Category: Prayer & Updates

We were saddened to learn of the recent death of GCI member Gary Shay who worked in Information Technology at the GCI Home Office for about 28 years (he retired a few years ago, and his wife, Janet Shay, retired recently after working for many years in Human Relations in the Home Office).

Gary and Janet were attending their congregation’s Pentecost service when Gary had a massive heart attack. Surrounded by many brothers and sisters in Christ, Gary died at church while doing what he loved—serving the church by making sure his congregation’s audio and video experience was of the best quality. Cards may be sent to:

Janet Shay
941 Fuschia Avenue
Glendora, CA 91740-4833

We have been praying for GCI Pastor Jim Kissee for several months as he continues to battle cancer (click here for the original prayer request). Here is a recent update from Jim.

I’ve now completed radiation, and my doctor says I survived it well! A follow-up CT scan shows the tumor in my abdomen has not grown, though it is in contact with five of my internal organs. In surgery, set for June 27, they will determine if the tumor is “stuck” to any of the organs (it wasn’t at the time of my first surgery). I will be in the hospital five to seven days following surgery, with the recovery after that lasting six to eight weeks (longer if there are complications, though my surgeon assures me that he will utilize the best surgical techniques to avoid complications). Though it will be major surgery, Kaye and I are thankful to have this option. We feel it’s the direction God is leading us. We also are very thankful for the kindnesses shown to us by so many of you. Thank you especially for your continuing prayers.

Cards may be sent to:

Jim and Kaye Kissee
601 N. 36th St
Nixa, MO
65714-7558

We were saddened to learn of the recent death of John McDuffie, associate pastor of GCI’s congregation in Athens, GA. Here is a tribute to John from the congregation’s lead pastor, Bill Tollner.

Mr. Mac, as we affectionately called him, was strong in the Lord to the end. It was simply inspiring to be in his presence. He exuded the strength of God in his weakened state, and will be remembered to that end by many. One of his favorite scriptures was 2 Cor 1, the God of Comfort. That was, I believe, a cornerstone of Mr. Mac’s ministry.

Mr. Mac’s obituary will be posted on the website of the Gardenview Funeral Chapel at http://gardenviewfuneralchapel.com/. Cards and notes may be sent to:

Mrs. Reba W. McDuffie
1203 New Kings Bridge Road,
Athens, GA 30607

We were saddened to learn of the death of Rudy Mills, pastor of GCI’s congregation on the island of St. Lucia in the Eastern Caribbean. Rudy had been suffering with colon cancer over the last several months. GCI Caribbean Regional Director Charles Fleming shared this about Rudy’s recent passing:

Rudy’s wife, Angie, told me that, in spite of the pain, she could see that Rudy was at peace to the very end. She is especially grateful that she had five hours of one-on-one time with Rudy in which she was able to thank him for being such a good life partner. As I think about that, the words of Psalm 116: 15 come to mind: “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.” It is clear that God’s presence was felt in very intimate ways.

Pastors from neighboring islands have been flying into St. Lucia to preach and encourage the congregation, and a local leadership team is being formed to fill the vacant pastoral role. Charles requests prayers for Angela and for the Spirit’s guidance in commissioning a new leadership team in St. Lucia.

Cards to the family may be sent to:

Mrs. Angela Mills
PO Box 2113
Gros-Islet
SAINT LUCIA

We have requested prayer for Pedro Rufián, GCI pastor in Spain, who is battling prostate cancer. Here is an update from Pedro:

Thanks to our loving Triune God, the results from recent tests show my cancer is in remission. To God be all glory and honor! He is our healer in every case. Chemotherapy and other treatments are scheduled for the near future. Thanks for your love and prayers for me and my wife Brigida.

Cards may be sent to Pedro and his wife Brigida at:

Mr. and Mrs. Pedro Rufián
Real 26
E-28610 VILLAMANTA
SPAIN

We were saddened to learn of the recent death of Sheryl Richardson, an employee of the GCI office in Australia for 37 years. She had retired four years ago.

Sheryl fell ill and was admitted to the hospital, where she died despite attempts to save her life, including surgery. Her death came as a shock to her family and co-workers. She was only 61 years old. Her husband Peter, the congregation where she attended, and all who knew her are coming to terms with her loss. She will be greatly missed.

Sheryl was well-known throughout Australia. She was a deaconess in the Carina congregation in Brisbane, a key organizer of the church festival, and the manager of the kitchen at many sessions of the summer camp. She was an outstandingly committed, faithful and dedicated employee and member. Please pray for Peter and the extended family.

Below is the GCI Prayer Guide for the month of March. To download it as a single PDF, click here.

In November 2016, we requested prayer for Jim Kissee, pastor of GCI’s congregation in Springfield, MO. Jim had been diagnosed with abdominal cancer and underwent surgery, from which he recovered well. However, the cancer has returned, as Jim notes in this follow-up report:

My cancer has returned, as sarcomas in the abdomen frequently do. Though it is pressing on the liver, gall bladder, diaphragm, colon and lesser vena cava, so far, it has not invaded those structures. I will be going through five weeks of therapy starting March 19 at the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis. ViewRay is a guided radiation therapy and fairly new (about six years old). The doctors feel this is a good fit to treat abdominal Lyposarcoma. When the radiation therapy is over, I will most likely have follow-up surgery.

Jim also reports he is doing quite well and is able to fully get around, exercise, etc., though he is not looking forward to what, hopefully, will be only a few weeks of curtailed activity.

Please pray for Jim and for his wife Kaye. Cards may be sent to:

Jim and Kaye Kissee
601 N. 36th St
Nixa, MO
65714-7558

We were saddened to learn of the recent death of Edward Faulk, long-time GCI-USA elder and pastor.

Ed died at age 83 in Newark, Delaware, where he had moved after retiring from GCI employment several years ago. Ed passed away peacefully on February 21, surrounded by his family.

Born in Wilmington, NC, Ed was the son of the late David and Lucille (Tucker) Faulk. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force for nearly 10 years, retiring as Captain. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree at A & T State University, and later became a WCG elder and then employed as an associate then lead pastor in various locations (last in Northern Ohio).

Ed is survived by his wife of 58 years, Thelma (Wilkins) Faulk; his sons, Edward D. Faulk, Jr. and his wife, Brandy, of Germany and Michael K. Faulk of Newark, DE; and his grandson, David.

A Committal Service was held on March 2 in Delaware. To post a condolences message for the family, click here.

We have requested prayer for Pedro Rufián, GCI pastor in Spain who is battling prostate cancer. Here is an update from Pedro:

Thank you for your love, concern, prayers, messages, get-well cards and phone calls. Thanks also to God that my first chemotherapy session is nearly over and the side-effects (vomiting, pain, etc.) have not been an issue. Every day I have been able to work in my home basement office, perhaps with a little less strength, but it has been bearable.

The second chemo session is set for March 8. After the third session, my oncology team will evaluate the results and determine the rest of my treatment. On March 11, James Henderson will visit and anoint me. His visit will be most welcome and appreciated!

We are indeed a worldwide family, united by the Holy Spirit. It is reassuring and encouraging to know that many brothers and sisters around the world are praying for me and my family. We continue to trust our loving Father as our Healer, and in his perfect will for our lives. We have peace and confidence, knowing he is always with us. I will continue to appreciate your prayers for my family and for me, and also for the success of my cancer treatments.

Cards may be sent to Pedro and his wife Brigida at:

Mr and Mrs. Pedro Rufián
Real 26
E-28610 VILLAMANTA
SPAIN