Canada
British Columbia
Vancouver: The 98th Easter conference was a blessing to the saints in the area. Ministry was shared by Phil Coulson, Dan Rudge, Lindsay Parks, and Brody Thibodeau, with the latter two brethren taking both of the gospel meetings. Brethren Coulson and Rudge continued in the West Richmond assembly for four nights of Bible readings, taking up the Feasts of Jehovah from Leviticus 23. The Fleetwood assembly recently baptized a young sister in their new hall, and Victoria Drive had the joy of baptizing a young brother, originally from El Salvador, who was saved in 2012 in meetings in Hamilton, ON.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Sandringham: Mr. and Mrs. Goff visited April 6-7. Brother Goff had ministry both nights, which was appreciated and enjoyed by all.
Ontario
Burgessville: Please pray for a gospel series which began May 7 with John Fitzpatrick and Brandon Doll.
Earlton: Lorne Langfeld visited other area assemblies at Kirkland Lake, Charlton, and Englehart after the Kapuskasing conference, and then participated in the annual Farm Show weekend at Earlton. The believers were encouraged as 600 children took texts, and many of the 3000 visitors stopped to take tracts or texts. Three people attended the Sunday night gospel meeting as a result. Recently, two middle-aged men professed salvation and are requesting baptism.
Thunder Bay: The believers continue to be encouraged with the Sunday school at maximum capacity, and with developing relationships with parents. The monthly buffet breakfast in the conference room of a local hotel sees 25-40 friends, co-workers, and others hearing the gospel.
U.S.A.
Arizona
Phoenix: The assembly in West Phoenix convened its ninth annual conference in April, with excellent attendance and much help given in the ministry of the Word and the preaching of the gospel. A young sister was baptized on Sunday night, bringing joy to the believers present. During the gospel meeting that evening, a 15-year-old boy professed salvation.
California
Los Angeles: The annual conference in the East Los Angeles assembly was well attended. Ministry shared by Tom Baker, Pablo Seguel, Juan Seguel, Tony Flett, and Marcus Cain was appreciated.
Westmorland: The new assembly enjoyed a visit from Isaiah and Silvia Frazier while John and Joanne Clingen visited their former sphere of service in Nicaragua.
Iowa
Ankeny: The assembly held their annual one-day conference on May 6 at the Ankeny Christian Academy.
Dunkerton: Jerry Jennings gave ministry April 24-28, and concluded each meeting with a gospel message.
Manchester: Robert Surgenor was expected for several nights of ministry in early May on the first epistle to the Thessalonians.
Stout: The annual conference in April was a time of blessing, with good numbers attending, indicating an appreciation for the Word. Appreciated help was given by 11 of the Lord’s servants and the voice of God was heard.
Michigan
Battle Creek: Please pray for the safe arrival of another shipment of food and relief items sent to Venezuela.
Cass City: Prayer is requested for planned gospel meetings to begin June 11 with Bill Lavery and Dan Shutt.
Deckerville: Jim Beattie visited in April for a Lord’s Day and gave very encouraging ministry that was warming to the saints here.
Minnesota
Fridley: Stu Thompson employed four evenings in late April to instruct regarding relationships, the substance of life. This helpful ministry included the origin of relationships involving both divine persons and mankind, the marring of those relationships, and finally, the restoration of those relationships.
Rochester: Please pray for gospel meetings July 23 through August 5 with William Skates and Brandon Doll. If interested in helping with a Seed Sowers effort here July 24-28, please contact Tim and Eunice McCalley at usaseedsowers@gmail.com.
New Jersey
Barrington: Spanish gospel meetings were conducted from April 14-24. There was blessing seen for which we thank God.
New York
Belfast: The assembly has moved from Caneadea after having to leave a building that was leased for 13 years. The Lord provided a house to purchase and renovate for a gospel hall in the nearby town of Belfast. Please pray for our weekly gospel meeting and snack time. The saints have been encouraged by many walk-in teenagers from the town.
North Carolina
Hickory: Please pray for the second consecutive Seed Sowers distribution here, June 19-23. This year’s distribution will cover areas outside the city limits. Following Seed Sowers, gospel meetings are scheduled to commence on June 25 in a rented building in Conover, NC. We value your prayers for Dale Vitale and Paul Barnhardt who will be preaching the gospel, Lord willing.
Virginia
Crandon: The assembly enjoyed three nights of ministry with David Petterson, April 3-5, on the life of Abraham.
Washington
Clearview: In early April, the assembly appreciated two nights of insightful ministry from Phil Coulson from the book of Ezra. Also in April, David McKillen visited the assembly for four weeknight meetings and a Lord’s Day. Brother McKillen was invited to give specific ministry on the topic of Scriptural Principles of Gathering in a New Testament Church.
Wisconsin
La Crosse: Gospel meetings started here April 30 with Larry Perkins and local brethren.
Ontario: Three weeks of gospel meetings with Bruce Rodgers and Brandon Doll which began March 19 were were encouraging, with a 10-year-old boy professing faith.
Mexico
Sonora
Ciudad Obregón: Three weeks of gospel meetings concluded on April 23 with a good number of unbelievers attending and the hand of God evident in salvation. Alberto Mendoza (Obregon) helped with the preaching for the first two weeks before leaving for Chihuahua.
San Luis Río Colorado: In April, the assembly was encouraged by the baptism and subsequent reception to the fellowship of two believers.
Chihuahua
Chihuahua: The assembly very much enjoyed Bernardo Chirino’s visit in April for a weekend. On the Lord’s Day he gave several messages on the Christian family, with good attendance and interest.
El Vergel: A week of gospel meetings and children’s meeting were held in April and God blessed in salvation. The believers in this small mountain town were encouraged when a brother was baptized in a nearby river. Please pray for the preservation and growth of the work here.
Nuevo Leon
Monterrey: Bernardo Chirinos, a full-time worker from Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, spent almost a month in Mexico, helping in two weeks of gospel meetings as well as a week of Bible readings on 1 Timothy.
Jalisco
Puerto Vallarta: The assembly continues with open-air meetings each Friday in front of a hospital as well as two meetings a week in rehabilitation centers.
Zapopan: The assembly continues with the monthly distribution of 2000 gospel tracts near the hall, and thankfully, some neighbors have arrived at the meetings as a result. God has blessed this labor in salvation. In the nearby Lomas del Centinela neighborhood, open-air meetings have been held for several years, and of late, several people have asked questions about the message.
Guadalajara: A gospel series commenced on April 30 with Shad Kember and Jonathan Seed.
Guanajuato
Irapuato: Ricky and Erika Sawatzky were greatly encouraged by a full hall during a week of children’s meetings in April. They were helped by two believers from the Zapopan assembly.Several parents also attended these meetings. Several contacts were renewed with those living near the hall, and a door was also opened for cottage meetings.
Mexico State
Nezahualcóyotl: In April, the assembly rejoiced when a brother was received into fellowship, whose wife and son are members of the assembly here. They also enjoyed a night of ministry with Bernardo Chirinos before he and his wife Nancy returned to Venezuela.
Michoacán
Zamora: The assembly held its annual conference over the Easter weekend, and rejoiced at the baptism of several believers.
Veracruz
Veracruz: In April a sister who lives in Cotaxtla was received into fellowship. A visit from Leah Barnhardt and her children was also an encouragement.
Xalapa: Timothy Stevenson is in the fourth week of gospel meetings in the hall. Melvin Mendez was here for the first three weeks, helping not only in the gospel, but also in open-air preaching and visitation. Duncan Beckett then was able to arrive to help for several nights. On April 8, believers from Veracruz, Cotaxtla, and Hatito were present for a mini-conference.
Republic of Ireland
Bridgetown: J. Fleck, S. Gilfillan, P. McCauley, and D. West are expected for ministry on Saturday and Lord’s Day, August 5-6. David West will continue in ministry April 7-10, DV. A series of gospel meetings commences on June 4 with speakers John Fleck and Stephen Gilfillan. The assembly would appreciate the prayers of the saints.
Longford: In April, the assembly had a weekend of ministry with Ian Jackson. Fellowship was enjoyed with neighboring assemblies, and it was encouraging to see some local people in for the first time. The monthly children’s meeting during the winter months has been encouraging. Please pray that some of the parents will attend the weekly gospel meeting.
Rathmines: The annual conference took place May 6-7. Speakers were David Gilliland, Jack Hay, Douglas Mowat, and David McAllister. Jack Hay continued in ministry during the week following the conference.
Conferences
Halifax, NS
Annual Bible Reading Conference June 3 & 4. North Street Gospel Hall. Topic: “Four Portraits of Christ.” The Christians gathered unto the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ at North Street Gospel Hall invite you to attend their Annual Bible Reading Conference to be held, DV, beginning at 9:30 am each morning. We anticipate that the readings and ministry sessions dealing with “The Servant Songs of Isaiah” will be opened by Sandy Higgins – New Jersey, Sinclair Banks – Scotland, John Meekin – Nova Scotia, Paul Robinson – Toronto, and Matthew Cain – Halifax. There will be three sessions set aside for ministry. Meals will be served. Limited accommodations are available in the homes of believers. Please contact Andrew Swan. E-mail andrewswan1@gmail.com (902) 476-0935. We trust a good number will be able to attend and that God will give His blessing to the teaching of His Word. Lloyd Cain: E-mail lloydbcain@outlook.com 902 434-3514.
Sioux City, IA
July 15-16, in the Sioux City Gospel Hall, 120 South Leonard Street, Sioux City, IA. Saturday: Prayer 7pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 9:45am, Bible Reading 11:15am (John 17), Lunch 12:30pm, Children’s Meeting 1:30pm, Ministry 2pm, Dinner 4:30pm, Gospel 5:30pm. Accom: Gary Hayes, Tel: 712 560-6911, E-mail: george55698@outlook.com; or Bernie Mertens, Tel: 712 223-0439.
Westbank, BC
August 5-6, 35th Annual Conference, with Prayer Meeting on August 4 at 7:30pm in the Highway Gospel Hall, 2549 Hebert Road, Westbank. Saturday: Bible Reading 10am (2 Corinthians 5), Ministry 2:30pm, Ministry/Gospel 7pm, Sing 9pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 9:30am, Sunday School 11:15am, Ministry 2:30pm, Gospel 7:15pm. Meals will be provided. Please contact in advance for accommodation. Corr: Glenn Griffin, 3344 Elliott Road, Westbank, BC V4T 1P2; Tel: 250 768-3343; E-mail: griffarm@telus.net.
Conferences Previously Published:
Bancroft, ON – June 3
Saugus, MA – June 3-4
North Bay, ON – June 10-11
Portage la Prairie, MB – June 9-11
Glen Ewan, SK – June 15-18
Corner Brook, NL – June 23-25
Taylorside, SK – June 23-25
Englehart, Earlton, Charlton, Kirkland Lake, ON – July 1-2
Kamloops, BC – July 1-2
Pugwash Junction, NS – July 1-2
Augusta, ME – June 24-25
Change of Address
Joe and Penny Clark: New E-mail address is joeandpennyclark@gmail.com.
Change of Address of Correspondent
Deep Cove Gospel Hall: New E-mail address for correspondent George Varaljay is georgevaraljay@gmail.com.
Home-calls
Ruth Lamont (nee Grainger) of Edmonton, AB, on July 8, 2016. Ruth was known for her joy, zest for life, and love of people, and of the Lord and the assembly. She leaves behind her dearly beloved husband of 61 years, Robert, her son Paul and daughter Mary, and six grandchildren. In addition, she was predeceased by her treasured son Timothy (1963). She also leaves her sister, Wilma Virgent. Ruth was saved as a young girl in the Highfield assembly and married Robert in 1954. They attended Bracondale Gospel Hall, followed by Rexdale Gospel Hall. Robert and Ruth relocated to Edmonton in 2013 due to health reasons, and attended Connor’s Hill Gospel Hall. They were loved and appreciated as they entered into all the activities of the assembly and were faithful attendees. Ruth was a hostess extraordinaire, and loved to provide hospitality to others and host hymn sings in her home. She loved working with children in Sunday school and Children’s Meetings. She will be forever missed, and holds a loving place in the hearts of family and friends.
Helen Nickason of Port Sydney, ON, on October 18, 2016, in her 87th year. She had been a resident of Fairvern Nursing Home in Huntsville for several years. She was saved in her teens while reading Isaiah 53:5 and was in fellowship at the Huntsville Gospel Hall until 1977, moving to Deer Lake when the new hall was built. Through the years, she made sure that each of her nine children attended Sunday school, and with her husband Richard, was in faithful attendance at all meetings. At her large funeral, a eulogy was given by her daughter, Norma VanAlstine, and the gospel was faithfully preached, just as she had wished, by local brethren, Larry French and Ben Huggins.
Stanley H. Moore of Hickory, NC, on March 5, 2017, age 77. Stan was born in 1939 to Bill and Mary Moore of McKeesport, PA. He grew up in the McKeesport assembly, trusting Christ at the age of 10. Stan married Christina Graham, and together they served the Lord in multiple assemblies over the years. In each place, McKeesport, Hickory, Matoaca, Hatboro, and again Hickory, Stan was a leader among the Lord’s people and served as an elder in several of these assemblies. He had a special care for individuals, and all who met him were touched by his kind words and friendly smile. Stan was gifted in ministry that was both uplifting and challenging, and he preached a very clear gospel. He and Chris had a special interest in the spiritual growth of young people, and many will remember attending Young Peoples’ events at their home. They consistently showed gracious hospitality to the Lord’s people, and loved having the believers over to their home. Stan was also very instrumental in organizing the first Hickory conference 35 years ago. Stan is survived by Chris, his loving wife of 56 years, three children, Bill Moore, Chris Yockey, and Marianne Becker, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Also surviving him are three brothers, William, Ernest, and James Moore, and one sister, Arlene Robinson. Many believers from multiple assemblies attended the funeral service which was officiated by David Petterson and Philip Moore (nephews), and Kurt Petterson (brother-in-law). The gospel was faithfully preached.
Frederick Arthur Smith of Goodwood, ON, on March 10, 2017, age 91. He was saved in 1968 at 42 years of age after a gospel meeting in Oshawa, ON. Gospel-minded from the start, he and his wife Edna, with Norm and Joyce May, rented the Lion’s Hall in 1969 and started a Sunday school at 2pm and a gospel meeting at 3pm. A little later, a Thursday night Bible Reading was commenced. In 1970, the Blacksmith & Carriage building Fred owned was converted for use as a gospel hall. After various jobs (soldier, policeman, and many others) Fred “retired” to work diligently on Kember texts that can still be found in homes in a number of countries. For about 45 years, many lives were touched by the Goodwood Gospel Hall. Fred was a faithful shepherd in the assembly until close to the end, when his health failed. Please pray for his wife, five children, as well as grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Lillian Telfer of Markham, ON, on March 27, 2017, having celebrated her 93rd birthday just two weeks earlier at Bethany Lodge, where she had been lovingly cared for during the past nine years. She was saved by God’s grace in January 1935, during the first series of gospel meetings held in the Highfield Road assembly. She later gathered with the saints at Eglinton Avenue for many years, and was active with Sunday school and ladies ‘missionary endeavors. With the move to Bethany, she enjoyed meeting with the saints at Unionville and the kindness they showed her. She leaves her brother George to mourn her loss. A large number attended her service, which was shared by family members. She was a lady who had come to understand the true meaning of “the grace of acceptance.” Godliness with contentment was the true character of her life.
Julia L. Raisbeck of Beetown, WI, on March 31, 2017, age 85. She was awakened and saved October 9, 1965 through John 3:16 while attending gospel meetings being held by Louis Brandt and Henry Wahls at Beetown. She and her husband, Raymond, who professed one week later, were received into fellowship in 1966, and were faithful and active members of the assembly from that time until their home-call. She leaves behind five unsaved children and many grandchildren who heard a solemn gospel message preached by Roy Weber at the funeral service.
Sue Gentz of Manchester, IA, on April 8, 2017, age 75, entered her heavenly home with family at her side. She was born in Ottumwa, IA in 1941 and married Kenneth Gentz in 1959. To this union was born three daughters and two sons, all believers in the Lord Jesus. She also leaves 18 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Sue trusted Christ as Savior and Lord on May 18, 1958 through the preaching of George McKinley. He told how God was satisfied with what His Son accomplished at Calvary, and she decided she was satisfied with that work as well. Sue was received into the fellowship soon after and remained in happy fellowship until her home-call. She was, without a doubt, a pillar of the church, the guide of the home, and faithful to all assembly meetings for 58 years. The children agreed that she was their “rock” and “glue.” Prayer is requested for some in the family not saved. Sharing in the large service were Robert Orr, Al Christopherson, and Russ Nesbitt.
