How good and how pleasant for members of Christ’s Body to dwell together in unity! We’re called to work together toward being mature, equipped workers for the kingdom. It is encouraging to hear how these regions and congregations are dedicated to this purpose.
A conference was hosted in Aruka center in March for the GCI pastors of South Africa. National Director Takalani Musekwa wrote: “We gathered for a historic pastoral conference, a moment that felt much like the people of Israel stepping into the land of promise with a brand-new culture.”
“A House of Prayer” was the theme of this year’s Refresher Weekend. Thirty members from all over NZ, including six from our Masterton Filipino congregation, enjoyed a stimulating and challenging exploration of the importance of prayer in Christians’ lives.
After dinner together on Friday evening, I led an introductory session launching out of Jesus’ statement that “God’s house is to be called a house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13). I emphasized, “We are that house, so prayer must be an important aspect of our lives, and we are here to improve our prayer lives.” We concluded the session by viewing a short video by NT Wright, “How Should I Pray?”
Saturday began with another session on the Lord’s Prayer as an outline for our prayers. The ensuing weekend presentations covered the topics of “Worship in Prayer,” and “Prayers of Lament,” “Intercessory Prayer,” and “Praise in Prayer.” On Saturday evening, a Q & A session addressed questions submitted by the attendees.
Throughout the programme, there were several opportunities for members to pray individually and in small groups. For example, after explaining how the lament psalms show us that it’s never wrong to cry out to God in our pain, members wrote their own lament prayer, based on a situation important to them. Another time, members meditated and prayed through one of the psalms using a meditative prayer format known as Lectio Divina.
The programme was wrapped up with a reminder of the GCI-Australasia Vision Prayer. We are told to “devote yourselves to prayer” (Col 4:12) and to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kind of prayers” (Eph 6:18), and God tells us that he “inhabits the praises of his people” (Ps 22:3).
Here is just one of the positive comments received afterwards:
“Wow, what a weekend. Thank you for helping us to learn more about the different aspects of prayer. Instead of just mere words to God, there is now a more focused, open, deeper and faith-filled dimension in our prayers. “
By Dennis Richards, Pastor
Palmerston North, New Zealand
In April, Grace Communion Cleveland hosted their annual LiLY Women’s Conference. A total of 72 women gathered for a time of fellowship, reflection, and renewal under the inspiring theme, “As He Has Forgiven You” (Ephesians 4:32).
GC Cleveland pastor, Tamar Gray, and the worship band set a powerful tone for the weekend. Attendees participated in a “Getting to Know You” activity.
GC Cincinnati pastor, Julie Frantz, shared a heartfelt message on forgiveness, emphasizing that it is not enabling abuse or seeking revenge, but rather a rejection of pride and a call to view life through Jesus.
Tess Scott, speaker and author, encouraged attendees to embrace forgiveness without shame, reminding us that God restores, and Jesus carried our burdens to the cross. Tess Scott also spoke on healing and forgiveness, emphasizing that Jesus paid our debt. She introduced four key principles: Remember, Release, Receive, and Rely. The evening concluded with moving testimonies that inspired reflection and healing.
On Sunday, Pastor Tamar Gray brought the LiLY Women’s Conference to a powerful close, urging everyone in attendance — including family members — to embrace forgiveness as a “new normal.”
As we reflect on these transformative messages, we eagerly anticipate all that the Lord has in store for 2026. Follow us on Facebook @lilywomensconference for more details.
By Rosa Hulse, Women’s Ministry Leader
Cleveland, OH, US
Beginning on Wednesday evening, members of GC Pasadena gathered until Sunday for a retreat in April. God blessed us with good weather — snow the whole day on Saturday. We enjoyed plenty of food and relational bonding. And of course, we had games that everyone enjoyed.
Every day, after eating our breakfast, we began with worship and a devotional. We also watched and discussed Dr. Gary Deddo’s YouTube videos, “Who Are You Lord?” parts 1–4.
One person shared this highlight: “I want to share Jesus and engage in my neighborhood.” We ended our time together with communion.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Thank you, Lord.
By Angie Tabin, Pastor
Pasadena, CA, US
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms … — Ephesians 1:18-20 NIV
This month’s Prayer Guide invites us to pray for our churches and communities to live in resurrection-powered hope. Intercede with us and download the Prayer Guide: here.
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Blessing of Little Children Ceremony
Although we all know that children are a gift from God, it had been quite a while since GC San Jose, CA was able to celebrate the birth of a newborn in our fellowship group. Most of our members are in the senior citizen category (or for lack of a better word — OLD). So it was with much rejoicing that we welcomed Sora Ann Guerrero to our church family. An after-church baby shower was planned for January 26, but baby Sora decided to arrive a few days before on January 21. She was determined to make her grand entrance on her mother’s birthday. Our shower was modified, but many brought gifts anyway. And we celebrated the birth of the healthy baby girl just without the guests of honor. Food and packages were delivered to the family, and we all waited with anticipation for the day when they could come to church.
Eight weeks passed before the happy parents brought Sora Ann to church. During church, Pastor Mel Dahlgren assisted by Richard Ely officiated a Blessing of Little Children Ceremony with our one and only small child. After church there was a time for food, fun, and fellowship with festive decorations, a delicious luncheon, and celebratory cake. More gifts and lots of love surrounded our newest church member and her parents.
To say our fellowship group is overjoyed would be an understatement. Whether it comes via spiritual regeneration, community engagement, or a baby’s presence, to see something new birthed in an older congregation teeming with love to share is amazing and creates such energy and joy. Yes, children are a gift from God, and this particular little girl is a precious gift indeed!
By Barbara Dahlgren
San Jose, CA, US
We are currently taking applications for the role of President (National Director) GCI Canada.
For full details, job description, and application process, click here.
Applications should be sent to GCI Canada Board Search Committee (employment@gcicanada.ca), and the closing date is 15 April 2025.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada.
Please share this announcement with qualified candidates.
Patsy was the wife of John Ross, longtime GCI pastor in Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S. Join us in praying for John and their family. We share in their grief and in their hope of resurrection. The following is the obituary shared with Update from her family.
Mrs. Patsy McCain Ross was born January 29, 1967, to Mr. Tyree and Mrs. Claudine McCain in Doddsville, Mississippi.
She confessed her faith in Christ at the tender age of 10 years old at Little Lion Baptist Church in Money, Mississippi. After being a member of several denominations, Patsy found her permanent church home in 2004 as a devoted member Grace Communion International in Greenwood. On November 20, 2005, she was united in holy matrimony to Pastor John Leroy Ross, and for 19 years, she proudly served as first lady.
Patsy had a natural curiosity and a keen interest in understanding the world around her. That desire fueled her determination, inspiring her to pursue anything she set her mind to. She was passionate about gardening, crocheting, candy making, canning and baking. Her husband affectionately referred to her as the best cook in Mississippi. Above all, she had a deep love for reading and animals. She adored her dog, Hawk, and her cats, Damien and Turtle. As a young girl, she would be found curled up with a book. Her love of reading instilled in her a deep appreciation for the pursuit of knowledge, driving her journey toward academic success. She excelled as a student at Rising Sun Elementary School and Amanda Elzy High School before continuing her education at Mississippi Delta Junior College and Mississippi Valley State University. Patsy worked as a school secretary and data entry operator, eventually becoming an administrative assistant at Mississippi Valley State University, where she remained until her health declined. She received numerous accolades, including the Employee of the Year Award from Greenwood Public School District.
Patsy departed this life to go and be with Christ on February 18, 2025. Surviving to cherish her memory is her devoted husband of 19 years, John Leroy Ross; her daughter, Maya Delandra Dezell; her sons, Dorian Dezell, Curtis Ross (LaRicka) and Michael Ross (Perleshie); and her beloved granddaughters, Ori Le’Ann Dezell and Dyshaunita Ross. Patsy is also survived by her grandsons, Malcolm Toy (Ana), Steven Green, Nicholas Ross, and JonMichae Ross. She was the daughter of Mr. Tyree and Claudine McCain. She is remembered fondly by her sisters, Cynthia Diane Williams (Charles), Ora Dee Spencer (Lee), Belinda Mosley (the late Jimmy), and her brother, JC Harris (Dortheria). A host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and extended family will forever carry her memory in their hearts.
“Jesus’ resurrection is the beginning of God’s new project not to snatch people away from earth to heaven but to colonize earth with the life of heaven.” — N.T. Wright
We are currently taking applications for the role of President (National Director) GCI Canada.
For full details, job description, and application process, click here.
Applications should be sent to GCI Canada Board Search Committee (employment@gcicanada.ca), and the closing date is 15 April 2025.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada.
Please share this announcement with qualified candidates.
