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.
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):
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
Fall is a busy season in GCI with many worship retreats, seminars and camps being held in various places around the world. Here are reports on a few of the most recent ones.
GCI-Canada hosted a Thanksgiving conference and Engage 2016 in Penticton, British Columbia. The events began with a combined community outreach event where a team of young and older adults offered live worship music, free popcorn for children, and invited people to attend worship services at the week-long Thanksgiving conference.
Ten young adults and teens enthusiastically participated in Engage 2016, a 3-day conference that included the community outreach, Bible study sessions, a movie, biking the Kettle Valley Trail along Okanagan Lake and the combined Thanksgiving Banquet.
The theme for this year’s Thanksgiving Conference was Empowered by Grace. Guest speakers included Rick and Cheryl Shallenberger. Over 60 participants enjoyed a week of inspiring worship, messages, fellowship and activities that included a Thanksgiving Banquet with a GCI Update. Other events included a potluck dinner and activities on the historic S.S. Sicamous, a visit to the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory, catered lunches, movie and games nights. Conference delegates opened their hearts and donated an astounding total of $5,600 for Doing Well, the non-profit fundraising initiative founded by Tim Maguire to build and drill wells in Mozambique, where GCI has more than 5,000 members in over 100 congregations. This amount will cover the cost of drilling 10 wells!
GCI’s French-speaking congregation in Quebec held a Life in Christ Celebration at the Jouvence resort in the region of Orford. Fall colors were at their peak and the scenery was overwhelmingly beautiful in the mountains. Over 100 French-speaking members from around Québec gathered for the weekend event. Its theme was “finding peace in a troubled and agitated world.” During the celebration, the group had the joy of witnessing the baptism of Vincent Labelle in the very cold waters of Lake Stukely. Vincent is the oldest son of Roger and Sylvie Labelle, who serve in leadership in their GCI congregation.
The Moncton, New Brunswick congregation hosted a conference recently that provided worship, spiritual nurturing and fellowship. About 50 members attended from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Here are several recent events held by GCI in the Philippines:
This update is from Pastor Gabriel Ojih, who tells about a recent outreach event in his GCI congregation.
On September 10, Pathway of Grace Church in Mesquite, Texas, invited the community to its annual Share Fair, where food, fellowship and prayer, along with free clothing, furniture and household items were shared with the community. Items were donated by members, Sharing Life Outreach (a local charity), community families, and local dry cleaners. A very large amount of clothing was made available for babies, kids and adults, and most found new homes with the 350+ people who attended. Leftover clothing was donated to a homeless ministry.
In conjunction with Share Fair, a food bank distribution hub was launched at our church building to provide food to needy families in the community once a week. This effort is a partnership with Sharing Life Outreach, which provides dignified, benevolent services to families in need in Mesquite and Southeastern Dallas County. Twenty-three families signed up, and about a thousand pounds of food, including canned goods and produce, were distributed.
Many meaningful conversations took place at Share Fair, in the prayer booth and elsewhere on the grounds. Members shared material goods and enjoyed the privilege of sharing hope, faith, and love with people in need of a window into the loving heart of God. One elderly African-American woman said, “This is fun and so helpful at the same time. I’m sure the good Lord is well-pleased. What you guys are doing is such a blessing and you didn’t have to do it!” And yet we did, for the love of God compels us in Jesus Christ our Lord.
