Canada
Alberta
Fort McMurray: John and Linda Fitzpatrick were with the Wood Buffalo assembly in February. Our brother had uplifting ministry February 11-13.
British Columbia
Burnaby: The South Burnaby assembly was encouraged with some blessing in the gospel during three weeks of meetings February 15 through March 6 with Bryan Joyce and Gordon Williams.
Vancouver: The Victoria Drive assembly will commemorate the centenary of the assembly on April 25 and 26, D.V., with gospel meetings to follow. Please pray for these meetings.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Corner Brook: The saints in Corner Brook, McIvers, and Parsons Pond appreciated the helpful ministry of Alex Dryburgh on his way to and from Goose Bay where he had gospel meetings with Wallace Buckle.
English Point: David Booth started two weeks of ministry meetings here February 22. David Hunt and other brethren delivered calendars door-to-door in remote communities on the Quebec North Shore by snowmobile. Some came from Southern Ontario to help in this work.
Ontario
North Bay: The Nipissing Junction assembly enjoyed a visit from Al Cook in February when he ministered to profit on the local assembly, and preached the gospel in the evening. Later in February, Dan Elwes (Parry Sound) spoke at the annual Sunday school treat and reward day. A number of parents were present.
Sault Ste. Marie: The Christians enjoyed ministry from Brian Owen on January 25.
Sudbury: The assembly enjoyed having David Booth for the monthly ministry meeting in January and the following Lord’s Day. In February the saints appreciated ministry given by Bruce Rodgers.
U.S.A.
Arkansas
Alpena: The assembly enjoyed another visit in mid-February from Jerry Jennings who gave profitable ministry on Joseph in Genesis. To the encouragement of all, the Lord blessed again in the Hispanic outreach as a man professed salvation. Please remember Jack Saword and Melvin Mendez as they continue to reach Hispanic souls in the Springdale and Huntsville areas.
California
San Diego: The conference was helpful, and refreshing ministry was given by T. Baker, J. Beattie. A. J. Higgins, and D. Richards. The Bible reading on Romans 12 was very profitable. Dave Richards remained for two nights of appreciated ministry meetings.
Maine
Augusta: The saints appreciated ministry February 18 on The Gates of Jerusalem by Ken Taylor on his way to Dominica.
Michigan
Ferndale: The assembly had visits recently from Al Christopherson, Jack Nesbitt, Dan Shutt, and Frank Sona. Timely ministry and faithful gospel preaching were appreciated.
Saginaw: The assembly enjoyed a visit from Ken Taylor in early January. Jack Nesbitt and Stuart Thompson gave excellent ministry at the March 1 monthly ministry meeting. Brother Thompson continued in ministry the following three nights. We deeply appreciate the help our brethren gave to encourage the saints here and the surrounding assemblies.
Missouri
St Louis: The West End assembly enjoyed the fellowship and ministry from A. J. Higgins. Over three days, our brother, with the Lord’s enablement, spoke on the life of Joseph. The believers were very encouraged by the ministry and by our brother’s visit. The meetings were well attended and even some came out who haven’t been to the meeting in years. Please pray for those who
left the assembly and desire to come back.
North Carolina
Hickory: The assembly recently enjoyed ministry with Stu Thompson and a missionary report from Paul Poidevin. The assembly was encouraged in February with a sister’s coming into the fellowship, and with the baptism of another sister.
Ohio
Akron: Larry Perkins gave helpful ministry from Isaiah 41 and the Upper Room Ministry of the Lord.
Clyde: Larry Perkins was with us in February for the area ministry meeting, taking up godly examples of leadership from the life of Jehoshaphat and Hezekiah.
Pennsylvania
Hatboro: Albert Hull was with the assembly at the beginning of February in the gospel using his chart on Dispensations. The assembly is exercised about a number of younger ones associated with the believers that attended, as well as some in from the community.
McKeesport: The assembly had two weeks of encouraging gospel meetings with some visitors attending as well as a number of the children of Christians. Jim Smith shared the speaking with different local brothers each night. While no immediate blessing in salvation was apparent, good seed was sown. Continue to pray for those who heard the Word.
Philadelphia: Olney Gospel Hall held two weeks of Spanish gospel meetings in mid-January. Speakers were John Dennison and Melvin Mendez. The assembly was encouraged with a good response to invitations and many new contacts were made. Local brethren have continued in weekly meetings with interest shown.
Mexico
Ciudad del Carmen: Several brethren were involved in another two months of very fruitful gospel meetings on this island. Luis Acosta and five other Venezuelan believers, were a great help to the work here for a month. Ryan Langley (BC) had a week of profitable and appreciated ministry on church truth. A lot has been purchased and the construction of a new hall will soon be underway. The help of skilled workers would be invaluable.
Ciudad Obregon: Duncan Beckett (NB), Shad Kember Jr., and several other brethren continue with gospel meetings that have gone on almost nightly for several months. Three women were recently baptized, the firstfruits of that work.
Purisima: Following up on contacts from an Hispanic work in Portage la Prairie, Paul Thiessen and Owen Vanstone (Portage, MB) had a very encouraging week of gospel meetings in this small town in the state of Guanajuato. One woman professed to be saved, and sixty-five people witnessed the baptism of two men on the final night.
Santiago: James Dyck, helped by several other brethren, is encouraged with good attendance in a special series of gospel meetings.
Tepic: On March 1, two believers were baptized. The hall was well filled and a large number of unsaved present.
Veracruz: John Nesbitt, Harrys Rodriguez, and several other brethren have been involved in a very fruitful series of gospel meetings that has gone on for two months. On March 1, ten believers obeyed the Lord in baptism.
Conferences
Midland/Waubaushene, ON
Kindly note that this conference has been deferred this year as the assemblies will be pursuing a different format, so there will be NO conference gatherings on May 16-17.
Livingston, NJ
May 1-3. Friday: Prayer Meeting 7:30pm. Saturday: Ministry 10:30am and 2:30pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Ministry 2:30pm, Gospel 5pm. All meetings will be held at the Livingston Gospel Hall, 405 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, NJ. Tel 973 535-1485. Directions are on the web site www.livingstongospelhall.org. Contact Allan Valvano at 973 377-7839 or 201 404-5611, or at allanvalvano@livingstongospelhall.org; or David Valvano at 973 884-2484, dvalvano@optonline.net for assistance or accommodations.
Peterborough, ON
May 2, at the Parkhill Gospel Hall, 592 Park St. N. Meetings will commence at 2pm for prayer and ministry of the Word. Supper will be served at 5pm. Evening meeting at 7pm. Corr: Alan Hale, 77 Tower Hill Rd. #31, Peterborough, ON K9H 7N3; Tel: 705 745-1007.
Toronto, ON
May 8-10, Sixth Missionary Conference at the Langstaff Gospel Hall. Sessions will include missionary reports, missionary-related ministry, personal accounts of calls to full-time ministry, and a panel discussion. The planned speakers for this year are Mr. Mark Bonnell (South Africa), Tony Flett (Nicaragua), Jack Hay (Sri Lanka), Andrew Kluge (Chile), and Samuel Ussher (Venezuela). Meals will be provided in the hall. There is limited accommodation available in the homes of believers in the area. For information and assistance with accommodation, please contact Irving Payne at 905 773-3822, or E-mail sheryl.p@sympatico.ca.
Cumberland, MD
May 16-17, with Prayer Meeting Friday, May 15 at 7:30pm in the Cumberland Gospel Hall, 700 E. First St. All other meetings at the South Penn Elementary School, 500 E. Second St. First meeting Saturday 10am. Breaking of Bread Lord’s Day 10am. For accommodations, directions, or local hotel numbers for those wishing to make their own arrangements, contact Harold Harrison, Tel: 301 689-2432, or Tim Harrison, Tel: 301 689-0152, E-mail: sonnyh60@aol.com.
Ottawa, ON
May 16-17, in the Gospel Hall, 1087 North River Rd., with Prayer Meeting on Friday, May 15 at 7pm. Bible Readings 9am both mornings (Subjects – True Discipleship/ the Mind of Christ. Phil 1:27 to 2:16). Saturday: Prayer and Ministry 10.30am and 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10.30am, Sunday school 1pm, Prayer and Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Corr: M. Cottrill, Tel: 613 225-4708, E-mail: mervyncottrill@yahoo.ca.
Prince Edward Island
May 16-17, at Bluefield High School in Hampshire, PE. Saturday: Prayer and Ministry 10am and 2:15pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Sunday: Bible Reading 8:30am, Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday school 1:15pm, Prayer and Ministry 2:15pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Corr: Glen McKenna , 41 Andrews Dr., Kensington RR6, PE, C0B1M0; Tel: 902 836-3073, or Brian MacDonald, 25 MacRae Dr., Cornwall, PE, C0A1H0; Tel: 902 566-3831. Accom: Neil Thompson, Tel: 902 892-7216, or E-mail: neilthompson@pei.sympatico.ca.
Tylertown, MS
May 16-17, in the Gospel Hall, 179 Oral Church Road near Tylertown. Saturday: Prayer and Ministry 2pm, followed by supper. Lord’s Day: Ministry 10am, Lord’s Supper 11am, lunch 12 noon, Prayer and Ministry 2pm, supper 4:30pm. Accom: Ben Lohrbach at 228 396-8876, or Keith Young at 601 268-6802.
Byfield, MA
May 22 -24. Friday: Prayer Meeting 8pm. Saturday: Ministry 10:30am and 2:30pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Sunday school 12:15pm, Ministry 2:30pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Corr: John H. Short, 145 Main St., Byfield, MA 01922; E-mail: JohnHShort@comcast.net; Tel: 978 465-2207; Hall: 978 465-5569.
Goodwood, ON
May 23. Meetings commence at 1pm at the Gospel Hall, Hwy. 47 just east of the 3rd Concession. Contact: The webmaster at www.goodwood.gospelhall.com.
Grants Pass, OR
May 23-24, with Prayer Meeting, Friday, May 22 at 7:30pm in Gospel Hall, 1611 SW ‘G’ Street. Breaking of Bread 10am. Bible Reading subject to be announced. Lodging inquiries to Steve Lamb, 362 Barbara Drive, Grants Pass OR 97526; loislamb@grantspass.com; Tel: 541 476-1515. Corr: Don Gratias, 141 Timber Lane, Grants Pass OR 97526; dgratias@charter.net; Tel: 541 479-4521; Hall: 541 476-3956.
Hickory/Denver, NC
May 22-24, in the Gospel Hall, 253 – 17th Ave. NE, Hickory, NC, 28601; Hall Tel: 828-324-2118. Friday: Prayer Meeting 7:30pm. Saturday: Prayer and Ministry 10:30am and 1:45pm, Gospel 4:15pm, Hymn Sing 6:30pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 9:30am, Sunday school 11:30am, Prayer and Ministry 1:45pm., Gospel 6pm. For directions or accommodations, contact Philip Moore at 828 324-1532.
Welland, ON
May 23-24. Spanish Conference in the Welland Gospel Hall, 405 Lyons Creek Rd. Saturday: Prayer and Ministry 10am, Bible Reading 1:45pm, Ministry 3:15pm, Gospel 7pm. Lord’s Day: Lord’s Supper 9:30am, SS 11:30am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. All meetings except Lord’s Supper and Sunday school will be in Spanish. Speakers expected: Jack Saword, Samuel Ussher, John Thropay, Andrew Kluge, Tony Flett, and David Booth. Accom: Fernando Rodriguez. Tel: 905 938-9646, E-mail: fernando.rodriguez149@yahoo.com.
Eden Grove, ON
June 7, in the Gospel Hall, with Prayer Meeting, Saturday, June 6 at 7:30pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Directions: 1 mile west of Bruce County Rd. #3 (Elora Road), on Bruce Rd. 15 (#111). Corr: John W. Boddy, Sr., RR # 4, Walkerton ON N0G 2V0; Tel: 519 366-2302; E-mail: boddysyrup@xplornet.com.
Saugus, MA
June 6-7. Annual Bible Reading Conference, with Prayer Meeting on Friday, June 5 at 7:30pm. The subject is “Essential Truths: A Survey of Doctrines Concerning Salvation, Baptism, and Fellowship.” The format will include a time of ministry, followed by a Bible Reading for each of the subjects. Saturday: Salvation (Dr. David Vallance) 10am, Baptism (Michael Penfold) 2:30pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Sunday: Remembrance Meeting 10am, Sunday school 11:45am, Fellowship (Frank Sona) 2pm, Exhortation (Dr. David Vallance) 4:30pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Outlines will be posted on www.walnutstreetgospelhall.com by April 1. Corr: Anthony Grillo, 46 Grey Lane, Lynnfield, MA 01940; tonygrillo@netzero.com; Tel: 781 3346363. Accom: David Lusk, Tel: 781 942-7006; luskdanda@yahoo.com.
North Bay, ON
June 13-14, in Nipissing Junction Gospel Hall, 1340 Lakeshore Drive. Friday: Prayer 7:30pm. Bible Reading on Saturday 9am (The Resurrection). Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 9:30am, Bible Reading 11:30am (The Resurrection, cont’d). Corr: C. Black, 63 Massey Dr., North Bay, ON, P1A3Y3; Tel: 705 497 1284. Accom: D. Culin, Tel: 705 498-1447; Hall: 705 474-3384.
Conference Reminders:
Clarksville, IA – April 5
Winnipeg, MB – April 3-5
Kapuskasing, ON – April 10-12
Manchester, CT – April 10-12
Nineveh, NS – April 11-12
Stout, IA – April 11-12
Toronto, ON – April 10-12
Vancouver, BC – April 10-12
Newbury, ON – April 18
Palm Spring, CA – April 19
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA – April 18-19
Fredericton, NB – April 24-26
McKeesport, PA – April 25-26
Newmarket, ON – May 3
Address correction
Jesse and Mary Fitch: 1120 N. 23rd Street, Council Bluffs, IA USA 51501-0938.
Change of Address
Harrys and Rebekah Rodriguez: 7454 Hwy. 412, Hindsville, AR 72738. This is a temporary move to accommodate special treatment for their son Noel.
Home-calls
Mr. Larry Franklin Lail of Hickory, NC, on January 1, age 60. He was born February 23, 1948, in Catawba County, son of the late Roy Calvin Lail and Virginia Lail Sigmon. He was a loving and devoted husband and father. On November 28, 1976, Larry trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior, and received assurance of eternal life in heaven through God’s Word. For more than 30 years, Larry gathered faithfully at the Hickory Gospel Hall and lived a life of faithful service to his Lord and fellow-believers. Larry will be greatly missed by the believers in Hickory. He is survived by his mother, Virginia Sigmon, his loving wife, Janice, a daughter, and four brothers. The funeral was taken by Philip Moore, Stan Moore, and David Petterson, with a word from Johnny Setzer at the graveside.
Theodore Strandrud of Seattle, WA, on January 10, age 86. He was saved while serving in the US Navy during WW II. After returning home, Ted finally found Christians gathering as he had read in his Bible onboard ship. For years he was in assembly fellowship in Seattle, with several years in Hastings, New Zealand, and Pennsauken, NJ. Ted was a quiet, consistent Christian gentleman. He had a deep love and knowledge of God’s Word. Ted was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 48 years, Doris, in 2000. He is survived by two children, Mary Bragiel and Tim Strandrud, five grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
Mr. Franklin “Bud” Brandeau of Deseronto, ON, on January 15, in his 74th year. Our dear brother was born again on September 16, 1963, while pushing a laundry cart in a hospital at St. Thomas, ON, and later wrote a tract detailing his conversion. Bud loved the gospel and helped Wade Steers in gospel meetings in his younger days. He loved God’s assembly and enjoyed and participated in all the meetings. Bud was in fellowship here in the 1970’s and returned to help in 2002. He is survived by his wife, Mary Anne, four children – Rose Marie, Jim, Valerie, Martha; grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The gospel was faithfully preached and words of comfort spoken at the well attended funeral taken by Allen Madigan and Reg Badgley. Murray McLeod closed with prayer. Interment was at St. Thomas where a second funeral was conducted by Wade Steers, helped by Lyle and John McCandless, with brother-in-law Bert Geelen giving a tribute. He will be truly missed. Please pray for unsaved family members.
Shirley Bates of Unionville, ON, on January 25, age 79. Our sister was saved at the age of thirteen through the words, “Ye must be born again.” She was a true example of a “meek and quiet spirit.” She was a faithful sister in the Unionville assembly since coming with her husband Harry (now in glory) from the former Pape Avenue assembly in Toronto. Her daughter and two sons gave testimony at the large funeral to her gentle, yet godly influence in their lives. Paul Markle spoke of the believer’s confidence at the graveside.
Mrs Esther Stewart of Bridgetown, Co. Donegal, Ireland, on January 25. As a young girl of 8� she trusted the Lord Jesus for salvation, and for the rest of her life wanted to bring others to know her Saviour. She was a true help-meet to her husband Gilbert for 47� years, supporting him in his gospel work in Cork city where they had their first home, and more lately in Co. Donegal, in the strengthening of assembly testimony and gospel outreach. The Lord blessed them with two daughters upon whom she lavished much love, taught them the Scriptures, and rejoiced to see them saved. Their mother’s godliness and tireless efforts to get people to hear the gospel had a great influence on their lives. Priscilla and her husband David McAllister serve the Lord in Livingstone, Zambia, while Caroline and her husband Noel Brown are active in the work of Windsor assembly in Belfast. She was a loving grandmother to her six grandchildren, and had a keen interest and spiritual care for young people in her local area and beyond. She will also be greatly missed by her two sisters and two brothers and their families. The large company of people who came to her funeral was a testimony to the many lives she touched. In the funeral services, words of comfort and a clear gospel were spoken by J.M. Flanigan, J. Fleck, S. Patterson, J.G. Hutchinson, and D. Gilliland.
Darrell Wessels of Blue River, WI, on February 3, age 62. He was saved December 27, 1959, while reading Isaiah 53:5 during special meetings being held in the Stout Gospel Hall by Leonard DeBuhr and Eric McCullough. He was in fellowship, first in Stout, then Hitesville following his marriage, and then the Antioch assembly from its commencement in 1974, moving to Blue River in 1996. He held many children’s meetings in the towns surrounding Blue River in the portable Children’s Bible Van. He is survived by his wife Elaine, two daughters and one son with their spouses, along with four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother just six weeks earlier. The large funeral was held in the Community Hall with Ed Miller and his brother-in-law Russ Nesbit sharing the service. Jim Frazier spoke at the grave.
James V. Brandon of Lambton Shores, ON, on February 7, age 94. Jim was saved on November 11,1925, through 1 John 1:7. He was later received into the Lake Shore assembly where he continued for over 70 years until health issues prevented him from attending the meetings. Jim was a faithful, steadfast elder to the assembly, taught Sunday school for many years, and was loved by all. The funeral was taken by Wm. Metcalf and David Oliver. Jim’s desire was that the gospel be preached at his funeral, and a good number of unsaved friends and family heard the gospel message. He is survived by his wife Madeline, and sons Lorne (Nancy) and Alan (Sue), as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by first wife Esther (1996).