Weekly Update – 3 May 2026

by Takalani Musekwa | May 1, 2026 | News

5^th Sunday of Easter

Psalm 31:1–5, 15–16 • Acts 7:55–60 • 1 Peter 2:2–10 • John 14:1–14

Coming Events to Diarise:

Monthly Day of Prayer & Fasting – 9 May 2026

Women’s Monthly Bible Study – 12 May 2026

National Church Board – 16-17 May 2026

Bi-weekly Online Bible Study – 20 May 2026

Denominational Conference 2026 – 23-26 July 2026, Hilton Dallas Lincoln Centre, Dallas, Texas, USA. (Registration Closed on 15 April)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our “Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles!” (2 Cor. 1:3)

This Sunday is the 5th Sunday of the Easter Season, which ends at Pentecost. One of this week’s scriptures is John 14:1–14, where Jesus says to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” These words sound like what a godly mother would say to her troubled child. As we approach Mother’s Day, we are reminded that this is exactly how God describes himself in Isaiah 66:13: “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” What a powerful and tender image of God’s heart toward us!

This message is especially timely in light of what is happening in South Africa. The protests and growing hostility toward foreigners have caused deep concern, not only within the country but across our GCI family in Africa. Many of our brothers and sisters are anxious as they watch events unfold. Those among us who are directly affected—especially refugees and foreign nationals—are living with real fear. I was reminded of this during my recent visit to our congregation in Pietermaritzburg, where many are refugees from the DRC. They spoke of intimidation, uncertainty, and concern for their children.

To those among us who feel afraid: hear the words of Jesus again—”Do not let your hearts be troubled.” This is not a denial of reality; it is an invitation into a deeper reality. Christ is present. Christ is reigning. Christ is our peace. Even in uncertainty, we are not abandoned. The same Lord who overcame death walks with you, surrounds you, and holds your future securely in his hands..

But there is also a word for those of us who may not feel directly affected. Scripture speaks clearly about how we are to treat the foreigner among us: “ ‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:33-34 NIV)

My prayer for this week is that you may find comfort from your worries in Jesus. Amen!

PRAYER REQUESTS & UPDATES:

Protests: Please pray that the current public protests against foreigners do not escalate into civil unrest, and for the safety of those affected.

Offerings: Please remember to pray for the church’s offerings. We are 5% below budget for the period January to March.

Sick Brethren: Please continue to pray for the brethren who are suffering from various sicknesses.

Have a blessed weekend!
Shalom!

Takalani

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REPEAT ANNOUNCEMNTS NOT TO BE READ IN CHURCH SERVICES

Women of Faith Monthly Online Bible Study – 2^nd Tuesday of the month

The National Women’s Ministry has started a women’s monthly bible study every second Tuesday of the month, from 7pm to 8pm. The next Bible Study will be on the 12^th of May. Please diarise it and join.

NATIONAL BUILDING FUND NOW OVER R1.7 MILLION

The National Building Fund has now reached R1.7 million.

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 9 May 2026

Our next Day of Prayer and Fasting is on Saturday 9 May 2026. 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:

1. Fasting- The Forgotten Spiritual Discipline – https://youtu.be/7MgrVj_w9sY

2. Fasting Questions and Answers 1 – https://youtu.be/Mkk3U2KvPHg

3. Fasting Questions and Answers 2 – https://youtu.be/CghD-uxBbFk

4. Fasting Question and Answer #3 – https://youtu.be/ajKaWRgreLw (Question #3: How should I fast? Are there different types of fasts?)

Future Days of Prayer and Fasting:

· May 9

· June 13

· July 11

· August 8

· September 12

· October 10

· November 7

· December 12

February 2026 ISSUE OF FACE TO FACE PUBLISHED

Our February 2026 issue of the online Face To Face magazine has been published. Please find it here: Face To Face

Parable of the Vineyard Workers

The Church Is A Temple

I Will Hold Your Hand

Online Bi-Weekly Bible Study – 20 May 2026 – Ephesians (Cancelled until 20 May)

Please diarise and join the biweekly Online Bible study every second Wednesday at 19:00. The current series is: The Book of Ephesians.

To connect to the biweekly Bible Study, here are the details: Click

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89054374373?pwd=NFZVaFJjVGxqQjc5K0YyeWEzVVZMUT09

OR enter the details below to join the meeting:

Meeting ID: 890 5437 4373

Passcode: GCI2021

Time: 19:00

OFFERINGS: (should Christians pay a tithe?)

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