Mohan Jayasekera who pastors a GCI church in Perth, Australia and oversees GCI churches in Sri Lanka, is hospitalized in Perth following what seems to have been a mild stroke. His wife Nihara reports that when Mohan arose in the morning a few days ago, his mouth was drooping and his speech was slurred, so she called for an ambulance. Mohan remains in the hospital for observation and testing. He is mobile and coherent.
We’ll keep you updated on Mohan’s condition and ask for your prayers for Mohan, his family and the churches that he serves.
We are saddened to learn of the death of Margaret Loter, mother of Dana Loter who leads the pastoral team serving the GCI congregation in Davenport, Iowa. Margaret was a longtime GCI member. Her funeral will be this Friday.
We are saddened to learn of the recent death of GCI pastor Larry Hinkle’s 19-year-old grandson Coty. Coty’s mother Christi sent this moving report:
Coty’s bowels quit working and the rest of his body continued to shut down over a period of 24 hours. There was nothing that could have been done to save him. The doctors tried to stabilize him for surgery, but while doing so, he waved his hand as if to say “goodbye.” I held his hand while everyone rushed in to do CPR. I told him I loved him and just waited. They turned off the life-support machines and God took Coty home. His father and I were with him as he passed. To everything there is a season, a time and place under heaven. Coty’s season here lasted 19 years and now his season in heaven has begun.
Larry reported that his grandson was a special needs child who suffered from a rare genetic disease. Unable to walk on his own, and communicating only through a communication device, he was dependent on his mother Christi to be for him the hands and feet of Jesus. She faithfully and even joyfully took care of Coty for 19 years. Larry commented: “There was special spirit-to-spirit communication between them that only a God-given mother’s love could engender and cultivate. Coty accepted Jesus into his life at a GCI camp, and now we look forward to the reunion that awaits us in glory.”
Cards to Larry, his wife Joanne and to Christi may be sent to:
Larry Hinkle 10141 NW 23rd Street Coral Springs, FL 33065-4845
Since our last update on GCI pastor Arnold Clauson, he has continued to battle cancer. Below is an update on his condition from his wife Trish. Please continue to pray for them both and for their daughters.
Arnold had a PET scan on March 15, which showed that he continues to have cancer in his bones. However, the cancer has not spread to any vital organs. Apparently this is very unusual. A primary concern at this point relates to the tumors growing in Arnold’s skull. These are pressing against his brain enough to reduce Arnold’s speech to one word answers. It has been advised that he have an MRI leading possibly to radiation to shrink the tumors, not only to release the pressure but to avoid any life-threatening neurological interference. This will all likely take several days while he continues with dialysis.
Though Arnold cannot speak or move, he is alert and aware of his surroundings. My constant prayer is that God show him great mercy. Knowing that he is imprisoned by his body and mind is extremely hard for me to witness. Thankfully, he is not in constant pain and is handling whatever mental, emotional and physical pain he may be feeling with much grace and faith. This is quite remarkable to me.
Thanks again for all the prayers, support and cards of love. They help more than you know.
Cards may be sent to:
Arnold and Trish Clauson 109 Melrose Circle Denison, TX 75020-2697
Last week we requested prayer for Lexie Ellis concerning forthcoming surgery to remove a regrowth of melanoma from her brain. We’re happy to report that the surgery was successful and the doctors are pleased with her progress. Lexie is now recovering at home.
Lexie and Mark thank everyone for their expressions of love and support and the continuing prayers.
Cards can be sent to:
Mark and Lexie Ellis Unit 15 Oscar on Main 1 Hughes Avenue Main Beach Queensland 4217 Australia
Jackie King, wife of elder Dan King in the Joplin, Missouri church is suffering from a severe spinal problem that has led to much pain and the loss of most of the use of both arms. An operation to alleviate the condition is scheduled for March 12. There are other health conditions that Jackie is battling that may effect whether or not the surgery can be conducted.
Please pray about this situation with Jackie, Dan and their congregation.
Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Robinson (left and right), Doreen (center), Gabriella and her brothers.
Please join us in praying for the family of deceased GCI pastor Ron Robinson of New Jersey. Ron’s widow, Doreen Mickens Robinson, died on February 18.
Also please pray for Ron and Doreen’s 9-year-old granddaughter Gabrielle Robinson, who was rushed to the hospital recently with a case of guillain-barre syndrome, a serious viral infection. She is hospitalized and though improving, has a long way to go.
Please pray for Gabrielle, her parents Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Robinson and the whole Robinson-Mickens family, including Jannice May (wife of GCI elder Curtis May) who is Ron Robinson’s first cousin.
Cards may be sent to:
Jeffrey Robinson 76 Ross Hall Blvd North Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
About a year ago we requested prayer for Lexie Ellis, wife of retired GCI-Australia pastor Mark Ellis, and sister of John McLean, GCI Australia national director. Lexie had been diagnosed with stage four melanoma. Recent tests showed regrowth of the melanoma in the brain and some bleeding. As a result, Lexie is scheduled to have surgery this Thursday (Australian time).
Mark and Lexie appreciate all the prayers, support and love from church family around the world. Please continue to pray through this difficult time.
Cards may be sent to [this is the corrected address]:
Mark and Lexie Ellis Oscar on Main Unit 15 1 Hughes Ave Main Beach Qld 4217 Australia
This prayer request is from GCI pastor Tom Pickett for his son David Pickett, pastor of GCI’s congregation in Burleson, Texas.
Please pray for David. He recently had quadruple bypass surgery due to multiple artery blockages discovered through heart catherization. One artery was blocked 100%.
We thank God that the surgery was successful. Pain management is now the immediate concern. David’s recovery is going well and he should be home by the time you read this.
Cards may be sent to:
David Pickett 1206 Sproles Drive Benbrook, TX 76126-3332
Thanks for your prayers for Anthea Lippross. Her husband Roger reports that the mass found near her heart was a non-malignant, large blood clot that likely had been growing for many years. Given this condition, the surgeon said that it would have been common for her to have had a massive stroke years ago. So with the clot as well as a bad mitral heart valve, she is, indeed, a walking miracle!
The blood clot was successfully removed and the old valve replaced. She will be coming home from the hospital this week and Roger thanks everyone for their prayers and encouraging messages.
Cards may be sent to:
Roger & Anthea Lippross 1015 Coto de Caza Ct Beaumont, CA 92223-8522
