Elizabeth Mullins – Page 5

Devotional—Ascended to the Father

[Jesus] led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they, after worshiping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising God. Luke 24:50–51 NASB

Apart from the Ascension, our human flesh would not have been brought home with the resurrected Jesus into face-to-face union with his Father in the Spirit. Consider even more deeply what it means that human flesh in Jesus Christ is reigning over all. The ramifications of this are mind-blowing.

But isn’t that the way God always meant it to be? From the beginning, God intended human beings to participate with him in reigning over all he had made. He gave humans the responsibility to tend the earth, to be stewards of all he had made.

May we discover ourselves swept up into what Jesus is doing in this world by the Spirit. May we find ourselves held in the midst of the life and love of our Father and his Son in the Spirit. And we can rejoice, for that is where we were always meant to be.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all those you have brought to yourself, and those you have created for your glory. May your precious Spirit enlighten each and every person. May you draw each one closer to you and bring them to a deeper faith in your Son, Jesus. May your perfect love enable us to see and experience the resurrection power of Jesus at work in us and in the lives of those near us and dear to us, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By Linda Rex, Elder
Big Sandy, Texas, US

Adapted with permission. Read the full post at Linda’s blog, Our Life in the Trinity.

Linking God’s Story

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

Sun Valley Middle School holds a treasure trove of memories for me. Growing up just two blocks away, I spent my weekends and some evenings cycling around the campus and leaping over the fence to play football or baseball with friends. Yet, the moment that truly sticks with me was walking home and seeing a flyer posted on a light post with the bold headline: “Jobs for Kids.” I ripped that flyer from that post and took it home with me. I eagerly waited until 11:45 p.m. for my mother to come home from her second job, immediately requesting for her to call the following day and sign me up for work.

That same week on Friday evening, I started my first day of work. I was just thirteen years old when Terry Opp and Pat Dominguez employed me as part of their sales crew. Junior Careers was a company that employed kids to go door-to-door selling fine chocolates and candies.

It did not take long for me to be promoted as crew leader and consistently rank as one of the top salespersons. Throughout my early teens, I spent over three years working weekends and summers, during which Terry and Pat took me under their wing. They acted as loving mentors during a tumultuous time in my life, and I truly consider them as some of the angels that God provided for me during my upbringing.

Looking back, I see how God was shaping my entrepreneurial abilities during that difficult season, preparing me with skills that I would later use in life and ministry. Those days shaped my ability to engage people whom I had never met. In my early days of pastoral ministry as I sought to participate missionally with Jesus by engaging neighborhoods and people that I never met, it became natural to me.

As I connected the dots of my life, I saw the beautiful, consistent thread of God’s presence. He had weaved himself into my story in ways that were now tangible and visible. I am sure that all of us could probably share personal stories that reflect God’s presence weaved into our own story.

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.

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.

Meet Diana Mayhew

“I care about people. I like challenges and always try to find the best solution. I believe in and thrive in a cooperative atmosphere that works together for the greater good.”

Meet Diana Mayhew, who is transitioning into the role of U.S. Home Church Coordinator at GCI’s Home Office. With a caring and dedicated approach, Diana connects and supports members across the U.S. who engage with GCI from a distance.

Learn more about Diana here.

Myanmar Leadership Conference

The 2026 GCI leadership conference in Myanmar was held March 27–28 in Yangon, Myanmar. Pastor Audie Santibanez and Pastor Aron Tolentino from the Philippines conducted the leadership conference, together with Pastor Wong Mein Kong and me from Malaysia.

The participants of the conference were pastors, elders, leaders, church planters, and pastoral teams from various states and districts in Myanmar. Pastor Chan Thleng from GCI Hwambi church was the coordinator for the Myanmar participants. Pastor Dem Khuo Thong and Stephen Blessing, both from Myanmar, assisted as the translators from English to the Burmese language for the participants.

Devaraj Ramoo, Pastor
Klang, Selangor, Malaysia

Couples’ Evenings

Jacksonville, Florida, US

We gathered on Valentine’s Day to celebrate God’s greatest gift — Love. The theme was “Love Never Fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8).

The invitation read:

Come and enjoy an evening filled with heartfelt fellowship, uplifting messages, music, and a gentle reminder that true love begins with him.

Come as you are or fancy with a touch of red. Whether you’re single, married, or somewhere in between, this night will warm your heart and draw you closer to the divine love that unites us all.

Rayong, Thailand

In February, we shared a wonderful and meaningful evening for our Couples Night with the theme “Love Rooted in Grace.” It was a beautiful time of fellowship, laughter, sharing, and encouragement among couples as we were reminded that true love grows deeper when it is grounded in God’s grace.

The message reminded us that when couples rely on God’s grace, love becomes stronger, more patient, and more faithful. Truly, his grace is more than enough for every relationship.

May every home continue to be filled with love, strengthened by faith, and firmly rooted in God’s amazing grace.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

You’re Invited—Irish Celebration

We are delighted to announce that applications for the 2026 Irish Celebration are now open, and we welcome international visitors.

The Celebration runs from 4.00 pm Thursday 1 October to 3.00 pm Sunday 4 October, and will be held in a beautiful setting near Portarlington, County Laois, R32 WN59, Republic of Ireland. Information about the venue can be found at: Mount St. Anne’s Retreat & Conference Centre

The theme for the retreat will be “Exploring the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit.” The retreat will include uplifting worship, inspiring presentations, stimulating discussion, and communion. There will also be time for fellowship and Irish hospitality, in a relaxed atmosphere.

The price for the Celebration is £310 per person, which includes 3 nights’ accommodation in ensuite bedrooms. This also includes all meals from dinner on Thursday to lunch on Sunday.

To attend the Irish Celebration, you can sign up here.

A £100 per person deposit will be required on sign up with the balance payable by 1 September. Please note, no payments will be accepted at the venue.

The Irish Celebration is open to all, but places are limited, so please sign up as soon as possible to secure your place.

A warm Irish welcome awaits, and we look forward to seeing you there. If you require further information, please email the event coordinator, Barry Robinson at barry.robinson@gracecom.church

Citizens’ Toolbox—Easter Prep Neighborhood Engagement

Easter Sunday is the most attended church service every year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to invite your neighbors to visit your church. It’s not too early to begin planning for 2027.

During the weeks leading up to Easter, consider hosting an event or two for your neighborhood. During the event(s), provide an invitation for your Easter Sunday service.

Here are some ideas for activities and design templates to provide support for your Easter service.

Kingdom Living—Holy Week and Easter

We are citizens of God’s kingdom, so our very lives announce that the kingdom has been established in Jesus. Each year, we commemorate God’s saving action through Jesus. We rehearse his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and Resurrection.

Our congregations celebrated through meaningful practices, worship, and playful activities that included their communities. Enjoy these pictures from around the globe.

Richardson, Texas, US

Resurrection Sunday for Grace Communion Richardson meant inspiring worship followed by a picnic in the park and our fourth annual neighborhood Easter egg hunt. The egg hunt was held at the city park across the road from where we meet. It included booths for games, egg painting, sharing of Love Your Neighbor engagers, and streaming the Light of the World movie. We reminded the crowd that the event is a sharing of our joy and hope in the Risen Lord who loves children.

More than 700 neighbors attended the event. Members engaged in meaningful conversations with many. Inviting neighbors to join us in the egg hunt creates spaces for relationship-building and pointing to Jesus as we share the love of God with our community.

Over 5000 eggs with inspirational words, trinkets, and candy were scooped up in moments by enthusiastic children. About 250 people filled out a connection card, representing 981 planned attendees. About one-third came from our local area, and the rest from elsewhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. One-third requested information about our upcoming Neighborhood Skills Camp.

Many attendees expressed their appreciation for the event and the opportunity for fun and memory-making with their families. Several jumped in to help with set-up and take down.

We are grateful to the triune God for the beautiful weather, the joyful atmosphere, the spirit of serving and sharing, and the opportunity to join the risen Lord in his life of neighboring!