Category: Stay Connected

We share news of a historic event which took place at the GCI Blantyre congregation in Malawi in June. In an unprecedented development, 22 people accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour and were baptized in a single day. The 22 baptized converts were drawn from 4 different congregations, as follows: Chimbeta 3, Miseu 5, Mombezi 4, and Mpanda 10. We also share a significant highlight and positive development in the growth trajectory of the church in Malawi: 14 were youths aged 15–19 years.

This momentous occasion marked a significant milestone in the spiritual journey of these believers. The baptism sacrament was a powerful celebration of faith, with each individual publicly declaring their commitment to follow Jesus Christ. We rejoice in the Lord’s work in their lives and pray that they will continue to grow in their faith. This event is a powerful testament to the effectiveness of our discipleship efforts, and the impact of the gospel in our community. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve and worship together as a body of believers.

We will continue to provide discipleship and mentorship programs to support the spiritual growth of our new believers. We encourage the newly baptized individuals to share their testimonies and experience with others, inspiring further growth and evangelism within our communities and neighbourhoods. Glory and honour to our Lord Jesus Christ for the continued growth of his ongoing work in our midst.

By Gardner Kunje, Malawi National Director
Lilongwe, Malawi
Marshall Dube, Central Africa Regional Director
Harare, Zimbabwe

 

 

In August, President Greg Williams presented a training workshop on the Gold Coast, Australia. Almost 40 participants of the Christian Discipleship Pathway (CDP) programme came from New Zealand, Fiji, and Australia. Greg presented material on several facets of Kingdom Culture. Then we discussed the topics in small groups and fed back to the full group at the end of sessions.

One highlight was the Saturday evening meal. The dining room was transformed into a banquet hall. We were invited to use our “sacred imagination” to picture what it will be like to join Jesus at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19). Throughout the meal, Greg asked questions to stimulate ideas regarding what this dinner might be like. It was a time of excitedly contemplating possibilities about what this amazing event will be like. The dinner ended with communion.

The weekend was a meaningful time of learning and discovery together. It was a wonderful time of fellowship, as friendships were formed or strengthened. We learned more of how we can support one another in our ministries.

In all, the gathering was a great blessing, learning from one another and enjoying the Holy Spirit’s presence. We felt the Spirit’s direction and blessing. Greg is keen that this material is shared with all members, so we will be looking into how to best pass on what was covered.

As we look at how we participate in kingdom work now, we are reminded of how we should be living as kingdom citizens, as well as what we should be doing to share the message of Jesus with others. We also look with anticipation to the fullness of the kingdom following Jesus’ return.

Anthony Dady, Pastor
Auckland, New Zealand

The Church is not a building — it’s us. A family formed by Jesus, united in the Spirit. This month’s GCI Buzz shares what it means to be the Church and how God invites us into his mission of bringing grace, hope, and transformation to the world.

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

Check out the printer-friendly PDF.

---

Discover the transformative power of Christ’s love in our new series, GCI Testify. Join us as members from our global fellowship share testimonies of their experiences with Jesus through GCI congregations and ministries. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of the Spirit in and through GCI.

Watch the entire series here.

Anderson Sarmiento Angulo
Fundación Universitaria Los Libertadores
Law Degree
Bogotá, Colombia

---

Shanelle Brooks
College of the Canyons
Associate of Arts in Theater Arts
Los Angeles, California, U.S.

---

Leroy Faison
University of North Florida
Associate of Arts
Jacksonville, Florida, US

---

Yoav Galindo
Cbt #2 Ecatepec
Food Service Technician
Mexico City, Mexico

---

Flor Alexia Pantoja García
Benemérita Escuela Normal Federalizada de Tamaulipas
Bachelor of Primary Education
Tamaulipas, Mexico

---

Gabby Grant
University of Southern California
Master of Public Health
Los Angeles, California, US

---

Hamari Hommer
Jacksonville University
Bachelor of Science in Film, English Minor
Jacksonville, Florida, US

---

Diego Meza Pereyra
CETI Centro de Enseñanza Técnica Industrial
Construction Technologist
Guadalajara, Mexico

---

Tatiana Rocha
California State University Northridge
Bachelor of Psychology
Sun Valley, California, US

---

Rajauhn Sancho
Jacksonville University
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Political Science Minor
Jacksonville, Florida, US

---

Edward A. Smith
College of Southern Maryland
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Washington, District of Columbia

---

Jayden Turgott
University of Maryland, College Park
Bachelor of Science and Mathematics
Washington, District of Columbia

---

Michael Turner
American Career College
Associate of Science in Radiology
Los Angeles, California, US

---

Jeremy Benitez
Granada Hills Charter High School
Sun Valley, California, US

---

Kody Creager
Campbell County High School
Cincinnati, Ohio, US

---

Jacob Thomas Frantz
Batavia High School
Cincinnati, Ohio, US

---

Zaharee Jordan
High School
Jacksonville, Florida, US

---

Deja Murray
Gainesville High School
Washington, District of Columbia

---

J’amari Phelps
High School
Jacksonville, Florida, US

---

Chase Thompson
Willamette High School
River Road, Oregon, US

---

Bradley Vess
High School
Jacksonville, Florida, US

---

James R. Whitmore
Hillard Darby High School
Marion, Ohio, US

---

Isaac
Colegió Nacional de Educación Profesional Técnica (Secondary)
Mexico City, Mexico

---

Darita
Escuela Preparatoria Número 3 Justo Sierra (Secondary)
Mexico City, Mexico

---

 

Leeuwarden, Netherlands

On Pentecost Sunday, two young men were baptized: Byanmungu Nene (24) and Baraka Matendo Makoti (15), the son of Pastor Makoti.

It was a beautiful baptism service, and we are grateful to God that he called them and that they said yes to Jesus Christ, their Savior!

Afterwards, Pentecost was celebrated with an estimated 80 people present. There was exuberant singing, including a large children’s choir — the roof almost came off from all the enthusiasm!

Before communion and a tasty meal, Kahindo Kasinde preached about Pentecost and the power of God. And Pastor Frans gave a short sermon on how to love God above all and your neighbor as yourself, led by the Holy Spirit. It was a special and encouraging day!

By Frans Danenberg, Elder
Almere, Netherlands

---

Mexico City, Mexico

Earlier this year, Diana Zarate Contreras and Edgar Morales Calderón chose to be baptized at the conclusion of a conference for various congregations across Mexico. The conference fostered fellowship, unity, and spiritual growth. I officiated the baptisms with Alfredo Oloño, and it was a joyful and meaningful experience that will be cherished forever!

Our first encounter with Diana was during her daughter’s baptism in 2022, which sparked a meaningful connection. She soon became an active member of our church, with her heartfelt desire to follow Jesus growing stronger each day. Currently, Diana serves as an usher and aspires to become a children’s teacher. She remains committed to her spiritual growth through ongoing training and dedication.

Edgar Morales initially approached the church seeking marriage counseling with Alfredo Oloño. Through a period of counseling and discipleship, he made the decision to be baptized, openly confessing his faith in Jesus Christ. Currently, he serves in the Connection Group in La Paz, State of Mexico. He and his wife are students in the Ministerial Development Program (MDP) offered by Communion of Grace International (CGI, as GCI is known in Spanish). Both Edgar and his wife have demonstrated a faith truly worthy of their calling.

By Natanael Cruz, Pastor
Mexico City, Mexico

We were blessed this year to host forty of our pastors and spouses from across the nation at the Home Office in Charlotte for our two New Wineskins events. Eighteen pastors and spouses attended the first event, held on April 3–May 3, and 22 pastors and spouses attended our second event, held on June 5–7.

Here are a few comments we received during and after the events.

“I appreciated the emphasis on Healthy Pastor from the beginning and a support for our mental, emotional, and spiritual health.”

“I really appreciated this workshop of high support and high challenge! The high support of connecting and praying with other pastors and national leadership team was priceless.”

“I believe these trainings are valuable not only for the conferences but also for the opportunity to hear ideas about the various ways other leaders are moving their churches forward. I think these two factors are extremely important because the lives of pastors are somewhat isolated.”

“I am so thankful for the national team and the prayer and conversations that went into providing this learning space. Your efforts are not in vain and good things are happening by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!”

“I am starting a School of Prayer as part of the new wine for our congregation. We have not been a praying church, and it is time to start. I am excited to lead people into a new level of intimacy with their Savior.”

“Reflecting on our time together, I am filled with hope and excitement about the important lessons we have gathered. One of the most profound insights I have gained is our calling to continue shining brightly within our communities.”

“The need to cast off any lingering vestiges of a culture of pastor centric dependence.”

“This did not feel like another program, it felt more like a road-mapping session to see how we might intelligently navigate where the Father, Son, and Spirit are taking us.”

“The Father, Son, and Spirit have newness to pour into our denomination and our local congregations and we must set about the business of making room for this newness.”

 

“In our weakness, God brings strength. Whenever we feel like we cannot do something that he puts in our hearts, we are given the opportunity to put more of our faith in him.”

Meet Assistant Youth Pastor Maarten de Moei. From Tiel, Netherlands, Maarten has a heart for youth ministry and passion for making God’s love shine through his service.

Read his GCI profile here.