Canada
Manitoba
Portage la Prairie: The Prairie Bible Services (PBS) Centre is looking for volunteer teachers to mark the mail-in Bible lessons each month. Among the qualifications is being in fellowship in an assembly. If anyone feels they have been called to be involved in this gospel outreach program, please contact Pete and Elaine Smith at pbs110@mts.net for further information.
New Brunswick
Sussex: The assembly held two weeks of ministry in person and livestreamed that began February 13 with Scott MacLeod on Future Events.
Newfoundland
English Point: The gospel meetings with Tim Burton (Summerside, PE) and Brody Thibodeau closed on March 1 after four and a half weeks.
Nova Scotia
Pugwash: The gospel meetings that commenced January 29 with Eric Fowler and David Hunt closed on March 1 after four and a half weeks. The saints were encouraged with blessing in salvation.
Ontario
Sudbury: On February 26, Mike Trahan (North Bay, ON) visited the assembly to help with a word of ministry and preach the gospel. The monthly fellowship meal on the same day was well attended.
Toronto: Larry Steers purposed to be with the Highfield assembly for ministry on March 11.
York: On Saturday, April 29, Larry Steers is expected for ministry at the Fairbank Gospel Hall, 119 Ennerdale Road at 7:30pm, D.V.
Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown: The assembly held in-person ministry meetings February 13-17 with John Meekin on the topic of “Critical Couples in the Book of Luke.” The meetings were also livestreamed via Zoom.
Saskatchewan
Oxbow: The assembly was encouraged by gospel meetings with Brian Crawford, helped by local brethren, during the last two weeks of January. They trust that the Lord will bless this effort in salvation. Some people from the area who never attended gospel meetings before came out to the meetings.
U.S.A.
Arizona
Phoenix: The Orangewood assembly enjoyed a “mini-conference” on the Lord’s Day, February 19, during the President’s Day long weekend. Ministry included devotional thoughts on Psalm 22 (Paul Barbour, Waubaushene, ON), the importance of meditation on God’s Word from Psalm 1 (Wilbert Ronald, Portage la Prairie, MB), and thoughts on Noah belonging to two worlds: the world that then was (2 Peter 2:5) and the world after the flood. (Andy Feinberg, Phoenix). It was a time of refreshment and encouragement around the good Word of God.
Connecticut
Newington: The assembly is planning to have their conference June 10-11, D.V.
Iowa
Garnavillo: The assembly commenced gospel meetings with Isaiah Frazier and Mark Bachert on February 12.
Hitesville: The assembly invited Frank Sona for three nights of ministry February 28-March 2.
Marion: In-person and livestreamed gospel meetings are planned with Joseph Baker (Jackson, MI) and Peter Ramsay to commence March 26, D.V. Please pray for these meetings.
Massachusetts
Byfield: The assembly enjoyed a weekend of ministry with Sandy Higgins February 25-26. He took up ministry from the book of Ruth in a fresh and engaging way. The meetings were well attended, with several believers traveling a far distance to attend. The Saturday night gospel meeting was attended by 25 women from a group home where local brethren preach the gospel on Friday nights. Please pray for blessing on this weekly outreach effort.
North Carolina
Hickory: The assembly recently enjoyed a visit February 9-12 from Joel Portman, who brought encouraging ministry on the prayers of Paul, and helped in the gospel, including at their annual Sunday School program.
Texas
San Antonio: John and Rebekah Nesbitt are thankful for seeing God’s hand in blessing in the work. In February the first class for young people in English, with a gospel focus, was held. Some of these young people already attend the regular meetings, and other contacts from high school also attended. Ross Vanstone and Matthew Cain visited in February, and their messages were edifying to the listeners.
In February the sixth gospel-focused home Bible study in English was held in Moriah Nesbitt’s apartment, with some of her fellow workers present. Please pray for a small distribution of texts and invitations to a gospel series that will commence in early April.
Wisconsin
Juneau County: Ken Baker (Blue River, WI) and Brandon Doll commenced gospel meetings on February 20 in the villages of Mauston and Elroy. Meetings were also held in several neighboring villages. A Seed Sowers distribution was held on February 18.
Mexico
Sonora
Hermosillo: The assembly appreciated a visit from Gary and Bonnie Sharp in February. Gary spoke on the presence of God in the life of the believer.
Ciudad Obregón: The assembly convened its first conference since 2020 and enjoyed the fellowship of believers from Hermosillo, Phoenix (Arizona), Guasave and Guadalajara. The teaching on marriage and singleness was helpful. Shad Kember, Jonathan Seed, Timothy Woodford and Andrew Zuidema (Midland Park, NJ) shared in the responsibilities.
Sinaloa
Guasave: The saints appreciated a visit from Andrew Zuidema (Midland Park, NJ) in February. He had children’s meetings, taking up the heavens as his theme.
Nayarit
Santiago Ixcuintla: On the last weekend in February, the assembly held their conference, and they were encouraged by helpful ministry from Shad Kember, Jonathan Seed, Timothy Woodford and Andrew Zuidema (Midland Park, NJ).
Morelos
Oacalco: On February 11, the assembly hosted their second bi-monthly day of ministry meetings. Believers from Pachuca, Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Iguala and Xalapa were present to hear teaching and preaching from Samuel Chesney, Jason Wahls and Timothy Stevenson. Duncan Beckett and Jason Wahls were starting the fourth week of gospel meetings at the end of February.
Guerrero
Iguala: For three Sundays in February, the believers enjoyed visits from Jason and Shelley Wahls. Jason shared rich teaching from both Psalm 2 and the Epistle of James, in addition to preaching the gospel.
Veracruz
Veracruz: The believers have been holding weekly meetings in the town of Cotaxtla, 45 miles east of the port city, and also visiting Coscomatepec, 85 miles east, to preach the gospel. Your prayers for God’s blessing on these efforts are appreciated.
Xalapa: Samuel Chesney, Timothy Stevenson and local brethren have been preaching the gospel nightly in the hall since February. Some have attended for the first time after invitations were distributed in the area.
Quintana Roo
Cancún: On the last weekend of January, Marcus Cain visited the assembly to help in the ministry of the Word, the Sunday School and in the gospel. Paul Thiessen and Sandy Higgins visited during the first week of February, with Sandy giving ministry, through translation by Paul, on the subject of “One Thing,” and Paul speaking on the five songs in Revelation.
Conferences
Mansfield, OH
April 29-30, with prayer meeting and ministry on Friday, April 28, at 7:30pm in the gospel hall. Conference location is the Round Lake Christian Camp, 114 State Rt 3, Lakeville, OH 44638. Saturday: Ministry 10am and 1:30pm, Gospel 4:15pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10am, Ministry 1:30pm, Gospel 4:30pm. Lunch and supper served both days. Topic is “The Local Assembly: Why We Believe What We Believe.” Speakers are Bill Seale, Johnny Seed and Andrew Ussher (Toronto, ON). A warm welcome is extended to all. Accom: Chester Yoder, Tel: 330-231-0339; Email: chesyoder@yahoo.com. Corr: John Hoffman, Tel: 419-564-4517; Email: hoffjohnman@aol.com.
Ottawa, ON
May 19-21, with prayer meeting on Friday, May 19, at 7pm in the gospel hall, 1087 North River Road. Conference location is the Richelieu -Vanier Community Centre, 300 Des Pères-Blancs Avenue. Saturday: Prayer/Ministry 10am and 2pm. A hymn sing will follow after supper. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 9:30am, Sunday School 11:15am, Prayer/Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. If you require accommodations, please contact Devon and Judy Morton, Email: djmorton2014@outlook.com.
Hickory, NC
May 26-28, in the gospel hall, 253 17th Ave NE. Friday: Prayer/Ministry 7:30pm. Saturday: First meeting at 10am. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 9:30am. Speakers expected are Brandon Doll, Stephen Harper, Lindsay Parks (Indiana, PA) and Craig Saword. Craig will give a report on the Lord’s work in El Salvador. For information and lodging, please contact Philip Moore, Tel: 828-244-8329; Email: pemchile@charter.net, or David Turnbull, Tel: 828-218-2417; Email: dpturnbu@charter.net.
Conferences Previously Published:
Toronto, ON – April 6-8
Stout, IA – April 7-9
Bicester, UK – April 9-10
Waterloo/Cedar Falls, IA – April 14-16
Saugus, MA – April 29-30
Newmarket, ON – May 6
Springdale, AR – May 26-27
Updates
Change of Address
Allan Christopherson: 343 SE Willow Run Ln., Ankeny, IA 50021
Brian and Carolyn Owen: TT307 – 7920 McLaughlin Road South, Brampton, ON L6Y 5V6; Tel: 905-460-0150; Cell: 905-460-7833; Email: brianeowen50@gmail.com
Frank and Norma Sona: 1122 Hwy 57, Parkersburg, IA 50665; Cell: 469-406-7765; Email: fsona@aol.com
Homecalls
Lois Gwendolyn Macdonald of Sydney, NS, on Sunday, October 9, 2022, age 92. Born in Sydney on August 9, 1930, she was the daughter of Murdoch and Mary Amelia Macdonald. Lois prepared for her eventual homecall when she bowed before God and found salvation through Romans 10:9 on January 25, 1950. She was a valued and hospitable member of the assembly meeting in the Sydney Gospel Hall. Lois was well known in Sydney; she loved children and showed a keen interest in everyone she met. Lois loved to witness to people about her Lord and Savior. She loved her family, her friends, and her Lord very much. Lois is survived and truly missed by her sisters Beryl and Carol (George) Ramsay, sister-in-law Mary Louise, nieces and nephews, and many close friends.
Robert (Bobby) Smyth of Ballymagarrick, Northern Ireland, on December 11, 2022, age 96. He was one of six children and was predeceased by his wife Ivy. Bobby was brought up in a Christian home and was saved while attending gospel meetings with Charles Fleming in Purdysburn Hall. Afterwards, Bobby was baptized and received into the Ballymagarrick assembly, where he was a consistent, quiet and valued member who taught Sunday School and loved the gospel. U. Crowthers, J. Bingham, M. Duncan, S. Maze, J. Rodgers, M. Lavery, S. Glenn and G. Smyth took part during his well-attended funeral held in the Ballymagarrick Gospel Hall followed by his interment in the Ballycairn Cemetery. His seat is now empty and we rejoice that he is now with the Lord whom he loved. Prayer is requested for his children Robin, Heather and Karen, their spouses, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the wider family circle.
Maria Ann Belben of L’Anse au Loup, Labrador, on January 1, 2023, age 90. Aunt Maria was saved September 5, 1957, in the early days of the gospel work on the Labrador coast. She was part of the assembly in L’Anse au Loup the first time they broke bread in 1958 and was consistent through all the years. The last two or three years, her failing health prevented her from attending the meetings, but her prayer and concern for the assembly remained faithful. Her large funeral was taken by her sons-in-law Jim Jarvis and Francis Barney in the L’Anse au Loup Gospel Hall on January 3. Her son Bert and grandson Paul Jarvis gave fitting tributes. Prayer is appreciated for some family members not saved.
Harold Hanna of Vancouver, BC, on January 12, 2023, age 96. Born in Parry Sound, ON, in 1926, he was saved in gospel meetings in Toronto in 1948. Harold moved to Vancouver at age 25 and fellowshipped at the Carleton Gospel Hall for the last 57 years, sharing many responsibilities. He visited ships in the ports of Vancouver with the gospel for 50 years, and preached a clear, concise gospel, both in the open air and in other assemblies citywide. Despite suffering from dementia in his later years, Harold’s happy disposition and love for the gospel did not diminish. He was still asking the nurses in the care home, “What is the purpose of life? Why are we here? Where will you spend eternity?” Predeceased by his loving wife Mabel (2020), and grandson Doug (2009), he is survived by three sons, one daughter, nine grandchildren and three great-granddaughters.
Mervin Taylor of Ontario, WI, on January 18, 2023, age 95. Mervin was saved April 13, 1977, resting on the truth of John 10:27-28. He came into the fellowship of the Ontario assembly a short time later and continued steadfastly until about a week before his death. He and his wife Fodie, who predeceased him in 2021, were a vital part of the assembly throughout the years, contributing to every aspect of assembly activity. Their greatest joy was to be of practical help to their fellow saints. Mervin was esteemed as an overseer of the little flock at Ontario. He is survived by three sons and their spouses, and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ron Doll spoke clear and faithful words at the funeral.
Larry DeVisme of Phoenix, AZ, on January 20, 2023, age 80. He was saved during the Saturday evening gospel meeting at the Garfield Street Thanksgiving Conference on November 30, 1974. The passage was Luke 10:30-37, and Larry identified himself with the beaten, robbed man left by the side of the road. At the close of the meeting Larry met his “Good Samaritan.” From that point, Larry served the Lord with the faithfulness that in former days had characterized his military service in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was in fellowship at the Garfield Street and Orangewood assemblies for many years and is sorely missed by the Phoenix-area believers. John Fitzpatrick spoke at his well-attended funeral and Jon Vizzini preached the gospel at the graveside. Larry is survived by his wife Sylvia, two daughters Karole (Edward) Bryant and Kathy (Steven) Dill, and six granddaughters. Prayer is appreciated for his wife and family.
