Here are links to articles that update us on some of the recent events in GCI-Philippines:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
My close friends are amused knowing I’m no fan of mountain climbing (nor hiking, for that matter). When asked if I want to go for “a walk,” I typically ask a few questions before answering. Will it be a brief, casual walk, or a hike (and do they know the difference)? If it will be longer than a Sabbath day’s journey, it falls into the category of a hike. If it requires changing into another style of shoes, it’s a hike. If it requires walking on an incline for more than 25 feet, it’s a hike. I developed these qualifying criteria (along with a few others) after starting out on too many walks only to discover they were actually hikes. I’ve done my share of hiking, including some mountain climbing, and for me the thrill is gone. While my friends take their hikes, I’m happy to sit comfortably sheltered with a good book and a nice beverage, awaiting their return.
That being said, there was a journey about 2,000 years ago to the top of a mountain that perhaps gave rise to the common phrase, “mountaintop experience.” What happened there is known as the transfiguration—an event recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Had I been invited to take part, I assure you I would not have hesitated (despite my no-hike rule!). Why? Because the leader was none other than the one who calmed storms, pulled money from a fish’s mouth, fed masses, and healed all kinds of diseases. I gladly would have climbed the mountain of transfiguration with Jesus. I’m sure you feel the same.
On Transfiguration Sunday (February 7, this year), many Christians commemorate the transfiguration as an event of great significance in helping us understand our new covenant relationship with Jesus. I believe one of the best ways to understand that event is to be reminded of the prominent role that mountains play in several of the Old Testament stories. Mt. Ararat is where Noah’s ark came to rest. Mt. Moriah is where God provided a lamb for Abraham to sacrifice in place of Isaac. Mt. Sinai is where the Ten Commandments (the covenant between Israel and God) were given. Mt. Nebo is where Moses was allowed to see the Promised Land before he died. Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal together formed an amphitheater where the people heard proclaimed the old covenant blessings and curses. Mt. Carmel is where the showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal took place. Mt. Zion is where the city of Jerusalem was built. When mountains are part of the story, something big is going on!
According to the New Testament, Jesus took Peter, James and John to a mountaintop to pray. Luke tells us that as Jesus was praying there, his appearance changed, and his clothes “became as bright as a flash of lightning” (Luke 9:29). And if that isn’t mountain-topping enough, Moses and Elijah suddenly appeared, also in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus about his death, resurrection and ascension—the text says, “They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem” (Luke 9:31). Luke then adds this:
Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his [Jesus’] glory and the two men [Moses and Elijah] standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah. (He did not know what he was saying).” (Luke 9:32-33)
Talk about the ultimate mountaintop experience! Having just awakened, Peter likely could not believe his eyes, and can you imagine what he was thinking at the time? “This is great… I don’t want this to end… let’s stay here awhile.” In the midst of his excitement he suggested the immediate building of “three shelters” (booths or tabernacles). But before Peter could say more, a cloud appeared and covered them and they became frightened. And if that wasn’t amazing enough, they heard a voice from heaven saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him” (Luke 9:35); or “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5); or “This is my son, whom I love. Listen to him!” (Mark 9:7). According to Luke, when the voice finished speaking, the disciples “found that Jesus was alone” (Luke 9:36). The point being made for the benefit of these three disciples (and all others both then and now) is this: Jesus is supreme. He is superior to the Law (represented by Moses) and the Prophets (represented by Elijah). These twin pillars of the old covenant administration not only point to Jesus, but pale in significance before him.
As the old covenant faded from view, Jesus, the new covenant, remained with them. Only one luminary was now present for the disciples to honor and, with Jesus revealed for who he truly is, for them to worship. Given that revelation, there was no need to erect a shelter (a tabernacle, which is an old covenant custom). I believe this revelation also was showing these disciples something of the mysterious reality that theologians refer to as the hypostatic union—the miraculous joining of two natures (human and divine) in the one person of Jesus—a joining that (in the words of the Council of Chalcedon of AD 451) is “without confusion, without change, without division, without separation.”
Though it’s hard to know exactly what James, John and Peter understood at that moment, over time, through the illumination given by the Holy Spirit, they clearly got the point as we see in their New Testament writings. In his epistle, James alludes to the transfiguration in referring to “the Lord of glory” (James 2:1 ESV). In his Gospel, John refers to the transfiguration in writing that, “we have seen his glory” (John 1:14 ESV). And in one of his epistles, Peter refers to the transfiguration this way:
For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. (2 Peter 1:16-18)
What a journey (what a hike) these disciples had with Jesus! And our Lord continues to move his followers forward, “from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV). We journey on as we participate with Jesus in his ongoing ministry, through the Spirit, to the world—a life that includes sharing in both his joys and sufferings. Let us keep our hiking boots on so we may continue following, knowing that he is leading us toward the mountaintop experience above all others—the moment of our glorification when we’ll see Jesus “face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12). God speed that day!
Hiking with you,
Joseph Tkach
In last week’s issue of GCI Weekly Update we announced the availability of a new tri-fold evangelistic brochure with an invitation to attend that can be adapted by congregations or ministries for their own use. Since that post, we’ve made some improvements and corrected a couple of errors.
To download the revised version, click here.
This update is excerpted from a report prepared by Leslie Asare Akoto and Francis Ablordeppey.
GCI’s YEP youth camp in Ghana recently held a two week session with about 150 campers and 60 staff members. The camp theme, based on 1 Peter 2:9, was “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood.” The campers, who came from different parts of Ghana and Nigeria, included refugees from Liberia and the Ivory Coast who are staying in a refugee camp in Ghana.
Camp activities included Bible Study, Christian Living classes, fireside chats, hiking, swimming, softball, batik tie & dye, initiative training, cooking & nutrition, and volleyball. A “YEP awareness time” enabled campers and staff to go into communities around the camp to inform parents and their wards about the youth camp and its benefits and also to invite them to attend the camp’s opening day set aside for visitors. As a result, about 37 children visited the camp and a local TV news crew also visited, covering some of the camp’s activities that occurred on Christmas Day. What they filmed was aired on national TV later that afternoon.
The campers enjoyed a Christmas Eve praise and worship session that included praising God in song and dance. A similar session was also held on New Years Eve. The campers were spiritually filled, pleased and blessed to usher in the New Year in this way (which included fireworks to thank God for keeping them through another year). The campers also enjoyed a party at the Tills Beach Resort.
On the last day of camp, 17 youth accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior through baptism. The baptisms were performed by pastors Emmanuel Okai and Francis Ablordeppey.
On the last evening of camp there was a beautiful banquet where campers and staff were awarded certificates for participation and for excelling in particular activities.
Last week in GCI Weekly Update we featured the topic of evangelism. We continue that focus here with an Alliance Life article from Steve Irvin who notes that some Christians give up on evangelism due to a perceived lack of fruit. But Steve urges us to not give up, and instead rethink our approach to evangelism, “giving the Gospel a chance” in light of the fact that “Jesus earned the right to be heard.” To read his thought-provoking article, click here.
Here is a prayer request for Donna Bechthold, wife of Glenn Bechthold who formerly pastored one of GCI’s congregations in the San Diego, California, area.
In 2009, Donna was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Then in 2011 she had a bout with bacterial meningitis, resulting in a coma that she miraculously pulled out of. She had been holding her own for a while, but just after Christmas 2015, she began having cognitive difficulties and went to the hospital for tests. An MRI revealed five tumors in her brain that could be melanoma. The largest is about the size of a grape (2.5 cm). She started a round of five radiation treatments on January 20. The treatments are going well, and on January 28 a PET scan appeared to be clear. One more treatment was to have occurred on February 1, then they will wait two months and have another MRI. Please pray for Donna, Glenn and the whole Bechthold family.
Cards may be sent to:
Glenn and Donna Bechthold
2420 La Costa Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92009-7301
Great Commission Trips, one of Generations Ministries’ short-term mission organizations, recently announced it will be leading a short-term mission trip to Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 14–27, 2016. The trip is open to participants age 16-30.
During the trip, participants will assist Christ Fellowship Church (a GCI congregation) with various outreach activities including a community festival and a children’s camp.
For additional details and to apply to participate, click here. Space is limited so make contact soon.
This update excerpts a report prepared by Johannes Maree (camp director) and Tim Maguire (camp chaplain) concerning the youth camp held recently in South Africa.
Since about 1974, we have been conducting an annual youth camp here in South Africa named SEP (which stands for Summer Enrichment Program). Our camp in 2015 was held in December at a beautiful facility about 60 miles north of Pretoria with 57 staff members serving 35 teen, 37 pre-teen and 13 young adult campers. With about 50% of the campers being unchurched, evangelism was a primary emphasis for us. The camp is a joint effort of GCI South Africa congregations and Youthworx, a Christian non-profit that has several GCI members in its leadership. Together we run the camp, manage the facility, and are working to purchase the facility.
This year our camp had three Christ-centered programs that ran concurrently: a VBS for pre-teens, traditional camp for teens, and leadership development for young adults. Our aim in all three was to develop the campers emotionally, physically and spiritually, with a focus on helping them build their relationship with Jesus. As mentioned in a report following SEP 2014 by Pastor Tim Maguire, “SEP has really become a powerful tool in evangelizing youth.”
Every morning camp began with an hour-long chapel service that included praise and worship and a presentation by one of our key speakers on the sub-theme of the day. That sub-theme was linked to the overall camp theme of EPIC, which focused on our journey through life with and in Jesus. The EPIC curriculum was provided by GCI-USA Generations Ministries. Campers regularly commented that chapel was the highlight of their camp experience. Other camp activities included mountain biking, obstacle course, rock-climbing, soccer, softball, swimming, volleyball, dancing, life skills Christian living, crafts and a camp banquet.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As you well know, our lives are constantly bombarded by advertising. Ads appear about every five minutes on television and radio, pop up as we browse the Internet, and are ubiquitous in print media and on billboards, benches and even buses. Though some of these ads are clever, I find most to be annoying, intrusive time-wasters.
To believe many of these ads you’d have to practice what Samuel Taylor Coleridge called “suspension of disbelief”—the temporary acceptance of events or characters as credible despite that they ordinarily are seen as incredible. The movie series Star Wars is a case in point, asking us to suspend disbelief to accept the idea that a gorilla-like character named Chewbacca can copilot a futuristic starship named Millennium Falcon! Many ads these days are equally fanciful, though once in a while one comes along that aligns with reality. My prayer is that the testimony of our lives is one such credible advertisement—a walking, talking ad for the gospel!
When the apostle Paul proclaims that we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV), he is reminding us that our lives should positively advertise Christ and his gospel. Though some of us are more colorful or clever in the way we do so, all of us, through our union and communion with God, are living, flesh-and-blood, walking, talking ads for the new life in Christ. That, of course, is a rather sobering thought since we want our lives to turn people to Christ, and not be an annoying, obnoxious promotion that prompts people to turn away from him.
Having the mindset that we truly are walking, talking ads for the gospel will, no-doubt, impact what we say and how we behave. It will keep us mindful that our day-to-day lives, which can seem so routine, have great meaning and purpose. It’s easy to lose sight of the reality of God’s omnipresence and of our enduring union with Christ by the Spirit. But these are realities, and God truly does want to use us as channels of his redeeming grace to the world. He does so in many ways, both ordinary and extraordinary. Sometimes he calls upon us to share a meal with an unbeliever—“eating and drinking to his glory” (1 Corinthians 10:31-33). Other times he calls upon us to verbally share the gospel story with an unbeliever, or to extend forgiveness in Jesus’ name to one that has wronged us. Sometimes God acts in and through us in miraculous ways to restore a broken relationship or participate in his healing of a person’s broken body. There are many ways for us to be walking, talking ads for the gospel.
We need to think about the topic of evangelism in light of the truth that Jesus already is Lord and Savior of all humanity. The kingdom already has been inaugurated and those who are following Jesus live already in communion with the Father, Son and Spirit. Though we live life now in a temporary human frame, and much of what we say and do is conditioned by our physical limitations and the circumstances that surround us, our true identities are found in the reality that we already are children of God who are co-heirs with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:1-5). This being so, our lives should reflect (advertise!) these profound, though somewhat hidden realities. Jesus promised to give us power by his Spirit to do so and thus be his faithful “witnesses” (Acts 1:8).
Being a walking, talking ad for the gospel means that what we do and say is highly significant. While our behavior does not earn us salvation, living faithfully in Christ does have behavioral expectations. Because we represent Christ, our lives should reflect who we know him to be—one with the Father and the Spirit in a triune communion of love. God, who is relationship, has created us in and for relationship. This reality should impact the way we interact with other people (unbelievers included). First, we should interact with them knowing we are children of God and wanting to reflect his love out to others. Second, and of equal importance, we should interact with unbelievers knowing that they too are children of God who need to experience the love of their heavenly Father.
Paul put it this way, “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view” (2 Corinthians 5:16). His point is that our behavior matters because we no longer live our lives for ourselves—we live it for God and for others. “For the love of Christ compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
Paul follows this up by calling us “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20) in the context of telling us that we are called to participate with Christ in his ongoing ministry of reconciliation. I sometimes wonder what the world would be like if every follower of Jesus lived with a mindset of reconciliation based on love rather than condemnation. What if we treated others as who they truly are—children of God—doing everything we can to help them turn to the One who died for them? What if we looked at others the way God looks at them, knowing that “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19 ESV)? Although the salvation of others does not ultimately depend on our witness, we experience joy knowing we were involved in God “making his appeal” to others “through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
It is a pleasure and privilege to take part in what God is doing to transform people as they receive the good news of their reconciliation and enter into loving communion with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And though I can’t change the way people think and act, I can (and do) pray that God will continually remind me that I’m a walking, talking ad for the gospel. I also pray that he will guide me to be the most joyful and effective ad (ambassador for Christ) possible. I encourage you to join me in this prayer.
Living and sharing the gospel,
Joseph Tkach
