Category: Stay Connected

This report is from GCI Canada national director Gary Moore.

I recently attended a meeting of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC), which focused on the state of Canada’s youth regarding Christian faith. EFC affiliates were invited to bring a younger leader (under 35) with them. I was happy to bring Fraser Henderson. Both of us felt that the assessment of the situation in Canada was sobering. However, we see hopeful signs. Those under 30 today have an openness to discussing the Christian faith—an openness more pronounced than that found in those over 30.

The EFC meeting also included a stimulating presentation from Peter Harris, who gave a balanced Christian perspective on creation care. Another presentation focused on ministry to people caught up in prostitution.

Later in the day we heard from Ed Stetzer. His keynote presentation, “Faith – Contrast America and Canada,” was most interesting. He pointed out that though the challenges are great, the openness in the younger generation includes an openness to hearing a presentation of the Christian faith – especially if it is given in the form of a personal story—here is what Jesus Christ has meant to me—rather than a series of doctrinal statements.

The next day there was a meeting for the leaders of EFC member denominations. Two leaders who are retiring gave heartfelt, thought-provoking observations concerning a lifetime in ministry. As one put it, “I want to end my life not only faithful, but still full of faith!”

I think we all agree that through Christ, we are drawn into the divine relationship between Father, Son and Spirit where we experience real life. Our Christian walk should be more than simply an endurance test, hanging in until the end (though there is, of course, some of that). The Christian life is meant to be a daily engagement in the rich life of the triune God.

95 people attended GCI’s annual conference in Colombia, South America.

This joyful time of celebration was held at a retreat center, a two hour drive from Bogota. Alvaro Palacio from the Toronto East, Canada, congregation was guest speaker. Alvaro presented eight lessons on the grace and love of God based on Steve McVey’s book Journey Into Intimacy.

New Life Fellowship, GCI’s congregation in Baltimore, Maryland, gathered recently to proclaim the gospel with their hands—packing gifts in shoe-box size containers for 100 orphaned, abandoned and disabled children living in Cameroon, Africa. According to senior pastor Timothy Brassell, “The love of the Triune God was flowing!” Here are some pictures:

This update is from Kalengule Kaoma, one of GCI’s national and missions directors serving in Africa.

I traveled earlier this month to Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo where our national leaders and members warmly received me. They send warm greetings to all.

I arrived on September 28 in Yaoundé, the capital city of Cameroon. Pastor Jean Mvondo and Andre met me at the airport. Refreshed by a good night’s rest, I attended an enthusiastic worship service the next morning after which all of us shared a delicious meal. On September 30, I visited the homes of our resident pastors where I fellowshipped with small groups of members. Later in the afternoon, we traveled to Peace Center in Balmayo for the fall convention.

During the convention I spoke first on the convention’s theme: “consecration and communion” of the saints. The second time I spoke about “God’s purpose for us.” Communion followed both of these sermons and was a highlight each day of the eight day convention with about 90 people attending. Another convention activity brought members together for an evangelism drive in the town of Balmayo. We hope a new church plant will result.

Later in the week, our two senior pastors in Kinshasa, Pastors Mvita and Mpinda met me at the Kinshasa airport and took me to a hotel in Kasa-Vubu, Kinshasa. A two-day church pastors’ and leaders’ training seminar began there on October 5. Pastor Jonas, who was translating for me from English to French and Lingala, was so thrilled with our seminar that he expressed interest in becoming a GCI member.

I will be conducting five more conferences in Africa this year. Please remember our African missions in your prayers. We appreciate your support.

This update is from GCI Canada national director Gary Moore.

It was a privilege and joy to attend recently the annual weekend worship celebration hosted by the Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada congregation. This year, about 60 of our members attended (see picture at right). They came from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

There was a happy buzz of fellowship before and after each service. A lovely chicken dinner was enjoyed on Saturday night, followed by a sing-a–long led by Jim Noseworthy (see picture below).

During the celebration, the Moncton congregation presented a gift to Eric and Edna Vautour to commemorate their 30th anniversary in ministry. The Vautours are wonderful servant leaders of our New Brunswick churches who have yielded themselves to Jesus Christ in a wonderful and fruitful way.

Life Club is a speech club that includes men and women of all ages. It is being used as an outreach and discipleship tool by GCI congregations in the UK. Here are reports on recent Life Club meetings.

London

A Life Club hosted by the London church met on June 9. The theme was the Diamond Jubilee. A Union Jack of flowers made by Pauline Daley was displayed on stage (see picture at right). The chairperson, Maxwell Victor, quoted from the Archbishop of Canterbury’s sermon in St Paul’s Cathedral on June 5 in which the Queen’s dedication was highlighted. Referring to 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Maxwell mentioned that we should “give thanks” for the Queen’s service over the last 60 years. The club’s four speakers focused on the Queen. At the end of the club, Maxwell proposed a toast to the Queen and Gordon Brown prayed the Jubilee Prayer. This was followed by children waving Union Jack flags (see picture below) while singing the National Anthem. Club director James Henderson said that “Life Club is a good preparation for whatever we do in life.”

Birmingham

A Life Club was hosted by the Birmingham church on March 31. Christine Jordan (pictured at right) won the best speaker cup. She spoke about Acts 20:35, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” David Gibbs who directed the club, noted that we need to develop deeper relationships with young people in our congregations to help them stay in the church.

Cambridge

A Life Club was hosted by the Cambridge church on May 5. Chairperson Sylvia Low,quoted Ecclesiastes 3:7, which says that there is “a time to keep silence and a time to speak.” Speakers included three members of the same family: Alan, Val and Corinne Quinn.

About 55 members and children from Lima and La Huaca, Peru gathered in Piura on September 28 through 31 for a GCI-sponsored seminar. Piura is a large Peruvian city about an hour’s flight from Lima, Peru’s capital city. During the seminar, GCI Mission Director Hector Barrero presented lessons focused on Steve McVey’s book Grace Walk Experience. His goal was to help members draw closer to Jesus and to join actively in what our Lord is doing to proclaim the gospel. Members expressed gratitude, noting that the seminar helped them gain a closer connection with GCI.

During the event, Juan Carlos Florian, a GCI leader from La Huaca, Cajamarca, was commissioned a ministry leader (deacon). Also, with parental consent, two children were baptized: 15 year-old Christian Nieves and 10 year-old Camila Gutierrez. Activities for children were provided, including their participation in a talent show.

 

More than 500 members and guests from GCI congregations in Ghana converged recently at the Kutunse grounds to celebrate their annual convention. Speakers included Casely Schandorf, Cleo and Catharine Sturdivant (from the U.S.), Theophilus Nii Okai, Augustine Adih, Francis Ablordeppey, Alfred Ablordeppey, Emmanuel Okai and Emmanuel Sogbo.

Activities included worship, drumming, dancing and a women’s tournament. Children from the church’s Kutunse Ambassador International School provided entertainment. A film was shown one evening and hymn singing was featured on another.

During the event, it was announced that an association of pastors’ wives has been started in support of the Kutunse Ambassador International School. The Sturdivants also delivered a donation to the school.

 

On September 11-16, 1,231 GCI members gathered in Baguio City to celebrate the 50th anniversary of GCI in the Philippines.

The celebration, titled Awesome God—Amazing Journey, included worship services, a variety show and a dance night. Special guests included John Halford, representing GCI headquarters, and Wong Mein Kong with his wife and daughter, representing GCI churches in Singapore and Malaysia. John brought with him special 50th anniversary greetings from GCI president Dr. Joseph Tkach. In one of his messages, Mr. Halford encouraged the group to participate in what God is doing through them—being what God wants them to be and doing what God wants them to do.

GCI Philippines national director Eugene Guzon encouraged the group to abound in God’s love (Philippians 1:9-11). For those wondering where GCI Philippines is headed, Eugene explained that “abounding in God’s love” will always be its direction.

Sonia Orozco, GCI’s pastor in Barranquilla, Colombia, recently led an outreach event in the neighborhood where her church meets. The event included food, singing, dancing, poetry and performances from the children—multiple ways to share God’s love for all people. Here are some pictures: