Look on the Fields: May 2024

Look on the Fields

The Gaborone Assembly held its annual report meeting recently, the first since the pandemic.

We were able to look back and thank God for His many blessings and preservation in the past months. Although most normal assembly activities have resumed, our midweek meetings are now smaller than before. Those who would have attended well in the past are now facing extreme pressure in their employment, often finishing work late at night. Jobs are scarce and a change of employment is often uncertain. We continue to pray for these dear believers and seek to encourage them to keep close to the Lord even in their challenging situation.

On a more positive note, we are rejoicing in further blessing in salvation and a clear interest on the part of others. A few weeks ago a lady who has been attending the gospel meeting regularly with her two children made a clear profession of faith in Christ. Another lady has expressed her desire to get to know God and Hazel was able to meet with her privately. She is not yet clear as to her need as a sinner, but she is certainly seeking. We are cheered to know that the Saviour, the only way to the Father, is also seeking for her. Please pray for her salvation.

The work amongst the boys and girls is a delight. Joy has been asked to visit another school close to her home. She already knows quite a few of the children from her own Sunday School work and is looking forward to seeing them again. One of the young brethren has been exercised to help teach the children on a Saturday morning in a village on the outskirts of Gaborone. A sister called Rosemary who lives in Rasesa village has resumed teaching a group of boys and girls using her own home. The regular work in the more distant villages of Mochudi and Kopong requires considerable travel. The two-hour round trip never seems a burden. We return home rejoicing at the open doors and eager listeners. We long to see them saved.

The Easter conference in Serowe went well, even though our friend and brother Dan Gillies had to cancel his planned visit at the last minute because of the illness and subsequent homecall of his mother-in-law. We value such dear brethren who over the years have made the long journey here to help us. It is always refreshing to hear a different voice and to have overseas brethren confirm the truths we have sought to teach and practice here over many years.

C. 1982

CLARK & HAZEL LOGAN 8/4/24

ZAMBIA Chitokoloki

Life has been a bit unsettled for us recently as my mum aged 95 has been in hospital for several weeks. We arrived back in Zambia in early February.

New Chitokoloki Building

Coming through Lusaka I spoke in the gospel at the Avondale English speaking assembly. It was encouraging that the young brother who opened the meeting was from Chitokoloki and now studying in Lusaka. It was good to see him progressing in the things of the Lord. There are a number of such young believers from rural areas who go to Lusaka for higher education. Please remember in prayer the ministry of the assembly saints to such, that they might grow in their faith.

Back at Chitokoloki we thank God that our new hospital ward and clinic building are nearing completion. The picture shows the building from the front. For many years the hospital ward floors have been carpeted with mattresses and we hope the new buildings will help relieve some of the patient congestion.

We thank God also for the continued proclamation of the gospel throughout the hospital whether by personal visitation or over the intercom system or by preaching on the wards. It is common to find 30 to 40 patients sitting outside a clinic reading gospel tracts given to them by our sister Rhoda who is working in the clinic.

Around 1750 surgical procedures were carried out last year. Pray for Dr Chibwe who has a heavy surgical workload both night and day which he combines with gospel preaching throughout the hospital and with ministry in the assembly. Many interventions are lifesaving such as recently when a man bitten by a deadly snake was given 7 vials of antivenom to ensure he continued breathing. Sometimes even in the midst of tragedy it is wonderful to see the strength of faith shining through the sorrow. A little child recently died and the grandmother showed the triumph of her faith as she softly sang “Till we Meet” as she stood by the mother and the child.

The hospital work is blessed by the large amount of supplies that are sent to us by the Lord's people at home. A container arrived recently from Northern Ireland full of boxes of medical supplies and items for the new building. There are now around 4 such containers each year from Northern Ireland and we are thankful for the many brethren and sisters involved in this work. The picture shows some of the material just arrived for the ceilings of the new building.

Some brethren borrowed our car and travelled out to three peripheral assemblies some 20-30 miles away. It was encouraging that there was a profession of faith at one of the gospel meetings they had.

Supplies inside new building

I am hoping to visit Mulongo in Congo in the coming weeks, Lord willing, to try and get some medical equipment installed at the hospital and to encourage the believers there. We would hope to be able to fly there with the small Cessna of Flying Mission Zambia and we would value prayer that in the will of the Lord this might prove possible. Our brother Mark Grattan who serves the Lord in Lusaka and who helps service the plane is hoping that he may be able to accompany us. We had a lovely visit a few days ago from our brother and sister Josh and Kerri Kaye who serve the Lord at Katoka in Congo. It was good to discuss something of the many challenges facing the assemblies in DRC. There is a great need everywhere for sound biblical teaching. Pray that the Lord might raise up able brethren especially with a knowledge of French to minister His Word to the believers and pray that hearts might be receptive and obedient to the Word of God.

My mum’s condition deteriorated, and I returned back home a few days ago to be with her. We value your continued intercession for us and for all the work in Central Africa.

C. 1991 DAVID & LORRAINE McADAM

14/3/24

Friday 3rd SCOTLAND Bridge of Weir

1 Chron 12-14

The Primary School work continues from Overtown Gospel Hall in Lanarkshire. Since 2007 Jimmie Johnston and John Lannigan have organised and participated in school visits in their locality. Gordon McCracken and myself have been involved since the beginning with each of us spending two blocks of time a year visiting the same schools. The heavy lifting of organising the visits and maintaining good relationships with the schools rests with the men from Overtown. Gordon and I speak at the school assemblies and classroom lessons.

What began with opportunities to speak to a few school assemblies near Overtown has developed over the years into speaking to the older children in their Primary school classes, as well as the whole school when they come together for their assembly. We usually have 2 or 3 schools a day and up until recently Jimmie and John came with us into the schools. Post covid, we go ourselves, but still depend upon the Overtown men to organise the visits.

I am due to be with the schools during the month of April and would appreciate prayer for the children and teachers who will hear the stories of the Gospel in the school assembly and be introduced to a more detailed look at the Gospel in the classrooms.

STEPHEN & SHARON GRANT 25/3/24

AUSTRALIA

We praise the name of our God that we have the light of His Word in such a dark world. When all around us, truth is allegedly malleable to an individual’s will, it is good to be sure “Thy Word is Truth”. It is through this that we are sanctified in this ungodly world, that we are found in oneness, and Christ in us.

This world is in such desperate need of the Truth that sets free. It is then a great joy to know the fellowship of God’s people in making it known.  Together, with one voice, “we preach Christ crucified”.

Currently we are in Perth, Western Australia, in Gospel meetings at Balcatta Gospel Hall along with our brother Len Walker from Queensland. The assembly here has ‘doorknocked’ several thousand houses, giving invitations to the meetings before we arrived, which is a great help. We also have a few contacts to follow up on as well. We appreciate your prayers. On Good Friday, God willing, the assembly at Balcatta has ministry and Gospel. After I leave, brother Len continues at the Victoria Park Assembly with several ministry meetings.

After Easter we are over in Bayswater, with the Gospel meetings and the Bible Exhibition. Our brother, Paul Chapman, plans to help for the first few days, after which local brothers will share with me in the Gospel.

In South Australia, we have been encouraged to have had more visitors to the regular Gospel meetings. Some of these may be saved; some are not. All of them have a religious background, so we need much wisdom and discernment. Please pray for Gary, Debbie and Taryn who have a Coonyite type background. Whilst very conservative and religious, as far as we can ascertain they are in error regarding the person of Christ and the way of salvation. Pray for Pete who we met when door-knocking. His father is a minister of religion. He came along to the Gospel meeting but is deceived.   We also mention Robbie, and Ronnie and his wife Mandy.

Our mid-week bible study with local believers continues. We have had a little boost with the return of Jack with Keila and Oakie. Jack is a good help in the Bible Study. We now have around 16 who attend the study. Currently we are in Luke’s Gospel. Please pray that the Lord will bind these dear saints around the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and that a little assembly will be established to His eternal Glory.

We are keenly aware of your prayers, and often know the comfort of them. Please, do not cease to pray for us! C.

Sunday 5th

SCOTLAND Orkney

We have just finished our first week of holiday club and it was a great success. We are delighted that many new contacts and some parents were happy to come along. Over the week we had 35 children attend, and each day some parents stayed for the meeting part too. Some of these parents were asking about further services and children’s meetings. Keep praying for all who heard.

Since we moved to Orkney at the end of 2023 we have been trying to make as may contacts as possible, both within the education system and without. Things have opened up within some of the schools and so far, 6 establishments have asked me to write a RE curriculum plan and deliver this to all the school. This is very time consuming, but wonderful to have so much liberty to speak about the scriptures in school. We are also able to take part in monthly school assemblies for many of the schools and there is a lot of scope to increase this. There are further involvements with parent council groups in primary and secondary settings, along with community council groups.

Next week I have a meeting in one of the secondary schools looking to set up a SU group. A ‘Mothers and Toddlers’ group has been a great success. Starting from nothing we are now up to 20 children with their carer/parents. A community lunch has commenced and is gathering a good number each time.

Outreach wise, we plan to hold monthly gospel meetings and children’s meetings in different community centres and a few holiday clubs through the year. This will commence with ‘after school bible clubs’ this month, leading to a week of Easter holiday bible club. We’re looking forward to having a regular Gospel outreach on the South of the Island and look to the Lord to bless the work there. Next week we will head to Wick for a week of holiday club. This has built up over the past few years and we get up to 80 children attending each day. Once again, your prayerful support would be appreciated as we commence so many new aspects of the work up here. GRAEME

Map of the Orkney Islands

SCOTLAND Ayrshire

A few weeks ago, Morgan contacted me asking if I would take her mother’s funeral. She used to come to meetings with her mum, Michelle, many years ago. Her mum was sadly a drug addict. Neither Morgan nor her mum would have made any profession of faith in Christ, but Morgan said she felt her mum would have liked me to take the service and for it to be in the hall. One of our local sisters (Anna) had been faithful in visiting Michelle for many years and recently gave her a Bible. Morgan sent me some photos of the Bible that Anna had given her mother. She had put pieces of paper in two places and wrote two references, the first was Genesis 6.3 and the other Psalm 90.10. Both verses speak of death! Praying, that she yielded to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and trusted the Saviour even in her final days on earth. We really marvel at the way the Lord, over the years, has allowed us to minister His love into so many folks in the community around us.

We are kept busy with two food banks each week where we get the opportunity to preach the Gospel to between 25-30 folks who all listen well, with some showing a real interest. A number have attended our regular Gospel meeting as a result of being contacted via the food banks. Presently we are serving around 40 individuals/families through this work on a weekly basis. It demands a lot of time and energy. We are grateful for the help of John Leitch from the assembly, who comes to Glasgow with me every Wednesday to collect food and help unload at Auchinleck. It is heavy work!! John is 80 this year and has a few health issues. His wife Mary helps on Thursdays at the food bank in Auchinleck, but she has recently had an operation and may be out of commission for a time as she undergoes chemotherapy treatment.

I hold a meeting in Muirkirk on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays of each month. It is held in the same premises as we hold the food bank. Over the years I have built up several contacts there and many came to a series of meetings I had there last year. There are several believers in the village going to various churches or to no church at all. The meetings combine Bible teaching with a gospel application.  Please pray for Muirkirk! The first time I preached the Gospel outside my home assembly was in the Gospel Hall in Muirkirk, which sadly closed many years ago.

Drug addiction is rife in our community and was the cause of recent riots in the village, which hit the national news!! The locals were trying to drive out crack cocaine dealers. Sadly, as expected, the ones driven out were quickly replaced. I have been praying about having a weekly meeting aimed at people struggling with addiction. A good number of the folks who come to the Auchinleck food bank would be drug addicts. Many of them Mary and I have known for years.

As an assembly we have a list of around 50 folks from the community that we pray for regularly. These are people who have shown an interest in the things of the Lord to a greater or lesser extent. At times some of them appeared to be very close to salvation while others previously walked with the Lord but have sadly fallen by the wayside. We sow seed in anticipation of the harvest.

A few weeks ago, Zak, one of our grandsons was baptised. This was a big encouragement, and we are praying this speaks to his siblings. Zak is in the army and presently based at

Catterick. Last year a young woman (Ashley) was saved and baptised and is really going on for God. All her family were present at her baptism, and some have subsequently attended our Gospel meetings, especially her father who was present again yesterday.

The prayers of the Lord’s people are appreciated, and needed, as we continue to serve Him, particularly around Auchinleck and Muirkirk.

IAN & MARY ROBERTSON

Tuesday 7th

BRAZIL

14/3/24

Lagoa Dourada

Last week we had the baptism of a sister Adilma. The husband Erivaldo had been saved some years ago. The family moved to our area a few years back and we contacted them. After some visits they started attending meetings every fortnight due to the distance they lived from the hall. She got saved during a Breaking of Bread meeting. After some time, they showed a desire to be in fellowship. They got married last year and after studying the Bible with them for some time, showing them the privileges and responsibilities of being in assembly fellowship, she was baptised last Saturday and on Lord’s Day, they were received into assembly fellowship. They have five children Sara 14, Isabela 13, João Marcos 8, Emily 3 and Estevão 3 months old.

The radio program continues. It is now seven years since it started, and we know of a number of people that listen to the radio program that would not feel at ease coming to the hall. The gospel messages are now being recorded and we send them out to several people we have contact with. Quite a few acknowledge receipt, and this has opened doors for talks and visits. We pray this may bear fruit, namely the salvation of souls.

The fortnightly Gospel meetings at the village of Diamante continues and we would appreciate prayer for this effort.

We would appreciate prayer for the many brothers and sisters in the assembly that have unsaved partners. Some of them face difficulties we will never fully understand. One sister Marineusa, asked for prayer to know how to act. She lives in the rural area and her husband is making it difficult for her to come to meetings. When she manages to come, she walks a few miles to get to the hall, and when she returns, he leaves all the lights off to make it more difficult for her to get there. She says she prefers to go by herself and not get a lift for this would cause more problems for her. Another sister, Marli also has a difficult life, and her husband is also verbally abusive calling her names we would not have the courage to repeat. Due to this, her son and daughter both in their early 20’s are very insecure, and her son says he would like to go to sleep and never wake up. He has said to his mother he does not take his life because he knows she would suffer a lot if he did this.

Wednesday 8th

ZAMBIA Loloma

We arrived in Lusaka on the 6th of March with over 600 lbs (270 kgs) of luggage, much of which to further the work both in Namibia and Zambia. We had a most enjoyable time with friends and family in Canada, USA and England. With the drought that Zambia has had this season we had clear roads from Lusaka to Loloma for the most part, with no mud pits or ruts to deal with.

Zambia depends primarily on its own hydro plants for power. With the low water levels in the rivers, the government has implemented ‘load shedding’. We had two weeks of 16 hours each without power (divided into two sessions of 8 hrs each). Starting this week, we will be without power for eight hours each and every day, bringing the weekly total to 56 hrs. This has a huge effect on the mission and the hospital. The primary problem for us is that we are dependent on one borehole for water, meaning no electricity quickly equals no water for both the hospital and mission. Under normal circumstances we have a backup generator to refill the water tank whenever needed. Unfortunately it is currently out of commission awaiting a new part from Northern Ireland. Please pray that it reaches us soon.

We have been able to communicate with Ericsson in Namibia and finished translating the two roads, two destinies chart into Oshikwanyama, which was printed on a banner and ready to use for the gospel meetings soon to be held in May. The outreach will see us working in four different areas. First; Osire is a small refugee camp where the majority of the population are Congolese people. We have been there once before and French or Swahili are the primary languages spoken. A UK missionary couple, Josh and Keri Kaye, who have been working in Congo for several years, are willing to give us a hand in Namibia. With the help of Josh there, we hope to have gospel meetings in French and distribute gospel tracts in the local language. The population of the camp is about 7,000 people with approximately 3,000 of those being school aged children. Otjiwarongo has a population of around 49,000 with two large shanty towns. The plan is to sow seed in the area. It is diverse in the tribes that have settled there. Nama, Herero, Afrikaans, Portuguese and Oshikwanyama are the main languages that we have in tracts for this area. There are fewer people in Otjiwarongo that are fluent in English, so that will be an added challenge. From Otjiwarango we will head west, back to Swakopmund, to be with Ericsson to once again preach in his area and hopefully be an encouragement to him as well. Ericsson has taken time off in the first part of June and will be traveling north with us to share the Gospel in his home village. A couple of young Zambian brethren, Wana and Clement, are working on plans to join us in the north as well. Please pray that they will be able to join us there. These young men have already developed a relationship with Ericsson through text and phone calls, including Bible studies together. It would be an encouragement and blessing to all involved if we could be together in person for the outreach of the Gospel. We would appreciate your prayers for all those who will be involved in the Gospel outreach in Namibia.

In addition to those mentioned above there will be a small group joining us from Vancouver and possibly some from South Africa for part of the outreach. Joel also plans to travel here to Loloma from Angola to accompany us for the entire trip.

It was a great privilege to take the Good Friday annual conference in Litoya. Many assemblies were in attendance such as Chongo, Katombi, Kambalulu, Chifuwe and Litoya. It was a wonderful time with the believers, and we pray it was an encouraging time learning from God’s Word.

We have a plan in two weeks to take a trip up to Kamapanda which is about eight hours away mostly because of very poor roads. We will camp in the local village and preach the gospel in the area. Stephanie and I would like to once again thank you for your prayers. We are moving a lot and safety on the roads is a big prayer need. All the different outreaches that we will be engaged in we ask for prayer for true repentance and turning in faith to our Lord Jesus Christ.

C. 2021 (USA)

STEPHEN & STEPHANIE ANDERSON 2/4/24

Thursday 9th

PERU Lima

We have been encouraged that a new family has started to attend our Sunday evening Gospel Meeting. Señora Pilar was very reluctant to have any contact with us when we first visited the soup kitchen in Alto Priale a couple of years ago. After a few months, she asked us for a Bible and 2 months ago started to attend the meetings. Her son and teenage daughter have been with her for the last few weeks. She listens intently to the message and we long to hear good news of her salvation. A number of other neighbours come and listen well, and many neighbours also listen at the open-air meeting on Sunday evenings. Our new megaphone reverbs right up the valley and can be heard for a wide distance, there are no noise regulations in Perú!

At present we are also looking at a possible site to build a hall. The present building that we rent is in poor condition and we feel it is no longer worth making repairs to it. We have found a site which is close to our present location and has great potential as the area becomes more populous. There has been a huge influx of new people taking over the higher parts of the dusty foothills of the Andes in the district. Land trafficking is a huge problem here in Perú, with gangs taking over land illegally and then selling it on without having the right to do so. I hope to meet with the owner of the land and will then need to verify that the land is legally registered with the Government. Please pray for wisdom and help in this matter. We are sure that if it is the Lord’s will, He will open the way for us.

In February I made a very short trip to the UK to attend a funeral. Michelle unfortunately must travel to Wales, as her father is seriously ill. Please pray for him as he is not saved. It is a big burden for her, and we pray continuously that He will seek the Lord while He may be found. Our oldest son John is accompanying her. We intend to recommence our usual children´s works in April, but at least 2 of them will have to wait until Michelle returns as I cannot access some of the districts without her help. C.

ZAMBIA Chitokoloki

Easter weekend is just past and even though most of the world does not recognise the significance of the events that took place over 2,000 years ago, we thank God for the facts that remain true, unshaken and cannot be erased by some who are trying to rewrite history. Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, did come into the world, lived, showed who He was, yet was rejected and crucified outside of Jerusalem, buried and rose again. “He arose, Hallelujah Christ arose”.

We thank the Lord for the many visitors who have been with us and for all their great help in many ways. From a peak of twenty plus helpers, we are down to four at present, and yet there is still plenty that those with special skills can help us with. The building and renovations continue at the hospital, and we are at the stage where some think it is almost done – but there are still quite a few tasks needing to be done before the finish is reached. Currently a contractor is on site beginning the process of laying down terrazzo floors both in the new section and in the corridors of the older part of hospital. This has meant tearing up the old tiles and preparing the concrete floor throughout the corridors. The next stage after the weekend will be to remove everything from the operating rooms, the entire block of rooms there, and lift the tiles, many which are broken tiles and prepare this area also for new flooring. It is a bit challenging to do all this work and continue the medical care with a hospital full of patients. The hospital is a wonderful opportunity to present the Gospel to so many who come from such great distances. Eternity alone will show the fruits of this labour; our task is to sow the seed. This past month has also necessitated a lot of travelling and more this coming month as well.  During one of the trips, I met a man who claimed to be a “Nigerian prophet” who had come to Zambia for a campaign. He approached me but after a 45-minute discussion with him I am not sure if he regretted it as he had to admit that his position, teaching, and prosperity messages were not backed up by the teachings of the Bible. How sad that people go to hear these men and are deceived by their erroneous messages and bring the true Gospel into disrepute.

C. 1986 (Can)

GORDON & RUTH HANNA 5/4/24

We are encouraged that the Woodside Primary School SU group has seen an increase in attendance, with 26 pupils now attending (normally around 6 for this time of year!). Please pray with us that the pupils will respond to the message of the gospel explained through the Easter story.

The Dyce Academy Senior SU group listened carefully to a video presentation of the Easter story. There were some interesting questions from the pupils about the resurrection. Please pray that the Gospel will begin to make sense to them. The Dyce Academy Junior SU group listened very carefully to a presentation of the Easter story. The girls who attend are becoming more relaxed and we are praying that this will facilitate future discussions. Please pray that they will engage with the study of John’s Gospel proposed for next term. The Inverurie Academy SU group has around 6 unsaved pupils. Please pray for their salvation as we continue to share the Gospel. Please pray for them as we commence the study of John’s Gospel with them also.

We rejoice for the good interest from the few who attended the Newmachar Bible Explorers this year. Please pray for one young lad who is showing an interest and is reading the Bible for himself.

Five schools (190 pupils aged 11) participated in the Bible Alive programme this year. They experienced a broad overview of the Bible, touching on key topics like the 10 Commandments and the significance of Jesus as the Lamb of God and Saviour.

The pupils have been curious, asking questions about heaven and hell, where God comes from, and the idea of eternity. It has been interesting to have these discussions and help them understand these concepts from a Christian viewpoint. After just two sessions, the students are grasping the message. Many understand that the ‘Christian’ God is forgiving and offers second chances. We were especially encouraged by one young lad who is now reading his sister’s Gideons New Testament as a result of attending the sessions. The pupils listened carefully to the message of the cross and resurrection and some pupils who did not believe in God at the start of the programme have now changed their minds and there have been discussions in the school playground! It was encouraging to hear of one young girl who attended the local church with her dad because she wanted to hear more about the Bible!

It was amazing to be able to present the 10 commandments and the story of Zacchaeus to children and parents at the Cullen Gospel Hall Easter Special. Please pray that the “Treasure Keeper” wallets and cards with the 10 commandments will lead young people to Christ.

I would appreciate prayer especially for the “Life Expo” Bible exhibition preparations currently taking place. Please pray that the timetable will run smoothly, that pupils will

be given safety on the buses as they travel, and especially pray that many new schools will attend this year. Please pray for a good interest from the pupils and for the Holy spirit to work in young hearts.

As we prepare to distribute Bibles to primary seven school leavers in May, please pray that the Lord will once again open the school doors and also the hearts of the pupils to allow the entrance of His word. Your prayerful support continues to be very much appreciated as we continue to share the greatest news of eternal hope in Jesus Christ.

GRAEME & FIONA SMITH

Sunday 12th CANADA

28/3/24

Halifax, Nova Scotia

My focus the first half of this year is Bible teaching meetings and conferences. There was a substantial investment of time in preparation for a youth-focused conference in Ottawa in February, on the subject of Spiritual Disciplines. I shared that weekend with David Petterson and was very encouraged by the spiritual engagement noticeable in the lives of younger believers.

In March, I was with the assembly in Windsor, Ontario, for 3 nights on Reflections from the Forties - being a study of 3 men in Scripture who had two sets of 40 days delineated in their lives. And then I was in Toronto for the Langstaff / Lansing conference at Easter with Mike Knox and Jim McMaster.  I’ve also had opportunity to make brief visits to a few Maritime assemblies in PEI, New Brunswick, and here in Nova Scotia. I will next shift my attention to some serious study of John’s 1st epistle. I am joining David Vallance and Mark Sweetnam at the assembly in Saugus (Boston) for their Bible study conference the last weekend of April, at which we will go through 1st John.

Our ESL Bible classes also continue each Tuesday evening and have been very encouraging lately, with a few new students attending from Iran, China, Colombia, and Peru. Some who attend are believers and are getting a good grounding in the basics of the Christian faith. Others are in need of genuine conversion.

C. 2005 (CAN)

MATTHEW & ESTHER CAIN

10/4/24

Chairs delivered to Kayombo

The work of Missionary Container Service Trust, shipping support goods to Zambia, continues as the Lord provides, through the generosity of His people. During 2023 we have been able to accumulate, load and ship four x 40ft ‘high cube’ containers, and already in 2024, we have shipped another in early March. These goods vary from medical supplies and equipment, food and food supplement for malnourished children, to toys for pre-school children, to Gospels of John and, in the August container, over 30,000 ‘2024’ calendars, both in English and in local languages. As the building work at Chitokoloki Mission Hospital has progressed, we have been able to source and ship electrical components and switch gear, as well as internal ceiling and wall cladding.

Another very valuable resource which we were able to ship during 2023 was a large consignment of good second-hand individual stacking chairs which had been provided by a number of assemblies who were upgrading their seating. We allocated these chairs to the assembly-managed Kayombo Boarding Secondary School (pictures supplied) under the watchful distribution of brother Paul Poidevin. The head of the school, Brian Konde, said that the chairs will be such a help in having devotions with the students each morning, as they will be able to have all the nearly 400 students seated in the auditorium, without bringing desks and chairs from all the classrooms. There continues to be an on-going need for more stacking chairs in assembly buildings and in the work amongst young people, as they become available.

Chairs in School assembly hall

Prayer Points:

• The supply of items which are useful to the missionaries in their work for the Lord

• For safety when loading and unloading the containers, and safety on transit

• For ease of passage through Customs and ZRA audits

As Trustees, our prayer is that the Lord will continue to give us the vision to assist, both in a practical and also in a spiritual way, those of His servants who endeavour to show the love of Christ in the spreading of the Word of the truth of the Gospel.

THE TRUSTEES OF MISSIONARY CONTAINER SERVICE TRUST

Tuesday 14th

26/3/24

2 Chron 21-24

ENGLAND Eastbourne

Life has been busy, as usual, with meetings recently in Carmarthen, Blackburn, Caerphilly and Bicester, as well as in assemblies local to us. These have, on the whole, been encouraging meetings. In Carmarthen a number of believers came along to hear teaching on aspects of assembly truth and our prayer is that they will leave their present denominational associations to meet in the Lord’s name alone. It was also encouraging there to see the interest of the young men in the assembly, who not only are truly studying the word but are engaging in the spread of the gospel, not least by way of street preaching. There has been a resurgence of open-air work in west Wales and it would be so encouraging to see fruit for the labours of His people.

There have been encouragements, too, in Caerphilly where some have been truly restored to the Lord and His people and who are engaging in the spread of the gospel. In days of decline this has been good to see.

The conference weekend at Bicester was busy, as always, with a whole lot of meetings and an excellent attendance. The congregations had a significant number of young people, with an excellent interest in the things of the Lord. I was kept busy both on the platform and off it!

IAN & SUE JACKSON

9/4/24

Wednesday 15th BRAZIL

We recently concluded seven weeks gospel meetings in Três Passos in a rented room and were encouraged by some unsaved attending nightly but saddened at the close that no-one professed faith in Christ.  Some of these continue to attend the Lord’s Day evening meeting in the gospel hall and we trust that the Good Seed sown may yet bring forth fruit for the glory of God.  A dear elderly man called Sr Armindo came every night hearing the message of salvation for the first time in his life and is very keen to get to meetings.  A 15-year-old girl also attended and listened well.

We long for a work of God and for the assembly to be encouraged and strengthened.  Some of the saints are old and unwell and not able to be at the meetings anymore and are greatly missed.  Our beloved brother and sister, Sr Arlindo and Dona Vone, are now in their 86th year and have many health issues but are always delighted when we visit.  They lament not being able to get to the morning meeting now and appreciate when we read and pray with them.  Their latest health complication is a mosquito-borne viral disease called dengue.  In this area it is endemic at the present time with varying degrees of severity.

We would also appreciate prayer for regular attenders at Braga and Linha São Paulo where we carry on outreach works.

God willing, the Porto Alegre assembly hold their annual conference on Good Friday.  The Novo Hamburgo assembly also have a conference on May 1 and we look forward to these occasions very much - always a pleasure and a privilege.  However, we feel keenly the absence of our late brother Harry Wilson and dear Tom and Dorothy Matthews who have relocated to N. Ireland.  Our beloved sister Mrs Beth Wilson has been ill and hospitalised recently but is now being cared for at home.

Thursday 16th

ITALY

Naples

As many of you know, Patrizia visits the women’s prison in Pozzuoli every Tuesday to do a craft course followed by a time of Bible study and prayer.  She usually has about 4-5 women a time for a 4-week period before the group is changed, meaning that she loses contact with them.

Patrizia and I have been granted permission to hold a Bible study every other week, which means we can reestablish contact with many of the women that Patrizia has met and share the gospel with them without any time limit.

We have our first meeting today so we would really value your prayerful support as we start this work.

AC. 1995

ALEX & PATRIZIA CATCHPOLE

10/4/24

Friday 17th

SOUTH AFRICA

Since coming to South Africa, the nature of our work has changed dramatically. In Zambia we spent many years reaching young people at Government schools with the Gospel. Also establishing assemblies in the remote parts of the west side of the Zambezi river. We did the same in Malawi and Mozambique for shorter periods.

However, in our senior years we found the heat became too much for us and after much prayer we relocated to the southernmost part of South Africa to a place called Fish Hoek. Naturally the nature of our work changed. First of all, we attended a small assembly and spent time teaching the believers how to do personal witnessing. We would invite a couple to accompany us as we went out with the Gospel so they could see firsthand how to go about reaching people for Christ. My wife Grace then passed on to be with the Lord and I had a heart attack making me less mobile. However, I felt I should just continue on with the work and, although I now need to use a walker to get about, I am still able to visit the beach and the shops here in Fish Hoek witnessing for the Lord. Pakistani’s own many of the shops here and are usually willing to receive Gospel literature. To open up conversations with such people, we have printed wallet size calendars with Gospel verses on the reverse side showing clearly both the need to be saved and how to be saved. Accompanied by believers from the assembly we use these to witness to immigrants from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Senegal, Congo and especially Pakistan.

I also use the internet to teach and encourage evangelists in Malawi and Mozambique. It is very heartening to hear from such men how they are

Cape Town

Ex pupil now a doctor

Crocs ate blind brother shown here shot by ranger

reaching into remote areas with the Gospel. Many from Zambia who were saved when they heard the gospel at school are now also involved in establishing new assemblies and encouraging older ones.

Last week a couple visited two assemblies in the Zambezi district. When they left, the only brother in that small assembly had tears in his eyes as he thanked them for coming to encourage them.

A drought has hit Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia resulting in great hunger. Recently a blind evangelist from Mozambique phoned to tell me that a blind brother dived into a river to get some edible roots to feed his family, but sadly, was taken by a croc. As the Lord enables us to pass on help to the evangelists, suffering believers and others, please pray that we will be given wisdom and discernment.

Much seed is being sown through personal witnessing using the wallet calendars. Pray that the Lord will use His Word to the salvation of souls.

Remember also the online teaching being given to the evangelists.

C.1958 (USA)

DAVID CROUDACE

26/3/24

Saturday 18th SCOTLAND Perth

In December, in a mailshot, thousands of homes in the Strathearn area received an invitation to a Gospel Meeting in Comrie on Christmas Eve. There was an appropriate message with the invitation. Despite the fact that the night turned out to be very wild and windy, over forty outsiders were present to hear the Gospel. That month a secular magazine that is delivered to 6000 homes carried a message from me, and again, the March edition has included a message relating to the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus.

Craig Munro and I preached at the monthly meetings in Kirkcaldy in January and February. A few weeks ago, a couple (mother and son) from Kirkcaldy indicated that they had been saved during the tent meetings in Craig’s garden last summer. We thought that the series had ended without anyone getting saved, but that is three that we have heard of now who didn’t tell us at the time. God is good and we bless Him for every encouragement that He gives. We have rejoiced too to hear that a man who was saved in New Stevenston in May was recently received into fellowship.

This month I have had meetings in Kells and Kilwinning, and God willing I am due soon in Kuala Lumpur for their annual meetings there. These were initiated by Tom Bentley, and this is the fiftieth anniversary of their commencement. Then at the end of April into May I hope to be in Seoul S Korea for some Gospel meetings with a conference tagged on at the end. Prayer is valued.

C. 1972

JACK & LILLIAN HAY

28/3/24

ZAMBIA Writing from the USA

Having spent many years in Zambia, experiencing spring in our northern hemisphere is something that has become very special. Zambia has a hot season, a rainy season, and a cold season, but being a lot closer to the equator does not have a winter season. Therefore seeing the transition from the cold and deadness of winter, into new life everywhere around us is so beautiful. These are ongoing miracles of God every year that so many fail to appreciate.

As many of you will be aware, Joy’s dear mother passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Saviour just over a month ago on the 8th of February. For her last week in this world, she had ongoing seizures, so was in hospital for most of that time. Thankfully the Lord graciously allowed all of her children to be here together for her final hours which she was able to spend in our home. This included some very quick flight arrangements for Martha from Chavuma, Zambia. As a family we rejoice that she has been fully set free from all her challenges and limitations in this world, being now forever with the Lord.

One local encouragement that the Lord has given us is in the different children’s programs we are blessed to be involved in. Joy teaches at an after-school club that is held in the home of a couple in the assembly each Monday. Then there are two release time programs on Tuesday, where with parental permission we are allowed to take children out of school for one hour, in order to give them Bible lessons. The typical number of children currently attending these different programs is 22 for which we thank the Lord. It is a joy and privilege to spend time with them, sharing the wonder of God’s love and His salvation.

Our children have adjusted well to the US, and most importantly the local assembly here in York has become their spiritual home. David successfully completed his course in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) at the end of last year. In addition to his work, he now helps for 2 evenings each week as a teachers assistant at the same technical college he qualified from, which he really enjoys. Daniel continues to develop practical skills working for someone who does general house maintenance. God willing, Kara will complete her high school education in May this year and has been accepted at the local community college to study nursing. We continue to pray daily for each of them, thankful for what the Lord has done so far in their lives.

Following recent communication with the Lord’s people in the Loloma area of Zambia, here are a couple of items in relation to the Lord’s work there.

Monday afternoon club

Thanksgiving:

• At the mission hospital, the new male ward is about to open after much hard work.

• Renovations are soon to begin in the X-ray department to allow for the fitment of a new machine.

• At the Kayombo assembly-managed boarding school, the number of students has increased to 460 this year, being grade 8-12.

For prayer:

• There has been a major lack of rain during this rainy season. This will result in a poor harvest and so hunger later in the year for many of the local people.

• The Lord to use His living Word as it is presented daily in the hospital, and each week on the community radio and in village work.

• The many opportunities at the Samafunda camp & conference centre this year. Thank you so much for your prayerful support for the work that the Lord is doing in Zambia, and also for ourselves here in the US. C.

Monday 20th

BRAZIL

Writing from N Ireland

Elen and I arrived in N. Ireland in February, and hope to stay till the 25th of April, God willing. It’s seven years since we were over, so it’s nice to see family and brethren again. We value your prayers for a young man (José) who has recently shown a renewed desire to hear the Gospel and has been out at the Gospel meeting for a few Lord’s day evenings in Pirassununga. His wife accompanies him to the meetings. His foster brother is in the assembly here, and José knows the Gospel well, but is still not saved.

In the neighbouring town of Aguaí, we were encouraged to see a family returning to the meetings. We first had contact with them 10 years ago, when they heard the Gospel and showed good interest. Then the father was arrested (and died in prison), and they drifted away from the meetings. In the last week, five members of the family have been coming to the meeting, and telling the brethren how they are grateful for all they heard in the past, and how they desire to hear the Gospel again. Maybe now will be a time of reaping in this family.

Please pray also for:

• The literature work;

• The various small, isolated assemblies scattered over the interior of Brazil who have little contact with other believers, and;

• The short daily meditations sent through WhatsApp since March of 2020 to almost 600 believers.

Thank you for your prayerful interest in the Lord’s work in Brazil.

Tuesday 21st

During March, Gordon McCracken brought his B-I-B-L-E (Brilliant Interactive Bible Learning Experience) to Skelmanthorpe for a week and it was a joy for local saints to labour alongside him in this work. Eight of the schools I regularly visit to conduct assembly sent classes along with around 400 children passing through the exhibition during the week. Good attention was shown by the children to the things they were taught, proved by the scores they obtained in the quiz that followed each section of learning.

The exhibition was then open to the general public from 3.30 to 8pm for four days and whilst relatively few complete strangers came to view it, there were good opportunities to share the gospel with existing contacts who came along. It was also encouraging that three children who visited with their school during the day then came back and brought adults with them. We look to the Lord to speak to needy hearts and save them for His glory.

In the will of the Lord, I hope to be in Risedale, Barrowin-Furness for their Good Friday Family Service and three nights of ministry and then once the school holidays are over the plan is to make another round of school assembly visits, including all those who came to the B-I-B-L-E.  Consecutive ministry sessions in Winshill and Skelmanthorpe have recently been concluded, and in May I hope to have a series in Wythenshawe, Manchester each Wednesday evening for the month as well as lots of individual meetings. Prayer is valued for the ongoing work of the Lord, and also in relation to Gillian’s health, which continues to be very unstable.

Wednesday 22nd

FRANCE Bellerive-Sur-Allier

First visit to Égletons

In January, we spent a Sunday with the small group of believers in this town of about 4,000 inhabitants, in the Corrèze area. It was a great encouragement to see that, after a difficult start, with ups and downs, a warm and welcoming fellowship of around 40 has been established.

There is a lot of church-planting going on in France, but very rarely outside the big cities and their suburbs. This means that there are large rural areas with little or no Gospel witness. As you know, the Lord has laid on our hearts to do what we can to encourage and strengthen the small groups of Christians scattered across the Massif central area. So, it is heart-warming to visit a recent work which has taken root and is growing. Please pray for this fellowship.

Family corner

Our family is widely scattered, between southwest France, the Midlands of England and the French-speaking part of Switzerland. We are grateful to be able to fit in occasional visits to try to keep up with our eight rapidly growing grandchildren. We recommend them all to your prayers.

Planned visits

In March, we will visit the assembly in Moulins (an hour’s drive from home). There are plans there to enlarge the building, particularly to accommodate all the children coming to Sunday school.

April 6-7, we plan to visit Figeac. Patrick, who moved there recently, is a great help to Pascal, who has been carrying a heavy load for a long time. We are encouraged that they are working well together in this small assembly. They have an unusual number of people in difficult situations.

May 5, a gathering of four or five small local assemblies in the Lozère area is being organised. Bob will speak in the morning. The theme of his message will be taken up in discussion groups in the afternoon. Then there will be a time for the sharing of news and praying together.

May 11-12, le Chambon-sur-Lignon.

June 16, Saint-Yorre.

Your continued prayer for the Lord’s work in France is really appreciated.

C. 1976

Thursday 23rd

ARGENTINA Parana

The day after arrival back in Argentina in November I was back into long hours of preparation for a teaching weekend in Buenos Aires. After a very exhausting three days, I finished the weekend with the last of the year traditional monthly Monday night teaching meetings for elders and their wives. It is held in Argentina´s oldest assembly, begun 134 years ago by the first two assembly missionaries from UK as a Tent Campaign on the same site. It now has capacity for 300 and was full.

After help given at these venues it is good to be back to Argentina´s Northeast ‘Mission Field’. On Sunday 3rd December our Hall and facilities in Paraná were loaned to the North Side assembly which Heber and Fiona saw established, and which seven years ago was the first of three harmonious separations from the first assembly in Parana that my late wife Betty and I were privileged to help commence. They have seen great blessing in the past two years, and fifteen gave testimony in baptism. It was my privilege to preach the gospel to a packed hall.

On January 6th we supported the third assembly formed in the city by brethren I baptized over 20 years ago. The assembly experienced great joy as six believers were baptized.

The most recent outreach in the village of Antonio Tomás, where Heber and Fiona began evangelizing about a year ago with a small enthusiastic group from their assembly, was the scene of the first baptisms ever held there, when four of the first fruits were baptized. Again, I preached the Gospel. More recently, with the support of more mature believers from the North Side assembly (Heber and Fiona´s home assembly), and our own assembly, they have begun Breaking Bread each Lord´s day.

Undoubtedly, the Lord is at work by the Holy Spirit. In the history of the assemblies we have seen begun, we have never had twenty-five baptized in three months.

An all-day retreat for missionaries, elders and their wives from this Province is planned for the first of May which is a national Holiday. Like the first, held before the pandemic, we will enjoy the fellowship and hear reports of the different assembly activities. Distances tend to isolate each assembly. Despite that, we hope to stimulate more inter-assembly fellowship in Gospel effort and the use of gifts raised up to edify and enrich the Lord´s people.

Tomorrow our assembly will meet at 5 pm for prayer until 6 pm. Then from 6 -8pm with as many assembly members as possible, we will cover an area door-to-door which is several streets away but within walking distance of the Hall, returning to the Hall for our usual Tuesday prayer meeting. Although fairly near, living standards are very much lower, families are bigger and the need greater.

C. 1974

JIM BURNETT

TANZANIA

We are delighted to report that Mama Ivan has trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Saviour, Praise the Lord! What’s more, when she approached us asking for help with the family’s room rent, we said we would help, but asked her husband to attend the gospel meeting for a few weeks to hear the gospel. She thought he wouldn’t, but the next week he did and listened intently to the gospel message. Giving up the desperately needed opportunity for work on a Sunday, each week he told us that the message had touched his heart, creating turmoil as he considered the brevity of life and the path he was walking. We are thrilled to tell you that after weekly conversations, directing him to the Scriptures and giving him Ultimate Questions to read, two Sundays ago he told us of his assurance of salvation having trusted Christ as Saviour, and the peace which he now had in his heart. Mama Ivan had already asked for baptism, and we’d planned it for Easter Sunday. Last week, when Baba Ivan told us of his conversion, and then asked if there was anything to stop him from also being baptised, we answered like Philip, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ He had believed, so he and his wife were baptised on Sunday, and it was a very happy occasion. Wonderful to see the Lord working in the hearts and lives of seeking souls. We pray that they will continue to go on their way rejoicing!

Thursday Kids’ Club has been ‘on hold’ since a visit, 3 weeks ago, from the Police Gender Desk. They had received complaints from some schoolteachers that our activities were supportive of the ‘Pride movement’ –they had seen a picture of a rainbow in one of the books we sometimes give out as a prize. In their ignorance, they had ‘confused’ the sign of God’s promise of grace and mercy in the sky for a godless movement hijacking such a symbol. Our meeting with the Inspector, who wanted us to continue, was positive as it also highlighted that, although years ago we

had received verbal permission to teach in the police housing area, now we needed an official permit. It’s taken a couple of meetings, a few letters, and agreeing to start at 5pm rather than 4pm (to avoid children skipping their last school lessons to attend Kids’ Club!) to be granted a permit, which we should receive this week from the District Commanding Officer. Although rather unsettling, this experience has strengthened our position to be on the police land.

Friday Kids’ Club has continued uninterrupted, and we have finished teaching them the memory verses. We’ll give them a couple of weeks to revise them before offering the chance to say them for a prize. All 427 children took home an Easter present last Friday.

The WWT children are now on their Easter holiday. They have had a brilliant term and capped it with a lovely assembly for their parents. They sang and recited so well to the delight of the 50 parents who attended. We cherish these opportunities of sharing the gospel message and pray that the news they heard may linger in their hearts. Each parent received a pen with 1Timothy 1:15 printed on it, together with a keyring of 5 coloured beads and a leaflet, sharing the meaning of each colour with the essentials of the gospel. Before the end of term each child was given a mosquito net, and the poorest of them received finger millet flour to help them over the holiday. All the children look healthy and the near 100% attendance for the term (for which the children received plastic bowls as a reward) highlights the importance of the multivitamins they receive daily.

At the beginning of February, we started building homes for Mama Alfani and Mama Hemedi (believers in the assembly, single mums, each with 4 children) on their adjacent plots. Festo, our builder, and his team have pushed things on, and dodging the rains, have now reached roof level. The tin roof should be put on this week, after which ceiling boards, plastering inside and out, followed by decoration, and tiling of the bathroom will follow. We’re aiming to get them moved in before we head back to the UK for our 4-month furlough at the end of May.

We pray that you will be encouraged by what you have read and will continue to pray for the Lord’s work here in Dar es Salaam.

Saturday 25th

MEXICO Cancun Qta. Roo

After the Seed Sower distribution at the end of December, the assembly commenced a series of Gospel meetings. During the series, Timothy Turkington and David Cadenas preached, along with the help of Miguel Mosquera (Monterrey, Mexico) for the first week and then Shad Kember (Marion, Iowa) came to help for the rest of the month. There were various home visits made with those who were interested in the gospel message. The Lord blessed in salvation and eight people professed to be saved during the month of January. It was a very uplifting time for the believers here.

We were encouraged with the visit and help from Sandy Higgins and Paul Thiessen during the first week of February. Brother Paul spoke in the Gospel and then translated for brother Higgins in ministry, who taught from the last chapters of Romans. An encouraging number attended, both saved and unsaved, as well as new contacts of a recently saved couple. We were happy that Eleonor Mosquera (Hermosillo, Mexico) was able to come and be with us for the week, as well.

In February, it was an encouragement for the assembly to receive into fellowship Johan and Marian, a couple that were saved during the pandemic and baptized in November. The assembly enjoyed the visit of Edward & Aligda

Thomson of Victoria Drive, Vancouver,

Gospel Meetings

Visit from Dr Higgins & Paul & Barb Thiessen

on January 28th. Our brother helped in Ministry in the morning and Gospel in the evening.

Sunday 26th CYPRUS Limassol

We have recently commenced a number of Bible studies. These are designed to be of help to both the assembly and some individuals who have asked for assistance in maturing in their Christian walk. We have also commenced a nine-week Bible teaching series with the assembly on Tuesday nights.

In February we had a Bible study weekend in the mountains with about 18 young adults, some of whom work at the school and others who are former pupils. Please pray that all who attended were encouraged, strengthened, and continuing to grow as believers.

Last month we took a number of classes in the secondary school, looking at some of the major struggles teenagers face. It was such a privilege to have the freedom to speak openly in the classroom on the Biblical viewpoint on such matters and to show the beauty and practical wisdom of God’s Word to the students.

At the end of March about 40 pupils from the senior school will be spending a weekend away together. This will be a very diverse group, in terms of spiritual needs and cultural and religious backgrounds. Pray for Paul from Germany, a former teacher, who will teach the Word. Please keep Logos School in prayer. The need for new teachers in September 2024 is ever increasingly urgent. Alongside this there are major decisions and investments that need to be made in order to allow the school to develop efficiently in the future and to keep within all the increasing legal parameters.

C. 2003

17/3/24

C. 2013 (Ven)

TIMOTHY & AMY TURKINGTON 18/3/24 Blessing in salvation Assembly Reception

MICHAEL & SHIRLEY McKILLEN

Monday 27th

FRANCE Rambouillet

As we reflect on the Lord’s work here in Rambouillet, a commuter town southwest of Paris, we praise our Wonderful Lord for how He is working in the hearts of so many.

We have upwards of 30 different nationalities amongst the brothers and sisters who meet with us on the Lord’s Day. This in itself is a huge challenge as we learn to understand, love and help one another. We also have many unsaved friends who come regularly to meetings. So, it is with great joy that we can say that some have trusted the Lord over recent months. Just last week, a young father surrendered his life to the Saviour, after having spent years as a Catholic/Jehovah’s Witness. Just recently too, a lad in his early twenties, who had told us he was a convinced atheist, also gave his life to the Lord.

As you can imagine, life is busy as we seek to spread the Good News of salvation in our area, disciple those who have come to the Lord and help more mature Christians to know and understand the Word of God.

We are particularly encouraged by 2 groups of people who meet once a month to study the Bible together in greater depth. One group is studying the minor prophets this school year and the other group, the fundamental principles of the Bible.

We have been saddened over recent months to have had 2 key brothers in the church very seriously ill; one dear brother, a Bible teacher taken very

Rambouillet assembly premises

Monthly Bible study group

suddenly into the presence of the Lord. Then, 3 weeks ago, Bernard, a much-loved brother fell as he was walking to his car and banged his head on the footpath. He has been in a coma ever since. These sad times however have seen more people proclaim that the Lord is in control and that He remains our loving Heavenly Father.

As we continue to serve the Lord, after 42 years in His service here in France, could we ask you to pray for the following points:-

• Renewed physical strength for us as we both have ongoing health issues.

• That the Lord would raise up more servants with a real pastoral heart to help us with all the many challenges.

• For Bernard, his dear wife and 3 children

• As we reach out to the folk in Rambouillet and the many towns and villages surrounding where there is, for now, no evangelical witness,

• For our dear neighbours in the street where we live, as we share the love of the Lord with them. C.

Tuesday 28th SCOTLAND Ayrshire

Esther 5-10

At the time of writing, I am involved in a gospel series in Galston, Ayrshire. The assembly have worked hard to distribute invitations and I am spending each afternoon visiting door-to-door. Most people seem to have little or no interest in eternal matters, but we have had a few good conversations and are hopeful that some of these folks might keep their promise to attend. It has been good to have the unsaved children of believers present too and it would be great to see them saved.

Before I came to Galston we had been just 8 miles away in Tarbolton with the Origin Bible Exhibition. The whole of the local school came through this, as did a good number of unbelievers. Almost everyone who came through from the village and the rural community did so as a result of personal contacts built up over many years. It was a great encouragement to hear that a man who had been invited, but hadn’t come, was reading the John’s Gospel his son had brought home from the school visit and was discussing the exhibition with another unsaved neighbour who had attended. The assembly at Tarbolton is small, but very focussed on reaching their village with the gospel.

After the conclusion of the meetings at Galston we will go on holiday to Faskally Families Week. When I return from that I am hoping to begin door-to-door work in my own village of New Cumnock, both to gain new contacts as well as to build on the many that the assembly already have established.

14/3/24

Wednesday 29th

MOLDOVA/ ARMENIA Zirnesti

One of the first ministries that we started when we went to Moldova many years ago was the Postal Bible School (PBS). We found the BibleTime lessons, which are in both the Russian and Romanian languages, provided by Bible Education Services in Northern Ireland, wonderful material for teaching children the Bible. Over the years, the PBS work has continued with a fairly stable number of children doing the courses at any one time. However, over the last 12 months, we have been much more actively promoting the courses through the Christmas Festival Gospel Outreach, Step into the Bible Program, and our Summer Camp work. We have been tremendously encouraged to see the number of children participating in the course growing rapidly. What a thrill it is to see children studying God’s Word at home where we know that God can use it to touch their hearts and the hearts of their parents! Due to the cost and unreliability of the Moldova postal system, we approached government schools in the region to ask if we could place a postbox in each school lobby where children could post their completed lessons. Every school we have approached has agreed to this, and this system is now working well. Each week, the workers go out and collect the completed lessons from our postboxes. They are returned to the Bethesda Centre for marking, and then workers take the marked lessons back and distribute them with the next lesson at break time. This also provides a great opportunity to meet and get to know the children doing the courses.

This regular contact with the schools is also very beneficial. Last week a School Director approached us and asked if it would be possible to do some lessons with the children in her school. She said they had asked the local Orthodox Priest if he would come and teach, and he refused. Her request was: please come and teach the children from the Bible!

Please pray for all these children studying the Word at home. Pray that their eyes will be opened as they read God’s Word to understand that they are sinners who need the Lord Jesus as Saviour.

Sister Sevastina from our assembly, a retired school teacher, who helps with the PBS

Conference in Armenia

Recently, we were able to make a visit to Armenia, which is another of the former Soviet states. Our purpose was to hold a Bible Study Conference in the capital Yerevan. We were pleased that around 100 Christians came to study the Word of God, and many good contacts were made. Alexander Kurian, from an assembly in Dallas, Texas, joined with us in conducting studies on the subject: “What does it mean to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus?”

We are now working towards expanding the Postal Bible School work into Armenia as the BibleTime lessons have recently been translated into Eastern Armenian. We are excited about this possibility of sharing the Gospel with children in Armenia and teaching them the Word through the courses. Armenia considers itself to be the first ‘Christian nation’, tracing its Christianity back to 301 AD. Despite this heritage, few know the good news of the Gospel. Again, we ask you to pray for this open door of opportunity that God has opened to us in Armenia.

C. 2004 (Australia) MATTHEW & RUTH HILLIER 4/4/24

Thursday 30th FRANCE Nantes

Thank you for your faithful prayers!

Job 5-7

Last weekend we had two services, one on Friday evening when we read texts from the Gospels narrating the final hours of the Saviour’s life before He went to the cross and finishing with His burial. Then on Easter Sunday we focused more on the joy of the resurrection. We were really pleased at the good number present, especially on Friday, which is not a day or time at which we normally have a meeting. On Sunday we had two baptisms also, which was a bonus for Resurrection Day! One of the people being baptized was a sixteen-year-old, the daughter of a couple who are in the assembly here. She told of her conversion while at the camp centre at St Lunaire. What an encouragement! The other person being baptized was Antoine, who would be around forty. His wife was baptized just over a year ago. His teenage son is also studying the Bible now so let’s pray he too comes through for the Lord soon. It is such a joy to see God’s work in a family, none of whom were converted a year and a half ago. God is good!

In March we held the first meetings in each of the two locations we are hoping to branch out to. We were blessed to be present at both. Around 40 to 45 folks from the Beaujoire

Distributing the lessons to the children

assembly were present in each place, most of whom live closer to either one of the two sites than to the Beaujoire hall. It certainly makes a big difference to be in a smallish space with forty people, as opposed to a typical Sunday at the Beaujoire, where we are now regularly 180. We trust that in the smaller groups, quality fellowship will be easier and that the folks will feel welcomed and comfortable. Most of all, that the Lord will draw His people closer to Himself and also bring others to know Him. This Sunday we will hold the second service at Carquefou, including a fellowship meal afterwards. We are looking to the Lord to guide us, so that we know what to do next.

At the beginning of May, a church weekend away is in the planning. Over one hundred have signed up. We shall be going to a campsite in the Vendée area, which is about one hour south from Nantes. Please pray for all the practical aspects of the organisation, but also for the spiritual impact. The theme will be ‘The family’ and we hope to have meetings and workshops to suit all the various ages and family units represented… children, teens, singles, couples, divorcees. God’s Word is relevant for every stage in life! We ask prayer also for the many conversations which will be held during the course of the weekend. May we all take care of each other and seek to build each other up.

C. 1985/88 GERRY & DOROTHY SEED 5/4/24

Friday 31st

Job 8-10

ENGLAND Lancashire

Food bank work continues, and as people collect food parcels from the hall, we invite them to sit and talk over a coffee and many good conversations have followed. We have seen a family of three adults coming every Lord’s day evening to the Gospel meeting. They are a needy family, but pray with us that God will open their understanding to their deepest need, accepting Christ as Saviour and Lord. We are very thankful to God for a good number of volunteers stepping up to help, which with Christine unable to be physically involved now, is a tremendous help. Four of the volunteers are lost souls, and we ask prayer specifically for Luciana, Jeff and Roy. Also, two dear believers from the assembly volunteer and are a tremendous help.

Our immediate focus is getting ready for open-air work in Cleveleys town centre, and we have purchased a 4-wheel trolley to use on the street which will display texts, tracts and free Bibles. We have found this method of street stand very effective in the past but struggled physically with tables and shelves and getting them to the preaching spot. We have designed a text banner to mount on one side, which will clearly identify who we are. Prayer for guidance about attending a local agricultural show in July and a transport festival street event.

Our daughter Sarah had been hospitalised for over 2 months and has had a rough time health wise over the past year, having severe asthma which is causing breathing difficulties. Consequently, she has had to stop work and is very restricted in what she could do. At the end of last year, she fell down stairs and broke her ankle. We are thankful that this week past, she has been discharged from hospital, but faces a long road to recovery. Your prayers for Sarah will be very much valued.

C. 2010

Charity No. SC008740

Alistair Buchan (Aberdeen)

David Grant (Kilmarnock)

Andrew Grieve (Belfast)

Kevin Oh (London)

Stephen Trimble (Ballykeel)

Raymond McNair (Glengormley)

Alastair Sinclair (Crosshouse)

Gordon Stewart (Wallingford)

Secretary: Leonard Currie (Kinross)