Month: August 2010

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

GCI African Missions Director Kalengule Kaoma sent a report from our national festival in Benin City, Nigeria, which took place August 12-15. Attendance reached 262 from 15 congregations across Nigeria. The theme was based on Ephesians 4:2: “Bearing With One Another In Love.”

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Kalengule wrote, “Dressed in their beautiful attire, brethren appeared magnificent in the sanctuary as they joined their voices in songs of praise and worship to our God.”

The group rejoiced with the Igbineweka family of the Benin City as Peace Osaruese and Eunice Osafueko, son and daughter of the Igbinewekas, were baptized on August 13.

On August 15, Paul Osa Igbineweka was ordained as a deacon.

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Ontario, Canada: Camp Connections 2010

Camp Connections 2010 began July 16 with staff training. Staff heard messages about teamwork, health and safety training, and loving each other and the campers in preparation for our Ontario Camping Association visit (which we passed with flying colors! We are excited about that as it means we will be able to advertise more widely on the web).

The first session of camp began on the 17^th with the arrival of 30 campers, ages 11-22. Second session we had 46 campers, which we consider a full house. More and more campers are bringing friends!

Special moments included a visit from Dennis Lawrence, our camp director, for a couple of days. Dennis was not able to be with us this year for health reasons, but it was great to have him there for a short time. We were excited to have eleven campers make first-time commitments to Jesus Christ. Camp closed with the baptism of a young lady from Montreal. We were able to celebrate that with campers, staff, parents who were coming to pick up their campers, as well as the day camp that shares the property with us.

We already have our first registration for 2011! To see pictures, check out our camp video at www.camp-connections.org

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Wisconsin Dells

From Pastor Doug Johannsen:

You’re all invited to our annual Dells Celebration at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, from September 30 to October 3, 2010. Dr. Mike Feazell will be our guest speaker this year. Our theme is “On To Maturity.” Join us on this four-day journey as we examine four major areas of life that reflect maturity in our walk with Jesus.

Step 1: Reserve your room at the Kalahari by Sunday, August 29, 2010. The Kalahari is the premier family resort in the Dells featuring the world’s largest indoor water park and a new theme park. Phone 1-877-525-2427 for reservations.

Hut – $109.00 per night plus tax, 1-4 people only.
Lodge Suite – $129 per night plus tax, 1-4 people only.
Combination Suite (lodge and hut) – $238 per night plus tax, sleeps up to 8 people.
Village – (lodge and two adjoining huts) – $347 per night plus tax, sleeps up to 12 people.

You must call the Kalahari Resort no later than August 29 to reserve your room. After August 29, the low prices we’ve negotiated will no longer be available! Let the reservation personnel know you are with Grace Communion International or Worldwide Church of God. The Kalahari reservation number is 1-877-525-2427.

You may also book your room online. First, go to: https://res.kalahariresort.com/V1Web/GroupComments.aspx

Then enter: Group ID 14215 Password: 244 Contact Password (Optional): Leave this blank. Click on “Make Reservation” and follow the prompts.

Step 2: Register with Grace Communion International/Worldwide Church of God Headquarters online at: www.wcg.org/go/wisconsin. Follow the prompts and pay with your credit card.

Or you may download a registration form, fill it out and mail your registration with a check to:

Grace Communion International
P.O. Box 5005
Glendora, CA 91740-5005

If you do not have Internet access, contact me, Dells Coordinator Doug Johannsen, and I will mail the forms to you.

Doug Johannsen
14210 Uranium St NW
Ramsey, MN 55303
Phone: 763-576-1086

Step 3: Come celebrate Jesus with your family and friends. Enjoy good food and activities! The Kalahari is a very family activity oriented facility with a huge water park and a new theme park!

If you have any questions, contact Pastor Doug Johannsen at doug.johannsen@gci.org or by phone at 763-576-1086.

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Higher Ground

Some have asked about the band that played worship music during the conference in Orlando. The band is named Higher Ground, and they regularly serve at the GCI Community Life Fellowship congregation in Altadena, California.

The band members serving at the conference were Mike Hale: vocals and worship leading; Kathy Killebrew: vocals; Al Killebrew: keyboards and vocals; Sue Braden: vocals; Nathan Braden: drums; Linda Willhoite: vocals; Terry Willhoite: bass guitar and vocals; and Buddy Nuanez: guitar.

Mike Hale also moderates our Trinitarian Worship Blog, at http://trinitarianworship.blogspot.com

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Pathways Camp

Pathways Camp director Jay Richie reports that Pathways 2010, held July 17-23 near Jackson, Ohio, served 124 campers with 56 staffers this year. The group shared worship and fun, learning together about the life we share in union with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The camp curriculum is available at http://genmin.gci.org/Web%20Documents/Elation!%202010%20Curriculum.pdf).

A highlight of this year’s camp was an outreach event in cooperation with Jackson County Family Services. Pathways senior campers hosted a block party for 15 disadvantaged 8 to 12-year-olds to show them Jesus’ love in an environment of fun, fellowship and laughter. The Family Services manager said he hopes to send some of these kids as full campers next year.

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Prayer Requests and Updates

Dennis Lawrence

Pastor Dennis Lawrence reported that is recovering well from his two surgeries last April and May. However, he is now undergoing an even more aggressive chemotherapy regimen with all the resulting side effects. He wrote: “I’m in good spirits, and the medical staff is encouraging. They speak in terms of cure and successful management of this. My family and the churches, and so many around the world, have been so encouraging and helpful through prayer, cards, emails and their presence to offer whatever might be needed. I can only thank everyone for that, and God for his grace.”

Edith Rostant

Pearl Charles, wife of Trinidad and Tobago pastor Clifton Charles, asked for prayer for her mother, Edith Rostant, who has recently suffered two strokes. Pearl wrote, “We have prepared ourselves for however this turns out. She has had a full, active life and will be celebrating her 86th birthday in October, God willing. We deeply appreciate all she is to all of us and we are very much inspired by her focus as she sings and prays during all the health challenges.”

Verna Meyer

Kansas City, Missouri, pastor Ray Meyer requests your prayers for his 90-year-old mother, Verna Meyer. Verna is in intensive care with a major urinary tract infection, pneumonia, colitis and low blood pressure, and the doctors are concerned about sepsis setting in. Verna’s condition is very serious, and the next day or two are critical. Please remember her and the Meyer family in your prayers.

Remember that prayer is the battleground where we fight the good fight of faith. Let’s encourage everyone to join together in prayer, for we belong to Christ, and by the Spirit it is in Christ that we pray. Prayer and other spiritual activities help keep our hearts in tune with God and remind us of who we are in Christ. He is our all in all, and in him we are eternally beloved of the Father and blessed to share his good news with others.

Love from my family to yours,
Joseph Tkach

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

African Missions Director Gary Moore and his wife, Wendy, traveled to Pretoria, South Africa, after our International Conference in Orlando. They have been visiting congregations and helping with the tri-annual South African pastors conference, which was held last weekend near Cape Town.

“The South Africa pastors conference was a great success,” Gary said, “focusing on the implications of Trinitarian Theology for pastoral ministry through interactive group work and plenty of question and answer time.”

Gary said that UK Mission Director James Henderson and his wife, Shirley, were also able to attend the conference, and “contributed greatly to the four days we had together.” Gary added, “The Hendersons much appreciated the chance to visit South Africa again (where they lived for a number of years), and the ministry much enjoyed renewing acquaintances with them.”

We had some very sad news just before the conference. Domingos, the leader of the group of about 60 congregations from Mozambique and southern Malawi who are in process of affiliating with GCI, died suddenly after a short illness. He left a widow with three young children. Please pray for his family and for the churches he led. One of their district superintendents has been appointed interim leader by their church board. GCI South Africa National Director Tim Maguire and one or two others are hoping to travel to Mozambique soon to see what we can do to help. Your prayers for God’s direction on this affiliation process would also be greatly appreciated.

On the bright side, Gary baptized Aubrey Toli during the conference. Aubrey is the youth leader on the pastoral team in the Mohlakeng congregation in the Johannesburg area. Gary said, “I was honored to be asked to perform the baptism, but as it is winter in the southern hemisphere, I thought later that Aubrey might have figured the minister most willing to do a baptism in very cold water would be the Canadian!”

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Speaking of Life Voice-overs

Speaking of Life videos are now being translated into Spanish and French! Plans are also being made for German translations. Here are links to the Spanish voice-over, Hablando de la Vida, and the French voice-over, En Parlant de la Vie:

Spanish: http://comuniondegracia.org/blog/category/hablando-de-la-vida/
French: http://www.lemondeavenir.com/ftp/videos/17-noel.wmv

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Reflections on leadership training

Some 40 International Conference attendees stayed afterward for a two-day Christian Leadership seminar sponsored by ACCM. Several commented on the seminar and the conference: Leadership Seminar Comments

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Staff Changes

GCI treasurer Mat Morgan reported that our long-time, faithful and beloved accounting manager, Clark Miller, has announced his intention to retire in January 2011. Mat said, “Clark’s extensive knowledge and experience and his wonderful service to the Church as Accounting Manager over the years have been invaluable. We will miss him greatly, but we also wish him every blessing as he prepares for this transition.”

Mat added that IT Manager Robert Meade will assume Clark’s duties as Accounting Manager. Until Clark’s retirement in January, Robert will be working alongside him in preparation for his new responsibilities.

Bret Miller is the new IT Manager. Bret has extensive experience in the IT field and has worked closely with Robert for many years.

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Haitian refugees mission trip report

GCI Media Director Michael Morrison and his wife, Janet, just returned from leading a mission trip to Bahamas to work with children of Haitian refugees. Here is a link to Janet’s daily blog: http://gctrips.org/2010blog.aspx

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Estonia public lecture

Carl Fredrik Aas will hold a public lecture on Thursday evening in Tartu, Estonia, about the history of the Bible. He will talk about how the Bible has been preserved, copied and translated through the centuries. He would appreciate prayers for the success of the lecture.

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Jamaica

GCI Jamaica Pastor Leroy Joiles sent his thanks for the recent International Conference. Leroy wrote:

“Thank you for a wonderful conference experience. It was indeed a blessing for me to be there. I will send you another email in a few days to comment further on the conference and the two days of ACCM Leadership Training.

Jesanya Scale, who also attended the conference and the ACCM Leadership Seminar, gave her first sermon on July 31, our Youth Day. Our goal is to empower our youths and help them to see the church as their church too. We do not want to just give lip service to Youth Day, but we want to use it to empower our young people so they can become on fire for God and the mission to which they are called.”

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Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

From Pastor Doug Johannsen:

You’re all invited to our annual Dells Celebration at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, from September 30 to October 3, 2010. Dr. Mike Feazell will be our guest speaker this year.

Our theme this year is “On To Maturity.” Join us on this four-day journey as we examine four major areas of life that reflect maturity in our walk with Jesus.

Step 1: Reserve your room at the Kalahari by Sunday, August 29, 2010. The Kalahari is the premier family resort in the Dells featuring the world’s largest indoor water park and a new theme park. Phone 1-877-525-2427 for reservations.

Hut – $109.00 per night plus tax, 1-4 people only.
Lodge Suite – $129 per night plus tax, 1-4 people only.
Combination Suite (lodge and hut) – $238 per night plus tax, sleeps up to 8 people.
Village – (lodge and two adjoining huts) – $347 per night plus tax, sleeps up to 12 people.

You must call the Kalahari Resort no later than August 29 to reserve your room. After August 29, the low prices we’ve negotiated will no longer be available! Let the reservation personnel know you are with Grace Communion International or Worldwide Church of God. The Kalahari reservation number is 1-877-525-2427.

You may also book your room on line. First, go to: https://res.kalahariresort.com/V1Web/GroupComments.aspx

Then enter:
Group ID 14215
Password: 244
Contact Password (Optional): Leave this blank.
Click on “Make Reservation” and follow the prompts.

Ste 2: Register with Grace Communion International/Worldwide Church of God Headquarters online at: <www.wcg.org/go/wisconsin>, and follow the prompts. Pay with your credit card.

Or you may download a registration form, fill it out and mail your registration with a check to:

Grace Communion International
PO Box 5005
Glendora CA 91740-5005

If you do not have Internet access, contact me, Dells Coordinator Doug Johannsen, and I will mail the forms to you.

Doug Johannsen
14210 Uranium St NW
Ramsey, MN 55303
Phone: 763-576-1086

Step 3: Come celebrate Jesus with your family and friends. Enjoy good food and activities! The Kalahari is a very family activity oriented facility with a huge water park and a new theme park!

If you have any questions, contact Pastor Doug Johannsen at doug.johannsen@gci.org or by phone at 763-576-1086.

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Mission America event

The Mission America Coalition would like to encourage churches to register and participate in National Back to Church Sunday. This single-day event will be held on September 12, 2010, and has more than 2,200 churches participating.

Findings by LifeWay Research indicate that 82 percent of unchurched people would be open to attending church if invited by a friend, but only 2 percent of church members have actually invited someone to church during the past year. National Back to Church Sunday is an opportunity for every believer to invite their friends, family, and neighbors to church.

Remember that prayer is the battleground where we fight the good fight of faith. Let’s encourage everyone to join together in prayer, for we belong to Christ, and by the Spirit it is in Christ that we pray. Prayer and other spiritual activities help keep our hearts in tune with God and remind us of who we are in Christ. He is our all in all, and in him we are eternally beloved of the Father and blessed to share his good news with others.

Love from my family to yours,
Joseph Tkach

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Two new Filipino elders were ordained in our headquarters office here in Glendora on Monday. Sadie and Angie Tabin, who also attended our international conference in Orlando, Florida, were here with Philippines National Director Eugene Guzon. Besides their pastoral team work, the Tabins serve in a prison ministry and are assessing the possibility of planting a new congregation. Please remember them in prayer.

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Ted Johnston has posted some short videos from our GCI-USA mission blog on YouTube. The link is: http://www.youtube.com/user/pastortedjohnston. These can also be downloaded for use in presentations or embedded on local church websites.

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Israel/Jordan Tour, June 2011

GCI pastors and members are invited to participate in a unique study tour of Israel with optional added trip into Jordan in June 2011. As noted in the attached brochure, the trip focuses on biblical stewardship and provides not only special access to popular sites in the Holy Land but also access to some seldom seen sites. This special opportunity is being extended to us by Dr. Scott Preissler, a friend of GCI and an expert in biblical stewardship.

The price for the Israel segment of the tour is $3963.00. This price includes airfare from Dallas to Israel and back to Dallas or another International airport nearer you. The price also includes all lodging in Israel (double occupancy), breakfast and dinner each day of the tour, ground transportation by tour bus, tips, and entry fees. The optional Jordan add-on trip costs an additional $900.00. These prices are quite low for what is provided because generous donors are subsidizing the trip’s cost. Dr. Preissler has generously extended this subsidy to us.

If you are interested in participating in this exceptional study trip, notify Ted Johnston in the next few days (by email at Ted.Johnston@gci.org or by phone at 330.497.7188). If our GCI group is large enough, there may be a small further reduction in the per person cost. Openings for this trip are limited, so act quickly.

Israel/Jordan Brochure

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Interesting Stats

Prediction

According to the Pew Forum Weekly Update of June 24, 58 percent of white evangelical Christians say Jesus Christ will definitely or probably return to earth by 2050, by far the highest percentage in any religious group. Just 32 percent of Catholics, 27 percent of white mainline Protestants and 20 percent of the religiously unaffiliated predict Jesus Christ’s return to earth. Those with no college experience (59 percent) are more likely than those with some college experience (35 percent) and college graduates (19 percent) to expect Christ’s return.

Bible Readers and Debt

What is the best financial advice you will ever receive? The surprising answer is to read your Bible on a daily basis. New View (www.StateofthePlate.info) from the Pew research shows that the more faithful someone is in their daily Bible reading, the less debt they tend to have and the more likely they will be to give 10 percent or more to their church.

Church Attendance Increase

Gallup research reports more Americans are attending religious services weekly or almost weekly. Results of its study showed 43.1 percent of Americans regularly attending, up slightly from ’09 (42.8 percent) and ’08 (42.1 percent). Gallup aligns the increase with Americans’ increasing economic confidence, suggesting that more people attend church during good financial times rather than bad, as historically assumed (Gallup 6/25/10).

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Prayer Requests and Updates

Pastor Gary Dry of our Lake St. Louis, Missouri, congregation and his wife, Diane, reported the pathology report for their toddler granddaughter, Laila, showed that the doctors removed all of the cancer during the surgery! Gary added:

Laila will still have to have a maintenance dose of chemotherapy as a precautionary measure, but that is all. Her strength and demeanor are improving daily and she has actually been sitting in a chair this morning. Not bad for someone who was basically sawed in two just four days ago. At this rate, the doctors think that she may get released from the hospital as early as Sunday.

We wouldn’t be where we are without your support. Thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts. Join us as we say praise be to the Lord.

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Please remember Philippines pastor Ezra Raduban, who has just undergone an angioplasty. We are awaiting further information. Thank you for your prayers for him and for the rest of his family during this challenging time.

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Ray Griffee, our pastor in Cadillac, Michigan, sent this note of thanks:

Thank you all for your cards and prayers for me and my family. I was overwhelmed by your response. I had to have a quintuple bypass performed and it was successful. There was no damage to my heart. I am home recuperating and my doctor said that I can resume normal duties by the end of August. Thank you again for your love.

Remember that prayer is the battleground where we fight the good fight of faith. Let’s encourage everyone to join together in prayer, for we belong to Christ, and by the Spirit it is in Christ that we pray. Prayer and other spiritual activities help keep our hearts in tune with God and remind us of who we are in Christ. He is our all in all, and in him we are eternally beloved of the Father and blessed to share his good news with others.

Love from my family to yours,
Joseph Tkach

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Correction: The prayer announcement in the current Weekly Update regarding toddler Laila Dry’s surgery should have read as follows. We apologize for the confusion:

Pastor Gary Dry of our Lake St. Louis, Missouri, congregation and his wife, Diane, want to thank everyone for their prayers for their toddler granddaughter, Laila, (daughter of Kristopher and Alicia Dry) who underwent successful surgery for removal of a grapefruit sized tumor. Gary wrote:

The surgery was successful, although the surgeon said it was one of the most difficult surgeries he had ever done. The estimated five-hour surgery ended up taking over eight hours. The doctors removed the kidney and adrenal gland as well as some lymph nodes but did not have to remove any other organs. Laila will have to undergo chemotherapy, but the prognosis for her recovery is very good. She’ll spend about a week in the hospital post surgery as they look after her wounds and help her start the healing process. We truly appreciate everyone’s concern for Laila. It’s so painful to see someone so small have to endure such a trauma, but then again, her age will work greatly in her favor as she recovers. Please pass on our thanks and love to everyone.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

New Hope Christian Fellowship, our GCI congregation in Pasadena, California, is excited to announce its 10th Annual Marriage Retreat on Saturday and Sunday, October 2-3 at the Doubletree Hotel in Monrovia, California. The presenters will be Bill and Pam Farrel, authors of Men are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti. During this relaxing and learning-rich weekend, the differences between men and women in the marriage relationship will be explored and celebrated from a lighthearted, Christian perspective. Bring your sense of humor and a desire to learn!

Visit http://newhope4all.org/marriage/2010MarriageRetreatBrochure.pdf to view a color brochure with cost, schedule and other event details. Space is limited and registration closes August 16.

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San Francisco, California

From Pastor Richard Roberts:

After starting as a house church December 6, 1998, our San Francisco Community Fellowship has moved into a commercial building and is now holding weekly Sunday worship services in the community where we live. We have full 24/7 access to the facility and plan to use our new space to reach out to low-income families in the area.

Thanks to all who have been praying for us. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we reach out to serve the physical and spiritual needs of the people in our community.

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Educators Prayer Walk Resources

Karen C. Seddon, a GCI member in Florida, is involved with Christian Educators Association International. Here is a link to a web page she prepared containing articles and resources for teachers who might be interested in prayer walking for their schools: http://prayerwalking.pbworks.com/

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Vanuatu

From Mission Director Rod Matthews:

Invercargill, New Zealand, member and master builder, Les Evans, a member and masterbuilder from Invercargill, New Zealand, led a group from New Zealand to Vanuatu from May 30 to June 12 with the goal of completing the community room for our Rory Congregation. You will enjoy his report of working in a developing area of the Pacific. He wrote:

The short-term mission to Vanuatu was to construct a workshop and finish the [church] community room in the village of Navili, Rory, Malekula. The team of Les and Kaye Evans and Liz Bradshaw set off with the help of the New Zealand churches to establish the workshop for the making of furniture by the local people to sell to the public.

Many of the tools were to be purchased and sent to the island, ready for our arrival. Plans were laid months in advance to allow for the inevitable delays that can be experienced in the islands. However, several new problems arose. The first was the money transfer taking longer than usual and William Davies (our church elder in Santo) also had an urgent medical situation that required him and his family to travel to Fiji at the most crucial time of the planning phase.

As I’ve said several times now, we have never had the same problem twice, and there are still enough to go around for several more trips. Distance and communication are the most frustrating challenges that we encounter and no amount of preparation from far away will ever overcome this completely.

The concrete mixer was sent early but never arrived. This was one of the two machines (the chainsaw being the other) that we needed to make the foundations and the block work to start the construction of the workshop. During the last day of work on the island, after many calls during the final week, we finally found that the ship that had the concrete mixer on board had been “arrested” by the Maritime Authority for safety breaches! It would only arrive in the village after our departure!

All the concrete work and block making had to be done by hand, and the chainsaws were not ready for shipping, so a local one was sought. This one, however, was not in a good mechanical condition and needed repairs. As the parts were not available, we were not able to saw the timber necessary for the roof or to make scaffolding to lay the uppermost block rows.

Two major obstacles on the island are communication and transport. We have an interpreter who can speak both English and the local Bislama (William Davies). This doesn’t remove the problems, but at least we know about them sooner! In the past, with much repetition of “yes,” “no” and “no savvy,” and everyone talking more slowly for understanding, problems were no fewer and it took longer for them to be realized.

Transporting the sand from the beach to the work area was our next mission. The sand arrived slowly but steadily, and most of the sand for making blocks to complete the job arrived just before we left. The last blocks we were laying were extremely green and required careful handling. On a good day the concrete blocks were being made at a rate of about 60 per day with the last day making 120. Liz was able, when a good supply of sand and blocks were available, to lay up to 120 blocks in a day. The workshop needed about 450 blocks, and the community room took another 130.

The village has waited years for a piped water supply and this has been promised [by government authorities] every time we visited. The church built a concrete tank, mainly for drinking and cooking water, but this year the water supply arrived in the village the day we did! Running water is now potentially available to every house in the district of Rory. The water tank will still be used for drinking and reserve supply. The pipeline has been funded by the New Zealand Government.

One night when it was time to go home to our accommodation, the taxi didn’t arrive, and when we rang him we found that the police had “arrested” his utility truck because he had failed to pay his road tax!

The toilets didn’t work properly where we stayed and would not fill unless the center pipe [inside the cistern] was held down. We spent quite some time every day with our hands in the toilet just to get it to work! And that of course only worked when we actually had running water.

Having got the work to a certain stage we expect that the locals will be able to continue with the community room and make the remaining bricks for the workshop. When the new chainsaw arrives they will be able to cut the timber for both the community room walls and the roof of the workshop. Some members from adjoining villages also pitched in to help while we were there and the children stayed home from school for a few days so they could be of help – which they were.

As we leave the village the community is facing an added problem. The water supply that has been so long coming is in danger of becoming the center of a dispute [between other villages]. We pray that any dispute will be dealt with properly and the supply will remain running for all to use.

The village people thanked the New Zealand churches very much for the contribution made toward the construction of the new building. The building team would like to also express our thanks and appreciation for the assistance and prayer support. We also expressed our thanks to the people of the village for their hospitality and love during our time with them.

Much was done but more is needed yet and another visit to complete the task is now in the planning so we can continue to assist the local people in becoming more and more self-supporting.

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Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

From Pastor Doug Johannsen:

You’re all invited to our annual Dells Celebration at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, from September 30 to October 3, 2010.

Our theme this year is “On To Maturity.” Join us on this four-day journey as we examine four major areas of life that reflect maturity in our walk with Jesus.

Step 1: Reserve your room at the Kalahari by Sunday, August 29, 2010. The Kalahari is the premier family resort in the Dells featuring the world’s largest indoor water park and a new theme park. Phone 1-877-525-2427 for reservations.

Hut – $109.00 per night plus tax, 1-4 people only.
Lodge Suite – $129 per night plus tax, 1-4 people only.
Combination Suite (lodge and hut) – $238 per night plus tax, sleeps up to 8 people.
Village – (lodge and two adjoining huts) – $347 per night plus tax, sleeps up to 12 people.

You must call the Kalahari Resort no later than August 29 to reserve your room. After August 29, the low prices we’ve negotiated will no longer be available! Let the reservation personnel know you are with Grace Communion International or Worldwide Church of God. The Kalahari reservation number is 1-877-525-2427.

You may also book your room on line. First, go to: https://res.kalahariresort.com/V1Web/GroupComments.aspx

Then enter:
Group ID 14215
Password: 244
Contact Password (Optional): Leave this blank.
Click on “Make Reservation” and follow the prompts.

Step 2: Register with Grace Communion International/Worldwide Church of God Headquarters online at: <www.wcg.org/go/wisconsin>, and follow the prompts. Pay with your credit card.

Or you may download a registration form, fill it out and mail your registration with a check to:
Grace Communion International
PO Box 5005
Glendora CA 91740-5005

If you do not have Internet access, contact me, Dells Coordinator Doug Johannsen, and I will mail the forms to you.

Doug Johannsen
14210 Uranium St NW
Ramsey, MN 55303
Phone: 763-576-1086

Step 3: Come celebrate Jesus with your family and friends. Enjoy good food and activities! The Kalahari is a very family activity oriented facility with a huge water park and a new theme park!

If you have any questions, contact Pastor Doug Johannsen at doug.johannsen@gci.org or by phone at 763-576-1086.

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Prayer Requests and Updates

Dave Fiedler sent this update on his eye surgery:

Please thank everyone for all their prayers and loving concern as I go through this nasty trial with my eye. I had another appointment yesterday with the doctor near our home in Oregon. This was my first visit to him as we had to spend over three months in Wisconsin as I went through the three eye surgeries and recoveries there. After he thoroughly examined my eye he said the retinal detachments and tears were so bad that I should be blind. He complimented my doctor in Wisconsin for saving it as much as he had. (And thank you Jesus that I still have some sight in the eye!) He is sending me to the best doctors in Oregon, who practice in Portland, in a couple weeks for a fourth surgery. Though I can see, I still have double vision and considerable distortion due to scar tissue buildup. There is also a little fluid under the retina. They will go in and remove that fluid, trim the edge of the retina and try to scrape away the scar tissue which is obstructing my present vision. The third one wasn’t the charm, so let’s pray the fourth one will be.

By the way, the doctor said my right eye looks good. Praise God!

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Pastor Gary Dry of our Lake St. Louis, Missouri, congregation and his wife, Diane, want to thank everyone for their prayers for their toddler granddaughter, Laila, (daughter of Kristopher and Alicia Dry) who underwent successful surgery for removal of a grapefruit sized tumor. Gary wrote:

The surgery was successful, although the surgeon said it was one of the most difficult surgeries he had ever done. The estimated five-hour surgery ended up taking over eight hours. The doctors removed the kidney and adrenal gland as well as some lymph nodes but did not have to remove any other organs. Laila will have to undergo chemotherapy, but the prognosis for her recovery is very good. She’ll spend about a week in the hospital post surgery as they look after her wounds and help her start the healing process. We truly appreciate everyone’s concern for Laila. It’s so painful to see someone so small have to endure such a trauma, but then again, her age will work greatly in her favor as she recovers. Please pass on our thanks and love to everyone.

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Edna Barr, wife of Pastor Al Barr of our Manhattan, New York, congregation sent this update on Al’s health. She wrote:

I am sending this update on Al’s condition. He will be sending it from now on, either by typing it himself, or by dictation. He had a lot of energy at the conference due to the steroids, which are a part of the cancer treatment. However, at that dosage, they were keeping him from sleeping at night. They were also making his face look fatter, although it didn’t appear swollen. At the last visit to the doctor, she agreed to reduce the steroid dosage. As a result, Al has been less energetic, but has been able to sleep much better. Al’s update and comments follow.

Al added: I want to thank everybody for their prayers and cards and concern. The tumor that was on my right back side has completely disappeared. I am still taking chemotherapy twice a week. There are a few side effects from the chemo, but not as bad as I thought it would be. Because the cancer is no longer visible does not mean I am cancer-free yet. I still have to have a PET scan and a bone marrow biopsy to make sure all the cancer cells are gone. My oncologist wants to continue treatment for another month before doing those tests. She is very pleased with the progress so far. It has been humbling to know that people around the world have been praying for me. I am extremely thankful. I am taking it one day at a time until I am fully recovered from this.

Remember that prayer is the battleground where we fight the good fight of faith. Let’s encourage everyone to join together in prayer, for we belong to Christ, and by the Spirit it is in Christ that we pray. Prayer and other spiritual activities help keep our hearts in tune with God and remind us of who we are in Christ. He is our all in all, and in him we are eternally beloved of the Father and blessed to share his good news with others.

Love from my family to yours,
Joseph Tkach

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