Greg Williams at the West African Leadership Conference
Dear GCI Family and friends,
When electrical power is lost and cell phone towers are down, our reliance on technology becomes exposed. It heightens the fear and concern we feel for our loved ones whom we cannot reach.
During Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic destruction across the southeastern U.S., my home state of North Carolina was hard hit. After the brunt of the storm had passed, it took until Sunday, September 28, before we had communication with my extended family to know that everybody was safe. There was one exception — my older brother Evan. My friend and colleague, Rick Shallenberger, was at my home, and he and I listened to the prompting of Susan to determine that rather than head to church services, the greater need was to make our way to Evan. I appreciated that Rick made the statement, “Rather than going to church, we were being the church.”
Could we even get through crippled roads, washed out bridges, downed trees and power lines? We weren’t sure, but we were determined to try. We made our way west through towns where traffic lights were out and stores had darkened windows. We got within less than a mile of Evan’s house, and we had to park because of the impassable road. After hiking in with arms laden with groceries and drinking water, we began seeing the damage — a tree laying across the roof of his detached garage, a caved in roof of his truck. And then when we got to the entrance of the main house, we saw another big tree laying across the roof of the primary bedroom with a gaping hole in the ceiling.
We knocked on the side entrance door. We saw the dogs, but not Evan. After a few minutes, he appeared with a surprised look. Once the shock passed, we rejoiced in finding him upright and in good spirits. We listened to his harrowing story of nature’s fury that snapped trees, dumped torrents of water that carried off his firepit and rearranged his front yard. Evan was grateful for the provisions, but more so for human company; he was moved to tears that we made the effort to come to him. It brought a huge sigh of relief to Evan to know that we would tell his children, our mom, and brother that he was safe.
On our walk back to the truck, we encountered Evan’s neighbor trekking toward his house. It was heartwarming to see a concerned neighbor making the effort. Disasters can bring out the best in people.
Our visit moved to stage two — driving up the mountain to check on my mom. When we reached the family property, we first encountered my brother, Mark. He was on high alert, as he and his wife, Penny, were working through their church and county offices to get water and food to stranded people, to cut up trees blocking the roads, and to rally care and support as best they could.
My son, Glenn, was working extra shifts as a paramedic supervisor attempting to help so many people in dire situations. It is unbelievable the pressure and amount of effort that is expended in a disaster of this magnitude. The first responders are heroes, and yet they feel massive disappointment when they cannot rescue everybody. Please pray for them.
One of the most practical ways I could serve was to take my mom to stay at my house, along with my daughter-in-law and grandkids, until the power is restored so that folks like Mark and Glenn can continue to bring help where it’s needed.
Times like these amplify the reminder that we are our sister and brother’s keeper. I mentioned that we embarked on this Sunday venture at the prompting of Susan, but she would rather give credit to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. (In my experience, the voice of the Spirit often comes through my sweet wife.)
Fortunately, the Home Office fared well through the storm, and we are operating as normal now. The news of Hurricane Helene destruction will become old news in a matter of a few short weeks. Please do not forget these people who are left to rebuild their homes and lives. There is a tremendous loss of property and a growing number of fatalities. As we continue to pray for the many who are suffering, please keep in mind those affected by Hurricane Milton. It is currently bearing down on the west coast of Florida.
Made in the image of the One who keeps us all,
Greg
P.S. I recently traveled to Ghana for the GCI 50th Anniversary. Read the story here.
Devotional—Living for a Missional God
Considering God’s missional nature can be tough if it conjures ideas about missionaries who lived this out in radical ways. We respect these examples, but they feel unattainable. Is this what it means to live for a missional God? While it is true that God is missional, the primary calling God has for us is to be God’s children, submitting our entire selves so that we might live into this new identity. Then, as Christ grows us up into that identity, we will naturally reflect the missional identity of God.
Ruth is a good example; she surrenders her previous ideas about herself.
But Ruth said,
“Do not press me to leave you,
to turn back from following you!
Where you go, I will go;
where you lodge, I will lodge;
your people shall be my people
and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16
We may think that Ruth participated with God because of her upstanding character, but it was God’s invitation and movement toward her first that allowed her to submit and surrender who she thought she was — her old self. Then Ruth clung to her newfound identity as a child of God.
As we step into the identity that God has for us, we need to trust that it is God who is missional. God does not need us, yet he allows us to share in his work of love. From this understanding, we can be more effective at reaching out, because our identity and worth is never dependent on the results of our effort.
Reflect on what God’s missional nature means for you.
Prayer Dear Lord, as I consider how capable you are to bring your mission of redemption to completion, please reveal how I might release my identity to you, that I may live more fully into the identity you have for me. Amen.
By Alexander Brandt, Pastor
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Healthy Church—Back-to-School
Melbourne, FL, US
Our children attended Ocean Breeze Elementary School, and I was a school aide and a crossing guard for six years. This is a school that is near and dear to my heart. When our congregation was choosing a way we could engage and serve the community, I thought immediately of this school. I know teachers there spend their own money for student school supplies.
I first approached Jennifer, the School Resource Officer, to find out the needs of the school. Now Officer Jennifer sends us a list, and we shop for the items. This is such fun and a joy to see the look on Officer Jennifer’s face when we show up with all the goodies. In this way, GC Melbourne has been partnering with the school for approximately four years. The teachers truly appreciate our congregation’s help.
Marianne holding thank-you card from school
Marianne Legg
Melbourne, FL, US
Kenockee, MI, US
In September, GC Kenockee celebrated the beginning of the school year and a new Children’s Church year. Pastor Jim Meade prayed a back-to-school blessing over the children. And Pastor David Borum commissioned and prayed for the new Children’s Church teachers and helpers.
During this special Sunday service, Kathy Forsyth was honored. She is retiring from the role of Children’s Church Coordinator after serving for many years. Kathy passed the baton to the new Coordinator, Angie Ashbrook. Pastor Grant Forsyth commissioned and prayed for Angie.
Thank you, Kathy, for your dedication and service!
Queens, NY, US
On September 7-8, GC Queens hosted a unique community event, departing from the traditional broad public outreaches. Instead, we took a more personal approach, limiting the invitation to families who participated in our previous back-to-school events. This event attracted hundreds in the past, but it was difficult to make a personal impact.
By narrowing the invitation list to those with whom we had already established relationships, the event had a more personalized and “community reunion” feel. This allowed for deeper conversations and more meaningful connections, which we believe left a lasting impact. Many family members who attended already knew us, and we also met new guests. Instead of just handing out backpacks, we used the time to pray with our guests, offering conversation and literature in Spanish. This impressed our Spanish-speaking families (a large part of our target community), making them feel equally valued and included.
In addition to meeting immediate needs with school supplies, we took the opportunity to discuss our various ministries, including our plans for a 2025 neighborhood camp. Parents learned about our Sunday School program for children, and many adults were able to connect with leaders from our Men’s and Women’s Ministries. These conversations helped strengthen existing relationships within the community, and they opened doors for further spiritual support.
We were blessed to hear and pray through individual stories from the neighborhood. We heard from fathers looking for a strong men’s ministry and their children’s career dreams. We prayed with families seeking reassurance in uncertainty, sharing their hopes for healing and community. We listened to and prayed with new immigrants looking for relief and a spiritual home.
The impact of our community outreach event was further demonstrated the next day as many guests joined our Sunday service, doubling our average attendance. Vicky Newsom gave a bilingual sermon, “Who is God’s Favorite?” from James 2. She explained that God’s favorite is all of us in Christ, so all are welcome at GC Queens! This increase in attendance and the whole service validated the event’s effectiveness and showed the community’s growing interest in our church and its activities. It was a hopeful sign for our future endeavors.
Our church’s commitment to spiritual and practical support was evident in the smaller but much more spiritually fruitful event. I would also like to recognize the work of our Avenue champions: Eleanor Toussaint, Hope Avenue champion; Ruth Phillips, Faith Avenue champion; and Vicky Newsom Love Avenue co-champion, along with elders, James Hills and Jonathan Browne. We are grateful for the reunions and the new contacts made, and we look forward to continuing to walk alongside these families, sharing the love of Christ in both spiritual and practical ways.
John Newsom, Pastor
Queens, NY, US
Healthy Church—Hispanic Heritage
GC Sun Valley is grateful to our heavenly Father for allowing us to celebrate Hispanic Heritage once again. It was commemorated on September 15, with around 180 participants, including congregation members and visitors.
The event was adorned with vibrant decorations, with each booth representing the unique culture of a different country. Our volunteers prepared and served delicious food, which was enjoyed by everyone.
Celebrating unity and diversity among our fellow members and visitors is vital as we walk by faith. While we take pride in our roots, we recognize and teach that there are no borders between us. Our objective in celebrating is to represent unity, as we are all one in Christ. We are honored to pray for other countries, acknowledging the need for prayer where our brothers and sisters are facing difficult times.
Our children’s ministry taught the young ones about diversity and the truth that we are all one in Christ. Demonstrating unity to our children and embracing each other’s heritage is a powerful way to share our Father’s love.
Above all, we received his word, reminding us of the importance of being a strong light to illuminate the darker corners of the world. Through it all, it remains essential to model Christ by showing kindness and love while sharing his word.
We extend our heartfelt thanks for the support and contributions from all the volunteers whose efforts made this celebration possible. Their participation is essential in bringing these special events to life, and their love for God is evident in their work. We deeply appreciate their dedication and service.
Dina Rash, Children’s Ministry — Hope Avenue Team
Sun Valley, CA, US
Spanish Translation:
Estamos agradecidos con nuestro Padre Celestial por permitirnos celebrar una vez más la Herencia Hispana, conmemorada el 15 de septiembre de 2024, con alrededor de 180 participantes, entre miembros de la congregación y visitantes.
El evento estuvo adornado con decoraciones vibrantes, y cada puesto de comida representaba la cultura única de un país diferente. Nuestros voluntarios también prepararon y sirvieron comida deliciosa, que todos disfrutaron.
Celebrar la unidad y la diversidad entre nuestros miembros y visitantes es vital cuando caminamos por fe. Nuestro objetivo al celebrar es representar la unidad, ya que todos somos uno en Cristo. Aunque nos sentimos orgullosos de nuestras raíces, reconocemos y enseñamos que no existen fronteras entre nosotros. Nos sentimos honrados de orar por otros países, reconociendo la necesidad de oración cuando nuestros hermanos y hermanas atraviesan tiempos difíciles.
Nuestro ministerio de niños enseñó a los pequeños sobre la diversidad y la verdad de que todos somos uno en Cristo. Demostrar unidad a nuestros niños y abrazar la herencia de cada uno, es una manera poderosa de compartir el amor de nuestro Padre.
Sobre todo, recibimos Su palabra, que nos recuerda la importancia de ser una luz fuerte que ilumine los rincones más oscuros del mundo. Es muy esencial modelar a Cristo, mostrando bondad y amor al compartir Su palabra.
Extendemos nuestro más sincero agradecimiento por el apoyo y las contribuciones de todos los voluntarios, cuyos esfuerzos hicieron posible esta celebración. Su participación es esencial para dar vida a estos eventos especiales, y su amor por Dios es evidente en su trabajo. Apreciamos profundamente su dedicación y servicio.
Youth Camps
Cape Town, RSA
For three days in June, young people came together for a local camp in Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (RSA). Regional Director of Southern Africa, Takalani Musekwa, said that they are encouraging their congregations to hold local youth camps during the year as an activity of the Love Avenue to engage with youth in the neighbourhood.
Market Harborough, UK
In the United Kingdom, the GC Market Harborough congregation has been sponsoring Adventure Camp for several years. Most recently, it was held over the 2024 August Bank Holiday. (The August Bank Holiday, also known as the Summer Bank Holiday, is a public holiday in the United Kingdom.) It is part of the youth outreach programme of GCI-UK.
Adventure Camp is a fun-filled, action-packed, Christ-centred kids camp for children aged 6-13. This year it was held in a spacious and beautiful outdoor activity centre. Superintendent of Europe, Gavin Henderson, said that the camp location is very close to Market Harborough and now has quite a number of local campers.
Ghana’s 50th Anniversary Jubilee
GCI Ghana commemorated its 50th anniversary with a week-long celebration in August. During the week, Ghana hosted the West Africa Leadership Conference. We joined together to celebrate fifty years of God’s grace, with the theme, “Thus far by grace” taken from 1 Samuel 7:12.
On Sunday August 18, the Accra area congregations gathered at the GCI Ghana Retreat Site at Kutunse to begin the celebration with a church service inspired by praise and thankful music led by the National Director, Pastor Ing. Theo Nii Okai.
After the arrival of our guests, President Dr. Greg Williams and Pastor Gabriel Ojih, a one-day gathering for Board Members, Regional Directors, and National Ministry Leaders was held on Wednesday at the newly refurbished National Office Conference Room at New Ashongman, Accra.
The day began with praise and worship and the session was led by Deaconess Mrs. Sarah Abban who is the Ghana’s Board Secretary. After initial welcome remarks by the Superintendent of Africa, Pastor Kalengule Kaoma, Dr. Williams provided a brief report on his travels to the various congregations around the world and followed by a devotion and sharing the elements of the Lord’s Supper.
Various presentations were given by leaders on topics such as ministry teams, ACCM, GCS, and MTCs. All the discussions included a healthy dose of questions, contributions and interactions.
On Thursday, we began the West Africa Leadership Conference at the church’s retreat site at Kutunse, near Accra. Participants traveled from Ghana, the host country, and many other countries such as Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Liberia, and the U.S.
Day one of the West Africa Leadership Conference began with praise singing and prayers after which Pastor Kaoma, discussed our theme, “Thus Far by Grace,” taken from 1 Samuel 7:12. He indicated that God’s grace has been with us right from the beginning till now, and it is the same grace of God that will carry us forward. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Greg Williams. Next were various workshops, including ones on the Faith, Love, and Hope Avenues.
Day two of the Conference included more discussion on leadership development. After lunch, the ladies took over to organize the West Africa GCI Women Ministry Conference. A food fair followed that showcased various sumptuous, mouth-watering, indigenous Ghanaian cuisine, which were patronized by all present, especially our foreign guests, who came to sample these dishes and local beverages.
Friday evening was the Opening Night Worship service for guests just arriving for the weekend 2024 Jubilee Convention. The message was delivered by our special guest, Pastor Gabriel Ojih. Gabriel, born in Ghana, now pastors GC Richardson, Texas, in the U.S. He is a foundation member of the denomination in Ghana and one of its former lead pastors. His message encouraged us to go “Forward in His Grace and Truth.”
On Sunday, the concluding day of the celebration, attendance was the highest: 572 people, including 120 young people and children. Members resplendently dressed in the special 50th Anniversary designed wax-print shirts, “Kaba and Slit,” boubous, and other designs. [See image below.]
Various Awards were given by the Anniversary Committee to five pioneer church members, including 92-year-old Emeritus Deaconess Letitia Ojih (mother of Gabriel Ojih). Pastor Emmanuel and Margaret Okai received a citation for their many decades of exemplary service to the church in Ghana as well as the West Africa sub-region.
A visit to the historic Cape Coast Elmina “Slave” Castle was part of the scheduled events. Indeed, the visit to the Elmina Slave Castle was very emotional for all, especially our five African American friends from Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., who were visiting the Motherland for the first time.
All the visitors and guests have returned safely to their respective countries. Indeed, God’s bountiful grace has brought us all this far.
May his name be praised, Ing. Theo Nii Okai, Ghana National Director
This is a condensed version of Pastor Theo’s update. Read the full story here.
Canadian National Office Moves
GCI Canada recently moved their national office from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Winnipeg, Manitoba. We are now leasing office space within the Grace Communion Winnipeg church building from the congregation.
To align with the completion of the move, the GCI Canada board met in Winnipeg over the weekend for their Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Strategic Planning Session. The board confirmed alignment with the Faith, Hope, and Love Avenues and the denomination’s vision of Healthy Church.
On Sunday morning, in addition to touring the church building and new office space, the board members also had the opportunity to attend Grace Communion Winnipeg church services before departing for home to various locations across Canada.
Bill Hall, National Director of Canada
Battleford, SK, Canada
Death of Kelly Barfield
Mr. Kelly Barfield, Elder Emeritus and long-time pastor for GCI, passed away on September 22, 2024. Mr. Barfield lived and served in the Big Sandy, Texas, congregation for many years. His wife of 63 years is Vinita Barfield.
Cards of condolence for the family may be mailed to:
Vinita Barfield
132 Lindsey Road
Big Sandy, TX 75755
We’re Hiring
GCI is hiring!
Two full-time positions are now open at the Grace Communion International (GCI) Home Office in Charlotte, NC, U.S.
The Media Coordinator position is currently available, and applications are being accepted. See the job description here.
The Assistant Operations Coordinator position is currently available, and applications are being accepted. See the job description here.
If you would like further details on either position or would like a GCI job application, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@gci.org or 980-495-3960.
Please share this announcement with qualified candidates who may be gifted for either position at the Home Office.
Prayer Guide—October 2024
Learn to worship God as the God who does wonders, who wishes to prove in you that he can do something supernatural and divine.” – Andrew Murray
Join us this October as we worship and trust the God who works all things for our good. View the full guide or download it today: October Prayer Guide
Would you like to receive this Prayer Guide straight to your email inbox before the first of the month? Sign up here.
From Equipper—On a Mission of Love
Join us! We invite you to read this article from Equipper. It’s an important reminder during Ordinary Time of our priorities.
A healthy church shares in Jesus’ mission of love looking for ways to express God’s love in tangible ways.
By Linda Rex, Elder
As we move towards Healthy Church — our never-ending goal in Grace Communion International — we share in Jesus’ mission of love. Our Love Avenue champions work with their teams to provide opportunities for members to express God’s love in tangible ways.
Markers of a healthy Love Avenue
A healthy church understands deeply how each member shares in Jesus’ mission to show God’s love to the world. The Love Avenue team and the church members are, personally and as a group, involved in their neighborhood through community groups, events, social media, and service. They build relationships with their church neighbors. Members realize that Jesus is already present and active by his Spirit in each person. The church members and the Love Avenue team work together to provide community events in which neighbors feel safe and able to connect with one another. The church also provides ways in which neighbors are connected back to the church, so that they can share in the life of the church as God leads them. A healthy church actively loves the members of their community, just as God in Christ loves every human being.
Signs of unhealth
A church that is isolated and disconnected from their neighborhood is not healthy, nor is it loving. In such a church, no one takes the lead to assess the neighborhood, or to create a plan for missional activities or events. The church expects the pastor or a small group of people to build the necessary relationships in the community. Members may simply choose to “pray and pay” rather than to personally be involved or serve. Church members may be unwilling to help with local activities or join in local groups. Possibly the church is unaware of the nature of the neighborhood in which they do ministry. And the church that does reach out to the community may not know how they are equipped to serve, because members are unaware of their own spiritual gifts or callings. Or perhaps members have not chosen to offer their gifts, resources, or talents to share in Jesus’ mission in the world.
The apostle John grounds his first epistle within the Son of God’s presence in human flesh. Jesus shared in the everyday life of the people in Judea. He did this even when he suffered, was rejected, humiliated, and crucified. Jesus, as the Word of God in human flesh, demonstrated eternal life to all those around him. He lived life in warm fellowship with our Father in the Spirit (1 John 1:1-3). Love, John says, means we walk as Jesus walked. Love means we walk in the light, live in warm fellowship with God and others, and offer forgiveness to all (1 John 1:5, 9-10). The Father’s love is so great that he has called us “children of God”. For this reason, we live as children of God would live. We live in other-centered, self-giving, sacrificial love (1 John. 3:1-2, 9-11). Just as Jesus Christ laid down his life for all, so we lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters (1 John 3:16).
Joining with Jesus on mission
This love of God expressed through Jesus in the Spirit is shown in tangible ways. The apostle John reminds us that when we see a need in someone’s life, we do not close our hearts to that need. We actually do what we can to provide help. Jesus, aware of our need, did what was necessary for all of us so that our need was met. This means that not only are we aware of the needs around us, but we are also aware of what we have that we can offer that will help. And we provide the help that is needed, as we can (1 John 3:17-18). The love we offer others in the things we both say and do has its source in the God who sent his Son so that we might live (1 John 4:7-9). In the same way God loves us, we are to love others — this shows God lives in us and his love is perfected in us (1 John 4:10-11). God has given us his Spirit and abides in us, as we abide in him. We express our love for God by loving others (1 John 4:20-21).
Questions for reflection:
How important is it to build relationships within our church neighborhood? How is this building of relationships related to our sharing in Jesus’ mission of love?
What is the difference between the “pay and pray” response to community needs, and one in which a person or a group responds directly in a “hands-on” way to community needs? Which way best reflects what Jesus Christ did for all of us?
What are some of the needs in the community around your church? Consider the spiritual gifts, talents, abilities, experience, and education that are present in the members of your church. How can the resources God has given your church be used to meet the needs of your community? How will you personally offer your own resources and actively share yourself in Jesus’ mission of love?
By Linda Rex, Elder