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Death of retired pastor

We were saddened to learn of the recent death of Sam Templeton, former pastor of GCI’s congregation in Cambridge, Ohio.

A long time member of GCI, Sam (pictured at right) was baptized in 1966 and first attended WCG in Wheeling, WV. Sam was a founding member of the WCG/GCI congregation in Cambridge, OH, where he served as a deacon, elder and lead pastor. Due to declining health, Sam retired from serving as lead pastor in 2005.

A US Navy veteran, Sam was employed as a deputy sheriff and a private investigator. He was widely known and highly regarded, and will be missed by many, including the GCI members in the area.

Sam is survived by his wife Dorothy, who lives in Woodsfield, Ohio.

Cards may be sent to:

Templeton family
111 Young Ave
Woodsfield, Oh. 43973

Leadership changes in GCI-Africa

GCI Vice President Greg Williams recently announced the following changes to GCI’s denominational leadership in Africa.

Kalengule Kaoma (pictured at right with his wife Nsama) has been appointed to serve as Director over all GCI churches on the continent of Africa. In making the announcement, Greg wrote this to the GCI mission developers, regional directors and national ministry leaders in Africa:

We are confident that Kalengule will provide thoughtful and effective oversight for all of the regions that make up the vast continent of Africa. We congratulate Kalengule and ask that you support him as he endeavors to serve you in the gospel work of Jesus Christ.

Greg also announced that Takalani Musekwa (pictured at left with his wife Margaret) was approved by GCI’s South Africa Board to serve as the new National Ministry Leader for GCI in the nation of South Africa (RSA). Takalani will be working with a national ministry team that will share the office previously held by Tim Maguire.

Greg thanked Tim for his 10 years of service as RSA National Ministry Leader. As Greg noted, 2017 was a very trying year for Tim, capped off by a serious injury to his foot and ankle. Tim resigned from his denominational leadership position in November, but will continue serving the church in South Africa in a volunteer capacity.

We solicit your prayers and support for this new phase of GCI denominational leadership in South Africa and all the continent of Africa.

Pedro Rufián

In the last issue of GCI Update, prayer was requested for Pedro Rufián, GCI pastor in Spain. Here is recent update from Pedro:

Thank you very much for the outpouring of love, concern, prayers, messages and phone calls. I just came back from a visit to the urologist. She told me that I have grade two prostate cancer, with some metastasis into my bones. I will have hormone treatments for 15 days, followed by chemotherapy. My family and I trust in our loving Father as our ultimate Healer and in his perfect will for our lives, so we have peace and confidence knowing our triune God is always with us to comfort and strengthen us. I will continue to appreciate your prayers for my family and me at this challenging time.

Cards may be sent to Pedro and his wife Brigida at:

Mr. and Mrs. Pedro Rufián
Real 26
E-28610 VILLAMANTA
SPAIN

Warren Wilson

Prayer is requested for Warren Wilson who pastors GCI’s congregation in Mineral Wells, West Virginia.

Lorraine and Warren

Warren had his gall bladder removed recently but had to return to the hospital due to complications, including a great deal of pain. Please pray that God will guide the doctors in diagnosing and treating Warren, and please pray for Warren’s wife Lorrain.

Cards may be sent to

Warren and Lorrain Wilson
220 Waverly Way
Clarksburg, WV 26301-4047

PS: Here is an update we received from Warren on Feb. 14: “I was just released from the hospital following an 11 day hospital stay for a bowel obstruction, which was cured by laprascopic surgery. I want to thank you all for your prayers and support.

Jodie Haist

Prayer is requested for Jodie Haist, wife of Brad Haist, pastor of GCI congregations in Flint and Saginaw, Michigan.

Brad and Jodie

Jodie is scheduled to have a second back surgery on February 15. Brad says she is in great pain, and they are praying for relief. According to Brad, this surgery will involve rods, screws and more.

Please pray for Jodie and the surgical team.

Cards may be sent to:

Jodie Haist
618 9th Street
Sebewaing, MI 48759-1211