On the same day the empty tomb was discovered, two disciples are walking and discussing Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. Jesus joins them. When they do not recognize him, they share with Jesus, “but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. (Luke 24:21).”
They were blind to the beautiful and powerful truth of the risen Christ walking alongside them.
As we continue in our journey with Jesus into Eastertide, we will have “But we had hoped” moments. As experienced on the road to Emmaus, we will find that Jesus will continue to reveal truth about himself and prove to be faithful to us.
During Easter we celebrate new life in Christ – it is not merely a day but a season in the worship calendar that continues through Pentecost. As a practice to help us notice the transformation Christ is offering us, create two columns to journal through this time.
In your first column list your “We had hoped” moments. Think of longings and expectations that you have experienced, both for yourself personally and for your experiences in Christian community. Is there a something you have had to leave behind? Is there an unmet longing you are hoping he will fulfill?
In the second column, share your “buds of new life.” Here, list the new life that Jesus is birthing in your life this Easter season. How do you see his hand in your life personally? Perhaps it’s a new habit, an opportunity to start a new relationship (or an entirely new chapter in an old one), new hopes, new dreams. What desires for Christian community is Jesus forming in your heart?
Prayer:
Jesus, you are faithful to your word, even when circumstances blind us to the reality of your presence with us.
In your perfect love for us, you conquered death and rose from the grave. The resurrection was not just an event, but an invitation to be raised into new life with you.
Our lives are being shaped and transformed by your presence and power, O Risen Christ. This Eastertide help us to process the beauty of life that follows death. Amen.
By Michelle Fleming GCI Elder & Communications Director
It is with great pleasure that I report to you about the excellent conferences that took place in Aruka, South Africa and Chongwe, Zambia. Susan and I were accompanied by Superintendent Kalengule Kaoma (KK) for these outstanding meetings. How sweet it was to spend quality time ministering with KK!
KK & family
My heart had been longing to meet with our African leadership since the 2020 and 2021 conferences were postponed due to Covid-19. This long season reminded me of the apostle Paul when he was often delayed due to various hardships, and he sent letters to churches that he longed to be with in person. There is nothing that can replace being together and sharing life-on-life experiences.
Left to right: Anthony Gachanja, Greg, Susan, Kalengule Kaoma, Takalani Musekwa, Gardner Kunje, Emmanuel Okai
Takalani Musekwa, Regional Director (RD) of South Africa, and his wife Margaret (pictured right) hosted the conference in Aruka over the Palm Sunday weekend. Aruka is a retreat property (formerly named Linga Longa) owned and operated by GCI South Africa. The flow of presentations, followed by table discussions and then group debriefs, made for a wonderful sharing and learning environment. It is also noteworthy that I was able to share lunch with the South African Board of Directors. These faithful volunteers are much needed stewards of our ministries and serve as wise advisors to our ministry directors in their respective countries. GCI is filled with such good, service-oriented people.
Zintle Ncokazi
The praise and worship throughout the trip was amazing and inspirational. The African members express their joy through beautiful voices, passionate smiles, and the movement of dance. When I worship with them, I feel like we are joining the heavenly host at the throne room in a deeply meaningful way.
Here’s a story I hope will encourage you, as it did me. On my first night in South Africa, I awoke at 3:30 a.m. and couldn’t fall back to sleep. As I prayed and thought about the upcoming presentations, a praise song ran through my head. I kept thinking about the concept of rising up like an eagle and being overwhelmed by the power of his love. I couldn’t quite put all the words together in my head, but it moved me. I was thrilled when, on the first day of worship, the praise band had chosen “The Power of His Love” as one of the worship selections. I sensed the Holy Spirit winking at me and confirming that these meetings were meant to be.
Gardner Kunje, Regional Director of Central Africa, along with KK hosted the conference in Chongwe over Holy Week. We stayed true to the Worship Calendar and highlighted the events from Maundy Thursday through Resurrection Sunday. We even held a foot-washing ceremony. This had not been done in several years, and it was a joy to participate out of the freedom we have in Jesus. And happy were we as we did it.
I cannot recount all the highlights as they were so numerous. Major themes that stood out were unity in purpose and movement toward Healthy Church, especially as it relates to making new disciples.
There were many wonderful conversations about how we are actively working together to become a healthier church, and all the conference participants were eager learners. A specific point that stuck out is when we acknowledged how our mission statement—“Living and Sharing the Gospel”—is just as relevant today as when we came up with it many years back. However, we noticed that while our members are quite good at living out the gospel in their private lives, we have not been quite as good at sharing the gospel with others. Hence the emphasis on being compelled by love (the love of Jesus).
One of the presentations in Zambia by Takalani struck a strong chord. He referenced the apostle Paul in Romans 10:1.
Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them (Israel) is that they may be saved. (NRSVA)
For Israel to know Jesus and to be saved was a burning desire that Paul held closely. Do we share a burning desire for our people group (be it family, neighbors, or co-workers)? Effectively sharing the gospel begins with our broken-heartedness for those who don’t yet know Jesus. Maybe we could begin our days by asking the Lord of the Harvest to guide us to people in our sphere of influence who he is preparing and drawing? I think he will honor such a prayer. Let’s see what happens.
The spirit of goodwill and unity of purpose was palpable. An example of this unity of purpose came from West Africa Regional Director, Emmanuel Okai. He gave an outstanding presentation called “Building a Farm System.” He spoke from his 70-years of life experience about how we can invite others in and effectively walk with them around the apprenticeship square so they can be prepared for ministry. He reiterated the need for us to be like John the Baptist, willing to personally decrease so others can increase. Then he ended the talk with the inspiring thought of how the ones coming after us can be like Elisha succeeding Elijah and be given a “double portion” of the Spirit. What a bright future that paints!
In a personal conversation with Emmanuel, he said if all of us keep doing these same methods and practices over a long stretch of time, imagine what an amazing transformation there could be in our church. I resolutely stated, “Yes! And what if this is true in all six global regions around the world?” The two of us shared an invigorating notion that caused goose bumps. What if?
I must recognize KK and his RDs as they have been casting a vision for Africa they call Vision 2025. They began this in 2020 and are now weaving in our global three-year plan, which fits quite nicely. Well done!
On a long journey in the same direction, Greg Williams
PS Stay tuned for more about our trip to Africa in the next Update issue.
Is it any wonder as Jesus walked down the Mount of Olives on his last trip into the city, he stopped and wept? He was going there to die for all of humanity, and most would reject him—and most still do.
But here’s the good news! Reject him or not, Jesus is the Lord of All and he was resurrected for all. And that’s why we celebrate. Not just because he was resurrected for you and me, but because he was resurrected for every believer and nonbeliever, for every slave and free, for every Jew and Gentile, for every man and woman. Easter reminds us that Jesus—the Son of God—our Redeemer and Savior—went to the cross for all and was resurrected for all.
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ shows the profoundness of God’s love. Some call it reckless, some call it preposterous, some call it radical, Paul said it comes across to others as foolishness. Why would God die for people who don’t even acknowledge his presence? For the same reason he died for all those who do acknowledge his presence—because God loves all his children; Jesus came for all.
The apostle Paul is talking about the resurrection of Jesus when he says:
For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22
All will be made alive! Loved ones, what if we lived like it was true? Let’s make Easter more than a season of celebration; let’s make it a season of change.
Thank you, Father, Son, and Spirit, that Easter changed everything! Praise God that here is no longer Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female. Jesus, you have made us one. Help us to see this truth more clearly. Help us to respond accordingly—with a bit less judgment, a bit less animosity at times, a bit more compassion, and a lot more understanding. God, help us to follow the new commandment—to love others as you love us. Amen.
Below is a prayer request for Santiago Lange, GCI pastor in Stuttgart, Germany.
A medical check-up has revealed that I have an advanced colon cancer. Unfortunately, the CAT scan showed that the cancer has also spread to the liver and lungs. At this time there will be no tumor removal operations. An access port for infusion has been placed via a surgical procedure. My next appointment is on May 2, at which time a treatment plan will hopefully be established.
Certain is that I will be facing a major uphill battle in the time to come. Please pray that my 24/7 pains will become less intense and, that according to God’s wisdom and grace, I will find healing. Also, please remember Elke, my wife.
Trusting In Him, Santiago
Notes may be sent to: Santiago Lange Birkenweg 13 55490 Gemünden Germany
Below is a prayer request for Celestine “Cella” Olive. Cella is a current GCI Board member, pastoral team member in Lancaster, CA, U.S., and a retired employee.
I’ve been dealing with a challenging season of pain and spasms in my neck, arms, and shoulders, with a very painful right hand. I haven’t been able to play my keyboard for the past year because of the pain.
After pursuing relief through herbal supplements, chiropractic, physical therapy, an epidural injection in my neck and acupuncture, all to circumvent the need for surgical intervention, the condition worsens. The problem turned out to be spinal disc damage.
The neurosurgeon and I are convinced that a surgical removal and fusion of the C3-4 spinal disc is needed. Theprocedure will be:Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion, or ACDF, a surgery designed to relieve spinal cord or nerve root pressure in the neck by removing all or part of a damaged disc. It is scheduled for Thursday, April 21st.
I would appreciate your prayers, and I’m trusting and having faith in God for complete healing of the area and restoring the use of my right hand.
Join me in celebrating the ordination of Ceeja Malmkar at GC Surrey Hills, OK, U.S. in March 2022. It has been my privilege and joy to walk alongside Ceeja, as a pastoral resident and now as a GCI elder. Ceeja radiates an unyielding love for God and people that is captivating and awakens a deep desire to know this Jesus she won’t stop talking about.
She shared with me her thoughts on ministry:
Ministry means everything to me. I believe that “ministry” is simply participating with the one whose breath fills my lungs. It’s natural. It’s fulfilling. It’s something that I can’t fail at because it’s not MY ministry; it’s Jesus’. And he never fails. Because of that, ministry fills me with freedom. Freedom to participate in all the things God is doing around me. And there’s no place I’d rather be than participating with him.
Reflecting on her ordination ceremony, she said:
It really meant so much to me. While my relationship and participation with Jesus was just as special to me before the ordination, it was very impactful to celebrate what God has done in my life with my local church family, as well as so much of my GCI Family. I’m often reminded because of my relationships across the denomination that I am a part of something so much bigger. It was incredibly special to me to share in the celebration with so many other elders, friends, and family. I think one of my favorite parts was afterwards, while still on stage, Tim [Sitterley] hugged me and said, “Welcome to the crazy.” I giggled and thought, thank you Jesus for including me in this “crazy” life of ministry. God is so good.
Life and ministry participation alongside Ceeja is not only inspiring, but lots of fun! I am enthusiastic about Ceeja’s leadership as the MTC coordinator in GC Surrey Hills. As a former participant in the GCI USA Pastoral Resident Program and someone who has been mentored by many over the years, I am confident that she will be an invaluable ministry partner to all who seek ministry formation at this MTC site and a force supporting our rising generations of ministers. I asked her what she would say to our young folks in GCI.
Hey! I’m only thirty-something, and that’s still young, right?! 😉 In all seriousness, if I could speak to all the young people in GCI right now, I would want to let them know that they are not alone. I would want to tell them that, in my opinion, the most difficult and trying times of my life were during my teens and twenties. You’re changing, and facing all kinds of difficult times, you’re trying to figure out how you fit in and where you want to fit in. This is the time many people run from church. I understand it because I did it. But God is so faithful that he will never leave any of you regardless of what you may be going through. I guess I could simplify my message to young people into 4 sentences:
You are never alone in anything. You will always have a seat at the table. You are loved beyond measure. You belong.
In my experience, to be around Ceeja is to tangibly feel that you are loved and you belong. I imagine this is how it felt to be around Jesus in his earthly ministry—thank you, Ceeja, for allowing Jesus to minister his presence through you. I am beyond thankful that our young ministers in training will have you in their corner.
Ceeja’s longtime mentor and friend, Mike Rasmussen, reflected on her ordination:
It has been a joy to walk alongside Ceeja the past 12-years. To see her heart and mind grasp the love and inclusion of who Jesus is and what he did – not just for her personally—but for all people, has been exciting and inspiring. Ceeja is driven and passionate about reaching the unchurched and de-churched with the good news of Jesus by sharing his unconditional love. Whatever Ceeja does, she does with all her might! She is hungry to learn and extremely teachable. She desires to see people impacted by Jesus and for them to make a difference within the Body of Christ and in their local neighborhood. Ceeja has been a blessing and an inspiration to our congregation, our neighborhood of Surrey Hills, and our Region – but most of all to Juli and me personally. I was thrilled to participate in her recent ordination as a GCI Elder and I am excited to see what God has in store for her in the years to come.
Join me not only in celebration but in prayer alongside Ceeja as she continues to participate in what God is doing through the Church and Ministry Training Center (MTC) at GC Surrey Hills.
Congratulations to Marty Davey, pastor of the GCI Jacksonville, FL, congregation, Christian Family Fellowship, for recognition in the Folio Weekly Magazine, “Best of Jax 2021” awards. He won first place in the People of Jax—Best Spiritual Leader category. This is the second time Pastor Davey has been recognized; he won third place in 2019.
We’re proud of the way you place-share with your neighbors, Pastor Davey!
Pastor Davey and his wife, Yvonne, attending the Folio awards ceremony.
“I believe my ministry is with youth and younger members. I hope to be able to help guide young believers into their purpose in life. ”
Check out this month’s GCI Profile to get to know Charissa Panuve, member of Grace Communion Suva, Fiji. To read her full profile, click the image below. #WeAreGCI
On March 18-19, more than 60 people gathered at the new GC Surrey Hills church and Ministry Training Center (MTC) in Oklahoma for a workshop on the Love Avenue. It was the third workshop in the series: the Hope Avenue workshop was held in the spring of 2020, and the Faith Avenue workshop was held in the fall of 2021. We’re grateful to the Cincinnati West church for hosting the first two workshops.
Background and Context
In the March 23 issue of Update, President Greg explained our 3-Year Plan Toward Healthy Church, including the process of identifying “Vision” churches. U.S. Vision pastors were invited to attend these three workshops with their Avenue Champions. This was the beta testing described in the President’s letter.
So, what is a Vision church? Over the past several years, each of the U.S. Regional Directors has been working with a handful of pastors and congregations within their region. These Vision churches work together within their region as a “Vision Team.” The goal is to collaborate in a community of practice and provide High Challenge and High Support as they work toward the Healthy Church vision and strategies of GCI—to grasp the denominational vision, live the vision, and in time, share the vision with others. The high support includes training, tools, and support from the Home Office, their Regional Director (and others), and monthly regional coaching for the pastor and Avenue Champions. These three Avenue workshops have been just part of the training and high support.
Tamar Gray
The Love Avenue workshop
The Love Avenue workshop included presentations made by two pastors, a church planter, and two Love Avenue Champions on the following topics:
The role of the pastor
Mapping your neighborhood
Making friends in your neighborhood
Missional events
The role of the Love Avenue Champion
Left to right: Tamar Gray, Terri Westerhaus, Dishon Mills, Linda Sitterley, Ceeja Malmkar
The workshop was interactive by design. Each presentation was followed by small table discussions, whole room debriefs, and application time for individuals or local teams. The workshop closed with a Question & Answer session by a panel of the presenters and Communion.
Aleck Thompson, associate pastor and Love Avenue Champion in Eugene, Oregon, gave us his takeaway:
What always strikes me at these workshops is the comradery. In this specific case, I think this feeling of a family reunion came through not only in the times of fellowship over meals and in the evenings, but also during the sessions.
Each of our congregations may be geographically and socially diverse, but we share the same struggles and, even more importantly, the same solution in the person of Jesus. I appreciate each speaker opening up about the struggles they have and some of the strategies we can embrace for each of our congregations to grow.
Terri Westerhaus is the Love Avenue Champion in Cincinnati West, Ohio. She had this to say about the workshop:
Terri Westerhaus
I came away with three points. I was educated on the “apprentice square” tool. The four sides of a square were correlated with the four steps in guiding someone into a new role. It was simple, to the point, and easy to remember. I will use it for many things in life—not just church! Another presenter shared this tip: to help finance neighborhood/church events, ask organizations from your community to be sponsors. What a great idea! Third, community events are a way of creating a space for people to share their stories. Yes, it might get challenging at times, inconvenient for some, or even “messy,” but that is okay.
Tommie Grant, pastor of Ladson, South Carolina and GCI Board Vice Chair, had the following feedback:
The Love Avenue Workshop was AWESOME! It was amazing to see the Holy Spirit at work in the presenters. Each presenter was a practitioner expressing best practices from their experiences. They were able to convey ideas on getting to know our neighbors and developing relationships so our rhythms can be coordinated with their rhythms to create spaces where ALL feel welcome to experience the unconditional love of our triune God.
We are extremely blessed to have pastors and key leaders working together in shared ministry. The strategy of Avenue Champions multiplies the effectiveness of a pastor and helps equip and empower the saints at the same time. There is some intentional work on the front end, walking the Avenue Champions around the apprentice square, but once this has been completed, the Champions are free to step into crucial areas of ministry within their congregations. We are beginning to see and hear just how freeing and empowering the Team Based-Pastor Led and Avenue strategies really are.
Mike Rasmussen Superintendent North America and Caribbean
Dr. Walter Kim, President of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), visited our Home Office in Charlotte on February 10. Watch the video of the presentation that he made to our Superintendents, U.S. Regional Directors, Home Office staff, and pastors who were in town for an orientation.
