SCOTLAND

Glasgow Docks: The believers at Bethesda Gospel Hall continue their outreach to the many seamen whose ships come in to the nearby docks. During the past 15 years seamen from all over the world have responded to the invitation to come to the gospel meeting on a Sunday evening, and some have also come to Christ. Often the Gospel meeting has a distinctly international audience made up of these visiting seamen and, occasionally, asylum seekers too, as well as other regular visitors from the district. It is a great privilege to welcome them and afterwards to show them hospitality in the believers' homes. On a Sunday in December, eight of the crew of a Dutch ship, including the young captain and his wife, came to the gospel meeting, and heard the gospel clearly presented. Significantly, the name of their ship was "Deo Volente" (God willing).

During these years, men from over 1,000 ships from many different countries have received hundreds of Bibles, New Testaments, Seed Sowers' texts, "Ultimate Questions", tracts, calendars and Emmaus courses. Many can hardly believe that Bibles and literature are available in their own language and are amazed that they do not have to pay for anything. Many sit down and read the literature immediately with intense concentration. Many woolly hats (much sought-after by seamen!) have been given out, knitted by the sisters, and warm clothing also to those in need.

Thanks is due to the Bible Societies and other organisations which supply Bibles and literature - much of it in foreign languages, and at generous discounts. We also thank God for the opportunity to bring the gospel to these young men and women from across the world whilst in our own land there is so much apathy. We see them for only a short time - soon their ships are gone (although some remain in touch). It is our prayer that many will put their trust in the Lord Jesus through reading the Bibles and Christian literature left with them.

The assembly in Methil are expecting a visit from Stephen Grant from the 2nd-13th March for gospel meetings with children and adults. It is also hoped that he will be able to go into local schools to take assemblies. Prayer would be valued.

N. IRELAND

Co. ANTRIM

Antrim: Gospel meetings commenced in the Gospel Hall on 20th January. Speakers: D Gilliland and J Rogers. Prayer valued.

Ballyduff: Gospel meetings commenced in the Gospel Hall in early February. Speakers: J Baxter (Scotland) and T Topley.

Ballintoy: Gospel meetings commenced in a portable hall at W J Brown's yard on 10th February. Speakers: N Coulter and D Ussher. Prayer appreciated.

Clonkeen: The Ayrshire Bible Exhibition was on display from 28th January-1st February in a vacant building in the centre of Randalstown. A very good interest was shown by 11 local schools, and local people also visited. Brethren and sisters from the assembly were always in attendance and refreshments were provided. Prayer is valued that there may be results following the presentation of God's Word.

Ballybollan: Bible Readings considering 1 and 2 Thessalonians were held from 28th January-1st February with T Bentley. A very helpful exposition was given and a good interest shown.

Larne (Craigyhill): J Hay had ministry meetings from 21st-24th January on "The Master's Men". Very instructive and helpful. There was good attendance from the assembly members.

Co. ARMAGH

Cormeen: (between Armagh and Killylea): A gospel series is continuing into the third week at the end of January with some interest. Speakers: S Wells and W Fenton.

Lurgan: Gospel meetings commenced at the end of January in a portable hall near the town centre. Speakers: J Fleck and M Turkington.

Portadown Gospel Hall: Gospel meetings commenced at the end of January. Speakers: R McKeown and W Martin.

Clonroot Gospel Hall: A Davidson gave two weeks of ministry in relation to the Tabernacle.

Co. DOWN

Ballymacashon Gospel Hall: A series of gospel meetings commenced in this country area on 20th January with L Craig and P Macauley. Please pray for blessing in salvation for local people and in the families of believers as the gospel is preached.

Cardy Gospel Hall: M Radcliffe continues in the gospel into the third week at the end of January with a most encouraging interest in that many local people are attending. There is a great sense of the presence of God and good help to preach with expectation of blessing in salvation. (J Procopio, who had been expected to join with brother Radcliffe in the meetings, had heart problems, and although his health is improving he was not permitted to travel. Please pray for his full restoration to health.)

Edenderry Gospel Hall: D McGarvey had a week of meetings for children in January with a number of parents attending on the last evening. The good seed of the Word of God was sown in the hearts of the young people.

Kilkeel Gospel Hall: A Wilson and S Nelson have commenced a series of gospel meetings here in mid-January in Mourne country.

Mullafernaghan Gospel Hall:Gospel meetings commenced on 3rd February, with R Pickering and T Wallace. Prayer much appreciated.

Newry: Gospel meetings commenced on 27th January and are being conducted in a hotel on the edge of this border city. Pray that many of the people of the city may be interested to come to this neutral venue and hear the good news of salvation. The speakers are B Martin and C Law.

Ballymagarrick Gospel Hall: D Gilliland had a challenging week of well-attended meetings. The subject was "Victorious Christian Living".

Co. LONDONDERRY and Co. DONEGAL

Aughrim: R Pickering had one week of well attended ministry meetings on "Character Studies in Genesis". A good interest was evidenced by the believers who were both challenged and encouraged.

Gortade: D McGarvey had three evenings of children's meetings in January which were most encouraging in attendance and interest.

Co. TYRONE

Aughavey: D McGarvey commenced a series of gospel meetings at the end of January in this country area. Prayer requested for blessing in salvation.

Martry: B Glendinning and T Wright commenced gospel meetings on 27th January with this small assembly. Prayer would be appreciated for souls to be saved and the believers encouraged.

Strabane: Gospel meetings are continuing in this needy border town. Pray that in visitation of the homes and in the preaching the hand of the Lord may be seen in refreshing showers of blessing and the building up of the testimony.

Lungs: The assembly here had a visit from S Wells for ministry in December.

Newtownstewart: The Annual Conference and Bible Reading was held on New Year's Day in a local school. A very large company assembled. The Bible Reading was conducted by D Oliver, and practical ministry was given by D Gilliland, S Wells, R Gault, and D Oliver.

Omagh: During the first week in January D Oliver ministered the Word from some chapters in Proverbs.

BELFAST

Parkgate Avenue Gospel Hall:The Assembly here in East Belfast are convening a series of gospel meetings to commence (God willing) on 30th March. The meetings are to be conducted by W Fenton and M McKillen. Prayerful interest and support will be appreciated.

EIRE

Co. CAVAN

Stonewall Gospel Hall: Terry Topley had a week of gospel meetings in the hall just before Christmas, while visiting in the area with calendars. A number attended - some had not been in meetings for quite some time. There was liberty to speak and encouragement in the visitation. A monthly gospel meeting is purposed DV. Prayer would be appreciated that the seed sown over the years will yet produce fruit in salvation.

ENGLAND & WALES

WEST MIDLANDS

Broadwas on Teme: The monthly Saturday ministry meetings continue through the winter. Recent help was given by J Scarsbrook and R Collings. The assembly has been encouraged by the baptism of two boys, sons of believers in fellowship.

Coventry, Upper Hill Street: A Maunder gave profitable ministry recently at Upper Hill Street. There has been further encouragement for the saints with two families in fellowship having the joy of a son and daughter respectively being baptised.

Stourbridge, Wollaston: The Friday Focus Bible Teaching series conducted by C Lacey continues with the theme "Beyond the River", from the book of Nehemiah, challenging believers to build for God. The January meeting looked at "Opposing the work from without and hindering it from within".