The Lord has blessed the brethren at 800 S. Crawford in Martinsville, IN, with three additions to the flock: Justin Nichols was immersed into Christ on July 12th, then Craig McCarthy did likewise on October 6th. Melissa Hale identified herself with the congregation on December 10th. *** The brethren at 5th & Cedar in Ottawa, KS, rejoiced when Joshua Madden immersed by his father, Randy, on September 17th. *** Two more added at Itasca, IL, when Darlene Nicolaou placed membership with the church on November 5th and Greg Cotovsky was baptized on November 15th. *** It was a happy day at 5909 N. Linden in Long Beach, CA, when Jeremy Whitrock, Leslie, & Angus Hollingsworth were baptized for the remission of sins on November l9th. *** One more precious soul added at 304 N. 14th St. in New Castle, IN, when Andrea Garland was baptized into Christ on November 22nd. *** A recent letter from Winford Lee, who is an elder along with Jack Herndon at Nixa, MO, conveys the happy news of 14 souls added to the congregation over the past year. We rejoice with them for the bountiful increase of the Lord. May we all do our very best to win more souls to Christ in the days to come.

Ruth Bunn, 80, of the 2907 Dean Ave. congregation in Des Moines, IA, died Sunday December 3rd. Though she was a shut-in for many years and suffered from health problems, she was still able to brighten lives with her crocheting and crafts. Our sympathies to the brethren at Dean Ave. who will miss her. *** Edith Howard, 93, of the Old Lamine congregation in central Missouri, passed away on December 7th. She was the mother of Sally Weekley and was known for her benevolence. Our sympathies to Sally, the family, and the brethren at Old Lamine. *** The brethren at 304 N. 14th in New Castle, IN, lost two sisters recently: Ruth McKinsey, 74, finished her earthly course on December 10th. Her grandparents were charter members of that congregation. Then on December 15th, Martha Chastain, 87, fell asleep in Jesus. She was the mother of Mary Jane Stanley of the 601 S. Liberty congregation in Independence, MO. Our sympathies go out to the families and to the brethren at New Castle who will miss these dear sisters.

Response from various churches and individuals to last month's request for aid to brethren in the Philippines has been very good. Your editor plans to make a trip there next month along with Vernon "Chick" Smith of Summersville, MO, and we hope to be able to assist the brethren with food, Bibles, songbooks, and other needs they have at this time. They are still hurting from severe weather conditions and flooding. Remember them in your prayers and us as we travel to their country. If you are of a mind to help them, contact your editor, or write to Roger Wanasen, P.O. Box 2271-1162, Central Post Office, Quezon City, 1100 Philippines.

The brethren at Resurreccion sent the following letter of thanks for the help they have received already from various brethren:

Dear brother Tom, "GREETINGS IN THE NAME OF OUR CREATOR AND SAVIOR" Brother Roger (Wanasen) informed us all the kindness and care that you have showed to him. Our sincere desire is to write all the brethren to convey our heartily appreciation; but mailing here is very expensive, so, the only way we have is to appeal to you if feasible to publish in the "GOSPEL MESSAGE" our excessive thanks and gratitude to loving brethren. .. Whatever yours... will be appreciated. Thank you. Lastly, but not the least; thank you for your family and your dear prayers with the saints for the Lord's work in the Philippines. OUR FAITHFUL BRETHREN:

1. Thanks for the support of our evangelist (Roger)
   
2. Thanks for the love and care extended
   
3. Thanks for the Bible & clothes
   
4. Thanks for the concern of Filipino brethren
   

SEGUNDO A. AGAPITO     -ELDERS-      MCKINSEY DUMAGUING

Vikram Reddy was appointed on November 12th to serve as deacon in the church at 20W551 Nordic Road in Itasca, IL. May the Lord richly bless brother Vik with wisdom and strength so that he may faithfully carry out his duties. *** Keith & Tamera Owens have arrived safely in Oregon and their new mailing address is P.O. Box 1632, Sutherlin, OR 97479-1632 (home address: 452 S. Calapooia, Sutherlin, OR 97479-1632).