England Day: 1, 3, 8
Scotland Day: 2, 5, 11
Pakistan Day: 3
Uganda Day: 3
Zambia Day: 4, 10, 21, 24
Brazil Day: 6, 22, 27
Romania Day: 7
Ireland Day: 9
N Ireland Day: 12, 18, 19, 26, 28, 29
Angola Day: 13, 30
Venezuela Day: 14, 23
Panama Day: 15
Wales Day: 16
Australia Day: 17, 25
Albania Day: 20
Tanzania Day: 21, 29
El Salvador Day: 31
Reports in this edition are from countries shaded on the map.
It was ten years ago that Andy and Robert first lead a team of young and not so young believers (some were in their seventies) onto the street in the Small Heath area of Birmingham to speak to Muslims about the Saviour. Over the intervening years, those who joined us have experienced firsthand street evangelism and been exposed to an Islamic worldview.
There is much in the news about the increase of immigrants to the UK and their effect on the culture. One thing is clear; it brings a fresh challenge to those who want to spread the gospel. Many of these people come from countries where it would be difficult, if not impossible, to enter to preach the gospel. Some have limited understanding of English and almost all of them have never heard the gospel message. However, they do have a belief in God and Jesus, but these are far from what we have in the Bible.
We have tracts in different languages that address these issues, and many of the young men love to discuss what they believe. This leads to interesting and very often challenging conversations that require patience, longsuffering and a lot of grace. Again and again, we return to their lack of eternal security and on what basis can God forgive sins.
There has been some blessing and there are now some in assembly fellowship as a result of these efforts on the streets. We are praying in particular for those who are directly or indirectly ‘descendants of Ishmael’. We pray like Abraham ‘O that Ishmael might live before Thee!’.
We are delighted that Peter Singleton has joined us in helping in this work, as he brings much needed skills. We have planned this year’s outreach for the 21st – 25th July (DV). We still work on the same basis that we started with, that those who come will be given food and accommodation. This is due to the kindness and hospitality of the local believers.
There is always room for more to join us, but we value above all those who pray for this difficult and challenging work.
C.1996 R. ARMSTRONG on behalf of REACHING MUSLIMS 27/5/25
In Romans 15:2021 the Apostle Paul states that his work among the Gentiles was a fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy that those who had never previously heard the good news would hear, understand and respond in faith. The work that takes place in schools in the United Kingdom is surely an application of this scripture, as schools in the UK have thousands of youngsters who have never heard the gospel and know very little about the Bible.
The 2024/25 academic year has been a very busy and profitable time of classroom teaching. During this current school year, about 650 children have received twelve onehour classroom Bible lessons, as we have looked at the major lessons and characters in the Old Testament.
Classroom teaching brings many opportunities to answer children’s questions. For example, in one class, after receiving lessons on The Fall, The Flood and The Tower of Babel, one pupil raised his hand and asked, “Why are we not punished for our sin anymore?” This question gave me the opportunity to speak about God’s patience, future judgement and the salvation that is offered to all who will trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Due to a sister working at a local Primary School, I obtained an introduction to the Headteacher and after informing her about the course, I was invited into the school for the first time to teach ‘Explore the Essentials’ course to her P5, P6 and P7 classes. The importance of maintaining good relationships was emphasised as the Headteacher did inform me she had contacted one of the schools I teach in to obtain a reference.
Before Christmas we ran our annual Calendar competition. Over 1,500 children from six local schools decorate templates and we then select twelve of these for the 2025 calendar. 2,000 calendars are then provided to every pupil and staff member in these schools. Many of these are hung in homes and offices in the community, meaning scripture is on display throughout the year.
In January 2025 I was able to commence a third lunchtime club. It was somewhat discouraging when for the first four weeks no-one attended. The school leadership then gave me a short slot in the school assembly to promote the club. Following that assembly, I was overwhelmed as 32 children attended the following week. Numbers have subsequently settled at 20 children, praise the Lord.
We hosted an Easter Service for a local school.
Approximately 350 children plus about 35 staff walked to Fernielea Gospel Hall. They heard scripture read and a proclamation concerning the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. This was truly a great opportunity to present the truth.
During the April school holidays we hosted a five-day club, based on a ship theme. This was well attended, with many adults coming to the Friday night prizegiving.
At the moment we are in the process of planning the annual Ultimate Adventure Exhibition. There has always been a positive response to this week, and we trust that the Lord will keep doors open that this work may flourish.
Prayer Points:
• Thank the Lord for His goodness in allowing many children to hear the Bible taught in the classroom.
• The Lord will continue to provide opportunities to teach Bible truth in Primary Schools.
• Local schools will respond positively to the Bible Exhibition invitations.
• The Lord will give the needed strength and energy to continue the work, in a way that honours Him.
PAUL & GRACE COXALL
30/4/25
3rd
When Paul addressed King Agrippa in Acts 26, he gave his testimony (as we would say) and explained how he had come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. His was a classic personal encounter with the risen Lord (Gal 1:16). Few people can claim to have had such a direct revelation of the Lord Jesus. Still, thankfully, many in the UK and worldwide are coming to understand that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matt 16:16).
The believers in Liverpool have been encouraged recently through the salvation of several men and women. They are from a cross-section of ages, cultures, and backgrounds. They are being well shepherded in the various assemblies. New converts need our prayers as they learn to live a new life, long and pray for the salvation of their family and friends, and face the inevitable attack of Satan on their fledgling faith.
Open airs, door-to-door visitation and school visits continue on a regular basis. This week, I was very encouraged by the interest of the teachers and children in several schools. We thank the Lord that this door continues to remain open to present the word of God to another generation. Weekly Bible teaching, both in person and online, continues to take up a significant portion of my time.
I was in Pakistan for a visit towards the end of 2024, and God willing, I plan to go back later this year. The saints are bearing up well despite regular persecution. Seeing the gospel’s progress through the believers in Pakistan is exciting. I got an update from Sohail before writing this report. In addition to the many assemblies in Pakistan (over 30 at the last count), there are now further groups of new believers in Iran, Afghanistan and Malaysia. This is a result of people getting saved in Pakistan and then either returning to their home country or moving for work. The principle of Acts chapter 1 verse 8 still works well, for which we praise the Lord.
I was in Uganda in January (with Carole) and again in late April. Sanya, Alozious and Johnson (elders in Musoto, Mbale) work hard to preach the gospel and teach the word of God. The weekly radio work has been the main channel through
which unbelievers and believers have been contacted. A man called Defasi, recently saved, asked Sanya to visit his unsaved grandparents. After the visit, they came to repent and have faith in Christ. Interestingly, Abudala (the grandad) had been listening to our program on the radio for a long time. It is incredible how God works. Please pray that they will go on in the faith.
One of Uganda’s challenges is instructing believers about how assemblies functioned in the New Testament, as many believers have no idea about ‘church truth’. Their appetite to learn is tremendous, and the elders from Musoto are constantly invited to go and explain why ‘they do what they do’ in church gatherings. How well would we get on if asked to do the same? They are currently visiting believers in Namayingo, Budaka and Kaberamadio. Some of these contacts have been to the Bible Teaching conferences in Musoto and are seeking further help to understand the word of God. Please pray for the Lord’s help as this work develops.
As always, we appreciate your prayers that we would know the help of the Lord and His wisdom as we seek to serve where He opens doors of opportunity.
C. 2006 STEPHEN & CAROLE BAKER
23/5/25
We have an incredible team of dedicated staff who give over and above their duty. Please pray for those who spend many hours each week on the roads. Our lab staff travel each week to Solwezi – a two-day round trip collecting supplies and delivering samples. There are frequent accidents and breakdowns on Zambian roads as both vehicles and roads are poorly maintained. Public transport is risky, but staff depend on such for traveling to get wages, supplies and returning home to visit their families. We are in a very rural area and so most of our staff are posted to us from town areas and separated from their families. Prices of food have gone up and everyone is struggling with their own issues and problems. It feels like each week someone in our team is bereaved of a loved one. Alcohol, debt, troubled relationships, unplanned pregnancies, financial struggles and family pressures are commonplace. Many of the struggles are unseen.
Only the Lord can help us navigate life. We seek to shine as lights in the darkness and show a little kindness in a hard world. Life is short and the time to make a difference is limited. Most of the people who we come into contact with are with us for a relatively limited period. My role here has always been dynamic through the years. With the hospital extensions and increased staffing, I’m enjoying being able to spend more time building up relationships and helping folks traverse difficult times. You don’t regret the time you put into people. Please pray for our team – many of whom do not yet know the Lord as Saviour.
We have had special English gospel meetings over the last couple of months. It has been encouraging to see the attendance of patients and staff. Many language groups are represented on the mission as people come from all over the country as well as Angola and DR Congo. We try and ensure each receives the gospel in some form in their own language – whether through literature or spoken form. It is a real blessing to have God’s word available in so many languages and we are grateful to those who have gone before who laboured in making this possible. I am working on trying to get new tracts published in the Lozi language this year, as well as developing digital billboards of rolling verses in various languages.
C. 2009 JULIE-RACHEL ELWOOD 22/5/25
My Bible Experience exhibition has recently been in Peterhead, Wishaw, Barrow-inFurness and Harrogate. A similar format takes place in each location. The exhibition is set up in the Gospel Hall and local primary classes come for about an hour each. For example, in Peterhead we had nineteen primary school classes equating to over five hundred children plus their teachers who heard the good news. All these children received a Mark’s Gospel, but many children also requested a full Bible, which they have now been given. In the evenings, we opened to the public and on one of the evenings a meal was given to around forty-five people who are struggling in life. They listened well to a gospel talk and then after their meal made their way around the exhibition. We also had a visit from a group of ladies who are going through drug rehabilitation in a nearby centre. We look to God to bless His word.
I spent most of January in Australia taking meetings in and around Brisbane. First was a week of children’s meetings with the Cooroy assembly. Over fifty children attended the meetings, some of whom were new contacts who have since started to attend the regular weekly children’s work. The following week I was with the Salisbury assembly. Well over one hundred children came along and around thirty parents also stayed for the meeting each day. During the final week I conducted a series of ministry meetings with the Salisbury assembly. The Lord gave much help as we gathered to study His word.
The assembly in Cullen had an Easter holiday club held in the village of Portknockie. It was my fifteenth visit for these meetings and the Lord really blessed the week. Well over a hundred children came during the course of the week and gave great attention to the gospel each day. In God’s goodness a young girl, whose parents are in fellowship, made a profession of faith on the second last day.
It was good to be back in Shetland for the first time since covid and cancer. Many of the teachers in the schools have changed in the last six years, but the door is still open to visit the schools for assemblies. We held a Super club in Sound Gospel Hall, Lerwick. The believers were a little concerned that no children would turn up because it had been six years since the last children’s outreach. They told me they had been praying that at least twenty would come by the end of the week. Well, twenty-one came on the first night and that built to over sixty by the last night. Once again, He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.
God willing, during May the Bible Experience will be in Kilmarnock and Aberdeen. Then in June our own assembly in Perth will be holding a gospel campaign when I will have the joy of preaching alongside my brethren Gareth Edwards and Jack Hay. Thank you for your fellowship in prayer.
C. 2003
GORDON & ALISON McCRACKEN
2/5/25
Our Brazilian fellow-workers, Claudio and Daisy Martinowski, spent a few weeks visiting their son who lives in the United States and gave help to the assembly in Framingham, where most of the believers are Brazilian. On their return to Portugal, where they serve, they found their car had been stolen. They travel to help in various assemblies and to visit needy Christians so the loss of the car will reduce their effectiveness.
We are so grateful for the strength to continue serving the Lord and for the way we have been received in the area. We are engaged in helping four assemblies in town, a private study with young men in our home, as well as a monthly Bible Study for the assemblies in town.
We have made ourselves available to help people with their personal, family, emotional and spiritual problems and concerns. This can be taxing on our own health. It has been exciting to see the way the Lord has been at work in some of these cases.
We would ask for prayer for our fellow-workers Gavin and Eleny Aitken (USA). Eleny has been having treatment for cancer and Gavin is experiencing increasing trouble with general health. Brazil has been blessed with Gavin’s excellent ministry backed up by his godly life. Eleny has been responsible for chaplaincy in a major hospital in São Paulo and also in training people from a wide area to engage in this important ministry.
Please pray for our own health condition. Elizabeth has suffered from thyroid problems for some time, but recent tests revealed a worsening thyroid condition. Her medication was changed, and the dosage increased. My diabetes has been treated with medication, but these have brought kidney and liver complications. I have had more detailed tests and I am hoping that I do not have to commence dialysis.
We just received a call to pay a visit to E. He was reared in a godly home but as a young man kicked the traces and began sowing wild oats. He is a patient of our son Mark. Yesterday, when he was having physiotherapy treatment, he seemed very distressed and Mark prayed with him. He arrived home and immediately telephoned Mark to ask me to visit. I left immediately and invited his cousin, Ovídio to accompany me. On arrival, we saw that a tremendous battle was being waged. We talked and prayed and there was rejoicing to see the end of the conflict in his soul. After surrendering to the control of the Lord Jesus, it was moving to see him embrace his wife and daughter and ask forgiveness for the way he had treated them and for his bad behaviour over the years. E is in his mid-sixties, but it is proof that even after a life in sin, the power of the Lord Jesus can still change a hardened heart.
Our sincere thanks to all who continue to stand with us and pray for us. The battle ground in Brazil can turn into a victory parade by you dear folks in the UK on your knees.
C. 1966 WALTER & ELIZABETH ALEXANDER 2/5/25
Bible Exhibition – At a gospel outreach three days after Easter, the Bible Exhibition was used in the local assembly in Ploiești. Friends, family and colleagues of believers were present, conversations took place and gospel literature was well received. Prayer would be valued for all those who heard the gospel clearly presented.
Gospel tent work – The commencement of the 18th year of summer tent outreach work among adults and children in different areas of Romania is fast approaching. New workers are keen to help, especially in the work with children, and we would value prayer for believers currently planning this outreach. Prayer is also needed for local evangelists who will be preaching the gospel to young people and adults in many localities during the summer months.
It has been uplifting to see a younger generation of workers, particularly in the County of Suceava, working together with an older generation on a plan for future gospel work and developing existing works.
Bible teaching – The winter and spring months were busy with intensive, consecutive Bible studies in different areas of Romania. They often include times of discussion which helps strengthen fellowship between different assemblies and encourages the Lord’s servants. Larger assemblies are sending workers to support assemblies in villages, some of which are in remote areas.
During the last six months I have been able to have ministry meetings in 50 local assemblies, and we pray that the saints who gathered have been edified and strengthened spiritually.
Gospel literature work – A gospel booklet by Gareth Edwards, ‘Exploring Christianity’, is currently being translated and checked and will soon be ready for printing. We also printed and distributed 135,000 calendars and are continuing to distribute 110,000 A5 gospel texts and 115,000 gospel tracts.
The calendars have been distributed in shops, offices, hospitals, marketplaces, on the streets, as well as been given to friends, neighbours and relatives of believers. They were also sent to Romanian nationals living in Belgium, Italy and England for distribution.
It has been an encouragement over the years to keep in contact with believers who came from unsaved families. They have kept going and grown in the things of the Lord, being encouraged by believers in local assemblies. Some are developing as Bible teachers and have many questions, and it is a privilege to discuss the Scriptures with them.
C. 1992 PAUL &
21/5/25
At the beginning of April we were once again at Faskally House, Pitlochry, for the Families week, where we enjoyed a fantastic week of fellowship and uplifting ministry from our brother Ian Jackson. Arriving home we headed straight to the assembly in Four Marks, Hampshire to help with their Holiday Bible Club again. It was encouraging to see 45 children in during the week with good attention shown and several of the parents staying for the morning sessions too. A few of the other assemblies in the area also brought along children during the week. This is the 12th occasion we have been involved in children’s gospel/teaching outreach weeks since we were commended in September 2023 and it is certainly an avenue of service that we had not anticipated would be the main focus of our work over these months.
We continue to support the 22 local assemblies within an hour’s drive from home with Bible Teaching and Gospel Preaching. Some would only have seven or eight in attendance at times, but the fellowship with the Lord’s people is very precious. We have just returned home from a few days with the saints at Broadwas-on-Teme, where we had a short series of ministry meetings.
In fellowship with our home assembly in Millbrook Road East, Southampton, we continue to support the weekly Tuesday Bible Club for the children and teenagers. We normally have between 15 and 20 attending and the saints have worked incredibly hard over many years in consistent efforts to reach so many from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
Chrissie and the girls have joined the lovely group of sisters at Millbrook who crochet blankets and other items in order to make layettes for overseas mission fields. We have even had the pleasure of helping with the Saturday Shoe Cleaning sessions!
We continue to be able to attend and assist in two local Home Education groups at both Pamber Heath Gospel Hall and Four Marks Gospel Hall. So much effort goes into the organisation of these sessions and both the children and adults always have a great time. I assist with giving some of the Bible talks and help with the various activities that are organised.
Please pray for the Lord’s guidance for us to know where best to focus our efforts. Please also remember Abigail, Isaac and Phoebe in their studies at home with Chrissie guiding.
12/5/25
Prov 10-12
In March, brother Stanley Davison and I concluded a two-week series of gospel meetings in the Brandon Hotel, Tralee. We had a series there last July and were encouraged to have several unbelievers present then, and so were pleased to see a good number of these local people return. One man, whom we had not met previously, did not miss a night once he started attending. Indeed, some who came last July never missed a night on this occasion either. It is good to have people searching. Pray that there will be blessing in salvation in this area.
In April, brother David McAllister and I had a short effort in the gospel at a community centre in Fermoy. This again is an area where some people had shown an interest during meetings held in August. We were pleased that a good few of these returned, and that some we had contacted just after the previous meetings came along also. If the Lord opens the door for us to return, we would be glad to do so, as we felt there was a good interest. We do seek news of salvation.
Presently Samuel Kyle and I continue with gospel meetings 20 minutes northwest of Letterkenny (Churchill, Donegal). Although there are not large numbers of locals coming every night, we are glad of some nights with 7 or 8 locals and are pleased to have present any unsaved who are attending. When reading this the meetings will be over, but we ask you to remember the area in prayer, that the seed sown may bring forth fruit.
As we are asking you to pray for these areas mentioned, we also request prayer for the areas where meetings are planned during the summer months. Pray earnestly that hearts would be prepared and that searching souls will be reached with the message of Christ. We have been able to secure a venue in the Clonmel area for meetings in July with brother Malcolm Radcliffe. David McAllister and I plan to be in Father Matthew Street Gospel Hall (Cork) in August, Lord willing. During these weeks we will have quite a bit of help and so a substantial area will be covered with tracts and invitations. Open-airs are also planned. As you pray remember the needs of all those involved in these activities.
C. 2017 PAUL & LINDA KISSICK 15/5/25
What an amazing morning we have had on one of our regular visits to the local maximum-security ‘correctional facility’. We were so encouraged by the real change in the lives of some of these Emmaus students, and their thirst for more and more of God’s Word. Many of these inmates meet up together regularly to discuss spiritual things, and some of the questions they had waiting for us were really serious and deep. They are searching! PRAISE God with us, but please continue to PRAY that God would open their hearts and minds, as they study His Word.
This is a group of Zambian church leaders being taught by James Bobo from San Antonio this week. We have been hosting this group for the past 3 years.
We want to say a big THANKYOU to those who have been praying with us for staff for the Lusaka Bible Centre. God is answering! We are currently training up a young lady, with a view to opening the bookshop in the near future, but we still need at least one man to help with the prison work, and other future outreaches - like into the markets etc. We are thankful, too, for a young Canadian lady who is helping in the Centre (but not in the prisons) until towards the end of this year. Please keep praying!
During the rainy season, we usually don’t get much building work done outside, but this year we did manage to finish a good-sized storage area and paint the outside of the ‘finished’ buildings around the site, including the main Bible Centre building. It is so good to see things looking more ‘complete’ and much brighter, as we also finished the external lighting around the place. Now that the rains have stopped, we are getting stuck back into the more major building work…. a never-ending task it sometimes feels!
On a personal note, please PRAY for daily strength and wisdom for us. We are not getting any younger! Ian, especially, has had a lot of driving up and down to Chingola recently (about 7-8 hours’ drive each way), to help with another small work that the Lord has asked us to do. Once the physical setting up is done, Chingola Bible Centre will be able to carry on with that work, but for most of this year Ian will need to continue travelling there, trying to fit it in between our prison visits here in Lusaka. Please PRAY… not least, for safety on the roads here.
C.
1987
IAN & MARILYN CAMPBELL
2/5/25
I am writing from Sri Lanka, my second visit this year. The first was in February accompanied by Eric Baijal, when we had numerous ministry meetings in Colombo, well-attended young people’s activities in the city, and a final night of Gospel when Bethesda Gospel Hall was packed, with many coming from the Dematagoda area where there is a thriving children’s work.
We visited Hatton and then some assemblies in the east, in particular a full-day conference at Valaichchenai with a few hundred present. It was an encouraging visit.
On this occasion Lillian has accompanied me, her first visit since 2014. The schedule has been lighter, but Colombo and some east coast companies have been visited again. The Nicholas’s and ourselves were all affected by food poisoning, which meant I missed the Lord’s Day meetings, but we all recovered sufficiently to travel to the east the next day. God willing, my next visit commences towards the end of September with Leonard Currie as my preaching partner. Continue to pray for Sri Lanka.
I had two visits to Wales in the early part of the year. It was a pleasure to visit Wrexham and the local believers and those from the neighbouring assembly at Johnstown supported very well. The next week I was down in south Wales at Caerphilly. The intention had been to have ministry meetings, but nearer the time it was suggested that we have Gospel meetings instead. We had very encouraging numbers of townspeople attending, so really it was all too brief, but the desire has been stirred to keep at it.
Phil Coulson and I were in Bandon for the four days of the Cork conference around St Patrick’s Day. They had asked us to deal with prophetic themes, and attendances and interest were good. Then I was with another three brethren at the Rathmines conference
at the beginning of May and it was a joy to see over 400 believers gather in a new venue, a hotel function suite. The Lord was gracious and encouraged us all when a boy of ten told of being saved at the end of the weekend.
Whenever I get home from Sri Lanka, I will be joining Craig Munro for the second half of a Gospel series in New Stevenston. Joel Hawthorne has been preaching with him in the opening stages, and then Joel will return when Craig has to be absent for a few evenings for the Lurgan conference. By the time you are reading this these meetings will be over, but as of 1st June a short series commences in Perth, with Gareth Edwards, Gordon McCracken and I sharing the responsibility. Please pray earnestly that there will be multiple cases of conversion.
1972
19/5/25
Prov 19-21
North East Postal Bible School
We are currently able to supply some 36 primary schools in the North East Area of the province with the Bible Time lessons, reaching almost 6,000 children. This is an amazing opportunity to lay a foundation of Bible knowledge in the rising generation.
Through this, school assembly visits have been made possible in a number of local primary schools, with on average between two and three school assemblies per week during most terms. We ask you to pray that God will bless His Word which is being studied, both in homes and in the schools.
A recent development is that we have been able to supply bibles to the children in some of the schools. Ten primary schools are now receiving bibles in this North East area. This equates to approximately 1,000 children having already received a bible and another approximately 300 will receive one in September, God willing. Some of the staff have also been supplied with bibles. Psalm 119:130 reminds us ‘The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple’.
A PowerPoint Gospel presentation and quiz on the story of the Titanic, using a 1.8m x 0.5m model, and with reference to the John Harper story, still proves popular in the primary schools. Some schools give us the opportunity to visit each year to speak to the P7 class. A previous booklet on the John Harper story, produced by Eikon Bible Art (Alan Lockhart) and suitable for children, has now been reprinted and we are able to distribute these in the schools who make use of the presentation.
Do continue to pray that the doors in schools in Northern Ireland will remain open for the Gospel, despite increasing anti-Christian pressure and that spiritual help will be given on how to speak the Gospel message faithfully and wisely.
IVAN & JENNY McCLEAN 19/5/25
As we press on here in Angola we are increasingly reminded of the words of Nehemiah as he was involved in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, he said “The work is great and large”, and indeed the longer we spend here the work just seems to increase. The opportunities to preach the Gospel and to teach the Word seem to multiply, the number of requests for help in the assemblies in the provinces of Lunda Sul and Lunda Norte are overwhelming. The solemn truth is that despite this, the labourers are few. Therefore, it has been an encouragement to us that from the assembly at Camundambala, others have started to do their bit in visiting outlaying assemblies over a weekend, to teach the Word and encourage the believers. It’s nice to see that those that have been taught now feel the exercise to teach others. Horano takes nine other men with him in his Land Rover, dropping two off in each village, and then he picks them up on the return Sunday afternoon. This way five local assemblies are being encouraged and taught in one journey. When these men are out, we obviously miss them in the assembly, especially in the meetings on the Sunday, but that does allow space for others to develop and use their gift.
On Monday I returned from a 5-day visit to Alto Chicapa. Once off the tarmac road it is only 63 miles, but it took 4 hours. The last 15 miles took 2 hours to complete, in low range, up and down steep hills, where years of rainfall has washed out the tracks and where they have become unpassable, tracks into the forests have been cut, but the tree stumps haven’t been removed. The route is impassable in the wet season and the potential for ripped tyres is constant. The living conditions were probably the most basic that I have experienced in Angola.
Another challenge on the route to Alto Chicapa
There were believers from four assemblies present at the meetings and from the start it was obvious that there was extreme ignorance of the most basic Bible truths. Were some of the folk even saved? Each night we sat round the campfire with up to 40 people and from the questions being asked it became obvious that serious moral sin and witchcraft were rampant in the area. Time will tell if our visit helped. One thing we are sure of, is the promise of the Lord, that His Word will not return to Him empty. I usually ask the Lord to graciously stop me from feeling hungry when I get to a place like this as hygiene is not a priority in these remote places where soap and toilet paper are a luxury. So, one can imagine that cleanliness in food preparation leaves a lot to be desired. As there is no electricity, there are no fridges, so consequently keeping any meat is a challenge. The Lord was good and I ate sufficient to keep me going, but my stomach succumbed on the last day which made the return leg of the journey interesting.
We were pleased to get word that we could send a container to Angola again after months of hold ups. A 40ft container was recently packed with much needed bibles, SS literature and other literature. Along with much needed vehicle parts and other essential items for the work here. Please pray that this container will not be subject to the delays and costs like the previous two had.
Please continue to pray for the Lord's blessing as we preach the gospel and teach the Word here. Give thanks too for those Angolan believers who are growing in their knowledge of the Word and walking with the Lord and who are beginning to see the great spiritual needs of their own people.
C. 1993
14th
The work of the school continues with the Lord providing the strength for each day. The children are also doing well. We have been rejoicing, hearing Lupita finally saying some words. She loves to hear ‘Jesus loves me’ and gets really excited when we sing the chorus with her name: “Yes, Jesus loves Lupita”! One of her first words was actually “Jesus” as she came over and asked for it to be sung to her. We continue to ask for prayers for these children’s mothers. The very first mother is in fellowship. She now lives with us and was recently able to start her university degree. The second mother is saved and awaiting baptism; she is working as the cook for the school. The third mother, who used to be the town prostitute, is heavy on our hearts, please pray for Tatiana.
Boconoíto is a neighboring town that’s more like a small city. Allan made several efforts there over the years, but there was no visible interest. One of my daughters had a weekly bible class there for several years as well. The young brethren from the assembly have shown much effort and are going there on their motorbikes to have a weekly bible class and gospel meeting. The attendance is encouraging, usually between 15 and 30 adults hearing the gospel. One lady shared that she was impressed that the brethren came prepared with a battery and a power converter for the constant power outages, ensuring that the lack of electricity would not interrupt the meeting.
We give thanks that the retention wall was finished last week. The rains started a few weeks early and caused a major setback, just as it was ready to fill with cement. It filled up with mud and rocks and they spent ten days getting it ready again. The rains are now here in full force and it has proved effective, blocking the canal water from overflowing into the hall. The annual all-day ministry meeting of the assemblies in the plains was held with plenty of space for the 200 brethren present. The nearest conference is 3 hours away so our vision for the near future is to lay the floor and have the first Conference of the Plains in the City of Barinas. According to His will!
We were thankful for the first time this year to attend, as a family, the easter conference in Colombia in the city of Sincelejo. There were 230 present, up from 150 last year. The work in Colombia had always been small and slow. These recent 12 years have seen 4 brethren from Venezuela commended full time with their families to the work in Colombia. A few assemblies have been formed. Each assembly is 8 to 10 hours from the
other. Travelling is expensive and it was a joy to see the efforts made by a dozen or so from each assembly to get to the conferences. In Venezuela, there are 4-day conferences held in Aroa and Valencia. Aroa had around 900 in attendance and Valencia (a more central city) had 2,400 in total.
We were also grateful to reunite as a family for a few days before the conference during easter week as it was the only time that the students in the family could get a few days off. It is bittersweet to get together when there are family members that we can only reunite with in heaven! How it makes us long for that blessed reunion!
7/5/25
Prov 27-29
We are encouraged by those that continue to attend the various meetings and outreaches of the assembly. The Friday Young People’s class continues to be a blessing and some very serious and searching spiritual questions and comments have been made recently that would lead us to believe that the Spirit is working in some of the families who come regularly.
For the first time we had an Easter Sunday lunch at the hall, that was preceded by a gospel message given by a young brother, about the Passover and how the Lord Jesus is the Lamb of God. We were happy to see a good number of people come, which included some new folks that hadn’t visited us before. A neighbour lady, called Esther, with her two young children has been attending regularly. She invited her mother to come on Easter Sunday, which she did and had to travel from the next town to get to the hall. Pray that Esther and her mother will come to a knowledge of the truth.
On the last Sunday of each month, we have a hymn sing and a snack after the Gospel meeting in the evening, and we were pleased to see some new faces; work contacts and relatives of some of the believers. Please pray that what they heard and observed will cause them to seek God’s salvation.
After applying for two years, we finally received permission from the Department of Education to distribute bible texts in the schools. We had this permission for several years before, but for unknown reasons it got denied. Though we are pleased with the permission, we are concerned that they have limited us to only leaving a quantity of texts with the head director. There is no assurance that the texts will actually get into the hands of the students. Please pray that we would find favour with the directors of each school and will be allowed to enter and distribute the texts personally and have a talk about the bible verse like we did before.
Prayer is our greatest resource; we value it very much. Thank you for continuing to pray with us and for us.
C. 2006 BYRNE & LOIS
Wednesday 16th
Several years ago the Lord called us, through very definite circumstances, to add publishing to the list of things He has asked us to do. I was preaching in Cardiff city centre and a man was listening avidly as I spoke of the Lord Jesus Christ being sent into the world to save sinners. It was nearly December, and I had John 14:6 on the board, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” I had a title over it ‘The way in a manger!’ The man, in his early forties, came over once I had finished and shook my hand and said, “Thank you, I knew Jesus had something to do with Christmas, but I never knew what.”
The level of ignorance was staggering, and it spurred me on to want to tell out the name of Jesus Christ more. The same week I was challenged to recommend a good book about Christmas for children; I couldn’t find one online at the time and was challenged to write one.
I wrote a narrative of the Christmas story through the eyes of an observing child, keeping it consistent with the Biblical narrative. While mentioning this to an acquaintance, we were asked what we were going to do with the children’s books. The ambition was to put them into schools around North Cardiff where we are already involved in schools work and maybe beyond. After trying a few illustrators, who couldn’t help, we approached a young lady in our assembly who is a talented artist. Feyi was very reluctant at first, as modestly, she didn’t feel she was good enough. Over the years she has proved more than adequate for the task, producing excellent illustrations time after time.
The books were written with the audience in mind; these books would go into schools. They would need to be educational, focusing on what Christians believe and what the Bible says! They could not cross the line into being too evangelical, but informative of the Gospel. Drawing on my experience as a headteacher, I endeavoured to stay on the right side of the line.
Once the book was typeset, and ready to go to the printers, I was asked what quantity I needed. I hadn’t really given this enough thought but asked for 10,000, although I was not sure where we were going to distribute these. We approached the local schools, and they all agreed to take them. This was around 3,500 books. News soon got around,
and many believers were asking for books for schools in their areas. Bethan became quickly adept at despatching the books and knowing the best ways to send certain sized parcels. The 10,000 books were easily allocated.
We were then asked if we would produce an Easter book. This time we distributed 16,000 Easter books. Over time the numbers have grown and last Easter we had 39,000 books sent around the UK. In this way over 250,000 free books have been distributed. This became a logistical issue, so we built a store on the side of our house for them and the many other resources we use in the Lord’s work.
We were asked by the publisher John Ritchie if we would produce similar books for them. This obviously takes time as we already have a busy schedule, but we are endeavouring to do this. We are looking at the seven sign miracles of John’s Gospel, under the heading of ‘Things Jesus Did’. Four of these have been published and the others are currently being illustrated. We will also look to write seven ‘Stories Jesus Told’ and seven ‘Things Jesus Said’.
We spend time reaching out with the Gospel at markets and fairs and give away a significant number of Bibles, New Testaments, Gospels and literature. In Wales a considerable percentage of the population speaks Welsh, and we are often asked for Welsh language publications. We have managed to source Welsh Bibles and Mark’s Gospels, but we are often asked for the children’s books in Welsh. A good friend from West Wales has translated two of the books so far and we look forward to them being published soon for use at the various shows.
On a recent visit to Northern Ireland, I met someone who had been brought up in Brazil and was keen to translate some of the books into Portuguese to be used in outreach in Portuguese speaking countries. These are now ready to be printed and we are excited to see where the Lord will use them.
22/5/25
17th
The Australian Bible Van
Looking back, it’s been encouraging to see God’s hand in opening doors for the Gospel to keep going out in this land of Australia. 2024 was a busy year with the Bible Van work, with visits to some 45-50 Wednesday Eumundi Markets, 18 x 1, 2 or 3-day Rural Shows within a 500km radius from home (Cooroy), 2 Bible Exhibitions and Gospel meetings. Plus, weekly scripture classes at a local school.
At Eumundi Markets there are 600 stalls where an estimated 1.2 million backpackers, overseas, interstate visitors and locals come through per year. Some that received scripture items have been from Colombia, Scotland, England, South Africa, USA, Canada, Norway, France, Germany, Malaysia, Vietnam, NZ, Alaska, just to name a few. People are searching, and willingly take free Bibles and handmade scripture plaques etc. It is a joy to be constantly making more plaques. We are thankful that the Bible Van is allowed into these Markets. It’s His work – we’re just sowing seeds.
For your prayerful interest, from late February to the end of July, we have the opportunity and privilege to be at some 14 Rural Agricultural Shows, plus more later in the year dv. There’s good acceptance from visitors and organisers alike, for which we’re thankful. We just desire to be in His will – at the right place, at the right time.
It’s been encouraging to meet new believers and families nearby small Assemblies who have a real interest in the scriptures. We seek to guide them to see the truth of a New Testament local Assembly. One particular family has invited us to stay with them on their farm and discuss the scriptures.
We like to see the Lord’s guiding hand as we go to events. Recently, while travelling through a small country town, the trailer hitch extension snapped, and the trailer with the Bible Van on it was briefly dragged along the bitumen. Six men, mostly mechanics, who were staying in the town for the weekend (from 7hrs away), came and had it fixed in a short time. They each happily received Gospel literature and the poem “Have you thought about your soul”. So thankful God had this meeting prearranged. We pray that the seed fell into good ground.
During April/May we were able to enjoy refreshing ministry at four Conferences – two of which we were asked to take the Christian book stall to. It’s a pleasure to be able to offer the believers quality books and Bibles at cost price. Previously, this was David Wright's work until his homecall in August 2024.
In September, we purpose (dv) having a Bible Exhibition and Gospel meetings in Toowoomba in conjunction with the Warwick St Assembly, during the large ‘Carnival of Flowers’ event. We would really appreciate prayer for this effort, that the Lord will bring about salvation of precious souls.
Thank you for your continued prayerful interest in the Bible Van work at shows and markets here in Queensland and New South Wales. What a coming day awaits, when we see what God has done with the seed sown in this vast land of Australia, and beyond.
C. 2025 DAVID & MERYL DELLEY 28/5/25
Eccl 5-8
Over the past few months, I have been regularly visiting several people in hospital. Normally I would read and pray on each visit. Just last Saturday, one of the men told me that he has got saved. He has also told his wife. This is most encouraging...at the same time we wait to see evidence of a real work of God in his soul.
Just about one month ago I was asked to visit a lady in a care home. A brother and sister had been visiting another person in the home and this lady expressed an interest in salvation. They read and prayed with her, gave her some tracts and left. I have called with her a number of times since. The very first time I was with her I read John 3v16 and went over the verse; then I asked her if there was anything in the verse for her, or did it mean anything to her? She quietly said “ Yes, it gives me assurance that I am saved”. She went on to tell me that she was saved after the man had spoken to her and while the woman was praying with her. A few days ago, when I called, there was another woman visiting her. We chatted for a while, then I mentioned the man who had spoken to her on that first day. She spoke over to her friend and explained that it was because of this other man and woman that she had become a Christian. She keeps cards with verses on them displayed for all to see as they come in and out of her room. She seems to be very content and happy in her new found faith.
Presently we are visiting several villages with invitations for the weekly Gospel meeting in Stonewall Gospel Hall, Co Cavan. Please remember the area in prayer.
C. 1991 TERRY & CHERYL TOPLEY 2/5/25
The work in the primary schools has grown a little over the year with 15 schools and just over 3,600 pupils doing the lessons each month. It was encouraging when a new Vice Principal in one school requested the lessons, having used them in her previous school and appreciating their value. We also appreciate the help of other believers who have been able to establish contact in their local schools.
There has been an open door to take school assemblies this year. We aim to visit each of the schools once in the year, but have been encouraged by the opportunity to make repeat visits to several of the schools. We have also had return visits to three of the schools with Paul Kissick’s Bible Exhibition. Some of these schools have believing Principals and teachers on the staff who seek to ensure their pupils hear the gospel. It behoves us to pray for them and to pray that the freedom to teach the Word of God in schools will be preserved.
There has also been a little increase in the number of postal pupils. We had another enjoyable prize giving for the postal pupils at the end of March and brother Josh Martin gave a very appropriate and clear Gospel message. The help of those who mark lessons each month is very much appreciated.
It is the responsibility of the sower to go to the ground and sow, but it is God’s work to make it grow. We don’t know what type of ground the seed will fall on, but we are assured that some will fall on good ground. Pray that, as the seed is sown through the lessons, school assemblies and Bible exhibitions, many of these children will hear the Word of God and receive it. Many thanks once again for your prayerful support.
BRIAN & JANET WILKINSON
12/5/25
S of S 1-4
We had a good time at Easter with a lot of people attending our service. It is a joy to see the nursery teachers attend and also four parents of the children. We still have unsaved attending each week at our worship service. We would ask for prayer for their salvation.
Work is continuing in preparation for our two-week summer holiday bible club where we will look at the story of Joseph. We also hope to have around 30 kids at summer camps. Please pray especially for the 12-15 year olds. Most are from Muslim families and are not Christians. Some never came to youth group throughout Ramadan as they were fasting.
Some of the older youth group will help in the holiday bible club. We are hoping to do training with them which will include a 4-week gospel course. Please pray for some good conversations and that these prayers and efforts will result in salvation.
Pray for Elida. She is busy discipling some of the teenage girls and will be with them at summer camp. She is also busy staying close to a widow in the church and one of her friends, Terezina, whose husband had a stroke and will require 24-hour care.
C. 1997 COLIN & ELIDA STEPHEN 12/5/25
Monday 21st
‘For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.'
1 Corinthians 16:9.
Often when the Lord opens doors and windows of opportunity of service, they come along with their own challenges, yet ours is to focus on the Lord and His work and not on the opposing winds of circumstances. Matthew 14:30 ‘But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink.’ This has been our case with our visitations to the saints at Keko Assembly in Dar es salaam. The coming of Covid19 closed this door and it was not easy to gather strength to start visiting as we had repeatedly done before the Covid days and now the years have gone by. Thankfully, with the Lord’s help, we managed after close to seven years to see these dear ones face to face.
We were glad to find the assembly still striving to carry on with the work after the New Testament pattern. For this we were truly joyful as the Apostle John said in 3 John 3 - 4 ‘For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.’ The city of Dar es salaam is a big city with a large population but the small company of the Lord’s people in that city continues to provide light as a small burning candle against the strong winds that do not favour the interests of the Lord Jesus Christ. We realise that they are not alone, but among many in various parts of the world that face different challenges as they seek to maintain the testimony of their Lord. ‘Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world’ 1 Peter 5:9. It was encouraging to minister the word and to renew bonds of fellowship with them. The journey was long (2,400km) but the spiritual benefit was worth it. These meetings were held over the Easter weekend.
Other routine activities, such as children’s work in the schools continue. Local assembly activities and other assembly visitations and conferences continue as long as the Lord gives strength.
We always value the help of the saints by prayer for the work here. 2 Corinthians 1:11 ‘Ye also helping together by prayer for us...’
• That we may be conscious of the Lord’s leading and not run unsent by Him. It is very easy to pursue our own agenda and not the Lord’s will nor the Spirit’s guidance on the Lord’s vineyard (Acts 13:4).
• That we may remain simple and humble instruments in the hand of the Lord and never lose sight of the fact that it is Him at work and not our ingenuity. ‘And they declared all things that God had done with them’ Acts 15:4.
• Finally, we are ever grateful for those secret Epaphrases – Colossians 4:12 who are ‘always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God’. Only the day of Christ will reveal your true input and impact on the mission field. I am sure this is true of many of the Lord’s servants everywhere. Maranatha.
C. 1998 (Zambia) EVARISTO & ESTHER YAMBOTO 12/5/25
I am presently in São Gabriel with national worker, Roberto Ploia, in a series of gospel meetings. It is eight months since we were last here, but the brethren had an exercise to have another series of meetings. During the first week, a man in his thirties professed to be saved. It was evident that God had been speaking to him before the meetings began and he came seeking salvation. He told us that late one night, while reading the tract God’s Way of Salvation, he realised that Christ had died for him on the cross.
His father, a man in his sixties, attends every night and has expressed a desire to be saved. Another man, who recently turned 70, comes every night and is showing more interest than usual. He first had contact with the gospel 50 years ago, his wife is in the assembly here. There are other people attending that seem to be showing an interest and we are praying for further blessing at this time.
Two weeks ago, I was with the assembly in Ivoti. A man in his late twenties told us that he got saved during the Sunday night gospel meeting. I had the chance to speak with him that afternoon when visiting his aunt and he was there too. He openly admitted to me that he had had enough of the life of sin he had been living and desperately wanted to be saved — it’s not often one hears conversation like that. He had the privilege of coming to Sunday school when he was young and what he heard never left him. His wife, on the other hand, is struggling to understand it all having been involved with various Pentecostal churches in the past and even admits herself that she is full of religious confusion.
There is much to pray for – the salvation of sinners, the preservation of saints and the continuation of assembly testimony.
C. 2014 JOHN & ROSEMARY DAVISON 19/5/25
Wednesday 23rd
The Lord would encourage us to continue to labour in the Gospel even when we don’t see the desired results. We must plant and water and then wait on God to give the increase.
A dear lady who recently confessed her faith in Christ asked us to preach in her house in the village of Monagas. Her husband heard attentively the Gospel for the first time, and some of the family and neighbours also. Juan, an elderly man who gave evidence of being a true believer, asked that we might preach also in his house so that his family might hear. But shortly after he took a stroke and didn’t recover. The family accepted that we preach at his funeral and it was a joy to see so many respectfully listening to the Gospel. We trust the door will open to have special meetings in that home.
It was encouraging to see over 2,000 believers gathered for the Valencia Easter conference in two big tents, with a hunger for the Word of God. The Lord graciously helped the nine full-time preachers present and there was an abundant spiritual provision in the Bible Readings and Ministry meetings; many unsaved also heard the Gospel every evening. The material need, to provide three meals a day during the fourday conference is a great test of faith for the convening assemblies, who proved once again the faithfulness of the Lord.
The little assembly formed in El Baul eight years ago plans to have their first one-day conference in May. For years they have longed for this and, trusting in the Lord, they are preparing for around four hundred visitors. We had a few nights of ministry and now we are helping them with Gospel meetings. There are some asking for baptism, so we are making a tank in the hall, and doing other necessary jobs. We long for a movement of the Spirit of God in this privileged town where many have hardened their hearts. We think especially of many who passed through the children’s class and are now in the world. Pray that the Lord will send showers of blessing.
Last week a sister who served the Lord for over 20 years in the kitchen of the Gospel School, passed away leaving a very fragrant testimony. Many former pupils attended the funeral and heard the Gospel. The present headmistress is seriously ill with cancer and our daughter Grace is now responsible for the school. Pray for the good work of sowing the Word of God daily to over 140 children.
C. 2000 (Venezuela) ANDREW & ELENA TURKINGTON 12/5/25
'Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel'
Mark16:15
Poverty in Zambia is not a result of political unrest or tribal conflict. As a predominantly Christian nation, Zambia has maintained peace since its independence in 1964. The factors contributing to poverty are complex, including historical exploitation, geographic location, global warming, and a significant debt burden. With inflation at 16.5% and a currency that has lost 30% of its value in just 18 months, overcoming these challenges is a daunting prospect.
In challenging times, it is natural for some individuals to turn to theft or corruption as a means of survival. Nevertheless, many continue to uphold their Christian values, placing their trust in the Lord for their daily sustenance.
The living conditions in densely populated shanty compounds are marked by overcrowding, substandard housing, and a critical shortage of essential services such as clean water, sanitation, and healthcare.
In Lusaka’s shanty compounds, hunger is pervasive, with numerous families struggling to obtain even a single meal each day. Women and children are disproportionately affected, often enduring the harshest consequences of poverty.
In Lusaka, many of the 64 assemblies have believers facing challenging living conditions. Consequently, SHAREAfrica is committed to providing food assistance to those in need within these communities. The food provided is nutritious breakfast porridge, produced at our small factory, and is distributed monthly to over 22 assemblies. While the quantity may be modest, the nutritional value is significant and greatly appreciated.
SHAREAfrica in Zambia has other projects aimed at helping our fellow believers experiencing acute poverty. In the Eastern Province, we support 208 peasant farmers. In central Zambia, we support 230 orphans living with assembly believers. Across the country, we support buildings and outreach work for assemblies that cannot raise the funds themselves. The impact of our efforts is tiny compared to the need, but we press on using the ‘talents’ that the Lord has given.
To enhance income, SHAREAfrica Zambia cultivates and sells certified seeds, produces breakfast cereals, and employs approximately 50 individuals. The Zambians are keen to become self-sufficient; thus, we are committed to investing in things that will generate additional funds for our relief efforts. Over the past two decades, support from the UK has enabled us to establish a reputable organisation dedicated to assisting our fellow believers in greatest need.
It is the Lord’s work; therefore, we respond to His Word as it affects our spiritual conscience. To God be the glory! UPDATE FROM JIM McPHAIL, HARROGATE
Isa 13-17
We are thankful for the prayers of God’s people – both for the work here and for ourselves, spiritually and practically. On a practical note, we’ve had an interesting little period. Having just recovered from a bout of Covid, I was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with appendicitis. The appendix burst during surgery, leading to a few complications, including a collapsed lung, which meant a couple of days in ICU. We have much to be thankful for – God was with us through it all. I am now home and recovering well from the operation, although other complications mean there’s still a way to go.
In recent months, we have been focusing mainly on labouring locally, reaching out to the community we live in with the Gospel. We continue to see reasonable attendance at our Gospel meetings. Please pray for the K family, who have been attending while they are in the area for another six months or so. Continue also to pray for D, who was previously involved in a works-based cult. She is now seeking the truth, and we can see the great inner struggle to accept, as the hymn writer puts it, “None of self, and all of Thee” (T Monod), for as the principle is clearly stated in Scripture, “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.” (Romans 11:6)
We are looking forward to visits from teaching brothers in June and July. Please pray that the little assembly here, still in its infancy, will be strengthened and built up to the glory of God through their ministry.
Finally, please remember our brothers and sisters here in South Australia who are farmers. We are experiencing an unprecedented drought, with just over 30cm of rain in the past 12 months.
C. 2015 BRYAN & DAWN STEWART 29/5/25
In January this year I was with the Assembly at Clones, County Monaghan for a week of Ministry on the life of Jacob. I enjoyed the meetings and believers from other Assemblies gave good support. Sadly, the Friday night had to be cancelled because of Storm Eowyn when the whole of Ireland took a battering.
February was somewhat unusual for me: I was with the Assembly at Enniskillen on all the Tuesday nights, ministering on the Birth, Death, Burial and Resurrection of Christ. These fundamental truths in relation to the Person of Christ renewed appreciation in the hearts of the Lord’s people and the three little assemblies in Fermanagh gave great support.
Each Wednesday was spent with the Ballyduff Assembly for prayer followed by ministry from the Psalms. I also had two Sunday evening Gospel Meetings in February. I have been going to Ballyduff for at least forty years and have always found the believers warm and sincere.
It was good to be with the Fortwilliam Assembly, Belfast, who have a Neighbour Gospel Meeting each Thursday. The assembly is now small, but they keep going steadily on and this is their main outreach. The other two Sundays in February, I enjoyed presenting the Gospel message in Limavady and Shanaghan Assemblies.
The first week in March was spent with the Assembly at Antrim, when I was asked to speak on the subject of Prayer. This proved to be a challenging exercise for my own soul and the Christians were interested in exploring a topic so relevant for their everyday lives. We can never estimate the importance and power of prayer.
Following Antrim, I went to the little assembly at Scotch Street (just outside Portadown) for Gospel Meetings and four nights of ministry. A good number attended and on the Friday night the hall was well filled. We pray that all of these Testimonies will be preserved and strengthened.
From 30th March until Good Friday, I was with Thomas Francey in Gospel Meetings in the village of Newbliss, County Monaghan in the Community Centre, which was a suitable venue. We engaged in much visitation and Gospel Tract distribution. Numbers were not large, but some unsaved attended. We must leave the results with our God.
Lastly, the Assembly at Killycurragh (just outside Cookstown) invited Paul Jenkinson and I for two weeks of Drive-In Gospel Meetings. The weather was excellent, and several unbelievers attended, including neighbours who had not been to meetings before. The Lord gave help and the Assembly, along with believers from other Assemblies, gave good support. A large number of people received invitations and Gospel Literature before and during the meetings. A local brother, Richard Nelson, worked hard to reach as many homes as possible. Once again it was good to share with Paul. He preached with both passion and compassion.
In all of these efforts ‘The Day will declare it all’ and we look to the Lord to give the increase.
C. 1978 ROLAND & JENNIFER PICKERING 27/5/25
Between May 13th and 16th, we collaborated with our brother Joel Matos in meetings about Future Events in a town called Praia do Rei do Peixe, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The gospel arrived in this location four years ago. There is a brother who has a small market on this beach and everyone who enters the market is invited to hear the gospel. This same brother bought a van to pick up people for meetings. During these four days, we discussed the subjects of the Rapture of the Church, the Judgment Seat of Christ, God’s Judgments on this World, the Antichrist, the Great White Throne and the New Jerusalem, using a banner to help with the explanations.
We issued a specific invitation for these meetings, seeking to awaken the listeners’ interest in these matters. About twenty unsaved people attended at least one meeting. Let us pray that our Lord may use the solemnity of these future events to awaken to salvation those who are asleep in their sins.
On May 19, I began a series of Gospel meetings with our brother Joel Matos in Capivari do Sul, a very small town with 5,000 inhabitants. This place in the South of Brazil was evangelised in the early 1960s mainly through the efforts of our late brethren Mr. Samuel Curran and Mr. Henry Wilson. My maternal grandparents heard the Gospel at that time and were saved, as were many other uncles and relatives. It was in this place that my parents also heard the Word of God and were saved. It is a very privileged countryside region, because at the beginning of the Gospel work there were no other denominations there. I have many relatives who had the privilege of hearing the Truth but so far are in disbelief regarding this matter.
We are motivated in these meetings by thinking about what the Word of the Lord can produce. Unfortunately, this assembly has had many difficulties since the death of Mr Curran and the elders who were the pillars of that assembly, but we have been encouraged daily, because the local believers are present and cooperating with the series. The fact that my entire family is from there has favoured the receptiveness of the residents during the visits. We count on your prayers for us during these days here proclaiming the good Word of God.
The Bible Schools held at our home, in the Sarandi neighbourhood and at the Gospel Hall have been very encouraging. Last week, 35 children memorised 5 verses. In the
Bible School held at the hall, and because the students are children of believers, we do a weekly activity. The children arrive at school having already read the passage and answered questions. We can only do this with the cooperation of the mothers. The schools follow a sequence. We are currently studying the life and work of the Lord Jesus Christ in a chronological order. The children have learned a lot in this format. Last year our study with the children was about faith, based on Hebrews 11. Let us pray that these children will benefit from salvation.
C. 2025 (Brazil) GABRIEL & DAINA DUTRA
Isa 28-30
We continue to serve the Lord as He opens doors for us. Paul McCauley and I have shared in a number of series of Gospel meetings since the beginning of 2025. We visited Basingstoke for a couple of weeks in February, we were in Ahoghill in March, and are presently in Bethesda Gospel Hall in Bangor, N Ireland to preach the Gospel. We were encouraged to hear of a little blessing in salvation in Ahoghill and would ask for continued prayer for fruit in the Gospel.
I was privileged to share with Paul McClarty in Gospel meetings in Carrickfergus Gospel Hall in early May, and we look to the Lord to bless the word preached there with salvation.
In addition to Gospel preaching, I join regularly with Paul McClarty for ‘Truth for Today’ ministry meetings in Kingsmoss Gospel Hall as we continue our studies in 1 Peter. I’ve been happy to teach the word in various assemblies over the past few months including a Bible Teaching Weekend with the Culloden assembly. It was also a privilege to join with some brothers and sisters engaged in the work in Malawi, give some Bible teaching, and learn about the work of Southern Africa Literature Trust (SALT). I trust that each effort to teach God’s word has been a blessing to the saints.
The door-to-door work in Belfast continues, and prayer for this is always appreciated. I had the opportunity recently to do a Question-and-Answer session arranged by the believers in Antrim Gospel Hall on topics relevant to living as a Christian and witnessing for the Lord in the present day. Our prayer is that the session, and the posting of it on YouTube, might prove to be a blessing both to believer and unbeliever.
Paul McCauley and I look forward to two weeks of open-air Gospel meetings at the Bangor seafront in July. We have shared together in this work for many years and prayer is valued for blessing. The remainder of the year is busy with both Bible teaching and Gospel preaching planned in the will of the Lord and the prayers of saints for our service would be much valued indeed.
C. 2011 DAVID & JENNIE WILLIAMSON
22/5/25
Tuesday 29th
The liberty and warm welcome we have in Northern Ireland to visit schools with the Bible Exhibition and to speak at school assemblies is one for which we are very grateful. There are over ten schools which we visit regularly, some of them every month, to take assemblies. One school posted a picture on their Facebook page with the following caption ‘We love it when Mr Armstrong comes to our Assemblies! It’s always good hearing stories from the Bible’.
We are aware that this door could close at any time. The previously mentioned case against exclusive Christian-focused assemblies and RE classes in schools was heard in the Supreme Court last week. It will be some months before a final judgement will be made. Pray earnestly that we can continue to bring the message of the bible into schools
In the earlier part of the year, Leslie Craig and I visited a number of schools near Leslie’s home with the Origin Bible Exhibition. Every child in the schools gets to visit and we give ageappropriate talks. All the schools that we visited posted pictures on their website or Facebook page. One School wrote ‘The exhibition brought the children on a journey through the Old and New Testaments before sharing lots of amazing information on the history of the Bible! Thank you for bringing the exhibition to our school! We had a wonderful day!’.
At one school we were able to keep the exhibition on display until the Saturday and invite the public to attend. Some children came back with their parents to visit and in total a good number attended.
This year the believers in the Keko assembly in Dar-es-Salaam, on their own initiative, decided to arrange a conference for teaching at Easter. Last time they held one was in 2018. We were able to assist by helping them to pay for catering so that no one would miss out on the teaching when preparing meals. The meetings were held in the house of one the believers where they meet for the Breaking of Bread. A Zambian brother, Evaristo Yamboto, accompanied by his wife, made the long journey by train to speak about the nature of God and various aspects of His love (see Day 21). Evaristo is a gifted brother and has worked over a number of years to help the small assembly, both by physical visits and speaking online.
The believers have now further expanded the online prayer meeting that they started last year to overcome difficulty of travel in the city, into an online ministry meeting every other week. They have invited speakers from assemblies in South Africa, Zambia and the UK to speak. This way they get a variety of subjects and styles of teaching.
In a call last week Emmanuel raised some concerns. He feels some of the older members of the assembly have lost an understanding of the purpose of the Breaking of Bread meeting and some of the younger members who need to be away at boarding school are being influenced by erroneous teaching. We will be sending some written articles to help with these matters. Again, we ask you to pray for the assembly at Keko, Dares-Salaam.
1996 ROBERT & RUTH ARMSTRONG
In February, it was a privilege to share with Reuben Singleton (my nephew) in six nights of gospel meetings in the local assembly, before leaving that weekend for Angola. A good number of unsaved attended and we continue to pray for them. Also, a few professing believers came who are going through difficult life circumstances. One lady sent her three sons to the Sunday School. We were also privileged to help the assembly with the annual Easter Holiday Bible Club with Simon Hall preaching and we pray for the extra contacts made through that week, that they will be blessed with salvation.
During the six weeks in Angola, we thank the Lord for His protection and help in all things done, that glory might be brought to His name.
In Camundambala, it was good to be able to have the young people once again on a Sunday evening to sing, read, quiz, recite scriptures and eat together. We managed to do the book of Philippians. This was an amazing time of encouragement and fellowship with the same 23 each week.
We were also able to sort through the supplies which we had sent out last year to be used in various projects, but due to the container being held up at the port, never arrived on time. This meant that we could finally put a ceiling into our kitchen, raising it from 6 feet to 10 feet high. This has given us much needed light, and the temperature of the room has lowered significantly, making it more bearable to sit and eat in (we do not have air con). The ceiling had been falling in for some years due to a leaking roof. With the new roof completed last year, the ceilings were the next to address. We were also able to install storage batteries which now enable us to have low level usage overnight for the fridge/freezer and lights.
The first and last week of the visit were spent in Luanda, with immigration details. We did not receive our 5-year residency cards as hoped, nor did we receive an extension of the present yearly visas as promised, so we now have no option but to return mid-June to mid-July with a 30 day only visa which will be given on arrival. This trip will be to underpin Ruth Hadley’s house, which is now used as the missionary house. This needs to be done urgently and brother Brian Howden has requested that I oversee it during the dry season.
Below is an update on two brethren we have reported on recently:
Claudio has been able to grow and sell much of the produce from the polytunnel to support his family, and he has started an IT course at university. We hope to buy him a reconditioned laptop as this will help him greatly in his course.
Felizardo, who hopes to study medicine, has finished his first semester of nursing degree in Malange (600kms from Camundambala), but has had some of his belongings stolen by peers, and corrupt tutors have failed him in his exams, and told him a resit would be $100. This is the usual practice in the university, but we have been assured by his tutor that he definitely would not have failed. He requested to see the paper, but they would not allow him! He has also struggled with being in fellowship in a clearly untaught assembly, and the dangers of being out of his home in the city at night have restricted his fellowship with the saints. While in Camundambala we requested a Uni transfer to
Saurimo, which has been approved. This should be of great benefit to him spiritually, academically and financially, as he has a home on the mission station with his younger brother (his father is a faithful elder in the assembly here).
Before returning to Angola in June, we are before the Lord with an exercise to distribute Seed Sowers in the villages and hamlets in the local Candover Valley, between the Four Marks and Basingstoke assemblies. These will then be followed up with invitations to children’s meetings and gospel meetings to be held in one of the Candover Valley village halls after our return from Angola mid-July, God willing.
12/5/25
Isa 39-41
It was great to have a full house for the Easter conference in Amatal this year. Amatal has proved to be an adequate place for the seven western assemblies to meet. The hall is small, but they have a large plot where every year they put up a bamboo and palm branch structure. There are several conferences that week and all of them were well attended. We are thankful for salvation and the encouragement these gatherings are to His people. Sunday School in Santa Tecla commenced again this year at the end of February. We are thankful for the good number of children that have been attending. Some say that working with children is a great opportunity to reach the parents, but I believe that is not necessarily the case…working with children is a good opportunity to reach children. It’s our prayer and desire that these young ones will be reached and saved at an early age before they get out into the world and experience all the dangers that Satan has in store for them. We would value your prayers for each one of these young ones, as week by week they come to hear the gospel message.
We continue to be encouraged by the youth group on Thursday nights. A few weeks back there were 22 teenagers along to hear the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These kids come from unsaved and broken homes, and we are thankful not only to be able to preach the gospel to them, but to be able to show them the love of Christ in so many different ways. There have been others in the assembly who have invited the youth group to their homes for different activities plus meals and we are just so thankful for this. I remember hearing a phrase once, “they will never care how much you know until they know how much you care”. In this world where there is so much self-centeredness, we as Christians, have the privilege to be able to show the love of God to others. No doubt, no matter where we live or whatever our circumstances, there are those around us that need not only to know the Saviour, but to see Christ lived out in our lives on a daily basis.
We are looking forward to the Los Jiotes conference in the first week of August. This is the only conference on this holiday weekend so normally there is a representation from the 21 assemblies here in El Salvador. It’s always an enjoyable time to be together with the Lord’s people, and we trust that this year we will be able to hear God’s voice once again as we gather with that purpose in mind.
C. 1998 (USA) KEVIN & PATRICIA FLETT 29/5/25
C=Date of Commendation
Published by:
LORD’S WORK TRUST 42 Beansburn, Kilmarnock KA3 1RL
Tel. 01563 521098 E.Mail: lwtrust@lwtrust.co.uk www.lordsworktrust-kilmarnock.co.uk
Charity No. SC008740
Alistair Buchan (Aberdeen) Kevin Oh (London)
David Grant (Kilmarnock) Alastair Sinclair (Crosshouse)
David Hutchinson (Ballymoney) Gordon Stewart (Wallingford)
Raymond McNair (Glengormley) Stephen Trimble (Ballykeel)
Secretary: Leonard Currie (Kinross)
Total gifts received during May 2025. Total: £597,028.57