Canada
Alberta
Fort McMurray: The new hall is progressing nicely and is enclosed for the winter. Plumbing and electrical work are in progress.
British Columbia
Kamloops: In early October the assembly enjoyed a night of ministry shared by Marvin Derksen and Brody Thibodeau, as did the Westbank and Port Alberni assemblies.
Vancouver: The Thanksgiving Conference was reported to be an encouragement by many of the saints who attended. The opening Bible reading on “Discipleship,” ably led by David Vallance, set the tone for the ministry that followed. Other brethren who shared in ministry and/or gospel were Marvin Derksen, Tom Hoy, Frank Sona, and Brody Thibodeau. Following the conference, Joy Muringathery from Mumbai, India visited the Carleton, South Burnaby, Victoria Drive, Fairview, and West Richmond assemblies with appreciated ministry.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Gander: The assembly started a gospel series on November 8 with Marvin Derksen and Peter Ramsay.
L’Anse au Loup: The conference went well again this year as the Lord gave help in the ministry. The numbers were down a little, but a great weekend was enjoyed around the Word of God. The preaching brethren who took part were: Alex Dryburgh, Jon Procopio, and David Swan. Bert Joyce also attended, giving encouragement to the saints. Help in ministry and gospel were also appreciated from John Bain, Sandy Feltham, Stephen Joyce, and Mathew Russell. Alex Dryburgh spent two nights in ministry following the conference in Charlottetown and had a ministry meeting in L’Anse au Loup on October 22.
Ontario
Cornwall: In mid-August, Lorne Langfeld was involved in gospel work in a group of fairs in Ontario that continued until the end of September. The last event was the International Plowing Match near Cornwall. This week-long event was well attended and had excellent weather. Believers from Ottawa, Maberly, and Montreal helped, as well as the regular workers. A gospel booth at a home show was arranged for the first week of November.
Deseronto: The believers were encouraged by visits from Eugene Badgley and Ken Taylor, and also by a few young mothers bringing children to the open Sunday school. The prayers of the saints would be valued for blessing in salvation and the preservation of this small assembly.
Lindsay: The Lindsay conference went well in October with a good number attending. The Bible reading and ministry were very helpful and encouraging. It was a time of refreshment and joy.
London: In early August, Lorne Langfeld worked with the assembly at Highbury in a series of children’s meetings.
Huntsville: A week of children’s meetings finished on October 23 with Lorne Langfeld.
Mississauga: The saints of the Applewood Heights assembly enjoyed recent visits from Wm. Metcalf and Ken Taylor. Brother Taylor also gave a report of the work in Dominica and the damage due to the hurricane.
St. Thomas: The recent Thanksgiving conference was a time of spiritual blessing and fellowship. The missionary report on Saturday morning by Stephen Harper (Malawi) was informative and challenging. Gene Higgins, Andrew Robertson, Dan Shutt, William Skates, and Shawn St. Clair gave encouraging and refreshing ministry. Gary Sharp presented the gospel to the Sunday school children and parents. The gospel was faithfully preached both Saturday and Sunday evenings. Following the conference, Bruce Rodgers gave a night of foundational teaching on John 1:1-18.
Unionville: The assembly was thankful for interest and attendance in a two-week Mandarin gospel effort with Stephen Vance and Thomas Piao. Many from the ongoing ESL programs attended on various nights and heard the gospel preached in their own language, while an English translation was put up on the screen for others to follow along. Prayer is appreciated that the seed sown will reap salvation in the coming weeks at the ESL sessions.
U.S.A.
Arkansas
Alpena: The believers from Alpena and Springdale assemblies greatly appreciated a weekend of expositional ministry on 1 Corinthians chapters 1-4, in five sessions, from Joel Portman. Harrys Rodriguez kindly translated the first three sessions for Hispanic believers from Springdale. The annual conference during the weekend of October 31-November 1 was a time of joy and encouragement. Jerry Jennings, Scott MacLeod, Murray McCandless, Harrys Rodriguez, William Skates, and Louis Smith gave profitable ministry, both practical and devotional. Scott MacLeod and Murray McCandless shared in preaching the gospel clearly. A deep note of thanks is also extended to all who attended and gave support.
Connecticut
Terryville: The annual October conference meetings were shared by Paul Barnhardt, Walter Gustafson, Scott MacLeod, Murray McCandless, and David Petterson. A large number attended the hymn sing at the hall on Saturday evening. During the month, the assembly enjoyed a night of ministry from David McAllister.
Newington: The annual conference was blessed with the salvation of a young woman. Paul Barnhardt, Gene Higgins and Peter Ramsay gave appreciated and helpful ministry.
Illinois
New Lenox: The assembly has commended Dan Perez to full-time service in the Ukraine. See Updates for contact information,
Iowa
Manchester: Frank Sona was with the assembly November 8-13 speaking on assembly truth.
Massachusetts
Saugus: During the month of October, Brian Crawford and Larry Perkins visited with challenging ministry.
Michigan
Deckerville: Bruce Rodgers came for a night of challenging and encouraging ministry. It was well supported by other assemblies which was appreciated.
New Jersey
Midland Park: The assembly held gospel meetings nightly July 10-26 in Wyckoff, NJ, one town over from Midland Park. David T. Zuidema from Midland Park shared the first week with Eugene Higgins. Three local brethren shared the remaining meetings with brother Zuidema. The attendance was good, with visitors present every night. The VBS, August 10-14, was conducted by local brethren. Average attendance was 45. The annual picnic was held on the Saturday with Paul Barnhardt speaking to the 150 attendees. The 74th annual conference was held September 26-27. Brethren ministering the Word were Eugene Higgins, David McAllister (Zambia), Jim McMaster (UK), and Frank Sona. The weather was beautiful, and both ministry and gospel were faithfully set before the gathered company. Attendance was estimated at about 250. During October, the assembly enjoyed visits from Jim McMaster, David McAllister, and Stephen Harper. The saints were cheered at the baptism of two young women on October 25, and were looking forward to another baptism of a young Albanian brother on November 8.
Wisconsin
Blue River: The conference in October was a “taste of heaven” with ministry given by Brandon Doll, Isaiah Frazier, Eric McCullough, Russ Nesbit, Joel Portman, William Skates, Larry Steers, and Roy Weber. Larry Steers was with the assembly October 27-November 1.
La Crosse: The October conference was very uplifting with ministry presented by Al Christopherson, Brandon Doll, Duncan Dunsire, Isaiah Frazier, Scott MacLeod, Eric McCullough, William Skates, and Larry Steers. Roy Weber preached the gospel.
Mexico
Chihuahua
El Vergel: Shad Kember returned for another visit in October to preach the gospel and give teaching to the new believers here. He had the joy of seeing the baptism of five believers.
Ciudad Delicias: Anderson Hernández and another brother preached the gospel for three weeks from Monday to Friday in this city an hour south of the city of Chihuahua where they reside. There was some interest shown and they value your prayers for the blessing of God on this outreach work.
Sonora
Hermosillo: Matthew Cain was with the assembly from October 1-4 and gave appreciated teaching on the work of the Holy Spirit in regard to the Scriptures and in the life of the believer. In the midst of much confusion in the religious world, this teaching was helpful, challenging, and encouraging. A married couple baptized in September was received into fellowship that same weekend.
Ciudad Obregón: John Dennison visited in mid October and had a weekend of teaching on principles from the early chapters of Genesis. The believers there, as well as those visiting from Hermosillo and Guasave, were encouraged and helped by the ministry.
Sinaloa
Guasave: The believers enjoyed the visit of Tim Woodford for a weekend in October. Your prayers for the growth of this work, and the eventual establishment of a local church are much valued.
Mexico City
Each Wednesday in the Moctezuma neighborhood, about 15 minutes from the assembly in Netzahualcoyotl, the brethren hold a house meeting in the home of a believer to preach the gospel. They are encouraged to see interest on the part of several people. In Tlalpan there is also a house meeting each Saturday for the preaching of the gospel as well as some teaching on the local church. Your prayers for the furtherance of the work of God in this vast city are appreciated.
Morelos
Oacalco: The twice weekly meetings in this small town two hours from Iguala have been very encouraging over the last couple of months.
Veracruz
Actopan: Timothy Stevenson, helped by local brethren from the assembly in Xalapa, preached the gospel here for two weeks with some interest.
Cotaxtla: The work commenced here seven years ago, and God has blessed in salvation and growth. Some of the believers travel to the city of Veracruz on the Lord’s Day for the breaking of bread. John and Rebekah Nesbitt value prayer for wisdom concerning the formation of a local church here. The believers from Veracruz are also involved in monthly visits to Tuxpan and Coscomatepec to preach the gospel.
Quintana Roo
Cancun: Timothy Turkington commenced gospel meetings on November 8, and expects Timothy Woodford to be able to help during parts of the series. He and Amy also make monthly visits to Nicolas Bravo and Paraíso with the gospel.
Conferences
Monrovia-Downey, CA
January 1-3, at the Monrovia Gospel Hall, 211 S. Magnolia, Monrovia, CA. The theme is “Evangelism,” with sessions led by John Fitzpatrick (Oregon) and Scott MacLeod (PE). Contact: Reuben Thropay, Tel: 626 826-8777.
Phoenix, AZ
January 16-17, with prayer meeting on January 15. The two Bible readings will be on Revelation 2-3. Timothy Sloan (Ukraine) and Stephen Harper (Malawi) are expected for the missionary report meeting on Saturday morning. Accom: Andy Feinberg, E-mail: abf121@gmail.com.
DeLand, FL
February 6-7, in the Gospel Hall, 109 E. Rosehill Ave., east off North Woodland Blvd. Friday, February 5: 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: “Genesis 1.” Ministry meetings will follow the conference from Tuesday, February 9, through Friday, February 12. Corr: Fred King, 215 Lake Talmadge Rd., DeLand, FL 32724; Tel: 386 943-4000.
San Diego, CA
February 13-14, with Prayer meeting on Friday, February 12 at 7pm. Saturday: Bible Study 10am (Separation and Identification), Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Accom: Ken Baker, E-mail: kenbakersd@gmail.com.
Conferences Previously Published:
Saugus, MA – December 5-6
Pennsauken, NJ – January 9-10
Updates
Additions to List of Commended Workers:
Dan Perez: c/o 1423 Regency Ridge Dr., Joliet, IL 60436 USA. E-mail: dan_70X7@hotmail.com. Dan is laboring in the Ukraine.
Change of Address
Bryan Joyce: New E-mail address is 1john1vs7@gmail.com.
Jack Saword, El Salvador: Mailing address is VIP SAL # 7255, P.O. Box O25364, Miami, FL, USA 33102-5364. Tel: 011-503-2260-1063, Cell: 011-503-7505-0445, E-Mail: sjsaword@cox.net.
Bert and Michelle Snippe: 1522 Ravine Line Road, Kingsville, ON, Canada, N9Y 2W8. Tel: 519 712-8527; E-mail address remains the same: bandmsnippe@gmail.com.
Change of Address of Correspondent
La Crosse, WI: Cal Erickson, 213- 2nd Avenue N, Onalaska, WI 54650. E-mail: cberickso@hotmail.com.
Home-calls
Elizabeth Ann (Beth) Brears of Walkerton, ON, in January 9, 2015, age 76. Beth was saved in February 1962 and baptized and gathered with the Milton saints that summer. The night she was saved she realized that it was her sins that had driven the nails into the Lord’s hands and feet. She viewed each health affliction as an opportunity to glorify her Lord. Her Savior dominated her life in every aspect and she put Him first in all decisions. Beth always went the extra mile in her amazing, warm hospitality, to saint and sinner. A large number of neighbors, relatives, and friends heard the gospel preached. Bill Shaw, David Regis, and Tom Morrison shared the service which Beth had planned during her last three days with her family.
Mrs. Helen Laura (Smith) Pearcey of Unionville, ON, on October 1, age 94. Born on June 10, 1921, she trusted Christ as a young girl of 5. She was in fellowship in the Brock Avenue (Toronto) assembly for over 70 years and was latterly in fellowship in the Unionville assembly. In 1979 she married Frank Pearcey and proved an invaluable help to him in the work of the Lord. A warm, gracious, kind believer, she won the hearts of all who knew her by her Christ-like demeanor. Her funeral service was taken by Gene Higgins and James Garvin, with family members handling the eulogy and committal service. She is survived by her sister, Mary Lutley, her nephews and nieces, along with their families, her step-daughter, Barb (Len) Fowler, and five grandchildren.
Allan MacFarlane of Glen Ewen, SK, on July 28, 2015, age 84. He was born February 22, 1931 as the eldest son of Harry and Dorothy MacFarlane. He was saved at the age of nine and received into the fellowship at Glen Ewen four years later. Allan was a caring overseer and shepherd for more than 40 years and his heart’s burden was for the unsaved. For whoever he met, his conviction was, “How then shall they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of Whom they have not heard?” (Rom 10:14). He leaves to mourn his wife, Daryl, of almost 60 years, three daughters and four sons, their spouses, 27 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren, many of whom have the blessed hope of reunion. Comforting words were spoken in the funeral service by son-in-law Robert Griffin, and at the graveside by Randy Logue.
Ty Logan Jon Parker of Glen Ewen, SK, on August 31, 2015, age nine years, following complications from brain surgery to remove a cancerous tumor. In Ty’s final days, he was surrounded by family and friends. He touched everyone in some small way throughout his short, yet memorable life, and his laughter and voice could always be heard. At around seven, he desired a personal relationship with Christ and accepted Him. After his diagnosis and in the days leading up to the surgery he possessed strength and courage. Ty is survived by his parents Jonathan and Christie Parker of Glen Ewen district; one brother Tanner, two sisters, Sydney and Hayley, grandparents John and Eunice Parker of Melfort, and Ron and Juanita Henderson of Manor; several uncles, aunts, and cousins. A large funeral service was officiated by Peter Ramsay in the local school.
John Draves of Blue River, WI, on September 30, 2015, age 89. He was awakened to his personal need of salvation, at the age of 29 through the death of a believer with whom he was familiar. He received peace to his troubled soul from 1 John 5:12, 13; “…that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” Following baptism, he was received into the fellowship of the Blue River assembly where he was steadfast: “Whose faith follow.” He is survived by Shirley, his wife of 58 years, three sons and one daughter, their spouses, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandsons. Russ Nesbit spoke at the large funeral service, with Isaiah Frazier speaking at the grave.
Elizabeth Buckle of the English Point, NL, on October 7, age 78. She was in the assembly here for many years, but was ill for the past several months. The funeral was held in the English Point Gospel Hall with Francis Barney and Gideon Buckle sharing the service.
John Normore of L’Anse au Loup, NL, on October 10, 2015, age 86. Uncle John was saved in 1965 after being opposed to the gospel for many years when the brethren first came to the Labrador coast. He was well known for being firm in his convictions of the truth. He was very faithful in attending all the assembly meetings until he became ill and confined to his home for the past 3 1/2 years. The large funeral was held in the L’Anse au Loup Gospel Hall with Edward Dredge and Eddie Barney taking the service, and Freddy Barney speaking at the grave.
Anne Orr of Hitesville, IA, on October 12, 2015, age 86, wife of evangelist Robert Orr. She was saved at the age of 16 at a gospel meeting in Blue River, WI through the truth of John 3:36. For many years she lived in Waterloo, being employed as a nurse and fellowshipping at the Western Avenue assembly. Following her marriage to Robert in 2005, she was in fellowship at Hitesville. Survived by her husband, one son, three daughters, and 10 grandchildren. With a servant’s heart, she was a great help to Robert in his labors for the Lord: “Whose faith follow.” Russ Nesbit and Dennis Gentz, her nephew, shared the large funeral service held in the Hitesville Hall.
Erwin Stickfort of Cedar Falls, IA, on October 28, 2015, age 84. He was saved April 12, 1950 during a gospel meeting in Stout. It was through the truth of 2 Corinthians 4:3 that he understood his condition as a lost sinner, followed by the truth of Luke 19:10 wherein he realized that the Son of Man came to save him. After being in fellowship in the Stout assembly for many years, he became an active and vital part of the Cedar Falls assembly which was planted in 1963. His life was characterized by balance and steadfastness, and his influence was felt far and wide. He is survived by his wife, Janice, of nearly 63 years, three sons and one daughter, nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. His son Tom, Eric McCullough, and Russ Nesbit spoke at the large service in the hall, with Robert Orr speaking at the grave.
Eunice M. Alves of Venezuela, on November 1, age 85. She was the third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Saword, and for 62 years, the wife of Donald R. Alves. She lived 15 years in Venezuela, then for 10 years in Canada, and the final 59 in Venezuela. Her intense service to the Lord and the needy in Maracaibo were sufficient to show her quality; but they were followed in Valencia by 33 years of constant service and many private conversations with elderly and young, saved and unsaved; lastly by 17 years with the cruel effects of Alzheimer’s. Her ministry was carried out in obedience to the ample privileges and responsibilities assigned to sisters in Christ in the Scripture, and left a lasting effect on the Bárbula assembly where she labored from before it was formed, and then to the assemblies that grew out of it. The eldest of her sons and daughters were taken to be with the Lord several years ago; four are living in Canada and two in Venezuela.
