Canada
British Columbia
Terrace: David and Helen McKillen visited the assembly May 4-8. He had three nights of gospel meetings, with some visitors attending.
Vancouver: The Victoria Drive assembly was encouraged by a sister obeying the Lord in baptism outdoors at Buntzen Lake in Anmore, BC, on May 25.
Ontario
Oro Station: Lorne Langfeld set up a gospel booth June 6-9 at the Barrie Auto Flea Market with texts designed for this event.
Scarborough: The West Hill assembly held a series of gospel meetings May 6-17 with Eugene Higgins.
Prince Edward Island
Summerside: The Pope Road assembly enjoyed a week of children’s meetings with David Hierlihy during the last week of May.
U.S.A.
Arizona
Phoenix: The Orangeville 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 Brody Thibodeau (May 11), Bruce Cottrill (May 18) and Gaius Goff (June 1). The assembly also held a VBS with Paul Barnhardt June 23-28 with the theme “Birds in the Bible.” The meetings were nightly at 6:30pm with supper included.
Iowa
Cedar Falls: Matthew Cain visited the assembly for ministry on June 6.
Dunkerton: The assembly appreciated ministry from Matthew Cain on June 5.
Newton: A Seed Sowers distribution is being planned for July 27.
Massachusetts
Saugus: The April Bible reading conference on 1 John 1-3 was a real blessing and encouragement. The ministry and readings were spiritually profitable, with Matthew Cain, Mark Sweetnam and David Vallance (Livonia, MI) demonstrating godly skill and unity in handling the Word of God.
Michigan
Battle Creek: In April and May, the VRF continued to support mainly medical needs among the Lord’s people in Venezuela. The availability of food has improved but the high cost of purchasing continues to severely limit the ability of much of the population to have access to a nutritious and balanced diet. Presidential elections have been pulled forward to the month of July. The opposition has mostly united around a single candidate but there continues to be concern that a transparent election process is viable. The prayers of the Lord’s people for the needs in Venezuela are much appreciated.
New Jersey
Pennsauken: Harrys Rodriguez gave helpful ministry and a report message, and preached the gospel in Spanish on April 28. Austin DeBlock (Cumberland, MD) gave an engaging message at the Mother’s Day Sunday School Program on May 12. Jason Wahls preached during a Spanish gospel meeting on May 26. The assembly commenced gospel tent meetings with Marvin Derksen and Peter Ramsay June 2-23. Shad Kember Jr. purposed to help with the Spanish meetings June 23-30.
Wisconsin
Ontario: The assembly held gospel meetings May 5-24 with Joseph Baker (Jackson, MI) and Larry Perkins.
Mexico
Nuevo León
Juárez: The assembly enjoyed a visit from Paul Thiessen May 6-12 when he gave helpful ministry on the family. He also gave a lesson on May 12 with ten mothers present, including some for the first time, for a special Mother’s Day event.
Morelos
Los Arcos: Five weeks of gospel meetings concluded on May 25. Duncan and Anna Beckett appreciated the visit and help of Shad and Debbie Kember during the last three weeks, and that of David Cadenas and Timothy Stevenson in the previous weeks. The attendance of unbelievers, some new contacts, the interest in the gospel, and the hand of God working in salvation were all very encouraging.
Mexico State
Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl: On May 18, the believers handed out Bible texts, sandwiches and drinks to the family members of patients in the General Ignacio Zaragoza Hospital, and also shared the gospel to an attentive number of people. The assembly commenced construction of a roof on the second floor of the hall.
Veracruz
Xalapa: During the first weekend of May, the assembly celebrated their anniversary, and appreciated help given by Duncan Beckett, Samuel Chesney, José Manuel Díaz (Veracruz, Veracruz) and Timothy Stevenson. Ángel Báez (Veracruz, Veracruz) preached the gospel. The hall was full, with believers from nearby assemblies visiting.
Quintana Roo
Cancún: The assembly had two weeks of encouraging gospel meetings, with excellent attendance each evening. Two believers were baptized during the series. A Mother’s Day event held on May 12 saw more than 40 mothers present who heard a message given by David Cadenas.
Other Fields
Aruba
Isaiah Frazier and William Skates held bilingual gospel meetings May 7-22 and visited contacts. Report from William Skates: We were encouraged by the ongoing interest from a core group who attended the meetings faithfully. Others came more sporadically. One old man who couldn’t get out was visited regularly and is open to hearing the gospel. Also, Halley and his wife attended throughout our little series and consistently agreed in all the right places in the preaching. (He is an ex-police chief, who I met two years ago and has cancer.) On Monday night he came by the meeting place to thank us again for coming. During the conversation, he realized that “Christ died for MY sins!” We have confidence we will see Halley in heaven. Thanks for your prayers. Aruba needs a more permanent missionary presence to carry on the work. “Pray ye therefore …” (Matthew 9:38).
Conferences
Akron, OH
August 30-September 1, annual conference in the gospel hall at 2705 Smith Road. Friday: Prayer and Ministry 7:30pm. Saturday: Ministry 10am and 1:30pm, Gospel 6pm. Sunday: Breaking of Bread 10am, Ministry 1:30pm, Gospel 4pm. The expected speakers at this year’s conference are Gordon Armstrong (Tampa, FL), Matthew Cain, John See, and Dan Shutt. Additional details and links to these meetings will be available at https://akrongospelhall.com. While we have plenty of seating capacity, to assist with proper planning, please email timothywebb1020@gmail.com if you plan to attend the conference so we can plan meals and any required accommodations.
Kansas City, MO
August 31-September 1, with prayer meeting on Friday, August 30, at 7pm in the gospel hall, 4603 E. Linwood Blvd. Saturday: Ministry 10am and 2pm, Gospel 6pm. Sunday: Bible Reading (Hebrews 1:1-14) 9:30am, Breaking of Bread 11am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 4:30pm. For advance accommodations, contact Corr: Leroy Scott, 597 NW AA Hwy, Kingsville, MO 64061; Tel: 816-739-1686; Email: alanesther@embarqmail.com.
Ankeny, IA
September 7-8, at the Lakeside Center, 400 NW Lakeshore Drive. Saturday: Ministry 10am and 1:30pm, Gospel 5:30pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday School 11:30am, Ministry 11:30am and 1:45pm, Gospel 4pm. Accom: Jon Lai, Email: jonlwj@gmail.com. More details will be posted on https://www.ankenygospelhall.com.
Conferences Previously Published:
Sioux City, IA – July 21
Hampton, IA – August 31-September 1
Edinburgh, UK – September 9-13
Updates
Change of Correspondent
Mt. Sterling, WI: Wayne Granzow, 58021 County Road D, Eastman, WI, 54626; Tel: 608-412-1934; Email: mtsterlinggh@gmail.com
Change in Meeting Times
Dunkerton Gospel Hall: Gospel Meeting 6:30pm
Homecalls
Charlie MacKenzie of Cornwall, PE, on December 22, 2023, age 86. Charlie and his wife Marjorie attended gospel meetings with Albert Ramsay and Robert McIlwaine in Springfield, PE. After the meetings closed, alone in his barn, Charlie realized that he had to come and put his trust in Christ. The family eventually settled in Kingston, PE, and enjoyed happy fellowship in the Crapaud assembly. In 1988, Marjorie was called home. Thirteen years later, Charlie met his second wife Joyce (McKearney) during gospel meetings in Ebenezer, PE. There he learned, “Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” He and Joyce continued in active fellowship, with Charlie worshipping on Lord’s Day and participating in the Bible study prior to his unexpected homecall. Brody Thibodeau and David Hierlihy faithfully preached the gospel at his large funeral service. Prayer is request for the MacKenzie and the McKearney families.
Jo-Anne Elizabeth Rayner of Charlottetown, PE, on March 13, 2024, age 64. She was saved in January 2009 and faithfully attended the assembly meetings. The funeral service was taken by Jonathan Procopio and Brody Thibodeau. A very clear gospel message was presented to all who attended. Please pray for many family members who are not saved.
Reginald Badgley of Belleville, ON, on March 18, 2024, age 91. Reg was saved in 1952 after hearing the plain gospel preached. He faithfully served the Lord for 72 years. He was a gifted personal worker who spoke to hundreds of people and gave out thousands of gospel tracts. Reg brought hundreds of children and many adults out to Sunday school that was tailored for all ages. He loved the assembly, God’s people, his Bible and lost souls. Reg was a great help to the Deseronto, ON, assembly and will be greatly missed. He was predeceased by his wife Catherine and is survived by his four children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. During the large funeral shared by Eugene Badgley and Allen Madigan, heartfelt tributes were given by family members. Please pray for the small Deseronto assembly, and for his unsaved family members.
Earl Hanife Trikones of Steubenville, OH, on March 28, 2024, age 91. Born on May 5, 1932, in Steubenville, he married Mary Lou Durbin on August 28, 1954. Together, they enjoyed the fellowship of the Steubenville assembly for over 50 years. Earl and Mary Lou have fond memories of Lorne McBain sitting and playing hymns at the piano while family and others sang. Earl was preceded in death by his wife Mary Lou Trikones on January 31, 2023, and his daughter Rebecca Jean Trikones in 1967. He is survived by his daughters Esther Lynn (Michael) Wayt, Judith Marie (David) Wilkins, and Deborah Lee (Doug) Miller; grandchildren Karen Lynn (Craig) Polen, Kimberly Kay (Josiah) Menking, Kenneth Earl (Janis) Pinnell, Ryan Scott (Drew) Wilkins, Sydney Marie Wilkins, and Carly Jean Wilkins; and great-grandchildren Savannah, Levi, Laikyn, Braylen, Graham, Reid and Emsley. Dale Vitale and Bill Seale officiated at the funeral.
Donald Wagar of Willmar, MN, on March 31, 2024, age 89, after months of suffering. At age 11, he was reached with the gospel through Hector Alves explaining John 3:16. Don was a warrior, surviving polio at 16, and wore a leg brace the rest of his life. This did not stop him, nor did he complain during his years of farming and later working as an accountant for Northwest Nursery. He was a worshipper in the Willmar assembly and to the end of his life was an effective witness. Don married Joyce Beauchamp in June 1957. To this union were born four children: Scott, Linda, Bonnie and Rebecca. Many will remember the years Don and Joyce displayed hospitality. He was preceded in death by Joyce on March 14, 2022, and daughter Bonnie on July 5, 2020. Al Christopherson preached the gospel at the very large funeral.
Beverly Brandt of Cedar Falls, IA, on April 4, 2024, age 85. On February 25, 1952, after realizing her sin and need of salvation, she came to understand the truth of Romans 5:6 – “Christ died for the ungodly.” Beverly was first received into the fellowship of the Stout, IA, assembly, and following her marriage to Darrel, they enjoyed fellowshipping with the assembly in Cedar Falls. Her love for Christ was evident in how she lived her life. Hospitality and selfless acts of kindness were Beverly’s special gifts. “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies” (Pro 31:10). She is survived by her husband, two sons and their spouses, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. The funeral service was conducted by her two sons, Kevin and Kerwin, with Russ Nesbit speaking at the grave.
Eugene Matthews of Cedar Falls, IA, on April 16, 2024, age 91. Although he was confirmed by two different denominations as a child, he discovered upon hearing the gospel that he was lost. The Scripture God used to convict Gene of his sin and enlightened him as to the truth of salvation was 1 John 5:10-13. He was saved on March 21, 1963. At the remembrance meeting the Sunday before his passing, Gene gave out the hymn “The Old Rugged Cross,” which was also sung at his funeral service. He is survived by his wife Helen, three sons, 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren, one brother, and three sisters. Tom Stickfort and Russ Nesbit shared the funeral service.
Roseann Thompson of Petrolia, ON, on April 21, 2024, age 88. She was predeceased by her husband Ronald on March 24, 2022. They were both saved on the same day on November 17, 1952. Together they were steadfast in the interests of the assembly, first in Sarnia, ON, and later in Oil Springs. They also enjoyed the fellowship of the Owen Sound assembly in the summers. Their home was always a place of warm hospitality. Roseann was the mother of seven children, and had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Max McLean spoke at the funeral service and Elgin Hill gave a word at the graveside.
Eric Armstrong of Bancroft, ON, on April 22, 2024, age 90. He was saved as a teenager following deep conviction of sin after a night of partying. Eric later moved to Toronto, ON, and was in fellowship at the Pape Avenue assembly. While there, he married Helen Stringer and they were blessed with two children. During their later years, they were in fellowship in the Oshawa, ON, assembly. Following Helen’s homecall, he moved back to Bancroft but health issues prevented him from attending meetings. Eric loved the gospel and God’s assembly. He had a shepherd`s heart, encouraged young believers, and loved to help small assemblies. During the memorial service, his great-nephew spoke on behalf of the family. Gary Oakes spoke on his faithful testimony, Ken Nicholson preached the gospel, and Mark Freymond gave words of appreciation before closing in prayer. Please pray that God will speak to his remaining family.
