Canada
British Columbia
Burnaby: The South Burnaby assembly conducted one week of Vacation Bible Hour August 12-16 in their hall.
Vancouver: The Victoria Drive assembly conducted one week of in-person Vacation Bible School at Rupert Park that began July 12. They held a similar VBS July 26-30 at Norquay Park and August 9-13 at Nanaimo Park.
Newfoundland
Flower’s Cove: Brody Thibodeau preached the gospel on Saturday evening, September 4, and was with the assembly for the Lord’s Day morning, September 5, before returning to Parsons Pond to continue the meetings. Please pray for some who have been coming to the regular meetings in Flower’s Cove and some who haven’t attended recently.
Parsons Pond: The assembly commenced drive-in gospel meetings in the hall parking lot with Brody Thibodeau on August 30. Please pray for this outreach.
Ontario
Sudbury: In August the assembly rejoiced in witnessing four local young people enter the waters of baptism. A good number of visitors attended, some hearing the gospel preached and witnessing a believer’s baptism for the first time. A young man was also received into fellowship the following Sunday, bringing much encouragement to the Christians. The local weekly online gospel meeting continued throughout the summer with help from Eugene Badgley, Murray McCandless, Bruce Rodgers and Brody Thibodeau.
Strongville: The assembly held a drive-in gospel series August 15-22, with Bob Curry (Laurel, ON) and Eric Fowler preaching.
Victoria Road: The assembly is encouraged by the number of visitors attending the Drive-in Gospel Meetings that have been ongoing during the summer in the nearby hamlet of Glenarm. What started as a week of broadcasts in July using an FM transmitter continued Sunday evenings throughout August and September. Along with visitors listening in their cars, people also tuned in at their homes since the FM signal reaches nearly 3 km. Brian Crawford, Lorne Langfeld and local brethren helped with the broadcasts.
Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown: In August, David Hierlihy and Scott MacLeod held three weeks of tent meetings in the Meadowbank community on a field owned by believers. During the first week, David, along with John Turkington (Charlottetown, PE), conducted children’s meetings in the morning. The believers were encouraged to hear of blessing during these meetings.
U.S.A.
Arizona
Phoenix: The Orangewood assembly continues their series of short Saturday night devotionals via Zoom on the Person and Work of our Lord Jesus Christ to help believers prepare for worship on Lord’s Day. Brethren taking part to date include Tim Woodford (August 14), Glen Baker (August 21), David Petterson (August 28) and Jonathan Seed (September 4).
Illinois
New Lennox: The Spring Creek assembly was encouraged by blessing in salvation following their two-week gospel tent meetings that began August 1 with Larry Perkins and local brethren.
Iowa
Ankeny: Due to rising COVID-19 cases, the assembly cancelled their September 11-12 conference.
Dunkerton: Gospel meetings that began August 15 with Frank Sona and William Skates in the small town of Dewar closed after two weeks. Good interest was shown, and the preaching was clear and plain.
Believers from the assembly staffed a booth August 20-22 at the Antique Acres Old Time Power Show and Flea Market. It was an encouraging time of distributing Christian materials, including Bibles, tracts, texts, CDs and DVDs, as well as Alive and Running Iowa suicide awareness and prevention materials. Several encouraging conversations occurred. Please pray for the seed that was sown.
Hampton: Due to a COVID-19 outbreak, the assembly cancelled their September 4-5 conference.
Hitesville: Due to rising COVID-19 cases, the assembly cancelled their September 18-19 conference.
Stout: Gospel meetings that started August 7 with Al Christopherson and Dustin Hayes (Stout, IA) between the cities of Parkersburg and Grundy Center closed August 23 with blessing in salvation.
Michigan
Battle Creek: Venezuela Relief Fund Update: Support to the Lord’s people in Venezuela continues. During the last months, medical assistance has been the priority due to the large numbers affected with COVID-19. Approximately 2500 of the Lord’s people have received help with the supply of medications, oxygen, and other needs to help them through their health crisis. In the last two weeks of August the number of cases seems to have decreased but time will only tell if it is a true improvement because the efforts by the authorities to contain the spread have been very unsuccessful. Additionally, crops continue to be produced locally and supplemented by shipments of non-perishables from the USA, as the Lord permits. Much praise has risen to the Lord’s presence for His goodness as manifested in the many expressions of gratitude received.
Jackson: Please pray for a series of gospel meetings scheduled to begin on September 26 with our brother Eugene Higgins.
Minnesota
Fridley: Gospel meetings that commenced August 8 with Brandon Doll and Isaiah Frazier closed on August 27. The saints were thankful for the continued interest throughout the meetings. Please pray that the meetings would still be blessed by souls being saved for His glory.
Ohio
Clyde: Due to declining health and domicile changes, the believers in the Clyde Gospel Hall stopped meeting as an assembly on August 29. The assembly was first formed in 1962 through the faithful preaching of Norman Crawford, Lorne McBain and other brethren. Of the original members, Helen Henkle remains.
Virginia
Crandon: The assembly hosted a two-week series of tent meetings August 22-September 3 with Joseph Baker (Jackson, MI) and Russell Coleman in a lot in the nearby town of Pearisburg. Attendance was limited, but the gospel was faithfully presented. Pray for the continued work in the area.
Wisconsin
Beetown: Due to rising COVID-19 cases, the assembly cancelled their September 6 conference.
Blue River: Gospel tent meetings that commenced July 11 with Jim Frazier and Frank Sona in the nearby town of Boscobel concluded on August 13 after five weeks.
Mexico
Chihuahua
Chihuahua: Gospel meetings that commenced on July 26 in the outreach hall located in the El Porvenir area of town continued with good interest for four weeks.
After the gospel meeting in Ciudad Delicias, located an hour outside the city of Chihuahua, a young lad of 14 shared that had been saved during the meeting.
Sonora
Hermosillo: The assembly enjoyed a brief visit from Miguel Mosquera and appreciated his ministry.
Ciudad Obregón: The assembly once again had to suspend in-person meetings at the beginning of August due to government regulations as well as a number of believers and their families who became ill with COVID-19.
Mexico State
Nezahualcóyotl: Meetings were once again suspended early in August due to a significant increase in COVID-19 cases in the city. A number of the believers became sick with COVID-19 and, thankfully, improved, but sadly, Miguel Angel Mendoza was called home to glory on August 21, leaving behind his wife Martha and three young children (Miguel, Martha and Ana).
Veracruz
Veracruz: The assembly had to stop meeting in person due to the seriousness of the COVID-19 situation and are praying for a soon return to in-person meetings.
Jalisco
Puerto Vallarta: A number of the believers became ill with COVID-19, resulting in some being hospitalized over the summer, but thankfully all recovered. Nonetheless, in-person meetings have been cancelled in the meantime.
Hurricane Nora brought much disaster to the city on August 28, but thankfully the believers and their properties were preserved.
Conferences
Manchester, IA
October 2, at The Gathering Place, 1711 N. Second Street.
Sussex, NB
October 9-10, cancelled due to reimposed COVID restrictions.
Blues Mills/Cape Breton, NS
November 13-14 (tentative local conference), in the gospel hall, 34 Mountain Road. Saturday: Ministry 2pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Ministry 2:30pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Registration will be required. Corr: John Bain, E-mail: john@thegospel.ca; Tel: 902 625-2409. See http://www.thegospel.ca for updates with respect to COVID requirements, which may result in cancellation.
Livonia, MI
October 24-25 (cancelled)
Conferences Previously Published:
Cape Breton, NS – October 9-10 (cancelled)
St. Thomas, ON – October 9-10 (cancelled)
Homecalls
Sandy Feltham of Glovertown, NL, on May 31, 2021, age 73, as the result of a boating accident. He was saved in June 1977 through the testimony of co-workers at the Department of Forestry. His life changed dramatically, and for the last 44 years, his desire was to live for his Savior and for the advance of the gospel. He was a faithful brother with a love for the Lord and His people, proving to be a steady leader and a tender shepherd of the flock. He and his wife Marilyn entertained many through the years with an open home and heart for all. His sudden homecall is a great loss, both locally and across the province, and will be felt for years to come. The large funeral in the hall at Sandringham was conducted by Marvin Derksen and family members, with Eric Gill and Wallace Buckle at the graveside.
Rose (Olga) Lawson of Welland, ON, on June 20, 2021, age 85. She was saved in October 1952, along with her husband Reginald Lawson, and came into fellowship in the Grimsby assembly. In 1969, the Lawson family moved to Welland and continued faithfully in fellowship in the assembly there until prevented by declining health. Rose was predeceased by her husband Reg, and one daughter, Eleanor. She is survived by her daughters Leslea McCandless, Rebekah (Bruce) Rodgers, MaryJane (Larry) Pratt, and Sally (Steve) Leishman, in addition to 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Her faith and hope shone as a light to many in the nursing home, despite her frailty. Her suffering and limitations were temporary; her blessing and liberty are eternal. Words of comfort and triumphant faith were spoken at the graveside service by her daughter Sally, son-in-law Larry Pratt, and grandson, Justin Pratt.
Elaine Conde of Spring Lake Park, MN, on July 5, 2021, age 95. She was born again April 5, 2000, one month before her 74th birthday, while gospel meetings were being held in Crystal, MN, by Eric McCullough and William Skates. Elaine was received into fellowship by the Fridley, MN, assembly on February 10, 2002. She was faithful in attending assembly meetings as health permitted. Her husband John predeceased her on December 31, 1996. Elaine was cared for at her son Brian’s home in Little Canada, MN, for the last three years. She always had a burden for souls, especially her large family. Elaine will be greatly missed by all. William Skates and Gavin Collins spoke at the funeral service and at the graveside. Perry Bauer and Brian Conde also took part. Please pray for the many unsaved that heard the gospel faithfully preached at the funeral.
Robert Eyers of Grand Prairie, AB, on July 25, 2021, age 72. He was saved in Scotland at the age of nine. In 1990, Robert, his wife Sandra, and their three children immigrated to Canada, settling in Abbotsford, BC, for 10 years before their move to Grand Prairie, AB. He treasured and knew his Bible, and was a great encourager; he helped in Bible study, preaching the gospel, giving ministry and speaking to young people. Robert had a very long, painful journey with bone cancer until the Lord released him and called him home. A private family graveside service was held August 5, 2021. He will be greatly missed. Remember his family in prayer, most of whom know the Lord.
Lilian Yocum of Toronto, ON, on July 29, 2021, age 90. She was the only child of saved parents, and knew the gospel. After conviction of sin, Lilian was saved through the truth of John 3:16. After her baptism, she was received into assembly fellowship and continued faithfully for 60 years. In 1965, she married Jack Yocum, who was commended to full-time service as an evangelist on November 25, 1978, and preceded her in death on September 7, 2005. Lilian’s funeral was taken by Fred Krauss and the graveside service was shared by her brother-in-law, Bill Yocum.
Cesira Giraldi of Toronto, ON, on August 19, 2021. She was born October 9, 1924, in Rende, Italy. Along with her husband and five children, she immigrated to Canada in 1960, settling first in Sault Ste. Marie, ON. God initially used the kindness of assembly Christians there, coupled with the truth of God’s Word, for her to consider God’s way of salvation. In 1973, Cesira took God at His word, and He granted her eternal life. She led a life of devotion to her Lord, faithfulness to the Fairbank assembly, and prayerfulness for family and friends. Recently, Cesira was lovingly cared for by her daughter Sarah. She was predeceased by her husband Vincenzo, and sons Ralph and Lou. Upon closing her eyes on earth and opening them in heaven, she left a legacy of faith and devotion to her three remaining children, 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
