Category: Prayer & Updates

The Ramos family is grieving the death of Maria Rivera, mother of GCI pastor Raul Ramos. She died peacefully in her sleep after battling liver cancer. As noted by Sylvia Ramos (Raul’s wife): “No more suffering, no more pain, no more confusion. Maria is now with her beloved Lord.”

Though there is sadness in the home because of Maria’s death, there is also joy. Sylvia learned recently that she will not need radiation or chemotherapy as a follow-up to her recent surgery for endometrial cancer. The doctor determined that the cancer had not penetrated her uterine wall.

Cards may be sent to:

Raul and Sylvia Ramos
1637 Bisbee Place
Lancaster, CA 93535-4370

We are saddened to learn of the recent death of Wayne Wyman, long-time elder in GCI’s congregation in Edmonton, Alberta (Canada).

According to GCI-Canada national director Gary Moore, Wayne (along with his wife Doris) was a stable and constructive influence in the congregation, including during the years it went through major doctrinal transformation.

Cards may be sent to:

Doris Wyman
2009 89 St NW
Edmonton AB T6K 2A2

Thanks for your prayers for retired GCI pastor Roger Abels (click here for the previous update). Here is a recent update from his daughter Courtney (Abels) Harmon:

Dad has improved slowly over the last couple of weeks [see pictures below]. The pneumonia has resolved, the trach [tracheostomy tube] has been removed, there has been a little movement in some fingers on the right hand, and he has taken several steps supported with a walker. [On February 9] Dad will be moving to a full-time rehab facility in hopes to regain strength and eventual use of limbs, hands and core. We are so thankful for God’s provision. Thanks again for your prayers and support!

Cards may be sent to:

Roger and Donna Abels
1827 Ransom Dr.
Ft Wayne, IN 46845

Here is a prayer request for Donna Bechthold, wife of Glenn Bechthold who formerly pastored one of GCI’s congregations in the San Diego, California, area.

In 2009, Donna was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Then in 2011 she had a bout with bacterial meningitis, resulting in a coma that she miraculously pulled out of. She had been holding her own for a while, but just after Christmas 2015, she began having cognitive difficulties and went to the hospital for tests. An MRI revealed five tumors in her brain that could be melanoma. The largest is about the size of a grape (2.5 cm). She started a round of five radiation treatments on January 20. The treatments are going well, and on January 28 a PET scan appeared to be clear. One more treatment was to have occurred on February 1, then they will wait two months and have another MRI. Please pray for Donna, Glenn and the whole Bechthold family.

Cards may be sent to:

Glenn and Donna Bechthold
2420 La Costa Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92009-7301

Here is an update to previous prayer requests for retired GCI pastor Roger Abels. It was provided by Roger’s daughter Courtney (Abels) Harmon.

Thanks to all who have asked for updates about my dad. We have been in a waiting period for the last ten days; waiting for the pneumonia to clear up, for him to breath on his own enough to not be considered “critical” and for the fever to stay down with medicine.

Doctors have just cleared dad to move to a long-term rehab facility, and although we are concerned about additional complications (that have had a track record for arising every time he has tried to move to a different hospital), we are hopeful about him leaving ICU permanently this time.

Thanks for continuing to pray for him and us! I have a peace in the midst of this storm that I know is the result of your dedicated prayers.

Cards may be sent to:

Roger and Donna Abels
1827 Ransom Dr.
Ft Wayne, IN 46845

Here is a follow up to previous prayer requests for GCI pastor Arlen Bryant.

As noted in previous prayer requests, Arlen Bryant, who pastors the GCI congregation in Cookeville, Tennessee, is battling brain cancer. He made a trip recently to Vanderbilt University for an MRI to check the tumor and discuss options for further treatment. Please pray that the tumor has not grown and that additional treatment can get going quickly and be effective. Arlen is very weak and in need of our prayers.

Cards may be sent to:

Arlen and Jean Bryant
2054 Benton Young Rd
Cookeville, TN 38501

In a previous post we announced the death of Ed Graham and asked for prayers for his widow, Shiela Graham. Here is a note of thanks from Sheila:

A huge thank-you to my church family! During these tough days of Ed’s illness and death and aftermath, I’ve been constantly encouraged by your loving comments, cards, phone calls and especially your prayers. During his illness, I read your comments to him. He loved them all but especially smiled at the references to his softball playing days. Please continue to pray for me. Love to you all.

Cards may be sent to:

Sheila Graham
111 Pueblo Drive
Gainesville, TX 76240-9473

We received the following prayer request from GCI-USA elder Gary Dry.

After a lot of poking and prodding, including an echo-cardiogram, my cardiologist found I have a congenital heart murmur. That led to a cardiac cauterization showing I have a 100% blocked artery in my heart and a dysfunctional aortic valve. Next stop is a cardio-thoracic surgeon for open-heart surgery to replace the valve, and perhaps bypass surgery to deal with the blocked artery. I should know more after an upcoming visit to the doctor.

I would appreciate your prayers, knowing that, as always, I’m in the best of care from the doctor known as Jesus. So, as my Aussie friends say, “No worries mates!”

Cards may be sent to:

Gary Dry
PO Box 174
New Melle, MO 63365-0174

Here is an update related to the prayer request for Roger Abels posted on January 6.

We’ve learned that Roger’s condition remains serious as he works toward moving to a rehabilitation hospital. Here is an update from Roger and Donna’s daughter Courtney:

Eighteen days ago, my dad fell down the stairs and broke his neck. He/we have been pulled through the roller coaster of heartbreaking diagnosis, continual fights for his life, victories and then more hurdles to overcome.

I ask for prayer that he can 1) breath on his own (he is off the respirator but breathing continues to be a potential problem) 2) overcome pneumonia, 3) not aspirate again, 4) permanently lower a mystery fever, 5) have full function of his stomach (eating continues to be a problem), 6) have relief from detrimental anxiety and panic attacks, 7) have mental and physical strength to endure procedures, 8) wisdom of doctors, 9) divine peace and wisdom for the rest of us, 10) glorification of the Lord in all ways, regardless of His answer.

Here is an update on our previous prayer request for Jacki Affeldt, wife of GCI pastor George Affleldt.

We’ve learned that Jacki is now home from the hospital. Although it will take a bit of time to get her strength back, she is doing well. Thanks for the prayers!