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Spirit of Life Church, Kearney, NE Welcomes New Staff!
Pastors Greg and Kathleen Mast announce that Jonathan and Becky Lumbard have recently become the Leadership Pastors at Spirit of Life Church in Kearney, NE. The Lumbards will oversee youth, college age, young adults, and are helping to start a school of ministry. Jonathan’s bottom line responsibility is to help raise up leaders in the local church. Most recently Jonathan and his wife transitioned to Nebraska from being staff pastors at a regional prayer missions base just north of Cedar Rapids, IA (Wind and Fire Ministries). They were apart of all aspects of that ministry from helping to sustain night and day prayer and worship to being a part of the Center To Restore Trafficked and Exploited Children (CRTEC). Jonathan and Becky met each other just under three and a half years ago towards the end of his time directing the Des Moines Master’s Commission discipleship school (based out of Eastwood Church of the Open Bible). They just celebrated their two year anniversary last April and are excited for this next phase of life in Kearney, NE as well as involvement in Mountain Plains Region Open Bible Churches.
Local Pastor Reports Salvations!
Freshwater Home Fellowship (Peyton, CO) pastor Peter Larsen reports that he was privileged to share the gospel with approximately a dozen attendees at the El Paso County Fair in Calhan, CO.
Serving in the booth sponsored by the local Full Gospel Businesmen's Association, Larsen was able to share with passersby who stopped and engaged in discussion concerning the group's purpose and/or other matters.
Pastor Larsen reports that, of the twelve, two responded to the good news for the first time in their lives - in fact, both stated they had never heard the message of Jesus Christ's substitutionary death on the cross despite having attended church when younger.
Pastor Peter encourages us to pray for the other ten - including a Muslim man - that the Holy Spirit will water the good seed of the gospel shared at his county's fair.
Men's Campout At Bighorn Mountains
July 22, 2010
Click the link below to see some pictures from the recent men's campout at the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming.
http://www.openbiblemountainplains.org/pictures.aspx
Men of Promise and Purpose Camp Out News!
Thank God for His wonderful creation!
Twenty-eight (28) men from five churches gathered together in the Big Horn Mountains near Buffalo, WY June 24-27, 2010 for the MPR Men's Camp Out.
It was an awesome time making new friends and re-kindling old friendships. During our time in the Big Horns we were able to see first hand God's handiwork as we hiked, fished, whitewater rafted, and sat by the fire.
On Friday night, Bob GreyEagle, worship director of Prairie Family Church in Bismarck, ND, shared his testimony of how God transformed his life. Bob had made a number of poor choices in his younger years which could have landed him in prison or even dead, but through the power of God's grace, Bob gave his heart to Christ and turned his life around. The men who attended this year's camp sat around the camp fire, listening intently, as Bob shared his story of God's grace. It was encouraging to one and all.
Thanks to Chuck Loftis, Pete Kopp, Curt Kraft, and Terry Stevahn for all their help in making this year's MPR Men's Camp Out a success. We are planning another camp out next year, sometime in July.
Rev. Greg Carr
Director, Men of Promise and Purpose
Mountain/Plains Region - OBC, Inc.
Check out our upcoming events video!
July 20, 2010
Click the link below to view an animoto video of upcoming events in our region.
http://animoto.com/play/O2QqjKEHoVjTY4oZGNUzpg
New MP Women's Blog!
June 9, 2010
Ladies, come check out the new Mountain Plains Women's Blog! Simply put… chatting, encouraging, sharing our stories…that's life together!
http://mprobc.wordpress.com/
Fall R&R Information
June 7. 2010
Fall R&R (Relax & Receive) will be in Loveland, CO, the gateway to the Rockies. There are many attractions within an hour. May each of you experience the peace and joy of the Lord during our time together. There will be more details coming soon! Click here for the brochure.
Vencill Appointed to NAVAC!
On April 26, 2010, Dakota District Director Reverend Dr. Ralph Vencill was appointed to serve on the board of the National Association of Veterans Affairs Chaplains (NAVAC).
In addition to pastoring Open Bible Church, Ralph, has been serving as chaplain at Fort Meade Veterans Hospital in Sturgis, SD. His distinguished service has opened up a great door of opportunity.
Congratulations, Ralph!
D-Day Observance at Faith Temple!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
"D-Day Remembered! God, Honor and Country, A Patriotic Musical Tribute" will be presented at Faith Temple Church, 2121 W. 33rd St., by the Bill Gibson Orchestra on Sunday, June 6, the 66th anniversary of D-Day, at 6:30 p.m.
For more info, please call 605-332-2303.
http://www.faithtemplesiouxfalls.com
Eugene Bible College Update
May 11, 2010
Wayne Cordiero, chancellor of Eugene Bible College, has sent a letter that has some important updates concerning the college.
Read letter
2010 Mexico Construction Mission Trip Report
On April 22-30, 2010, team of 13 people from Open Bible Christian Center, Rapid City spent the week working with our missionaries Del and Joy Brown, Dave and Toni Philips, and Bill and Fayth McConnell in Imuris, Mexico.
First, God put together the perfect team for what we needed to accomplish. Everyone on the team worked hard physically all week, but they also showed the love of God to the men at the Rehabilitation Ranch and the Women’s Prison. We painted several buildings inside and out, painted porches, completed the handicap dorms by putting a roof on, laying a cement wrap- around porch, building a porch overhang, putting in windows, and doors, framing the windows and doors. We also installed an indoor toilet and tiled a shower area, and dug the septic holes behind the building. Our team completed another dorm by putting in all the windows and doors.
On Wednesday, some of the team went to the Women’s Prison for the weekly Bible study. We also helped serve the girl’s lunch. This was a time of listening to the girl’s testimonies, giving our testimonies and praying for each of them. Very powerful day!
Our team spent one afternoon at the teen orphanage playing games with the kids and cooking lunch together.
A dental outreach was held at the Men’s Rehab. and the Women’s Prison. We worked several long days pulling teeth, filling cavities, and doing some cosmetic fixes.
Sunday, we attended Church service at the Open Bible Church in Nogales, Mexico. Wednesday, we also had the opportunity to have Chapel with the men at the Rehab. What an amazing time with God that was. It was just God’s people worshipping Him and praying for each other. Most humbling was when the men at the Rehab. Ranch continuously gave thanks to God for sending them help. We were asked to stand in front at the end of the service and the men all reached their hands towards us and prayed for us! Very humbling! God’s presence was so evident and I know I speak for everyone on the team when I say it was a life changing moment spiritually!
On the last day, we completed everything we set out to do, so we purchased more paint and went to the orphanage and painted the inside of the Chapel.
OBCC Mexico Mission Team ended our trip feeling very grateful to have had the opportunity to work hard for God and show His love to our brothers and sisters in Mexico.
Elsa Grant
Women’s Ministry Team/World Mission’s Coordinator
Open Bible Christian Center, Rapid City, South Dakota
Show the movie TO SAVE A LIFE in your Church!
May 5, 2010
TO SAVE A LIFE, the #1 fan-rated film on Fandango in January and the movie the LA TIMES called “uplifting & inspirational”, engaged 500,000 teenagers in reaching their peers for Christ and now is available to show in your church! Simply visit www.OutreachFilms.com to order your Movie Event package.
A 10% discount has been approved for all OPEN BIBLE CHURCHES. Simply mention the OPEN BIBLE discount when calling 800-991-6011 or use Coupon Code TSAL1OB online at the checkout cart in www.OutreachFilms.com after ordering. The code is valid until 7/31/10. Click here for more information.
Everfound concert held in Billings, MT
On April 20 Open Bible Christian Center, Billings, MT hosted a concert by the group, Everfound. Everfound is a Christian family traveling full time across the country setting up outreach concerts. They have performed over 150 concerts in the last 10 months. The single "She Said" was voted the 2009 National Best Song of the Year in the Semi-pro category at the GMA's Immerse Conference in Nashville. You can hear the band at www.everfoundmusic.com. This was the second time Everfound held a concert at the church. The Billings Outlaws, an indoor football team, also attended the concert. They set up a table to sign autographs. Hansen Music donated drum heads that the band members signed for a drawing. It was the largest crowd OBCC has had for a concert at the church. It is the church's goal to host concerts 4 times per year, according to pastor Ron Rager.
News from Open Bible Church, Worden, Montana
There are currently several Bible studies meeting each week. A Bible study for women meets weekly with 14 to 16 women attending. The Men of Valor study meets each Thursday at 6 AM at the Boardwalk Café. On Wednesday evening at 7 PM there is an adult bible study that is directed by Ron Ohlin, Mack Delcamp, and John Eshleman. This is also very well attended.
The Thrift Shop has been in operation for 5 years. It is run completely by volunteers. It is open 5 days a week and raises about $250 - $300 monthly. The money raised is used for various projects. Money was sent to Haiti after the earthquake. It is used frequently with items from the store as well as financially to help local families in need. We helped one family who had a house fire. We help local school children when they need supplies or clothes.
The worship team has been blessed with new members and a new vision. We are looking forward to starting a youth program this next year.
Dakota District Planting News!
April 7, 2010
LifePointe Church, Rapid City, South Dakota - which launched public services on March 7th - reports they enjoyed 52 in attendance on Easter Sunday! Pastor Jerry Houchens also shares that, of that 52 in attendance, 14 of them were kids. As well, he also reports that a woman re-dedicated her life to Jesus Christ at the service. This church plant has gotten off the ground in a strong way and we celebrate what God is already doing by the wonderful LifePointe team. Please remember to uphold the entire LifePointe team and Houchens family in your prayers. In the picture above, Kim Houchens is ministering to a great bunch of kids!
Colorado - New Mexico District Planting News!
April 7, 2010
Easter Sunday, April 4th, Gateway Church launched her north campus in Black Forest, CO. In all, 84 people attended, exceeding Pastor Sissel's goal of 75! Of those in attendance, 24 have already been a part of Gateway Church Main Campus family, yet live in the area, while 60 others from Black Forest attended Gateway's North Campus for the first time. What a great launch and we rejoice with the entire Gateway team on a job well-done, looking forward to the next several months of miracles and making of disciples.
Additionally, Derek reports that their main campus on North Marksheffel Road enjoyed 314 in attendance... exceeding their goal of 300! Praise the Lord!
Please remember to uphold the Gateway teams at both campuses as well the Sissel family in your prayers.
Open Bible Christian Center's 55th Anniversary!
April 1, 2010
Over the weekend of March 13-14, Open Bible Christian Center, Billings, Montana, celebrated her 55th Anniversary. It was a celebration of each person who has ever attended the church, making it what it is today.
Open Bible’s President, Reverend Jeff Farmer, was the keynote speaker ministering in the Saturday evening service in Billings, Sunday morning at the Open Bible Church in Worden, MT, then again in Billings to speak at the 11:00 a.m. Sunday service. OBCC experienced her largest attendance ever at each service.
There were many who attended OBCC in years past that came to help them celebrate. Pictures of members both past and present were posted on all the walls of the church. A special bulletin was prepared telling the church’s history as well as stories from previous pastors. A fine article was printed in the Billings Gazette on Saturday, March 13, showing the original Open Bible Church at the corner of Avenue D and 13th Street as well as the present building.
Open Bible Christian Center is looking forward to the next 55 years as they are excited to see what God is doing through them.
Open Bible Christian Center, your fellow churches of Mountain/Plains Region rejoice with you over what the Lord God has done, is doing and will do from now until His return!
View Newspaper Article | Read About Their History
SUMMER 2010 G.O.U. COMING TO OUR REGION!
March 8, 2010
If your church's teens hunger to make a difference in this world and would like God to use them like never before, then Global Outreaches Unlimited is the ticket! G.O.U. provides short-term missions trips for youth, giving them opportunities to develop leadership and cross-cultural ministry skills in a team environment. G.O.U. does the “work”; youth do the ministry!
GOU 3: Billings,Hardin, MT
Dates: June 21-27, 2010
Cost: $250/ *per person + travel expense to and from Billings, Montana
Description: This outreach is designed for high school youth groups who want to make a difference for God's kingdom through inner city ministry and service projects (2 days in Billings) and to Native Americans (3 days in Hardin/Crow Indian Reservation area)
Team Leader: Rev. Dr. Paul Leavenworth
(*Cost subject to change)
For video and promotional materials call Linda at (515) 288-6761 or email her at Linda@openbible.org
Link to G.O.U. website for registration packets and information on other domestic and international outreach efforts:
http://www.openbible.org/gou_10/billings_hardin.html
New Church Plants!
March 2, 2010
We are thrilled about the multiplication of churches that began last year under the auspices of Mountain/Plains Region and continues gaining momentum today! These are exciting times of growth and expansion. Several churches have either launched, are getting ready to begin or are preparing for public ministry later this year. Come year's end the Lord will have birthed and/or established new churches in Jordan, MN (a collaborative effort with Central Region - OBC, Inc.), Rapid City, SD, Loveland, CO and the greater Colorado Springs, CO metro area (3)!
• River Church of the Open Bible, Jordan, MN (Reverend Jeff Schmitt; launched Fall 2009; for more information visit, www.RiverChurchOpenBible.com)
• Lifepointe Church, Rapid City, SD (Reverend Jerry Houchens; launch date March 7, 2010)
• Gateway Church - Black Forest Campus, Black Forest, CO (Sponsor: Reverend Derek Sissel; April 4, 2010 launch date; for more information visit, www.gccommunity.org)
• Gateway Church - Security Campus (Security, CO; conception stage)
• Word in Life, Colorado Springs, CO (Reverend Kasey Bounds; prenatal stage)
• Living Streams, Loveland, CO (Reverend Spencer Keroff; prenatal stage)
New Sponsors Response Card | Newsletter
There are many ways to substantively partner with these works - prayerfully, financially and ministerially. Feel free to contact the Mountain/Plains Region office for more information on how!
Junior Camp
February 16, 2010
Junior Camp, hosted by Faith Temple of Sioux Falls, August 2 - 5, 2010 (Monday afternoon - Thursday after lunch); for children ages 2nd - 8th grade. Held at Swan Lake Camp, Viborg, South Dakota (www.myslcc.com) you can get registration and other necessary information by calling Faith Temple at (605) 332-2303.
http://www.myslcc.com
Spring Conference Is Quickly Approaching!
February 10, 2010
Spring Conference is quickly approaching! It will be held in Rapid City, SD April 13-15, 2010. Registration information will be available on the website and mailed out in the next few days.
We have reserved a block of rooms at the LaQuinta Inn & Suites at the WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort in the name of Mt. Plains Regional Open Bible Spring Conference. They are holding 39 traditional queen rooms at the rate of $49 a night plus fees. Each room features a small refrigerator and microwave. The LaQuinta Inn & Suites offers a deluxe complimentary breakfast featuring hot waffles. Other amenities include free high-speed internet, and access to the business and fitness center. The hotel room rate does not include admission to the WaTiki Indoor Waterpark; however, hotel guests may purchase a discounted package of 5 passes for $33 plus tax. Limit one package per room per day.
You may call the hotel directly at 605-718-7000 by Thursday, March 18, 2010 to make your reservations under the group block. Any reservations made after the above date will not receive the group rate. Also, cancellations need to be made at least 48 hours in advance to avoid any cancellation fees. For directions and virtual tour go to: Rapid City La Quinta.
Regional Office Transition
January 5, 2010
Please view the document below for the new regional office address and other important instructions that will be in effect January 15.
http://www.openbiblemountainplains.org/documents/TransitionLetter.doc
Love Bug in the Christmas Parade
January 3, 2010
This year Open Bible Christian Center put the Love Bug in the Christmas parade in Billings,MT to advertise their Live Nativity. Mark, Isaac and Nadine were Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus, and everyone loved the float. They loved the Love Bug and the fact that they had a "real" Baby Jesus. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Evaluation Forms Added
December 28, 2009
Since most of our church bylaws require evaluations of governing board members and the senior pastor be submitted annually, we have added two evaluation forms to our resources page that will assist you with that process. Click on the link below to access these forms.
http://www.openbiblemountainplains.org/resources.aspx
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