Great Plains Region Briefing

“In a certain sense, there is little to do in doing the will of God…It is the yielding of our wills without reservation to tread cheerfully every day in the path in which Providence leads us…to see our duty in the present moment, to trust all else without reserve to the will and power of God” (Francois Fenelon).

It may, at first blush, sound a bit trite to hear someone counsel, “Live in the present.” If we reflect for a moment, however, we realize that this is, indeed, needful advice. So often we’re living sometime else.

You might remember a popular song from the 70s entitled "Working for the Weekend.” I know it’s only rock-and-roll, but that song provides a fair description of the attitude we often possess. It’s Monday, and all we’re living for is Friday. Our gaze is so steadfastly fixed on the future that we cannot experience the joys of today, nor can we recognize the opportunities to serve God in the present moment.

Of course, there’s a flip side. Sometimes fear of the future, rather than anticipation, keeps us from living in the present. Everything in the present is dark, overshadowed by an uncertain tomorrow. Will my health hold up? Will I keep my job? Will my kids turn out all right?

These are pertinent concerns. But if we can’t do anything about them today, we need simply to entrust them to God’s care. Jesus said, ““So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34 NET). Sometimes, the present gets poisoned by the past. We all have things we wish we could undo, words that we could unsay. If we had to do it all over again, who wouldn’t do things differently?

But the past can’t be changed. Historians may rewrite history, but it can’t be undone. The best we can hope for is to learn wisdom from our mistakes.

Every day gives us an opportunity for a fresh start. God’s grace gives us an opportunity to allow our sin-scribbled slates to be wiped clean. Let’s not dwell on past defeats; rather, let’s pray to be victorious today. As the prophet’s prayer reminds us, “His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV).

- Pastor Andy

Family Camp registration is open now through July 20.

We are excited to have Dr. Hubert Harriman coming in to share each evening. His teaching will focus on discovering God in today's world. Andy Petro will teach each morning. We're also happy to have Jeremy and Mindie Tice coming in to share with the use and as our missionary focus. Various worship teams from around the Region will be leading worship throughout the week.

It looks to be an excellent time of teaching mixed with great fellowship and fun activities. We hope you'll consider joining us!

Would your church be interested in hosting a remote site for Prayer Awakening?

The 7th Annual Prayer Awakening Conference is happening September 16-17. Along with the main location in Fort Wayne, remote sites are set up across the denomination where regional leaders can gather to hear the messages and pray together. If your location would be interested in hosting a remote site please email greatplainsregion.mc@gmail.com

2024 SPEAKER: Dr. Bob Bakke

A graduate of Taylor University and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Bob spent 14 years serving Connecticut and New Jersey churches, 12 years as an Executive Director of the Evangelical Free Church of America (promoting prayer and spiritual awakening), before assuming leadership of Hillside Church. He is an historian, a published author, and a producer of national simulcasts. Over the course of nearly 25 years, Bob produced The Nationally Broadcast Concert of Prayer; on the evening of the National Day of Prayer, as well as the Global Day of Prayer, a movement he helped found.

Two of the last three weeks we've had Regional Camps going on at Timber Lakes. Both camps focused on "going." Encouraging the young people of our Region to take hold of what Jesus has for their lives and step out for the advancement of the Kingdom. Let's pray that seeds planted and truths spoken into hearts take deep root.

Hope Missionary Church-Clatonia, NE

Clatonia is currently looking for a co-vocational pastor to lead a restart/revitalization of a recently adopted UMC congregation. To visit their website go here.

Applications can be send to Andy Petro.

Northwind Church, Keewatin, MN

Northwind Church is looking for a Lead Pastor/Bi-vocational of a three year old church plant in Northern MN. To visit their website go here.

Please send resume to Tim Maki.

1. Members of the new finance team would be clear.

2. Pastoral Cohorts would form and deeper connections would be made.

3. Complete the adoption of incoming churches.

4. The development and implementation of an internship program to develop young leaders.

5. Pray for disciples to be made and disciple-making communities & churches to be formed in North Dakota.

JUNE PRAYER FOCUS — WALK AS JESUS WALKED

PERSONAL REFLECTION — COMPASSION: “Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, ‘If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes’” (Luke 19:41-42).

• Who do you know right now that you say in your heart, “if only you knew the One who could bring you peace?” Pray for them.
• Who do you see that frequently receives criticism who really needs compassion? Pray for them.
• Pray for an awakening in your community that they might know the peace that comes from Jesus.
• Pray the Lord will give you a heart like Jesus that was full of compassion.

*We want to join you in prayers of rejoicing and need. Please send any requests to greatplainsregion.mc@gmail.com or text +1-844-463-7808 to have items included here.

Email: greatplainsregion.mc@gmail.com
Website: greatplainsregion.org
Phone: (402) 840-5056
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Midwest-District-of-the-Missionary-Church-152079684836953