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Living a Gospel Lifestyle

Greg and Susan Williams
Greg and Susan Williams

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

I hope the title caught your attention. I also hope that it didn’t frighten or intimidate you.

Often, when we talk about the Christian life, we need to break it down and simplify it. Dr. Barry Corey does a great job of this in his book, Love Kindness. Allow me to share an enlightening section.

Living a life of radical kindness, a life that others are watching, means owning up to the fact that our lives are messy and uncertain, our roads are crooked. We don’t have it all together. The kind life acknowledges that we have little true certainty, a claim that seems so countercultural. The wonder in which we live as people of the Spirit is that the wind of the Spirit – as the Gospel of John says – “blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit” (3:8). It blows without our logic and where it pleases. As my home church pastor said, “God is totally reliable but hardly predictable.” (p. 30)

What I take from the wisdom of John, Barry, and Barry’s pastor, is that I am in a relational journey with Jesus and guided by the Spirit. My idea of getting from point A to point B is not typically the map the Spirit has in mind. A recent example was when I was on a three-day golf vacation with a group of professional people ranging from doctors to lawyers, and business owners to politicians. A neighborhood friend invited me to participate. Three of us were on the balcony one night, observing the stars and anticipating the solar eclipse that was to happen in a few days.

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Healthy Church—Neighborhood Camps

Derby, KS, US

Baby Moses in a basket

Last month, GC Derby hosted a two-day neighborhood camp with the theme, “I Wonder Adventures.” The campers’ adventures were related to different Bible stories. Ten children, first grade through fifth grade, attended, with a staff of 16 adults and three teenagers.

Activities included Jonah in the belly of a large blue tent staged as the whale. We had an escape room focused on Paul and Silas in prison. Campers stood up to a giant cardboard Goliath and made David’s shepherd flute. Moses as a newborn baby floating in the Nile provided our science project. Our final adventure was Noah and the flood, where the campers built an ark from boxes.

Goliath

Campers also learned skits related to the five Bible adventures. They used craft time to create their props and masks. On the final evening, the campers, dressed in costumes, performed for all the parents and some grandparents.

The lions’ den
Daniel skit

Both days, we served a hot breakfast and lunch. Before the skits on the last day, we served dinner to the families.

This camp was a testament to the lead of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God gave us the opportunity to participate with him in what he is already doing with these campers and their families.

Kirk Hayden, Pastor
Derby, KS, US

 

 

 


Bulacan, Luzon, Philippines

The GCI Plaridel congregation organized a Vacation Bible School (VBS) in June. Their theme was “Put on the Full Armor of God.” The three-day camp served 30 children from the community. You can view all their photos here.

Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines

The GCI Kiara congregation was excited to finally conduct youth camp again! This is the first year they have been able to enjoy camp since the COVID pandemic began. In June, 62 campers attended this three-day camp. To read more about this camp, visit their website.

Amazing race challenge
Improvised, rained-out campfire

Read what one camper had to say about the experience:

I formed unexpected friendships. I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to deepen my connection with God. One of the highlights for me was the youth jam. This event brought young people together to revel in the presence of the Lord and sing praises. Another memorable activity was the Amazing Race, where our teamwork and effective communication helped us overcome various obstacles, resulting in us clinching second place. I also gained valuable insights from the pastors, with Pastor Rex’s sermons leaving a lasting impact on me. One of his powerful messages was about God’s active presence in our struggles, offering comfort, support, and guidance. I look forward to more camp experiences in the future.

By Danny Zachariah, Superintendent of Asia
Hyderabad, India

Death of Dave Gilbert

David Samuel Gilbert, III., 72, of Kintnersville, PA, U.S., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

He was born on October 29, 1951, in McKeesport, PA. and was the son of the late David Samuel Jr., and Dorothy (Rudd) Gilbert. David was a graduate of Ambassador College in Pasadena, CA. and Biblical Theological Seminary in Hatfield, PA. He served his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as a pastor for 40 years leading churches in Ohio, Iowa, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Most recently he served as administrative pastor of Calvary Chapel Central Bucks in Chalfont, PA.

He was a talented singer and lover of worship music. He was also an avid hunter and outdoors person. He was the loving husband of 48 years to Hinka (DeVlugt) Gilbert. In addition to his wife, David is survived by his sons, David Samuel (Anna) Gilbert, IV of Mechanicsburg, PA. and Nathan Josiah (Aubrey) Gilbert of Brandon, FL. He was the devoted Pappy to his grandchildren, Esther, Levi, Elias, Ezra and Samson.

Congratulations Graduates

Nicole Reyes Nakagawa
Eagle Rock Jr. High School, Multilingual Pathway
Pasadena, California, US


Eraine Igne
Santa Maria High School
Santa Maria, California, U.S.


Danielle Magat
Piedmont High School
Steele Creek, North Carolina, U.S.


Peter Lungile Chidothe
Mzuzu University
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Lilongwe, Malawi


Zuriel Chirwa
Malawi College of Accountancy
Bachelor of Business Management and Entrepreneurship
Blantyre, Malawi


Christianna Doele
Georgetown University
Bachelor of Science in Business and Global Affairs, French Minor
Snellville, Georgia, U.S.


Chris Fell
Oxford University
Doctor of Philosophy, Early Modern Language
Hull, East Yorkshire, England


Wong Tian Heng
Tunku Abdul Rahman University
Bachelor of Environmental Engineering
Klang, Selangor, Malaysia


Aida Hotowa
Chiradzulu Teachers Training College
Primary Teaching Certificate
Mombezi, Malawi


Amelia Kugley
Ivy Technical
Associate of Applied Science, Paralegal Studies
Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.


Tamika Tabitha Kunje
Malawi College of Accountancy
Bachelor of Business Management and Entrepreneurship
Lilongwe, Malawi


Candrha Lopez
University of California, Los Angeles
Bachelor of Cognitive Science, Specialization in Computing
Pasadena, California, U.S.


Serena Mills
University of North Carolina, Charlotte
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Steele Creek, North Carolina, U.S.


Chisomo Zoey Mkorongo
Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences
Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship
Blantyre, Malawi


Charles Mphande
Teleo University
Bachelor of Pastoral Ministry
Mzuzu, Malawi


Arman Myers
Georgia Southern University
Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.


Kafulesi Nkosi
Catholic University of Malawi
Bachelor of Social Science (Development Studies)
Mzuzu, Malawi


Martha Phiri
Mzuzu Institute of Innovation Science and Technology
Certificate in Electrical Installation
Mzuzu, Malawi


Indya Porter
Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts & Sciences
Aesthetics Diploma
Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.


Prisha Ramoo
UCSI University
Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication
Klang, Selangor, Malaysia

Healthy Church—Bogota MTC

More than eight years ago, I recall discussing our GCI development vision of Ministry Training Centers (MTCs) with our now president, Dr. Greg Williams. These were the early stages of vision development. It has taken a bit longer than I expected for the vision to take hold, but by God’s grace, it is becoming a reality. On Sunday, June 30, we launched our first MTC in Latin America.

Over the last five years, our pastors in Bogota, Colombia, Hector and Paulina Barrero, have been experiencing renewal. It is renewal in ways that are reflective of a healthy pastor that practices the 4 Es of healthy leadership (engage, equip, empower, encourage). With the lead of the Spirit, their healthy approach to ministry has created an environment where Healthy Church renewal has taken place. They have fully embraced our GCI ministry structure of Team Based — Pastor Led and have structured their church around the three healthy ministry Avenues of Faith, Hope, and Love. This has afforded the congregation a well-balanced approach to ministry that is bearing much fruit. There is a contagious enthusiasm in the congregation and the energy level is off the charts. Missional participation and disciple making with Jesus is becoming the defining DNA of the church.

By embracing Team Based — Pastor Led, lanes for emerging leadership have been facilitated. There is a core of younger individuals yearning for significant participation in ministry, and thus a need for leadership development has become evident. It is within this context of Healthy Church that an MTC is organically birthed. During this process of renewal, Pastors Paulina and Hector, along with key leaders, have received high support consulting from me, their superintendent. And they are now in a good position to intentionally recruit, equip, and send young people into ministry with Jesus.

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GCI Buzz—Vision, Mission, and Core Values

GCI Buzz this month outlines the importance of mission and vision statements and core values. These aren’t just statements — they help us clarify our purpose, inspire unity, and drive us toward transformative action as the body of Christ.

 

Click here or the image below to view the entire Buzz. #gcibuzz

Check out the printer-friendly PDF here.

Devotional—Attention to Healing

Pondering the wonderful time we had at the MTC launch in Bogotá, one refreshing reflection is this: Jesus empowers us to avoid leading from open emotional wounds. Just as the body needs time to heal from physical wounds, our hearts also need care and attention to heal from emotional wounds.

Leaders who empower and liberate others make every effort to not let their emotional wounds affect the guidance and support they give to their families and church members. Tending to our emotional wounds with the love of Christ is necessary for becoming a compassionate and assertive leader/servant in his mission.

Do you ever feel burdened by past emotional hurts, struggles, and traumas?

Maybe we all do. We are all broken in a certain way. But that brokenness is not our identity — Christ is.

Let’s be honest. The healing journey can be long, painful, and difficult. But when we give our suffering to Jesus, we find peace.

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:17-18

How am I tending to my wounds? How am I helping others tend to theirs? How can I lead and serve from a place of healing?

Jesus is the ultimate healer. He understands our pain and always offers us his unending love and peace. As we heal, we are empowered to guide others through their healing journeys.

Prayer:
Dear God, you know my pain and struggles. Please continue to heal my wounds. As I grow and heal, help me serve and lead others with compassion and love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

By Bibi Barrero, Worship Leader, and Juanca Barrero, Hope Avenue Champion
Bogotá, Capital District, Colombia

 

Developing Ministry Leaders

Greg and Susan Williams
Greg and Susan Williams

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

Development is the greatest need for GCI, especially for the preparation of future ministry leaders, pastors, and church planters. We have long understood our need for training and development, and we believe Ministry Training Centers (MTCs) are essential for our future. The development of MTCs is part of our vital strategy to reach the younger generation. We want to invest in them, to equip them, to bless them, and to empower them to populate our churches, which are positioned for renewal, with fresh leadership. The MTC strategy also includes maintaining an intentional focus on planting new churches. We will celebrate the day a church with an MTC gives birth to a daughter church.

Our Development Coordinator is Cara Garrity. Her responsibilities include overseeing MTC sites across all six GCI regions to maintain alignment with the Home Office. She had this to say about the key ingredients needed to establish an MTC: “If you are baking a cake and you leave out the salt, baking powder, or any key ingredient, you will not end up with a cake.”

We believe that the following are key ingredients for MTCs:

We understand that an MTC must grow out of a church body that is in renewal displaying healthy ministry.

It is important to understand that it is a church that has an MTC and not a fledgling MTC that aspires to be a church. This foundation is vital to the overall vision. Renewal is measured by the presence of the following three components:

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