Category: Stay Connected

Patsy was the wife of John Ross, longtime GCI pastor in Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S. Join us in praying for John and their family. We share in their grief and in their hope of resurrection. The following is the obituary shared with Update from her family.

Mrs. Patsy McCain Ross was born January 29, 1967, to Mr. Tyree and Mrs. Claudine McCain in Doddsville, Mississippi.

She confessed her faith in Christ at the tender age of 10 years old at Little Lion Baptist Church in Money, Mississippi. After being a member of several denominations, Patsy found her permanent church home in 2004 as a devoted member Grace Communion International in Greenwood. On November 20, 2005, she was united in holy matrimony to Pastor John Leroy Ross, and for 19 years, she proudly served as first lady.

Patsy had a natural curiosity and a keen interest in understanding the world around her. That desire fueled her determination, inspiring her to pursue anything she set her mind to. She was passionate about gardening, crocheting, candy making, canning and baking. Her husband affectionately referred to her as the best cook in Mississippi. Above all, she had a deep love for reading and animals. She adored her dog, Hawk, and her cats, Damien and Turtle. As a young girl, she would be found curled up with a book. Her love of reading instilled in her a deep appreciation for the pursuit of knowledge, driving her journey toward academic success. She excelled as a student at Rising Sun Elementary School and Amanda Elzy High School before continuing her education at Mississippi Delta Junior College and Mississippi Valley State University. Patsy worked as a school secretary and data entry operator, eventually becoming an administrative assistant at Mississippi Valley State University, where she remained until her health declined. She received numerous accolades, including the Employee of the Year Award from Greenwood Public School District.

Patsy departed this life to go and be with Christ on February 18, 2025. Surviving to cherish her memory is her devoted husband of 19 years, John Leroy Ross; her daughter, Maya Delandra Dezell; her sons, Dorian Dezell, Curtis Ross (LaRicka) and Michael Ross (Perleshie); and her beloved granddaughters, Ori Le’Ann Dezell and Dyshaunita Ross. Patsy is also survived by her grandsons, Malcolm Toy (Ana), Steven Green, Nicholas Ross, and JonMichae Ross. She was the daughter of Mr. Tyree and Claudine McCain. She is remembered fondly by her sisters, Cynthia Diane Williams (Charles), Ora Dee Spencer (Lee), Belinda Mosley (the late Jimmy), and her brother, JC Harris (Dortheria). A host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and extended family will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

“Jesus’ resurrection is the beginning of God’s new project not to snatch people away from earth to heaven but to colonize earth with the life of heaven.” — N.T. Wright

“I encourage them to love one another and praise God together through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.” — Amiyo Bacher

Meet Amiyo Bacher, GCI leader and facilitator in Khulna, Bangladesh. Discover more about his journey in the full profile here.

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“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).

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