Dear American Baptist Churches of the Great Rivers Region:

No doubt you are journeying through this Lenten Season. As we make our way to the cross and then to Easter, I am reminded of the hope that comes through only Jesus Christ. As Christian people we are united in Jesus. Through our families, our pastors, our church family, and friends someone led us to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. And each person becomes your brother or sister when you accept Jesus as your Savior. It is Jesus that gives us our life blood. It is Jesus that calls us into service. It is Jesus that guides and directs our paths. And it is Jesus that gives the command that we are to go and make disciples.

The Great Rivers Region, too, is your partner to strengthen your congregation and strengthen your mission. As American Baptists we are united in Christ and together in mission. As you look into the future, the GRR will give opportunities to partner together in mission. Rev. Dr. Rob Kirbach will be leading a team to Serbia. If God is calling you to this unique opportunity, please contact Rob. Rev. Dr. John Grisham is leading a team to Costa Rica this June. Please contact John if you would like to be a part of this 40-year-old mission experience. Rev. Leslie Limbaugh will be leading a group of women clergy to Costa Rica to minister to the Talitumi Girls this Fall. If God has this on your heart, please contact Leslie.

Close to home, there will be time of unity, hope, and peace as we look to Jesus as our Shalom. This will be Saturday March 22 at Central Baptist Church. In the craziness that this world always seems to offer, it is important to be reminded that Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

This Summer there will be an opportunity for youth to travel to the YMCA of the Rockies in Granby, Colorado for their mission experience. They will join other ABC youth from several Midwest regions for praise and worship. Your next pastor might feel his or her call at this youth event. As of this writing, the GRR will have at least forty-five youths present and GRR leaders, ABC partners, ABC seminaries, and colleges are collaborating for this event.

Currently we are receiving the America for Christ offering. One third of the funds raised will go to the mission and ministry right here in the Great Rivers Region.

I wish you all a blessed Easter as we are reminded that through Christ’s resurrection, we are given hope and promise, and we need to share this with our neighbors here and around the world.

Patty