Living Water

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I encourage you to read the Mozambique prayer update linked at left, which updates us on the situation faced by our members in Northern Mozambique. Their homes have been flooded and their crops destroyed. They were already some of the poorest people in the world. I am thankful that we are able to help them come through this crisis through prayer and financial assistance.

The situation in Mozambique reminds me of how much we take for granted. In the developed world, we don’t really need to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Our supermarkets have great variety from which to choose. It is the same with water. Millions of people in the poorer parts of the world must pray, “Give us this day our daily water”—and then walk several miles to get it. We, on the other hand, are spoiled for choice. In the Western world, bottled water is a multi-billion dollar business. My local supermarket offers at least 12 varieties, each promising to be superior to the others. Some people argue that none of them is actually better than plain old tap water, which is one hundred times less expensive. Maybe that’s true. I don’t know.

Though I am not an expert on water, Jesus was. He not only turned water into wine, he walked on it. And in the beginning, he created it. You will remember the account in John’s Gospel, where Jesus met the Samaritan woman who was drawing water from a well. He told her he could supply her with a never-ending supply of what he called “living water.” This water was so superior that whoever drank it would never be thirsty again.

Clean drinking water was scarce in Jesus’ day, so the woman naturally asked him how she could get this exceptional water. The phrase “living water” usually meant moving, flowing water. The woman knew there was no flowing water nearby. The only water available locally was in that well. Jesus was using a play on words. He explained, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14). This was a great metaphor since water is essential to life. Just as the physical body needs water to continue living so does the spirit.

When we become physically thirsty, water satisfies us. However, we are not just physical creatures. We are made in God’s image and we have a spiritual appetite, whether we recognize it or not. We can become hungry and thirsty spiritually for a restored and right relationship with God. Jesus explained that he was the source of the “spiritual water” that can quench the thirst of the spirit. By drinking the living water one can live and never thirst again.

The woman was astonished, not only by his extraordinary offer. In fact, she may not have fully understood it at the time. What astonished her was that Jesus spoke to her in the first place. She was a gentile, a woman and had a somewhat dubious reputation. She was used to being shunned by her own people. A Jewish man should have gone to great lengths to avoid her. Nevertheless, Jesus accepted her and offered hope and encouragement.

This story teaches us that Jesus offers his forgiveness to everyone. No matter how many sins one has committed, Jesus offers new life—and he offers it to all humanity. By reaching out to an outcast Samaritan woman, Jesus showed that his kingdom is for everyone from every nation, every tribe and every culture.

Our denomination is greatly blessed to be truly “international”—not just in word but in fact. I am humbled that the Holy Spirit sees us as a “safe place” to bring people looking for grace and truth. We did not go seeking several thousand members in Mozambique. They were looking for a “well” to satisfy their thirst for truly knowing and worshiping God. Right now, their need is physical as well as spiritual and so we will continue to do what we can to help them. However, let’s not forget our own backyard. Physical food and drink is not the critical need for most Western nations. But they are spiritually undernourished and in desperate need of wholesome spiritual food and clean living water.

When Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well, he opened up a whole new perspective to his ministry. His disciples were shocked to find him talking to “that kind of woman” (John 4:27). But they eventually came to understand that Jesus had a ministry to all the world—not to just a select few.

We are privileged to participate in that ministry today. Think about it next time you see the array of rather expensive “superior” bottled waters on your supermarket shelf. Remember, the best water of all is free. You just have to know where it comes from.

Your brother in Christ’s service,

Joseph Tkach

Mel Dahlgren

Mel and Barbara Dahlgren — Barbara and Mel Dahlgren

Mel Dahlgren, who serves as the senior pastor of GCI’s congregation in San Jose, California, spent the first twelve years of his life as a Seventh-day Adventist in New England. Mel continues the story:

My parents began listening to Herbert Armstrong from a small radio station out of Wheeling, West Virginia Convinced of his message they sold our home in Massachusetts, packed everything we could into our ’49 Plymouth station wagon and drove across country to Pasadena, California, where the headquarters of the church was located. Arriving on the Day of Atonement, I wanted to fast but didn’t quite make it. I fainted in church and yelled out just before passing out. The ushers came and carried me to the water fountain for a refreshing glass of water. The next day we headed east – for the Feast of Tabernacles in Big Sandy, Texas.

We returned to Pasadena where my dad got a job as a tool-and-die maker. My parents were baptized in the pool in the lower gardens of the Ambassador campus. They gave me the option of attending a Seventh-day Adventist church. I wanted to do my own research so I took the 58 lessons of the Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course and found myself embracing this new way of life. I attended Imperial School from grade seven to twelve.

In 1965 I was accepted to Ambassador College in Big Sandy, Texas. I met my future wife, Barbara, my freshman year while we both worked on the custodial crew. Barbara was transferred to Imperial Schools as a student teacher her sophomore year, but I remained on the custodial crew until my senior year, when I was moved to the mail reading department.

Forging a romantic relationship at college was challenging since the rules dictated you could not date the same girl more than once a semester until your senior year. I had set my eyes on Barbara, so at the end of my junior year I invited myself to her home in St. Louis to “check out her family.” They received my stamp of approval, but they were not all that impressed with me.

That did not deter my quest, so I proceeded to counsel with our dean of students about “us.” When I told Barbara my plans she said, “You can counsel if you want but just so you know – there is a ‘you’ and a ‘me’ but no ‘us.’” Undeterred by minor details, I pursued our relationship and by the grace of God, Barbara agreed to marry me. So began our 44 year adventure in the ministry.

My desire had always been to become a minister, but in college I was informed that I wasn’t ministry material. I blushed when I spoke and my voice was too raspy. Imagine my surprise when they announced that I was to be sent out into the field ministry.

Barbara and I graduated on one day, got married the next and headed to our assignment in Jacksonville, Florida. We served there for three years, followed by a year in Charleston and Parkersburg, West Virginia. Then we spent nine years in the London, Somerset, and Middlesboro, Kentucky areas. Next, we went to Tacoma and Olympia, Washington for six years and then to Detroit and Ann Arbor, Michigan for four years before ending up in California where we have been ever since. For the past 20 years we have worked with the Aptos, Salinas, Watsonville, San Francisco, San Leandro and San Jose churches. Currently we pastor the San Jose congregation where we live.

What I enjoy most about being a pastor is participating in the amazing transformation that Jesus performs in the lives of those he is calling. It is such a privilege to extend to others the incredible grace of Jesus Christ that he has so freely extended to me.

I haven’t really had a mentor in ministry, but I am deeply grateful to Michael Feazell for teaching me the true meaning of grace by his personal example in how he worked with me when I was recoiling after hearing about the changes in our church. I remember saying after our phone conversation, “Now that’s grace.” And from that point on, change became a joy rather than, “Oh, boy, here we go again.”

Being part of GCI to me is refreshing. Like Jesus, we are not afraid to tell it like it is and make whatever changes are necessary to be aligned with truth. I don’t see the favoritism and politicking in our denomination that used to be prevalent. I thank God for delivering us from all that and bringing us into the glorious light of the true gospel of grace and truth in Jesus Christ.

My passions in ministry (which means serving) are first to my family, second to the members and then to anyone I meet. Barbara and I have three beautiful children (Shelly, Sherisa and Matthew) and two wonderful grandchildren (Sophia, 5; and Dakota, 18). Since family is one of our highest priorities, we spend as much time together as possible.

Regarding my personal life, it’s pretty much an open book entitled Zorro and Me, which Barbara wrote a few years ago. I wish I could say it was a book of fiction, but all those humorous stories are true. After devoting much of her life to supporting me in ministry, it was wonderful to see Barbara blossom as a talented and entertaining writer. She is a major blessing to me, our family, our church and everyone she meets.

In conclusion, what I am learning in our wonderful church family is how our relationship with God is an ongoing way of life. It gives new meaning to praying without ceasing, because we can feel close to God all the time as we acknowledge him in all our ways. When we forget, he has not forgotten us and we can simply run to him and know we are always accepted because of who we are as his precious children.

Colombia seminar

This update is from Sonia Orozco, the pastor of one of GCI’s churches in Colombia, South America.

In February, we held our annual seminar in Santa Marta. It was attended by 66 adults and seven children. We thank God for his guidance, support and especially his presence and power in the event.

Guest speakers were GCI pastors Heber Ticas (from Los Angeles) and Hector Barrero (from Bogotá). The seminar was entitled “The Christian and Missionary Model of Jesus.” The focus was on fulfilling the Great Commission, following Jesus’ missionary model.

Each day we had a morning devotional, followed by worship and then seminar meetings. One evening we had a social event at which the various regions of the Colombian Caribbean coast were represented in costumes, songs and dances.

A highlight of the event was the baptism of three young men from our congregation.

Connecting & Bonding

This update is from Jannice May, who coordinates Connecting & Bonding, which is a parallel ministry affiliated with GCI. Its purpose is to serve the wives of pastors.

The theme for GCI’s Connecting & Bonding conference held recently in the Atlanta area was Resting in Jesus’ Presence. The guest speaker was Lucinda McDowell, who is a pastor’s wife and elder.

Connecting and bonding 1 — Lucinda McDowell at center

Lucinda began Friday night with a presentation entitled, Rest: Come Apart Before You Fall Apart. Citing Jeremiah 6:16, she emphasized the need to stop and find rest for our souls. She also discussed soul care in the context of Psalm 23:2-3. She noted that Jesus, who is our restoration, restores our souls—he cares for us.

On Saturday, Lucinda presented Refuge: The Safest Place to Be. She focused on Psalm 59:9, 16: “You are my strength, I watch for you; you are my fortress, my God, on whom I can rely.” She noted that being held in Jesus’ arms is the safest place to be, and encouraged everyone to take refuge there continually.

The theme on Sunday was Renewal–Step Into the River. Lucinda encouraged the audience to make the most of their time. Focusing on conflict, commitment and courage, she highlighted Joshua 1:9: “ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Los Angeles Filippino church plant

This update from Angie Tabin reports on the progress that she and her husband Saddie are making in planting a church for Filipinos in Los Angeles, California.

Building the team

Recently, we met with prospective members of our church plant core team. We reviewed our church planting vision and invited them to partner with us. We asked for a commitment that would extend for six months following the launch of the church scheduled for later this year. GCI church planter Heber Ticas will be training the team. At the same time, we are mentoring some participants in our existing small groups to prepare them to be facilitators of additional groups.

Outreach

Tabins 1 — Angie (right) with skin care company owner

Here are recent outreach activities where our focus is building friendships within our target community:

I am being seen on TV skin care commercials that are broadcast on a local Filipino cable station. This recognition helps me meet Filipinos in the area.
We volunteer at our daughter’s school where we befriend children and faculty members. The school gives us the food not consumed by the students, which we then share with needy Filipinos in the area. This helps us meet new people.
A senior we befriended asked that we visit a sick friend at the hospital and pray for her. Her daughter then asked us to visit her father, who is ill at home. In that visit, we shared the gospel and he accepted Jesus as his Savior. We continue to visit his wife in the hospital. When we do, we take bagels to the medical staff. They appreciate it.
A lady who attends one of our outreach Bible studies told us that our prayers for her were answered. She found a job! She told us that she will be taking her Bible to work to read on breaks.
We recently held a social gathering for our new contacts. About 80 attended. We enjoyed games, a raffle and dancing. During the event, one of the seniors asked to speak. She rallied participants to support our church planting efforts. Saddie spoke about how we Filipinos should help one another. I am grateful to several members of GCI’s NewLife Fellowship church for their help. The gathering was a beautiful picture of God’s inclusiveness as we celebrated friendship.
Social gathering

Speech training

To enhance our ability to communicate well in English, we are taking speech training from GCI Pastor Bermie Dizon and Willie Jacinto. We are learning public speaking, enunciation and grammar. We also are studying leadership and Bible interpretation.

Prayer points

We solicit your support in prayer. Here are some prayer points:

That we continue to be in good health
That we find more people to join our core group/launch team
That new small group facilitators be indentified and prepared
That people catch the vision as we present it to area churches

Charles Albrecht family

Prayer is requested for Charles Albrecht and his extended family. Charles serves as operations manager for GCI Church Administration and Development, USA.

On Sunday of this week, Charles’ older brother Troy died unexpectedly at the age of 55. Troy had shoulder surgery last week and was recuperating at home. Please pray for Troy’s wife Elaine, their two daughters Shannon and Heather and their two grandchildren Sierra and Gavin. Please also pray for the parents Kenyon and Bonnie Albrecht—you will recall that Bonnie fell eight months ago, has not been able to walk since then and still is enduring periods of intense pain. Charles, his wife Susi and their children Noah and Hannah sincerely appreciate your prayers.

Cards may be sent to:

Elaine Albrecht

909 Raven Croft

Garland, TX 75043

Kenyon and Bonnie Albrecht

9978 Witham St

Dallas, TX 75220

Charles Albrecht

681 Wild Rose Ln

San Dimas, CA 91773

Mozambique

Below is an update on the situation of the GCI churches in Northern Mozambique. For a previous update, click here.

Manuel Vasco recently returned from visiting the last 10 of GCI’s 32 churches in Northern Mozambique that were devastated by the recent flooding. He reports that the trip went well, despite some mishaps along the way due to the ever-present mud and water.

The Chirre River is rising again, though it has not yet reached flood alert levels. Manuel said that it took them an hour in a canoe to cross the river.

Though many still suffer from hunger, the Mozambique members thank their GCI brothers and sisters throughout the world for supporting them with prayer and financial assistance.

Mozambique members eating edible lilys to survive — Eating lilies to survive

South African GCI leader Tim Maguire travelled to Mozambique recently to deposit relief funds. He will return to Mozambique in about a month. To date, GCI in the US has forwarded $20,000 from its GCI Disaster Relief Fund to assist those in need in Mozambique. US congregations wishing to support these disaster relief efforts in Mozambique and elsewhere can donate to the GCI Disaster Relief Fund.

Continuing education

Dan Rogers, director of GCI Church Administration and Development, recently announced new requirements for the Pastoral Continuing Education Program that apply to all GCI senior pastors and pastoral care teams in the United States. Those requirements are found in the new Pastoral Continuing Education Program Guide. To download the guide, click here. Note that the most recent version of this program guide is always linked on the “Church Development” page on the GCI.org website and also on the “Pastors Resources” page on the GCI.online website.