As a GCI pastoral resident, I was challenged with the idea of narrowing down the places where we ate, studied, had coffee, etc. The consistency would enable us to develop meaningful relationships in those places. As someone who has always lived by the motto “variety is the spice of life,” this didn’t resonate with me—at least not at the time.

After finishing my residency, I became a pastor in another state. I was eager to try all the different coffee shops, restaurants, and hang-out spots. And yet, I couldn’t shake the challenge of adopting a more missional mindset and sticking to just a few places. And so, despite my preference for having a multitude of establishments to frequent, I chose to give it a go.

It didn’t take long to notice the influence that I was having on people’s lives. Not only did I develop relationships with people working in these establishments, but also with those who were frequent customers. Many times, the topic of discussion turned to “why Jesus?” and “why did I become a pastor?” And the other person always initiated these discussions.

So [Paul] reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. Acts 17:17

Ordinary Time is a fitting time to consider: How may I, like Paul, be intentional with where I spend my time?

Prayer:
Loving Father, may you give us hearts and minds to embrace a missional mindset that longs to go deep with the few you have called us to. We look forward to developing these relationships with anticipation of how you will bless their lives as well as our own. Amen.

David Borum, Associate Pastor
Kenockee, MI, US

Members in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are showing generosity to their community even when resources are scarce. The woman’s ministry is creating Billum bags and selling them to raise money to help support their neighbors. They donate the funds to neighbors who have funeral expenses, and they express love and support to the families who are grieving.

GCI provides pastoral oversight for congregations in Mt. Wilhelm and Port Moresby. Infrastructure development at the Mt. Wilhelm facility has included the installation of solar power for the church-owned buildings in this remote part of the central highlands. This solar power allows the local congregation to host events after dark as a way to serve and bless neighboring villages, which have no electric power.

Their missional activities include water, agriculture, and income projects in tandem with biblical education and personal development for the entire community. They also held a children’s camp in July. Read more here.

In July, the PNG church celebrated Pastors Richard Kindi and Ben Galwa for 10 years of service. They were presented with certificates during a wonderful service with communion.

Pastors Richard and Ben have shown great pastoral care for the members by guiding them through difficult times, like COVID. And they have shown leadership during this challenging year for the entire country. The country has experienced looting, tribal war in the Enga province, and fear and suspicion of witchcraft. Women can be blamed for unexplained deaths and accused of witchcraft. If a woman is believed to be a witch, she is often murdered.

In March, widespread flooding led to a landslide in Chimbu province that caused incredible property damage, and 23 people died. Pastor Ben Galwa’s house was also affected.

Please join us in praying for our GCI family in PNG.

Note: The GCI Disaster Relief Fund helps provide members in disaster areas with emergency needs.

If your congregation would like to donate to the fund, you can set up a one-time donation through GCI Online Giving (https://www.gci.org/online-giving/) by selecting “Give for Disaster Relief” under the drop-down menu.

If your congregation prefers to send a check, make it out to Grace Communion International, indicating clearly on the memo line that the donation is for the GCI Disaster Relief Fund.

Send the donation to:
GCI Disaster Relief Fund
Grace Communion International
3120 Whitehall Park Dr.
Charlotte, NC 28273

Thank you for your prayers and financial contributions to help members of the GCI family who are suffering.

Papua New Guinea

In Mt. Wilhelm, a children’s camp was held in July over two days involving activities such as volleyball and a talent show. The theme for the children’s camp was “Let the little children come to me.” (Mark 10:14).

The youth wanted to have a LifeClub for teaching public speaking. This will help the young people in their job interviews as well as preparing emerging leaders in the church. Next year, another two-day youth camp, including a LifeClub, is eagerly anticipated.

Sun Valley, California, US

This past month we had a great experience with the 3-day neighborhood camp that our local congregation hosted. We had 39 children ages 4-11 participate in the day camp. It was a fun time for all the children with all types of games and fun activities. But most importantly, it afforded us the opportunity to build relationships with some families from our neighborhood. In the weeks after the day camp, we have had two families continue to attend our Sunday services with the expectation that they will continue to attend.

Summer day camps are a great way to demonstrate the gospel in our neighborhoods in a way that creates bridges into the community and provides opportunities to live out the mission of God in ways that often lead to making disciples.

Heber Ticas, Superintendent of Latin America
Sun Valley, CA, US