Category: Stay Connected

Eve Jebens shared the following obituary with Update.

It is with sadness that I share the passing of our remarkable mother, Ruth A. Jebens. She passed away April 29, 2026, in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Mom was born in July 1925 in Germany. She met our dad, Werner Jebens, at age 14, and married him in 1949. Mom immigrated to the US in 1950 and after 3 daughters, our parents moved to Pasadena, California in 1961. In her almost 101 years, she lived through and saw much change in the world. Mom lived a happy long life and will be missed by Gloria, Sue, and me.

Her nuclear family of five expanded to five grandchildren (Brandon, Bronson, Joe, Julie, and Jackie), 15 great-grandchildren (Alicia, Rachael, Felicia, Helaina, Nora, Steven, Preston, Gunner, Owen, Benjamine, Amelia, Brennan, Eamon, Indie and 1 due in August 2026), and 2 great great-grandchildren (Milo and Killian). Ruth also had six sons-in-law (Joe, Leon, Glenn, Mike, Ken, and Matt) and five daughters-in-law (Maria, Chanisa, Carolyn, Dawn, and Annie).

Mom was our matriarch since our dad’s passing in 2009. We will love and miss our parents till we see them again. Mom never said goodbye in the last years. Instead, she said, “Till we meet again.”

GC Cleveland held its 22nd Annual LiLY Women’s Conference on April 24-26, 2026, at Embassy Suites in Independence, Ohio. The event centered on Hebrews 12:1–2 with the theme, “Aligned with Purpose.” It was a powerful and transformative experience for the 82 women in attendance.

Here are some highlights:

• • Dr. Vicky Newsom (GC Queens, NY) delivered a heartfelt message, “Holding Truth in Heavy Times: Faith, Health, and Maturity in Christ.” She reminded us that we are God’s beloved — fully seen, fully known — and never meant to carry life’s burdens alone.
  • Tamar Gray (GC Cleveland, OH) encouraged us to release every hindrance and cast it onto God. Her message was clear and freeing: nothing we face is too big for him to handle.
  • Ruth Phillips (GC Queens, NY) challenged us to look within and discover our true identity in Christ — not defined by others, but by God. The Word of God is the only accurate mirror of who we are.
  • A special moment of joy came through the humor of Clover Webb (GC Queens, NY) whose lighthearted presence created a perfect segue into our final session.
  • Author and recording artist Maria Jacobs gave a profound and powerful story of redemption. She reminded us that God still speaks, still heals, and is always writing new beginnings in our lives.

We closed the day with an evening of intercessory prayer and heartfelt testimonies. The gathering created space for God’s presence, healing, and breakthrough, and we left encouraged, renewed, and aligned with purpose. We left confident in God’s love, strengthened in faith, and ready to walk boldly in who he has called us to be.

Rosa Hulse, Women’s Ministry Leader
Cleveland, Ohio, US

“I really do believe in the priesthood of all believers, which means I’m not looking for people to ‘help me do ministry.’ I’m looking to help people step into their God-given calling.”

Bryan Finley serves as pastor of GC Grove City, leading the congregation through a season of revitalization. With an intentional and community-focused approach, he is helping build trust and re-engage the neighborhood.

Read his full profile here.

The GC Durham church plant held a special ceremony during the worship service on Sunday, April 19, to recognize and affirm its leadership. Anthony Mullins was installed as pastor. The installation was officiated by Ken Hygh, pastor of GC Cary, NC, and Heber Ticas, vice president of GCI.

In addition, members of the core team were commissioned for their roles in ministry. Deborah Jones was commissioned as treasurer, Matt Royal as Faith Avenue champion, and Elizabeth Mullins as Love Avenue champion.

“We pray, we listen, we worship, we carry out the duty of the present moment.” — Richard J. Foster

This May, we gather in prayer — giving thanks for the life we share in Christ. We grow in love for one another and we learn to participate more fully in what God is doing among us.

Continue in prayer with us. Click here to download the May Prayer Guide.

“I care about people. I like challenges and always try to find the best solution. I believe in and thrive in a cooperative atmosphere that works together for the greater good.”

Meet Diana Mayhew, who is transitioning into the role of U.S. Home Church Coordinator at GCI’s Home Office. With a caring and dedicated approach, Diana connects and supports members across the U.S. who engage with GCI from a distance.

Learn more about Diana here.

The 2026 GCI leadership conference in Myanmar was held March 27–28 in Yangon, Myanmar. Pastor Audie Santibanez and Pastor Aron Tolentino from the Philippines conducted the leadership conference, together with Pastor Wong Mein Kong and me from Malaysia.

The participants of the conference were pastors, elders, leaders, church planters, and pastoral teams from various states and districts in Myanmar. Pastor Chan Thleng from GCI Hwambi church was the coordinator for the Myanmar participants. Pastor Dem Khuo Thong and Stephen Blessing, both from Myanmar, assisted as the translators from English to the Burmese language for the participants.

Devaraj Ramoo, Pastor
Klang, Selangor, Malaysia

Jacksonville, Florida, US

We gathered on Valentine’s Day to celebrate God’s greatest gift — Love. The theme was “Love Never Fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8).

The invitation read:

Come and enjoy an evening filled with heartfelt fellowship, uplifting messages, music, and a gentle reminder that true love begins with him.

Come as you are or fancy with a touch of red. Whether you’re single, married, or somewhere in between, this night will warm your heart and draw you closer to the divine love that unites us all.

Rayong, Thailand

In February, we shared a wonderful and meaningful evening for our Couples Night with the theme “Love Rooted in Grace.” It was a beautiful time of fellowship, laughter, sharing, and encouragement among couples as we were reminded that true love grows deeper when it is grounded in God’s grace.

The message reminded us that when couples rely on God’s grace, love becomes stronger, more patient, and more faithful. Truly, his grace is more than enough for every relationship.

May every home continue to be filled with love, strengthened by faith, and firmly rooted in God’s amazing grace.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

“Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.” — Corrie ten Boom

This April, we gather in prayer — giving thanks for the hope of the resurrection, celebrating life among our churches, and learning to live each day in the light of Christ.

Join us in prayer. See the full prayer guide here.

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