March 2026
‘Go
Lebanon Day: 1
India Day: 2, 9
Jordan Day: 3
New Zealand Day: 4, 17
Ukraine Day: 5, 14
Ireland Day: 5, 18
Botswana Day: 6, 26
Scotland Day: 7, 20
Wales Day: 8, 15
England Day: 9, 11, 16
Dominican Republic Day: 10
Zambia Day: 12, 23, 29
Canada Day: 13, 31
Thailand Day: 19
Panama Day: 21
Albania Day: 22
Japan Day: 24
Norway Day: 25
Namibia Day: 27
Brazil Day: 28
Serbia Day: 30
Reports in this edition are from countries shaded on the map.
2025 was a year of many challenges and difficult days both personally and for Lebanon but I am thankful for your support and prayers. The ceasefire has been in place for over a year, but war continues in the South and other areas of the country. There are almost daily airstrikes in those areas and the buzz of drones overhead are to be heard even in Beirut. The most recent attack in Beirut was just over a month ago and the threat is constant. This makes it very difficult for people to heal or begin to rebuild their lives with confidence.
In the South, many have returned to having their bags packed ready to move at short notice. Having lived this way for the first year of the war, I know the pressure this brings and the consequences will be seen for many years to come – there is no generation that has not experienced war. However, if it were not for the war, the opportunities to distribute New Testaments in these areas via the relief project would not have been present, so this is a very unique time. Pray for all who have already received God’s word.
It has been a hard year with the ongoing uncertainty about the situation in the country, but the routines of school are very important, and most activities have returned as in the days before the war. The student who lost her siblings and father in an airstrike a few months ago is making progress, but her situation is not good. She is now an outpatient but has daily appointments (as does her mother). Her injuries are life-changing, and it has also been difficult for the school community to come to terms with this and the loss of her sister who was also one of our students.
The school accreditation process that I have been working on will reach the evaluation stage in midJanuary. It has been challenging, but this is a requirement from the Ministry of Education. I am hoping to be able to hand this over to members of staff once this stage is complete. I have continued to commute to Tyre from Beirut twice a week. I sometimes stay over but the situation is still not stable and many things have changed as a result of the war. Please pray for guidance as I seek the way forward. On days I go to Tyre, I have to leave home at 5.30am and it is a very intense time of driving.
Many are grieving in Tyre – individuals lost either through the war or other circumstances; many are afraid and not sure of the days ahead. Pray that they will look to God for comfort and strength.
I have been asked to get involved as a psychologist in a clinic outreach belonging to a church nearby. Until now, I have mainly been visiting and getting to know others who work there, but we hope to start more regular sessions soon.
Prayer Points:
Wisdom and Guidance – the commute to Tyre is long and in it’s present form is not very sustainable. Pray for guidance on the way forward and my involvement there. Please pray also for the new opportunities to get involved in ministry in Beirut Pray for the few believers in Tyre – that they would hold on and grow in their faith despite the challenges.
Lebanon – there remain fears of a return to more intense war as there remains occupation and daily strikes in the South. Please pray for peace and an end to this cycle of violence. Relief project – praise God for the opportunities and pray for the thousands of people who have already received an Arabic NT through the project.
ANDREA SMITH
21/12/25
Deut 23-26
Psalms 98:1 ‘O sing unto the LORD a new song; for He hath done marvellous things; His right hand, and His holy arm, hath gotten Him the victory.’
It is indeed a great joy to bring you the news of Bethesda. The work of the Lord continues to be blessed.
Currently the medical ministry can cater for around 25 leper inmates every month and also one or two HIV and general in-patient cases. The outpatient facility is also expanding by conducting medical camps reaching out into the communities. Around 20 patients including leprosy, HIV and general cases were treated at the hospital.
Regarding the children’s ministry, the two hostels are doing great. There are around 110 children in both the George Muller Home and Dr. Edward Short hostel. A few of the now grown-up children have recently become qualified nurses; and a few are doing medical courses, kindly pray for them. Many of these children’s lives are being built up for the glory of the Lord.
We also had two days of missionary workers meetings on the 17th and 18th of December where workers, together with their families, came to Bethesda. These meetings were immensely blessed. A special Hospital Christmas Activity was also held on the second day of the meetings. All our hostel children, missionary workers, the church and staff participated. Our dear friends from Australia Mr. and Mrs. Bill Sakoulas were also with us, and they shared loving Christmas greetings.
We are also grateful to the Lord that our dear friends Mr and Mrs David Beer, the fifth generation of our pioneer missionaries, also visited us in November. It was a blessed time.
Tabitha, the teenage girl from the George Muller Home who had surgery for appendicitis is recovering well. We rejoice to say that she is a living testimony of the Lord.
We would like to thank you all for your love and prayers. We praise God for being His stewards and partners together in this wonderful work.
BETHESDA (LEPROSY) HOSPITAL 2/1/26
The Lord continues to help us in serving refugees through bible study groups and many lives have been changed. These groups are diverse and include people from different backgrounds. Recently, three people from Yemen joined us with a serious desire for discipleship and serving the Yemeni people. One of them, after his family in Yemen learned about his faith, they filed a case against him in court and issued a ruling disowning him and declaring his blood permissible as he left his old faith.
In December we had an encouraging Zoom meeting with the Emmaus ministry leaders from Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, and Syria. We thank the Lord that doors remain open in Jordan and many refugee students are studying the books diligently. In Lebanon a bible study group that started with two people has now reached thirty. The Lebanon team is also training servants in Syria and Iraq. Holy Bibles, books, and Emmaus courses will be shipped to Baghdad, Dohuk, and Erbil in Iraq shortly. In Syria, Emmaus course study groups continue in Suwayda, which is an area witnessing severe persecution. In a tragic incident, terrorists previously attacked a group from a Druze background studying Emmaus courses, resulting in the killing of 15 people from the group. Despite the difficulties of war and the escape of most servants outside Sudan, bible study groups and distribution of the Word of God continues in Sudan. In Egypt the work continues throughout the country, and preparations are currently underway to participate in the Cairo International Book Fair, which is attended by more than 5 million visitors.
• We thank the Lord for His continued presence with us and for all that He is doing in souls despite the difficult challenges and circumstances in our region. We give thanks for the Lord’s hand in the success of Lina’s operation and her recovery, and also the healing of Brother Yusuf.
• Pray for the refugee ministry in Jordan: For the continuation of the work of the Holy Spirit in bible study groups. For strengthening those who have recently accepted the Lord, especially from difficult and persecuted backgrounds. For protection of the brothers and sisters facing threats or family rejection because of their faith.
• Pray for the believers from Yemen and Iraq: For protection, wisdom, and strength amid persecution. For their growth in discipleship and truth, and the Lord’s use of them to serve their people.
• Pray for the social media ministry: That the Gospel message reaches thirsty hearts searching for truth via the internet. For lasting fruit and true discipleship, not superficial decisions. Pray for sister E from Egypt: protection for her and her family, especially her strict father, and that she grows in her faith and becomes a strong witness. Also brother A and his wife in Yemen: strengthening them in the Lord and protecting them from persecution, and that they become a light and witness in their community.
• Pray for those who have recently accepted the Lord: That they experience growth in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus. For spiritual and psychological protection.
• Pray for the Emmaus courses ministry: Safe arrival of shipments of books and courses to Iraq; that the books will be a cause of blessing and salvation for many. For the students in Jordan and for the leaders and servants of Emmaus in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, and Sudan. For success in participating in the Cairo International Book Fair; the Word reaching large numbers of visitors; and it being an opportunity for strong gospel testimony. Wisdom and strength for the servants in training and establishing new groups; protection for believers; and continuation of the ministry in the Bekaa and other areas.
• Pray for the suffering countries of Syria, Sudan, Iraq and Lebanon: Comfort for the wounded and healing for the broken-hearted; protection for the servants and the continuation of bible distribution. Pray that new doors will be opened for the Word despite security challenges. For dear believers imprisoned in Yemen because of their faith, that the Lord works a miracle with them. For the believers in Darfur from MBB background, who are in very dangerous places and meet secretly.
• Pray for protection and wisdom: Protection for the servants and families. Wisdom in ministry, speech, and decisions.
• Pray that Christ be glorified in all that is done and that God’s kingdom will be extended in hearts.
Mr & Mrs Z
23/12/25
Deut 29-31
We’ve recently returned from the South Island of New Zealand. I was there initially for meetings at Timaru, Geraldine and Queenstown, but while there I also took part in the funeral of a brother who was a real pillar in the Timaru Assembly. He will be sorely missed.
Earlier in 2025, we were involved in a gospel outreach in the little town of Mangakino (central North Island). A good number of young people were involved in this exercise, with the gospel preached for nine consecutive nights.
As a result of that outreach, we also had a gospel series in a nearby town, Tokoroa, for four weeks during August, as well as another week in October. Following these meetings, the Mangakino assembly now conducts weekly gospel meetings in Tokoroa. We hope to support them in this exercise during 2026.
Another series of gospel meetings is planned locally (Orewa, Auckland) from 3rd to 11th of January. About 50 believers from both the North Island, South Island and Australia are expected to join us during this time.
Your prayer for the gospel meetings here would be much appreciated.
Thursday 5th
Ukrainian calendar
On Friday 7th November we had a Ukrainian Gospel meeting in Moville, Co Donegal, with translation by brother Igor (originally from Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine) and the help of the Letterkenny assembly. It was quite overwhelming to have 20 Ukrainian refugees and 20 British and Irish citizens along to hear the life changing message of the Gospel, with refreshments at the close. We sang both in Ukrainian and English and then I spoke a simple message from 1 Timothy 1:15. We also distributed to each a 2026 Gospel calendar, tracts and some received a Ukrainian New Testament. Ollessia, who was at the meeting and is from Odessa in the south of Ukraine, very kindly invited us to her home after the meeting to meet her eight children ranging from age 3 to 21 years.
On Friday 28th November we made a visit to Tullamore in the middle of Ireland to deliver 64 food parcels to Ukrainian families living in a development of small prefab bungalows which were provided by the Irish government. It was a joy also to share Gospel calendars and an invitation to the Gospel meeting the same night in the community centre, where I shared the Gospel with our brother Paul Kissick. We were so encouraged when three Ukrainian ladies arrived at the meeting and also three Irish residents who had received the same invitation in the English language. Please pray with us that God would bless His Word and bring salvation to these precious souls.
On Monday 8th December again we went with Gospel calendars and many useful gifts for refugee families in Wicklow town and Arklow – both are towns south of Dublin. We also distributed Ukrainian fridge magnets and key rings with beautiful Gospel verses on each. When we reached Arklow one family invited us for dinner. This was Irina and her daughter Sofiia. They have been in Ireland since April 2022, fleeing immediately after the war started. The amazing thing is they are from Lviv and seven years ago we had bought a piece of furniture from this lady! Sofiia was gloriously saved in 2023 and is developing as a nice young Christian, reading the
bible a lot and taking notes. Irina, the mother, was saved in August 2025 and although still young in the faith it was a joy to see her with a deep interest in reading the bible and a desire to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each time we visit we always have a bible quiz. It really is amazing the knowledge of the Scriptures these ladies have gained in this relatively short time since conversion – we give God all the glory for His matchless grace and love toward lost humanity.
Preaching in Kopong village
Over the last few weeks we have been encouraged by quite a number of believers requesting baptism and also several being received into assembly fellowship including one dear lady who left us a long time ago. We all shared in the joy of her restoration. Two weeks ago, two young men and two young women were baptised. Others have since expressed an interest to take this step of obedience.
We recently preached the gospel each afternoon in the village of Kopong. In that particular village, 20-30 adults attend the Sunday School throughout the year. After Sunday School closes for the year, we try to have a special gospel time for these dear older friends. Quite a few speak of their interest in “church”, but our prayer is that they will come to realise their need of Christ.
In the village of Mochudi we have been visiting an older lady each week. She goes by the name of Lucky. After many years of listening to the gospel, she made a simple, clear confession of faith in Christ earlier this year. We have covered a few important topics so far: the assurance and blessings of salvation, baptism, and assembly fellowship. She is keen to learn.
The small pocket calendars are being well received as in past years. This year’s order was for 50,000. Locally, the Council offices, Tribal Land Board offices, police station and shops have been visited. The believers also distribute these far and near in their own areas. We look to the Lord to bless the seed sown in His own good time. We are encouraged to know that the harvest is assured.
A few weeks ago a large group of our young folk travelled in a hired bus to Francistown, about 300 miles away, for a special Bible Week. We rejoice that one young man who attended, and has been hearing the gospel regularly for over a year in Gaborone, was saved. We pray that Lefika may make progress and be preserved. There is such potential in young lives being committed to the Lord. Then just over a week ago, a lovely lad called Ketso trusted the Saviour. His parents are in the assembly and we share their great joy.
Once again, we have been able to distribute the calendars from the Hall. We design our own calendar using photos from around the town to accompany the texts. Over the years these have been well received by the folks in the locality. Each year I also go around the shops and businesses in the Forres High Street and only one of the shopkeepers refused the calendar. It is always good to see the calendar displayed in quite a few of these premises throughout the year.
As a result of the visitation work, I have had good conversations with some of these dear souls. One couple sat and spoke for over an hour on scripture related matters. The man said he has noticed that on occasion when he has read the Bible, there seems to be a thought that relates to his circumstances. I reminded him that the Bible is the living Word of God and that this is how God speaks to us. I had the privilege of explaining the gospel in various ways throughout the conversation and we pray that they will respond to the call of God in grace. Others that I visit have heavy burdens in relation to health matters, either themselves or close family members; One lady going through treatment for leukaemia, a couple whose son recently underwent major surgery followed by chemotherapy, another lady whose daughter-in-law is only in her 40s and has had a long time of various treatments for cancer. These are souls in deep need who appreciate prayer and the assurance that we will continue to pray for them and their families. We continue to appreciate the prayers of the saints.
There are other homes that I visit where the folks are associated with various denominations. Some of these people are believers and we enjoy a time of fellowship in discussing the scriptures. One of these is an older lady who has come along to a few meetings in the past year. Another couple greatly appreciate the Word of God and often have questions relating to where they have been reading at the time. In another home it was the subject of prayer that gave rise to a lengthy conversation. There is much need all around and we are thankful to be able to minister the Word of God to needy souls who need salvation or saints who seek encouragement.
Prayer is valued for a series of gospel meetings in fellowship with the assembly in Mayfield in March, God willing. These are due to commence on Lord’s Day 8th March and run for three weeks. These meetings will be shared with our brother Craig MacKie. We look to the Lord for His gracious help night by night and to see the fruit of the work of the Spirit in the lives of those from Mayfield and the surrounding area. Brethren, continue to pray for God’s blessing on His Word as it goes forth across our needy land.
AINSLIE & SHEILA PATERSON 8/1/26
Christmas is often a wonderful opportunity to preach to those who would not normally attend a place of worship. Our weekly outreach in the town is through the coffee shop which runs on the ground floor of our old chapel building. The coffee shop is busy most days, and the majority of those who attend are unchurched. They appreciate the welcome that is given by our volunteers, despite the fact that Christian hymns are constantly being played in the background and there are texts on the walls and tracts on the tables. It gives us opportunities to show our faith to those who come and many ask questions and not a few ask for prayer, even though they are unchurched.
This Christmas we invited folk to come upstairs to our meeting room for afternoon tea followed by carols and a message. We were both delighted and grateful to see approximately 80 from the town attend, many of whom were not church-goers and some of whom had never been to a meeting upstairs. It was a real encouragement to us to continue the daily work of the coffee shop.
We found Christmas and New Year difficult this year as it was our first without our son Adam but the Lord is good and a real refuge in time of trouble.
For the past three years we have distributed a gospel calendar which features views of Pembrokeshire. This year our calendar featured twelve different scenes from Tenby itself, along with a bible text in English and in Welsh. We have distributed 2,000 of these to homes in Tenby. The encouraging thing is to find people coming into the coffee shop to ask for extra calendars for friends and family, or to ask for them for themselves if they live out of town. This is a daily reminder to people of the word of the Lord and of the work of the chapel.
Although these calendars are free, people often come in to offer a donation towards the cost of printing. One gentleman came in asking for two calendars. He offered a donation, but we stressed they were free. He was offered a cup of coffee, but he declined as he was ‘going to the pub for a pint!’ Please pray these will be an effective means of bringing the word of the Lord into homes that do not normally worship Him.
Our weekly outreach meeting, held on Wednesday evenings following a meal together, has continued to prove popular. We regularly see a good number of both new believers and unbelievers gathered in to study Scripture. Our present series is on ‘Prisoners in the Bible’. We started last week with Joseph and this week we go on to Samson, drawing practical lessons from each character.
Monday 9th
During January 2025, we visited India for a couple of weeks to see family and renew fellowship with the Lord’s people in Mumbai and Gujarat, where there has been an increase of persecution against Christians, with gospel work much hindered and even completely stopped. Recently, a pastor from a church was arrested for his work amongst tribals. Draconian anti conversion laws are used to harass anyone legitimately sharing the gospel. Many are fearful to do any evangelism with just one-to-one witness going on.
Wallington – Our 22nd year of children’s meetings was held at the Gospel Hall with around 45 different children attending during the week from various backgrounds. A girl said she remembered last year’s memory verse and stood up to recite it perfectly. In August, another series of children’s meetings was held at the Gospel Hall in Wallington. Around 24 different children attended with some parents. A couple of Hindu children
Clifton Hall – This year’s Easter Holiday Club saw some 22 different children attend, with an attendance of 16-19 children every day. A few parents were present at the prize giving. The opening of the Legacy some years ago (a huge youth leisure centre) has affected the number of young people attending our children’s meetings. We pray that we will see an increase in the days to come, despite the competition from the world for these young lives.
Coventry – Just after the Easter weekend, a short Easter Holiday Club was held at Church Street Gospel Hall. This was the first holiday club the assembly has held for 25 years. It went very well with around 26 different children in total attending, with some parents present. We hope that the assembly will be able to continue with this profitable outreach every year.
Our outreach at South Norwood Festival in July went well, and plenty of people and children were reached. Some years ago, due to a malicious person complaining, the organisers restricted us from walking around the festival area distributing tracts. However, we are thankful that folks still come up to the stall to take gospel literature. Thornton Heath is the busiest festival and takes place every September. There was good weather again, and many thousands attended. There are no restrictions here, and as a result, much gospel literature was given out, with some stopping to ask questions.
Grange Picnic in the Park at the end of September is a more relaxed one for families held in a park very near Clifton Hall. Again, the interest was good, with many reached here also.
Blessing in Salvation at the Bible Exhibition, Norfolk
The Bible Exhibition that was used in Wembley has been repurposed, and the assembly in Coltishall makes use of it, attracting attendance from folks in the village and holiday makers. Gospel meetings were held this year, and on the last night a young man named Max was saved. He was baptised a few weeks later, with around fourteen of his unsaved family members present. This caused no end of joy to the small assembly, as the last time there was a baptism was 24 years ago!
Clifton Hall Baptisms
Our home assembly was encouraged when two young people obeyed the Lord in baptism and came into fellowship. The assembly continues to be much encouraged, having grown much in numbers since Covid. The year ended with further encouragement when a young man who used to attend Sunday school many years ago phoned to say he has been saved and wants to be baptised.
Another outreach opportunity arose when Crystal Palace football club won the FA cup, and large crowds were around the hall to watch the victory parade. Many tracts were given out, and some came into the hall to ask questions about what we believe. Thank you for your prayers for us.
NITISH & ELLEN PATEL 3/1/26
Tuesday 10th
Looking back on the past year and meditating on the good hand of the Lord, we give thanks for His inexhaustible blessings here in the Dominican Republic.
The Lord allowed us to see new professed believers in Christ. In November, two dear young brothers were baptised, and in the middle of the year, with the help of some brothers, we were able to purchase land for the construction of a gospel hall in the city of Santo Domingo. All of this humbles us before our God, and we give thanks for what He has done.
On the other hand, 2025 presented difficult challenges, the first of which is not yet having the approval of the Dominican authorities for the construction of the gospel hall. It has been difficult to get the architectural project approved. But we have the firm conviction that the Lord is in control of everything.
In addition to this, in November we were asked to vacate the house we are renting. This house serves not only as our home, but also as a meeting place for the believers. Since we do not have a gospel hall, our house has served as a place to teach the word to children, youth, and adults every Sunday, as well as a place for prayer and teaching meetings. We are currently looking for another place to move to and continue our meetings without interruption until we can build the gospel hall.
We are starting 2026 with this challenge: to see the permits approved and the gospel hall built. Even though all this business with the permits has been an attack by the evil one to discourage us, it did not prevent us from travelling at the end of the year to be with the believers in the city of Higuey, where we do have a small portable gospel hall. On 31st December and 1st January, we were able to hold special gospel meetings and teach the Word. It was a very rewarding and encouraging visit for all the believers in the city of Higuey and several new believers whom we were able to bring with us from the city of Santo Domingo. We are beginning this new year feeling very encouraged: we are still, waiting with confidence
that the Lord will do what is necessary to continue developing His work here in the Dominican Republic.
Please join us in prayer for the following:
• More full-time workers for the Dominican Republic.
• The construction of the new Gospel Hall in Santo Domingo.
• A new temporary meeting place.
• Peace in the neighbouring country, Haiti (fighting a civil war).
• New doors opened for preaching the gospel in Dominican Republic.
• The salvation of the young people in Sunday school (several teenagers are showing great interest in both Bible teaching and preaching meetings).
• Our children, Mathias José (12) and Isbely Estefany (8).
Josh 17-19
Burton on Trent
November was busy as usual with the WW1 presentation. It is a great tool to use to spread the Gospel. This year again we were in schools using it in their remembrance assemblies, in Gospel halls to use in their outreach and many other groups that meet socially. Thousands were reached with the gospel and via literature, and we are so grateful for these opportunities.
In December we were mainly taken up with school assemblies telling the Christmas story, and then with Christmas activities at the Gospel Hall here at Winshill. We had the privilege of approximately 200 unbelievers attending various events at the hall. We pray that salvation will be seen.
Another project that has kept us busy is the work with the homeless with ‘Project 3418’. This work has increased at a fast pace and as trustees of the Charity we are currently looking to rent a small office to store all the goods that we need to take on the streets and also that we might be able to park the catering trailer that we use for the work nearby. It is good to be able to provide blankets, sleeping bags, clothing, hot food and drinks especially as the weather has got colder.
In November we experienced our first loss of life while we were on the streets. Three of the team performed CPR on a lady until the emergency services arrived but sadly were too late. It emphasised to us the importance of the work and that many who we are contacting are just a step or moments from eternity. As a result, we have arranged a first aid course for this Saturday that deals specifically with situations like this to help those that work on Project 3418.
We go out every Thursday night and as Christmas and New Year’s Day was on a Thursday we went onto the streets not knowing what we would find and if there would be a need. We were shocked that on Christmas day we came across 25 homeless people sleeping in doorways in Nottingham City centre. We have also been able to provide all the homeless with a Christmas present this year for which they were so grateful.
We are so thankful for the hand of the Lord upon us and we continually look to Him to guide us as to where we should direct our efforts.
Thursday 12th
Chitokoloki
Last year was particularly challenging and traumatic in parts. A real year of growth and lesson learning but a difficult year indeed. Yet, throughout it all God was faithful and it is wonderful to know that He has a plan, and He carries us every step of the way.
December went in a flash – full of activity, but a really fulfilling time. Every patient got a pack of literature including gospel texts and a gospel of John. We distributed these along with a Christmas parcel of toiletries, stationery and toys for the children. The digital boards played the Christmas story and were very popular, so I am working on subtitled versions in Lunda and Luvale for next year God willing. It is a little out of my comfort zone, but the benefit of the internet is you can google how to do almost anything. It is slow progress, but it is lovely to be able to use modern technology to share God’s word. Electricity and mobile networks have been quite a challenge over the last few years. It feels like every time I sit down to use the internet the network is out.
There have been several sad situations in the last few weeks – colleagues with health issues, pregnancy losses and bereavements. Then our lab vehicle was involved in a dreadful accident. Only by the grace of God no one died but six of my good friends and colleagues were in the vehicle. It had a tyre blow out causing the vehicle to roll and then a big truck smashed into it. Mostly the physical injuries sustained were minor considering the severity of the accident, but one colleague has a cervical neck injury so is on traction and strict bedrest for two months. The others are healing physically but quite shaken and shocked. I’ve had a number of good spiritual conversations with folk as a result of the accident. The Lord really speaks to people during difficult seasons of life. Please pray for those involved who aren’t saved that they will realise the brevity of life and that this will bring them to the Lord. My role has changed a lot this year – it is extremely fulfilling to be able to draw alongside people at the hardest moments of their lives. But it is also a lot to carry – my prayer life has definitely increased accordingly.
The Lord is really working in hearts and lives here. Please continue to pray for us as we work in this little corner of the globe.
C. 2009 JULIE-RACHEL ELWOOD 1/1/26
In August, when it seemed like all doors were closed, the Lord opened a door and granted us a place to rent for lodging in Old Crow. Old Crow is a remote village above the Arctic Circle in the Yukon and lodging facilities are very limited there. There are no roads for access, you can only fly in. We drove to Canada and flew the rest of the journey. The area first opened up in 2011 and then Covid stopped travel for a while. On this trip the Lord gave many rich times to share the gospel, both publicly and privately with individuals. One trapper and wood cutter commented how the two roads chart that we use in the gospel is worth over a thousand dollars as it tells how to get to Heaven, and of eternal things. On that trip we also visited two California assemblies, and one in Oregon, and one in Vancouver, Canada.
In September we visited the Albuquerque (New Mexico) assembly, and several in Iowa, before meetings in Humbird, Wisconsin. Folks from the area came all but one night. Then the meetings were moved to the Black River Falls assembly, then to the Ontario assembly, due to one coming from there who was unsaved but awakened by the gospel. He professed salvation in the fourth week of meetings but didn’t tell anyone until the weekend. I always like the convert to do their own telling of how great things God has done! We arrived home safely after being away for over six weeks.
For years when at home, Linda and I have worked the Veterans parade here with gospel papers. Acceptance was very high and we gave out almost 2,000 papers and could have used more. The walking round trip back and forth came to almost seven miles! I had one email back this year requesting more information.
In our home assembly, Garfield downtown Phoenix, the Lord has greatly answered prayer. At most Lord’s day gospel meetings there are almost as many unsaved visitors in attendance as those that are from the assembly. Three have professed salvation at different times over the past year.
Word came a month and a half ago that one of our granddaughters in Oregon has professed faith in Christ; she was the object of prayers for years and we give God thanks. We well know time is the big test.
At the Garfield Phoenix Thanksgiving Conference, I thought there was unity in all aspects, and there was rich manna for all. Two brethren came from the UK to speak. The assembly is having a week of gospel meetings now as all the youth and college age students are off school and can attend. They are going well so far and some from the neighbourhood have come. The assembly has found several short series in the gospel to be very fruitful.
We both look back at years going by fast, and deeply appreciate our Lord’s caring, sustaining hand all along the pathway homeward.
C. 2002 (USA) JOHN & LINDA FITZPATRICK 1/1/26
Saturday 14th
‘For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His Name.’ Hebrews 6:10
We were bombed in Lutsk on New Year’s Eve night. The drones targeted buildings just about five minutes from the home and fires broke out. The noise was deafening and the windows in the home were loudly rattling. We spent all night in the basement and the poor children were so frightened. God preserved us all and we are so thankful. Prayer is valued.
The assembly continues to function as normal despite the war situation. Two of our brethren are serving in the military. In Ukraine there is no provision for conscientious objection. Kostya serves on the front line and gets one week off every 300 days. We rejoice with he and his wife Julia on the safe arrival of a little baby girl in January. Please pray for Kostya, Julia, Arsen and baby Sofia as they can only be all together as a family for a very short time before Kostya goes back to the front line.
We managed to arrange a local military post in Lutsk for Anatoly, which enables him to attend all the assembly meetings. Please pray for Sergei, who was saved and baptised last year and would like to come into assembly fellowship. He helps in the children’s home and attends all the meetings.
Our assembly meetings are large, with many teenagers attending who are not saved. Sunday school and our youth meeting bring us into contact with many unsaved young people and we would appreciate your prayers that God would save them early in life. Our Thursday night gospel meeting will soon enter its fourth year. Attendance has remained over 300 each week.
75 children – Orphanage
With 75 children plus carers and staff we are making approximately 9,900 meals per month (not 3,000 as we wrongly stated in our yearly update!). We have 4 cooks working 12 hours per day, (2 days on and 2 days off) providing tasty meals for all. The leaders eat what the children eat. We are totally dependent on the Lord to meet our physical needs and we are so thankful the children are fed well, clothed well, looked after well and have access to schooling, medical clinics, dentistry, and specialised help (for children who have been terribly traumatised) when needed. The Lord never fails!
Schools are off indefinitely due to the lack of electricity and the cold weather. Our electricity is now rationed – off 6 hours and then on 3 hours, day and night. It makes things difficult, but life goes on. Rhoda and I really appreciate your partnership in helping us do something for our children that we could not do on our own.
We are in the process of distributing 20,000 calendars in our town, surrounding villages and to the military on the front line. We have started to receive from the printers two books that have been translated recently: ‘The Persecutor’ and ‘Essential Questions for End Times’ by David McKillen. God’s word will not return unto Him void.
We really do appreciate your prayers. They are so valued. Our God, working through you, enables us to do so much for Him.
C. 1993 TIMOTHY & RHODA SLOAN 7/1/26
Your Five for Today (Five minutes of Spiritual Inspiration Broadcasts)
Judg 4-6
You may recall we mentioned having had our five-minute daily inspirational messages dropped by a regular Welsh radio station in September 2024, but that new ownership had commenced in June 2025 and the station rebranded as “Welsh Coast Radio” for Swansea and South Wales. Following the new ownership, we contacted the new Programme Controller asking to reinstate 542 Day, and more specifically permission to broadcast our Christmas programme.
Praise the Lord, our prayers were answered and the Programme Controller responded positively to our request and aired our hour-long programme at 2pm on Christmas Day on Welsh Coast Radio. After apologising for the way we were treated by the previous owner, he also wrote “please, rest assured we would love to broadcast 542 Day on a regular basis at WCR. I’ll be talking with our programming team to find where it will be a good fit.” Amen! Please pray that we will have this door opened for our messages soon.
We contacted over 50 radio stations regarding broadcasting our Christmas programmes and the following aired the programme, for which we give God thanks:
BMCRadioWales (Swansea)
Drystone Radio (Yorkshire)
FaithFM 90.5 (Uganda)
Feelgood Radio (Plymouth)
Welsh Coast Radio (Swansea)
BMCRadioWales and FM Radio 90.5 are both Christian radio stations and we would like to thank our good friend, Stephen Baker, for arranging the Uganda broadcast on FM Faith 90.5.
Your continued prayers are valued as we see the hand of the Lord continuing to bless the work for His glory.
16th
The exciting and challenging work of street preaching has gone on four times each week in local towns for the past 13 years, and I thank the Lord for His faithfulness and care. I am duty bound to mention those dear aged believers who share with me in this labour of love. Their interest in the Gospel draws them out onto the streets. David (76) travels by bus to join me twice each week. It’s a one-way journey of two hours which shows his commitment to the Gospel. ‘Those that be planted in the house of the LORD…shall still bring forth fruit in old age’ Psalm 92:13-14.
Geoff (82) a lovely man from London, was visiting the north-east for the first time. He was registered as ‘partially sighted’. He admitted that as he was approaching the end of his life’s journey, he had given some thought to what lies beyond. Like so many we meet, he thought that heaven is gained on merit. I was able to speak about God-fearing Nicodemus being told by the Lord Jesus, that he needed to be ‘born again’. He appreciated the challenge I put to him and thanked me for the conversation. He left with two tracts.
We had our second encounter with Jenny from Sheffield, a delightful student. She told Bitten she’d been a Christian for just one year, which prompted Bitten to ask, “Have you been baptised yet?” She answered, “I was sprinkled when I was eight!” This led onto a helpful discussion about baptism. We have ordered Jack Hay’s booklet on Baptism for her. She is currently in a friendship with a Catholic boy, so we spoke about some of the pitfalls associated with Catholicism. She confessed to not regularly reading her Bible, so we encouraged her to set aside time each day for private reading. She was keen to accept Henry Groves’ Yearly Bible Reading Plan. Throughout our time together she had a beaming smile on her face. I feel confident we’ll see her again and hopefully we’ll be a help to her. [I can report that I have text message contact with Jenny and we hope that she’ll come to our home to enjoy some Christian fellowship.]
As Harriet (19) a Languages student, looked at me I could tell immediately she wanted to talk. She informed me her parents were Christians and that she was attending an evangelical church in the city. She admitted her doubts about Christianity: “Is it all just in my imagination?” Time was short as she had a lecture to attend, but I did encourage her to read her Bible knowing that the things contained therein are ‘those things which are most surely believed among us.’ Luke 1:1. She took a tract and indicated she’d like to talk further.
Logan (17) is a student at the Sixth Form College who had noticed us preaching on the bridge previously. He was keen to talk and admitted he thought often about spiritual issues. He’d attended a Catholic school and had some knowledge of the Scriptures. I shared the Gospel with him, and he was very open to it. When I offered him my booklet ‘Amazing Grace – The Incredible Story of Birth and New Birth’ he received it gladly, saying, “My Mum’s a midwife!” He said he was keen to talk further, and he’d look out for us next Friday.
A group of young Indian believers from Pallion Gospel Hall have a real keenness for the Scriptures and local outreach work. They asked if I would join them in witness in Sunderland town centre. We met Anthony, an Egyptian. He was from the Eastern Orthodox Church and was out for a quarrel! We spent 45 minutes with him and the Indian young men held their own. The subject of Israel was brought up, and his utter dislike for that nation was apparent. It was an amicable conversation, and Anthony complimented the young men on their challenging comments. We invited him to contact us again, and as he left he said he was going back to his flat to get stuck into Romans chapter 11.
In my last report, I mentioned two pensioners, Carol and Malcolm, contacted by my wife, Bitten while tracting at the local shops. They continue to attend the Sunday Gospel meeting faithfully and Carol is presently reading Jack Hay’s book on Baptism.
As I look back through my diaries, I am struck by the vast number of people we’ve spoken to over the years. Much seed has been sown, and we pray that some of it shall have fallen into good soil to bear fruit a hundredfold.
When I was 17 and hitchhiking up to John O'Groats, I shared a lift with a Christian tea salesman from Glasgow who witnessed powerfully to me. That man lived the rest of his life unaware of the deep impression and impact he’d made on a seeking teenager from Tyneside. It was a vital encounter that would lead ultimately to me trusting the Saviour six years later. As we preach weekly, we need to remind ourselves of the vast potential of the Gospel.
IAN & BITTEN CAMPBELL
9/1/26
Judg 9-10
It is summer down here in New Zealand and after a very busy year we are spending some time at home and with our home assembly in the small North Island town of Mangakino. I am currently taking a ministry series here and it is nice being able, with the Lord’s help, to strengthen the work here.
About half an hour from Mangakino is a somewhat larger town of Tokoroa where there used to be an assembly until about five years ago. Thankfully the building wasn’t sold off and last year some brethren were exercised about taking some meetings in the town. A lovely family from the U.K. came over, Cameron and Katie Piper, and Cameron joined with a brother from Australia for about three weeks of Gospel meetings in August. Then there was another week of meetings in October. There were some wonderful contacts with the unsaved at this time and it was, God willing, the start of a work there.
In late November the small assembly at Mangakino was exercised about seeking to continue this work and if possible, see an assembly established in the town. Each Sunday afternoon at 3pm we are therefore having Gospel meetings at Tokoroa. It was a real thrill for me to be able to preach the Gospel in the old hall these past two Sundays and with a number of unsaved present. This is very encouraging especially since the Christmas/New Year period is traditionally summer holiday time here and not usually a very good time for getting people to meetings. We feel the Lord has really opened a door here. We would certainly appreciate prayer from believers in the U.K. who would take an interest in this work as we are in every way dependent upon the Lord. We are just a very small assembly of believers, and I thank the Lord for that word in Zechariah, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, saith the LORD of hosts” (Zech. 4:6).
The Lord also has an open door for the Gospel at the moment through some Indian believers in the city of Rotorua. There is a Gospel meeting there each Monday night with the message translated into the Malayalam language. It is my privilege to be able to help with this work during the month of January and we thank the Lord for the fervency of this work and the lovely young families there who are central to this work.
In early February, God willing, my wife and I will head back down to the South Island as we often do in the late summer and on into autumn here. The plan is to begin in the city of Dunedin with a weekend ministry series at the Mailer Street Gospel Hall. We then head further south to a town called Balclutha where there is a small assembly that seeks to serve the Lord faithfully and proclaim the Gospel. After that we head to the small town of Edendale which is even further south. It is a small town with a very big dairy factory and is very much a dairy farming hub. I have often had great opportunities to preach the Gospel in this area and pray the Lord will give open doors again this year. There is also much interest in the ministry of the Word of God and we thank the Lord for this kind of interest when we see it. There is something so thrilling when believers are hungry for hearing God’s Word.
I trust this gives you something of a window into the work the Lord has called us to in this part of His vineyard. Thanks again for your fellowship in the Gospel (Phil. 1:5). It is of unspeakable encouragement to our souls that believers on the other side of the world should take an interest in the work we are involved in.
Ian and Marie
C. 2006 (New Zealand) IAN & MARIE LOWE 6/1/26
Wednesday 18th
Since the commencement of the work in County Louth in 2015 we are thankful that the Lord has saved a number of souls in this county, some of whom have been added to the assembly in Newry. We continue to keep in contact with others who have trusted Christ and encourage them in their walk with Him.
We try to keep the work we are involved in as simple and scriptural as possible. Mark 16:15 “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature”. When the Lord saves souls, we try to teach them in the way the Lord would have them to go (Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 2:41-42). This does not prove easy as there is so much false teaching and doctrines of men to lead people astray. We feel our weakness but are thankful that God is able.
The street work comes with its challenges and abuse, but the blessings far outweigh this. There are many who hear the Gospel preached and many who stop to converse with us. We know it is the Gospel, which is the POWER OF GOD unto salvation to everyone that believeth.
In 2024 we purchased a building in Dunleer Co. Louth following much prayer and the Lord’s leading. It is situated in a prominent place in the village. Renovations are currently taking place and we have been thankful for the help given by believers from assemblies both north and south of the border. Several people have called into the hall while we have been working on it, interested to see what we are doing. They have heard the Gospel before leaving and some have said they would like to come when it is open. One man who came in happens to originally be from the north and knew two of my brothers. After I told him how I got saved he told me two of his friends had got saved and had shared the Gospel with him too. He now lives not far from the hall and so he gave me his phone number and told me he’d come when it is open.
First and foremost, the hall will be used for the continuation of our weekly Friday evening prayer meeting which previously had been taking place in my car. We recognise our weakness; without Him we can do nothing.
Please pray for the many contacts that have been made over the years. Pray that the Lord will save souls and bring us into contact with those who are saved and are seeking to walk in truth. Pray the Lord will plant an assembly in the area so those who are saved can gather to His name in their locality. We would also appreciate prayer for preservation and strength to persevere. The work brings great joy but is difficult and discouraging also at times.
GORDON & HEATHER JOHNSTON 19/1/26
Thursday 19th
As many will be aware, severe flooding in the south of Thailand in the latter part of 2025 caused much damage and some loss of life, and many of the Lord’s people are still suffering. Brother Krasanai who is a retired surgeon in Hat Yai had his home and the meeting room he uses for the meetings badly damaged. He and his wife, a dentist, were both working in the Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast in around 1980 when we met them. For the last 40 years or more they have preached the gospel and built-up believers in a heavily Muslim part of southern Thailand. They would value your prayer at this difficult time.
Some will know my wife Nui’s friend, Nuey, who we met in Belfast in 1981 when she had just become a Christian. She is also Thai and is married to Gopchaai who is a preaching and teaching elder. Nuey herself, now a grandmother, has a wonderful knowledge of the scriptures and every Friday she has a Bible study in her home which my wife Nui attends. In 2025 about 15-20, mainly ladies, attended each week and a number came to know the Lord.
In December about 50 attended the special Christmas meeting when a clear gospel message was spoken, and over 20 of these people were non-believers. At the meeting I had the privilege of speaking with a dentist and a businessman both of whom are sincere Buddhist believers who showed an interest in the story of the Lord Jesus.
Here in Bangkok, I continue to have contact with a group of four elderly Japanese men, three of them married to Thai ladies, who have lived here for many years. We meet for lunch or coffee and I always get an opportunity to share the gospel with them in Japanese. They have all received copies of the scriptures and other literature in Japanese and also a set of audio files of the preaching of Hatori Akira, now with the Lord, who had a 10-minute daily gospel radio broadcast for many years in Japan. Mr Yoshida, now 80, who had never seen a Bible before, is especially interested and asks many probing questions. We are praying that the Lord would bring these friends to know Him, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.
Personally, I am doing fairly well and am thankful to the Lord for His grace and mercy. It is now 15 months since I had Whipple surgery to remove a cancerous pancreas and every day I continue to gain a little strength. I will go soon for another CT scan checkup and would value your prayers for another favourable outcome.
C. 1973/77
TOM & NUI HILL 2/1/26
Friday 20th
Revelation 3:8 “…Behold, I have set before thee an open door...”
In our generation, God has opened the door into our schools for the sharing of the Gospel of His grace. I have been engaged in taking primary school assemblies for the last ten years, primarily in my own area of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, but also a few in the nearby towns of Motherwell and Hamilton. Then more recently in Coatbridge, Airdrie and Bellshill.
I now visit some 25 primary schools. These visits can be fortnightly, monthly or termly and they last from 30 minutes to an hour. They take the form of a standard children’s meeting with choruses, getting the children to read Bible verses, telling a Bible story with a Gospel application, memory verse, and quiz. Last school year I had the privilege of taking around 200 assemblies.
In September our nearest primary school, Wishaw Academy, started sending their P2 classes up to our hall once a month for an RME (Religious and Moral Education) lesson (choruses, bible story, quiz and craft). These 50 children and their teachers came for 10 of these lessons over the school year.
Also in September, I began weekly 1-hour classroom talks in 3 primary schools on David Livingstone over a 5-week period, with trips to the David Livingstone Birthplace
Museum. The trips were another opportunity to retell the David Livingstone story and more importantly to explain the Gospel message that he proclaimed in Africa and how it is still the same today.
The first Monday in October heralded the beginning of our weekly children’s meeting, “Explorers”. We were blessed to see 52 children turn up on our first night. We averaged over 30 children each week with a total of 95 different children on our register and many parents staying during the meetings. Christmas and Easter parent’s nights saw our hall packed with children, parents and wider family members all coming under the sound of the Gospel.
During October I helped as a tour-guide with Gordon McCracken’s Bible Exhibition at Burnbank in Hamilton. Around 300 children and their teachers visited the Exhibition that week. In November, my own assembly, in Wishaw, annually hosts Gordon’s exhibition and this time we had around 450 children plus teachers in attendance. Good News for Everyone (formerly Gideons) provided their Explore magazine for every child as well as some beautiful New Testaments for teachers to take free of charge. Many teachers happily received a New Testament.
In April, we had the privilege of hosting our nearest primary school, Wishaw Academy, in the hall for their Easter Services. There are 350 children in the school, plus around 30 members of staff. To accommodate such a large number, we split the school into age groups and had 3 sessions of 1-hour duration each, spread over one day. The next day I had the joy of leading the Easter service for the 250 children and 20 staff at Keir Hardie Memorial Primary school in Newarthill. Both schools were happy, in preparation for these services, for children to learn bible verses, poems and songs in class all relating to the death, burial and resurrection of the Saviour.
Although physically I go into the schools on my own to deliver an assembly, in a virtual sense some of my brethren come with me. Graeme Hewitson from Linwood assembly supplies most of the graphics for the bible stories / missionary tales that I use. Daniel Hinshelwood from Plains assembly provides the music and singing for the choruses I teach and Matt Divers from the assembly in Cumbernauld provided the storyline and props for two of the allegories that I teach to bring out the Gospel message.
Please pray for:
• God to continue to not only keep this door of opportunity open, but that He will also call more workers into this harvest field.
• God to use the simple words that are spoken by His servants for His own glory and to the saving of precious souls.
21st
“Behold, a sower went forth to sow…when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside… some fell upon stony places… some fell among thorns…but other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. The seed is the word of God.”
In November we rejoiced when our son Caleb obeyed the Lord’s command in the waters of baptism. He invited many of his friends, their parents, several neighbours and contacts to witness this public declaration. It produced some good conversations and questions from those who observed. There are others who are saved and have also expressed an interest in this step of obedience.
December is always a very busy month, starting off with the distribution of five thousand calendars in a new area where a couple of families live who attend the Sunday School and Bible class, as well as the Friday evening Young People’s meeting. From this distribution we were encouraged by new contacts who came to the Community Christmas meal. Over a hundred meals were served after a time of singing hymns and carols, and a local brother presented the Gospel.
A week of children’s Bible classes followed the Christmas meal and throughout the week over sixty children were in attendance along with many of their parents. The children look forward to these quarterly Bible classes and often ask in advance when we are having the next week of classes, so they can plan for it and invite others. We are delighted with their interest but we long to see conviction of sin, repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Friday before Christmas, we had a special activity for the Young People and several of their parents showed up as well, with a total of about fifty in attendance. A clear Gospel message was presented by one of the local brethren and a meal was enjoyed afterwards.
We were able to distribute Bible texts in a number of schools before the year ended, ranging from 500-1,000 children in each school. All but one of the schools gave us a warm welcome and gladly received the texts.
We appreciate your continued support in prayer for the salvation of souls, the spiritual growth and obedience to the scriptures of those that profess to be saved and for the development of spiritual gift in the local assembly. We have had the opportunity to teach New Testament assembly truth to a number of believers who attend other places of worship but visit us often, as they are curious as to what we do and why we do it. It’s a privilege to open the Scriptures and answer their questions from God’s Word, which is our only authority. May the Lord open their understanding to the truth.
C. 2006 BYRNE & LOIS FORESHEW 23/1/26
We are deeply thankful to God that all the children enjoyed good health throughout last year. The second part of the year was full of adventure and joy. The children had an exciting summer filled with camps, visits from friends, and plenty of free time. There were many precious moments spent together as a family.
This was also the first year the children adjusted quickly and easily to the school routine. They are doing very well at school, and we are especially proud of our oldest girls – Emanuela, Benarda, and Fiorela.
The children continue to attend the children’s meetings and Sunday services regularly. They also continue faithfully with their devotional time. The youngest read Bible stories and pray together at midday, and in the evening the older children read the Bible and pray together on their own. It is amazing to hear these little ones express their feelings and bring their requests to God. Hearing them give thanks for the cross and for salvation is truly a blessing. It is still early to say much, but we trust that He who has begun a good work in them will carry it on to completion. This remains our prayer for them.
The last month of the year was filled with joy and gifts. Celebrating Christmas is one of the most beautiful times of the year for the children. Being together as a big family, remembering what God has done for us, and reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas made the celebration even more meaningful. Our children participated in the church Christmas program, and they loved singing.
Prayer Points:
1. Please pray for the physical and spiritual growth of our children. We are deeply thankful to God for His care and protection over them. We are grateful that they feel at home and safe at The Hiding Place. We thank God that they desire to hear about Christ and that, in their own way, they understand that God loves them. Please also pray for their families.
2. Pray for our staff (ladies). Roza and Vali will be leaving, and Roalda is pregnant, which means we will need to recruit three new staff members by the end of April. Please pray for all the women who serve with us – that God would lead them, give
them wisdom, patience, and peace as they care for and support the children. We are thankful for each of them and for the good work they are doing. Pray for their spiritual growth, that they may come to know Christ more deeply, and that those who have not yet accepted Him as their personal Saviour would make that decision.
3. Running a children’s home in Albania is becoming more difficult each year, yet the need continues to grow. The Social Services regularly contact us to take in more children. Most cases involve domestic violence or child abuse. While the government is working to move children out of orphanages, there are still not enough programs in place to support families and children when they return home. As a result, many children end up back in the same, or even worse situations. Please pray for wisdom for our lawmakers and for God’s guidance in caring for these vulnerable children.
God has continued to provide for our practical needs, and we are truly grateful for His provision. Maintaining a large home with many children is always a challenge. There is constantly something that needs to be adjusted, repaired, or replaced. This year, members of the community kindly purchased three new air conditioners for us, which have greatly improved the comfort of the
rooms where the children spend their time. In addition, our little twins received new single beds, as they had outgrown their baby beds. We have also equipped the children’s rooms with wardrobes, ensuring that each child now has their own personal space. The toilet doors on the first floor have been replaced as well.
One of the more urgent needs is repairing the roof. Although it was repaired and the tiles were replaced only five years ago, strong winds and heavy rain this winter caused it to leak again. In the spring, we will need to repair the areas where the tiles have been damaged or displaced.
My heart is full of gratitude for all that God has been doing at the Hiding Place. As Scripture reminds us in Isaiah 49:15, even if a mother forgets her child, 'yet I will not forget you'. These words are truly lived out at the Hiding Place.
Monday 23rd
At present we are in Scotland until the middle of March. Then we will go back to Zambia and return, at the end of April, to spend a couple of months in Northern Ireland. Please pray for safe travels, even as furloughs inevitably involve a lot of travelling.
God has been so good to us and has been answering your prayers! In the three months before we left Zambia, He provided three more staff members to work at the Lusaka Bible Centre! That enabled us to take this time off and to officially open the bookshop before we left. Although we were selling books and Bibles to whoever came to the Centre, we didn’t have the staff to keep the bookshop open on regular hours –especially when we were visiting the various prisons. Just in time (sometimes God keeps us trusting until the last minute!), God met the need! Thank you for your prayers.
The Zambian team, in Lusaka, is still very ‘new’, and there wasn’t enough time to train them in everything that goes on at the Centre. That is why we need to return there for the month of April. The two groups that come for the week-long residential Bible teaching are due then, and there is a lot of work in hosting them – before, during, and after their time with us. Please pray that the students will really grow in their knowledge of the Word, as well as in their personal relationship with the Lord.
Please also pray for the team of four we have left behind. If they can just keep the current prison and Emmaus work going, and man the bookshop, we will be very thankful! When we return to Zambia in July, we can then look at expanding the work and reaching out to more people…as well as continuing with the building work on site. As mentioned before, Ian and I both need daily strength and energy as we try to do what the Lord has asked us to do in Zambia. We are not getting any younger!
Please pray, as well as praise God, for what He is continuing to do through the Chingola Bible Centre. The team there are so faithful in continuing with all the ministries – the prison work, the Emmaus work, the bookshop, the market work etc. We really thank God for their lovely hearts and their commitment to the work. They are an example to us, in spite of the devil trying to discourage them at times.
C. 1987 IAN & MARILYN CAMPBELL 23/1/26
Tuesday 24th
Most of the 60 assemblies in Japan that we visit are scattered across the country. Often the believers feel isolated, with the same three or four local brethren bearing responsibility for preaching and teaching. Special Gospel meetings held over a weekend with an invited speaker from a distant assembly are a real encouragement to such assemblies. Another highlight in some established assemblies is the annual conference. A typical conference has two invited speakers who speak for an hour each in the morning, then another hour each in the afternoon. Speaking for two hours gives ample opportunity to develop a subject. In between the two ministry sessions is the “bento” (box lunch), filled with local delicacies. In typical Japanese style, everyone planning to attend will notify the hosting assembly so the exact number of bentos can be ordered.
One of these annual conferences is in the large city of Nagoya, just over two hours southwest of Tokyo on the bullet train. This past November it was my privilege to share in the Nagoya Conference with an elder from near Tokyo. The Nagoya assembly itself has around 25 in fellowship, and they were very encouraged to see 99 believers attend from 24 different assemblies. Many would have travelled a fair distance, and I enjoy watching the believers greet each other with tears, perhaps not having seen each other since last year’s conference. One must appreciate the loneliness of a Christian in Japan; it would be rare to meet another Christian in the workplace or on the street.
During November we had the opportunity to visit several very small assemblies which punctuate the pagan landscape. Using the Scriptural imagery of lampstands, they are outposts of light shining in the dark frontier. The believers are active in the Gospel, and it is not uncommon for them to bring a neighbour or relative to a ministry meeting, then suggest to me I preach the Gospel! Sometimes it is mere curiosity to see if the foreigner can actually speak their language. Regardless, they hear of Christ and Him crucified, and later, after the niceties of asking about my health and long journey, they begin to ask about the Gospel. They often nod as if in agreement, but I have learned that only means they have heard the words you say; they are not agreeing with the truths they hear.
Nevertheless, the work of the Holy Spirit is the same in every country, and when they are convicted of their sin, they seek after salvation. How encouraging it was on this recent visit to hear that a very old man had turned to Christ shortly before he passed away. Please pray for these small assemblies that seek to reach out to their communities.
Believers gathering for the Nagoya Conference
1 Sam 9-12
We were on the road for a whole month visiting many believers between 10th November and 10th December. The time was a great blessing and a season of refreshment for the whole family. We have not had a break like this since we got married. Our family feels more closely knit together in the Lord (it is easy to become unravelled in the busyness of ministry). We are encouraged and thankful for God’s timely provision for the sake of our health and for the spiritual well-being of both ourselves and our children.
Mr. P has now moved out and bought his own house. Christer from our assembly has been working there, excavating for drainage. So even though we no longer have the same opportunity to sow into him as we did when he lived here, others are continuing to minister to him in both word and deed. Please continue to pray for his salvation.
Mr. N has been staying with us two or three nights a week, since his farm is many hours away and he works near us in town. He was prepared to sleep in his van, as he had been doing outside his workplace, but he seems to love the atmosphere in our home. He is fascinated by our lives, yet he does not understand us – or God. He is still trying to understand God before believing in Him. Please pray that the loss of his marriage, his access to his children, and his dream farm (still under legal action) would show him the temporary nature of life on earth and the importance of what is eternal.
We celebrated Christmas in a traditional Norwegian fashion, with Grete’s parents joining us. It was a sweet time of fellowship as we remembered the Lord’s coming to Earth. Isak, our oldest, read the Word to us, and James shared a challenge from Scripture. Please pray for Isak as he continues to make the Word his own. He has written out
his testimony and feels the inner battle very keenly. Please also pray for the protection of our children as they face exposure to the world through the neighbour children. Other parents often comment on the positive influence our children have on theirs, but we do not share with them the negative influence their children can have on ours. Please pray that each of our children will put on the full armour of God and cling closely to the Lord.
We invited a family from town to visit us over the New Year holiday. During the conversation, Mr. Ø asked if he could join one of James’ Bible studies. He would like to meet on Thursdays every other week and wanted Mr. T (whom you have all prayed for previously) to be part of it. Please pray for God’s wisdom regarding this opportunity. Both of them are involved with “churches” that avoid talking about sin and focus on motivational speeches rather than spiritual nourishment from the Word of God.
We plan to drive up to Trøndelag on 19th January to spend a few days with the German family of believers we recently met. Please pray for wisdom, discernment, and guidance, as they may be a couple we could partner with in the gospel work.
Prayer Requests:
Weekly Bible studies with young men
• Discipleship via phone
• Marriage counselling with several Christian families who are close to divorce
• Sharing the Word with the many children who visit in our home
• Protection over the small flock we meet with
• Wisdom and help in communicating the Word simply in Norwegian C. 2024 (USA)
Thursday 26th
6/1/26
1 Sam 13-14
The rains are continuing and people have been very busy in their fields and gardens. The sweetcorn or maize is doing very well and is tall, green and in flower. For some farmers this coming harvest is the result of sowing the seed for a second time due to early crop failure because of the weather. Many people are involved in various forms of agriculture and for them it is a source of income, but they encounter many and varied challenges.
The Bible Camp week held at the Francistown Gospel Hall went well despite the rain showers. Brother Evaristo Yamboto from just over the border in Kazangula in Zambia gave the main teaching, with very helpful and challenging lessons based upon the
feasts of Jehovah. One youngster trusted the Lord for salvation. Since the Bible camp in December 2024 several new young believers have been baptised and some of them have been received into fellowship in Gaborone in particular.
On Monday 5th January we received the good news that the Sunday School container had arrived at Gabcon, the railway yard in Gaborone. On Thursday we were there with believers from other assemblies to empty the container. This took us about two hours, and it was warm work! We arrived home safely at 11:00pm. It was a long day as we had set off at 5:00am, arriving at Gabcon at 9:30am. We waited until 11:00am for the paperwork to be completed. With help from some Gaborone assembly students, believers and friends, it made the work much easier. We very much appreciated their willing help.
Emptying the Container
Sorting out boxes of prize items
The Sunday School container is only possible because of the love, generosity and hard work of very kind believers in various parts of the UK. We are so very thankful for all the effort and expenditure channelled into this exercise by believers who buy or make items for the boxes, then the packing and transporting to the storage facility in Northern Ireland, as well as those who organise the container itself, pack it (filling it completely full!), and also attend to the paperwork and shipping of the container by sea to Durban.
These lovely gifts of clothing, footwear, stationery, literature and toys etc really are a great help in the work here of Sunday School prize-givings. The loving kindness and fellowship in this work in the Lord’s name is indeed very much appreciated. Onty will now be very busy with other sisters preparing the prizes for the seven outstanding prize-givings. There is another Sunday School here in Tati Siding apart from the one here at home, then four more in town and another one in Gerald Estates. The prizegiving at the hall was in December. Sunday Schools are due to begin for the new year this Sunday, or on other days, as usual.
On Sunday before lunch at the Gospel Hall about 20 believers went to the bus rank to distribute mini-calendars and Gospel literature. Most people received the literature, but some seemed to be in a rush for their buses! We trust that there will be fruit in due season following the sowing of the good seed.
As a family we are well. Rejoice and Thomas are continuing with their respective studies. James has received good A level results for his first year and is now considering his options. Your continued prayers for us, the believers and for the work of the Lord here are all very much appreciated.
Friday 27th
We arrived in Swakopmund, Namibia, late November. In the three weeks we were there we had two weeks of gospel meetings and children’s meetings along with three weeks of home bible studies. We were also able to distribute 10,000 calendars with clear gospel verses and photos of Namibia.
We saw many new people come to the daily gospel meetings that would start around 10:30am. A lady called Victoria came to many of the meetings and we were able to have some time of visitation with her to answer lots of diverse questions.
There were great numbers at the children’s meetings the first week while school was still in session, but when school closed for the holidays the number of children dropped. When school’s close, many families travel north to their original homesteads to spend time preparing their fields and planting crops for the year. We had about 80 to 100 most days. Since we have been in the same location for some years now the children have memorised the songs and many of the verses that have been taught. They notice our vehicle and get excited when we are seen in the area.
It was an added bonus that we were able to have a home bible study every evening. One young woman (17) expressed much interest asking very good questions and was searching the scriptures to see if what was said was true. At the end of our time together she said that she knows that she is a sinner and that the Lord Jesus is God and died on the cross for sin and that she no longer believes in her traditional teachings. I tried to convey the need to make things personal, for her to apply and take all that she has learned to herself. Please pray for her salvation. Her name is Selma.
We were invited to have gospel meetings near Okahao, in the north of Namibia. This is where Selma’s (Erickson’s wife) family has a homestead. We set up camping tents to sleep in and a large gospel tent for daily gospel and children’s meetings. Many came
to hear the Word of God (most of which were relatives of Selma). We have seen a great desire and ability with Selma to bring others under the sound of the gospel. She brought us to a homestead where her elderly family members reside, (all of which are blind because of glaucoma). We brought them a device that has the bible recorded in their own language and is solar chargeable. When they played it for the first time there were many smiles.
During the children’s meetings in the area, we realised that most of the children have very minimal understanding of English despite it being the official language. Thankfully one of Selma’s younger sisters, Juila, was eager to help with translation. Please pray for her, that she might be led to salvation possibly even through the gospel she is exposed to as she translates.
On our last night there we had to weather a storm like we have never seen before. It was torrential rain, high winds, thunder and lightning. It was so bad our tents were bent, bedding was soaked, and the lightning was getting so close we ran to the land cruiser for cover. God was merciful in holding back the storm until after all the meetings had taken place and we had already packed away the gospel tent.
Last stop was Otjiwrongo as we made contact again with Patricia who runs the C.E.F building. She was pleased to hear that we were back and was willing for us to have a few nights of gospel meetings. We had heard that two ladies had professed Christ last time we had weeks of meetings in this town, so we wanted to check in with them. We brought a bible for each in their own language, one being Afrikaans and the other Damara. The last night of the meetings was a full house (including a pastor who uses the building on Sundays). Now this man wanted to do his own message after we spoke. He thought we were there to steal his flock (or sources of income as he sees them). This man’s life is publicly and evidently far from holy. We fear that he has been and is being used by the devil to remove the seed of the gospel that was sown that day.
With the generosity of the Lord’s people, we have been able to purchase a new trailer for carrying around the gospel tent along with chairs, texts, and everything else needed to hold a series of meetings. For a point of prayer, Steph and I are actively looking to purchase a house in Namibia.
To have a homebase would be most beneficial. We look to the Lord for guidance. We still have been unable to secure a long-term visa but praying that owning a house will have merit in this endeavour. We look to the Lord that maybe this year we would be able to move to Namibia to live in a more permanent way. Pray for the people of Namibia, they are blind and in the dark but yearning for something better.
C. 2021 (USA) STEVEN & STEPHANNIE ANDERSON 21/1/26
Saturday 28th
2025 was not an easy year for us, due to surgery and problems with the bank in the UK. Thankfully all is now finally resolved and we praise the Lord! So, we leave it behind and now press on being led by our God. He knows what is best for us and we follow His guidance and faithfully do His will.
We have distributed a good number of calendars in the locality and it’s always encouraging when some people tell us they were expecting their calendars for this year. We had our brother Zedir’s daughters and son-in-law, with three grandchildren present at our Carol Service in December. Plus other children from the locality came. It was a real joy to have them with us for the service and refreshments afterwards.
We spent some days over Christmas in Recife with Jonathan and Susana and families. On 30th of December we then travelled to Vitoria to spend time with Denise’s family. New Year’s Eve was spent with the saints at the meeting in Itaperim, where Jeff was asked to minister the message for the end of the year. Denise’s parents both came and enjoyed the fellowship. Jeff stayed there until the 9th of January taking several meetings and then returned to take the responsibilities of the meetings in Foz.
David and his mum came back to Foz on the 17th of January. He is doing well at university and now entering his last six months. During this time, he must think of where he should start looking for his future employment. Please pray for him. Getting young people into meetings is very difficult nowadays. This leaves David with no young Christian company here. So, it was good for him to spend some time with young people in Vitoria.
Our numbers have dropped a little, with Luan returning to his hometown, and Danielle (Edson’s wife) no longer coming, which also affects his attendance. Also, our dear elderly brother Emely (98) was called home in November. Please pray for four contacts, with whom Jeff meets every week at the Café. This morning, Carlos, who has the same abdominal problem that Jeff had last year, was talking about his stress and problems, as the others did not come. This gave us a blessed opportunity to talk about his need of knowing the Lord Jesus as his personal Saviour and how he needs to trust Him and enthrone Him in his life for all his needs. He has been waiting for surgery since September 2025. Pray that the message he was told brings him to the Saviour. He was happy when we prayed for him at the end of our time together.
It was a joy to have seven youngsters come to Sunday School yesterday, as none came during the festive break. We would ask for your prayers that we may truly know our Lord’s guidance, as our health and age cannot take the strain we once could, but His will be done not ours. We can see His coming is very soon. To Him be all honour, praise and glory “Till He Come”.
C. 1980
JEFF & DENISE WATSON
24/1/26
In Zambia, low literacy among believers in rural areas makes it difficult for them to understand New Testament Church teachings on gatherings, relationships, and collective responsibilities. With many Christian churches in the same area, it can be difficult for local elders to defend or distinguish certain doctrines, making it hard to hold a congregation together when more liberal teachings are taught elsewhere. Nevertheless, we are careful not to degrade the faith and sincerity of many of our fellow believers, nor should we assume we have a stronger faith because we are better educated or informed. But in communities where people follow impulse rather than conscience, it is important, as Peter says, to be able to give a reason for what we believe. You may agree that this may be mirrored within our own communities.
The Spirit of God has provided a clear framework for a local church, where elders are tasked with knowing and teaching the scriptures. In the UK, abundant literature and years of ministry have helped us discern the truth, but a superficial understanding of scripture persists, especially in impoverished countries like Zambia. To rectify this, some denominations and independent churches have created college courses to formally teach elders and pastors. These courses award certificates that are often used to secure responsible roles within a church.
However, SHAREAfrica’s trial in Zambia’s Eastern Province involves educating local elders by more experienced elders who are familiar with the local traditions and language. They organise meetings in rural assembly halls, of which there are over 20 in the region, to teach New Testament doctrine. This is the second year that two experienced elders from Chipata assembly have volunteered their time to visit rural assemblies to share scriptures.
The response has been encouraging. The meetings are well attended, and the teaching is well received. Some of the feedback on the subjects and conversations is interesting. For example, teaching on the Trinity and the deity of Christ, a subject basic to Christian faith but difficult to understand, was one of the subjects covered, along with others on church order, the Lord’s Supper, baptism, holy living, and so on. We pray that these meetings will strengthen their faith and provide a stable platform for the assemblies to grow.
The two brethren, Kenneth and Kelvin, have been joined this year by a younger brother, Amos. Kelvin is a farmer, Kenneth is a retired customs officer, and Amos is unemployed. SHAREAfrica funds a budget that includes motorbikes, fuel, Bibles, hymnbooks, and a food allowance for themselves and others who join the meetings. The programme is managed as a specific project with appropriate controls, including monthly activity reports that are sent back to the UK.
This is one of many projects undertaken by SHAREAfrica to provide spiritual and practical help to our fellow believers in Zambia. Ultimately, the project will be funded by other farming projects, but in 2026, it will be funded by SHAREAfrica UK. Please pray for the three brethren who travel more than 100 kilometres during each visit, sometimes
along bush tracks where they risk being robbed. Also, pray that the assemblies they visit will welcome them as servants of God and be willing to embrace any change that honours God’s word.
23/1/26
1 Sam 21-24
When we sent our last newsletter in July 2025, we had almost unbearable heat (up to 40C). Meanwhile, in recent days we have been hit by a severe cold, the likes of which we have not seen in a long time. We have had a relatively large amount of snow and night temperatures have dropped to -14C.
We are grateful to God that there is still a great interest in summer and winter camps among children and young people, mostly from families of unbelieving parents, which is an excellent opportunity to bring the gospel closer to all generations. Many of these children attend the children’s meeting each Saturday and their parents come to special programs that we organise at the hall throughout the year. It was an honour for me, and at the same time a challenge, to give lessons at a youth camp this summer about the journey of the Israelites to the Promised Land, while comparing it to the spiritual life of a Christian nowadays.
Every year we organise two regional conferences (in spring and autumn), where we discuss various biblical topics. This time the local brothers served with the Word.
In November, the baptisms of two young people (who are now also engaged) brought much joy. These are children from unbelieving families who were drawn to our Teen Club through Instagram. Addressed by the Word of God and the love of the young people from our assembly, after a year they gave their lives to the Lord and are now a great help in various church activities. Many unbelieving relatives from both sides were present at the baptism and they had the opportunity to experience the joyful atmosphere of believers. We pray that the gospel will prevail in their families.
We ended 2025 with a rich Christmas program in which children from the Children’s Club and young people from the Teen Club were involved. All the seats were occupied, so some of our brothers and sisters had to stand for a whole hour. We were very pleased that parents of children and adolescents who are not yet converted also visited us. The clear message about the birth of the Messiah, the Saviour of the world, penetrated the hearts of these people, who had the opportunity to experience with us the reality of true Christmas and not just customs and traditions.
Every Thursday our doors are open to young people, especially those who study at a grammar school and live in a dormitory, on Friday there is a regular Teen Club and on Saturday there are children’s meetings for children from 6 to 10 years old. We appreciate your prayers, especially for the young workers involved in these activities.
Thank you for praying for us and for God’s work in Serbia.
We have things to thank God for and much to still keep us on our knees. We can’t boast of any great accomplishments, but the Word of God is faithfully proclaimed each Lord’s Day in Clementsvale, and while sometimes there aren’t many unsaved in the audience there are usually a few who come, and then some who listen to the messages online. When we remember that one soul is of more value than the whole world, then it is worth all the effort.
Our Sunday School outreach is maybe the most encouraging, although numbers fluctuate and weather sometimes impacts picking them up. One family from another nationality have sent their two children to Sunday School for about two years now. In the past summer the parents came with the children to a few Children’s Meetings in the Tent. Then, they occasionally started to come to Sunday School with the children, when the father doesn’t have to work. Since it’s an open Sunday School they are hearing the Gospel in simple terms and learning the verse with the children, which is good when English is their second language. We have a lunch afterwards which gives an opportunity to get to know the children and adults better. A few weeks ago, this couple asked a lot of good questions and took home a free Bible so please pray for a genuine work of God in their hearts.
A brother in the assembly and his wife (who isn’t saved), sometimes host International High School students. About two years ago, one young fellow from Spain came, and was interested to attend the meetings quite often. Part way through his school year he professed to be saved. There definitely seems to be reality there, but his parents are sceptical about allowing him to meet with other Christians. However, brother David Turkington from France (who is closer to him than some other workers in Spain), was given his contact information before he left Nova Scotia and he keeps in touch with him and encourages him. His parents seem to be caring people so please pray that they might see a change in their boy and be won to the Saviour too.
This past semester one girl from France came to a Remembrance Meeting and a Gospel Meeting. Another two girls from South Korea ended up being hosted for a few months. They came to a couple of meetings but had to go home this week. They cried when they had to leave and said that they would like to come back again. I think they got a Bible too. We can pray for blessing that might run over the walls. Also that David’s wife, who has been long prayed for, will soon be saved.
There have been some disappointments as well. Some who professed to be saved and showed promise, don’t come anymore, and some who did run well got discouraged and haven’t been out for a while.
My neighbour for whom I had requested prayer, is doing a little better since her latest surgery. She is starting to walk again after almost two years since her accident. Unfortunately, none from that family came to any of our tent meetings, but she is open to having a few Scripture verses read to her when I visit, and occasionally I play a short Gospel message or Testimony from Gospel Hall Audio to her on my phone. We are weak but God is mighty!
C. 1981
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 January 2026. Total: £963,051.73