Spreading the Word in SE AsiaPt. 2: Astrid in Burma; Is Viet Nam Opening?

Deadly cyclones and repressive governments notwithstanding, our friends in mission based in southeast Asia continue to spread the love of Jesus Christ, not only through their actions, but through the written Word of God. Following is an update we received from Mark and Astrid of the Christian Far East Ministry. We met with them both, learned from them and contributed to their efforts during our Thailand Mission, earlier this year. Their work extends beyond the borders of Thailand into other southeast Asian countries ... as the following post will tell you.

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Astrid Travels Into Burma - I want to give praise and glory to our almighty God that we were able to complete this trip without falling victim to violence or being detained by government officers! We had a tremendous time ministering to the many kids and adults in their hiding places on mountain tops and jungles. We traveled inside Burma to a camp only two hours walking distance from a Burmese Army camp. We traveled by long-tail boat down the river that borders Thailand and Burma. The boat was loaded with supplies for the Karen people in hiding. I was a bit nervous as we glided past base camps of the brutal Burmese army that are nestled amongst the dense forest on the Burmese side. But God reminded me of His word: "We fix our eyes not on that which is seen, but on that which is unseen." We traveled one-and-a-half hours on the river to reach the camp.

Due to Burmese Army attacks on Karen villages in the past month, forty new families have recently escaped to this camp. More people are hiding in the jungle without even food and shelter. They are expected to make their way to this IDP (Internally Displaced People) camp in the coming months. Please pray for these people to reach this hiding place un-harmed. Most of the people in the IDP camp are women and children. The men have been captured or shot dead by the Burmese Army.

Food, clothes, and medical supplies were transported to this camp. We medically treated many young children. While living in the jungle after escaping their besieged villages, many children suffered from open sores on their legs, and they had become infected with fungus and ring worms. Almost all the children suffered with stomach worms and a lack of hygiene. Many children were extremely weak. Most were anemic and malnourished, which we treated with iron, magnesium, and multi-vitamin tablets.

We also brought the first Karen Bibles ever taken to this place (we brought some Burmese Bibles here before). It was touching to see the kids reading and being enraptured with God’s Word. We encouraged them to start Bible studies together.

We are committed to support the approximately fifty orphans in this IDP camp who lost both of their parents to violence and disease. Most of these kids have witnessed their parents being dragged out of their houses, tortured, raped, shot dead, or even burned alive in their homes. Looking into their frightened, traumatized eyes made me cry. Before we left we prayed over each child. It was incredibly hard to leave these people behind and return to Thailand.

Please pray that God will allow us to help the more than 1,000 children in this camp with new clothes, school supplies, and medicines. Also, the new arrivals need food, clothes, mats, blankets, mosquito nets, and more.

Is Viet Nam Opening? - "Some people are saying that Vietnam is opening up to the Gospel. It’s true that some freedoms have been given: Some church services are now allowed, and Bibles can be printed in country if given permission. This is a great step forward, but it hardly proves that Vietnam is opening. Local officials still persecute believers. And the government refuses to allow Hmong Bibles to be printed.

Recently, we gave more than 300 Hmong Bibles to a team going to Vietnam, and Vietnamese officials confiscated them all. Then this team went out into a city putting Christian tracts under people’s doors. When two young men came to the end of the alley they were working, they were met by four policemen. Three policemen drew their guns. The men were made to kneel in the street and put their hands on their heads. In a moment, twenty more police arrived. These two young men were taken in separate vehicles to a police station thirty minutes away. They were interrogated throughout the entire night. They were finally let go about 5 AM, but their passports were held for 10 days. They each paid a fine of $1,000 US to get their passports back, and then were finally allowed to leave the country. But they will not be able to get another visa to visit Vietnam for at least five years. The police told them there is freedom to worship inside a church, but not outside those walls.

In the countryside, some pastors are still being arrested for sharing the gospel outside of their churches.

The believers are cautious of the new freedoms in Vietnam. It’s a common Communist trick to allow some freedoms for a time so that those who are hiding will come out from hiding. Then when the authorities learn who the Christians are, the persecution comes back harshly.

One of our sponsors purchased for us 6,000 New Vietnamese Bibles printed legally in Vietnam, and we are cautiously delivering these books to some of the poorest Christians in Vietnam. Just because permission was given to print these Bibles is no guarantee that they won’t be confiscated by local police.

Thank you for your prayers and support! God Bless You!
Mark and Astrid

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To support the work of CHRISTIAN FAR EAST MINISTRY IN AMERICA, tax deductible gifts may be made out to "His Servants – Asia or Faith Community Church" and mailed to:
Christian Far East Ministry
PO Box 1411
Glendora, CA 91740

West Texas Mission Opportunities:Christmas In Action

There are some for whom the word "mission" conjures up images of travels to the far side of the world for extended periods of time ... but that is NOT always the case. There are opportunities going on in your community - right here, right now - that have a genuine need for someone with exactly your skills, and exactly your schedule.

One is Christmas In Action, "a 501c(3), non-profit agency that has successfully implemented the tried and true idea of neighbor helping neighbor by partnering with the community to repair the homes of low-income and/or disabled homeowners." CIA's mission is "to follow God's teachings by working together to preserve and revitalize houses and communities, assuring that low-income elderly and disabled homeowners live in warmth, safety and independence."

Repairs are done during the month of April, with the majority of repairs being done on the last Saturday in April (CIA Workday).

There are all kinds of ways you can help Christmas In Action ... all kinds of ways you can become a West Texas Missioner. "Community volunteers from all walks of life work in teams. Teams can be made up from church groups, civic groups, businesses, or any other interested organization. Each team has a House Captain selected by the volunteering group. Each House Captain chooses a project for its team from a list of qualified homes. There is a job for everyone." Contributions of money, and new and used building materials are also welcome.

For more information, you may visit the Christmas In Action website.

God Issues Today: "My Candidate's Biography"

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.

"This week I have been suggesting that you make God the president of your life, your commander-in-chief, and that you agree to serve in his administration. Yesterday we examined his record; today let's look at his biography," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Prayer Request from Mae Kha Chan Children's Home

We would like to ask special prayer for Pastor Lawan and her children’s home in Thailand. This ministry produces some of the best disciples for Christ that we have seen in Thailand. Pastor Lawan has the only churches in her area. In Thailand the percentage of the population that is Christian is only about 1%.

Pastor Lawan gets the children from the mountains where they would be locked into a life of poverty if they didn’t get the education Pastor Lawan provides for them. There are worship services every morning and every evening. The children come to Christ within the first 30 days of being in the home. Then they are trained to be leaders. The high school students have started a number of churches, and they go every Sunday afternoon to lead the services. It’s an amazing work.

But this year the US$ dropped by about 15 percent, fuel prices have increased, food prices doubled, and rice prices have nearly tripled. This has left Pastor Lawan in debt. The food vendors are giving her credit to buy food for the children, but this won’t last long if she can’t start paying down some of her debt. We are asking that you would pray:

1) That the Lord would provide for her debts to be paid off.
2) That new monthly sponsors would step forward to help pay the extra costs of inflation.
3) That work would proceed quicker to help the children’s home become self sufficient; a. Making pens for animals that will provide food; b. Developing a plot of land for gardening; c. Build a building so they can have their own school. This will decrease their budget by not having school fees, plus students from nearby villages can attend a Christian school and learn about Christ. In the public schools, the Children are forced to bow in worship to idols. If the Christian kids don’t bow, they are ostracized by both teachers and students, and some have been beaten up after school.

If you would like to help, please mark all donations for “Mrs. Lawan’s Children’s Home." Also, click here for more donation information.

God Issues Today: "13 Species of Fruit Flies"

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, we need the best possible leadership. So I am suggesting this week that you make God the president of your life," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Midland-based Group Helping Young Victims of Communism

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.

Issued by ChinaAid, October, 2008 ...

"Anna (not real name) grew up in a poor family in Communist China. Her life was not much different from others in her town. That was until her mother died and her father re-married. Her father's new wife wanted a child of her own. But with China's One-Child Policy, there were no options - unless they rid themselves of the child they already had."

"In one cruel act, Anna was left alone; a victim of China's One-Child Policy and of the misplaced devotion of her earthly father."

"Unfortunately Anna's situation is not unique. Many families in China have callously abandoned their little girls in hope of having a boy. The government offers no assistance and has even discriminated against abandoned children. However caring individuals have stepped in to help."

"Pastor 'Bike' is a prominent leader in China's illegal house church movement. He has reached out to children like Anna and has been targeted for persecution by the Chinese police. Pastor Bike has been arrested and detained countless times. The police even attempted to force the children he was caring for back onto the streets. Those like Anna are caught in the cruelty dictated by Communist China. And they need our help!"

"Anna is in hiding with other orphans and now goes to an underground Christian school. Anna represents the bright future of China's children who can bring great honor to their nation in the international community. We now invite you to join in this urgent mission of hope."

"ChinaAid makes a priority of helping victims like Anna. It is amazing how fragile and hopeful these young lives can be. ChinaAid provides support for the homes where they find safety and helps them attend underground schools to gain an education. When you support ChinaAid with a monthly gift (or even a one-time gift), you enable us to continue and expand these critical projects."

"Thank you for your consideration. You can submit your secure online contribution, or you may contact ChinaAid at (888) 889-7757."

West Texas Mission Opportunities:St. Andrew's Mission

There are some for whom the word "mission" conjures up images of travels to the far side of the world for extended periods of time ... but that is NOT always the case. There are opportunities going on in your community - right here, right now - that have a genuine need for someone with exactly your skills, and exactly your schedule.

One is St. Andrew's Mission, a cooperative witness/service project of the Midland Presbyterian Corporate Ministry and the Presbytery of Tres Rios. Its purpose is to minister to the social, educational, physical and spiritual needs of people, especially those in East Midland. Programs provided at St. Andrew's include preschool, a food pantry, income tax clinic, Operation Christmas, after-school child care, parenting classes, and summer programs for children.

Financial assistance is also available to help with rent, utilities, doctor bills, and emergency situations.

There are all kinds of ways you can help St. Andrews ... all kinds of ways you can become a West Texas Missioner. First Presbyterian Church-Midland has designated the first Sunday of the each month as Food Pantry Sunday, to help restock the food pantry with foods and paper goods.

St. Andrews welcomes volunteers to assist in any of the above named events. Spanish speaking is helpful, but not necessary. You may also want to gather and donate school supplies ... or gently-used clothing from your closets, or from those of your friends and neighbors.

The mission is located at 1708 N. Fort Worth Street, in Midland. For more information, please contact Pilar Revilla, St. Andrew's Director, at (432) 682-2351.

God Issues Today: "Political Bad News"

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 these tumultuous, fearful times, it may be comforting to remember that your Father is the One in charge of all creation," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Spreading the Word in SE AsiaPt. 1: Thank You for Karen Bibles

Deadly cyclones and repressive governments notwithstanding, our friends in mission based in southeast Asia continue to spread the love of Jesus Christ, not only through their actions, but through the written Word of God. Following is an update we received from Mark and Astrid of the Christian Far East Ministry. We met with them both, learned from them and contributed to their efforts during our Thailand Mission, earlier this year. Their work extends beyond the borders of Thailand into other southeast Asian countries ... as the following post will tell you.

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Christian Far East Ministry reports, All of you who pray and support this ministry are touching tens of thousands of people with Scriptures and humanitarian aid. Enjoy these stories of some of the people from Burma whom you are helping.

"My name is Thang Lwin. I want to say thank you for giving me a Bible. I am so happy to receive my own Bible and I am so happy to read it. I am a farmer and everyday I work on my farm. I was an animist before and not interested in any religion. I only wanted to work hard for my family."

"One day I worked hard until I became very tired and I started to think about why I am on the earth. We only work hard and after that we will die. I think everything we do is for nothing. I started to ask my question to someone. She answered me and said, 'Jesus is your answer.' She told me that 'if you have Jesus, you have everything. You can have peace and joy, happiness and other things that you need.'”

"I asked her can she could help me to know Jesus like her? She told me believe in him. I believed in Jesus and I want to know him more in each day. Now all of my family believes in him. We see that the Bible is true in our lives. We read it and we know him more each day."

"My name is Kyaw Than. I am happy to have my own Bible. I was in the dark and worshiped idols for many years. I always thought that believing in idols was the right way in life. My life is hard. We are very poor and we are faced with the struggle of feeding ourselves. Our country is not at peace and the income for our family is not enough. I began wondering if there was a way to be free from our burdens. We wait for peace."

"One night I was in my house and I saw many people came in our village. In the evening they showed a video, so I was interested to go and see. They showed the life of Jesus. Afterwards they explained more, so my ears were open to hear the words and my heart changed. I told them I wanted to believe in Jesus. I was so happy at that time. They did not have Bibles to give out, so an evangelist visited us and read the Bible to us."

"My heart started to change. I thank God that he gave me real light to see and to believe in him. I asked for my own Bible and because of God’s blessing I have received a Bible and I am reading it. I read it to my family so they can hear the words and tell the other people to receive the light of Jesus. Thank you!"

Christian Far East Ministry reports, we praise and thank the Lord for one of our sponsors who has paid for another 30,000 Karen Bibles to be printed. They have recently arrived in our warehouses, and we are currently sending thousands to those who desperately want to have the word of God. These people could never have a Bible unless someone brought it them one. But some of our work is postponed because the civil war has moved into areas where we need move the books.

We recently traveled as a family to a new area for us. We met pastors and a missionary who have been reaching out to the people of Southern Karen State, Burma. They said no one else has shown interest in these people for over two decades. Only in the last year has anyone else come to help. This summer they were praying for Karen Bibles. The Missionary went to America to ask for help, but there was no response. But one man in attendance at a meeting in California is a friend of ours and he got us in contact with this missionary. We delivered 2,520 Karen Bibles to this ministry. They said it came from heaven in a completely unexpected way, and they are so thankful to God. They have a minimum need of 75,000 Bibles for this area. The Burmese Army has attacked the Karen mercilessly in Southern Karen State in the last month, and those living in Thailand in the past week. Please pray for these Christians!

Thank you for your prayers and support!
Mark and Astrid

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To support the work of CHRISTIAN FAR EAST MINISTRY IN AMERICA, tax deductible gifts may be made out to "His Servants – Asia or Faith Community Church" and mailed to:
Christian Far East Ministry
PO Box 1411
Glendora, CA 91740

Faces of Children: Prayer Requests

Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Our mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, we seek to provide an opportunity for people of God to join together, learn about children and their needs throughout the world, and celebrate Christ's love (especially as it relates to children).

Prayer Concerns for the week of 10/27/08

China

(China Aid Association – www.chinaaid.org/)
· Please pray for 11-year-old Anna* who was abandoned by her father and stepmother. Anna’s new stepmother wanted to have a baby of her own, but China’s policy forbids families from having more than one child. As a result, Anna was discarded by her father and stepmother so they could have a baby.

· Give thanks to God that Anna was rescued by a pastor in the underground house church movement and is now safe. She lives in hiding with other orphans and attends an underground Christian school.
· Pray for all children who have been tossed aside like Anna because of discriminatory practices in this country.
· Pray for the girl children of China who have been abandoned by parents who hope to have boys instead.
*Name changed for confidentiality and/or protection.

India

(Youth With A Mission Okhla Delhi – King's Kids Delhi)
· Give thanks to God that Amigo, Rejeena, their family, staff, and the children to whom they minister are safe and doing well despite the violence that killed 23 people and injured almost 100 in the city where they live. Pray for all of those affected by this violence.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LD362371.htm http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/DEL354882.htm
· Also thank God for the safety of the three staff and the three children with them. The staff and children were near the Greater Kailash 1 market in New Delhi when one of the bombs exploded. Thanks be to God for the kind hearted girls who gave them a ride home and out of that destruction and chaos.
· Please keep the children who come to the Treasure House, a center for disadvantaged children and young people, in prayer as they face the challenges of street life and poverty. Pray for the staff of the center—that they will allow the love of Jesus Christ to flow through them to these hurting children. Pray these children might experience God in new and wonderful ways.
· Please pray for the children who attend the preschools and Sunday schools sponsored by this ministry and for those who teach and lead them. Give thanks that many of the children are learning how to pray, to sing praises, and to worship God. Also thank God for the parents who are learning about Jesus Christ.
· Please continue to keep Amigo and Rejeena’s family in prayer—daughter Jonnina, and their three foster children: Celena, 11, and her brothers, Kuljeet, 9, and Shivan, 7. Thanks be to God that the foster children’s grandparents did not keep Celena to work for them. All three children recently had a wonderful visit with their grandparents and then all three were returned to their foster family. Give thanks to God for Kuljeet’s recent surgery to repair damage when he was electrocuted six years ago. Pray for continued improvement and healing.

United States
· Thank God that 8-month-old Isabella, who was born prematurely to a mother with substance abuse problems, is doing well now and only suffers from mild cerebral palsy. Please pray for this little girl and for her mother, who was substance free until a recent overdose. Isabella’s mother is now in a coma with severe brain swelling and is not expected to live.
(Orphans First – www.orphansfirst.org)

· Give thanks to God that the three siblings, 10-year-old J., 8-year-old N., and 4-year-old A., on the prayer list last week, have been placed in the temporary custody of loving, extended family members. Please continue to pray that a permanent situation can be found for these children by the end of the month. Pray that God will surround the children with those who truly have their best interests at heart.

· Pray for the children’s caregivers—that God will strengthen and sustain them.
· Pray that God will deliver their parents from issues that prevent them from being able to parent lovingly and effectively.
· Please also pray that 11-year-old Gabe will be placed in a permanent home and be adopted into a loving, caring family. Pray that Gabe might be comforted by the peace of Jesus Christ during this stressful time in his life.

Faces of Children
· Please continue to pray for more churches and individuals to be brought into the ministry of Faces of Children, spread awareness about children in crisis, and invite more people to pray for children at risk.

God Issues Today: "Voting for President"

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.

"You'll decide whose wisdom to trust, whose will to follow. You'll be in charge of your own presidency, or serve in my candidate's administration," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Midland-based Group Cites U.S. Congressional Letter Advocating for Chinese Christians

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.

Issued by ChinaAid, October 23, 2008 ...

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In response to the recent abuses committed by the Chinese Government against Zhang Mingxuan, the President of the 250,000 member “Chinese House Church Alliance”, two Congressional Leaders: Congressman Frank R. Wolf (R-VA) and Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) have co-written a letter to Secretary of State Condeleeza Rice urging the Cabinet member to request urgent action from the Chinese Government to free Zhang Mingxuan from his detention and to rectify the personal damages inflicted upon his family.

In July of 2008, both Congressmen had the opportunity to personally meet with Zhang Mingxuan and his wife in Beijing, despite Chinese Government interdiction. During the meeting Zhang was able to personally share with the Congressmen the daily struggles and abuses he and fellow Christians face on a daily basis from the Communist Party of China.

The letter also calls upon the American Government and the Bush Administration to not ignore the reprehensible acts of the Chinese Govnernment. The letter admonishes the adminstration to bring International attention to the situation by publicly calling on the Chinese Government to release Zhang Minguxuan and his family members. Furthermore, the letter directly confronts the Chinese Government of its hypocritical stance in international affairs by stating: “If the 2008 Beijing Olympics have taught us anything, it is that the Chinese government will go to any length to secure their image as a peaceful and harmonious society when the world is watching.”

Through advocation for Zhang and his family the Current Adminstration will have the chance to publicly condone the daily human rights violations perpetrated by the Corrupt Communist Chinese Regime, and stand in unity with the persecuted citizens in China as both seek opportunities to advance freedom and democracy throughout the World.

Click here to read the letter from Congressmen Wolf and Smith to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

West Texas Mission Opportunities:Upward Basketball & Cheerleading

There are some for whom the word "mission" conjures up images of travels to the far side of the world for extended periods of time ... but that is NOT always the case. There are opportunities going on in your community - right here, right now - that have a genuine need for someone with exactly your skills, and exactly your schedule.

One is Upward Basketball & Cheerleading, which is preparing right now for its 2009 season in West Texas. Upward introduces children to Jesus Christ by creating opportunities to serve through sports. Upward is a fun, reliable, passionate and encouraging sports experience for boys and girls, in K5 through sixth grade. Upward provides first class, organized and detailed sports programming. Unique aspects of Upward include an evaluation system (going on now in West Texas!) that promotes equal and competitive teams as well as a substitution system which allows for equal playing time for all participants.Through Upward, children are exposed to quality coaching and sport development. Upward emphasizes character and integrity instead of a “win at all costs” mentality associated with today’s sports world.

And, No, you don't have to be a member of a church in order to participate!

There are all kinds of ways you can help the Upward program in your community ... all kinds of ways you can become a West Texas Missioner. You can be a coach, or an assistant, a referee or a timekeeper. You may also choose to present a brief devotional to the audience during the halftimes, while the teams are resting and getting ready for the next round of play. Your focus can be current events, a piece of Scripture from the Bible, or sports. You can compose your own, or work from guidelines that participating churches will provide you.

You can also help by signing-up your child, then heading to the game and cheering for everyone on the floor!

In Midland, there are programs at First Baptist Church and First Presbyterian Church.

In Odessa, there are programs at Sherwood Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Second Baptist Church and Faith Church of the Nazarene.

And in Lamesa, there is a program at First Baptist Church.

In the weeks ahead, we will present more "West Texas Mission Opportunities" on this site.

God Issues Today: "Nevertheless"

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.

"Christianity does not promise that faith in Jesus insulates us from the struggles of this broken world," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Come to First Prez Sunday Evening, and Bring the Family

Don't forget to join us for fun at the FPC Fall Festival this Sunday, October 26, 2008 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Things to look forward to are the Trick or Trunk, a Cake Walk, a Dunking Booth and lots of food to eat (hot dogs, sausage and all the fixings).

The Dunking Booth will cost $1.00 for 2 tosses ... so come prepared to dunk your favorite Pastor.

First Presbyterian Church of Midland is located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Texas and A streets, on the west side of downtown Midland.

Bring your friends and come have fun at the FPC FALL FESTIVAL !!!!

Midland Mission Fair 2008

First Presbyterian Church-Midland has something very special planned for this weekend, and we're hoping you can join us. It's Mission Fair 2008 ... please pray, promote and plan on participating.

"On Sunday October 26th you are invited to come and learn about the many mission opportunities of our church at Mission Fair 2008. Before and after both services and around a special lunch we will showcase all of the missions (local and around the world) that we support. We will have over 40 of our missions represented at different display tables in and immediately outside of Lynn Fellowship Hall."

"We will offer many interactive audio-video presentations, and people from our missions will be on hand to respond to your questions. We want to raise awareness of our mission opportunities, facilitate connections, identify mission resources, show our balanced Christian witness to our community and world, and increase involvement. At many of the tables and display booths you will have opportunity to sign up for participation in 2009 (I.e. Uganda, Thailand, Columbia, Juarez, New Orleans and our own local Upwards)."

"Our keynote speaker who will offer the message at both worship services is Don Richardson. Please read the following article to learn more about Don and his incredible credentials. Please RSVP for coming to the lunch ($7.00) by calling Marty or Rhondy (684-7821)."

Missions Having Representatives at our Mission Fair 2008
(as of 10/20)
∙ Project Vida
∙ FPC Uganda Mission, Uganda Water Wells/Lodoi Development Fund
∙ FPC Thailand Mission
∙ FPC New Orleans Mission
∙ FPC Juarez Mission
∙ Midland Fair Havens
∙ Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
∙ FPC Family Life Center/Upwards
∙ Haggai Institute
∙ Hogar Infantil
∙ CASA of West Texas
∙ Perspectives
∙ MAAS
∙ Teen F.L.O.W.
∙ Habitat for Humanity
∙ Dalit Freedom Network
∙ Free Wheel Chair Mission
∙ Faces of Children
∙ Christmas in Action
∙ Presbyterian Children’s Home & Services
∙ Operation Bless the Children
∙ Church on Wheels
∙ Breaking Bread Kitchen
∙ Community Children’s Clinic
∙ Safe Place
∙ Community & Senior Services
∙ Kid’s Hope USA
∙ Casa De Amigos
∙ St. Andrew's Mission
∙ Tres Rios Presbytery
∙ CLER Ministries
∙ Schreiner College
∙ Austin College
∙ Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
∙ Presbyterian Pan American School
∙ Medical Benevolence Foundation
∙ Advancing Indigenous Mission
∙ Presbyterian Border Ministry
∙ Campus Crusade for Christ
∙ OC International

"You will have plenty of time to get some coffee, and wander from booth to booth, learning about the work of these great missions. You might just find one that sparks your desire to get involved!"

God Issues Today: "When You Don't Know Where the Bus is Going"

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.

"This week we are claiming the "fear not's" of Scripture. Today we learn not to fear the future, so long as we are following our Lord by faith," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Midland-based Group Reports Son of Chinese Pastor Regains Consciousness; Family Continues to be Harassed

Issued by ChinaAid, October 22, 2008

BEIJING, CHINA — ChinaAid has learned that Zhang Jian, the oldest son of Pastor “Bike” Zhang Mingxuan, regained consciousness in the ER room Beijing Min Hang (Aviation) Hospital. Zhang Jian was severely beaten with iron bars at his mother’s home for 25 minutes by 15 Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers on October 16, 2008. The family was then evicted and their furniture thrown into the street. ChinaAid has been in constant communication with this family facing severe persecution by the Chinese government.

China Aid’s president, Bob Fu, spoke with Zhang Jian this morning. He is still in very serious condition. His right eye is severely wounded and doctors are not sure if he will regain his sight. His nose bone and eye bone are both broken and doctors say he needs further CAT scans and surgery. Even though his physical condition is very bad, Zhang Jian has left the hospital because PSB officers have been watching him there, and he was afraid for his safety. He went to his brother’s home, but PSB officers followed him. The officers warned Zhang Jian and his brother, Zhang Chuang, not to leave the apartment before October 20, the date of the celebration Pastor Bike organized for the third anniversary of the Chinese House Church Alliance. Meanwhile, ChinaAid has received several calls from different house church leaders who have also been warned not to go to Beijing or attend the celebration.

Zhang Jian’s mother was ordered by police today to take care of the furniture and personal items that officers threw into the street during yesterday’s attack on the family. The family is struggling financially to pay for the hospital bills, food, shelter and legal help. ChinaAid is working to send emergency help to Zhang Jian and his family.

Police have also attempted to shut down the house church where Zhang Jian’s father preaches. On October 10, police sealed the door of the church and blocked it with two truckloads of garbage. Officials are blocking anyone wishing to enter, even though on September 28, officials gave permission for the house church to meet. They have also cut off the electricity to the church.

The physical assault on Zhang Jian is the most serious of the recent attacks on Zhang Jian and his family. During the past 22 years, Zhang Jian’s father, Pastor Bike, has been arrested 26 times, beaten and evicted from his home numerous times because of his faith. Despite the persecution, this family continues to boldly preach and help the house church Christians.

View photos of the Pastor Bike’s sealed house church doors which police blocked with piles of garbage

Write to the Chinese Embassy to voice your concern over violent police assault on Zhang Jian and the persecution of his family:

Chinese Embassy

2201 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.

Washington D.C. 20007

Tel: (202) 338-6688, (202) 588-9760Fax: (202) 588-9760

Help to Zhang Jian and his family with a gift to ChinaAid

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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: "Perception Becomes Reality"

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.

"For every problem we face, there is a promise we can claim from God," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Come to First Prez Sunday Evening, and Bring the Family

Don't forget to join us for fun at the FPC Fall Festival this Sunday, October 26, 2008 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Things to look forward to are the Trick or Trunk, a Cake Walk, a Dunking Booth and lots of food to eat (hot dogs, sausage and all the fixings).

The Dunking Booth will cost $1.00 for 2 tosses ... so come prepared to dunk your favorite Pastor.

First Presbyterian Church of Midland is located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Texas and A streets, on the west side of downtown Midland.

Bring your friends and come have fun at the FPC FALL FESTIVAL !!!!

Midland Mission Fair 2008

First Presbyterian Church-Midland has something very special planned for this weekend, and we're hoping you can join us. It's Mission Fair 2008 ... please pray, promote and plan on participating.

"On Sunday October 26th you are invited to come and learn about the many mission opportunities of our church at Mission Fair 2008. Before and after both services and around a special lunch we will showcase all of the missions (local and around the world) that we support. We will have over 40 of our missions represented at different display tables in and immediately outside of Lynn Fellowship Hall."

"We will offer many interactive audio-video presentations, and people from our missions will be on hand to respond to your questions. We want to raise awareness of our mission opportunities, facilitate connections, identify mission resources, show our balanced Christian witness to our community and world, and increase involvement. At many of the tables and display booths you will have opportunity to sign up for participation in 2009 (I.e. Uganda, Thailand, Columbia, Juarez, New Orleans and our own local Upwards)."

"Our keynote speaker who will offer the message at both worship services is Don Richardson. Please read the following article to learn more about Don and his incredible credentials. Please RSVP for coming to the lunch ($7.00) by calling Marty or Rhondy (684-7821)."

Missions Having Representatives at our Mission Fair 2008
(as of 10/20)
∙ Project Vida
∙ FPC Uganda Mission, Uganda Water Wells/Lodoi Development Fund
∙ FPC Thailand Mission
∙ FPC New Orleans Mission
∙ FPC Juarez Mission
∙ Midland Fair Havens
∙ Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
∙ FPC Family Life Center/Upwards
∙ Haggai Institute
∙ Hogar Infantil
∙ CASA of West Texas
∙ Perspectives
∙ MAAS
∙ Teen F.L.O.W.
∙ Habitat for Humanity
∙ Dalit Freedom Network
∙ Free Wheel Chair Mission
∙ Faces of Children
∙ Christmas in Action
∙ Presbyterian Children’s Home & Services
∙ Operation Bless the Children
∙ Church on Wheels
∙ Breaking Bread Kitchen
∙ Community Children’s Clinic
∙ Safe Place
∙ Community & Senior Services
∙ Kid’s Hope USA
∙ Casa De Amigos
∙ St. Andrew's Mission
∙ Tres Rios Presbytery
∙ CLER Ministries
∙ Schreiner College
∙ Austin College
∙ Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
∙ Presbyterian Pan American School
∙ Medical Benevolence Foundation
∙ Advancing Indigenous Mission
∙ Presbyterian Border Ministry
∙ Campus Crusade for Christ
∙ OC International

"You will have plenty of time to get some coffee, and wander from booth to booth, learning about the work of these great missions. You might just find one that sparks your desire to get involved!"

God Issues Today: "Archimedes Was Right"

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.

"From God's perspective, this is a day filled with hope," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Faces of Children: Prayer Requests

Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Our mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, we seek to provide an opportunity for people of God to join together, learn about children and their needs throughout the world, and celebrate Christ's love (especially as it relates to children).

Prayer Concerns for the week of 10/20/08

Benin, Haiti, India, Romania, Russia, United States

(Orphans First – www.orphansfirst.org)

· Please lift the children helped by Orphans First in prayer and pray for all those who serve in this ministry.
· Pray for Alex in Russia who longs to be adopted into a loving family, but whose situation looks hopeless. Give thanks to God for the hope we have in Jesus Christ and the knowledge that with him, anything is possible, even the adoption of a young boy whose situation is desperate.
· Please pray for Nate* who suffers from bi-polar disorder and is in a special center to deal with his mental illness. Pray that God will deliver Ryan* from the life into which he has been deceived and trapped. He has fallen into some dangerous ways and is being led seriously astray. Pray for Jack, another at-risk teen.
· Please keep the children and caregivers at Grace Home in India in prayer.
· Pray for the children and staff of a small orphanage in Siberia called The Comforter’s Cover.
· And please also pray for the orphans and blind children in Siberia assisted by Orphans First.
· Pray for the children and those who care for them at Agape orphanage in Romania.
· Please ask that God will provide the resources to open a children’s home in Benin.
· Pray for the children in the feeding program in Haiti and for those who need schooling there.
* Name changed for confidentiality and/or protection.

Brazil

(ESTHERS Children)

· Give thanks to God for the ministry of ESTHERS Children—Equipping, Strengthening, Training, Healing, Educating, Restoring and Sending Children. Pray that God will guide and direct the leadership of this ministry regarding future plans for ESTHERS Children and provide the necessary resources. Pray for safe travels and fruitful exchanges as the ministry director travels from the U.S. to Brazil in November.
· Pray for the leaders and caregivers in this ministry as they face some difficult financial circumstances. A bank strike in Brazil has made wire transfers for the ministry almost impossible. Please pray that God will provide for the children at ESTHERS House (a home for girls in Recife) until the funds wired last week are made available. Pray for everyone in Brazil who is affected by this financial crisis.
· Please be in prayer for two residents of ESTHERS House, 4-year-old Larissa and 8-year-old Talita, who have been sick with the flu. Pray that God will comfort and heal them.
· Give thanks to God for the Children’s Day celebrations held recently. Pray that God will bless and inspire the 600 children who participated.
· Pray that the meetings with local officials at the Brazilian Counsel Office for Children and the Municipal Government Office about the work of ESTHERS House will bear fruit and be a blessing for those involved.

Haiti

· Pray for the safety and wellbeing of a team headed to Haiti this week to run a health clinic for children and adults.
· Please ask God to provide them with wisdom and compassion as they lead this clinic and as they work with the children and families of this suffering country.
· Pray that God will open hearts and opportunities to share the love of Jesus Christ.
· Continue to pray for the children and people of Haiti as they struggle to overcome the devastation caused by so many powerful storms in a short period of time. Many families lost everything during Hurricane Ike and would love to even have a tarp to put over their heads.

Kenya

(Kids in Kenya – http://www.kidsinkenya.org/)

· Please be in prayer for the children of Kenya who receive food through Kids in Kenya Orphan Feeding Program. Pray that God will bless the efforts of their leaders and volunteers as they work to expand this program and reach more children. Pray for guidance and support as they also begin the work of building an orphanage.

Faces of Children

· Please continue to pray for more churches and individuals to be brought into the ministry of Faces of Children, spread awareness about children in crisis, and invite more people to pray for children at risk.

God Issues Today: "Warren Buffett and Maximus"

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.

"I need an antidote to fear which is guaranteed to be infallible, a reason for faith which transcends the VIX and the daily news," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Come to First Prez Sunday Evening, and Bring the Family

Don't forget to join us for fun at the FPC Fall Festival this Sunday, October 26, 2008 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Things to look forward to are the Trick or Trunk, a Cake Walk, a Dunking Booth and lots of food to eat (hot dogs, sausage and all the fixings).

The Dunking Booth will cost $1.00 for 2 tosses ... so come prepared to dunk your favorite Pastor.

First Presbyterian Church of Midland is located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Texas and A streets, on the west side of downtown Midland.

Bring your friends and come have fun at the FPC FALL FESTIVAL !!!!

Midland-based Group Reports Son of Chinese Pastor Beaten by Security Officers

Issued by ChinaAid, October 18, 2008

BEIJING, CHINA — ChinaAid has learned that Zhang Jian, the elder son of Pastor “Bike” Zhang Mingxuan, was severely beaten by Public Security Bureau (PSB) officials while at home with his mother, Xie Fenglan, in Beijing on October 16.

Xie Fenglan testified that at about noon Beijing time, 15 Beijing PSB officers entered their residence and secured the exits before severely beating Zhang Jian with iron bars for 25 minutes. As Zhang Jian lay bleeding profusely, his mother called an ambulance, but the receptionist told her that a higher government authority gave a directive not to dispatch any ambulance to rescue her son because he is related to Pastor Bike Zhang. Zhang Jian’s mother then called her younger son, Zhang Chuang, who rushed to the house where he was also beaten by the same authorities. After some time, a personal friend of the Zhang family was able to take Zhang Jian to the Beijing Min Hang (Aviation) Hospital emergency room where Zhang Jian remains now. His doctor said Zhang Jian’s right eye may lose sight forever because of the severe damage resulting from the repeated beating. Pastor Bike Zhang, who was traveling in Yunnan province at the time, is currently unable to be contacted. It is assumed that he has been detained by authorities.

Pastor Bike Zhang’s wife, Xie Fenglan, was kicked out of her legally rented apartment, located at Room 206-102 at the Beijing Olympic Garden apartments, after her elder son Zhang Jian was sent to the hospital. The family’s furniture was thrown into the street. Government authorities ordered all hotels in Beijing not host her so she is now residing at Dr. Fan Yafeng’s home. Dr. Fan, a house church leader in Beijing, is an internationally renowned Chinese Constitutional law scholar and rights defender.

ChinaAid strongly condemns the unjust and criminal actions of the Chinese government. The brutal and unprovoked assaults on innocent civilians are acts of desperation and cowardice of a regime that has continued to ignore basic human rights and freedoms despite outcries from the international community. These reprehensible acts by the Chinese government should serve as a reminder to the international community that the Communist Party of China is only interested in self-preservation and will gladly sacrifice its own citizens’ freedoms in order to maintain its corrupt power.

During the past 22 years, Pastor Bike and his family members have been arrested, beaten and evicted from their home numerous times because of their Christian faith, yet he and his family continue to serve the house church Christians in Beijing. ChinaAid is standing with the Zhang family and will continue to send out updates on their situation.
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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.

Midland Mission Fair 2008

First Presbyterian Church-Midland has something very special planned for this weekend, and we're hoping you can join us. It's Mission Fair 2008 ... please pray, promote and plan on participating.

"On Sunday October 26th you are invited to come and learn about the many mission opportunities of our church at Mission Fair 2008. Before and after both services and around a special lunch we will showcase all of the missions (local and around the world) that we support. We will have over 40 of our missions represented at different display tables in and immediately outside of Lynn Fellowship Hall."

"We will offer many interactive audio-video presentations, and people from our missions will be on hand to respond to your questions. We want to raise awareness of our mission opportunities, facilitate connections, identify mission resources, show our balanced Christian witness to our community and world, and increase involvement. At many of the tables and display booths you will have opportunity to sign up for participation in 2009 (I.e. Uganda, Thailand, Columbia, Juarez, New Orleans and our own local Upwards)."

"Our keynote speaker who will offer the message at both worship services is Don Richardson. Please read the following article to learn more about Don and his incredible credentials. Please RSVP for coming to the lunch ($7.00) by calling Marty or Rhondy (684-7821)."

Missions Having Representatives at our Mission Fair 2008
(as of 10/20)
∙ Project Vida
∙ FPC Uganda Mission, Uganda Water Wells/Lodoi Development Fund
∙ FPC Thailand Mission
∙ FPC New Orleans Mission
∙ FPC Juarez Mission
∙ Midland Fair Havens
∙ Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
∙ FPC Family Life Center/Upwards
∙ Haggai Institute
∙ Hogar Infantil
∙ CASA of West Texas
∙ Perspectives
∙ MAAS
∙ Teen F.L.O.W.
∙ Habitat for Humanity
∙ Dalit Freedom Network
∙ Free Wheel Chair Mission
∙ Faces of Children
∙ Christmas in Action
∙ Presbyterian Children’s Home & Services
∙ Operation Bless the Children
∙ Church on Wheels
∙ Breaking Bread Kitchen
∙ Community Children’s Clinic
∙ Safe Place
∙ Community & Senior Services
∙ Kid’s Hope USA
∙ Casa De Amigos
∙ St. Andrew's Mission
∙ Tres Rios Presbytery
∙ CLER Ministries
∙ Schreiner College
∙ Austin College
∙ Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
∙ Presbyterian Pan American School
∙ Medical Benevolence Foundation
∙ Advancing Indigenous Mission
∙ Presbyterian Border Ministry
∙ Campus Crusade for Christ
∙ OC International

"You will have plenty of time to get some coffee, and wander from booth to booth, learning about the work of these great missions. You might just find one that sparks your desire to get involved!"

God Issues Today: "Say It Ain't So, Joe"

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 week long we have sought ways to pray in such storms. The good news is that nothing which confuses us is confusing to God," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Coming Sunday to the Tall City

Internationally-acclaimed guitarist Doyle Dykes will perform a concert on Sunday, October 19, at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church-Midland, located on Texas Avenue, at the intersection with A Street. The concert is FREE and open to the public, and child care for infants through 5-year-olds will be provided.

A Healthy Discussion

First Presbyterian Church played host to a large and distinguished gathering for a wide-ranging discussion of international refugees and public health. Both government and non-government agencies at the local, regional and state levels were well-represented at the meeting, which provided an opportunity to address health concerns raised by Midland’s small-but-growing international refugee community.

Those in attendance learned about the stringent guidelines (overseen by the World Health Organization) for those who wish to apply for residence in the United States as refugees, and the interviews, tests and treatment they must undergo before they are deemed eligible for refugee status and can depart for their host country. Attendees also learned about official refugee resettlement programs and locations in the United States (the closest to Midland is in Abilene) and the health and orientation services provided to the new arrivals. The importance of documenting refugees’ medical histories was also stressed.

The meeting included an exchange of names and contact information for all that were present, and a discussion of what various city, county and state agencies and programs, and non-government agencies and caring individuals are prepared to do in order to assist international refugees making their home in the Tall City.

God Issues Today: "Joe Plumber and 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.

"This week we have learned to expect storms even when we are following Jesus, and to trust the power of God when they come. You are proof of that power today," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.