Listen to audio: https://cloud.gci.org/dl/MiscVid/WeAreGCI-HeberRandy.mp3
Watch video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko7DYulf5D0
Listen to audio: https://cloud.gci.org/dl/MiscVid/WeAreGCI-HeberRandy.mp3
Watch video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko7DYulf5D0
So Paul stood up and with a gesture began to speak:
“Fellow Israelites and others who fear God, listen. The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. For about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.” Acts 13:16–18 NRSVUE
For as long as I can remember, I read and heard this passage as describing God enduring the wailing and lamenting Israelites as if they were a great burden for him.
In Luther’s German Bible translation (2017), it says: “And for forty years he bore them in the wilderness.” The MacDonald commentary explains: “he took care of their needs.” Of course, I knew that God wouldn’t let them starve — they had food, water, and shoes that didn’t wear out.
But after reading Deuteronomy 1:31, a light bulb went on for me. “Then you saw that the Lord your God bore you as a man carries his son, all over the path that you have walked until you came to this place.” I never realized how close and intimately he was connected to Isreal’s life.
It is so encouraging to read that God carried his people as a father carries his son. I can’t remember ever reading it that way!
Prayer
Loving Father, thank you for seeing us as your beloved children, never as a burden. Spirit, fill us with your compassionate love so that, through Christ, we may care for others with kindness and grace. Give us strength to bear with those who are weary, remembering that you faithfully carry us all in your loving arms. Amen.
Tammy Tkach, Assistant Pastor
River Road, Oregon, US
Adapted from an article, He Took Care of Them, on the GCI Germany blog.
In September, we held our youth camp with 90 campers and 17 staff members from our congregations. Our theme was “Trust Him and Follow His Way,” based on Proverbs 3:5–6. Together, we explored the important question, “Who is our God?”
The campers joined in worship, group discussions, and small group fellowship. They also enjoyed games, sports, Biblical drama, and group presentations. Each camper had an opportunity to share an individual testimony and what God was teaching them.
It was a joyful and meaningful time of learning, fellowship, worship, and growing in faith. We pray that these young people will continue to trust God and obey him, following his way in their daily lives.
By Amiyo Bacher, Facilitator
Satkhira, Khulna, Bangladesh
Citizens of God’s kingdom understand that obedience is rooted in God’s goodness and love. Obedience reflects our trust in God. It’s our faithful response to God’s love, expressed by our trust and participation in God’s mission.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5–6 NRSVUE
Learn more about obedience in this Healthy Church Buzz.
We are grateful to God for the three Celebrations / Retreats held recently in Australasia. These retreats in Caloundra and Echuca Australia and Rotorua, New Zealand were all blessed and uplifting occasions.
The pastors and leaders involved did a great job, spending extra time with the planning, speaking, and fellowship at the sites. Themes for the retreats focused on Kingdom Living.
The joy extended into Monday morning with an excellent interactive session on Being a Welcoming Church, facilitated by Denise Kreymborg (pictured above). It was very well received. Participants were encouraged to reflect on practical ways to foster a culture of welcoming through hospitality, inclusion, and genuine connection within our congregations.
At the NZ retreat (see pictures below), a morning community outreach took place, applying the Kingdom living theme, as organized by Anthony Dady. Members enjoyed doing this activity together and later discussed what they are doing in their local areas or what they might like to do in future as a GCI group or congregation.
Daphne Sydney, Australasia Superintendent
Logan, Queensland, Australia
“I am committed to showing up faithfully, loving people well, and being obedient wherever God leads.”
Meet Joe Foister, pastoral resident at GC Surrey Hills in Oklahoma. For Joe, ministry means walking alongside others and helping them grow. As he mentors young people, he is also being shaped in his own walk with Jesus.
Click here to read the full profile.
In the life of the kingdom, baptism holds a treasured place as a visible expression of the grace God has already extended to us in Jesus Christ. Rather than a means of gaining God’s favor, it is an invitation to participate in all that Christ has accomplished for us. Through baptism, we affirm our union with him, the forgiveness we have received, and the new life we share through the Spirit.
This outward expression of an inward reality offers a joyful testimony: we are part of God’s family, embraced by his redeeming love.
We invite you to rejoice with us in the following GCI baptism.
October is National Clergy Appreciation Month in the U.S. It’s a time set aside to recognize the contributions and service of pastors and all other clergy members.
It’s always a good day to show gratitude to our pastors or pastoral team members, but this month offers a specific time to let them know that we see their hard work. Pastors, we appreciate your deep love for the Bride of Christ. Thank you!
But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13