Author: GCI Media

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

New www.gci.org website

Today we are excited to announce a completely new denominational website at www.gci.org. This work has been going on for many months behind the scenes, with the “heavy lifting” being done by the IT staff and a local web developer (Urban Insight). The result is a cleaner, more modern site to share what God is doing through Grace Communion International.

The original www.wcg.org website served us well for over 15 years (several eons in computer time), but it became increasingly difficult to keep it consistent and to take advantage of new technologies. The new website is built on a free, open source framework called Drupal, which is widely used because of its versatility, stability, security, and ability to add features easily. Like all websites, what you see today is only a starting point. There will be a number of changes in the coming months. For example, we are aware the search function is not yet working, but it should be shortly.

We will officially announce www.gci.org to all users and reroute wcg.org to it in a couple weeks. However, we want to give you this preview of the website to share with your members and anyone else. Also, please ask your webmaster to change any links on your local website from www.wcg.org to www.gci.org.

After visiting the site, please give us your feedback. Click here to answer a one question survey comparing the new site with the old, and/or click here if you want to pass on any comments.

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Cabner Virgile will be serving as a pastoral trainee under Paul David Kurts, senior pastor of New Beginnings, our Hickory, North Carolina, congregation.

Since becoming a member of GCI in Queens, New York, in 1985, Cabner has served as worship leader, men’s ministry leader, small group leader, and fund raising leader. He sensed God’s calling to vocational ministry ten to twelve years ago and decided to attend the Community Bible Institute and Seminary in Brooklyn, New York, where he completed his Bachelor of Theology and Bachelor of Religious Education degrees. He is now working towards a Master of Ministry at the Queen City Bible College in Charlotte, NC.

A hearty welcome to Cabner, his wife Maria, and their fourteen-year-old daughter Laura!

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Zambia

Kalengule Kaoma sent this report:

On April 9, 2009, I travelled to Isoka, a small town in the Northern Province of Zambia in response to a phone call from one of the leaders of the congregation I planted in 1998. In 2006, this congregation had resigned because of changes in the worship calendar. Late February, Patrice Sinyenga, one of the leaders of the congregation, called and invited me to visit the congregation “because the brethren and leadership” had a lot to discuss. Because my schedule was full and due to Nsama’s ill health, I could not make it until April 9, but now we can praise and thank our God that the congregation is back! On April 10, we were 56 in attendance. On the 11th, I baptised ten people and welcomed to GCI five others who had received baptisms in other denominations. We had a big welcome back celebration with great rejoicing.

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The Shack

Our friend, William Paul Young, author of The Shack, has seen his book reach another milestone. As of May 2, 2010, it has spent 100 consecutive weeks on the New York Times bestseller list with more than 50 weeks at #1. It has also been on Publishers Weekly and USA Today bestseller lists for the same period of time.

There are more than twelve million copies in print (ten million copies in the United States and more than two million in foreign translations). To date, there have been 76 total printings (all formats), according to Brad Cummings, president of Windblown Media.

The Shack is fast becoming an international phenomenon, as well. It is being translated into 36 foreign languages and has already become a bestseller in several countries including Brazil, Germany, Canada, the U.K., South Africa, and South Korea. Brazilian publisher Editora Sextante reports that it has printed more than 2 million copies.

William Young has been interviewed on our You’re Included program.

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Tucson

Curtis and Jannice May were guests of honor on April 24, 2010, for the Grace of God Fellowship annual dinner dance at Viscount Suites Hotel in Tucson, Arizona. On Sunday, Curtis gave the sermon on Renewal and Reconciliation.

PHOTO: Jannice & Curtis May, Pastor Ted & Lila Millhuff, Pastor Tom & Michelle Landess.

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Pastoral Opening

As you read in last week’s update, we have lost our brother, fellow servant and Baltimore pastor Peter Whitting. We all continue to pray for comfort for his family and the congregation, and we are now faced with the task of finding a new pastor to serve in Baltimore. If you or someone you know is interested in this full-time ministry position, please contact Charles Albrecht via e-mail at charles.albrecht@gci.org or by phone at 626.650.2330.

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Prayer Requests and Updates

Patama Banks

Patama Banks, wife of Pastor Leonard Banks of our Rochester, New York, congregation, underwent heart surgery January 22 followed by a second surgical procedure January 26. Her heart is functioning well now but she continues to suffer intense lower abdomen pain. They have made several trips to the emergency rooms hoping to discover the cause for the pain. Doctors recently concluded that they need to remove Patama’s gall bladder and examine her small intestine, but they won’t operate until July as additional surgery would be too risky until she’s fully recovered from the heart surgery. Leonard is asking for prayer for pain relief and rest. They haven’t had a full night’s rest since January.

Cards may be sent to:
40 Fountain St
Rochester, NY 14620-1902

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Karen Albrecht

From Greg Albrecht: Thursday, May 6, Karen had surgery at USC University Hospital in Los Angeles for cancer in the lymph nodes of her neck. Ironically, the surgery was for the same cancer, in the same hospital, with the same surgeon, which took place almost eight years ago. However, this time the cancer was on the other side of her neck. Her surgeon removed a golf ball sized tumor from her neck, and feels that he removed all cancer that was present. Our entire family thanks God for his peace, comfort and healing. As Karen recovers and her surgical wounds heal we will be having follow up consultations about where we go from here. While we specifically request that no general announcements or prayer requests be made, we appreciate the prayers of the readers of the Weekly Pastor’s Update.

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David Fiedler

Please remember Dave Fiedler, who must undergo a second surgery for a detached retina. The recovery is very unpleasant as it involves having to lie face down without getting up for two weeks. Your prayers for a successful surgery and complete healing would be much appreciated!

Cards may be sent to:
20389 Strawline Road
Bend, OR 97702-2627

Remember that prayer is the battleground where we fight the good fight of faith. Let’s encourage everyone to join together in prayer, for we belong to Christ, and by the Spirit it is in Christ that we pray. Prayer and other spiritual activities help keep our hearts in tune with God and remind us of who we are in Christ. He is our all in all, and in him we are eternally beloved of the Father and blessed to share his good news with others.

Love from my family to yours,
Joseph Tkach

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It was an encouraging and enriching experience this past weekend to visit our Washington, D.C., congregation, which is pastored by Brian Carlisle.

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Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee, Pastor Jonathan Stepp reports that the congregation is cleaning the church building damaged by the recent flooding. The backup from overloaded storm drains flowed down various streets to their church parking lot creating a lake. The church cellar was flooded. He has talked to many of the members and all are fine as far as he knows. One member who has lived in Nashville for 55 years told Jonathan he has never seen a storm like this one. The congregation appreciates the concern being expressed and is grateful for everyone’s prayers.

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Canada

Gary Moore writes:

The law firm that has been doing the necessary paperwork for our name change has informed us that our Canadian church should now start using its new name, Grace Communion International Canada (English) and Communion Internationale dans la Grȃce, Canada (French).

Wendy, Kylie and I had the pleasure of visiting Colin and Sue Lauchlan and the London, Ontario, congregation last weekend. On Saturday Colin had planned an all-day seminar focused on Trinitarian Theology and its implications, with one session devoted to our role in various denominational mission projects around the world. Leo and Jane Van Pelt came from Kitchener, accompanied by about 20 members representing the Kitchener, Hamilton and St. Catherine’s congregations. A number also attended from the Windsor, Sarnia, and London congregations. There were about 47 people all told, who much enjoyed reconnecting with one another amid the warm hospitality extended by the London church. On Sunday we were able to conduct services with the London group on its own. Staying with the Lauchlans was most pleasant, and the fellowship stimulating as always.

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Photos: Colin and Sue Lauchlan (left), a number of the attendees (center), and Leo and Jane Van Pelt (right).

We flew into Toronto a day early, and spent some time with my mother, who is still in the Scarborough General Hospital. Unfortunately, it appears that she is no longer improving. The implications are that she will need to go to a 24-hour nursing care facility. She can get around in a wheelchair now, and we were able to take her outside briefly to enjoy some fresh air. While Wendy and Kylie spent time visiting her, I got her papers together, and was able to file her taxes. My brother Karl is planning to visit her this week, and has arranged for her to get new hearing aids. This will allow us to more easily chat with her over the phone, and stay in regular contact that way.

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Toronto East

Eric Wilding, an elder in the Toronto East GCI congregation, is working on his Doctor of Ministry degree at the Toronto School of Theology. His dissertation research is on our denomination, regarding our change in a particular doctrine. This is his research question: “What effects has the 1993 shift in the Worldwide Church of God’s doctrine about the Triune God had on its ministers’ understanding of and relationships with God, self and congregation?”

Eric is looking for ministers to write stories regarding their experiences of the change in this doctrine. If you would be interested in helping him with his research, you may email him for further details at e_wilding@hotmail.com

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South Africa

South African National Leader Tim Maguire reported that the congregational leaders for our “tent church” in Morelung have been given a plot of land by the local tribal chief, which means they can now begin the process of building a simple church building. Once this is done, the tent (which was purchased by the Okanagan congregations) can be moved to a nearby village, where about 30 people are ready to start another new GCI congregation. So the tent will soon have helped facilitate the start of two new congregations!

Gary Moore, Southern African Missions Director and Canadian National Director, added that GCI Canada arranged for the purchase of approximately 400 Bibles for the 45 congregations in Mozambique that are seeking affiliation with Grace Communion International. The Abbotsford, London and Windsor congregations provided the bulk of the funding.

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Ghana

Kalengule Kaoma sent these photos taken by Emmanuel Okai, National Ministry Leader in Ghana, of last month’s baptisms in Buduburam. Buduburam is a church that was planted in 2009. Emmanuel reported that 23 people were baptized at the event on March 21. Emmanuel also baptized five people in March in our Akim Oda congregation

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Prayer requests and updates

Dennis Lawrence

Montreal, Quebec (English) Pastor Dennis Lawrence has been diagnosed with Diffuse large B Cell lymphoma. He will begin chemotherapy on May 26. He wrote: “I will see [the doctor] next week for some final test results but he has authorized me to go to be part of an Egbert family reunion in Nag’s Head, NC from May 15-22. I think being by the ocean and being with extended family for those days will be a real morale booster and some fun. At any rate, we now know what we’re dealing with and all signs are very hopeful and positive. The doctor speaks only in terms of curing this thing. I want to thank everyone for the prayer support, email support, cards, and phone calls that have come to Lynn and myself, as well as our family. Thank you everyone, literally, around the world. Thank you for making sure I know I’m not alone in this.”

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Peter Whitting

It is with sadness that we announce the death of Pastor Peter Whitting of our Baltimore, Maryland, congregation. After being in the hospital with a prolonged illness, Peter seemed to be making a recovery over the last two months. However, he died unexpectedly at home on Saturday. Peter faithfully served a number of congregations over the years, both in Australia and in the United States, and we are grateful for his outstanding example of pastoral care. Peter is survived by his wife, Charlotte, and his four sons, Tom, Marc, Jonathan, and Ben. We ask your prayers for them during this difficult and painful time for the family. The funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, May 5.

The family asked that instead of flowers, donations be made in Peter’s memory to the Peter Whitting Scholarship Fund at the Frederick Community College Art Department. Checks should be made payable to Charlotte Whitting, and designated as for the “Peter Whitting Scholarship Fund”

Cards may be sent to:
Charlotte Whitting and Family
7413 Ricksway Road
Pikesville, MD 21208-5720

Remember that prayer is the battleground where we fight the good fight of faith. Let’s encourage everyone to join together in prayer, for we belong to Christ, and by the Spirit it is in Christ that we pray. Prayer and other spiritual activities help keep our hearts in tune with God and remind us of who we are in Christ. He is our all in all, and in him we are eternally beloved of the Father and blessed to share his good news with others.

Love from my family to yours,
Joseph Tkach

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

If you haven’t visited our two blogs recently, you might want to take a look. They are good sources for study and sermon ideas. Here are links to The Surprising God Blog http://thesurprisinggodblog.wcg.org/ and the Trinitarian Worship Blog http://trinitarianworship.blogspot.com/. You can subscribe to these blogs by clicking on the “subscribe” link at the bottom of each blog’s main page.

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San Fernando, California

Spanish-speaking pastor Heber Ticas of our San Fernando, California, congregation reported that on April 18, the church held the first of two planned anointing and blessing services for children this year. They anointed 127 children, and had 340 people in attendance, including 102 first-time visitors. Children from the church had gone out the previous weekend to invite neighborhood children to the event. Besides the spiritual blessing, the invited children made crafts, played games, and received free pizza while their parents listened to the sermon.

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Church Planting

April 19-22 twenty-six GCI pastors, CMM staff and GenMin staff attended the Exponential Conference in Orlando, Florida. Exponential is an annual trans-denominational church planting conference with more than three thousand in attendance. Key speakers included Ed Stetzer, Alan Hirsch, and Francis Chan. Participants attended plenary sessions and workshops that provided equipping and resources for various aspects of starting new churches. Several GCI participants are in the process of starting new GCI churches.

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Prayer Requests and Updates

Lateef Edalere

From the family of Lateef Edalere:

With gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the death of Lateef Edalere: husband, father and grandfather.

Lateef was a native of Nigeria, and remained a faithful minister and member of the Body of Jesus Christ for more than 35 years. He lived and served in England, Nigeria, America and Jamaica.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew him – including his wife Yvonne of 44 years, sons Peter (Australia) Paul (England); daughters Anthea (Jamaica) and Alison (America) as well as their spouses – Shehana, Charmaine, Gregory and Leaford.

Lateef and Yvonne were blessed with 5 grandsons and 3 granddaughters. He was known and loved by many, young and old, as “Daddy Edalere” as he touched the lives of those he pastored.

A Thanksgiving service to honor and celebrate his life will be held at 12.30 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, at Herongate Wood, Woodland Cemetery, Billericay Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3PS.

Your love, support and prayers for the entire family at this time will be appreciated.

Cards can be sent to:
Mrs. Yvonne Edalere and Family
29 Kiln Way
Badger’s Dene
Grays, Essex – RM17 5JEUK
United Kingdom

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Maxine Neff

A graveside service was held for Mrs. Maxine Neff, wife of retired long-time minister Leroy Neff, on April 27 at Gladewater Memorial Park in Gladewater, Texas.

Cards can be sent to:
Leroy Neff and Family
PO Box 432
Big Sandy, TX 75755

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Archie Hall

Retired long-time Pasadena employee Archie Hall died April 21 following a battle with cancer. He was 73. Archie worked in the Transportation, Postal and Security departments. He is survived by Lavern Hall, his wife of more than 55 years, and by his son Stephen Hall, who also worked in the Transportation department in Pasadena.

Archie and Lavern came from West Virginia to work for Ambassador College, and he began as Service Manager in Transportation in 1968. He retired from active employment in 1996. A memorial service will be held in the Halls’ local community.

Cards can be sent to:
Mrs. Lavern Hall and Family
27930 Mallard Rd.
Montague, CA 96064

Remember that prayer is the battleground where we fight the good fight of faith. Let’s encourage everyone to join together in prayer, for we belong to Christ, and by the Spirit it is in Christ that we pray. Prayer and other spiritual activities help keep our hearts in tune with God and remind us of who we are in Christ. He is our all in all, and in him we are eternally beloved of the Father and blessed to share his good news with others.

Love from my family to yours,
Joseph Tkach

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Pastor Neil Earle of our Glendora, California, congregation was awarded a certificate of appreciation by the Duarte, California, City Council on April 13 along with other volunteer adults and high school students for their work with Duarte cable access television.

Neil has hosted a current events/Christian apologetics show called “A Second Look” for the past nine years. His show can now be seen on the Internet at www.dctvduarte.com. Curtis May and Mike Feazell are among the many guests who have appeared on Neil’s program.

In the picture, Neil is third from left on the back row, posing with the Duarte City Council and the other volunteer cable TV staff. The teens are part of a Regional Occupational Program. Working in a hands-on environment is a superb motivator for them. One of the teens, Stephanie Ynez, now does lighting for the Dr. Phil Show.

Neil said, “All of this only costs us the price of two large pizzas for the teens each month.”

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Mexico

Our Mexican pastors and leaders training conference was held April 2-4 in Guadalajara. Some 30 pastors and leaders gathered for workshops and small group leadership training from GCI-USA ministry developer Lorenzo Arroyo and pastor Manuel Ochoa of Hawthorne, California. Under the leadership of mission developer Hector Barrero, Mexico has experienced a resurgence in mission focus and evangelistic outreach.

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You’re Included video series

You’re Included was recently highlighted on two Christian theology blog sites. Here are links:

http://theologicalscribbles.blogspot.com/2010/04/seriously-good-theological-videos.html

http://cruciality.wordpress.com/2010/04/13/alan-torrance-on-the-incarnation-grace-and-godly-living/

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Christian Pen, Jamaica

A few years ago the pastoral team of the GCI congregation in Christian Pen, Jamaica, conducted a funeral service for a person who was not a member of a church fellowship. The relative who made the request was herself not a member of a church and had explained how hard it was for the family to find a church that was willing to conduct the funeral. All the relatives were thankful for the love, concern and sympathy shown by our pastoral team and told others that they had found a church willing to bury people with dignity, even if they were not practicing Christians.

Since that first funeral, the word has spread, and the church now has a unique ministry of conducting funeral services for persons who are not members of any church as well as persons who are members of other denominations. As a result, the church reaches between four and six hundred persons with Christ’s gospel of hope almost every month. The pastoral team is able to share the truth that God loves even the worst of sinners.

The church has conducted a funeral service attended by the Prime Minister, one of his cabinet ministers and the Member of Parliament for the area. Three weeks ago, the church conducted a state funeral for a slain police officer. In attendance were the Acting Commissioner of Police, the two most influential mayors on the island, several rank and file members of the police force and other dignitaries.

Please pray that God will continue to bless this special ministry of love.

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Montreal French

Roger Labelle reported that over the Easter weekend the Montreal French congregation held a special outreach service inviting people in the neighborhood to attend. The day went very well, with 11 new children attending, and a total of 24 visitors. Roger said that it was lots of work, but definitely worthwhile.

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Prayer Requests and Updates

Pastor Steve Posiak of our Salmon Arm, British Columbia, congregation informed us of the sad news that Karen Leach, wife of elder Darcy Leach, has died after a long battle with cancer. Cards can be sent to:

Darcy Leach
2431 Tamarack Terr. RR 2
Sorrento, B.C. V0E 2W2
Canada

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Please continue to remember Pastor Dennis Lawrence and his wife, Lynn, of our Montreal English congregation as they wait for test results for the exploratory laparoscopic surgery Dennis had last Thursday. Dennis was diagnosed earlier with a large abdominal mass that is potentially cancerous. Cards may be sent to:

Dennis & Lynn Lawrence
211 De L’ile Blvd
Pincourt PQ J7V 3R6
Canada

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The Walton family is saddened to announce that Laura Walton, 58, wife of elder Merv Walton of our east Pasadena congregation, passed away April 20 after battling cancer for the last four months. Laura’s family was with her at the end, and she died in peace. Cards may be sent to:

Mervin Walton
PO Box 323
Pasadena, CA 91102-0323

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena.

Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena
3230 East Del Mar Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107

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Africa

Missions Director Kalengule Kaoma and his wife, Nsama, send their deepest thanks for everyone’s prayers for Nsama. They report that her condition has greatly improved. Kalengule wrote: “Nsama recently saw her doctor, who was very impressed with the progress. She is no longer on 24-hour bed rest. She takes two hours of bed rest during the day and takes an early night rest from 7 p.m. She is able to take five-minute walks around the house and is very much tempted to do more. She remembers that she has to be patient with herself. Each day brings us new hope, anticipation, and reason to be grateful and rejoice.”

Remember that prayer is the battleground where we fight the good fight of faith. Let’s encourage everyone to join together in prayer, for we belong to Christ, and by the Spirit it is in Christ that we pray. Prayer and other spiritual activities help keep our hearts in tune with God and remind us of who we are in Christ. He is our all in all, and in him we are eternally beloved of the Father and blessed to share his good news with others.

Love from my family to yours,
Joseph Tkach

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I just finished a delightfully entertaining book written by Barbara Dahlgren, Christian Odyssey contributor and wife of San Jose, California, pastor Mel Dahlgren, entitled Zorro and Me: Adventures with a Masked Man Wielding a Sword.

Here is a description of the book from Amazon.com:

Real stories about real people, that’s what you get with Zorro and Me. Throw in a sprinkling of humor and you’ll find yourself shamelessly laughing at their predicaments, messes, and sometimes tough situations. Barbara Dahlgren and her wonderful husband, known by many as Zorro, may seem larger-than-life, but they are just real, down-home people like you. Their slap-your-knee, double-over-laughing stories will make you wonder how they’ve survived all these years. One word can sum that up: laughter. Zorro and Me takes a candid and conversational look at how to learn to laugh at yourself through even the toughest times of life. This valuable insight was gleaned by this charming couple while pastoring churches for more than forty years in Florida, West Virginia, Kentucky, Washington, Michigan, and California.

Speaking of books, I am also happy to see that The Shack by William P. Young is #6 on the paperback trade fiction list.

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Honduras and El Salvador

Twenty-five leaders from Honduras and El Salvador got together in early April for a three-day seminar on the leadership of Jesus and Trinitarian theology. Hector and Paulina Barrero gave the presentations.

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Church-Next training

On April 8-10, twenty pastors and ministry leaders attended Church-Next training in Tipp City, Ohio, designed to teach basic principles involved in starting a new church or “re-planting” an established church. Attendees included Mary Bacheller, who is in the process of planting a church for the deaf in Staten Island, New York. Mary attended with her ministry coach, Becky Deuel. Church-Next training was conducted by Lorenzo Arroyo and Randy Bloom.

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Prayer Requests and Updates

Dennis Lawrence, pastor of our Montreal (English) congregation, has been diagnosed with a large abdominal mass that might be cancerous. He will undergo exploratory surgery tomorrow, during which they will biopsy the mass and a micro camera will take pictures of it. He will be hospitalized at least three days, and then it will be a month before the full test results are available. If the mass is cancerous, a one- to two-year recovery plan involving surgery and chemotherapy is expected. The Lawrences greatly appreciate all the prayers and support!

Cards may be sent to:

Dennis & Lynn Lawrence
211 De L’ile Blvd
Pincourt PQ J7V 3R6
Canada

Remember that prayer is the battleground where we fight the good fight of faith. Let’s encourage everyone to join together in prayer, for we belong to Christ, and by the Spirit it is in Christ that we pray. Prayer and other spiritual activities help keep our hearts in tune with God and remind us of who we are in Christ. He is our all in all, and in him we are eternally beloved of the Father and blessed to share his good news with others.

Love from my family to yours,
Joseph Tkach

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Jim Kissee reported that Ron Felling was installed March 28 as pastor of Grace Fellowship in Tonitown, Arkansas. Ron has served Grace Fellowship for nearly two years, and since last May as the leader of the advisory council. We welcome Ron as pastor.

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Office of Reconciliation Ministry

From Curtis May:

Jannice and I traveled to the southeastern part of the country where I toured the MLK Civil Rights Center in Atlanta. Jannice conducted a Connecting and Bonding conference for ministers’ wives in Lexington, Kentucky, and I toured the Underground Railroad Museum in Flushing, Ohio, along with a friend, John Halford, editor of Christian Odyssey magazine.

The museum founder and curator, Dr. John Mattox, was kind enough to take us on a personal tour of the three-story facility. It contains thousands of artifacts, documents and pictures, and Dr. Mattox allows tourists to touch and handle these materials to enhance the impact of the experience. If you ever have the opportunity to visit it would be more than worth your time. After I gave some ORM literature to Dr. Mattox, he commented that he would like to use the material in his prison ministry.

On Sunday I spoke at Christ Fellowship Church, pastored by Rick Shallenberger. Valdasia Merrick, founder of Joseph Dream, attended services with us and sang a song she wrote about Haiti.

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Alberta, Canada, Summer Camps

Canadian SEP Director Jennifer Straub, sent the following announcements:

Any adults interested in helping out, please email Jennifer Straub as soon as possible at Jennifer.Straub@ab-conservation.com or salttoday@yahoo.co.uk

Toronto

From Gary Moore:

I’m happy to announce that Eric and Amy Warren will be moving to Toronto to serve as pastor for Cornerstone Christian Fellowship (formerly known as Toronto West) when Doug Smith retires. The exact date of the pastoral transition is yet to be finalized. Doug has done a great job, and the congregation there is moving forward with good momentum. Eric and Amy will be a really good fit to continue this momentum into the future. This naturally leads to my next announcement.

The Pathway Community Church (GCI congregation in Regina) pastor role will be open beginning as early as September 1, 2010. It is a loving, energetic, mission-oriented all-age congregation with an average attendance of 45. The congregation is able to offer a salary to whoever serves in this capacity. Any candidate who feels they may have a calling to serve in this pastoral role is asked to contact Alan Redmond at redmond@mts.net and/or me at gmoore@telus.net. We would appreciate a response by the end of April.

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Prayer Requests and Updates

Please join me in extending condolences to the Valekis family. Jim Valekis, pastor of our Tipp City congregation sent me this note:

My mom, Maria Pagona Stratakis Valekis, passed away Sunday night, March 28 at 12:45 a.m. She’d been diagnosed with stage four lung and liver cancer a day-and-a-half before and fell into a peaceful sleep the following day. She was 84. I don’t have any current pictures, but here’s a picture of her how I think she is now, in heaven, with my dad and our Father. Thanks to all for your prayers.

Haiti

Our pastor in Haiti, Joseph Franklin, sent this update on his upcoming surgery: “Dr Elkine Jean Pierre, who is in charge of this section in Diquini Hospital, just called letting me know that I am booked for the surgery and will be admitted on Wednesday, April 7 at 10:00 a.m. Georgette and I thank all our brothers and sisters for their prayers.”

Mr. Joseph Blaise Franklin
9 Impasse Baron
Turgeau
Port-Au-Prince HT 6112
HAITI

Remember that prayer is the battleground where we fight the good fight of faith. Let’s encourage everyone to join together in prayer, for we belong to Christ, and by the Spirit it is in Christ that we pray. Prayer and other spiritual activities help keep our hearts in tune with God and remind us of who we are in Christ. He is our all in all, and in him we are eternally beloved of the Father and blessed to share his good news with others.

Remember that prayer is the battleground where we fight the good fight of faith. Let’s encourage everyone to join together in prayer, for we belong to Christ, and by the Spirit it is in Christ that we pray. Prayer and other spiritual activities help keep our hearts in tune with God and remind us of who we are in Christ. He is our all in all, and in him we are eternally beloved of the Father and blessed to share his good news with others.

Love from my family to yours,
Joseph Tkach

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus this Easter weekend, we are thankful for the fellowship we have with God and with each other through being united with him.

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Haiti

Charles Fleming sent this update:

Our brothers and sisters in Haiti are making progress in their quest to re-open the school. As you may recall, of the two buildings on the church property, the school building was not badly damaged but the church was. So far a team of church volunteers and paid construction workers have gutted the church building, removed the debris and put in temporary walls so that access to the school is once again safe for the kids.

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Our pastor in Haiti, Joseph Franklin, has said that getting wood (of any type) has been difficult. He says, “Haitians do not want cement buildings,” and so the demand for wood is high. He has been buying recycled wood from vendors on the streets. The canvas awnings you see in one of the pictures covers the space to be used to re-open the school. “Haitian people do not want to send their children to a cement structure” and “the kids won’t enter it either.”

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Given the degree of trauma experienced by the kids the plan is to offer them a place to go for encouragement, counseling, recreation and one meal a day. We hope it won’t take too long for the children to feel comfortable enough to begin using the actual classrooms. The school administrator and four teachers have been contacted and asked to resume their duties. Later this week Mr. Franklin will place an announcement on the local radio station inviting parents to a meeting at the school. Mr. Franklin will also write to the mayor offering to take in some of the children the city has on its lists. The hope is to re-open the school later this month.

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In the midst of all this, Mr. Franklin still needs hernia surgery. Last Friday he reported that he may have his surgery done in Haiti (by a visiting team of U.S. doctors) and should know later this week if he will be accepted. The decision depends on the results of the usual pre-surgery tests for someone his age. He hopes to relocate his family to the church property before going in for surgery as the owner of his rented home needs it. Mr. Franklin sends his deep thanks for the financial assistance they have received. The money sent in so far has helped our members with personal needs and also been used to pay workmen to demolish and rebuild the church building.

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Tony and Wilma Murphy

Tony and Wilma Murphy, long time employees of GCI, are retiring this week. Tony has served the church in many capacities in video production over the years, and since our move to Glendora he has headed first a one-man video production department and then a two-man department when he took on Nate Smith part-time and began grooming him to one day replace him. Tony is not only an outstanding producer and director, but is also a highly talented set designer, camera operator, audio technician, and video and audio editor. As we can all attest, his work on Speaking of Life, You’re Included, and GCI Together have been nothing short of exemplary. We are delighted that he will continue to work part-time producing the You’re Included video program. Nate Smith, Tony’s assistant and protégé, will now step into Tony’s full-time duties. Nate actually began his professional video production career in high school as an assistant to Tony several years ago. Now, with a bachelor’s degree from Azusa Pacific University in cinema art, industry awards for outstanding film and video production and working for the past two-and-a-half years with our GCI video programs, we are pleased to welcome him as our new video producer.

Wilma has been serving as Mat Morgan’s executive assistant in the Treasurer’s Office. We will greatly miss working with her, but, at the same time, we are excited for her as she opens this new chapter in her life. We wish her every blessing and thank her for her capable and faithful service! We are pleased to welcome Cheryl Corson back to employment with GCI in Wilma’s place. Cheryl is a graduate of Ambassador College in Pasadena and a 20-year-plus employee of the church. She returns to work for the church after serving in a management roll for another firm during the last five years. Cheryl brings many talents and her warm personality to the office so I am sure that you will enjoy working with her also. Please join me in welcoming Nate and Cheryl.

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Big Sandy, Texas

Pastor Sonny Parsons reported that Rick and Lois Peterson were the Big Sandy Chamber of Commerce Man and Woman of the Year 2010. A committee of community leaders with the Chamber of Commerce announced the unanimous decision at the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet held last Tuesday. In other Big Sandy news, Savanna Reed, the granddaughter of Kelly and Vinita Barfield, was named Miss Big Sandy.

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U.S. Economy affects church giving

According to the second annual “State of the Plate” research by Maximum Generosity and Christianity Today International, “Nearly 40 percent of churches across the country experienced a decline in church giving and offerings in 2009, representing two consecutive years of significant decreases. After the October 2008 stock market drop, 29 percent of churches experienced a decline in giving and this past year the number has climbed up to 38 percent of churches. Multiple research projects last year documented the sharp decline in church giving and our research this year shows that things have only gotten worse for a growing number of churches.”

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Jackson, Tennessee, Church visit

Last weekend, Tammy and I enjoyed visiting our GCI congregation in Jackson, Tennessee, pastored by Wayne Wendt. I was pleasantly surprised to find that every week, before their 11 o’clock church service, they serve breakfast, and often they also serve lunch after the church services. I mention it since many may not have thought of this as being a regular weekly activity. I have to tell you that it really enhances fellowship when practiced regularly.

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Prayer Request

Remember that prayer is the battleground where we fight the good fight of faith. Let’s encourage everyone to join together in prayer, for we belong to Christ, and by the Spirit it is in Christ that we pray. Prayer and other spiritual activities help keep our hearts in tune with God and remind us of who we are in Christ. He is our all in all, and in him we are eternally beloved of the Father and blessed to share his good news with others.

Love from my family to yours,
Joseph Tkach

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Tammy and I much enjoyed visiting our Newark, New Jersey, congregation last weekend where I was privileged to perform the wedding of Pastor John Adams and Edna Olen. Please join me in extending hearty congratulations to the happy couple!

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Sermon power

The Pastor’s Weekly Briefing of January 29, 2010 reported that nearly one hundred percent of churchgoers look forward to sermons, but only 17 percent think preaching changes the way they live, according to a study from the CODEC Research Center at St. Johns College in Durham, U.K. titled “The View from the Pew.” The report is based on interviews with 193 Anglicans, Catholics, Methodists and Baptists from 16 churches. Many Anglicans want the sermon to last less than 10 minutes, but up to 20 minutes. Baptists are happy with a 75-minute sermon, while Catholics want it completed within 10 minutes. Sermons are seen as good at teaching about God, the Bible, and being comforting, but need to do more to motivate and challenge people to look at the world differently. Sermons seem to encourage Christian reflection but not Christian action.

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Germany – Togo partnership

Our members in Germany have partnered with our congregation in Lomé, Togo, for the building of a WCG medical and social center there. Paving stones on the first level were laid March 3.

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According to Barna

Many Americans appear to be significantly cutting back on charitable giving in order to adjust to the downturn, according to Barna Group research. Forty-eight percent of U.S. adults have reduced their giving to nonprofit organizations (excluding churches and houses of worship) in the last three months. Churches were slightly less likely to be affected but were certainly not immune to cutbacks: 29 percent of Americans have dropped their level of support to churches and congregations in recent months.

When compared to a similar Barna study conducted at the start of the economic meltdown in late ’08, there has been a 58 percent increase in the percentage of Americans who have curtailed giving to nonprofits and a 45 percent increase in the proportion that have reduced their church donations. The segment of donors who have dramatically decreased their contributions to churches has more than doubled in the last 14 months.

Seventy-five percent of Americans believe the economy will take two or more years to recover, and 42% expect it to take more than 3. Two recent surveys report the recession is having a serious impact on church budgets and contributions. A November LifeWay Research study revealed 28 percent of churches surveyed raised less money in ’09 than in ’08. Fifty-seven percent said the poor economy was hurting their church. Seventy percent reported increased requests from people outside their congregation for financial help. Three percent were considering closing down their churches. A Barna Group study found budgets were down seven percent across all Protestant churches.

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Please join us in praying for Gary and Karl Moore’s mother, who suffered a major heart attack, stroke and congestive heart failure last Friday night. She is improving, but the stroke has affected her left side. At the beginning of the week she had no movement at all on her left, but since then she has begun to have movement in her leg. The Moores send their thanks for the many prayers and encouragement.

Cards may be sent to:
Mrs. Ina Moore
c/o Alvaro and Laura Palacio
32 Tangle Briarway
North York, ON M2J 2M4

Remember that prayer is the battleground where we fight the good fight of faith. Let’s encourage everyone to join together in prayer, for we belong to Christ, and by the Spirit it is in Christ that we pray. Prayer and other spiritual activities help keep our hearts in tune with God and remind us of who we are in Christ. He is our all in all, and in him we are eternally beloved of the Father and blessed to share his good news with others.

Love from my family to yours,

Joseph Tkach

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Sixty-two GCI Generations Ministries leaders and supporters met last week near Dallas for GenMin’s annual camps and missions leadership summit. The summit focused on planning for the 18 GenMin camps and short-term missions trips that will be held in 2010 (see the list at http://genmin.gci.org/calendar.htm)..

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A highlight of the event was the passing of the GenMin leadership baton from Ted Johnston (on left), who has served as director of GenMin for the last ten years, to Greg Williams (in center). Anthony Mullins (right) will replace Greg as GenMin camps and missions leader. Ted Johnston will take up a new post on the CAD ministry development team as coordinator of CAD communications and resources.

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Another highlight of the summit was the active participation of young emerging leaders who are active in camp leadership, in developing ministries within existing churches, and in helping to start new churches.

Regarding new churches, we were excited to hear from Aaron Armstrong of the progress of Ground Zero, a new GCI church plant in the Denver area (see their website at http://groundzerochurch.com/), and Janet Morrison of “The Great Commission Trips” team.

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Tucson, Arizona

Tammy Tkach, wife of Pastor General Joseph Tkach, was guest speaker on February 7 at Grace of God Fellowship in Tucson, Arizona. Her sermon subject was “The Trinity.” After services, there was a special potluck and a time of fellowship and sharing. Pictured, left to right: Pastor Ted and Lila Millhuff, Tammy Tkach, Pastor Tom and Michelle Landess.

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Tagatay, Philippines

A Church Planting Basic Training Course was held at the Christian Development Center in Tagaytay City February 16-18. Steve Elliott and Jun Sabate of the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) facilitated the training.

The 35 participants who attended the training came from Grace Communion International, Evangelical Free Church of the Philippines, Agape Campus Ministry, Philippine Missions Association and the Conservative Baptist Association of the Philippines.

Dr. Randy Bloom, Director of Church Multiplication Ministry, represented Grace Communion International USA. Called “Boot Camp 101,” the course was also facilitated by Dr. Prisco Aloca, Jeff Martinez, and Noel Andreneda of Evangelical Free Church of the Philippines.

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Prayer Request

Remember that prayer is the battleground where we fight the good fight of faith. Let’s encourage everyone to join together in prayer, for we belong to Christ, and by the Spirit it is in Christ that we pray. Prayer and other spiritual activities help keep our hearts in tune with God and remind us of who we are in Christ. He is our all in all, and in him we are eternally beloved of the Father and blessed to share his good news with others.

Love from my family to yours,
Joseph Tkach

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I’m delighted to announce that the Hoeksteen congregation in Kerk-Avezaath, the Netherlands, pastored by Hans de Moei, officially joined GCI on March 7, 2010. Hans and Denise de Moei left our fellowship many years ago and eventually raised up the Hoeksteen congregation on their own. In the last year, they contacted Holland National Leader Frans Danenberg about a possible reconciliation. That relationship grew and eventually led to the joyful events on March 7. Frans said that when Hans read aloud the welcome letter from GCI, the entire group was moved with joy.

There are now five GCI congregations in Holland.

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Philippines

Cebu City and Tagatay City Leadership Conferences

Pastors and pastoral team members from all over Visayas gathered in Cebu City February 16-19 for the Leadership Conference entitled “Participating in God’s Life and Mission.” Guest speakers were GCI Vice President Dr. J. Michael Feazell and GCI-Australia National Director John McLean. GCI Philippines’ National Director Eugene Guzon opened the conference with a message about GCI-Philippines’ vision and mission. Photos of the Cebu Conference are courtesy of Kai Baslao.

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National Director Guzon flew back to Manila in time to open the Leadership Conference in Tagaytay City and facilitate small group discussions among local church leaders. Dr. Randy Bloom of GCI-US Church Multiplication Ministries led sessions called “Transformissions” and “Church Multiplication.”

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In the afternoon of the second day, Dr. Feazell joined us, leading sessions on practical theology, church renewal and an extended Q&A period. Later in the afternoon, National Director Guzon and Dr. Rey Taniajura met the young leaders of GCI Philippines to convey the goal of the national office for more youth leaders to be equipped and trained for service to God and to listen to their ideas, needs and concerns.

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On the third day, Dr. Feazell answered remaining questions, and Pastor Rex dela Pena led the closing Communion service.

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Photos by Orly Osillos, Jocer Sabbaluca, and Bong Tinoyan.

Combined Metro Manila worship service

Members from Metro Manila and surrounding provinces gathered February 21 at the Celebrity Sports Plaza for a wonderful time of worship, fellowship and learning. Members from as far away as Bicol and Mindoro also joined the service, having participated in the recently concluded Leadership Conference in Tagaytay City.

In addition to the uplifting worship led by the GCI Crossway Music Ministry, highlights of the service included updates and greetings from members in Australia given by GCI-Australia National Director John McLean, an audio-visual presentation of last year’s highlights, an encouraging message from our guest speaker, Dr. Randy Bloom of GCI-US Church Multiplication Ministries, and the ordination of three new elders, Pastor Andy Ducay (Manila South), Pastor Bernardo Cuizon (Oriental Mindoro), and ministerial trainee Aron Tolentino (Crossway). Photos by Jocer Cris Sabbaluca.

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Germany

Announcing the 2010 Autumn Festival in Germany September 10-17

Festival site: Lake Constance is a 538-square-kilometer basin between the Alps and the Jura mountains. Three countries share the lake: Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

The mild climate around Lake Constance promotes the growth of lush, southern European vegetation and makes the region well suited to fruit and vine cultivation. The shores of Lake Constance are densely populated. The lake is surrounded by picturesque, historic towns and villages where visitors can see many buildings from the Middle Ages. Most of these are linked by boat. In summer, Lake Constance sparkles against the backdrop of the Alps, radiating a Mediterranean atmosphere with its many boats and their white and colored sails.

For a taste of the tropics, pay a visit to Mainau, the island of flowers. Alongside fascinating vegetation, the island is home to Germany’s largest butterfly house with viewing windows. A family-friendly beer garden by the lake stands next to a children’s village with cave-like dwellings, a wooden train and water play areas. On the lake’s northern shore, the Unteruhldingen museum and prehistoric village (built on stilts over the lake) adjoins a nature conservation area. Twenty pile-built houses take the visitor on a journey back to the Bronze Age (4000 to 850 B.C.). These life-size houses are the fruit of archaeological research. The largest island in Lake Constance is the monastic island of Reichenau. It bears extraordinary testament to the religious and cultural role played by the Benedictine abbey in medieval society. The abbey was the cradle of Western civilization and played a key role, renowned as it was for its teaching of book calligraphy and painting and its goldsmiths, in influencing European culture.

Festival venue: The superior Parkhotel St. Leonhard (4+ stars) is located high over Lake Constance. The Parkhotel has a fantastic panoramic view and it is surrounded by vineyards and a large park with wildlife. The town center Überlingen and Lake Constance are just 1 km away from the Parkhotel. The train station Überlingen Mitte is 2 km away.

Airports: Zurich (75 minutes), Stuttgart (75 minutes) or Friedrichshafen in Lake Constance.

Cost: (All amounts in Euros)

• Double room with half-board (per person): E551.
• Single room with half-board : E660
• Family room 3-4 adults 18 years of age and over half-board (per person): E540.
• Family room 2 adults plus 1 child (not over 12 years of age) half-board: Adults E578 and child E298.
• Family room 2 adults plus 1 child (between 13-17 years of age) half-board: Adults E578 and child E405.

All reservations will be made by the WKG German office through a travel agency.

More information about the hotel in English can be found under at: http://www.parkhotel-st-leonhard.de/3/startseite.html

There will be English translations at our worship services.

Anyone wishing to attend should contact WKG National Director Santiago Lange as soon as possible at wkg53bonn@aol.com

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Prayer Requests and Updates

Please join us in praying for Nsama Kaoma, wife of African Mission Director Kalengule Kaoma. Kalengule reported that Nsama is suffering from symptoms of heart failure. He wrote: “Nsama began medication last night and doctors drained a lot of excess fluid. We are grateful to God about this, and she is feeling better than other mornings. The doctor thinks that this is a 50/50 situation with regard to recovery. We are trusting God for a miracle and his will to be done.”

Cards may be sent to:
PO Box 50117
Ridgeway
Lusaka
ZAMBIA

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Pastor Lloyd Barrie of our Kalispell, Montana, asked for continued prayer for his wife, Joanne, who has begun eight three-week chemotherapy modules for her cancer. Lloyed added: “Joanne and I want to deeply thank everyone who has called, sent cards, and e-mailed over the past two months, and especially for everyone’s prayers for Joanne.”

Cards may be sent to:
503 2nd Ave E
Kalispell, MT 59901-4903

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Pastor Jim Roberts let us know that his wife, Hazel, is recovering from her recent injuries. He wrote: “Thank you for all the support and prayers for Hazel following her fall and severely broken upper arm and cracked elbow. Thursday’s X-rays showed good progress with the re-alignment and healing procedure.”

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Haiti

From Caribbean Mission Director Charles Fleming:

Thank you for your concern and support of our brothers and sisters in Haiti. Helping me coordinate our efforts in Haiti are David Perry, Rick Shallenberger and John Halford. Some of you have committed to becoming a long-term partner with us in our efforts to make a difference in Haiti, so I thought it would be helpful to share with you some of our thinking at this time.

Short-term (continuing until some measure of security and stability are in place):

• Given the small size of our congregation in Haiti (19 persons), the GCI response will be to take care of our members. We have already sent in money to the church account in Haiti for Mr. Franklin to distribute to our members. We will continue to send in money as needed. This may include helping at least one member rebuild his home in the town of St. Marc.
• Last Friday Mr. Franklin informed me that he has a crew making temporary repairs to the church building and is working on erecting tents so the school can reopen, it is hoped, by the beginning of April.
• I am planning a trip in June with Jeff Snyder (GCI pastor in Savannah, Georgia, who is also a building contractor) and Cecil Pulley (GCI pastor in Bermuda who is also an architect) to, among other things, evaluate the condition of the buildings and to discuss long-term needs.

Medium-to long-term:

• Jeff Snyder’s son, Nathan, who was on an earlier mission trip to the Caribbean, is being assigned to work in Haiti as part of the US government’s effort to help with the rebuilding in Haiti. Join us in praying that his job enables him to connect us to people who can help us get the school up and running.
• Join us in praying for wisdom in how best to use our property to advance God’s purposes. One possible option we are considering is to help with the need for schools. Given the fact that some 85 percent of schools in the capital have been badly damaged, it would be nice if we could run our school at maximum enrollment. For that to happen, there would need to be five- to seven-year commitments to help pay operational costs. Congregations and/or individuals would start with a higher up-front commitment, which would be reduced each year until the five or seven years are up. Our goal would be to have the school self-sustaining based on local resources at the end of the five or seven year period.
• Join us in praying for more long-term partners of Haiti to help us with this effort (or some other ministry opportunity that God leads us to) and the ability to make it a truly self-sustaining Haitian institution when our period of providing outside help is over.

Your prayers and support are important. I know Mr. Franklin deeply appreciates all that you do.

P.S. Pastor Joseph Franklin will be travelling to Florida within the next two weeks for long-delayed hernia surgery. He expects his recovery time to be six to eight weeks. Please pray for a successful operation and quick recovery. During Mr. Franklin’s time in Florida, Andre Naval will oversee the school.

Remember that prayer is the battleground where we fight the good fight of faith. Let’s encourage everyone to join together in prayer, for we belong to Christ, and by the Spirit it is in Christ that we pray. Prayer and other spiritual activities help keep our hearts in tune with God and remind us of who we are in Christ. He is our all in all, and in him we are eternally beloved of the Father and blessed to share his good news with others.

Love from my family to yours,
Joseph Tkach

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