Category: Stay Connected

Each year during Black History Month, GCI Ladson features “A Moment in Black History.” Each Sunday during the month of February, we pause for a moment to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans and to understanding where we have been and where we want to be in the future. We try to be aligned with the national Black History theme which this year was Black Health and Wellness. Therefore, we highlighted the contributions Black doctors made to the health of Black people and how they advocated for the health care of Black people. In an effort to bring the accomplishments and contributions of Black health care professionals forward, we started with the disparity of diseases and health of people of color in America. Many Black healthcare professionals concentrated their efforts on the lack of quality and accessibility of health care for Black people.

Wanda Jones introduced us to Dr. Daniel Williams, a general surgeon who performed the first open heart surgery. Because many hospitals did not allow Black doctors to practice, he established the Provident Hospital and Training School for Nurses.

Also highlighted was Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller the first African American psychiatrist and researcher of Alzheimer. Fuller performed autopsies on Alzheimer patients and discovered that their brain had undergone physical changes, proving that Alzheimer is a true disease and not insanity. This presentation was enlightening given that many people in our congregation know someone or have a family member with Alzheimer.

Dr. Patricia Bath, an inventor and ophthalmologist, invented an improved device for laser cataract surgery. Dr. Bath took note of the high number of Black people suffering from blindness and other eye disease. Through her research and observations, she was moved to establish humanitarian efforts to help restore eye sight and provide eye care for many people.

Our concentration on Black Health and Wellness encouraged us to take care of our physical bodies which are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

By Mary Robinson
Love Avenue Champion, GC Ladson, SC

Dr. Walter Kim, President of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), visited our Home Office in Charlotte on February 10^th. Susan and I have known Walter and his wife, Toni, for the past few years and have grown to respect him as a profound Christian thinker. We also have enjoyed them as fellow Christian leaders who need strong ecumenical friendships.

Walter was installed as NAE President in February 2020, just one month before the Covid 19 pandemic reared its head. Walter and his team worked very effectively through the zoom platform to keep NAE members informed about important topics like dealing with the challenges of the pandemic and joining us to the deep discussions related to Black Lives Matter. We had guest zoom meetings with respected leaders such as Dr. Tony Evans, Author Jemar Tisby and Attorney Justin Giboney.

The NAE has been a huge resource for me personally so from time to time you will see us point you toward some of the good materials they produce.

I held high expectations for Walter’s visit to GCI, partly because I have received skepticism and direct criticism about our (GCI) involvement with the NAE. The NAE, like all human organizations has some skeletons in its closet. Walter does not deflect the checkered past, but instead he takes ownership. In my opinion, he does a wonderful job of displaying what the NAE is today. But please don’t take my word, rather watch the interview with Walter in the above video. In a few more weeks, we will release the presentation that he made to our Superintendents, US Regional Directors, Home Office staff, and pastors who were in town for an orientation session.

I pray that these videos will be a blessing to you and to our GCI church family.
Greg Williams

Superintendents from the 6 regions around the globe gathered February 13 – 16 for meetings via a cabin retreat on Lake Norman near Charlotte, NC. Unfortunately, only 3 (Gavin Henderson – Europe, Michael Rasmussen – North America & Caribbean, and Heber Ticas – Latin America) of the 6 were able to be there in person but thanks to technology the remaining 3 (Eugene Guzon – Asia, Kalengule Kaoma – Africa, and Daphne Sidney – Australasia) were able to connect via Zoom for all our meetings. Mat Morgan (CFO) joined via Zoom. Michelle Fleming (Communication Director) and Cara Garrity (Development Coordinator) were able to be in person at the lake house to give presentations on Media and Development.

The last time that all 6 had been together was in November of 2019, just a few short months before the infamous Covid-19 hit the world. As much as everyone wanted to be together in person, this was the next best thing. We began our meetings at 7:30 a.m. each morning to accommodate the vast array of time zones represented (some as much as 15 hours difference), so when those of us at the cabin were gathering early in the morning, it was late afternoon and late evening for those connecting via Zoom.

Our cabin at the lake had one entire wall of windows. During one of the meetings several of us (me in particular) were distracted by a bald eagle that flew into a tree eating his large fish. We had to explain to those on Zoom what was happening and why some of us had gotten up to watch more closely. At the end of our time together, we enjoyed taking communion looking out over Lake Norman.

Even though we were miles apart, we were still able to have great interaction during our meetings and even had some catch-up time before and after. For those meeting in person, we had lots of time to build deeper relationships and encourage one another on our different journeys both in the workplace and personal lives.

When we set the dates, we did not figure in the Super Bowl game. A couple people were diehard fans, and some were just ok with sitting around and chatting. We even had a chart on who would win (Gavin did quite well considering he got his answers from the internet).

During our down time, we had the opportunity to play some rousing games of dominos, Phase 10, and Code Names. All the games brought lots of laughter.

We look forward to June 28 – July 2, 2023, when we will all hopefully be together for the Denomination Celebration. As this group of leaders continues to spend more time together, it is obvious that the Holy Spirit is moving through each of them as they lead in their respective areas the vision of healthy church.

By Pam Morgan
Operations Coordinator

“Being involved with children energizes me. When a child shows interest in learning about God, that is the ultimate boost that gives me a charge for a long time!” Check out this month’s GCI Profile to get to know Sondra Peters, member of Grace Fellowship, the GCI congregation in Clarksville, Tennessee. To read her full profile, click the image below. #WeAreGCI

John Anderson, 70, of Maquoketa, Iowa passed away Wednesday, February 16, 2022, after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, Amy Wilms Anderson, of nearly 24 years. Born Aug. 9, 1951, in Iowa City, IA to Gardner and Lucille (Morrison) Anderson, John graduated from Grinnell High School in 1969 and earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Iowa State University. John faithfully served as a bi-vocational pastor of the GCI congregation in Davenport, IA until it’s closing in 2014.

For many years, John lived his love for flying. He worked at several small airports in Iowa where he piloted corporate planes and gave flying lessons. Later he worked at a hotel in Cedar Rapids where he met his wife, Amy. They married April 25, 1998, in Maquoketa.

John retired in 2017 after receiving a diagnosis of Stage 4 colon cancer. In retirement, he pursued a love for baseball. He and Amy never missed a St. Louis Cardinal game. John loved his pets and would take his pals Brystol and Molly on long walks in the grasslands at the Maquoketa Caves. He loved being outdoors and taking in the wonder of nature.

John was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary; brothers Robert and Raymond; and sister-in-law, Paula (Weaver) Anderson. He is survived by his brothers, Charles Anderson of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Richard (Sherri) Anderson of Springfield, MO; sisters, Betty (Robin) Broders of Grinnell, IA, and Carol Brandt of Lynnville, IA; in-laws, Roger and Audrey Wilms of Maquoketa; brother-in-law, Jeff (Amy) Wilms of Maquoketa; sister-in-law, Cheryl Wilms (Ron Versteegh) of Cedar Rapids, IA; 14 nieces and nephews; and 4 great-nieces and -nephews.

A celebration of John’s life was held Wednesday, February 23, at the Methodist Church in Maquoketa. Cards may be sent to:

Amy Wilms Anderson
511 N. Walnut Street
Maquoketa, IA 52060-2518

For the past ten or more years, our congregation GCI Miramar Florida has celebrated our diversity during the month of February. It was a unanimous belief and understanding that we are one in Christ yet diverse culturally. Therefore, instead of focusing on the Black experience alone during Black History Month, we celebrate all heritages, all cultures represented within our congregation. Respectfully, we acknowledged Black presence within our history in the Civil Rights movements, business, ministry, inventions, and our community at large.

At one point, we had 11 countries represented. With that knowledge, we agreed to organize a multi-cultural celebration Sunday. On this day, after regular services, each country had a table or section of the hall where they would showcase their food, flag, and attire. Our pastors opened the celebrative time with an inspiring word, thanking Creator God for unity in diversity, energetically introducing each country’s table, some brief instructions for the flow of the afternoon and then the celebration would commence.

With an electric energy in the room, the music would waft in the background reflecting the different cultures of the world. At any given moment there were tasteful musical selections of Reggae, Salsa, Junkanoo, Soca, Kompa, Merengue, Blues, Jazz, Contemporary Gospel, Country, Rhythm & Blues and Rap. At our first celebration, the countries represented were USA, Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti, Barbados, Philippines, Cuba, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, Trinidad & Tobago, and Canada. It was such a delight to see all our members working together to a common goal.

As the years passed by, one could feel the anticipation of our multi-cultural celebration as soon as the close of each year. Our youth vigorously participated as they helped their parents and loved ones set up the room. Everyone had a role, whether it was cooking, decorating, serving, or just enjoying the experience.

We fly into 2020 and it was deemed the best celebration ever because more people served, our attendance grew and there was even more excitement in the room. We witnessed people almost dancing from one table to the next to feast on the delicacies. Then the rise of the pandemic automatically shut the doors of the facility where we were holding our weekly worship services as it was a city owned building.

In 2022, we are, by God’s timely grace, meeting in the hall of another church in the Body of Christ. Although we were unable to celebrate with food this year, we still celebrated with our attire and music. “Simple is best” has become a safe procedure as we tread through this time. So, this year’s celebration began with an African welcome, drumming, and a most worshipful service. Members and participants in the Hope Avenue displayed African attire for the last 2 weeks of February. We all reflected on the goodness of God and thanked Him once more for our diversity, yet we are ONE in Christ.

By Keysha Taylor
Hope Avenue Champion

On February 12 and 13, our US Pastor Orientation was held at the Home Office, welcoming 9 pastors entering new roles and new seasons of ministry. More than 20 participated in the 2-day event, including spouses, Regional Directors, the US Superintendent Mike Rasmussen, US Development Coordinator Cara Garrity, Operations Coordinator Pam Morgan, and GCI President Greg Williams.

Walter Kim, the first Asian American President of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), made a presentation to the group. Hearing from a guest outside of our denomination was an encouraging reminder of our connection to the wider Body of Christ.

Jon Arnold and his wife, Carey, of GCI St. Michael, MN had the following feedback:

(Carey) Interacting personally with so many of GCI’s leaders was inspiring. I could see their genuine love for Christ and desire to love and care for people in the way we all interacted. Even the sessions aimed at the more exacting details of pastoral ministry such as Ministry Action Plans, church polity, and job descriptions made it clear that the leaders intend to support and equip the called (rather than the other way around).

(Jon) I lead the GCI congregation that I was born into and have attended my whole life. When I was a child, we were a congregation of over 300 members with ample resources but a very legalistic doctrine. Now we feel like a megachurch if we have 30 members attend in person and we have very limited resources but we know we live and breathe, our very being exists (always has and always will) within the loving relationship of the Trinity revealed to us by Jesus. Often it can feel like we’re a lonely outpost out in the middle of a desolate prairie, alone and cut off from other GCI congregations. What meant the most to me was being able to meet in person names that I had only seen attached to an email, people I had only seen in videos or had not seen in 20 years. To know that there are really living, breathing people who hold true and believe what we believe and to know that even though we might be a lone outpost we’re not alone.

Associate pastor, Marlene Reed, whose husband is the lead pastor of the GCI Woodbury, PA church, told us her takeaway.

Reading John 16:8-11 and being reminded about the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives as a Comforter, my mind instantly flashed to our pastor orientation. My takeaway from that orientation is that the Home Office and those in GCI’s leadership roles are there for my support. Imagine the relief as I had anticipated more of a finger-wagging, more “you’re not doing this right.” No! The Home Office and those in leadership are a comfort to me! They give me direction, encouragement, education, and support when I need it. They, just like Holy Spirit, are for me and for our congregation’s success.

It was so good to see that there is not just support, there are layers of support. And these individuals are intensely knowledgeable, have worked with a great vision to provide materials and templates for our use. And they did it while connecting us all together and making us new pastors feel like we’re a valuable part of the team rather than just a bottom rung servant. My husband, Brad, and I were able to come back from the orientation and convey to our congregants that they are part of a larger whole. We’re not an isolated standalone, small town church. No. We have an entire network out there. We are connected to something bigger than ourselves.

US Superintendent, Mike Rasmussen shared his thoughts, “The Pastor Orientation provided an intentional time to come together for training and support. I feel so honored and blessed to work with such a great team of people who have servant hearts and are ministry minded! This includes all those who work in our Home Office in Charlotte and the Regional Directors who serve in the trenches across the nation. We are all very excited that these pastors and spouses are a part of GCI’s ministry family!”

GCI President, Greg Williams, reflected on the occasion, “I am greatly encouraged by the men and women who have been called into pastoral leadership with GCI. It was extremely helpful to have candid conversations about the challenges and opportunities they will face, and how their focused leadership will make a difference for their congregation, their neighborhood, and the Kingdom of God. Join me in praying for their new roles and the Lord’s guidance and blessing in the coming weeks, months, and years ahead.”

Kelly Meade and Andrew Rakestraw wrap up 2021 with an engagement! Andrew and Kelly met in 2017 at the GCI International Celebration, where they spent every day together, talking late into the evening about their lives, theology, and everything in between. Since then, they supported each other as friends, both knowing that the connection they had was valuable. They acknowledged that this connection could be a God-filled, life giving, and loving relationship during 2021. They got engaged in the Rakestraw’s backyard December 31, 2021. A May wedding is planned.

Stacey and Robert Meade and Carolyn and Jonathan Rakestraw are happy to celebrate the engagement of these two!

This month’s GCI Buzz explains the Hope Avenue and provides some examples of how you can contextualize it to your congregation. #gcibuzz

Check out the full PDF here: https://resources.gci.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/022022-GCI-Buzz.pdf