Reports of Gospel Work

Careful reading of the reports of colportage in Eire, which are published in this section mouth by mo nth, will reveal the effect of active opposition to the Gospel. Few doors are open to the servants of the Lord, and the fullest use has to be made of every opportunity. It is sometimes said that active opposition would be preferable to tie careless indifference which is found in so many places, but even so we should ever be ready to seize opportunities for Christian witness before the growing powers of opposition snatch them from us. An awareness of this is reflected in tin? Reports we receive from all parts of the British Isles, “but we need to “abound yet more and more.”

N.M.B.

LONDON and HOME COUNTIES

(London and the Counties of Middlesex, Hertford, Essex, Kent, Sussex and Surrey). Stanley H. Sayers, 33, Crieff Road, Wandsworth, S.W. 18.

SOUTHERN ENGLAND

(Wilts., Gloucester, Oxford, Bucks., Berks., Hampshire and the Isle of Wight). A. C. Payne, 39 Solent Road, Drayton, Portsmouth

SOUTH-WEST ENGLAND

(Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset and the Channel Islands). C. H. Darch, “Greenway,” West Monkton, Taunton.

MIDLANDS

(Cheshire, Derby, Notts., Shropshire, Stafford, Leicester, Rutland, Hereford Worcester, Warwick and Northampton). Pearson P. Chamings, 3, Birch Road, Rubery, Nr. Birmingham.

EASTERN ENGLAND

(Lincoln, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, Bedford, and Hunts). T. G. Smith. “Charis,” St. David’s Drive, Broxbourne, Harts.

NORTHERN ENGLAND

(Lancashire, Westmorland, Cumberland, Northumberland, Durham, Yorkshire and Isle of Man). J Howard Hall, 12, Borough Road, Jarrow-on-Tyne, Co. Durham.

NORTHERN SCOTLAND

(The Counties of Inverness and Aberdeen, and the Areas north of them). A. Mulholland, 6, Commerce Road, Elgin.

SPECIAL EFFORTS IN GLASGOW

(All Areas south of the Counties of Inverness and Aberdeen). Andrew McNeish, M.A. “Mayfield,” Belshill Road, Uddingston, Glasgow.

WALES

Walter A. Norris, 3, Morlais Street, Cardiff, or Harold Thomas, 269, Caerphilly Rd., Cardiff.

NORTHERN IRELAND

David Craig, “Ailsa,” Fisherwick Gardens, Balymeena, Co. Antrim.

EIRE

T. Ernest J. Archer, “Dunran” Avoca Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.

COUNTIES EVANGELISTIC WORK

At the 1949 Annual Meetings held in Bloomsbury Central Church, the report, of each worker had its own particular interest. It is a cause for rejoicing that workers, old and young, were enabled to do their part in the glorious work of preaching the Gospel in the needy villages for which the Counties Evangelistic Work has taken a measure of responsibility.

In May-June 1949 issue, a report was STEW PREMISES given concerning a new work at Hill Park, Fareham. Some of the older boys of the Sunday School, who were converted at the special meetings; hold at the opening of the new hall, have continued well, and several were baptized recently. The parents of one boy were present at the baptism, and both professed to receive the Lord Jesus as Saviour at the close of the meeting.

During the early days of the war, Ebenezer Hall, King Street, Southsea, was rendered completely and permanently unusable by enemy action. Temporary premises were found immediately and the testimony continued without a break. The temporary premises were not wholly satisfactory, and great was the joy of the brethren when in 1949 a Mission Hall was given to thorn. This hall, in Inglis Road, Southsea, has been renamed “Ebenezer.” The work in the new surroundings calls for much praise, several young folk having been converted, baptized, and received into fellowship.

EXTRA SEATS NEEDED

When William Ward visited Evershot in Dorset, the Christians rallied round very well. The little hall was packed on the first night, and at the end of the ten days’ effort was filled to over flowing, the extra seating being insufficient. A measure of conviction was seen on the part of some, and two or three professed faith in Christ, but the most encouraging thing was, that many unsaved came night after night and there was real liberty as the simple story of His Gospel was told forth.

THE ISLES OF THE SEA

Harry Burness spent some time at Kirkwall, Orkney, during the winter. The Lord blessed the Word to many souls, and conversions among old and young resulted.

NORTHERN SCOTLAND

The village of Craigellachie, known far and wide for its Annual Summer Conference, was the scene of several weeks’ labour by J. Merson. Although the meetings were not very well attended at least one soul professed conversion. The worker also spent a week visiting and distributing tract in the neighbouring village of Rothes. Although there is no assembly in either of these two villages, very successful children’s work is carried on by local brethren. P. F. Bruce spent a weak or two in the Aberdeenshire village of Mosscoral, where believers were blessed. When G. Grant, Harrogate, conducted a campaign at Huntly, good numbers attended and several professed conversion. Nairn, Forres and Elgin also enjoyed a visit from this same brother.

A TIME OF REAPING

Some brethren connected with Knightswood assembly, Glasgow, have for some years carried on a Sunday School, Bible Class and Gospel Meeting in a small hall in the very populous district of Yoker, near Clydebank. For a long time there had linen little encouragement and much of the work seemed futile. However, the workers carried on in faith and, recently, God has wonderfully answered their prayers. Blessing came suddenly one Lord’s Day, when several lads from the Bible Class professed conversion. On the succeeding Lord’s Days others followed, so that there has been a definite time of reaping. There is encouragement for us here to look for blessing in the course of our ordinary meetings. “In due season we shall reap if we faint not.”

SPECIAL EFFORTS IN GLASGOW

“Dennis Barnes had good meetings in Summerfield Hall, Whiteinch. A special feature was the interest which this effort stirred up among the members of a class which had been began for young people in their teens. Some have been saved and further blessing is expected.

WALES

The assembly meeting in the Welcome Gospel, Hall, Tavistock Street, Cardiff, is one of the smallest companies in the city, yet for a number of years it has borne active testimony in the, neighbourhood by means of the usual Gospel meeting, Sunday School, Children’s and Young People’s meetings, Women’s meetings and open-air witness. One of the interesting features of late is the growth of the adults’ Bible Class on Lord’s Day afternoons. It is encouraging to recall that the work first began in a small room as a branch Gospel testimony from the assembly at Mackintosh Hall, when, amidst difficulties and opposition, younger man found opportunities of service for God. W. G. Banfield held two weeks’ meetings here during the winter, when the Word ministered was helpful and appreciated. Some strangers were present for the, first time.

Caerphilly at the foot of the Rhymney Valley is a populated area, and the assembly meeting in Clive Hall has in recent years made steady growth. The small wooden building is now quite inadequate, and plans have been passed for the erection of s. more suitable our on the same site. In spite of present-day difficulties it is hoped that the work will soon be commenced. H. Lacey and Handel Evans conducted very helpful meeting for believers during the winter. W. McNiel conducted a fortnight’s Gospel meetings, after which he visited Cogan.

“BEHOLD HE COMETH” …

After much prayer and extensive advertisement, David Craig and J. McVey, commenced a series of addresses on “The Lord’s Return,” in the Town Hall, Ballymena, early in January. From the, first night a deep sense of God’s presence was realized. Over one thousand people were gathered in. Attendances have since increased and quite a number have been saved. On week nights, Gospel services are held in the Variety Theatre and in the Gospel Hall.

A HELPING HAND

John Scott writes – “One day as I was eyeling along a road in Eire, I saw a bath-chair attended by two young girls. The woman who occupied the chair asked me if I had a bicycle pump as one of the tyres of the chair had gone flat. So as I pumped up the wheel the conversation led on to why I was there at that moment, and I had a wonderful opportunity for introducing the Gospel, We talked of how the Lord healed people when He was on earth, and she said. “How wonderful it must have been to meet Him and be healed.” I agreed it must, but I said it was still possible to meet Him and to have a greater blessing than physical healing, and that, was to have the knowledge that our sins are forgiven and to have peace with God. It was an encouraging conversation, despite the fact that bases, cars, cycles, etc. kept passing by, and I pray the Lord will bless His Word.

Lately I have been renewing old acquaintances, and it is a raid joy to be able to go bank to homes and to be greeted in a friendly way. An old lady, who knows me fairly well through repeated visits to her home, said whim 1 called. “I thought sure you had gone to South Africa, it is so long since you called.” Actually it is about a year. I said I have many other places to visit, and it. takes me ft long time to get round. I mention this in order to show what a big area there is to be covered if one is going to carry the Gospel to the people. The big temptation if to stay in the district where one is well received, but this would be to the neglect of other districts where people are more difficult and probably indifferent, but need the Gospel nevertheless. So we seek to give all an opportunity to receive the Word of God.”

Alfred Poland reports-

BOOKS IN THE FIRE

“One has recently been visiting Irish homos within approximately six miles of the town and, generally speaking, the people have been friendly. In most places, of course, it is quite obvious that the people are well warned against purchasing books from any “traveller.” One woman, to whom I showed booklets, was moat apologetic to expressing her regrets. “A few years ago we had a very nice young man selling books around here, but the priest condemned his books, and I just had to put the one I bought into this fire.” “But,” I said, “surely that is not fair?” She said, “We must do as we are told, I never even looked at it in case I would be doing wrong.” This woman however, was quite willing to take Gospel calendars and Text Cards, and her remark to me as departed was, “I am afraid you won’t sell many books around here, but people will certainly buy those calendars and cards. I hope I haven’t offended you.” The young man of whom the woman spoke was selling “Jehovah’s Witness” literature. These folk are usually regarded as Communists.”

NOTES

The Devon & Cornwall Evangelistic Unit was used in Cornwall last summer by Edgar Jackman. A Report & Balance Sheet has been issued, and copies can be obtained from N. M. Bond, “Westeroft”, Whitchurch Road, Taviatock.

Opening of New Hall at Lee, London, S.E. 12 (Lampmead Road, near Lee Green)

SATURDAY, 1st APRIL, 1950 (D.V.), 4 p.m. & 6.30 p.m. Tea at 5.15 p.m.

Speakers expected:- Mr. F. McCONNELL, Mr. J. B. WATSON.