Category: Stay Connected

Living for God’s Kingdom — Now and Here

In October 2025, Grace Communion Bangladesh held its three-day Summer Educational Program in Khulna, welcoming 87 teen campers and 10 volunteer staff from Dhaka and surrounding areas. This camp was more than an event — it was an answered prayer and a cherished tradition where young people encountered the presence and guidance of the Lord in everyday life.

The theme, “Now … Here,” reminded everyone that God’s kingdom is not distant or delayed — it begins in the present, in the ordinary, and in the heart. Many of these youth came from Hindu backgrounds. And through worship, fellowship, and reflection, they discovered that life in the Spirit is deeply meaningful and transformative.

One of the most touching moments happened when campers chose to skip a meal and use that food to serve the poor in nearby communities. It was a simple act, yet it echoed the heartbeat of God’s kingdom — where love reigns, compassion flows, and generosity breaks barriers.

We also held our one-day children’s camp in October. We call it our Life Club Children’s camp, and it had the same theme. Seventy children attended.

We thank our partners, volunteers, and prayer warriors who made this camp possible. Your sacrifices planted seeds of faith and hope. As we continue connecting with these youth through small groups and house churches, we ask for your prayers that they may keep experiencing God’s kingdom now and here.

By Amiyo Bacher, Facilitator
Satkhira, Khulna, Bangladesh

Debra Kay Rummel, 73, passed from this life on August 13, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Debra was a woman of great dedication. She earned her master’s degree and built a meaningful career as a registered dietician, touching many lives through her work and care for others. Her specialty was diabetes education, and she helped many successfully manage their disease. Shortly after earning her undergraduate degree, on August 20, 1972, she married the love of her life, Jon Rummel, in Cherokee, Oklahoma. Together they shared nearly 53 wonderful years of marriage, filled with devotion, laughter, and countless cherished memories. From their union came four beloved children, with whom Debra created a lifetime of special moments. Family was the center of Debra’s world. She treasured every opportunity to gather with loved ones, especially at family reunions, and she delighted in watching her family grow.

She had a creative and nurturing spirit, often sewing clothes for her family. Debra co-founded and actively participated in the couple’s business, JCJM Property Company. A woman of steadfast faith, Debra was a member of WCG/GCI for over fifty years and after closure of the local congregation remained active in another Christian fellowship. She carried a deep love for God throughout her life. After an initial diagnosis of leukemia twelve years ago, she underwent various treatments, and by God’s provision, enjoyed more years that included seeing the birth of seven more grandchildren. During that time, she returned to work for a short stint, she appreciated vacations with dear friends, delighted in fellowship and meals with church members, and simply enjoyed day-to-day life at home.

Debra was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Larry Schanbacher. Those left to carry on her legacy include her devoted husband, Jon Rummel; her children, Janine Harding and husband, Greg, Chris Rummel and wife, Natalie, Jaclyn Rummel, and Mark Rummel and wife, Sara; 14 cherished grandchildren; brothers Floyd and Monty Schanbacher; and a host of extended family and dear friends who will forever hold her in their hearts. A celebration of life was held on Friday, August 22.

“I believe God has called me to create spaces of belonging, racial healing, and spiritual formation.”

Get to know Afrika Afeni Mills, Faith Avenue Champion and Assistant Pastor, in the Steele Creek, N.C., U.S. congregation.

Read the full profile here.

Cleveland, Ohio, US

The ministry leaders of Grace Communion Cleveland held their annual retreat October 17-19, 2025, in Madison, Ohio. Representatives from the Faith, Hope, and Love Avenues gathered to reflect, collaborate, and make plans for the 2026 upcoming year. The purpose of the retreat was to renew spiritual focus, strengthen relationships among ministry leaders, and align future goals with the church’s mission of sharing God’s love through all the Avenues.

By Renee Overton, Faith Avenue Champion
Cleveland, Ohio, US

Salem, Oregon, US

In August the Salem, Oregon, fellowship shared a backyard BBQ potluck picnic. Members, friends, extended family, and friends gathered for the event. Although it was one of the hottest days of the summer, everyone was comfortable in the shared company with cold beverages and good food.

The event coincided with the visit of a long-time member who has moved to Kentucky. Overall, there were about 40 people in attendance. Most everyone hung around and fellowshipped until dark. It is hoped that it will become an annual event in place of our summer picnic.

By Justin Murray, Pastor
Salem, Oregon, US

Stewardship isn’t about giving something up — it’s about joining in.

This month’s GCI Buzz explores what it means to respond to God’s generosity with open hands and open hearts — offering our time, gifts, and resources in love.

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

Check out the printer-friendly PDF.

“I’m happy to serve and participate in whatever ministry God is leading me into!”

Get to know Faith Avenue Champion Marivir Mayonte from GC Cebu, Philippines. Aside from leading worship, serving as the Faith Avenue champion has helped her grow significantly in confidence.

Read the full profile here.

Pastors, we are grateful for you. You faithfully serve as Christ’s under-shepherds, tending to your flocks with perseverance and love.

Pikeville, Kentucky, US

The GC Pikeville congregation hosted a summer engagement event, called Carnival for Christ. The members all pitched in to serve their neighbors, providing ten stations with a different game or activity at each station.

Kenockee, Michigan, US

In August, we hosted our annual two-day community yard sale on the church property. The event was lively and well attended, with free hot dogs, chips, and bottles of ice-cold water — an especially big hit considering the summer heat. Many of our own members set up booths alongside friends and neighbors, selling their items and crafts.

The true highlight, however, was the chance for our members to connect and build relationships with others in our community — sellers, crafters, and buyers alike. We were thrilled to distribute hundreds of welcome bags filled with information about our upcoming church events, along with small gifts. Through these personal connections, we spoke with many families who expressed interest in our children’s program.

Already, we have welcomed new faces at Sunday services as a direct result of the yard sale, and we believe there will be more to come. The event was a blessing for all involved, strengthening bonds and sharing the love of Jesus through engagement with our community.

By David Borum, Pastor
Kenockee, Michigan, US

Cape Town, South Africa

GC Cape Town participated in a Community Service Initiative on Mandela Day. Mandela Day, officially known as Nelson Mandela International Day, is celebrated annually on July 18 and honors the legacy of the former South African president, a champion of human rights and democracy.

Together with the women from Cafda Village, they provided soup and bread to those in the community. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.” Matt 25:35

We are proud to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of two of our own from GCI India, who have recently completed significant academic milestones. Join us in congratulating them.

Jessica Philips has successfully earned a master’s degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) from the University of Illinois, Springfield.

In the field of medicine, we also extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Leeann Zachariah, who has achieved the MRCEM (Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, London). She is the daughter of Mary Zachariah, and Dan Zachariah, Superintendent of Asia.

More than 50 members and guests met for an annual gathering of faith and fellowship with the theme “We Press on for Such a Time as This.” Several teambuilding activities helped strengthen faith, foster community and inspire personal growth. Along with worship, we also had one baptism. We were also blessed with the presence of guest pastors and missionaries who shared stories of their faith journey. The three days were experiences in unity, transformation and surrender to God’s will.