This prayer update is from Gary and Cathy Deddo. Gary is special assistant to GCI president, Joseph Tkach.
Thanks for the prayers and well wishes concerning the birth of our first grandchild. We’re pleased to announce that Wesley Edward Tanis was born on December 28 to our daughter Linda and her husband Liam.
Wesley was 9 lbs. 3 oz. and 21 and 1/2 inches at birth.
There were some initial problems, but baby and mother are now home, doing well. For that we praise God!
We are saddened to learn of the death of Grace Stokes, wife of retired GCI pastor Jim Stokes. Here is a note from Jim:
It is with mixed emotions that I am forced to tell you that after 64 years and five months of a very happy marriage, my beloved wife, Grace, has left me for someone else—Jesus Christ. Although I’ll miss her more than words can say, I know he will give her more joy, peace and happiness than I ever could. And after all, her happiness has been my life-long desire. I’m comforted knowing she will no longer face the devastating health problems she has had to endure lately.
She was affectionately known as Mom, Granny, Lady Grace, Gert and Amazin’ Gracie. Thanks to all of you who have brought so much love and joy into her life. I know we all will miss her sweet smile and loving ways.
She left this life on Wednesday, December 26.
Cards may be sent to Jim at this address:
James Stokes 5115 Beechmont Avenue Sarasota, FL 34234-3054The following prayer request is for Shirley and Dexter Faulkner. Dexter and Shirley are both retired, long-time GCI employees.
A few weeks ago Shirl had laser surgery on her tongue. Then on December 28 she had surgery to relieve severe arthritis in her neck. Following surgery she spent time in the ICU for monitoring. Now she is in the Glendale, California Adventist Hospital for rehab.
Your continued prayers for healing and mobility, and a complete and speedy recovery are deeply appreciated.
You can email Dexter at Dexter.faulkner@gci.org, or send cards to:
Shirley & Dexter Faulkner 7859 Wentworth St Sunland, CA 91040-2201Mark Queener, pastor of GCI’s Belleville, Illinois congregation and his wife Rhonda request our prayers:
Our youngest son, Brian is in critical condition in the hospital with severe pancreatitis with multiple complications. This is a life-threatening situation—the pancreas must recover from inflammation and his kidneys must start working again. He definitely needs God’s intervention. Thank you for your prayers.
Notes may be emailed to Mark and Rhonda at markqueener@charter.net.
This update is from Eugene Guzon, GCI national director for the Philippines and mission developer for northeast Asia and the United Arab Emirates.
GCI-USA ministry developer Ted Johnston and I were in Cebu City, Philippines from November 27 through December 3 for the theology conference there. We knew that our members attending from Visayas and Mindanao would be returning home to prepare for Typhoon Pablo headed straight toward those areas. It turned out to be one of the strongest typhoons in 20 years!
Before Pablo’s landfall, people in Mindanao took the typhoon warnings seriously, but not enough to shield them from its massive force. Reporters said that Pablo was stronger than super storm Sandy, which hit the US recently. As of December 17, the official death toll from Pablo was 1020 with over 900 people still missing. Six Philippine provinces still have no stable water supply, and food and water are slow in coming to other areas. The government is doing its best to respond to this heartbreaking disaster.
Shortly after Pablo passed through, we asked our area superintendents and pastors in Mindanao for updates about the situation of the members. They informed us that there was some damage to homes and crops, but the members are safe. Some of them were close to the eye of the storm; however they were spared. For that we thank God! He is our protector, shield and source of comfort. However, we cannot help but feel for the many thousands of Filipinos who lost loved ones and property. They continue to recover from the trauma of this tragedy.
We pray for God’s comfort for them all, that in the midst of their loss and grief they may understand that they were never alone. God was and is with them in their deep pain and sorrow. We also pray for God’s provision, through all means possible, so that the people who were so devastated can rebuild their lives. We also pray for strength and means so that in whatever way, word or deed, the church and our friends can participate with God as he reaches out in love to the ones who are suffering.
This update is from retired pastor Jim Stokes concerning his wife Grace. For an earlier update, click here.
Grace’s breathing is improved now that she is receiving oxygen overnight. However, her blood pressure fluctuations continue and she has swelling in her feet and ankles. Another problem is her inability to swallow solids. If tests show that she is unable to swallow, she will have a stomach tube inserted. She is currently almost starving.
Our two darling daughters arrived recently and will be staying for a few days. It is an absolute delight to have them here. It’s almost like it was before they grew up. They are truly darlings and they are a good tonic for both me and Grace.
Please continue to pray for Grace and for the whole family.
This prayer update is from Charles Albrecht (of GCI Church Administration and Development) concerning his mother Bonnie Albrecht who lives in Texas (click here for an earlier prayer request).
My family appreciates the prayers for my mother Bonnie. Since late June, she has been in the hospital and a rehab center – initially for an ankle fracture. During this time she contracted a virus in her spine similar to shingles. This led to a condition that can cause permanent spinal/nerve damage. As a result of these conditions, she has only taken a few dozen steps with a walker over the last 4-5 months.
My mom has now seen several specialists. Their opinion is that her problem is mainly orthopedic. This is welcome news. The neurologist wants her to go to an orthopedic surgeon to have her knee examined. We have also seen a pain management specialist to help her with the tremendous pain, which comes and goes throughout the day and keeps her up at night. On top of all of this, doctors discovered an unusual “bump” in my mom’s neck and have sent that out for a biopsy.
Continued prayers are much appreciated. Please pray about her pain (which is now a bit less), that the doctors discover why her knee is “frozen” and help her regain mobility, and that the bump on her neck is found to be benign (as it seems to be).
Cards may be sent to:
Bonnie Albrecht
9978 Witham St.
Dallas, TX 75220
We are thrilled to report that a perfect heart match has been found for GCI pastor Martin Manuel’s grandson Jason Richards. As we publish this, Jason is undergoing heart transplant surgery. Please pray for the success of the surgery and a positive outcome.
John Biswas is presently on a Mission trip to Bangladesh where he will be visiting as many of our churches and key gospel workers as he can. These trips are never routine, and always have a degree of danger both in the cities and when he gets out to the villages. He would be grateful for our prayers for his safety and success.
Prayer is requested for Don Paz, husband of Deb Paz who serves as Joseph Tkach’s executive assistant in the GCI denominational office in Glendora, California.
Don, who is now home, was hospitalized for serious allergic reactions and the spread of a bad infection resulting from recent surgery.
Deb and Don send their love and deep appreciation to each of you and thank you for your prayers.
