Kingdom Living 101

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

Courses in college are given numerical order. Introductory courses are typically labeled 101. These courses are a platform that sets the student for higher classes and deeper learning (class 201). In any course of study, getting the basics right is paramount for further education. This is true in the Christian life as well.

Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct;for it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’ 1 Peter 1:13–16 NRSVA

“Therefore” means because of what came before. What came before this section of 1 Peter? God the Father has given us a living hope through his resurrected only begotten Son, Jesus. Jesus, who is our living hope, is the foundation upon which the entire structure is built and supported. We start with Jesus and rely on his sustaining strength. It is the basic tenet that holds up the individual Christian and the collective church Body.

Peter then instructs us on how to be prepared:

1. A mind ready for action, in the same way an athlete is dressed appropriately and thoughts are focused on the game at hand
2. A sober mind that is set on the things of God and not the allurements of the world
3. A confident hope that will reach all the way to the end of the age (a sure hope only sourced and sustained by Jesus)

Devotional—The Light of Mankind

In the 1960s, the pop duo Simon and Garfunkel released the song, “The Sound of Silence.” One line in this song is: “Hello darkness, my old friend, I have come to talk to you again.” This is a vivid and apt description of what many people are experiencing and feeling today. They live in constant darkness, blind to the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.

However, Jesus wants us to trust that he is the light in our lives. He came to earth and freed mankind from oppressive darkness.

God is light, and in him there is no darkness. 1 John 1:5

Everyone lives through dark times. Sometimes we do not even want to get up in the morning. We really do not want to deal with problems of this world and our own all the time. We want to be left alone by everyone.

First, we experience disappointment, then sorrow, doubt, and depression. Surely, we are all familiar with these feelings. However, when we walk in the light of God’s love, Jesus, the living Word, shines His light into our dark days, making them bright and bearable. Light can shine brightest on the darkest night.

Whatever adversity, sorrow, or joy is present in our lives right now, pales in comparison to the light of the Incarnation of Jesus. When we recognize this and believe what Jesus says and align our lives with this reality, then we are in close contact with the true center of power of the universe, the triune God.

Let us celebrate the light that has come into the world!

Prayer
Jesus, we are grateful that you are the Word who became human and dwelt among us. Thank you for representing God before us and us before God. In your name, Amen.

Santiago Lange, Pastor [1959–2025]
Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

This devotional was adapted with permission. Read the full article here.

Kingdom Living—Holy Week and Easter

We are citizens of God’s kingdom, so our very lives announce that the kingdom has been established in Jesus. Each year, we commemorate God’s saving action through Jesus. We rehearse his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and Resurrection.

Our congregations celebrated through meaningful practices, worship, and playful activities that included their communities. Enjoy these pictures from around the globe.

Richardson, Texas, US

Resurrection Sunday for Grace Communion Richardson meant inspiring worship followed by a picnic in the park and our fourth annual neighborhood Easter egg hunt. The egg hunt was held at the city park across the road from where we meet. It included booths for games, egg painting, sharing of Love Your Neighbor engagers, and streaming the Light of the World movie. We reminded the crowd that the event is a sharing of our joy and hope in the Risen Lord who loves children.

More than 700 neighbors attended the event. Members engaged in meaningful conversations with many. Inviting neighbors to join us in the egg hunt creates spaces for relationship-building and pointing to Jesus as we share the love of God with our community.

Over 5000 eggs with inspirational words, trinkets, and candy were scooped up in moments by enthusiastic children. About 250 people filled out a connection card, representing 981 planned attendees. About one-third came from our local area, and the rest from elsewhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. One-third requested information about our upcoming Neighborhood Skills Camp.

Many attendees expressed their appreciation for the event and the opportunity for fun and memory-making with their families. Several jumped in to help with set-up and take down.

We are grateful to the triune God for the beautiful weather, the joyful atmosphere, the spirit of serving and sharing, and the opportunity to join the risen Lord in his life of neighboring!

Gabriel Ojih, Pastor
Richardson, Texas, US

Suva, Fiji

Jacksonville, Florida, US

River Road, Oregon, US

Baguio, Luzon, Philippines

Glendora, California, US

Big Sandy, Texas, US

Belton, Missouri, US

Citizens’ Toolbox—Easter Prep Neighborhood Engagement

Easter Sunday is the most attended church service every year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to invite your neighbors to visit your church. It’s not too early to begin planning for 2027.

During the weeks leading up to Easter, consider hosting an event or two for your neighborhood. During the event(s), provide an invitation for your Easter Sunday service.

Here are some ideas for activities and design templates to provide support for your Easter service.

Couples’ Evenings

Jacksonville, Florida, US

We gathered on Valentine’s Day to celebrate God’s greatest gift — Love. The theme was “Love Never Fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8).

The invitation read:

Come and enjoy an evening filled with heartfelt fellowship, uplifting messages, music, and a gentle reminder that true love begins with him.

Come as you are or fancy with a touch of red. Whether you’re single, married, or somewhere in between, this night will warm your heart and draw you closer to the divine love that unites us all.

Rayong, Thailand

In February, we shared a wonderful and meaningful evening for our Couples Night with the theme “Love Rooted in Grace.” It was a beautiful time of fellowship, laughter, sharing, and encouragement among couples as we were reminded that true love grows deeper when it is grounded in God’s grace.

The message reminded us that when couples rely on God’s grace, love becomes stronger, more patient, and more faithful. Truly, his grace is more than enough for every relationship.

May every home continue to be filled with love, strengthened by faith, and firmly rooted in God’s amazing grace.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Malaysian Leadership Conference

The 2026 GCI leadership conference in Myanmar was held March 27–28 in Yangon, Myanmar. Pastor Audie Santibanez and Pastor Aron Tolentino from the Philippines conducted the leadership conference, together with Pastor Wong Mein Kong and me from Malaysia.

The participants of the conference were pastors, elders, leaders, church planters, and pastoral teams from various states and districts in Myanmar. Pastor Chan Thleng from GCI Hwambi church was the coordinator for the Myanmar participants. Pastor Dem Khuo Thong and Stephen Blessing, both from Myanmar, assisted as the translators from English to the Burmese language for the participants.

Devaraj Ramoo, Pastor
Klang, Selangor, Malaysia

Meet Diana Mayhew

“I care about people. I like challenges and always try to find the best solution. I believe in and thrive in a cooperative atmosphere that works together for the greater good.”

Meet Diana Mayhew, who is transitioning into the role of U.S. Home Church Coordinator at GCI’s Home Office. With a caring and dedicated approach, Diana connects and supports members across the U.S. who engage with GCI from a distance.

Learn more about Diana here.

You’re Invited—Irish Celebration

We are delighted to announce that applications for the 2026 Irish Celebration are now open, and we welcome international visitors.

The Celebration runs from 4.00 pm Thursday 1 October to 3.00 pm Sunday 4 October, and will be held in a beautiful setting near Portarlington, County Laois, R32 WN59, Republic of Ireland. Information about the venue can be found at: Mount St. Anne’s Retreat & Conference Centre

The theme for the retreat will be “Exploring the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit.” The retreat will include uplifting worship, inspiring presentations, stimulating discussion, and communion. There will also be time for fellowship and Irish hospitality, in a relaxed atmosphere.

The price for the Celebration is £310 per person, which includes 3 nights’ accommodation in ensuite bedrooms. This also includes all meals from dinner on Thursday to lunch on Sunday.

To attend the Irish Celebration, you can sign up here.

A £100 per person deposit will be required on sign up with the balance payable by 1 September. Please note, no payments will be accepted at the venue.

The Irish Celebration is open to all, but places are limited, so please sign up as soon as possible to secure your place.

A warm Irish welcome awaits, and we look forward to seeing you there. If you require further information, please email the event coordinator, Barry Robinson at barry.robinson@gracecom.church

Hiring HR and Risk Coordinator

Grace Communion International is seeking a Human Resources and Risk Coordinator to serve in our Financial Services Department. This full-time, non-exempt position is based in Charlotte, NC, and reports to the Chief Financial Officer.

Applications are now being accepted. See the job description here.

If you would like further details on the 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 this position at the Home Office.

Hiring Digital Content Developer

Grace Communion International is seeking a Digital Content Developer to serve on our Media Team. This full-time, non-exempt position is based in Charlotte, NC, and reports to the Media Coordinator.

The Digital Content Developer helps tell the story of what God is doing through Grace Communion International by creating thoughtful, engaging digital content including video, podcasts, and graphics. This role collaborates closely with the Media Team to develop projects from concept through completion.

We are looking for someone who values creative excellence, collaboration, and lifelong learning, and who resonates with GCI’s commitment to sharing the gospel and participating in the love and life of the triune God.

Applicants should have relevant education or experience in digital media production and be aligned with GCI’s mission and theological commitments. See the job description here.

If you would like further details on the 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 this position at the Home Office.