Member News

Kathryn Stoker visits Apostle Patrick Zimba in England

Kathryn with Apostles Patrick Zimba and Chilanji Shinkolo

Kathryn Stoker, was ordained as an Evangelist in 2005. During her vacation to England and France, she visited with GCN, U.S.A. member, Apostle Patrick Zimba in Harlow, England.

Last September I took a trip to Great Britain. What I thought would be a long awaited vacation, turned out to be much more of a ministry trip. My greatest lessons were to expect anything while keeping panic levels down in the process, and understanding that while the presence of God goes wherever one is willing to take it, he doesn’t depart without leaving, at least, a trail of incense. I am now of the opinion if change does not occur even after I have turned and walked away, I may have not taken change with me. Some days were walked out not knowing God was working at the time; however, upon reflection, he worked every moment of the trip to his advantage.

Within hours of my arrival came an invitation to a cell group. Walking in, I could sense their hunger for God. Astonished at their lack of understanding of the Bible, but thrilled at their attempt to seek the Word of God for answers, I sat and listened to their struggle. There were very few “full gospel” churches, and the existing churches in the area did not have pastors, only leadership who took turns speaking. These women were struggling to weigh their biblical knowledge with new teaching they were hearing.  However, in the process, they were mixing history with the Bible, and thinking it was the Word of God. I had not realized until then how much this world, no matter how godly it may seem, is profoundly affected by the continual onslaught of godless culture; and, in one moment, the heart of a nation can turn toward what looks and feels right…and be lost. Suddenly, all eyes were on me for the answers, my heart sank knowing I did not have what they needed; all I could do was whisper in my weakness, “Lord, give me wisdom”…He never fails! More cell group invitations came, I did not understand why, but knew I was right where I should be. Soon, many in the small town were aware of “the American” and I was pulled into charity shops for talks and cornered in stores to meet people.

Kathryn Stoker with members of Patrick Zimba's congregation

The highlight of my trip, hands down, was having the privilege of spending time at the church of fellow GCN, U.S.A. minister, Pastor Patrick Zimba. After two weeks in the UK, I became unbelievably homesick, so the thought of seeing people from GCN was comforting and exciting. Apostle Chilanji Shinkolo, from GCN, Southern Africa, was in Harlow with Pastor Patrick, so I had the opportunity to get to know him as well. I saw a different side to pastoral work. After service, Pastor Patrick invited me over to his house for tea, which meant full-on dinner. Later, we went to the homes of people in the congregation to pray for them. I will never forget, Pastor Patrick said "we visit my people when they cannot come to church. They like to visit for a long time, and we have more people to see, so we will go in and bless them (pray over their family) and leave. I'll let you do that." Seemingly calm, I agreed to the task set before me; but, I could not shake the knot which had settled in my stomach, the temperature in my body which rose to extreme levels, or the new shade of red which had covered my face. Then I went into the house. It was like church all over again. There were so many people in one house! I thought for sure I would pass out, but survived and actually enjoyed it.

Kathryn delivers a message to the congregation

I was invited back to Harlow the next week to speak. Nerves seem to have an unmistakable way of propelling speech to levels beyond hyper-speed.  I saw some people straining to grasp my “accent” and realized I was the foreigner, slowed down, and made it through. This week was much like the previous one, with house visits and all, but was more of a training session for me as I watched Pastor Patrick take a couple under his wings and begin to teach them different things, taking them everywhere with us and making sure they knew what he was talking about, what he was doing, and why. It was awesome to watch the dynamics of a pastor at work.

It was more than an amazing trip. None of us are placed here to simply gain knowledge for ourselves, but we are called to go out and give to others what has graciously been given to us. I have remained in contact with the people I encountered from the trip and they have since found a place to gather for church, hired a pastor, and also are experiencing incredible blessings – as well as struggles that accompany obedience. If as a reader, you forget all else, please remember we are never on vacation, we just temporarily change the location of our ministry of discipleship.

Shawn DeBerry Travels to Kenya

Shawn DeBerry was ordained as an evangelist in 2008. She is a member of the Board of Directors for Tumaini Orphanage, located in Nairobi Kenya. This is an account of a portion of her first visit to the orphanage and the surrounding area:

Nothing could have prepared me for my first International Missions trip to Tumaini.   

Shawn learning to make Chapati - flatbread

I expected to see children. That’s all, just children. But what I saw was a family; a home full of love and laughter with silly little games, skinned elbows, and spilled chai!  It was fantastic!  These children were not surviving in an institution, they were living in a home. A home like any other, but instead of 2.2 children and a dog, there were 52 children and four dogs, lots of house mothers, cooks and staff to go around... all with Eunice at the helm. I loved my stay, and I learned more than any text book could every teach me.  The children and staff of Tumaini will forever be in my thoughts and prayers and I will forever know that God indeed, answers prayer.

Shawn at Nyumbani Children's Home for children with AIDS

Thursday the 22nd I went to several orphanages in Kenya. The first two were just fine. As a matter of fact, the second one was amazing. It is the first home hospice ever opened in Kenya solely for HIV positive children. They have the best of everything. You really do get the sense that those children are at home and they are loved and cared for very, very well!  However, the last one is run by the government of Kenya, and I thought it would be top of the line.  How wrong can one person continually be?

One of the many orphanages in Kenya where children often sleep 8-9 to a bed.

It was dark and dirty, and the children were seven-, eight- and nine to a bed. They were soaked in urine, dirty, smelly and hungry.  My heart broke in two. I have begged and even pleaded with the Lord to have children of my own, and to see these babies just tossed away like trash was more than anyone could handle.  Of course I kept my cool until I was alone and safe, but then I wept...  I wept for those babies who have no idea what kind of life they are headed for. 

***Message break:  Micah and Joy; two of the Tumaini babies saw me typing and came running and jumped in my lap!!!  They gave me lots of hugs and kisses and they have food from dinner all over them. They are so precious.

OK, I'm back...I am so inspired by their little faces and I know God will strengthen me everyday more and more and he will make his will clear to me. 

Apostles Phil Smith, Billy Mate with S. African hosts

Apostle Phillip Smith along with Apostle Billy Mate of Global Change Network, Southern Africa ministered in Cape Town South Africa in January.

Visiting South Africa was a tremendous experience for me, both personally, and from the perspective of expanding the reach of Global Change Network, Southern Africa. On the personal side, I was able to see a side of Africa that I had almost forgotten existed. South Africa is truly a “first world” country, with all the modern technology and conveniences of the United States.

I also saw a wonderful opportunity for ministry to the African continent that we have not taken advantage of as of yet. South Africa is an ideal meeting place for our southern Africa ministers to gather for conferences, trainings and retreat from the rigors of living in third world countries. It will also facilitate networking between our ministers in Africa and those who are based in the States and Europe. I envision GCN conferences in South Africa every other year, or so. Cape Town, South Africa, where I spent most of my time, sits right at the tip of the continent, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean. It is a cosmopolitan city with people from all over the world. The blend of culture and ethnicity, set against the backdrop of the African coast, creates a wonderful venue for worldwide ministry.

Apostle Phil Smith in Cape Town

God revealed to me that Cape Town is a “launch pad” for ministry to the continent of Africa as well as other countries in the southern hemisphere. During my stay I had the opportunity to minister to three different churches in the Cape Town area. I was blessed to have met wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ that I know we will partner with in the future. Since my return, GCN has already begun partnering with one ministry by supplying books and teaching materials on a number of different subjects. South Africa is just teeming with opportunity for networking in ministry, and I look forward to how the Lord will use my stay there to expand the Kingdom of God and the ministry of GCN! -- Apostle Phillip Smith

GCN, U.S.A. Team Visits Zambia

Apostle Phil, accompanied by Joyce Riley and Antwan Jefferson traveled to Ndola, Zambia to continue the development and training of the newly ordained ministers of GCN, S.A.  and to minister and teach. The original plans for Apostle Phil to speak at conferences hosted by two of the members was altered due to the curtailment of public meetings during the mourning period after the death of the Zambian president. As always, God’s plan unfolded just as he desired and Apostle Phil was able to teach and minister at small groups and during Sunday services.

Please view our gallery of ministry photos.