Category: Stay Connected

This update is from Lee Berger, Crossing Borders director.

Crossing Borders, one of Generations Ministries’ short-term mission groups, recently completed its seventh winter mission trip to Mexico. It was a transforming time for the 16 people who spent two days sharing God’s love with his dear children of all ages in Mexico.

We delivered 450 shoeboxes filled with supplies and toys, and some additional supplies for the youth who live in various children’s homes and poor neighborhoods. We also had a great time singing, sharing in worship, speaking about the gospel, playing games, and hugging, loving and praying with the kids and adults.

A few weeks before the trip, we phoned the director of a children’s home whom we had met last summer. We asked if we could visit again. She told us that because the children had had no visitors since our last visit and no prospects for a Christmas event, they had been praying for Christmas visitors! We spent several joyous hours with these dear children sharing presents, games, food and God’s love.

One of our Mexican ministry partners is Pedro Castillo and his wife, Lourdes. Pastor Pedro had a kidney transplant three years ago. Then his wife contracted breast cancer. We were excited to be with them at both locations where Pedro’s churches meet. It was also thrilling to reconnect with the family for whom we constructed a new home last summer. There were tears all around as we shared precious memories.

Two summers ago we were visiting at the home of a ministry partner, Raymundo Rendon and his wife, Lisa. Ray got a call from a high-up city/regional official facing a serious health trial. He wanted Ray to pray for him. He came to the house and brought a younger man (Ricardo) with him—a man who was not a Christian believer and was hoping to be hired by the man’s government agency. Our Crossing Borders group prayed for the official—and also about Ricardo’s job search and for his conversion to know Jesus as Lord. The official recovered from his illness and later introduced us to the mayor of the city. As the story continues, on this recent trip our group sought help from a government agency, and who should show up to help but Ricardo! He remembered us. He had gotten the job he had desired and was helpful to us on this trip. He is still considering the truth about Jesus. And so the mission continues.

This update is from Gary Moore, GCI national director in Canada. Gary and his wife Wendy also assist GCI in South Africa.

Wendy and I recently visited South Africa where we served at the South African national youth camp near Johannesburg. There were 205 people at the camp, including about 160 youth. GCI Canada provided scholarships for about 40 of the campers (pictured at right) from GCI congregations in Moruleng (the “tent church”) and Zeerust (an area on the verge of birthing a new congregation). These areas are depressed economically, so the scholarships were a huge blessing.

The camp utilized a teaching curriculum that was developed by GCI Generations Ministries. It gave the campers a great Christ-centered focus. I had the opportunity to teach 14 sessions (two separate presentations each given seven times), and to present a communion service to the boys (Wendy did the same for the girls and helped out with softball). It was great seeing the receptivity, as many engaged well with the material. I felt I had been given the chance to both help build up new believers, and to evangelize those considering a commitment to Christ.

Tim Maguire is doing a fine job leading GCI in South Africa. He is incredibly gifted to do mission work in areas where most of us would be unwise to even attempt to visit. He has a passion for Christ and a great heart to share the gospel wherever the door may be opened.

There are, of course, always challenges (which we all face), but the churches in South Africa seem positive, have effective leaders, and are growing. There is a positive spirit there toward GCI, with a growing enthusiasm toward our Trinitarian, incarnational theology.

We are pleased to provide support to GCI South Africa from Canada, as does GCI in the United States. That funding helps with the mission work that Tim is doing as he travels to places like Mozambique and Namibia; and it helps fund the South African youth camp.

This update is from Rod Matthews who is GCI missions director in Southern Asia and the Pacific.

GCI is blessed with some marvelously remote congregations, including the one in the village of Qiloe (pronounced ‘gee-low’) located on the island of Ranongga in the Pacific nation of Solomon Islands. Most of Qiloe’s residents belong to our GCI congregation—it is traditional in Ranongga that all villagers belong to one denomination.

Recently, my wife Ruth and I visited Qiloe for their annual family festival. It was quite a trip, with a 3½ hour flight followed by a couple of boat rides (with beautiful views like that shown at left). We were accompanied by Henry and Elisabeth Kuper. Henry is our national coordinating pastor for the Solomon’s. He retired from the Solomon’s National Police Force some years ago, and served for a time as aide-de-camp to the Governor General.

During the four-day festival, we had the privilege of ordaining a second elder for the Qiloe congregation, Allowin Ketohebala. He is a fine younger man who has demonstrated his integrity and service to the people of Qiloe. He is also an excellent help with the large number of youth in the church.

I had gone to Ranongga anticipating one baptism but found on arriving that there were three other young people waiting for baptism too. We had to walk about 20 minutes through thick tropical vegetation to reach a clear stream coming out of the hills that had a pool deep enough for the baptisms. On arrival I discovered that some ladies had preceded us and built a small wall of stones across the stream to deepen the pool. It was an inspiring natural location to witness their public acceptance of Christ as Savior and Lord and to celebrate their part in the Body of Christ.

On our final evening, we had a traditional “Island Night” of songs and dancing with a banquet of local dishes and fresh fish. The children sang and groups danced with humor and skill, including the “gecko dance,” which imitates the little insect-eating lizard that lives in every home.

When we left, virtually the entire church bid us farewell at the shore. We left a growing church, a new elder and over 70 members led by Pastor Derek Jiru and his wife Pinque. They touched our hearts forever.

We are thankful for all our members in the Solomon Islands. They are a wonderful example of dedication and faithfulness. We’re also thankful for Doug and Marg Lewis from Melbourne, Australia who for over a decade made an annual trip to the Solomons as our national pastoral coordinator—lovingly guiding our members through our theological transformation. Doug still helps in keeping our members in the Solomons connected to our international fellowship.

This update is from GCI Australia pastor Bob Regazolli.

There was much excitement here at the GCI church in Brisbane, Australia. State of the Heart music minister Ross Jutsum led our Christmas service (Ross and his wife Tammy were in Australia to visit Ross’s family).

Ross provided a mixture of Christmas carols, a few songs of his own compositions, selected readings, a children’s section and a song in Swahili from members of our Congolese congregation. Ross’s daughter Lisa then spoke with us about her experiences as a missionary in the Congo. She also sang a song for us.

We had the highest attendance for a service here in about a decade – 154 people. I have never heard such positive comments from so many following one of our worship services. It was truly inspiring and wonderful to see so many joining in praises for our Savior and King.

This update is from Pastor Mary Bacheller concerning Hands for Christ Community Church–a GCI church plant in Staten Island, New York.

These are exciting times! With our first Sunday Christmas Service and Christmas Eve service behind us, we are at peace and happy.

It was so meaningful for those who attended, as they participated for the first time in Christmas worship services conducted entirely in American Sign Language (ASL). We had 24 adults and six children in attendance for the Sunday service. Deaf members actively participated. The kids signed the song “Happy Birthday, Jesus” and made gifts, drawings and notes to present to Jesus.

We also had a candlelight Christmas service combined with The Church That Never Closes–the congregation we share our building with. The sanctuary was decorated as a stable, and the service included an enactment of the journey to Bethlehem. Half of the actors were from our church and half from the other. Pastors Aldolf Pagliarulo and Mary Bacheller served communion.

Hands for Christ Community Church is now in its fourth month and thriving. We have 41 registered members and eight children. Sometimes it’s a little frustrating because they don’t all come at the same time. However, I have learned to let God worry about the numbers and I just worry about sharing the gospel, and the love and friendship of Christ with those who come each week.

We have a regular Wednesday night Bible study. Attendance averages about 14 people. We enjoy the fellowship and the wonderful growth in understanding experienced by all.

When people leave our services, it is common to hear them refer to the peace that they have experienced through the Spirit’s touch, and to express their desire to return for more. God is truly in charge!

This update is from John Biswas, GCI missionary who leads the Bengali Evangelistic Association.

Because of the culture and poverty, mission trips to Bangladesh are never routine. No matter how much one may plan, the unexpected happens. However, this time, by God’s grace, things went quite well. For that I am thankful.

On the way to Bangladesh, I stopped in Singapore to renew contact with some Christians who support our work in Bangladesh. In Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, I met with some of our gospel workers and with Christian leaders from other fellowships who have been helpful to us over the past few years. I had also arranged to meet a representative of the Bible League International who wanted to visit our mission center and to see our projects. He accompanied me on my journey to some of our village churches. He was impressed by the fact that so many villagers would like to have Bibles, which we are able give them as funds allow.

I thank God and am grateful to the many churches that make mission trips like this one possible.

On this trip I tried to visit as many of our churches as possible. The photographs show some of our activities. The photo at right shows us unloading Bibles after crossing one of the many rivers on our way to the village of Bagdha where we have one of our largest churches. I take Bibles to as many churches as I can, for there is always a need. Because there are no roads in many of these places, we transport the Bibles using rickshaws and boats.

The photo at left shows some of the young men who help us in many ways. They are part of our extended fellowship.

The photo below is of our church service in Anondopur. I am standing, and onstage with me are village elders. We try to make these gatherings festive, so here we rented a colorful tent. Doing so attracts many new people to our fellowship. They feel included.

In the photo at left, Monju, one of our key gospel workers, hands a Bible to a new person who requested one.

Because many walk several miles to get to our meetings, we usually provide a small fellowship meal following the service, as shown in the photo below. The meal gives our members opportunity to serve the visitors.

 

This update excerpts reports from GCI Philippines media and communications coordinator Len Joson.

GCI Philippines recently hosted four conferences to help pastors and other leaders understand better the Trinitarian theology now embraced by GCI. The main conference presenters were GCI-USA ministry developers Dr. Dan Rogers and Ted Johnston. Here are brief reports from each location.

Cebu City

About 150 pastors, pastoral team leaders, youth leaders and members from area GCI churches in Visayas and Mindanao gathered in Cebu City on November 30-December 2. The main conference presenter was GCI-USA ministry developer, Ted Johnston, who led discussions concerning the basic concepts of Trinitarian, Christ-centered theology. Philippine National Director Eugene Guzon and Pastor Rex Dela Pena hosted Ted and assisted in presentations.

Ted used various illustrations in his presentations, including one explaining the “upper story” (objective) and “lower story” (subjective) aspects of our humanity in Jesus who is our representative and substitute. He also explained how salvation, which is fundamentally relational, has many aspects–like the facets of a beautiful diamond. These facets need to be viewed together. Such illustrations helped clarify some of the more challenging aspects of Trinitarian theology.

Many who attended expressed gratitude that Ted had answered their questions. Pastor Joven Jaralve of Zamboanga wrote: “Thank you so much for the Cebu conference…. I was so blessed and liberated from bondage of doubts and uncertainties.” The Visayas and Mindanao leaders went home inspired, much encouraged and equipped with a better understanding of our Trinitarian, Christ-centered theology.

Metro Manila

On the evenings of December 4 and 5, Pastor Ted met at GCI’s Crossway church in Metro Manila with about 30 GCI pastors, other key leaders and visitors. The audience was enthusiastic, with many questions asked. Pastor Ted obliged and did not mind going overtime. His presentations were inspiring to many. Romy Abrena wrote: “I’m so glad to meet Ted personally and happy to hear his overview of our theology…. I just wanted to immerse myself listening.”

Baguio City

On December 7-9, GCI-USA CAD director Dr. Dan Rogers met with about 120 pastors, pastoral team leaders and youth leaders from GCI churches in Metro Manila and Central and Northern Luzon. The conference was held at Asia Pacific Theological Seminary (APTS) in Baguio City. Dan and his wife Barbara visited there several years ago for a GCI Philippines festival.

Dan explained the historical background and theological journey of WCG/GCI, going back to its roots before Herbert Armstrong founded the Radio Church of God. He then explained the basic concepts of GCI’s Trinitarian theology. The conference ended with communion. Conference organizers were Pastors Audie Santibanez and Rex Dela Pena along with Philippine National Director Eugene Guzon and his national office staff.

Here are comments from four of the Baguio City participants:

I had been reading and studying articles on Trinitarian theology but somehow questions and concepts remained unanswered and blurred. This conference with Dr. Dan Rogers offered a general framework by which I can now understand. He outlined a general consensus on how theological concepts are formed through history and gave a clear perspective on how to understand biblical verses based on the main objectives of Jesus’ plan for mankind. There is much to study, but the main direction is clear. I’ve learned much and I’d like to thank the denomination for such action to help us all. I indeed hope this will lead to church growth as well as individual growth.

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This conference is so valuable to me personally and to the local church because it will help us leaders cascade more clearly the understanding about GCI Trinitarian, incarnational theology. Many thanks to Dr. Dan Rogers and to GCI Philippines leadership for sponsoring the conference.

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At first I was really hurt by what Pastor Dan Rogers said about Mr. [Herbert] Armstrong…. But God later on made me realize through what he was saying that the pain of experiencing these “changes” had been experienced by him earlier…. I thank God for making me realize (or reminding me?) that his love is the most important thing. I also thank Pastor Rogers for everything, especially using the “scaffolding” analogy. It was really helpful to me. One last thing I want to thank him for is sharing his story about the smelly person that sat beside him on the train. Before we were an exclusivist group, but now we realize that everyone is a child of God. It’s up to us to let them know about it! God really is good all the time!

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I am thankful to be part of this conference for many reasons. I realize God has always been faithful in loving and guiding our fellowship to the truth in Jesus that we can trust him about everything including our future. Many thanks to the GCI leadership (US and the Philippines) for this conference.

Pili

Pastor Ted Johnston was also the lead presenter at the conference held on December 7-9 at Central Bicol State University in Pili, Camarines Sur (near Naga City) in the Bicol Region. About 100 GCI Philippines senior pastors, wives and pastoral team leaders from the Southern Luzon area participated. In addition, several GCI church leaders and members came from Metro Manila and San Carlos City, Pangasinan. Pastor Ted gave essentially the same presentation in Pili that he had given earlier in Cebu City.

One of the highlights of the Pili conference was the ordination to elder of Jonathan Oscar Jimenez, son of Oscar Jimenez who is senior pastor of the GCI church in Donsol, Sorsogon.

Many conference participants noted that Pastor Ted made clear the theology that GCI now teaches. They appreciated his illustrations, particularly those concerning the “upper” and “lower” story aspects of reality in Christ and the importance of understanding that the “imperatives” (commands) of Scripture always follow (in priority) the “indicatives” (issues of our identity in Christ). Participants went home with enthusiastic resolve to share the insights they had gained.

Following the conference, host pastors Drs. Rey Taniajura and Jose Manzano, area superintendent and assistant area superintendent respectively, took Pastor Ted to visit GCI’s church in Iriga City. Members in this church, which began as an outreach, are part of the indigenous Oyango tribe. Local pastor Domingo Trilles and Reuel Pamor, who pastors the conference’s host church, also accompanied Pastor Ted on the visit.

Significant things often start with a conversation between friends. Such was the case when five young women – Jesanya Scale of Jamaica, Natalie and Tabitha Wendt of Tennessee, and Michelle and Annie Fleming of Orlando discussed their passion for mission while meeting last spring at the Generations Ministries Camps and Mission Events Leadership Summit held near Dallas, Texas.

The outgrowth of the conversation was a mission trip held last July to support the annual Vacation Bible School (VBS) held in Jamaica (for a previous GCI Weekly Update report on this trip, click here).

Because of the success of the Jamaican mission trip, the girls are now planning follow-up trips in 2013 and 2014. In addition to again supporting the Jamaican VBS, they will be conducting a one-day family enrichment seminar in 2013 and a one-day health clinic in 2014.

The girls, along with the Jamaicans, are grateful to GCI’s Orlando church, pastored by Steve Schantz, for their financial and prayer support of this mission work. Over the past year, the congregation has kept a J.A.M. (Jamaica Ambassadors Mission) jar on a table at services to collect donations. In preparing to help fund the 2013 trip, the congregation hosted a fund raising concert on December 2 (pictured below) where over $900 was raised.

The following update is from Rod Matthews, GCI mission director in Southern Asia & South Pacific.

The atmosphere of oppression is lifting in Myanmar (Burma). There’s a sense of new energy around Yangon. But visitors are constantly reminded of the economic time-warp the country has been in for decades. For example, in 1970 the government changed from driving on the left to the right side of the road. But most vehicles are old and still have the steering wheel on the right (wrong) side even though everyone drives on the right. The old buses (and most are) have the doors on the traffic side instead of the curb side. Few have been able to afford a new vehicle for decades. Most of the new vehicles still are right-hand drive having been imported from countries that drive on the left such as Thailand or Japan.

The Shwedagon pagoda complex towers over the low-rise buildings in Yangon, its gold-leaf-lined domes reflecting the sun in all directions. The contrast with the rest of the city is immense. However, the opening up of the country is gathering speed after a change of government in 2010. In this largely Buddhist country with 56 million people and more than 100 ethnic groups, less than 5% are Christian. Most of those come not from the Burmese but the ethnic Chin and Karen peoples.

GCI’s fellowship in Myanmar has long had two congregations, one in the southern Irrawaddy delta area and another in the far northwest of the country in Chin State – an area that has been out of bounds to foreigners and is quite remote. Both were established through contact arising from the Plain Truth magazine decades ago. Last year I reported on a trip I made to our southern congregation of about 35 people with Malaysian regional pastor, Wong Mein Kong. They meet in a home in a small village surrounded by rice paddies.

At that time we also met with two leaders from small ministries in Yangon, and since then we have been receiving increasing numbers of emails from other ministry leaders, mainly in Yangon, who have seen our website and desire further contact with GCI. In fact, so many that we decided to conduct a seminar in Yangon to which we invited them all, to explain more about GCI – what we could offer and what we couldn’t, our philosophy of ministry and theological foundation – and also help them get to know one another.

On Saturday, October 13, over 40 people gathered in a building housing a small seminary run by Pastor Hung Ling, who offered us his facility. Many were his students but about ten ministry leaders attended, most of whom we had never met in person before.

Mein Kong and I explained more about our fellowship, its scattered nature but international perspective, its blessings which we strive to share with as many as possible mainly through our website, and in honesty, what God has not enabled us to offer such as regular financial support. We outlined our approach to mission and our Trinitarian theological foundations. We provided lunch for everyone through Pastor Hung Ling’s staff. An enthusiastic Q&A session in the afternoon ended a profitable day.

From this meeting we were invited to preach at services the following morning in Pastor Joseph Lal’s small congregation which included about 15 orphans he cares for with his two sisters.

In the afternoon we visited and taught at the Youth Education Centre (YEC) run by the parents of Nyein Thu, a fine young man who attended the seminar and has been a big help to Wong Mein Kong in making pre-trip arrangements in Yangon in past years.

YEC is both a home for needy young people and a boarding house so rural students can attend schools in Yangon. Nyein Thu is desirous of continuing his education so he can serve as a Christian counselor in a country in great need of such expertise.

Communication with several of these pastors continues and interest has been expressed in another seminar during a future visit to Yangon.

In Myanmar, our Discipleship 101 course has been translated into Burmese and several hundred copies already distributed. The translation is currently being revised and we hope to print hundreds more copies early next year. One young man whom we met in Yangon was so excited by our literature that he translated the booklet What Is Salvation? into the Falam Chin language and is waiting for funds so it can be printed. We also were delighted to discover that the booklet “The God Revealed in Jesus Christ” has been translated into Burmese by a lady working at YEC and after further translation verification will soon be ready for printing.

Since the use of electronic communications is quite limited in rural Myanmar, and there are frequent power outages even in Yangon, there is a big demand for printed literature which can be read with the light of a candle or kerosene lamp.

I have no doubt that as Myanmar continues coming out of its isolation, it will present some excellent opportunities in the years ahead for the spread of the gospel message and for GCI to share our blessings and establish partnerships with enthusiastic ministries who desire to be connected with the broader Body of Christ.

We thank God for inviting us to have a part in the ministry of Jesus Christ in Myanmar.

This update is from Angie and Saddie Tabin, the Filipino couple who are in the process of planting a church in Los Angeles, California. It is excerpted from their newsletter–to read it, click here.

We thank our Lord for the work he is doing in our church planting efforts here in Los Angeles. We praise our great God for all the people he is raising to support us with their prayers and resources.

As you can imagine, the journey that God has laid before us is full of joys and challenges. I do admit that sometimes it feels like we are riding a roller coaster with all the ups and downs. In all these, we find comfort and strength in our Lord Jesus. Here are examples of how God blessed us recently.

In response to last month’s newsletter (we send one out monthly), a friend sent us a cell phone and said he’d pay for our phone service for two years. He said he felt that it is his contribution to God’s work.

The newsletter also mentioned the need for our car to be fixed to solve smog problems so we can renew our registration. Once NewLife Fellowship (pastored by Bermie Dizon) heard of this need, they decided to pay for the repairs. So, we now have a newly registered car. By the way, the car was donated to us by Pastor Romy Degolacion of Christian Fellowship Church International. Other blessings came in the form of brochures and business cards through GCI pastor Glen Weber and Heber Ticas’ help.

In August we met Eloisa with her sister and aunt. Since then I regularly phone her to ask how they are doing. In October, as her aunt and I were talking over the phone, her niece asked me if I could start another small group in their apartment. Another answered prayer! This new group has seven adults, one teen and two children. We have decided to gather every Tuesday evening in their apartment. We only recently met, yet already we feel like one big family. Love is in the air! Their kids, Mateo and Luke are fun. We get to play with them too. For two consecutive meetings now, their dad gives us $10 per meeting for gasoline. Another exciting part, we can eat Filipino food for Auntie Precy is a good cook!

In October we had a Christian version of Halloween trick or treat. We invited two families and two members of our church for a dinner and a social gathering at our home, just to get acquainted.

We have come to know a lot of seniors in the Glassell Park area of Los Angeles. In August we attended one of their gatherings for the first time. Then in November, we received a card inviting us for a surprise birthday party for one mother who will be celebrating her 70th birthday. We connect with Filipinos though these types of events. Another is through distributing free bagels.

In answer to our prayers, God is sending to us people who are hurting, lonely and who don’t know the solution to their problems. Our prayer is that God will send us a team to help us work with what Jesus is doing in this church planting effort. Please join us in praying for the formation of our core team—gathering people who have the passion and time to commit themselves to this kingdom work. We plan to invite 30-40 people to share in our mission and vision of church planting here in Los Angeles. Please pray for the success of this team-building plan.