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.
Month: March 2013
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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 91773Colombia 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.
