Reports in this edition are from countries shaded on the map.
Saturday 1st
NEPAL
Writing from N Ireland
On behalf of the believers in Southern Asia, I would like to acknowledge your continued and steadfast prayers and interest in this vast area and population of two billion souls. It has been encouraging to see the growth and maturity of their faith in so many areas, considering the testing circumstances they have faced over the last year; serious floods, equally serious droughts, livelihoods destroyed overnight, loved ones taken in such unexpected ways. In it all, they have remained faithful to their Saviour.
I would also like to thank you all for your prayers concerning my own health issues. I am still short of stamina, but I have just booked my next trip to Sri Lanka which is a start.
Unfortunately, I was unable to go to Nepal at the end of last year. I had been invited by families that live in a very remote area called Phaiba. Every Lord’s Day, seven families have a rugged trek down a mountain and across a river and up a mountain on the far side to remember the Lord at Furketar. However, on the 5th January 2025 they remembered the Lord for the first time in their own area of Phaiba. Brother Dinesh from the Damak assembly and others arrived the night before and were given permission to use the local school to hold a gospel meeting. They were very encouraged that 35 local people came and listened attentively. Most heard the gospel message that night for the very first time.
Report from Dinesh about the work in Phaiba
Phaiba holds a significant place in history, as it was in 1981 that many believers faced intense persecution for their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Due to this, many believers were forced to leave the area and since then, no local assembly has been established in Phaiba, except for Furketar, which was founded in 1985 a little distance away. Despite these challenges, the Lord continued His work in Phaiba in His perfect time, saving souls one by one. By His grace, and according to His will, we are overjoyed to witness the first Lord’s Supper in Phaiba for 43 years with the establishment of a local assembly, meeting on a local believer’s porch. There were five neighbouring assemblies represented who were part of this joyous occasion. We humbly ask for your prayers for this newly established assembly – that it may grow in grace, stand firm in faith, and gain strength to face all challenges in the days ahead.
‘Then they that gladly received His word were baptised: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers’ Acts 2 v 41-42.
CHARLES DAVIDSON
8/1/25
Sunday 2nd
DEM. REP. OF CONGO
In May 2024 a new hospital was opened on the outskirts of Lubumbashi. The name of the hospital in English means ‘The Love of Christ Hospital’ and locally it is affectionately referred to as ‘CHAC’.
Lubumbashi
As its name suggests, it is the hope and prayer of the Congolese team who run the hospital that each patient and their families be shown the love of Christ in a very real way during their visit or stay in hospital. The senior doctor in charge, Dr Serge, is clear that in order to do this each patient and their family members must be presented with the Gospel, as well as benefit from good quality medical care.
With this in mind, Dr Serge approached Josh and asked him if he would provide two days of teaching for all members of staff. The first day should cover ‘What is the Gospel?’ and the second day ‘How to effectively share the Gospel’.
At the beginning of December, the two-day seminar was hosted in the staff room at CHAC and was attended by over 30 members of staff. Josh systematically took them through the key elements of the Gospel message and how to share it effectively and biblically. This included debunking common methods used here and pointing out from scripture why certain practices should be avoided. As part of the teaching, he also tried to ensure everyone knew the correct definitions of many biblical terms, which many of us take for granted.
Keri helped facilitate by organising various activities to re-enforce learning and one such activity proved very interesting. Each group was given 15 phrases and asked to separate those which expressed the true gospel from those which were false. Nearly everyone struggled to identify some of the more subtle phrases which are used widely in churches here, but which are sometimes dangerously misleading.
Pray with us that the material shared will have edified and encouraged those in attendance and will have a real effect on how well the Gospel is shared at CHAC in the coming days.
C. 2016
JOSH & KERI KAYE
23/12/24
Josh teaching the group on day two of the seminars
Monday 3rd
N. IRELAND Moneymore
As we go through 2025, could we all be encouraged to pray that God would send forth labourers into His harvest. Both in our needy islands here and beyond in other fields, we often see ageing servants. There was a time when many labourers went forth from these islands. How often does this happen now? Is God calling fewer labourers, or are fewer responding to His call? Is there an appetite for the preaching of the gospel among us, as God’s people, as once there was? Do we have a heart for those around us as we should?
Calendar distribution during November and December was very encouraging, as the calendars were received by nursing homes, hospitals and prisons and we saw, in many instances, the 2024 calendar on display when we visited. We were glad to again hear that many dear folks had been anticipating the calendars arrival. During this time, we took the opportunity to have a gospel meeting in the Brandon Hotel in Tralee in addition to the other monthly meetings that continue. We had a gospel series in Tralee last July and were pleased with the response and Lord willing, we intend to have a further series here in March. This meeting enabled us to maintain links with contacts who had previously come along. We were pleased to have 5 or 6 locals present and so as we prayerfully anticipate meetings there, we ask you to pray also for the people of Tralee.
In January we hope to have gospel meetings in a community centre in Limerick. This is an area where we have had a gospel series in the past but haven’t had much obvious response. A young man from the area, who was saved last May and has been received into the assembly at Father Matthew Street, Cork, has a burden for his friends and loved ones and is eager that they hear the gospel in their own area. Please pray earnestly for Limerick, that at this time we would see God at work. On Saturday we anticipate help to cover some of the city with tracts and invitations and for this help we are most thankful.
Our first stop of 2025 with the Bible Exhibition is this Thursday at a school in Belfast. It will be our first opportunity to visit this school, and we are most thankful for all who help behind the scenes in organising such visits and for those who help on the day. We know that bringing God’s Word to these young folk is very important. This year we hope to cover schools across Fermanagh again. We try to operate on a two-year cycle where primary 6 and 7 pupils see the exhibition (and other year groups at secondary level), with the result that each child in these schools will have had the opportunity to see it at some point. Please pray that these openings into schools continue and that the Word of God will be blessed.
We continue with regular billboard scripture posting and shortly we will try to finalise our 2025 plans for bus advertising. We are pleased that the current advertising companies we work with are still happy to allow the posting of Bible verses both north and south of the border and ask that you would keep this a matter of prayer. The Word of God displayed can reach people that we may never ever meet. How good it is to see the scriptures displayed and to receive Bible requests as a result. May 2025 be a year when we hear news of much fruit in salvation for God’s glory.
C. 2017 PAUL & LINDA KISSICK
8/1/25
Tuesday 4th
CANADA O’Leary, Prince Edward Island
With the words of the great commission ringing in their ears, ordinary men accepted the challenge to engage in their Godgiven work, inspired by the sight of the resurrected Christ who said: “All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth.
GO…” (Matt 28:18-19).
The big picture shows the steady progress achieved by God’s grace and power and gives us courage to follow on. Here are a few of our activities and areas for prayer.
In our home Assembly of O’Leary, PE, there is constant Gospel activity in addition to the regular meetings, including a large Sunday School, Monday teen work targeting the community, an ongoing Saturday Zoom broadcast and weekly services in ageing care facilities. The Zoom meeting came about from Filipino believers in fellowship who migrated for work, heard the Gospel, were saved and now have an exercise to see families and friends reached back home. Wonderfully, we have also seen a move among teens not raised in Christian homes.
In September, a 16-year-old was found to have a 17cm tumour pressing against his lung and is presently undergoing treatment. Recently he cried to God for salvation and found out that there is nothing more that needs to be done, because Jesus paid for all his sins! Please pray for him and for salvation in his family. Also, that there will be continued assembly unity with others saved and added to the fellowship.
In eastern Canada, and sometimes further afield, we keep busy in conventional Gospel series. We use our Gospel tent for summer meetings and often children’s meetings. This past summer we were in Borden, PEI, with excellent visibility and good attendance. Please pray that opportunities will continue to open up and we will see God’s hand in blessing, whether it be in tents, halls or rented buildings.
Annually we distribute Scripture calendars, literature and sometimes Bibles door-todoor in isolated villages in northern Labrador. For over 15 years we have assisted in this effort that began years earlier with David Hunt and others and involves a 930 mile trip by snowmobile as well as two days by truck each way (publisher emphasis!). Although there are not frequent initial results, Heaven will reveal the true value of this investment.
Some specific prayer requests regarding this include:
• warmer weather has increased the risk of travelling on the seaice making us wonder about the feasibility of snow machine travel moving forward.
• David Hunt’s health challenges at the present may restrict his movements. We would love for him to be able to continue to do the work with us as we have real fears assuming responsibility for the group on our own.
• most importantly, we need God to create soul-thirst for spiritual things before our arrival and guide us to the right people when we arrive due to the briefness of our visits per community.
C. 2005 (Canada) DAVID & ANGELA HIERLIHY 6/1/25
Wednesday 5th
FRANCE
Meyzieu
This year, as every year, will bring new challenges to our ministry and family, as we continue to serve the Lord here in France. Our assembly in Lyon hopes to see the end of the renovation of part of our premises; this has been going on for 18 months. Then in the Autumn, there will be another building project. This will be at the Centre des Jeunes in Brittany where we organise camps every year.
In relation to our local assembly, we are praying that God will raise up one or two capable and committed men to help shepherd and teach the believers here as elders.
A new series of Bible teaching will begin next Sunday in the letter to the Hebrews. There will also be some mid-week meetings on some challenging contemporary subjects and how the Bible can help us understand and explain them.
Brigitte and I will continue mentoring some of the younger generation. It is so encouraging to see these people thirsty for God’s Word and willing to obey God’s call on their lives. Our seminars for couples begin again in three weeks’ time. Seven couples have asked to participate. This involves a lot of preparation and energy, but we have seen the Lord at work in couples’ lives in the last ten years that we have been involved in this ministry. We share the responsibility with another couple in our assembly.
Once again, many thanks for your prayerful interest.
C. 1980/84 DAVID & BRIGITTE SUTHERLAND 12/1/25 Deut 32-34
Thursday 6th
MOLDOVA Zirnesti
We thank the Lord for a busy time of outreach over the Christmas period when people are often more open to receive literature and to speak about spiritual matters.
On the 28th of November we started our Christmas Gospel Outreach Festival at the Bethesda Centre in Zirnesti. The festival, which is open to all the community to attend, is set up in the grounds at the front of the Bethesda Centre and on the road that goes around the building. The police and local council kindly allow us to close the road and use it for the duration of the festival. There are marquees and service points for food, hot drinks and sweets which are all given away free to those who attend. There is a large Gospel literature tent and three Gospel ‘touch points’ where we share a Gospel message with those who come.
During the 12 days the festival was open in November and December we were encouraged to have just over 15,500 people visit, hear the Gospel message and receive literature. Please pray that the seed sown will bear much fruit!
It was great to have many volunteers come from abroad to help with the festival. Volunteers from ten countries supplemented the many local workers from the Zirnesti Christian Assembly and other assemblies in the area. During the busiest week there were just over 80 volunteers from abroad staying with us and helping. As you can image it was a wonderful time of fellowship, especially on Sunday when so many came together from different nations to remember the Lord in the Zirnesti Assembly.
During the first week of December, a group of medical personnel came to help from the USA under the leadership of Dr Steve Price. They were able to conduct a medical clinic in one of our buildings and do many house calls. Among the medics was a fire-fighter from North Carolina. Mark was able to speak to police and fire-fighters who gathered
A busy night at the festival
Gospel Presentation Tent
for several Gospel outreach luncheons at the CMIAID Base. It was great to hear him sharing his testimony and the message of the Gospel with these Moldovan firstresponders. We pray that God will bring much blessing from this outreach.
The month of December is also calendar distribution time! Teams were able to go out to towns and villages to distribute the Gospel calendars and children’s calendars in markets and shops. Both Russian and Romanian language calendars were available and usually were distributed along with other Gospel literature. About 3,000 Gospel gift bags were also prepared for police, ambulance officers and fire-fighters and distributed to many stations throughout the country.
Please continue to pray for the work in Moldova. We thank the Lord for the open doors, and we pray that God will bring much increase from the seed sown over the Christmas period. Moldova is a very religious country. Many people would call themselves Christians, usually by virtue of their baptism as a baby or connection with the Orthodox church. Sadly, few seem to understand the truth of the Gospel and that salvation is not by their works or religion but through the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Please pray that the eyes of many in this country will be opened to see that they are sinners, that they need the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour, and that salvation is God’s gift and not something they can earn.
Pray for the Postal Bible School work. We continue to be encouraged by the growth in the number of children studying the Bible at home. Pray that the entrance of God’s Word, through these BibleTime lessons, will bring light to their souls.
Pray for stability in Moldova. Up until now Moldova has been untouched by the neighbouring conflict in Ukraine. Pray that this will continue. Now there is a State of Emergency in Moldova due to the energy crisis. On 31 December the gas supply from Russia (via Ukraine) was turned off, leaving Moldova without sufficient gas supply. The winter is a very bad time for this to happen and it will create hardship for many. Electricity supplies are also affected because most of Moldova’s electricity was coming from a gas fired power station in Transdniestria. Once the reserves run out it is predicted there will be severe shortages of power. Please pray regarding this situation.
C. 2004 (Australia) MATTHEW & RUTH HILLIER 8/1/25
Fire-fighters receive Gospel gift bags
Calendar distribution in Cahul
SCOTLAND New Cumnock
In October and November, we visited Maybole and Alloway in Ayrshire. The meetings were held in community centres, and I preached each Wednesday in October in Maybole and each Friday in November in Alloway. Maybole was very encouraging, with good numbers of visitors present each night, including some from denominational churches. Alloway was difficult, with only two local people coming on separate nights. Interestingly, most of those who came to Maybole were invited or brought by others, while in Alloway those who attended had come because of the leaflet. The older man who came on the last night to Alloway lives in a retirement complex and told me on his way in that he had never been in a gospel meeting in his life. We pray for his salvation. Maybole was encouraging enough that Elton Fairfield and I plan to visit for 10 consecutive nights of gospel meetings in September, God willing.
I have discovered recently that more people than I had imagined are familiar with the work that has gone on in Lockerbie over the last two years. It has been an encouragement to me to know that so many have prayed for this needy town. In March 2022, Jonathan Black and I had a series of gospel meetings in the old Gospel Hall there (sadly, the assembly testimony ended many years ago). Following this, I spent a summer in openair work in the surrounding towns before commencing a monthly gospel meeting, again in the Gospel Hall. Although a reasonable number of people have come over the time, it was only during the series of meetings that anyone from Lockerbie itself attended. With a combination of apathy from the townsfolk, as well as a feeling that interest was declining among those attending, we made the difficult decision to conclude the work there for the time being. We distributed calendars there in December and that will be our last visit in the short term.
In the coming months we intend to continue the activities which are so much a part of our regular work: weekly open-air preaching, school visits and helping assemblies with gospel preaching and Bible teaching. We have plans for literature distribution in some nearby towns we haven’t visited for a couple of years, and two or three series of gospel meetings before the summer holidays – one series of drive-in meetings and a couple of series in my portable hall.
It has been our great privilege in the last six months to baptise a husband and wife at New Cumnock. The wife was brought up in a Christian home and made a profession in younger years but hadn’t made any progress. Their daughter attended our children’s meeting and as a result the parents and grandparents started attending our gospel meeting. The wife was baptised in July, and a few weeks later the husband professed to be saved. He was baptised on the first Lord’s Day of 2025 – exactly twelve months since they started attending – and they are both now in fellowship. We praise God.
Thank you very much for your prayerful interest in the work in southwest Scotland.
C. 2019 CRAIG & CHRISTINA MacKIE 22/1/25
Saturday 8th
DENMARK
We are thankful that we can continue to meet in our present location, where we have been for the past 25 years. The property developer, who wanted to demolish the small business complex in which our meeting room is located, has gone bankrupt and their ambitious plans for building a supermarket are now void. We are now in the middle of major roof repairs on the whole complex which had been deferred due to the uncertainty.
Esbjerg
Literature and a warm cup of coffee or chocolate and some Christmas goodies on a cold December day
Over the past months a good deal of literature has been distributed, including a stand in the main pedestrian shopping precinct in the middle of town. Any visible response to these efforts has, thus far, been lacking. Not surprising really, given the general attitude to all things ‘evangelical’ in Denmark.
Linguists frequently tell us that language changes, and Danish is no exception. It is rather unfortunate that the Danish biblical word for ‘saved’, ‘frelst’, has now entered the vernacular with a derogatory connotation. Now, if someone is described as being ‘frelst’, it means that they feel morally superior to others. As to why this is so, would require a longer explanation than this short article permits, but one can imagine how this perception of the word can become a hindrance when trying to explain the gospel.
In spite of these things, after 45 years here, and being now septuagenarians, we are always so thankful for the faithfulness and commitment of the younger generations with whom we meet.
The word ‘retirement’ or it’s cognates, as far as I am aware, do not appear in any lexicon of NT words! Carol continues to be largely responsible for encouraging various ladies from the Bible and I try to help some men similarly, as well as contributing at our weekly assembly meetings. The faithfulness in attendance seems to imply that folk are greatly encouraged.
Carol meets on a one-to-one basis with a young Russian female believer who is presently facing a number of challenges of a very personal nature, which requires insight and wisdom in dealing sensitively with them. In spite of the ‘generation gap’ we are thankful that she recognises Carol as a confidant. Pray that her faith and testimony will not fail. She was contacted by one of the younger sisters in high school.
Thus, assembly and family things keep us continually ‘on our knees’, so to speak. Many thanks for your prayers.
C. 1980 RAYMOND & CAROL McCULLAGH 16/1/25
Sunday 9th
IRELAND Drum
It has been quite a hectic start to the year in the work of Postal Bible School here in Ireland. Gareth made a trip to the UK for some report meetings in the first few days of the year. Following that, we managed to get a planning application finalised for some works that will involve both Postal Bible School and the Assembly in Drum. It’s good to have this done before the busy prizegiving season starts at the end of January.
Just yesterday we returned from a truly encouraging weekend with around 70 teens and young adults from all over Ireland. They had come together in Athlone for one of our STEP (Sharing Truth, Encouraging Practice) weekends and it was great to see each one engage as they studied the second half of the book of Acts in quite some detail. Please pray for these young people. They are of huge importance to the growth and strength of Christian testimony here in Ireland. They form key parts of many local churches and represent the gospel across a great range of employment, school and college settings.
Now that we have returned to the office, the focus is clearly on the upcoming prize distribution season. We currently intend to visit most of our 4000+ students across 30 venues between the last day of January and the middle of March. We are a little less well-resourced in terms of personnel than in recent years. This, combined with quite a compact schedule, is likely to be quite an intense commitment but we trust the Lord to send His strength and indeed helpers at the appropriate times. There is much to be undertaken in the year that lies ahead, if the Lord be not come. We look quite specifically for the provision of additional help in the office. A new uptake of lessons in the late summer means that there is plenty of marking and administration to be done and the availability of digital lessons opens new responsibilities. This is in addition to further development of the digital material, which needs attention, and the
STEP Group Jan 25
potential of building work to begin before the year is out.
We appreciate your prayers and look to the Lord to continue to use all that we do here to open doors for Gospel conversations and to continue to plant the most valuable seed of the biblical stories in the lives of young people.
STEP Discussions Jan 25
C. 2018 GARETH & MARGARET McMEEKIN
Monday 10th SCOTLAND
20/1/25
Josh 15-16
Moray
Looking back over the year that is now passed, we have much to thank God for and there is much that will keep us busy in prayer. Six of the souls that I have visited have passed into eternity. We trust that the scriptures read on these visits, were used of God. One man listened as I read John 14 and spoke of the only way of salvation. In another home it was the mercy of Christ that the lady heard as we read of the “Good Samaritan”. We trust that another lady was conscious of the Shepherd with her as she walked through the valley of the shadow of death. We leave it all with the Lord and trust that we will meet these souls around the throne in that day.
I have been saddened to lose touch with a man that I have mentioned over the years. From our conversations, I know that God had been dealing with him long before we met and so rest in the knowledge that God’s eye is upon him. On my last visit he told me that he felt he was lost and in a hole that he never intended to be in. I read the scriptures in Luke 15 and reminded him that however far away or deep the hole, the love of God can reach him and longs to embrace him.
Like many of the saints across the globe, the end of the year was spent in calendar distribution. Once again, I received permission from a local shop to leave a box for customers to help themselves and around 700 were taken. We pray that these folks who have chosen to pick up the calendar will display it in their homes and the scriptures be blessed to their souls. It is always encouraging to see the calendar on display in many homes and in a few of the shops/businesses around the town. When we think of the scriptures that will be on display from the tens of thousands of calendars distributed around the world, may we all fulfil our responsibility to constantly pray that the living Word of God will result in a rich blessing to many precious souls.
AINSLIE & SHEILA PATERSON 16/1/25
Tuesday 11th
BOTSWANA
Palapye
As we look back to 2024, we will always remember it as the year of four home-calls. We lost two believers in Palapye and two in Serowe.
At the beginning of the year, a much-loved sister in the Lord called Mma Moja was taken home to heaven, after years of very poor health. Her passing gave us the opportunity to preach in her yard for a whole week to many precious souls. We had arranged meetings in her yard in the past, and some came to hear the preaching of the gospel – those meetings we call ‘lolwapa’ meetings. But when somebody dies in Botswana, many people come to the ‘merapelo’ meetings in the days before the funeral (30-40 minutes of praying, hymns, and in particular – preaching the Word of God). We preached about heaven for the whole week, knowing that Mma Moja was a saved woman. The funeral was attended by an even greater number of people and the gospel was clearly presented both at the yard (lolwapa) and at the graveside.
The Serowe Assembly lost Mr. Rakole – who had spent years in a wheelchair. Seabenyane and I had had series of tent meetings in his yard in the village of Mabuo and the saints in Serowe had been very kind to his family over many years. Seabenyane had helped them in many ways, so we always had a good number attending meetings in Mabuo. But after Mr. Rakole’s homecall, many came to the week of ‘merapelo’ meetings and almost all the adults in the whole village turned out for the funeral where the gospel was clearly presented. Mr. Rakole’s testimony was such that nobody could dispute what the grace of God had done in his life – his conversion was dramatic, and his testimony was real. It was a real honour to preach for the week of ‘merapelo’ meetings.
We didn’t know that within weeks we would lose Rra T unexpectedly in Palapye. Rra T was 72 years old when he was saved in 2018. For 12 years he had seen first-hand what the grace of God can do in a life and what true conversion means, because God saved his wife, known to all as Mma T. Her life was transformed, and she has a great desire to see others saved. We had preached in their yard many, many times. Rra T never objected, even though he wasn’t saved. He came from time to time to meetings at the Gospel Hall and we didn’t realise that God was working in his life. Once he was converted, it wasn’t long before he was baptised and it was a joy to see him attending the meetings. After being received into fellowship, all the saints were overjoyed to hear him taking part in the Prayer Meeting. The merapelo meetings gave us opportunity to preach on ten occasions in the days before the funeral as well as at the funeral itself.
Sadly, the Serowe Assembly lost a young man called Michael who had served faithfully for years – distributing Sunday School Lessons by Correspondence. He was involved in a car accident which led to the discovery of a brain tumour. Due to the kindness of saints, he
Michael's Funeral on 21st Dec
had an operation in a private hospital to remove the tumour but then succumbed to pneumonia and was called home. The funeral was in his hometown of Selebi Phikwe on 21st December, and many heard the gospel.
We have the privilege of preaching and teaching the Word of God in local schools – both Primary and Secondary Schools and through this means, thousands are hearing the Word of God each week – mainly because we take ‘whole-school’ assemblies up to 5 times a week. Some days we preach twice a day in schools and some weeks we have the joy of preaching or teaching in one way or another 7 days a week during ‘term-time’.
We also have the privilege of preaching in people’s yards (‘lolwapa’ meetings) and at ‘cattle posts’ (‘moraka’ meetings). One recent outreach meeting, held at the ‘cattle post’ of Rra and Mma Mpho was most encouraging. Rra Mpho and 9 teenage grandchildren plus local adults heard the gospel on 22nd December as well as others that we took from Palapye. A meal was served after the gospel meeting and then we had another meeting to encourage Mma Mpho at the cattle post where she livessince she has no means of transport, she can’t attend our weekly Bible Reading and Ministry Meeting. ‘Cattle posts’ are often the ‘domain’ of men, and many womenfolk tend to stay in their home village. Mma Mpho chose to move to the ‘cattle post’ to be with Rra Mpho as he is not saved, so we take the gospel to him and each time we have done so, others too have heard the gospel. Please pray that God will work in his life and in the lives of their grandchildren who have seen in Mma Mpho’s life, the difference that the Lord Jesus makes when somebody gets salvation.
C. 1991 COLIN & CHRISTINE RAGGETT 24/12/24
Cattle post 22nd Dec
School Assembly at Mmaphula
Wednesday 12th
WALES
Carmarthen
The agricultural world has seasons of intensity and variations in work patters. It is the same when sowing the incorruptible seed of the word of God.
The last drive-in of 2024 was in September in Winchester and took place over a long weekend. Fellowship and support from Andrew Beer, Reuben Singleton and some of the local assemblies was greatly appreciated. Their labours are no doubt recorded in heaven. It was good to share with Reuben and see gift at work and exercise in the work of the Lord.
The drive-in Gospel Meetings have stopped over the winter months, and the work is now mainly open-air preaching during the winter days. Spreading the gospel is not just the work of one person, and the work here in west Wales is well supported by local brethren. Between us all, we maintain a weekly open-air meeting on Friday afternoon in Carmarthen town square, Robert Davies maintains a weekly open-air on a Monday in Llanelli and there is also a regular preaching point at Ammanford. The liberty we have in the UK to preach the gospel is a cause for thanksgiving.
We hand out leaflets, preach the word, and engage in conversation. We meet people from a variety of backgrounds including Muslims, atheists, and young people. Apathy is the main problem when trying to engage people from the UK, and their materialistic blindness is sad. However, there are many good conversations to be had, and many have heard the gospel through these means. We sow the seed and look to the Lord to open the hearts of the lost.
During the winter period there were over 5,000 calendars handed out in the area. Tom Merriman and Alun Rees made bespoke Welsh language calendars with photographs of the local area, combined with a QR code that linked to a recorded gospel message. These calendars were well accepted, particularly among people in middle to old age.
During the early part of 2025, a few of us plan to revisit the areas where we preached the gospel in the summer drive-ins. Places like Pembroke Dock and Fishguard will be revisited, and new areas like Aberystwyth, Cardigan, and Milford Haven will have openair meetings conducted in them. Please pray for the gospel in these areas. We can sow the seed, but only God can give the increase.
We plan to take the drive-in trailer around south Wales again in 2025, and your prayers for the Lord to continue to open doors and save souls would be appreciated.
Some of the main visible fruit from the drive-ins to date have been Emmanuel from Nigeria, and Gogou from India. Both were already saved when we met them but needed to see assembly truth. They have since started attending a local assembly in Swansea. Making disciples is also part of the commission, and seeing progress is encouraging. Please pray that these men abide in the true vine and bring forth much fruit. Without Him we can do nothing (John 15.5).
HUW REES
20/1/25
Thursday
13th
EL SALVADOR San Salvador
Patty and I continue to be a steady help to the assembly in Santa Tecla (on the outskirts of the capital of San Salvador) where we have been labouring for several years. We recently closed out the Sunday school for the year with a special program and gospel message given by Jeffrey Saword. There were just under one hundred in attendance between children and their parents. Sunday school will resume on the 9th of February. Pray for salvation.
On Thursday nights we have been encouraged by an ever-growing group of teenagers who attend our weekly meeting. Most of these kids come from broken homes, with at least one family member in prison due to gang/extorsion ties. They have very little Bible knowledge and only a few of them profess to be saved. We started the year studying the Old Testament, noting main events and characters and always finding a way to point the listener to Christ. We have recently begun looking at the life of the Lord Jesus in the New Testament, with the hope that these young lives will come to know the one who died for them.
Once a month different assemblies in San Salvador and the western part of the country meet for a ministry /gospel meeting and enjoy the fellowship with fellow Christians. November was Santa Tecla’s turn to host the meeting with just under 400 in attendance. Tony Flett and Craig Saword shared the meeting. Several different ones travelled over 2 hours by bus or in the back of a truck and counted it a privilege to be there and hear the Word of God.
In early January we helped the assembly in Apopa with a text and calendar distribution and nightly gospel meetings. The day began with a 7am devotion with the believers that had come from different assemblies to help. At 9am the five vans went out to pick up children for the 10-11:30am children’s classes. The gospel meetings, at 6:30pm, were held in the street in front of the hall. We are thankful for the good attendance and for those that professed Christ as their Saviour.
C. 1998 (USA) KEVIN & PATRICIA FLETT 21/1/25
Apopa SeedSowers
Snack time after the Bible lesson
Friday 14th
ZAMBIA
Chingola
In August, we spent a short time in the UK to witness and celebrate our daughter Natalie’s marriage to Samuel. It was an absolutely beautiful day in every way and spoke much of God’s goodness and faithfulness. We are grateful for how the Lord provided for that day in every practical and spiritual way. It really was a blessing and gift. What a privilege it was to have folks from Zambia past and present also there to celebrate with us! And the Lord continues to give…we expect to be grandparents later this year!
We said goodbye to a few Amano students we had discipled in November, but the Lord opened up new opportunities as well. We have been so encouraged and blessed by moments with the students in the last months. Beautiful moments where you see glimpses of fruit and depth of their characters. We have come to be convinced that it’s easy to underestimate teenagers and the convictions they hold. Sometimes they have such profound insights and really do have valuable thoughts and can be every bit our brother or sister in Christ. What a blessing it is when your young people write you a note with verses to encourage you or speak spiritual truth into your life or tell you they are praying for you. How thankful we are for the privilege of walking with young people through these important years of growth.
We have somewhat stalled on the building of the Sunday School room for a few reasons but hope to resume it soon. However, we’ve had a good core of kids attending still. It was good to reward a few this week for good attendance over the year and scripture memorisation. There have been several times this year when you ask them key questions and realise how vital the need to share the gospel and to help them understand it. We are thankful for the kids coming and pray it will continue. We would love to see more come in 2025 and we pray that some, if not all, will come to understand who Jesus is and make a decision for Him.
The church gathering is still small, but we pray the Lord will grow it accordingly. We do enjoy the fellowship together even if it is simple. The youth meetings continue. Our meeting here on a Friday has been going for 21 years now. We are thankful whether we get just 5 along or 20. We’ve been taking them through a series on purity (generally) and relationships. Unfortunately, they have so few good role models in this area of life.
Stephen finished John’s gospel with his Monday discipleship group in our home this year and moved on to the Creation to Christ course. He felt that a lot of foundational knowledge was missing and so they began this a few months ago.
Laura made it to the finish line of school in November, a big moment after 12 years. She will be heading to Sakeji Mission School at the start of January to volunteer there for 2 terms. It’s been exciting to see the Lord lead her into making these decisions and we’re excited at how He will grow her and lead her on while there.
Thank you all for your prayers and support this year. We are very grateful for all of it.
STEPHEN & JOANNE GROVE
6/1/25
Saturday 15th
VENEZUELA San Diego
It has been a busy year for the assembly here in San Diego. 2024 began with tent meetings just off the main highway that runs through the city. We praise the Lord that a brother who accepted Christ as his Saviour during those meetings and who now attends a neighbouring assembly, will be obeying the Lord in baptism next weekend.
During the summer holidays, we organised children's meetings in eight different areas of town over the course of five weeks. Some weeks, we held two classes simultaneously, followed by gospel preaching each night. This outreach has been blessed with the salvation of souls and the addition of new children to our Sunday school. Currently, we have four Sunday school classes in different parts of San Diego: La Cumaca, Campo Solo, Valencey, and in our Gospel Hall. This year, we were able to purchase a site with a small house in La Cumaca for the Lord's work there. Lord willing, we plan to start gospel meetings in that area in February. The classes in Campo Solo and Valencey continue to take place on community grounds. Please pray for the Lord’s guidance regarding the purchase of sites in these two locations so we can establish something more permanent.
On Wednesdays, we hold a Bible class for teenagers, many of whom attended Sunday school in the past and are now part of this class. In December, we had the end-ofyear Prize Giving presentations at each Bible class, where many parents attended to see their children recite God's word. Our special end-of-year meeting on Wednesday
Prize giving in Valencey
Prize giving in La Cumaca
night drew about 250 attendees, and each unbeliever left with a gospel calendar after hearing two clear gospel messages.
Please pray for the Lord's work in San Diego and for blessings on the upcoming gospel meetings starting in La Cumaca. Additionally, we ask for prayer regarding an extension to our hall, as we have outgrown our current space, and also the possibility of purchasing the site next door.
JEFFREY & EUNICE GRIFFIN
Sunday 16th
23/12/24
NORWAY Skien
In a dramatically fast changing world, we too have experienced change as we seek to live and witness for the Lord Jesus.
As mentioned in previous correspondence, Jennifer’s health situation over the last six years became a major priority. Cancer had spread from spine to brain requiring not only chemotherapy but regular brain radiation treatment in Oslo. Throughout these years we have been so appreciative of the Lord’s people who have prayed for us, and for the excellent care and expertise from Norway’s Health Service. The prognosis at the beginning of Jennifer’s treatment was no more than 18 months!
Thankfully today she is still with us, but due to radiation, unfortunately loss of memory is now the new challenge. Not only that, but her physical ability has deteriorated, resulting in September being admitted to the new Centre in Skien for cancer and dementia patients. This was advised by her doctor, physiotherapist and cancer coordinator where she would receive the care she so deserves. She has settled well, mainly due to staff who know us personally and a number of believers who work at the Centre.
For the goodness of the Lord in all that has taken place since last being in touch we are so appreciative!
With Jennifer being cared for professionally, I have been asked to assist in Prison Ministry again. Also, several believers in various country areas would value help in their Bible study groups. Visitation and literature work is also planned.
We thank you most sincerely for your prayers, love, encouragements and fellowship. ‘Until the day break, and the shadows flee away’ Song of Sol 2 v 17.
C. 1982 NAT & JENNIFER RODGERS 12/12/24
Clase de Jovenes - Wednesday Bible Class
Monday 17th
BRAZIL
Porto Alegre
As another year begins, we have much for which to be very thankful to God. Mother keeps physically well and in good spirits, even though her short term memory is lapsing. Weather has been warm and bright on most days since spring started in September, so mother spends a good part of the day reading her books or magazines outside in the shade of a vine at home. At 93 years old, she is usually the first one to come out of her room ready for the meeting at night.
The work of the gospel continues steadily with a series of gospel meetings being held regularly in and around Porto Alegre. For six weeks during the months of October and November a series was held by Mr Lindsay Carswell and a local brother called Gabriel Dutra in the rented room where a regular children’s outreach is held. This is the area in the Sarandi district which was devastated by the April/May floods. All families lost most of their material possessions and many had their house washed away when the dam against which they were built broke its banks. Attendance was very good, a few visitors were present most nights and one lady professed to be saved. A series had been held in the same room at the beginning of the year, a couple of months before the floods. The area was visited again with gospel tracts and calendars, and to the families of our regular Sunday school children, some practical help was given in the form of needed household items as a result of the extreme generosity of the Lord’s people at home. The children’s work resumed in September after the debris from the flood was cleared up, families returned to rebuild their lives and we cleaned, painted, and renovated the room in which the Sunday school is held.
Gabriel Dutra is an exercised brother who started a children’s meeting in his own garage during the floods. There were families sheltered in a facility near to his home, to where some of the children from Sarandi had gone. That work on a Saturday afternoon continues; after the displaced families returned to their homes, neighbours who had started attending continued to do so, and have shown much progress in learning about the gospel and memorising scripture verses.
We have just had our end of year Bible readings in Porto Alegre. There were around 200 believers present on Christmas day. The readings were held in the afternoon and evening. The conversions in Acts chapters 8, 9, and 10 were studied in the afternoon, and 2nd Thessalonians, chapters 1, 2 and 3 in the evening session. God gave help and all enjoyed the readings and the fellowship. Mother was out at all meetings during the three days and takes great pleasure in meeting believers who do not visit Porto Alegre very often.
The bookshop also gives us a lot of pleasure as many clients express their joy at such an enterprise centred only on the Word of God. Most belong to denominations and are in spiritual darkness and confusion, but they have an interest in spiritual things. We have had many profitable conversations and we are confident that God will enlighten the sincere of heart according to their need. We have been impressed by the number of people who have chosen to give Bibles and scripture texts as Christmas gifts. We believe that God is at work and that “The entrance of Thy Words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130. Please pray for this work and for its preservation from the attacks of the enemy.
C. 1958 DAVID WILSON on behalf of his mother BETH WILSON 6/1/25
Tuesday 18th
CYPRUS Logos School, Limassol
We continue to value your prayers for the ongoing work at the Logos School. We have both taught in the school for the last 40 years and it has always been a joy to teach children and young people from many different countries and backgrounds. New students continue to apply, and in some classes, there are waiting lists. The Gospel continues to go out daily, both in assemblies and classroom situations. We are always very conscious of the privilege this affords us, especially in the world today. From the beginning of this school year, much response has been shown to God’s word and dedicated teachers continue to give quality teaching whilst instilling in these young lives a respect for the things of God.
Just recently, in one of the primary classes, a new student was seated for her first day. She had already remarked how different the school felt. She came from a neighbouring country and when her teacher asked her if she knew anything about the Lord Jesus, she replied that she had never heard His name before. It has been wonderful for the class teacher to teach her Bible stories and see her knowledge grow. The girl has settled well into the school. Situations like these keep us all encouraged and focused on the goal of presenting Christ.
The Gospel continues to be at the centre of our labours here within the framework of a good education. Many students enrol with the need to improve their knowledge of English and with that comes a greater understanding of spiritual things. We know the powers of darkness are very interested in what we do, and we have felt the burdens quite keenly at times. However, we continue to claim the promise that the battle is the Lord’s and He is with us in all that we do.
Activities associated with the Assembly continue to attract good numbers of students, especially in the Kid’s clubs which take place weekly. The calendar distribution has gone well this year with distributions in Greek, Arabic and Russian as well as English. One young man had just trimmed a very long hedge at our local supermarket parking lot. He was complimented on his labours and received a Good Seed calendar. He was amazed that it was given to him free of charge. Although it is tricky to evangelise in an open way here, it is small instances of personal encounters that are very effective. Many people are searching as the world becomes more unpredictable and unstable.
The two buildings of Logos School are situated within the town of Limassol. Two adjacent pieces of land that we already rent for Playground and Carparking, have come up for sale. If we were to lose the car-parking area it would be difficult for the school to remain in this present location. We are looking to the Lord for His specific guidance on this matter.
Wednesday 19th
ANGOLA Camundambala
There were some real challenges during 2024, many of which sadly, are likely to continue in 2025. These include the irregular sourcing of diesel fuel for the Land Rovers and generators, difficulties in transferring finance to Angola through the banking system and complications with importing containers. Undoubtedly the hardest difficulty of all has been the opposition to all that we have been doing in the Lord’s name by a tiny but vocal group of professing believers who are determined to stumble anything that doesn’t fit their agenda to modernise local churches. Their ambitions and aims are all too often motivated by power and greed. They show virtually no genuine interest in the welfare of God’s people, and I confess that it’s a real stress dealing with such. We would ask you to particularly pray for this.
Perhaps this last problem has arisen because God is at work. We believe that He is! There has been a large upswell of desire to return to what the Bible teaches regarding local church government. Large numbers of local assemblies are demonstrating that they do not wish to follow man-made rules but simply continue to follow what Scripture teaches, and what was planted by the early missionaries.
Camundambala Assembly
Locally at Camundambala we have seen a number profess salvation, be baptised, and added to the assembly. Two are lepers. One had come for treatment, stayed and heard the gospel, the other has been restored to the Lord. I have been working my way through 1 Corinthians on Sundays, as there are so many issues in the lives of the believers that make that epistle pertinent. I share the teaching sessions on Sundays with five local brethren and it is always an encouragement to hear the younger men clearly interpret the scriptures before them. The assembly has seven bible study sessions each week.
We have just finished the second year of elder’s monthly study days at Camundambala. We started with elders from 17 assemblies and that has now grown to 25 assemblies represented. The purpose is
Claudio from Camundambala assembly who translates Emmaus courses into Chokwe
Transporting roofing sheets across the river by canoe
simply to teach the Scriptures, equipping these isolated and untaught men with notes of the teaching given each month. We also have a question-and-answer session on the teaching, and we have been really encouraged to see how keen these men are. They come from a long way off by bike, on foot or by catching a lift with a passing vehicle, often leaving their villages at the crack of dawn to arrive at 8am.
Believers from the north side of Saurimo visited on one occasion and requested that we do the same in their area. So, we have just finished the first year with them. At present there are 10 assemblies, but we are confident that this will grow.
The needs are overwhelming, there is so much to do. We rejoice that there is an open door in these areas and a ready ear for the Scriptures to be taught.
C. 1993 BRIAN & DEBBIE HOWDEN 6/1/25
Thursday 20th ZAMBIA
Judg 18-19
Writing from Ireland
In November and early December, Priscilla and I visited southern Zambia. Most of the time we were in Livingstone, but we also visited assemblies in Lusaka and Kazungula. We received a very warm welcome from the saints in all these places, and we are deeply thankful to the Lord and to His dear people for the fellowship enjoyed with them.
It was a busy time, with plenty of meetings, but also there was opportunity for profitable conversations, and to seek to help and encourage the believers in various ways. In recent times several have been unwell, and others have experienced bereavements in their close families. We also bless God for safety in travelling, and for His undertaking in the practical aspects of the visit.
There has been a severe drought in that part of Africa over the past couple of years, which has not only caused issues with food production, but due to Zambia’s high dependence on hydroelectricity, has led to ongoing power cuts, which, in addition to their inconvenience, present a threat to lives and livelihoods. We greatly admire the longsuffering response of the people in the face of these and many other challenges. And spiritually there is much that could discourage those seeking to bear faithful witness for the Lord. So, it is good to see believers going on in Divine things, and we give glory to Him for the maintenance of assembly testimony and the going forth of the Gospel, under difficult conditions. The believers are very grateful for the prayers of the Lord’s people.
C. 1992 DAVID & PRISCILLA McALLISTER 15/1/25
Elders from the assemblies around the Carteira area
Friday 21st
ARGENTINA Parana
My daughter Fiona and son-in-law Heber are in happy fellowship in an assembly that was formed out of the original assembly here in Parana. One of the highlights last year was a special meeting for the recognition of two elders, to help Heber in the assembly work there. I was invited to give a suitable message for the occasion to a very full hall. It is satisfying to see assembly principles being maintained and growth and spiritual development taking place.
Just prior to the Covid pandemic, a third assembly was established out of the original parent assembly in Parana. All three are in happy fellowship together. I recently visited this small assembly on a Sunday evening, which has only 10 in fellowship. Hard work is proving fruitful and with some present for the first time, there were about 20 in the hall. It is always a privilege to preach the gospel to the unsaved and perhaps warm the hearts of those backslidden. A middle-aged lady whom I baptised years ago and whom they contacted was present. She has been backslidden for years. She was so happy to meet up again and had her daughter Fiama (20) with her. I learned today they were present again the following Sunday. Pray for Veronica’s complete restoration and for Fiama’s salvation.
On Thursday 12th December the local (parent) assembly which we saw established in Parana hosted a special evening to mark the day 50 years ago when after a 22day sea voyage we set foot as a family on Argentine soil. It was a wonderful night of fellowship, as we thanked the Lord for His goodness and reminisced over many slides and photographs. Four brethren, including my sons-in-law Heber and Marcelo, gave testimony of their personal impressions of those years. Tito, from Posadas, where we first stayed and served with Willie and Pearl Jack, travelled 13 hours by bus to be present. He was a 13-year-old when we first met and became part of a small group of young men that I discipled back then. He was given a bit more time and made an impact by his ability and message.
We are in midsummer and school holiday time. We are currently experiencing subtropical suffocating humid climate. Last week we were in the high nineties. Everything and everybody, has to slow down and warnings are given to stay in during daytime unless it is absolutely necessary. Despite that I keep busy! I have now reached day 20 of the 31-day series of devotionals of up to 8 minutes each approximately. I have done this before, but only audio. On this occasion they are also in writing, which is more demanding. The audio part I usually do about midnight. Even at that time a few nights ago a neighbour’s dog decided to have a barking session. So, it was a case of stop and restart. We continue to value your prayers for the work here in Argentina.
C. 1974
JIM BURNETT
27/1/25
Saturday 22nd INDIA Narsapur
2025 began majestically, and Bethesda is praising the Lord for His faithfulness. The Lord’s special Word to all of us here at the hospital for this new year is 2 Corinthians 12 v 9 ‘My Grace is sufficient for you’.
Kindly join us and give thanks for the workers conference meetings which were held mid-December and went well. Workers from various places, including remote villages, came along with their families and joined together with us here. Praise God that those days were very blessed. All Glory to the Lord alone.
Back in July, we ran a special programme where 23 Home Based Care patients with HIV attended the hospital and had their health checked and medication reviewed, updated and supplied. A few lab tests, physiotherapy sessions and X-rays were also performed. Later we all gathered at Bethesda Assembly where the Word of God was preached by Mr. K. Satyanarayana (our Hon. Chairman) from the book of Matthew “five loaves and the two fish”. This was followed with bible study and prayers – we had a happy day of fellowship. Kindly pray for these patients that also attended, that they may come into the saving knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
There are currently 110 boys and girls with us in the Dr Edward Short hostel. They receive lodging and boarding facilities and regular teaching of God’s Word. They study in Bethesda Upper Primary School. Six teachers are working there, each being a committed believer in the Lord Jesus. It is our prayer that all these children will come to put their personal trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. In addition, there is the George Muller hostel which is exclusively for boys and girls who are HIV positive. Remember Bharat, a boy who has again presented with depressive episodes and is under constant medication.
Two girls are in their 2nd year of nursing training. A further two girls are doing vocational training in dressmaking. Kindly pray for these girls. Please continue to remember Nagadevi, a girl who has HIV and is almost in a coma at present. She has no parents; only her aunt is taking care of her. Sadly,
she probably needs more advanced treatment. Kindly join us in prayers that the Lord heals her.
We had a blessed children’s retreat on ‘Children’s Day’, 14th Nov 2024. All the children from our two hostels and the George Muller hostel, along with two children from the community, came along.
The physical and spiritual challenges we all face are significant. Please remember all the staff as they provide medical assistance to patients, as well as telling them about the Lord Jesus at suitable and regular junctures.
BETHESDA
(LEPROSY) HOSPITAL 10/1/25
Sunday 23rd
BRAZIL
1 Sam 1-3
Just after our arrival here, Walter was asked to speak at the 8th anniversary of the work in the neighbouring town of Capinópolis. The assembly has experienced steady growth and now has just over thirty members. Young folks from Ituiutaba went on Saturday afternoon to distribute leaflets and it was encouraging to see neighbours attending for the first time.
On the 14th of December the assemblies here came together for the 250th Mission Meeting. This interest began all these years ago with four people. There was an excellent number present. Fifty years earlier to the date we arrived on Brazilian soil. Elizabeth and I kept this secret until the end of the service. We had ordered a cake, and it was a real pleasure to have so many share in our joy and celebration. How grateful we are to look back and see all the way the Lord has led and guided. We will ‘bless the hand that guided and bless the heart that planned’.
Last weekend in the Vila Platina Assembly, there was a meeting to encourage the assemblies of the town to be more involved in evangelising the many districts. The hall was packed to capacity and some very challenging ministry was given by a young married man from the neighbouring town of Santa Vitória. We pray that there will be long lasting results to follow.
On Christmas Eve, the young people form Bairro Brasil went out to distribute leaflets and invitations to the special Christmas event to celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus. Many came along for the first time. Friends and colleagues of members turned out in good numbers. The message has led to some interesting conversations, and we still pray that many will come to place faith in the Saviour.
On the Sunday after the Lord’s Supper and Bible Teaching many members stayed on to prepare for the arrival of people from the local area. Food was provided and free clothes offered to the needy. Those who attended were so grateful for this demonstration of God’s love by the believers.
C. 1966 WALTER & ELIZABETH ALEXANDER 6/1/25
Ituiutaba
Monday 24th
ZAMBIA / DRC
Mulonga, Democratic Republic of Congo
Chitokoloki
We are very thankful to the Lord that the flight from Lusaka to Mulongo, Democratic Republic of Congo went very well. The pilot was Jason Speichenger, accompanied by brother Mark Grattan. Both brethren are associated with the Great East Road assembly in Lusaka. The visas for the flight just came through two days prior to departure and were a bit of a test of faith for everyone involved. In Lubumbashi they picked up brother Josh Kaye and then flew directly on to Mulongo.
A large crowd turned out at the airstrip to welcome our brethren. It was the first flight into Mulongo in 4 or 5 years. Dr Ilunga Muleka had done a sterling work in mobilising the entire community to cut the grass and clear the airstrip! It is certainly not Heathrow, and I think our brethren showed a certain amount of courage in doing the first landing in several years!
Newly prepared airstrip at Mulongo which hadn't been used for 4 or 5 years
We were able to send up several important pieces of fragile medical equipment on the flight, including the new scanner. Ultrasound is now so essential to accurate diagnosis, so it is wonderful for the hospital to now have a working ultrasound scanner. We also were able to send an oxygen concentrator and a cardiac monitor as well as surgical supplies. Soon we hope to send up more mattresses and some beds.
Josh spoke at a number of meetings including preaching the gospel at the hospital. He said the gospel meeting was well attended but the breaking of bread meeting less so. There seems to be much need for sound ministry, but he said that there was a good ear for the gospel messages. The success of this flight opens up the possibility of further future flights, especially for brethren to come and provide solid scriptural ministry. It would be helpful if brethren could minister in French.
Just after the flight, brother Murray Stevenson from New Zealand was on a visit to Lubumbashi and informed me that the Mulongo Surgical unit roof was in very poor shape and the rainy season would soon be approaching. At very short notice he was able to assemble a team to bring up roofing supplies and they took off the old roof and replaced it with iron girders and put in a ceiling as well. All this coincided with a serious outbreak of Cholera in Mulongo and we were able to make use of the truck going up with the roofing supplies to bring up a large quantity of intravenous fluids which are lifesaving in cases of cholera.
It was good to hear of gospel meetings at Banbridge, N. Ireland on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the building of the hall there. Banbridge assembly is where I grew up and we have close links there and still regard it as our home assembly. The picture shows our brethren Jason, Mark and Josh outside the main assembly building in Mulongo and the date of the beginning of the gospel work there is 1912! This helps give us some idea of the immense work accomplished by the Spirit of God throughout the years at home and abroad. It is wonderful that companies of saints from different cultures and languages still meet at these places after all these years and hold forth the word of the gospel to the people around them.
Chitokoloki, Zambia
Lorraine is kept continually busy. She spends an immense amount of time sorting and distributing the various parcels. Many of these items are for the hospital and they must be put where they can easily be found. The parcel items are absolutely invaluable to the operation of the hospital and make possible much of what we do.
Dr Micheal Breen came for a week of surgery on women who had serious issues often resulting from difficult childbirth. We recalled one woman who had been in the ward several months ago but we were unable to contact her. We then began an intense womanhunt! The hospital book showed her address to be Lukulu, about 4 hours from here by road. We rang the hospital there and they sent out a vehicle to the address and said they would have the lady at the Lukulu airstrip early on Monday morning. Chris Brundage was going away that Monday morning for a week, but he flew the 20 minute flight to Lukulu early in the morning and picked her up (picture above shows her in the plane for probably her first flight) and brought her to us where she had successful surgery performed during the week. The next picture shows her going home very happy to have been healed. It will be a longer trip for her home as she is going by boat down the river!
C. 1991 DAVID & LORRAINE McADAM
Jason, Mark & Josh
Tuesday 25th
BOLIVIA
Cochabamba
Your prayers are very much appreciated for Bolivia at this time. We are grateful to the Lord that we still have freedom of worship and freedom to proclaim the Gospel and souls are being saved even though there are ever growing pressures against the Christian values in the country. The government ruling party is struggling. The opposition blocked the highways for 25 days in October last year causing inflation and shortage of staple and necessary goods. There are no US dollars circulating in the country so imported goods such as diesel and petrol are scarce, meaning there are long queues every day –sometimes for hours and the big trucks are queuing for days for diesel. I was one and a half hours in a queue for petrol the other day.
Please pray for the Rios family. Willie, who is an elder in the assembly, went into hospital for a simple operation that turned out to be complicated. He ended up having three operations within three weeks, the last one being high risk. The same day that Willie went into hospital, his wife Elba took ill and was taken to another hospital where a tumour was diagnosed near the pancreas. They advise her to have an operation within a month. Willie got home last week, and Elba just told him on Thursday about her situation. They need a lot of support at this time. All the assembles are supporting in practical ways such as preparing meals, and last Thursday we had our united prayer meeting with the nine assemblies, all in happy fellowship.
Pray for our young people. Some of them are really gifted. A group go to the main plaza on a Saturday to evangelise. The teenagers enjoyed their special get together for Christmas; there are around 40 in the class. The Sunday before Christmas was special as the children all took part. Just like the ‘soirees’ we used to have in Scotland! A lot of talent. We brought in the New Year with the assembly - we had a meal at 10pm, a message and then a time of prayer to bring in the New Year. Last year just flew past, but we’re glad to say many have come to know the Lord over the year.
Please continue to pray for the ladies who are out of prison. They are so faithful. I had them all for a meal again at Christmas and it was a nice time of sharing. We have so much to thank the Lord for. ‘Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever’ 1 Chronicles 16:34.
C. 1977 HELEN PONCE
Wednesday 26th
6/1/25
1 Sam 13-14
ROMANIA Cluj
It is always a good thing at the end of each year to look back and thank the Lord for His continued goodness to us. 2024 has been a year of mixed emotions, praying, planning and seeing the Lord’s hand in guiding us towards a new chapter in our lives. After 22 years of serving the Lord in Romania, we shall be moving back to the UK next year. We have bought an old house in Norfolk which will need some renovation before we can live in it, and this will give us some time to continue working on here in Gilau and sorting out a few things. 1 Sam
We thank the Lord that Nicu and Marta have graciously accepted the responsibility of the running of Casa Luca when we finally leave. They see the work as a mission field in which they can ably serve the Lord Jesus and are already very much involved in the day to day running. We would value your prayers both for us and for Nicu and Marta as we change over and begin a new chapter in our lives.
Five and a half years ago, we welcomed the first of our clients into Casa Luca. Since then, we have had an average of 50 families each year, all who have received a bible and a plant in a pot bearing the verse of John 3:16. This year we have had several believers stay there, which has been an extra blessing as they witness to the others of the Lord Jesus. Andrei, who is staying with some others, has been handing out Gospel calendars to the doctors and nurses and other patients at the clinic where they receive their treatment. Please pray for the Word of God as it goes into many homes. Please continue to pray for the work of Casa Luca and the many dear souls who are going through painful and difficult times.
Over the past few days we have been busy buying food items, packing and distributing them to the poorer families who live in our vicinity. Each bag contained a Gospel calendar which we pray will be a source of blessing to them all.
C. 2002
TIM & JENNY GOODING
Thursday 27th
EGYPT
23/12/24
1 Sam 15-16
Writing from Jordan
What a great blessing it is that He has answered our prayers by opening great doors for us in ministry.
We have good news that the Lord has answered your prayers, and we have been accepted as a publishing house and given a booth at the Cairo International Book Fair to display spiritual books there. Tens of thousands of Egyptians and Arabs, most of whom are Muslims, will attend this fair. Many of them will learn about our books, and we will have the opportunity to answer questions from people who want to know the Lord more.
We have over 80 editions and titles of spiritual books from the Emmaus books, and we are in the process of publishing and printing 3 books that will be ready for the fair, including the book ‘The Preacher and His Preaching’ by Alfred B. Gibbs, which contains 456 pages. Pray that the Lord will give us many opportunities with Muslims to share the gospel and provide them with books. This is a great opportunity and a great door that the Lord has opened for us at the fair.
The book fair will be for two weeks from 23rd January to 5th February, and I will travel to Cairo for two weeks to attend it. Please pray that I, and a team of brothers and sisters in Egypt, will have the opportunity to share the gospel message effectively and that I will have the opportunity to attend and visit some of the assemblies to encourage them and attend a special meeting for the new assemblies in southern Egypt.
Thank you for your prayers.
Friday 28th
BRAZIL
This January we are being recommended for the Lord’s work full time here in the South of Brazil. On the 13th of this month there will be a public meeting to formalise this important step. We feel the solemnity of such a decision, but like Paul we can rejoice that “We were not disobedient to the heavenly calling” (Acts 26v19). Enjoying communion and cooperation with us in God’s work encourages and strengthens us in this calling we receive from the Lord.
Porto Alegre
The prayers of the saints for us will certainly sustain us in this work. We have been involved with three weekly Bible classes, one of which is in the garage of our house. An average of 80 children have been coming each week. We also finished the 5th edition of Revista Semente – a Bible study guide for children. We delivered this latest edition on December 27th to all local assemblies here in the south of Brazil. In December we also finished an 8-week series in the Sarandi neighbourhood, in the same place where we hold Bible classes – this was the neighbourhood most affected by the May 2024 floods in our city. One student’s mother confessed salvation and has been to every meeting at our local assembly.
In the last week of December, we had end-ofyear studies here in Porto Alegre, which brought together believers from several cities. We received solid spiritual food and encouragement for the year to come. Last weekend we were with the brothers in Santa Maria, a small assembly located 300 km from our city. It was a privilege to cooperate with the brothers there.
Saturday 29th
ENGLAND Birmingham
Local Gospel Outreach
We have good help from assembly believers in the monthly open-air work in the City Centre (1st Saturday of month), at the Moseley Farmer’s Market (last Saturday), and at other times when available. It’s most important that the Gospel is preached in the public square. While there is apathy, we find it an encouragement that there are opportunities for conversations. Some have subsequently come to meetings at the hall: Margaret (a church goer), Yusuf (has turned from Islam), Tom (Christian), Gurvinder (Sikh man who professes faith in Christ), Terry (who struggles with life).
Others have shown greater interest, coming regularly over a period of time. There were three who were coming in the early months of the year. After our mid-week meeting we have had spiritual conversations with David, Bushra, and Matt. Each has an interesting story. We would believe Matt and Bushra are saved, and while David professed, we wouldn’t be sure of the reality of his salvation. Sadly, for different reasons, none of these three continue to come. We could also speak of Tim, and Denise and Wally, in a similar vein: regular attenders for many months who then stop coming, and it brings much disappointment for the assembly. There are different reasons in each case: sin, theology, conviction…but for all we continue to pray for spiritual blessing in Christ.
School Assemblies
In addition to my weekly assembly in Yorkmead Primary (Wednesdays), doors have opened into two primary schools in the Northfield area. At St. Laurence Church of England Infants I visit once a term. At Wychall Primary just at Easter. I have also had opportunity to do Easter and Christmas assemblies in a few secondary schools: Moseley School, Small Heath Leadership Academy and Eden Girls School. In these secondary schools, the vast majority of pupils are Muslim, and so it is an amazing opportunity to be well received and be able to share the Gospel. Eden Girls is an Islamic school, and the assemblies take place in the prayer hall, necessitating a removal of shoes, so I need to ensure that day my socks are up to scratch!
Muslim Work
We continue weekly in Small Heath (Wednesdays) and are encouraged there’s still a willing acceptance of Gospel books and tracts. We sow, pray, and look to the Lord for the harvest. Please continue to pray for Cihangir and Faisal, whom I continue to have conversations with from time to time.
ANDREW & JANELLE MULLAN
Sunday 30th
21/1/25
1 Sam 21-24
SOUTH AFRICA Umtentweni
Christmas provided us with more opportunities in the gospel. The venue was packed for our carol service, with folk standing outside. Many unsaved people attended, including an Indian family that has been attending the gospel meetings quite regularly for the past few months. A clear gospel message was presented by one of our brethren and
everyone enjoyed the snacks that the ladies kindly provided. Our local GP is a delightful Hindu man who has been a great help to us with medical issues. We were pleasantly surprised to see his mother at the carol service. She listened well, but we have no way of knowing how much she understood. Sadly, today we learned that this dear woman has passed into eternity. We look to the Lord for opportunities to speak to her son in due course, in the will of the Lord.
Assembly members have been busy distributing gospel calendars. Altogether around 10,000 calendars of different sizes have been given to people. Mostly these have been in English, but some Zulu calendars were also printed for those who are more comfortable reading the scriptures in their own language. A number of brethren and sisters show great enthusiasm in distributing these. We would value prayer that as these calendars are displayed in the homes and wallets of folks, the living Word of God would be used by the Holy Spirit to bring some souls to Christ.
The new academic year is due to commence in the next couple of weeks. This will mean many opportunities of presenting the Word of God to large numbers of young people. We look to the Lord for a harvest of souls among these young lives.
Quite a few of the believers in assembly fellowship have been struggling with a nasty ‘flu’, including my wife. There is talk that this is a resurgence of Covid, as our ‘flu’ season has passed. The weakness caused by the infection seems to linger for a long time, so we would value prayer that soon we will be over this inconvenience.
We pray for a year of much blessing, both here in South Africa and in the UK, as the good Word of God is planted as seed in the hearts of the lost.
C. 1968 PAUL & DOROTHY GRIEVE 6/1/25
Monday 31st
ENGLAND
1 Sam 25-27
London
Here at our home assembly at Clifton Hall we took advantage of a good outreach opportunity recently, producing and distributing 2000 Bible calendars around the area. Our carol service had around 55 present, including 12 outsiders, some who came for the first time. My mother who has not been for many years came along. She suffers from Alzheimers and is not saved. We pray that the Lord will be merciful to her. On New Year’s Eve we had a gospel meeting before midnight, Paul and Silas style, minus any earthquakes. A number of unbelievers come to this every year. We pray that it will be a wonderful New Year for them as they trust Christ as Saviour.
We visited our children in Wembley to give them their prizes and presents. Sadly, the Gospel Hall has been given to Hindus for their social uses, even on a Sunday. We continue to pray that the Lord may intervene and resolve this matter.
We have had Ellen’s mother with us from India for the past six months and she was able to enjoy her very first Christmas here with us. We shall soon be returning her back home to India when we travel. Please continue to pray for the work of the Lord in London and India.
NITISH & ELLEN PATEL 10/1/25
C=Date of Commendation
Published by:
LORD’S WORK TRUST 42 Beansburn, Kilmarnock KA3 1RL
