How good and how pleasant for members of Christ’s Body to dwell together in unity! We’re called to work together toward being mature, equipped workers for the kingdom. It is encouraging to hear how these regions and congregations are dedicated to this purpose.
Bela-Bela, Limpopo, South Africa
A conference was hosted in Aruka center in March for the GCI pastors of South Africa. National Director Takalani Musekwa wrote: “We gathered for a historic pastoral conference, a moment that felt much like the people of Israel stepping into the land of promise with a brand-new culture.”
Waikanae, Wellington, New Zealand
“A House of Prayer” was the theme of this year’s Refresher Weekend. Thirty members from all over NZ, including six from our Masterton Filipino congregation, enjoyed a stimulating and challenging exploration of the importance of prayer in Christians’ lives.
After dinner together on Friday evening, I led an introductory session launching out of Jesus’ statement that “God’s house is to be called a house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13). I emphasized, “We are that house, so prayer must be an important aspect of our lives, and we are here to improve our prayer lives.” We concluded the session by viewing a short video by NT Wright, “How Should I Pray?”
Saturday began with another session on the Lord’s Prayer as an outline for our prayers. The ensuing weekend presentations covered the topics of “Worship in Prayer,” and “Prayers of Lament,” “Intercessory Prayer,” and “Praise in Prayer.” On Saturday evening, a Q & A session addressed questions submitted by the attendees.
Throughout the programme, there were several opportunities for members to pray individually and in small groups. For example, after explaining how the lament psalms show us that it’s never wrong to cry out to God in our pain, members wrote their own lament prayer, based on a situation important to them. Another time, members meditated and prayed through one of the psalms using a meditative prayer format known as Lectio Divina.
The programme was wrapped up with a reminder of the GCI-Australasia Vision Prayer. We are told to “devote yourselves to prayer” (Col 4:12) and to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kind of prayers” (Eph 6:18), and God tells us that he “inhabits the praises of his people” (Ps 22:3).
Here is just one of the positive comments received afterwards:
“Wow, what a weekend. Thank you for helping us to learn more about the different aspects of prayer. Instead of just mere words to God, there is now a more focused, open, deeper and faith-filled dimension in our prayers. “
By Dennis Richards, Pastor
Palmerston North, New Zealand
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
In April, Grace Communion Cleveland hosted their annual LiLY Women’s Conference. A total of 72 women gathered for a time of fellowship, reflection, and renewal under the inspiring theme, “As He Has Forgiven You” (Ephesians 4:32).
GC Cleveland pastor, Tamar Gray, and the worship band set a powerful tone for the weekend. Attendees participated in a “Getting to Know You” activity.
GC Cincinnati pastor, Julie Frantz, shared a heartfelt message on forgiveness, emphasizing that it is not enabling abuse or seeking revenge, but rather a rejection of pride and a call to view life through Jesus.
Tess Scott, speaker and author, encouraged attendees to embrace forgiveness without shame, reminding us that God restores, and Jesus carried our burdens to the cross. Tess Scott also spoke on healing and forgiveness, emphasizing that Jesus paid our debt. She introduced four key principles: Remember, Release, Receive, and Rely. The evening concluded with moving testimonies that inspired reflection and healing.
On Sunday, Pastor Tamar Gray brought the LiLY Women’s Conference to a powerful close, urging everyone in attendance — including family members — to embrace forgiveness as a “new normal.”
As we reflect on these transformative messages, we eagerly anticipate all that the Lord has in store for 2026. Follow us on Facebook @lilywomensconference for more details.
By Rosa Hulse, Women’s Ministry Leader
Cleveland, OH, US
Pasadena, California, U.S.
Beginning on Wednesday evening, members of GC Pasadena gathered until Sunday for a retreat in April. God blessed us with good weather — snow the whole day on Saturday. We enjoyed plenty of food and relational bonding. And of course, we had games that everyone enjoyed.
Every day, after eating our breakfast, we began with worship and a devotional. We also watched and discussed Dr. Gary Deddo’s YouTube videos, “Who Are You Lord?” parts 1–4.
One person shared this highlight: “I want to share Jesus and engage in my neighborhood.” We ended our time together with communion.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Thank you, Lord.
By Angie Tabin, Pastor
Pasadena, CA, US
