Many assemblies throughout the UK are reporting great interest generated in their communities by special events surrounding Christmas, including Carol Services in Gospel Halls and community buildings which had larger than usual attendances, carol singing in the open air and in Homes and Hospitals, large scale distribution of tracts and calendars, and many personal visits made and cards sent. May it please the Lord to bless with salvation many who were contacted recently in this way.
About ten New Year Conferences were held in different parts of Scotland. They were times of spiritual refreshment and encouragement, as well as fine opportunities to listen to sound ministry of the good Word of God. Most places had capacity audiences numbering around 300 in some cases, with a large percentage of young brethren and sisters from throughout the UK, which gladdened the hearts of many older ones. The enthusiastic singing of the praises of the Lord by so many at these meetings was truly uplifting.
Scotland
The Musselburgh assembly had three weeks of Gospel Meetings in November, with Joe Baxter and Mark Nelson as the preachers. The meetings were well attended, with saints bringing friends and family every night to hear the Gospel preached. There was also good support from neighbouring assemblies, especially Mayfield. We look to the Lord for His blessing in salvation.
In Aberdeenshire, Graeme Smith continues to engage with many children and young people through school visits and clubs. Over the past year he has been speaking to around 54 different classes each month. His ‘Bible Alive’ presentations on the Old Testament, given to Primary 6 pupils, use an 80-minute session each week over 7 weeks, and Bibles were given to 240 Primary 7 pupils when they moved up to secondary school. Around 25 primary school children have been attending a ‘Bible Explorers’ club in Newmachar, and Scripture Union Groups in Dyce Academy, Woodside Primary, and Robert Gordon’s College Junior School in Aberdeen continue to be well attended, with around 40 each Thursday lunchtime at this latter venue. James Strachan and Andrew Strachan from the Peterhead assembly have similar widespread contacts with many schools in the farther north-east of the county, where their input is greatly appreciated by the teaching staff and loved by the pupils. Please pray for work like this in many parts of the country.
England
On Tyneside, Jim McMaster continues his difficult work among the many homeless and destitute in and around Newcastle and Gateshead, most of them in a desperate plight due to chronic addictions. Regular soup kitchens provide them with some relief, and is one of the key means of contact to tell the Gospel story of redeeming love to souls on the brink of eternity. As well as this personal contact, some come to listen to the Gospel being preached. Over the past year, more than before have died due to their addictions, suicides, and even a murder. It sharpens the focus on the need to throw out the Gospel lifeline before it is too late.
Jim’s long-standing and regular visits to HM Prison in Durham have expanded to two days a week, 7.00am to 4.30pm, and the Governor is asking for more! Tuesdays are spent in personal work trying to befriend some of the vulnerable men in their cells. This involves also reading a portion of Scripture, leaving suitable Gospel literature, or encouraging Emmaus Course participants. Fridays are Bible Class days, when more seriously interested men are exposed to the Word of God. Prayer is requested for blessing in salvation for these souls for whom Christ died, and also for the personal safety of those who do the work.
Northern Ireland
Co Antrim
Ballyclare: Gospel Meetings with John Rogers and Andrew Steele concluded on 9th December, following seven weeks of preaching. The number of people attending was most encouraging, and on some nights there were 165 people in the Hall. The greater Ballyclare area was well visited by our two brethren and, as a result, a good number of local people came who had never been in the Hall before. Also, many of our brethren and sisters from neighbouring assemblies attended faithfully, and brought unsaved family members and friends with them. Although we have not heard of anyone trusting Christ as their Saviour, the Seed was faithfully sown, and we continue to pray that we may yet hear of souls being blessed with salvation.
Buckna: The assembly was very encouraged by the large number that gathered for the Annual Conference. Varied and timely ministry was given by S Ussher, A Summers, D Gilliland, D Strahan, T Wright, M Radcliffe and J Black. Many who attended spoke of personal blessing received.
Bushmills: Gospel Hall. Gospel Meetings commenced on 8th January in a portable hall in a car park at Dundarve Estate, Causeway Road, Bushmills, and continue with A Steele and G Woods. Prayer is requested for blessing.
Derriaghy: Gospel Meetings in the new Hall with J Fleck and W Martin concluded on 27th November after six weeks. The Gospel was faithfully and powerfully preached, and good numbers of unsaved were present each night, including some from the locality. The assembly has been blessed and encouraged, and continue to look to the Lord for fruit from the good Seed sown.
Portrush: The assembly had a week of Children’s Meetings in November, with Robert Plant as the speaker. They were well attended, with 50 children present on some nights. Two buses were required to collect all the children who wanted to attend. The exercise of the younger members of the assembly was especially encouraging in all aspects of the work. A good number of parents also attended the Friday evening prize night. Please pray for the Lord to bless His Word.
Portrush: Elton Fairfield and Robert Plant concluded four weeks of Gospel Meetings during December. Excellent support from neighbouring assemblies was appreciated. Unbelievers were present each night, sometimes as many as ten, and the Gospel was faithfully preached. There were nights when exceptional help was granted to make known the claims of Christ. One person who attended the majority of the meetings expressed a desire to be saved. Please pray that salvation will yet be seen: the work is continuing.
Co Down
Ballyhay: Gospel Hall. Gospel Meetings have commenced with A Davidson and M Hunter. Lord’s Day at 5.00pm, weeknights at 8.00pm.
Banbridge: G Woods gave much-appreciated ministry to the assembly from 12th – 16th December on the subject ‘Things Divinely Ordained – Gospel Preaching, Baptism, Headship, the Lord’s Supper and Marriage’.
Cardy: On Sunday 20th November, the assembly held a reunion for former Sunday School pupils. Many who had attended the Sunday School came to the meeting, which was then followed by two weeks of Gospel Meetings with S Grant. The assembly has been greatly encouraged.
Ebenezer, Bangor: P McClarty had a very challenging and most helpful week of ministry on ‘Some Thoughts from Romans Chapters 12-16’. There was good support from local assemblies.
Kilkeel: S Higgins was with the assembly from 5th - 9th December, ministering on the subject ‘Wisdom from Five Women in Genesis’. The meetings were most helpful, and very well supported. The assembly also held their Annual Conference on 27th December, when a large crowd gathered to hear excellent ministry from G Woods, A Nesbitt, B Glendinning, J Armstrong, B Currie and M Penfold.
Newry: J Jacobs from Bicester was with the assembly for two nights of ministry. The meetings were well attended and much appreciated.
Co Londonderry
Aughrim: Gospel Hall. The assembly enjoyed three weeks of Gospel Meetings in November with R Pickering and T Wallace. The meetings were well attended, with a number of local people coming.
Lapwing: Gospel Hall. The assembly had three weeks of Gospel Meetings in Irish Street Estate during November, with S Gilfillan. Many good contacts were made, and the meetings were supported well.
Quilly: Gospel Hall. The assembly enjoyed a series of Gospel Meetings in November with D Gilliland and D McAllister. The meetings were well supported, and a number of local people attended.
