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Retreat in Spain

Pedro Rufian submitted the following report about a recent GCI retreat in Majorca, Spain.

Retreat choir
Retreat choir

GCI members, family and friends assembled for a fall retreat in Majorca, Spain. They came from Canada, France, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, the UK and the the United States. Our fellowship each night on the resort hotel terrace was great.We also enjoyed a talent show and family dance to which we invited other guests at the resort.

Ross Jutsum leads children's choir
Ross Jutsum and children’s choir

Our worship services featured wonderful music from adult and children’s choirs. Gospel-centered messages were given by Sheila Graham, Francis Bergin, Paul Jendrek, Ross Jutsum, Harry Sullivan and myself. Though Sheila had fallen when arriving at the airport, cutting her lip and breaking a tooth, by God’s grace and her courage, she was able to give her message. I heard recently that she is now fine.

Children's Bible lessons
Children’s Bible lessons

During the retreat, the 20 children attending enjoyed Bible lessons prepared by Maxwell Victor and his team. Another highlight was the baptism of two people early one morning in the waters of the Mediterranean. Also, Ross Jutsum and Adrian Sanso presented an evangelistic music concert for resort guests (pictured below). The 400 people who attended clearly enjoyed themselves. Some then attended our services on the days that followed.

Marjorca evangelitic concert

New Heights Camp

This update from camp director Dishon Mills reports on New Heights Camp.

Dishon Mills with camper
Dishon Mills with camper

This summer, God brought 73 campers and 66 staff together to reach new heights in Christ and in life at New Heights—a Generations Ministries sponsored summer Camp in Connecticut.

new heights Anthony
Pastor Anthony Rice with campers

Our camp theme this year was, “It’s Time!.” We wanted each camper to leave understanding that it’s time to live for Jesus. This theme was conveyed in chapel messages, skits, videos and stories. God blessed the teaching to have a powerful impact on campers and staff.

new heights campers
Campers

In addition to regular recreational activities, we provided two new camp elements: Tracks and Showtime. Tracks provided training in various practical ministry skills that can be used in local churches back home. In Showtime, each dorm prepared a skit, song, or dance that was performed for the whole camp.

new heights kitchen
Kitchen staff

This year, during our traditional last-night ceremony, we served Communion using multiple stations. Earlier, the campers had written on a piece of paper things they wanted to leave behind. At the first communion station they laid down that paper, then had their hands washed to signify God’s cleansing grace. They then moved to the next station where they received the bread and cup. Then they walked between two bonfires to the “great cloud of witnesses” (the staff) who then prayed for each camper. Through this powerful ceremony, the campers acknowledged the Lordship of Jesus Christ and committed to live for him with new determination. Though it was explained that participation was voluntary, nearly every camper took part.

Sybill and Dale Martin
Sybil and Dale Martin

On Saturday, just before camp ended, we made a special presentation to Dale and Sybil Martin, thanking them for over 30 years of faithful service to GCI camps. They are retiring from serving in camp ministry–this was their last time to lead New Heights’ beloved kitchen staff. Dale and Sybil will be greatly missed—they have taught us so much. We praise God for them.

Here is a video showing New Heights this past summer:

On YouTube at http://youtu.be/SnhcN8kYvFY.

Netherlands update

Pastor Frans in Zutphen at Burundi Services
Frans Danenberg

This update, from GCI-Netherlands national leader Frans Danenberg, reports on developments in some of GCI’s congregations in the Netherlands.

In September, we were blessed to have visit our worship service in the city of Almere a couple who had served as missionaries in North Africa. Currently they are living in the Netherlands, reaching out to the Muslim community in Almere. My wife met them—she gives them Dutch language lessons.

The same weekend we traveled to the city of Leeuwarden where our congregation, made up mostly of immigrants from the Congo, held a combined service with a Dutch Reformed Church there. Our congregation’s choir sang in both Dutch and Swahili. The Reformed church pastor prayed for our congregation. It was encouraging to experience the favor that our Congolese members are receiving.

Leeuwarden Service1
Service in Leeuwarden

Later that day, accompanied by members of our Leeuwarden congregation, we traveled to the town of Zuthpen to participate in a church service with an independent African congregation composed mainly of immigrants from Burundi. The leader (now pastor) of our Leeuwarden congregation, Matendo Makoti, knows the Burundian congregation. They have expressed interest in joining GCI. As is the African custom, the worship service lasted a long time (about three hours). About 50 people attended what was quite a lively service with drums, energetic music and excited and happy young boys and girls running around. It was quite a weekend—we experienced music in Dutch and Spanish, then Dutch and Swahili, and finally Dutch and Kirundi! It was wonderful to see (and hear) what God is doing in all three locations!

Burundese congregation at Zuthpen
Service in Zuthpen

More recently, Santiago Lange and I had the pleasure of ordaining Matendo Makoti as an elder serving as pastor of the Leeuwarden congregation (see picture below). We also commissioned Bisimana Rukoka as a ministry leader. At this special service we had 81 in attendance, including several African church pastors (pictured below) representing other congregations in the Netherlands. It was a truly festive celebration.

Matendo Frans Santiago
Left to right: Frans, Matendo and Santiago
African Pastors
Frans (left) and Santiago (rear) with the African pastors

Please pray for GCI in the Netherlands. Pray that we remain open to God’s lead, willing to step out in faith to follow.

Conventions in Africa

Kalengule Kaoma, one of GCI’s church directors and mission developers in Africa, provided these updates concerning annual church conventions held recently in western and southern Africa.

Ghana

Ghana conventionThe annual church convention in Ghana, attended by about 600 people, was held simultaneously in the cities of Kutunse and Hohoe. A major focus of the gathering was the 39th anniversary of the church in Ghana. Convention activities included the inauguration of a Young Ladies Club, which provides a forum for young female members as well as non-members to meet, fellowship, pray and study. It is hoped that this club will spread throughout the churches in Ghana. Also, seven ministry leaders were commissioned, a little child was blessed, a fundraiser was held and meals were provided to all participants on Family Day.

Nigeria

Nigeria conventionThe annual church convention in Nigeria, attended by about 270 people, was held in the ancient city of Benin. Members attended from all over Nigeria. Dressed in brightly colored clothing, they sang and danced with great joy and happiness. The convention theme, “No Disappointment in Christ,” was based on 1 Peter 2:6. Messages encouraged members to put their trust and confidence in Jesus Christ alone. Convention highlights included a baby dedication, baptism of eight youths and 36 adults, a “singles/youth mingle,” honoring of senior members, a talent show and the ordination of a deacon.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe conventionThe annual church convention in Zimbabwe was held at the GCI church building in Chitungwiza, 30 kilometers south of Harare. Thanks to the local members, the small meeting hall there was converted to accommodate the 200 people who attended the convention with the theme, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

On one day, the youth provided the music and messages and led other activities. During the convention, the Annual General Meeting of the church in Zimbabwe was conducted. A new church constitution was adopted by 100 delegates. On the last day of the convention used clothing, gathered by participating churches, was given to less fortunate members.

Philippine festival

BaguioGCI Philippines held its annual festival in Baguio City on September 12-15. The theme was “Forward Together in God’s Mission.”

The festival was a grand reunion as more than 1,000 GCI members, family and friends gathered from various parts of the country. Speakers included Eugene Guzon (Philippine national director), Rex Dela Pena, Gil Llaneza (festival coordinator) and Rey Taniajura.

Festival activities included worship services, a seniors luncheon, a youth and singles outreach activity, a dance night, a “blind date” for couples and an evening with the multiple church bands. A special highlight was the ordination (pictured below) of Jina Raduban as an elder. Jina pastors the GCI Philippine’s Santa Rosa church.

jinaraduban

GenMin update

heartland2Anthony Mullins, who directs GCI Generations Ministries (GenMin), recently reported on progress in 2013:

  • 1,144 campers and 750 staffers participated in a GenMin camp (these numbers do not include CrossWalk and Souled Out, which are yet to be held this year).
  • 38 missionaries on GenMin sponsored mission trips served 460 indigenous children and 307 indigenous adults.
  • Three camp coaches were appointed to provide skills coaching and mentoring to GenMin camp directors. Mark and Anne Stapleton are coaches in the West and Jeff Broadnax is coach in the East.
  • Lee Berger was appointed coach of GenMin’s mission directors and mission resource team.
  • GenMin moved from one annual camp/mission leadership conference to two, now named Converge: one in California and one in Ohio. As a result, there was an 80% increase in attendance and a greater sense of community and passion for Christ’s mission.
  • 85 young emerging leaders participated in five Journey with the Master retreats to help them understand who Jesus is and to participate actively in Jesus’ ongoing ministry.
  • GenMin launched two “Dream Teams” (one in the East and one in the West), each with five young adult leaders. Their charge is to help imagine GCI’s future with dialogue surrounding key questions:
    • How can local churches experience the relational closeness and inspiration that camps are known for?
    • To what is God calling your generation?
    • How can GCI better meet the needs of your generation?
    • Why do you think many college students leave the church and how can we better prepare them to be involved in the body of Christ?

Heartland SEP

One of the GenMin camps this past summer was Heartland SEP in central Illinois. Camp director Todd Woods reported that 83 staffers served 75 regular campers and 15 junior campers. Of particular note is that many of the camp’s older staffers caught GenMin’s vision for preparing the next generation of servant-leaders. There were three new chapel message preachers and campers and staffers were helped to grow in ministry ability through classes in worship, drama and missions. Other camp activities included sports, paintball, pottery, archery and cake decorating. Three baptisms capped off a wonderful week of fun, fellowship and disciple-making.

heartland3

heartland7

St. John’s church 40th anniversary

GCI’s St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada congregation recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with 40 members in attendance (see top picture, below). Angela White, who is one of the original members, is shown in the bottom picture along with John Adams and Angela’s grandchildren. John, who is a retired GCI pastor, formerly pastored the St. John’s church, attended with his wife Edna. Also attending where Neil Earle, who pastors the Glendora, California church and his wife Susan, who serves as the registrar for Grace Communion Seminary. It was a rich celebration, with a sermon from John and an update from Neil. Former pastor David Sheridan sent a message of congratulations.

St John's 1

St John's 2

Connecting and Bonding Conference

The 16th annual Connecting and Bonding Conference was held recently in Ontario, California. Ministers’ wives from across the U.S. and Canada attended. The theme was Resting in Jesus’ Presence, based on Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

CB2

CB3Jannice May (pictured at right, above, honoring the wives of retired pastors), coordinated the conference, which provided periods of rest along with the meeting of “friendship teams” that focused on enjoying the presence of the Lord.

Guest speakers at the conference were Lucinda McDowell (pictured at left—her presentation was titled: “Renewed, Restored, Revived”), Kathleen Hart (“Intentional Living with God” and “Jesus and the Holy Spirit”) and Naomi Beard (“Stop, Rest, Catch Your Breath”).

Sylvia Fried (a professional worship leader) led uplifting times of conference worship. Another highlight was the second annual concert put on by the ministers’ wives emceed by Sharie Meyer.