Reports
Canada
Alberta
Coalhurst: Last September, believers began breaking bread in a renovated church building, the only one in this town of 1500 people, 10 km. from Lethbridge. About five families from the community have been coming each Sunday morning for gospel/ministry meeting and Sunday School, some of whom are believers. The most active part of this outreach is through the schools, where we are allowed to teach the Bible weekly, and in the basement of the Good News Centre, where every afternoon 20-30 teenagers gather. The interest has encouraged Matthew Entz, Joe Clark, and their wives.
Fort McMurray: The Wood Buffalo assembly shared ten gospel meetings with Carl Payne from May 5-15. New contacts were out most nights. We look to the Lord for results.
Grande Prairie: Tent meetings are planned for July with John Fitzpatrick and Gordon Williams. Further meetings are planned for Grimshaw area in August.
La Crete: The Lord has saved quite a few since a first visit in January, 2004. Joe Clark, Matthew Entz, and Steve Kember have been going back every other month over the last year, having gospel and teaching meetings in this entirely Mennonite community. Generally 100 to 125 people come, some who are religious and want more “church,” some who are looking for a way out of their works-based system of teaching, and some who are just curious. There was a baptism last summer, and tent meetings are planned for July. Please pray for encouragement for the new believers there as well as opened eyes for confused family members.
Paradise Valley: Lorne Mitchell and Art Ward began gospel meetings on May 29.
British Columbia
Port Coquitlam: Please pray for tent meetings to commence July 10 with Bryan Funston and David Oliver. This is the third summer the tent has been here. Two local brethren will take the two weeks of children’s meetings in the mornings. Seed Sower distribution is July 1 & 2, DV.
Surrey: The Cloverdale Rodeo on the long weekend in May was the site of another gospel booth. There was increased attendance in spite of poor weather, and literature was distributed. Some denominational Christians expressed appreciation for the gospel testimony. Eternal results are with the Lord.
Vancouver: At the May monthly ministry meeting in Victoria Drive, Ron Steele spoke of his observation of the work in Zambia during his recent trip there, where he helped several mission stations on technical matters. He very helpfully outlined some of the needs that exist there. The June 4 missionary meeting in the same hall marked 50 years since these missionary meetings began. Several assemblies in the city now share them. Bryan Funston traced the humble beginnings and intent of this exercise by a number of younger men, including his own father, the late W.T. Funston. Ashley Milne gave an account of the Horizons magazine which has been published continuously since 1969. W.T. Funston was the founding editor.
New Brunswick
Moncton: During the first week of May, the assembly enjoyed a week of ministry meetings with Peter Ramsay on the life of Abraham. Every night the hall was filled to capacity with local and surrounding assembly saints.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Corner Brook: Bryan Joyce and his family were visiting the province for 12 days from May 20. During the stay, Bryan gave ministry in Red Bay, Corner Brook, and McIvers, with a stop in Gander for the gospel meeting and a visit.
Gander Bay: The annual conference on the weekend of May 21 was smaller than usual, but was greatly enjoyed by those who were there. Helpful ministry was given by Larry Genge, Eric Gill, Bryan Joyce, Ron Mills, David Mullet, and George Whey. The Bible study on John 17 was good, with excellent participation.
Seal Cove: The believers enjoyed the annual conference on May 28. Bryan Joyce, Peter Mathews, Rons Mills, Clyde Strickland, and George Whey helped in the ministry. The Bible Study (James 2) was practical and encouraging.
Nova Scotia
Halifax: On July 10, the assembly plans a Seed Sower distribution. All help will be welcome. The saints hope to cover much of the city in view of gospel meetings commencing July 17 with John Fleck (N. Ireland) and Albert Hull. Your prayer is much valued.
Nineveh: The assembly had a week of ministry meetings with Jonathan Procopio on, “The Assembly as the Gathering Place.” The ministry was appreciated by all.
Truro: The Manicom family extends thanks to all who had Dallas Manicom in their prayers. Dallas is recovering from a heart transplant she had one month ago. God answered prayer and it was a cheer to have her present in two recent assembly gatherings. On May 11-15, Albert Hull had four ministry meetings on subjects suited to younger believers. The ministry was appreciated. Noel Burden visited Amherst, River Hebert, Tatamagouche, and Pugwash Jct. recently, with appreciated ministry.
Ontario
Barrie: Strongville and Barrie assemblies will commence a gospel series with Eugene Badgley and Eric Fowler on August 14. These assemblies, with assistance from the Midland assembly, plan a Seed Sowers effort in the middle of July. With a growing population in Barrie, the saints look to the Lord for salvation and restoration. Information for any contacts may be e-mailed to kbond@rogers.com.
Brampton: Tent meetings with Larry Steers and Byrnel Foreshew will be at Chinguacousy Park, west of Bramalea Rd, north of Queen St., beginning July 4, 7:30 p.m., Sunday to Friday.
Clyde: Don Nicholson and Lorne Langfeld held a week of gospel meetings during the first week of May, followed by a week of well-attended children’s meetings with Lorne Langfeld. Marvin Derksen continued his ministry for young people May 15, and Alvin Cook spent an evening in practical ministry June 1.
Earlton: The gospel series that commenced April 17 continued for three weeks with good attendance. The Lord blessed with four professing in the first week and two children of the local saints professing in the third week. Many came who had not gospel before. Please continue to pray for those who showed some interest, especially a man named Tony, who attended regularly. The assembly appreciated the work of Alvin Cook and the local brethren who shared the preaching. Also, please pray for guidance for those who will be shepherding these new babes in Christ.
Guelph: The assembly has recently been encouraged with four being baptized and with visits from Jim Currie, Dr. Clark Logan, John McCann, Jr., and David Thompson. Please pray for gospel meetings planned for September, D.V., with Marvin Derksen and Frank Sona.
Straffordville: The Lord continues to work in this area as is evident with seven baptized in the last few months, as well as four more added to the assembly. There are several new contacts attending the weekly home Bible studies for which we are truly thankful to the Lord. David Booth was here for two nights, speaking on prayer and spiritual depression. New contacts attended. Would the believers please pray for our planned Seed Sower distribution August 4-11, Lord willing? Also, please pray for tent meetings planned with Ross Parker and Dave Patten, August 7-28.
Sudbury: The assembly appreciated visits in May by Brian Owen and Alvin Cook.
Thunder Bay: The gospel was faithfully preached during two weeks of gospel meetings with Jim Webb and Peter Smith. A young man of twenty professed to be saved.
Saskatchewan
Glen Ewen: The assembly appreciated recent visits by Wallace Buckle and Gary Sharp.
Taylorside: The saints enjoyed a short visit from Peter Smith.
U. S. A.
Florida
Tampa: The assembly had many replies as a result of the Seed Sowers effort held over the holidays. Three weeks of well-attended gospel meetings followed with Aubrey Kelly and John McCandless, who saw some blessing in salvation. Meetings were conducted in English and Spanish. Many of the Spanish contacts are continuing to attend each week. During the winter season we had appreciated visits from James Smith, Robert McIllwaine, Alex Dryburgh, Allan LeBlanc, Larry Steers, Lorne Langfeld, and Jonathan Procopio.
Iowa
Cedar Falls: During the month of May, the assembly had an appreciated and touching visit from Timothy Sloan who labors in the Ukraine. His description of the political and social conditions there gave us a better appreciation of the many blessings we have in this country.
Garnavillo: The saints enjoyed a visit from Timothy Sloan, and were touched by his report on the work in the Ukraine.
Hampton: The Christians have been encouraged with three baptisms recently, and a number received into fellowship. There are three Spanish meetings per week – ministry, gospel, and a Bible reading. There have been visits recently from Dan Shutt and David Oliver whose messages were translated into Spanish; also visits from Murray McCandless, John Procopio, Jim Baker, and Al Christopherson.
Hitesville: We have appreciated visits from Stan Wells, John Slabaugh, Al Christopherson, and Eric McCullough in the past two months.
Strawberry Point: Al Christopherson and John Slabaugh purpose to rent a building for gospel meetings beginning July 10.
Maine
Augusta: We enjoyed Gene Higgins’ two weeks of gospel meetings in May. Some unbelievers were out each night and we look to the Lord to bless His Word faithfully spoken.
Massachusetts
Byfield: At the conference, five brethren shared the ministry. The weekend cheered the assembly.
Saugus: Dan Shutt visited the assembly for three nights, giving helpful ministry on the preservation of the Word of God and on the future for believers in this age. Timothy Sloan gave an informative and very interesting report of the work in the Ukraine. The assembly plans to have children’s meeting each Monday evening from June 13 through August 29, DV.
Michigan
Saginaw: On April 3, Lorne Langfeld and Jack Nesbitt gave valuable ministry at our monthly ministry meeting. Brother Langfeld followed with two weeks of well-attended children’s meetings. Bill Metcalf and Bruce Cottrill gave excellent ministry at our ministry meeting June 5 . Lord willing, Eugene Badgley and Lorne Mitchell start gospel meetings here on July 10. Please pray for these meetings.
Sherman: The assembly held a week of children’s meetings in late April with good attendance. Most of the youths that came were first-time attendees and had little Bible knowledge. This effort has resulted in new contacts for the Sunday School. God willing, in July, the assembly will be having a gospel series in the hall with Brian Crawford and Stu Thompson. Stu Thompson writes, “On Mother’s Day weekend we had our literature booth set up at the annual Mesick Mushroom Festival. The weather was ideal for much of the three days and many Seed Sower texts, Via magazines, etc. were handed out. There were also several profitable conversations throughout the time.”
Minnesota
Minneapolis: The saints who formerly met in Roseville, MN, are now meeting in Fridley, MN, as of May 18, 2005. The new building has been renamed Fridley Gospel Hall. See address change in this publication for further details. Lord willing, a series of gospel meetings will commence July 17 with Eric McCullough and Williams Skates. That same day will mark our first all-day meeting and “open house.”
Missouri
Kansas City: Robert Orr spent May 8-9 with the saints, and Murray McCandless visited on May 24, both bringing encouraging ministry. Eric McCullough and Joel Portman commenced in the gospel here June 5.
New Jersey
Barrington: Timothy Sloan gave an interesting report on the activity and needs of the work in Ukraine. He also visited Hatboro, PA.
Livingston: The saints enjoyed a week of ministry meetings in April with Stanley Wells on the Seven Dispensations. He began his visit at the men’s monthly Bible Reading (Romans 12) on Saturday. The Lord blessed the annual conference through the fellowship of the saints and the practical teaching of Wallace Buckle, Walter Gustafson, Shad Kember, Eric McCullough, David Oliver, Frank Sona, Dan Shutt, Frank Tornaquindici, and Stanley Wells.
The saints would appreciate prayer for their gospel meetings in a nearby park from June through September. Please pray that the Lord would bless in salvation in these meetings and in the Seed Sowers effort that will take place in July in southern New Jersey, D.V.
Long Branch: Gospel meetings held by Andrew Smith and another brother came to a close on May 22. The saints were encouraged by the support of the other assemblies. Unsaved were present almost every night of the meetings and contacts were made. Please continue to pray for the continued outreach in the neighborhood.
North Carolina
Hickory: John Grant and Jim Baker visited in March and April for several nights of profitable ministry. In March, the assembly had the joy of seeing a woman, who was saved last fall in tent meetings, obey the Lord in baptism. At the Memorial Day conference, the saints were very encouraged by excellent ministry given by John Dennison, Albert Hull, Murray McCandless, Larry Perkins, and David Petterson. The leading of the Spirit was felt throughout the weekend. During the month of May, the assembly had three weeks of tent meetings in Conover with David Petterson and Bill Seale. The meetings were well-attended, with visitors out almost every night, and the saints thank God for blessing seen in the profession of salvation by two people, as well as another receiving assurance of salvation.
Ohio
Mansfield: Helpful ministry was given by Bill Lavery. The assembly also enjoyed a missionary report by Timothy Sloan.
Washington
Seattle: A special two-day conference dealing with the subject of Christian Relationships was held on April 16-17. Sandy Higgins and David Oliver gave helpful and challenging teaching. The conference was well-attended and included many saints from assemblies in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia.
Wisconsin
Egg Harbor: Lorne Mitchell and Brian Owen had 2 weeks of enjoyable ministry on assembly truth and reception into an assembly.
St. Lucia
Jack Nesbitt writes, “Last night, we began our fourth week of gospel meetings in Cacoa in a rented building. This is a small community of many that are on connecting roads on top of a ridge of high hills. The actual community is new to us, but several believers from the Forestiere assembly have relatives in the community. It is most encouraging to see the desire of the believers in Forestiere seeking to probe new areas with the gospel. We also enjoy good support from La Gare, Ciceron, and Castries. Their number may only total about seventy believers but their enthusiasm is great. They also bring many of their own children who are not saved. We use the Two Roads Chart in the building and a P.A. system with outside speakers enabling us to preach to a wide area. Our sister Jean McCandless from the St. Thomas assembly gave us hundreds of small texts and book markers that she made, each with a Bible verse. We are using them in this series and they are most acceptable. The interest is good and contacts are being made.”
Russia
St. Petersburg: David Richard writes, “We are getting settled into the routine of the work here. I am having weekly Bible studies on the topic of “New Testament Church Principles.” This seems to be well received by the assembly.
We recently visited a shelter for children in the city. This work has been going on since 1997. They have the use of a dormitory in an apartment block. However, in two years time the building has to undergo major renovations, so they will have to find somewhere else to house the 15 children of various ages. Sabrina Booth is able to visit more often than I can, as she does not need the services of an interpreter.”
Conferences
Sioux City, Iowa
July 16-17 in the Gospel Hall, 120 South Leonard Street, Sioux City, IA 51103. Saturday: Prayer Meeting 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: Breakfast 9 a.m., Breaking of Bread 9:45 a.m., Bible Reading 11:15 a.m. (1 Peter 2), Children’s Meeting 1:30 p.m., Ministry 2:30 p.m., Testimony/Gospel 6 p.m. Dinner and supper will be served. Corr: Sam Hayes, Tel: 712-255-4962; e-mail: george44987@msn.com. Accom: Enoch Hayes, Tel: 712-277-1176.
Westbank, BC
July 29-31 in the Highway Gospel Hall, 2549 Hebert Road. Friday: Prayer/Ministry 7:30 p.m.; Saturday: Bible Reading 10 a.m. (John 15), Ministry 2:30 p.m., Ministry/Gospel 7 p.m., Sing 9 p.m.; Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 9:30 a.m., Sunday School 11:15 a.m., Ministry 2:30 p.m., Gospel 7:15 p.m. Corr: Glenn A. Griffin, 3344 Elliott Road, Westbank, B.C. V4T 1P2; Tel: (250)768-3343; e-mail: griffarm@telus.net.
Lorain, OH
August 20-21 in Grace Gospel Hall, 3006 Elyria Avenue. Saturday: Bible Reading 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (“The Messiah”), Ministry 3:45 p.m., Gospel 7 p.m.; Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 9:15 a.m., Sunday School and Ministry 11:15 a.m., Ministry 2 p.m., Gospel 7 p.m. Corr: Randall H. Bradford, 1875 E 34th Street, Lorain, OH 44055; Tel: 440-277-5461.
Fort McMurray, AB
August 27-28, hosted by the Wood Buffalo Gospel Hall assembly. Prayer meeting Friday, August 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Waterways Community Centre, 7302 Bulyea Ave. Saturday: Ministry 10 a.m., Bible Reading 2 p.m., Ministry 3:45 p.m., Gospel 7:30 p.m. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10 a.m., Sunday School 11:45 a.m., Bible Reading 2:30 p.m., Ministry 4:15 p.m., Gospel 7:30 p.m. Contact Sam Payne 780-715-0468, or Terry Lush 780-715-0298.
Akron, OH
September 3-4 in Copley High School, 3797 Ridgewood Road, Copley. Prayer meeting Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Gospel Hall, 2705 Smith Road; Tel: 330-867-3818. Saturday: Ministry 10 a.m., Bible Reading 1:30 p.m. (“Spiritual Growth and Development of Young Married Couples in the Home and in the Assembly”). Breaking of Bread at 10 a.m. Accom: David Metcalf, 3228 Blake Road, Wadsworth, OH 44281; e-mail Dmetcalftt@msn.com; Tel: 330-334-9691. Corr: Kenneth Webb, PO Box 13350, Akron, OH 44334; Tel: 330-666-9466
Clementsvale, NS
September 3-4 in the Champlain Hall, Cornwallis Park. Saturday: Prayer and Ministry 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Gospel 7 p.m. Sunday: Bible Reading 8:30 a.m. (Hebrews 1), Breaking of Bread 10 a.m., Ministry 2 p.m., Gospel 6:30 p.m. Corr: Lionel Cress; Tel: 902-467-3115. Accom: please call in advance, Jonathan McCelland, Tel: 902-638-3260; e-mail: jkmcclelland@ns.sympatico.ca.
Grande Prairie, AB
September 3-4 in the Grande Prairie Gospel Hall. Saturday: Ministry 10:30 a.m., Bible Study (Colossians 3) 1:30 p.m., Ministry 3:30 p.m., Gospel 7 p.m. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10:30 a.m., Open Sunday School 12:45 p.m., Ministry 2 p.m., Gospel 7 p.m. For information contact Robert Eyers, Tel: 780-513-8916.
Hitesville, IA
September 17-18 with Prayer Meeting in the Gospel Hall on Friday, September 16, at 7:30 p.m. The other conference meetings will be held at the Aplington/Parkersburg Middle School, 215 10th Street, Aplington, IA 50604; Tel: 319-347-2394. Bible Reading topic on Lord’s Day morning before the Breading of Bread is Psalm 118. Breaking of Bread at 10:30 a.m. Corr: Larry L. Brandt, 509 Lincoln Street, Parkersburg, IA 50665; Tel: 319-346-1084.
Conference Reminders:
Kamloops, BC – July 1-3
Taylorside, SK – July 1-3
Kirkland Lake, Englehart, Ealton, Charlton, ON – July 2-3
Pugwash Junction, NS – July 2-3
Updates
Additions /Corrections to List of Workers
Mr. Matthew Entz, Box 940, 532 51st Ave., Coalhurst, AB T0L 0V0; Tel: 403-381-8590
Mr. David Hierlihy, 1083 Hebron Rd., RR 1, Coleman, PE Can. C0B 1H0; (902) 859-3408
Mr. Steve Kember, Steinbach, MB (not MN).
Mr. Jim Jarvis, e-mail: jnjarvis00@yahoo.ca.
Mr. Mark Ronald, PO Box 20, Ikelenge, NWP, Zambia; e-mail: ronald@sakeji.com.
Mr. Paul Thiessen, Apartado 2-200, Guadalajara 2, Jalisco, Mexico C.P. 44281; e-mail: thiessenpb@prodigy.net.mx.
Omitted from June’s Address List
Mr. Gaius Goff, 3312 Hillcrest Way, Forest Grove, OR USA 97116; (503) 357-4125; E-mail: goffgc@hotmail.com
Mr. Jack Gould, 14 Cullen Dr., Winnipeg, MB Can. R3R 1N9; (204) 897-4288; E-mail: jfgould@mb.sympatico.ca
Mr. Albert W. Grainger, 854 Riverlea Rd., Huntsville, ON Can. P1H 1X5
Mr. Arnold Gratton, Box 67, Grand Bend, ON Can. N0M 1T0
Mr. Ernest Green, 1160 Blvd. Roland Therrien, Longueuil, Montreal, QC Can. J4J 4L4
Mr. Walter Gustafson, 314 Wyndale Drive, Chalfont, PA USA 18914-3940; (215) 997-1295; E-mail: WNGustafson@juno.com
Mr. Richard Hanna, 34 Swansea Road, Ste 211, Unionville, ON Can. L3R 0W3
Mr. Eugene Higgins, 117 W. Cottage Ave., Haddonfield, NJ USA 08033; (856) 795-6218; E-mail: erh316@aol.com
Mr. Tom Hoy, 3309 – 180th Street N.E., Arlington, WA USA 98823; (360) 653-7939
Mr. Albert Hull, 66 Saywood Dr., Bible Hill, Truro, NS Can. B2N 6L2; (902) 893-2294; E-mail: alberthull@ns.sympatico.ca
Change of Address and Meeting Times
Minneapolis, MN: Fridley Gospel Hall, 5300 6th St. N.E., Fridley, MN 55421. Meeting times are unchanged except the Breaking of Bread is changed to 10 a.m. from 9:30 a.m. Correspondent remains the same: Jim Brown, 97F South Drive, Circle Pines, MN, 55014; Tel: 763-780-9151; e-mail: jim.brown@usfamily.net.
Change of Correspondent
Omaha NE: Mark Van Der Hart, 846 Amelia Ave., Elkhorn, NE 68022; e-mail: markvdh@att.net; Tel: 402-699-0621.
Change of Address of Correspondent
Robert Reilly (Victoria Park Gospel Hall, Toronto): e-mail address has been changed to rdreilly@sympatico.ca.
Homecalls
Wayne Epple of Grants Pass, OR, on January 28, age 82. Born and born again in Iowa, he was in assembly fellowship first at Hitesville. After moving to Oregon from Dumont in 1984, he was in fellowship at Grants Pass. He was appreciated for his enjoyment of the grace of God and his encouragement, by attitude and example, of his fellow-believers. He consistently maintained a fearless personal witness, speaking joyfully of his Savior. Few who came to Wayne for a new windshield did not also leave with a clearer view of eternity. His funeral in Grants Pass, shared by local brethren, and a second large funeral in Hitesville, taken by Art Ward, showed the fondness and respect many had for our brother. He is survived by his wife Lois, two sons and daughters, three sisters and a brother, 16 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.
Floyd L. Sigmon of Hickory, NC, on January 28, age 74. Floyd was saved on April 16, 1957, through John 14:2, two days after his wife was saved, through the faithful preaching of O. L. MacLeod and Lorne McBain. Floyd, with his wife Virginia, continued steadfastly for many years in the Hickory assembly. They were instrumental in seeing others saved and gathered to the Lord’s Name. He leaves his wife, five sons, and 10 grandchildren, some of them saved. He spoke the gospel to many family members on his deathbed and his passing made a marked impression on some of them. John Setzer, David Petterson, and Fred Dancy took part in the large funeral. The gospel was faithfully preached, and among those who heard it were Floyd’s 98-year-old mother and 11 brothers and sisters, most of them unsaved. “He being dead yet speaketh” (Hebrews 11:4).
Norman Stewart of Winnipeg, MB, on March 17, age 88. He was saved at age 19 in 1938, and continued steadfastly in the fellowship of the West End assembly ever since. He was faithful in attendance at meetings and sought to bring his children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Of a cheerful mien, he was always willing to help in the activities of the assembly, and was faithful in giving out tracts and VIAs. He spent the last five years in a personal care home, but kept up on the affairs of the believers. He was predeceased by his wife Janet in 2003, and his only son David on January 1, 2005. He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Joan Bowman of Edmonton (Connors Hill assembly) together with her husband Joseph, David’s wife Beverly, and five grandsons. The funeral was conducted by Jack Gould and David McPhee.
