Canada
Alberta
Fort McMurray: Present at our annual conference on August 27-29 were Bryan Funston, Scott MacLeod, Dave Richards, James Ronald, Peter Simms, and Stan Wells. The ministry was both encouraging and challenging.
British Columbia
Burnaby: The South Burnaby assembly saw three teenage girls, originally from Sudan, baptized in July. In August, 28,000 flyers were delivered in Burnaby and New Westminster, followed by a week of Bible School with 80-100 children attending, plus a couple of adults.
Terrace: During the first two weeks of August, John Fitzpatrick and Jim Jarvis held tent meetings. Several from the area were out, some of whom continue to show interest.
Vancouver: The gospel booth at the Pacific National Exhibition was erected in August for the 37th year at this 17-day event where over 900,000 attend. The feature was a large walk-in sectional scale model of Noah’s ark which presented many opportunities to speak with people about Christ and the need of salvation. Large quantities of literature was given out. A special issue of the Gospel Messenger highlighted the 100th anniversary of the PNE and included a simple gospel message. Young brethren and sisters of the Victoria Drive assembly conducted two weeks of children’s meetings, one in an outdoor basketball court at a housing complex, and the other in the hall. They were encouraged on both occasions.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Rocky Harbour: Eric Fowler and Stephen Joyce erected a tent here for a gospel series in August. There was good interest with a number of souls coming consistently. The meetings were well supported by the saints in Parsons Pond, Corner Brook, and McIvers. They look to the Lord for His blessing.
Ontario
London: The Highbury assembly was encouraged by four weeks of faithful gospel preaching by A. Robertson and L. Perkins. Three visitors professed salvation. Two Chinese pilots were recently baptized which was an encouragement to the assembly. There is an ongoing Sunday night gospel outreach continuing in the Chelsea Hall.
Oshawa: The assembly was encouraged when two young adults where baptized in the local lake. Many outsiders, including some Muslims, heard the Word and witnessed the event. Both of those baptized came into assembly fellowship recently. The assembly also enjoyed three nights of ministry by David Booth.
Timmins: Bruce Rodgers gave four days of appreciated ministry on Romans 5, 6, and 7, during the third week of July. In August, Alvin Cook spoke to children and adults at the Sunday school picnic, and Alan Clark gave a missionary report on the work in El Salvador.
U.S.A.
Iowa
Antioch: Al Christopherson and Eric McCullough will value prayer for present gospel meetings with the little assembly here.
Massachusetts
Methuen: In late July, the assembly had its annual “Parking Lot Giveaway,” with 75+ stopping by throughout the morning. Gospel texts, NTs, and VBS invitations were given out. A week of VBS followed in early August with over 50 attending. Tim Procopio from Saugus spoke to the parents on Friday night. It was an encouragement to see some blessing in salvation. Please pray for children who continue to come to the Sunday school as a result.
Saugus: The Vacation Bible School series concluded on August 23 with good attendance. In particular, a number of newcomers and some parents faithfully attended. The series was on the subject of Moses, and was of great interest to the children and the adults. The Sunday school picnic was also held during the series.
Worcester: The assembly was encouraged by a visit from Alvin Cook at the end of July.
Minnesota
Rutledge: R. Orr and J. Portman were to start preaching the gospel here after the Labor Day weekend in a rented room.
North Carolina
Denver: The saints enjoyed the annual VBS in the tent (July 18-24) located in a trailer park from which some Sunday school children are picked up. David Petterson used the feasts of Jehovah to present a clear gospel message to the children. New contacts were made, and two 12-year-old children from the assembly professed to be saved. The weather was very hot, but the children were rewarded on Saturday with a cookout at the local swim club. The assembly held a two week gospel tent series September 12-25 in Denver with gospel literature distributed at the Lincoln County Apple Festival. Dan Shutt and Dan McDonald were responsible for the preaching, and prayer would be valued for blessing as a result.
Wisconsin
Boscobel: Jim Frazier and T. Topley (N. Ireland) preached the gospel in a tent here.
Mexico
Ciudad del Carmen: Timothy Stevenson (Northern Ireland) shared in the gospel with David Alves, Jr. in well-attended house meetings in August. A. J. Higgins had six ministry meetings in early September on the subject of “How to Study the Bible,” which was appreciated by believers from three different assemblies.
Puerto Vallarta: Marcus Cain gave two nights of appreciated ministry on the prophecy of Isaiah.
Veracruz: Paul Thiessen was with the assembly for a week of Bible readings on major doctrines of the gospel.
Zacatecas: Much prayer is requested for Jason and Shelley Wahls, and their three young girls, as they move here in October. This is a new frontier as far as assembly pioneer work in this country is concerned.
Zamora: Local brethren had well-attended children’s meetings in the hall, with up to one hundred and eighty children and adults present.
England
Bicester: Four weeks of tent meetings on a school playing field in Bicester with Frank Sona and Marvin Derksen in August, saw over 70 unsaved in attendance and one young girl professing to be saved. Children’s meetings in the mornings of the first week conducted by local brethren resulted in new contacts being made.
N. Ireland
Gospel meetings continued as of early September in the following places:
Ballyclare, Co Antrim: John Fleck and Stephen Gillfillen
Ballywatermoy: E. Robinson
Currian, Co Fermanagh: David McGarvey
Dollingstown, Co Armagh: Brian Curry and Jack Palmer
Drumenagh, Co Londonderry: James McClelland and David Gilliland
Drumloan, Co Fermanagh: Gary Woods and Samuel Nelson
Kilkeel, Co Down: Noel Fleck and Alex Wilson
Larne, Co Antrim: Large numbers met over the weekend of August 27-31 in the Leisure Centre Gym Hall for the annual conference. Bible readings on the book of Ruth were opened by John Grant (Scotland), Norman Mellish (England), Robin McKeown, and David Gilliland. Those sharing in ministry, reports, and gospel, were Jim Allen, John Fleck, Philip Harding (Wales), Bill Lavery (USA), James McClelland (Nova Scotia), and Colin Raggett (Botswana).
Republic of Ireland
Donegal: The believers at Bridgetown enjoyed an afternoon of ministry on Saturday, August 7 with approximately 200 present. John Fleck, Stephen Gilfillan, David Gilliland, and William Lavery, gave very encouraging ministry.
Dublin: The assembly at Rathmines appreciated ministry from brethren W. Martin and A. Kurian during the month of August.
Conferences
Special Notice
Thanks to correspondents who have responded with dates for 2011 conferences. These must be received by November 4 to be included in the December issue, D.V. The purpose is to facilitate long-range planning for individuals and assemblies. No details are required for this list – only dates. Please contact the news editor (see inside cover) to confirm the dates of your conference by November 4.
St. Thomas, ON
There will be no conference this year.
Terryville, CT
October 15-17, with Prayer Meeting on Friday, October 15 at 7:30pm in the Gospel Hall, 36 N. Main St. All other meetings held in the Harry S. Fisher School, N. Main St., 1/8 mile north of the hall. Saturday: Ministry 2pm, Gospel 6pm. (Note: No meeting on Saturday morning). Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 4:30pm. Accom: Steve Morin, Tel: 860 583-9904.
Arborfield, SK
October 22-24, with Prayer Meeting Friday, October 22 at 7:30pm. Saturday: Prayer/Ministry 10am, 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Sunday school 1:30pm, Prayer/Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Lunch and supper will be served. For information contact Harold Thesen. Tel: 306 769-8596 or Floyd Pickering, Tel: 306 769-8608.
Alpena, AR
November 6-7, in the Gospel Hall, 401 Lane Street. Saturday: Bible Reading 2pm (Exodus 29), with ministry and gospel following. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday school 11:30am, Ministry 1:30pm. For information or accommodations: Fred Stevenson, Tel: 573 201-1282, E-mail: fstev153@embarqmail.com; or Will Trowbridge, Tel: 479 665-4189, E-mail: Will@madisoncounty.net.
London, ON
November 6-7, in the Gospel Hall, 1196 Highbury Ave. Friday: Prayer Meeting 8pm. Saturday: Ministry 10am, 2pm, and 7pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 9:30am, Ministry 2:30pm, Gospel 7pm. Corr: Philip Lampkin, 1742 Attawandaron Road, London, ON, N6G 3N1; Tel: 519 472-8747; E-mail felipe524@execulink.com; Hall: 519 451-8233.
Blues Mills, NS
November 13-14, in the Gospel Hall, 34 Mountain Rd. Saturday: Ministry 2pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 6:30 pm. Corr: John Bain, E-mail: john@thegospel.ca, Tel: 902 625-2409. See www.thegospel.ca.
Oshawa ON
November 13, in the Gospel Hall, 150 Albert St. Ministry at 2 and 7pm, with supper served between. Corr. Ken Nicholson, Tel: 905 579-7540.
Brampton, ON
November 20-21, with Prayer Meeting on Friday, November 19 at 8 pm at the Gospel Hall, 6 Beech St. All other meetings to be at the Brampton Fairgrounds, Junior Farmers Hall, 12942 Heart Lake Road. The conference theme is “The Person and Work of Christ,” with meetings starting on Saturday at 10am. Invited speakers: Marvin Derksen, Alex Dryburgh, Jim Jarvis, Scott MacLeod, and Frank Sona. Corr: John Selesnic, 18 Dorchester Dr., Brampton, ON L6T 3C6; Tel: 905 793-5450; E-mail: john.mar.slsnc@sympatico.ca.
Maberly, ON
November 27, at Wheeler’s Pancake House and Sugar Camp. Directions: Hwy 7 to Maberly; take the Maberly-Elphin Rd. (formerly Cty. Rd. 36) north to McDonald’s Corners; turn right and follow the signs to Wheeler’s Pancake House. Meetings are at 2:30 and 7pm. Corr: Gordon McLeod, Tel: 613 268-2616.
Saugus, MA
December 4-5, with Prayer Meeting on Friday, December 3, at 7:30pm. Saturday: Prayer/Ministry 10:30am and 2:30pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Sunday: Remembrance Meeting 10am, Sunday school 11:45am, Prayer/Ministry 2:30pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Corr: Anthony Grillo, E-mail: tonygrillo@netzero.net; Tel: 781 334-6363.
Pennsauken, NJ
January 8-9, 2011, in Haddonfield Middle School, Lincoln and Chestnut Aves., Haddonfield, NJ. Prayer Meeting on Friday, January 7, at 7:30 pm in the Gospel Hall, 6530 Caroline Ave. at Rte. 38 near Rte. 70, Pennsauken, NJ; Tel: 856 662-1201. Brethren M. Bachert, P. Coulson, M. Derksen, D. Oliver, and J. Procopio, plan to be with us. Corr: David A. Curran, 326 Windsor Ave., Haddonfield, NJ 08033-1142; Tel: 856 429-4443; E-mail: dacurran@aol.com.
Conference Reminders:
Clinton, ON – October 1-3
Manchester, IA – October 2-3
Roseisle, MB – October 1-3
Sussex, NB – October 2-3
Cape Breton, NS – October 9-10
Paradise Valley, AB/Maidstone & Mervin, SK – October 8-10
Brandon, MB – October 11
Vancouver, BC – October 9-11
Blue River, WI – October 16-17
Edmonton, AB – October 15-17
L’Anse au Loup, LB – October 15-17
Niagara Falls, ON – October 16-17
Livonia, MI – October 23-24
St. John’s, NL – October 29-31
La Crosse, WI – October 30-31
Wallaceburg, ON – October 30-31
Newington, CT – November 6-7
Saskatoon, SK – November 6-7
Bryn Mawr/Hatboro, PA – November 13-14
Oil Springs, ON – November 13-14
Phoenix, AZ – November 25-28
Address Correction
John M. Slabaugh, 1125-B Elim Dr., Marion, IA 52302-5875; Tel: 319 373-6242, Cell: 319 360-0361 (note corrected zip code)
Change of Address
Norman Crawford: New E-mail address is norm.crawford@att.net.
Doug and Kay Reid (Costa Rica): New E-mail address is dugkreid@gmail.com.
Change of Correspondent
Cambridge, ON: Phillip Watson, 1183 Sager Rd, RR#2 Branchton., ON; Tel: 519 740-1470; E-mail: pgwatson@silomail.com.
Change of Address of Correspondent
Applewood Heights Gospel Hall, Mississauga, ON:(Correction with our apology) Dr. Paul Robinson remains the correspondent. An address change for Dr. Donald Robinson was placed in error under this heading in the September issue.
Home-calls
Robert Hicks of Cleveland, OH, on July 5, age 70. Bob was born and raised in the Cleveland area and as a boy was involved in a serious car accident that put him into a coma so severe, that doctors told his mother to begin planning his funeral. Bob did recover and speaks of how this event spoke to him about his need of salvation. He was later saved as a teenager through Romans 10:13 and came into fellowship at Monticello Gospel Hall in 1962. Bob was faithful to the assembly and had an exercise to spread the news of God’s plan of salvation, which he did through the distribution of gospel tracts to all those with whom he came in contact. The last three years of his life were spent in a nursing home where he maintained his happy spirit until his home-call. Bob is survived by a brother, two sisters, and many nieces and nephews, most of whom are not saved. At the memorial service Bill Cairns and Bob Surgenor gave kind words of remembrance.
William Regan of Cleveland, OH, on July 10, age 85. He was awakened as a boy of 14 in Northern Ireland by his mother quoting Matthew 24:44, and was saved through the truth of Romans 10:9 that same day. Willie, as he was known by his family, married his wife Susan in 1947 and came to Ohio in 1952. He loved to sing, and often started the hymns at the assembly. He had a kind, gentle, consistent disposition, and was very appreciative of any kindness shown. Both Willie and Susan took a real interest in others. The family related that Susan, his wife of 63 years, had never heard him become angry. They have been in the fellowship at Monticello for the past 14 years, but have been unable to get out for the past couple of years due to poor health. Willie will be lovingly remembered by his wife Susan, two sons, Wilfred and Stanley, and a daughter Mary, along with the entire family circle, and all the lives he touched. The memorial service was shared by family members, along with words of encouragement from Bill Cairns and Art Pile. He is absent from the body and present with the Lord.
Dr. William (Bill) Floyd Anderson of Arlington, WA, on August 2, age 75. Bill was born in Tacoma, WA to Floyd and Ethel Anderson. At the age of 12, he trusted Christ as his Savior, was baptized and received into the assembly. He graduated from University of Washington Medical School in 1960. From 1961-1966 he was in general practice in the town of Selah, WA. In 1966, he went to the University of Minnesota Medical School for training in dermatology which he completed at the Royal Infirmary at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. In 1976, he moved to Arlington and practiced in Everett, Marysville, and Arlington, WA. Bill was an avid student of the Bible, and loved to share his knowledge and faith. As an elder in the assembly, he was well respected for his love and concern for others. He will be sorely missed by the assembly. Dr. Bill is survived by his wife Sharol of 54 years, five children – Peter (Dawn), Paul (Peggy), Ruth (Bill) Klein, Mark, and Becky (Kurt) Kenworthy, 21 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. All of Bill’s children are saved. Bryon Meyers spoke words of comfort and remembrance, and Stan Wells presented the gospel. Ed Rollins spoke at the graveside.
Evelyn Kluiter, of Shell Rock, IA, on August 2, age 88. She was awakened to her need of salvation through the preaching of Oliver Smith and Sam Hamilton, and trusted Christ in February of 1949. She and her husband, Jerry, were in the Hitesville assembly. He preceded her in death in 1984. Evelyn was kind in spirit and was faithful in attendance at the meetings until health problems hindered in recent months. She is survived by three sons, a daughter, and their families. Many relatives heard the gospel presented by Russ Nesbit at the funeral held in the Hitesville Gospel Hall. Robert Orr also took part in the service.
Joyce Bachor (Keith) of Kamloops, BC, on August 3, age 75. She was born September 16, 1935 in Kirkland Lake, ON, the ninth in a family of ten. Joyce was saved on October 23, 1945 during a series of gospel meetings held by B. Widdifield and G. Whitehouse. She was afraid that the Lord would come and she would miss salvation, but found perfect rest in Romans 10:9. Joyce was a lover of hymns and as a child memorized “I am Thine, O Lord” soon after she was saved. It remained her favorite hymn all of her life. She was baptized and received into assembly fellowship in her early teens. In 1988 she came to the assembly meeting in Westsyde Gospel Hall and was in happy fellowship here until she moved to Elim Homes where she attended just a few meetings in the Waubaushene assembly before going home to be with the Lord. The funeral was taken by local brethren.
Nellie (Kroeze) Ayars of Arlington, WA, on August 3, age 97. She was born to William and Peterche Kroeze on December 12, 1912 in Arlington, WA. Her mother passed away suddenly when Nellie was 13 years old and she left school to take care of her younger siblings. When she was 15, Nellie trusted Christ while reading Revelation 22:17 and was received into the assembly four months later. She has been faithful in the assembly for 82 years. She met her husband, Stillman Ayars, and they were married in 1944. Nellie enjoyed reading her Bible and just weeks before passing, she quoted Psalm 23. Nellie lived her last years in a senior center and was not able to attend meetings for the last six years. Phil Kazen and Ken Kroeze spoke at the funeral, and Tom Hoy at the graveside.
Doris Twiss of Deckerville, MI, on August 4, age 85. She was saved in July of 1952 and had been in happy fellowship with the saints in Deckerville until her health declined and she had to go to a nursing home. She was truly a pillar in the assembly and had a good testimony in the community. She is survived by two daughters and three sons. The gospel was clearly spoken by Bill Metcalf at her funeral. Please pray for the family.
Dorothy May Johnston of Waubaushene, ON, on August 8, in her 90th year. Dorothy lost her mother when she was three and was raised by her grandparents in Toronto where she attended Sunday school in the Highfield Road Gospel Hall. When she was 19, Dorothy was saved in the sixth week of a gospel series at Highfield where she was later baptized and received into fellowship. After marriage, she moved with her husband Arnot to the Strongville assembly where she was in fellowship for many years. As a faithful Sunday school teacher and an entertainer of saints in her home, she has been a blessing to many. Her last five years were spent at Elim Homes. Predeceased by her husband Arnot and a daughter Nancy, she is survived by daughters Sharon (David), Helen (Ken), son Jim, 12 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. The funeral was shared by Ken Nicholson and Larry Steers, who also spoke at the cemetery.
John Acheson, Armagh, N. Ireland, on August 24, age 74. He was saved as a boy of 15 on January 15, 1952 during gospel meetings conducted by the late John Hutchinson, a time of special visitation when quite a number of young people were saved. When diagnosed with a terminal illness he accepted it with immense courage. During his time in the hospital he bore a very bright testimony to nurses and doctors alike who were impressed with his attitude and demeanor. He leaves his wife Jean, daughter Jane, and son Gary, son-in-law Andrew, daughter-in-law Donna, grandchildren Adam, Ana, and Katrina. He will be greatly missed in the assembly at Armagh. The funeral service was conducted in the home by T.W. Wright, John Kells, and Jim Wishart, with David Gilliland, Trevor Kells, and Jack Johnston at the graveside. He was a brother beloved.
Raffaele (Ralph) Giraldi of Toronto, ON, on August 28, age 63. Born in southern Italy in 1947, Ralph’s family immigrated to Sault Ste. Marie, ON in 1960 where the Italian believers there took an interest in them, introducing them to the gospel while helping with their practical needs. The family moved to Toronto in 1962, but the Soo Christians didn’t give up on them, alerting Mr. Ceasar Patrizio of their presence. Mr. Patrizio would visit the family home with the gospel, and on one of these visits on July 1, 1963, Ralph was saved through the truth of John 3:16. He was baptized in the Bracondale Gospel Hall and was one of the early core of believers in fellowship at the Italian-speaking Fairbank Gospel Hall. He loved the Lord’s assembly, ministering as an elder, preaching in the open air every summer, and teaching in the Sunday school. At Ralph’s funeral the gospel was preached in Italian by fellow overseer and good friend Tony Petruzzo, and in English by his brother Marcel. His nephew, Andrew Giraldi, spoke at the graveside. Ralph’s passing is keenly felt by those who loved him, but especially his wife of 44 years, Maria.
