“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.
Category: Stay Connected
Celebrating a GCI Centenarian
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.
Prayer Guide—February 2025
Sometimes that’s what prayer is — simply inviting God to join us where we actually are, not because He isn’t already here but because inviting Him reminds us it’s true. —Emily P. Freeman
Join us in seeking God’s guidance and celebrating his presence. Download the guide now.
Share Your Kingdom Experiences
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
Death of Fadreck Nihaka
It is with sadness that the church in Malawi announce the passing of pastor Fadreck Nihaka who faithfully served our church community, particularly the Blantyre congregation and the southern region of Malawi.
He peacefully passed away on November 23, 2025, after a long illness. A humble and hard-working servant of God, Pastor Fadreck will be deeply missed by many.
He leaves behind his wife and five children. His burial service was on Tuesday, November 25.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and lived ones.
Meet Tammy Tkach
“Because I’ve been learning and enjoying getting to know Jesus for myself, I love helping others learn who he really is.” — Tammy Tkach
Learn more about Tammy Tkach, Assistant Pastor of GC River Road in Oregon, U.S. View her full profile and story here.
Learn more about Tammy Tkach, Assistant Pastor of GC River Road in Oregon, U.S. View her full profile and story here.
Celebrating GCI Graduates
Join us in congratulating these GCI graduates from the Southern hemisphere who graduated in December 2024.
Conner Kurzawa
Seaford, Victoria, Australia
Trafalgar High School
Principal’s Award
Molly Regazzoli
Logan, Queensland, Australia
Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School (LORDS)
Australian Defense Force Cadet (highest rank)
Miriama Marama Elliot
Suvi, Fiji
University of Fiji
Bachelor of Nursing Science
Honours
Prayer Request Update
Dear Friends,
My recent CAT results are in, and the picture is far from rosy. The scan shows a clear advance of my illness, particularly in the liver and the lungs. My oncologist said he would tell his other patients, “It’s over.” He said in my case, he would not say so since until now, I’ve beaten all survival odds. I responded that it was not my own efforts that have been keeping me alive, but God.
Without delay, I began a new cycle of chemo treatment yesterday. The treatment has been adjusted to a “more aggressive” level. It is my 37th cycle.
I wish I could share better news with you, but we must recognize the situation as it is. Your prayers are an anchor of hope. Thanks for not giving up on me.
Together we are stronger!
Santiago Lange, Elder
Stuttgart, Germany
Prayer Guide—January 2025
“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” — Martin Luther
Join us in a month of focused prayer for our neighbors, our church, and our mission. See the January prayer guide here or click the image below.
Would you like to receive this Prayer Guide straight to your email inbox before the first of the month? Sign up here.
