This announcement is from GenMin national coordinator Anthony Mullins.
Occasionally pastors and others request copies of the messages given in our camp chapel services. Sometimes they want to revisit the messages after camp—using them for sermons or small group discussions. Doing so is a great way to create a tie-in between the camp and a local congregation.
This year’s “Superhero” curriculum was a hit. Thanks to Michelle Fleming for writing it. It’s fun seeing kids honor Jesus as the ultimate Superhero that he is!
This announcement is for U.S. pastors and those who assist them with record keeping.
A number of GCI-USA local churches have outdated information online. Some have closed their websites, or have websites with old or incorrect information. Because we link to these websites on GCI.org (GCI’s denominational website), it’s important to us all that you keep the information on your website current, and if you close it, that you notify GCI’s home office (by emailing support@gci.org). We will remove links on GCI.org to closed local church websites.
Please take time now to check the information about your congregation that we have on the denomination’s website. Go to http://www.gci.org/participate/find, locate your church record, then verify the information listed there. Are the meeting location and time correct? Is information about the pastor correct? If anything you find there is incorrect, please do one of the following:
Log into https://online.gci.org/, go to your congregation’s record and correct the information yourself
Email support@gci.org listing the changes that need to be made to your congregation’s record and we’ll make the changes for you
Thanks for keeping your online church records up-to-date.
Mary Snyder, who with her husband Cliff (a retired GCI pastor) directs GenMin’s M25:40 Missions out of Colorado, has been battling severe health problems for over a year. Recently, severe pain kept her home-bound for six weeks straight.
Mary and Cliff have spent the past several years traveling to Ethiopia to volunteer their time and hearts to the many orphanages there. It’s been a special passion and burden of theirs. They still desire to travel, but it doesn’t look possible for the near future. As a result, M25:40 Missions will soon cease operations.
We thank Mary and Cliff for the love and compassion they have shown to young people who have been marginalized, kicked aside and have been largely unseen by society. Well done, faithful servants!
Mary requests our prayers. Due to her health, the couple has been unable to attend a GCI church services since November of last year. They miss our community and would love hearing from us. Mary’s email address is: Msnyder72003@yahoo.com. Cards may be sent to:
Mary and Cliff Snyder 5741 CR 68C Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545
Pastor Roger Abels recently retired after more than 40 years of GCI employment in pastoral ministry. Together with his wife Donna, Roger has pastored many GCI congregations, most recently in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Kalamazoo, Michigan. The Fort Wayne congregation hosted a celebration service honoring Roger and Donna on June 1. Pastor Jim Valekis from Ohio gave the sermon and Pastor Stephen Hill from Illinois led worship.
David and Ann Howe
Roger has been replaced in the Fort Wayne church by Pastor David Howe who, with his wife Ann, also serves as senior pastor in the GCI congregation in Elkhart, Indiana.
Our thanks and congratulations to Roger and Donna and to David and Ann!
The following is a prayer request from Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE). GCI is an NAE member.
Dear fellow Christian,
In the last few weeks, thousands of Christians have been forced by militant rule to flee their homes in northern Iraq. The United States has authorized air strikes and humanitarian aid airdrops in Iraq. The United Nations has condemned militant actions and is urging a coordinated response. Stories of the persecution of Christians and other minorities in Iraq, Egypt, Syria and other areas in the Middle East continue to fill the media. Please join me and other Christians around the world in praying for peaceful resolution and relief for those caught in the violence and persecution.
Prayer Events
The World Evangelical Alliance is organizing a prayer gathering for the Middle East at the International Salvation Army Headquarters in New York City at 5:30 pm on August 14.
Encourage your church to set aside time in this Sunday’s service to pray as a congregation for Iraq.
Prayer Points
Pray for President Obama and his advisors as they consider where and how to provide humanitarian assistance and military intervention in Iraq.
Pray for safety for Christians and other minorities in Iraq who are fleeing violence and persecution. Pray that they would find safe harbor.
Pray for comfort for those across the Middle East who have lost loved ones and have suffered traumatic violence.
Pray for missionaries and humanitarian aid workers who serve in difficult and violent corners of the world, that they will be kept safe, and that their efforts will contribute to a fuller realization of the peace and prosperity that God intends for all.
Rex Dela Pena, regional leader and pastor for GCI in the Philippines, started attending WCG when he was five years old. “My mom started attending and was baptized in 1972.”
Rex, who grew up in Manila, is the youngest of four siblings. “I was the singer in the family. The oldest child was our pianist, so we had music in the house most of the time.”
As Rex grew up, he got involved in church activities and started attending SEP. “In 1984, I developed a crush on a girl named Sheila. Who would have guessed she would become my best friend and we would get married 14 years later!” Before that marriage, Rex attended Ambassador College, graduating in 1994. “I was asked to be a ministerial trainee right after graduation. I was ordained in 1999.”
Rex and Sheila have been married now for 15 years. “This December 6 will be our 16th anniversary. We do not have children. We have two fur-kids named Peanut and Miny (a mini-pinscher and a Jack Russell terrier).”
Sheila works full-time in sales, but prior to this job, she often traveled with Rex. “I was able to take her on different church trips and training sessions. During the time when I was serving as a camp director, she was the artist and the consultant I relied on in making sure that the operations went smoothly.”
When asked what he enjoys most about being a pastor, Rex said, “Getting involved in some of the most awesome life celebrations like baptism at youth camps, weddings, anniversaries and the like… and being there when life is at its most difficult for people, particularly times of bereavement.” When asked about his most memorable moment, Rex said it was in 2012 when he conducted the funeral services for his mom.
Rex’s passion has always been for the youth. “I have been involved with SEP since 1987 —serving as camp director for 14 years while assisting other camps in the country.” A new passion for Rex is photography. “Recently, I have started learning photography. I am an aspiring photographer and someday I hope to be featured in National Geographic! (It’s free to dream!).” Photography helps Rex worship. “I feel closest to God when I am photographing awesome scenery, including landscapes. I feel God’s love when I am surrounded by nature.”
Here from Mike Rasmussen is a praise report, following up on his previous prayer request.
I recently had my first post-operation blood test. My PSA level was so low that the test couldn’t detect it. That means that, at this point, there is no indication of any prostate cancer! Also, I am feeling stronger and stronger each day. I still get tired easier than I used to, but I am seeing daily improvement.
Juli and I are humbled by the outpouring of love and support we have received from so many during this challenging season of our lives. We are deeply thankful for all of you, for God’s sovereignty and for his gift of peace.
Prayer is requested for Jodie Haist, wife of Brad Haist who pastors GCI churches in Saginaw and Flint, Michigan. Here is a note from Jodie:
Brad and Jodie Haist
I recently had two stress tests that came back bad. My cardiologist is convinced that with my family history of heart disease and my blood pressure and cholesterol issues, I need aggressive treatment.
One night recently I was in intense pain for about five hours before waking my husband to take me to the hospital. They found a large kidney stone. Once it has passed (or I have surgery to remove it), I will be having heart surgery.
In the blink of an eye my life has changed. My heart is broken, my body is in pain; but I have an amazing husband, a wonderful family and friends that are amazing. Please keep me in your prayers and keep those positive vibes coming my way. I’m confident that things will return to normal, but until then, it’s one day at a time!
Cards may be sent to:
Jodie Haist 618 9th Street Sebewaing, MI 48759-1211
Here are reports from recently held GCI-USA Generations Ministries sponsored youth camps.
Higher Ground (Tennessee/North Carolina)
Our new location this year (Camp Wesley Woods) was a huge hit. We had 128 campers (with 30% of them new to camp). They all enjoyed our Superhero theme. Our 52 staff members where heroes in their own right. They added some new activities this year including hiking to a beautiful waterfall, which our teens had the opportunity to rappel over (see picture at right). We also added canoeing and a creek-exploration class.
Having to move camp locations has been a blessing! I was continually reminded this year of how much God wants us to participate with him. We are looking forward to next year—some staff members want to dig deeper into ministry and we already are 100% full for camper registration. Jesus, our Superhero, is doing great things with all of our camps and I’m glad to be a part!
– Higher Ground director, Natalie Sturgeon
Northern Light (Minnesota)
This year, 44 staff and campers (see picture at right) enjoyed a week at the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. About a third of the campers and staff were first-time attendees. I marveled at the love and dedication shown by the staff members—many made great sacrifices to attend. Our week was packed with activities including high ropes, canning carrots and disk golf. Chapel messages pointed to Jesus, the supreme Superhero.
It was a joy to see so many people flourishing in a loving environment. The excitement and positive experience of this year’s camp has many making plans to attend next year.
– Northern Light director, Troy Meisner
YES Camp (Louisiana)
We had an awesome time at beautiful Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, Louisiana—experiencing God’s work and presence. Our teen camp had 54 campers and our pre-teen camp had 42. Our 45 staffers are some of the best people in the world! Nearly 30% of our campers were there for the first time and we were excited to expand our Youth Leadership Team to include a new camp assistant director over staff, Trinity Thigpen, and new activities coordinator, Anthony Robertson. These two individuals are a blessing from God and the skills they possess are amazing.
This year, we sought to instill in our campers and staff that they, in and through the Superhero Jesus, are all superheroes. Our chapel team did an outstanding job of teaching and conveying the principles of courage and gratitude, so vital in tackling the challenges of everyday life. Other camp activities included family trivia, team-building, womanhood/manhood sessions, archery, tubing, basketball and arts and crafts.
Thanks to everyone who prayed for our success and for the constant support in other ways.
– YES Camp director, Brandon Antwine
Here is a video from the teen session at this year’s YES Camp:
This year Pathways camp had 61 senior campers, 32 junior campers and 8 mini-campers who were served by 72 staff members. Twenty staffers were first-timers; many over age 60.
Pastor Jeff Broadnax served as our camp chaplain, giving chapel messages to the senior campers. Pastor Gary Weldon adapted the standard GCI camp curriculum for use by the junior campers. Dressed as the superhero “Average Man,” he used storytelling to bring the message alive for our younger campers.
Camp activities included archery, swimming, dance, team-building, volleyball, inflatables, kickball, laser tag and something called Nine-Square-in-the-Air. The wonderful relationship we have with outside vendors was again evident as the company, Solid Rock Sports (inflatables), waived the fee when it was necessary to make a last-minute schedule change due to inclement weather.
In addition to these activities, our senior campers participated in life-equipping tracks: photography, worship, leadership, survival and missions. Survival track participants learned how to build a fire and shelter and how to collect water. Missions track participants learned about mission opportunities while preparing for our camp’s outreach to the surrounding county—35 disadvantaged children joined us as campers for one day.
Please pray for Pathways in the coming months. We have begun looking for a new location.
– Pathways camp director, Aaron Frim
Crosswalk (Oklahoma)
Crosswalk camp is held twice each year (May and November). Attendance last May included 37 junior campers, (22 new to Crosswalk), 42 senior campers (15 new) and 12 mini-campers (six new). There were 72 staff members (16 new). This was in increase of 40 campers above last November. The increase was due largely to the involvement of several GCI churches in the region. The idea of using camp to reach kids, is catching on! The Dallas (central) congregation sent 20 campers and staff. They were led by Joe and Megan Brannen, key Crosswalk leaders who moved recently from Oklahoma City to Dallas, where they are active in ministry at the Dallas (Central) congregation.
Long-time GCI pastor Bill Ford retired in June from GCI employment. Bill and his wife Harriet moved from Cleveland, Ohio, to New England in 1993, where Bill served as a pastor, most recently in the Holden and Waltham, Massachusetts, congregations. Bill and Harriet moved back to Cleveland to be near family (some of them are pictured below—Bill is third from left behind the couch; Harriet is third from right on the couch). The family in the Cleveland area includes eight grandchildren (a ninth lives in Las Vegas). Bill quipped, “We’re back where we started, a little beat up, but still kickin’!”
Bill has been replaced as senior pastor in the two Massachusetts congregations by Dishon Mills. In recent years, Dishon and his wife Afrika (pictured at right) have been working to start a new GCI church in the Boston area. Now their focus will be pastoring the Holden and Waltham congregations. Those who were part of the Randolph church plant will join the Waltham congregation as they look toward future church-planting opportunities. Dishon will also continue as the director of GenMin’s New Heights Camp located in Connecticut.
Congratulations (and thanks) to Bill and Harriet and Dishon and Afrika.
Occasionally pastors and others request copies of the messages given in our camp chapel services. Sometimes they want to revisit the messages after camp—using them for sermons or small group discussions. Doing so is a great way to create a tie-in between the camp and a local congregation.
