Great Plains Region Briefing

“The Son of God suffered unto death, not that men might not suffer, but that their sufferings

might be like His.” (George MacDonald)

One of the marvels of living in the modern age is that science has succeeded in explaining how so much of the world around us works. We have become spectators, with the aid of the electron microscope, of the secret lives of cells. Powerful telescopes allow us to witness the births and deaths of distant stars.

Modern medicine works virtual miracles. Hardly a week goes by without some dramatic breakthrough in medical technology. We gain more and more insight into the marvelous mechanism of the human body. Increasingly, we marvel at the myriad functions of this intricate machine.

But as much as we’re coming to understand the “hows” of life, the “whys” still elude us. We may understand how cells perform their indispensable work, yet science still cannot tell us why there are cells at all. We may understand how stars are born in the darkness of space, yet science cannot tell by whom or for whom they were conceived. We may understand how we get sick, grow old, and die, but science cannot begin to tell us why.

Those of us who are believers, while not being completely in the dark, must resist the temptation of acting like we’ve got suffering figured out. Humility is always in order—especially when we’re confronted with the grand enigma of human pain.

Paradoxically, where suffering is concerned, what those of us with faith know is the “whys,” not the “hows.” We know that all things (including suffering) work together for good for those who love God (Rom. 8:28). What we don’t know is how a particular instance of suffering fits into God’s overall design. We know the why of suffering—that God may work a good purpose in us and in others, as he did with the suffering of Christ—but we don’t know how this specific moment of pain will work itself out for our good and God’s glory.

Too often we want simple answers, which either fail to come or, if they do appear, fail to persuade. We look for simple explanations for our suffering, neglecting to consider that God may be working in us a complicated good. God doesn’t always (at least in this life) allow us to make complete sense of our sufferings. He does, however, give us himself in the midst of them, and he does grant us the assurance that a loving God is in control—a God who “does all things well” (Mk. 7:37).

-Andy

Please share with your churches that those who would like to receive these bi-weekly briefings can sign-up by going to the Region's website under the "Our Newsletter" tab.

https://greatplainsregion.org/our-newsletter

Timber Lakes has a new web address. Please use the following if you need to access their website moving forward. https://www.timberlakeskansas.org/

Register now for Children's Camp

June 17-21

Early Bird rate ends May 1

Registration closes June 1

Email Christy Sayler at childrenscampgreatplains@gmail.com with any questions

Register now for Youth Camp

June 3-7

Early Bird rate ends May 1

Contact Adam DeMike at adam@demike.com with any questions

Dr. Hubert Harriman former CEO/President of World Gospel Mission will be with us for the week to share. Please consider joining us for the week or even a few days.

Registration for those staying the whole week will open June 1. Regular registration will open June 2

The date and location has been set for Pastors & Wives' Retreat 2024. Please mark your calendar for October 17-19. We'll be in Kansas City this year. More details about housing and activities to follow.

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.

MAY PRAYER FOCUS — MAKING DISCIPLES

PERSONAL REFLECTION — LOVE ONE ANOTHER: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).

• Since we are known as disciples of Jesus by our love for one another, are there people in your fellowship you have difficulty loving? Pray God’s blessing on them.
• Pray the Lord will remove any barriers in you that would keep you from loving others in your fellowship.
• Ask the Lord to forgive you for any times you had opportunity to show the love of Jesus, but you resisted.
• Ask the Lord to show you how to love as He loves.

*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