Canada
British Columbia
Vancouver: Since moving online in March, the Carleton assembly has enjoyed profitable teaching from Alan Smith (Scotland), several local brethren, and our commended missionaries Johnny Seed, Samuel Simonyi-Gindele and Kyle Wilson. Samuel and Elizabeth arrived from Angola in July. Their Facebook Live @CarletonGH gospel series each Sunday at 6pm continues to grow, passing 19,000 views, as they attempt to reach local residents around the hall.
The Victoria Drive assembly appreciated ministry from Bryon Meyers on August 6. Tom Hoy also preached the gospel on August 2. Both meetings were held using Zoom.
Ontario
Arnstein: The assembly was encouraged by eight nights of gospel meetings beginning August 30 and ending Labor Day Sunday, September 6. The meetings were held in the local outdoor covered rink and people had the option of attending in person, listening to the message from their cars in the parking lot, or watching/listening via Zoom. All three options were well supported, with a good number of unsaved out or listening. Jim Bergsma presented the gospel each night in a simple, clear manner and spent each day visiting contacts in the community. They look to the Lord for blessing and would appreciate prayer in this regard.
Glenarm: The Victoria Road assembly purposes to have drive-in FM broadcast gospel services during the week of September 20 with Brian Crawford and Lorne Langfeld at a large nearby rural property normally used for tent meetings. The location is at a major local intersection with excellent visibility and plenty of parking. They are very thankful for the owners’ willingness to support their gospel outreach.
Toronto: The Unionville assembly held a gospel series August 16-September 4 via Zoom with Eugene Higgins. The central theme with nightly related topics was the words of the Lord Jesus who said, “Moses Wrote of Me.” The recorded meetings will be available on demand via the Unionville Gospel Hall YouTube channel.
Prince Edward Island
Summerside: Brody Thibodeau, with help from local brother Tim Burton, held online gospel meetings via Zoom and YouTube on behalf of the Pope Road assembly for two weeks (excluding Wednesday nights) beginning August 30.
U.S.A.
Arkansas
Alpena: The assembly enjoyed three days of ministry meetings with Jerry Jennings in the third week of August.
California
Westmorland: Madeleine, the 13-year-old daughter of Orlando and Rosi, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor 16 months ago. Her greatest desire was to be saved, and in mid-August while reading John 3:36, she came to know the Savior. After being baptized on August 29, she passed into the Lord’s presence on September 4. The family deeply appreciates the prayers of God’s people at this time.
Iowa
Ankeny: The assembly resumed their Spanish gospel meetings on August 3 in Des Moines. The recent ministry August 23-26 with William Skates concerning Prophetic Events was recorded via Zoom and can be accessed on the Ankeny Gospel Hall Facebook page. A number of visitors, some in need of salvation, attended and had questions concerning the Rapture and other prophecy. Prayer is requested for the salvation of these souls.
Antioch: Bill Lavery planned to visit the assembly for their regular Sunday meetings on August 23 and for evening ministry Monday through Thursday, August 24-27.
Michigan
Battle Creek: The assembly continues with the Venezuela Relief Fund and received several updates.
- The COVID-19 lockdown continues. We know of seven believers who have passed into the Lord’s presence after being infected with the virus.
- Medications for symptoms have been purchased and placed in strategic locations around the country so the Lord’s people can have quick access to these as soon as they develop symptoms. Local doctors among the believers have strongly recommended treating the symptoms as soon as they appear, and this seems to have been a big help. Many of the Lord’s people have successfully recovered after applying this strategy.
- The first three acres of sweet corn in Chirgua were harvested in early September. More than 40 thousand ears of corn were distributed among Christians in the Valencia area. After the field was harvested, unsaved neighbors from the surrounding community and town were encouraged to go into the field to gather what was left over (see Leviticus 19:9-10. Also Ruth was able to do this in the field of Boaz). This charity gained them favor among the local unsaved, a good testimony since this is not the practice among other farmers in the area. To God be the glory.
- The 50 acres of corn for meal will be harvested in September and processed into corn flour in October. Additional sweet corn will also be harvested in October.
Wisconsin
Blue River: The gospel series with Brandon Doll and Frank Sona closed August 30 after four weeks.
Mexico
Chihuahua
Chihuahua: The assembly continues with Zoom meetings. The families of those who attend the children’s meetings in El Porvenir also receive visits, some food donations, and papers with memory verses and activities. An older man named Pedro Torres, who received a Bible text downtown in January, recently professed to be saved on August 28. He called mid-August to ask some questions, and subsequently understood that Christ had died for him.
Sonora
San Luis Río Colorado: Besides continuing with Zoom meetings during the week, the believers are able to meet together on the Lord’s Day morning once again. On August 23, two young believers were baptized.
Hermosillo: On August 16, Chon Islas went to be with the Lord a few days after being admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 symptoms. The evening prior, he sent a message to the assembly via WhatsApp to say “Farewell,” a few hours before being intubated. He also texted his unsaved siblings to encourage them to seek the Lord, as all was well with his soul. His joyful demeanor and regular fresh worship will be greatly missed. A virtual memorial service was held on August 23, where around 200 people heard his message of conversion, a clear gospel presentation and words of appreciation.
Sinaloa
Guasave: Zoom meetings continue to be a blessing in this assembly. On Saturday evenings in August, the believers appreciated visits from Duncan Beckett and Marcus Cain.
Guerrero
Iguala: Virtual children’s meetings were held on Zoom the first week of August, with help from local sisters and other sisters from Hermosillo, Canada and the U.S. The assembly was encouraged to see not only increasing attendance from children in Iguala but also from other parts of Mexico, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Chile and Colombia.
The assembly also enjoyed a visit from Willians Alcala in late August via Zoom, where he gave teaching and a report on the work with which he is involved in Australia.
Mexico State
Nezahualcóyotl: The assembly appreciated teaching in August from Miguel Mosquera and Jonathan Seed.
Veracruz
Veracruz: In mid-August the teaching series on “Types of Christ in the Old Testament” concluded. On Sundays they continue joining the believers from the assembly in Xalapa for a time of worship, teaching and the preaching of the gospel over Zoom.
Quintana Roo
Cancún: A week of children’s meetings was held via Zoom in August with children from the neighborhood around the hall attending, as well as some from further afield.
Conferences
Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a complete list of cancellations is available at https://truthandtidings.com/resources/conferences/
Roseisle, MB
October 3-4 (cancelled)
Sussex, NB
October 3-4 (cancelled)
Victoria Road, ON
October 3-4 (cancelled)
Paradise Valley /Mervin, AB/SK
October 9-11 (cancelled)
Vancouver, BC
Brandon, MB
October 12 (cancelled)
Edmonton, AB
October 16-18 (cancelled)
Lindsay, ON
October 18 (cancelled)
Calgary, AB
October 24-25 (cancelled)
Livonia, MI
October 24-25, online. We expect to provide four messages on our website (https://SRGH.org) on the conference weekend by our invited speakers: Matthew Cain, Stephen Grant, Blair Martin and David Petterson.
Parson’s Pond, NL
October 24-25 (cancelled)
Newington, CT
October 30-November 1 (cancelled)
Saskatoon, SK
October 30-November 1 (cancelled)
St. John’s, NL
October 31 (online)
Alpena, AR
November 7-8 (changed from September 12-13), in the gospel hall, 401 Lane Street. Saturday: Prayer and Bible Reading (2 Thessalonians 2) 12:30pm, Ministry 2:15pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday School 11:30am, Ministry 1:30pm. Meals will be provided on both days. We look forward to seeing all who can come. For assistance with accommodations and/or directions, contact Fred Stevenson, Email: fstev153@icloud.com; Tel: 573-201-1282; or Tim Trowbridge, Email: alpenagospelhall@gmail.com; Tel: 870-423-8484.
Blues Mills, NS
November 14-15 (online)
Oil Springs, ON
November 14-15 (cancelled)
Conferences Previously Published:
Clinton, ON – October 3-4 (cancelled)
Blue River, WI – October 10-11 (cancelled)
Cape Breton, NS – October 10-11 (cancelled)
St. Thomas, ON – October 10-11 (cancelled)
Brandon, MB – October 12 (tentative)
L’Anse au Loup, NL – October 16-18 (cancelled)
La Crosse, WI – October 24-25 (cancelled)
Change of Address of Correspondent
Beetown, WI: Joe Schmaedick, 8763 Rocky Road, Darlington, WI 53530, Tel: 608-574-8223; Email: beetowngh@gmail.com
Charlton, ON: Stephen Minnett, 676580 Hwy. 573, Charlton, ON P0J 1BO, Email: 1966sminnett@gmail.com
Hitesville, IA: Tommy Christopherson, Email: tlcdad.31978@gmail.com
Homecalls
Mervin Allen Johnson of Grand Bend, ON, on September 1, 2019, age 86. He was saved in March 1952 through gospel meetings with A.W. Joyce. Merv was in the Grand Bend assembly for 65 years. He was a gentle brother with a care for both young and old among the flock. He was a faithful attender and loved being at the meetings. Merv is survived by his wife Jean of 63 years, one daughter and one son, and their families. The funeral service was taken by Bert Snippe, and Larry Schade spoke at the graveside.
Raeburn Drummond MacDougall of Ottawa, ON, on February 2, 2020, age 75. He was born in Talara, Peru, but raised in Miami, FL. After moving to Newfoundland for university, Raeburn attended his first gospel meeting on November 2, 1969, during the St. John’s Gospel Hall conference. He was saved during the preaching of Vernon Markle. In 1971, Raeburn married Lillian Barbour, and in 1976 they moved to Ottawa where he worked for Health Canada. He was an esteemed elder in the North River Road Gospel Hall and had a great love for the Lord Jesus, the assembly and His people. Raeburn and Lillian had a profound impact on the stability and growth of the assembly. Raeburn leaves behind his wife Lillian of 48 years, children Raeburn (Giang) MacDougall and Beth Anne (John) Bell, and four grandchildren. The large funeral was shared by Ken Kember, Steve Barbour, David Patterson and Gaius Goff.
Arthur Floyd Henkel of Clyde, OH, on February 13, 2020, age 93. Through the faithful witness of his wife Helen, Art came to attend a series of gospel meetings under the preaching of Al Christopherson in 2008. After many years of often furious resistance to the gospel, the Lord saved him. For his remaining years, Art was appreciated for his love of the Lord and his tender disposition to the Christians. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen; children, Cynthia Henkel Longnecker of Fremont, OH, Arthur (Lois) Henkel of Dearborn, MI, and David (Donna) Henkel of Fremont, OH; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Edna May Mitchell of Oil Springs, ON, on March 7, 2020, age 97. She was saved on September 26, 1960, through 2 Corinthians 6:2 and John 3:18 after John Kember and Murray Mcleod visited her family home. Edna was the beloved wife of Lorne Mitchell whom she faithfully supported in the full-time work of the Lord. She was a true helpmeet. Lorne and Edna were among the saints to first gather when the assembly was formed in 1961. Edna was predeceased by one son and one granddaughter. She is survived by five children, 14 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren. Her funeral was taken by Eugene Badgley and her son Brian Mitchell. The gospel was faithfully preached to a full hall, which was a real tribute to her.
Janette Fleming of Oil Springs, ON, on March 11, 2020, age 82. Janette was saved at the age of 20 after hearing her brother David preaching the gospel in 1957. She realized she was a sinner and that the work was finished on the cross when Jesus died for her sins even though she had lived a very good life. Janette was received into the assembly at Saginaw, MI, and after marrying John Fleming, she came into the Oil Springs assembly where she remained until going home to be with her Lord. The funeral service was taken by Bert Snippe and Max McLean.
Ivy Odorizzi of North Bay, ON, on June 1, 2020, age 91. Ivy was saved November 20, 1958, in Arnstein during a gospel series with Mr. Ramsey and Mr. Grainger. She became troubled by the truth of Romans 3:23 and understood her sin called for judgement. Shortly after, she was saved through the truth of “whosoever” from John 3:16. Ivy and Bill were baptized and received into fellowship in Arnstein. After Bill’s retirement, they moved to North Bay and fellowshipped at Nipissing Junction, although in later years she could not get out due to health reasons. Mike Trahan preached a clear gospel message to family members at the graveside. Due to the pandemic, a memorial service is planned for a later date. Ivy (Davis) was the beloved wife of William Ernest “Bill” Odorizzi, the much loved mother of Aaron Odorizzi and Amanda Wilband (Derrick), and cherished grandmother of Sara.
Dorothy Bailey of Unionville, ON, on June 7, 2020, age 92. Dorothy went home to be with her Lord and Saviour and reunited with her late husband George Herbert Bailey. She was a faithful part of the Highfield assembly for many years. She was an active participant in efforts, including the sewing group, preparing boxes for missionaries, and enjoying the fellowship of the saints. She had a special interest in missionary work and dedicated time writing letters to them. She also supported prison ministry. In her later years, Dorothy lived in Bethany Courts and enjoyed the Christian community there. Bethany Lodge was her final earthly home. She will be greatly missed by her daughter Grace (Hugh) West, son Keith (Gayle) Bailey, her grandchildren Sarah (John) Madueno; Melanie (Dave) Wylie; Heather (Kevin) Taylor; Sylvia (Tom) Bourne; Jeremy (Rebekah) West; Heidi West; Becky Bailey; and Charles (Kerry) Bailey, and her great-grandchildren.
Lily Haugh of Annalong, Co. Down, NI, on June 30, 2020. Born into a Christian home, she was saved at a young age. Following her baptism in 1967, she was received into fellowship in Annalong, where she faithfully attended all meetings until prevented by illness. Lily was an esteemed Sunday School teacher and helper in children’s work, using her car throughout the locality collecting young people and adults to attend meeting. She was a good visitor, supporting the spread of the gospel. Throughout her life she suffered from degenerative health conditions, with a heart specialist remarking she was a woman with no fear of death. Lily is missed, her seat is empty, but we rejoice that she is safe at home. The funeral was conducted by R. Pickering, I. Harris, and J. Bingham. She was laid to rest in the Annalong Gospel Hall Graveyard. Prayer is requested for her family.
Arliss Bruley of Black River Falls, WI, on August 9, 2020, age 90. She was saved in 1956 in meetings with Paul Elliott and Buzz Jameson through John 6:47. She was received into fellowship at Pine Hill, which later relocated to Black River Falls. Her husband, Warren, was not saved until 1979, and predeceased her in 1982. She had a good testimony in the family and community as well as among the saints. A good number heard the gospel at the funeral shared by Kent Hendrickson and Robert Orr. Marked by faithfulness and warm hospitality, she will be greatly missed. Please pray for family members not yet saved.
