Category: Prayer & Updates

We are rejoicing in a praise report from Keysha Taylor, wife of Charles Taylor, lead pastor of one of GCI’s congregations in the Miami, FL area (click here for the earlier prayer request for Keysha). Here is what Keysha wrote earlier this week:

This morning I went to the hospital to have a biopsy performed on a spot in my neck/throat area found during a recent PET scan. The doctors and nurses looked for the spot, but then cancelled the procedure—there was nothing there to biopsy! Glory to God! Thank you for your prayers and support. I love you all dearly.

We were saddened to learn of the recent death of Paul Brice Smith, Assistant Pastor of GCI’s congregation in Big Sandy, Texas.

Born in 1927, Paul enrolled in Ambassador College in 1949, and married Freia A. Friddle in 1954 (they would have celebrated 63 years of marriage next month). Paul taught for many years at Imperial School in Big Sandy, and public school in Gilmer, Texas. He also worked for a time in WCG’s Pasadena radio studio.

A long-time elder in WCG/GCI, Paul served for the last several years as Assistant Pastor in the Big Sandy, TX, congregation where he was also a member of the Church Board and a leader and mentor to the Silver Ambassadors group. For many years, Paul and Freia had a special ministry to the senior citizens of the church.

Paul is survived by his wife Freia, three children and four grandchildren.

Cards and letters may be sent to:

Mrs. Freia A. Smith
PO Box 295
Big Sandy, TX 75755-0295

This is both a prayer request and and prayer report on behalf of Keysha Taylor, wife of Charles Taylor, lead pastor of one GCI’s Miami, Florida, area congregations. A few weeks ago during a surgical procedure, a growth was found in Keysha that contained leiomiosarcoma, a very rare and aggressive cancer. The growth was removed, but there was the lingering question as to whether or not more of the cancer was growing in her body. Prayer was requested, and just this week, Keysha had a PET scan to look for more of the cancer. We are prasing God that none was found! Charles sent us this comment before the scan was conducted:

We are truly believing that God revealed the cancer, healed her, and will be glorified in the process. We praise God for his loving miracle. Please pray that no more cancer will be found in her body, that the process with our health insurance will work out completely and that we can move forward in enjoying serving our wonderful God.

Cards may be sent to:

Keysha and Charles Taylor
9650 Dunhill Dr
Miramar, FL 33025-3830

We were saddened to learn of the recent death of James Owen Duke, father of Russell Duke, Vice Chairman of the GCI Board. Russell provided the following tribute to his Dad.

My Dad was born in 1923 and died at age 93. He leaves behind his wife of 71 years, Claire Duke, two sons, Russell and Warren, and one daughter, Kay Overstreet. He was preceded in death by his son Byron. He leaves six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Dad graduated high school in Camden, Alabama, in 1940, and with war raging in Europe, he entered the United States Marine Corps in 1941 at age 17. He was on duty in the radio room at Point Loma, California, when the call came from Pearl Harbor to another desk in the room, reporting the Japanese attack. Over the next four years he served in the South Pacific, landing in Vella Lanella Island and Choiseul Island, where he earned the Bronze Star. He completed his military service in 1946, honorably discharged, with the notation for character of service—Excellent.

In 1954, Dad became a follower of Herbert Armstrong in the Radio Church of God, ordained a deacon and then employed by the then-named Worldwide Church of God in 1969, then ordained an elder in the church, serving as associate pastor in Big Sandy, Texas (1977), then in Anniston, Alabama (1986), lastly in Dallas, Texas (1988), before retiring at age 68 in 1991.

Dad was committed to liberty, risking his very life for his country; committed to love of wife and family; and committed to faith in Jesus Christ, living his whole life for our God. And now he lives on in the hands of the Father, the heart of Jesus Christ, and the breath of the Holy Spirit.

We were saddened to learn of the recent death of Serge Volpe’s mother Anne. Serge serves as facilitator of a GCI fellowship group that meets in White Plains, New York.

Anne went through a long period of decline, especially during the last three years, leading a few months ago to hospice care. Serge and his wife Lynne experienced multiple crises caring for Anne during those years while she battled COPD, cardiac problems, and moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

We pray for and extend condolences to Serge and Lynne, and to the whole Volpe family. Cards may be sent to:

Serge and Lynne Volpe
6 Grandview Ave
White Plains, NY 10605-1613

Prayer is requested for Barrington Christie and his family. Barrington, pastor of GCI’s congregation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, was admitted to the hospital last week where x-rays identified an abnormality near his rib-cage and a blood count so low that blood transfusion was necessary. A CT scan is planned to see whether or not his brain was affected. In addition to Barrington’s situation, the mental condition of his 13 year old son Demetrius has worsened. Due to his erratic behavior, his son cannot be left alone. Barrington’s wife Michelle is, understandably, overwhelmed with the challenges facing the family.

Cards may be sent to:

Barrington and Michelle Christie
27 Frontier Heights
Port Maria PO
St. Mary
JAMAICA

Prayers are requested for Bertha Bryce, wife of Bill Bryce who pastors GCI’s congregation in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bertha recently had surgery for a bowel blockage. She’s been moved from the hospital to a rehab center for physical and occupational therapy. Her legs are still quite weak and she doesn’t have much of an appetite, so prayers for these things in particular would be appreciated.

Cards may be sent to:

Bertha Bryce
552 E. Mingo View Avenue
Sandy, UT 84070-2403

Richard Morgan, husband of Edythe Morgan and father to GCI Treasurer Mat Morgan and his brothers Tim, Tom and Mark, died peacefully on January 19 surrounded by family after a battle with cancer. Richard was known for his strong character, hard work, honesty and ability to fix anything if he put his mind to it. He was a veteran who served in the 11th Airborne division and the 187th Airborne Combat Team in Korea.

Richard is survived by his wife of almost 61 years, his four sons and their spouses, eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. A new great grandson was born the same day that Richard passed, making for a bittersweet day.

Mat sends his thanks to all who have sent prayers and well wishes. He says that the family looks forward to seeing Richard again in the fulness of God’s kingdom.

Cards may be sent to:

Edythe Morgan
1203 East Mountain View Ave.
Glendora, CA 91741

We were saddened to learn of the recent, unexpected death of GCI-Canada pastor Chris Starkey. At about 11:30 p.m. a passing motorist noticed a person lying in the driveway. He stopped to check, then went to the neighbor’s for help. The neighbor identified Chris, and called 911. The ambulance arrived within minutes, but Chris had already died from a heart attack.

Chris was pre-deceased by his parents, Tom and Sarah Starkey and is survived by his two daughters, Sara and Victoria, his brother Ray, sister-in-law Lynn, and their children ZoAnne and Dustin, as well as a large community of family and friends.

GCI-Canada Director Gary Moore made this comment about Chris, who turned 63 in August:

I’ve known Chris since he arrived at Ambassador College in 1970. We were in the same dorm and became good friends. He was a humble, loyal servant of Jesus Christ and his people. I will miss him, as I know those of you who knew him will as well. Please pray for his family, and our members in St. John’s, Cornerbrook, and Gander, Newfoundland where Chris served as pastor.

Cards may be sent to:

Sara and Victoria Starkey
59 Hayward Avenue
St. John’s, NL , Canada A1C 3W6

Please pray for GCI-USA pastor Wayne Mitchell who will be having emergency triple bypass surgery on January 26. The doctor has told Wayne that he should be able to return to work on a limited basis in about six to nine weeks, and full-time in about three months.

Cards may be sent to:

Wayne Mitchell
14509 254 Avenue SE
Monroe, WA 98272-9333