Category: Stay Connected

Dear Friends,

My recent CAT results are in, and the picture is far from rosy. The scan shows a clear advance of my illness, particularly in the liver and the lungs. My oncologist said he would tell his other patients, “It’s over.” He said in my case, he would not say so since until now, I’ve beaten all survival odds. I responded that it was not my own efforts that have been keeping me alive, but God.

Without delay, I began a new cycle of chemo treatment yesterday. The treatment has been adjusted to a “more aggressive” level. It is my 37th cycle.

I wish I could share better news with you, but we must recognize the situation as it is. Your prayers are an anchor of hope. Thanks for not giving up on me.

Together we are stronger!
Santiago Lange, Elder
Stuttgart, Germany

santiago.lange@gci.org

“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” — Martin Luther

Join us in a month of focused prayer for our neighbors, our church, and our mission. See the January prayer guide here or click the image below.

Would you like to receive this Prayer Guide straight to your email inbox before the first of the month? Sign up here.

Click here or the image below to learn more about practices for Epiphany.

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.

I am excited that GCI is investing in providing ways for formal education to be part of the development of our leaders.”

Meet José Lopez, the Ministry Training Center Coordinator in Sun Valley and Hawthorne, California.

Click here or the image below to see the entire profile.

For four days in October, GCI Malaysia/Singapore gathered at the Grand Kampar Hotel in Perak, Malaysia. The gathering was a landmark as the members celebrated 50 years of the church in Malaysia and Singapore. The church began with a few members who came together in the early ’70s. Over the years, the church has experienced various challenges but has remained steadfast in the faith.

Approximately 55 members from Malaysia and Singapore attended. Guests included 12 members from the church in Thailand, one member from the United States, and Asia Superintendent Dan Zachariah and his wife, Mary, from India. It was a time of great worship and fellowship.

Four church services were conducted during that time and messages were given by Pastor Dan Zachariah, Pastor Wong Mein Kong, and me. The theme for this year was “The faithfulness of God.” It was a most appropriate theme reflecting the course of the church as a witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ in primarily Islamic and Buddhist countries. One of the highlights of the gathering was the baptism of Mrs. Ho, which was carried out at the hotel’s swimming pool.

Various exciting activities catering to members of all ages were conducted. The young adults had a great time participating in caving and whitewater rafting at Gua Tempurung. The rest of the members also participated in a less physically challenging tour of the caves and a trip to Kellie’s Castle. Others chose a food tour trying various cuisine around Kampar town.

It was a remarkable time, truly reflecting the family that we are in Christ Jesus. As David expressed in Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when brethren live together in unity.”

By Devaraj Ramoo, Pastor
Klang, Selangor, Malaysia

“The first step toward God is a step away from the lies of the world.”— A.W. Tozer

Step into December with prayer and truth. Download our Prayer Guide here and join us in drawing closer to God.

Would you like to receive this Prayer Guide straight to your email inbox before the first of the month? Sign up here.

Grace Communion International is a family of congregations and members from around the globe. As a body of believers, we live and serve together in Jesus’ ministry as a part of His spiritual body. We do so in the love, grace, and freedom we have as our Father’s beloved children. But we also must function within the legal guidelines required by governmental agencies. Accordingly, GCI is organized and established according to a set of bylaws and is “board governed.” That is, the GCI’s theological foundation, overall mission, financial procedures, and administrative policies are overseen by a board of directors.

The GCI Board of Directors is a diverse group of elders who serve four-year terms. Each of the directors brings an impressive range of gifts and experiences to serve GCI on a voluntary basis.

On behalf of the GCI Board, I want to thank Celestine “Cella” Olive and Jen Gregory for four years of outstanding service as they conclude their terms. (For Cella, it was her second term of service.) They have both served faithfully and graciously as co-stewards of the mission and resources Jesus has given GCI. We greatly appreciate their contributions to the board governance process and pray they continue to experience every blessing Jesus has for them as they continue to serve Him in other capacities.

This gives me the opportunity to welcome two new directors to the board: Rebecca Johnson and Philip Doele. As long-time GCI members and elders, they have also served as pastors and bring a wealth of wisdom and experience to contribute to the board dynamics. Read their full bios here.

Please pray the GCI Board of Directors have the wisdom and insight needed to discern the guidance of the Spirit as we seek to faithfully steward GCI resources and journey forward with Jesus.

Randy Bloom, GCI Board Chair

Helen Jackson, born December 25, 1936, died on October 30, 2024. She is the wife of the late Harold Jackson.

Her daughter, Sabrina Mayo, shared the following with Update:

For the past five years, mom has stayed very active. She spent time with her grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, attending soccer games, gymnastic meets, cheerleader competition, t-ball baseball games, and family trips. She liked concerts, and musical performances, and was a member of the Deaton Creek Village Singers. She attended adult dance classes, line dancing, art club, tai chi, water aerobics, Pilates, and women’s Bible study club. She enjoyed these past years of life; however, mom was tired and ready to go. She passed on in a peaceful sleep. She will be missed, but I am happy that God answered her prayers.

December 7, 2024 — 11 a.m.
Celebration of Life for Helen E. Jackson
Shepherd’s Community Church
10 W 150th Street
Harvey, IL 60426
Livestreaming will be available.

December 21, 2024
Memorial in Mountain View Chapel — 11:00 a.m.
Internment, Graveside Service — 12:30 p.m.
Mountain View Cemetery
2400 North Fair Oaks Avenue
Altadena, CA 91001

Condolences may be sent to:
Sabrina Mayo
5955 Chimney Rock Dr.
Hoschton, GA 30548