We hear a good report from the brethren at 505 Elms Blvd. in Excelsior Springs, MO, about their uplifting weekend meeting July 20 & 21st. The lessons given by the young brethren were excellent, and the turnout was great with 170 present on Lord's Day morning. Two more were added to their number that day when Scott Mawby was baptized for the remission of sins and Rachael Rosas placed membership with the congregation. *** Curtis & Jesse Oakes were added to the church at 200 Main St. in Caryville, TN, when they were immersed into Christ on July 27th. *** Rich Hawley of Peoria, IL, was baptized into Christ on August 3rd in Bill Cooper's swimming pool in Brighton, IL. May the Lord richly bless each of these precious souls as they grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ!

Fanny Culling, 102, of the Braymer, MO, congregation, fell asleep in Jesus in the latter part of July. Our sympathies go out to her family and to the brethren at Braymer who knew this good sister in Christ.

Barry Poyner of the 1302 E. Filmore St. congregation in Kirksville, MO, writes to let us know that they are planning an edifying weekend for September 28-29 as they host a youth-conducted gospel meeting and homecoming. The theme for the weekend is: "Past, Present, & Future." Twelve capable young brethren from congregations in Missouri and Illinois are scheduled to deliver lessons based on the timely theme. If you would like to be with these brethren on the last weekend in September, they would be happy to have you. If you need housing, you can send your request to the meeting house (1302 E. Filmore St., Kirksville, MO 63 50 1) or call Barry Poyner at (816) 665-8133. Also, if you have any special remembrances, photographs, or materials from the church over the past 80 years, the brethren would be interested in receiving such for a historical display. Also, the brethren are planning again to conduct Bible studies on the campus of Truman State University (formerly Northeast Missouri State), with the first two scheduled for September 16th and October 21st in Room 5 on the third floor of the Student Union Building. Last, but not least, one more soul was added to their number on July 31st when Freeda Baker, 91, was immersed into Christ at Kirksville Manor Care. She has been a faithful listener to the radio program at 8:15 a.m. on KIRX, and she contacted the brethren when she was ready to obey the gospel. Brethren from the surrounding towns of Unionville, Martinstown, Pollock, and White Oak all help to send the program out over the air waves and this is greatly appreciated.

Since our trip to the Philippines in February, we have received two notes of thanks from brethren there who have expressed their appreciation to all the brethren who have helped to send evangelists to their country for the past three years. Brothers Junson Tobias of Pagadian City and Rody Portales of Casilagan are especially thankful for the Bibles, songbooks, clothing, and medicine that have been provided for them by the generosity of American brethren. Jay Graham and Charles Fry are still scheduled for a trip in October, and will be accompanied by Charles' oldest son, Joshua. Please remember these brethren in your prayers, and if you can assist them with expenses for the trip, please contact Charles Biery at 303 Madeline Ave., Bloomfield, IN 47424-1416.

We were saddened to hear of a faithful brother in the Philippines who has fallen asleep in Jesus. Crisanto Sarceda of Cauayan in the province of Isabela finished his race on July 18th at 6:30 p.m. after suffering from a stroke. Your editor counts it a privilege to have known this humble, dedicated worker in the vineyard of the Lord and I enjoyed the time we spent together during our visits the past two winters. He leaves behind a lovely family, including his wife, Jovita ("Jovie"); and his faithful son, Jinny Cris, who carries on the good tradition of his father. As you can imagine, the death of our brother has put the family in a difficult situation because of the medical bills, not to mention the loss of the main breadwinner in the family. If any are willing to help this family at this time, you may send to: Jovita Sarceda, P.O. Box 100, Cauayan, 3305 Isabela, Philippines. Remember these good brethren in your prayers along with the rest of our brethren in the Philippines. Other doors of opportunity to help are open in the Philippines, and if you want more information, please contact your editor at P.O. Box 148, Brighton, IL 62012-0148.

It was certainly a pleasure to see Brother Eli again, and we pray he and his family will have a safe trip back to Tel Aviv. His work is not easy, but it is a good work and we should pray for him and his family that God will richly bless his work in Bulgaria and in Israel, "that they might be saved."

Ernie & Irene Finney (2N 134 Addison Rd., Villa Park, IL 6018 1) of the Itasca, IL, congregation will celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary on September 28th, Lord willing. Brother Ernie has served as an elder for many years and your editor has enjoyed their hospitality on several occasions over the past twenty years. Our congratulations and best wishes go out to this fine couple!