Category: Stay Connected

I semi-retired around Easter of 2019. Knowing that this was going to enter into full retirement within six months, I started considering my future plans.

The church I was pastoring had been going through a lot of changes over the past several years. While becoming smaller, older and with less actively involved members, COVID-19 hit.

I thought that maybe I should get out of pastoral ministry altogether. So, I took it to the Father, Son and Spirit. After a couple of months wrestling with Jesus, I understood that I would be in ministry of some form, but what that meant was very unclear. What was certain was that I was free and available for whatever he wanted to do.

In January 2021, we took a turn with Grace Communion Rochester. I let members know that they should get involved with a church local to them. I extended an invitation for those who would like to stay connected to join me in a small group. Only a couple of members contacted me to participate in that small group, so we started meeting on Saturday mornings and Friday evenings, having a connect group about twice a month.

While this was going on, I became more involved with members of the community where I live. A town of about 1,100 people. The community is served by a number of churches within ten miles but only one inside the town. I started volunteering at the food shelf, which has been a lot of fun and a tremendous opportunity to look at people of the community through the eyes and mission of Jesus.

In expressing these things with the connect group, advisory team, and with Rick Shallenberger, our regional director, we started to plan on launching a church in the town where I live. The next steps were to find a venue. I love the focus our denomination has with keeping ministry close to your home. Looking at options in Elgin, I found two venues within a few blocks of my home. I am happy to say that a venue has been selected and we had our first service on October 17!

During this process, we looked at using some of the funds available for evangelism. I like to call it ecumenical marketing, focusing on God and touching it with our “brand.” We put together a billboard and are planning some radio mentions. The billboard sits in a sister community of approximately 3,500 people. This town has our local grocery store, hardware store, auto parts store, etc. The billboard is situated along the highway and bike path between our two towns. The image used on the billboard was taken while my daughter, Breena, and I were riding along the local bike path. The thought for the message was to be positive, clear, and unassuming. A lot like how Jesus uses parables; for those who have eyes and ears to see and hear.

We are excited to participate with Jesus in this small community. We are only at the beginning of this adventure and have confidence, faith, and trust in him as we meet people he may call to participate with us in worshipping him in spirit and truth.

In Jesus,
Todd Fox, Pastor

Philippines Youth Converge is a monthly virtual huddle for young people ages 13-21. It is designed as a venue for the youth to fellowship with one another within their local church, and other GCI churches. At the same time, it is also a venue for the youth leaders to engage, reconnect and minister with the youth during breakout sessions.

Due to COVID protocols in the Philippines, activities to reach out to the youth have been limited. The leaders planned for two-hour monthly virtual meetings. Starting this past July, the meeting includes a devotional, fun games with prizes, ice breakers, and breakout rooms. Each month has a different theme. Local youth leaders some from neighboring countries like Malaysia are invited to speak.

For months now, youth and young leaders attending the converge came from fourteen local and international churches. The presence of the pastors/pastoral team members are greatly felt as they support their youth by participating during the activities. As the rise of isolation increases during this time of pandemic, we continue to extend our invitation to everyone as we want to encourage young people to fellowship, know more of Jesus and for leaders to participate in the ministry for the youth.

Testimonies:

The youth converge is one way to make our youth active again in church activities. I thank the people who are behind this because I can meet and know our fellow youth outside the local congregation. – Michael John Dadd

Before I was a part of the ministering team in Youth Converge, I was blessed to be a participant there, and it was a time to be refreshed, and more so to connect. In this time of the pandemic one of the greatest enemies is isolation and disconnection, but with youth converge, connection is possible. – Angelo Lizares

Sarah Bahinting
GCI Philippines Emerging Leader

It was with sadness that I was informed that Michael Wyatt-Paige, a long-time pastor in the Phoenix area passed away suddenly from an apparent heart attack. Michael was in the middle of a counselling session with an individual at the rehab center where he volunteered when he collapsed and lost consciousness.

Michael was a gentle man known throughout the area for his heart for the broken and marginalized. For a number of years he pastored one of the two GCI congregations in Phoenix, where a portion of his congregation were African refugees. After the close of that church Michael continued to minister to a small group in his immediate community, in addition to regularly visiting home-bound members throughout the Phoenix area. Health issues forced him to spend time with his daughter back east while he recovered from surgery, but recently Michael returned to the Phoenix area to search and care for his son.

Michael is survived by his son Michael Jr. and daughter Sarahita. He now joins his wife LaVerne, who passed away a few years ago.

Blessings,
Tim Sitterley
Regional Director/Western US

Dexter Faulkner notified us of the death of his dear wife, Shirley, who died in her sleep on September 20, after suffering from cancer for many years. Shirley had recently celebrated her 82^nd birthday.

Both Dexter and Shirley were long-time church employees and have many friends around the globe. They were married on the Ambassador Campus 62 years ago.

Dexter sends his appreciation for all the thoughts and prayers for Shirley.

Cards and emails can be sent to:

Dexter Faulkner
7859 Wentworth Street
Sunland, CA 91040
Email: faulknerdh@hotmail.com

We want to hear from you!

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. How has your pastor engaged, equipped, empowered, or encouraged you? Please comment below.

Dear CB alumni and friends,

Crossing Borders (CB) mission ministry had to cancel our past three scheduled trips, and our planning team has decided that we will need to also cancel the trip we would normally schedule for December 2021.

As you would suspect, the COVID situation and increased instability at the border area are the major reasons. COVID cases in the U.S. have been reaching new high points, and the conditions in Mexico are worse than in our country. Although the border is open for two-way travel by U.S. citizens, our on-the-border partners tell us it is not yet safe to do so—especially with a group.

We cannot predict exactly what the situation may be like on the border by December, but looking at current trends, our planning team does not feel it is wise to bring a mission team to the border until the situation improves. We have considered a variety of ideas for an alternative mission trip/event, but no idea seems safe and feasible for the current conditions. There is not even a practical way for us to collect the shoebox gifts and get them shipped or delivered across the border under the current conditions.

This is heart-breaking for those of us who regularly plan and attend the mission trips. We will miss seeing our dear friends in person for at least another several months. For those who have faithfully contributed shoebox gifts over the years, we ask you to hold off for this time—but please don’t give up on CB. God willing, we will again be hosting in-person mission trips as soon as possible.

As we have been doing for the past 18 months, our planning team will continue to make extra efforts to remain in connection with our border partners and to communicate encouragement to them—they need it in their tough times.

Prayer Requests & Updates:

• A storm went through Nuevo Laredo in the springtime damaging the area, which still remains, to some extent, in disrepair.
• Sister Juanita Lopez runs a home for 20 or so children, who are always in need of supplies.
• Casa Hogar Douglas, the children’s home that Pastor Rendon and his wife Lupita run, is in need of some major repairs, including a lost roof and fence, and extensive water damage. The Mexican government will not assign them children to care for again until these repairs are made.
• Pastor Fernando and his wife Nora lost their roof in the storms. They both are facing critical medical issues, including Fernando’s battle with long-haul Covid symptoms. They also have a dire need for a vehicle. Besides pastoring his fairly large church, Pastor Fernando has to work various other jobs in order to make a living, and he needs a new vehicle to do his work.
• The Rodriguez family is our “adopted family” ever since we built them a home in 2012. We would love to be able to help them build a basic, necessary addition to their home.
• Pastor Pedro and his wife Lourdes are starting a new church several hours inland from the border. They could use help with stages of construction for the church.
• Con Mis Manos is a school and home for deaf children and otherwise challenged adults. The students and the very dedicated staff have a special place in our hearts. They are in need of basic supplies.
• Pastor Ray and his wife Lisa are still living at camp Laredo Stepping Stone on the U.S. side of the border while he continues to pastor his church in Mexico. Their church building needs repairs from storm damage and they are trying to help church and community members in their area with basic needs.

We’d appreciate your prayers for all the folks mentioned as they endure some very challenging times.

The CB team will continue to communicate with our friends across the border and support them as best we can from afar. CB missionaries are anxious to get back to the border and continue our relationships with our ministry partners in person as soon as possible. May God bless you and yours with his amazing grace and love.

Lee Berger and the CB Team

The region in general was spared any extensive damage due to the earthquake. It was certainly a time where the seconds dragged for many people, as structures vibrated, and possessions fell from walls or from shelving. It was the strongest, most prolonged incident I recall. Things could have been much worse. We’re thankful to God that they weren’t.

Lockdown continues for some regions, including greater Melbourne. Speaking with members through the week, comments about the quake were laced with humor, but many are very concerned about the actions of a small group of protesters whose actions place the community at risk of increased Covid infection rates and extended lockdown periods. Additionally, the actions of this minority fail to respect or show gratitude for the devoted self-sacrificing care given by so many health workers.

We are grateful for the law-abiding responsiveness of the vast majority, and prayerfully concerned for our leaders, our health workers and our police, who are doing the best they can during these difficult times. In the church, we’re thankful for the loving concern and prayers of our brothers and sisters.

Randall Bourchier
Church Pastor – Mooroolbark, Australia

I received a call from Mike Horchak and he requests prayer on behalf of his family and all those in the Southeast affected by Hurricane Ida and then again, Nicolas. He said a downpour of rain is causing additional flooding and hindering the efforts of the men and women working around the clock to restore power. Mike & Pam are still without power from Ida, with no internet service or home phone service.

Please take a moment now to beseech God’s mercy and intervention.

Anthony Mullins
GCI Regional Director, Southeast

Pastor Rick Shallenberger asked me to share with you something that happened here in Cincinnati. Two of our members, Mike and Mindy Lockard, are in the hospital with Covid pneumonia. They have been there for a week and are not expected to be out anytime soon. They are both very ill.

Today after church, our Cincinnati West congregation made some poster boards and a small group of us traveled over to the hospital. The nurses marked the windows with blue paper so we would know which rooms they were in. We stood outside waving the poster boards, waving to our dear friends, blowing kisses, and praying for them. It was a beautiful moment. Mindy told us that the nurses were really touched by what they witnessed from Mike and Mindy’s rooms. Mindy, still shining the light of Christ, told them about her church family and that the church is the one on the hill that overlooks the hospital.

We went to encourage Mike and Mindy, but God had more in mind. Today, the nurses at Mercy West Hospital witnessed the love of God. Oh, how I love the way God works!

In Christ,
Julie Frantz, Pastor Cincinnati East and West

Disclaimer: GCI congregations are following recommended CDC guidelines in their areas.