Canada
Alberta
Calgary: The assembly held tent meetings July 12-21 with John Fitzpatrick and Alan Smith.
British Columbia
Abbotsford: The Parkview assembly held two weeks of VBS outreach at nearby Spud Murphy Park (July 22-26), and Dormick Park Elementary (July 29-August 2). Please pray that the local children that came will attend Sunday school in the fall.
Burnaby: The South Burnaby assembly held one week of VBS outreach August 12-16 with the theme “Adventures with Ezekiel, Daniel and Jonah.”
Surrey: The Fleetwood assembly’s second annual evening VBS in the park July 15-19 saw 70 children present each night and over 50 adults as well. They were encouraged to see approximately 30 new children come to the hall on that Thursday night when they had to relocate the meeting from the park.
Vancouver: The Victoria Drive assembly conducted three weeks of children’s meetings/VBS outreach at Brewers Park (July 15-20), Memorial South Park (July 29-August 3) and Ross Park (August 12-17). They were encouraged by the attendance of new children with their parents who live near these parks close to the hall. Please pray that these children will attend Sunday school in the fall, and that their parents will attend the concurrent adult Bible class outreach.
Manitoba
Roseisle: The assembly held tent meetings July 14-August 4 in the nearby community of St. Claude with Eric Fowler and Scott Kaulback (Weaver Settlement, NS).
Newfoundland
Parson’s Pond: Brody Thibodeau had a week of children’s meetings in the mornings beginning August 12 and ministry in the evenings.
Nova Scotia
Clementsvale: The assembly held a VBS July 8-12, followed by tent meetings that began July 14 in the rural community of Cornwallis with Tim Burton (Summerside, PE) and John Meekin.
Ontario
Kirkfield: Visitors attended every night during the two-week gospel drive-in series July 14-26 in the nearby hamlet of Glenarm. Brian Crawford, with Gary Sharp helping as he was available, preached the gospel faithfully and the believers were encouraged. Pray for the salvation of souls as the drive-in meetings continued each Sunday through August.
Picton: The assembly held gospel meetings July 28-August 9 with Lorne Langfeld and Peter Lansing (Newmarket, ON).
Sudbury: The assembly plans to have two weeks of gospel meetings September 8-22 in the hall. Brian Crawford and Bruce Rodgers will be speaking with help from local brethren. Please pray for encouragement and blessing.
Prince Edward Island
Borden: Tim Burton (Summerside, PE) and David Hierlihy commenced tent meetings August 11.
Quebec
Shawville: Murray Pratt, with the help of Brandon Basque-Albert (Ottawa, ON), held tent meetings that started June 9 outside of the town.
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 John Dennison (July 13), Paul Barbour (Waubaushene, ON, July 20), Sandy Higgins (July 27) and Trevor Hayes (Culver City, CA, August 3).
Connecticut
Terryville: The assembly recently received an elderly sister who was in fellowship many years ago and had a desire to be restored. They are happy to welcome her back into the fellowship.
Florida
Tampa: Shad Kember and Ryan Turkington (Battle Creek, MI) commenced Spanish gospel meetings on August 12.
Iowa
Clarksville: Gospel tent meetings with Dustin Hayes (Stout, IA) and Clive Barber closed on July 26 after three weeks.
Guttenburg: Gospel meetings in the Good News Tent began August 11 and continued for several weeks with Clive Barber, with help from David Yoder and Nathan Baker, both from the Garnavillo, IA, assembly. Meetings were also broadcast live on FM 102.1 at/near the tent parking area.
Hitesville: Scott MacLeod purposes to be with the assembly during the first two weeks of September for teaching on prophecy.
Newton: A Seed Sowers distribution took place July 27 with help from Al Christopherson. Approximately 25 believers distributed 6000 texts in this town, which is a 40-minute drive from Ankeny. Al Christopherson, with the help of Rhett Wardell (Ankeny), held gospel meetings Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in the lower level of the Farm Bureau Building.
Stout: Two believers (a boy and a woman) obeyed the Lord in baptism on July 21.
Waterloo: Gospel meetings with Frank Sona, helped by local brethren, closed on July 26 after four weeks.
Michigan
Battle Creek: Venezuela Relief Fund: Much uncertainty about the situation in Venezuela prevails at this time. One week after the elections, the government refuses to accept the results and has resorted to violent repression of protesters. The large annual San Carlos conference was postponed due to the situation and many assemblies have changed their scheduled meetings to prayer meetings. At this time it is unclear what the final outcome will be or the effect it will have on the Lord’s people as well as on the general population. Prayers are requested that the Lord will overrule and peace will prevail. VRF continues to support the medical needs of the Lord’s people as He provides.
Livonia: The Stark Road assembly commenced tent meetings adjacent to the hall on July 28 with Frank Sona and Dale Vitale.
Minnesota
Fridley: The assembly mailed more than 33,000 invitations to the community around the hall prior to commencing gospel meetings on August 4 with William Skates and Stan Wells.
New Jersey
Midland Park: The assembly held tent meetings July 7-21 in the nearby township of Wyckoff with Kory Crawford and Peter Ramsay.
Pennsauken: Children’s meetings were held July 15-19, with local brethren taking up biblical truth using the theme of National Parks.
Ohio
Cleveland: The Monticello assembly’s Bible conference was held July 27-28. Matthew Cain and David Zuidema (Midland Park, NJ) gave ministry on the subject of “The Pursuit of Holiness.” Over 300 people attended from over 25 different assemblies. Everyone enjoyed challenging ministry and wonderful fellowship.
Lorain: Joel Portman visited the assembly in July for three nights of ministry on three prophets – their lives, their call and their ministry. He also planned to visit the very small assembly in Steubenville.
Virginia
Crandon: The assembly held two weeks of tent meetings with Brandon Doll and Joel Portman July 22-August 2 at the Community Center in White Gate. The meetings were well attended by visitors, and the gospel was clearly proclaimed. An elderly gentleman who attended twice passed away the day after meetings ended. Please pray for his family. Many Amish people were invited by the believers but did not come into the tent.
New Creek: Gospel meetings with Jerry Jennings and Joel Portman were purposed for August 18-30.
Wisconsin
Blue River: The assembly commenced gospel meetings on July 28 with Ken Baker and John Fitzpatrick in a rural vacated church building.
Mexico
Sonora
Hermosillo: During the first three weekends of July the assembly held special children’s “Bible Olympic” meetings. The attendance both of children and adults was encouraging, as was the effort of the children in memorizing their verses.
Ciudad Obregón: The assembly rejoiced when a 16-year-old sister was baptized in July, having been saved at the end of 2023. Some of her family members witnessed her act of obedience and heard the gospel preached.
Nayarit
Santiago Ixcuintla: In mid-July, the assembly held one week of children’s meetings. Ricky Sawatzky taught the lesson each day, and the believers appreciated the help of Andrea Gómez during the week as well. The attendance and interest of the children were encouraging.
Jalisco
Guadalajara: The assembly in the south of the city commenced a gospel series on July 22, and the attendance since the beginning has been encouraging.
Hidalgo
Matilde: The assembly held one week of children’s meetings in July with 50-60 children attending daily. A number of parents were also present and heard the gospel message.
Morelos
Los Arcos: Two believers were baptized at the commencement of a gospel series in July with Shad Kember helping for the first week. God blessed in the salvation of souls.
Guerrero
Iguala: In July, the assembly held one week of children’s meetings using the theme “Who Is Jesus?” Attendance was encouraging.
Veracruz
Coscomatepec de Bravo: Twice a month, Samuel and Ruth Chesney, along with Angel and Mónica Baéz (Veracruz), travel to the town to visit contacts and have a gospel meeting.
Other Fields
Nicaragua
Tony Flett writes: Recent cooperative gospel series in five assemblies in the southern part of Nicaragua have been effective in reaching their different communities. Having been encouraged with blessing in salvation, we would appreciate your prayers as we look forward to repeating these efforts before year’s end. The assembly in Dolores was rewarded with an enthusiastic response to a two-day activity for children, which included Bible teaching, games and a light meal, that was held during the July midterm school break. We were out of the country at the time supporting them in prayer, and it gives us great joy to see the believers showing initiative, exercising their gifts, and working in fellowship to serve the Lord. Please pray for their continued growth and the youth work.
Conferences
Kitchener, ON
September 7, in the gospel hall, 218 Bleams Road. Ministry 1:30-5:45pm. The expected speakers are Blair Martin and Jonathan Seed. Additional details will be available at https://kitchenergospelhall.com. Looking to get in touch? Email: kghcorrespondence@gmail.com.
Midland Park, NJ
September 20-22, the 82nd annual conference, with prayer meeting on Friday, September 20, at 7:30pm in the gospel hall, 61 Prospect St. All other meetings will be in the Midland Park Jr./Sr. High School, 250 Prospect St. Please note the change of venue. Saturday: Ministry 10am and 2pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Ministry 2pm. Speakers expected: Joseph Baker, Kory Crawford and Phil Coulson. Accom: David Hamilton, Tel: 646-522-4364; Email: davidandjoyhamilton@gmail.com.
Arnstein, ON
September 21, in the gospel hall, 10762 Hwy. 522. Saturday: Ministry 10am and 2pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Young people’s get-together to follow. Lunch and supper will be served. Expected speakers are Jim Bergsma and Ross Vanstone. For more information, please contact Jesse Booth, Tel: 705-757-3716.
Joliet, IL
September 28-29, at the Spring Creek Gospel Hall, 912 Gougar Road, with prayer meeting on Friday, September 27, at 7:30pm. Saturday: Ministry 10am and 2pm, Gospel 6:30 pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 3:30pm. Accom: Brent Studnicka, Tel: 815-463-9590; Email: brentstudnicka@gmail.com.
Roseisle, MB
September 28-29, with prayer meeting on Friday, September 27, at 7:30pm in the gospel hall. All other meetings will be in the St. Claude Community Centre, 57 Hwy. 240, St. Claude, MB. Saturday: Bible Reading 10am, Ministry 2pm and 7:30pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Sunday School 1:15pm, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7pm. Further information will be provided at https://www.roseislegospelhall.ca. Otherwise, contact Aaron Dyck, Email: aaronandshannonmail@yahoo.ca; Tel: 204-332-0377.
Kirkfield, ON
October 5, in the Victoria Road Gospel Hall, 1108 Fenel Road. Meetings begin at 10am, with lunch and supper served in the hall. The assembly looks forward to warm fellowship and ministry that teaches “the old paths where is the good way” (Jeremiah 6:16).
Sussex, NB
October 5-6, at Kingswood University in Sussex, with prayer meeting on Friday, October 4, at 7:30pm in the gospel hall. Saturday: Ministry 10am and 2:30pm, Children’s Meeting 1pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday School 1pm, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 6:30pm. Excellent meals are provided each day, and a warm welcome is extended to all. For information, contact Jim MacIntosh, Tel: 506-943-0101; Email: j1947m@rogers.com. For accommodations, please contact in advance Trevor McClelland, Tel: 506-433-1234; Email: trevor@commercialtent.com.
Blue River, WI
October 18-20, annual conference in the Highland Public School, north side of Highland off Hwy. 80. Friday: Prayer Meeting 8pm in the gospel hall. All other meetings will be in the school. Saturday: First meeting 10am. Lord’s Day: Bible Study (John 17) 9am, Breaking of Bread 10:30am, Ministry 2pm. For more information, contact James Frazier, Email: woodind@mwt.net; Tel: 608-537-2977.
L’Anse au Loup, NL
October 19-20, with prayer meeting Friday, October 18, at 7:30 pm. Saturday: Ministry 10am and 2pm, Gospel 7:30pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 9am, Sunday School 11am, Ministry 2pm, Gospel 7:30pm. All meetings are in the L’Anse au Loup Gospel Hall and meals are served in the nearby homes of the Christians. Accom: Francis Barney, Tel: 709-927-5696 or Ewart Linstead, Email: linsteade@gmail.com
La Crosse, WI
October 26-27, with prayer meeting on Friday, October 25, at 7:30pm in the gospel hall, 1928 George Street. Note the location change this year: Logan Middle School, 1450 Avon Street. Meetings on Saturday at 10am, 1pm (Children’s), 2pm, and 6pm. Lunch and supper will be served. Lord’s Day: Lord’s Supper 9:30am, Sunday School 1pm, Ministry 11:15am and 2pm. Lunch will be served. Questions: Jeremiah Collins, Cell: 608-769-4017 call/text; Email: collins.jere@gmail.com. Accom: Cal Erickson, Cell: 608-790-7724 call/text; Email: calerickson1@gmail.com
Conferences Previously Published:
Ankeny, IA – September 7-8
Edinburgh, UK – September 9-13
Hitesville, IA -September 21-22
Mississauga ON – September 28-29
Turlock, CA – October 12-13
Updates
Change in Meeting Times
Brodhead Gospel Hall, WI: Sunday School 9:45-10:45am; Breaking of Bread 10:45-11:45am; Ministry 11:45am-12pm.
Homecalls
Eunice (West) McLeod, of Perth, ON, on January 1, 2024, age 91. She was saved at age 17 through Romans 10:9 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-3, and later received into the Sault Ste. Marie, ON, assembly. In 1953, she married Murray McLeod, and in 1957, upon Murray’s commendation from Highfield Road, she went into full-time service with him in Arden, ON. They moved to Perth and fellowshipped in Ottawa, ON, before faithfully attending the assembly in Maberly, ON, until her homecall. Eunice was an overcomer, a gracious, faithful and loving soul whose actions spoke louder than her words (Proverbs 31). She is survived by her husband Murray, children Heather (Dave) Beckett, Sharon (Jim) Smith and Gordon (Debby), many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her brother Lorne (Bev) West, and sister June West. Murray Pratt faithfully preached the gospel at her funeral, Benjamin McLeod gave the eulogy, and Duncan Beckett spoke at the graveside.
Deanna Collins of Marion, IA, on May 25, 2024, age 53, after suffering severely the last two years from complications due to Lyme disease. Born on October 15, 1970, she was born again in December 1993 while reading the tract Safety, Certainty and Enjoyment. Deanna married Seth Collins on November 26, 1994, and immediately became committed to the Marion assembly. Like King David, she loved the habitation of God’s house. Deanna worked diligently homeschooling her seven children along with helping others. As a couple, they had a burden for their children, driving near and far to gospel meetings. Deanna leaves behind her husband of 30 years, seven children, and two brothers. She was preceded in death by her parents Ronnie and Carma Hon of Manchester. The large funeral service was taken by Al Christopherson, and Tom Novak spoke at the graveside.
Peggy MacLean of Charlottetown, PE, on June 11, 2024, age 94. She was saved as a girl of 15 or 16 years of age. Peggy lived to prove the reality of a life in communion with her Savior. She was a faithful attender of all the meetings and will be greatly missed by all. The funeral service was taken by Neil Thompson. The gospel that had changed Peggy’s life was presented to all in attendance.
Naasson Brown of Ontario, WI, on June 17, 2024, age 63. He was saved October 24, 1974, resting on the truth of John 3:16 and Isaiah 53:5, while attending gospel meetings held by Sydney Maxwell and Eric McCullough in Waterloo, IA. Naasson was in fellowship in the Waterloo assembly until he relocated and married Peggy Rueckheim of the Ontario assembly. He is survived by his loving and faithful wife, Peggy, and their four living children. Naasson was preceded in death by their first child, Rebekah, shortly after birth. He will be missed by his family and the saints of the assembly. Please pray for many who heard the gospel preached at the funeral service.
Sam Haddad of Cleveland, OH, on June 17, 2024 age 86. Born in 1938 in Lebanon, Sam immigrated to the US in 1952. While temporarily living with relatives in Virginia Beach, VA, he learned he was “lost” and “going to hell.” Deeply troubled, Sam subsequently trusted Christ as his Savior. He moved back to Cleveland, OH, where he continually shared the gospel to his family, eventually seeing his sister saved in her 80s. Sam married Dolores Lipke and they enjoyed fellowshipping together at the Monticello Gospel Hall until her homecall in 2019. As his health declined, he spent the last several years of his life in a nursing home, where he personally witnessed over half a dozen souls (both employees and residents) turn to Christ for salvation. Sam is survived by two sisters, three daughters, and many grandchildren. His son-in-law Ray Gonzalez took the funeral, with Art Pile speaking at the graveside.
Catharine Dugas of London, ON, on July 7, 2024, age 70. Born March 29, 1954, she was saved at work in March 1986 at Canada Post in London. At lunch time and break, a man would read his large Bible in the cafeteria and she asked what he was reading. On different occasions he explained the gospel to her clearly. Catharine talked with him and went back to her post sorting letters, thinking on the truths they had discussed. She realized she was a sinner and said out loud, “Jesus saved me!” The believer was close by and came over and asked what she said. Catharine repeated, “Jesus saved me!” She saw her husband Eugene saved and one of their boys. They were received into happy fellowship at Highbury Hall in 1989. Two of the boys gave eulogies, Ross Parker preached the gospel, and Phil Lampkin spoke at the committal service.
Rella Southard of Cedar Falls, IA, on July 7, 2024, age 98. She trusted Christ as her Savior on October 12, 1952, following a Sunday night meeting at the Stout Gospel Hall, being enlightened by the truth of John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” When the assembly was planted in 1963 in Cedar Falls, Rella was among those in the original group that met together. She was consistent in being faithful to the assembly gatherings throughout her entire life until failing health would no longer allow her to attend the meetings. She is survived by three daughters, seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. The funeral service was conducted by Jerald Lukensmeyer and Russ Nesbit, with Ken Alberts speaking at the graveside.
Esther Dickson of Picton, ON, on July 9, 2024, age 88. She was saved at the age of 15 in Ireland. Esther married Robert Dickson and they lived in Toronto, ON, for a number of years. In 1972, they moved to Picton and were received into fellowship in the Picton Assembly in 1974. Esther and Robert enjoyed entertaining the Christians, visiting preachers and missionaries, and often holding get-togethers and hymn sings in their home following gospel meetings. Predeceased by her husband Robert and her son Kevin, she is survived by daughter Colleen (Owen) Miller, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. The funeral on July 16, 2024, was taken by Eugene Badgley, and a heartfelt tribute was given by daughter Colleen. Esther was a gracious, warm-hearted believer and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Betty Wadey of Nashua, IA, on July 14, 2024, age 87. She received Christ as her personal Savior on January 27, 1972, through the truth of Isaiah 45:22, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God and there is none else.” Betty enjoyed the fellowship of the assembly in Antioch, IA. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother who loved the Lord and her family without end. Betty was preceded in death both by her husband, William, who was killed in a car accident June 30, 2023, and also by a daughter, Rhonda. She is survived by four children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. The funeral service was conducted by family members along with Russ Nesbit. Steve Walvatne spoke at the graveside.
Alma June Ballhagen of Cedar Falls, IA, on July 24, 2024, age 98. She was saved February 4, 1943, while attending meetings being conducted by the late Oliver Smith and Sam Hamilton in Stout, IA. While reading the tract entitled “Immediate Salvation,” Alma realized she was lost and without hope. The truth of “whosoever” suddenly enlightened her darkened soul and she was saved, knowing that “whosoever” was her. For many years Alma and her late husband Elmer (who passed away March 6, 2012) were in fellowship at Stout, and then more recently in Cedar Falls, IA, until health issues would no longer allow her to attend meetings. She is survived by two sons, one daughter, their spouses, seven grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and two sisters. Her brother-in-law Duane Wessels and Russ Nesbit conducted the funeral service.
