Great Plains Region Briefing

One of the most celebrated naval commanders of all time was Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758-1805). He spent most of his life at sea, joining the British navy as a midshipman at the age of twelve, serving until his death during the Battle of Trafalgar. He participated in some of the most renowned victories in British history: Cape St. Vincent, the Nile, Copenhagen. In each, he played a decisive role.

Nelson died as he would have wished, struck down by a musket ball as he directed the disposition of his fleet in battle. As he lay dying, the conflict still raged, but he expired with confidence that a British victory was sure. Nelson’s fleet would win the day, once again frustrating Napoleon’s overweening ambition.

As Nelson died, he was attended by the ship’s chaplain. Slowly bleeding to death, Nelson said, likely to the chaplain’s surprise, ”Doctor, I have not been a great sinner.”

Nelson may have been right–by his own lights and the rather debased moral standards of his day. Perhaps (in his own estimation) the distinguished sailor was not a similarly distinguished sinner. But he couldn’t have been more mistaken. In fact, his next words concerned Lady Hamilton, a woman with whom he had had a long-standing extramarital affair. He was, in fact, in great need of a savior.

I don’t mean to disparage Lord Nelson. In a way, he was a great man–courageous, intrepid, daring, and bold. But like anyone without Jesus, he was also a great sinner.

I am reminded of the testimony of another famous sailor, John Newton. The former slave trader, most famous for his peerless hymn “Amazing Grace,” said near the end of his life, “Although my memory’s fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.”

I am also reminded of the testimony of the Apostle Paul who called himself “the chief of sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15) and the tax collector who prayed with lowered head, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13).

God’s standard of behavior is high. Measured by it, rather than the yardstick of our debauched age, we are all “chief sinners.” How much better for us to acknowledge our great need, so that we may receive God’s great mercy? For we have this assurance, “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Rom. 5:20).

There is grace for great sinners, in the even greater grace of the Lord.

- Pastor Andy

Registration is now open!

While the main event will take place in Fort Wayne if the trip to Indiana doesn't work for you there are other ways to participate. Harvest Fellowship in Shambaugh, IA will serve as a remote site for the Great Plains Region and there is an option to join by Zoom. Please consider how you can participate in this Conference. See the attached flier with the schedule listed in CST.

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.

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.

In the coming weeks please pray specifically for Nebraska.

• North Shore Marina satellite location for Crossgate Community Church, Franklin, NE
• New gathering of believers in Beatrice, NE being led by Nathan Schmidt
• Leadership would continue to be strengthened and new leadership would be developed.
• Disciple-making communities would be strengthened and new communities would develop.
• Churches would be strengthened and new churches would develop.

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

2. Complete the adoption of incoming churches.

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

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

AUGUST PRAYER FOCUS — PRAYING FOR STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS

PERSONAL REFLECTION: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:1–3).

• Pray for students as they return to school that they will continue to pursue their relationship with Jesus.
• Pray for strength for those teachers who are striving to follow Jesus and set an example for students.
• Pray that students will be filled with hope as they put their trust in Jesus.
• Pray for protection for our schools, students and teachers.

*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/GPRMissionaryChurch