Our friends in the Atlanta GCI congregation are up to good work in their neighborhood again! Under Pastor Charles Young’s leadership, the church is participating in the City of South Fulton’s Summer Food Program. Twice each week the church delivers meals to 85 children who might otherwise go hungry during the pandemic. This practical ministry … Continue reading “Feeding Children During the Pandemic”
Kingdom Living looks like loving your neighborhood by putting down roots. It looks like displaying your commitment to your neighbors’ flourishing, serving their children over the long haul, year after year. Read below the stories of GCI congregations that are building lasting relationships with the young people in their communities. Jacksonville, Florida, US The Jacksonville … Continue reading “Kingdom Living—Neighborhood Camps”
Dear GCI Family and Friends, The concept that Jesus introduced with new wine and new wineskins to contain the wine has captured my attention for some time. Superintendent Mike Rasmussen and his National Ministry Team took this concept from Jesus and shaped their interactive teaching and training into a wonderful conference for pastors and spouses. … Continue reading “New Wineskins”
I had been a Christian for years, but the truth was that I had grown judgmental, self-righteous, and blind to the suffering around me. I remember driving through downtown Los Angeles and seeing the rows of cardboard boxes lining the sidewalks. My mind quickly filled with harsh thoughts: “These people must have brought this on … Continue reading “Devotional—In Everyone”
In Jerusalem, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world. It will be a delicious banquet with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat. There he will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever! … Continue reading “Devotional—King of the Feast”
Citizens of the Kingdom are servants, made in the image of our God who serves and lays down His life for the world. Satkhira, Bangladesh Early this month, the leaders in Satkhira gathered for evaluations and to plan for 2025. Healthy leaders are servants who seek feedback and are intentional to prepare for the future. … Continue reading “Kingdom Living—Servant-minded Citizens”
What next? I often feel overwhelmed when I hear that I need to go out and be missional. In my mind, I reason that we are but a small church, and we lack the right resources. We feel inadequate. However, God doesn’t measure success by size or grand gestures. Jesus began with just twelve disciples, … Continue reading “Devotional—Ordinary Faithfulness”
During Dr. Greg Williams’ visit to Australasia, the Fiji Avenue champions and their teams gathered in Nadi, Fiji, for a two-day retreat. Greg and Superintendent Heber Ticas led the equipping discussions. Also present were Pastor Frank Boyd and Emily Boyd, and my wife, Sue Richards, and I. Commissioned in late 2023, Love Avenue Champion Eugene … Continue reading “Healthy Church—Avenues Retreat”
On May 30, the Grace Communion Pikeville congregation celebrated its ninth anniversary of serving free meals to our neighbors. For several years, we offered Easter and Christmas meals to our community. But nine years ago, we sensed God was telling us to do more. We sought to understand what the “more” was, and we felt … Continue reading “Community Meals”
