Canada
British Columbia
Burnaby: The South Burnaby assembly appreciated hearing Tom Baker, Elton Fairfield, Bryon Meyers, David Richards and Stan Wells in either ministry or the gospel online in April/May.
Kamloops: The Westsyde assembly held five Saturday afternoon teaching sessions May 9-June 6 through Zoom with David McKillen, focusing on the End Times. The recordings are available on their website and on YouTube.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Corner Brook/McIver’s: The saints in this area, as well as in many parts of Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond, greatly appreciated the nightly preaching of Jon Procopio and Brody Thibodeau over the past eight weeks through Zoom. The meetings concluded on May 24, and while they have ended, the work goes on. Both assemblies are grateful for the blessing in salvation as well as the restoration and refreshment of believers.
Nova Scotia
Clementsvale: The online gospel meetings that began April 12 with John Meekin and Murray Pratt concluded May 24. The believers were encouraged and blessing was seen in both salvation and restoration.
Tatamagouche/Pugwash Junction: David Hunt commenced online gospel meetings on April 19 on behalf of both assemblies.
Ontario
Guelph: The assembly had six nights of ministry via Zoom video conferencing with David Richards. The subject was the foundation of the assembly. There was good attendance and the ministry was faithfully given. Much appreciation was expressed from local believers and also from other parts of the world.
Lambton Shores: The assembly that normally meets at the Lake Shore Gospel Hall was encouraged by “virtual” ministry with Shawn St. Clair over Zoom on May 27 and June 3. His ministry focused on “The Appearances of the Lord Jesus” as recorded in John 20-21.
Prince Edward Island
The assemblies on PEI were able to host a virtual conference on May 16 using Zoom as a replacement for their annual conference due to the pandemic. They were thankful for Maritime brethren, Matthew Cain, David Hierlihy, David Hunt, Murray McCandless, Scott MacLeod, John Meekin, Peter Ramsay and Brody Thibodeau, who were willing to help in the ministry and the gospel. It was a time of rich spiritual blessing and encouragement.
U.S.A.
Michigan
Battle Creek: Venezuela Relief Fund: The VRF continues to provide assistance to believers with medical operations and procedures, as well as supplying prescription medication. Recently, the first crop of beans, where the planting of the crop was assisted by the VRF some time ago, was harvested in Venezuela by local farmers. Further plantings of rice, beans and wheat are currently being discussed. Food shipments continue as funds allow; however, distribution inside the country has become increasingly difficult due to severe shortages and rationing of gasoline in the country. Please continue to pray for the workers, Christians and assemblies in Venezuela.
Pennsylvania
Pennsauken: The assembly commenced online gospel meetings May 31 with Tom Baker and Shad Kember. Tuesday and Thursday nights they have a message in Spanish after the meeting concludes in English.
Virginia
Crandon: The assembly resumed regular meetings on May 17. The believers welcomed into fellowship a number of people recently: a young sister from another assembly who married a brother in Crandon, a young couple with a large family who have moved into the area, and the young daughter of one of the families in the assembly. Another young woman from the area who has been attending meetings has requested baptism. Prayer is requested that with increased numbers there will be increased spiritual growth and maturity.
Mexico
Nuevo León
Monterrey: Anderson Hernández commenced a teaching series on the book of the Acts through YouTube on May 19.
Sinaloa
Guasave: The assembly saw other believers join them virtually from La Paz (Baja California Sur), Parral and El Vergel (Chihuahua) for their Zoom meetings. On Saturday evenings in May, they enjoyed having Tim Boddy (New Creek, WV), Jesse Klein and Paul Thiessen share in the teaching. These virtual ministry meetings were expected to continue into June.
San Luis Potosí
El Barril: John Nesbitt and Jason Wahls shared in a series of nightly gospel meetings May 17-30 via Facebook.
Mexico State
Nezahuacóyotl: The assembly appreciated teaching in their Sunday online sessions from Willians Alcala, Marcus Cain, Shad Kember and Paul Thiessen during the month of May.
Conferences
Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a complete list of cancellations is available at https://truthandtidings.com/resources/conferences/
Westbank, BC – August 1-2 (online)
We would love to have you join us for three live-streamed sessions of Bible Teaching with Jack Hay and Stephen Grant. Saturday 10am-11:30am, 12:30pm-2pm, and Sunday 1pm-2:30pm (all times PDT). Please register in advance for this online conference at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WB4GRTH3RkiYHK-crZPsjA. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the conference in August.
Kansas City, MO – September 5-6 (cancelled)
Cape Breton, NS – October 10-11 (cancelled)
Sioux City, IA – July 18-19 (cancelled)
Clinton, ON – July 25 (tentative)
Conferences Previously Published:
Kamloops, BC – July 3-5 (cancelled)
Pugwash Junction, NS – July 4-5 (cancelled)
Updates
Change of Address of Correspondent
Alpena, AR (Alpena Gospel Hall): Fred Stevenson, Email: fstev153@icloud.com
Homecalls
Robert L. Meader of Marion, IA, on April 20, 2020, aged 91. Robert was saved during a Manchester, IA, conference while reading Isaiah 53:6. He was in the fellowship in Marion until he was unable to attend. Robert had a deep love for his Lord and for the gospel, resulting in the procurement of the American Legion Hall and later the Fair Grounds in Central City for gospel efforts. A few souls were saved in the tent at the Fair Grounds. Robert was predeceased by his wife Ila, a son Stuart, a grandson and a great-granddaughter. Survivors include six children, 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Words of warning and of comfort were spoken at the grave by Robert’s old friend, William Lavery.
Harold Crutchley of Marion, IA, on April 22, 2020, age 92. Harold was born on March 4, 1928, in North Liberty, IA. He married Anita Renfer on March 4, 1947, on his nineteenth birthday. His farming prosperity followed by bankruptcy in the 1970s molded him into the meek and gentle brother that all came to know and love. Harold was saved later in life after attending a Billy Graham rally in Cedar Rapids. When his wife became a resident of Linn Manor Care Center, he was invited to assembly meetings at the hall and eventually became convicted about the scriptural way of gathering. Harold was received into fellowship in the Marion assembly, where he continued faithfully until his homecall. Harold will be remembered for his simple, sincere and earnest thoughts while praying. He is remembered by his children Ken (Karen) Crutchley, Merna Moore (Joe O’Connor), and Chuck (Karen) Crutchley.
Allan McCurrie of North Vancouver, BC, on December 14, 2019, age 74. Allan was saved at the age of 11 at the end of an Easter Sunday gospel meeting in 1957. He spent most of his Christian life in the assembly meeting in the Fourth Street Gospel Hall, where he served as a faithful and respected elder and correspondent for many years. Allan was a gentleman with a ready smile. His worship on Lord’s Day mornings was fresh and uplifting. He and his wife Violet loved to entertain the Christians. After a short illness, the Lord called him home. He is survived by his wife, one brother, and nieces and nephews, some of whom are not saved. The funeral service on January 10, 2020, was taken by two life-long friends (Philip Broadhead and Vernon Anderson), nephew Kyle Fairfield, and brother-in-law Glenn Griffin. Wesley Barr spoke at the graveside.
Bernard “Bernie” Dean Murphy of Richmond, BC, on December 24, 2019, age 75. Bernie was born in 1944 in Everson, WA, to parents Matt and Anne Murphy. He started work at CP Air/Air Canada in March 1965 and worked as the Pension Manager for 38 years until his retirement. Bernie was in fellowship at the West Richmond Gospel Hall for 55 years, and faithfully managed the kitchen during the Easter conference for over 50 years. He had a care for everyone and helped in every activity he could in the assembly, at work and in the community. Bernie will be dearly missed by his loving wife Dorothy of 55 years. He is also survived by his children Debra Murphy, Lanette (Mark) Salisbury and Julia Mellish, and ten grandchildren. The large funeral service indicated how many lives he touched.
Betty Turnbull of Hickory, NC, on January 30, age 87. Born in Providence, RI, she grew up hearing the gospel at the Pawtucket Gospel Hall and was saved on April 30, 1944, through Isaiah 53:5. In 1960 she married Robert Turnbull, and they were active in fellowship at the Stark Road, MI, assembly, the Hickory, NC, assembly (1981-1990), and the Mansfield, OH, assembly (1990-1994). They returned to North Carolina in 1994, and following Robert’s homecall in 1996, Betty continued faithfully with the Hickory assembly. She was a sister given to hospitality. Her words of encouragement and her prayers will be greatly missed. She is survived by her children Tom (Debbie) of Canton, MI; David (Ginny) of Claremont, NC; and Jean (Ed) Martin of Jackson, MI; and nine grandchildren. The funeral service was officiated by Philip Moore, David Petterson and John Hoffman, where the gospel was faithfully preached.
Anita Christine Gratton of Grand Bend, ON, on March 20, 2020, age 78, after a lengthy struggle with ALS. Born in Cleveland, OH, she trusted Christ at age 12 through Romans 5:6. While Anita enjoyed fellowship in Monticello, OH, Niagara Falls, ON, and Livonia, MI, the assembly in Grand Bend, ON, is where she lived and worked for 50 years with her husband. Her lifelong love for the gospel and the assembly was evidenced by her open home, her many years of Sunday School teaching and young people’s work, her dedication to Life’s Questions gospel invitations, and her countless handmade bookmarks, magnets and texts for various outreaches. She is deeply missed by her husband Don, sons Rob (Ramona) and David (Dana), and her grandchildren. Marvin Derksen and Gary Sharp spoke words of comfort and the gospel at a private burial service. A memorial gathering is anticipated, Lord willing, later this year.
Arthur Charles Broadhead of Calgary, AB, on April 16, 2020, age 89. He was saved in Westbank, BC, at age 16. Charles worked for Willy Macfarlane in Glen Ewen, SK, for many years before moving to Winnipeg, MB, where he met his wife Margaret. They moved in the early 1960s with their children to Calgary and enjoyed the fellowship of the West Hillhurst assembly, where he later became an elder. Charles taught Sunday School at both assemblies in Winnipeg and Calgary. He was predeceased by his son Jim in February 2019, his other son Don in 1990, and his siblings Doreen Hewlett, Joyce Pickett and Ken Broadhead. He leaves behind his wife Margaret, his daughters Emily and Dorothy, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Kevin Broadhead read a few verses and prayed during the graveside service held on April 24. Charles will be greatly missed.
John Hubler of Rancocas, NJ, on April 22, 2020, age 95. Born on October 19, 1924, he attended gospel meetings in the Pennsauken Gospel Hall in November 1963. Brethren Lorne McBain and Eric McCullough were preaching. Through John 3:14-15 and John 19:30, he came to understand the value of Christ’s work and trusted Him. He leaves his widow Miriam (nee Rue), two sons David (Sue) and Daniel (Esther), 4 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous other relatives. John was a steady, consistent, faithful and much-loved brother who will be greatly missed.
Catherene Olds of London, ON, on April 28, 2020, age 85. She and her husband John (“Jack”) were invited to special gospel meetings held by Fred Kraus in the fall of 1969. They were both saved, baptized and added to the Highbury assembly. Following Jack’s homecall in 1977, Catherene raised their three children, two of which the Lord has graciously saved by His grace. To date, their son and his wife, and three granddaughters still need to experience the Lord’s saving power in their lives. After her retirement from nursing in the hospital, she faithfully attended all the assembly meetings, was an active helper in the sewing class, and helped with shipping supplies to Zambia and the Ukraine. She was affectionately known to the saints as “grandma” and is missed by all. Because of COVID-19, a private funeral was held where Ross Parker spoke.
Ruth Elaine Leerhoff of Fresno, CA, on May 11, 2020, age 90. She was saved in August 1947 during special gospel tent meetings shared by Leonard DeBuhr and George Gould in Parkersburg, IA. Over her lifetime, Ruth was received into assembly fellowship in Hitesville, San Diego, and lastly, Fresno. No funeral service was held due to the coronavirus limiting gatherings.
