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.”
Aubrey Toli
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!”
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:
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
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.
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
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.
Jesanya Scale
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
