National Women’s Retreat 2025 – 8 – 10 August 2025
Regional Pastoral Conference – 5 – 7 December 2025
SEP 2025 – 13 – 20 December 2025
Denominational Conference 2026 – 23-26 July 2026, Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord!
The story of Naaman found in 2 Kings 5:1-14 reminds us that as humans we are helpless when it comes to the things that really matter. “… Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man … highly regarded … He was a valiant soldier, BUT he had leprosy.” (v1)
He had great wealth, but when he was infected with leprosy, his wealth was of no use. We have seen how floods and hurricanes can come and wash away big mansions and big cars. How the rich are helpless when their health starts to fail.
This is the illusion we live in as humans. We feel like we are self-sufficient and we have control over our destiny, but we don’t. The reality is that we live and move and have our being in Christ. Apart from him we are pitiful. Naaman had to learn from his servant girl about the prophet of Israel, through whom he can be healed. So he went to see Prophet Elisha.
As a great man, Naaman expected the prophet to give him VIP treatment. However, Prophet Elisha did not even come out to meet him. He simply sent a message to Naaman to go dip himself seven times in the Jordan River. Feeling disrespected, he left in a fit of anger, but his servants begged him to do what the prophet said. When he went to the Jordan River, he came out clean as the prophet said. His skin that was ravaged by leprosy was “… clean like that of a young boy.” (v14)
There are many in our society today who think like Naaman. They are great men and women. They are leaders of corporations, leaders in government and in society and famous in various social circles. When they are told that they need to get into the waters of baptism, they feel disrespected. However, the truth is that all humans regardless of social status must get into the waters of baptism, and become a new creation in Christ just like Naaman’s skin became “like that of a young boy.” (v14)
We are the prophets of God, sent to tell the Naamans of this world that there is healing in the waters of baptism, symbolising the blood of Jesus which washes whiter than snow. Whether we play the role of the servant girl who refers the master to the prophet, or we are the prophet that sends the great man to dip (baptise) himself in the Jordan, or the servants that encourage the great man to listen to the prophet, we can all share in the ministry of Jesus.
My prayer for this week is for all of us to look for ways in which we can participate in the ministry of Jesus in the world. Amen!
PRAYER REQUESTS:
Sick Brethren: Please continue to pray for the brethren who suffering from various sicknesses.
Offerings: Please continue to pray for the offerings and needs of the church in 2025. Our income in the first six months was 8.3% below budget.
Have a blessed weekend! Shalom!
Takalani
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Regional Pastoral Conference – 5 – 7 December 2025
A Special Regional Pastoral Conference is being planned from 5-7 December 2025 at Aruka. GCI President, Dr Greg Williams will be our special guest, together with the Superintendent for Africa and all the Regional Directors. A special service is planned for Sunday 7 December 2025 and all members are invited.
NATIONAL WOMEN’S RETEAT 2025 – 8 – 10 AUGUST 2025
Registration for the Women’s Retreat is full. The women who have registered are requested to settle the balances remaining.
SPIRITUAL EQUIPPING PROGRAM (SEP) 2025 – Applications Open
Applications for SEP 2025 are open. The closing date for applications is 21 September 2025. A non-refundable deposit of R600 is payable by 30 September 2025. The balance is payable by 31 October.
Please read the terms and conditions on the application form. The application form must be completed online by computer or mobile phone. To access the application forms click below:
REPEAT ANNOUNCEMNTS NOT TO BE READ IN CHURCH SERVICES
NATIONAL BUILDING FUND NOW OVER R1.3 MILLION
The National Building Fund has now passed R1.3 million. The balances for the various congregation are as follows as at the end of April 2025:
Please support your congregation’s Building Fund by contributing additional offerings monthly or once off to the dedicated bank account as follows:
· Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
· Name: GCI Building Fund
· Account No: 6304 180 7835
· Deposit Reference: Name and Surname
You can also fundraise as a group or alone. You may have items that you no longer need or use which you can pawn and donate the funds, or approach friends and family who may be able to donate to the fund. If you need a letter to request donations please feel free to contact me.
Monthly Day of Prayer and Fasting –Saturday 12 July 2025 (2nd Saturday of the Month)
Our next Day of Prayer and Fasting is on Saturday 12 July 2025. Please see the dates for the rest of the year below, and diarise accordingly.
Please find some video links on Prayer and Fasting if you want to know more. Here are the links:
Even though some churches are not able to meet, we urge you to continue to give your weekly Thanksgiving offering that you would normally give during church services. The bank details for EFT and Cash deposits are below:
The Banking details for both the weekly Thanksgiving Offerings and the monthly Freewill Offerings are as follows:
EFT PAYMENTS
GRACE COMMUNION INTERNATIONAL-S.A –
Account No: 593 800 27523 – FNB Current Account Number
Ref. NameSurname Church
Please reference your offering so that we can send a receipt.
CASH PAYMENTS
GRACE COMMUNION INTERNATIONAL-S.A –
FNB Account No: 74451599946
Account Type: 32 Day Notice account
Ref. NameSurname Church
Please reference your offering so that we can send a receipt.
