Category: Stay Connected

“I get excited to know that the loving God wants me to be part of his love mission.” — Peter Davor

Introducing Peter Davor, who is the Pastor in Akim-Oda, Ghana. Learn about his story and ministry by reading his profile here.

Black History Month is observed in February in the U.S. The observance matters to Christians because it provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions of African Americans to the faith. It is also an opportunity to lament and repent of the Church’s history with racism and injustice. By the observance, we demonstrate solidarity with the Black community, acknowledging their experiences and struggles within the context of Christian teachings. We do this all while highlighting the unifying power of God in the face of racial divisions.

See more information on GCI’s National Advisory Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – GCI Equipper.

The words of U.S. Director Jeff Broadnax in the June 2023 Update remain timely. Read an excerpt below and the entire letter here.

We continue seeking the Lord’s discernment for ways GCI can reflect the unity and diversity of the triune God in a fractured nation. In the U.S., the racial, religious, socio-political divisions have metastasized both in our citizens and within the Body of Christ to the point that even the terms diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) create inner conflict for many. Some in GCI have wondered if the denomination has become political or taken our eyes off Christ to embrace a secular agenda by using DEI language.

The answer to all those concerns is a resounding NO! The Council has only one agenda, his name is Jesus! But Scripture does charge believers to be awake and have the eyes of their hearts spiritually enlightened (Eph. 1:17-19).

God’s desire in Jesus’ reconciling work is to end the hostility of “us vs them” thinking and be committed to making this message known through the church (Eph. 2:15b-16, 3:10).

GCI is hiring!

Three full-time positions are now open at the Grace Communion International (GCI) Home Office in Charlotte, NC, U.S.

New! The Legal Coordinator and Assistant Secretary to Board of Directors position is currently available, and applications are being accepted. See the job description here.

The Media Coordinator position is currently available, and applications are being accepted. See the job description here.

The Assistant Operations Coordinator position is currently available, and applications are being accepted. See the job description here.

If you would like further details on either position or would like a GCI job application, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@gci.org or 980-495-3960.

Please share this announcement with qualified candidates who may be gifted for either position at the Home Office.

Join us in wishing a very Happy 100th Birthday to Burniece Chambers!

Mrs. Chambers birthday was Sunday, January 12, and she celebrated with her church family, GC Maumee, in Ohio, U.S. Everyone enjoyed cake while she shared her well-earned wisdom.

Mrs. Chambers began attending GCI in 1964 and was baptized five years later. She says she is very pleased to have stayed with one congregation for her lifetime. (GC Maumee was formerly known as the Toledo congregation.)

Burniece Chambers, “100 & Fabulous,” is pictured below with her pastor, Stuart Mahan.

Would you help us highlight our 2025 theme, Kingdom Culture?

Even though we live in the tension of the “already but not yet” — signifying that the kingdom is here now, but not in its fullness — we want to embrace the “nowness” of the kingdom. We want to demonstrate the goodness of Jesus as we bear fruit in every good work. We want to proclaim the goodness of Jesus as we point others toward Him in all opportunities.

Through Update, we want to stay connected as a global family and learn from one another. Would you be willing to help us? Send us your pictures and stories of how your congregation is collectively living as citizens of the kingdom! Email elizabeth.mullins@gci.org

Join us in congratulating these GCI graduates from the Southern hemisphere who graduated in December 2024.

Conner Kurzawa
Seaford, Victoria, Australia
Trafalgar High School
Principal’s Award

Molly Regazzoli
Logan, Queensland, Australia
Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School (LORDS)
Australian Defense Force Cadet (highest rank)

Miriama Marama Elliot
Suvi, Fiji
University of Fiji
Bachelor of Nursing Science
Honours

Dear Friends,

My recent CAT results are in, and the picture is far from rosy. The scan shows a clear advance of my illness, particularly in the liver and the lungs. My oncologist said he would tell his other patients, “It’s over.” He said in my case, he would not say so since until now, I’ve beaten all survival odds. I responded that it was not my own efforts that have been keeping me alive, but God.

Without delay, I began a new cycle of chemo treatment yesterday. The treatment has been adjusted to a “more aggressive” level. It is my 37th cycle.

I wish I could share better news with you, but we must recognize the situation as it is. Your prayers are an anchor of hope. Thanks for not giving up on me.

Together we are stronger!
Santiago Lange, Elder
Stuttgart, Germany

slange9762@aol.com

“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” — Martin Luther

Join us in a month of focused prayer for our neighbors, our church, and our mission. See the January prayer guide here or click the image below.

Would you like to receive this Prayer Guide straight to your email inbox before the first of the month? Sign up here.