Canada
British Columbia
Vancouver: The Victoria Drive assembly conducted one week of in-person Vacation Bible School at Rupert Park that began July 13. They held a similar VBS July 27-August 1 at Norquay Park. Tom Hoy preached the gospel via Zoom on August 2.
New Brunswick
Sussex: After the first week of meetings saw blessing and good interest, the assembly continued gospel meetings July 12 for a second week with Murray McCandless and local brethren. Those unable to attend in person were able to view the meetings via Zoom.
Saskatchewan
Glen Ewen: The “Refuge Series” of Sunday afternoon ministry meetings continues to be provided online in a webinar format. On June 21, David Petterson spoke on “The Buoyancy of Hope.” For June 28, Kyle Wilson looked at “Hope Found, Given and Restored in Christ.” John Dennison considered “The Bible According to Peter” on July 5. For July 12, Gary Sharp ministered on “Trouble, Testing and Triumph.” On July 19, Blair Martin answered the question, “What Does My Prayer Life Say About Me?” Kory Crawford focused on “The Resurrection Body of the Believer” on July 26.
U.S.A.
Arkansas
Alpena: The assembly has moved their conference scheduled for September 12-13 to November 7-8.
Iowa
Ankeny: William Skates purposed to be with the assembly for ministry August 23-26 using his chart on prophecy. Lord willing, a gospel series is planned to begin September 13 with Al Christopherson and Brandon Doll.
Maine
Augusta: The assembly commenced two weeks of online meetings via Zoom on July 12 with Eugene Higgins.
Massachusetts
Saugus: The assembly was encouraged as a young brother and his sister obeyed the Lord in baptism on August 2. The gospel outreach at the rehab center with the women, now virtual, continues with good interest and attendance.
Michigan
Battle Creek: Venezuela Relief Fund: It has now become very evident that the COVID-19 situation in Venezuela is rapidly deteriorating.
- The government is continuing to enforce complete lockdowns in the main cities. Anyone on the street without a permit or a correctly used mask is subject to arrest.
- A news item recently reported that the government has commandeered more than 70 hotels countrywide to quarantine sick people.
- Of the Lord’s people in assemblies, four have passed away in July. One dear brother, an elder in an assembly in eastern Venezuela, was taken to the closest medical facility (a small ambulatory facility run by Cuban medics). Sadly, none of the equipment was functional due to no electricity and there was no gasoline available to take him elsewhere. He passed into the presence of the Lord.
- In July, the assembly was hurrying to purchase medications both in Venezuela and neighboring Colombia for different believers who are apparently suffering from the COVID symptoms. No clear diagnosis was given due to very scarce and unreliable testing. One assembly in Caracas reports that 16 of the members have COVID-19 and another one in the state of Carabobo is reporting 13.
- As in many places, public gatherings are not permitted and because of the limited and costly intermittent internet, messages from God’s Word are shared through messaging apps like WhatsApp and other less costly multimedia alternatives.
- An effort to grow various food crops in Venezuela with the help of local Christian farmers is underway, with the idea of replacing purchases and shipments from the US. It is possible that our future shipments could be subject to increased scrutiny because of international sanctions against the government. Over 70 acres are currently planted with corn, beans, sweet potatoes, and yucca (cassava root), all of which will be distributed to the Lord’s people. Local production also eliminates the higher costs of shipping overseas from the US.
Deckerville: The assembly was encouraged that a young brother that was baptized in June has been received into fellowship.
Jackson: The assembly was encouraged with two young people obeying the Lord in baptism and another couple being received into fellowship in July.
New Jersey
Pennsauken: The assembly hosted online gospel meetings May 31-June 28 with Tom Baker and Shad Kember. They saw blessing during these meetings and appreciated the support of the Barrington and Olney assemblies. Glen Baker conducted virtual children’s meetings June 22-26. Meetings in Spanish continued 2-3 times a week through the month of July. On July 19, a young brother obeyed the Lord in baptism following the outdoor Breaking of Bread meeting.
Wisconsin
Blue River: Al Christopherson joined the believers on July 12 for a baptism of a 14-year-old boy and a middle-aged woman. The assembly purposed an in-person gospel series with Brandon Doll and Frank Sona commencing August 2, D.V.
Brodhead: Al Christopherson was with the assembly on August 2 for a baptism and stayed for three days of visitation and ministry.
Ontario: The assembly commenced in-person gospel meetings with Brandon Doll and local brethren on July 19. William Skates and local brethren continued the meetings as of August 2.
Mexico
Nuevo León
Monterrey: On June 30, Eduardo del Angel passed into the presence of his Savior at the age of 81. He was a faithful member of the assembly and was saved in 2016 when the work in this city commenced. Despite his numerous health related challenges, including his sight, he was always wanting to memorize more Bible portions. His main concern was for the salvation of his family, and during the wake and burial two gospel messages were shared. The family expressed their appreciation for the Word of God, and a week later one of his daughters professed to be saved.
Hurricane Hanna struck this area at the end of July, and although the believers are all well, the city was quite affected, including the loss of property and life. Pray that this will cause many to seek the Savior.
Chihuahua
Chihuahua: A small Bible study commenced in the houses of some of the believers. It has been encouraging to see some of the unsaved relatives in these homes listening with interest. Open air preaching also takes place in a few parks, where gospel literature is distributed. Each Saturday the gospel is preached from the steps of the hall to those who arrive to park in front. Meetings also continue on Zoom for teaching as well as for the gospel, and it has been encouraging to hear of blessing in the gospel.
Sinaloa
Guasave: Saturday evening meetings on Zoom continued throughout July with help given by Tim Boddy (New Creek, WV), Marcus Cain, Anderson Hernández and Timothy Turkington.
Guerrero
Iguala: Andrea Gómez continues with Sunday School classes on Zoom, looking at the life of the Lord Jesus. Most of those who join are from Iguala and the nearby state of Morelos.
Veracruz
Veracruz: In July the believers started a teaching series on Zoom looking at types of Christ from the Old Testament. They also continue to join with the believers from Xalapa on Lord’s Days for a time of worship, teaching and gospel preaching.
Northern Ireland
Co. Down
Ballykeel: Due to COVID-19, the assembly commenced a drive-in gospel meeting on May 31 in nearby Kilkeel. The Riverside Drive-In venue has been used for gospel work for over 80 years through three generations in the assembly. The meetings were conducted by mainly local brethren Adam Barber, Jonathan Bingham and Michael Verner, with Ivan McClean and Tom Meekin sharing. Large numbers of locals have been attending, with encouragement to the assembly and site owner. Prayer is requested for further blessing as the word of God is faithfully preached each Lord’s Day, and we trust that many will come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Conferences
A complete list of cancellations is available at https://truthandtidings.com/resources/conferences/
Akron, OH
September 4-6 (Cancelled)
Fogo, NL
September 4-6 (Cancelled)
Arlington/Marysville, WA
September 5, online. Saturday: Ministry 10am-12pm, and 12:30-2:30pm. The speakers will be Stephen Grant, Mike Knox, Michael Da Silva Jr. (Toronto, ON), and Dale Vitale.
Clementsvale, NS
September 5-6, online. The teaching will be on the subject of “Relationships.” Further details, including the schedule and a list of subjects and speakers will be posted at http://www.clementsvalegospelhall.com.
Hampton, IA
September 5-6 (Cancelled)
Ankeny, IA
September 12-13 (Cancelled)
Kitchener, ON
September 12 (Cancelled)
Arnstein, ON
September 18-20 (Cancelled)
Midland Park, NJ
September 18-20, online. The expected speakers are David Petterson and David Vallance. The present plans are for three (3) evening messages, the third to be followed by a discussion panel. Details of the schedule and web-access information will be made available at http://midlandparkgospelhall.com.
Hitesville, IA
September 19-20 (Cancelled)
Parry Sound/Chapman Valley, ON
September 19-20 (Cancelled)
Anchorage, AK
September 25-27 (Cancelled)
Mississauga, ON
September 25-26, online. The Applewood Heights conference this year will consist of a Friday and Saturday 7:30-9pm evening “virtual” meeting. The speakers each night will be Shawn St. Clair and Dan Shutt. Details will be made available at https://www.applewoodheights.org/
Blue River, WI
October 10-11 (Cancelled)
St. Thomas, ON
October 10-11 (Cancelled)
L’Anse au Loup, NL
October 16-18 (Cancelled)
La Crosse WI
October 24-25 (Cancelled). Please direct questions to Jeremiah Collins, cell: 608-769-4017 (call/text); Email: collins.jere@gmail.com
Alpena, AR
November 7-8 (changed from September 12-13)
Conferences Previously Published:
Fort McMurray, AB – September 4-6 (cancelled)
Kansas City, MO – September 5-6 (cancelled)
Beetown, WI – September 7 (cancelled)
Hardwick, VT – September 12-13 (cancelled)
Joliet, IL – September 26-27 (cancelled)
Manchester, IA – September 26-27 (cancelled)
Cape Breton, NS – October 10-11 (cancelled)
Brandon, MB – October 12, 2020 (Tentative)
Updates
Change of Correspondent
Fredericton, NB: Jonathan Howard, Tel: 506-457-2547; Email: picutaker@gmail.com
Hitesville, IA: Tommy Christopherson, 27842 Birch Avenue, Ackley, IA 50601. Tel: 319-415-7389; Email: tomandbarb2@gmail.com.
Homecalls
[Editor’s note: The following obituary is re-published with corrections]
Rachel Brooks of Fredericton, NB, on March 3, 2020, age 92. Saved in 1951 at age 24, she was received into fellowship in 1952 after she and first husband Shirley Morgan, along with their young family, moved to Fredericton from Dorn Ridge, NB. For many years, Rachel and second husband, Irvine Brooks, were faithful members of the McAdam Avenue assembly. She was predeceased by first husband Shirley Morgan; second husband Irvine Brooks; son Albert Morgan; sisters Willet Mowry, Bev Morgan, Pearle, Lucy and Annie Haines; and brothers Arthur, Vincent, Alonzo, and Lester Haines. Rachel is survived by daughter Deborah (Larry) Follett of Saint John, NB; sons Stephen Morgan of Calgary, AB, Ron (Darlene) Morgan of Cambridge, ON, and Ian (Terri) Morgan of Michigan; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister Marjorie Mowry; sisters-in-law Barbara and Brenda; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral was shared by Ron Morgan and Gordon Mowry.
[Editor’s note: The following obituary is re-published with corrections]
Reg Brewer of Fredericton, NB, on April 11, 2020, age 92. Reg was saved in 1952 after hearing the gospel preached in a tent near his home. He was in fellowship at Fredericton for over 65 years. He was a respected elder whose ready and wise counsel to both young and old will be sorely missed. He had a strong appreciation of NT church principles. Our brother was predeceased by his beloved wife Elaine, his infant daughter Cheryl Ann, and his sisters Eugenia Curtis and Naomi Flemming. He is survived by his children Nickey Grace (Stephen) Wallace, Freddie (Pam) Brewer and Gloria (David) Foster; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service was shared by Bob Stairs, Troy Wallace, Rob Griffin and Murray McCandless. The graveside service was shared by Jonathan Howard, Jonathan Procopio and Rob Griffin.
James Rosania of Waterbury, CT, and Lakewood Ranch, FL, on January 17, 2020, age 91. Jim was born in Waterbury on May 10, 1928, and was born again in January 1942 through Isaiah 12:1-2. He married Ruth Cappiello in 1951. He worked as a firefighter in Waterbury for most of his adult life. Jim was a faithful member of the Terryville (formerly Waterbury) assembly for over six decades and was a beloved elder there for many years. He was characterized by a warm personality, pleasant smile and a cheerful disposition. He was devoted to the Lord and to his family throughout his life. Later in life, enduring repeated health problems, he evidenced a steadfast faith and thankful spirit in the midst of his suffering, rendering a wonderful example to all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Ruth, three children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
