GCI Media – Page 117

Developments in Togo and Tanzania

Kalengule Kaoma, one of GCI’s mission developers in Africa, reports on recent developments in the African nations of Togo and Tanzania.

Developments in Togo

In February, members of GCI’s Lome congregation in Togo planted a church in the town of Kpodzi Apéyémé about 35 miles from Lome. The congregation is named Porte Divine (Divine Gate). Its attendance averages about 90 people, including Agbagnons Kossi, the senior chief who oversees seven villages in the area.

Another project of the Lome congregation is the Social Medical Center, a health center in the Lome area that provides medical services to women and young children. It’s part of GCI Togo’s contribution to national development. To be ready for its opening in September 2016, the facility’s pharmacy, laboratory, treatment and doctors’ consultation rooms need to be completed and fundraising is underway.

While visiting Lome, Kalengule participated in the baptism of six new members held at the Lome Worship Center.

Lome baptisms — L to R: Baptism ceremony; newly baptized members; praise team at the Sunday service.

Developments in Tanzania

Kalengule has been in contact since 2009 with representatives of 20 Sabbatarian churches in Tanzania with a combined attendance of about 800 people. Over the intervening years, these congregations have experienced a grace-awakening similar to ours. As a result, they recently decided to affiliate with us, taking on the GCI name.

In 2010 we began a relationship with ten other Sabbatarian congregations in Tanzania. They have a combined attendance of about 260 people. These congregations also have chosen to affiliate with us, joining hands in preaching the gospel in southwest Kenya and the Mara region of Tanzania. Here are some of their leaders:

What does it mean to be evangelical?

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We’ve just completed the fourth of seven 2016 US regional conferences with the theme, Renewal: building on the foundation of Jesus. Jesus said he would build his church (Matthew 16:18), and he continues to do just that. Though some say Christianity is declining and dying, the opposite is true. According to a recent Pew Research Center study, the world’s Christian population is projected to grow from 2.2 billion in 2010 to 2.9 billion by 2050, meaning that nearly one in three people on earth will be Christian by mid-century. What excites me is that some of that growth will occur within our fellowship, Grace Communion International.

The wide spectrum of Christianity has three main branches: Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant. The Protestant branch, of which we are part, has multiple denominations, with some self-identifying as evangelicals. When asked, I explain that GCI is part of the evangelical community. Some ask what it means to be evangelical. Let me explain.

The Sermon on the Mount Carl Bloch, 1890 — *The Sermon on the Mount* by Carl Bloch
(public domain via Wikimedia Commons)

The term evangelical comes from the Greek word euangelion, which is used in the New Testament to refer to the good news (gospel). Evangelicals focus on proclaiming the good news about the salvation brought to sinners by Jesus Christ. An emphasis on the person and work of Jesus is thus essential, as is an emphasis on the importance of the Bible. Evangelicals are a vibrant, diverse group devoted to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Evangelical believers are found in many denominations and churches, bringing together Reformed, Holiness, Anabaptist, Pentecostal, Charismatic, and other traditions.

When I say GCI is evangelical, I mean that in a theological sense. This is important to note because the term evangelical is often used in a sociological sense to refer to a large and diverse social-political grouping. Journalists often use the term in describing groups at the fringe of evangelicalism.

As most of you know, GCI became a member denomination of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) in 1997. I currently serve on its Board of Directors. The NAE was founded in 1942 and has grown to include more than 40 denominations, as well as universities, para-church ministries, publishers and independent churches. Knowing that the definition of evangelical has been confused (even misused), the NAE initiated a study in partnership with Lifeway Research to refine the definition of what it means to be evangelical. The result determined that an evangelical is identified by strong agreement with the following four statements:

The Bible is the highest authority for what I believe.
It is very important for me personally to encourage non-Christians to trust Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is the only sacrifice that could remove the penalty of my sin.
Only those who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their Savior receive God’s free gift of eternal salvation.

Though some who are part of the current Trinitarian renewal movement might word these statements somewhat differently, it should be noted that both Karl Barth and T.F. Torrance were happy to use the word “evangelical” in its theological sense.

In 1997, Don Argue, NAE president at the time, announced WCG’s (now GCI’s) acceptance into membership with this statement: “We see the dramatic changes that have occurred among our friends as God’s continuing efforts to bring renewal and revival for His glory.” This was a moment of qualitative growth for GCI and our growth (qualitative and quantitative) has continued.

In 2007 GCI had about 36,000 members worldwide (most in the US). Today we have nearly that many outside the US alone. While we have been staying even in numbers in the West (USA, Canada, Australia and UK), we have been on a growth spurt in Asia and Africa. In the West, though we have gained members and planted new churches, that growth has been offset by the number of people who have died or discontinued attending for a number of reasons, including relocating to areas where there are no GCI congregations.

In previous Weekly Update letters I’ve highlighted GCI’s rapid growth in Mozambique. Many of you have joined me in celebrating what the Holy Spirit is doing there. We are also celebrating wonderful growth in Togo and Tanzania where dozens of churches are joining us and new churches are being planted (click here to read a report from Kalengule Kaoma). There are other developments in the works that I hope to be able to share with you soon. By God’s grace, GCI is moving forward!

Please keep Kalengule and his family in prayer. He travels to some hard-to-get-to places. Also pray for our other mission developers as they continue to follow where the Spirit leads in spreading the good news in far-flung parts of the world. Living and sharing the gospel is our motto and mission, and that is what being evangelical is all about.

Celebrating what God is doing in and through us,
Joseph Tkach

Debbie Young

Please pray for Debbie Young, wife of Charles Young who pastors one of GCI’s congregations in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. Debbie was recently taken to the hospital experiencing shortness of breath and other symptoms. It was determined that she had experienced a mild heart attack. Fortunately there does not seem to be any damage to the heart. Debbie also is suffering with polymyalgia rheumatica, which causes a great deal of pain. She has recently been tested and is awaiting the results and treatment recommendations.

Cards may be sent to:

Charles and Debbie Young
6290 Ponderosa Ct
College Park, GA 30349-4038

Philippines update

Here are links to articles highlighting recent activities in GCI-Philippines.

SEP Mindanao: http://my.gci.ph/sep-mindanao-2016-held-at-malasag-eco-tourism-village/
Couples retreat in Luzon: http://my.gci.ph/couples-retreat-for-senior-pastors-and-wives-conducted-by-odyssey-in-christ/
Honoring Luzon pastors: http://my.gci.ph/pastors-serving-more-than-15-years-in-ministry-honored/
Eugene Guzon visits members in Japan: http://my.gci.ph/personal-from-ka-eugene-gci-japan-family-update/
Baguio outreach: http://my.gci.ph/gci-baguiola-trinidad-reaches-out-in-bokod-benguet/

Cyprus Getaway 2017

hotel Would you like to join us for a week’s holiday on the beautiful island of Cyprus? GCI is holding a spiritual retreat there February 18-26, 2017. The retreat will involve Bible studies, worship services, prayer, meditation, outings, and, of course, hopefully some winter sunshine! Come for a minimum of four days, or for as many days as you like, or arrive early and leave late at the same pre-set rates.

The retreat will be held at the Athena Beach Hotel in Paphos (pictured above). The B&B rate for a standard room is 31 Euros (~$35) per night, per person in the room. Each person will also need to arrange for and pay for their travel.

At this point we need to gather the names of those who may be interested in attending so that we can get a count to assess the feasibility of conducting this retreat. If you are interested in participating, please email james.henderson@gracecom.org.uk. Once the possible numbers are more clear, further announcements will be made.

William Condley

Thanks for your prayers for GCI Pastor William Condley (click here for the earlier prayer request). William’s son David sent this update:

Dad’s surgery went well, though he continues to be on a ventilator and sedated. He is having heart rhythm problems that may require a pacemaker if things don’t improve. Overall he is doing well, just waiting on his lungs to catch hold. Mom is doing well, and we are switching out taking care of her.

Please continue to pray for both William and his wife Ednita. Cards may be sent to:

William and Ednita Condley
153 S. Main Street
Atkins, AR 72823-8235

Death of Roger Abels

We were saddened to learn of the recent death of long-time GCI pastor Roger Abels.

Roger and Donna — Roger with his wife Donna

Roger passed away at age 66 on May 16. He was born on June 6, 1949 in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of the late Glenn and Alice Abels. Roger retired after 42 years as a GCI pastor, having served in Philadelphia, Chicago, Louisville, Kalamazoo, and (for 25 years) Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Roger is survived by his wife Donna of Fort Wayne, his daughters Jessica (Travis) McClure and Courtney (Mark) Harmon of Fort Wayne, his son Travis Abels of Portland, six grandchildren, a brother and a sister. Roger was preceded in death by a son, Brandon Abels, and by a sister.

Funeral services will be on Friday, May 20 at 1:00pm at Hockemeyer and Miller Funeral Home in Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior; GCI Pastor Jim Valekis will officiate. Calling will also be on Thursday, May 19 from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the funeral home.

Here are excerpts from tributes posted on Facebook by Roger’s children:

From Roger’s daughter, Courtney Abels Harmon

Dad passed away yesterday in the most peaceful way any of us could chose—after the words “amen” and while being embraced by his family. Thank you for your prayers. God answered them though some of the answers weren’t what we wanted. There is no doubt that Dad is with Jesus. That was what he wanted the most!

From Roger’s daughter, Jessica Abels McClure

Daddy, as much as you “loved life,” you never lived for earthly rewards because you understood this was simply your temporary home. You lived your life with an unshakable assurance of what comes next. May you experience the unimaginable joy of being with our Heavenly Father, as you so much looked forward to doing. Thank you for dedicating your life to teaching not only your family, but hundreds of others the grace and peace that comes with knowing our Lord and Savior.

From Roger’s son, Travis Abels

Thank you Dad for taking us on camping trips, and showing us how to pick out a good walking stick. For being so easy to laugh, and filling our house with its echo, for so many years. Thank you for kissing mom every day, and yelling “emergency, emergency!” when you needed an immediate hug. For your strong arms, that cherished hard work, planting gardens, and playing basketball with your kids. For your adventurous spirit. Your tenacity. Your wisdom. Your tenderness. For all the late nights you stayed up with me making popcorn, and sneaking ice cream from the outside fridge.

Thank you for telling me “A poor man’s cloud is just as beautiful as rich man’s cloud,” and giving me my first beer after a long day of work in the yard. For your diamond-blue eyes, that so lovingly watched us, and your gentle smile, when we looked back at you. For showing us that it was okay to cry, and reminding us to never let the sun go down on our anger. Thank you, Pops, for being my favorite storyteller, and painting worlds with your words. For using those words to lead, to heal, to inspire laughter and understanding. For being a courageous example of what faith can do, and showing us what a good man looked like. For spreading your light so far and wide.

Please be in prayer for Roger’s wife Donna, for their children, the rest of the family and close friends. Cards may be sent to:

Donna Abels
1827 Ransom Dr.
Ft Wayne, IN 46845

ACCM course in Martinique

This report is from Charles Fleming, mission developer for the Caribbean.

My wife Carmen and I recently were in Martinique to teach the ACCM Spiritual Formation course (intensive format) to a class of 40 GCI members from Martinique, Guadeloupe, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada and the Bahamas (the group is pictured below). We had held ACCM’s Christian Leadership course with many from this group in 2014, and its Jesus and Gospels course in 2015. In addition to taking the courses, a few were credentialed to teach ACCM courses with the goal of making them available to any members who are interested.

We were especially encouraged by the fact that a number of the sessions in the recent gathering were led by individuals credentialed as teachers. In our travels over the past few years, my wife Carmen and I have been focusing on inviting folks to try different spiritual formation exercises as a way of opening ourselves up to God so he can transform us. We certainly cannot transform ourselves but we can position ourselves before God so he can do what only he can do.

ACCM group work

I encourage our leaders and other members to take ACCM online courses—you’ll find them at http://www.ambascol.org/. These courses can be completed entirely online, though ACCM classroom intensives are offered in various locations from time to time. ACCM will be holding an intensive for the Foundations of the Faith course as an add-on to the GCI International Conference coming to Orlando, Florida, in July 2017. Watch future announcements here in GCI Weekly Update for additional information.

Earthquake in Vanuatu

This report is from Rod Matthews, GCI mission developer in Southeast Asia and Oceania.

On Friday, April 29, a very strong earthquake registering a magnitude of 7.3 struck in Vanuatu at 6.30 am local time and was pinpointed close to the island of Malekula where our GCI congregation is located. Vanuatu is on the “ring of fire,” which girdles the Pacific Ocean and is subject to earthquakes and volcanoes coming from the clashes and movements of the earth’s tectonic plates. Little was reported internationally about this quake because of the relatively low population on Malekula and with no reported loss of life. However our church community in Vanuatu is located on Malekula, and our facilities there sustained significant damage.

The quake was relatively shallow at 15 miles deep, and therefore it caused significant damage to buildings in the northern end of Malekula near the town of Norsup where the airport is located. The large circle on the map above shows how close the quake was to Norsup. Our church compound is near the village of Rory, about 6 miles north of Norsup.

We were immediately concerned about the welfare of the local people including our church community. Vanuatu pastoral coordinator, Rex Morgan, from our New Zealand office, received a text message from Vanuatu elder Billy Taren with the good news that no one was hurt. We are most grateful to God for the safety afforded our members there. Billy reported that none of their homes had significant damage.

Unfortunately, one of the two main buildings at our church facility was badly damaged (the one to the rear of the church compound pictured at right). The “guest house” in the compound, which contained the kitchen, bathroom facilities and two rooms used for storage and sleeping quarters also was badly damaged. This building was built with a more substantial construct and a metal roof in order to collect rain water for the tank, after years of suffering from a local water supply that was unreliable and intermittent often due to local political and social conflicts.

Vanuatu’s national pastor, William Davies (pictured at right with Rex Morgan, center, and Billy Taren, left) will travel from the island of Espiritu Santo (which also experienced a 6.0 earthquake a day later) to Malekula to encourage the members, help assess the immediate needs, and begin planning for how best to restore the facilities knocked out by the earthquake. We will be evaluating their need for outside assistance. In the meantime, they will be encouraged by your prayers for a more stable time ahead and by knowing that their brothers and sisters in Christ around the world know and care about their frightening experience and its results.

Civility in politics

Politics

The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) recently posted the podcast of a discussion between Leith Anderson (NAE President) and Richard Mouw (President Emeritus of Fuller Theological Seminary), advocating civility in our political discourse. To read a short message about their discussion and to listen to the podcast, go to http://nae.net/mouwpodcast/. For a related letter from GCI President Joseph Tkach concerning the virtue of prudence in approaching politics, click here.

Author: GCI Media