“I hope and pray that God will inspire people from many nations to do this work and that he will bless this ministry allowing us to share the gospel with many persons worldwide.”
With joy and thanksgiving, we share the good news that four individuals were ordained to serve in congregations in Zambia.
[Pictured above, left to right: Pastor Muphana Ngula (Chawama, Lusaka), Pastor Aaron Ng’ambi (Kitwe), National Director Inyambo Nyumbu (Lilanda, Lusaka), Pastor Alex Musonda and his wife (Lusaka Central), Miriam, Pastor Kennedy Musopelo (Chongwe), Pastor Phillip Bowa (Lusaka Central), and Superintendent Kalengule Koama (Lusaka)]
Pastor Alex Musonda (above fourth from the left) told us he loves how the body of Christ shares tasks according to the spiritual gifting, and he enjoys administration and teaching. He feels quite humbled and excited about his calling.
[Pictured above, left to right: Pastor Aaron Ng’ambi (Kitwe), National Director Inyambo Nyumbu (Lilanda, Lusaka), Pastor Alex Kachimwa (Chongwe, Lusaka), Pastor Phillip Bowa (Lusaka Central)]
When asked how he felt about his calling, Pastor Alex Kachimwa (above second from the right) quoted Psalm 138:8, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me, his love endures forever.”
Please join us in praying for them and their ministry in Jesus’ church.
Dear church (and especially those who attended our Regional Gatherings),
Superintendent Mike Rasmussen and his team did a great job in designing the content of our regional gatherings. And they did an even better job in delivering their messages. The team’s level of transparency was moving, and their commitment to serving the congregations going forward is commendable.
I remind you of a request I made to the church back in the early spring to set aside a day for prayer and fasting if you were physically able. I must say that we felt the covering of those prayers, and the Spirit has been faithful to provide unity and peace. Thank you for your faithfulness and enthusiastic participation.
Now on to Mike’s letter,
Greg Williams
A big thank you to everyone who attended and helped coordinate our three U.S. Regional Gatherings this summer! It was so good to get together to worship, share meals, have sharing and training time, as well as much-needed fellowship. One of the major changes this time around was to host these events in our own GCI church buildings instead of hotel ballrooms. This was the brilliant idea of Pam Morgan – thank you, Pam!
In June, Pastor Julie Frantz and her congregation hosted our first Gathering in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our Eastern, Southeast, North Central Regions and guests gathered for this event. My congregation and I hosted our second Gathering in July in our church and Ministry Training Center (MTC) in Surrey Hills, Oklahoma. This was for our Central Region and guests. Pastor Manuel Ochoa and his congregation hosted our final Gathering in August in Hawthorne, California for our Western Region and guests.
We followed the same schedule for all three Gatherings. Friday was the kickoff, with Dr. Jeff Broadnax teaching the Third Option Similarity Training, by Miles McPherson. It was an exciting time of learning how we are more similar than different and how to honor one another as God’s beloved children. The lessons provoked healthy and important discussions. Repeatedly, I heard comments like “I was a bit nervous – but I am so glad I came!” and “We need more of this type of training!”
Saturday, we gave updates on where we are going as a denomination in 2025. We addressed the following questions.
Congratulations to Chan Thleng! He was ordained an elder on August 11. Chan lives in the Yangon Region of Myanmar. He provides pastoral care for the three GCI congregations in Myanmar. Join us in praying for him and the ministry in his country.
His ordination was a joyous event, held during a leadership retreat, so leaders from across Asia joined the celebration. Shown from left to right in the photo above:
Joselito Olaguer–Thailand, Rex Dela Pena–Philippines, Sachin Nirale–India, Chan Thleng–Myanmar, Danny Zachariah–India, Won Mein Kong–Malaysia, Devaraj Ramoo–Malaysia, Eugene Guzon–Philippines, Joel Alisbo–Thailand, Praveen Chinta–India, Aron Tolentino–Philippines, Audie Santibanez–Philippines
We asked Chan to share some background with our readers.
I was born into Christian family. I accepted that Jesus is my Savior at the age of 18. I passed the matriculation examination in 2004. I earned my M.Div. in 2011. I married Lydia in 2017, and we have an infant son and two daughters.
Currently, I am serving as a senior pastor of GCI Myanmar. We have about 50 members in Hmawbi congregation. GCI also has a congregation in Matupi.
Discover the transformative power of Christ’s love in our new series GCI Testify. Join us as members from our global fellowship share testimonies of their experiences with Jesus through GCI congregations and ministries. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of the Spirit in and through GCI.
Watch the entire series here.
Dr. Sudhir C. Singh, one of the founding members of GCI India, died on April 30, 2024. He was 82 years old. He retired as Medical Officer from Saurashtra Chemicals, Gujarat. He was a prolific writer and had a witty sense of humor. He was part of the GCI India editorial team, and he contributed many spiritually enriching articles. GCI India cherishes the beautiful memories of Dr. Sudhir Singh and celebrates his life. He is survived by his wife, Sheeba Singh, a son, a daughter-in-law, and a grandson.
Congratulations on 50 years of service and participation!
Pastor Bob and Kathy Regazzoli, of Carina, Queensland, Australia, were honoured last month for their 50 years of devoted service to Jesus and his church. They were celebrated and acknowledged before the congregation for their many years of dedication to ministry in GCI. True partners in ministry, Kathy and Bob were also celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary.
Bob and Kathy, thank you for your faithfulness, and may God continue to bless your participation.
David Samuel Gilbert, III., 72, of Kintnersville, PA, U.S., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
He was born on October 29, 1951, in McKeesport, PA. and was the son of the late David Samuel Jr., and Dorothy (Rudd) Gilbert. David was a graduate of Ambassador College in Pasadena, CA. and Biblical Theological Seminary in Hatfield, PA. He served his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as a pastor for 40 years leading churches in Ohio, Iowa, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Most recently he served as administrative pastor of Calvary Chapel Central Bucks in Chalfont, PA.
He was a talented singer and lover of worship music. He was also an avid hunter and outdoors person. He was the loving husband of 48 years to Hinka (DeVlugt) Gilbert. In addition to his wife, David is survived by his sons, David Samuel (Anna) Gilbert, IV of Mechanicsburg, PA. and Nathan Josiah (Aubrey) Gilbert of Brandon, FL. He was the devoted Pappy to his grandchildren, Esther, Levi, Elias, Ezra and Samson.
