Category: Prayer & Updates

We were saddened to learn of the recent death of Susan Williams’ father, Paul Lang. Susan works for Grace Communion Seminary and is married to Greg Williams (GCI-USA, Church Administration and Development director). Here is Paul’s obituary.

Paul Richard Lang completed this life’s journey on March 5, 2015. He was born in Bismarck, North Dakota in 1933 and grew up on the family farm. Paul married Jennie Marie Mandigo in 1954. In 1978, after 24 years working the farm, the couple moved to Eugene, Oregon where they owned and operated P&J Tool Company until retirement.

Paul is survived by his wife Jennie (they were married for 60 years); three daughters, Debbie (Mark) Larson, Connie (Art) Cady, Susan (Greg) Williams; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and siblings John Lang, Corine (Marvin) Hasson, Marilyn (Robert) Showalter. Paul was preceeded in death by his sisters Pauline Jackson, Maxine Gleason and Verna Schumaker.

The pillar of his family, Paul loved unconditionally, worked tirelessly, was quick with a smile and faithful to his Savior. His family share that faith and take comfort knowing they will be reunited one day.

Cards to the family may be sent to:

Grace Communion International
Attn: Susan Williams
PO Box 5005
Glendora, CA 91740

Here is an update from retired GCI-Canada pastor George Patrickson concerning his wife Luann, who is battling pancreatic cancer. For the previous update, click here.

Luann had a CT scan last week and the results are encouraging. The tumor has not grown any larger since first diagnosed and the tumor marker count had come down significantly. Thanks for all the love, prayers and cards of encouragement that have come our way. We appreciate so much the deep concern. We feel God’s presence and peace with us as we go through this journey.

Cards may be sent to:

George and Luann Patrickson

1936 Hyannis Drive
North Vancouver, BC V7H 2E4
CANADA

We were saddened to learn of the death of Michele (Mike) Bertuzzi, 51 year-old son of deceased GCI pastor Bob Bertuzzi and his wife Coco. Mike died in a one-car accident late last Saturday night in Deltona, Florida while returning from visit with a long-time friend. He is survived by Kimberly, his wife of ten years, their son Robbie, several step-children, Mike’s mother Coco, and Mike’s sister Erin.

Bob Bertuzzi formerly pastored the GCI church in Orlando, Florida. Though they no longer live nearby, Coco and Erin often attend the Melbourne, Florida church. We extend to them, and all the family, our deepest sympathy.

Cards may be sent to:

Kimberly Bertuzzi
3464 Saddle Brook Drive
Melbourne, FL 32934

Coco Bertuzzi
2107 Hidden Grove Ln. Apt. 36A
Merritt Island, FL 32953

Lloyd Briggie, pastor of GCI’s congregation in Bowling Green, Kentucky, requests prayer for his wife Marcia who recently was diagnosed as having diabetes.

Cards may be sent to:

Marcia Briggie
PO Box 71
Lafayette, TN 37083-0071

Here is a prayer request from GCI-Canada pastor Colin Lauchlan concerning his wife Sue. Colin pastors GCI churches in the London, Windsor and Sarnia areas of southwestern Ontario, Canada.

Sue went into the hospital on February 2 and was released following surgery on February 6. She suffered severe nausea and was unable to eat much, so the doctors upped her anti-nausea medication. This enabled her to start eating, which led to severe stomach cramps. She was readmitted to the hospital with a suspected bowel blockage. She was given a course of antibiotics and the problem cleared up. She was released from hospital on February 20. She is feeling a lot better, although she has lost a lot of weight.

We also got the pathology report back, which indicates that Sue’s cancer has not spread and so she will not require follow-up chemotherapy or radiation. We are very thankful for that.

Cards may be sent to:

Colin and Sue Lauchlan
90 Westridge Road
London, ONT N6K 3R7
CANADA

Jonathan Rakestraw, the pastor of GCI’s church in Tallahassee, Florida, along with his wife Carolyn request prayer for their oldest child Matthew Rakestraw (see picture) who during a recent visit to his dermatologist was diagnosed with melanoma cancer. Concerning the diagnosis, Carolyn wrote this:

The area affected by the cancer is on his forehead. This is not something new to us. From an early age, doctors told us that Matthew’s skin condition could lead to cancer. We do not have a lot of details as to treatment yet, but it likely will involve surgery. Though this is a scary situation, we know we have God’s help, and we are, for the most part, able to leave it with Him. God’s love has been evident throughout this journey. We very much appreciate and feel your prayers. We know that the final outcome is in God’s hands, and for that we are thankful. We know that God’s love and goodness are endless.

Matthew, who is a member of his father’s GCI congregation, actively serves in youth ministry, including as a staff member at GCI’s Florida summer camp.

Cards may be sent to:

Matthew Rakestraw
3946 Elysian Ct.,
Tallahassee FL 32311

We were saddened to learn of the recent death of Mark Palmerino, an elder in GCI’s Holden, Massachusetts congregation. Mark died peacefully in his sleep last Saturday morning. Please pray for his wife Beth and their children.

Cards may be sent to:

Beth Palmerino
37 Somerset Lane
Holden, MA 01520-1724

We were saddened to learn of the death of Lil Rice, wife of former WCG pastor Phillip Rice, the son of Ginny Rice (widow of long-time WCG leader Richard Rice) and brother of GCI pastor Anthony Rice. Lil died on January 11 following a lengthy illness. Phillip currently is staying with Ginny in Baton Rouge, LA. Phillip has his own health problems and is on disability. Your prayers are much appreciated for the family in this difficult time.

Cards may be sent to:

Ginny Rice
16131 Indigo Ridge
Baton Rouge, LA 70817

We were saddened to learn of the recent death of Eddie MacMillan, a long-time elder in the Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada congregation. Eddie died in the arms of his wife Shirley.

Cards may be sent to:

Mrs. Shirley MacMillan
662 Kittley-Elizabeth Line, RR #4
North Augusta, Ontario
K0G 1R0

This prayer request is from Tim Maguire, one of GCI’s Missions Directors serving in Africa.

Please pray for our members and other people in Mozambique and Malawi who have been devastated by recent floods as the result of torrential rains. The flooding has destroyed homes and crops. I have been in contact with our leaders in Mozambique, but they do not have much information other than to say that “it is very bad” there. Many areas are without means of communication. More details are available by following these links:

• http://edition.cnn.com/2015/01/17/africa/malawi-flooding/
• http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/SA-troops-helping-flood-hit-Mozambique-20150118

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Here is a note from the GCI Treasurer’s Office:

Probably the best way to assist members suffering in disasters like these in Africa is to donate to the GCI Disaster Relief Fund, which provides members in disaster areas with emergency needs for food, water, medicine, clothing, temporary housing, home and/or church hall repairs, temporary local pastoral salary expenses, etc. Monies donated to the Fund that are not immediately needed remain in the Fund to be allocated in future disasters. Congregations can donate to the Fund by having their treasurer set up a one time or monthly donation using the GCI online system (http://online.gci.org—log in and select “Church Giving” under the “Treasurer” tab at left). A congregation or individual may donate to the Fund by check made payable to Grace Communion International, indicating on the memo line that it is for the GCI Disaster Relief Fund. Send checks to:

GCI Disaster Relief Fund
Grace Communion International
P.O Box 5005
Glendora, CA 91740-0730