Canada
British Columbia
Langley: Sandy Higgins gave ministry November 1-5 via Zoom on the topic of Parenting Through a Pandemic. Originally scheduled to be in person, meetings reverted to exclusively Zoom due to some late-breaking COVID-19 exposure concerns.
Vancouver: Following their October 9-10 Thanksgiving Conference, the Victoria Drive assembly held gospel meetings in person October 11-November 4 with David Hierlihy and William Skates. They were encouraged by blessing in salvation. Please pray for the salvation of many young people that attended.
Ontario
Brampton: The assembly commenced gospel meetings with Liam Hannah (Toronto, ON) and Brody Thibodeau on October 31. The meetings were also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube. Prayer is requested for these meetings.
Burgessville: The assembly commenced tent meetings with Steve Faviere (Bancroft, ON) and Eric Fowler on September 12. Local brethren continued the meetings afterwards. Support from surrounding assemblies was encouraging, with a nice number of visitors from the area attending nightly. The meetings were also broadcast on FM radio and continued until November 5. They were encouraged with three professing to be saved.
Prince Edward Island
O’Leary: Eric Fowler was visiting the area, so the assembly held a few nights of gospel meetings September 5-8, with local brethren helping him.
Summerside: The Pope Road assembly was happy to have Alan Summers from Scotland for a week of ministry September 25-October 1 on 1 Timothy. The ministry was both challenging and encouraging.
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 Timothy Stevenson (October 9), Tom Baker (October 16), Paul Thiessen (October 23), Matthew Cain (October 30), and Ken Taylor (November 6).
Sandy Higgins visited the West Phoenix assembly for a weekend of ministry in October. He gave six messages on Practical Principles from the Lucan Parables. The believers felt that God spoke to them by means of His Word, and as is his custom, Sandy shared many thoughts about Christ that caused the saints to worship.
Florida
Tampa: Due to normally having large gatherings during the Christmas period, the assembly requests that visitors let them know their plans in advance. They would love to welcome as many as possible; however, there is limited seating. Please contact Tom Clark, Tel: 813-730-0016; Email: tclarkjr5@aol.com or Gordon Armstrong, Tel: 813-848-4056; Email: gparmstrong@icloud.com.
Iowa
Stout: John Fitzpatrick visited the assembly for ministry on Thursday, November 4.
Michigan
Battle Creek: Venezuela Relief Fund: The VRF continues to provide help to the Lord’s people in Venezuela. The COVID-19 crisis is in full swing and we continue to supply funds for the purchase of medications and oxygen on a daily basis. Food production efforts in the country continue, as well as the shipments from the USA. Fuel continues to be very scarce and now extremely expensive. Much of the available fuel can be bought on the black market, where prices can range from $2 and above per liter. Please pray that the Lord will provide relief and a definite solution to the crisis.
Livonia: The in-person gospel meetings October 3-24 with Joseph Baker (Jackson, MI) and Jonathan Seed at the Stark Road Gospel Hall concluded with spiritual blessing.
Minnesota
Fridley: The assembly held gospel meetings October 3-15 with Brandon Doll and Isaiah Frazier. There was very good interest in August that continued during these meetings, with some new contacts attending. Despite no news of salvation, they trust that seeds were planted. Please pray that there would yet be blessing in salvation for His glory.
Ohio
Mansfield: The assembly held two weeks of gospel meetings beginning October 17 with Gordon Armstrong (Tampa, FL) and Paul Barnhardt.
Mexico
Sonora
Ciudad Obregón: The assembly appreciated a visit October 1-3 from Shad Kember and Duncan Beckett. They were able to meet together for the Breaking of Bread and ministry for the first time in several months while Shad and Duncan visited, but midweek meetings continue on Zoom.
Guerrero
Iguala: Local brethren helped Shad Kember during three weeks of gospel meetings held in the hall.
Veracruz
Veracruz: The assembly was able to meet together again as of October 3 after another COVID-19-imposed hiatus. They appreciated the visit from Harry Rodríguez that Lord’s Day when he shared in the gospel and ministry of the Word. Anderson Hernández was with the assembly October 14-17, and his help was appreciated in ministry and the gospel.
Conferences
Tampa, FL
January 15-16, Youth conference in the North Tampa Gospel Hall, 12704 Marjory Avenue. Beginning Saturday at 10am. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10am, Gospel 12 noon, Ministry 2pm. Speakers expected are John Dennison and Andrew Ussher. There will be an activity planned on Monday, January 17, for all who are able to stay. These are assembly meetings, and believers of all ages are encouraged to attend. For more information and accommodations please contact Gordon Armstrong, Email: gparmstrong@icloud.com; Tel: 813-848 4056.
DeLand, FL
February 4-6, now cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Conferences Previously Published:
Saugus, MA – December 4-5 (cancelled)
Updates
Change of Address
Glen and Paty Baker, 4829 Snap Dragon Street, Jurupa Valley, CA 91752
Tom and Nelly Baker, 4829 Snap Dragon Street, Jurupa Valley, CA 91752
Fred and Morag Krauss, 34 Swansea Road, Suite 203, Unionville, ON, L3R 0W3
Change of Address of Correspondent
Pugwash Junction, NS: Merlin Russell, 39 Wallace River West Road, Wallace River West, Nova Scotia, B0K 1Y0
Homecalls
Shirley (Jacobs) Wirkler of Farmersburg, IA, on September 6, 2021, age 91. Born March 5, 1930, she trusted Christ at age eight while reading John 3:16 as she sat on Grandma Hites’ lap in the home east of the current Hitesville Gospel Hall. She married Harvey Wirkler September 8, 1951, at the Waterloo Gospel Hall, with Oliver Smith officiating. Shirley was in the Garnavillo assembly and taught the youngest Sunday school for numerous years. During the last two years of her life, she resided in an assisted living facility in Cedar Falls and was in fellowship with the believers there. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Harvey in 1997, and by her son Alan in 2016. She leaves a son, Brian, and two daughters, Linda McDonald and Becky (Glen) Menke. Paul Wielenga and Russ Nesbitt shared in the funeral. Ron Wahls spoke at the graveside.
Florence “Fodie” Taylor of Ontario, WI, on September 9, 2021, age 84. Fodie was convinced of her need of salvation through the testimony of neighbors in the 1960s. She attended many gospel meetings over the years, struggling to find peace. On March 19, 1981, she trusted Christ through 1 Corinthians 15:3. She and her husband, Mervin, who had been saved in 1977, were steadfast in their devotion to the Ontario assembly. She enjoyed preparing meals for the Lord’s people, both in her home and for assembly events. She was a true helper to her husband in his assembly service. Fodie suffered patiently over months of declining health due to cancer, always minimizing her problems and inquiring about others. She is survived by her husband Mervin of nearly 64 years, three sons, and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ron Doll spoke clear and faithful words at the funeral.
Elmer J. Smith of Parkersburg, IA, on September 14, 2021, age 89. He was saved August 14, 1947, through the truth of Acts 16:31 while attending a gospel tent series with the late Leonard Debuhr and George Gould Jr. Elmer and his wife Ana lived in Florida for a number of years, but more recently they resided in Iowa over the summer months, fellowshipping with the believers in Hampton. In the winter months, they returned to Florida and enjoyed fellowshipping with the Tampa assembly. He will be remembered for his unceasing wonder at the joy and privilege of being saved. Elmer is survived by his wife, one daughter, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Clint Swieter, Irvin Swieter and Russ Nesbit shared in the graveside service.
Jean Ann Southard of Cedar Falls, IA, on September 18, 2021, age 75. She was saved in the spring of 1974 following the conversion of her husband one month earlier. After baptism, they were both received into the fellowship of the Cedar Falls assembly. Jean Ann was full of good works and almsdeeds (cf. Acts 9:36). Her husband Gary went home to be with the Lord in November 2017. She is survived by one daughter, three grandsons and one great-grandson. Jerald Lukensmeyer and Russ Nesbit shared the service in the Cedar Falls Gospel Hall, and Ken Alberts spoke at the graveside.
Betty Naber of Ankeny, IA, on October 2, 2021, age 83. She trusted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior on March 3, 1951, at age 14. She found great peace in Isaiah 44:22: “I [God] have swept away your sins like a cloud … Oh return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.” She was in fellowship for many years in the Marion, IA, assembly until recent years when she moved to the Ankeny area and became a part of the assembly there. Family members and friends paid tribute at her funeral service, with special emphasis on Isaiah 44:22. She is survived by two daughters, three sons, 12 grandchildren,18 great-grandchildren, and two sisters – Lois Bruley of the La Crosse, WI, assembly and Gloria Christopherson of the Marion assembly.
Betty Williams of Hitesville, IA, on October 5, 2021, age 88. She was saved August 25, 1942, at the age of 9. She was united in marriage to “Bud” Williams in 1954. Together they served the Lord and, in doing so, were a valuable asset to the Hitesville assembly. Following “Bud’s” passing in 2005, Betty stayed active in the assembly as well as in the community of Allison, IA, where she resided. “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” She is survived by her daughter Connie (Bob) Opperman, her son Jeff (Rhonda) Williams, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Russ Nesbit spoke at the funeral service held in the Hitesville Gospel Hall.
Mabel Belben of Forteau, NL, on October 7, 2021, age 92. She was saved back in February 1958 in the early years of the gospel work in Labrador. She and her late husband Kenneth were in the L’Anse au Loup assembly. After his passing in 2000, Mabel continued consistently until her health began to fail in the last five years. She spent the last couple of years in the Long-Term Care Home. The funeral was held in the L’Anse au Loup Gospel Hall where her son-in-law, Eddie Barney, preached the gospel and brother, Gilbert Linstead, spoke at the graveside.
Rhea Prieur of La Crosse, WI, on October 14, 2021, age 93. She was saved at age 11 after listening to the gospel through her uncle Lawrence Uglum. She married Ray Prieur on June 12, 1948, with the Lord adding seven children to this union. Her great burden for the lost was accompanied with a Christ-like spirit of being a woman of prayer, going through her list daily, many days hourly. Only heaven will reveal her impact of 70 years supporting gospel work in the La Crosse assembly. At the large service several family members gave tribute to her influence upon them personally. Rhea is survived by six children and their spouses, six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, along with two sisters. She was preceded in death by her husband Ray and infant son, Ramon George. Al Christopherson was given the honor of sharing the gospel during her funeral.
George Bell of Toronto, ON, on October 16, 2021, age 96. Our dear brother was born on September 12, 1925, in Toronto. He trusted Christ on October 19, 1947, through John 5:24. From the time of salvation George faithfully attended assembly meetings and lived a quiet, consistent, godly life helping in Sunday School work and tract distribution. He married Henrietta Donaldson on October 21, 1961, and they faithfully attended Eglinton Gospel Hall for over 50 years, where he was known for his kind, thoughtful and quiet way. In later years they attended Victoria Park Gospel Hall and then resided at Bethany Manor. David Booth aptly took the funeral and preached the gospel, with a number in attendance hearing the gospel both in person and virtually. He leaves behind his wife, his sons Stephen (Peggy) and Allan (Melissa), and three grandchildren.
