Category: Prayer & Updates

This update is from Charles Fleming, GCI missions director in the Caribbean region.

We are thanking God that the GCI School in Haiti is open and helping parents and students recover from the shock of the destruction from the January 2010 earthquake.

Because traumatized parents were understandably unwilling to allow their children to meet in the school’s damaged concrete structures, the school’s director Joseph Franklin constructed temporary classrooms using tarpaulins. In the meantime the damaged permanent classrooms were refurbished and the families are now willing to use them. We thank God that their fear is going away! We also thank Mr. and Mrs. Franklin and their dedicated staff. Their kindness and resourcefulness in constructing the temporary classrooms and in refurbishing the permanent ones is an amazing expression of Jesus’ love and creativity. We also thank the generous donors who provided funds to purchase the tarpaulins and the supplies to refurbish the school.

 

We are saddened to learn of the death of Jim Carlisle, father of Brian Carlisle who pastors Living Hope Christian Fellowship, the GCI congregation in the Washington, D.C. area.

Brian reports that his father was peaceful and comfortable to the end and had all his children at his bedside when he passed from this life to the next. Brian thanks all those who have given him support and comfort in this difficult time.

Cards may be sent to:

Brian L. Carlisle

136 Patrick St. S.E. , Apt. 232

Vienna, VA 22180

Please pray about the ongoing accreditation process for Grace Communion Seminary (GCS). A decision by the accrediting board concerning GCS accreditation status will be made in meetings scheduled for June 13-14. We will learn of the board’s decision in July.

David Pickett, pastor of GCI’s congregation in Burleson, TX recently experienced tingling in his face and thought he should have it checked out. After several tests it was determined that he had suffered a small stroke. Following a short hospitalization he is now home and asks for prayers concerning his recovery. He has been experiencing some vertigo and problems with his peripheral vision.

Mr. David Pickett

1206 Sproles Drive

Benbrook, TX 76126-3332

This update from GCI legal services administrative assistant Evelyn Dailey is a follow up to a previous prayer request for her husband Joe.

Joe’s kidney transplant surgery went very well and the new kidney began functioning almost immediately. We were told it is working at 100% and although we are tired, we are so very happy and thankful to God and everyone for their prayers and support.

Both Joe and his sister are home recovering and getting stronger every day.

With much love and thanks,

Joe and Evelyn Dailey

 

Here is an update on retired pastor Leslie Schmedes (click here for the original request).

Les came home from the hospital last week after successful surgery, which removed part of his colon. He is resting and recovering and doing well. He sends his sincere thanks to all who prayed for him, noting that it is both humbling and healing to hear from people who are praying for you.

Former GCI pastor Allen Olson has been battling Huntington’s disease for the last few years. Huntington’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects muscle coordination and leads to cognitive decline. The disease led to Allen being placed on permanent disability in 1998. The disease continues to advance and just recently Allen was placed in a nursing home.

Allen entered GCI’s full-time, employed pastorate in 1982. Over the years he served in Birmingham, AL; Atlanta, GA; a church circuit in Scott City, Salina and Hays, KS; and a church circuit in Grand Island and Lincoln, NE.

Cards may be sent to:

Allen Olson

Heartland of Madeira

5970 Kenwood Rd.

Cincinnati, OH 45243

This update is from David Orth, associate pastor of GCI’s congregation in San Antonio, TX. David recently experienced a near-death crisis and writes to express his thanks to the many who were praying for him and to request further prayer as his recovery continues.

It was a close call. In the hospital being treated for heart blockages I experienced a “code blue” crisis: no heart beat and no blood pressure. The nurse started chest compressions. My wife Elaine says that all of a sudden 20 people came pouring into my room from all parts of the hospital. The only thing I remember was someone saying “David wake up, wake up – I think he is back with us.” I was hearing voices, seeing people all around and my nurse David on top of me doing chest compression. I was out for a few minutes.

I was then moved to SICU where tests showed blood and fluid build-up around my heart. Emergency surgery was performed to drain the fluid. Later that day, another surgery was performed due to low blood pressure. I spent the next four days in SICU recovering – all tests showed strong heart beat, good blood pressure and little fluid. I was moved back to CVU and returned home a few days later. I will have follow-up visits with various doctors and probably will miss another week of work. I might be able to start back half-days on May 21.

The doctors and nurses kept saying I was lucky to be alive. Everything just fell into place and right decisions were made. Most expressed their belief that God (or a Higher Power) was guiding. My cardiologist said he planned to recommend some of the hospital staff for an award for their quick, helpful action in saving my life. I thank God and seek your prayers for my full recovery.

David Orth

4326 Parkwood Dr

San Antonio, TX 78218-5028

 

A few weeks ago we passed along a request for prayer for Amber sent in by her father and GCI legal counsel, Bernie Schnippert (click here for original request). Latest tests show Amber has not responded to treatment and is in much pain. We ask for your continued prayers.

Cards may be sent to:

Amber Patrick
2322 Oakhaven Drive
Duarte, CA 91010

We are saddened to learn of the death of Al Yeager, husband of Sheila Yeager and the pastor of one of GCI’s congregations in the Phoenix, AZ area.

Al recently entered the hospital with pneumonia and other conditions. He had been struggling for over a year with dialysis and other serious issues related to diabetes. He was transferred from the ICU to hospice care and died on April 29. Details concerning the funeral are pending.

Cards may be sent to:

Sheila Yeager

1773 W El Monte Place

Chandler, AZ 85224