New Website for NightLight, New Blog for Annie

NightLight is 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.

Recently, NightLight launched a new international website, and it's a beauty! Their new URL is http://nightlightinternational.com/ ... please bookmark that site. Among the features of the new site is a new weblog, hosted by NightLight's Annie Dieselberg. We'll be sharing posts from that blog with you, on a regular basis.

The website and blog are the latest new developments in media that NightLight is employing to get their message out to the world. They recently produced a series of videos describing the ministry and its mission. You can see a complete selection of those videos in our Video Vault at West Texas Missioner.

Right now, the greatest need at NightLight is to sell more jewelry. NightLight Design Co., Ltd. is a registered jewelery 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 . She 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 ... "Church Chat"

Roy Waggoner
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - They have different churches, but once a week, a group of area pastors meets to blow off some stress, coming together to chat over lunch to talk about anything that comes to mind.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

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 09/30/09

Burma
• Please keep in prayer Nancy* and the 11 children/orphans she cares for in her small home in Burma. While working with women in Thailand who were prostituted, Nancy learned that many of them were from Burma, were very poor, and had been orphaned as children. She felt God’s call to leave the work with prostituted women and tackle the situation at its root cause by helping orphans. Pray that God will provide the resources necessary to continue this demanding, but much needed work. Pray for encouragement and support for Nancy and her helpers.

Indiaa
• Please be in prayer for children receiving help and support from the Sahaara Charitable Society in India.
• Pray for good health for all the little ones in the home for destitute children in Mumbai.
• Pray for all of the children in the Mumbai children’s/observation homes—that God’s wisdom will be upon them and that they can focus on their studies. Pray that God will provide them with the resources they need and bless them with healing. Pray for their protection from snake bites.
• Please be in prayer for the new children from the slums who are attending preschool (balwadi) for the first time. Pray that they will be able to attend regularly. Pray that God will heal Priyanka as she has a hole in her heart. • Pray that the children will be protected from fever and colds.
• Pray for the children living in red light districts who are helped by Sahaara Charitable Society. Pray that Rizwana would be healed from white spots and that Shehnaz, Sahil, and Nasir would be healed from fits.
• Pray for the children of prisoners served by Sahaara. Many suffer from mental and physical handicaps.

Thailand (Garden of Hope - www.thegardenofhope.org/)
• Please keep 16-year-old Wee held close in prayer. She came to the Garden of Hope rescue center to escape a difficult family life. Pray that God will protect Wee, who is at great risk to be trafficked into prostitution. Both of Wee’s sisters are prostitutes and her alcoholic mother is pressuring Wee to follow the same path.
• Please pray for God’s healing hand to be upon Wee—that the debilitating headache from which she has been suffering for over a month will lift. Wee has been unable to sleep well, eat very much, or attend school (where she is the top student in her class).
• Pray for the Garden of Hope staff as they travel with Wee along the long road to healing from abuse and neglect.

Uganda
• Keep the people and children of Kampala in prayer as rioting and fighting between tribal groups immobilizes parts of this city. Pray for a peaceful resolution to the complex issues at the heart of this struggle.
A report from BBC News
• Please keep the 90 orphans of Lulwanda Children’s Home in prayer as they begin their third term in school. Pray that God will open the minds of these students and that their teachers would remain encouraged and enthusiastic. Pray for the health and safety of these children. Give thanks to God that the children’s home is in a small community that isn’t affected by the rioting in Kampala.
A report from ugandaorphans.org
• Pray for Natalie, a young foreign missionary, as she enters her second year teaching at the Lulwanda school. Pray that she would wait patiently for God’s guidance and plans for her future.
• Pray for Lulwanda ministry leaders Pastor Morris and Aidah as they serve the children of Lulwanda and other areas. Pray for Dyana, the children’s home nurse, who had to leave when she was diagnosed with leukemia.

United States
• Please keep Marielle and her two young children in prayer during a very stressful and dangerous time in their lives. Marielle is involved in a bitter divorce from an abusive husband who has threatened to kill their children.
• Pray for the safety of Marielle and her children as they return to their hometown to attend court. Pray that the judge in the case will see the situation clearly and make a fair decision regarding this hurting family.
• Pray for God’s arms of comfort to be wrapped around Marielle and her children.
• Pray for God’s presence and calming peace for her husband.

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.
* Name changed for confidentiality and/or protection.

Midland group reports Chinese Christians on earthquake relief tried for "Disturbing the Peace"

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 reports Chinese Christians on earthquake relief tried for "Disturbing the Peace"

Released by ChinaAid, September, 2009 ...

"SICHUAN, CHINA – On June 28, 2009, Wei Sanhong and Wu Han were arrested by Nanbu County Public Security Bureau in Sichuan for allegedly disturbing the peace and endangering the health of others. Ms Wei and Mr. Wu were visiting the Huaguan Town house church from their home in Zheijiang, as members of the extended congregation. That evening, local police broke into the building without a warrant, illegally searched and confiscated church property, and seized Ms. Wei and Mr. Wu. They were then interrogated at the police station, without legal notification to their families in Zheijiang."
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

In the News ... "Faith in ECISD"

Roy Waggoner
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Singing “Shine” by the Newsboys, Bowie Junior High students gather around the smart board to praise God — all in school. It’s part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter, a group that meets in schools around Odessa and across the country.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Got Prayer? ... Got Bear?

Available now at First Presbyterian Church-Midland

(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 Uganda: "Sports Competition"

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 ...

"Last month our kids got to go for their second sports competition. This time, the girls competed in netball and the boys in football.”
CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post

_____________________

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

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

"And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive — only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins."

Mark 11:25, "The Message" by Eugene Peterson

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

On Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 11:30 a.m., we'll meet to pray for the children of our communities and our world in the Bride's Room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland. Lunch ($5) and a time of fellowship will follow.

If you have concerns or celebrations about children that you’d like included on the prayer list, please send it to me at claufer@facesofchildren.net or give me a call. Thank you for your faithfulness in lifting children before God in prayer.

Grace and peace,

Chris

In the News ... "Three generations of Trimble family work for Christmas in Action"

By Kay Crites
MRT Correspondent

Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - To paraphrase an old adage: 'Like father, like daughter, like granddaughter.' In this case it’s three generations of the Trimble family working on staff or governing positions at Christmas in Action.

“I don’t know of another nonprofit that has three generations from one family helping to run it,” said Bobby Trimble, president of Christmas in Action, the organization he founded as Christmas in April in 1972. “It makes me very proud to have my daughter, Tracye Vaughan, and granddaughter, Bobbie Grimes, here."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

FBR Report: The Loss of a Ranger - Di Gay Htoo

The Free Burma Rangers (FBR) 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 be trained, supplied and sent into the areas under attack to provide emergency assistance and human rights documentation. Together with other groups, the teams work to serve people in need.

-----------------

FBR Report: The Loss of a Ranger - Di Gay Htoo

Di Gay Htoo and our girls

Dear friends,

A Ranger died last week and this is a great loss for us, the Karen people, and the people of Burma. Di Gay Htoo was a humble, brave, dedicated and selfless young Karen leader. He died of a sudden fever while on a mission with the Karen resistance. After serving as a Free Burma Ranger relief team leader, Di Gay Htoo was called by the pro-democracy resistance to serve as an officer in the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA).

His honesty, rapport with villagers, compassion, and sense of duty made him the outstanding young officer of the KNLA. On his last mission he was safeguarding families in the line of a threatened Burma Army attack.

Di Gay Htoo was the first Free Burma Ranger team leader from the northern Karen State. He was the honor graduate of the first FBR training in 2001, and his team was the best team of that class. He set a standard of excellence both in training and on relief missions that has not been surpassed.

I first met Di Gay Htoo in 1996 at a leadership training for emergent leaders in central Karen State. I met him next in 1998 on a relief mission to the northern Karen State at the end of the 1997-1998 offensive. Arriving in the Karen State, a Karen soldier told me, "The way you will go tomorrow is very dangerous and the enemy is close."

Then a young Karen man approached me and said, "Hello, my name is Di Gay Htoo, you and your wife taught me in 1996 and now I am your guide and will be with you on this mission. Tomorrow is very dangerous and anything can happen in one minute. Maybe tomorrow we will be dead, but if so, we will die together- I will be with you."

I was blessed to realize that this man with me was the grandson of the Di Gay who led the Karen resistance against Japan alongside a British officer named Hugh Seagrim (called 'Grandfather Longlegs' by the Karen). These two men organized the Karen who fought with the Allies and helped to defeat the Japanese in Burma. Di Gay and Grandfather Longlegs have always been heroes to me. To have Di Gay's grandson as my guide was an honor and blessing. As we climbed the mountains between Burma Army lines the next day, he told me words I will never forget. "Thank you for coming here to help us and to tell our story. But when you tell the story of my people, please do not just talk about all the bad things that happen to us and our suffering by the Burma Army. Please tell the world about the good things about my people, their faith in God and their love. Of course we need help. We are too weak to make the change in Burma by ourselves. But do tell about what my people do, how they are strong, still free and working together to make our nation better."

This week Di Gay Htoo died as he helped to prepare his people for the threat of renewed attacks. He died doing his duty and inspires all of us to do ours.

To Di Gay Htoo I say, "Thank you Di Gay Htoo, for your love, example, humility and singleness of purpose. The God you served loves you and we are sorry for ourselves for our loss but happy for you that you lived well and that you are now in a new life. We will join you one day. Until that day, we will cherish your memory, and love and comfort your family. We will be strong like you and tell the world about how wonderful your people are."

Our family and all the FBR loves you, misses you and thanks God for you,

David Eubank
Free Burma Rangers

The Free Burma Ranger’s (FBR) mission is to provide hope, help and love to internally displaced people inside Burma, regardless of ethnicity or religion. Using a network of indigenous field teams, FBR reports on human rights abuses, casualties and the humanitarian needs of people who are under the oppression of the Burma Army. FBR provides medical, spiritual and educational resources for IDP communities as they struggle to survive Burmese military attacks. For more information, please visit www.freeburmarangers.org

Reports From Lulwanda: June, 2009

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.

June, 2009
"This is the sixth report of the fifth year of operation. God has done great things for us through organizations and individuals like you. We continue to pray for His protection and continued providence particularly at this time of much global financial crunch. For the month under review a number of brethren from USA visited the home and brought with them humbling gifts to individual children and the whole home including us the staff. Thank you all!"

CLICK HERE to read the rest of his June, 2009 report.
CLICK HERE to visit the Lulwanda Photo Gallery for June, 2009.

Pictures Worth a Thou... No, a MILLION Words

On the premise that, "what the eyes have seen, the heart cannot forget," you are invited to experience the plight of the displaced children of Burma through an interactive exhibit of paintings and stories.

"Hope Behind the Red Bamboo" will hold an opening event and reception Tuesday, October 13, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Claydesta Atrium, in Midland. Presented by the Champions for Burma Ministry, and First Presbyterian Church of Midland, the exhibit features artwork from children ... decidedly different from what you might have hanging on the door of your refrigerator at home.

The paintings are the product of an art therapy program conducted at an IDP (internally displaced person) camp inside Burma. Along with the paintings are the faces and stories of each child artist - memories of their life before and after the enemy came.
Raising awareness ... and raising funds. 100% of the proceeds raised through this exhibit will directly support the relief efforts of Partners Relief & Development, a registered non-profit charity helping thousands of refugees and displaced people in Thailand, Burma and Indonesia; and the Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian service movement that brings help, hope and love to people in the war zones of Burma.

Word from Thailand: "Gone Before Their Time"

Brett and Shelly Faucett are mission co-workers living in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where we had a chance to meet with them during our mission to that country, earlier this year. They are HIV/AIDS regional consultants. Brett is a nurse and amateur photographer. Shelly, a former literacy specialist and ESL teacher. They have their two daughters, Acacia and Annapurna, with them.

"I was at the CAM office last week doing my usual thing. Working on the computer, sending emails and organizing photos for our new youth peer photo project," Shelly writes in this post at their Welcome to the Jungle blog. "I went to go get a cup of coffee and I saw my office director Jaruwan going through old photos of kids that CAM took care of back 10 years ago. I stopped to look at photos with her while she described the kids 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 09/23/09

Asia
• Give thanks to God for the work of Pishon Family Ministry with disabled and discarded children in Asia. Pray that God will provide this ministry with the resources needed to support the three orphanages and numerous church leaders under its care. Pray for the leaders of this ministry and ask God to protect them. Serving Jesus Christ in this part of Asia can be quite dangerous.
• Please continue to keep the children and caregivers of the three orphanages held close in prayer.
• Pray for the seven paralyzed children at one orphanage and for the pastor and his wife who care for 14 children. Pray that God will bring them more people to help care for these children who are often sick.
• Pray for the 40 children at another orphanage who are in need of warm winter clothing, quilts, and food.
• Please keep the 13 orphans at the third orphanage in prayer as several of them need major medical care and there aren't resources available to pay for it. Pray that they will also have more people to help care for these children and that God will sustain and encourage their caregivers.

Burma (Free Burma Rangers - www.freeburmarangers.org)
• Pray for the 2-month-old baby of Ma Kin Kyi, an ethnic hill tribeswoman who was shot in the neck, jaw, and mouth by Burma Army troops who surrounded her house and fired into it. She was not expected to survive the injury because she couldn't eat or drink. Pray that this baby will be brought into a loving family who is able to care for him.
• Please keep more than 5000 internally displaced people in prayer as they live a life on the run in the jungles of western Burma. And pray for the 100,000 children and families who are suffering from an ongoing famine in this area. Give thanks to God for FBR's relief teams providing medical care and aid in this area that is isolated from most international aid providers. Pray that the situation causing this food shortage-the infestation of rats that attack rice crops-will cease.

India (Kings Kids South Asia - www.kkisouthasia.org)
• Please be in prayer for the organizers of a large children's conference in Nagaland-a border area of Northeast India and Burma. Pray that God will provide the resources and partnerships necessary to hold this conference scheduled for January 2010.
• Pray for the thousands of children, between the ages of 4 and 14, who are expected to attend. Pray that they will experience the very real presence of Jesus Christ and that they will be the catalyst for change in their communities because of their faith.

Uganda (CURE International - www.helpcurenow.org)
• Pray for the disabled children receiving treatment at the CURE International Hospital in Uganda and for the medical staff and caregivers there.
• Please also pray for a 13-year-old boy named Dickson.

United States
• Please keep 14-year-old Vicki, and her siblings and father, in prayer following the tragic death of her mother in a car accident. Pray that they all will be surrounded by comforting friends and church members.
• Thanks be to God that Diana* and her little brother are now free to be adopted by their foster mom!
• Give thanks to God for 8-year-old Ellen's* safe arrival in the United States from Burma. Please continue to keep her in prayer as she adjusts to a very new and different culture.
• Please pray that God will wrap arms of comfort around 2-year-old Ricky* and his mother. Ricky's mom is suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of her service in Iraq. Pray that she would seek treatment and help for this condition. Pray for the safety of both Ricky and his mother. Pray for their extended family and friends who are very worried about them.

United States
• Give thanks and praise to God for the prayer efforts of the International Prayer Initiative for the United Nations and Global Cities, held in New York and New Jersey last week. Please keep our international leaders in prayer as their decisions directly affect the children of the world.
* Name changed for confidentiality and/or protection.

Midland group reports Chinese Christian sentenced to prison for aiding North Korean refugees

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 reports Chinese Christian sentenced to prison for aiding North Korean refugees

Released by ChinaAid, September, 2009 ...

"INNER MONGOLIA – Christians Li Mingshun and Zhang Yonghu were indicted by the Erlianhaote City People's Procuratorate on July 31, 2009, for aiding North Korean refugees fleeing to South Korea through China. Li and Zhang were among several Christians helping to provide food, shelter, and transportation for the 61 refugees crossing Northern Chinese provinces into Mongolia, where neutral state laws permit residents to seek asylum in South Korea."
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

"I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for."

"When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me."

"Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed."

Jeremiah 29:11-14, "The Message" by Eugene Peterson

Greetings, Faces of Children Intercessor,

Isn't it comforting to know that when we call on God, when we pray to God, we are heard? This promise in Jeremiah refreshes and encourages me.

I also find comfort in knowing that God promises not to abandon us and believe that promise is extended to everyone, even the smallest, most vulnerable ones of our world. I pray that a multitude of people will rise up to share this Good News with our littlest sisters and brothers around the world. Will you join me in this prayer?

On Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 11:30 a.m., we'll meet to pray for the children of our communities and our world in the Bride's Room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland. Lunch ($5) and a time of fellowship will follow.

If you have concerns or celebrations about children that you’d like included on the prayer list, please send it to me at claufer@facesofchildren.net or give me a call. Thank you for your faithfulness in lifting children before God in prayer.

Encouraged and refreshed by God's promises,

Chris

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.

Word from Uganda: "Life in Photos"

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 ...

"I have not done a very good job at keeping up with what is happening here. Sorry. As you probably know, we have had many visitors and many activities, all while still being in the second term of school. But hopefully over the next few weeks I can post some things that I never got around to and other photos that just show life here. I am blogging by the motto that a picture holds a thousand words. Hopefully that proves true.”

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post

_____________________

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

Partners Blogcast: "Update on the people displaced from Ler Ber Her area"

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.

Update on the people displaced from Ler Ber Her area

"Over the last week there has been significant co-ordination between Thai authorities, international organisations, community based groups in Mae Sot, and key community leaders."

"The 3500 or so people remain camped in 4 separate locations within the Thai border region, each receiving food, shelter, water, sanitation and medical supplies from a number of interested groups. Partners’ continues to support these people with clothing, shelter & medicine and has been involved in the liaison process regarding finding a temporary safe location for these people within Thailand."

"Last Thursday two Partners staff accompanied other organisations in scouting out land within Thailand for the relocation. The need to have the new arrivals within a central location is to facilitate access for supplies, improve safety and ensure these people move from an ‘emergency context’ to an environment more conducive to temporary living conditions."

"This Wednesday (or thereabouts) at least 1500 people will be relocated to the new site. This weekend local non government organisations are hurriedly building latrines, shelter and food storage facilities. The area is prone to flooding, filled with leaches and access is currently problematic due to a fast flowing river and no bridge. Hopefully a new bridge and road reinforcement will be started and completed, so that the new arrivals can transfer safely."

"It’s expected that the site can properly house 1500 people, yet there are around 3500 people who may potentially move to the new site! A “back up plan” has been made. The overflow area is close by, but unfortunately hills, water and sanitation access difficult."

"The bombing has now stopped, and the displaced people desire to return to their homeland. Yet the risk of exploding landmines & fear associated with being forcefully recruited as porters for the DKBA and food insecurity still remain. Please continue to pray for grace and mercy for these displaced people and that the transition to this new temporary location will be peaceful and stress free

Kathryn Halley

Investing in the Koin Shop

Koinonia, meaning "fellowship" in ancient Greek, is the cornerstone of a new small-group ministry at First Presbyterian Church-Midland. Join them as they follow the biblical tradition of finding deeper life in Christ through small groups. For more information, call Shannon Weisenfels at (432) 684-7821.

In the News ... "Volunteers Needed For Howard County Chaplain Corps"

By Wyatt Goolsby
Anchor, Reporter

KWES-TV

BIG SPRING, TEXAS - local group in Howard County is looking for volunteers to help, especially in emergencies. The County Chaplains Corps is hosting a recruitment training session within the next couple of months. Chaplains are on-call to assist individuals or families spiritually in a crisis or accident.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the KWES story

CLICK HERE to watch video of this report

Reports From Lulwanda: "The Good Neighbor Program"

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. Those updates include reports on the home's "Good Neighbor Program."

"It has always been the desire of GICF to ensure that the children of Lulwanda Children’s Home have contact with children outside the Home, to stay in touch with the culture of Uganda," he explains. "We also want to build on the existing goodwill we have in the community by allowing our children to share God’s love with those less fortunate. We hope to achieve these aims through 'The Good Neighbor Program,' which was kicked off in March, 2007."
CLICK HERE to read more about the "Good Neighbor Program" at Lulwanda Children's Home.

Pictures Worth a Thou... No, a MILLION Words

On the premise that, "what the eyes have seen, the heart cannot forget," you are invited to experience the plight of the displaced children of Burma through an interactive exhibit of paintings and stories.

"Hope Behind the Red Bamboo" will hold an opening event and reception Tuesday, October 13, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Claydesta Atrium, in Midland. Presented by the Champions for Burma Ministry, and First Presbyterian Church of Midland, the exhibit features artwork from children ... decidedly different from what you might have hanging on the door of your refrigerator at home.

The paintings are the product of an art therapy program conducted at an IDP (internally displaced person) camp inside Burma. Along with the paintings are the faces and stories of each child artist - memories of their life before and after the enemy came.
Raising awareness ... and raising funds. 100% of the proceeds raised through this exhibit will directly support the relief efforts of Partners Relief & Development, a registered non-profit charity helping thousands of refugees and displaced people in Thailand, Burma and Indonesia; and the Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian service movement that brings help, hope and love to people in the war zones of Burma.

In the News ... "Filmmakers hope audiences will embrace 'Gold Score' as inspirational family film"

By Megan Lea Buck
Assistant Lifestyle Editor

Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Seven years ago Terrance Alan began working on the script for a film inspired by a song he and fellow songwriter William Demmon had composed. Now in its pre-production phase, the Christian family film “Gold Score” will be set in Post, and includes such ubiquitous Texan themes as high school football and bull riding.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Word from Thailand: "Typical Day in Chiang Mai"

Brett and Shelly Faucett are mission co-workers living in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where we had a chance to meet with them during our mission to that country, earlier this year. They are HIV/AIDS regional consultants. Brett is a nurse and amateur photographer. Shelly, a former literacy specialist and ESL teacher. They have their two daughters, Acacia and Annapurna, with them.

"I was taking Keith and Shelly, who are friends visiting from Albania, to get a Thai massage. Shelly and Keith were in Peace Corps with us in Moldova and now Shelly is the Admin Officer for Peace Corps Albania," Brett writes in this post at their Welcome to the Jungle blog. "On the way out, while we were driving in the Moobaan (neighborhood), we spotted an elephant walking along the street. Which, surprisingly, in not an uncommon occurance. Just a typical day in Chiang Mai."

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 09/16/09

Belize
• Give thanks to God that 9-year-old Moses was able to receive surgery and treatment in the United States after he was run over by a dump truck. Moses has made a miraculous recovery when it wasn't expected that he would survive. Thanks be to God that he was able to return home to Belize with his mother recently. Pray for his continued healing and growth.

Kenya

• Thanks and praise to God for the work of the staff and volunteers with the Kijabe Feeding Program in Kenya. Thirty-five families and 120 children have received food on a regular basis through this program. Pray for these children and their families, and the people of Kenya who are experiencing one of the worst droughts in a decade.
• Pray that God will provide the necessary resources and people to bring the vision of Naomi's Village, a children's home, to fruition. Give God thanks for this home that will care for up to 110 children. Pray for God's favor upon this project and that the children who need this care will be easily identified.

North Korea
• Please pray for the children and people of North Korea who are held in this country's labor camps. Human rights groups and Western governments estimate that hundreds of thousands of people have died in these brutal camps during the 50 years they have been in existence. Pray for the generations of families who are condemned to the camps because of something a relative has done-guilt-by-association is used to enforce totalitarian rule.
A report from the Washington Post

• Keep in prayer the children of North Korea who suffer because of their country's chronic food shortages and government policies. U.N. food agencies estimate that more than a third of North Korea's 23.5 million people will require food aid this year.
A report from the Washington Post
Another report from the Washington Post

Peru

• Please pray for 18-year-old Yolanda and her 5-year-old twins, Miguel and Esteban, who all live in a home for teen mothers. Pray that God will provide a stable home for them and the guidance of a loving, Christian family. Pray that Yolanda will be able to provide better education and life opportunities for herself and her sons.
• Give thanks to God for Andrea's change of heart towards her 2-month-old daughter. Before Andrea's recent commitment to follow Jesus Christ, she was very bitter towards her baby. Please pray that this relationship between Andrea and her Savior will grow stronger every day and that she will continue to nurture and love her daughter.
• Pray that God will soften Mary's heart so she would love and care for her baby instead of trying to get others to take care of him.

United States
• Please keep 7-year-old Sarah, a troubled young soul, held close in prayer as she struggles with the loss of her beloved adoptive mother. Pray that Sarah is surrounded by those who will understand when she acts out in anger and frustration and love her despite her inappropriate behavior.
• Give God thanks and praise that 3-month-old Caleb was able to go home from the hospital. Caleb had a heart transplant when he was only a few weeks old. Please continue to pray for his healing and growth and that God will guide and comfort his parents.
• Praise God for answering prayers for 9-year-old Genna and her 3-year-old brother Andrew. Their young mother died suddenly, leaving them in the care of their grandfather who was also caring for their grandmother, a stroke victim. Thanks be to God that Genna's teacher and her husband expressed a desire to raise these two little ones and are now their foster parents. Please continue to pray for this new family as Andrew requires specialized care.

Faces of Children
• Please keep Ann, a Faces of Children friend, and her family in prayer as she begins treatment for cancer. Pray that God will bless her with healing and comfort during this frightening time.

In the News ... "Pope exhibit coming to Midland"

By Mycah Glover
Reporter

KMID-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Some exciting news for West Texas, and Midland College in particular. MC President, Dr. Stephen Thomas, announced that his campus will be the first stop on a U-S tour featuring a historic collection of over 140 personal items of the late Pope John Paul II.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the KMID story

CLICK HERE to watch video of this report

Campus Mission

The Fall 2009 Midland College Club Fair, hosted by MC’s Student Activities office, was a big success with more than 250 students meeting-and-greeting representatives of 39 campus clubs and off-campus organizations, representing a wide variety of interests and activities. These included a variety of Christian ministries and programs.

Midland group shares pastor's open letter to Chinese president

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 shares pastor's open letter to Chinese president

Released by ChinaAid, August, 2009 ...

"HENAN, CHINA – With the 60th Anniversary Celebration of Communist Party rule in China rapidly approaching, Chinese authorities continue vilifying Christians as a danger to the Chinese state, boldly taking actions to dismantle and control the independent Christian church, especially in Beijing. In response, Pastor 'Bike' Zhang Mingxuan, President and Founder of the Chinese House Church Alliance, issued his fourth public 'Open Letter to President Hu Jintao,' on August 16, 2009."
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

Investing in the Koin Shop

Koinonia, meaning "fellowship" in ancient Greek, is the cornerstone of a new small-group ministry at First Presbyterian Church-Midland. Join them as they follow the biblical tradition of finding deeper life in Christ through small groups. For more information, call Shannon Weisenfels at (432) 684-7821.

In the News ... "Genesis Class"

Roy Waggoner
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Adam Penrod isn’t Jewish, but he wants to learn as much about what is effectively the Jewish Bible using the ancient Jewish sources. It’s an approach he has brought to Odessa with a new class on the book of Genesis.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story

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

Word from Uganda: "Thought"

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 ...

"Continued violence and disruption in Kampala and surrounding areas ..." This was an email that I got from my insurance. They send me emails when health or political news happens in Uganda, just to keep me informed. My first thought - “What? I don’t understand what this is even about and how the riots are going to accomplish anything. What about a peaceful demonstration?”

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post

_____________________

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