Archives: Authors

Hans Bouwman, was born in the Netherlands in 1928. He experienced the occupation of Holland during the Second World War, partly in his hiding place. In his profession as book-keeper, he continued his studies to become an accountant, and while working in an accounting office, he was convinced of a higher call. In 1955 he followed the call of the Lord in going out as a missionary to Japan. In 1957 he was married in Japan to Gerda Hengeveld, also from Holland. Out of this union 5 children were born in Japan: Linda, Marion, Carla, Monica, and Robert. After 30 years of service in the ‘land of the rising sun’, the Bowmans moved back to their native country in 1986 to be of help in the Lord’s work there. They were active in the gospel in the Netherlands and Belgium. Hans Bouwman went to be with the Lord in July 2006.

James Paterson Paul was born in Scotland. He came into fellowship at Broxburn after he was saved and baptised. In 1981 he was commended to the work of the Lord. He preached the Word of God in Newfoundland and Ontario, Canada. In 1991 he was commended by Bridlewood and Rideauview in Ottawa, ON. Jim has been involved in camp work, prison ministry, hospital visitation and continues to minister the word throughout Canada and the USA. Jim and his wife, Elizabeth, presently live in Port Colborne, ON. They have two grown children.

Robert M. Smith turned his life over to Christ in January of 1973. After being a professional purchasing agent for more than 25 years, he is now retired from the business world and yet very much involved in the art industry and in the preaching and teaching of God’s Word across Ontario. He has paintings in various personal and corporate collections in several parts of the world. His international contributions in art include the Answers book by the Creation Science team of Australia (1999), Wild Earth a journal published in Vermont, and Nature published in Ottawa, as well as numerous others throughout the USA. He is married with 2 children who have now branched out into their own careers.

Ralph Shallis grew up in Spain speaking both French and English. He was born again at the age of 18 and sought greater depth of spiritual life throughout his 20s, eventually growing to devote a tenth of each day to Bible reading and prayer. After serving several years as a soldier in the Second World War, Shallis and his wife moved to North Africa as missionaries. Being forced to leave North Africa due to civil war, Shallis and his family returned to France where he continued to teach and disciple believers in the faith until his death in 1995.

Bob Cretney is a retired school teacher and lives in St. Catharines with his wife, Cathie. He has three married children and eight grandchildren. Bob is also the author of Could You Ever Love Me Again? The Gary Weeks Story and The Unseen Hand: The Angela Tran Story.

Norman Mellish, although born into an ungodly home, attended Sunday school. However as a young boy he forsook the right way of the Lord. It wasn’t until he was 15 years old, when God confronted him with the thought of eternity, that he returned to the Gospel Hall, heard the gospel of the grace of God and trusted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. As a young man the Lord exercised him to preacht the gospel. As a result, he started gospel tent meetings in the city of Manchester, UK at the age of 28. After five years of tent work in the city, the Lord led him into full-time ministry. In 1968 he was commended by the Wythenshawe assembly. He has been to the British Isles, North America, Brazil, Australia, and various parts of Europe to preach the gospel and minister the truth of God to those who love God’s name.

Duncan Maxwell was born and grew up in central Scotland. He spent his earlier years there in active fellowship with assemblies of Christians in central Scotland. Duncan is a retired professional engineer and naval architect having spent most of his career in building ships. Since 1958 he has resided in Canada and ministers to Christian assemblies in Ontario. He is married and has three children.

Anna Malison lives with her husband Cory in Jim Falls, Wisconsin. Anna enjoys serving the Lord through a writing and artwork ministry. In 2002, Anna began collecting stories from her own family’s experiences. Through recording these, the character Amy and her story were inspired.

Robert E. Surgenor received Christ as his Saviour in 1952. In 1963, he laid down his secular tools and entered the great  harvest field for God. His ministry has taken him throughout the U.S. & Canada, as well as Northern Ireland and Scotland. He has published a selection of 283 gospel tracts. Robert and his wife reside in Fairview Park, Ohio, and have two sons both saved.

J.B. Watson (1884-1955) grew up in Scotland and England. He moved to London to become a government clerk at the turn of the century. In his youth he became known as a gifted Bible teacher. He was for many years the editor and contributor of Witness magazine, a worldwide Christian periodical.