
Arnstein: The believers were encouraged to see a number of children and parents attend a week of children’s meetings. Don Nicholson helped, as he has for many years. A young brother was baptized, also bringing joy.
Oshawa: The saints were encouraged when an 18-year-old brother obeyed the Lord in baptism. Gary Sharp was with the assembly for the occasion. A week of children’s meetings followed in the park to reconnect with parents and students of the Sunday school. It brought great joy, when a teenage girl from the community who attended every night, was saved a few days later, after being in soul trouble for some time. Her grandmother attended Sunday school 45 years ago. The Lord is good.
Parry Sound: In the past few months, the Christians have been encouraged with visits from Lorne Langfeld, Gary Sharp, and Bruce Rogers. Also, recent missionary reports from Murray Poidevin (Zambia), Andrew Kluge (Chile), and Allan Clark (El Salvador) were challenging and stirring. The annual Sunday school picnic was held in August and the youth outreach at the local gym begins in September and continues until Spring.
Staffordsville: In July, the hall was filled as we witnessed, with joy, five more youths obey the Lord in baptism. Two others have been restored to the Lord. Older youths are now showing a personal interest in guiding the younger ones in the right ways of the Lord. This summer, the monthly fellowship suppers and gospel meetings were again moved to the Staffordsville Park for a community outreach. The outdoors attracted some that would not normally be at the gospel meeting. The Pattens continue working individually with the gospel and the mentoring of believers. Weekly children’s meetings recommence on September 16.
U.S.A.
California
Westmorland: John Clingen makes visits twice a week to this town of 1500 for meetings in Spanish. The attendance and interest have been encouraging, and God has blessed in salvation.
Iowa
Antioch: Roy Weber and Jerry Jennings commenced gospel meetings in the hall on August 31.
Dunkerton: The meetings with Russ Nesbit and William Skates closed August 30. One visitor, after hearing the gospel six nights, professed faith in the Lord Jesus.
Postville: Raul Aguirre, a commended worker from El Salvador, was here recently for 10 nights of teaching. The meetings were well attended and very timely. He was encouraged to see what the Lord has done in Postville. Mark Bachert from Nicaragua was also present for a week of appreciated teaching on the family. Joel Portman has made the two-hour trip from Marion a number of times and is almost finished with a study of 1 Corinthians. The weekly home Bible study continues to be well attended and encouraging. A couple of men who professed last December have expressed a desire to be baptized.
Massachusetts
Saugus: Dan Shutt visited for several meetings, including the final meeting of the VBS series. His ministry was needful and challenging, concerning the erosion of spiritual values and, from the life of Joseph, the dangerous culture of our day. The annual Vacation Bible School was held the week of August 10 with good attendance. It has become a signature event in the community with families looking forward to the meetings and other events for the children.
Michigan
Deckerville: David Richards came for a visit in August and gave encouraging ministry. It was a blessing to have the support of surrounding assemblies for the meetings.
Saginaw: Bruce Cottrill and David Richards visited the assembly with sound and encouraging ministry for the August 30 bimonthly ministry meeting. The gospel was clearly preached. The previous week, brother Richards visited assembles in Cass City, Deckerville, and Saginaw, with ministry and teaching.
Minnesota
Fridley: A well-attended, stirring series of gospel meetings was held by Bill Lavery and Eric McCullough in August. Some of the children, who had already attended five nights of children’s meetings the previous week, began asking good questions about eternity. There was further rejoicing as three more adults were received into fellowship in August.
Pennsylvania
Wilkes Barre: Paul Barnhardt, helped by several local men, spent the month of August in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area with gospel meetings. It began with a Seed Sower effort in late July, when more than 100 believers distributed texts and invitations to the entire region. Gospel meetings were held nightly. While attendance at the meetings was disappointing, personal visits and contacts were encouraging. This is a heavily-populated region and the nearest assembly is over two hours away.
Virginia
Crandon: Gene Higgins conducted a two-week series of tent meetings in White Gate, July 16–28, on “The Impact of the Bible and Christianity on American History.” Although the gospel was presented with power and love, attendance was minimal.
Wisconsin
Brodhead: Scott McLeod was expected for a week of ministry from September 7-11.
Mexico
Chihuahua
El Vergel: Shad Kember visited this mountain village for two weeks of gospel meetings with a brother who has relatives here. As in the past, the Lord blessed in salvation. They also had a meeting with other of his relatives in Parral.
Guanajuato
Irapuato: Ricky Sawatzky returned with his new bride, Erika. The meeting schedule changed in August and they delivered 10,000 invitations to announce this change, praying that God will bring in new contacts to hear His Word.
Guerrero
Iguala: The assembly celebrated its first anniversary in August, enjoying a weekend of teaching with John Dennison, Andrew Zuidema (Midland Park, NJ), Alberto Mendoza (Ciudad Obregón). Genoveva Meuly visited for two weeks, giving appreciated help in a special effort with children. As a result, some mothers have attended meetings at the hall.
Michoacan
Zamora: The assembly in Galvantepec celebrated 20 years of God’s faithfulness to them as a testimony to the Lord’s Name in August. They held a week of well-attended children’s meetings and the annual Sunday school event saw 150 children under the sound of the Word of God.
Morelos
Oacalco: Duncan Beckett and Abisai Vieyra are renting a building in this town near Cuernavaca after having had house meetings for over a year on a weekly basis. Texts and invitations were given out, and 12 nights of gospel meetings saw very encouraging attendance. Oacalco is two hours from Iguala where Duncan and Abisai reside.
Quintana Roo
Cancún: Timothy and Amy Turkington appreciated the help of Eleonor Mosquera in August. Two weeks of well-attended children’s meetings were held in the hall, and some have continued attending the weekly Sunday school.
Sinaloa
Mazatlan: Shad Kember was able to preach the gospel in the home of relatives of believers from Guasave. There are many contacts in this port city and prayer is appreciated.
Dominica
Ken Taylor writes: We wish to send an update on the situation in Dominica, West Indies since the onslaught of tropical storm Erika on August 27. Tremendous damage was done to many parts of the island with flooding, landslides, and destruction to highway and road systems. Several villages on the west coast of the island were severely damaged, with homes and buildings destroyed and vehicles washed out to sea. The town of Petite Savanne, where one of the five assemblies is located and the Christians live, was completely devastated by the extremely high rainfall, massive flooding, and landslides. There were up to 40 fatalities in the area, although none of the Christians or their immediate families lost their lives. Unfortunately, other relatives perished. The government has ordered a complete evacuation of the town, stating that the geologic structure of the area has been cracked, and that there is the danger of further rupture and slides occurring. The believers have had to leave the area with few personal belongings, and they have suffered the loss of their homes and properties. The sick and injured were airlifted by helicopter. Those that could move by foot were taken out by small boat, and then on to a larger vessel to be transferred to Roseau, the capital.
Several families are staying in the apartment of the gospel hall in Roseau, some with relatives, others in the Dominica Grammar School buildings that are being used as an emergency housing facility. All will need to be resettled in other areas when the government can apportion land, so it is a traumatic situation. We would value the prayers of the Lord’s people for the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual preservation of the saints who have been uprooted from their homes, have suffered loss of relatives, and whose lives are in disarray. The leaders of the five assemblies in Dominica will value your prayers for the Lord’s undertaking and direction in the necessary relief and rebuilding process that must follow. While we acknowledge that the Lord’s ways are often past finding out, yet, we must remember the declaration of Exodus 34:6: “The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” We wait to see the outcome of these disturbing events in souls being awakened and saved and the Lord’s people strengthened in their confidence of His goodness and loving care.
• We wish to advise that Truth and Tidings Gospel Trust has offered to receive and channel donations from U.S. assembly believers and that Gospel Trust Canada has offered to provide the same service for Canadian assembly believers. Gifts should be identified as Dominica Assemblies Disaster Relief.
Northern Ireland
Co. Antrim
Ballintoy: D. Gillies (Scotland) and P. Kennedy, a local brother, had four weeks of well-attended meetings in a marquee.
Ballynashea: B. Currie and J. Palmer have erected a tent in a field near Ballyclare and are preaching nightly in spite of wet and windy weather.
Harryville: T. Armstrong and W. Martin are continuing in a gospel series in the hall with good attendance nightly.
Co. Armagh
Lurgan: D. Gilliland and J. Rogers are preaching the gospel in a tent, with excellent attendance.
Co. Down
J. Fleck and S. Gilfillan are having well-attended gospel meetings in a tent erected on the business premises of a local brother. There has been blessing in salvation, causing much rejoicing and thanksgiving to God.
Ballyhay: The assembly erected a tent at Ballyvester in mid-July where A. Davison and M. Hunter preached the gospel.
Kilkeel: N. Fleck and A. Wilson are preaching in a barn on the outskirts of the town.
Co. Londonderry
Bellaghy: A. Colgan and W. Fleck had three weeks of gospel meetings in connection with the assembly here. Unsaved were in each night, some from the area.
Portrush: E. Fairfield was expected to commence a gospel series in the gospel hall on September 7.
Co. Tyrone
Currian: The small assembly has had B. Glendenning and T. W. Wright with them preaching the gospel since mid-August.
Republic of Ireland
Bridgetown, Co. Donegal: The annual meeting was held at the beginning of August. The assembly was encouraged by the attendance, with over 100 gathering to break bread. The speakers were Brian Currie, John Grant (Scotland), Roy Reynolds, and Garry Woods. On Lord’s Day, Mark Turkington and Tommy Wright also took part. John Grant continued in ministry on subsequent week nights. The ministry and fellowship of believers was uplifting for all present.
Dublin: The Rathmines assembly concluded the annual Summer Bible Study at the end of August. The subject was “The Post-resurrection Appearings of the Lord.” The assembly was encouraged and hearts were warmed through a consideration of the person of Christ in this way.
Conferences
Brandon, MB
October 12 (Canadian Thanksgiving), in the Brandon Gospel Hall, 1412-22nd Street. Bible Reading 10am – 1 Timothy 3, Ministry 1:30pm. There is no evening meeting. Meals provided. Corr: Glen Hanna, Tel: 204 726-1509, E-mail: gmhanna@wcgwave.ca.
Edmonton, AB
October 17-18, in the Connor’s Hill Gospel Hall, with Prayer/Ministry on Friday at 8pm. First meeting on Saturday at 10am. Meals and accommodation will be provided. Please pray that the ministry would be appropriate for the needs of the people of God. Contact: Joe Bowman at josephjbowman@gmail.com
Wallaceburg, ON
October 18, in the Wallaceburg Gospel Hall, 121 Gillard St. Tel: 519 627-7637. Saturday: Prayer 7:30pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Sunday school 1:15pm, Ministry 2:30pm, Testimony/Gospel 6:30pm. Contact: C.A. Workman, Tel: 519 627-8743, E-mail: clworkman@kent.net.
La Crosse, WI
October 24-25, at Logan High School at 1500 Ranger Drive, La Crosse, WI. Friday: Prayer Meeting 7:30pm (Gospel Hall, 1928 George St.). Saturday: Prayer/Ministry 10am and 2pm, Children’s Meeting 1pm, Testimony/Gospel 6pm. Sunday: Devotional Ministry 9:15am, Lord’s Supper 10:30am, Children’s meeting 1pm, Prayer/Ministry 2pm, Gospel 4pm. Accom: David L. Hardie, Tel: 608 783-4067; or Cal Erickson, Tel: 608 790-7724.
Livonia, MI
October 24-25, with Prayer Meeting on Friday, 7:30pm. All meetings held in the Stark Road Gospel Hall, 9280 Stark Road, Livonia, MI. Saturday: Ministry 10am and 2pm, Gospel 7pm, Hymn sing 8:30pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday school 12:45pm, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Invited speakers: Mark Bachert, Ian Jackson, Bruce Rodgers, Andrew Ussher. Corr: David Vallance, 2100 Currie Road, Northville, MI 48167, Tel: (248) 446-9346, E-mail: davidvallance@sbcglobal.net. Accom: Tim Fouts, Tel: 734 673-7442, E-mail: tf-sf@msn.com. Hall: 734 425-4910, www.starkrdgospelhall.com.
Alpena, AR
October 31-November 1, in the Alpena Gospel Hall, 401 Lane St., Alpena, AR. Saturday: Bible reading 1pm; 2 Peter 1, Ministry. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday school 11:30am, Ministry 1:30pm. Contact: Fred Stevenson, E-mail: fstev153@embarqmail.com, Tel: 573 201-1282; or Tim Trowbridge, Tel: 870 423-8484.
Newington, CT
October 31 – November 1 in the gospel hall. Saturday: First meeting for ministry at 2pm. 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.
Saskatoon, SK
October 31–November 1, in the Lawson Heights Gospel Hall, 131 La Ronge Road, with prayer and ministry on Friday, October 30, at 7:30pm. Saturday: Ministry 10:15am and 1:30pm, Gospel 6:30 pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 9:30am, Ministry 11:30am and 1:30pm, Gospel 7pm. Inquiries: Murray Buckingham, E-mail: buckinghamms@saktel.net; Hall Tel: 306 249-5044.
Bryn Mawr/Hatboro, PA
November 6-8, with Prayer Meeting on Friday, November 6 at 7:30pm at Bryn Mawr Gospel Hall, 8 N. Summit Grove Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA. Other meetings at Colonial Elementary School, 230 Flourtown Rd., Plymouth Meeting, PA, one mile east of the intersection of routes 476 and 276 (Norristown exit of PA turnpike or exit 19 from route 476); take Germantown Pike East, turn left on Colonial Road just beyond Plymouth Whitemarsh High School. Saturday: Ministry 10:30am and 2pm, Gospel 6pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday school 11:45am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 4:30pm. Brethren expected are Marvin Derksen, Sandy Higgins, Larry Perkins, David Petterson, and Paul Thiessen. Accom: Alan Oliver, Tel: 610 399-3199; E-mail: adoliver@gmail.com; or Jack Coleman, Tel: 215 675-7253; E-mail: JackColeman125@aol.com.
London, ON
November 7-8, in the Gospel Hall, 1196 Highbury Ave. Friday: Prayer Meeting 8pm. Saturday: Ministry 10am, 2pm, and 7pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 9:30am, Ministry 2:30pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Corr: Philip Lampkin, 98 Moraine Court, London, ON, N6G 4Z1; Tel: 519 472-8747; E-mail:felipe524@execulink.com; Hall: 519 451-8233.
Blues Mills, NS
November 14-15, in the Gospel Hall, 34 Mountain Rd. Saturday: Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Corr: John Bain, E-mail: john@thegospel.ca; Tel: 902 625-2409; www.thegospel.ca.
Oil Springs, ON
November 14-15, with Prayer Meeting on Friday, November 13 at 7:30pm in the gospel hall on Victoria St. All other meetings are in the Youth Centre, corner of Highway 21 and Victoria St. Saturday: Ministry 10:30am, Bible Reading 1pm (Isaiah 52:13–15 and Isaiah 53), Ministry 2:30pm, Testimony/Gospel 6pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Sunday school 1pm, Ministry 2:30pm, Gospel 7pm (Gospel Hall). Corr: Ralph Ward, Box 267, Oil Springs, ON, N0N 1P0; Tel: 519 834-2137; E-mail: redeemed4@sympatico.ca.
Oshawa, ON
November 14, annual conference will be held in the gospel hall, 150 Albert St., Oshawa. Meetings for ministry at 2 and 7pm, with supper served between. Corr: Ken Nicholson, Tel: 905 579-7540, E-mail: kencnicholson@live.com.
Brampton, ON
November 21, with Prayer Meeting on Friday, November 20 at 7:30pm at the Gospel Hall, 6 Beech St. All meetings on Saturday to be at the Brampton Fairgrounds, Junior Farmers Hall, 12942 Heart Lake Road, Caledon. Ministry meetings start on Saturday at 10am. The theme of this year’s conference is “The Uniqueness of the Assembly – That which is dear to God’s Heart” with speakers Jim Jarvis, Scott MacLeod, Dave Richards, and Andrew Ussher. Ministry meetings planned for the Lord’s Day afternoon as well at the Gospel Hall. Corr: John Selesnic, 18 Dorchester Dr., Brampton, ON L6T 3C6; Tel: 905 793-5450; E-mail: john.mar.slsnc@sympatico.ca.
Maberly, ON
November 28, at Wheeler’s Pancake House and Sugar Camp. Directions: Hwy 7 to Maberly; take Maberly-Elphin Rd. north to McDonald’s Corners, turn right and follow the signs to Wheeler’s Pancake House. Meetings are at 2:30 and 7pm. Lord’s Day (at gospel hall): Breaking of Bread 9:30am, Sunday school 11:15am, Ministry after lunch. Corr: Gordon McLeod, Tel: 613 268-2616.
Phoenix, AZ.
November 27-29 in the gospel hall, 1246 E. Garfield St., Tel: 602 253-4932. Wednesday (25th): Prayer 7:30pm. Friday: Bible Reading 1pm (Psalm 22), Ministry 3:30pm. Gospel 7pm, Saturday: Bible Reading 10am (Psalm 69), Ministry 2:30pm, Gospel 7pm, Lord’s Day: Sunday school 9:30am, Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Ministry 2:30pm, Gospel 7pm. Corr: Clarence Van Der Hart, 8525 W. Northern Av., Glendale, AZ 85305; Tel: 602 818-4190.
Saugus, MA
December 5-6, with prayer meeting, Friday, December 4, at 7:30pm. Saturday: Ministry 10:30am and 2pm, Gospel 4:30pm. Sunday: Remembrance meeting 10am, Sunday school 11:45am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Accom: David Lusk, Tel: 781 942-7006; E-mail: luskdanda@yahoo.com. Corr: Tony Grillo, Tel: 781 248-8900; E-mail: tonygrillo109@gmail.com.
Conferences Previously Published:
Clinton, ON – October 3-4
Hamilton, ON – October 3–4
Manchester, IA – October 3-4
Sussex, NB – October 3-4
Victoria Road, ON – October 3-4
Cape Breton, NS – October 10-11
St. Thomas, ON – October 10-11
Vancouver, BC – October 10-11
L’Anse au Loup, LB – October 16-18
Blue River, WI – October 17-18
Terryville, CT – October 16-18
Change of Address of Correspondent
Deckerville, MI: Greg Trowhill’s new E-mail address is gregtrowhill@yahoo.com.
Newberry, ON: Chris Snooks – E-mail address is chrissnooks@hotmail.ca; Cell: 226 919-6006.
Change of Correspondent
Parry Sound, ON: Daniel Longhurst, 734 Hurdville Rd, McKellar, ON, P2A 0B5. Tel: 705 389-3005, E-mail: danandjoyann@gmail.com.
Home-calls
Barbara Ann Noe of Hickory, NC, on April 27, age 70. Ann was saved on February 3, 1965 during gospel meetings held by Oswald MacLeod and Robert Surgenor. Ann, with her husband Harold, was a faithful member of the Hickory assembly since the late 1960’s. For many years, she opened her home in hospitality to all the believers. Ann was also a worker in the gospel, inviting many out to meetings, and was instrumental in seeing others saved. She was a praying woman who faithfully prayed for the salvation of the believers’ children. Through deteriorating health, she lost her eyesight, but remained cheerful and faithful in spite of suffering. Ann is greatly missed by her husband, Harold, to whom she was married for 51 years, two daughters, Mary Ledford and Melissa (Jonathan) Cooper, and three grandchildren. The funeral service was taken by Stan Moore and John Setzer, and the gospel was clearly preached. Our dear sister is greatly missed.
Theobald (Ted) Kluge of London, ON, on July 4. Our beloved brother was born to German parents in Poland in 1928. He served in the German army at age 16 and immigrated to Canada at age 25. He was reached and saved through the truth of John 3:16 in 1969 as a result of the witness of a workmate. He was a hard-working, Christian gentleman, who enjoyed gardening and sharing his produce with the saints. He and his wife, Cecilia (deceased 1994), had four children, including Andrew, who has served the Lord for many years in Chile. He later married Opal Van Alstine who was a dedicated and loyal help to our brother. The large funeral was taken by family members and Ted Walzer, with D. Derksen reading the Scriptures at the graveside.
Bernice Grob of Akron, OH, on July 18, age 88. Our dear sister was born to Russian parents who immigrated to northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Her first contact with the gospel came when German evangelists visited the area and preached the gospel in the Russian language. Bernice and many members of the family were saved. Her beloved husband, Donald, predeceased her in 2004. Bernice loved the Lord, bore a good testimony, and always had a cheerful spirit. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil 4:13), was a favorite Bible verse.
Merla Taylor of Taylorside, SK, on July 28, 2015, age 75.Our dear sister was saved at age 10 and later baptized and received into assembly fellowship, faithfully remaining until her home call. Of a cheerful disposition, she will be greatly missed by all. She is survived by her husband, Roland, three children and spouses, and nine grandchildren. The funeral service was taken by Morgan Taylor, with Murray Meyers speaking comforting words at the graveside.
Bette Winkel of Antioch, IA, on August 15, 2015, age 66, having suffered a massive heart attack a few days prior. Saved, February 24, 1974 when the truth of Hebrews 10:12 became personal that “this Man offered one sacrifice for her sins.” Following baptism in May of 1975, she, with her husband who was saved shortly after her conversion, gathered out with the newly formed assembly meeting at Antioch. Because of employment, their residence was over an hour’s drive from the hall, but they faithfully attended the assembly each Lord’s Day for the past 40 years. She is survived by her husband Eldon, three sons, two daughters, and 10 grandchildren. Russ Nesbit took the large service which was held in Austin, Minnesota near their home, followed by the burial in the Antioch cemetery.
Marie Smith of Staffordsville, ON, on August 17, age 92. She was initially contacted at the annual Aylmer Market where gospel material was being distributed. Despairing of life, Marie picked up a magnet that said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” After conversation with Yvonne Patten about the verse, she saw a ray of hope and shortly after began attending home Bible studies, resulting in her salvation two months later. She was baptized shortly after and later received into the assembly. Her late husband, Jimmy, professed to be saved shortly before he passed away in 2007. Having had no children of her own, Marie took a real interest in children, who in turn, loved her dearly. She enjoyed sweet Christian fellowship until failing health hindered her from attending for the past two years. A small committal service was arranged by the Pattens where the story of her conversion was related.
Henry Olander of Manchester, CT, on August 21, age 84, after spending a number of months between the hospital and a nursing home. He was saved out of Catholicism at the age of 77 on February 25, 2008 through the efforts of his nephew, Denis Bourgeois, from the Shediac, NB assembly. He was baptized a year later, and was in the Manchester assembly until his passing. He was truly devoted to the assembly and took part to the best of his ability. He was a very pleasant man, and in spite of his physical problems, wore his enjoyment of salvation. He will be truly missed. None of his immediate family are saved, but they asked that the assembly would organize the funeral service. A local brother preached the gospel to a receptive audience. Please pray for the family as Denis continues to bring the gospel to them.
