Reports, Conferences, Home Calls

VIA MAGAZINE FOR 2002

Volume 31 of this excellent magazine is now available. It contains the testimony of a young man who was recently saved out of the Hutterite system. There is the testimony of a terminally ill sister who has great assurance and peace. There is a children’s section and other stories to clearly illustrate the gospel. The Two Roads chart is back. Via is packaged with 680 per box, but part boxes are also available.

Via is intended to be a free resource that Christians can use in reaching a perishing world with the gospel. rhey are funded through gifts of the Lord’s people. Order one or more boxes from Via Magazine, Box 551, Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada RiN 3B9. Tel. (204) 857-8435. Fax (204) 857-7728.

REPORTS - USA

Phoenix, AZ - The Garfield St. assembly enjoyed the ministry of John Slabaugh during two weeks in March. They were also encouraged in January by the reception of two young brethren to the assembly. In Sunnyslope, two weeks of special children’s meetings with Gary Sharp at the beginning of March were very encouraging, with many new contacts made and the hall full each night. The Spanish outreach work has much to encourage, as a number want to be baptized. Shad Kember is able to help John Dennison in the work from time to time. A prison outreach effort resulted in permission to give an all-day Bible seminar, and 40 men attended. The assembly also was encouraged during March with timely ministry from Gary Sharp, Marcus Cain, and John Slabaugh.

Fresno, CA - John Slabaugh was with the assembly for three nights in late March giving appreciated help in ministry and gospel.

Palm Springs, CA - Four of the Lord’s servants gave help at the conference in March, and the believers enjoyed the blessing of the Lord. San Diego, CA - On April 7 the assembly had the joy of baptizing a sister whose relatives were present and heard the gospel preached by Tom Baker. During March, John Slabaugh and Harold Paisley visited, each having ministry meetings that the believers appreciated.

Saugus, MA - The assembly appreciated the visits and ministry of David Jones and William Lavery in March. Michael Hughes (Hatboro, PA) had a memorable gospel lesson at the Sunday School treat at the beginning of April, with many visitors present.

Cedar Falls, IA - The Sunday School treat at the beginning of March, the first in our new hall, went well and was attended by a number of visiting adults. The children’s meetings with local brethren during the last week of March were well attended.

Methuen, MA - William Lavery gave helpful ministry on March 15, and David Jones on March 22. Brother Jones also spoke in the gospel meeting that opened the conference, on Saturday evening, March 23, with a good number of unsaved attending. The conference the next day was a great encouragement, with excellent attendance and timely ministry from William Lavery, David Jones, and Frank Tornaquindici.

Watertown, MA - The March conference was well attended, with ministry from David Jones (Chile), William Lavery, Murray McCandless, Ken Taylor, and Frank Tornaquindici. Ken Taylor gave a report on the work in Dominica and his recent first visit to Haiti to distribute Seed Sower texts with other believers, and David Jones gave a very interesting report on the work in Chile, including information on the recent opposition from cults surfacing there. William Lavery and David Jones remained in the area ministering in Watertown and surrounding assemblies.

Cumberland, MD - David Oliver and Walter Gustafson finished three weeks of gospel meetings on March 24, with unsaved attending most nights. The believers from Cumberland and Frostburg were very appreciative of the meetings.

Livonia, MI - The March bi-monthly Bible Reading was very well attended, with David Oliver taking up The Stewardship of the Gospel in a very profitable and practical way. Following the readings, Norman Crawford had nine meetings on The Garments of the High Priest. The assembly was touched by the devotional ministry of our esteemed brother.

Livingston, NJ - Eugene Higgins had a week of gospel meetings in March using his chart on future events and the two roads. The believers were greatly encouraged and some unsaved were touched with the simple message of the gospel. Please pray that their interest will continue and that they may soon be saved.

Long Branch, NJ - The ministry at the March one-day conference was shared by Walter Gustafson, Frank Tornaquindici, and local brethren.

Pennsauken, NJ - On March 19, Jack Nesbitt visited with a report of the work in St. Lucia. He was also at Bryn Mawr, PA on the 20th. Akron, OH - Please pray for purposed tent meetings to start on June 30 with Gene Higgins and David Oliver, D.V.

Clyde, OH - A good number were present when Sandy Higgins opened the area Bible reading in March on the subject of Lordship. The teaching was profitable and most practical.

Mansfield, OH - Robert McIlwaine was with the assembly for a Lord’s Day and three nights in March, giving helpful ministry.

Matoaca, VA - A spirit of warm fellowship and practical, searching ministry marked the conference weekend at the beginning of March. The ministry was shared by Walter Gustafson, David Oliver, David Petterson, and local brethren.

Black Earth, WI - Arthur Ward and Don Wardell gave helpful ministry at the March 17 all-day meeting, and Fred Krauss gave two nights of helpful ministry March 26-27.

Waukesha, WI - A young man saved a year ago was added to the assembly in March, bringing encouragement to all. Fred Kraus visited for the first time at the end of March with two nights of interesting ministry. Culver City, CA - The conference at Easter was larger than usual and the ministry was acceptable. Four of the Lord’s servants shared in the Word and in the gospel. The two Bible readings conducted by John Slabaugh and Harold Paisley were both Christ exalting and practical.

Turlock, CA - The company is over one hundred miles from the nearest assembly but was greatly encouraged with the presence of the Lord’s people from Fresno and Chico. The Lord gave help in the ministry of the Word and one of the christian’s daughters professed faith in Christ which has brought much joy to the saints. This was their third conference and it was attended by seventy believers and some unsaved A number of local believers took acceptable part and brethren John Slabaugh and Harold Paisley also ministered. The assembly values prayer in this neglected yet densely populated area of the vineyard.

REPORTS - CANADA

Vancouver, BC - The 83rd annual Easter Conference was a time of great encouragement for the saints. Timely words of ministry were given and the Lord was pleased to bless His Word in salvation. Bill Bingham, Bryan Funston, Gaius Goff, John Grant, Norman Mellish, and Tommy Thompson were present to give help. Following the conference John Grant and Norman Mellish shared in ministry at South Main and Deep Cove assemblies. The monthly missionary meeting on April 6 at Victoria Drive was taken by John Grant, speaking on gospel work in Glasgow, Scotland. The annual conference in Langley on April 6 was well attended, with John Grant, Norman Mellish and Bryan Funston sharing in the sessions. Please pray for tent meetings to begin there on July 7, D. V., with Bryan Funston and three local brethren. If any have contacts in the Langley area, please forward names and addresses to Bryan Funston.

L’Anse au Loup, LB - More than six weeks of gospel meetings with Jonathan Procopio and Stephen Vance ended in March, with some blessing in salvation. Many unsaved attended and we believe the seed sown will yet bring forth fruit.

Pigeon Hill, NB - Three local brethren gave helpful ministry to a packed hall at the monthly ministry meeting on March 10.

Nineveh, NS - The assembly was encouraged by the Easter conference, at which the Lord gave help in both ministry and the gospel. Eleven preaching brethren were present, the conference was well attended, and the Lord blessed in salvation during the week following.

Clinton, ON - The believers appreciated Alex Dryburgh’s March visit for eight nights of ministry on The Messages to the Seven Churches.

Clyde, ON - Fred Krauss visited on Lord’s Day, March 10, and Frank Sona from March 24-27, with ministry on assembly truths and principles of a New Testament church.

Eden Grove, ON - The believers enjoyed four nights of gospel and ministry on assembly truths with Frank Sona. The reception of two young men has also been an encouragement..

London, ON - Jim Smith and Stephen Vance began a gospel series on March 31.

St. Mary’s, ON - The believers rejoiced at the baptism of two teenagers in March.

Newbury, ON - The March one-day conference was profitable, with five of the Lord’s servants helping in ministry. Jack Nesbitt and Ken Taylor began gospel meetings on April 7.

Nipissing Junction, ON - The assembly enjoyed Bruce Rodgers’ visit for the February monthly ministry meeting, David Booth’s ministry on March 17, and Brian Crawford’s visit on March 24. The ministry was varied, profitable, and timely. The believers also rejoiced in the salvation of two adults during March.

Longueuil, PQ - In early March Leslie Wells helped a local brother in visiting contacts made through text distribution in Montreal. They were well received and were able to present the gospel, but were disappointed that none came to the Lord’s Day afternoon meeting arranged for them.

REPORTS - FOREIGN

Australia - Stan Wells visited several assemblies in Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, during March. The Easter conference of Conference Hall assembly in Brisbane was larger this year and helpful, with ministry from Jim Currie, Jim McColl, Robin McKeown, Allan Knott, Stan Wells, and local brethren.

Northern Ireland - Willie Fenton and Stan Wells began a gospel series on April 7 in the Glengormley assembly, north of Belfast.

CONFERENCES

Saugus, MA - Bible reading conference June 1 and 2, with prayer meeting on Friday at 8:00. All meetings in the Gospel Hall, 213 Walnut St., Saugus. Subject will be the book of Galatians. First meeting on Saturday at 10:00. Lord’s Day, Breaking of Bread at 10:00. Corr. Joseph Procopio, 11 Forest St., Saugus, MA, 01906. (781) 233-5780. For accommodations please contact Tony Grillo, 46 Grey Lane, Lynnfield, MA 01940, (781) 334-6363. Hall (781) 233-5570.

Eden Grove, ON - One-day conference June 2, with prayer meeting on Saturday at 7:30. Lord’s Day, Breaking of Bread at 10:00, ministry at 2:00, and gospel at 7:00. All meetings in the Eden Grove Gospel Hall, 1 mile west of Bruce County Rd. #3, (Elora Road), on Bruce Road 15, (#111). Corr. John W. Boddy Sr., R.R. #4, Walkerton, ON NOG 2V0. (519) 366-2302. email boddysyr@wightman.net.

Augusta, ME - June 22 and 23, with prayer meeting on Friday at 7:30. All meetings in the Gospel Hall, Old Belgrade Rd., Augusta. Breaking of Bread, 10:30. Corr. James Thompson, Rte.1, Box 2971, Belgrade, ME 04917. (207) 495-3590. Gospel Hall (207) 626-2786

Burwell, NE - June 30, one-day conference with prayer meeting on Saturday at 7:00. All meetings in the Gospel Hall, 420 Grand Ave., Burwell. Breaking of Bread at 9:30, Bible Reading at 10:45 (2 Timothy 2), ministry at 2:15, and gospel at 7:00. Corr. Laddie Hulinsky, R.R. 1, Box 127, Burwell, NE 68823. (308) 346-4194. e-mail: darylh@cornhusker.net. Byfield, MA - May 25 and 26, with prayer meeting on Friday at 8:00 in the Gospel Hall. All other meetings will be in the Town Hall. First meeting Saturday at 10:30, Breaking of Bread, Lord’s Day, at 10:30. Corr. John Short, 145 Main St., Byfield, MA 01922. (978) 465-2207. Gospel Hall (978) 462-5569.

Grants Pass, OR - May 25 and 26, Prayer meeting on Friday at 7:30. Bible readings are at 8:30 on 2 Cor. 5 and 6. Breaking of Bread at 10:00. All meetings in the Gospel Hall, 1611 SW "G" St. Corr. Don Gratias, 141 Timberlane, Grants Pass, OR 97526. (541) 479-4521. Gospel Hall (541) 476-3956.

Portage la Prairie, MB - June 14-16, three-day conference, with prayer meeting on Thursday at 7:30 in the Gospel Hall. All other meetings in the William Glesbe Centre, 11 2nd St. NE, beginning at 10:30 each day. Bible readings will be on Hebrews 11. Breaking of Bread at 10:30. Meals will be served in the Gospel Hall. Accommodations, Dennis Walker, (204) 857-7794, dswalker@mb.sympatico.ca. Gospel Hall (204) 857-7728. For other inquiries contact David Vanstone, Box 1231, Portage la Prairie, MB, RiN 3J9, (204) 857-8435. E-mail: v@mts.net.

Halifax, NS - June 15 and 16, Bible Reading conference at the Bedford Junior High School, with the first reading at 9:30 am. The topic will be the First Epistle of Peter. For accommodations or other inquiries, please contact Arthur Harnish (902) 543-8990 or aharnish@town.bridgewater.ns.ca) or Dan Harvey (902) 461-8225 or danny.harvey@ns.sympatico.ca).

Corner Brook, NF - June 22 and 23, with prayer meeting on Friday at 8:00. All meetings in the G. C. Rowe Junior High School, St. Mark’s Ave., Corner Brook. Meetings both days 10:00, 1:30, and 7:30. Corr. Gordon J. Hollett, 29 Glenhaven Blvd., Corner Brook, NF, A2H 4P7, (709) 632-5905. For accommodations please contact Roy Foster, (709) 634-5022, or Bernie Payne, (709) 783-2790.

Glen Ewen, SK - June 21, 22, and 23 with prayer meeting on Thursday at 7:30. All meetings in the Gospel Hall, located 8 miles south of Glen Ewen. Bible reading Friday and Saturday 10:30 on James chapters 1 and 5. Breaking of Bread at 10:30. Corr. Allan T. MacFarlane, Box 172, Glen Ewen, SK, SOC 1C0. (306) 925-4401. Gospel Hall (306) 925-4805. Accommodations will be provided.

Pugwash Junction, NS - June 29 and 30, with prayer meeting on Friday at 7:30. Bible readings each morning at 8:45, Bible Reading subjects to be announced later. Breaking of Bread 10:00. Corr. Harold Elliot, R.R. #1, Wallace, NS, BOK 1Y0. (902) 257-2206. For advance accommodations, phone Brent Cottrill, (902) 243-3122. Gospel Hall (902) 243-2205.

Kirkland Lake, Englehart, Eariton, and Charlton, ON - June 29 and 30, with prayer meeting on Friday at 7:30, preceded by supper at 5:30 in the Englehart High School, where all meetings will be held. Meetings both days will be at 10:00, 2:00, and 7:30. Corr. Philip Potter, Earlton, ON, POJ lEO, (705) 563-2942; and Harvey Pratt, RR #1, Charlton, ON, POJ iBO, (705) 544-7758.

HOME CALLS

Port Alberni, BC - Mrs. Hinke Vissia, age 88, on November 23. Mother of 11, she emigrated with her family from the Netherlands in 1952, ultimately settling in Port Alberni, where she was saved in1968. Faithful to the local assembly for the rest of her days, she left a large family, including children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, some of whom know the Lord. (Interestingly, she was led to Christ by the late Tom Hay of Japan, and died on the very same day the assembly commended another brought up in their midst to full-time service for the Lord in Japan.) The well-attended funeral was taken by John Fairfield, and Mrs. Vissia’s son Ron, with Bill Pley at the graveside.

Garnavillo, IA - Helen Brandt, age 83, on March 8. Our beloved sister was saved at 19 through children’s work. She and her husband Gerold made their home in Garnavillo for 67 years. She will be remembered for her faithful, consistent assembly life, her encouragement to others, especially the young, and her gospel zeal which was exhibited to the end in Linn Manor Care Center. Survivors are her husband Gerold, sons David and Tom, daughters Jan Sluiter, Joan Finn, and Jean Vizzini, and many grandchildren who are in happy assembly fellowship. The services were shared by her sons, David and Tom Brandt, Don Kregel, Grant Hagen, Al Christopherson, and Shad Sluiter, a grandson.

Cedar Falls, IA - Martin Krumme, age 83, on March 11. Our dear brother was saved in gospel meetings conducted by Oliver Smith and Paul Elliott in Cedar Falls on January 6,1956. In June of the same year he was received into the Western Avenue assembly in Waterloo, remaining in the fellowship until his homecall. The past few years he resided at a care center but attended the meetings when possible. His wife Fern survives along with eleven nieces and nephews. Russell Nesbitt and Robert Orr shared in the funeral services.

North Bay, ON - Mrs. Vernon (Doris) Rodgers, age 73, on March 27, after a year-long battle with cancer. She was saved at the age of 10, while contemplating John 3:16. Formerly associated with the Charlton assembly for many years, she and her husband have been in fellowship at Nipissing Jct. assembly since 1981. She will be greatly missed by her husband and three sons, Gary, David, and Bruce, and their families. The funeral, taken by her three sons, reflected upon the preciousness of a godly upbringing and the influence of a virtuous woman. Ed Doherty, Ken Moore, and Brian Crawford also shared in the service.