SCOTLAND

At Plains, another winter of Children's Meetings concluded with three of the children who came regularly professing faith in Christ. This work in the hall is supplemented by what is done by Graeme Paterson in both Primary Schools in the village and in the local High School. These three schools are only part of his schools work throughout the country. At the usual children's prizegivings at the end of 2015, and at the end of April, a good number of unbelievers from the village were present to hear the gospel. In addition, one of the local Primary Schools held its Christmas and Easter services in the hall, giving Graeme the opportunity to preach the gospel on both occasions. Some adult unbelievers attend the Lord's Day afternoon Gospel Meeting regularly, including one couple and their two children attending most weeks. Along with Graeme, some of the believers from Plains and other assemblies distributed over 6,000 carrier bags, overprinted with John 3.16, containing a Christmas tract and a copy of John's Gospel, in both Coatbridge and Airdrie town centres. Some interesting conversations were held, and it is good to see these bags still being used in the area! During springtime, weekly gospel preaching will continue in the hall and in the open air, and at the local Gala Day believers will be present with gospel literature as usual.

For the future, God willing, the assembly is planning a special Gospel Meeting at the start of next winter's Children's Meetings to mark 40 consecutive years of children's work. The aim is to invite as many former attendees as is possible. Gospel Meetings are also planned for early 2017.

In Aberdeen, Fernielea Gospel Hall held an Easter Holiday Club for primary school children over five consecutive evenings during the first week of the school holidays. For many years the number of children attending the various weekly clubs has been a constant source of encouragement to the believers at Fernielea. This year was no exception as over 50 children attended, and each night the youngsters heard a clear gospel presentation from Graeme Paterson. It concluded with a prizegiving night to which parents, relatives and neighbours were invited. Over 100 people attended, and it provided an opportunity to invite the youngsters to the North East of Scotland CYC Camps, and the adults to an upcoming 'Christianity Explored' course. The Holiday Club has become an annual event in the assembly's outreach to youngsters and it complements the work done by the believers in the weekly clubs, school assemblies, Bible Exhibition and camps.

Gordon McCracken was with the Cullen assembly during the first week of April for a sixth annual Holiday Club. The number of children attending has been consistently good over these years. This year it was as good as ever with never less than 100 daily, and 110 on the best day. The prizegiving saw the Town Hall filled to capacity, with adults and children listening to a very clear gospel message. A number of children have started coming to the Sunday School since this special effort finished. Please pray that the Lord will bless what was done at the Holiday Club, and also for the ongoing children's work. Two local brothers regularly take the local Primary School weekly assembly and would also appreciate prayer.

N IRELAND & REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

CO ANTRIM

Ballinaloob: Michael Penfold (Bicester) was with the assembly at the beginning of April for a week of ministry on topical subjects. Excellent ministry was given nightly to a full hall, and was much appreciated by local saints and others.

Ballywatermoy: The assembly had Gary Woods for five nights of ministry on 'The Person of Christ and the Word of God'. He brought out many important lessons from both Old and New Testaments relating to this subject. The ministry was heart-warming and most profitable to old and young alike.

Randalstown: The believers from the Clonkeen assembly had a most enjoyable and encouraging week with 'Bible Exhibition Scotland'. Over 450 children attended from a total of 14 schools. Some interesting contacts were also made with teachers who accompanied the children. Please pray that God will bless His Word which was sown in so many hearts.

CO LONDONDERRY

Claudy: Gospel Meetings commenced on 3rd April 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 has been encouraging. The speakers are D McAllister and B Smyth.

Moneymore: M Radcliffe and E Fairfield have completed four weeks of Gospel Meetings in the Manor House, Moneymore. There has been some interest, and it is thought that the neutral venue has helped the attendance. The meetings continue.

Portstewart: P McCauley and D Williamson have concluded four weeks of Gospel Meetings in Portstewart Primary School. There was good support from surrounding assemblies, with blessing in salvation.

Tivaconavey: J Rogers and W Martin have completed three weeks of Gospel Meetings in the Gospel Hall and, although there are not many local people coming as yet, they are greatly encouraged with the number of unsaved that are present. There has been much effort made around the local area distributing tracts and invitations. We are waiting on the Lord to save souls.

CO CORK

Skibbereen: During April, the assembly in Skibbereen held a very well-attended week of Children's Meetings, conducted by Robert Plant. Numbers averaged in the high thirties, and some parents attended most nights with their children. Attention to the teaching of God's Word was exceptional, with some children showing especially good interest. The final prize meeting on the Saturday morning saw the hall full to capacity with children and parents, including one man who claimed to be an agnostic. Please pray for the ongoing work in this needy town. At the end of April, Robert 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.

CO DOWN

Cardy: A Sinclair was with the assembly on 23rd April, giving very challenging ministry on the theme 'Living in the Light of the Lord's Return'.

Dromore: P Coulson was with the assembly for one week, giving practical and prophetic ministry from 2 Peter, and also a report on the Lord's work in Sri Lanka. The very good numbers present were greatly encouraged.

Gransha: The Annual Conference on Saturday 2nd April was well attended, and very profitable ministry was given by R Pickering, T Meekin, C Raggett, T Wright, P Coulson, F Sona and B Currie.

Growell: The assembly had four nights of very instructive ministry by P McClarty, from the Epistle to the Galatians. The meetings were well attended, with a very encouraging number of young people present.

Kilkeel: K Newell and S Nelson have commenced Gospel Meetings with the assembly. Prayer is requested.

Newry: The assembly hosted 'Bible Exhibition Scotland' during the last week of the month. Some 650 children and 50 staff from 17 schools visited the Exhibition, many of them hearing the Bible message for the first time.

Portavogie (New Road Gospel Hall): At the Annual Believers' Meeting, on 30th April, the assembly was greatly encouraged by the good company gathered for the teaching of God's Word. The ministry was both devotional and practical on the theme of 'The Christian Journey'. The individual subjects were 'Our Delights in Christ', 'Our Father's Guidance and Care', 'Dangers', 'Disappointments' and 'Delays and Doubts'. The ministry was shared by John Fleck, Alan Summers, Malcom Radcliffe and Jim Paterson.

ENGLAND & WALES

Bracknell: M Hall and D Rudge conducted a week of Gospel Meetings, two each day (one in the afternoon and one in the evening), and were encouraged with the attendance and interest of local people. 

Bicester: A tracting effort at the time of the Easter Conference saw around 30 young folks involved in distributing about 5,000 tracts. The well attended Easter Conference was blessed with a variety of ministry. D Shutt (USA) stayed in the area for a few days and his ministry was appreciated.