Midwest District Review
News from the Midwest District of the Missionary Church
Greetings
First Things First
Most of us probably don’t need to be convinced that we ought to live our lives “on mission.” We recognize that we have an obligation to be personally engaged in the work of making disciples, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20). Often the problem is simply this: We don’t know where to begin.
The disciple-making process is supernatural. People only pass from unbelief to living faith to spiritual maturity as the Holy Spirit does His transformative work. So, if we are to do our part to fulfill the Great Commission, we must invite Him to work. The place for us to start, then, is with prayer.
First, ask God to work in the lives of those far from him. We don’t have to twist His arm. He wants to do this already! That’s why Paul writes in 1 Tim. 2:1-4: “I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone . . . This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Second, ask God for opportunities to share your spiritual story and His story (the Gospel) with others. Paul encouraged the Colossians to pray for spiritual conversations: “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart . . Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone” (Col. 4:2-6 NLT).
Third, pray for people far from God specifically and consistently. Pray by name for people in your sphere of influence who—as far as you know—have not yet come to saving faith. Pray for them regularly. “The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect” (James 5:16).
You’ve heard the Chinese proverb: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” The disciple-making journey—the journey of a lifetime—begins with the essential first step of prayer.
STRONG AND COURAGEOUS
Ninety-two men from across the Midwest District gathered at Timber Lakes for a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual refreshment on March 16-17. God spoke to hearts in a powerful way during the days of retreat.
Pastors Ray Adams, Mark Springs, Ben Roed and Tim Bauer (pictured above) spoke throughout the retreat and challenged the men to be Strong and Courageous as they live out their lives.
Pastor Scott Denham, from Harvest Fellowship in Shambaugh, IA, led the times of worship in each of the retreat services. Serving with him was a worship team made up of a number of other men from the district.
Celebrating Life with Purpose
Ladies from across the Midwest District will be gathering to hear Darlene Psota share from God's Word during the 2018 Midwest District Women's Retreat on April 13 & 14. The retreat will be held at Timber Lakes and it is still possible to register. Check out all the details for the Women's Retreat by going to the district's website (see link below) . Don't forget that the early registration deadline is March 31st.
Midwest District Conference
The 2018 Midwest District Conference will be held at Timber Lakes Camp and Retreat Center on Monday evening and throughout the day on Tuesday, April 23 & 24. During our
time together there will be opportunity for worship, fellowship, the conducting of business, and training helpful for every church in the district. Contact you local church leadership if you'd like to attend this encouraging team-building event.
Meet the Pastors of the Midwest District
In September of 2017 Adam Rankin, the newest Senior Pastor in the Midwest District, returned to Dodge City, KS to begin his ministry as pastor of the First Missionary Church congregation. Adam and his wife, Alissa, had lived for three years in Dodge City while he worked as a paraprofessional in the Dodge City school system. During that time they were actively involved at First Missionary Church. Around 2010 they moved to Wichita, KS where they became involved with Cornerstone Fellowship and served under the leadership of pastor Kirk Kimble. Adam finished his requirements for licensing as a minister within the Midwest District in 2014 and then in November of 2016 he was ordained. When asked why he wanted to serve as pastor in Dodge City, Adam replied that he is firmly convinced that God called him there and, as a result, "he couldn't do anything else." With regards to his goals, he indicated that he wants to continue to build on the foundation that has been laid at the church in the past, with a focus on prayer and leadership development. It is his desire that God would rekindle their first love and renew their passion, fire and zeal.
UPCOMING DISTRICT CAMPS
CHILDREN'S CAMP
Kids, 9-12 years of age, will come to Timber Lakes on June 11-15 for SEEKERS, our 2018 Children's Camp. Speaker, Nate Haywood, will be sharing the importance of being life-long seekers of God's truth. Save $25 if you register by May 1st.
FAMILY CAMP
Rev. Alan Sudmann will be the speaker at this summer's Family Camp which will be at Timber Lakes on July 24-29. Housing for this great week of spiritual refreshing is rapidly filling up so get your registrations in soon!
YOUTH CAMP
This year's teen camping experience will be held at New Life Missionary Church in Bedford, IA on June 7-9. Ben Roed and Jason Renander will be sharing with the young people throughout this service-oriented event.
Midwest District of the Missionary Church
Email: andypetro.mwd@gmail.com
Website: www.midwestdistrict.worthyofpraise.org
Location: 6920 Willow Ave., Lincoln, NE, 68507 USA
Phone: (402) 840-5056