2013 – Page 37 – GCI Update

The best story of all

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I enjoy reading a book or watching a movie in which a good story unfolds. I especially enjoy it when I know how the story ends, yet still I am compelled to read or watch to the end to see how it unfolds. The old American television series Columbo, starring the late Peter Falk, is a great example.

Each episode of Columbo revolved around the perpetrator of the crime, whose identity is already known to the audience. He would eventually be caught and exposed. The intrigue was generated by seeing how Columbo would go about solving the crime. The series was not so much a traditional “whodunit?” as a “how to catch them.” The gospel of God’s grace is rather like that. Jesus has completed the work of saving us, although not all understand that. There is great joy when the proverbial “light bulb” turns on and someone does get it!

Not long ago, I received a letter from an 87-year-old gentleman describing how he had hated me for leading so many changes in our fellowship. But now he understands and so he apologized. No apology was needed—he made my day and I am still enjoying his letter.

Christians often say that the gospel is good news, but then add a great big “IF.” I’m sure they are sincere, but this addition turns the gospel into a proposition or a possibility of what could be true if certain works are first performed. For them, the gospel is good news, but only for those who qualify. For everyone else, it is not good news at all.

The wonderful truth is that the actual gospel is not a contract, which tells us what God will do “IF” we first do our part. Rather, it is the announcement concerning what God has already done—what he has already established in and through his Son, Jesus Christ. It is vital to understand the difference.

The actual gospel speaks of the fact of our forgiveness in Jesus and gives us something real to believe in. The gospel with an “IF” appended speaks of the possibility of our forgiveness, but then proclaims that we must also believe in something else, such as our faith, or our repentance or our performance, before that possibility becomes reality. One is the truth of God’s grace; the other is legalism.

This legalism projects a false reality that Jesus’ forgiveness does not exist unless you first measure up. However, no one can measure up to the perfection of God. Even when we become believers, we still have our times of failing to do what is right. And the blessing of the grace of God is that we are forgiven in Jesus Christ. He stands in for us as our great high priest and takes our weak and imperfect repentance and faith and then by the Holy Spirit shares with us his perfect faith and repentance on our behalf. And God gets all the glory.

Sadly, some reject this, objecting that it means that you can just sit back and do nothing. But that is not where a correct understanding of grace leads you. Presuming upon God’s grace is not receiving God’s grace. It is not responding to grace as grace. Grace is not an impersonal abstract fact or principle, like gravity. Grace is not an exception to the rule of law. It is God’s offer of a restored, reconciled relationship of fellowship and communion with him in faith, hope and love. Grace, then, calls for a particular response. The apostle Paul tells us that God has reconciled the cosmos to himself. He then goes on to implore us to be reconciled, to live in line with the reality of that reconciliation (see 2 Corinthians 5:18, 20)—to wake up and smell the coffee! Such an ordered or disciplined response is not the enemy of grace but how we receive and benefit from it, or rather, benefit from our restored relationship to God through Jesus Christ!

In Colossians 1:29 (NIV, 1984), Paul explained how he proclaimed Christ: “To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.” The gospel of grace in Jesus Christ energizes and moves us just as it did Paul. It brings about “the obedience of faith,” which was the aim and goal of his entire ministry (see Romans 1:5; 16:26 RSV).

Accepting God’s grace is not a license for laziness. We should remind ourselves every day what Christ has done and is doing for us. Our motivation is the fact that he has accepted us, not the fear that he might reject us. Paul tells us: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:11-12 NIV, 1984).

Before I began to really understand grace, I regarded the Bible largely as a rule-book that God gave to tell us what to do and not do. In doing so, I missed the point of many of the narratives in the Bible. I saw God as detaching and not attaching, disconnecting and not connecting with us. Do the right thing and you belonged to his “in” crowd. Disobey and you were “out.” The more I focused on obeying the law, the more I also seemed to miss God’s purpose to develop a loving relationship with each of his children. My view became one of seeing God as ruling people out, breaking them with “rods of iron.” Thankfully, I did not totally lose sight of God’s mercy, but I really did see him as a cosmic sheriff and myself as his deputy!

I know that many of you grew up believing as I did. Our experience was not as unusual as we may have thought. As I have gotten to know Christians in other denominations, I find that this is typical, even among many who have been Christians for many years. That is why we need to understand and be reminded daily that it is his grace—not law—that disciplines us. God has caught us, like Columbo caught those criminals. He is the author and the finisher of our faith. It is the best “whodunit” and “how did he catch ‘em” story of all.

With love in Christ’s service,

Joseph Tkach

Lynn Lawrence

Lynn was born in Washington, D.C., grew up in California, married a Canadian and moved around Canada before settling in Montreal, Quebec where she now serves as pastor. That’s a short summary of a life filled with many moves, many life changes and a passion for serving God’s children.

“My mother became interested in the WCG/GCI in 1962. I was the oldest child so she explained all the changes she was making in our lives to me. My siblings and I went to Imperial School in Pasadena, California, and in 1966 my father became part of the WCG. He eventually wound up being the plant manager of the Ambassador College Press.”

Lynn’s early years included tennis and singing. “I think the things I remember the most from my teen years were my dad spending likely hundreds of hours coaching me in tennis. He had this great idea that it was a wonderful game. You only needed a racket, a couple of balls and one partner! Good idea in theory until we got moved to Canada! I also loved being in the Imperial Choraliers and later the Ambassador Chorale. I also loved being close to the beach.”

Lynn was baptized in 1971 while attending Ambassador College. It was there that she met Dennis Lawrence, a fellow student. After marriage they moved to Prince George, British Columbia in Canada. “He was ordained and we were transferred regularly like most GCI pastor families. We were moved to Montreal in 1999.

Lynn continued her education after Ambassador. “I loved the chance to get my masters in education from the University of Phoenix (getting it on-line was interesting in a number of ways), then a certificate as a document technician (I’m now a school librarian), and then my bachelor of education (I know, backwards, but what can you do?). I loved all this time in school.”

Lynn states that being ordained an elder resulted from her love for children and her involvement in Canada’s Eastern Canadian Camp. “My family has a history of being involved in youth ministry (my brother is Jeb Egbert) and I also had that love. Over time the elders that were involved with camp thought I should be ordained.” Lynn served as an elder for some time before becoming a pastor. “I became a pastor through a set of unfortunate circumstances. My husband, Dennis was diagnosed with cancer. For the two years he was sick I filled in and when it became clear that he would not survive, people started looking to me as the likely successor. This has been hard as I kind of think of myself in some ways as still filling in. I know I will find my place in this calling.”

Lynn thanks the congregation for helping her find that place. “Many in my church knew I felt uncomfortable with the title of pastor and so they used it all the time. I thought that was kind of sweet. They wanted me to feel okay with the place I was in.”

Lynn and Dennis were married for over 36 years. They have four daughters (Abbie, Erin, Judith and Erika) and two sons-in-law: Pierre (married to Abbie) and Nathan (married to Judith) and one grandson (Andrew) who is six and Abbie expecting in June—the projected day of delivery is her father’s birthday.

When asked what she loves most about GCI, Lynn said, “I have been a pastor’s wife for a long time, and being a pastor is a little different, but mostly I love the people. We have been in many amazing places. I think the thing I really love about GCI is its history. We have such an amazing worldwide family. When my husband was sick we heard from people around the world, some we knew and some we didn’t.”

As mentioned earlier, Lynn’s passion has always been church kids. “I love camp (I’m now the director) and the opportunity to love the campers but also challenge them to realize that someday the beliefs need to become their own. It is so amazing to watch what God does through each camp session.”

Lynn shared other passions, but noted that time has kept her from enjoying them. “This year has kind of taken the wind out of my sails, but before this I loved to read, cook, study history, take pictures, spin wool and a zillion other things. Now I have two jobs (I’m a bivocational pastor), so I don’t have much time for all of this, but we shall see what surfaces as a passion still, or perhaps some new ones.”

Lynn shared a recent highlight for her ministry. “I just got to help with the funeral for a grandmother of our church who died at 106. She was an amazing lady and I loved being part of the celebration of her life.”

Lynn says she feels closest to God in two ways: music and nature. “I love a wide variety of Christian music, all the way from Handel to contemporary and being near water is my best place for ‘God moments.’

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Year: 2013