Prayer relationships

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Artists typically depict prayer as going upward from us to God. They might show a person kneeling in a beam of light, or looking up with hands outstretched to heaven. In the illustration below, the artist depicts another dimension of prayer—its roots and soil. It reminds me of Paul’s words to the church at Ephesus to be “rooted and grounded in love” (Ephesians 3:17—KJV throughout).

Although I see most of you only once a year or less, I feel close to you all. That closeness is not about email, but a relationship of unity in the Holy Spirit that is grounded in prayer. I pray frequently for our elders and their families as I do for all our members and their families. I do this not as a duty or mere discipline, but because I want to maintain my relationship with all of you even if we are not able to be together as often as I would like.

I learned this idea of prayer relationships from my reading of the apostle Paul’s writings. Long before Facebook and Skype, Paul maintained a strong network of personal relationships across the Mediterranean world. He prayed that God’s blessings would rest upon the churches that he planted and served. These were not just general “catch-all” prayers. He was often quite specific. To the Thessalonians he wrote: “Night and day praying exceedingly that we…might perfect that which is lacking in your faith…. To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness” (1 Thessalonians 3:10, 13). To the Romans: “Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers” (Romans 1:9). To the Philippians: “Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy” (Philippians 1:4). And to the Colossians: [We] do not cease to pray for you… I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you (Colossians 1:9; 2:1).

Day and night Paul prayed for God to intervene and that the Holy Spirit might guide and direct these Christians. As earnestly as he believed in the power of his intercession for them, he believed in the blessing that their prayers would bring upon him: “Now I beseech you…that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me” (Romans 15:30). “[God] will yet deliver us; ye also helping together by prayer for us” (2 Corinthians 1:10-11). “Praying…for me…that I may open my mouth boldly” (Ephesians 6:18-19). “This shall turn to my salvation through your prayer” (Philippians 1:19).

Paul understood that a pastor-congregant relationship is a heavenly one—developed and maintained through prayer, by the Spirit. It is the same today, no matter where the congregation may be. Because we are participants in God’s life through Christ’s vicarious life for us, our prayers are ultimately rooted and grounded in the intercessory voice of Jesus as our Faithful High Priest (Hebrews 2:17; 7:25).

In Atonement: the Person and Work of Christ, T. F. Torrance wrote this: “Prayer is the link between world history and the intercession of Christ in heaven. So far as the church in history and on earth is concerned, therefore, the great connecting link between world history and the heavenly session of Christ is to be found in prayer and intercession.”

Paul’s prayers focused on all kinds of relationships—not only between Christians, but also between church and state. Remember Paul’s words to Timothy: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

Do you see why I like the illustration shown above? Rather than presenting prayer as something vague and ephemeral, it brings it right down to earth. When we pray, we are joining in the work of the kingdom of God, supporting each other and those we serve in a vast “underground” network of prayer relationships that are rooted and grounded in love.

Your brother in Christ’s service,

Joseph Tkach

ConneXions conference

This update is from Carrie Smith a GCI pastoral intern serving in the San Diego, California area.

On January 24-26, a group of 20 that included GCI ministry developers, pastors, church planters and six pastoral interns gathered at CrossRoads Christian Fellowship in Tipp City, Ohio, for ConneXions, a conference focused on community outreach and church planting.

In the morning, CrossRoads pastors Jim and Becky Valekis led discussions concerning how they developed Christ-centered “conneXions” with their focus community in Tipp City (for information about the Valekis’ community outreach, click here). In the afternoon, the group discussed the culture and context of their home communities. This discussion was led by Hal Haller, a church planter and mission strategist from Jacksonville, Florida. Hal emphasized utilizing the outreach and church growth strategies exemplified by the early church in the book of Acts. As the group said their goodbyes, they left encouraged and ready to do their part in making “conneXions” within their own communities.

Interns3 — Intern Joe Lamb (left) talks with Hall Haller

Richard Parker retires

Two Southern California churches recently bid farewell to their senior pastor, J. Richard Parker and his wife Sally. Richard recently retired after many years serving GCI as an employed pastor.

Mr. Parker with Retired Hat — Pastor Richard Parker

Richard, who was ordained in 1971, pastored GCI churches in Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Arkansas and California before becoming senior pastor of the Long Beach/Bellflower, California congregation in 1993, adding the Orange County congregation in 1996. Richard taught these two churches about the freedom they have in Christ, which replaces the bonds of legalism with grace-centered living. Richard served the members through preaching, counseling and writing (including his monthly Pastor’s Letter). Sally served by taking care of the church’s finances and membership contact information.

In his final Pastor’s Letter, Richard stated, “This is my last Pastor’s Letter… I must be a father, a grandfather, a husband, a brother and a son-in-law to my family. I must also grow old and eventually die. But the way of God will never die. In fact, it carries us all into eternal realms with God. The best to you all as you journey forth into those realms.”

Parker retirement — Prayers of blessing for Pastor Richard and Sally

The Long Beach/Bellflower and Orange County congregations are currently being pastored by Interim Pastor Eric Shaw and his wife Pat. The Shaws have graciously set aside their own retirement plans to serve the two congregations until a permanent pastor is appointed.

Mexico youth camp

GCI Mexico recently held a youth camp on the beach at Guayabitos. Total attendance was 30, including campers and staffers. The following report is from camp director Samuel Mercado.

Our camp was aimed at fostering unity among the youth who regularly attend our congregations in Mexico. The camp programs had a two-fold focus: first, that everyone understand that they can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; secondly, the continuation of the GCI Generations Ministries course, “Journey with the Master—The Master’s Calling,” which helps equip young people for their participation in ministry with Jesus.

During the camp five young people were baptized. The baptism service was conducted by Nathaniel Cruz, GCI’s youngest pastor in Mexico. Nathaniel also led the camp worship services. In addition to worship services, campers enjoyed recreational activities and prepared their own meals. On New Year’s Eve, campers visited the nearby beach and shared wishes for one another and their gratitude toward God. It was a moving and unique evening that included a special dinner. Some also took the opportunity to make a boat trip to watch whales migrating in the area.

The results of the camp are quite positive. New young leaders are emerging, new national projects are taking shape, and young people are accepting the call to work actively within their home congregations. This year, 18 campers received Jon Whitney Foundation grants—without this help, they would not have been able to attend. We all thank God for the opportunity to attend camp where we learned about the love of God and his will for our lives. Thanks to all who supported us!

New church in the Netherlands

This report on the start of a new GCI church in the Friesland province in the north of the Netherlands is from Santiago Lange one of GCI’ s mission directors in Europe.

The atmosphere at the inaugural service of our new Friesland church was celebratory and warm. I shared a message from GCI president Joseph Tkach and presented to the congregation’s newly commissioned pastoral coordinator, Matendo Makoti, a candle bearing the GCI emblem. In my message I drew a connection between the light of the candle, the meaning of the GCI emblem and our gospel commission.

During the service, the congregation’s leaders were commissioned. The congregation is looking positively forward to the future—I believe they have much potential for growth. I know that Matendo and all the leaders seek our active assistance, including our prayers.

Insights about churches

Chuck Lawless, Dean of Graduate Studies at Southeastern Seminary, recently shared ten insights gleaned through many years serving as a church consultant. Here is a summary list; for the details, click here.

Churches often wait too long to address decline.
Statistics really are helpful.
Prayer in unhealthy churches is reactive rather than proactive.
Churches often settle for numerical growth rather than life transformation.
Churches do not know their community.
Most churches aren’t ready for conversion growth if God were to send it.
Sometimes the most obvious suggestions seem the most revolutionary.
The leader in the pulpit matters.
In most churches, somebody wants the congregation to make an eternal difference.
God is still growing His church.

Santiago Lange

This prayer request is from GCI Germany’s national director Santiago Lange who asks for prayer concerning a health issue he’s dealing with.

I recently received results of a routine diabetes checkup. Thankfully, my blood sugar levels are within normal range. However, it was discovered that I might have a rather uncommon form of diabetes. More tests will have to be performed, but I should know by the end of April. If I have this form of diabetes, I will have to inject insulin for the rest of my life (unless, of course, God intervenes). I would appreciate prayer for me and my family as we continue to trust in God who knows and understands all our pains and frailties.

Rex Dela Pena

Please pray for the family of GCI Philippines area leader and pastor Rex Dela Pena (pictured below left) who sent us this message concerning his father’s recent death.

Wilfredo_L._Dela_Pena — Wilfredo L. Dela Pena

I thank God for answering our prayers for my father Wilfredo Dela Pena (pictured at right). He died peacefully surrounded by all four of his children and one grandchild. At his bedside we sang songs and prayed as the nurses joined in.

I lost both of my parents in less than a year. It has been hard, but the whole family is grateful that both of my parents now know the awesome depth of God’s unconditional love. My father had been asking God to take him home—now he truly is; basking in the loving embrace of our Father in heaven.

Mozambique

Last week we asked for prayer for GCI members in Mozambique who have been devastated by the flooding there. Here is additional information from GCI South Africa leader and mission developer Tim Maguire.

About 800 GCI members in Northern Mozambique have been directly affected by the terrible flooding. Most of them are located near the southern tip of Malawi, especially on the plain between the Zambezi and Chiri rivers. The area is quite flat.

Manuel Vasco (secretary) and Mariano Binzi (national leader) are travelling to various congregations to assess the damage. Some churches are inaccessible, even at good times. They are travelling by a motorbike purchased for them by GCI’s Indianapolis congregation about a year ago.

Though the flooding is receding, some rivers are still flowing strongly, which restricts movement in the area. I received this message from Manuel:

Much thanks for your continued assistance. I am trying by all means to get to all of our churches, traveling with the bike. There are some areas where it’s hard to pass through on a motorcycle because of mud. Yesterday I went to Pinda, Mponha and Gera. Today we travel to Mopeia and will worship there tomorrow. On Monday we travel to other affected areas and will only return home after finishing the process. The main use of the relief funds that we have been given is to buy rice and maize that have been brought in from other places. We ask for your prayers as we travel to different zones, crossing rivers in canoes.

I just received news from Manuel that one of our members named Domingos, who was travelling with them by motorbike on their relief efforts, fell and broke his leg. He has been taken to a clinic for treatment.

In response to the needs described above, GCI Australia sent A$10,000, GCI Canada sent C$5,000 and the GCI home office in Glendora, California sent US$10,000 from the GCI Disaster Relief Fund. Donations to the GCI Disaster Relief Fund make it possible for GCI to respond quickly to disasters like this. If your congregation would like to donate to the fund, have your church treasurer make a one time or recurring donation using the online donation system. If preferred, you may donate by a check made payable to Grace Communion International, noting on the memo line that the donation is for the GCI Disaster Relief Fund. Mail the check to:

GCI Disaster Relief Fund
Grace Communion International
P.O Box 5005
Glendora, California 91740

Death of Glenn Roberson

We are saddened to learn of the untimely death of Glenn Roberson. Many GCI members will remember Glen with great fondness from his years serving as “chef extraordinaire” and dear friend to young and old at SEP in Orr, Minnesota and at Ambassador College in both Big Sandy, Texas and Pasadena, California. Glen suffered a stroke on February 6 and died on February 10 surrounded by his family. A memorial service in Glenn’s honor will be held at GCI’s New Beginnings church building in Big Sandy on Saturday, February 23 at 10:30 am. The following tribute was written by Sonny Parsons, Glenn’s pastor.

Glenn was a beloved friend who lived here (East Texas) for many years. He worked for 25 years for Ambassador College in both Big Sandy, Texas and Pasadena, California. He also worked for 10 years for LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas; and the last several years for Good Shepherd Medical Center (GSMC) also in Longview. Glenn was at work at GSMC when he collapsed. His coworkers caught him and took him to the GSMC emergency room. He passed from this life to be with his Lord on Sunday, February 10.

Born in 1945, Glenn turned 67 last October. He was a special man, loved by all who knew him. The outpouring of love and concern from GSMC staff members alone was overwhelming. During his time in the hospital, many of his church family gathered to pray for him.

Jerome Ellard, a member of our congregation, summarized Glenn’s life:

I can truthfully say that I know no one who was a more loving, gentlemanly, humble, godly servant than Glenn Roberson. I am so thankful that he was our friend.

The impact that Glenn had on so many lives is summarized in a write-up on a business website concerning Glenn’s employment at LeTourneau University:

Glenn loves his job and it shows, both in the huge smile on his face that he is never without, and the friendly greeting he has for anyone he encounters in LeTourneau University’s dining hall. Roberson’s lifelong dream has been to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a cook. He began his culinary career at Ambassador College, where he worked for almost 20 years before coming to LeTourneau. He has worked as a cook in the B.A. Skipper Dining Hall for more than a decade. “The students are the best part of my job. I like to talk to them while they’re waiting in line. I’m a real people person,” Roberson said. But cooking remains a close second. Roberson was recently approached to make a student’s wedding cake, a project he joyfully accepted. This summer he will once again contribute several baked goods to the annual bake sale fund-raiser for summer mission trips. Last year, one of his cakes brought in $1,000 for the project. For those who know Roberson and his penchant for creating delectable treats, it was worth every penny.

Glenn with "his boys" — Glenn with “his boys”

Glenn is survived by his mother (in her mid 90s), brothers, a sister and many other relatives. He has family in New Mexico, Texas and Virginia. He has two dogs he called “his boys”—they will greatly miss Glenn.

Over the past few years, Glenn would come to the church building by 8:00 AM on Sunday morning to prepare special treats for the members to enjoy during a time of fellowship after services. In just the past couple of weeks he had prepared a special meal for our church’s large Wednesday evening Bible study and had sung special music in services.

Often Glenn would travel to our sister church in Texarkana to sing special music and take along treats that he had prepared. I would often joke with Glenn and tell him that people didn’t care if I was there or not–they wanted to know what Glenn had sent them.

Glenn’s smile and love were appreciated by all who were touched by his life. He truly “let his light shine,” proclaiming the gospel and his love for Christ by the way he lived.

Many tributes to Glenn have been appearing on Facebook. Here is one from GCI Kansas City member Julie Frantz:

Today we celebrate the beautiful life of our dear friend Glenn Roberson. He is face to face with his Lord. Thank you Lord for sharing him with us. He has always been a bright light in my life. Mr. Roberson, I look forward to having hot bread with you again.

Brian Queener

This update is from GCI Pastor Mark Queener concerning his son Brian. For the previous prayer request for Brain, click here.

We are praising God from whom all blessings flow!

Though Brian was facing a return to critical care due to problems with his pancreas, we have learned that he will not need to. Brian’s white blood cell count returned to normal overnight.

Thank you for your continuing prayers for Brian. He still needs them, though today we are rejoicing!

Computer tip

GCI’s IT Department is receiving increasing numbers of requests from US pastors asking for help recovering from a computer crash. Here is a helpful tip.

Most computer manufacturers now ship new computers without recovery disks. This means that if your hard drive fails, you will be stuck without a way to recover, even if you replace the drive. Most computer stores and repair shops cannot help you recover from a hard drive crash unless you have the recovery disks.

So here’s the tip: create a set of recovery disks of your own before you start using a new computer. If you don’t, you may find yourself needing to call the manufacturer to pay them to send you a set. Not only is that costly (usually about $50), you also end up having to wait to receive the recovery disks before you can start repairing your computer.