Canada
Alberta
Edmonton: Peter Simms had two weeks of ministry meetings here in November with excellent attendance.
Lac la Biche: There has been good interest in this town which is three hours north of Edmonton, and the Lord worked, with some being saved at tent meetings this past summer with John Fitzpatrick and Gordon Williams. Brother Fitzpatrick hoped to do some follow-up work in January.
Lethbridge: “We were very much encouraged when we baptized two more teens this month. One of these was saved as a result of coming to his grandmother’s funeral; he was saved through the words of the hymns that were sung. We also had a very interesting night of ministry from David Booth.”
British Columbia
Vancouver: A weekly gospel meeting has commenced in the Nanaimo Rd. Gospel Hall where a Sunday School work has been carried on for many years. Two young brethren have initiated this in fellowship with the Victoria Drive assembly, and will follow with a three-week series commencing March 12, D.V. The Fairview assembly purposes gospel meetings to commence February 19 with David Hunt and James McClelland. Please pray for these efforts.
Manitoba
Portage la Prairie: Joseph Chung, from New York, helped in gospel and ministry in December. He also visited among Koreans who are visiting the assembly. He also helped in a home Bible study that some of the sisters conduct. Brother Chung was in the West End assembly 1980-81 while attending university here; he was commended from the Conner’s Hill assembly in Edmonton to his work among Koreans in New York. Ross Vanstone has been in Panama, Central America, since the beginning of November spreading the gospel. As far as he knows there are no assembly workers in that part of the world. He has rented a house for several months and is having children’s and gospel meetings with some blessing. He has appreciated the help of brethren who have joined him occasionally. He and Mark Bachert hope to have tent meetings in February.
New Brunswick
Fredericton: Jon Procopio and Matthew Cain began gospel meetings January 8.
Sussex: Dan Shutt and Murray McCandless were encouraged with blessing in the recent gospel meetings.
Newfoundland and Labrador
L’Anse Au Loup: The Sunday School Treat on December 28 was well attended, with Tim Stefl speaking to the children and adults after the program. English Point had a program on December 18 with good attendance also. They served a supper before the gospel meeting. The brethren have distributed calendars door-to-door this month in an area reaching from Old Fort to Cartwright. Believers from L’Anse au Loup, English Point, and Red Bay joined for a meeting on December 4 at which Eric Fowler gave a report on the work in the Ukraine.
Nova Scotia
Nineveh: The Christians enjoyed, and were encouraged by, two nights of ministry with Eugene Higgins, and also two ministry meetings with Albert Hull on a Friday night and Sunday afternoon.
Ontario
Burgessville: The assembly enjoyed a Lord’s Day visit from Bruce Cottrill who gave very timely ministry. Fred Krauss was also with us for a Lord’s Day and three nights of ministry in December.
Clinton: Alex Dryburgh was with the assembly on the last Lord’s Day of the year, giving appreciated ministry and help in the gospel. Work on the new addition to the hall is progressing favorably for which we give thanks.
Grand Bend: The assembly much appreciated a good number of migrant workers from Mexico, St. Lucia, and Jamaica attending weekly gospel meetings. The messages are in Spanish in a rented building in nearby Crediton, while in English in the Gospel Hall. These meetings have continued from April to December. Brethren from neighboring assemblies assisted greatly, especially in Spanish. Over the past month on Mondays and Tuesdays, Jim Beattie has given valued ministry on “Knowing God.” He plans to continue this series in the New Year.
Midland: Jim Smith is scheduled to visit January 3-8. He plans to give ministry using his chart on the garments of the High Priest.
Sudbury: Fred Krauss was with the assembly for the monthly Saturday night ministry meeting in December and remained for the one-day conference on the Lord’s Day. Alvin Cook also was with the saints for the day. The believers appreciated the ministry that these brothers gave at this conference.
Thunder Bay: Timothy Kember gave ministry for two nights in October. Peter Smith was with the assembly for a week of children’s meetings in November during which 45 children and 19 adults attended. Our brother presented the way of salvation faithfully.
Welland: The assembly expects to begin gospel meetings on January 15 with Marvin Derksen and Jim Smith.
Quebec
St. Leandre: Larry Buote spent some time here in tract and text distribution. This is the first time he has visited in this small town.
U.S.A.
Alaska
Anchorage: The annual conference went well, with a sister attending from 175 miles to the south, some from over 300 miles to the north, as well as the whole Wasilla assembly. The Bible study was on the subject of “stewardship.” Dave McGaughey from Vancouver was able to come to give help. The conference was blessed by the salvation of a young lad.
California
Fresno: The assembly had two weeks of gospel meetings at the beginning of December. John Fitzpatrick was joined by Tom Baker, as Roy Weber was unable to come due to ill health. The seed was sown with many invitations and VIA magazines distributed, and we look to the Lord to give the increase. The brothers were able to have one Saturday afternoon meeting in Turlock during the meetings.
Connecticut
Newington: Aubrey Kelley visited for a night of appreciated and encouraging ministry and a report.
Florida
Tampa: Murray McCandless shared the ministry of the recent conference with a number of local brethren.
Iowa
Hitesville: Larry Perkins and John Slabaugh planned to start gospel meetings here on January 8, D.V.
Maine
Augusta: The saints enjoyed a visit from Eugene Higgins for ministry on December 12 and 13 and also a visit from Bryan Joyce on December 25.
Massachusetts
Saugus: The conference was very well attended, with many young believers present. The Lord gave help in the ministry and gospel. Those of the Lord’s servants taking part were Mark Bonnell (South Africa), Matthew Cain, Walter Gustafson, Eugene Higgins, Albert Hull, Murray McCandless, David Oliver, Jon Procopio, and Dale Vitale. The saints were uplifted and enjoyed fellowship with each other. The assembly is planning a gospel series, which is to commence with a children’s meeting on Saturday, January 7. This will enable them to again make contact with the children and parents who attended children’s meetings this past summer. Dan Shutt, helped by brethren from the assembly, will be responsible for the preaching.
Minnesota
Fridley: Eric McCullough hopes to visit here for some ministry meetings in the New Year.
New Mexico
Albuquerque: The assembly appreciated a weekend visit by Mr. and Mrs. John Slabaugh in November; a week of ministry on 1 Corinthians by Bill Lavery in December was profitable.
North Carolina
Denver: A special program was held in December for the children that have been coming to the weekly gospel meeting. The children memorized verses and received prizes. It was a joy to be able to give a word in the gospel to the parents who attended.
Ohio
Akron: The assembly appreciated a visit from John Slabaugh during December.
Lorain: Randall Bradford of the English-speaking assembly suffered a severe stroke this past fall and has since been confined to a nursing home. The believers keenly miss his presence and they, as well as the family, would deeply appreciate the prayers of God’s people for our brother and for the assembly.
Mansfield: Larry Perkins was here for a Lord’s Day and continued for a report meeting of the work of God in Russia.
Oregon
John Fitzpatrick recently did follow-up visitation and had a couple of house meetings in Wallowa, Ukiah, Pendleton, Burns, and Hines. He has had the gospel tent in past years in all but one of these places.
Pennsylvania
Bryn Mawr: “A large and attentive audience attended the monthly sing and meeting in the local nursing home. We trust the Word will find a place in the hearts of many who are advanced in age. A good session with the children and parents, with an excellent word which was followed by dinner, was held the week before Christmas. The assembly is distributing 1500 calendar packets door-to-door, which include an invitation to Gospel Meetings to begin on January 11 with Gene Higgins. Pray with us that some who come on Lord’s Day evenings will be stirred to regularly attend these meetings and be saved.”
Hatboro: The area ministry meeting was held mid-month on the subject of the Breaking of Bread Meeting. Dr. A. J. Higgins and Michael Hughes shared in that meeting and gave many helpful thoughts to provoke an exercise on the part of all regarding our preparation and participation in the Remembrance Meeting.
Virginia
Matoaca: The assembly enjoyed a visit from David Oliver in December.
Wisconsin
LaCrosse: Al Christopherson and William Skates planned to commence gospel meetings on January 8, Lord willing.
Mexico
Hermosillo: As many as 130 believers from Canada, Mexico, the U.S.A., and Venezuela delivered 120,000 texts and invitations from December 26-30. On the 27th, they began special gospel meetings in a rented building. Ninety-five people from the area attended the first meeting. The meetings continue with very good attendance. One woman has professed faith in Christ during the first week. At least two others have professed in the second week. About 16 large-scale “Seed Sower” efforts have proved to be a real blessing in this country in ways that only eternity will reveal.
Puerto Vallarta: With the help of Antonio Becerra (Barrington, NJ), Dr. A. J. Higgins, Randy Polley (Ixtapa), Jim Webb, and most of the Mexican missionaries, the Coapinole assembly had an excellent conference on Dec. 16, 17, and 18. Close to three hundred attended. Eight believers obeyed the Lord in baptism, and two souls made known afterwards that they had trusted Christ at the conference time.
Santiago: There has been encouraging fruit in the gospel preached here by Marcus Cain with other brethren helping him. Gospel meetings are expected to begin February 11, a night on which two believers will be baptized, Lord willing.
Tepic: “We look forward with joy to the arrival of Jason and Shelley Wahls, of Marion, Iowa, to help full-time in the work in this country. Please pray for them and their three young girls.”
Conferences
Bolton, ON
February 11-12. The Lord’s servants who have labored with, or have the confidence of the assembly are welcomed to minister as the Lord leads. Saturday meetings held in the Humberview High School, Kingsview Drive, Bolton. Prayer, Praise, and Ministry 1 p.m.; Ministry, especially for young in Christ, 7 p.m. Lord’s Day meetings held in the Gospel Hall, King Street, Bolton. Breaking of Bread 10 a.m. Corr: Philip Brodie, Tel: 905-951-9476, or Bob Curry, Tel: 905-857-0753.
Matoaca, VA
March 4-5 with a Prayer Meeting on Friday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m. The first meeting Saturday will be at 10:30 a.m. All meetings to be held in the Gospel Hall, 6204 River Road, Matoaca, Virginia. For accommodations contact John Nobles, Tel: 804-590-2988, or E-mail: jnobles6@aol.com.
Mt. Sterling, WI
March 25-26 with Prayer Meeting on Friday, March 24 in the Gospel Hall. All other meetings in the North Crawford High School, north of Gays Mills. First meeting on Saturday – 10 a.m. Breaking of Bread on Lord’s Day – 9:30 a.m. Bible Readings are on Colossians. For accommodations, please contact Richard M. Dudgeon, Tel: 608-734-3639, E-mail: rmdudgeon@juno.com, or Wayne Granzow, Tel: 608-874-4760. Outlines of the readings and the order of the meetings will be sent on request.
Stout, IA
April 8-9, with Prayer Meeting on Friday at 7:30 p.m. All meetings in the Gospel Hall. Ministry begins Saturday at 10 a.m.; Lord’s Day: Bible Reading 9 a.m. (Matthew 28), Breaking of Bread 10:30 a.m. Corr: Gary DeGroote, 28073 Westbrook St., New Hartford, IA 50660; Tel: 319-983-2713; email: gdegroote2@msn.com; Gospel Hall: 319-346-1153.
Culver City, CA
April 14-16 with Prayer Meeting on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday: Bible Reading 10 a.m. (James 3), Ministry 2 p.m., Gospel 6:30 p.m. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10:30 a.m., Sunday School 1 p.m., Ministry and Gospel 2-4:30 p.m. Please contact David Singleton, Tel: 818-365-355; E-mail: dms1ton@verizon.net.
Kapuskasing, ON
April 15-16 with Prayer Meeting on Friday, April 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kapuskasing Gospel Hall, 154 Mill Street. All other meetings will be in the Kapuskasing Education Centre, 61 Deveonshire St. This year will be the 25th anniversary of the beginning of the assembly. Saturday: Reports/History accounts 10-12 noon, Ministry 1:45-5 p.m., Gospel 7-8 p.m. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10:30-12 noon, Sunday School 1-1:30 p.m., Ministry 1:45-5 p.m., Gospel 7-8 p.m. For accommodations call Gerald Labelle, Tel: 705-335-3712 or Michel Larocque, Tel: 705- 335-5223
McKeesport, PA
April 22-23 with Prayer Meeting Friday, April 21st at 7:30 p.m. in the Gospel Hall, Prescott and Broadway. All other meetings in the McKeesport Senior High School (please note that this is a new location). Meetings begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Lord’s Day. The homes of the Christians will be open for visitors. Contact Rob Oliver at 412-664-1004, or rob@oliverpages.com for accommodations, or local hotel numbers for those desiring to make their own arrangements. Brethren Norman Crawford, Eugene Higgins, Albert Hull, Murray McCandless, David Oliver, and Jim Smith plan to be with us for the weekend. Corr: Tom Clark, tclarkjr5@aol.com, Tel: 412-751-5283.
Methuen, MA
April 29-30. Saturday: Prayer and Ministry 2:30-4:30 p.m. Gospel 5-6 p.m. with supper to follow. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10 a.m., Sunday School 11:30 a.m., Prayer and Ministry 2:30-5 p.m., Gospel 6:30-7:30 p.m. All meetings will be held in the Gospel Hall, 51 Merrimack Street. For accommodations, please contact David Vacca; Tel: 603-898-6704; E-mail: dvacca3@comcast.net.
Conference Reminders:
Deland, Fl – February 4-5
San Diego, CA – February 18-19
Updates
Change of Address
Alvin Cooke, PO Box 512, 415 Lakeshore Road, New Liskeard, ON P0J 1P0, Canada
William C. Lavery, 33205 Keystone Avenue, Parkersburg, IA 50665
David Rodgers (Chile) – E-mail address is rodgersdv@123.cl
Change of Correspondent
Albuquerque, NM: Duane Pickett, 3554 Colorado NE., Albuquerque, NM 87110; E-mail: ABQGospelHall@aol.com; Tel: 505-883-0464.
Change of Meeting Time
Midland Park: Gospel Meeting on Lord’s Day will be at 6 p.m. starting February 2006, and continuing through April 2006, D.V.
Homecalls
Robert Bartlett of Baddeck, NS, on October 1, 2005, age 87. Our dear brother was saved on February 21, 1984, during gospel meetings at Sydney, NS. He was received into fellowship at Blues Mills and later at Baddeck, where he faithfully attended meetings. Bob had a cheerful spirit and will be missed by all who knew him. Please pray for his dear wife, Marguerite, a daughter, and a brother. The gospel was faithfully preached at the funeral service by Fred Bartlett and John MacDonald.
Sadie Mercer of Brookfield, NL, on November 22, age 77. Our dear sister was saved in 1968 during the early days of the gospel work in the Templeman-Wesleyville area. She was part of the original group of believers that gathered as an assembly in 1971 and was marked by a genuine steadfastness over the years and a real love for the Lord’s people. Her home-call came during coronary surgery. She never regained consciousness here, but “awoke” in the presence of her Lord. Your prayers are valued as she left behind her unsaved husband along with ten children and their spouses, most of whom are not saved. Her passing is also keenly felt by the small assembly at Templeman which now has been reduced to four believers.
Doris Nutting of West Union, IA, on November 30, age 91. She and her husband had been church-goers but discovered through the preaching of the late William Warke and Louis Brandt that they were unprepared for eternity. Through the words of John 3:18 she trusted Christ on August 17, 1942. Her husband Bill, with the Lord since 1997, was saved at the same time and shortly thereafter both were received into the West Union assembly. Her contented, happy spirit was a testimony to all as she enjoyed the fellowship of the assembly until weakness and then sickness forced her to stay home. She is survived by two sons and one daughter, with their spouses, plus several grandchildren. John Slabaugh and Al Christopherson shared in the funeral service.
Robert (Bob) Rosania of Newington, CT, on December 10, age 65. He was born on April 18, 1940, and was saved January 7, 1953. He was in the assembly in Hartford and then in Newington all of the years since he was first received into fellowship. A hearty singer, he always participated in worship and gospel preaching. Matt Brescia spoke at the funeral home and Frank Tornaquindici at the grave. Bob’s son, Rob, his brother Richard, and his brother-in-law, Danny DiBella, also spoke. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, his son Rob and wife Ruth (Bell), and daughter Andrea.
Warner Sluiter of Parkersburg, IA, on December 17, 2005, age 90. Our dear brother was saved on December 29, 1959, during a series of gospel meetings by brethren L. DeBuhr and E. McCullough in Stout. He was the last of the Sluiter family of eight siblings to be reached. A quiet and faithful brother with a good testimony, he was in the Hitesville assembly for many years. His wife Elizabeth survives; also a daughter and two sons. Eric McCullough, the sons, and Robert Orr shared in the service at the hall.
Letha C. (Long) Corliss of Hardwick, VT, on December 22, 2005, age 95. She was born in 1910 and born again during the summer of 1939. Under conviction of sin, she was pointed to the Savior through the written letters of her sister-in-law, Nina Corliss. Letha was married in 1933 to the late Valentine Corliss, who predeceased her by 20 years. Both were in fellowship in the Hardwick assembly and were two of its original number when the assembly began functioning in 1947 in Woodbury. She was the last surviving member of this original group. She was faithful and always ready to testify of the reason of the hope that lay within her. Her seat is now empty and she will be missed. Walter Gustafson spoke at the funeral service and faithfully pointed one and all to the Lamb of God.
