Leaders Are Human

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

Consider Moses, an abandoned Israelite baby left adrift in a basket on the Nile River. It was his mother’s successful attempt to rescue him from slaughter due to the overpopulation of his people under Egyptian rule. After 40 years of being a prince in Pharoh’s court while simultaneously watching his people suffer under the whip of Egypt, he could no longer take it. Moses murdered an Egyptian taskmaster who was beating an Israelite and then fled from Egypt to the dessert.

Another 40 years go by, and God calls Moses from a burning bush to lead his people out of slavery. God speaks through Moses and his brother Aaron to bring 10 plagues on Egypt before they relent and let the Israelites go. During the final 40 years of Moses’s life, he is representing God to the wandering Israelites who resisted God and desired to go back to Egypt. Moses successfully mentored Joshua who was able to lead a new generation across the Jordan into the Promised Land.

How about David? A shepherd boy who was the youngest of an impressive group of older brothers anointed by Samuel to be king. Then he went 15 years before ascending to the throne and spent much of that time fleeing from King Saul. He went from favor with the king and comforts of the palace to dodging spears and hiding in caves. During his reign he brought the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem and experienced military success and yet his life was marred with family turmoil, and the scandalous adultery with Bathsheba was a stain. Yet he was counted as a man after God’s heart, and he staged the resources for his son Solomon to build the spectacular temple to God.

Then we turn to the Jewish Rabbi Saul, who studied at the feet of renowned teacher Gamaliel. Saul was zealous for Judaism and saw the rise of Christianity as a threat to be dealt with. He led the persecution of the early church until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Saul was dramatically converted and became Paul, the chief apostle called to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. He suffered much for his faith and always viewed himself as the least of the apostles.

Devotional—Breakfast, God’s Provision

Jesus said to [the disciples], “Come and have breakfast.” John 21:12 NIVUK

After seeing the resurrected Jesus, several disciples returned to fishing. They worked all night on the Sea of Tiberias and caught nothing. Their empty nets remind us that effort alone cannot guarantee fruitfulness; sometimes God brings us to the end of ourselves so we can recognise his provision.

At daybreak, Jesus stood on the shore. He came after their long struggle, when their strength was spent. God’s timing often differs from ours, but his provision arrives when it is needed.

Jesus told them, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some” (verse 6). They obeyed, and the result was an overflowing catch. The miracle came not through greater skill, but through trusting Jesus’s word.

When they reached shore, Jesus already had fish and bread prepared. He did not need their catch yet invited them to bring some of it. This is grace: Jesus provides what we need and still invites us to share in his work.

Then Jesus said, “Come and have breakfast” (verse 12). The risen Lord served his friends. The greatest provision was not the fish, but Jesus himself — his presence, fellowship, and care.

The disciples began with empty nets but ended with abundance and renewed recognition of Jesus. The same Lord still provides today. He calls us to trust his timing, obey his voice, and receive the fellowship he offers.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for seeing our empty nets and for providing exactly what we need. Help us trust your timing, to obey your voice, and value your presence above every blessing. Teach us to depend on you in every season of life. Amen.

By Barry Robinson, Deputy National Leader, UK & Ireland

Adapted from GCI UK & Ireland Blog

Kingdom Living—Making Space for Welcome

Kingdom Culture congregations create spaces for genuine welcome. We begin with fun activities, like you will see below. But it doesn’t stop there. With intentionality and discernment, we hope to shepherd our neighbors from fun, hangout spaces toward belonging and discipliship.

Check out these examples of welcoming spaces:

- - A carnival welcoming neighbors through fun and hospitality
  - A neighborhood event creating connections with local families
  - A neighborhood Game Night creating a low-barrier space for friendship to bloom
  - A community picnic with relationship-building beyond Sunday worship

River Road, Oregon, US

Pico Rivera, California, US

Steele Creek, North Carolina, US

Grove City, Ohio, US

Citizens’ Toolbox—Generous Welcome

Citizens of God’s kingdom extend a generous welcome to others. Our welcome bears witness to the reality of their membership and inclusion in God’s family. We are not the gatekeepers of Jesus’ kingdom. Inclusion doesn’t equal assimilation, total agreement, nor uniformity. Communicating welcome and inclusion affirms to each person: you are loved, you are worthy of belonging, you are an image-bearer of God.

Check out this Church Hack for practical and applicable ways to foster welcome.

Women Encouraging Women

Cape Town, RSA

The theme of the Women’s Retreat was joy. The scripture focus was “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). Their intention was to come together as women but leave as a stronger sisterhood — renewed in faith, restored in spirit, united in purpose, and empowered to make a difference in their families, church and community.

Big Sandy, Texas, US

The September women’s ministry Heart-to-Heart gathering focused on God as our Rock. Participants fellowshipped while painting rocks. They compose encouraging notes to others on cards they made themselves. The women also shared lunch and were encouraged in this setting that allowed them to slow down, express creativity, and deepen friendships.

Prayer Guide—October 2026

“… God has already provided for us that response which alone is acceptable to Him — the offering made for the whole human race in the life, obedience and passion of Jesus Christ.” — J.B. Torrance

This October, we gather in prayer. We’re thanking God for the people he calls and equips to serve his Church. Together, we look to Jesus as he leads us in ministry and into deeper relationships with those around us.

Read the full Prayer Guide here.

Click here to download the October Prayer Guide.

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