Category: Be Inspired

Kingdom living looks like acknowledging the source of our new life, the risen Jesus Christ. Read on to see how these congregations celebrated Easter with baptisms and by proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with their neighbors.

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River Road, Oregon US

GC River Road celebrated Easter with a baptism. What a joyous occasion!

Big Sandy, Texas, US

During Holy Week, GC Big Sandy participated in several community activities, while hosting some of their own. The week began on Palm Sunday with worship and a service dedicated to rehearsing the Passion.

On Thursday evening, the congregation gathered for a special event dedicated to celebrating the Lord’s Supper. A reception was held in the fellowship hall. Many foods that may have been eaten in Jesus’ day, including lamb, humus, bread, and dates, were served on wooden dishes, along with pomegranate juice and wine in carafes. Afterwards, everyone gathered in the sanctuary for the service. Elder Jerome Ellard and Dave Ferguson wore costumes and did readings based on the story of the two disciples who encountered Jesus Christ on their way to Emmaus. Those who desired, participated in communion and foot washing, and the evening service ended as everyone sang a final hymn.

On Friday evening, Elder Jerome Ellard, who is currently president of the Ministerial Alliance, and I participated in a Ministerial Alliance gathering for Good Friday with our neighbors. The Ministerial Alliance brings together people from many different faiths in the area and works together to help those in need, specifically through the Agape House, which provides food and clothing for locals.

GC Big Sandy member and youth group leader Carrie Campbell organized an Easter egg hunt for the community on Saturday morning. GC Big Sandy members donated eggs we had stuffed earlier in the week. Neighborhood children enjoyed the egg hunt on the Civic Center’s lawn and took pictures with Miss Big Sandy and the Easter Bunny.

On Easter Sunday, church members gathered at the city park with the community for a sunrise service hosted by the Ministerial Alliance. GC Big Sandy provided snacks and hot drinks to our neighbors.

Following this service, we enjoyed a continental breakfast in their fellowship hall. Members contributed egg casseroles, biscuits and gravy, yogurt and fruit, and various donuts and pastries for the breakfast, which were served along with coffee, hot chocolate, juice, and milk. Following the breakfast and fellowship time, the congregation gathered for the Easter celebration.

The worship service was immediately followed by a baptism ceremony. Arturo Ramirez was confirmed and participated with Pastor George in baptizing his wife Kimberly and their children, Sophia, Arthur, Katherine, Sarah, and Brynleigh, along with another young relative, Ellie Roach, whom Kimberly had been discipling. The various church members who had participated in discipling this family were also included in the baptism ceremony. This joyful end to the Easter celebration was followed by an indoor Easter Egg Hunt for the youth.

By Linda Rex, Elder and Hope Avenue Champion
Big Sandy, TX, US

Richardson, Texas, US

The first time GC Richardson organized an Easter egg hunt at the city park across from our worship location, it was embarrassing. More than 200 people showed up, and we didn’t have enough eggs! We’d planned for only 50 people because less than 20 kids had shown up in the past when we held the hunt on our church property. The second year, we were better prepared and have continued to improve, creating space for building relationships that point to Jesus through this simple, traditional Easter Sunday egg hunt.

After worship, our members had a picnic and prepared for the egg hunt. Before we kicked off the hunt, I shared briefly why we organized the event — rejoicing with our neighbors on the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. I explained that early Christians used eggs as a symbol of Christ’s resurrection to teach kids. The hard shell representing the sealed tomb, the cracking of the shell representing the resurrection, and the gifts of God in Jesus to humanity. I also encouraged the kids to be kind to each other as they picked up their eggs.

Members engaged in conversations with neighbors, which is a primary reason for the event. I was struck, now in our third year, by the more relaxed, engaging and accommodating posture of our members as they interacted with the diverse group of children and families present. Many who attended expressed their gratitude and a willingness to be informed of future events.

This year, we distributed more than 4000 eggs and 650+ people participated. About 250 people filled out our electronic connection card to register for the event, some using the QR code to register onsite. We promoted the Easter egg hunt on our website, Facebook, Nextdoor, and invited previous attendees by email. Members donated eggs and volunteered to fill them with candy, notes, and trinkets. Members also hid the eggs over two fields (one field for ages 5 and under, and the other field for ages 6 and up). Members played games with the kids before the egg hunt began.

We thank Father, Son, and Spirit for the wonderful weather, the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and the opportunity to come together in kingdom-living neighboring!

By Gabriel Ojih, Pastor
Richardson, TX, US

 

Pictures by Naia Moya and Ronnie Boyce

Living through the devastation of the Eaton fire in Los Angeles was a harrowing experience. While the smoke and ash were suffocating, my wife, Megan, and I remained safe; however, we know dozens of people who had to evacuate and know many others who lost their homes.

The most comforting thing through all of this was seeing “community” — people coming together to check in on each other and take care of each other. I saw neighbors exchanging contact info “in case of anything,” then checking in on each other with a call or text. I witnessed people opening their homes to fire refugees, and people in evacuation zones using sprinklers and hoses to protect their and their neighbors’ homes.

The biggest display of community happened in the aftermath. The city and nonprofits showered us with resources. This demonstration of love for neighbor was never more evident than when donation and evacuation centers put out notices stating they were no longer accepting donations or volunteers because they were overflowing with both and had no space/work to take in more. What better way to live missionally? What better way to live God’s greatest commandment?

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:37-40

I urge you, reader, when in doubt to choose love.

Prayer
Lord, we live in such a divided and individualistic society that it seems as though we’ve lost the art of community. Show us how to love our neighbors as ourselves without needing a natural disaster. Amen

By Jesús Molina
Glendora, CA, US

 

 

Discipleship is a journey — and we walk it together. This month’s GCI Buzz helps us reflect on what it means to belong, believe, and become as followers of Jesus.

Click here or the image below to view the entire Buzz. Check out the printer-friendly PDF.

Citizens of God’s kingdom know that generosity is part of witness.

Bearing witness of the kingdom to our neighbors is a relational, incarnational, active, and missional proclamation. Our generous witness is a demonstration of the good news of Jesus.

The ministry of the Love Avenue is to witness to our neighbors. We invite you to revisit the following Church Hack: Love Avenue Practices

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Kingdom living looks like laying down your life for others. Read on to see how these two congregations are loving generously and seeking the flourishing of their neighbors.

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Hyderabad, Telangana, India

The Hyderabad congregation has taken a significant step to make Sunday services more accessible by introducing translations of sermons into Telugu, the local language of the city. This initiative, which began recently, aims to serve every individual who attends the church, echoing the compassion and care of Jesus for each person. To support this effort, Mr. Satyanarayana, a seasoned professional translator, joined the congregation to offer his expertise. His involvement has ensured that sermons are delivered seamlessly in both English and Telugu, enriching the worship experience for all.

Several members expressed their joy, sharing how the bilingual services have allowed them to fully connect with and enjoy the messages being preached. The congregation is hopeful that this initiative will encourage more members of the Telugu-speaking community to join in the coming days, fostering inclusivity and spiritual growth.

The church remains committed to creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for all, furthering its mission to reach every heart with the gospel of Jesus.

By the GCI India Newsletter editors,

Shanti Nirale

 

 

 

Praveen Kumar Chintha

 

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Twenty-five years ago, the Gold Coast congregation began providing care bags to people in personal distress. All through those years, we took no break providing to a range of organizations. Some looked after unhoused youth, women seeking refuge from domestic abuse, people dealing with substance use, and a whole range of other crises experienced by many in our urban societies.

The problems on the Gold Coast are extensive. Ultimately, we decided to focus on partnering with one organization rather than trying to spread our limited resources around many. We chose the Gold Coast Youth Services (GCYS).

On Sunday, February 2, our congregation celebrated this 25-year anniversary of service, and we were joined by a representative of GCYS, Will Aufai. Will visited, with his wife and daughter, to personally thank the congregation for its faithful and reliable service through the years.

Will gave an outline of the work that the GCYS provides in the community. His warmth and love for those in need made an impact on everyone. He also provided the personal link between the recipients of the care bags in their time of need, and those who contribute to and assemble the toiletry and food bags each month.

Will expressed his gratitude for the fact that the GCYS has been able to rely on our contribution month by month for so many years. Will presented a plaque of appreciation to the congregation, which was accepted by John and Jen Herrmann and Jan Adamson as coordinators of the food and toiletry bags, respectively. In response, the congregation donated a basket of towels to him to aid their assistance program.

Will brought us a clear reminder of the words of the king, expressed in Jesus’ parable in Matthew 25:14 (The Message): I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.

By Rod Matthews, Pastor
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

 

One Sunday at the worship service, we learned that one of our longtime members, who had been unable to attend church, needed assistance for treatment related to her cancer diagnosis. She had been undergoing various tests and procedures over the past two years or so. A relative came to me saying that our member requested that we visit. This caused me to wonder if she knew she was nearing the end of her life.

The church decided to offer support, and some members decided to visit her after the service. Upon seeing how weak she had become, they urged her and her husband to go to the hospital. She was admitted and received the necessary care, stabilizing her condition.

My wife and I visited her a few days later. Though still weak, her condition had improved. Her husband shared the details of the past days, while she remained quiet but aware. We prayed together, thanking God for his constant presence. We acknowledged that even in our trials, God is working all things together for good (Romans 8:28). I prayed for her healing and reminded her that sickness does not have the final say, reminding her of her hope in Christ. Soon after, we received news that she was back home.

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:10–15

This is the kingdom culture we live by.

Prayer
Our Father, may we learn to love one another as you have loved us, trusting in your grace and goodness in every circumstance of our lives. Amen.

By Dr. Carlos M. Pizarro
Pastor, Quezon City, Philippines

Citizens of God’s kingdom hold tightly to the doctrine of the Trinity. Citizens believe that, as the Trinity, God has shown himself to be the God who loves the world and who beckons every person to come to Christ and take part in the joy of life in the household of God. There is no person whom God does not want, whom God does not include, whom God does not love.

We invite you to read an excerpt from “The Trinity: Just a Doctrine?” Read the full article here.

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Reconciliation for everyone

You’re still not convinced? Try reading this one again: “…while we were yet sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God did not wait for you to get good enough to bring you into his household. You can’t get good enough, which is the reason he went after you to bring you home in the first place. When Paul says God saves sinners, he’s talking about everybody, since that’s what everybody is—a sinner. (If you’re worried that God might find out how rotten you are and send a lightning bolt your way, take heart, he’s known all along and loves you anyway.)

Paul makes the point stronger in verse 10: “If, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” Did you notice how Paul puts reconciliation with God in the past tense? Jesus died for our sins—past tense. God does not count our sins against us—period. They’ve already been paid for. Jesus has already put us in good standing with God. All that remains for us now is to turn to God (repent), believe the good news (have faith), and follow Jesus (let the Holy Spirit teach us how to enjoy life in the new creation).

Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” When we think of God in any way other than the way he revealed himself in the Bible—as the Father, Son, and Spirit who created us and redeemed us and have made us to share their joy though union with Jesus Christ—we’re going to find these words of Jesus daunting and discouraging.

But when we know God the way he reveals himself, we can say with all assurance of joy, “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1). Paul wrote to the Colossian church, “God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [Jesus], and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:19-20).

All humanity is included in that reconciliation, according to Paul. In the doctrine of the Trinity, God has shown himself to be the God who loves the world and who beckons every person to come to Christ and take part in the joy of life in the household of God. There is no person whom God does not want, whom God does not include, whom God does not love. In Christ, following the Spirit’s lead, we are all freed from the chains of sin to come to the Father, whose arms are open wide to receive us, if only we will come.

That’s why the doctrine of the Trinity matters. Without it, we might as well join the Canaanites wondering whether Baal will flood out the crops with storms this year or burn them out with lightning. In Jesus Christ, God has taken up our cause as his own. God has, through the atoning work of Jesus, healed us from head to toe, mind and heart, and made us the Father’s Son’s best friends – no, much more than that – he made us adopted children of the Father, brothers and sisters of our older Brother and full members of the household of God.

With Paul, we can only say, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

By J. Michael Feazell, Elder Emeritus
GCI Home Church

GC Lemon Grove’s new church building is a blank canvas. Designing the layout for what will be our worship space and a community center is both thrilling and exhausting. Our March event was a unique opportunity to share our lofty plans for our neighborhood gathering place, while also connecting with the local residents, by celebrating the rich history and culture of Lemon Grove!

In addition to a central location in the middle of town, we’ve also serendipitously inherited a piece of Lemon Grove history, in the form of a beautiful mural on the side of our building. The mural is a colorful tribute to what’s known as “The Lemon Grove Incident.”

The Lemon Grove Incident is the story of a landmark school desegregation case. In 1930, the all-white Lemon Grove School Board covertly built a separate schoolhouse for students of Mexican descent. Once this became known, the Hispanic parents and community members organized and took legal action against the school board. On March 30, 1931, the San Diego County Superior Court ruled that the school board’s attempt to segregate the Hispanic children of Lemon Grove was a violation of California state law. It marks one of the first successful legal challenges of school segregation in American history.

The mural is a tribute to this triumphant win for equality and love. We are truly proud and honored to be the new guardians of this beautiful, important mural in our town’s history, so our Pastor Anne Stapleton collaborated with our city council to advocate for an official day of remembrance. After she spoke at a city council meeting, the City of Lemon Grove declared March 30, “Lemon Grove Incident Day.”

GC Lemon Grove seized this opportunity to celebrate equality and local history by hosting a special ceremony marking this historic day at our new, unfinished building. Lemon Grove residents and attendees paid tribute to their heritage and their community by gathering in front of our mural to bear witness to the official declaration of “Lemon Grove Incident Day.” Approximately one third of the attendees identified themselves as descendants of the original students impacted in 1931. GC Lemon Grove members guided both new and familiar faces into our new community gathering space for their very own grand tour, complete with strategically placed floor plan and construction plan posters depicting what’s to come. The wide-open space, adorned with our illustrative design plans, invited event attendees and potential new church members to imagine what our new space will soon become.

The day’s event was a truly meaningful opportunity to display empathy and cultural competence, as well as to formally introduce ourselves to our neighbors. All credit to Pastor Anne for cleverly weaving together the Christlike message of equity, love, and inclusion, as a way of celebrating our community and announcing our arrival into our abundant new space that we hope will be as much a gift to the City of Lemon Grove as “The Lemon Grove Decision” mural is to us at GC Lemon Grove.

By Chantil Kalagian, Love Avenue Team
Lemon Grove, CA, US

I had been a Christian for years, but the truth was that I had grown judgmental, self-righteous, and blind to the suffering around me. I remember driving through downtown Los Angeles and seeing the rows of cardboard boxes lining the sidewalks. My mind quickly filled with harsh thoughts: “These people must have brought this on themselves — drug addicts, criminals, lazy beggars!” It was easy to justify my indifference and move on.

But then, I came across Mother Teresa’s words. “I see Jesus in every human being. I say to myself, this is hungry Jesus, I must feed him.”

She saw Jesus in the faces of the poor, the sick, and the forgotten. She didn’t ask why they were in their condition; she only asked, “How can I serve Jesus in this person?” Her words began to work in me like a seed, slowly growing into a new vision for life and ministry.

Jesus is everywhere. He is in the people we often overlook.

Mother Teresa’s vision has changed how I see the world. But now, I am challenged by an even deeper question — do others see Jesus in me?

Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Matthew 25:34b-35

In every act of love, kindness, or service, we have an opportunity to reflect Jesus to the world.

Prayer
Lord, open my eyes to see you in everyone. Let me not be blinded by outward appearances. Let others see you in me — in my words, my actions, and my heart. Teach me to serve with humility and love, just as you serve. Amen.

By Bermie Dizon, Elder
Glendora, CA, US

 

 

Note: This was adapted with permission, from God, in Every Step, a 52-week devotional that invites readers to recognize God’s presence in the everyday moments of life.

Citizens of God’s kingdom hold the act of baptism as a meaningful sacrament. We believe baptism is primarily a symbolic public statement of being united with Christ in his death and resurrection. Baptism symbolizes our commitment to following Jesus, while we acknowledge that our commitment is only possible because of our Savior’s unbreakable commitment to us!

We invite you to read the following excerpt from the article, Should Believers Be Baptized?.

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On the first Pentecost after Jesus’ resurrection, Peter exhorted his listeners: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:38-39). We are among those who are “far off,” and we can share in the grace of God along with those who heard Peter speak almost 2,000 years ago.

Note how the people responded to Peter’s call after he finished his sermon: About 3,000 accepted Christ that day, and were baptized (Acts 2:41). When people accepted Christ as the Messiah, baptism was the appropriate response. Baptism sends a message to ourselves, to others, and to God. By being baptized, we acknowledge that God is the source of our life and the reason we exist, and that Christ is our Lord and Savior.

Baptism pictures the drama of our “I do” decision for Jesus Christ—but it is possible only because Jesus has already said the “I do” for us. He has already made a commitment to us, and we are now acknowledging it. He has already given his life for us; we are now responding and giving our lives to him. Baptism is a symbolic act that says there is a life-long commitment between Christ and us, and he is our Savior. Baptism implies that we will follow him wherever he may lead us.

People who request baptism are saying they accept Jesus’ offer. He wants to be associated with us, to live with us forever and ever. In baptism, we say that we agree to be associated with Jesus Christ in a personal and intimate way — to belong to Christ, to share in the benefits of his life and death. That’s what it means to be baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Believers share in the life of Christ. As Christ died, so do the believers. As they share in Jesus’ death, they also have a part in his resurrection and eternal life. In baptism, believers dramatize that we are united with Christ in his death and in his life. The apostle Paul explained this to the Romans:

All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death. We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. Romans 6:3-4

Baptism symbolizes our death and resurrection with Christ, that our old self is a thing of the past, and that our real life is in Christ. Going down into the water pictures the death of the self, and rising up out of the water pictures the resurrection of the self to a new life now, and eternal life in the future.

Baptism is not magic. It does not automatically bring the Holy Spirit to us, nor does it cause our spiritual renewal and salvation. Rather, it is done after the Holy Spirit has led us to faith and we have responded. Baptism is a metaphor that symbolizes that on the cross, Christ has crucified our former life and has brought us into a new life in him.

Joe Tkach, Elder
River Road, OR, US