Canada
British Columbia
Burnaby: The South Burnaby assembly was encouraged by the attendance of about 95 children each day and quite a few parents during their VBS outreach August 12-16. They were thankful that the gospel was clearly preached through the stories told.
Richmond: The West Richmond assembly enjoyed a word of ministry from John See on October 9.
Vancouver: John See gave helpful ministry October 3-4 on Psalm 120-124 at the Victoria Drive assembly. He also spoke in ministry on October 8 at the Fairview assembly meeting in the South Main Gospel Hall.
Newfoundland
Gander Bay: Jim Jarvis, helped by Eric Gill (St. John’s, NL), commenced gospel meetings on September 22, marking the 50th anniversary of testimony by the assembly. The saints held an all-day meeting Sunday with Marvin Derksen and Jonathan Procopio.
Nova Scotia
Weaver Settlement: Gospel meetings with Tim Burton and John Meekin that began August 11 closed on September 6 with blessing in salvation.
Ontario
Kapuskasing: The assembly held children’s meetings October 7-11 with Lorne Langfeld.
Lambton Shores: On August 24, the assembly meeting in the Lake Shore Gospel Hall hosted an afternoon of history, testimony, ministry, thanksgiving and dinner, celebrating 150 years of testimony. Visitors from over a dozen assemblies filled the hall. Speakers were D. Shutt, J. Metcalf (Toronto, ON), L. Langfeld, T. Woodford, B. Snippe and S. Thompson. Three visiting brethren stayed over for the Lord’s Day, greatly helping the small company here. Also, two young adults were recently received into fellowship.
Lindsay: Lorne Langfeld set up a gospel booth October 1-5 at the annual large agricultural event known as the International Plowing Match. Please pray for blessing.
Ottawa: The North River Road assembly held a two-week gospel series September 22-October 4 with Eugene Higgins, who spoke on “The Impact of the Bible and Christianity on World History.” The meetings were also livestreamed via Zoom. Prayers for the Lord’s blessing are appreciated.
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 Marcus Cain (September 14), David Vallance (Livonia, MI, September 21), Peter Higgins (Pennsauken, NJ, September 28) and David Petterson (October 5).
Missouri
Kansas City: The Annual Labor Day conference was a blessing, with helpful and much needed ministry given by Brandon Doll, Scott MacLeod, Murray McCandless and William Skates, who was also responsible for the Sunday morning Bible reading. The conference this year was small, but “little is much when God is in it.” Brandon Doll and Scott MacLeod preached the gospel on Saturday, and young brethren Luke Finley and Shaun Robertson from the Waterloo, IA, assembly gave their testimonies on Sunday.
Nebraska
Omaha: The assembly purposed a weekend of ministry November 2-3 with Sandy Higgins on the subject of “Bible Brooks.”
Washington
Arlington: The saints in Arlington and Marysville were encouraged by the visit of John and Susan See (Malaysia) in September. He spoke on consecutive nights on Psalm 1 and 2 and continued through the Lord’s Day, including a report on the Lord’s work in Borneo during the monthly afternoon joint ministry meeting at Marysville. Please remember them, with their family, in prayer as they seek to spread the gospel.
West Virginia
New Creek: Gospel meetings with Jerry Jennings and Joel Portman closed on September 13.
Wisconsin
Blue River: Marcus Cain visited the assembly for ministry on September 25. The assembly appreciated the afternoon ministry from Tom and Glen Baker, and Frank Sona on September 29.
Waukesha: Two believers obeyed the Lord in baptism on August 25, bringing great joy to the saints.
Mexico
Nuevo León
Juárez: On September 23, the assembly commenced a gospel series in the hall. The attendance since the beginning has been encouraging. Jason Wahls helped Miguel Mosquera during the first week, and Ricky Sawatzky joined in the second week.
Sonora
Hermosillo: In September, the assembly was encouraged with the reception into fellowship of an older sister, and the baptism of a younger sister saved in the summer. Many of her family members were present and listened attentively to the gospel before her baptism.
State of Mexico
Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl: The assembly convened their annual conference September 13-15, and appreciated the ministry and Bible studies related to the work of overseers. Duncan Beckett, Samuel Chesney, John Dennison, Miguel Mosquera, Ricky Sawatzky, Timothy Stevenson and Paul Thiessen were all present to help. Miguel Mosquera visited for a week prior to the conference and shared teaching on the Tabernacle.
Puebla
Cholula: After seven years of visiting this metropolitan area of Puebla with close to 3.5 million people, Timothy and Jenna Stevenson moved there in September. The Lord opened the door for a school for their children, a home, and a hall to preach the gospel. In the first meetings since relocating, several people have attended. They have also been visiting markets, parks and other nearby areas to sow the Seed. Please pray for the advancement of the work in this large city.
Veracruz
Xalapa: The assembly was encouraged when four believers were baptized in September. Three were from the same family, a couple and their son; the other was a young sister saved two years ago. Some family members attended this meeting, encouraging the hearts of these believers.
Special Report
Cuba
Iván Alexeis writes: The Lord’s work in Cuba began in 1938 with several missionary couples arriving from the UK, the US and Canada who labored and saw seven assemblies planted. Sadly, all missionaries were forced to leave the country between 1959-1961 after the Revolution. Despite continual shortages of food, medicine, water and fuel, and power blackouts, these seven assemblies continue on faithfully today. I fellowship at the gospel hall in the city of Pinar del Río. My time is spent distributing tracts in the streets, outreach, mailing literature throughout our country, leading Bible readings, and giving ministry at various assemblies and at local conferences. Please pray for these needs among the assemblies: gospel outreach, sound biblical teaching, the rebuilding of our camp facility, the Sunday school work, and for saints living in these difficult circumstances.
Conferences
Bryn Mawr/Hatboro, PA
November 8-10, annual conference with prayer meeting on Friday, November 8, at 7:30pm in the Hatboro Gospel Hall. All other meetings will be at Christ Home Community Center, 800 Ν. York Road, Warminster, PA 18974. Saturday: Ministry 10am and 1:30pm, Gospel 4:15pm. Lord’s Day: Breaking of Bread 10am, Sunday School 11:45am, Ministry 1:30pm, Gospel 4pm. Speakers expected: Jack Hay, Paul Theissen and David Zuidema, Jr. All attendees are kindly asked to register in advance at https://www.hatborogospelhall.com. Accom: Alan Oliver, Email: ADOliver535@gmail.com; Tel: 215-806-1714, or James Buchanan, Email: Jamesbuchanan7878@gmail.com; Tel: 445-448-0116. Info: James Coleman, Email: colemanjw1@gmail.com.
Oshawa, ON
November 9, in the gospel hall, 150 Albert Street. Ministry at 2pm and 7pm with supper served between. The Lord’s servants walking in the old paths and teaching the same are welcome to speak as the Holy Spirit leads. Corr: Ken Nicholson, Tel: 905-718-7540; Email: kencnicholson@live.com
Conferences Previously Published:
Saugus, MA – November 1-3
Alpena, AR – November 2-3
Saskatoon, SK – November 2-3
Oil Springs, ON – November 9-10
Phoenix, AZ – November 29-December 1
Maberly, ON – November 30-December 1
Homecalls
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 age 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 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.
Robert “Bob” Duff of Marion, IA, on July 22, 2024, age 79. As a youth in Iowa, Bob heard the gospel at West Union and Garnavillo. In 1978, after reading Isaiah 53:6 and discussing the passage with John Slabaugh, he identified himself with both “ALLs” in the verse and was saved. Bob soon was added and remained in the Marion assembly until his homecall. Often with tears in his eyes, he recounted God’s grace in saving him after spending “years in vanity and pride.” Skilled at construction, Bob helped many saints with their home projects, and also helped design and build the current kitchen in the hall. He also spent several months helping to build the hall in Springdale, AR. Due to declining health in the last few years, he resided in a nursing home. Allan Christopherson reminded everyone at the graveside that Bob will have a perfect resurrected body.
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.
Audrey Brown of Lambton Shores, ON, on August 14, 2024, at age 88. Born on January 24, 1936, she was saved in February of 1955 through Romans 10:9. Audrey and her husband Lanny were in fellowship in the Welland, ON, assembly for 47 years before relocating to the Lakeshore, ON, assembly in 2002 to be closer to family. She continued faithfully in assembly fellowship until infirmities limited her ability to regularly attend. Audrey’s home was a place of hospitality, good food and extreme cleanliness. She was predeceased by a son and granddaughter and is survived by her husband of 69 years, five children, seven grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Audrey was honoured by her son, grandson, and two great-granddaughters at the funeral. Bert Snippe faithfully proclaimed the gospel to the many unsaved in attendance. Please pray for her husband Lanny, who is left without his partner after so many years together.
Edward Stow of Cedar Falls, IA, on September 10, 2024, age 87. He was saved in March 1963 through the truth of Isaiah 53:6. Edward had visited with Eric McCullough and Willie Warke, who were having gospel meetings in an old church building in Cedar Falls that later became the hall. In July 1963, Ed and his wife Nola were some of the first believers to break bread in the newly-formed assembly in Cedar Falls. He remained in happy fellowship his entire life. Ed is survived by his beloved wife Nola Lee of nearly 66 years, and two sons James (Cindy) and Rodney (Marina). He was preceded in death by his daughter, La Jeana. The funeral service was held in Cedar Falls and taken by his nephew Mike Palmer, and Tom Stickfort.
Myrna Kluiter of Hitesville, IA, on September 11, 2024, age 87, after a prolonged illness. She was saved on a Sunday morning reading Bible verses while the Christians were remembering the Lord, and afterwards was in happy fellowship at the Hitesville Gospel Hall for nearly 75 years. Myrna married LaVern Kluiter on July 1, 1960, and they made their home in Parkersburg, IA, for most of their life together. She was a contented believer, not wanting place or position. Her son Keith, who spoke an excellent word in the gospel, told the audience that she was funny, faithful and forgiven. Myrna is survived by her husband LaVern, son Keith (Kristie), daughter Kay (Jay) Alman, brother Vinton Christopherson, and sisters-in-law Carol (Ron) Smith and Sandi (Don) Routh. Tom and Al Christopherson shared in the funeral service.
Marshall Rawlings of Taylorside, SK, on September 12, 2024, age 83. Born December 3, 1940, in Lambton County, ON, he was saved on October 7, 1954. Marshall married Yvonne Taylor on October 8, 1965, and they raised two children, Brent and Robin. In 1981, they moved to Salem Acres in Alberta where he managed all aspects of the facilities, gardens and farming. He and Yvonne moved to Beatty, SK, in 1994 to assist Yvonne’s aging parents. Marshall loved the Lord, His Word and His people. He always led by example in the assembly by doing things that needed to be done. Marshall loved to sing hymns and took this passion into the local nursing homes on a regular basis over the years he lived in Beatty. The large funeral service was led by his son Brent, with Morgan Taylor presenting a very clear gospel message and Steve Kember speaking at the graveside.
