Prayerful Hope

Watch video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N2icM7uDXo

Listen to audio: https://cloud.gci.org/dl/MiscVid/Presidents-Update-September-2025.mp3

GCI President Greg Williams reminds us of Jesus’ prophetic words in Matthew 24, calling us to remain anchored in him—especially in times of war, unrest, and uncertainty. He encourages us to live by faith, share the hope of Christ, and keep watch with confidence as we await his return.

Watch video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N2icM7uDXo

Program Transcript

GCI President Update | September 2025
Prayerful Hope

In Matthew chapter 24 Jesus gives a prophetic message to his audience. One specific comment is, “there will be wars and rumors of wars.”

Out of curiosity, I asked Artificial Intelligence, “What are people saying about Matthew 24 in light of current world events?”. Here is what I found:

“of Matthew 24 focus on its relevance to the “end times” and the potential for increased global turmoil, while others emphasize its primary fulfillment in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Many Christians believe that the events described in Matthew 24, such as wars, famines, earthquakes, and the rise of false prophets, are signs of the times and are becoming more prevalent. (There is the ensuing temptation to preach a scary end-time message and to even predict dates around the return of Christ)”

This reminds me that, historically, we see how Christ’s prophetic message was for his disciples (and any who had ears to hear). The destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 A.D. was significant to the collapse of the old system and to the establishment of the early church and Christ’s promise that the church will continue through the ages.

The passage can be read with a “both/and” posture. Acknowledgment of fulfillments in 70 A.D. are certain. A continuing fulfillment lingers as the church remains in prayerful hope of the Father sending his Son back to establish his eternal kingdom.

What is the reader to take away from this detailed section of scripture? The reader is exhorted to look forward to the Lord’s return. “Come Lord Jesus” is our daily plea. As we wait, we are to live responsibly, faithfully grounded in the abiding presence of Jesus. Dare I say, living and sharing the gospel? We know who the captain of our salvation is. He is also our anchor when the storm winds blow around us, and we know he can be the anchor for our friends, family members and neighbors as well.

The times we live in are heavy. War torn Ukraine and the Middle East. Civil unrest is widespread. Protests and riots are constantly in the news. We have church leaders in some African nations where their lives are threatened. Please keep them in prayer.

This heaviness can rob us of internal peace, and create fear and anxiousness. In response to these challenges Jesus implores us to be vigilant – keeping our eyes fixed on him, relying on him for peace that passes human understanding, and knowing that we will persevere because he has gone before us. Perhaps there is no more important time to live as kingdom citizens proclaiming Jesus and his kingdom culture than now?

It is a heavy time, but it is a time for faith over fear. In fact, it is time to let others know about the one who gives us hope and security in a troubled and insecure world. We are to live our lives ready for the return of Jesus, and his words in Matthew 24 tell us not to be alarmed and react out of panic but keep our wits about us because he is present with us and in the Father’s timing, he is coming to get us.

The prophetic certainty that I can share with you is two parts. First, we are one day closer than we were yesterday. And the second part is that when he does return there will not be any doubt. May you and I be alive to see Jesus streaking back to earth as an amazing bolt of lightning that fills the sky, and to hear the loud trumpet blasts as heaven will be fully and permanently united to earth. Amen!

Devotional—Recognition

In my early journey of faith, I used to wonder why doesn’t Jesus simply appear on an international news channel, like BBC? Surely, if the entire world saw him, they would believe and be saved. But the resurrection narratives gently correct that assumption. Even when Jesus appeared in the flesh to his own disciples, many still didn’t recognize him immediately. This prompts a soul-searching question for us all: If Jesus appeared to us today, would we truly recognize him?

The Gospels record resurrection appearances; each one unveils profound truth about Jesus’ incarnation, the nature of his glorified body, and the mystery of divine presence. A striking pattern emerges again and again — those who knew Jesus best failed to recognize him at first glance.

Mary Magdalene mistook him for a gardener. The disciples on the road to Emmaus conversed for hours without realizing who he was. Peter failed to recognize him on the shore of Galilee. Recognition came only through deeply personal, familiar encounters.

Mary recognized Jesus by his voice. The disciples from Emmaus knew him in the breaking of the bread. Peter recognized Jesus through the miraculous catch of fish. The risen Jesus is not always recognized by appearance alone, but through relationship grounded in trust and intimacy.

I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me … My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. John 10:14, 27

Prayer:
Father, we want to experience you in moments that etch your love deeply into our souls. May we seek a relationship so intimate that we recognize you, Jesus, without hesitation. Spirit, may our hearts be attuned to your voice and our spirits ready to receive you. Lord, grant us the grace to truly know you and to never miss when you appear to us. Amen.

By Praveen Chintha, Pastor
Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Kingdom Living—Doing Good

Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV

Read below how two congregations are sharing God’s goodness with their neighbors. Doing good is a kingdom value.

Chawama, Lusaka, Zambia

In July, 21 youths from the Chawama congregation traveled to a home for girls in Chongwe to share the love of Christ. This was our third visit, and with hearts stirred by compassion and desire to serve, we put together our little savings, resources, food, and clothes to share with our dear sisters.

The foundation is home to 17 girls between the ages of 3 to 16. These precious girls come from painful pasts, many having faced the trauma of abuse or the deep sorrow of losing their parents. It is a place filled with young hearts in need of love, hope, and belonging.

After our first visit, we were moved by compassion and a deep sense of responsibility. So, we made the collective decision to adopt this orphanage as part of our Chawama Love Avenue. What started as a visit quickly became a calling.

We took it a step further by each adopting a sister. This personal one-on-one connection has allowed us to demonstrate God’s love in more tangible ways. We have been able to all pray for our sisters by name, and they do the same for us. It also allowed us to build a more personal relationship with each of the girls.

The impact of this has been profound for the Chawama youths. These visits have been a chance to experience joy in service and to share the love of Christ. We spent time playing fun games, sharing stories, praying, singing, and simply being present.

These are not just acts of charity — they are moments of connection and affirmation of God’s love poured out through us. We listen to their dreams, share laughter, and see firsthand how love can begin to restore what life has broken.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

Love is not passive, it moves, it acts, and it heals. In adopting this orphanage, we are committing not only to providing material support, but to building relationships, offering spiritual guidance, and being a consistent presence in the lives of these children. We believe that through Christ’s love, we can make a lasting impact. This is just the beginning of a journey we pray will be filled with growth, transformation, and greater things yet to come for both the children and us.

By Puisezo and Damiano Ngula, youth participants
Chawama, Lusaka, Zambia

Belton, Missouri, US

On Sunday, August 3, the Love Avenue team of GC Belton hosted a Family Game Day and Back-to-School Giveaway. Our aim was to support the children and families of our neighborhood.

God provided beautiful weather, cooler temperatures, and warm hearts that welcomed the new faces that attended. It was a fun way to end the summer and help our local families get the school year off to a great start! The festivities included:

- - A picnic-type atmosphere with a hotdog cookout and outdoor yard games.
  - Fun indoor games with facepainting, a cake walk, human tic tac toe, and music.
  - Prizes and school supply giveaways (backpacks, notebooks, writing utensils, etc.).

After our back-to-school giveaway, we have school supplies leftover. We will connect with our local school district to see if there are other opportunities to connect with individuals who could benefit. I’m grateful for our congregation’s generosity in giving to support the ministry of Christ.

I’m employed part-time with the Belton school district as a bus driver and was permitted to bring a school bus to the event as a way of promoting the giveaway. In addition to that, attendees looking for work were given the opportunity to apply for a job with the bus company.

To close the event, we provided a short ride on the school bus, which the children enjoyed immensely. This fun event was one of many ways we can serve our community!

Terry McDonald, Pastor
Belton, Missouri, US

Kingdom Citizens’ Toolbox—Do Not Give Up

Kingdom Workshop

In August, President Greg Williams presented a training workshop on the Gold Coast, Australia. Almost 40 participants of the Christian Discipleship Pathway (CDP) programme came from New Zealand, Fiji, and Australia. Greg presented material on several facets of Kingdom Culture. Then we discussed the topics in small groups and fed back to the full group at the end of sessions.

L-R: Matt Gudze, Jason Raki, Eugene Panuve, and Epeli Nakautoga

One highlight was the Saturday evening meal. The dining room was transformed into a banquet hall. We were invited to use our “sacred imagination” to picture what it will be like to join Jesus at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19). Throughout the meal, Greg asked questions to stimulate ideas regarding what this dinner might be like. It was a time of excitedly contemplating possibilities about what this amazing event will be like. The dinner ended with communion.

The weekend was a meaningful time of learning and discovery together. It was a wonderful time of fellowship, as friendships were formed or strengthened. We learned more of how we can support one another in our ministries.

In all, the gathering was a great blessing, learning from one another and enjoying the Holy Spirit’s presence. We felt the Spirit’s direction and blessing. Greg is keen that this material is shared with all members, so we will be looking into how to best pass on what was covered.

As we look at how we participate in kingdom work now, we are reminded of how we should be living as kingdom citizens, as well as what we should be doing to share the message of Jesus with others. We also look with anticipation to the fullness of the kingdom following Jesus’ return.

Anthony Dady, Pastor
Auckland, New Zealand

Baptisms in Malawi

We share news of a historic event which took place at the GCI Blantyre congregation in Malawi in June. In an unprecedented development, 22 people accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour and were baptized in a single day. The 22 baptized converts were drawn from 4 different congregations, as follows: Chimbeta 3, Miseu 5, Mombezi 4, and Mpanda 10. We also share a significant highlight and positive development in the growth trajectory of the church in Malawi: 14 were youths aged 15–19 years.

This momentous occasion marked a significant milestone in the spiritual journey of these believers. The baptism sacrament was a powerful celebration of faith, with each individual publicly declaring their commitment to follow Jesus Christ. We rejoice in the Lord’s work in their lives and pray that they will continue to grow in their faith. This event is a powerful testament to the effectiveness of our discipleship efforts, and the impact of the gospel in our community. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve and worship together as a body of believers.

We will continue to provide discipleship and mentorship programs to support the spiritual growth of our new believers. We encourage the newly baptized individuals to share their testimonies and experience with others, inspiring further growth and evangelism within our communities and neighbourhoods. Glory and honour to our Lord Jesus Christ for the continued growth of his ongoing work in our midst.

By Gardner Kunje, Malawi National Director
Lilongwe, Malawi
Marshall Dube, Central Africa Regional Director
Harare, Zimbabwe

Prayer Guide—September 2025

“The reality is, my prayers don’t change God. But, I am convinced prayer changes me. Praying boldly boots me out of that stale place of religious habit into authentic connection with God Himself.” — Lysa TerKeurst

Let us join together in prayer as Christ’s Body. We lift our prayers, knowing the Spirit intercedes on our behalf.

Download the full prayer guide here.

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2026 Denominational Celebration

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

Kingdom Living is participatory, relational, and missional.

Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” As citizens of the kingdom and co-laborers with Christ, we are sent into the world to reflect his light. Kingdom Living requires awareness of our calling and our context, seeing our neighborhoods, vocations, and even our sufferings as places where Jesus reigns and sends us.

Kingdom Living is not passive. It is a bold proclamation and a tangible demonstration. We not only speak of the reign of God, but we also show it. Our words align with our works. As image bearers, our relationships become a visible witness to the reality of the kingdom being ushered in.

During this gathering, we’ll explore what it means to live as kingdom people, active participants in God’s mission, deeply rooted in community, and shaped by the presence and authority of Jesus.

Registration information coming soon!