“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.
“True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that—it is a spiritual transaction with the Creator of Heaven and Earth.” — Charles Spurgeon
Let’s seek God’s presence, guidance, and grace in March. Download the Prayer Guide and join us.
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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).
“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.
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.
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.
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
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.
