SCOTLAND

During the last two weeks in May, the believers in Holburn Hall, Aberdeen hosted a series of lectures given by Bert Cargill on the important topic of creation. The first week of four lectures focused on the question of origins, demonstrating the many weaknesses in the very popular theory of evolution. Neither the laws of science nor the fossil records support it, but rather point to creation and its great Creator. The four lectures of the second week dealt mainly with the special nature of man, so different from every other creature, and showed how planet Earth is deliberately and uniquely designed for man and to support life. The series had been very well advertised by different means, and each evening brought a mixed audience of 50 to 60 interested listeners of different age groups and with different spiritual backgrounds. The efforts made to organise and deliver these lectures were considered very worthwhile, bringing many into Holburn Hall for the first time. Unbelievers present were challenged as each evening's talk invariably closed with a focused application and presentation of the Gospel. Younger believers, most of whom came every night, had the rather rare opportunity of listening to material which would strengthen their faith, helping them to cope with the vigorous promotion of atheism and evolutionary thinking all around them.

During each of the summer months, the Holburn assembly holds its Gospel Service on one of the Lord's Day afternoons in a seating area of the nearby Duthie Park. Many who are out to enjoy the facilities in the park hear a clear message about the way of salvation, and receive Gospel literature. Much prayer supports all of these efforts to reach out with the Word of God to a needy population.

In a similar situation, for over 40 years now during the months of June, July and August the assembly at Bethany Hall, Gourock have moved their Gospel Service to the bandstand within Gourock Park, where there are lovely gardens with plenty of seating available for the public. Some people join them in the bandstand, but most sit in the adjoining gardens, or in the children's play area, while some just saunter by, but all hear the Gospel and receive Gospel literature. Some interesting conversations have taken place after these services. The prayers of fellow saints would be much appreciated here also.

From 11th - 17th July, a well organised effort is being co-ordinated by a group of believers to bring the Gospel to the many thousands of people who are expected to be in and around Troon, Ayrshire for the 2016 Open Golf Tournament. Large posters will be displayed on trains, at railway stations and by the roadside, thousands of postcard size leaflets are ready to be distributed, and local radio interviews are being arranged. An excellent website www.gospelforscotland.com has been created, and any believers who would like to be involved in this outreach should contact stephenpaulgrant@gmail.co.uk as soon as possible. Pray that the Lord will bless this unique opportunity to bring the Gospel to so many people.

July and August are the main months for Summer Camps with children and teenagers in many parts of Scotland and England. Everyone involved in these camps needs spiritual and physical strength for the great opportunities to reach hundreds of young people with the Word of God. Do pray that all will be kept safe, that those responsible for all the organisation and for the Bible teaching will know God's guidance and help, and that many precious young people will be reached effectively with the Gospel, and encouraged to go in for spiritual and eternal things in a godless and hostile world.

N IRELAND & REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

CO ANTRIM

Ballinaloob: Two weeks of Gospel Meetings were held in Killyrammer Community Centre in connection with the assembly. The principal speakers were L Craig and W Brown, and clear Gospel messages were presented nightly. The meetings were well supported by local Christians, with a few unsaved present, but the overall response from the local community was somewhat disappointing. However, God's saving power was displayed once again. A 12-year old daughter of believers professed faith in Christ on the Saturday night following the meetings.

Ballybollan: R Plant and S Chesney had very well-attended Gospel Meetings in Hillstown Hall during May. There was blessing which encouraged all those concerned, including those from the Clonkeen assembly who gave much-needed support.

Ballymena (Cambridge Avenue): Gospel Meetings commenced on 5th June in a large tent situated in a field on the Old Park Road, Ballymena. Lord's Day 4.30 - 5.15pm and Monday - Friday 8.00 - 9.00pm. Speakers are J Rogers and W Martin.

Buckna: The assembly had a series of Gospel Meetings during April and May, with D Gilliland and D Strahan giving an excellent presentation of the Gospel. The meetings were well attended, and the support of local assembles was appreciated. There was some blessing during the meetings, and it was pleasing to see a few local people attending quite well. It is hoped that their interest will continue.

Bushmills: At the end of April, R Plant was given daily access to a local Primary School to run a Children's Meeting every morning, with the whole school of nearly 90 children present, plus teachers. The attention given was excellent, and the children and staff were very receptive to the things that were taught. Please pray for this effort, and for the many other schools in the area that are visited regularly, that the seed sown will bring fruit unto salvation. (This report was inadvertently included in the reports for Co Cork last month.)

Sandringham: The assembly recently enjoyed an excellent week of ministry with L Craig on 'The Feasts of Jehovah', as seen practically in 1 Corinthians. This fresh look at some typical truths was both informative and challenging as the teaching was applied first to Israel, then to the Lord Himself, and finally to the present day believer. It is rare to hear "things written aforetime for our learning" so ably presented with a relevant message for our times, and the assembly benefited greatly from the nights of ministry. It was good to see our dear brother so well recovered from past illness. He is also expected to join the assembly in August for their annual week of special Children's Meetings in Eden Gospel Hall, DV.

CO DOWN

Ballyhay: I McKee was with the assembly for five nights of practical ministry from Nehemiah chapters 1-7, with good attendance and interest.

Castlewellan: D Gilliland and J Rogers purpose holding Gospel meetings in a portable hall.

Dromore: J Fleck had well-attended and very much appreciated meetings to help new believers and others, on the subject 'Christian Living'. A special meeting was also held, at which four believers were baptised. J Fleck and S Gilfillan were the speakers.

Drumlough: The assembly held their Annual Conference on 18th May. There was a deep sense of the Lord's presence during the Prayer Meeting and the ministry of His Word. The meeting was well attended by believers from a wide area, and profitable ministry was given by A Davidson, B Glendinning, S Wells, B Currie, B Smyth and S Nelson.

Kilkeel: The Gospel Meetings conducted by K Newell and S Nelson continue with local interest.

Mullaghfernaghan: Very good numbers attended the assembly's Annual Conference, and heard very edifying ministry from R Pickering and S Banks.

Newry: M Penfold was with the assembly for one week of much appreciated ministry on the subject of 'The Origins of Truth, Evil, The Universe, Life, Species and Meaning'. Attendance was excellent.

Portavogie, New Road: The Annual Conference was well attended, with very profitable and much-appreciated ministry being given by J Fleck, A Summers, J Paterson and M Radcliffe.

CO TYRONE

Cookstown: Early in May, local saints enjoyed a week of ministry by A Colgan. His subject was 'The Names and Titles of Christ', as found in the Book of Revelation.

Dungannon: Gospel Meetings commenced on 6th June in Milltown Hall with B Glendinning.

Killycurragh: G Woods had a week of ministry on the setting and message from a number of the Minor Prophets, with present practical applications. Numbers were encouraging, with the saints showing a good interest in a not too familiar subject.

BELFAST

Dunmurry: Gospel Meetings have commenced in a portable hall at Seymour Hill with A Steele and T Armstrong.

Derriaghy: The assembly at Derriaghy completed the building of a new Gospel Hall in March of this year. Gospel work began in the area around 1905, and in 1920 an assembly was formed. The believers met initially in the home of one of the founding members and, in 1923, a new timber and metal-clad hall was erected, which stood for 92 years. It was badly in need of replacement, and was demolished in July 2015 to make way for the new building, which is located to the rear of the site. The saints wish to acknowledge the goodness of God to the assembly over many years, and in the provision of the new Hall. To mark the opening of the Hall, a number of meetings were held in April, at which the Lord's gracious presence was felt. All involved in the design and building of the Hall were invited to a Gospel Meeting when brother M Turkington preached to a large audience. Brother T Meekin spoke at a second Gospel Meeting, this time for friends and neighbours from the community, and again the Hall was full to capacity. Three further meetings were held for ministry of God's Word, and brethren M Radcliffe, W Martin, B Currie, A Davidson, J Fleck and G Woods all gave appreciated ministry. At each meeting, brother T Armstrong gave some details of the history of the assembly.

Edenderry: The assembly enjoyed three nights of ministry from W Boyd on 'The Lord's Return'. The ministry, on a subject not as often heard as in former times, was informative, encouraging and challenging.

CO LONDONDERRY

Claudy: D McAllister and B Smyth preached for almost seven weeks in a portable hall on the Cumber Road, in association with the Straid and Donemana assemblies. The number of people attending from the wider area was encouraging, and one man from the village professed to be saved.

Moneymore: M Radcliffe and E Fairfield have concluded six weeks of Gospel Meetings in the Manor House, Moneymore, with blessing in salvation.

Tivaconavey: J Rogers and W Martin completed a series of six weeks of Gospel Meetings in the Gospel Hall, with good numbers of unsaved attending each night. There were no known cases of conversion, but many people heard the Gospel, both in the Hall and through visitation in the district.

CO ARMAGH

Lurgan: The Annual Conference, held from 27th – 31st May, was well supported. The Bible Readings, ministry and Gospel preaching were of a high standard. We now look to the Lord for blessing. D West, D McAllister, J Hay and D Gilliland were responsible for the Bible Readings.

ENGLAND & WALES

Stephen Baker recently joined Jonathan Black for two weeks of Gospel Meetings in Bexley Heath, South London. During the first week, believers from other assemblies supported the effort, and some of Johnny and Joy's existing contacts came. Unsaved folk were present each evening, including 14 people who do not come usually, nine of them attending the Hall for the first time. On Monday evening of the second week, attendance was good with mainly existing contacts, but no one came in from the door-to-door visitation. Wednesday was more encouraging as two people came as a result of a good day on the doors. Many people said they had no interest, but some really good conversations took place. During both weeks, Open Air Meetings were held in Woolwich on the Tuesday, and in Trafalgar Square on the Thursday. On the last Friday, there was an Open Air Meeting in Bexley Heath, so many others heard the Gospel. On that Friday, Boris Johnson, the then-Mayor of London, was campaigning in the town centre on behalf of a mayoral candidate, and they were invited to the meetings.

Wesley and Alison Downs' work in Stockport continues to give needed help to several vulnerable young men, with the good news of at least three of them making spiritual progress and showing it in changed lives and attitudes, which is a testimony to social workers and relatives. Others hear the Gospel at the regular morning Bible Time at the Mill, and prayer is requested for two Marks, Ted, Karl and Dave. Please pray too for wisdom to be given regarding the future operation of the Mill and its facilities.