Tidings

Canada

British Columbia

Vancouver: The Victoria Drive assembly held a Chinese New Year-themed gospel supper on January 29, followed by Harry Chen and Andy Yuen (both of Richmond, BC) preaching in English and Cantonese (with translation). They were encouraged by good numbers of children and adults in attendance.

Newfoundland

English Point: The assembly commenced gospel meetings with Tim Burton and Brody Thibodeau on January 30. This was the first series of gospel meetings held in the English Point/L’anse au Loup area since COVID-19 began. Meetings were also livestreamed via Zoom.

Nova Scotia

Pugwash: The assembly commenced gospel meetings January 29 with Eric Fowler and David Hunt.

Ontario

North Bay: Please pray for upcoming gospel meetings April 16-28 in Nipissing Junction with Brian Crawford.

Oshawa: The assembly was encouraged when a young sister obeyed the Lord in baptism in January. The sister, who was raised R.C., is now in university. She was saved after being invited to Sunday School and hearing the gospel for the first time. The hall was full for the occasion, as she invited many relatives and school friends to attend.

The assembly enjoyed ministry given by Larry Steers at the Saturday night ministry meeting in January and by Chad Forshew (Victoria Road, ON) in February.

Sudbury: In January, a young teenage sister was received into fellowship, which was a cause of great joy for the assembly. Bruce Rodgers spoke a gospel message during the open Sunday School, and a fellowship meal was provided afterwards by the sisters.

U.S.A.

Arizona

Phoenix: The believers at the Orangewood Gospel Hall hosted their annual conference over the 2023 MLK Day weekend. Attendance was back to pre-pandemic levels, and hunger for the Word of God was evident throughout the weekend. The believers enjoyed ministry, Bible reading, gospel preaching, Sunday School and a missionary report. Tom Baker, Glen Baker, Marcus Cain, Stephen Harper and Tim Woodford all gave much appreciated help. The Bible readings were on 1 Timothy 3 and the missionary report centered on the work of God in Malawi, Africa. Plans are in the works already for the 2024 edition of the Orangewood conference, D.V.

Florida

Tampa: Prior to their gospel series in January, the assembly distributed 35,000 Spanish/English John 3:16 texts and gospel invitations in four and a half days with a reduced number of volunteers due to Winter Storm Elliot.

Illinois

Joliet: David Petterson will be with the Spring Creek assembly for ministry March 11-12, D.V. The assembly has also invited Mike Knox for ministry April 22-23, D.V. He will be taking up the subject of the Word of God and its importance, relevance, sufficiency and use.

Iowa

Cedar Falls: Leslie Craig gave ministry February 1-5 and brought his OBEX (Origin Bible Experience) posters that he uses for outreach.

Marion: The assembly held their annual ministry weekend on Saturday and Sunday, January 28-29, with UK brethren Leslie Craig and Jim McMaster. The subject of the ministry was “Fulfilling the Unique Service for Which You Were Saved.” On Saturday afternoon, Jim McMaster reported on prison and street ministries and the work in Malawi. Leslie Craig also spoke on school and campus outreaches.

Massachusetts

Saugus: The assembly appreciated Dan and Deb Shutt’s visit on the Lord’s Day, January 1, where he gave ministry on Jeremiah’s prayer at the temple gate, “O Lord, correct me” (Jeremiah 10:24). He also preached the gospel.

New Jersey

Pennsauken: David Petterson, Peter Ramsay and Dan Shutt shared in a topical conference entitled “Affirming Our Foundations” with encouraging messages focused on God’s Word, God’s Assembly and God’s Son. The conference was well attended by the surrounding assemblies and the believers rejoiced to be back to holding a conference after a three-year pause.

A 16-year-old Sunday School student was tragically murdered on New Year’s Day. He was a long-time contact of the youth work carried on by local believers Don Draper and Joanna Sweighart. The assembly was given the opportunity to speak the gospel in Spanish and English at a memorial gathering and again at the viewing. Both times over 100 unsaved, many well known to the believers, were present and listened respectfully to the gospel. Pray for the Lord to bring blessing out of tragedy.

Wisconsin

Blue River: The assembly counts it a privilege and a blessing to have received four teenagers into the fellowship in the past year. Frank Sona visited the assembly January 23-25 and gave teaching from the book of Haggai for three nights.

Mount Sterling: The assembly commenced gospel meetings January 8 with John Fitzpatrick and Isaiah Frazier.

Mexico

Nuevo León

Juárez (Monterrey): A group of believers from Canada, the United States and Mexico met December 26-30 to distribute 80,000 Romans 5:8 Seed Sowers texts along with invitations to a gospel series that began on December 28 and continued through January. During the morning sessions before delivery began, Paul Thiessen gave messages on the five times that God speaks in the Pentateuch. The attendance at the gospel meetings was encouraging to the believers in the assembly. Several contacts showed good interest and attention to the gospel message. Shad Kember, Miguel Mosquera and Timothy Turkington were helped by local brethren each night in the preaching. The prayers of God’s people are appreciated that the Word of God might continue working in the hearts of those who heard the gospel along with those who received texts.

Sonora

Hermosillo: The assembly held a community event in December, delivering 1,000 invitations to the neighborhood and advertising on Facebook ahead of time. They were very encouraged to see about 120 people attend that Saturday, mainly new contacts. There were activities for the children outside as well as a tent with coffee and chairs to give an opportunity to meet the adults. Later on, there was a gospel message inside, followed by a meal. Each person received a Bible text and calendar.

Sinaloa

Guasave: The assembly began the year with a gospel series, with local brethren sharing the responsibility.

Nayarit

El Borrego: The attendance at the weekly gospel meetings held in this very rural area continues to be encouraging. Some who attend have professed faith over the years, while others who regularly come are still unsaved. The believers from the Santiago Ixcuintla assembly value your prayers for this effort.

Jalisco

Ciudad Guzmán: Starting early in January, over 35,000 Seed Sowers texts were delivered in this city, accompanied by the nightly preaching of the gospel. The attendance has been encouraging, with more than 30 people listening with good interest. A local believer was baptized. Paul Thiessen and Ross Vanstone, helped by others, have been helping in this work and appreciate your prayers.

Guadalajara: Jonathan and Hannah Seed returned from Jackson, MI, last fall to continue helping in the work here. The attendance of visitors at the weekly gospel meeting is encouraging, and a married couple has expressed interest in church truth.

Zapopan: The assembly held nightly gospel meetings January 9-22 with Paul Thiessen and Joel Thiessen (Omaha, NE). The attendance in the hall varied each evening, but the Zoom attendance was very high. New people have arrived at the hall this year as a result of having received the 2023 calendar.

Mexico State

Nezahualcóyotl: The annual Sunday School treat at the end of December was a time of encouragement. The theme was “Christ in the Prophets.” Andrea Gómez (Iguala, Guerrero) was present to help in this event. A neighbor who was reached through the regular distribution of material was recently saved.

Puebla

Puebla: Samuel Chesney and Timothy Stevenson continue making regular visits to this city and have had meetings in a park as well as house meetings.

Veracruz

Veracruz: In mid-December, the assembly delivered calendars close to the hall and held a series of gospel meetings on “The Signs of the Lord Jesus in John’s Gospel.” The believers have recommenced gospel meetings in Cotaxtla on Sunday afternoons and appreciate prayers for God’s blessing in this effort.

Yucatán

Mérida: At the beginning of December, Mariú Hernández appreciated a visit from Philip and Jane Lampkin (London, ON). Timothy and Jenna Stevenson visited later in the month as well. On both occasions, gospel meetings were held in the rented hall and calendars were distributed.

Progreso: Children’s meetings were held several times during the month of January. Close to 40 children attended each time to hear God’s Word. Timothy Stevenson was able to preach the gospel after the children’s meetings to both the children’s parents and other neighbors who came to listen to the message.

Quintana Roo

Cancún: The assembly appreciated a visit last December from Derek Hanna and Wade Bauld (both from Calgary, AB) along with their families. Later Timothy Stevenson and Joel Robles (Veracruz) were present to give appreciated help.

Conferences

Cambridge, ON

March 3-5, Bible Reading conference with prayer meeting Friday, March 3, at 7:30pm. Saturday Bible Readings commence at 10am. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Bible Reading 2pm. The subject is The Local Assembly: Fellowship in the Assembly–A Called-out Company; Stewardship in the Assembly–A Committed Company; Relationships in the Assembly–A Consecrated Company; Lordship/Headship in the Assembly–A Communing Company. Leading the readings will be Jack Gould, Lorne Langfeld, John Meekin and William Skates. For enquiries, please contact Philip Watson, Tel: 519-240-0007; Email: philmarfarms@gmail.com or Peter Watson, Tel: 519-242-0933; Email: petemar@gmail.com.

Mount Sterling, WI

March 25-26, with prayer meeting and ministry (Phil Coulson) on Friday, March 24, at 7:30pm. Bible Readings will be on the subject of “Focusing on the Future in Biblical Prophecy.” Saturday: Bible Reading 10am (Phil Coulson), 1:45pm (Frank Sona), and 3:45pm (Joseph Baker, Jackson, MI), Gospel 7pm. Lord’s Day: Bible Reading 1:45pm (A.J. Higgins), Gospel 4pm. Accom: Joe Frazier, Email: mtsterlinggh@gmail.com; Tel: 608-604-4334 or Wayne Granzow, Email: wcgranzow@gmail.com; Tel: 608-874-4760.

Toronto, ON

April 6-8, 135th Toronto Easter Conference, with prayer meeting on Thursday, April 6, at 7:30pm in the Rexdale Gospel Hall, 72 Bergamot Avenue, Etobicoke, ON, M9W 1V9. The conference meetings will be held Friday, April 7, from 1:30pm to 8pm, and Saturday, April 8 from 10am to 5pm in the auditorium at the Toronto Free Presbyterian Church, 1600 Neilson Rd, Scarborough, ON, M1X 1S3. Supper on Friday and lunch on Saturday will be provided. Attendance will require advance online registration. Further information regarding registration, etc., will be available in the month of March through the Gospel Hall Forum, Instagram and the Toronto Easter Conference Facebook account. These meetings will also be streamed online on the Toronto Easter Conference YouTube channel.

Stout, IA

April 7-9, in the gospel hall, 407 3rd Street. Friday: Prayer Meeting 7pm. Saturday: Ministry 10am and 2pm, Children’s Meeting 1pm, Gospel 6pm. Lord’s Day: Bible Reading 9am (Luke 24:13-35), Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Children’s Meeting 1pm, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 6pm. Lunch and Supper will be served both days. Corr: Aric Stickfort, Email: aric.stickfort@corteva.com; Cell: 319-404-1809.

Waterloo/Cedar Falls, IA

April 14-16, with prayer meeting on Friday, April 14 at 7pm in the Waterloo Gospel Hall, 726 Western Avenue. All other meetings are in the Cedar Falls High School, 1015 S. Division Street. Saturday: Ministry 10am and 2pm, Children’s Meeting 1pm, Testimony 6pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Lord’s Day: Bible Reading 9am (Psalm 45), Breaking of Bread 10:15am, Children’s Meeting 1pm, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 4:30pm. We will be using the original Believers Hymn Book. Corr. Delmer Stickfort (Waterloo), Tel: 319-404-2892; Mike Palmer (Cedar Falls), Email: mjpalmer89@gmail.com; Cell: 319-215-9200.

Saugus, MA

April 29-30, Bible Reading conference with prayer meeting, Friday, April 28, at 7:30pm. Subject: Genesis 1-3. Saturday: Bible Readings 10am and 2pm, Gospel 4:45pm. Sunday: Remembrance 10am, Sunday School 11:45am, Bible Reading 2pm, Summary 4:30pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Lunch and dinner will be served. Expected speakers: Sandy Higgins, John Meekin and David Vallance. A hearty invitation is extended to all and we would seek your prayers that our time together will result in God being glorified, the Lord’s people exhorted and encouraged, and precious souls saved. Accom: Shad Brook, Tel: 617-285-4677; Email: shad.brook@gmail.com. Corr: Tony Grillo, Tel: 781-248-8900; Email: tonygrillo109@gmail.com.

Newmarket, ON

May 6, in the Newmarket Gospel Hall, 736 Davis Drive (Highway 9). Ministry 10am, Bible Study (Topic: Eternal Security/Assurance of Salvation) 1:30pm, Ministry 4pm. Lunch & Supper will be served. For more information, please visit https://www.NewmarketGospelHall.com and send an email at “Contact Us” on their website.

Springdale, AR

May 26-27, in the Centro Evangélico Springdale, 408 E. Meadow Ave. Saturday: Prayer/Ministry 10am and 2pm, Gospel 6pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10am, Prayer/Ministry 2pm, Sunday School 4pm, Ministry/Gospel 5pm.

Conferences Previously Published:

Matoaca, VA – March 4-5

Bicester, UK – April 9-10

Change of Address

Gary and Bonnie Sharp: 3516 Town Line, Oro-Medonte, ON L3V 0K4 (mailing address only); Gary’s Email: GNSandBES@gmail.com; Cell: 705-795-8196, Bonnie’s Email: 51.besharp@gmail.com; Cell: 705-795-8245

Change in Meeting Times

Waukesha, WI: Breaking of Bread 9:30am, Ministry 10:30am, Sunday School 11:30am, Gospel 12pm; Wednesday Prayer and Ministry 7pm.

Homecalls

Larry Blancher of Charlton, ON, on September 25, 2022, age 82. He was born August 30, 1940. Larry married Anne Schinkel in 1962. They moved to the Charlton area in 1967. The Lord worked in Larry and Anne’s lives through the warm-hearted witness of neighbors who were members of the local assembly. Anne was received into the assembly and continued faithfully on her own for a number of years. Larry couldn’t see how he could ever be “good enough” to join with the believers as they remembered the Lord. He was finally able to rest in his acceptance in Christ and joyfully take his place in the assembly. Larry knew how to encourage young and old. His hearty “Amen” after a prayer might initially surprise some, but they would soon come to appreciate the warmth of it. Larry is survived by his wife Anne, four children and their families.

Gloria Christopherson of Marion, IA, on November 8, 2022, age 80, after four years of cancer. She was saved at age ten in meetings in La Crosse, WI, with Buzz Jamison. She married Al Christopherson in September 1963. She proved to be a great example and continual source of encouragement for Al as they took the gospel to new places. Gloria was the “glue that held the family together” and was also a real blessing to the newly formed Ankeny, IA, assembly in 2014. She turned 80 on October 21, 2022, and celebrated her 70th spiritual birthday a few days later on October 27. Her prayer life was admirable even through the painful days of cancer. Joel Portman and Tim McCalley shared in the large funeral service with attendees from as far away as Winnipeg and Portage, MB, and Rapid City, SD. Dave Reiss spoke an excellent gospel message.

Leona (née Stute) Watson of Cambridge, ON, on December 2, 2022, age 90, at her home. She was born in Sarnia, ON, on June 19, 1932, and was saved February 17, 1949, after hearing the gospel. Leona was a part of the Sarnia assembly until her marriage to Tom Watson, when they moved to the Valens assembly, and later to the Clyde assembly (now located in Cambridge). She was predeceased by her daughter in 2001, her husband Tom of 57 years in 2010, and a few grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Leona is survived by four daughters and two sons, their spouses, 35 grandchildren and over 100 great-grandchildren. The gospel was faithfully preached to many family members and friends at both the funeral and the graveside by Lorne Langfeld. She will be greatly missed.