DC26 Preview

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

Psalm 133 reminds us, “How good and pleasant for brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity.” On July 23 – 26, the brothers and sisters of Grace Communion International will dwell together, worship together, and grow more deeply into a unified church family at the Denominational Celebration 2026 (DC26).

The event will begin with breakout sessions brought by a wide variety of GCI presenters on topics of discipleship, living between the times, and being sent by Jesus. All of these speak to what we mean by the overarching theme of Kingdom Living.

Our dedicated worship team, coordinated by Pastor Tamar Gray, has been preparing months ahead of time to bless us with stirring, Christ-centered worship. They will kick off the first worship service on Thursday afternoon, and we will hear a sermon message from our Vice President, Heber Ticas.

Friday will be filled with panel discussions. The topics of “Calling and Competencies,” along with “Equipping the Saints,” will feature stories from leaders across our global church family. Grace Communion Seminary will recognize and honor their most recent graduates in a graduation ceremony. It is always a highlight to see these men and women who have dedicated themselves to graduate level studies.

Devotional—Tell Them

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 NIV

Healing words. Not complicated sermons. Not grand gestures. Just gracious words.

Recently I learned this simple idea called the “Tell Them Theory.”

If a waiter was kind to you, tell them.
If your friend looked good today, tell them.
If someone’s work inspired you, tell them.

It’s such a small idea — yet how rarely do we practice it. We often notice good things in people, but the words stay locked inside our thoughts. Criticism travels quickly. Encouragement moves slowly.

I think of the cashier who has been standing all day. The tired waiter serving meals. The volunteer who wonders if anyone noticed. The friend who quietly struggles but still shows up with a smile. A few words of appreciation can become a light in someone’s ordinary day.

When I think about Jesus, I realize he lived this theory fully. He noticed people others ignored. He told the Roman centurion, “I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” He affirmed the woman who poured perfume on his feet. He looked at his disciples and said, “You are the light of the world.”

Jesus saw goodness, faith, and love in people, and he said it out loud.

Perhaps this is one small way we can reflect God’s heart each day. When we see kindness, speak it. When we notice effort, affirm it.

A few words may seem small to us. But to someone else, they may be exactly what their heart needed.

Prayer
Lord, open my eyes to the quiet kindness around me. Give me courage to speak words that heal and uplift. May my words reflect Your grace today. Amen.

By Bermie Dizon, Elder
Glendora, CA, US

Kingdom Living—Sent to a Multifaith World

In a world shaped by many religions, sharing God’s heart for all people remains essential. See how the following two GCI congregations are living and sharing the gospel in Nepal and India, countries where Hinduism is the majority religion.

Tellok, Nepal

GCI in the Mountains.

At an elevation of about 2000 meters (about 6500 feet), in the Himalayan mountain range of eastern Nepal bordering India and China, GCI has a footprint in a village called Tellok. Along with its surrounding villages, it would have a population of about 5000 people. Access to it is only through dirt, mountain roads by a 4-wheel drive jeep.

Roshan Nepali facilitates a fellowship of about 50 people, with a potential for growth in and around the village. He and his family run a small school on their ancestral land. They supplement their income by rearing goats and chickens and growing some food on their land.

I had the privilege of visiting Roshan and speaking to their congregation in April (pictured above). With a population of 29 million (majority of them being Hindu), Christians make up less than 2%. Still, they continue to shine the light of Jesus!

By Dan Zachariah, Superintendent of Asia
Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Bachupally, India

GCI Hyderabad continues its monthly outreach through Bible study sessions in Bachupally, located about 30 kilometers from the Hyderabad congregation. Around 12 regular participants attend these gatherings, showing enthusiasm for both fellowship and learning.

The current study focuses on the Lord’s Prayer, encouraging deeper reflection and spiritual growth. These sessions provide meaningful opportunities for discussion, learning, and connection.

In addition to teaching, pastoral care and encouragement are offered, reflecting the church’s commitment to nurturing its members spiritually and personally. We hope it will lead to a church plant here. Please join our prayers.

By Praveen Chintha, Pastor
Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Citizens’ Toolbox—Loving Across Faith Traditions

Citizens of the kingdom ask: How is Jesus already at work among our neighbors, and how can we participate faithfully? We understand it’s important to learn the religions, cultures, worldviews, and rhythms of our neighborhoods when discerning mission.

Mapping your neighborhood is an effective ministry tool to help you understand your community. See this Church Hack for more information.

How do we engage with our neighbors whose faith traditions are not Christianity? Below are some ideas:

1. Begin with curiosity, not assumptions. Learn your neighbor’s story. Ask questions before offering answers.

2. Build genuine friendships. Relationships create trust. Friendship is not a strategy; it is Christian love.

3. Listen for spiritual hunger. People often reveal hopes, fears, and questions naturally.

4. Share your experience of Jesus. Testimony is less threatening than debate.

5. Trust the Holy Spirit. We are witnesses; God converts.

New National Director for Malawi

GCI Africa Commissions new National Director for Malawi

Grace Communion International (GCI) marked a significant milestone in the life of the church in Malawi with the commissioning of Pastor Dinganie Soko as the new National Director for Malawi during a special service held on 3 May 2026 at GCI Dzaleka. Pastor Soko takes over the role from Pastor Gardener Kunje, who has retired after serving as National Director for Malawi and regional Director for Central Africa.

The commissioning service was presided over by Central Africa Regional Director Pastor Marshall Dube and attended by church leaders, members, and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate this important moment in the ongoing mission of the church in Malawi.

The service was anchored in the words of Jesus from Matthew 9:37–38 (NKJV): “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few…” — a fitting reminder of the calling and responsibility entrusted to leaders who serve Christ and his people.

Pastor Soko brings to the role a long history of faithful involvement in the church. Born on 27 April 1970, he grew up in a family deeply connected to the work of GCI. His father joined the then Worldwide Church of God in the early 1980s, laying a spiritual foundation that would later shape Pastor Soko’s own journey of faith and ministry. He was baptised in 2005 and has since served the church in various leadership capacities.

Before his appointment as National Director, Pastor Soko served for several years on the Malawi Church Board of Trustees, including most recently as Chairperson. An ordained elder, he is continuing to pursue theological development through the Ambassador College of Christian Ministry (ACCM), where he has completed a Certificate of Christian Ministry and is currently studying toward a Diploma of Christian Ministry.

In addition to his pastoral calling, Pastor Soko brings extensive professional expertise to the role. He is a Chartered Accountant and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA, UK). He also holds an LLB from the University of South Africa and an MBA from the University of Derby.

He is married to Sekani Soko (née Nyangulu), and together they have three sons. The family resides in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi.

The commissioning reflects GCI Africa’s ongoing commitment to raising and equipping leaders who will faithfully participate in Christ’s mission of living and sharing the gospel across the continent.

As the church in Malawi enters this new season, members across GCI are invited to pray for Pastor Soko, his family, and the churches in Malawi as they continue to serve in the ministry of Jesus Christ.

Takalani Musekwa, Superintendent of Africa
South Africa

Prayer Guide—June 2026

“Prayer is the song of the heart. It reaches the ear of God even if it is mingled with the cry and tumult of a thousand men.” — Kahlil Gibran

This June, we gather in prayer — learning to follow Jesus more faithfully. We seek to participate in his work and reflect his love in the places where we live and serve.

Continue praying with us. Click here to download the June Prayer Guide.

Would you like to receive this Prayer Guide straight to your email inbox before the first of the month? Sign up here.

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.