Category: Stay Connected

Here are reports from several recent GCI conferences.

Philippines

GCI-Philippines recently held a five-day conference in Baguio City with more than 1,000 in attendance. The theme was Celebrating Kingdom Life Now. Featured speakers included Greg Williams (pictured at right), director of US Church Administration and Development; and Larry Hinkle, US pastor and director of Odyssey in Christ ministry. For more about the event, click here.

Canada

The Toronto East and Cornerstone Christian Fellowship congregations of GCI-Canada recently hosted a conference titled Life in Christ, Life in the Trinity. Guest speakers Gary and Cathy Deddo (pictured below) gave sermons and lectures covering the basics of Incarnational Trinitarian theology and its implications in the Christian life. More than 90 people attended, including visitors from neighboring congregations.

Madagascar

Thirty GCI members from Madagascar met recently in Foulpointe on the Indian Ocean coast for a conference titled Joy of Sharing in Christ’s Glory. Activities included organized individual “quiet time,” beach and Bible games, a picnic and evening worship. Two ordinations occurred during the conference: Pastor Daniel Rakotondrabary was ordained an elder to serve members in the Antsirabe congregation, and Angele Rafirangason was ordained a deaconess to serve the Antananarivo congregation.

Nigeria

GCI’s churches in Nigeria held a four-day conference in the neighboring nation of Benin. The theme was God is faithful. God’s presence was evident in the worship with singing, praise and prayer, along with several special music performances. Various events were held, including a leader’s meeting, singles/youth forum, a women’s meeting, Bible Study, video presentations on Incarnational Trinitarian theology, a variety night and an elderly citizens’ forum. A highlight of the conference was the baptism of two teenage girls.

Denmark

GCI-Denmark recently held a conference with the theme Our Christian Journey. Sermons addressed the nature of the journey at personal and collective levels. A highlight was the baptism of 80-year-old Chresten Emil Madsen who for eight years has translated GCI publications in the Norwegian and Danish languages.

Here is a video that tells the story of a drive-in prayer outreach conducted by one of GCI’s congregations in Southern California.

On YouTube at http://youtu.be/8d0MJsKApLY.

Members of the 4/14 Window Group of the GCI congregation in Santa Rosa, Philippines recently traveled to Davao, Philippines, where they shared their abilities and other resources in assisting with children’s ministry. To read about this outreach event, click here.

This update is from Anthony Gachanja, GCI’s national director for Kenya. Anthony has been visiting GCI members in congregations scattered across Kenya, bringing them encouragement. Recently, the members have been reciprocating by visiting Anthony and his wife Jane at their home (they are pictured at right on another occasion with Charles Albrecht and Joseph Tkach).

Here in Kenya we are doing quite well. We thank God for his grace. An interesting trend has been happening—members of our churches have been visiting my family here at our home, and this has really encouraged us. Some of the groups have called these visits, “a time for paying back.” According to them, they have visited us for two reasons: To show us they have been appreciating our visits to their churches, and to get to know our home. Three churches have visited us in the last three months and a fourth is working on a time for their visit. Our house is open to all. The photos below were taken during these visits.

Now that we’ve come to the end of the summer camp season, we have a couple more GenMin camps to tell you about: New Heights and SEP Montana.

New Heights, Connecticut

This report is from camp director Dishon Mills.

New Heights 2015 was fantastic! God poured out his love on us—64 campers and 65 staffers. We began with a block party to get acquainted. That evening we held our first chapel—from the beginning, the campers enthusiastically worshiped God. In accordance with our Epic Story theme, we discussed how God has a story in which we are all part. Our theme song, Rez Power by Israel & New Breed, was introduced. It was an instant hit. We also introduced the Great Book, a gigantic book made to record the stories of our campers. On the first page, campers were asked to write their “working titles”—names they are called and they call themselves that hide the truth of who they are. It was very sobering to read what some of our youth wrote.

On Monday, we began our first full day of activities, including dance, riflery, team-building, science, arts/crafts and biking. This year we added Turning Point (a class that helps campers think about important moments in their lives and how they were impacted) and mountain boarding (like skate boarding but with a longer board with giant wheels and a hand brake—perfect for coasting down New Heights’ many hills). One of the last activities of the day was Showtime, a showcase of skits, songs, dances, etc. by our campers. We ended the day with the Pavilion Party, a series of messy, wild, and hilarious games. Marshmallows, women’s make up, and a sing off were all featured.

On Thursday we held a concert. We were blessed to have several staff who are talented artists. All acts delivered uplifting, Christian messages, letting our campers know that they do not have to give up their music to follow God.

On Friday, we began by baptizing two young people; 15 others dedicated their lives to Christ. God is so good! Each baptism reminds us why we do camp. We then conducted archery and riflery challenges and our first “water war”—a structured water fight where good behavior and actions during the week earned dorms more “water-power.” The staff got in on the action, handing out “justice” with their water blasters. Water war made a big splash (sorry!) and will, no doubt, be one of our signature events.

We closed the day with a beautiful ceremony. The Great Book made another appearance, this time we turned the page to record our True Titles. Campers wrote who they believe God made them to be. It was moving and inspiring to see the transformation our campers underwent in just a week. A banquet followed, and the evening closed with a dance.

New Heights does not happen without its incredible volunteers. As those who pour into the campers, it is important for staff to be spiritually nourished as well. New Heights was blessed to have five lead pastors and five elders attend. With their help we were able to have a morning devotion each day for staff members.

SEP Montana

This report is from camp director Tobe Johnson.

SEP Montana is a faith-based community youth camp held on the banks of Canyon Ferry Lake near Helena, Montana. It was started by Living Hope Fellowship, a GCI congregation. Staff are recruited primarily from community churches, and campers come from across the community. 2015 was our ninth year. We had 116 campers and 60 staff members.

We faced many challenges this year, including learning in March that our regular camp location was unavailable. But God provided and we found another location that gives us room to grow. Though some of our regular staff were unable to participate due to the change of dates, God provided new staff members and allowed existing ones to move into new roles. The change of dates also caused problems with campers’ schedules. We had to refund some deposits. Despite these challenges (or perhaps because of them) we had the best camp ever.

This year, due to GenMin Converge conference participant donations, we were able to add a new dorm for girls (we use tents for dorms). This year we also added a Staff in Training (SIT) Program for kids who are still campers, but show interest in becoming members of our camp staff.

This year we had 44 church and community donor sponsors—a new record for us. We are happy to partner with various church and community organizations to make a difference in kids’ lives. Those organizations include Kiwanis, Wal-Mart and Staples. Our largest donor core is made up of GCI groups, including GCI churches in our region. Thank you!

This year 22 people committed their lives to Christ, including Michael (not his real name) who is about 12 years old. His interactions with several staff members throughout the week went something like this:

• Day 1, to our Christian Living teacher: “I’m a wiccan. Don’t try to convert me.”
• Day 2, to another staff member: “Actually, I’m not a wiccan, but my mom is.”
• Day 3, to another staff member: “I actually might want to get baptized someday, but not this year.
• Day 4: “I think I might want to get baptized this year. Do you think that I can?”

It is our policy to ask parents about baptism on their child’s applications. Michael’s application had checked: “Do not baptize child. Do not call to ask.” Our chaplain explained this to Michael and how we honor our parents and how God will watch over him until a later time when he could get baptized. He seemed to understand and take it all well. God reached out to Michael in 2015 and we all got to witness to it.

This year we baptized 30 campers and staff members in Canyon Ferry Lake—the highest count in our camp history. Another group camping nearby heard about our baptism service and one of the women in that group asked if she could be baptized. In the middle of her camp, with 15 or so of her friends listening in, we talked about baptism, what it pictures, and about God’s unconditional love for us all. At the end of our time, I told her that if she wanted to be baptized, show up at our baptism service, and we would be glad to baptize her. As we were standing out in the water on Friday morning, with a line of kids and staff waiting their turn to enter the water, I looked back at the shore and there she was—standing in line with the rest of those waiting their turn!

A Renewal Church cohort that includes 18 pastors and ministry leaders from the U.S. Western Region met recently at GCI’s home office in Glendora, California. The group meets regularly to sharpen its outreach ministries by receiving training in methods for connecting with and discipling unchurched people.

During the meeting, encouraging stories were shared concerning steps forward in these important aspects of being disciple-making churches. GCI Church Multiplication Ministries (CMM) national coordinator Heber Ticas (standing in the picture below), provided training on the topics of small groups, ministry shift (changing ministry paradigms), and other important aspects of disciple-making ministry. The cohort was challenged regarding ways to change the culture within their congregations to be more fully-aligned with the incarnational, community-oriented nature of Jesus’ ongoing ministry to the world.

Since Christians fellowship by eating together, the group shared a wonderful lunch that provided time for relationship-building.

This update is from Emmanuel Okai, National Ministry Leader for GCI Ghana.

The 2015 Annual Convention of Ghana was simultaneously held in Lolobi-Kumasi and Kutunse. About 150 attended at Lolobi–Kumasi where the theme was “Come celebrate the goodness of God.” Meetings were held at the town square, providing opportunities to minister to members of the community.

About 500 attended in Kutunse, where the theme was based on John 14:3. Meetings were filled with music and dance (see pictures below) and various groups and individuals gave special music in praise of the Lord, whose coming was celebrated with great anticipation. During the convention, deacons and deaconesses were ordained to serve two local congregations, and little children were blessed. A highlight of the convention was the musical presentations from various congregations including a children’s choir that performed a musical skit in which the Apostles Creed was recited. A new group named Couples for Christ GCI was inaugurated to help young couples experience a stable married life, and to be involved in community service projects. Convention activities included hiking, family day, and a visit to Pastor Alfred Ablordeppey who is unwell. Prayers for his healing are requested.

Rod Matthews, one of GCI’s mission directors, provided this update on our ministry partner in Nepal.

In Nepal today you see the rubble remains of brick and stone buildings—the result of two devastating earthquakes earlier this year. Thousands of people had to live outdoors for weeks as the aftershocks continued, their children too fearful to go inside even if their homes remained standing. Because much of Nepal is mountainous, with the infrastructure poorly developed and access to many remote rural villages only by foot (or helicopter), it has taken months to assess the damage and destruction and the personal needs of villagers in some locations.

Deben Sam, leader of Gospel for Himalayas church, our ministry partner in Nepal, organized a small team to travel to many locations in Nepal, not only to assist his network of rural churches, but to take supplies to others in desperate need. Deben has expressed gratitude to GCI congregations in many countries for assisting him in lifting the lives of so many people as they endured the worst personal experiences of their lives. With this assistance, Deben hired a fleet of mules to carry urgent humanitarian relief supplies to villages which could not be reached in other ways. Here are pictures of that relief effort:

Back in Kathmandu, the local church’s facility also suffered damage in the earthquakes. A portion of the building (including the room where the children meet) collapsed. Fortunately no one was injured, but the room backed onto an external wall that was breached and became a security issue. Funds from GCI were used to repair the building and make the compound secure again (see pictures below).

In the last few weeks Deben has taken advantage of the summer weather to travel extensively through western Nepal, visiting local pastors and missionaries in seven districts. His goal was to get first-hand field reports, to personally encourage and advise the church leaders, and to discuss the possibility of taking his Mobile Bible School (MBS) to their areas in the next couple of months. This program offers a short, intensive training program in their home area so they can learn, experience and practice, then teach their own people.

Deben also desires to prepare missionaries to reach into areas where there is yet no church. He explains: “We are providing two stages of training: 1) Personal Spiritual Building—training for all kinds of believers in the local church as well as new converts in new areas where there is no church. 2) Preparation for the Ministry—training for pastors and lay leaders as well as those who have done the first stage training.” The first stage covers the topics of salvation, the Trinity, the Word of God, prayer, praise and worship and giving. With generous support from the Australian Mission Fund, this program will be fully funded again this year. The second stage of training covers systematic Bible study and sermon preparation, discipleship, the church, leadership, Christian marriage and family, biblical finance, evangelism and church planting. Called the Himalayan Bible School (HiBiS), the course is conducted in Kathmandu over three months each year for about 15 young men and women with potential as missionaries who are selected from the Mobile Bible School program. This is followed by a nine-month practicum in the villages.

Earlier this year in May, the second annual graduation from HiBiS was held in Kathmandu (see picture below, with Deben Sam at far right). The graduates have returned to their villages where they are assisting with pastoring and mission work in fulfillment of the practical experience part of their training.

Thank you all for your love and practical concern for the Nepalese people in their time of need, and for our partner ministry, which is doing marvelous work in Christ’s ministry in very difficult circumstances.

For information about donating to the GCI Disaster Relief Fund, click here.

Several members of Living Grace Church (one of GCI’s congregations in the Denver, Colorado, area) participated recently in a spiritual renewal retreat titled “Experiencing the Trinity.” Participants spent time in spiritual exercises designed to help them encounter the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in intimate and personal ways. Those exercises included times of silence, guided meditation, various forms of prayer, and communion. The retreat was led by Odyssey in Christ staff members Larry Hinkle (OIC director), Lorilee Immel, Gracie Johnson, and Bill and Donna Rae Wells.

Linda Buffalow commented on her experience at the retreat: “It was a great blessing, giving us opportunity to get away from the daily cares, stresses, duties, etc. that weigh us down. The emphasis on God’s love and what it is in our lives, made the Triune God much more real to us.” Linda’s husband Harold commented: “It was brought out that Jesus is our refuge or safe place. And we need a safe place where we can go in our prayers to God.”

Several of GCI’s U.S. congregations recently held special outreach worship services and other events to bless children and their families as the children returned to school. Here are a couple of examples.

Trinity, Alabama

New Life in Christ Fellowship, GCI’s congregation in Trinity, Alabama, held a “Blessing of the Children Service.” Here is a picture of some of the children and their parents and teachers:

Of the 31 people attending the service, 19 were visitors (including five visiting for the first time). NLICF Lead Pastor Brad Campbell commented:

I think there is a real chance that God may be opening a door for eventual sustained growth from within our community. We’re seeing the return of visitors who are then telling their friends and families about our church. One thing that is clear from this event, is the importance and effectiveness of our children’s church. The kids love coming and being a part of that little class. I’ve received a lot of positive feedback both personally and via social media from adults concerning our services and the overall ministry of our church.

Olympia, Washington

New Horizons Fellowship, GCI’s congregation in Olympia, Washington, participated in a city-wide “Back to School–Backpack Giveaway.” As seen in the video below, hundreds attended the giveaway held in downtown Olympia. According to NHF Lead Pastor Chuck Downey, “It’s amazing what we can do when we work together.”

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