April 2026
Brazil Day: 1, 8, 20, 24, 28
Canada Day: 2, 13, 22
South Africa Day: 3, 19
Scotland Day: 4, 13, 16, 26
Zambia Day: 5, 27
Pakistan Day: 6
USA Day: 7, 11
Venezuela Day: 9, 12
Sri Lanka Day: 10, 18
Peru Day: 14
Romania Day: 15
Ireland/N. Ireland Day: 17
Denmark Day: 21
Mexico Day: 23
Botswana Day: 25
France Day: 29
Ethiopia Day: 30
Reports in this edition are from countries shaded on the map.
As we look back over recent months, we have much to be thankful for here in Brazil.
The Lord enabled us to visit a few isolated assemblies.
In September, Elen and I made a 17-day, 2,750km round trip to the centre of Brazil. Most of the way we had good roads, but there were some patchy parts, and about 100km of earth roads. We visited four assemblies and met two hundred or so believers. In November we made a shorter 2,000km round trip for a four-day conference in the town of Rio Verde, over 700km from here. There are three local assemblies within 100km of each other, and close to 200 believers gathered for 12 meetings (including a baptism). From there we travelled to the capital city of our country, where our youngest daughter lives, and we gathered with the small local assembly there. In the last week of December, we visited another region almost 400km from here, spending Friday to Sunday with the local assembly in Itapagipe. Please pray for these assemblies scattered throughout central Brazil – they are always extremely happy when someone visits them.
We had the joy of witnessing some baptisms in our region.
In September, three believers were baptised in different assemblies here: a young man from Palmeiras, a young woman from Aguaí, and a young man from Poços de Caldas, who was saved a couple of years ago. There is no assembly in Poços, only a weekly Gospel meeting in the home of a couple who meet with the assembly in Aguaí, 30 miles away. Poços is a large city with over 170,000 inhabitants, and it would be great to see an assembly established there. In November, another young man was baptised in Palmeiras, and we closed the year witnessing the baptism of a young teenage girl in Leme. Please pray for the preservation of these believers and assemblies.
The literature work continues.
During the past year we were enabled to publish 10 new books (including two new volumes of the Ritchie Commentaries), reprint 29 volumes of the Ritchie Commentaries, plus 2 editions of “O Caminho”, our free ministry magazine. We value your prayers for this literature, as it can reach places we are unable to go.
Remember also the short daily meditations sent through WhatsApp since March 2020. The number of believers receiving these meditations is now over sixteen hundred – pray for wisdom in preparing these little messages.
C. 1998 WILLIAM & ELEN WATTERSON 5/2/26
I travelled to Labrador on the 22nd of January with Craig Munro from the Glencraig assembly in Scotland. Labrador is part of the Canadian mainland and shares provincial status with the island of Newfoundland. It is inhospitable in the wintertime, and as such, the conditions present a challenge regarding travel. We had several delays, so we were forced to stay in St. John’s Newfoundland for several nights. It gave us the opportunity to be with the assembly there, and we had a night of ministry, using it to encourage them.
We have continued for several weeks of Gospel Meetings in L’Anse au Loup, with encouraging numbers attending and good support from the local assemblies. The prayer meetings have been particularly encouraging. We also had prayer meetings on Saturday mornings, where the brethren gathered to pray, followed by a fellowship breakfast.
Prayer is requested for this coastline, for the families of Christians that are not saved, for the villages of Capstan Island, Pinware, West St Modest, and L’Anse Au Clair. In these villages, the inhabitants are from either a Catholic or an Anglican background, and many of the old attitudes and long-held prejudices against the Gospel are being overcome. It would be wonderful to see Gospel outreaches in these areas.
Pray for the assemblies in L’Anse au Loup and English Point. There was also an active assembly in Red Bay at one point. Bert Joyce lived there, and as a pilot with a small plane, he was a lifeline for the coastal communities. He provided access to hospital services in Newfoundland for those who were sick and those who, apart from his intervention, would have died. The assembly is now small and is meeting infrequently.
In the photo of Craig in Red Bay, you can see the landing strip used by Mr. Joyce behind him. ‘Brethren, pray for us’, especially pray for these beloved people and the need to see assembly testimony strengthened in this remote part of the world.
C. 2007 JOHN & ELAINE MEEKIN 18/2/26
Please continue to pray for the patients at the TB hospital. Many were glad to receive the New Year pocket calendars. The wards are still reasonably empty as the patients are slowly returning. One patient was very excited to see us, as she had been moved from the sick ward to the general ward. We know God’s Word will not return void.
Please pray for the Leen family. Esmeralda was in fellowship with us a few years back. She married an unbeliever, but we have kept in contact with her from time to time. Her son Lucaden who is 10 years old does the Bible lessons. She has continued to testify and pray in her home. Sadly, her little daughter of 4 years old, Deonay, suddenly became ill and went into heart failure. She was flown to the Red Cross Hospital in Cape Town. Sadly, they were unable to help her, and she passed away. This has been very traumatic for the family, especially for Esmeralda. She confessed that the Lord has spoken! She wept as she said that she needed to return to the fellowship. While we were at Deonay Leen’s “wake”, a man came up to us and thanked us for giving him tracts at the TB hospital. It was amazing to see that God is still, and always, at work.
Please continue to pray for Elsie who is 80 years old. Her granddaughter had been sleeping out for some time and was not returning home. After seeing the social worker, it was suggested that we contact the police and go to the area where friends knew she was staying. We were able to get a police escort and go into a very dangerous area. There were three girls staying there, including 13-year-old Wilma. The police were able to get them and their belongings out and follow us home to safety. The social workers have not been able to place Wilma in a schooling situation yet.
Please continue to pray for the Bible correspondence lessons. A young man in his forties, Desmond, who began the Bible lessons last year, suddenly passed away in December. We trust that he found the Saviour before it was too late. Please also pray for Christiano, who was baptised, that he may grow and mature as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. Please pray for Robin. He has not been as well lately and is tiring very quickly. The doctor suggested putting him on a beta blocker, but we are not too happy about this. He continues to receive vitamin B12 injections. We were glad to give out pocket calendars at the clinic while we waited to collect his medication.
C. 2000 (SA) ROBIN & MARY ROSSOUW 9/2/26
Since our last report, we continue to experience the goodness of our God and His people in ways that never cease to amaze us. We are grateful for your interest in the work and prayers for us.
Recent activities
In recent months, it has been a particular joy to visit a number of smaller assemblies, who, despite the challenges they face, have persevered faithfully and have had some encouragement in recent years.
In October 2025, I visited the assembly in Merriott, Somerset. Although there are only eleven believers in fellowship, they hosted their first teaching weekend in living memory. There has been a testimony in the village for over 175 years and according to local knowledge, the funds for the building of the current Gospel Hall were partially provided by Thomas Newberry! It was uplifting to see believers from the surrounding area join with them as we considered together the subject, “What does the New Testament say about the Local Church?”.
I have just returned from a Bible teaching weekend at the Kirkwall Assembly in Orkney considering “The Life of Esther”. The three assemblies in Orkney supported
the weekend well and we were joined by several believers from Shetland and Caithness. We thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship with the Christians from these more isolated parts of Scotland and were encouraged by their warm interest in the Scriptures.
Planned activities and points for prayer
Looking ahead, I am scheduled to visit the Shetland Islands for two weeks of Gospel meetings with Graeme Paterson (Orkney), arranged by the Scalloway assembly. During the first week, we will preach in local community centres and intend to have a special
children’s week in the afternoons. In the second week, the meetings are due to be in the Scalloway Gospel Hall.
Following that, I will head down to the assembly at Warsash for a week of Gospel outreach, God willing.
Alongside these, we continue with our regular local labours: open-air preaching in Edinburgh city centre, door-to-door visitation, the monthly Gospel meeting in Bannockburn and meeting with contacts to study the Scriptures. We would greatly appreciate ongoing prayer for these efforts, that the Lord would be pleased to give fruit for His glory
2 Sam 12-14
You may remember in our last report I mentioned that during one of our report meetings back in Belgium we met a brother and sister from the same family who shared with us their desire to spend time at Eliya. Our youngsters as we like to call them (they are 18 and 22 years old), Lysel and Timothée are continuing to settle into African life, learning the local language, facing culture shock and other “African” challenges! They certainly need perseverance; it is essential for their faith. They have realised that there are so many ways in which God has made it clear that this is where they are meant to be.
For Lysel, there are children everywhere and she just loves it! She has got involved in various projects carried out here: the Bible Centre (literature work), the baby nutritional programme and container work. Boxes received from UK need to be opened, sorted and distributed to many people in need. Nobody is well off in our remote area!
Timothée is working with our workers and slowly learning building skills: making cement blocks by hand, digging and pouring foundations, preparing for the sub-floors and helping out with some maintenance. Although it is rainy season, we are pressing on with our building project for the caretaker’s house.
They are open to any future projects that the Lord may place on their hearts. We are grateful for God’s provision and appreciate your prayers as we coach them in their work at Eliya. Pray that they may spread God’s love and create strong bonds with our staff and brothers and sisters in Zambia. Please remember their parents and their little brother in Belgium.
Pray for Kabulo, a young Christian girl who started working as a student at the Bible centre.
C. 1993 (Belgium) JEAN-LUC & RITA HAINAUT 1/2/26
Monday 6th
Romans 10:15 ‘How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace.’
I am excited to share that God is transforming lives in Pakistan. Brother S has baptised several men in ‘S’ prison, and brother Q has baptised five members of two Hindu families who converted to Christianity. We now have 29 assemblies in various areas of ‘P’ region, 7 in prisons, and 2 assemblies established in Iran because of people saved in Pakistan being sent back there.
A few years ago, we were just a small group of believers. Since 2018, we have had help from the UK with vital Bible teaching and encouragement to evangelise and win lost souls for God’s Kingdom. Today, there are hundreds of believers, thanks to motorbikes and a vehicle that enables us to reach un-evangelised villages. We have distributed audio Bibles to those who cannot read, along with printed Bibles for those who can.
In village 82, believing women listened to Matthew chapter 5 on their audio Bibles, which contains the Lord’s teachings in the ‘Sermon on the Mount.’ The Hindu women were deeply moved and inquired about what was being shared. They were invited to believers’ homes, where brother M and brother Mu from the village 82 assembly introduced them to Jesus Christ. Moved, these Hindu women knelt, wept, repented, and accepted Jesus as their Saviour. This shows the transformative power of God.
We have nine young men in the ‘A’ assembly who travel to preach, alongside seven elders from different assemblies in ‘S’, five young men in ‘F’, and six from ‘D’. Together, they reach various areas at different times to spread the gospel.
Despite facing constant persecution, nothing can separate us from the love of God. Many are repenting and accepting Christ, believing that He is the way, the truth, and the life. Pakistan’s climate is harsh, with extreme heatwaves in summer and severe cold and floods in winter. Food scarcity is frequent, yet I am grateful that God cares for His people.
Recently, three new assemblies have started in the B division, where many lack clean water and basic shelter, often sleeping on footpaths. Yet they remain joyful because they have the Lord Jesus in their lives. One day, all their suffering will cease, and they will enjoy eternal life with Him in heaven.
This year, we plan to train more believers to teach others. As God provides, we will
purchase more audio and text Bibles, along with translated books, to help new believers grow in faith and reach out with the gospel. Please pray for our plans for 2026. If it is God’s will, we hope to establish more assemblies. All the elders and brothers Q, S, M, S, T, M, Z, N, T, and N (Bible teachers) express their gratitude for your prayers and love.
20/2/26
2 Sam 18-20
‘My soul finds rest in God alone; my hope comes from him. Trust in him at all times…God is our refuge.’ Psalm 62:7-8
During this winter season, it has been good to meditate on this verse. We have had to stay indoors for several reasons. One was the snow, and another was that for half of December and part of January, the virus knocked on our door. First, the children got sick, and then I got Covid and pneumonia. It was a very difficult time for the children and I, because it’s a time when many things go through our minds, and thoughts that aren’t very helpful. However, I came across these verses quoted above, and my soul clung to the providence of our good God.
In the assembly here in Arkansas, where we currently reside, we are working with the children of the Brookhaven neighbourhood in the city. We used to go every Tuesday to teach Bible classes there for a whole year in an open space. After that, we had to move the children to a church building because someone didn’t like the class; parents were also attending. When we spoke with the parents about the possibility of ending the class, they insisted that we find a new location rather than the class be discontinued. So, it was decided to move the class to the evangelical church that is relatively close. We appreciate your prayers for the Brookhaven neighbourhood. Currently, about 25 children and some parents attend. In addition, a piece of good news that has brought us much joy is seeing Mateo (9 years old) come to the Lord’s Supper on his own for about two months now, and he hasn’t missed a single one. His mother told us that he didn’t want to go to the Catholic church anymore because he had met the One who truly died for him. This has been a great joy for everyone.
Last year, my eldest son, Timothy, was baptised. He’s not yet in church fellowship, but these are things for which we are grateful to the Lord. My daughter Ximena (10 years old) also professes to be saved. Our lives have undergone many changes, but we still keep our eyes fixed on the One who promised to be with us until the end (Matthew 28:20).
C. 2014 (Venezuela) MRS MARIU HERNANDEZ 20/2/26
We recently had a week of Gospel meetings and were encouraged with the good attendance. We were especially encouraged that Geraldo came to the hall for the first time. He is the husband of one of the sisters in the assembly. He has lost sight of one eye due to alcohol and thankfully this scare made him stop drinking. He always pays attention to the Bible reading when we visit the home, but had never attended a meeting in the hall. We would value prayer for him that he may be reached and saved. Adalgiza, his wife, is in assembly fellowship and their son Jeferson professed to be saved and attends the meetings well, but is not in assembly fellowship.
Cida and her daughter Elke live next door to the hall and for the first time attended a Gospel meeting. Cida is a sister to Adalgiza and although invited many times had never come to any meetings. It was encouraging to see them attending for the first time. Pray also for Pabline (a young mother) that attended most nights and paid close attention. We would value your prayers for these souls.
Garage in Diamante where we have the fortnightly Gospel meeting
The fortnightly gospel meetings in Diamante continue in the garage of a dear brother. We would appreciate prayer for this effort. Our hope and prayer is that we may see an assembly established there for the honour and glory of God.
Children’s work has been a challenge. We haven’t managed to get any children from the neighbourhood to attend due to the great catholic influence. We would appreciate prayer for this that the parents may allow their children to attend. So far, all the children attending have connection to the Christians.
This month we were away for two weekends visiting two different assemblies from the region where we used to live before moving here, as they had invited us to spend a weekend with them. It is not often we get to visit them due to the distance. It’s at least an 8-hour drive on mostly single lane roads on a good day, but depending on traffic it can take much longer. The first weekend we were in Porto Ferreira, a small assembly with seven in fellowship. The second weekend we spent in Descalvado, where we previously lived for some time. It was a joy to be with them once more and to see some fresh faces added to assembly fellowship. We were deeply encouraged to see this assembly developing and to see the joy and unity among them.
C. 1998 (Brazil) MARCO & JANICE GEBARA 20/2/26
Thursday 9th
2 Sam 23-24
We are thankful to the Lord that there is still an open door here for the preaching of the gospel. Even though the political situation in the country is still unsettled, we have liberty to travel and have meetings. Pray that this may continue. I will mention several ongoing efforts in the gospel for your fellowship in prayer.
Palo Negro, Centre Hall: The assembly commenced gospel meetings on the 2nd of February in the home of a dear sister. A good number of unsaved are attending, including family members of our sister who were brought up in the Sunday School and are now grandparents, but still not saved. A few neighbours are also coming, so we pray that God will give the increase.
Palo Negro, La Pica: The assembly where we are in fellowship, began gospel meetings in a sister’s home this past weekend. Over the years several series of meetings have been held there and neighbours usually sit in front of their houses to listen. Our sister’s husband isn’t saved, but he listens reverently to the preaching. Her daughter is in fellowship but has grown rather cold in heart; it would be good to see her happy in the Lord again. Please pray for a young girl who lives near our sister and attends the Sunday School. She is going through a difficult time at home and has had thoughts of taking her own life. The meetings are being held partly with this girl in mind.
Mariara: The assembly began preaching in their Hall in early February. There has been good attendance of unbelievers and a sense of the Lord’s presence. Three people have professed to be saved, which has encouraged the believers, and a few believers have requested to be baptised. The assembly is currently building a Gospel Hall in another area of the town where they have a large Sunday School and a weekly Gospel Meeting.
San Diego: The assembly was able to rent a plot of land next to the main avenue that runs through the municipality and commenced gospel meetings in a tent on the 1st of February. It has been our privilege to accompany them in preaching the gospel and it’s a joy to see so many people attending each night, including people from the area who are coming on their own to the tent. We ask for your prayers that the Lord will bless His Word in the salvation of precious souls. The Christians are working hard to bring family and friends from other areas to the meetings, including a good number of older children and teenagers who attend one of their Sunday Schools. Part of the attraction is the ride in the back of a pick-up to and from the meeting!
Belen: We preached in this town several times in the past with no visible results, but the Lord graciously worked in the life of a young couple two years ago and they were received into the fellowship of the assembly in Guigue, about 13 miles away. A Sunday School commenced in their humble home last year and they desire Gospel Meetings there. We are praying to the Lord to guide us, as we long to help them in this exercise. It is not easy for the Guigue believers to reach Belen because the road is in poor condition and none of the believers own a vehicle. The assembly in Juaniquero shares in the exercise, but the road from there to Belen is in very bad condition. We ask for your prayers that the Lord will guide these exercises and open the way according to His will.
24/2/26
On this visit I was accompanied by Eric Baijal who has visited the island on numerous occasions. We shared most of the meetings.
People have been asking how the recent cyclone affected our visit. It didn’t, in that we were deliberately visiting the least affected area. However, throughout the island over 170 assembly families were affected badly, either through damage to their homes or by their crops being washed away. The fact that there was so much destruction to the crops means that a feeding programme will have to be in place for quite some time to come.
We arrived on the island very early in the morning on Friday 30th January. The first ministry meeting was in Bethesda Gospel Hall Colombo that evening. Around 130 attended, with some travelling two hours from Badureliya. The Saturday was busy with children’s meetings. In the morning, we had two children’s meetings at Dematagoda (a poorer area of Colombo), when over 90 children aged up to twelve were present for the first meeting and then almost 60 over twelves were at the second meeting. The messages were interpreted into both the Sinhala and Tamil languages. Then we had a children’s meeting at Bethesda Gospel Hall in the afternoon with around 120 present and later a youth gospel meeting with about 70 young people, quite a number of whom are unsaved.
Following ministry to the three language groups at Bethesda on Lord’s Day, we had a ministry meeting in the evening in Bethany house with around 80 believers gathered. Bethany is a newly built house which accommodates six younger sisters from the provinces who are working in Colombo.
We then travelled to Jaffna at the very north end of the island. The two assemblies on the peninsula had arranged several Gospel meetings in people’s yards, places where they have regular Gospel outreaches. Normally they schedule more of these meetings, but they curtailed it this time to allow for the fact that I had bypass surgery last July! Over the three days of yard meetings literally hundreds heard the Gospel, the majority of them Hindu people. Generally attention was very good, although children, a dog, and a stream of latecomers created some distractions on one occasion!
with over 160 in total. This is so encouraging considering the fact that on my first visit after Covid, there was only the one meeting with around 50 children. We pray that the Lord gives the believers guidance about how to carry this work forward. A more commodious venue would be fine, but the downside is that many contacts have been made in that location. Often during the meetings, sisters speak to neighbours in the alley as they pass by and new contacts are established.
Before returning to Colombo, we had ministry for the two assemblies when Eric and I both spoke twice. The location was a boys’ orphanage, an old colonial building with a large L-shaped veranda which was packed with around 90 believers and a number of mosquitoes! We felt that the visit to Jaffna was worthwhile. Saints had been very busy getting unsaved Hindus in to hear the Gospel, and they themselves showed a good interest in the teaching of the Word.
Back at Bethesda on Friday evening, we had ministry again with support from believers from Badureliya. Apparently, the number of children who attended the two meetings at Dematagoda on the second Saturday morning created a record as far as numbers are concerned,
Since Eric left on the Friday, I shared ministry and the gospel meeting on the Lord’s Day with Stuart McGahie who was on holiday on the Island. Almost 300 packed into Bethesda Hall for the evening gospel meeting – it was literally standing room only. Reverent attention was given despite many children being present, and the heat!
C. 1972 JACK & LILLIAN HAY 11/2/26
We trust this year finds you with much excitement about the possibilities that are before us. I’ve been thinking about the accuracy of our God. With the definition of sin being to miss the mark, it is impossible for Him to miss. How perfect is the accuracy of our God! With His perfect sight, perfect power, perfect hand and arm, every arrow shot, seed tossed, or light guided always hits the mark. How good is our God!
In the first quarter of 2026 we are having the privilege to work in the gospel with four younger men. One was recently commended to the Lord’s work, the other three not yet. I have been praying for the Lord to raise up men for years. Our Lord himself said the fields are ripe unto harvest. It is strange to me to be one of the older men now in the Midwest of the United States. I turned 50 this year and still feel like I’m just a novice myself. It’s hard to believe that 24 years ago I shared with an older man in my first series of meetings.
So far, in January, we have had gospel meetings with Ben Wenger, from my home state of Wisconsin, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I enjoyed working with Ben and with the assembly very much. I am currently with the assembly in Garnavillo, Iowa, with local young brethren. Nathan Baker, Brandon Wahls and David Yoder are sharing in the meetings. A couple from the community have been coming to the meetings with an interest, so we are thankful for this.
On 9th March, after Garnavillo, David Yoder and I are planning a couple of weeks of meetings in Northern Wisconsin. The meetings will be held in Cadott, WI, and a few local towns will be covered in addition. We have a couple of contacts in the area and are praying we are in the will of God as a door seems to have opened. There are four conferences from the end of March until the middle of April that we plan to attend in the will of the Lord. There is a little break in May and then in June we plan God willing to have gospel meetings with Brody Thibodeau in Iowa, then in July in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada and August in Windsor, Ontario. That will complete the first eight months of the year. We value your prayers that the Lord will bring souls to hear the gospel, the Lord will speak and souls will have ears to hear.
We trust you are enjoying the Lord and His presence more each day. Oh, how we need the Lord!
During the month of December, we travelled to the centre of the country to attend the national Bible conference in Puerto Cabello. It is a long journey for us, over eight hours on the road, but we thank the Lord for allowing us to attend and share His Word. This was the 107th conference held, with over two thousand people in attendance at some meetings. Despite the difficulties, the sovereignty of our God and His faithfulness toward His people have not failed, providing in abundance for both the soul and the sustenance of the body. We can say like the Psalmist: “O give thanks unto the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 136:3-4).
As many are aware, the crisis in Venezuela led to a United States military intervention in Caracas, our country’s capital. Over a hundred people lost their lives, mostly young soldiers. While our hearts go out to those who died, we thank the Lord that it was not much worse and that He has kept the nation from falling into an armed conflict. Despite the high tension, those leading the country have adopted a conciliatory stance; some who had been deprived of their freedom (including relatives of fellow believers) have been released. We continue to pray to the Lord, knowing that His plans are perfect. We do not doubt that all these circumstances will result in the furtherance of the gospel; God is in control.
January has had a mix of activities. We were able to join the believers in Cumaná for a week of regular meetings, taking the opportunity to visit some unbelievers who have shown interest in the gospel on other occasions. The small remnant in Cumaná is greatly encouraged by these visits. On Saturday the 10th, we went to San Pedrito for the first monthly reunion of the Northeastern assemblies. It was wonderful to share with believers from different areas, rejoicing in God’s Word and encouraging one another for this new year.
La Gancia
Since the beginning of January, preaching has been taking place in Barrio Sucre, Piñantal. I have been able to join them some nights. However, the brethren in Los Altos had three weeks of prayer meetings in preparation for open-air preaching and asked my father-in-law, Mr. Noel Mckeown, and I to join them, so I will be in Los Altos for now. An average of 30 unsaved adults are attending the open-air gospel meetings each night in the La Gancia area of Los Altos.
A couple of weeks ago we spent the day in San Pedro installing gates at the hall. We built them at home last year with John’s help. We had previously managed to put up the perimeter fence, but they lacked the gates. San Pedro Gospel Hall was built over twenty years ago. There is a group of faithful believers there but still no assembly. Soon, we will begin the construction of a baptistry at the hall, hoping the Lord allows us to celebrate baptisms later this year.
At the beginning of the year Piñantal Gospel Hall also got a new front fence, gate and steps.
Let us not cease to pray for Venezuela, especially for the progress of the Lord’s work, and for us.
Mid December – Mid January
In Glencraig, I took part in Biff’s baptism just before Christmas. Biff, a keen biker before he was saved in the Kirkcaldy work, now attends all the Glencraig meetings. It was a great night. Sadly, he has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Please remember Biff in prayer. Another lady who has been attending the meetings for some time, whose grandchildren attend Sunday School, has come out of the denominations seeing the truth of the assembly of God’s people. God is kind.
I was in Wick just before Christmas for a week of ministry meetings and while there I took three 35-minute ‘Christmas’ assemblies in Wick High School for years S3-S6 (young people aged 13-18years). This was a tremendous opportunity. Please pray for the seed sown.
On Christmas eve, a man called John Connors, who has consistently attended the gospel tent meetings each summer, and the Kirkcaldy meetings sporadically, sent word asking could I come quickly as he was dying and had a fortnight to live. When I arrived, he wanted me to read the Word and tell him the gospel. He listened intently to everything I said from the scriptures and then at the end told me that he was trusting only on Christ and nothing else and no one else for salvation. I left encouraged. The Lord knows them that are His. John passed away seven days later.
Four days of conference took place over the New Year in Fife. The conferences were extremely well attended, and we felt that God spoke through the brethren that were exercised and enabled to preach. We are praying that the many young people who attended will learn the truth of God’s assembly and devote their lives to Christ and His Word. We felt the scale of the potential. Korean brethren and sisters came to be with us, and they gave reports of the work of God in underground assemblies in Communist and Muslim lands, which was extremely moving and heartening. One of our elders Willie Revie passed to be with the Lord after the conferences. Willie has been a faithful and consistent servant and shepherd and will be greatly missed.
In January a young man we have often preached to and prayed for told us that he was saved two days after the conferences. He is the first to be saved in his family. Praise God.
Mid January – Late February
These last four weeks I have been in Labrador for gospel meetings with brother John Meekin (Nova Scotia). Initially we got stuck in St
Johns, Newfoundland due to weather but we were able to give ministry to the assembly there. We arrived in Goose Bay in -36C and were driven for 7 hours on the only road through Labrador in these conditions to L’Anse au Loup. We immediately started gospel meetings, and we were very encouraged by the response. These meetings were supported by L’Anse au Loup, English Point and Red Bay assemblies. Not one meeting was cancelled despite the snow, freezing temperatures and wind. We were able to visit many homes every day. Everyone seemed in some way connected to the Gospel Hall. Many many sinners came to hear the Word of God and quite a few had an obvious interest in salvation. We experienced special times. The meetings were exceptional for the power demonstrated in the prayer meetings.
Over the period from the late 1950’s to 1996 this part of the coast has seen revival on a number of occasions. Some who were saved when men like George Campbell, Herb Harris and Bert Joyce came on the gospel boat to their coast are still alive. There was much opposition at the start, and one man tried to shoot the loudspeaker off the boat. The photo shows the loudspeaker with bullet holes held by Francis Barney. He was a boy when he was saved on the pier when the boat came in and is now an elder in the assembly. The other man is Ewart Linstead, another elder in the meeting. It was his uncle’s jetty where the boat first tied up in L’Anse au Loup. Having seen and witnessed revival before, the levels of faith and expectation in prayer by the brethren and sisters was deeply moving.
Alex and Irene Dryburgh from Glencraig served in English Point for 13 years. It was a privilege to see something of Alex’s labours. When I arrived home, I learned that a man who had been attending consistently had got saved. We praise God for this blessing. His wife and children were also attending and are not saved. Please pray for these assemblies in Labrador that God will preserve them and that their heartfelt prayers for their loved ones and their community will be answered.
I came home to take three sessions of ministry in Linwood on assembly truth and then I started gospel meetings with Alasdair Baijal in Shieldhill. The meetings have got off to an excellent start with many unsaved attending, particularly young people. They are brought by folk in the assembly, and it takes great courage to invite school friends. Their exercise is very encouraging. It is also encouraging to see people who were saved last year now baptised and continuing steadfastly. We deeply value the support of the Lord’s people in prayer, and attendance, if possible, as we labour together for the Master. Till He come!
C. 2016 CRAIG & HANNAH MUNRO 27/2/26
1
The work in Peru has been going on for many years. In fact, before the assembly in Huaral was established, Venezuelan brethren had been travelling back and forth for about 18 years, preaching the Gospel and then leaving behind new believers. They would then come back and teach them about the Gospel, assembly truth and the Christian life. There were many visits over the years. In 2018, the Lord moved the hearts of the assemblies in Venezuela, and my wife and I were commended as full time missionaries to Peru, a place we had visited before with brother Gelson Villegas (full-time missionary in Venezuela) who, along with other brethren who had family living in Peru, were the first ones to visit the country.
In 2019, the assembly in Huaral was established and since then we have been working in the districts close to it, having different childrens meetings and gospel meetings. However, some months ago, we had to travel back to Venezuela to tend to my wife´s health since she must have a surgery, which is planned to take place soon, God willing. Please keep praying for her and for us.
In the meantime, I came back to Peru for a short visit and to do some errands that needed to be tended to, but I will go back to Venezuela for my wife’s surgery in March. God willing, I am planning to travel back after the anniversary meeting in Piura, the other assembly in Peru which is located around 16 hours away from Huaral by car. Please keep praying for us, for the work in Peru and for the Lord to keep saving souls here.
C. 2018 (Venezuela) JOSE & PERCIDA DELGADO 14/2/26
1 Kings 13-15
In November last year we paid a visit back to Romania to see how things were going since our departure in May. Nicu and Marta have made themselves at home there and have taken on board the responsibility of running Casa Luca in a way which encouraged us and gave us peace in our hearts that we had handed over the work we began 24 years ago to the ones whom God had showed us. We noted their love and care for the clients who stay with them for several weeks whilst undergoing treatment for cancer. They have meaningful conversations with them about getting right with God and praying with them as they face uncertain days ahead. Many of the former clients keep in touch with them (and us!) thanking us for the calm and peace they experienced during their stay at Casa Luca.
It was a joy to meet up and have fellowship with the folk from the assembly in Cluj. They are continuing to grow, though mainly from the addition of new babies being born regularly to the young families. There are now about 45 children under the age of 15 belonging to assembly members! We also visited the local Gypsy church in Gilau, where we have spent a lot of time teaching and nurturing the young people over the years. It was a joy to see many of those now married and little ones coming along already. One of those couples was Sam and Matilda (Nicu and Marta’s daughter) who had their first child in January.
Please will you pray for:
• Nicu and Marta – as they witness to the cancer patients who stay at Casa Luca.
• The Cluj Assembly – for encouragement to reach out to the people in the many apartments around the church building.
• The Gypsy Church in Gilau – especially during their special weeks of evangelism.
C. 2002 TIM & JENNY GOODING 18/2/26
1 Kings 16-18
December is always a busy month for us, involved as we are in school visits, the children’s work at New Cumnock and the distribution of calendars. Of note this year was the calendar work in Lockerbie. Over the last four years we have distributed tens of thousands of leaflets around this area both via Royal Mail and by hand. In 2024 a group came down with me to deliver 1,000 calendars and this year we doubled both the number of helpers and the number of calendars. It was a delight to hear from local Christians who encouraged us in our effort.
January and February were busy helping assemblies with Gospel preaching and Bible teaching. In addition to this I had four Friday evenings in the village hall in Alloway. I previously preached there in November 2024 and this time I was joined by Joseph Banks (Prestwick). While the area was well covered with invites and consistently visited, there was little interest from the local community. One woman who Joseph met on the doors the first afternoon did come along, although she was the only local. The support from nearby assemblies was exemplary and believers with unsaved children were in attendance each night, some at all the meetings.
February saw the last of the monthly meetings in Carstairs for this season. Since wellattended meetings there in June 2025, I have preached in the village each month with help from several brethren. These meetings, in contrast to Alloway, have been very well attended by locals. On the final night there were five unsaved locals in, including the teenage daughter of a believer. In September, Blair Martin (Whitburn) and I plan to have some more meetings there in the portable hall.
For three weeks in March, Ainslie Paterson (Forres) and I are in gospel meetings in fellowship with the assembly at Mayfield. Although the meetings will have passed by the time of publication, we value your prayers for the word preached.
Dumfries is a town we have laboured in for over five years now, with open-air preaching fortnightly and a series of drive-in meetings in April 2025. This year from 17th – 19th April there is a planned Seed Sowers distribution in Dumfries and Castle Douglas. The Seed Sowers texts that go out in Dumfries will be accompanied by invitations to gospel meetings which are taking place for two weeks following the distribution in a function room in the Holiday Inn. Jonathan Black (Ballymoney), who previously shared the meetings at Lockerbie, is joining me on this occasion. Those interested in helping at the Seed Sowers weekend should contact myself or the trustees for more information.
As the year progresses, we are busy looking for community halls or sites for the portable hall and we value prayers that the way may be made clear to preach in the towns and villages of the south-west of Scotland.
C. 2019 CRAIG & CHRISTINA MacKIE 18/2/26
Friday 17th
Throughout 2025, Gospel Literature Ireland attended a total of nine agricultural shows: two in Northern Ireland and seven in the Republic of Ireland. Depending on the size of the site allocated, we used different stand layouts, utilising our gazebos and two trailers.
The shows varied significantly in size, with the first and last events of the season being the largest. The Balmoral Show is a four-day event in Northern Ireland in May, with an attendance of over 100,000 people. The National Ploughing Championships in September attracts approximately 225,000 people over three days. The shows took us as far north as Ballyliffin in Co. Donegal and as far south as Bandon in Co. Cork. We also visited Co. Wicklow, Co. Wexford, Co. Louth and Co. Offaly. At some of the shows, it was a joy to serve alongside local believers.
We are thankful for the generally positive response from visitors to our stand. Overall, there appeared to be greater openness among attendees in the Republic of Ireland than at the two events in Northern Ireland, although at these two events, we were greatly blessed by the larger number of believers who came to the stand to encourage us.
At each show we distributed pre-packed John 3:16 bags. At the Balmoral Show, over 11,000 bags were distributed, while at the National Ploughing Championships, approximately 15,000 bags were given out. At the smaller shows, distribution ranged from 150 to 2,500 bags per event. Each bag contained a pen and gospel literature, along with a reply card with a QR code to request further information. During 2025, we received around 70 such requests which was encouraging.
The bags were ordered from Vietnam; however, delivery delays meant that we had to purchase an additional 9,000 bags from a UK supplier at short notice. These were printed and delivered promptly to ensure sufficient supplies for the Balmoral Show.
Our stand features two tables displaying gospel literature. One of the tables is geared towards children, providing pencils,
bookmarks, colouring sheets, books etc. all containing scripture texts. There is also a children’s competition and in 2025 over 2,500 children took part. This also meant that many parents interacted with us while their child participated in the competition.
Some of the literature we distribute is purchased from Christian book suppliers in the UK and the USA, while other items are written, designed, and produced by Gospel Literature Ireland. These include bookmarks, fridge magnets, colouring sheets, and gospel tracts. During the year, we also purchased 40,000 printed pens and 20,000 printed pencils for distribution. In 2025, we designed and produced a parallel English Irish language edition of the Gospel of John. This was printed in Belfast and has proved to be particularly popular, especially among younger people.
At both the Balmoral Show and the National Ploughing Championships, up to 17 helpers assisted on the stand each day. While many of these helpers are older, we were encouraged by the involvement of younger helpers. At the other shows, an average of three to five people helped on the stand. In addition to those serving at the events, over 200 people assisted with pre-packing bags, logistics, storage, and the transportation of equipment and literature.
This year, we saw an increase in the number of Bibles distributed, which was also reflected in the number of longer, more meaningful conversations with individuals. Many visitors took time to read the literature and subsequently engaged in discussion. While some were religious, others identified as atheists or held strong conspiracybased views. These conversations could be challenging at times, but we were thankful for the Lord’s help and wisdom. In addition, some people who did not approach the tables were observed reading the large Bible verses displayed on the gazebo walls and the sides of the trailer. Others availed themselves of our tables and chairs to rest and this allowed us opportunities to engage in conversation. Often neighbouring stallholders asked about what we were doing and the message they were reading.
Throughout the year, we have been able to equip and provide resources at cost price for a few assemblies and individual believers who had a burden to reach out at their own local community events.
As we reflect on these past opportunities, we are grateful for the opportunity to distribute gospel literature and share the message of the gospel with so many people, some of whom had never previously heard the good news. In 2026 we plan, God willing, to attend three additional shows in the Republic of Ireland, which will take us to the West and Southwest of the country.
Saturday 18th
It is going to be a long time before Sri Lanka returns to normal, especially in the rural countryside where many of the assemblies are found. Many assemblies are on the East Coast of the island. Usually when I visit the East, I am based in Valaichchenai. One of the furthest assemblies is located about a 90-minute drive north of Valaichchenai: it is the assembly at Muttuchchenai. This assembly is likely the largest assembly in the East with around 85 believers in fellowship. The believers here are very active, and they have established several preaching points in neighbouring villages. I have visited it many times and in fact I was to be speaking there on the day the Cyclone occurred.
The Cyclone, which formed a few miles off land in the Indian Ocean, brought a tremendous volume of water and wind with it, the likes of which I had not seen before. Even the room I was staying in got flooded and I had to move. The assembly building in Muttuchchenai lost its roof (the roof has since been replaced) and in the middle of the night, the authorities came and evacuated many in the village to higher ground for their safety. People had to shelter there for a few days until the storm receded.
In this assembly, there are 47 subsistence farmers (36 males and 11 females) who rely on their crops to feed their families. The floods brought in their path clay mush, which was left covering their fertile land resulting in the painstaking manual work of digging out and carrying the clay away to enable them to plant another crop. Many had watched the one not long sown being washed away in the flood waters. The seeds that they plant around November every year are harvested at the beginning of the year. This rice is then carefully stored and used to feed their entire family for a year. Now they are facing a situation where they do not know how they are going to feed their families for the rest of the year.
I was also due to speak to the assembly in Palchchenai the day after the Cyclone. Due to the flash floods that the Cyclone brought, the meeting had to be cancelled. Most of the inhabitants of the village of Palchchenai were moved by authorities to higher ground. They were temporarily settled into a school building for ten days until the flood waters subsided. The school building had no clean drinking water and the walls were only half built to a four feet height, leaving the occupants exposed to the elements and to pests. Food also was in short supply for the duration of their stay. The assembly in Palaichchenai consists of 27 farmers who all had their fields destroyed and are facing a similar situation as the Muttuchchenai farmers.
The above are examples of two assemblies who were affected in the Cyclone. Many other assemblies were similarly affected. Thanks to God’s provision, help has been distributed in the form of food for immediate needs and seeds to replant the rice fields. The believers in the eastern assemblies are very grateful for the kindness and care that God’s people have shown towards them. Please continue to pray for the believers in Sri Lanka who are caught up in this situation and are experiencing much worry about the future.
Psalms 72:18-19 ‘Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be His glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with His glory; Amen, and Amen.’
2 Kings 1-3
Umtentweni
For the past six weeks or so, Dorothy has been quite ill. She spent more than three days in a cardiac high-care unit and they assured us that her heart was in good shape. Ongoing treatment has been slow to get things right, but we praise the Lord that she is now doing very well. Last Lord’s Day was the first she was able to be at all the assembly meetings. We appreciate those who have been faithful in praying for her recovery.
A few weeks ago, a young African lad professed faith in Christ. He was one of a number from the Senior Primary School in Port Shepstone town who attend a weekly Bible class in the school hostel and also one of the Sunday Schools held in our assembly Gospel Hall. This is a great encouragement to us all.
We have been praying very much for a number of folk associated with the assembly, who have serious health issues. One man, whose wife and a daughter are in fellowship, has had surgery for cancer. Subsequently, he has had a number of infections that have prevented him from proper recovery. We would value prayer for him as he is unsaved.
Another lady, not in fellowship but a believer, lost her husband to cancer late last year. She has recently had heart by-pass surgery and was discharged from the hospital at the weekend. She has unsaved family.
Thank you for praying for us over the years. As we adjust to a slower pace, due to the effects of aging, we would value continued prayer.
C. 1968 PAUL & DOROTHY GRIEVE 9/2/26
Monday 20th
Over the past six months the Lord has called home two dear brothers, faithful servants, who will be greatly missed. The first one was called home after being bedridden for five years and who we regularly visited. Prayer is valued for his wife Emily and his large family. The other brother who passed away in October, was a real soul-winner and visited many. His passion for souls was outstanding, and prayer would be valued for his large family and the assemblies here who will miss him very much.
The work in the assembly brings encouragements and we have seen a number of young people baptised during the past year. Last weekend we had our annual get-together at a country house and it was a happy time of reflection, games and great food. While we were there a teenager (Daniel) was baptised. This coming weekend two more teenagers are to be baptised. We praise God for these encouragements.
In November, the assembly celebrated 42 years since it’s commencement and we had our annual conference. We hired a hall for the Saturday, and it was great to see so many present. Joneri from the state of Paraná made the long 12-hour journey by car to be present with us and gave us some challenging ministry on God’s attributes.
In the 2nd week of January, Andrew spoke at a camp in Conceição de Carangola in the state of Minas Gerais. Around 200 young people were present and the interest in God’s Word was encouraging. Some of these young people have problems at home or are suffering with depression and Andrew was able to chat with many of them about their problems. We pray the Lord will continue to bless them. It was good to have our son Ben and his family with us. They go back to England today after two months in Brazil. Next weekend Andrew is speaking at another camp in Uberaba over the Carnaval weekend and he will be taking up a similar theme and speaking about suffering in the life of Job.
C. 1992 ANDREW & ALISON RENSHAW 9/2/26
The Kingdom of Denmark, which also comprises the Faroe Islands and Greenland, continues to be affected by an ongoing conflict on the world geopolitical stage due to its strategic military importance within the Arctic circle. It is the main topic of conversation among folk here at present. We hope and pray that the situation can be resolved amicably. It is unthinkable that the use of military force would even be contemplated.
We are also experiencing the coldest winter for 15 years, reminding us of what it used to be like when we first arrived 47 years ago when even the sea around the coast was frozen. Folk spend most of their time indoors, therefore, providing ideal conditions for the spread of viral infections which have an influence on attendance at meetings.
Now we look forward to the first harbingers of spring which is always a wonder to behold in Scandinavia, that such profusion can emerge from a brown, barren landscape. It is always a poignant reminder of what the Lord vowed to Himself in Genesis 8:22, “As long as the earth remains there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night”!
As sometimes happens, a complete stranger ventures into our meeting place. This occurred again last Sunday when a younger man came in. He told us that he was trying to ‘put his life back together again’ without saying what had caused it to disintegrate. His sister advised him to find an ‘evangelical church’ and it must have taken considerable courage to step inside our meeting room. He was such a pleasant chap and one couldn’t help but feel for him. He reminded us of many a Prodigal who, unfortunately, requires ‘the pigsty’ to do its work before ‘coming to themselves’, so to speak. We did our utmost to make him feel welcome and fervently pray that he will return, and for wisdom in dealing with him if he does.
We are thankful therefore for the weekly fellowship and consistency of all who make it possible to continue in the work and witness in our location.
Familywise, our twelve grandchildren are almost all teenagers or in their twenties now, but unfortunately not all know the Lord yet. Needless to say, they are a constant burden on our hearts that they may seek Him and find Him. We are so thankful that two of our four adult children, who have Multiple Sclerosis, keep well at present on medication and regular exercise and are able to continue with their work as a doctor and nurse.
Many thanks for your prayers and interest in this small corner of a very large Scandinavia.
RAYMOND & CAROL McCULLAGH 23/2/26
The words of Psalm 146:5 have been a real encouragement to my soul this year. “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God.” In considering Jacob’s life again, I found it a great comfort to see God’s constant care and provision, despite his many failures!
At the time of writing, we’re still waiting to hear that a shipment of some 8,000 BibleTime Booklets has arrived in St. Lucia. Due to this late timing, I can’t go down now, but we’re very grateful to a missionary couple, Phil & Trena Gould, for their willingness to work alongside a local brother and to help teach him the ‘ropes’ in my absence. God willing, he will then deliver the second batch in September, as this shipment is to cover two years (September 2025 to June 2027). Please pray that the schools will not be discouraged by this long delay and for the Lord’s blessing on the students as they use them. Nearly 1,400 students received a gospel calendar and Christmas tract with their December lessons. Please pray for God’s Word to have an impact on both homes and hearts.
Recently, while visiting our nearest Hutterite colony we received a real encouragement, when the couple told us that they had completed their first NewLife Bible Studies. We hope in the future that this will lead to some good visits as perhaps the topics are discussed. As we drove away, I said to Elaine that it was like pre-covid days. We have missed making these visits, so please pray that we shall be able to make more of them over the coming months, God willing.
As a result of Golden West selling their radio station in Grande Prairie, Alberta and the new owners not wanting any inspirational content, our only radio station outside of Manitoba and the Caribbean was lost unexpectedly. It was particularly disappointing as there is an assembly in this community. Please pray for new doors to open if it is the Lord’s will.
In December, while I was helping with our assembly’s calendar distribution in Mitchell, I met an elderly man clearing snow in his drive. We got chatting and as we parted, he asked for my name. When I told him, he said “Pete Smith – do you have a radio program?” I said yes and he replied, “We listen to you every day.” So that was a lovely encouragement on a very chilly day! I told him that he was the first person locally to tell me that he listened every day. We had hoped they would come to our Carol Service, but they didn’t. Please pray God will bless His Word to those who, like this couple, listen daily to COMPASS POINT.
Commencing 12th March, I’ll be helping weekly with a local assembly’s children’s work. My burden is to encourage the next generation to have a heart for children’s work. Besides doing just one thing each week, like the lesson, quiz or memory verse, after each meeting I’ll also be sharing in greater detail how to do each of these activities. So, as well as hands on experience, there will be a time of feedback and questions. At the
initial planning meeting last week, it was most encouraging to see over 20 young people among the 28 attending! Please pray for the Lord’s help over these seven weeks, and that these young men will be encouraged.
We are also presently preparing for the Brandon Winter Fair, that runs from Monday 30th March to Saturday 4th April. Following our absence last year, we’re looking forward to promoting the two radio programs once again at the booth, along with the work of the Postal Bible Studies. Prayer would be valued for a good team of helpers, divine appointments, good conversations and many new listeners and students.
Thank you for your continued prayerful interest, it is much appreciated!
C. 2000
PETE & ELAINE SMITH
23/2/26
2 Kings 12-14
When we lost our backyard in the flooding last summer, we also lost a workshop we needed. Now, the Lord has provided for us to begin building onto the second floor of our two-bedroom house. The addition includes a workshop and a small bedroom. We are thankful for help from Jesse Klein, who works in Santiago Ixcuintla, as well as different men from Canada who each came for a few days and helped with the construction. The structure is now set up, and we are ready to add windows, along with their metal bars for protection, and interior walls.
Each week, we continue to teach classes to young adults via video call. The online Christian university where we volunteer was founded four years ago by a missionary who has worked in education her whole life. Erika has now been teaching there for three years, while this is Ricky’s first year. We are grateful for the opportunity to influence the lives of young people who want to serve the Lord.
We look forward to attending the Easter conference at the Pachuca assembly, which is a five-hour drive from where we live. At this conference, we have the privilege of helping Publicaciones Pescadores (Publicaciones Pescadores sells Christian books at cost price to believers all over Mexico). We plan to fill the back of our van with boxes, and set up tables of books for believers to peruse after the meetings. We are so thankful for the opportunity to provide good books where they are hard to find.
Please pray for continued safety as we work on the addition to the house, and also that the Lord will glorify Himself through our work with the young people. We also pray for blessing at the Easter conference.
C. 2015 (Canada) RICKY & ERIKA SAWATZKY 20/2/26
Friday 24th
The work of the Lord in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in 2026 presents us with many challenges and also many reasons for which to give God thanks. In the 76 years since the first missionaries arrived in this southernmost state of Brazil, the country has changed from being predominantly rural with mostly a barely literate population, dominated by Romish idolatry and superstition, to a predominantly urban and educated people, but also where all forms of religious confusion have grown and taken advantage of the liberties afforded to us.
The work of the gospel continues mainly through preaching in series of meetings, every night, for a few weeks; a vacant store may be rented, or a garage or room may be offered at someone’s home for this purpose. The area is then visited with gospel tracts and invitations, and often valuable contacts are made as a result. In earlier days open-air work was common: people sat outside their homes with their doors and windows open in the cool of the evenings, so there was an opportunity. Today, with indoor entertainment, air conditioning, and urban noise, windows and doors are shut, making open-air work less productive. Brazilian believers have an exercise to bring their relatives and friends to hear the gospel, and that is also how the gospel spreads to cities and small towns in the interior of the state.
Sadly, many of the believers’ children who grew up hearing the gospel in large Sunday schools, made bad choices in life and are not saved, nor do they bring their own families to hear the Word. This is a special concern for prayer. Others have been saved, and they and their families are a great encouragement and hope for the future of the assemblies here. Over the years nineteen assemblies have been established in this state and another two across the border into Santa Catarina. Some have been blessed by continuous growth, while others, sadly, have become very weak.
Thirteen couples from Northern Ireland have been associated with the work in this part of Brazil. The early missionaries have all gone home to heaven or have become too frail to be active. Only four missionary couples now live and work in this state permanently. There are also six national workers with their wives.
Looking to the future, we realise how much the work now depends on national workers and believers, as led by the Lord. As a result of Bill Watterson and Crawford Brown’s efforts and exercise to produce and translate literature for the teaching and edification of the saints, a younger and better educated generation of believers profit therefrom. We would pray for the growth and preservation of the assemblies in an environment where
neo-Pentecostalism and a legion of cults are on the increase, ever ready to prey on the minds and testimony of believers.
Our annual conference in Porto Alegre will be on Good Friday. Pray for spiritual blessing to the many saved and unsaved at these gatherings. Some old contacts and friends or relatives of believers make it their yearly pilgrimage, but impressions are made and not a few have been spoken to and saved as a result of their visit to a Bible conference.
C. 1958 DAVID WILSON on behalf of his Mother BETH WILSON 26/2/26
Saturday 25th
2 Kings 18-19
It’s now five months since my wife’s home call to be with the Lord whom she loved and served so dearly both at home in Zambia and here in Maun, Botswana. She was called home on the 22nd of September 2025 after a long period of poor health. Her soul is well rested in the Lord’s presence in glory. I want to take a moment to express my thanks to the many who prayed for Stella and are praying for me. Our God knows all the minute details of this life, and He chooses to do what will honour Him.
I have since returned to Maun after a long time of mourning my wife with my three grown up children. Thank you once again to all the believers that brought us spiritual encouragement and also were exercised practically to render fellowship.
The assembly work in Maun has continued to enjoy the Lord’s preservation and the assembly testimony in the area is strong. There are tremendous opportunities here to get the Word of the gospel out freely. I realise this might not be the case everywhere in the country, but largely the gospel is accepted. At present, we enjoy the liberty to preach openly and to distribute gospel literature. A day might come when this privilege is taken away from the believers, but let’s pray that the saints will continue to be encouraged to keep busy in gospel work so that souls may be brought to the Saviour.
Our Sunday School work in the hall is encouraging too. We have seen an increase in the number of children from the neighbourhood attending Sunday School. In the past, often children that came to Sunday School in turn brought their parents to the hall to hear the gospel. There are parents in assembly fellowship as a result of Sunday School efforts. Please pray for this effort to continue.
Recently there has been some heart-warming news. An opportunity has opened again in three villages for a monthly open-air gospel effort. The furthest village is 300km away on a paved road. Stella and I went several times to this village about 15 years ago. There are religious groups there but no true gospel preaching. The Lord is impressing on my heart to go into these villages for a few series of open-air gospel meetings. I look to the Lord for definite help and guidance. The Lord answers prayer so I kindly ask you to pray.
We are so grateful for the local language and English literature supplied to us by a dear brother from the Kells assembly in Northern Ireland. These sound gospel tracts and other gospel booklets are essential tools to opening a conversation with unsaved which gives opportunity to the preaching of the gospel.
There is a lot to be done in the Lord’s work but pray that we may day by day know His Will and remain in His Will. May the Lord help us to take delight in sharing the gospel of His blessed Son and in the days coming may we see fruit of precious souls added to the assembly and new assemblies that honour the Lord planted here in Botswana. All in His Will.
C. 1990 (Zambia)
I made my second visit to Moldova last October. It was a brief Bible teaching visit and it was wonderful to see the desire for God’s Word. I was particularly humbled to have fellowship with a brother who had spent five years in prison for his faith in Christ.
One of the highlights of the past months has been working alongside Jamie McIlree and others at the Hope Centre in Ibrox. I spend each Wednesday there involved in the ‘Bible basics’ discussion group and in one-to-one discipleship Bible studies with some of the individuals who have responded to the Gospel over the last two years. I preach regularly at their 3pm service and count it a real blessing to present the Bible to hungry new believers as well as unsaved visitors.
When possible, joining with Douglas Young and others in the open-air in Glasgow and Paisley continues to be a real joy. One particular encouragement last year was meeting a young man who I had spoken with a couple of times in 2024 and hearing him say that he had now accepted Christ. I am also very grateful for the opportunity of sharing the Gospel from time to time at the Barlinnie Bible Class at HMP Barlinnie.
In November of last year, I attended my first meeting in London as a new trustee of RMAF (Retired Missionary Aid Fund). For those who may not be familiar with the RMAF, it was formed in 1914 with the aim of assisting assembly missionaries through visitation, correspondence and financial support. A ‘family spirit’ has been fostered through regular communication and personal contact. Trustees and Visitors take the opportunity to visit and keep in touch, where possible, with those in their locality. The RMAF currently supports 160 family members. I am really looking forward to serving alongside the other Trustees and Visitors and please remember the work of the Fund in your prayers.
From the 9th – 12th of March, God willing, I am looking forward to joining with Gareth Edwards in gospel outreach in St Andrews. Please pray for open ears and fertile soil. Later in the month I hope to be with the assembly in Wallsend for a weekend and in April I hope to be in N. Ireland. I am due to return to the Bible School in Talmaciu, Romania for lectures on the Book of Hebrews from the 20th –24th of April.
Locally in Renfrew, regular preaching commitments continue. Over the last two years I have been involved in organising an ‘Afternoon Tea’ event for senior citizens to which local care homes are invited. At our Christmas Afternoon Tea, it was good to see the hall well filled with local people hearing the Gospel and we look forward to hosting a similar event in the summer.
Please also continue to remember the online Bible Class in Kenya, which can often be disrupted by internet issues. I contribute regularly to the Gospel Broadcast, an online outreach that goes out from Plumstead in South-East London. It has been encouraging to hear of individuals professing salvation in Brazil and Hong Kong in recent months.
We are continually thankful to the Lord for your prayers and your fellowship in this work ‘while it is day’ (John 9:4).
27th
Pray for the young people, especially the new students who have arrived in Lusaka for their first year of university. They come from all over Zambia and are at varied places in their spiritual walk. Many challenges await them in the dormitories and with student life in general. Also pray for wisdom for the believers here as we seek to be a help and encouragement to them. With so many students, it is a challenge to get to know them in a meaningful way. There can be over 100 students present at the Sunday morning meetings.
The Sunday School work continues to be an encouragement. We recently moved the location from the gardens here to the compound where many of the children live. Last week they were excited to receive beautiful 2026 children’s calendars, kindly organised by a sister from Northern Ireland. This year one of our helpers has started to gather a group of children in Lusaka during the week. This is something that we have been praying for – that the helpers would perhaps one day organise similar outreaches themselves. Please do pray for her and the group she is teaching.
There are many outreach opportunities coming up. Many people here believe they are on their way to heaven because of faithful church attendance or similar reasons. This coming weekend, I hope to accompany a small group of local brothers to Choma, a town about 5 hours south of Lusaka. We plan to spend time in outreach and meet with the believers in the small assembly there. I am also hoping to visit the DRC again this year and am currently looking at possible dates. Please pray for wisdom and that the way forward would be made clear.
On the mission aviation side, there are many regulations and requirements that must be met to keep the aircraft legally airworthy. This includes inspections every 50 flight hours to ensure the planes remain safe to fly. While these tasks are time-consuming, they are essential for the continuation of the service. Give thanks for all the safe flights that have taken place and continue to pray for the pilots, missionaries and short-term helpers as they travel to their destinations.
C. 2019 MARK & JOANNE GRATTAN 10/2/26
The construction of the new hall in Uberlândia is advancing at a steady pace. The walls have been built and plastered, the roof is in place, and a start has been made on the floor and wall tiles. The most expensive items lie ahead, that of the furnishings and equipment.
January in Brazil is the month of summer holidays. Last week saw the recommencement of the Monthly Bible School. We expected to see a reduction in numbers because of holidays, however we were pleasantly surprised to see so many attending. We recommenced our study in John’s Gospel chapter 15. How we need to be more Christlike in every avenue of our lives and service.
Last Monday we recommenced our home Bible study with eight young men. We continue to study Acts. The enthusiasm of the lads is so encouraging and the fact that Elizabeth provides a meal at the end is an added attraction to this group with healthy appetites.
The last young man to join the group, a friend of one of the lads who attends, comes from a Neo-Pentecostal Group. We were glad to have him and the opportunity to try and shape his life for the Lord. However, last week we received a shock. This lad telephoned Mark to ask to arrange a meeting with Elizabeth and I. We were only too happy to accommodate. He arrived in our home and immediately burst into tears and never have we seen a man so distressed. He told us of a poor relationship with his wife and how this led him to engage in extramarital affairs. This also led to an interest in other despicable activities. We spent two hours with the young man, and he made confession to the Lord, but we advised him to confess to his wife. She has forgiven him and they are actively engaged in rebuilding their marriage.
However, in the time he was in the spiritual wilderness he offended the person who brought him to the study in our home, which has led to other issues, so we now have to try, with the Lord’s help, to restore fellowship between the two.
It was ‘Grandpa Walter’s’ birthday and the occasion was made special by the gathering of the clan. Stephen and Eliane came from Vitória, Daniel and his wife João, along with Gabriel and his girlfriend came from São Paulo. Emotions ran high and we had a wonderful few days of fellowship. The joy was heightened in knowing that they all belong to the Lord and are engaged in His service.
C. 1966 WALTER &
Wednesday 29th
We still have no news about another hearing concerning the sale of the property at the Voice of the Gospel ministries (VOG). We must exercise patience and wait for the lawyers to get back to us.
We are considering the future of the Voice of the Gospel ministries (VOG), and we are in contact with a similar work which is geared towards French speaking African countries called ‘Radio Ebene’ (Ebany Radio). This work was established a number of years ago by a brother who is now with the Lord and is now headed up by a brother who developed our website at VOG and who maintains it and keeps it up to date. The work at the VOG has much in common with this work and we are going to be speaking about the possibility of a merger. To this end, the VOG will be represented at the AGM of Radio Ebene in March.
The literacy classes that Alison is involved in have been encouraged by additional women coming forward to help. Other women wishing to learn to read and write have joined the classes recently, so this is most encouraging. There is now a new class for those who wish to learn French from scratch and a lady is now heading up a class for teaching French as a foreign language. As this work grows, we would ask you to pray for unity and harmony as certain things are discussed and put in place.
Graham has been fairly busy recently with preaching, both in our own church and at another church he goes to further along the coast from here. He has been visiting this church for over 20 years and was there yesterday. For a number of years numbers were very low, but it was lovely seeing the little hall quite full yesterday. Numbers have been much better for about a year and a half now and this is most encouraging. The people who gather there have been most faithful in their witness down through the years, so it’s good to see them receiving some encouragement.
Alison had two visits for her eye problem recently. The first was to her specialist in Aix en Provence following the injections she had, and he was very pleased with the results and said that considerable progress had been made. The second visit was to her specialist in Marseille at the eye clinic. He proceeded with the laser treatment he talked about in December when she last saw him. We are most grateful for the medical treatment and cover we receive here. She will see the specialist again in March to see if the treatments received have helped.
We thank you again for your prayer fellowship with us.
C. 1973
Thursday 30th
which the believers meet are very different to the UK, which takes some adjustment, but their enthusiastic welcome and generous hospitality remove any feelings of homesickness!
In the first week I travelled with some local evangelists to four different locations: Adama, Amboo, Ginchi and Addis Ababa. At each place
It was a joy to once again visit Ethiopia from 24th January to 9th February. Last year I was with Robert Revie, this time I went on my own. It was a great privilege to preach at three different assemblies on the Sundays – Meti, Leagatafo and Asgory. The conditions in
elders, evangelists and other workers from the district had gathered, some having come a considerable distance on foot and by public transport. There was training about outreach, managing finances and teaching the next generation. I had the opportunity to speak on Nehemiah’s leadership, which I found challenging and trust was a blessing. I was asked, based on my own experience, to speak to a group of business people who are self-employed or are planning to start their own business. There is very little similarity in trading conditions between the UK and Ethiopia, so I mostly spoke on biblical principles that should govern the way we do business.
the afternoons. The young people are very receptive and engaged in it all. It was very difficult to say goodbye at the end of the week.
The second week was happily spent at the youth camp at Ginchi, teaching two different groups of young people. The theme of the camp was ‘Jesus loves children’, so in the mornings I considered various young people from the Old Testament and then some from the New Testament in
For those of us who grew up listening to Robert and Sheena’s experiences in Ethiopia nothing has been overstated. The growth of the gospel is breathtaking, with thousands being baptised and on average 15 new assemblies being planted every year. With such expansion comes the requirement for teaching the many new Christians and assemblies. Please pray that teachers will be raised up in the assemblies in Ethiopia and for spiritual growth in the Christians there. I am also looking at various means to access additional resources for teaching youngsters, which can in turn be translated into local languages and used throughout Ethiopia.
Please pray for the 480 Ethiopian evangelists who faithfully preach the gospel, at times against fierce opposition. Please pray also for the young people who are anxious to learn and to move forward, in the face of long-term high unemployment and little prospect of that improving, especially in rural areas.
RICHARD & LINDA SMITH
3/3/26
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 February 2026. Total: £861,953.80