Saturday, May 30, 2009

The Midland-Burma Connection

This Sunday, another strand will be added to the tie that binds the people of Midland, Texas, to those in the troubled nation of Burma.

David Eubank, a founder of the Free Burma Rangers, will be speaking this Sunday at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, at the corner of Texas and A streets, on the west edge of downtown Midland. He will speak at the 8:15 a.m. service, then at both of the 11:00 a.m. services, at the first half of the traditional service in the main sanctuary, then at the second half of "The Bridge" service in the chapel.

Over the past two years, there have been increased ties between our West Texas community and that nation on the far side of the world ... specifically, with those who suffer under the military junta that rules Burma (also known as Myanmar).

• In February of 2008, a a group of Midlanders, joined by Christian friends from around Texas, had an opportunity to visit Mae La Refugee Camp in Thailand, and worship with their community, mostly people of the Karen ethnic group who had fled persecution - a persecuted people and a persecuted church - in neighboring Burma.

• In August of 2008, the camp was visited by Midland native (and, at the time, US First Lady) Laura Bush. A vocal critic of Burma's junta, she toured the camp and called on the military regime to open dialogue with the pro-democracy opposition. Highlighting abuses in military-run Burma has been the chief cause of the first lady, and with her daughter Barbara she made her way through the muddy settlement which is home to tens-of-thousands who fled the junta's repression.

• From time to time, the Tall City has been visited by those who provide relief to Burma's refugees, and internally-displaced persons. These include Steve and Oddny Gumaer, co-founders of Partners Relief & Development as part of their mission to demonstrate God's love to victims of conflict and oppression. Partners was started after a back-packing trip they made into Sho Klo refugee camp in 1994. According to Steve "you can't just pray for 1.5 million refugees, tell them that Jesus loves them, and then leave them hungry, without clothes, and sick; you have to do something for them to demonstrate the heart and truth behind the prayer."

But perhaps the most interesting and significant tie between our town and that troubled nation ... is that we have a small-but-growing community of Burmese refugees here in the Tall City. An oppressed people, they have been allowed to emigrate from the refugee camps to the United States, where they are now making new homes and new lives for themselves. They are members of the Chin, one of the largest ethnic minority groups in Burma. And while they are different from the Karen people with whom we worked while in Thailand, they share a common and terrible story with the Karen and other ethnic groups in that troubled nation - they are an oppressed people and an oppressed church (an estimated 80%-90% of the Chin are Christians).

• And now, we get a chance to mee Dave Eubank, and learn more about the Free Burma Rangers, a multi-ethnic humanitarian service movement. They bring help, hope and love to people in the war zones of Burma. Ethnic pro-democracy groups send teams to FBR to be trained, supplied and sent into the areas under attack to provide emergency medical care, shelter, food, clothing and human rights documentation. The teams also operate a communication and information network inside Burma that provides real time information from areas under attack.

In addition to relief and reporting, other results of the teams' actions are the development of leadership capacity, civil society and the strengthening of inter-ethnic unity. The teams are to avoid contact with the Burma Army and operate under the protection of the ethnic resistance armies. However, they cannot run away if the people they are helping cannot escape the Burma Army. Men and women of many ethnic groups and religions are part of FBR.

But at the forefont is David Eubank. He was born in Texas, but raised in Thailand, part of a Christian missionary family. After graduating from high school there, he returned to the United States, attending Texas A&M University on an Army ROTC scholarship. He enlisted in the United States Army, serving in both infantry and scout platoons before joining the Army Rangers, then the Special Forces, sering in various parts of the world.

Long retired from the U.S. Armed Forces, Eubank now works to fulfill the FBR's vision, "To free the oppressed and to stand for human dignity, justice and reconciliation in Burma," and its mission, "To bring help, hope and love to people of all faiths and ethnicities in the war zones of Burma, to shine a light on the actions of the dictators' army, to stand with the oppressed, and to support leaders and organizations committed to liberty, justice and service.

A remarkable man, with an inspiring story to tell ... I hope you'll come hear it.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Someone You'll Want to Meet

David Eubank - the kind of person Baring-Gould had in mind when he wrote the words to "Onward, Christian Soldiers" - will be in the Tall City Sunday, and I hope you'll come hear him.

Eubank, a founder of the Free Burma Rangers, will be speaking this Sunday at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, at the corner of Texas and A streets, on the west edge of downtown Midland. He will speak at the 8:15 a.m. service, then at both of the 11:00 a.m. services, at the first half of the traditional service in the main sanctuary, then at the second half of "The Bridge" service in the chapel.

The Free Burma Rangers is a multi-ethnic humanitarian service movement. They bring help, hope and love to people in the war zones of Burma. Ethnic pro-democracy groups send teams to FBR to be trained, supplied and sent into the areas under attack to provide emergency medical care, shelter, food, clothing and human rights documentation. The teams also operate a communication and information network inside Burma that provides real time information from areas under attack.

In addition to relief and reporting, other results of the teams' actions are the development of leadership capacity, civil society and the strengthening of inter-ethnic unity. The teams are to avoid contact with the Burma Army and operate under the protection of the ethnic resistance armies. However, they cannot run away if the people they are helping cannot escape the Burma Army. Men and women of many ethnic groups and religions are part of FBR.

But at the forefont is David Eubank. He was born in Texas, but raised in Thailand, part of a Christian missionary family. After graduating from high school there, he returned to the United States, attending Texas A&M University on an Army ROTC scholarship. He enlisted in the United States Army, serving in both infantry and scout platoons before joining the Army Rangers, then the Special Forces, serving in various parts of the world.

Long retired from the U.S. Armed Forces, Eubank now works to fulfill the FBR's vision, "To free the oppressed and to stand for human dignity, justice and reconciliation in Burma," and its mission, "To bring help, hope and love to people of all faiths and ethnicities in the war zones of Burma, to shine a light on the actions of the dictators' army, to stand with the oppressed, and to support leaders and organizations committed to liberty, justice and service.

A remarkable man, with an inspiring story to tell ... I hope you'll come hear it.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Midland Group Offers "Prayer Band That Started a Revolution"

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 ...

This prayer band has been declared illegal in China.

Chinese police have stopped people on the streets and taken the bands off their wrists. Some have been interrogated and arrested; at least three families were evicted from their homes—for the government, the prayer band is a symbol of revolution.

We thank everyone across the U.S. and around the world who answered the call to wear a "Pray for China" prayer band and pray during the Olympics. Your willingness to stand with Chinese house church Christians encouraged them as they also wore prayer bands and prayed for their country. Their commitment came with a cost. Read more.

Yet, house church Christians refuse to be intimidated. They say that prayer for China is even more critical now that the world is no longer watching. Persecution has increased. Will you join in this revolution of prayer for China?

"They can arrest me or put me in prison, but I'm not going to stop praying for China. Although the prayer band is banned in China, prayer can never be banned. I am asking every Christian to support believers in China by wearing a prayer band." - a prominent house church leader

At this crucial time, will you partner in prayer? And, will you please forward this information to others who will want to pray for the persecuted in China.

» Click here to order a China Prayer Band

Preparing for Mission: Read the Bible

Among the first steps recommended by Jack Voelkel in his article, Preparation For Mission - Practical Steps, is, "be faithful in your daily time of Bible reading."

During the summer, First Presbyterian Church of Midland will offer "
The Bible in 90 Days," a weekly Sunday school course with a non-denominational curriculum structured around a simple, straightforward mission for its participants: “To read, ATTENTIVELY, every word of the Bible in 90 days.” When taking the course, each participant reads twelve pages-a-day.

"In 1999, I read the Bible for the first time. I was 43 years old, and happily agnostic when I began reading. Halfway through the Bible, I became a believer. It changed my life," writes Ted Cooper, Jr., Founder of Bible in 90 Days. "In 2001, I created a course to help other people read the Bible. The curriculum began as a Wednesday night class at my local church. Response to the course was so great -- as was the number of successful finishers -- that we offered it again. Same response, same high rate of success."

"In 2002, I left my career and founded the Bible in 90 Days ministry."

The class will begin May 31, and meet Sunday mornings at 9:30, in the Lynn Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of Texas and A streets, on the west edge of downtown Midland. You can read a Bible especially prepared for this curriculum, or your own. There are also books available that will support and enhance your readings, and discussions of what you've read.

For more information, contact Rev. Shannon Weisenfels, Associate Pastor at First Prez-Midland, (432) 684-7821.

Annie's Journal: "Im Jai - Angel Visits Bar"

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.

Im Jai is the Thai word that translates full heart," Dieselberg writes in
this latest post at Annie's Journal. "This best describes how we felt last week when God set up this amazing divine appointment. After you read this incredible story, if you feel Im Jai, keep reading to find out how you can be a part of this adventure."

Right now, the greatest need at NightLight is to sell more jewelry. NightLight Design Co., Ltd. is a registered jewellery business which employs women coming out of prostitution or having been at risk of prostitution and/or trafficking. If you are interested in hosting a jewelry party please write to Charity at charity@nightlightusa.org . Charity will assist you in setting that up. Remember the beautiful jewelry is also available on-line at http://www.nightlightbangkok.com/ . "God is going before us to the bars preparing the way. He is sending us to receive the women and give hope," Annie writes. "We ask you to join us in this adventure. Thank you to those of you who already do. You are saving lives!"

Friday, May 22, 2009

Cyclone Nargis: One Year On

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.

Cyclone Nargis: One Year On

"What did the Burma military junta do for its people? This month, we pause to remember the 130,000+ citizens of Burma killed by Cyclone Nargis in May 2008."

"One year on, what did the Burma Military Regime do to help the people of Burma? Watch this video now to learn more."
"Thank you for enabling us to demonstrate God's compassion to Burma's children and families. You make it possible for us to go where others won't. Will you help us take a stand for love in 2009?"

From the Front Lines,
Steve Gumaer

Virtual Vatican

VATICAN CITY - You won't get an email saying Pope Benedict added you as a friend and you can't "poke" him or write on his wall, but the Vatican is still keen to use the networking site Facebook to woo young people back to church. CLICK HERE to read the rest of the report from Reuters' Philip Pullella.

A new Vatican website provides a portal for the pope's Facebook account, Wiki pages, iPhones or iPods, and a YouTube account.

"This channel offers news coverage of the main activities of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI and of relevant Vatican events," visitors are told. "It is updated daily."


Wednesday, May 20, 2009

What You See in the Eyes

In August, 2008, John P. Van Dusen and his wife moved from Fort Collins, Colorado, to West Texas, to help build The Bridge,a contemporary worship service in a new space in a traditional Protestant church.

In this post at Into the West Texas Sun, John writes, "my return to playing the electric guitar during worship has been fun and interesting, and to be honest, an epiphany of its own."

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Reports From Lulwanda: March '09

Every month, Lulwanda Administrator Edward Mukiibi provides an update on Lulwanda Children's Home in Uganda – how the children are growing and learning, how the staff is developing, and any ongoing needs that may arise.

March, 2009

"The Month was unexpectedly dry with a lot of wind as the rains delayed. None the less all of us went through very well with no major problem ... We know about the financial problems that face many of our sponsors every day since the global recession began. However, we continue to trust our Living God to protect all of you and ensure that we get out of this situation at the earliest ... If possible we await you all during this summer season."
CLICK HERE to read the rest of his March 2009 report.
CLICK HERE to visit the Lulwanda Photo Gallery.

West Texas Mission Opportunities:
Invitation to Prayer

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).

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

"I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.”

Ephesians 3:16-21

I hope you will be able to join us as we lift the children of the world in prayer this Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride's room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland. Afterwards, we will share lunch ($5) and a time of fellowship.

If you would like to share prayer celebrations or concerns about children or those who care for them, please send them to me at claufer@facesofchildren.net or give me a call. Thank you for your prayers for the children of the world!

Grace and peace to you in the name of the One who can accomplish far more than we can ask or imagine,
Chris

In the News ... "Raising the Roof for God"

Matthew McGowan
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Local Pastor Don Norris just couldn't make any sense of it. Out in West Texas in one of the most devout areas amid some of God's most talented people, he had to get in a car and drive for hours before he could attend a gospel music festival - or at least one that really burrowed the Holy Spirit deep down in the soul.

So he called a buddy up in Lubbock, a man known for his ability to sing a little gospel, and did something about it.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Got Prayer? ... Got Bear?

(there's no charge ... just look for one of the baskets inside any of the main doors of the church, which is located on the northwest corner of Texas and A streets, at the west edge of downtown Midland)
Dear Friend,
I'm Just a teddy bear, it's true,
but I have a message to bring to you;
I've been to church, and sat in a pew,
and I've been hugged by quite a few;
I've bowed my head when they said a prayer;
I've been charged with love by those who care.
And now I've come to live with you -
to bring you joy when you are blue,
to let you know that others care
and want all your days and nights to share.
So keep me close and squeeze me tight,
and know God's love makes all things right.

With our prayers for you,
In Touch Ministry, First Presbyterian Church

When you've had your time with me,
maybe you can set me free
to someone else who needs a prayer,
to show that God is always there.

Word from Thailand: "Nightlight Praise and Prayer"

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.

Stretching our Faith (link to prayer requests below)
We are in exciting times that stretch our faith. As I have been recovering from knee surgery, my desire to walk, climb stairs, and have full strength for ministry has motivated me to push through a lot of discomfort and even pain to stretch my muscles and restore them.

In the same way, the challenges of economic crisis have put many of us in positions where we feel disabled or less able to give and support others. It hurts to keep moving forward and some churches and individuals are cutting back to minimize the risks.

God is asking us to stretch our faith muscles through the discomfort to restore us to a place where we can climb above the challenges around us. God rewarded Abraham
because of his faith and as we keep moving forward in faith, keep sowing generously and continue to declare the good news of what God is doing we will see God's blessing.

Much of our praise report this month is gratitude for so many who are living out the faith that God asks of us. There are still many churches and individuals who are stretching their faith muscles and increasing their giving! They and so many of you have continued to bless us and we are grateful.

We can say, as in 2 Corinthians: 8, "We want you to know about the gace that God has given the Macedonian churches (you). Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints."

We are humbled and encouraged by your faithful generosity both through prayer and support.
Praise and Gratitude,
Annie Dieselberg

CLICK HERE to read Nighlight's praise, and prayer requests

Taking the Gospel to Belize - Day 7 Prayer Requests

Seven members of Midland's First Baptist Church have been in the Central American country of Belize for a week of ministry at the Toledo Christian Academy in Punta Gorda. Their service included prayer walking, student ministry, working on a construction project at the school, and evangelism and interaction with the community at-large. They return to Midland today.

Thank you for partnering in prayer with this ministry team. Following are their requests for the final day of their trip.

Scripture references via BibleGateway.com; New American Standard

Monday, May 18
  • Pray for safety on trip back to Belize City, and then back to Midland (Psalm 91)
  • Pray God will use the mission experience to create a passion in all of us for missions
  • Please continue to pray for the team as we return to our everyday lives (1 Peter 3:12)
Team members are Adam, Ben, Bill, Janet, Miles, Mini, and Shari.

We hope to have a report of what they experienced and what God accomplished through them. Please check back!

Preparing for Mission: Read the Bible

Among the first steps recommended by Jack Voelkel in his article, Preparation For Mission - Practical Steps, is, "be faithful in your daily time of Bible reading."

During the summer, First Presbyterian Church of Midland will offer "
The Bible in 90 Days," a weekly Sunday school course with a non-denominational curriculum structured around a simple, straightforward mission for its participants: “To read, ATTENTIVELY, every word of the Bible in 90 days.” When taking the course, each participant reads twelve pages-a-day.

"In 1999, I read the Bible for the first time. I was 43 years old, and happily agnostic when I began reading. Halfway through the Bible, I became a believer. It changed my life," writes Ted Cooper, Jr., Founder of Bible in 90 Days. "In 2001, I created a course to help other people read the Bible. The curriculum began as a Wednesday night class at my local church. Response to the course was so great -- as was the number of successful finishers -- that we offered it again. Same response, same high rate of success."

"In 2002, I left my career and founded the Bible in 90 Days ministry."

The class will begin May 31, and meet Sunday mornings at 9:30, in the Lynn Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of Texas and A streets, on the west edge of downtown Midland. You can read a Bible especially prepared for this curriculum, or your own. There are also books available that will support and enhance your readings, and discussions of what you've read.

For more information, contact Rev. Shannon Weisenfels, Associate Pastor at First Prez-Midland, (432) 684-7821.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Taking the Gospel to Belize - Day 6 Prayer Requests

Seven members of Midland's First Baptist Church are in the Central American country of Belize for a week of ministry at the Toledo Christian Academy in Punta Gorda. Their service will include prayer walking, student ministry, working on a construction project at the school, and evangelism and interaction with the community at-large.

The team has provided specific prayer requests for each day of the trip, and we'll share those with you each day on these pages. As God brings them to mind, please lift them up in intercession.

Scripture references via BibleGateway.com; New American Standard

Sunday, May 17
  • Pray for church services (1 Peter 3:15)
  • Pray for the team to worship, fellowship, and be refreshed with new friends in Belize (1 Peter 5:10b)
Team members are Adam, Ben, Bill, Janet, Miles, Mini, and Shari.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Taking the Gospel to Belize - Day 5 Prayer Requests

Seven members of Midland's First Baptist Church are in the Central American country of Belize for a week of ministry at the Toledo Christian Academy in Punta Gorda. Their service will include prayer walking, student ministry, working on a construction project at the school, and evangelism and interaction with the community at-large.

The team has provided specific prayer requests for each day of the trip, and we'll share those with you each day on these pages. As God brings them to mind, please lift them up in intercession.

Scripture references via BibleGateway.com; New American Standard

Saturday, May 16
  • Pray for the May Fair, a fundraiser for TCA and a time of interaction with the community (Ephesians 6:7)
  • Pray for relationships with the nations (1 John 4:7)
  • Pray for cultural sensitivity and understanding (Acts 10:34-35)
  • Pray for God to prepare hearts of people we will encounter
Team members are Adam, Ben, Bill, Janet, Miles, Mini, and Shari.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Taking the Gospel to Belize - Day 4 Prayer Requests

Seven members of Midland's First Baptist Church are in the Central American country of Belize for a week of ministry at the Toledo Christian Academy in Punta Gorda. Their service will include prayer walking, student ministry, working on a construction project at the school, and evangelism and interaction with the community at-large.

The team has provided specific prayer requests for each day of the trip, and we'll share those with you each day on these pages. As God brings them to mind, please lift them up in intercession.

Scripture references via BibleGateway.com; New American Standard

Friday, May 15
Team members are Adam, Ben, Bill, Janet, Miles, Mini, and Shari.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

"Tim Keller and Church Planters,
Part 1: Spirit-led" Video

Taking the Gospel to Belize - Day 3 Prayer Requests

Seven members of Midland's First Baptist Church are in the Central American country of Belize for a week of ministry at the Toledo Christian Academy in Punta Gorda. Their service will include prayer walking, student ministry, working on a construction project at the school, and evangelism and interaction with the community at-large.

The team has provided specific prayer requests for each day of the trip, and we'll share those with you each day on these pages. As God brings them to mind, please lift them up in intercession.

Scripture references via BibleGateway.com; New American Standard

Thursday, May 14
Team members are Adam, Ben, Bill, Janet, Miles, Mini, and Shari.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

In the News ... "Odessans Set Sights to South"

Matthew McGowan
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - It's called Honduras, a little nation of about 8 million people between Guatemala and Nicaragua, and it's a place where a couple of Odessa missionaries may soon call home.

Along with their three boys, who range from 2 to 6 years old, the couple hopes to plant roots in the nation, beginning with the construction of a church facility and possibly with the establishment of a food outreach program for the poorest of the poor in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Taking the Gospel to Belize - Day 2 Prayer Requests

Seven members of Midland's First Baptist Church are in the Central American country of Belize for a week of ministry at the Toledo Christian Academy in Punta Gorda. Their service will include prayer walking, student ministry, working on a construction project at the school, and evangelism and interaction with the community at-large.

The team has provided specific prayer requests for each day of the trip, and we'll share those with you each day on these pages. As God brings them to mind, please lift them up in intercession.

Scripture references via BibleGateway.com; New American Standard

Wednesday, May 13
Team members are Adam, Ben, Bill, Janet, Miles, Mini, and Shari.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Taking the Gospel to Belize, Central America

On Tuesday, May 12, seven members of Midland's First Baptist Church will head for the Central American country of Belize for a week of ministry at the Toledo Christian Academy in Punta Gorda. Their service will include prayer walking, student ministry, working on a construction project at the school, and evangelism and interaction with the community at-large.

The team has provided specific prayer requests for each day of the trip, and we'll share those with you each day on these pages. As God brings them to mind, please lift them up in intercession.

Let's go ahead and start with tomorrow's requests, shall we?

Scripture references via BibleGateway.com; New American Standard

Tuesday, May 12
Team members are Adam, Ben, Bill, Janet, Miles, Mini, and Shari.

Please Take Note

Here is a wonderful way to spread the news ... AND spread the WORD. Notecards bearing images created by orphans of the Lulwanda Children's Home of Uganada, are now on sale at First Presbyterian Church of Midland. A packet of eight 51/2" x 3" cards, printed on heavy card stock, with envelopes, costs $10 and all of the proceeds from the sale goes to Lulwanda Children's Home.
All of the images that appear on the cards were created by the children this summer, when they were visited by FPC's 2008 Uganada Mission Team. You can choose from full-color landscapes, black-and white barnyard animals, or variable-color native plants from this region of Uganda. First Presbyterian Church is located on the northwest corner of Texas and A streets, on the west edge of downtown Midland, please use the Texas Street entrance near the intersection. The church office is open Monday through Friday, from eight o'clock in the morning until five o'clock in the afternoon. For more information, please call First Prez-Midland at (432) 684-7821.

Lulwanda Children’s Home opened its doors on December 1, 2004, the first children’s home established by the Grace International Children’s Foundation (GICF). Lulwanda now houses and cares for 90 orphaned or abandoned children between the ages of 3 and 12.

Before coming to Lulwanda Children’s Home, many of these children had no one to care for them, while others were living in desperate conditions with aging and overburdened grandparents. Now the children are thriving in a healthy, nurturing environment. The children not only live at Lulwanda, they also attend primary school on site, learning basic life skills, English, math, and a variety of other subjects. Pre-school, kindergarten, and first through fifth grades are held simultaneously for five hours daily, five days per week. The children receive regular medical care, nutritious meals, and lots of outdoor play time – all in a warm family environment that promotes bonding between the children, their house mothers, and the rest of the staff members

Facilities at the Lulwanda Children’s Home include boys’ and girls’ dormitories and bathhouses, living / dining areas, 6 classrooms, a large playground, a kitchen, laundry room, and a garden which provides some of the food for the Home. A 10 acre farm was recently acquired and food crops are being grown and harvested. The Home Administrator lives on site, as do the four housemothers.

CLICK HERE to view or download a 2 page color tri-fold brochure about Lulwanda, in PDF format.

Preparing for Mission: Read the Bible

Among the first steps recommended by Jack Voelkel in his article, Preparation For Mission - Practical Steps, is, "be faithful in your daily time of Bible reading."

During the summer, First Presbyterian Church of Midland will offer "
The Bible in 90 Days," a weekly Sunday school course with a non-denominational curriculum structured around a simple, straightforward mission for its participants: “To read, ATTENTIVELY, every word of the Bible in 90 days.” When taking the course, each participant reads twelve pages-a-day.

"In 1999, I read the Bible for the first time. I was 43 years old, and happily agnostic when I began reading. Halfway through the Bible, I became a believer. It changed my life," writes Ted Cooper, Jr., Founder of Bible in 90 Days. "In 2001, I created a course to help other people read the Bible. The curriculum began as a Wednesday night class at my local church. Response to the course was so great -- as was the number of successful finishers -- that we offered it again. Same response, same high rate of success."

"In 2002, I left my career and founded the Bible in 90 Days ministry."

The class will begin May 31, and meet Sunday mornings at 9:30, in the Lynn Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of Texas and A streets, on the west edge of downtown Midland. You can read a Bible especially prepared for this curriculum, or your own. There are also books available that will support and enhance your readings, and discussions of what you've read.

For more information, contact Rev. Shannon Weisenfels, Associate Pastor at First Prez-Midland, (432) 684-7821.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

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 05/06/09

Congo
• Pray for the children and people of eastern Congo who are under attack by Rwandan Hutu rebels and Congolese forces. More than one million people have fled the fighting in eastern Congo since 2006. Pray for the estimated 100,000 people who have been displaced in the last couple of months. Pray for children and families hiding in the forest, without access to humanitarian aid.

Mexico, U.S., Canada, Germany, Austria, New Zealand, Israel, Spain, Britain, Peru, Switzerland, Netherlands
• Keep the children and people of Mexico and the 11 other countries (as of 4/30/09) experiencing outbreaks of the H1N1 flu strain (swine flu) held close in prayer during this anxious time. Fourteen other countries have suspected cases of the illness.
A report from the alertnet.org
Another report from alertnet.org
A report from the New York Times
A report from the Washiongton Post
• Pray for those who have lost family members and for the family of a toddler who was the first in the U.S. to die from this flu strain.
• Give thanks to God for the numerous medical personnel and resources around the world working to identify and defeat this new flu strain.
Madagascar
• Please continue to keep the children and people of Madagascar in prayer during this politically unstable time. Pray for peace and order to be restored to their country.
• Pray for children disappearing off the streets in alarming numbers since the crisis began last December. Aid workers and missionaries are deeply concerned that these children are being trafficked for sexual purposes or for their body parts.
• Pray for a missionary couple, Elizabeth and Dan, and their children, who continue to serve the Malagasy people during this uncertain and chaotic time. Pray for their safety and wellbeing.

India
• Please keep the leaders of Watch and Pray held close in prayer as they travel and minister in India during the next few weeks. Give thanks to God for the opportunities they will have to lead several conferences and seminars with pastors, women and youth. Pray for the 88 orphans this ministry supports and ask God to provide for their earthly and spiritual needs.
• Pray for peace and security for Christian and minority children in Orissa state following the recent elections. Pray that the government of India will fulfill the role of protecting all of its citizens, no matter their caste or faith. Last summer, over 50,000 Christians were violently displaced from their homes and communities by Hindu extremists. Pray for the children and families who are still recovering from this violence.

Uganda, Sudan (DEYWA)
• Please continue to pray for the work of Pastor Simon Peter and his ministry, DEYWA, as he reaches out to children and people affected by violence in northern Uganda and southern Sudan. Pray that God will bless Uganda with opportunities for many youth conferences. Pray for the mission teams that will visit eastern Uganda this summer and with whom Pastor Simon Peter and others will serve.

United States
• Continue to lift little 10-month-old Amonnie in prayer as she struggles to gain weight and strength in anticipation of a liver transplant. She had a feeding tube implanted recently. Pray for Amonnie’s family during this challenging time and pray for the medical personnel providing her care.
• Keep the children and people of Mexico and the 11 other countries (as of 4/30/09) experiencing outbreaks of the H1N1 flu strain (swine flu) held close in prayer during this anxious time. Fourteen other countries have suspected cases of the illness.
A report from covenanthouse.org

Another report from covenanthouse.org


Faces of Children
• Please continue to pray that more churches and individuals will join with the ministry of Faces of Children in spreading awareness about children in crisis and inviting more people to pray for children at risk.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Midland Group Announces Release of Christian Pastor in China

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 Group Announces Release of Christian Pastor in China

Released by ChinaAid, April, 2009 ...

XINJIANG, CHINA – At 6 p.m. on April 24, Pastor Lou Yuanqi of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region was released from prison under the provision of "bailed out waiting for trial," a legal procedure called "qu bao hou shen." Though this provision allows for future arrest and prosecution, Pastor Lou was released and permitted to return home.
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

West Texas Mission Opportunities:
Invitation to Prayer

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).

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

"Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the watches!
Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord!
Lift your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint for hunger at the head of every street.”
Lamentations 2:19 (A Lament of Jeremiah)

This coming Wednesday, May 6, 2009, we’ll meet to pray for children at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland. Please join us for lunch ($5) and fellowship afterwards. Thank you so much for your prayers for the children of the world.
If you would like to share prayer celebrations or concerns about children or those who care for them, please send them to me at claufer@facesofchildren.net or give me a call. Thank you for your prayers for the children of the world!

Grace and peace,
Chris

Monday, May 4, 2009

Word from Uganda: "Food for Thought to Teams Coming to Uganda"

Missionary teacher Natalie Rolfe writes, "'When He calls me, I will answer ... I'll be somewhere working for my Lord.' My call was Mbale, Uganda and that is where I have returned to serve for another year. Specifically, I am teaching phonics at Lulwanda Children's Home, an orphanage and school for 90 kids." Natalie also keeps an online journal of her service at the weblog, When He calls me, I will answer ...

"Really there is not much to think about, but I was just sitting here and wondering the best way to get the word out. So, I figure there are at least some who read this and will be on a team that can pass the info on.”

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post
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If you are interested in supporting LCH by sponsoring one of the 90 children, go to www.ugandaorphans.org If you are interested in financially supporting Natalie in her mission, you can send checks (with "Natalie Rolfe" in memo) to: Midland Bible Church, 2800 North A Street, Midland, TX 79705

In the News ... "Local Christians Re-Prioritize"

Matthew McGowan
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - As a student-led ministry, First Priority differs from other student ministries in Odessa in that it offers an alternative to the adult-geared, rigid formula for spreading the word of God to teenagers.

Instead of taking control of the daily operations of the group, youth ministers and pastors from 15 different local churches oversee the group's campus involvement, but they leave the day-to-day decisions up to the student leadership at each campus.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.