Watch video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QBJFQ3JBAA
Discover the transformative power of Christ’s love in our new series, GCI Testify. Witness firsthand the impact of the Spirit in and through GCI, as members from our global fellowship share testimonies of Jesus. Click here to view previous testimonies; scroll to “Archive” at the bottom of the screen for the full list.
On April 26-28, Grace Communion Cleveland hosted their 20th annual LiLY Women’s Conference. LiLY is an acronym for “Living life for you (Jesus).” With a record attendance of 91 women, our conference highlighted the theme “Reunion” (Luke 15:20).
Pastor Tamar Gray opened our weekend on Friday night with a “Getting to Know You” session. It was followed by praise and worship with our talented worship band.
Saturday morning, after praise and worship, Rose Hamrick, GCI Chief Financial Officer, spoke. Her message, “In My Father’s Arms,” told the story of how God carried her through her struggles in life preparing her for her current job. Her encouragements included: God pursues us and wants to have a relationship with us; we are never alone; we can have our own ideas and plans, but God’s plans far surpass ours.
Robyn Dykstra, guest speaker and author, led the remaining sessions on Saturday. Sharing her testimony, she encouraged us to not hang on to the old and lean into God’s goodness because he sees, hears, and loves us.
Saturday evening ended with a panel discussion led by Rose Hamrick. The ladies shared how the Lord has been moving in their lives.
On Sunday, the families of attendees were invited to our service, where Pastor Tamar Gray preached on our theme Bible passage. She highlighted how the father gave his returning son a robe (covering his child), a ring (signifying that he was back in good standing), and sandals (letting everyone know his son is not a servant). The older brother’s lesson reminds us that we do not have to work for God’s grace, we already have it.
Save the Date: Our 21ST annual conference will be held on April 25-27, 2025. Follow us on Facebook@lilywomensconference for more information.
By Rosa Hulse, Women’s Ministry Leader
Cleveland, OH, US
“I can feel that there is a lot changing and happening here, and I love seeing people grow individually.”
Meet Alexander Brandt, GCI pastor in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Click here or the image below to read his full profile.
International Women’s Day was observed on March 8. On the following Sunday, GCI India held a special women’s celebration. The congregation expressed gratitude for the service and leadership offered by the women of the congregation. The worship service was led by our women. The ladies’ choir led the congregation in a soulful time of worship.
Ms. Selina and Mrs. Joshila Philips gave the messages. Ms. Selina explained how inner beauty transcends external beauty through the examples of Rachel and Leah. She focused our attention on Jesus, who is the portrait of absolute beauty with a gentle and quiet spirit. Mrs. Joshila spoke about the importance of women’s leadership in various aspects of the church, focusing on the example of Deborah. Deborah was an Old Testament judge, prophetess, and military strategist who played an important role in freeing Israel. She encouraged the women of the church saying that God bestows all women with unique gifts. Women are to bring that forth and serve the church and society with their gifts.
Pastor Praveen closed the service with communion. As a token of appreciation for the women of the congregation, a sumptuous lunch was arranged and enjoyed by everyone!
By the GCI India Newsletter editors,
Shanti Nirale
Praveen Kumar Chintha
On Sunday, March 24, Pastor Timothy Brassell and his wife, Donna Brassell, were honored for their 25 years of devoted service to GCI. The celebration was hosted by their congregation in Baltimore, Maryland. Pastor T (as he is mostly called) and Donna were presented with a plaque and 25-year watches by East Regional Director Jeffrey Broadnax. These gifts serve as tangible symbols of appreciation for unwavering dedication, steadfast leadership, and tireless commitment to God’s ministry in GCI. The celebration included refreshments and fellowship following the Sunday service.
In Tim’s own words, what he enjoys most about being a GCI pastor:
“What I enjoy most is proclaiming the Good News of the relational God-Father-Son-and-Holy-Spirit revealed in Jesus the Christ freely! I enjoy declaring, against the wisdom of the world, that every human being belongs to God in the most profound way in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ alone, before they can think, say, or do anything about it! Therefore, when they hear the proclamation, each should freely repent, receive, and participate in Relationship with the Father through the faith freely given them by Jesus through the Holy Spirit!
I share this every way I can, everywhere I can, beginning with those I am closest to. I love relating, thinking, living, and speaking out of the love and life of the Father-Son- Holy-Spirit-God — with sign religion that points to God but without religiosity, and right in the middle of the deep brokenness Jesus still faithfully and graciously comes to meet us!
I greatly enjoy being in a world-wide fellowship of ever-reforming, loving, humble, accessible, free, God-honoring, and risk-taking people. (They have to be risk-taking, they called, hired, and put up with ME! Ha!)”
We are immensely grateful to you, Pastor T, and Donna for your dedication, wisdom, and guidance in pointing us to Jesus Christ as God’s Good News in Living Person. You have been a relational pastor and under shepherd, guiding us with compassion and courage, inspiring us through God’s steadfast grace and faith, impacting our lives and community for God. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we express our deepest appreciation for Jesus’ sacrificial service and friendship through both of you. We congratulate you and pray for continued blessings and years of fruitful participation in Christ’s ministry ahead.
Your legacy is one of love, unity, and transformation, as you continue to proclaim the good news of the relational God revealed in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. You are leaving an indelible God-honoring mark on our hearts and community here in Baltimore!
CONGRATULATIONS!
From your GCI family in Baltimore, MD
Get to know Julie Frantz, a dedicated GCI Pastor from Cincinnati, Ohio.
Click the image below or here to read her full profile.
The following is a prayer request for the family of Takalani Musekwa, the regional director of Southern Africa.
Last month, Takalani and Margaret’s eldest son, Francois, was attacked at his home by armed men, who shot him in the abdomen and leg. They then took him with his car to a deserted spot and demanded a ransom and threatened to kill him if not paid. The car tracker company and the police responded quickly and managed to rescue him.
After spending more than two weeks in the hospital in critical condition, Francois died Saturday, April 6. Our hearts are breaking for the Musekwa family. Join us in praying for them.
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.
