Gratitude and Prayerful Hope

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

As we approach the end of 2024, there’s much to give thanks for in our shared journey. In the U.S., we came together for face-to-face regional gatherings (the first live gathering of this nature since before the Covid pandemic). It was a time to hug necks and rejoin the deep relationships that we have enjoyed for many years. This year was also a time to face difficult realities about the state of our congregations, and we made needed changes related to what congregations can be chartered, and served accordingly, as we go forward into 2025.

Another significant change that is under way in the United States is moving from the regional structure to a U.S. National Ministry Team, whose purpose is to serve our pastors and congregations in meaningful ways that can put legs to the vision for Healthy Church. We are prayerfully hopeful.

I am encouraged by the remarkable ways the Spirit is at work in and through GCI, moving us forward in unity and purpose. The resiliency and supportive attitude of GCI pastors and members amazes me. Thank you!

The triune God is faithful in our midst. Jesus Christ, the head of the church has much in store for us. I caught a glimpse of this at the Dream Huddle event held at our Ministry Training Center in Surrey Hills, O.K. Church planters, pastors of church mergers, and leaders of church relaunches gathered to share what we have been learning. We discussed how we can be supportive of each other as the Lord reshapes and rebuilds GCI in the U.S. Once again, I am prayerfully hopeful.

I am very encouraged by my visits and interactions with our international leaders as well. This past year, I collaborated with our Australasian Superintendent Daphne Sidney who is leading more than thirty participants in the Christian Discipleship Program. Their journey of learning and growing together has great promise. I joined New Zealand Regional Director Dennis Richards and Pastors Frank and Emily Boyd from Fiji as they hosted their Avenue Champions for a two-day workshop. It was inspiring to see their focus and intentionality as they join Jesus in His ministry to their island nation. I rounded out my year joining Kalengule Kaoma, Superintendent of Africa, and his team of regional directors in Ghana. The church in Ghana celebrated its 50-year anniversary, but with the level of energy and enthusiasm expressed it’s like they are just getting started.

A Look Back—2024 Highlights

Here are some top GCI resources from 2024. These are meaningful resources you may want to bookmark so you can refer to them all year.

Healthy Denomination – this President letter highlights our journey toward becoming a healthy church, grounded in hope, love, and faith. It encourages us to continue growing in worship, outreach, and discipleship. This is a timely reminder of how far we’ve come and the exciting future ahead in 2025.
Meet Members from Across GCI – GCI Testify highlights the transformative power of Christ’s love through personal testimonies from members around the world. It showcases the Spirit’s impact in and through GCI, offering powerful stories of faith that inspire and encourage deeper trust in Jesus.
Why Do We Gather? – This video is a powerful reminder of the joy and renewal that come from gathering as a church community. It encourages us to value our unity in Christ and the deeper connection with God and one another that results from worship and fellowship, making it a meaningful reflection for a year-end review.
Ghana’s 50th Anniversary Jubilee – A milestone in GCI marking five decades of God’s grace in the region. The event featured a week of worship, leadership conferences, and cultural highlights, with participants from across Africa.
A Lament – Our most-read devotional this year calls us to reflect on how we have fallen short in embodying justice, mercy, and humility, as instructed in Micah 6:8. This powerful prayer invites us to repent, seek God’s image in others, and become agents of healing and restoration
Faces from the Home Office – Get to know members of our Finance Department in the Home Office.
1. Rose Hamrick – Join Dr. Greg Williams, President of GCI, as he speaks with Rose Hamrick, GCI’s Chief Financial Officer. Together, they reflect on Rose’s path to her current role, exploring how her faith, family, and past experiences have uniquely prepared her for this chapter.
2. Robert Meade – In this episode, GCI President Dr. Greg Williams sits down with GCI Comptroller Robert Meade. Robert discusses his role within the denomination and shares insights into his work.
Jesus’ New Ministry – GCI Equipper – This feature article from Equipper, our monthly e-zine for pastors and ministry leaders, examines Jesus’ mission and its call to live out the Kingdom of God today. Subscribe to Equipper
Home Church US Connection – Discover how the Home Church US provides worship and spiritual support to members without access to a local congregation. You can subscribe to receive the weekly sermons. Sign up here!
Art of Mentoring – This series, released in 2024, highlights the importance of mentoring relationships in fostering growth and leadership across generations. It showcases how mentoring helps develop strong connections in faith and discipleship. This is a timely revisit for members who want to deepen their spiritual journey and explore ways to empower others through mentoring.

Devotional—Praying Scripture

As the year closes, praying scripture is a powerful way to reflect on God’s presence in your life. Download this Church Hack and use the journal prompts for your personal devotional time. Praying scripture and journaling what you hear from God can help you express gratitude and discern God’s guidance for the new year.

Healthy Church—Investing in Youth All Year Long

GCI’s vision for Healthy Church includes investing in our youth. All year we’ve brought you stories about our children from around the globe. Enjoy a 2024 review in pictures of these precious young people. But first, read these recent stories showing how GCI invests in youth.

Cape Town, Republic of South Africa

At the end of November, the Sunday school children and three of the youth participated in an outing to the Planetarium. The joy on the faces of the children is the simplest form of gratitude.

Rayong, Thailand

The children of the Rayong congregation enjoy an active Sunday School ministry. They learn about our triune God by singing fun songs and creating artwork.

Suva, Fiji

In November, the Suva congregation seamlessly combined our Sunday worship with our youth camp in the village of Nanukuloa, Ra, creating a weekend filled with service, fellowship, and spiritual growth.

As part of our Love Avenue initiative, on Saturday we partnered with the youths of Nanukuloa to plant Vetiver grass on a hillside vulnerable to landslides — more than 1,200 planted in just two hours! This effort not only helps the community but also supports environmental conservation, stabilizing soil and preventing erosion. It was a beautiful reflection of Christ’s love in action.

This weekend was more than just a fun event. It was an experience where Jesus’ love was evident in every moment — from acts of service to shared meals and worship, we saw God’s hand at work, uniting us in purpose and faith.

By Epeli Nakautoga, Hope Avenue Champion
Suva, Fiji

Satkhira, Khulna, Bangladesh

Thank you very much for your prayers for GCI Bangladesh. On November 14-16, we had 75 participants from GCI Bangladesh participate in our young adult Friendship Camp. Because of our ongoing college ministry, 20 Hindu and Muslim college students also attended our camp. Among them, three chose to be baptized! By the grace of God, eight more people were baptized on December 5.

By Amiyo Bacher, Facilitator and Church Planter
Khulna, Bangladesh

2024 Youth Recap

Meet Pam Morgan

“I love GCI and our members; I see myself as a liaison to help those who need help and get them what they need when they need it.”

Learn more about Pam Morgan, GCI Operations Coordinator. Check out her full profile here.

Meet José Lopez

I am excited that GCI is investing in providing ways for formal education to be part of the development of our leaders.”

Meet José Lopez, the Ministry Training Center Coordinator in Sun Valley and Hawthorne, California.

Click here or the image below to see the entire profile.

GCI Testify

Discover the transformative power of Christ’s love in our new series GCI Testify. Join us as members from our global fellowship share testimonies of their experiences with Jesus through GCI congregations and ministries. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of the Spirit in and through GCI.

Watch the entire series here.

Helen Jackson’s Memorial Service

The memorial service and internment of Helen Jackson is open to those who would like to pay their respects to the family.

December 21, 2024
Mountain View Chapel at 11:00 a.m.
Graveside Service / Internment will immediately follow.
Mountain View Cemetery
2400 North Fair Oaks Avenue
Altadena, CA 91001

Condolences may be sent to:
Sabrina Mayo
5955 Chimney Rock Dr.
Hoschton, GA 30548

Helen Jackson, born December 25, 1936, died on October 30, 2024. She is the wife of the late Harold Jackson.

Her daughter, Sabrina Mayo, shared the following with Update:

For the past five years, mom has stayed very active. She spent time with her grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, attending soccer games, gymnastic meets, cheerleader competition, t-ball baseball games, and family trips. She liked concerts, and musical performances, and was a member of the Deaton Creek Village Singers. She attended adult dance classes, line dancing, art club, tai chi, water aerobics, Pilates, and women’s Bible study club. She enjoyed these past years of life; however, mom was tired and ready to go. She passed on in a peaceful sleep. She will be missed, but I am happy that God answered her prayers.

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.

Save the Date

The Denominational Celebration
will be held
in Dallas, Texas, U.S.
on July 23-26, 2026.

Please mark your calendars. More information will be made available in mid-2025.