Canada
New Brunswick
Moncton: Gospel meetings with Matthew Cain and Trent MacDonald ran October 7-25. While the focus was on the families of the Christians, a number from the community attended as well. Gospel suppers are proving to be beneficial in getting neighbors into the hall. The preaching was clear and plain and, though there was no news of any professing, some children did show some interest and concern.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Fogo: Bryan Funston visited from October 23-29. Bryan had a ministry meeting on October 24 and spent the Lord’s Day with the saints on the 28th, taking part in the gospel meeting. The time was also spent visiting contacts on the Island. The saints appreciated the visit.
Gander: Seven weeks of Monday night children’s meetings concluded on October 22. About 75 were present on the last night, including some adults for the first time. About 55 children attended, the majority from the community, which was very encouraging. Gaius Goff and Stephen Vance gave ministry October 24-25, and Jon Procopio and John Meekin commenced a gospel series on October 29.
L’Anse au Loup: The conference in mid-October went well again this year, although numbers were less than normal due to high winds which disrupted the ferry service in the straits. Preaching brethren that were present to give appreciated ministry were Gaius Goff, Murray McCandless, and Eric Fowler. Dr. Stephen Joyce from Corner Brook flew in for Saturday and gave help in ministry and gospel, which the saints appreciated.
Red Bay: Gaius Goff spent the Lord’s Day here, October 7, followed by three nights of ministry meetings.
Nova Scotia
Clementsvale: The assembly was encouraged with the baptism of five young people on September 16. Shawn St. Clair was present for the occasion and gave a message on baptism.
Pugwash Junction: Following two weeks of gospel meetings in Truro, where a number of parents drove significant distances to have their children under the sound of the gospel, the meetings continued for four weeks in Pugwash Junction with David Hierlihy and Brody Thibodeau preaching. These meetings ended October 28, with good attendance each night and the gospel faithfully preached. The Lord’s hand was seen in the salvation of a lady from the area. Please pray that further blessing will be seen in salvation among the children of the Christians.
Weavers Settlement: The saints were encouraged by a young sister’s obedience to her Lord in baptism on October 21. James McClelland was present to give help.
Ontario
Barrie: The assembly purposes, DV, at least five nights of extra meetings once every two months. Gérard Roy is expected for ministry from November 24-30, Saturday at 7pm and 7:30pm throughout the week.
Orillia: Please pray for gospel meetings which commenced November 4 in the community center located in an area at the southeast end of town known as Joyland Beach. A couple of brethren visited this area for the past number of weeks with some positive response and the assembly thought it wise to proceed with a gospel effort. Brian Crawford and Don Nicholson joined in this effort.
Oshawa: The assembly was encouraged by four weeks of gospel meetings with David Booth and Jim Jarvis. A large number of unsaved were out each night, many from Sunday school connections and the community. The Lord was pleased to bless in the salvation of souls.
Sudbury: Lorne Langfeld was with the assembly for a week of well-attended children’s meetings and a Lord’s Day. A young sister was recently baptized, bringing joy and encouragement to the saints.
West Zorra: For three weeks during the month of May, Ed Miller, with the help of a local brother, had gospel meetings three nights a week. Two teenage girls from the area attended some meetings. Please pray for their salvation. The assembly set up a display at the annual Embro Fair with a special attempt to reach children for Sunday school. Larry Steers had meetings on the “Feasts of the Lord” for two nights leading up to an all-day session on a Lord’s Day in September. Michael Rodgers had three nights of special children’s meetings at the end of September. Eric Fowler and Alex Dryburgh are expected for visits in November.
U.S.A.
Alaska
Anchorage: The two Alaska assemblies enjoyed the annual conference at the end of September. The ministry emphasized the Second Coming of Christ and the Judgment Seat of Christ. Gordon Williams and Alex Dryburgh were responsible for the Bible readings, with help given by William Skates and Isaiah Frazier. Alex Dryburgh gave a week of ministry following the conference. Gospel meetings with Isaiah Frazier and John Fitzpatrick went well, with very good attendance throughout the first week. About 3000 invitations and Via’s were given out door to door. Some visitors and a number of friends and unsaved loved ones attended.
California
Culver City: The assembly had two weeks of gospel meetings in September with Gene Higgins and his World History chart. The gospel was preached faithfully with power from the Lord and a number of unsaved came to hear the Word of God.
Connecticut
Terryville: The annual October conference meetings were shared by Marvin Derksen, Walter Gustafson, Murray McCandless, Dan Shutt, and Robert Surgenor. A large crowd gathered at the Gospel Hall for a hymn sing on Saturday evening.
Iowa
Manchester: The assembly was encouraged with 10 of the Lord’s servants present at the conference. The ministry was edifying and up-building, with words of warning on departure. The gospel was clear and plain with a number of unsaved present. Brian Currie, Jim Smith, Stan Wells, plus those from the Midwest, gave good help. Stan Wells gave ministry on Revelation before the conference. Alex Dryburgh is expected for two nights. Younger brethren from the assembly hold children’s meetings on Monday evenings with a nice number attending from the area.
Michigan
Deckerville: Bill Metcalf gave helpful ministry on a Lord’s Day from Genesis 12 and on the Wednesday night from Genesis 13. The meeting was supported by the Cass City assembly.
Ferndale: The assembly appreciated a week of gospel meetings with Jim Smith. A number of unsaved were out for the first time to hear the gospel.
Jackson: The assembly enjoyed having Paul Barnhardt for a week of children’s meetings in October, with an excellent number out nightly, including some parents. They look to the Lord to work in the lives of these children and their families for His glory.
Pennsylvania
Bryn Mawr: The assembly was privileged to have two weeks of gospel meetings at the beginning of October. Gene Higgins presented the gospel from an apologetic approach, giving answers to many common questions and concerns of non-believers. The meetings were well-attended as a result of the gracious support of Christians from area assemblies. The series was a great encouragement; the Lord was pleased to bless as two young men professed to be saved.
Mexico
Borrego: Brethren from Zapopan, a two-hour drive away, continue to preach every Monday in a hall in this roadside village between Tepic and Guadalajara. Timothy Stevenson invited a beggar, called Leon, from 10 kilometers away, and he has attended for several weeks in a row, sometimes coming on his own. Your prayers for this man would be appreciated.
Chihuahua: Gospel preaching continues every Monday in the open air in front of a large hospital. So far, there has been good reception to the preaching.
Ciudad del Carmen: Timothy Turkington (Venezuela) was a huge help in various gospel meetings in halls and homes on and off the island. The meetings in the hall in Carmen were marked by outstanding attendance.
Cotaxtla: There was much joy again at the Cotaxtla River as John Nesbitt baptized a lovely middle aged couple.
Emiliano Zapata: One of the two baptized men in this town close to the island of Carmen has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. Please pray for Isidro.
Guasave: Duncan Beckett and Shad Kember had another cottage meeting on the outskirts of the city of about 300,000 souls, located in the state of Sinaloa, on the west coast of Mexico.
Iguala: Please continue to pray for this new work where there are seven baptized believers.
Merida: Please pray for the exercise that Timothy and Jenna Stevenson have to move here. This is a large colonial city that is the capital of the state of Yucatan, on the Gulf side of Mexico. Their initial exercise is to target the work in Paraiso, a Mayan town almost an hour’s drive away.
Nogales: Marcus Cain and Abisaí Vieyra (Hermosillo) had another cottage meeting in this border city.
Puerto Palomas: A cottage meeting was held in the home of believers who previously were in the West Phoenix Spanish-speaking assembly. This small border town, south of New Mexico, is in a rather dangerous area of the country, and your prayers would be appreciated for this work.
Puerto Vallarta: The saints in the Coapinole assembly appreciated the help of Johnny Seed in several meetings while visiting in this area.
Santiago Ixcuintla: James and Nelly Dyck are greatly encouraged with the arrival of Jesse and Emily Klein to help in the work in this area. Emily’s help is greatly appreciated with the education of three of the Dyck children.
Tepic: The saints rejoiced in having Marcus Cain for three nights of ministry. A van load of believers also came from Santiago, an hour away.
Xalapa: In an outlying river near this capital city of the state of Veracruz, John Nesbitt baptized a middle-aged sister in the Lord. She is the firstfruits of cottage meetings that have been held here for several months.
N. Ireland
Belfast: David Williamson continues in the Shankill Road. Pray for this needy area.
Ballymena: Robin McKeown and Walter Boyd continue in the Harryville Gospel Hall.
Ballyvaddy: Jack Hay (Scotland) had four nights of well-attended ministry meetings in October.
Coleraine: Tommie Wright and Stephen Gillfillen had well-attended meetings in a portable hall near here.
Kells: M. Radcliffe had a week of helpful ministry on “Lessons from Luke.”
Londonderry: Brian Glendinning and Bertie Smyth have been seeking to interest the lost in the Word of Life.
Lurgan: David Callaghan and Mark Turkington are to commence in this area. Pray for the Lord’s blessing.
Newtownhamilton, Co Armagh: Wesley Martin and John Fleck commenced a gospel series October 21.
Newry: John Rogers and David Gilliland commenced a gospel series here.
Saintfield, Co Down: David McGarvey and Andrew Steele have been preaching the gospel in a portable hall in connection with the Ballymagarrick assembly. Good numbers have attended.
Sandringham: Jim Allen had two weeks of instructive Bible readings with this assembly near Carrickergus.
Shanaghan: Alan Davidson had one week of ministry with the assembly in September.
Straidarren: Brian Currie and Jack Palmer have been preaching the gospel in this place.
Whitehouse, Newtownabbey: David McAllister and Elton Fairfield commenced meetings here in early November.
Sandy Higgins (USA) gave appreciated help in ministry in Glengormley, Ballymagarrick, and Gorteade. Eric McCullough also visited a number of assemblies and gave helpful ministry.
Republic of Ireland
Dublin: Elton Fairfield commenced a short gospel series at the end of October with the Rathmines assembly. These meetings coincided with the children’s midterm break, enabling families to attend. The hall was well-filled each night and a number heard the gospel for the first time. The assembly was encouraged by the large number of believers from various assemblies who helped with the distribution of invitations. Please pray for blessing in salvation.
Conferences
Monrovia/Downey, CA
December 29-30, with Prayer, Friday, December 28 at 7:30pm in the Monrovia Gospel Hall, 211 S Magnolia Ave., Monrovia, CA. Primary format is Bible Studies on “Assembly Truth” led by Sandy Higgins and Bryan Joyce. Saturday: Meetings at 10am, 2 and 6:30pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 9am, Sunday school 10:45am, Gospel 12noon, Bible Studies 2:30pm. Two meals will be served in the hall Saturday and Sunday. Contact: Reuben Thropay, Tel: 626 826-8777, E-mail: rcjx4thropay@verizon.net; or Adam Thropay, 8115 Dacosta Street, Downey, CA 90240.
Phoenix, AZ
January 26-27, First Annual Bible Conference in the Orangewood Gospel Hall, 7245 North 29th Avenue Phoenix, AZ, with Prayer meeting Friday, January 25 at 7:30pm and Hymn Sing 8:45pm. Saturday: Ministry 10:30am, Bible Reading 2pm (Psalm 27), Missionary Report/Ministry 3:30pm, Gospel 7pm, Hymn Sing 8:15pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 9:30am, Sunday School 11:30am, Bible Reading 2pm (Psalm 90), Ministry 3:30pm, Gospel 7pm. Lunch and Dinner will be served. Corr: Paul Vizzini, Tel: 623 979-3285, E-mail: azvizzini@yahoo.com. Accom: Andrew Feinberg, Tel: 480 940-9461, E-Mail: afeinberg2@cox.net. Gospel Hall: 602 944-8643.
DeLand, FL
February 1-3, in the Gospel Hall,109 E. Rosehill Ave., east off N. Woodland Blvd. Friday: Prayer Meeting 7pm. Saturday: Ministry 10:30am and 4pm, Bible Reading 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Bible Reading 2pm, Ministry 4pm, Gospel 7pm. Bible Readings: The Rapture; The Bema. Lord willing, there will be four nights of ministry following the conference on Tuesday, February 5, through Friday, February 8. Speaker: Scott McLeod and others. Corr: Fred King, 215 Lake Talmadge Rd., DeLand, FL 32724, Tel: 386 943-4000.
Conference Reminders:
Saugus, MA – December 1-2
Sudbury, ON – December 8-9
Pennsauken, NJ – January 5-6
Change of Address
Mr. and Mrs. H.S. Paisley – #114 – 34 Swansea Road, Unionville, ON; L3R 0W3; Tel: 905 604-7067.
Change of Address of Correspondent
St. John’s, NL – Gary Tarrant, new E-mail address is gary.tarrant3@gmail.com.
Change in Contact Information
Tampa, FL – Edward Armstrong, Tel: 727 785-5998, E-Mail: edwardarmstrong3@gmail.com; and Joe Procopio, Tel: 813 968-9687. E-mail: joejanpro@verizon.net.
Home-calls
Mrs. Anne P. Kember (Whitehouse) of Sarnia, ON, on July 1, age 79, wife of the late Shad Kember. She was saved at the age of 12 through the words of Romans 10:9, and was in assembly fellowship for over 60 years. She was marked by a positive optimism and was devoted to her husband, her family, and the assembly. We could well put her name into the words of 1Tim 5:10 (NIV) – “well known for her good deeds such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble, and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.” She is missed very much by all.
Victoria Puteran of Burgessville, ON, on July 12, age 84. She was saved in 1960 at the age of 32 after hearing the gospel preached by Robert Boyle and John Norris. She was in the Ashfield, MB assembly from 1960-2009 where she was known for her great hospitality, visiting the sick, and speaking to everyone about the Savior. In 2009 she moved to Burgessville in order to be cared for by her family, and there she continued to touch people of all ages with her love and care. Many unsaved heard a clear gospel at the large funeral in Manitoba shared by Kenneth Arends, Paul Gould, and Ernie Dyck. Ernie Dyck gave a clear gospel message at the Memorial Service in Burgessville, along with family members. She leaves to mourn 7 children and spouses, 19 grandchildren, and 43 great-grandchildren.
David McGaughey of Abbotsford, BC, on September 15, age 78. Dave was born and raised in Abbotsford and trusted Christ as Savior at age 14. He and his first wife Rena (McKinley) were in the Victoria Drive assembly (formerly Cedar Cottage) for most of their Christian lives where they served the saints and abounded in hospitality. He was involved in the large Sunday school in earlier years, and then served as a respected overseer until he relocated with his second wife, Anne, to Abbotsford in 2006. He was very successful in the car sales industry and bore a good testimony in business life. He was a lover of the gospel, with a gift to preach it, and an encourager of young men. He was predeceased by his first wife, Rena, and son-in-law, Jim Frith, in 2003. He leaves to mourn: his wife, Anne; daughters Barbara (David) Kenny and Lois (David) Alves of Mexico; six grandchildren; four great-granchildren; two unsaved sisters; and step-sons and daughters with their families. David Alves and Phil Broadhead shared the funeral service, with David Kenny at the graveside.
Clyde Amero of Weaver Settlement, NS, on September 27, age 78. He was saved in 1967 when the gospel first came to the Weymouth area through the truth of John 3:16. From that moment Clyde had a love for the gospel and the little assembly of which he was a part. He and his wife, Gladys, were very faithful to all the meetings, and Clyde served as an overseer for many years. He never missed an opportunity to speak of the gospel to his family, and had the joy of seeing many of his children and grandchildren saved and received into God’s assembly. The gospel was faithfully preached by Eric Fowler to a large crowd at the elementary school in Weymouth, with many unsaved to hear the message. Clyde’s son, Anthony, spoke words of comfort at the graveside. Remember in prayer Gladys and their 12 children.
Flora Kancir of Kapuskasing, ON, on September 27, age 75. She was the firstfruits of the work in Kapuskasing, and was saved in July 1979 as she read John 6:37. She immediately witnessed to others and saw a number of contacts saved and added to the assembly when it was formed in March 1981. She continued faithfully in the Kapuskasing area and assembly until the Lord called her home.
In 1995, with a concern for her deceased husband’s family in Ukraine, Flora, son Timothy, and Gilles Plourde travelled there to bring them the gospel. She felt handicapped by her age and lack of resources, but God clearly enabled and blessed remarkably. Some of the family professed but the work spread as she began to visit orphanages, schools, and markets, witnessing and distributing New Testaments. For 16 years she continued for six months at a time or two periods of three months. She urged others to come and help, and over the years about 20 brethren, sometimes with their wives, went at various times for various lengths of stay. When a brother phoned her in 2004 in great consternation to tell her 14 girls, in late teens and early twenty’s, were coming to stay in her apartment with her for four weeks, she, in typical fashion, rejoiced and consequently made deep impressions on their lives as they worked together. She loved visiting the remote areas and poor villages. Late into the night she would sort clothing and seemed to know the size of every orphan in the area. She was whole-heartedly in the Lord’s work. With great joy she and other brethren who had worked in Lviv sat down to break bread with the new assembly in October, 2010. In April 2012 she became ill and reluctantly returned home, but the work continues. Many will miss her tender care, material support, and the wise counsel she brought. She leaves behind four children and their families, many of whom are believers. The funeral service was conducted by Murray Pratt. Bruce Rodgers spoke at the grave side and Timothy Sloan who labored with her in Ukraine spoke at the viewing.
James Russell Lawford of Langley, BC, on September 29, age 98. Jim was saved at age 17 during tent meetings in the Pine Creek district of Manitoba by Robert McCracken and Herb Harris. Over 50 were saved at those meetings, including his parents and brother, George of Portage la Prairie, who survives him. Jim was very interested in missionary and children’s work, and was a mainstay of the Sunday school and outreach work at Nanaimo Road in Vancouver. Jim was a member of the Woodland Drive assembly (South Burnaby) until his move to Hilltop Manor in Langley eight years ago. He was a true worshiper and many will attest to the fact that no Sunday morning went by without Jim rising ably to his feet. The funeral was at Langley Gospel Hall. Speakers were Murray Logue, Richard Lawford, and Bill Adams. Ross Smyth spoke and prayed at the graveside.
Thomas Bingham of Ballykeel, N. Ireland, September 30, age 74. Our brother was saved in 1950 and two years later was baptized and received into fellowship at Ballykeel, Co. Down, where he was a faithful member for the ensuing 60 years. He served as a Sunday school teacher and elder in the assembly, as well as undertaking the work of correspondent for the last 33 years. Our brother was a man of a quiet disposition who loved the Lord, His people, and the assembly. He took a very active interest in supporting gospel outreach and, with his wife, Mildred, opened his home to meet the needs of many visiting preachers over the years. Tommy was a man marked by godliness and grace, and was held in the highest esteem by folks in the community. Several hundred people attended his funeral services conducted by Tom Meekin and Wesley Martin, assisted by brethren Boyd, Campbell, Haugh, Palmer, Maze, Bingham, and Allen. Please pray for Mildred, his three sons, and two daughters-in-law, all of whom are in assembly fellowship.
Barbara Swieter of Hampton, IA, on October 5, age 81, from injuries received in a fall in her home. Our dear sister was saved at the age of 12 while attending the Hitesville Bible conference. She and her husband, Harvey, were in fellowship in the Hampton assembly prior to being in the Hitesville assembly in recent years. Her husband preceded her in February of 2008. They were faithful in attendance at the meetings and saw their six children saved. She is survived by her children – Russell, Wesley, Irvin, Jolene Peck, Leona Snipes, and Marlene Walvatne, their families, one sister, Lois Novak, and many other relatives. Murray McCandless took the funeral service in the Hitesville hall, with Robert Orr speaking at the grave.
Isabel Macdonald of Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, on October 8, age 72 years. Isabel was born in Inverness, Cape Breton Island and raised in Blues Mills. She was saved in 1960 at a Bible Conference in PEI and shortly after was aware that God was calling her to missionary service in Venezuela. In January 1967 she moved to Puerto Cabello to work in a home for the aged where she labored for the last 45 years. As a young woman her courage was displayed in the challenge of learning a new culture and language. In later years she was able and willing to share her wealth of life experience with younger ones. She was characterized by a confidence in her God and a love for her Venezuelan and Canadian families. Her last trip home to Cape Breton was very shortly followed by her home-call into the presence of her Lord and Savior. She is survived by three sisters, two brothers, and many nieces and nephews. The funeral was taken by David Swan and Albert Hull, with John Turkington (Venezuela) and her brother Calvin giving eulogies. Fred Bartlett and James Thompson (Maine) took part at the grave. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord … that they may rest from their labors” (Rev 14:13).
Gordon C.G. Dempster of Nameless Cove, NL, on Oct 13, age 77. He was born and raised in a small fishing community on the Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland. Our dear brother was saved at the age of 27 on March 25, 1962 after the gospel came to this community via a small boat known as the M.G.M. He was known as a gentle soul and with his wife, Hazel, shared many a meal with whomever the children brought home, most knowing they were always welcome. He lived his life for God, spoke in the gospel at the assembly in Flower’s Cove, and had a great testimony at work and in the community. This was evident by the large number that gathered for his funeral taken by Gaius Goff. He is survived by his wife Hazel of 53 years, children Marilyn (Gaius), Sheila (Ches), Gorvin (Barbara), Wavey (Milton), Gary (Faye), seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Please pray for family members who are not saved.
Rose H. Goldsmith of Bryn Mawr, PA, on October 17, 2012. She was born in Ardmore, PA, on September 20, 1923 and recently celebrated her 89th birthday. She was saved at the age of 12 at home in her bedroom as the Spirit of God caused her to consider the truth that God is pleased with the death of His Son. She asked herself, “Then why am I not satisfied?” She acknowledged her sin and rested her all for eternity on the work of Christ on the cross. She proved for 77 years the reality of salvation and the satisfaction found in Christ. Rose was in fellowship for almost 75 years, attending all the meetings, and faithfully taught Sunday school for many years. The funeral service was taken by Harold Stewart and Alan Oliver.
Robert (Bob) Harpell of Port Bickerton, NS, on October 21, age 86. Our brother was saved later in life in meetings held by John McCracken and Bill Bingham in 1981, and was received into fellowship shortly after and remained steadfast until his home-call. He was faithful in keeping the hall open for whoever could help in the gospel as the assembly was very small, although it has recently closed. His funeral was taken by James McClelland and the gospel was faithfully presented. Please remember the family in prayer.
