Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV

Read below how two congregations are sharing God’s goodness with their neighbors. Doing good is a kingdom value.

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Chawama, Lusaka, Zambia

In July, 21 youths from the Chawama congregation traveled to a home for girls in Chongwe to share the love of Christ. This was our third visit, and with hearts stirred by compassion and desire to serve, we put together our little savings, resources, food, and clothes to share with our dear sisters.

The foundation is home to 17 girls between the ages of 3 to 16. These precious girls come from painful pasts, many having faced the trauma of abuse or the deep sorrow of losing their parents. It is a place filled with young hearts in need of love, hope, and belonging.

After our first visit, we were moved by compassion and a deep sense of responsibility. So, we made the collective decision to adopt this orphanage as part of our Chawama Love Avenue. What started as a visit quickly became a calling.

We took it a step further by each adopting a sister. This personal one-on-one connection has allowed us to demonstrate God’s love in more tangible ways. We have been able to all pray for our sisters by name, and they do the same for us. It also allowed us to build a more personal relationship with each of the girls.

The impact of this has been profound for the Chawama youths. These visits have been a chance to experience joy in service and to share the love of Christ. We spent time playing fun games, sharing stories, praying, singing, and simply being present.

These are not just acts of charity — they are moments of connection and affirmation of God’s love poured out through us. We listen to their dreams, share laughter, and see firsthand how love can begin to restore what life has broken.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

Love is not passive, it moves, it acts, and it heals. In adopting this orphanage, we are committing not only to providing material support, but to building relationships, offering spiritual guidance, and being a consistent presence in the lives of these children. We believe that through Christ’s love, we can make a lasting impact. This is just the beginning of a journey we pray will be filled with growth, transformation, and greater things yet to come for both the children and us.

By Puisezo and Damiano Ngula, youth participants
Chawama, Lusaka, Zambia

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Belton, Missouri, US

On Sunday, August 3, the Love Avenue team of GC Belton hosted a Family Game Day and Back-to-School Giveaway. Our aim was to support the children and families of our neighborhood.

God provided beautiful weather, cooler temperatures, and warm hearts that welcomed the new faces that attended. It was a fun way to end the summer and help our local families get the school year off to a great start! The festivities included:

• • • A picnic-type atmosphere with a hotdog cookout and outdoor yard games.
    • Fun indoor games with facepainting, a cake walk, human tic tac toe, and music.
    • Prizes and school supply giveaways (backpacks, notebooks, writing utensils, etc.).

After our back-to-school giveaway, we have school supplies leftover. We will connect with our local school district to see if there are other opportunities to connect with individuals who could benefit. I’m grateful for our congregation’s generosity in giving to support the ministry of Christ.

I’m employed part-time with the Belton school district as a bus driver and was permitted to bring a school bus to the event as a way of promoting the giveaway. In addition to that, attendees looking for work were given the opportunity to apply for a job with the bus company.

To close the event, we provided a short ride on the school bus, which the children enjoyed immensely. This fun event was one of many ways we can serve our community!

Terry McDonald, Pastor
Belton, Missouri, US

In my early journey of faith, I used to wonder why doesn’t Jesus simply appear on an international news channel, like BBC? Surely, if the entire world saw him, they would believe and be saved. But the resurrection narratives gently correct that assumption. Even when Jesus appeared in the flesh to his own disciples, many still didn’t recognize him immediately. This prompts a soul-searching question for us all: If Jesus appeared to us today, would we truly recognize him?

The Gospels record resurrection appearances; each one unveils profound truth about Jesus’ incarnation, the nature of his glorified body, and the mystery of divine presence. A striking pattern emerges again and again — those who knew Jesus best failed to recognize him at first glance.

Mary Magdalene mistook him for a gardener. The disciples on the road to Emmaus conversed for hours without realizing who he was. Peter failed to recognize him on the shore of Galilee. Recognition came only through deeply personal, familiar encounters.

Mary recognized Jesus by his voice. The disciples from Emmaus knew him in the breaking of the bread. Peter recognized Jesus through the miraculous catch of fish. The risen Jesus is not always recognized by appearance alone, but through relationship grounded in trust and intimacy.

I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me … My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. John 10:14, 27

Prayer:
Father, we want to experience you in moments that etch your love deeply into our souls. May we seek a relationship so intimate that we recognize you, Jesus, without hesitation. Spirit, may our hearts be attuned to your voice and our spirits ready to receive you. Lord, grant us the grace to truly know you and to never miss when you appear to us. Amen.

By Praveen Chintha, Pastor
Hyderabad, Telangana, India

 

Citizens of God’s kingdom take very seriously their call to disciple and share their lives with children. It’s a high priority for us as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, coaches, mentors, and friends.

Below we share a book review and recommendation. It’s a book for adults hoping to develop intentional rhythms of discipling young people.

(Please note that this is not an endorsement from GCI of the book or the author’s views.)

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Recently, I attended a gathering with a group of church leaders. One person described her experience growing up in the Church. Her parents had a strong impact on her life because they regularly talked to her about Jesus, church life, and their relationship with God.

It reminded me of how important parenting is in the disciple making life of a Christian. I recently read a book by David Sunde, Homegrown Disciple: Parenting Rhythms for Drawing Your Kids into Life with God, which I found instructive on this aspect.

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on you children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

At the conclusion of each chapter, the author gives very practical ideas on how a parent can enact the principles found in the above passage. These times are “teachable moments — or windows of time — woven into each day: dinnertime, travel time, bedtime, and morning time” (p. 9).

The author points to the relational way Jesus discipled a few to reach the many. “Most of Jesus’ recorded ministry was not in a classroom or even indoors. It was outside and part of daily life” (p. 11).

Sunde compares disciple making with sharing:

If you’ve been in a Christian context for a while, you likely already know that disciplemaking involves learning to share what you already have with the people around you. It’s learning to talk about the difference Christ is making in you, animating the life of Christ. To animate is to incarnate. Just as God took on flesh and blood to live among us in sending His Son, we also can become the tangible presence of Christ in how we influence others. We tend to think about disciplemaking as helping other adult believers grow in their faith, which is one accurate definition of the term. But we can also apply the disciplemaking paradigm to the role of a parent or guardian. In fact, parenting is the quintessential relationship for spiritually reproducing a living faith. (p. 2)

As parents and grandparents, we are to be living and sharing the gospel of Jesus. We can have such a positive influence on those closest to us. The author discusses the rhythms of disciple making with one chapter on each of the following rhythms: apprenticing, renewal, hospitality, community, compassion, generosity, and gratitude.

The book highlights various aspects of our Christian life and how we can live and share this life in a positive way — not only with family members, but within our communities. There are lots of practical ideas that can stimulate our thinking of how we can apply those principles in our unique situations. Perhaps you too will find it helpful and inspiring as you disciple the young people in your life.

Bob Regazzoli
Brisbane, Australia

The Sun Valley congregation, in California, US, held a special service to honor their children when they graduated. They were blessed and celebrated by the entire congregation. It was a wonderful way to show the children that they are valued and held as a high priority in the church family.

Now it’s back-to-school season for our congregations in the Northern Hemisphere. So, these rising first graders, rising sixth graders (middle school), and rising freshman (high school) in Sun Valley are headed back into the classroom, with all its joys and challenges.

See the portraits of the graduates below. Thank you, Brenda Benitez, for your devoted service to the Kids Ministry and for sharing this story so our Update readers can celebrate with Sun Valley.

Join us in praying for the children in Sun Valley and for all the children in our lives, as they go back to school. Do you have an intentional prayer practice for the children in your life? How will you demonstrate your love for them as they return to school?

(In Southern Hemisphere countries, the school year typically runs from February or March to November or December.)

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Leya
Kindergarten Graduation

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Mia
Kindergarten Graduation

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Ariana
Primary School Graduation

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Ashlin
Primary School Graduation

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Jimena
Primary School Graduation

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Matteo
Primary School Graduation

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Grayvin
Middle School Graduation

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Sergio
Middle School Graduation

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The kingdom of God is the only reality out of which the Blessed Trinity has summoned us to live. Jesus has called us to join him in experiencing his life of love with the Father and the Spirit. He has redeemed humanity specifically for his kingdom life.

As we learn the rhythms of his kingdom, our lives naturally begin to take on its flavor, aroma, and culture. In what we might call “Kingdom Culture,” the foundation is always love. Love toward neighbor, brother, and sister is the guiding principle.

[Jesus] answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27 NRSVUE

Admittedly it is sometimes easy to become distracted by all the stuff we need or want. The busyness of life may tempt us to lay aside the ways of the kingdom for the sake of expedience. At times, we lose our patience with others when we’re in a hurry. We may argue with a friend over politics. We may hold back our generosity to buy something we want or ignore Kingdom Culture in other ways.

However, we need not worry about those things. Jesus said, in Matthew 6:33, that his desire for us was to seek the kingdom (with all its right-relationships), and then all that other stuff would be added to us.

Here’s an exercise for our daily devotions as we seek first the kingdom. In your prayer journal, prayerfully make a list of all the things that you think do have a place in the kingdom of God. Then make a list of all the things that you think don’t have a place in the kingdom of God. Once you have made the two lists, ask God to enliven you to focus on the first one.

Prayer:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, please show me someone to love today. Amen.

By Bill Winn, Pastor
Mechanicsville, VA, US

Citizens of God’s kingdom understand that the gospel is for everyone — not just adults. We are compelled by God’s love to disciple the young people near us. Neighborhood camps are a wonderful opportunity for building friendships and discipleship. See below for resources for day camps.

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Hosting a neighborhood camp is a powerful way for churches to embody and share the love of Christ with their neighbors. These camps create opportunities for children and families to experience the joy of community, engage with the gospel in tangible ways, and build lasting relationships. Whether your church is looking to start a new engagement or enhance an existing program, past camp curricula can serve as valuable resources to guide and inspire your efforts.

2011 Living Loved

2012 Rooted

2013 It’s Time!

2014 Super Hero

2015 Epic Story

2016 Celebrate the Grip

2017 The Journey

There are also many publishing groups that offer digital curriculum packages yearly. Here are a few that may spark some ideas:

Sparkhouse in the Summer | Sparkhouse

VBS – Vacation Bible School | Curriculum Programs & Kits | Group

Store – GO! Curriculum

Let’s engage our neighborhoods with purpose and watch God transform lives through these connections!

Kingdom Living looks like loving your neighborhood by putting down roots. It looks like displaying your commitment to your neighbors’ flourishing, serving their children over the long haul, year after year. Read below the stories of GCI congregations that are building lasting relationships with the young people in their communities.

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Jacksonville, Florida, US

The Jacksonville congregation hosted its annual neighborhood youth camp, known as “Grace Camp 2025,” June 11–14.

Camp was attended by 35 youth and 20 adult staff. More than half of the participants were neighbors from the homes near our church building. We held daily chapel with a curriculum entitled “God’s Amazing Grace Changes Everything.” The four chapel lessons were: Grace changes …

• • • Who you are
    • What you love most
    • How you live
    • Your eternal future

We provided three meals a day, outdoor sports, arts and crafts, a dance, skits and talent presentations, water balloon contests, a block party, and an inspirational movie with discussion. We also enjoyed outings to a U.S. Navy destroyer ship and museum and to Jekyll Island, G.A. Activities on Jekyll Island included a dolphin boat tour and visits to a water park, a pier, beach, and picnic areas.

The weather was favorable, and everyone enjoyed a safe, fun, and inspirational time together. Watch our short video of Grace Camp 2025 here.

By Marty Davey, Pastor
Jacksonville, Florida, US

Pasadena, California, US

GC Pasadena had a very successful day camp last Sunday. All our members were involved in inviting and praying for campers. Seventeen campers attended with 12 volunteers helping.

Our camp ran from 9 am–5 pm with lots of food for everyone. Our theme was “God Created Science,” and we offered many interesting science activities. We gave the campers gifts and certificates of attendance after our worship service. Our normal Sunday format was adjusted for the campers.

One mother commented, “I like your church, and I haven’t attended any for a long time. I will attend your church.” Another mother, who we met through our food distribution, came with her two children.

Depending on our budget, we are planning to do this twice a year. Please continue to pray that these kids with parents will all come to believe that they are included in the life and love of our triune God. You can see more pictures at our website, although they cannot capture the joy everyone felt during the camp. I wish you all could have witnessed it yourself.

To God be the glory. All praises belong to him.

By Angie Tabin, Pastor
Pasadena, California, US

Richardson, Texas, US

Thirty-one children enjoyed summer fun and learning life skills at Richardson Neighborhood Skills Camp (RNSC), “Wild Skills,” July 7–9. Twenty-six volunteers, including Grace Communion Richardson members and adult leaders from the congregation’s American Heritage Girls Troop, shared practical, artistic, and relational skills with campers. It was a friendly, high-energy atmosphere from 10 am–4 pm each day.

RNSC provides space for adults to share their hearts, skills, abilities, and talents with neighborhood children in a cross-generational, relationship-building environment. We pointed to Jesus within our four basic guidelines:

• • • Love God
    • Love Others
    • Have Fun
    • Be Safe

In this third year of RNSC, skills included: first aid, robotics, soldering, sign language, graphic design, videography, bicycle and auto care, hospitality, and party planning. Using song and dance, our camp also featured the relational skills of teamwork, helpfulness, encouragement, perseverance, accountability, and courage.

Overwhelmingly positive feedback from volunteers, parents, and children has already created excitement for next year when RNSC is expected to increase the number of children served and further our neighborhood focus.

By Christine Ojih, Camp Director
Richardson, Texas, US

 

Did you know that at Filipino gatherings, there’s always that last piece of food on the plate that no one wants to take? We call it the “piece of shame” or hiya. It’s not that no one wants it — everyone just feels it would be selfish to take the last piece of food. So instead, they leave it for someone else.

Could that simple cultural moment reflect the heart of Jesus?

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3–4

That’s exactly what happens when we leave that last piece. It may seem small, but it’s a way of putting others first.

Jesus did that too — but in the most powerful way. He didn’t just give up a bite of food — he gave up his life. Jesus’ love is sacrificial. It gives, even when it costs something. And when we choose to be generous or put others first — yes, even with something as small as food — we’re reflecting a little bit of him.

So, next time you see that last piece of food, think of Jesus. Let it remind you to be someone who lives with humility, generosity, and love — not just at the dinner table, but in everything.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you that even with this simple Filipino custom of hiya, we are reminded of your sacrificial and unconditional love for us. May we reflect more of your humility and generosity to others in our everyday lives. Amen.

By Jessica Joy Pamor, GC Pili Youth Leader
Bicol, Philippines

Citizens of God’s kingdom understand the importance of worship. We believe worship includes singing and praise, but it is also a practice that involves our whole lives.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, on the basis of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship. Romans 12:1

We invite you to read below the conclusion of a free resource from Grace Communion Seminary (GCS), What Is Worship? A Survey of the Bible.

And check out these GCI worship resources.

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Let’s conclude with a simple test that encapsulates some of the major themes of worship. To analyze a worship practice, we need to ask these questions:

• • Does it glorify God? That is one major purpose of worship.
  • Does it build up the body of Christ? That is another major purpose.
  • Does it help us be what God wants us to be in the world? Does it have practical results in our lives?

Of course, no matter how carefully planned and carried out, our worship is never perfect. This is due largely to the fact that our lives are imperfect. We try to be living sacrifices for God, but we don’t always do that right. As some have said, the problem with living sacrifices is that they keep crawling off of the altar. Like the people of ancient Israel, our lives are mixed with sin.

We do not have the faith that we’d like to have. We do not have as much love as we’d like to have. We do not pray as well as we wish we could. Our songs do not express our emotions as well as we’d like. We would like to present our king with sparkling jewels, but we have only plastic trinkets to give!

How do we face our shortcomings in worship? We respond in the same way that we respond for other areas of failure: we look to Jesus. He has offered the perfect sacrifice for all of us; he has given his life to God as an act of worship for all humanity. He is our substitute — this is what theologians mean by a vicarious sacrifice. What he did counts for us. He had no sins of his own, and yet he gave himself as a sacrifice for sin — our sins.

Many Christians realize that Jesus was our substitute when it comes to sacrifice. “Christ died for us” is part of the New Testament message. He has given the worship that we could not. But Jesus is our substitute in other ways, too, because our lives are hidden in him (Colossians 3:2), and he lives in us (Galatians 2:20). The prayers that we offer are not perfect, but we pray in Christ’s name, and he intercedes for us. He takes our defective prayers, removes the parts where we ask amiss, adds the details that we have neglected, and offers those prayers to God as perfect worship.

Because Jesus Christ is our representative, he offers perfect worship on our behalf, and our role is to join him in what he is already doing for us. Whether it is sacrifice, prayer, study, or response, he has already been there and done that for us. The worship he gives to God is a vicarious worship, done for us, on our behalf.

We do our best to “get it right,” but part of being “right” is admitting that we aren’t always right (1 John 1:8). So, the last word on worship is that we must look to Jesus as the one who is doing it right for us, and he invites us to join in what he is doing.

By Michael Morrison
GCS President