Join us in celebrating Bermie Dizon’s retirement. He served as a GCI pastor for 40 years in the Philippines and in the U.S.
Congratulations, Bermie and Carmelita! We are very grateful to both of you for your many years of faithful service.
We wanted you to hear from Bermie in his own words.
After finishing high school in 1974, I moved from a rural area to Manila to take up my university degree. Because my older siblings were members, I started going to WCG services. In 1978, the regional director sent me to Ambassador College in Pasadena to represent the Philippines at the International Youth Leadership conference. There, I met Carmelita (wife to be), the other Filipino youth representative. In that conference, we were encouraged to attend Ambassador College.
In 1980, I started college at Ambassador. Adapting to a new culture was tough, but the prayer closets in the dorm and my new friends helped me through. My wife and I dated in our senior year and got married on campus two days after graduation in 1984.
After college, I was hired as a full-time ministerial trainee in the Philippines. I was assigned to pastor congregations in San Fernando, Pampanga, and Tarlac. I served in the area for seven years and planted churches in Cabanatuan City, Olongapo City, and Angeles City. In Pampanga, we had three children, Ben, Carmel, and Abel.
For twelve years, I served in different congregations. After Luzon Island, I was transferred to Mindanao Island. There I pastored in Davao City, Tagum, Kidapawan, and General Santos City, and planted a church in Digos City.
Throughout these years, I also served as S.E.P. camp director and festival coordinator every year. During our last year in Davao, we had our fourth child, David. I mention our kids because they were a part of our ministry. They were involved in our worship team, S.E.P. camp, and missions in other countries. For many years, Carmelita was a part of the worship team as a guitarist, nurse at S.E.P., and children’s church teacher.
Bermie and Carmelita with their four children, spouses, and grandchildren.
There were moments that will stay in my memory. In 1990, a powerful earthquake, on a Richter scale of 7.0, hit the island of Luzon. A year later, only a few miles away from where we lived, Mt. Pinatubo exploded. It was considered one the most powerful eruptions in history. In both calamities, many members lost their livelihood and were evacuated. These terrible events showed me the faithfulness and generosity of our members. Most donated food, money, and clothing. Some opened their homes so others can stay temporarily.
In 1996, I was transferred to the U.S. to work with Filipino members. I served with Pastor Curtis May for five years in the Ambassador Auditorium. I planted the Pasadena NewLife Fellowship congregation in 1997 and later served the Los Angeles congregation until 2019. I continued to serve NewLife Fellowship and the Beaumont congregation until these churches were merged into Glendora, now including the Monrovia congregation.
Those times we opened our church facilities for neighborhood events, interacting and building relationships, have been one of the joys I will remember. I will not forget how we cooked and served hot meals for people without shelter for five years.
I was privileged to finish my Master of Arts in Christian Education at Azusa Pacific University in 2007. Because a regional director saw potential in me that I didn’t see, he empowered and encouraged me. I came to see that my role as pastor is both equipping people for ministry and pastoring. I’ve sought new emerging leaders. Several have become elders and leaders. Eugene Guzon and Jillian Morrison are two examples who I’ve had the privilege of working with.
I retired from full-time pastoring on January 21, 2024, after 40 years of full-time ministry and 50 years as a GCI member. I like considering my life not as my own but a journey together with God and those whom he has chosen. Whatever success I may have experienced it is all because it is God in the first place who took the initiative and brought success. It is also a journey with fellow saints, each contributing, sharing, praying, and working in obedience to the lead of our Lord Jesus.
Our annual youth camp, held near Nairobi, Kenya, concluded on December 10. The campers enjoyed life skills training, team building activities, worship sessions, and supervised free time to allow for creating friendships. We closed the camp by attending a worship service at the GCI congregation in Naivasha.
Valerie had this to say, “To be honest, I did not know what to expect. The day started with travel in a common bus to the camp site, and I thought, we are doomed. But by the end of the second day, I was warm and into the camp proper. There was a good choice of topics which were relevant to us, and we were given time to socialize with our friends. Indeed, we experienced the love of Christ from our trainers.”
Wangari had this to say, “The theme was wonderful. I have experienced our trainers as pastors before, but I saw another side of them that I did not know; indeed, they are all-round people. They taught us the importance of understanding that choices have consequences.”
Beth had this to say, “Camp was the best part of my holiday. I made new friends. I learnt about a lot of things, for example, self-awareness, self-esteem, phone addiction, and that choices have consequences. Everyone in the camp was on their best behavior and friendly. Our teachers were wonderful.”
At the end of camp, many campers were biding others good-bye saying, “See you next year at camp.” It is our hope and great prayer that we will indeed be able to hold the camp again in December 2024. Please join us in this prayer.
While [Peter] was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” Matthew 17:5-7 NRSVUE
Luke’s Gospel says Peter, James, and John were led up the mountain by Jesus to pray. Let’s see this through their eyes. As he was praying, Jesus’ glory was revealed. They saw Jesus, the one who had been sharing life with them in many ways, experience a change that was beyond their comprehension. This experience must have changed them deeply, especially in how they regarded Jesus from that moment on.
When we have a glorious encounter with Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, it doesn’t happen as it did that day on that mountain. Nevertheless, the experience is profound. We do not come away from an encounter with Christ through the Holy Spirit remaining as we were. Certainly, we see things differently, and we see others differently. We also recognize the extended invitation from our loving God to see that he is more than what we assume or expect.
During the season of Epiphany, let’s celebrate the glorious revealing that happened at the Transfiguration, and embrace the beauty of the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in us as our journey to becoming more like Jesus continues.
Prayer: Loving God, we want to be changed by your glory. Continue to reveal yourself to us. We long to see you as you are, the Beloved Son. We want to live in the light of your truth and be witnesses to your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Terry, with wife, Kizzie
By Terry McDonald, Pastor Kansas City South, MO, US
Back in July I had an interesting weekend involving two separate occasions with two people with whom I was able to engage in what I call “Jesus conversations.”
The first event was a Saturday golf tournament where my playing partner was an 80-year-old who was new to the neighborhood. It was a hot day, and the tournament lasted six long hours. Waiting between shots gave us ample time for extended conversations. We spoke of family, travel, fine wine, his time as a Navy aviator. Then he queried me about GCI. What kind of church is GCI? What was my seminary training? I enjoy talking about GCI, but I enjoy talking about Jesus more so.
My golf partner was harkening back to his college days when he had taken a class on Christianity and an overview of the Bible. His family of origin was Lutheran, and his wife’s family of origin was Methodist, so for most of their church-going time they went to a Presbyterian church (that makes sense). He had been stationed in foreign countries, like Japan and Saudi Arabia, so he had been exposed to other world religions. Now at age 80, he was having a heightened curiosity about Jesus and Christianity. We conversed how most other world religions require you to sacrifice and appease their gods through all sorts of ritual and idolatry, where our God took on flesh and came into our world to live and die for us.
We went deeper into the matter of salvation by grace alone. Apparently, he was impressed by how I had been treating him. He is older and, on top of that, he has had double knee replacement surgery. The course was quite hilly so often I would offer to pick up his stray golf ball and bring it to the cart. He would say, “Aren’t you a gentleman?” It was a great opportunity to turn the glory back to Jesus.
We talked about the apostle Paul’s comments in the letter to the church at Rome where he says that he knew what was right, desired to do what was right, but often failed and felt wretched about this human condition. Paul then asked and answered the key question, “Who shall deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 7:24b-25a NKJV) I told my new friend that any good action of kindness that he sees in me is all due to Christ who lives in me. He acknowledged that salvation by grace and through Christ alone is the only thing that makes sense to him as well. I hope to continue the friendship and conversations with him.
The second experience that same weekend was an impromptu drop-in with our good friends across the street. This couple have become like family to Susan and me, and it warms our hearts to see how they have become more active in their home church, especially as their granddaughter participates in the life of the church.
My dear friend and I have a history of engaging in rather deep conversations. He is a retired chiropractor and a well-read individual. He often circles back to one question. “Which came first, religion or civilization?” So, we spent almost two hours on his back patio unpacking this question. I was able to share with him about how Father, Son, and Spirit – the triune God – is a relational union of three in one. They abide in a harmonious flow of perfect love and perfect union. And because of who we are as children of God, made in his image, we were created for relationship as well. The structures of government and religion fall back to rules that dictate right and wrong behavior, and because of the fall, even God’s chosen nation of Israel could not live up to the regulations and standards delivered to them through Moses. The entire history of Israel pointed to the need for a Messiah/Savior.
Our conversation progressed toward the notion of division between the sacred and secular (back to civilization and religion). What did I mean by sacred versus secular? My simple explanation was compartmentalizing your life where you spend a couple of hours on Sunday tending to sacred matters and then living your life for the other six days in the secular realm. I asked him if he had experienced Jesus in his work as a chiropractor. This opened his mind to a whole new way of thinking.
He had spent his life’s work helping people who were bent, broken, and in pain to begin a process of healing and to live a more productive life. He began to muse about a lesson he had learned from a mentor years ago: chiropractic medicine is a hands-on discipline that involves touch. I seem to recall that Jesus touched people, even ones deemed untouchable. He also spoke about a flow – the flow equated to the gift he had received to be a doctor and the flow that goes out from him to his patient. So, I asked, “Haven’t you been participating with Jesus all along in the care and healing of hundreds of people who have needed help?” My question resonated with him. What a joy to see where Christ has been present and working all along.
Concluding thoughts
I am coming to believe that our neighbors do not need us to challenge their values and then engage in a battle of wills. Nor should our highest priority be attempting to discern their perceived needs and develop programs accordingly. They need neighbors who are true believers and who, through the love of Jesus, demonstrate and proclaim the goodness of Jesus, regularly and repetitiously.
It is then through the credibility of these genuine relationships we can invite people into a new reality that is to be a new creation in Christ and to become a citizen and representative of the kingdom of God—to experience the kingdom life now.
The expectation in GCI is that when people join a gathering of true believers, whether a Sunday service or a Love Avenue connect group, they will come into an environment where Jesus is worshipped. That means he is talked about, he is adored, he gets the glory, and his presence is experienced.
An old rock and roll artist from my era, Alice Cooper, said this, “I’ll tell you one thing, when Jesus opens your eyes, and you finally realize who you are and who he is, it’s a whole different world.” Amen, Alice!
Romans 1:16 gives us something to really think about. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (NRSVA)
The gospel was certainly powerful for Alice Cooper. It was powerful for my friends on that weekend in July, and I believe it is also powerful for your friends and neighbors, too. Jump in and have those Jesus conversations and see where they go!
Please join us for a weekend of training, appreciation, and worship. Everyone is invited.
See flyer below or visit our website here for more information.
Registration opens February 2024.
Registration Fee: The Home Office will cover the registration fee for one pastor/facilitator per congregation and their spouse to attend a regional gathering. A coupon code will be sent with instructions on how to register in mid-February.
Lodging: Each pastor/facilitator will need to book their own lodging for the gathering.
Hotel courtesy block links will be made available once registration opens. You may also consider booking other accommodations that work best for you (examples: hotel, Airbnb, VRBO, or accommodation with friends/relatives).
After the gathering, the Home Office will send a subsidy to your congregation via the send/draw to help offset the cost of one pastor/facilitator’s housing for the regional gathering. The amount will be set based on the average cost of the discounted hotel rate we were able to obtain for three nights.
We would love to invite you to celebrate our 20th year reunion.
2024 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
20th Annual LiLY Women’s Conference April 26-28, 2024 Embassy Suites in Independence, Ohio (in person)
“REUNION”
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20 (NIV)
Registration Fee: $75 / $85 – Take advantage of our early bird pricing of $75 and register byFriday, April 5, 2024. The registration fee covers the meeting facilities, speakers, conference bag filled with goodies, plus lunch and dinner on Saturday.
Registration for ages 13-17 is at a discounted rate of $50.
Overnight hotel rate is $129 per night, per suite, 4-person room (total with tax is $303.15 for both nights – breakfast & manager’s reception included).
The Grace Communion South Kansas City Love Avenue team generated many ideas while planning for Christmas. We chose two events to bless our surrounding neighborhood. The assistance I receive from my team has been invaluable, and they are amazing servant leaders. We stepped out boldly to see where the Holy Spirit would lead.
Using our facility’s large yard and circle driveway, our first event was what lovingly became known as the “Drive-by Christmas Cheer.” Our talented Pastor Terry McDonald made flyers that we distributed to our schools and our surrounding neighborhood. We wore costumes such as a beautiful dancing elf, a very jovial, dancing Santa Claus, and two snowmen. On the drive and lawn, we placed two 6-foot, lighted candy canes strategically to show entrance and exit. And a very cheerful lighted gingerbread man faced the road. A projector flashed a colorful festive light show on the building.
The costumed members danced and offered a warm welcome to passing vehicles. It was a wonderful sight to behold. We served our guests hot chocolate and hot apple cider. We passed out candy canes and Christmas ornaments that were wrapped in greetings from our congregation and our QR code.
We had such a great time and 22 neighbors participated. Some children even got out of their cars to look more closely at our costumes and have fun with us. They were so cute. It is our belief that those people were the ones God wanted us to bless. What a joy!
We are actively serving a neighborhood elementary school, and I’ve been volunteering in one of their kindergarten classes. As our second event, we chose to bless this classroom of children with what became known as “Adopt a Classroom.” We decided to give a pair of Christmas pajamas and a book to each child. The teacher was excited about this idea and provided the sizes for all 19 children. Our congregation prepared the packages. On the day of delivery, four individuals in our group, in costume, delivered the gifts. Watching the students’ excitement and joy invigorated us. We presented the teacher with a gift as well; she was surprised and grateful.
We send encouragement and prayers to all our churches and ministry leaders. Every person touched reveals God’s love, and we are excited to continue this effort in 2024.
Barbara Leatherman, Love Avenue Champion Kansas City, MO, US
“I am always thrilled to witness the work of the Lord Jesus in our congregation. It’s refreshing and encouraging to see members of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities united in serving the community, expressing love for one another, and worshiping our great God.”
Check out this month’s GCI Profile. Get to know Bermie Dizon, a longtime pastor in Grace Communion Glendora, before his retirement this month. Click here or the image below to read his full profile—which just touches on his impact and legacy as an encouraging pastor and lifelong mentor.
In December, Grace Communion Indianapolis hosted a celebration in honor of Mr. Abner Washington’s 100th birthday.
Mr. Washington is a much beloved, longtime GCI employee and pastor. He is held in very high esteem by members around the world.
The following is an excerpt from a video greeting sent to Mr. Washington from Rick Shallenberger, U.S. Regional Director
Happy birthday! I want to not only congratulate you but thank you for your many years of service to our denomination and to those that you have been entrusted to care for and love. You have done an amazing job.
One of my best memories of you was the 40th celebration of the Ghana church in Africa. You and Sharon were there primarily because they considered you a kind of father of the church there.
It was so amazing to watch the members there give you such honor and respect and to see their love for you. You were such an integral part of the congregation and the establishment of the congregation.
Your faith is well known. Your love for the brethren is well known. Your support for the congregation and for the denomination is well known. You are a friend to so many people; it is an honor to know you.
I pray God’s many, many blessings upon you. Thank you again for all you are, and for the fact that you have lived into the identity that God gave to you. God bless you.
After finishing high school in 1974, I moved from a rural area to Manila to take up my university degree. Because my older siblings were members, I started going to WCG services. In 1978, the regional director sent me to Ambassador College in Pasadena to represent the Philippines at the International Youth Leadership conference. There, I met Carmelita (wife to be), the other Filipino youth representative. In that conference, we were encouraged to attend Ambassador College.
After college, I was hired as a full-time ministerial trainee in the Philippines. I was assigned to pastor congregations in San Fernando, Pampanga, and Tarlac. I served in the area for seven years and planted churches in Cabanatuan City, Olongapo City, and Angeles City. In Pampanga, we had three children, Ben, Carmel, and Abel.
