Category: Stay Connected

New Superintendent of Latin America Installed

Paulina Salinas, of Bogota, Colombia, has been commissioned as Superintendent of Latin America. Heber Ticas passed the baton to Paulina on October 5. (Heber was commissioned as the Vice President of GCI in June 2025.) Get to know Paulina here.

New Superintendent of Africa Installed

Takalani Musekwa, of Pretoria, South Africa, was commissioned as the Superintendent of Africa on December 7. Kalengule Kaoma passed the baton to Takalani upon his retirement. Watch their conversation here.

New National Director of Canada Installed

Gillian Houghton, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, was commissioned as the National Director of Canada on November 30. Bill Hall passed the baton to Gillian; he will retire on December 31.

Join us in congratulating Bill Hall on his retirement.

Thank you, Bill and Averil, for your many years of faithful service.

Let’s hear from Bill in his own words.

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Pastor Reflections

I still recall a conversation with the late New Testament scholar Gordon Fee, whom I have long considered a mentor. I returned to Regent College in Vancouver after my first year of pastoral ministry in Saskatchewan. When he asked how things were going now that I was a pastor, I replied, “Sometimes the Church (with a capital C) can be quite maddening — except for the people.” He smiled and said, “Yes. It is really about the people.”

The late Eugene Peterson captured this same truth when reflecting on his own transition from academia and church membership into pastoral ministry:

And then I ‘outed’ as a pastor. After those three years of apprenticeship as a pastor in White Plains, I found myself going to work every day in a church. I was not just a pastor. I was a pastor of a church, a congregation. Pastor was not an autonomous vocation. Pastor wasn’t a vocation negotiated privately between me and God. There was a third party—congregation. It turned out that what I had signed up for required spending a term in church boot camp to get a basic orientation in the conditions I would be dealing with as a pastor of a church. (The Pastor: A Memoir, p. 104)

That has been my story as well. In my 29 years of pastoral ministry, the people Jesus placed in front of me on Sunday mornings taught me far more about what it means to be a pastor than any book I ever read or any training I ever received. In many ways, I never fully graduated from church boot camp.

Along this journey, three lessons in particular have stayed with me:

1. 1. You need the ongoing support of your wife and family.
      My wife, Averil, helped me navigate pastoral life, especially when I struggled with certain expectations — hospital visits, conflict resolution, and the pressures that come with shepherding a congregation. And my children lived their lives as PKs (pastor’s kids), carrying their own share of the burden and grace of pastoral ministry.
   2. People look to you as the expert on life’s hardest moments.
      I will never forget the relief on the faces of two young constables when I entered the apartment of a member whose wife had just died at home. They didn’t know how to respond to the husband’s raw grief as he described how she died beside him while they were watching television. To them, the pastor, the “expert,” had arrived to take charge. Little did they know it was my first time walking into a sudden death.
   3. I learned that I stand before the cross of Jesus just like everyone else.
      Whether I liked it or not, the congregations I served inevitably reflected aspects of my own personality. That was a daily reminder of how much I needed to stay grounded in Christ. Without that grounding, I could easily lead Jesus’ people astray.

Now, as I enter retirement, I know I will miss this stage of my life. But I also know that one never retires from the vocation of being a disciple of Jesus. And I hold close the simple words of a member who, after my final “official” service, shook my hand and said, “Thanks for all you have done.”

 

Join us in celebrating Kalengule Kaoma’s retirement.

Congratulations, KK! We are very grateful for your many years of faithful service.

We wanted you to hear from Kalengula in his own words.

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Change of Pace: A Transition from Full-time Ministry

My walk with the Savior is like a marathon. The Master of the universe took me along and across the paths with the Roman Catholic Church, the Baptists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, Worldwide Church of God, and Grace Communion International. One thing stands out firmly for me on this journey: a deep desire for a personal, deep, and meaningful relationship with Jesus the Christ, Son of the Living God.

Faith journey in GCI

I made a public confession and acceptance of Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour in 1973. A Baptist Pastor solemnly but joyfully led me in the process. Through the Holy Spirit, the loving, compassionate Father who forgives, heals, and restores, continued his purposeful work in my life.

My faith journey with Grace Communion International started in 1980 through the Worldwide Church of God (WCG). In 1987, Ambassador College, a Liberal Arts College in Pasadena, California, enrolled me as a student and I graduated in May 1991.

Serving in pastoral ministry did not cross my mind when I was growing up. However, as my relationship with Jesus Christ grew and deepened, I understood the need to positively answer the call to service not only as an elder but also as a congregation pastor. While in Ambassador College, I began to hear the call to ministry more clearly.

A week after graduation, I took up a ministerial training role on a full-time basis in the Dallas East Congregation, Dallas, Texas. A year later, my supervisor recommended my ordination as an elder. From that time, I have served my Lord in various capacities as a minister of the gospel.

Pastoral ministry

Opportunities of serving the Lord and members have come in many forms. Each chance brought its own dimension of service. I have found that there is power in the work of the Holy Spirit. Seeing the transformation in people learning to walk with Jesus has been one of the joys in my pastoral role. The Word of God changes and enlivens lives (John 6:63). How can I fail to find meaning in the Word of God?

Serving members in their needs, whether the service is through prayer, communion, fellowship, worship, and praise, has been a source of inspiration. The Word of God brings clarity to many issues of life. I find joy when God patiently demonstrates his love by opening the understanding behind situations and circumstances in the lives of his people.

Hundreds upon hundreds of hours went into visiting and spending time with members. During those hours, we shared meals, laughter, tears, comfort, and stories of Christian living. Some moments exhausted me and my traveling teams. In extraordinary circumstances, I found meaning in knowing that humanity is crippled and weakened by sin. Together, we learned to grow closer in our relationships with Jesus Christ. Out of all these relationships, I saw my need for reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit and dependence upon my Lord for guidance, leadership, counsel, and wisdom.

What next?

As I transition from full-time pastoral and ministry engagements, I am looking forward to spending more time with my wife, grandchildren, and family. I plan to invest more time serving in my local congregation. The Ministry Training Center (MTC) is another area where part of my activities will be focused.

Living for God’s Kingdom — Now and Here

In October 2025, Grace Communion Bangladesh held its three-day Summer Educational Program in Khulna, welcoming 87 teen campers and 10 volunteer staff from Dhaka and surrounding areas. This camp was more than an event — it was an answered prayer and a cherished tradition where young people encountered the presence and guidance of the Lord in everyday life.

The theme, “Now … Here,” reminded everyone that God’s kingdom is not distant or delayed — it begins in the present, in the ordinary, and in the heart. Many of these youth came from Hindu backgrounds. And through worship, fellowship, and reflection, they discovered that life in the Spirit is deeply meaningful and transformative.

One of the most touching moments happened when campers chose to skip a meal and use that food to serve the poor in nearby communities. It was a simple act, yet it echoed the heartbeat of God’s kingdom — where love reigns, compassion flows, and generosity breaks barriers.

We also held our one-day children’s camp in October. We call it our Life Club Children’s camp, and it had the same theme. Seventy children attended.

We thank our partners, volunteers, and prayer warriors who made this camp possible. Your sacrifices planted seeds of faith and hope. As we continue connecting with these youth through small groups and house churches, we ask for your prayers that they may keep experiencing God’s kingdom now and here.

By Amiyo Bacher, Facilitator
Satkhira, Khulna, Bangladesh

Debra Kay Rummel, 73, passed from this life on August 13, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Debra was a woman of great dedication. She earned her master’s degree and built a meaningful career as a registered dietician, touching many lives through her work and care for others. Her specialty was diabetes education, and she helped many successfully manage their disease. Shortly after earning her undergraduate degree, on August 20, 1972, she married the love of her life, Jon Rummel, in Cherokee, Oklahoma. Together they shared nearly 53 wonderful years of marriage, filled with devotion, laughter, and countless cherished memories. From their union came four beloved children, with whom Debra created a lifetime of special moments. Family was the center of Debra’s world. She treasured every opportunity to gather with loved ones, especially at family reunions, and she delighted in watching her family grow.

She had a creative and nurturing spirit, often sewing clothes for her family. Debra co-founded and actively participated in the couple’s business, JCJM Property Company. A woman of steadfast faith, Debra was a member of WCG/GCI for over fifty years and after closure of the local congregation remained active in another Christian fellowship. She carried a deep love for God throughout her life. After an initial diagnosis of leukemia twelve years ago, she underwent various treatments, and by God’s provision, enjoyed more years that included seeing the birth of seven more grandchildren. During that time, she returned to work for a short stint, she appreciated vacations with dear friends, delighted in fellowship and meals with church members, and simply enjoyed day-to-day life at home.

Debra was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Larry Schanbacher. Those left to carry on her legacy include her devoted husband, Jon Rummel; her children, Janine Harding and husband, Greg, Chris Rummel and wife, Natalie, Jaclyn Rummel, and Mark Rummel and wife, Sara; 14 cherished grandchildren; brothers Floyd and Monty Schanbacher; and a host of extended family and dear friends who will forever hold her in their hearts. A celebration of life was held on Friday, August 22.

“I believe God has called me to create spaces of belonging, racial healing, and spiritual formation.”

Get to know Afrika Afeni Mills, Faith Avenue Champion and Assistant Pastor, in the Steele Creek, N.C., U.S. congregation.

Read the full profile here.

Cleveland, Ohio, US

The ministry leaders of Grace Communion Cleveland held their annual retreat October 17-19, 2025, in Madison, Ohio. Representatives from the Faith, Hope, and Love Avenues gathered to reflect, collaborate, and make plans for the 2026 upcoming year. The purpose of the retreat was to renew spiritual focus, strengthen relationships among ministry leaders, and align future goals with the church’s mission of sharing God’s love through all the Avenues.

By Renee Overton, Faith Avenue Champion
Cleveland, Ohio, US

Salem, Oregon, US

In August the Salem, Oregon, fellowship shared a backyard BBQ potluck picnic. Members, friends, extended family, and friends gathered for the event. Although it was one of the hottest days of the summer, everyone was comfortable in the shared company with cold beverages and good food.

The event coincided with the visit of a long-time member who has moved to Kentucky. Overall, there were about 40 people in attendance. Most everyone hung around and fellowshipped until dark. It is hoped that it will become an annual event in place of our summer picnic.

By Justin Murray, Pastor
Salem, Oregon, US

Stewardship isn’t about giving something up — it’s about joining in.

This month’s GCI Buzz explores what it means to respond to God’s generosity with open hands and open hearts — offering our time, gifts, and resources in love.

Click here or the image below to view the entire Buzz.

Check out the printer-friendly PDF.

“I’m happy to serve and participate in whatever ministry God is leading me into!”

Get to know Faith Avenue Champion Marivir Mayonte from GC Cebu, Philippines. Aside from leading worship, serving as the Faith Avenue champion has helped her grow significantly in confidence.

Read the full profile here.

Pastors, we are grateful for you. You faithfully serve as Christ’s under-shepherds, tending to your flocks with perseverance and love.