We are saddened to learn of the death of Virginia Shaw, mother of GCI district pastor and senior pastor Eric Shaw. Virginia lived in Pennsylvania and died there last week at age 92. Eric pastors Community of Life Fellowship in Altadena, CA.
Cards may be sent to:
Eric and Pat Shaw 1931 Roosevelt Avenue Altadena, CA 91001
Please pray for Joyce Frankel, wife of GCI pastor Richard Frankel.
Joyce had surgery recently to relieve pain and prevent further damage from fractures to three vertebrae and her tailbone. There is concern based on past experience about blood clots.
Following hospitalization, there will be months of at home rehabilitation. Please pray that there are no complications.
Cards may be sent to:
Joyce Frankel 425 B 55th Street Kenosha, WI 53140-3791GCI London, KY pastor Charles Shelton requests our prayers. He was recently hospitalized with pneumonia and the doctors discovered cancer cells in the fluid in his chest cavity and abdomen. The cancer is not in any of his organs – and we praise God for that – but is in the fluid surrounding his organs. More good news is that there is no tumor so surgery does not appear to be necessary. An oncologist will help Charles determine the course of treatment, which will most likely include chemotherapy.
Charles’ wife Gracie and his son Charles (they call him Dale) are taking this news particularly hard, so please also pray for them. Let’s also pray for the leadership team of the London congregation who are stepping up to assist Charles in any way they can.
We learned recently that Pastor Deben Sam, GCI ministry partner in Nepal, was severely beaten by a mob of local ethnic extremists. His wife Manju reports that the beating left Deben with many wounds, necessitating stitches.
The beating occurred while Deben was on his daily journey to preach the gospel in the streets. The mob attacked him, claiming that his ministry was causing cultural and religious pollution in the society.
Deben has experienced similar persecution in the past. About a month before this occurrence, he was robbed while doing his evangelistic work.
Please pray for Deben’s recovery and for his protection in the future. Also pray that God will provide what Deben needs to continue his work of evangelism, including operating a community health clinic.
We recently requested prayer for John Nelson who is part of the team that pastors the Pikeville, KY congregation (click here for the original prayer request). Here is an update.
John’s wife Shirley took him to Lexington, KY to get the results of the tests on his brain tumor that was removed by surgery. During the visit, the doctor found a blood clot on John’s thigh and admitted him to the hospital where they started him on blood thinners. Subsequently he had heart problems and was rushed to the cardiac floor where he was stabilized. The doctor thinks a piece of the blood clot broke loose and travelled to the heart.
While in the hospital, John learned that his brain tumor was cancerous. This was shocking news, because following the surgery six weeks ago, they told him they didn’t think the tumor was cancer. They are doing further testing while John remains in the hospital. He continues on blood thinners. When things stabilize he will go home and begin cancer treatments (probably chemotherapy and radiation). These treatments will probably have to be received in Lexington. This will create a hardship since Shirley’s job is in Pikeville.
John and Shirley will be facing many difficult decisions. They seek God’s direction, and solicit your prayers for wisdom and healing.
Cards of encouragement may be sent to:
John & Shirley Nelson 165 Cecil Hills Drive Pikeville, KY 41501
We are saddened to learn of the death of Marcelina Dela Pena, mother of GCI Phillipines pastor Rex Dela Pena. She died from post-stroke complications on March 10.
The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to GCI members for their visits, prayers, financial help and condolences. Please remember the family in your prayers.
Cards may be sent to:
Mr. Rex Dela Pena 4 Melrose St. Laguna Bel-Air 1 Don Jose Sta. Rosa City, Laguna 4026 PHILIPPINES
Marj Friddle requests prayer for her husband, retired GCI pastor Jimmy Friddle.
Jimmy recently saw a cardiologist when he experienced an irregular heart beat. There is a concern it may be a blockage. Tests can’t be done until April 16. Your prayers are very much appreciated.
You can send cards to Jimmy and Marj at:
James Lloyd Friddle, Jr. 7404 Stillwater Dr Bayonet Point, FL 34667-2293
Please pray for Denise Olson, wife of Raymond Olson who pastors the GCI congregation in Watertown, WI. Denise recently had surgery to treat a brain aneurysm. The surgery lasted about 12 hours.
Denise remains hospitalized and is in a lot of pain. Please pray that she will experience the peace and comfort of knowing that God is with her and will work all things out.
Thanks to the many that are already praying for her and for Raymond.
The Hospital has a web site for Denise at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/deniseolson/createorsignin (there are pictures and a place to write notes of encouragement; sign-in is required).
Cards can be mailed to:
Raymond A. Olson W6711 State Road 33 Juneau, WI 53039
Retired GCI pastor Maceo Hampton has been battling prostate cancer. Here is his praise report.
Dear Family and Friends,
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for your prayers, supplications, fastings, cards, and all the thoughtful and wonderful messages that I have received these past months as I went through my evaluations and radiation treatments. GOD IS GOOD and MERCIFUL! I finished my last radiation treatment on January 23 and for the past several weeks I have been experiencing the lessening of the “after effects” from hormone therapy and radiation.
I had an appointment on March 7. The doctor was very pleased with my low PSA count. He said that all indications were that I am CANCER FREE! Thank God!! There will be another follow-up visit in four months.
Prayer is important and vital. We must never underestimate it in “holding up the hands” of all who request and need it. Again THANK YOU!
Maceo Hampton
