Category: Stay Connected

Here is an update concerning Grace Communion Seminary from GCS President Dr. Gary Deddo.

As the fall semester comes to a close, I want to share three important announcements about GCS.

First, a landmark: We anticipate the graduation of about 40 students at our 2017 Denominational Conference in Orlando! That’s quite an achievement for GCS and these students. If you can join us on August 4 for the graduation ceremony, we would be delighted to have you. It will be quite a celebration.

Second, GCS tuition will increase on January 1, 2017 from $150 to $200 a unit. So a typical three-unit course will cost $600. As you may know, tuition at nearly all, if not all, educational institutions does not cover all expenses. Our tuition covered just over one-third of what it cost us to provide our degree programs in 2015. Our tuition increase will help close that gap. Tuition will now cover about 45% of our expenses. Scholarships from a variety of sources and grants from GCI are what enabled us to meet our annual budget, and that will continue. Also you should know that a GCS master’s degree is still one of the best deals around, one of the lowest available from DEAC-accredited institutions and far less expensive than ATS theological seminaries. We are attempting to find more outside scholarship funding and will continue to offer our scholarship program for interns and pastors at the same rates. We are especially keen to provide increased help to international GCI leaders and pastors as we are able.

Third, after serving us faithfully for nearly two years, Susan Williams will be leaving her post as GCS Registrar in January to work for GCI in accounting. Susan has been wonderful to work with, and I know we’ll all miss her. But not to worry—a capable replacement has been lined up. Janet Morrison has been appointed to take up where Susan left off. Janet, who has long-time GCI involvement, including leading one of our Generations Ministries’ missions organizations, is the wife of GCS Dean, Michael Morrison. Janet will be the one you’ll hear from in corresponding with GCS starting in January. I know you’ll join me in welcoming her.

GCI’s Bogota, Colombia, congregation recently held its annual seminar with 70 members attending. The theme of the seminar was “Rooted in his love.” Its purpose was to gather the congregation’s leaders for a time of sharing vision, values, and strategies, along with a discussion of GCI doctrine and Trinitarian theology. To encourage all to be involved, there were small group discussions with “hands on” exercises designed to help members engage more actively in the work of the congregation, utilizing their gifts to build up the church and, God willing, to start some new GCI congregations in the area. Here are pictures from the seminar:

Forty six people gathered in Denmark recently for a conference that focused on the topic of peace (“shalom” in Hebrew) in accordance with the priestly blessing voiced in Numbers 6:24-26.

The sermons at the conference expounded different aspects of God’s gift of shalom, leading into small group discussions where personal stories were shared concerning how God has granted his peace in difficult situations.

A highlight of the conference was the blessing of a one year-old girl.

On November 19, GCI member Arthur (Trey) Carlisle will be one of the My Hero honorees at the 12th International Film Festival & Multimedia Awards Ceremony held in Santa Monica, California. Trey is the son of GCI members Dr. Arthur (Jr.) and Hariett Carlisle, and the grandson of GCI members Arthur (Sr.) and Eula Mae Carlisle (Arthur, Sr. is an elder).

At the ceremony, Trey will be receiving the Emerging Artist Award. In announcing the award, the My Heroes Project noted this:

In the 8th grade, Trey Carlisle made a vow to fight injustice by telling important stories. Over the past four years, he has produced award-winning documentaries that speak out against violence and discrimination. He is a passionate voice for positive change in the world.

About a year ago, Trey was featured in local news reports for his work in the community, including helping disadvantaged kids. Here is a video that highlights some of what Trey has been doing:

On YouTube at https://youtu.be/KQNiOS6HBro.

This update on ministry activity in Liberia is from GCI Mission Developer Kalengule Kaoma.

I returned recently from Monrovia, Liberia, where I officiated at the funeral of GCI Liberia National Director, Robert T. Browne II (pictured at right).

The funeral service was held in GCI Liberia’s main church hall in Gardnersville, Monrovia. The hundreds of mourners included friends, relatives, pastors from neighboring churches, Christians from various churches, and community and political leaders. Robert touched many lives. He will be missed.

On Sunday October 30, I met with church leaders and their families (pictured below) from our four GCI congregations in Monrovia. The meeting looked at the future of GCI in Liberia. These leaders are eager and willing to continue working with GCI. After prayer and examining a few scriptures about leadership transitions, we sought God’s guidance by asking the leaders whether Pastor Robert had left anyone in position to continue in his leadership role. Robert’s widow, Deddeh O. Browne, had been designated to succeed her husband and the leaders were happy with this transitional assignment for “Mother” Browne, as they call her.

Bishop Davies, one of the leaders who worked with Bishop Browne, attended part of the meeting and commended the GCI Liberia leadership team for accepting Mrs. Browne (pictured at right) as the successor to GCI Liberia national leadership.

I plan to return to Liberia in the first quarter of 2017 to affirm Mrs. Browne’s leadership, and to continue working with the leadership team there. The pastors there are young and inexperienced, though they have lots of zeal and energy and are willing to work. Please pray for them all.

Here is a hand-written thankyou note to me from the Liberian leaders:

 

GCI Mission Developer Rod Matthews provided this update on our ministry in the nation of Nepal.

Not long ago the Nepalese government had been targeting Christian pastors who run orphanages—accusing them of teaching Christianity to the children to convert them from Hinduism. Several pastors were arrested and the children in their orphanages removed. Our ministry partner there, Deben Sam, had requested our prayers about this persecution. Last month we were relieved to hear that the government of Nepal had changed and a new alliance between Maoists and the Nepali Congress Party had come to power. The new Prime Minister, Pushpa Karmal Dahal of the Maoist Party, has taken no further action to arrest pastors as before. However, we understand that there is a developing political and social environment against Christianity and all religious conversion. While the three main political parties espouse support for a secular state with religious freedom, each has notable leaders whose personal agenda is for the reinstatement of a Hindu kingdom.

Deben Sam continues to ask for our support through prayers for his ministry through the Himalayan Gospel Church and his work in supporting orphaned children and those whose remaining parent cannot support their children. Each summer, the Himalayan Gospel Church takes a Mobile Bible School (MBS) to the rural villages of this mountainous country (see pictures above). This event, lasting several days, is hosted by a local congregation or Christian group and is a highlight for those who can attend.

This year, with Deben having been unable to travel due to his illness, the MBS was conducted by his brother-in-law, Raju, and the Kathmandu congregation’s Pastor Joseph. So far, seven locations have been served by the MBS and Deben mentioned that if circumstances permit, they will try to fit in another four or five before winter. From these MBS locations, about 12 students will be chosen to attend the Himalayan Bible School in Kathmandu starting in February each year and lasting three months. During that time, intensive classes are held for six days each week, before the students return to their home areas to apply what they have learned in the service of the local church, and in evangelistic efforts in their local areas.

We learned from Owen Willis (pastor of GCI’s congregation in Nova Scotia, Canada) that Dan Christmas, a long-time GCI member who lives in Cape Breton, was recently appointed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to serve as a Senator in the upper chamber of the Canadian Parliament.

As noted in an article in the Canadian Press, Dan is credited with playing a key role in the economic transformation of a First Nation (aboriginal) community in the Cape Breton area, serving as the community’s senior adviser since 1997.

In 2005, Dan was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Dalhousie University for his work with the Mi’kmaw people of Nova Scotia. Three years later he was the recipient of the National Excellence in Aboriginal Leadership Award from the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada. He is also the former director of advisory services for the Union of Nova Scotia Indians, a role he served in for 10 years.

Worship festivals were held recently in Maryland, USA; and Majorca, Spain. Here are reports.

Maryland

At the Father Loves and Likes You Fest held at Ocean City, Maryland, 150 adults, teens and children gathered for four days of inspiration and celebration, focused on the theme, Worship-Oneness-Witness (WOW). Gospel-focused messages, all from John 14-17, emphasized the shared love and life of the Father, Son and Spirit, and our inclusion in their triune life and love. Some messages were given by GCI interns—their unique styles giving a living picture of GCI’s vision for All kinds of churches for all kinds of people in all kinds of places. The interns were the talk of the conference as attendees, filled with hope, got a glimpse of GCI’s present and future. In addition to worship gatherings, the festival featured a youth beach party (hosted by the interns) and a dance. Here are some pictures (click here for more):

Majorca

At the festival in Majorca, 58 attendees from 12 nations enjoyed uplifting messages that reinforced the theme, A Celebration of God’s Love and Grace in Jesus Christ. The messages emphasized God’s undeserved and unconditional love and compassion for all people. The festival included a talent show, and a special blessing was the baptism of Samuel Rufian, son of retreat coordinators Pedro and Brigida Rufian. Here are some pictures:

A huge typhoon (named Haima internationally, and Lawin in the Philippines) recently hit the Philippines. We thank God that its impact on our members there was minimal. Here is a video report from some of our Filipino leaders:

On YouTube at https://youtu.be/lfeVc1R63B4.

A 72-hour Experiencing the Trinity retreat was held recently at Garaywa Camp and Conference Center in Clinton, Mississippi. Participants (pictured below) came from Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Florida. The retreat was led by Odyssey in Christ spiritual directors, Dr. Larry Hinkle and Gracie Johnson, along with pastoral couple John and Cathy Novick.

The retreat was a new and refreshing experience for many of the participants, allowing for combined intellectual and experiential understanding of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each day focused on a person of the Trinity, with activities designed to foster a more personal walk with God. Here are comments from some of the participants:

This retreat was an open door for my personal relationship with God to become more intimate and real. You learn to slow down, relax and open your heart to God. Every believer should make plans to attend and realize you will see and experience God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) like never before. The staff…makes you feel included and gives all the attention necessary to experience God’s unconditional love. It is a wonderful blessing! –Mike Horchak

It was deeply meaningful, inspiring and spiritually replenishing. Underneath the main theme of “Experiencing the Trinity,” following God’s admonition to “be still and know that I am God” was absolutely thrilling! You don’t often associate coming to a complete stop with “thrilling,” but that’s what it was! I hope more and more people can attend this retreat in years to come and experience God in personal, new ways” –Dave Huffman

The Odyssey in Christ retreat was a real treat, walking in the woods with the Father, Jesus and then the Holy Spirit. I appreciate the lesson in silence and solitude; shutting out all the noise helps one to focus on prayer and meditation resulting in getting closer to God. –Walt Baudoin

This retreat was a new experience, but it was the best experience I have had. Learning about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit the way they were talked about this weekend was amazing. I and my friends have not stopped talking about it. Everyone we have told wants to attend. Having experienced this retreat makes me want to live my life out in Christ more than ever. –Eula Crowell