Canada
British Columbia
Vancouver: The Victoria Drive assembly was encouraged by a man obeying the Lord in baptism on December 10. He was saved on the last night of the tent meetings in Maple Ridge last August.
Nova Scotia
Arichat: In early November, the assembly held gospel meetings with Noel Burden and David Swan.
Clementsvale: Marcus Cain gave ministry November 8 on the topic of “Future Events – The Millennial Kingdom.” John Meekin gave ministry via Zoom on November 22 comparing the Millennial Kingdom and the Eternal State.
Ontario
Oshawa: The assembly enjoyed a full hall for their November conference. Six of the Lord’s servants gave timely ministry. David Booth purposed to be with the assembly for their Saturday night ministry meeting in December.
Ottawa: The North River Road assembly held a gospel series in person and livestreamed via Zoom October 30-November 10 with Matthew Cain and local brother Phil Morton.
Mississauga: The Applewood Heights assembly held a series of in-person gospel meetings with Marvin Derksen, also livestreamed via Zoom, November 26-December 8 titled “The Majesty of Christmas.”
Sudbury: The assembly appreciated David Booth’s visit on the Lord’s Day, November 12, for ministry and the gospel. An enjoyable lunch was provided by the sisters.
Prince Edward Island
Summerside: The Pope Road assembly held their annual Bible readings November 28-30, and December 1, 4-6 on the book of Ruth and 1 Samuel 1-3. They appreciated John Meekin’s help to open the Bible readings.
Saskatchewan
Oxbow: The Souris Valley assembly enjoyed ministry September 23-28 from Joel Portman. He spoke on characteristics of an assembly.
Taylorside: The assembly held two and a half weeks of gospel meetings with Brian Crawford and Alan Smith in the town of Kinistino, SK (six nights, October 29-November 3), and in the city of Melfort, SK (nine nights, November 5-14). The gospel was preached faithfully, and a good number of visitors attended. The saints look expectantly to the Lord for blessing from this effort.
U.S.A.
Arkansas
Alpena: The assembly commenced a gospel outreach on December 4 with Jerry Jennings, Melvin Mendez and local brethren. Invitations were handed out door to door on December 3.
Arizona
Phoenix: The Garfield Street assembly commenced gospel meetings December 3 with John Fitzpatrick and local brethren.
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 the Lord’s Day. Brethren taking part to date include Bryon Meyers (November 18), Gaius Goff (November 25) and Tom Baker (December 2).
Iowa
Dunkerton: The assembly hosted the first Winter Bible Reading December 2 for the benefit of five local assemblies. The readings will focus on 2 Timothy – “A Last Letter for These Last Days.”
Marion: Gospel meetings with Jonathan Procopio and Larry Perkins that began November 5 closed on December 3. A large number of people watched the meetings on Facebook, YouTube and Zoom.
Stout: The assembly purposes to host the second Winter Bible Reading January 14 on 2 Timothy 2.
West Liberty: A summer series of children’s meetings resulted in a number of new contacts, many of which have been attending the weekly Sunday afternoon Bible classes held in the West Liberty Community Center. Quite a few of these children are from broken homes, some even being raised by grandparents. Two of the grandmothers have also attended the Bible classes. Also, a monthly gospel meeting at the Simpson Memorial Nursing Home resumed in December with a good number of residents and workers listening to the good news of salvation. Prayer is appreciated for the work in West Liberty, especially for the salvation of precious souls!
West Union: Gospel meetings that began October 16 with Gerard Roy and Frank Sona closed November 10 with blessing in salvation.
Massachusetts
Saugus: The assembly was encouraged by the attendance and the interest of God’s people at their November conference. The speakers were Clark Logan (Botswana), David Petterson, John See (Malaysia), Dan Shutt and Alan Summers (UK). The ministry was challenging, profitable and practical. Brother Logan gave a report on the work in Botswana, and brother See reported on the work in Malaysia. The Sunday School and the gospel meetings were well attended. The believers enjoyed fellowship together. The hymn sing on Saturday evening was a warm and cheerful time for the many who attended.
Minnesota
Hinkley: The assembly held a short series of gospel meetings with Jerry Jennings November 14-19.
Ohio
Akron: Eugene Higgins joined the believers here for a two-week gospel series in November, speaking on “Life’s Questions That Deserve Answers.” The believers were encouraged by a nice number of older Sunday School students attending nightly, with one young man trusting the Savior near the end of the meetings. They continue to pray that others will respond to the gospel message. For those in the area, please remember the Ohio Winter Ministry Meetings with monthly meetings in Mansfield, Akron and Cleveland, January through March respectively.
Wisconsin
Blue River: The assembly commenced gospel meetings with Gerard Roy and Frank Sona on November 12. The assembly also held the first Wisconsin Winter Bible Reading on Lord’s Day, December 17. The topic was Titus 2.
Special Report
Malaysia
John See writes: “Religious freedom conditions in Malaysia are trending negatively,” according to https://uscirf.gov/countries/malaysia. The site’s September 2023 report mentions the increase of “bureaucratization of religion,” recommending that Malaysia be placed on the Special Watch List. A similar paper was published by the International Commission of Jurists in 2019. Jurisdictional disputes between civil and shariah (Islamic religious law) courts are at the center of this departure from freedom. Leaving Islam personally is now excluded from the protection of the Constitution and is criminalised under shariah. Zealots have introduced a bill to “control the propagation of non-muslim religions,” giving the excuse that this is to “protect the sanctity” of Islam. “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified” (2Th 3:1).
Other Fields
New Zealand
Palmerston North: The COVID-19 restrictions, lockdowns, lack of fellowship between assemblies, and the words of the Lord Jesus, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few” (Mat 9:37), exercised the Victoria Avenue assembly to pray for, plan and host their inaugural Missionary Conference this past October 7-8. Willians Alcala (Australia), Marius Minnaar (NZ) and Ross Vanstone (Canada) each had the opportunity to share their call to full-time service, give a report of their involvement in the Lord’s work, and give ministry on personal consecration and service. On Saturday evening, another brother from Canada gave his testimony, and the gospel was proclaimed clearly on Sunday evening to conclude the weekend. Given the overwhelmingly positive feedback, and a great number of visitors (especially young believers), the assembly purposes to hold another missionary conference October 12-13, 2024, D.V.
Northern Ireland
Co. Antrim
Ballycastle: The assembly held two weeks of gospel meetings beginning October 2 with J. Black and P. Kissick in the Marine Hotel.
Broughshane: The assembly commenced gospel meetings October 8 in a portable hall just outside the village with A. Steele and D. Strahan. Large numbers were attending and blessing in salvation was seen in the first and second weeks.
Sandringham: The assembly held five weeks of gospel meetings September-October with R. Kirkpatrick and J. Rogers. All were encouraged to know of blessing in salvation.
Co. Down:
Annalong: K. Newell (Kilkeel) and D. Strahan had an encouraging six weeks of gospel meetings in the hall from the end of August and into September. Good numbers attended and the Lord blessed in salvation.
Ballykeel (Mourne): The assembly had the privilege of having Rodney Brown on June 1 for a report of the Lord’s work in South Africa. At the start of July, a special week of children’s meetings was held in Kilkeel High School. Over 150 children attended. A great number of parents were present on the final evening. Clifford Law faithfully preached the Word and the assembly was greatly blessed. The gospel drive-in meetings continue in Ballykeel Business Park. The believers are very encouraged with the local interest and attendance. The gospel has been clearly preached with a real sense of the Lord’s presence. Please pray for further blessing, for those listening in their cars and for many who listen online.
Ballymagarrick: The assembly commenced a gospel series October 15 with J. Fleck and R. Kirkpatrick in the hall. The meetings were well supported by surrounding assemblies.
Hillsborough: W. Martin and M. Radcliffe commenced gospel meetings October 29 at the Growell assembly. Prayer is requested for the Lord’s help and blessing.
Conferences
Phoenix, AZ
January 13-14, Orangewood 2024 conference with prayer meeting on Friday, January 12, at 7pm in the gospel hall, 7245 N. 29th Ave. Saturday: Missionary Report (Mexico) 10am, Bible Reading (Colossians 1) 1:15pm, Ministry 2:45pm, Gospel 5pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday School 11:30am, Bible Reading (Colossians 3) 1:15pm, Ministry 2:45pm, Gospel 5pm. Expected speakers are Tom Baker, Glen Baker, Duncan Beckett, John Dennison, Shawn St. Clair, Brody Thibodeau and Tim Woodford. Lunch and supper (5:45pm) will be served both days. Accom: Thomson (Steevy) Attasseril, Tel: 602-318-8381; Email: thomson.j.attasseril@gmail.com.
DeLand, FL
February 2-4, in the gospel hall, 109 E. Rosehill Ave. Friday: Prayer and Ministry 7pm. Saturday: Ministry 10:30am and 4pm, Spanish Ministry 12:30-1:30pm, Bible Reading (Psalm 22:1-21) 2pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Spanish Ministry 12:30pm, Bible Reading (Psalm 22:22-31) 2pm, Ministry 4pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Following the conference (commencing Tuesday, February 6), Scott MacLeod will conduct ten nights of ministry using his charts on Daniel and Revelation. Corr: Fred King, 215 Lake Talmadge Rd., DeLand, FL 32724, Tel: 386-943-4000.
Bicester, UK
February 16-18, Bible Teaching Weekend at the Hebron Gospel Hall. The subject is “Daniel: Truth for All Ages.” Speaker: Jeremy Holifield (Deri). Friday: Ministry 8-9pm followed by light refreshments. Saturday: Three sessions with buffet dinner (3:30pm to 8pm). Lord’s Day: Ministry 1-2pm followed by lunch at the hall and the gospel meeting. Details will be uploaded on https://hebrongospelhallbicester.org. For accommodation enquiries, please contact info@hebrongospelhallbicester.org, Graham Keene, Tel: 07850 009328, or Josh Jacob, Tel: 07884 364167.
Jackson, MI
February 17-18, with prayer meeting Friday, February 16, at 7pm in the gospel hall, 910 Benett Street. Saturday and Lord’s Day meetings will be held at East Jackson High School, 1404 N. Sutton Road. Saturday: Prayer and Ministry 10am and 2pm, Gospel 6:45pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday School 11:30am, Prayer and Ministry 2pm, Gospel 4:30pm. Brethren Peter Ramsay, Johnny Seed, Dan Shutt and Dale Vitale have responsibility for the conference ministry meetings. Accom: Jason Wielenga, Tel: 517-914-1275; Email: jandtwielenga@gmail.com. Corr: Douglas Losey, Tel: 517-787-9169; Email: rdlosey@juno.com. Assembly website: https://areyousaved.com.
Bicester, UK
March 30-April 1, Annual conference for Easter 2024. Saturday: Ministry 7:30pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Bible Reading (Colossians 4) 3:30pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Monday: Main conference at Heyford Park school, Upper Heyford, OX25 5HD (details will be uploaded on www.hebrongospelhallbicester.org.). Expected speakers are Alasdair Baijal, Ian Jackson, Craig Munro and Dan Rudge. Accom: Graham Keene, Tel: 01869 252295 or Josh Jacob, Tel: 07884 364167; Email: info@hebrongospelhallbicester.org
Ottawa, ON
May 18-19, with prayer meeting on Friday, May 17, at 7pm in the Gospel Hall, 1087 North River Road. All other meetings will be held at the Richelieu -Vanier Community Centre, 300 Des Pères-Blancs Ave. Saturday: Bible Reading (Hebrews 12:1-17) 10am, Ministry 2pm. A hymn sing will follow supper. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 9:30am, Open Sunday School 11:15am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Invited speakers are Chris Brundage, Marcus Cain, Marvin Derksen, Murray Pratt, Pete Smith and Brody Thibodeau. Accom: Colin Meaklim, Email: cjmeaklim@gmail.com.
Conferences Previously Published:
Pennsauken, NJ – January 5-7
Tampa, FL – January 13-14
Updates
Change in Meeting Times
Carbonear, NL: Breaking of Bread 10:30am, as health permits. Please call the correspondent Ernie Powell, Tel: 709-683-1450, before coming to the hall to confirm if there will be a meeting.
Homecalls
Brendon Good of Augustine Cove, PE, on July 3, 2023, age 87. Despite being taught the Scriptures from an early age by his mother, he only stopped running from the gospel following the death of his firstborn infant daughter. In 1961, he and his family returned home to PEI from Alberta and attended gospel meetings conducted by Doug Howard and Albert Ramsay. He was troubled by the salvation of his wife, June, after only a few meetings, and the Lord used his sister to illuminate his unbelief. He was saved through John 5:24, and later was received into the Crapaud, PE, assembly in 1961. Brendon and his family relocated to Connecticut in 1968, where he and his wife continued in the Manchester, CT, and West Springfield, MA, assemblies before returning to Crapaud in 2016. The gospel was faithfully preached by his nephew, Scott MacLeod, at his large graveside service, which was attended by neighbors, friends and family.
Robert Ball of Waubaushene, ON, on September 10, 2023, age 92. Bob was saved at 18 and shortly afterwards came into assembly fellowship, where he remained for the rest of his life. He was a hard worker, well respected in his community, and faithful to the assembly. He spearheaded the construction of a new hall in Waubaushene in 1974, and purposely bought a new station wagon to pick up Sunday School children, which he did for many years. After retiring, Bob worked at Elim Homes as their maintenance man. He was proud of his two children, Gary and Janet, and all his grandchildren. Gary and his son Jay honoured his memory, along with Andy Fletcher, who spoke at his large funeral and at his interment.
Robert (Bob) Kaestner of Salem, OR, on September 29, 2023, age 82. He was saved on March 19, 1965, in the Army while stationed in Omaha, NE, through reading the gospel tract “God’s Way of Salvation,” which was given to him after attending a children’s meeting. He was baptised in Carter Lake, IA, on July 11, 1965, and in the spring of 1966 was received into the Omaha assembly before moving back home and meeting with the saints in Fresno, CA. The family moved to Salem in 1977, where he continued steadfastly until his homecall. He is survived by his wife Patricia of 54 years and his four children, Benjamin (Claudia), Janet, Joseph (Marisol) and Peter (Jill), and nine grandchildren. The service in the Salem Gospel Hall was taken by his three sons and Jerry Jennings.
James Holt of Marysville, WA, on October 4, 2023, age 76. He was adopted at age five into the Holt family with two older step-sisters. Jim served in the US Army as a crew chief on a Huey helicopter. After returning from Vietnam, he was invited to gospel meetings in Arlington, WA, and subsequently trusted the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior. In 1973, he married Kay Guy, and they had two daughters. Jim and Kay were in fellowship in Arlington and then Marysville. They were dependable, helping in many outreach activities and with missionary support work. Jim and Kay located and spent time with one of his older natural brothers who was a believer. The graveside and memorial services were shared by Steve Meyers, Bryon Meyers and Gaius Goff. Please pray for a number of family and friends who attended the service and are not saved.
Naida Tanis of Marysville, WA, on October 4, 2023, age 90. She and her husband Robert were in fellowship in the Arlington and Marysville, WA, assemblies. They celebrated over 50 years of marriage before his passing. Naida was cherished by her family and leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. She loved the Lord and was faithful in sharing the gospel with family, friends and acquaintances. She made you feel special when you were with her. Naida regularly helped with packaging clothing, school supplies and other items to be shipped to missionaries in Africa and Ukraine. At her funeral, three grandchildren spoke of her life of love and care, and 19 great-grandchildren sang “Jesus Loves Me.” Steve Meyers gave a message of comfort, God’s love for mankind and the security of heaven.
June Good (nee Sherry) of Augustine Cove, PE, on October 5, 2023, age 87, 12 weeks after her husband’s homecall. The eldest in a large family who were unfamiliar with the gospel, June recognized her need of salvation in 1961, audibly murmuring “I’m saved!” while sitting in one of her first gospel meetings beside her unsaved husband. Her warm, generous hospitality and Christ-like concern for others were experienced by all in the Crapaud, PE, Manchester, CT, and Springfield, MA, assemblies. Returning home to PEI in 2016, June cheerfully bore the tragic effects of dementia, honoring Christ before those who cared for her. Her memory is cherished by her three sons Brian (Jennifer), Gary (Janet), Shane (Lynn Marie), and six grandchildren. Her son Gary gave a fitting tribute at her funeral, where the gospel was faithfully preached by Jon Procopio. Neil Thompson spoke at the graveside. Prayer is requested for her unsaved family members.
Edwin D. Martin Sr., of Spring Arbor, MI, on October 21, 2023, age 93. Born on April 30, 1930, he was saved on August 5, 1948, during tent meetings at his parents’ farm with Lorne McBain and Norman Crawford. Ed realized through the truth of 1 Peter 3:18 that Christ died for his sins. He was baptized and received into assembly fellowship in Jackson, MI, where he served faithfully for over 70 years. Ed never lost the wonder of his salvation, and it was a joy to hear him worship on a Lord’s Day morning. During his retirement years, he and his wife Margaret enjoyed fellowship with the saints in Tampa, FL, during the winter months. Paul Wielenga and Joseph Baker spoke at the funeral, with Matt Smith conducting the graveside service. Please pray for his four children, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
