Canada
In the month of January, there was a literature distribution in northern Canada from the Alaska border to the east coast, and from about the 55th parallel north to the Arctic Circle. A total of 260,000 booklets (8 pages) called the Gospel Messenger, published by the International Bible House, were delivered via Canada Post. Contained were gospel articles, offers of free literature, and an advertisement for Postal Bible Studies. There has been an encouraging response so far. Please pray that God will use this effort to reach these isolated, hard-to-reach communities with the gospel.
British Columbia
Vancouver: At the monthly missionary prayer meeting in West Richmond, four local brethren gave surveys of four mission fields: Chile, Nicaragua, Peru, and India. Please pray for special gospel meetings arranged from April 19-24, in the will of the Lord, with speakers John Fleck and Dan Shutt. These meetings will span the Easter Conference which will be in the same facility.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Corner Brook: The saints appreciated the visit of Bryan and Rachel Joyce and family over the Christmas season, and our brother’s helpful ministry and gospel preaching. Lord willing, gospel meetings commence here at the end of February with Jim Jarvis and Frank Sona.
English Point: There was a week of prayer meetings preceding gospel meetings that started January 30 with Bryan Joyce and Scott MacLeod.
Red Bay: David Hunt had gospel meetings from January 16-23 with help from local brethren each night. Some from the community attended as well as visitors from English Point and L’Anse au Loup.
Rocky Harbour: Meetings are to begin here in early March with Wallace Buckle and Carl Payne.
St. John’s: Four weeks of gospel meetings are planned to begin March 6, DV, with Marvin Derksen and David Oliver.
Nova Scotia
Hubbards Point: Robert McIlwaine had appreciated ministry here and in Clementsvale, and the saints were cheered. Clementsvale holds precious memories for our beloved brother.
Port Hawksbury: Albert Hull reports that it was a joy to have many young believers join in a mall display on December 22. Bibles, Hymns of the Sea CDs, calendars, framed gospel texts, and many other items were offered, and most were taken in six hours. Pray for this area as there is an exercise to erect a gospel tent in July, DV.
Sydney: Meetings continued into February with Noel Burden and James McClelland with some interest.
Truro: Gospel meetings conducted by David Hunt and Albert Hull commenced February 13. Please pray for this needy town.
Weymouth: D. Hierlihy and T. Brodie are in gospel meetings in Weaver’s Settlement: pray for interest shown. Also prayer is requested for many related to the saints, subjects of pray for many years.
Ontario
Grimsby: The assembly had one week of children’s meetings with Eric Fowler, January 9-14. Gospel messages using the Egypt to Canaan chart were well attended by a good number of children and some unsaved parents.
Huntsville: Work continues on the new hall despite the winter weather. The Lord has been gracious with only small amounts of snow and weather that has not been too cold. Please continue to pray for us. Updated photos of the progress can be seen at www.huntsvillegospelhall.org.
London: The Highbury assembly was encouraged by a series of meetings with Frank Sona on practical assembly teaching. There was good interest and copies are available on compact disc. Eric Fowler gave a report on the work of the Lord in Ukraine, and Wm. Metcalf and Albert Hull gave excellent ministry and clear gospel presentations.
Windsor: Marvin Derksen joined the assembly in early January for five nights of encouraging gospel meetings in the Student Centre at the University of Windsor. Over 40 students heard the gospel presented in the context of frequently asked questions of our day. Many others received invitations, gospel tracts, and New Testaments from a booth set up daily, tended by assembly on-campus students who scheduled their free time between classes. Also of great encouragement to the assembly has been the addition of eight young believers to the fellowship within the past year.
Prince Edward Island
Crapaud: Gospel meetings with Matthew Cain and Peter Ramsay were encouraging. Prayer was answered when a young man from Sarnia was saved before returning home.
U.S.A.
Alaska
Anchorage: The assembly and a few from Wasilla were very encouraged by a visit from Andrew Bergsma for appreciated ministry and a report on the work among the Hutterites. Prayer is requested for a Seed Sower’s effort this coming summer in the Wasilla/Palmer area where there is a small assembly meeting in a home. Gospel tent meetings with Brian Meyers are to follow.
Arkansas
Alpena: The assembly appreciated a return visit by Joel Portman in the early part of January when he gave profitable ministry from 1Corinthians 2. Our brother gave valuable help with the weekly Spanish meetings in Springdale.
California
Chico: The assembly was encouraged after three weeks of gospel meetings in January with Dan Shutt and Larry Perkins. Over 40 different visitors attended at least once and several with concern came back. The passing last October of Alex, the 17-year-old son of Dan and Joan Strauss of this assembly, had an impact on the school where he was a senior. Alex was saved and baptized. There were 350 at his funeral where they heard the gospel simply and clearly preached, and some of his friends and their parents came to the gospel series. The seed was clearly sown and we anticipate some harvest in days to come.
San Diego: The assembly was cheered when three younger sisters were baptized recently. The hall was well filled as a number of friends and relatives heard Tom Baker preach the gospel in English and Spanish.
Iowa
Manchester: Al Christopherson and Eric McCullough faithfully preached the Word here for 4 1/2 weeks. There were an encouraging number of visitors who attended and there was a stir among a few. Pray for the seed planted and for the blessing of a few precious souls for the glory and honor of Christ. The Manchester Bible Conference, anticipated for the first Sunday in October, depends upon the availability of the school on that date.
Michigan
Saginaw: Bruce Rodgers and Jack Nesbitt gave help at the bimonthly ministry meeting February 6. Their word in ministry and in the gospel was greatly appreciated. Brother Rogers stayed for a week of ministry meetings.
Minnesota
Fridley: Joel Portman visited here with one week’s ministry on 2 Peter with regard to conditions prevailing prior to the Lord’s return.
New Jersey
Pennsauken: Gene Higgins concluded three weeks of excellent gospel meetings, Jan 16 – Feb 6 using his chart on the influence of the Bible and Christianity on America. Meetings were well attended.
Ohio
Cleveland: James Smith gave help on a Lord’s Day in January. He also visited Akron.
Clyde: Jack Gould had an appreciated visit recently.
Mansfield: At the first winter area ministry meeting in January, Frank Sona took up the topics of God’s commandments and our convictions. He continued for a number of nights of ministry. Robert Surgenor visited for our regular meetings.
Mexico
Chihuahua: Amid unusually cold temperatures, house meetings were held with up to 40 attending nightly.
Ciudad Obregon: Shad Kember had gospel meetings in the hall downtown, helped by local brethren. The work was greatly blessed recently by the visit of Mark Bachert, who spoke five nights on 1 John. In another area of the city, Jonathan Seed and Ben Kember have preached the gospel for several weeks and had the joy of seeing God save souls.
Cotaxtla: John Nesbitt has seen God at work in this town devastated by hurricane Karl. There is increased interest in the weekly meetings and at least three adults have trusted Christ as Savior.
El Barril: Jason Wahls, helped by Paul Thiessen and others, has seen God’s arm outstretched in salvation in this new work. Attendance has also been very encouraging.
La Purisima: About 180 people gathered in this town to see nine believers obey the Lord in baptism, and to hear the gospel preached by Chucho Gomez (Zamora) and Paul Thiessen.
Puerto Vallarta: The Coapinole assembly is experiencing times of refreshing in seeing abundant fruit in the gospel and in the restoration of saints during gospel meetings.
San Luis Rio Colorado: John Dennison and others are encouraged to see God working in the salvation of souls in this pioneer work.
Tepic: The assemblies here and in Santiago were glad to see Marcus Cain again during a brief visit: his ministry was enjoyed.
Veracruz: God blessed in salvation during a series held by John Nesbitt, helped during the different weeks by David Alves Jr. and Tim Woodford.
N. Ireland
Tully (Ballymena): Stan Wells and John Rogers are having good meetings and encouraging numbers.
Ardstraw, Co Tyrone: Gary Woods and David McGarvey are preaching the gospel here.
Banbridge: David Gilliland and Malcolm Radcliffe are preaching in the gospel hall here with a good interest.
Newtownbreda: Wesley Martin and Stephen Gilfillen commenced in the hall here February 6.
Armagh: John Fleck is engaged in preaching the gospel in the hall here.
Clough: Roy Reynolds and Gary Woods expect to commence a gospel effort on March 6, DV.
Recent Ministry meetings: Wesley Martin – Broughshane; Malcolm Radcliffe – Glengormley and Portavogie; David Gilliland – Omagh, Moneydig, and Ballymagarrick; Brian Currie – Fintona; Walter Boyd – Craigyhill, Larne.
Some conference meetings were disrupted over the Christmas and New Year period due to the severe weather conditions.
Conferences
Clarksville, IA
April 3, at Antioch Gospel Hall (rural Clarksville). Ministry 10am, Breaking of Bread 11am, Lunch 12pm, Children’s meeting 1:30pm, Ministry 2pm, Supper 4:30 pm, Gospel 6pm. Contact: John Wessels, Tel: 319 269-3493, jwfarms@netins.net; or Bill Wadey, Tel: 641 435-2059.
Stout, IA
April 9-10, with Prayer Meeting on Friday, April 8 at 7:30pm. Saturday: Ministry 10am. Lord’s Day: Bible Reading 9am (Psalm 22), Breaking of Bread 10:30am. All meetings will be in the Gospel Hall. Corr: Gary DeGroote, 28073 WestBrook St., New Hartford, IA 50660-8508. Tel: 319 983-2713, Cell: 319 231-4132. E-mail: gdegroote2@msn.com. Hall: 319 346-1153.
Waterloo, IA
April 16-17, with Prayer Meeting on Friday, April 15, at 7pm in the Waterloo Gospel Hall, 724 Western Ave., Waterloo. All other meetings are in the Cedar Falls High School, 11th and Division Sts., Cedar Falls. Saturday: Ministry 10am. Lord’s Day: Bible Reading 9am (Colossians 1:10-29 – The Exalted Christ), Breaking of Bread 10:15am. Corr: Richard Orr, 614 Bland Blvd. S.W. Independence, IA 50644, Tel: 319 334-3931; or Mike Palmer, 18502 X Ave., Dike, IA 50624, Tel: 319 989-0869, E-mail: mjpalmer89@gmail.com.
Manchester, CT
April 22-24, 93rd Annual Easter Conference, with Prayer Meeting, Friday at 7:30pm in the Gospel Hall, 415 Center St., Manchester. All other meetings will be held in the Bolton Center School, 108 Notch Rd., Bolton, CT. Saturday: Ministry 10:30am and 2 pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10am, Ministry/Gospel 2pm. For communications and accommodations, contact Ted Kaulback, Tel: 860 742-0002, or kaulted@aol.com.
Nineveh, NS
April 23-24, in Park View Education Centre, 1485 King Street, Bridgewater. Prayer Meeting on Friday, April 22 at 7pm in Gospel Hall, Route 208, Civic # 2495, Nineveh. Supper will be served on Friday at 5pm in the Gospel Hall. Saturday: Bible Reading 8:30am (1 Corinthians 15), Ministry 10am. Corr: Robert Kaulback, 19 Medway Street, Bridgewater, NS, B4V 1J8; Tel: 902 543-5530; E-mail: robert012@ns.sympatico.ca. Accom: Clark Hubley, Tel: 902 543-3268.
Vancouver, BC
April 22-24, in the Burnaby South Secondary School, 7373 McPherson Ave., Burnaby, with Prayer Meeting on Thursday, Apr. 21 at 8pm in the South Main St. Gospel Hall. Meetings begin at 10am on Friday and Saturday, and 9:30am for Breaking of Bread in local assemblies. Youth meetings each evening at the South Burnaby Gospel Hall. Gospel meetings will be held at this venue through the conference period from April 19-24 each night from 7:30 to 8:45pm The speakers expected to preach the gospel are John Fleck and Dan Shutt. We would appreciate prayer for all of these meetings. Communications to Earl Ritchie, Tel: 604 277-7019, or Om Chand, Tel: 604 321-3331.
Fredericton, NB
April 29 – May 1, Annual Conference on “Christian Counter Culture – Matthew 5 – 7.” Friday: Prayer Meeting 7:30pm in the Gospel Hall, 109 McAdam Ave. Other meetings in the Auditorium, Nashwaaksis Middle School, 324 Fulton Ave. Saturday: first meeting at 10:30am “Guidelines to Reach the Goal-Line,” Sunday: Lord’s Supper 9:30am, Ministry 2pm. Speakers: Matthew Cain, Sandy Higgins, Shawn St. Clair. Contact Rob Griffin at Tel: 506 472-5512, or RDLGriff@nb.sympatico.ca. For more information, visit www.fghweb.ca.
McKeesport, PA
April 29-May 1, in the McKeesport Senior High School. Friday: Prayer Meeting 7:30pm at the McKeesport Gospel Hall. Saturday: Ministry 10am & 1:45pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday school 11:45pm, Ministry 1:30pm, Gospel 4pm. Speakers expected are John Dennison, Albert Hull, David Oliver, and Bill Seale. Accom: Rob Oliver, Tel: 412 664-1004, or rob@oliverpages.com. Other inquiries: Tom Clark, Tel: 412 751-5283, or tclarkjr@aol.com.
Newmarket, ON
May 1, in the Newmarket Gospel Hall. Breaking of Bread 9:30am, Bible Study 11:30am (1 Peter 4 – Don Nicholson), Ministry 2pm, Gospel 6:30pm. For directions or accommodations, contact Tim Scheer, Tel: 905 898-4369, or Email: tescheer@netzero.com. Pre-conference ministry/question & answer for the young in Christ on Saturday, April 30 at 3pm, followed by supper and a time of fellowship/activities in the early evening.
Cumberland, Maryland
May 14-15, with Prayer Meeting Friday, May 13 at 7:30pm in the Cumberland Gospel Hall, 700 E. First St. All other meetings at South Penn Elem. School, 500 E. Second St. Saturday: first meeting 10am. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 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.
Toronto, ON
May 13-15. Langstaff Missionary Conference. Friday: 7:30 – 9pm. Saturday: 10am – 8 pm. Lord’s Day: 10am – 12:30pm (Breaking of Bread & Sunday school), 2 – 5:15pm. We expect to have the following servants of the Lord with us for the conference: David Booth (Russia), Marcus Cain (Mexico), David Jones (Chile), Tom Matthews (Brazil), and Earl Ritchie (China/Korea). For accommodations, please contact Irving Payne, Tel: 905 773-3822, or for more information: www.langstaffgospelhall.com.
Conference Reminders:
Matoaca, VA – March 5-6
Mount Sterling, WI – March 26-27
Toronto, ON – April 22-24
Newbury, ON – April 30
Change of Address
Steve and Meryl Kember, RR 2, Site 203, Comp 32, Prince Albert, SK, S6V 5P9. Tel: 306 922-5389. E-mail: smkember@sasktel.net.
Home-calls
David Pullen, of Toronto, ON, on September 21, 2010, age 85. Our brother was saved at the age of 26, in part as a result of the godly testimony of a number of believers in his work place. David quickly developed a burning desire to know and follow the will of God in his life. After being baptized at Highfield Road Gospel Hall, he gathered with the saints there for more than 25 years where he was led to faithful service as a shepherd and overseer. David loved to preach the gospel whenever asked and was gifted to do so. After retirement, he with his wife Leona moved to Sundridge, ON, gathering with the saints at the Chapman Valley assembly. Several years later they returned to the West Hill assembly, Toronto. In January 2009, ill health resulted in a move to Bethany Manor and to the Unionville Gospel Hall, and later, Bethany Lodge. He bore a fragrant testimony through a lengthy illness, displaying a gracious spirit, never complaining, while enduring great pain during his last four years. At the funeral, Herb West (Chapman Valley) and Lionel Hatten (Hamilton) shared memories of their early days in Highfield. Rod Joyce (nephew) and Ted Joyce (brother-in-law) spoke of their 28-year association. John Adams spoke in the Gospel and also brought comfort to the family at the interment.
Vernon Cummings of Arborfield, SK, on September 27, 1010, age 84. On July 24, 1939, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior. He taught Sunday school for many years and was the assembly correspondent for several years. He was faithful in attendance at all the assembly meetings. He was predeceased by his wife, Muriel, and lovingly remembered by his six children and their families. Vernon is greatly missed by the assembly. The gospel was preached to a large number by David Taylor at the funeral service and cemetery.
Irene Miller of Arborfield, SK, on November 16, 2010, age 77. Irene was saved early in life. She worked in Melfort, SK, and in Calgary, AB where she taught Sunday school for a number of years before moving back to Melfort. She attended the Taylorside assembly until retiring due to health reasons, then moved to Nipawin, SK and attended the Arborfield assembly until her home-call. The funeral service was conducted by Murray Meyers. She is greatly missed by the assembly, her two sisters, two brothers, and their families.
Velma Yocum of Parry Sound, ON, on November 27, 2010, aged 71, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Our beloved sister was saved in July, 1950, and lived a very active life in devotion to the Lord, the assembly, and her family. She loved fellowship with the saints, and the door to her home was open to entertain preachers, young people, families, visitors, and neighbors. She organized countless luncheons for showers, baptisms, funerals, and other events, and her skill in the kitchen led to legendary meals. Her positive, joyful spirit throughout her illness was an inspiration to the assembly and a witness to the community as was attested to by the large funeral. She will be greatly missed. She leaves her husband, George, and her son Ben (Evelyn), and grandson Brandon. The gospel was preached at the service by Gary Sharp, with memories shared by Dan Elwes, Delcoe Jeffery, and Ben Yocum.
Theresa Grillo of Watertown, MA, on December 6, 2010, age 85. She was born on December 27, 1926, and trusted Christ on February 18, 1938 while listening to Frank Carboni explain John 3:16 to her older sister. Shortly afterward, she was baptized and received into fellowship in Hartford, CT. Through the years she was also in fellowship in East Boston, MA, Culver City, CA, and finally Watertown. A warm, cheerful, hospitable saint, she endured a long and painful illness with much grace. She was lovingly cared for by her husband and family, and leaves five children and six grandchildren. Prayer is valued for those not yet saved. The funeral was taken by her son-in-law Bill Nason, Frank Tornaquindici, and Matthew Brescia.
Viola Ada Johnston of Charlton, ON, on December 16, 2010, age 94. Viola was born into a large pioneering family on March 30, 1916 in the Charlton area. At the age of 18, she was saved at the old Charlton Gospel Hall when the truth of Acts 16:31 became real to her, and became her lifelong favorite verse. Vi and her husband Wellington were faithful to the assemblies in Charlton, Englehart, and Valens. After his death in 1997, she moved back to Charlton until failing health no longer permitted her to attend the assembly meetings. True Christlike character emanated from her. She showed sincere love and care to all near and far. The family was thankful with the way the gospel was faithfully presented at her funeral by Larry Pratt.
Lyle Knox of Austin, MB, on December 19, 2010, age 94. He was saved in 1931 at the age of 15 when the gospel came to the Pine Creek district. He was one of the original members of the Pine Creek assembly (now Austin) and continued faithfully till the time of his passing. Up until three weeks before his home-call he was still able to take part in worship. He was a mainstay in the assembly for many years and was well thought of by the assembly, his family, and the community. He is survived by his wife, Jessie, with whom he shared 70 years, and his family. The funeral service was taken by his grandson, Mike Knox, and Jack Gould.
Beth Frazier of Blue River, WI, on December 31, 2010. She was born on September 10, 1924, and born again on October 22, 1954. She said, “God showed me for the first time that Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross for me.” She faithfully gathered with the saints at the Blue River Gospel Hall until ill health prohibited it. Four of her grandsons shared in the funeral service; Ryan, Isaiah, Jacob, and Jay. She is survived by three sons, all sharing the same hope. Her husband preceded her on October 25, 2010, and a son on September 24, 2010.
Penni (Hanhauser) Macpherson of Longport, NJ, on January 3, 2011, age 62. Penni came to work at the Gospel Hall Home as a nursing aide after graduating high school in 1967. It was in the Home she heard the gospel and was reached and saved. She continued there until its closing in 1999 when some 20 of the residents were relocated in another facility where she made weekly visits to assist and give encouragement. The majority of her years in Longport were as Activities Director. Many of the older saints knew of her kindness and personal attention. She had a very calming influence and willing readiness to assist. She taught a Sunday school class and was very active with the summer Vacation Bible School which brought neighborhood children into the Home. Her last nine years were with a preschool day care center. A number of the parents spoke at the funeral about their children’s interest in going to “school” to see Miss Penni and of the Bible verses they learned. She leaves behind a daughter Heather and a son Peter for whom prayer is requested. Her brother-in-law Robert Macpherson conducted the large funeral service and it was an opportunity to proclaim the gospel that Penni had embraced.
Anna Mae (Irvine) Fitzpatrick of Bryn Mawr, PA, on January 6, after a couple of years of slow deterioration. She was born on November 18, 1923, saved in 1940, and came into fellowship in the assembly in Bryn Mawr where she remained for her lifetime. Her husband John was called home in November 2007. Raised in a home of Christian hospitality and consistent assembly commitment, she and John sought to maintain a similar home. She was characterized by her quiet disposition, even temperament, and ready willingness to serve others in the assembly. She leaves a caring son and his wife, a grandson and his wife, and a granddaughter. Prayer is desired for their salvation. The gospel was clearly presented in a funeral service conducted by William Oliver and David Oliver.
Len Corvetti of Sault Ste. Marie, ON, on January 16, age 87. Our dear brother Len was faithful to the assembly in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. He will be missed by the saints there and by his dear wife Ella (nee Bruni). Paul Markle officiated at the funeral.
Lucile Larson of La Crosse, WI, on January 18, age 93. She was born in 1917, and awakened at the age of 17 to learn that her heart was not right. While reading the words of Isaiah 53:5, she trusted the Lord Jesus as her personal Savior. She and her husband Lawrence married in 1937 and were received into the assembly. To this union were born four sons and one daughter; all now profess Christ as Savior. Though confined to her home in recent years, she was known as a very loving, sweet, friendly, and happy believer. They truly loved and were faithful to the assembly, and for years were known to be pillars of the church. Though suffering much weakness at the very end, she remained happy in soul as she looked forward to seeing her Lord. Lucile was preceded in death by Lawrence in 1991 and son Keith in 1999. She is survived by three sons and spouses, one daughter and husband, 13 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Eric McCullough and Al Christopherson shared the large funeral service.
