Here is a video of one GCI’s congregations in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. What a blessing it is to witness their sharing together even if they may not have much.
On YouTube at http://youtu.be/zhwAXqhbZ8s.
Category: Stay Connected
Fall youth camps
Here are reports on GCI youth camps recently held in Mexico and Oklahoma.
Mexico
This report is from GCI Generations Ministries national coordinator Anthony Mullins, who with his wife Elizabeth visited GCI’s youth camp in Mexico to assist in equipping camp leaders.
What an inspiring time my wife Elizabeth and I recently had with 35 brothers and sisters (pictured below) at the annual GCI Mexico camp near Monterrey! We witnessed four young adults (Jose Louis Lujano, Naoko Gonzalez, Anahi Tabares and Daniel Garcia) step up and share the gospel through the chapel messages using GenMin curriculum; we shared the joy when Daniel Garcia, an emerging leader, was baptized under a magnificent waterfall (see picture at right), and we rejoiced to see three sisters from the outreach mission in Guadalajara blossom with bright smiles as they felt the inclusion of the entire group! There were many beautiful stories to behold, and it was encouraging to see new leaders being developed.
During sessions I facilitated with camp leaders, we imagined the future possibilities together through “What If?” questions. What if they planted multiple camps throughout Mexico? What if the young adult leaders met more than once a year, and invited GCI pastors to discuss how they can intentionally be on mission in their communities? What if this national camp became an outreach mission instead of exclusively serving GCI kids? Mexican camp leaders Samuel & Hayde Mercado and pastor Natanael Cruz (pictured with me and my wife Elizabeth in the picture at right) are planning to strategize in the upcoming year about how to make the camp more missional and outward in its focus.
Oklahoma
This report is from Joe Brannen, one of the leaders of CrossWalk—the Generations Ministries camp held near Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
We conducted our 26th session of CrossWalk in November with 33 senior campers, 30 junior campers, 9 mini campers and 55 staff members. There were 13 new campers and 4 new staff. Eight campers were unchurched.
Our theme, Hunger Games, was based on the movie series with the same name. As campers arrived Friday afternoon they were greeted by costumed staff members who set the theme by inviting everyone to share in games that helped them feel included. Then campers were “reaped” into eight “districts” to train for upcoming events related to the “economy” designated for each district.
Saturday began with private devotions, chapel and activities, followed in the afternoon with Hunger Games. The games began as each district raced to retrieve a bag filled with assignments for 13 activities that would challenge them physically and mentally. Most importantly, the activities brought unity to each district—it was amazing to see how they pulled together!
That night there was a banquet followed by a time of powerful, Spirit-filled worship led by the CrossWalk praise band made up of young adults. Following worship, campers gathered for a social in the dining hall, which was beautifully decorated in the camp theme.
CrossWalk was a wonderful example of God’s inclusive love—a message that was emphasized in camp chapels and other gatherings. We were powerfully reminded that God, in his grace, includes us all—in Christ, all are loved, forgiven and accepted. Chapel speakers used the Hunger Games theme to expose lies to the contrary.
Day of Nations event
Here is a video of the “Day of Nations”—a community outreach event conducted by Comunion De Gracia, GCI’s Spanish-language congregation in Sun Valley, California.
On YouTube at http://youtu.be/lZXOF80jqRc.
Experiencing the Trinity retreat
Thirty-one GCI members from the U.S., the Caribbean and the Philippines gathered recently at St. Stephen’s Retreat and Conference Center in Titusville, Florida for an Odyssey in Christ, Experiencing the Trinity spiritual renewal retreat.
GCI Caribbean regional director, Charles Fleming (shown addressing the group at left) observed that God seemed to touch everyone in transformative ways during the retreat. GCI pastor Bonny McQueary said: “What an awesome weekend experience. I basked in God’s love, I had answered prayer, I lost the weight of some personal guilt, I was affirmed, I learned something positive about myself, and I met some new Christian friends.” Beth Harris, who heads up a para-church prayer ministry devoted to the struggle against human trafficking commented: “I have never witnessed a day of Pentecost before this retreat. All who attended were filled or filled anew and I’m sure the news will spread abroad since several countries were represented.”
According to Odyssey in Christ director Larry Hinkle (at the center of the picture below), the retreat “focused on helping participants experientially know our Triune God better (Ephesians 1:17). Through spiritually formative activities and loving fellowship, participants were shown how to create sacred spaces in their lives that help them connect with God in ways that can lead to lasting spiritual fruit for living and sharing the gospel.”
UK conference
Joseph and Tammy Tkach, together with Gary and Cathy Deddo recently participated in a GCI-UK denominational conference in England. Below are pictures from the conference and a church service that followed in Watford, England.
Senior pastor succession
As a church planting movement, GCI is committed to participating with Jesus in his mission to multiply his disciples. Vital to that participation is the leadership provided by our senior pastors. Because many of them are reaching an age when they need to transition out of that ministry role, leadership succession is an increasingly common reality. There is no single approach to the succession process—in the U.S., Church Administration and Development works with each congregation to design a succession pathway that includes identifying, pre-qualifying and then installing a new senior pastor (or pastoral care team, as resources allow).
Several of these succession processes have recently been completed. In Seattle-Bellevue, Washington, Wayne Mitchell has succeeded Bill Miller. In Fort Wayne, Indiana, David Howe has succeeded Roger Abels. In Mesquite, Texas, Gabriel Ojih has succeeded Bob Persky. Below are reports on several others. Congratulations to the new senior pastors and our deep thanks to the senior pastors who, after many years of service, are moving on to new phases in ministry and life. We also thank the congregations involved for their active, supportive participation. And last, but certainly not least, we thank God for his generous provision and guidance.
Big Sandy, Texas, and Texarkana, Arkansas
Regional pastor Ted Johnston led the process in which Jerome Ellard succeeded Sonny Parsons as senior pastor of this two-church circuit.
Watham and Holden, Massachusetts
Regional pastor Randy Bloom and district pastor Larry Wooldridge led the succession process in which Dishon Mills replaced Bill Ford as senior pastor in this two-church circuit.
The Colony, Texas
Regional pastor Ted Johnston led the process in which Steve Solari succeeded Arnold Clauson (now deceased) as senior pastor in this congregation on the north side of the Dallas metroplex.
Ray Meyer’s experience
For a testimony from retired GCI pastor Ray Meyer concerning his succession process, watch this:
On YouTube at http://youtu.be/2z3q-dJt-YU.
Updates from Thailand and the Philippines
Here is a link to a report on a GCI retreat in Thailand that ended with several baptisms:
Here are links to reports on recent GCI festivals held in the Philippines:
GCI youth camps
Youth camps are a vital way that GCI participates with Jesus in advancing the Father’s mission to the world. Below are reports from some recent camps, beginning with a video in which GCI pastor Mike Swagerty appeals to other pastors to get involved in camp ministry.
On YouTube at http://youtu.be/kr7_BDXJ9f8.
YEP camp, Ghana
GCI Ghana conducted its first YEP (Youth Education Program) camp in August. Eight youths came from the community, bringing the total number of campers to 21. Activities included Bible study, Christian living, morning devotions, soccer, initiative training, music appreciation (see picture below left), computer appreciation, swimming, softball, hiking, camp services and kitchen services.
Camp Oasis, Tennessee (report from camp leader Carrie Smith)
This year the camp was changed to a day camp designed to connect with children residing in a nearby housing complex. The kids participated eagerly in the many activities, with most staying all day. We were blessed to partner with a local organization called The Learning Center and to have assistance from Wane Creager who has conducted a similar day camp for several years in Cincinnati. During the camp we shared the gospel a couple times with the kids. Each child went home with a water bottle, which had our church name, address and time of service and an invitation to join us for our potluck and service the next day. Though we didn’t see any of the kids or their families the next day, we have their contact information and will follow up as we continue developing a relationship with them. We plan to conduct similar camps in the future. We are excited to see where God leads! For pictures of the camp, go to https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.713317982085845&type=1.
SEP So Cal (report from camp directors Mark and Anne Stapleton)
This summer, we celebrated SEP So Cal’s 13th year of operation. God has done amazing things. We’ve seen campers come in as atheists and leave knowing that God loves them. We’ve seen young staffers pick up the mantle of leadership and soar. We’ve seen grandparents use their maturity, wisdom and life experience to encourage campers and staff. This year we had 162 campers, 90 staffers and 4 guests–it was a multi-generational and multi-ethnic group. 44% of the campers were first-timers with most receiving financial assistance.
Our “Hero” curriculum was provided by Generations Ministries. It was both fun and powerful—we used capes, masks, stories, analogies, movies and scriptures to talk about everyday heroes and to reveal the true Super Hero, Jesus Christ.
Once again we conducted a Knights & Daughters of the King purity session. This year it coincided with our 25th wedding anniversary, so we decided to renew our vows at the end of the session (see picture at right) as a vivid picture of the coming wedding banquet of Jesus with his bride, the church. At the end of the session, each participant received a hand-crafted ring to show God’s invitation and inclusion into a love relationship with himself.
This year was our fourth time to provide ministry equipping tracks for older campers. Participants spent two hours on each of five days learning new skills, discovering a lot about themselves, making friends with others who enjoy the same interests and meeting instructors who will become mentors. The ministry tracks included audio/visual tech, counselor training, dance ministry, discover your strengths, drama ministry, photography, public speaking and worship ministry.
The Rock, North Carolina (report from camp director Dennis Elliott)
God provided a spectacular new location for us this year. We had 77 campers, 9 mini campers and 43 staff. Our theme was Truth Is…. We discussed how God (who is Truth) defines truth (instead of it being defined by feelings or cultural norms). We talked about how Truth is the forever Incarnate Son of God, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We talked about how Truth is unchanging—despite changes around us, God’s love, passion and existence are unchanging. We then applied this understanding of Truth to everyday life, noting that the Truth remains when the lights go out. We then acted out difficult life-situations many kids experience then discussed how the Truth is still with us when life gets tough. And then we talked about how the Truth is worth sharing with others.
Camp activities included paintball, dodgeball, 9-square, blacksmithing, arts and crafts, and zip lines. We also had a dance, a hostage rescue night (campers rescuing counselors in the dark, dodging staffers with flashlights), a talent show, a banquet and the Night of the Spear (where male and female campers were given challenges related to the analogy of a spear). There was amazing willingness on the part of campers and staffers to share their joys, sufferings and struggles. The Holy Spirit worked powerfully to strengthen relationships and promote healing. Here is a short video showing this year’s The Rock camp:
On YouTube at http://youtu.be/F_VgaXUDEyI.
SEP Tahoe, Northern California (report from camp director Susan McKie)
Last August a team of members from several GCI congregations in Northern California started a brand-spanking-new youth camp at Lake Tahoe. It seems that God had been setting the stage for a while. He brought pastor Mel Dahlgren and me together at Converge West in 2013 to set his plan in motion. A team formed, and plans to find the perfect spot were laid out. After a lot of searching and praying, the idea of Lake Tahoe surfaced and everything seemed to fall into place. We found a breathtaking location on the shores of Lake Tahoe at an affordable cost. The accommodations at this 4-H camp were exactly what we needed. So I arranged for our newly formed team to visit for a weekend last October to check out the facilities and brainstorm. To my amazement, 28 people signed up to pay their own way, drive several hours and give up an entire weekend to help make this new SEP camp a reality. Truly a God-inspired commitment! Over the winter, the team met monthly to fine-tune plans. We then rolled out registration, utilizing new software (with help from Pam Morgan at GCI’s home office). We were ready to open our doors to campers and staff!
SEP Tahoe had the huge blessing of having Mark and Anne Stapleton as our first guest speakers. We chose GenMin’s Rooted curriculum for our first camp. It meshed perfectly with our SEP Tahoe theme: “How High, How Deep” (based on Ephesians 3:16-19), reflecting the great depth of Lake Tahoe and the great height of the surrounding mountains. The kids loved it.
In addition to the usual activities such as basketball and archery we had zany games, capture the flag, an obstacle course, Bunco, a carnival, canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and inner tubes and a speed boat to pull kids on tubes and skis. We also had line-dancing one night—many said it was their favorite activity.
The work God did during this first camp was amazing. A first-time camper told me she could feel the Spirit of God. What a privilege to have 50% of our staff experience camp for the first time! One told me that both of her first-time camper children were greatly impacted and she herself was different as a result. Here is a short video showing this year’s SEP Tahoe camp:
On YouTube at http://youtu.be/ddpJu9zEWq0.
Festival in Spain
150 GCI members, family and friends from 12 countries gathered recently in Majorca, Spain, for a worship festival with the theme, A Celebration of God’s Love and Grace in Jesus Christ. The messages were Christ-centered and practical. Members gave personal testimonies about what God is doing in their lives and churches. Festival activities included tours of Bellver Castle, Palma city’s historical quarters, an olive-wood craft factory and a pearls factory. The group also enjoyed a talent show where a good number of members performed followed by a family dance. Some hotel clients and personnel attended some of the services and the talent show. The bonds of love experienced by the group were enhanced by all staying in the same hotel.
Church planting summit
Last week, 24 church pastors, regional pastors and GCI ministry leaders (see picture below) gathered in Dallas, Texas, for a summit to discuss our continuing journey as a church planting movement. The summit, hosted by GCI Church Multiplication Ministries (CMM), helped clarify and advance a shared vision for church renewal and church planting.
Church planting consultant Tom Nebel (pictured at left), formerly the director of church planting for Converge Worldwide, addressed the summit, reminding the group that when we are on mission, we will always be engaged in mission-focused ministry. Tom provides coaching and consultation to CMM leaders.
During the summit, participants discussed how congregations, regional networks and CAD ministries (including CMM) can work together to help new GCI churches start and to help established GCI churches experience missional renewal. Also during the summit, long-time CMM leader Randy Bloom “passed the baton” as CMM national coordinator to GCI church planter Heber Ticas (see picture below). To learn more about Heber, click here.
In his new role, Heber will be responsible for coordinating the work CMM does in equipping church planters and helping GCI-USA churches and regional networks partner in an ongoing church planting movement. Randy, who will continue to be part of CMM’s leadership team, will be one of six regional pastors serving GCI pastors and congregations within the U.S.
