Category: Prayer & Updates

Here is an update on Jason from his grandfather, GCI pastor Martin Manuel.

Since the last update, Jason had to be returned to the ICU with low blood oxygen levels. He was put on a ventilator, which stabilized him. Tests showed that he was battling a virus, which when added to the Legionnaires Disease he already was battling, created a very dangerous situation. This new development has deeply discouraged Jason, and so we are asking that you continue praying for him. We are confident that we will continue to witness answers from our ever-present, loving God.

Here is a follow-up to the previous prayer update concerning the death of GCI retired pastor Leslie Schmedes.

A memorial service for GCI pastor Les Schmedes will be held on Sunday, May 19 at 12:30 pm at New Hope Christian Fellowship at 777 Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock, California.

Condolences may be sent to Darlene Schmedes at 840 East Foothill Boulevard #82, Azusa, California 91702. In lieu of flowers, Darlene requests donations to The Village Enrichment Program, 1107 Fair Oaks Avenue #806, South Pasadena, California 91030.

A memorial picnic will be held on Saturday, May 18 at a park in Pasadena. For information, contact Audrey Schmedes at aschmedes@gmail.com.

Here from GCI pastor Martin Manuel is an update on his grandson Jason (click here for the previous update).

Jason is much improved since the last update. He no longer is on a ventilator, though he needs a lot of oxygen to support his weakened respiratory system. I’ve seen Facebook photos of his smile and thumbs up, showing that he is feeling better and relieving our hearts and bodies from the relentless pain we have been feeling. His doctors have determined that Legionnaires’ Disease is the cause of his infection. Where he encountered this rare bacterium is unknown; I have heard that only one other treatment case is currently on record in that part of Washington State.

Jason still has a way to go to fully recover. Hopefully he will be discharged soon with progress toward an improved appetite and resultant weight gain. We are praying for a lot, but mighty is He who answers!

Thanks so much for your prayers.

Here is an update from GCI elder Dexter Faulkner on the earlier prayer request for his wife Shirley.

Shirley is improving each day and is now able to walk with a cane. She still has slight numbness in her hands and is continuing with therapy. Thanks for all the cards, emails and prayers from around the world. They meant more than you’ll ever know.

Cards may be sent to:

Shirley Faulkner

7859 Wentworth St

Sunland, CA 91040-2201

We were saddened to learn that LaVerne Wyatt-Paige, beloved wife of GCI Phoenix pastor Michael Wyatt-Paige, died on April 24.

Many of us have been praying for her during her lengthy battle with cancer. God released her from that struggle and now she is with him. We will greatly miss her, though we look forward to seeing her again.

Cards may be sent to:

Michael Wyatt-Paige

1928 E Highland Ave #104 PMB 200

Phoenix, AZ 85016-4626

We have had prayer requests from time to time for Jason Richards. His grandfather is GCI pastor Martin Manuel. Here is an update from Martin concerning Jason.

Jason is in the ICU at Seattle Children’s Hospital fighting pneumonia. His heart transplant has gone well over the past four months, but he has felt the effects of fairly minor complications: weakened respiration while his diaphragm recovers form surgical injury and weight loss due to poor appetite; otherwise, his recovery has been remarkable. Now his doctors are trying to treat pneumonia that has set in over the past few days and have him under oxygen support to restore his lungs to normal function. They plan to reinsert the NG tube so that he can receive nourishment and start to regain weight.

As many of you know, Jason and his family have gone through difficult days over the past two years. Through it all, our Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit have held them, carried them, comforted them, and provided repeated healing and recovery. Please pray for them and for us too as his grandparents—in our frailty, we struggle with complete trust and we stress easily. Over and over, we have witnessed the grace and glory of God; praise him!

We are saddened to learn of the death of retired GCI pastor Leslie “Les” Schmedes on April 20 from congestive heart failure.

Leslie Alva Schmedes, of Azusa, California, was born December 1, 1931 in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Les became a member of the Worldwide Church of God in 1964 along with his wife Darlene. He began serving the church as a deacon in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1968, Les was ordained an elder and he and his family were assigned to the Chicago Southside church where he trained under Harold Jackson. From there, Les and his family went on to pastor congregations in New York, Ohio and California.

Les leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Darlene; his sons Keith and Kent; and his daughter Audrey. Les was preceded in death by his son, Kevin. His legacy lives on through five grandchildren (four survive) and three great grandchildren. Please pray for Darlene and the whole family.

Cards may be sent to:

Darlene Schmedes

840 E Foothill Blvd Space 82

Azusa, CA 91702-2607

We are saddened to learn of the death of Thomas “Mac” McCrimmon who served as the assistant pastor of GCI’s congregation in Fairfield CA.

Cards may be sent to:

Clarice McCrimmon

234 Jill Lane

Vallejo, CA 94589-2023

As reported last week, LaVerne is in serious condition. Here is an update from district pastor Glen Weber.

LaVerne was doing a bit better and was more conscious late last week. Saturday she enjoyed a visit with some friends who visited from Southern California. However, after a period of time she suffered a seizure and had to be taken from hospice to the hospital. She is now stabilized and if all goes well with some tests, she will have a feeding tube inserted into her stomach.

If she is gaining strength by next weekend, she and Mike will fly to Cleveland so that LaVerne can be cared for by family members who are nurses.

Please pray for the family and also for our Phoenix congregation where LaVerne’s husband Michael is the senior pastor.

Cards may be sent to:

Michael Wyatt-Paige

1928 E Highland Ave #104 PMB 200

Phoenix, AZ 85016-4626

We were saddened to learn that former GCI pastor Robert Bragg died early today (April 17). He was 80 years old and had been suffering from age-related ailments for the past few years.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Shelby, who died in 2010 (after 53 years of marriage) and his youngest son Reginald, who died in 2012. Bob is survived by his sons Scott and Stuart. Please remember the family in your prayers.

Cards may be sent to Bob’s sons at:

Scott Bragg
1119 Moser Drive
Danielsville, PA 18038

Stuart Bragg
410 West 51st Street
Apartment 104
New York, NY 10019