Midland-based Group: Detained Chinese Church Leader in Deteriorating Health

BEIJING, CHINA - The China Aid Association has learned that Christian bookstore owner and house church leader, Mr. Shi Weihan, was transferred to the Beijing Haidian District Detention Center. Shi’s case has been transferred from the Public Security Bureau to the Beijing Procurator. According to personal acquaintances who have visited Mr. Shi, his health has degenerated to the point that he is hardly recognizable to his closest friends. CLICK HERE to read the rest of the story

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The China Aid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

God Issues Today: "Consumers don't make good disciples"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"Alan Wolfe's The Transformation of American Religion warns that many of us are consumers more than we are disciples, self-reliant rather than God-sufficient," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Youth Mission: Clothing Project

Not all mission work takes you to the far side of the world for an extended period. Some can happen right here at home, for a part of the day.

The Youth Programs at First Presbyterian Church hold regular mission projects. The latest was a Saturday morning spent sorting and folding donated clothing for the Tall City's Burmese refugee community, and for Helping Hands of Midland.

God Issues Today: "When Goliath finds you"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"In times like these most of us feel more like David than Goliath. As we'll learn this week, that's not a bad place to be," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Partnering-up in Midland

We were pleased to welcome a pair of very special guests - and friends - to the Tall City, a couple weeks back. The occasion provided us a chance to hear first-hand accounts of efforts to relieve persecuted peoples in southeast Asia.

Oddney Gumaer (at right) is co-founder of Partners Relief and Development. She is also the author of Displaced Persons, which has been described as "a humble outpouring from the heart and mind of a woman who strives to speak of what is right and live what is true."

Also visiting Midland was Spencer Kerrigan (at left), who was recently named National Director for Partners-USA. Along with his administrative duties, Spencer is responsible for interacting with churches, businesses, civic groups, and media outlets who are involved in Partners' work with the people of Burma.

Both were busy during their visit to the Tall City. They spoke at worship services and Sunday School classes, attended gatherings over meals, and there were countless one-on-one encounters with those who wanted to learn more about them and their mission.

God Issues Today: "A Sling and a Prayer"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"Do you ever feel like a young boy with no training, no background, no credentials, sent to fight a warrior who stands over nine feet tall? Ever feel like David against Goliath," Dr. Denison asks in today's post at God Issues.

Midland-based Group Monitors Trial of Jailed Chinese Pastor

Issued by ChinaAid, September 24, 2008

SHANDONG, CHINA — A closed-door trial willl be held for Pastor Zhang Zhongxin at 9 a.m. on September 26 at the labor camp in Shandong province where he is serving a two-year sentence of reeducation-through-labor. The ruling will determine whether this sentence, imposed upon Zhang on July 6 of this year, was an appropriate punishment.

Pastor Zhang’s attorneys and relatives have been banned from meeting with him or reviewing his files, because authorities claim Pastor Zhang is suspected of endangering state security. If the court finds Zhang innocent of the crimes against him, the reeducation sentence will be repealed. However, if the court rules in favor of the sentencing, Zhang will remain in labor camp until 2010.

Christian defense attorneys Li Fangping and Zhang Jianfeng continue to try to meet with Pastor Zhang. ChinaAid will continue to monitor the trial.

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The China Aid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

Seeds Planted by 'Midland 35' Grow in Thailand

Great news from Chiang Mai, Thailand, where seeds planted by a coalition of Midland churches, have taken root and are already bearing fruit.

"Our Children's Drop in Center is open," Mark Crawford, of Garden of Hope, writes. "Our center has been full of kids and women seeking a new life and a new hope! We have been trying to keep up with them (read 'English Explosion,' below to see what we mean!) We thank you so much for your prayers and financial support that make all of this possible. Your partnership with us is touching many lives!"


"In the past 5 years, The Garden of Hope (TGOH) has built relationships with over 100 of these children. As representatives of TGOH have secured their trust, the children have come to us with their problems, including teenage pregnancy, troubles at school, physical abuse, and being approached by strangers for sex. In April 2008, TGOH opened the CDIC, to respond to the needs of the children for a safe place to rest, study, eat, learn, and grow. On an average night we have between 30 - 50 children who come to the CDIC for a safe and fun place to be a kid. The Garden of Hope is also working with parents to raise awareness about child labor, with the goal that the children can be kids and not have to work. Since the opening of the center, many of the children are no longer selling flowers in the red-light district. "

THANKS TO YOU!

"In response to the need to help these children, 35 churches in Midland, Texas, came together last year to raise funds to open the CDIC. In a period of 35 days, The Midland 35 raised $35,000. After a long and often frustrated search for the right place, God led us to the right building: a 4 story structure housing the CDIC, Classrooms for English lessons, a Women's Resource Center and TGOH's offices. The CDIC was opened in mid-April. Thank you, Midland 35!"

"We are also thankful for the mission teams that have cared for the children before the opening of the CDIC and staffed the CDIC since its opening and all of the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide care for the children, healthy meals, English classes and so much more."

ENGLISH EXPLOSION
by Brittany Quinn
"The growth of our ministry has been one of the most amazing things to witness. The Drop In Center has been open for over three months now. When we first opened we served dinner to 15-20 children a night. Last week we hit 72. All of our children's and teen's programs have outgrown their rooms and we are constantly on the hunt for more chairs, more space, and more volunteers. Recently, we started a weekly children's church service and it has been so crazy and beautiful to see the ways that God has been inserting opportunities to have His Truth shared in Love. The Garden of Hope has hosted 5 missions teams from the States. Hawaiians, Californians, Wisconsinites, Texans, and alas, some Oregonians have all made it out to Chiang Mai to partner with us as we continue to try and provide a place of safety, love, and community for the children, women, and families affected by the commercial sex industry here in the red-light district."

ENGLISH TEACHERS NEEDED

"We have immediate openings for 2 ESL Teachers and 1 opening for an ESL Coordinator (leading our English programs including curriculum design and implementation). If interested, please contact info@TheGardenofHope.org. All international (i.e. non-Thai) volunteers and staff raise our own support as we live and work here. Do you know someone who would want to join us?"
View ESL Coordinator Job Description
View English Teacher Job Description

SHORT-TERM TEAMS

"The Garden of Hope welcomes short-term teams to join us in reaching out to at-risk women and children and to learn more about trafficking and prostitution in the Mekong sub-region."
Download our Short-Term Team application form.

PRAYER PARTNERS
"The Garden of Hope seeks to raise 1,000 prayer partners throughout the world. We hope you will join us in asking God for His will to be done in our ministries."

God Issues Today: "To Debate or Not to Debate"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"With many decisions and perspectives, where you get in is where you get out. Unfortunately, many people think the same is true of religion," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

We Hear from Susie in Austin

Susie Foy, a member of our 2008 Thailand Mission Team, writes from her home in Austin, where she has been working with a Burmese refugee community. During the summer, the Austin American-Statesman reported on the refugees as they settle into their new home, and the efforts of those - such as Susie - to assist that transition.

Burmese refugees find safety in Austin

"Refugee Services of Texas is doing a great job here and this is the group I have been working with," Susie writes. "Thought you might want to see it! Blessings!"

Thang Yawm Nan tries to feed his daughter, Mary Nan, 11 months, as he helps his wife, Esther Choiki, with her English homework and son Yuan Nan Thang, 4, watches. Yawm Nan first fled to Thailand, then India and then Malaysia before settling his family in Austin. (American-Statesman Photo by Kelly West)

God Issues Today: "$6 billion and light bills"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"The good news is that our Father knows what we need better than we do," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Midland-based Group Delivers Petition to Chinese Embassy; Seeks Pastor's Release

Washington, D.C. - The China Aid Association delivered a package to the Embassy of China in Washington, DC, containing a letter to Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong, with approximately 57,000 names on 619 pages of a petition to free Pastor Zhang “Bike” Mingxuan and his wife. The letter urged the Chinese government to look beyond the physical needs, and to consider the deeper, fundamental need for personal freedom in decisions of faith and belief - when this need is fully acknowledged by authorities, the resulting freedom strengthens the people and the country for honorable prosperity. Pastor Bike and his wife were released from authoritative supervision on August 29, but are prohibited from returning to Beijing until the end of the Paralympics in September. CLICK HERE to read the rest of the story

The China Aid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

God Issues Today: "I'm Cloudy About Computing"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"Words don't hold still for long. I have a dictionary my parents gave me in the sixth grade; the word 'computer' does not appear therein," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Got Five Minutes?

Lucinda Windsor, a member of our 2008 Thailand Mission Team, recommends "HISTORIA DE UN LETRERO (The Story of a Sign)" by Mexican filmmaker Alonso Alvarez Barreda.

"This is a wonderfully fascinating film," Lucinda writes. "Enjoy."

A lot of people agree with her. This 2007 short flim (running time just under five minutes) was the winner at the NFB Online Short Film Competition - Cannes Special, 2008.

God Issues Today: "The Ghosts Will Move Across the Street"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"The sobering news is that the One who built the stadium where I play ball sees me as I really was, really am, and really will be," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

God's Glory Evident in the Improbable

The following letter comes to us from Annie Dieselberg at NightLight, a ministry in urban Bangkok, Thailand, that reaches out to women and children working in the bar areas of the Nana-Sukhumvit district. Located in a neighborhood with a growing sex trade, Nightlight’s vision is to share the Light of the world in both word and deed to those who live in darkness, and to combat the sexual exploitation of women and children, both Thai and Foreign. Thanks to Chris Laufer at the Midland, Texas-based Faces of Children for sharing exciting news from one of our Friends in Mission .....

September 12, 2008
Bangkok, Thailand

Dear Chris,

We have exciting news to share that is a miraculous answer to prayer and a picture of God's heart for those affected by the sex industry.

An Exciting Opportunity
It has been an urgent need to expand our workspace and have room to employ more women.

It has been our dream to have a building in the very heart of the redlight district from which we could have an outreach center.

Amazingly, God is making both of those possible at the same time and we want to include you in this exciting venture.

Two Buildings for $1.3-million
For $1.3-million we will be purchasing two buildings. We had estimated this to be the price for one building but God has made two strategic buildings available at the same time for this price. We are so grateful and blessed to have already received a donation for the downpayments to secure the buildings and get us started.

Now we want to invite you to be part of this by donating and inviting your networks to contribute.

Prepared in Advance
The buildings are strategically located. One of them is next door to our present facility. This building will enable us to expand work space and open a store to sell the jewelry.

The second building is on the main street of the red light district and strategic to our vision for an outreach center offering assistance to women and children in the area. It is right in the path of the internationally trafficked women, the Thai streetwalkers, bar girls, and children who are at high risk and also those who travel to partake and exploit in this area.

This building will also fulfill the vision for a coffee house expanding opportunities for ministry and transformation in the red light district. Three years ago the Christian owner contacted me because she sensed God wanted us to use her building.The timing wasn't right for either one of us so we left it to God. Now in God's perfect timing they are selling and we are able to buy.

God's Glory Evident in the Improbable
$307,060 is the amount we need to raise by September 25, 2008 for the first building. We will move into that one October 2nd. November 2008 is our goal for the remaining $637,000 for the second building. Seem improbable? It would be except that this is so clearly an act of God that we are confident it will be done.

Economically this is a difficult time globally. We are aware of that but we also know that God uses such times for His glory to really be evident. This is another opportunity to show God's heart and passion to bring hope and transformation to people trapped in the sex industry.

How You Can Participate
If you want to contribute financially checks can be made out to "NightLight" and sent to our LA office at:

NightLight USA
PO Box 74850
Los Angeles, CA 90004

You can also donate through PayPal online. Please designate it to the "Building fund.

If you are not able to contribute financially we invite and ask you to join us in prayer and in sharing this news. We are all in this together and we are eager to discover all that God will do through these buildings.

Thank you for sharing this journey with us. It is the result of many prayers and generous support. We are amazed and grateful for God's provision.

Sincerely,
Annie Dieselberg
NightLight

On a Related Note: Want to keep up on more developments for NightLight and their ministry? Check out "Annie's Journal."

God Issues Today: "Living Current"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"All of God there is, is in this moment. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). If your Lord was ever worthy of your worship and trust, he is so today. He has not changed. He never will," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Partners Blogcast: "Saw Keh Leh's Story: 311 Out of 400 Dead"

Steve and Oddny Gumaer started Partners Relief & Development in response to the needs of refugees and displaced people from Burma. This blog is meant to be a more personal stream of conversation than newsletters allow for. The opinions expressed here may not be those of Partners Relief & Development.

"Saw Keh Leh looked strong and handsome. His eyes radiated something that I did not have the words to describe. A look that would have compelled me to trust and follow, had he been my leader," Oddny Gumaer writes in this latest post at Partners Blogcast. "During our talk I realized that he was indeed a leader, a leader whom the world should watch and learn from."

If you have questions or wish to contact Partners, you can send an email to info@partnersworld.org and let them know what you think.

God Issues Today: "Fortitude Wins the Day"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"It's human nature to fear what everyone fears, and it may or may not be wise business practice as well. But such groupthink is disastrous for our souls," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

New Partners at Partners

Spencer Kerrigan has been named National Director for Partners USA. Spencer lives with his wife Lyssa, his son Pierce, and his daughter Madison in Redlands, California. Steve Gumaer at Partners tells us Spencer and Lyssa bring a vitality and passion to Partners Relief & Development that has already inspired and blessed the rest of the Partners family.

Partners was a significant contact and, yes, partner for our mission team while we were in Thailand, earlier this year. Our bond has been strengthened by that experience, and by contacts in the months that followed, including a visit to Midland by Partners' founder, Steve Gumaer. Partners' mission is to demonstrate God's love to victims of conflict and oppression.

Along with his administrative duties, Spencer will be responsible for interacting with churches, businesses, civic groups, and media outlets who are involved in our work with the people of Burma. Lyssa will interact with churches, government agencies, and other non-profit organizations. Spencer and Lyssa are articulate speakers and represent the people of Burma passionately. If you would like to welcome them into our community or invite them to share with your organization, church or group, please email Spencer at spencer@partnersworld.org or Lyssa at lyssa@partnersworld.org

God Issues Today: "The Bentley Yugo"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"...we don't need to comprehend galaxies to live in ours; we don't have to fathom God to experience him," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Midland-based Group: Crackdown Against Church Leaders Prepared in China

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The China Aid Association has learned that an important secret directive issued by the Political and Legal Committee of the Central Committee of the CPC has been communicated to all the law enforcement agents including the court, PSB and prosecution agencies within China. Reliable Sources within the high level Chinese Government security sectors informed CAA recently that an unprecedented nation-wide campaign is being designed to crackdown on four specific “unstable social elements” within China. CLICK HERE to read the rest of the story

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The China Aid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

God Issues Today: "Tell God on Them"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"If you want your frustration and anxiety to make a difference this morning, give it to God," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

God Issues Today: "Fleeing the Storm"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"Before I get too judgmental with these people, however, I need to remember all the times I've made the same decision. All the times I ignored the warnings from the Authority of the universe and chose to stay when a spiritual hurricane was coming my way," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Annie's Journal: "A Choice of Desperation"

Annie Dieselberg heads the staff at NightLight, a ministry in urban Bangkok, Thailand, that reaches out to women and children working in the bar areas of the Nana-Sukhumvit district. Located in a neighborhood with a growing sex trade, Nightlight’s vision is to share the Light of the world in both word and deed to those who live in darkness, and to combat the sexual exploitation of women and children, both Thai and Foreign.

"A Central Asian woman was rescued from forced prostitution a couple months ago and needed assistance in returning home," Dieselberg writes in this latest post at Annie's Journal. "The response from supporters was generous and as a result we were able to start a fund to assist trafficked women in returning home. God's timing is amazing and the following story is another example of God's grace at work made possible through your support and prayers."

God Issues Today: "Waiting For the Storm"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"God made us to love him and each other, knowing that love always requires a choice. He therefore created us with the capacity for free will," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

God Issues Today: "A Hole In the Horizon"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"When do we need to go to God with our temptations and struggles? Now," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

God Issues Today: "Bringing a Knife To a Nuclear War"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"Yesterday we learned to admit his reality and expect his attack. Now we are ready to fight back in the power of God," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

God Issues Today: "Glitches of the Soul"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"Yesterday we began a short discussion of our spiritual enemy, observing that the devil is very real and very malicious. As we learned, he is the father of lies (John 8:44), and comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10)," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

God Issues Today: "Things That Go Bump in the Night"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"...denying his existence doesn't make the devil any less real," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Annie's Journal: "Church Messy, But Real"

Annie Dieselberg heads the staff at NightLight, a ministry in urban Bangkok, Thailand, that reaches out to women and children working in the bar areas of the Nana-Sukhumvit district. Located in a neighborhood with a growing sex trade, Nightlight’s vision is to share the Light of the world in both word and deed to those who live in darkness, and to combat the sexual exploitation of women and children, both Thai and Foreign.

"A miracle happened at church. It may have been missed
behind all the pain and tears, but I saw a miracle," Dieselberg writes in this latest post at Annie's Journal.

God Issues Today: "A Hindered Hippocampus"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"The most important things you have done for heaven are likely things you don't know you did," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

God Issues Today: "Going Home"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"'Home' is one of the most powerful and magnetic emotions in life," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.