In the News ... "Midland Church Welcomes Addicts, Dealers, and Those Needing a Life Change"

By Camaron Abundes
Staff Reporter
KWES-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - There's a welcome mat for gang members, drug dealers and prostitutes, only instead of allowing wayward individuals to continue down a destructive path---After God's Own Heart Restoration Church wants to help show them the light.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the KWES story.

In the News ... "Catholic Schools See Decrease in Enrollment Due to Economy"

By Diane Tuazon
Staff Reporter
KWES-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - Uniforms, tuition, and religion; it's all part of a traditional Catholic school. It's an extra price to pay for parents who say they expect more from the school they send their kids to.

"Being in a Catholic environment or religious environment is great. Many parents like having religion emphasized at school as well," St. Mary's Principal, Josie Mediano, said.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the KWES story.

In the News ... "New east side church gains P&Z approval"

By Bob Campbell

Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The Midland Planning & Zoning Commission on Monday approved a preliminary plat for the Spanish Church of Christ to build a new church in east central Midland at the southeast corner of Orchard Lane and North Tilden Street. Schumann Engineering Manager Cindy Klatt told the commission that the church, currently nearby at Orchard Lane and Loma Vista Street, envisions a bigger building. Church spokesman Domingo Machuca said afterward that the church has been in existence for more than 20 years and has about 150 members.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Permian Basin Perspectives:Orientation Tonight

Jesus calls us the "salt of the earth," but how can we be used? How can we fulfill the purpose He has for us? Over the next three months, mission-oriented Christians in West Texas can get answers to those and other questions through "Permian Basin Perspectives".

The Perspectives Study Program is a ministry of the U.S. Center for World Mission - a non-denominational parachurch ministry that works with churches, mission agencies, and campus ministries around the world. The program is run locally around the country by teams of volunteers; alumni who have been personally impacted by Perspectives and have a desire to mobilize their community to God's global purposes. It is hosted by various churches or non-profit organizations around the country.

The course will be offered this fall through Continuing Education at Midland College. The course (9232 084Q) will meet weekly on Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. from September 1 - December 15 in Room 101 of the Marie Hall Academic Building, on the MC Main Campus. The cost for the course is $250.

Local Perspectives organizers will hold an orientation Tuesday evening, August 25. For more information, contact Jean Kiker at (432) 686-9509, or jean@permianbasinperspectives.com

NightLight Bangkok 05

Annie Dieselberg speaks to what you can do to make a difference.

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.

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!"

In the News ... "Christian Motorcyclists Association meets for riding, fellowship"

Witness in the Desert
Matthew McGowan
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Beard, check ... tattoo, check ... Bible, check.

That’s not an unusual trinity for the local chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association, whose mission is to spread their faith in Christ to fellow bikers, many of whom don’t always have squeaky-clean backgrounds.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Permian Basin Perspectives:Orientation Tomorrow Night

Jesus calls us the "salt of the earth," but how can we be used? How can we fulfill the purpose He has for us? Over the next three months, mission-oriented Christians in West Texas can get answers to those and other questions through "Permian Basin Perspectives".

The Perspectives Study Program is a ministry of the U.S. Center for World Mission - a non-denominational parachurch ministry that works with churches, mission agencies, and campus ministries around the world. The program is run locally around the country by teams of volunteers; alumni who have been personally impacted by Perspectives and have a desire to mobilize their community to God's global purposes. It is hosted by various churches or non-profit organizations around the country.

The course will be offered this fall through Continuing Education at Midland College. The course (9232 084Q) will meet weekly on Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. from September 1 - December 15 in Room 101 of the Marie Hall Academic Building, on the MC Main Campus. The cost for the course is $250.

Local Perspectives organizers will hold an orientation Tuesday evening, August 25. For more information, contact Jean Kiker at (432) 686-9509, or jean@permianbasinperspectives.com

In the News ... "Midland parish home to reproduction of image of Our Lady of Guadalupe"

By Megan Lea Buck

Assistant Lifestyle Editor

Midland Reporter-Telegram 

MIDLAND, TEXAS - To make the image [of Our Lady of Guadalupe] more accessible to Catholics around the world, church authorities have sanctioned digital reproduction of a limited number of images of Our Lady of Guadalupe to be distributed to a number of countries. Each of these same-size reproductions have touched the original image housed in Mexico City. Midland's Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and Shrine will serve as the permanent home for one of these images, the first in the United States.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Permian Basin Perspectives:Orientation Tuesday Night

Jesus calls us the "salt of the earth," but how can we be used? How can we fulfill the purpose He has for us? Over the next three months, mission-oriented Christians in West Texas can get answers to those and other questions through "Permian Basin Perspectives".

The Perspectives Study Program is a ministry of the U.S. Center for World Mission - a non-denominational parachurch ministry that works with churches, mission agencies, and campus ministries around the world. The program is run locally around the country by teams of volunteers; alumni who have been personally impacted by Perspectives and have a desire to mobilize their community to God's global purposes. It is hosted by various churches or non-profit organizations around the country.

The course will be offered this fall through Continuing Education at Midland College. The course (9232 084Q) will meet weekly on Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. from September 1 - December 15 in Room 101 of the Marie Hall Academic Building, on the MC Main Campus. The cost for the course is $250.

Local Perspectives organizers will hold an orientation Tuesday evening, August 25. For more information, contact Jean Kiker at (432) 686-9509, or jean@permianbasinperspectives.com

NightLight Bangkok 04

Annie Dieselberg tells about the sex industry they encounter, how it works and the men who frequent the bars.

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.

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!"

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 08/12/09

Brazil (ESTHERS Children - www.estherschildren.org/)
• Thanks be to God for the ministry of ESTHERS Children in Recife, Brazil and their work with at-risk children. Praise God for rescuing many of the girls that the staff and volunteers have worked with a second time. And thank God for the amazing work God is doing in these girls lives, both spiritually and academically.
• Please pray for God's hand of protection over all of the girls in ESTHERS Children's care and with whom they work. Pray that they resist the temptation to fall back into the lives they left behind.
• Pray that God will give Nivaldo and Kathyrna grace, peace and strength to care for 16 girls now. Pray they will feel God's presence with them each and every day as they take on this huge task.
• Pray for Anna as she begins her work with ESTHERS Children. And pray for the team of volunteers God is bringing together to serve alongside the full time staff.
• Please pray for the leaders of this ministry as they reorganize their project plan with the dream of helping more girls in the future. Pray that God will provide this ministry with all of the resources needed to help these children.

Ghana
• Please pray for 11-year-old Simon and other children who make a meager living mining scrap metal from mountains of hazardous electronic waste-often from computers and video game consoles discarded in the U.S. and Europe and dumped in Ghana. Pray for their health and safety and for the opportunity to attend school. Pray for an end to the cycle of poverty that traps children in dangerous forms of labor like scrap mining.
A report from the Washington Post

North Korea, United States
• Give thanks to God for the release and return of two U.S. journalists held in North Korea for five months. Thanks be to God they were reunited with their families and that 4-year-old Hana has her mother home again.
A report from the BBC
• Pray for those still imprisoned and tortured- including children-in North Korean work camps.
A report from the Washington Post

Pakistan
• Pray for Christian families in Pakistan who've had their homes burned down by radical Islamic fanatics. Pray for relatives and friends whose family members were burned alive in the latest attack.
• Please pray for consistent and complete police/government protection of minority groups in Pakistan.
• Pray for the militant Islamic groups who threaten Christian minorities with false allegations of desecrating the Koran and then using the blasphemy law against them. Pray that this law will be repealed.
• Please pray that through education, the people of Pakistan can develop interfaith harmony and a peaceful society.
A report from alertnet.org
A report from the Washington Post
• Pray for girls/staff of the Presbyterian Education Board Schools.
• Pray for the staff of the Center for Legal Aid and Assistance Settlement (CLAAS) as they reach out to and help the victims of this religious persecution. (Jubilee Campaign)

United States
• Pray that 8-year-old David* will be returned to the safety and protection of his aunt, with whom he has lived for several years. David, a special needs child, was staying with his aunt because of his mother's mental health and addiction issues. Recently, David's mother took him away from his aunt and threatened to leave the state. Pray for his safety and well-being. Pray for David's aunt and for his mother.
*Name changed for confidentiality
• Pray that 9-year-old Addison, who had surgery to reattach a finger cut off in an accident, will heal completely. Pray that she will know God's comforting presence throughout her time of recovery.
• Please keep 2-year-old Jack in prayer as he recovers from a third heart surgery. Pray that his oxygen levels will increase and that he will be able to overcome the numerous physical and medical problems with which he is faced. Pray that God will bless Jack with healing and strength. Pray that God will sustain and encourage his parents throughout this trying time.

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.

Life in Bangkok Restored 03

The third of three powerful testimonies from NL women who have come out of prostitution and who are now three of their most passionate worship leaders.

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.

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!"

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

"Christ be with me, Christ within me
Christ behind me, Christ before me
Christ beside me, Christ to win me
Christ to comfort me and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger
Christ in hearts of all that love me
Christ in mouth of friend or stranger."

"St. Patrick's Breastplate" by St. Patrick ( www.catholic.org/prayers )

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

I promised more Celtic prayers in the last emailing and have included a version of St. Patrick's prayer above. I spent a good portion of one day trying to locate this prayer online after hearing it in a program last spring. Next week, I'll share a different version of "St. Patrick's Breastplate."

We will come together to pray for the children of the world this Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride's Room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland. Following our prayer time, we'll have lunch ($5) and fellowship. I hope you'll be able to join us.

Thank you again for praying for children so faithfully and frequently! Your compassion and love of the least of these is praiseworthy! If you would like to share a celebration or concern about children, please send it to me at claufer@facesofchildren.net or give me a call.

May Christ be beside you always,

Chris

BfFH ... And That's a Wrap

I've had a great afternoon at Rock the Desert, but now it's time for me to head out.
CLICK HERE for more.

PLEASE HELP ... Proceeds raised in the course of this blogging will benefit Midland Fair Havens, a place of refuge and restoration for single mothers as they prepare to make a better life for themselves and their children. Fair Havens equips them for self-sufficient living by addressing their educational, vocational, spiritual, and emotional needs in residential and non-residential settings.

CLICK HERE to make your donation now.

BfFH ... Lecrae

Now on stage is Houston native Lecrae, a Christian rap artist whose ministry reaches out to wherever young people gather - whether it's a college campus, a detention facility, or an outdoor concert in West Texas.

CLICK HERE for more.

PLEASE HELP ... Proceeds raised in the course of this blogging will benefit Midland Fair Havens, a place of refuge and restoration for single mothers as they prepare to make a better life for themselves and their children. Fair Havens equips them for self-sufficient living by addressing their educational, vocational, spiritual, and emotional needs in residential and non-residential settings.

CLICK HERE to make your donation now.

BfFH ... And Now a Word From

The Letter Black has finished, and La Crea will take the stage at four. Before that, though, a word from Casey Cease, offering his testimony to those in attendance at RTD.

CLICK HERE for more.

PLEASE HELP ... Proceeds raised in the course of this blogging will benefit Midland Fair Havens, a place of refuge and restoration for single mothers as they prepare to make a better life for themselves and their children. Fair Havens equips them for self-sufficient living by addressing their educational, vocational, spiritual, and emotional needs in residential and non-residential settings.

CLICK HERE to make your donation now.

BfFH ... The Letter Black

Now on stage is The Letter Black, formerly Breaking the Silence. The band hails from Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and has been reaching out to a growing audience across the country through concert tours and albums.

CLICK HERE for more.

PLEASE HELP ... Proceeds raised in the course of this blogging will benefit Midland Fair Havens, a place of refuge and restoration for single mothers as they prepare to make a better life for themselves and their children. Fair Havens equips them for self-sufficient living by addressing their educational, vocational, spiritual, and emotional needs in residential and non-residential settings.

CLICK HERE to make your donation now.

BfFH ... Why Fair Havens?

So, why are we out here, blogging like this ... and why are we blogging for Fair Havens? Good questions. Good answers - among the best, really - come from Jimmy at the Midland Reporter-Telegram.

CLICK HERE for more.

PLEASE HELP ... Proceeds raised in the course of this blogging will benefit Midland Fair Havens, a place of refuge and restoration for single mothers as they prepare to make a better life for themselves and their children. Fair Havens equips them for self-sufficient living by addressing their educational, vocational, spiritual, and emotional needs in residential and non-residential settings.
CLICK HERE to make your donation now.

BfFH ... Manic Drive

Now on stage is Manic Drive, a band out of the city of Toronto, in Ontario, Canada, with a devoted and growing fan base in both that nation and in the United States.

CLICK HERE for more.

PLEASE HELP ... Proceeds raised in the course of this blogging will benefit Midland Fair Havens, a place of refuge and restoration for single mothers as they prepare to make a better life for themselves and their children. Fair Havens equips them for self-sufficient living by addressing their educational, vocational, spiritual, and emotional needs in residential and non-residential settings.

CLICK HERE to make your donation now.

BfFH ... Great Day for Music, Message, Blogging

And they're sending the JV squad onto the field! Jimmy is handing-off to Jeff (from Archaeotexture) to continue Blogging for Fair Havens at Rock the Desert. The view from atop the scissor lift is great. It's a beautiful day for a concert, for getting together with thousands of your closest friends, and enjoying a day of music and meaning. The skies are clear, the sun is bright, and a steady breeze is taking the edge off the day's heat ... so, why not come out?

If you can't make it out, you can still help. Proceeds raised in the course of this blogging will benefit Midland Fair Havens, a place of refuge and restoration for single mothers as they prepare to make a better life for themselves and their children. Fair Havens equips them for self-sufficient living by addressing their educational, vocational, spiritual, and emotional needs in residential and non-residential settings.

CLICK HERE to make your donation now.

Blogrock

The 2009 edition of Blogging for Fair Havens will still leave Midland blogger Jimmy Patterson (Sticky Doorknobs) up in the air, but what a view he'll have this year!

Once again, Jimmy will be hoisted aloft, blogging from atop a 30-foot scissor lift (thanks to Shorty's Rentals). But this year, said lift will be situated in the midst of the Rock the Desert Christian music festival, taking place August 7-8 at the concert grounds located on the west side of FM 1788, north of Midland International Airport, between Midland and Odessa.

Once again, proceeds raised in the blogathon will benefit Midland Fair Havens, a place of refuge and restoration for single mothers as they prepare to make a better life for themselves and their children. Fair Havens equips them for self-sufficient living by addressing their educational, vocational, spiritual, and emotional needs in residential and non-residential settings.

CLICK HERE to make your donation now.

The BfFH page set-up at mywesttexas.com urges you to, "help Jimmy Patterson and other local celebrity bloggers raise $10,000 for this faith-based transitional housing facility for women and their children." I don't know about the "celebrity," but I'll be going out to do my part Saturday afternoon, at one o'clock.

In the News ... "Stonegate celebrates 10th anniversary with service to MISD"

Staff Report
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Stonegate Fellowship, founded 10 years ago as a mission of First Baptist Church, is celebrating its birthday with service to the community this weekend and a party on August 16. The theme for the church’s anniversary celebration is “Life So Far,” said Cindy Payton, wife of Senior Pastor Patrick Payton.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

NightLight Bangkok 03

Annie Dieselberg gives background information and push factors that traps women in the sex industry.

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.

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!"

In the News ... "Amplified Ministry"

Witness in the Desert
Matthew McGowan
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA-MIDLAND, TEXAS - A decade later, and the desert keeps rocking. [Later this] week, Rock the Desert once more will blow an amplified hole in the serenity of a 248-acre plot of sand between Odessa and Midland, where about 20 groups at the summit of today’s Christian rock scene will plug their electric guitars and show audiences the light, one hair-raising note at a time.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Reflections on "Fun in the Son"

A team of our brothers and sisters in Christ - junior high students and adult leaders - traveled to South Padre Island, Texas, for the purpose of participating in "Fun in the Son," as part of Youth Conference Ministries. Here is a report from the 2009 trip, courtesy of the FPC-Midland Youth blog, Postcards From the Edge.

Reflections from Fun In the Son-Padre …
Hey everyone! Sorry that we have not been able to blog this week. The schedule is jam-packed doesn’t really allow us to stop long enough to blog. So, here are some final reflections from some of the kids on the way home today. More will be posted as they come in and I’ll post something myself this week as well. Thank you for your prayers that have been so instrumental in an amazing summer!!!
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post

In the News ... "First United Methodist hosts Camp Serve"

Staff Report
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Camp Serve is a summer program at FUMC for fourth- and fifth-graders. The mission of the camp — which meets Thursdays through Aug.13 — is to teach the value of community service while building Christian friendships, according to Jana Huff, the church’s director of communications.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story