Midland group reports U.S. grants political asylum to Chinese legal advocate's family

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 U.S. grants political asylum to Chinese legal advocate's family

Released by ChinaAid, November, 2009 ...

"TEXAS – After more than two years of political advocacy and months seeking political refuge outside of China, the wife and two children of imprisoned Chinese legal advocate Guo Feixiong were officially granted political asylum by the U.S. government on November 10, 2009."
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

Coming to West Texas: Jack Modesett

Jack Modesett, Jr., Bible in 90 Days video presenter and board member of the Christianity Today International ministry, will be in Midland, Tuesday, December 1st.

First Presbyterian Church-Midland is hosting a luncheon with Mr. Modesett from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Koinonia Room. Lunch will be served for $5 in the FPC kitchen beginning at 11:30am. Mr. Modesett will speak at noon and then host a time for questions and answers.

Mr. Modesett is chairman of the board for Christianity Today magazine, has taught adult Sunday school for decades. His lessons are broadcast on Christian radio in greater Houston.

Everyone is welcome. Please join us for this special opportunity!

In the News ... "St. Luke's United Methodist Church begins renovations"

By Megan Lee Buck
Assistant Lifestyle Editor

Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The ground has been ceremoniously broken and construction crews have become a familiar sight as St. Luke’s United Methodist Church begins the first phase of a $2.5 million renovation.

In an effort to attract young families — and better serve the families and children currently in the congregation — the church will add five new classrooms to the facility. They also plan to expand the space dedicated to their Child Development Program, a 30-year-old preschool and day care.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Advent Reflections: November 30

Amos 2:6-16 BibleGateway.com

Amos doesn’t seem to fit. His writings begin with a searing judgment on the nations surrounding Israel, and then his gaze turns to both Judah and Israel. The reigns of Uzziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel were marked by a period of relative peace and prosperity. Amos tells us, however, that not all is well. His scathing critique
includes both the abuse of the poor by the rich and powerful and the liturgical practices in the temple, which he dismisses as mere noise.

I remember Advent from two years ago. I was a missionary working in the slums and shantytowns of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The hot summer sun beat down on the metal roofs, making the makeshift homes unbearable during the day; the running of sewer rats on the metal roofs made for a lack of sleep by night. It was seven square blocks of misery. One of hundreds around the city. One of thousands in Argentina. One of millions around the world. During this Advent season, let us reflect on the meaning of Christmas from their perspective. Can we hear the voices of the crucified poor? Is all well?

An Argentine priest, Carlos Múgica, wrote “Mass for the Third World.” I’ve translated part of it for you. Let it be our prayer.

Prayer: Glory to the God that is love and in the land peace to those who struggle for justice! We praise you as we struggle so that our starving children eat. We glorify you as we want to destroy today the instruments of torture. We give you thanks, for there are men who give their lives in the revolution. We give you thanks, Lord, because you are not a spectator God, but rather a God who became human, who suffers along with suffering humanity.
We give you thanks, Lord

Brian Plescher
Middler student from Grand Rapids, Michigan
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

CLICK HERE to listen to each day's devotional.

______________________________

For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Conspiracy Launched at Midland Church ...

... though it's not the kind of conspiracy you'd find in a Dan Brown novel. Advent Conspiracy is an international movement restoring the scandal of Christmas by substituting compassion for consumption - a movement of Christ-followers who want to ...

● Worship Fully,
● Give More,
● Spend Less, and
● Love All.

It's a conspiracy without a hidden agenda ... every Sunday from November 29 through December 20, First Presbyterian Church-Midland will host classes devoted to Advent Conspiracy. The classes will meet from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. in Lynn Fellowship Hall. The classes will be preceded and followed by fellowship, with coffee, juice and a variety of brunch snacks.

Today's lesson included a video featuring featuring the three pastors that started Advent Conspiracy as they describe what it is and why they started it 3 years ago.

Advent Reflections: November 29

Luke 21:25-36 BibleGateway.com

Before we get to words of the babe and swaddling clothes, we begin this Advent season with words like helpless and roar and terror and the passing of heaven and earth echoing from this apocalyptic passage. Luke offers not an invitation but a command to pray, and so I do:

Holy Jesus, Son of the Most Holy God,

We are not worthy to call you Lord. We paint you in pastel robes with a Mona Lisa smile. We cover up the stern words of the Sermon on the Mount with layers of pious decoupage. We imagine that you must forgive us everything and that nothing will be required of us. We make you into our own personal Jesus.

Yet you are the Son of Man. You rule over the black holes of space and every mind that thinks “I am.” No secret prison is unknown to you. No smug hacker can hide from your gaze. You gave up paradise for obedience and comfort for a cross. You made forgiveness of sins as real as bread and wine. In your presence, the arrow of time is broken and all is calm. Without you, our being falls away into nothingness.

You call us to have eyes to see God in this world and to move our hands to caress the weary, the frightened, and the forgotten in your name.

Prayer: Forgive our blindness to the signs of our times. Burn away our sloth. Rouse us from hopelessness. Show us our strength. Open our eyes to welcome you in this season with fear and trembling, with dread and holy awe. For you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, though heaven and earth pass away.
Amen

Timothy D. Lincoln, Associate Dean for Seminary Effectiveness and Director of the Stitt Library
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

CLICK HERE to listen to each day's devotional.

______________________________

For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Simple Gifts at First Prez

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,
'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,
And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,
Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say,

'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,
'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me",
And when we hear what others really think and really feel,
Then we'll all live together with a love that is real.

When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come round right.
(1st verse and refrain from the original by Elder Joseph Brackett; 2nd and 3rd verses added later)




First Presbyterian Church of Midland hosted its second annual Neighborhood Thanksgiving Party, Tuesday night, where friends and family were joined by guests from Breaking Bread Soup Kitchen, and others who do not have a place, a family, or the means to enjoy a shared meal for Thanksgiving. In addition to a traditional holiday meal with all the trimmings, there was plenty of fellowship, and dancing to live music from Jody Nix and his band. Also, a large number of meals were packed "to go" for delivery to the home-bound.

Organizers were pleased with this year's event, and are already talking about getting together once again, same time next year. For more information about Breaking Bread Soup Kitchen, call First Presbyterian at 684-7821.

Coming to West Texas: Jack Modesett

Jack Modesett, Jr., Bible in 90 Days video presenter and board member of the Christianity Today International ministry, will be in Midland, Tuesday, December 1st.

First Presbyterian Church-Midland is hosting a luncheon with Mr. Modesett from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Koinonia Room. Lunch will be served for $5 in the FPC kitchen beginning at 11:30am. Mr. Modesett will speak at noon and then host a time for questions and answers.

Mr. Modesett is chairman of the board for Christianity Today magazine, has taught adult Sunday school for decades. His lessons are broadcast on Christian radio in greater Houston.

Everyone is welcome. Please join us for this special opportunity!

In the News ... "West Texas Food Bank Needs Help to Help Others"

Diane Tuazon
Reporter
KWES-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - Their mission is to provide local, non-profit agencies with food, to give to those in need. The struggling economy isn't the only thing making it difficult for them to accomplish that this year.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the KWES story.

Word from Uganda: "From Orphan to Queen"

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 ...

From Orphan to Queen
"I have been so grateful to be able to really grow and understand a different culture outside of my own. What I mean is that many times when people do mission trips for a week or so, they get to see some of culture, but really haven’t even seen how things work.”

"Having lived in Uganda for 2 years now, I have seen and experienced how many things work. What got me thinking about this is was our Friday fellowship at LCH. It is a wonderful time that we have as staff and kids all together, where we sing, pray, and someone shares the Word. Through these fellowships and Sunday services at Church, I have come to my own conclusion that although the Gospel is the same and True everywhere, for every culture, the way it is celebrated and interpreted is different."

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

Faces of Children: Prayer Requests

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

Prayer Concerns for the week of 10/25/09

Burundi
• Please pray for the staff and volunteers with Christian Community Development of Burundi as they minister to children in need in Kirundo, Muyinga, and Ruyigi provinces.
• Give thanks to God that CCD Burundi was able to distribute food aid to 3,000 children and their families in this province. Pray that God will provide for these children and give them hope in the knowledge of God's comforting love and grace.
• Pray for an end to the drought that has caused several poor harvests in a row, which led to severe food shortages.
A report from Doctors Without Borders
A report from UN regional Information Network
A report from AFROL

Spain
• Give thanks to God for the work of Garrick and Dziu, a missionary couple, reaching out to college students in Spain through an international ministry.
• Pray that God will provide for this young couple and their small children, Evelyn and Mathis. Pray for support and encouragement in this challenging mission climate where so many people have been alienated or hurt by the church.
• Pray that through Garrick and Dziu's outreach efforts and humanitarian aid projects, many students will have the opportunity to develop a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ,

Malawi (CURE International – www.helpcurenow.org)
• Pray for the disabled children receiving treatment at the CURE International Hospital in Malawi and for the medical staff and caregivers there. Please also pray for a 16-year-old girl named Cesel.

Sudan
• Please keep the children and people of South Sudan in prayer as increasing tribal conflicts and a looming famine threaten the underdeveloped region.
• Pray for those who are already feeling the effects of an inadequate harvest because of a poor start to the rainy season.
• Pray for vulnerable families who have been driven from their homes and sparse crops by the surge in tribal clashes.
A report from alertnet.org

United States
• Pray that God will comfort and heal high school students involved in a recent bus crash as they were on the way home from a marching band competition. Pray for the family of their band director who was killed in the accident.
• Pray that God will bring healing and comfort to 5-year-old Noah who is in the end stages of cancer following a two and a half year battle. Pray for his family and friends and the medical community that has cared for him.
• Please pray for children who are in foster care. Pray for those who have been uprooted from the only "normal" home life they've ever known and placed into a very different environment. Pray for those who are upset and confused by all of the new experiences. Pray for those who are moved to a new community and school. Pray for those who are separated from siblings and friends.
• Thanks be to God for the rescue of four teenage girls from a prostitution ring in Houston. Pray for their healing and safety. Please pray that God will comfort them as they try to rebuild lives shattered by the greed and lust of others. Pray for these 16 and 17 year old girls as they return to their home states. One of the girls was kidnapped at gunpoint as she walked down the street in Kansas. Pray that the five people arrested for the federal crimes of sex trafficking of children, sex trafficking by force, and the transportation and coercion of minors will be held responsible for their part in harming these young women.
A report from Houston Press/Blogs

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.

In the News ... "Founder finds life mission in Journey Home"

By Ruth Campbell
Reporter

Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Gilbert Delgado founded Journey Home, a shelter for homeless people and those who want to rid themselves of substance abuse problems, four years ago as a spin-off of his ministry Fishers of Men.

"This is like a refuge where a person can come and surrender," said 59-year-old Delgado, who works for Midland Memorial Hospital's engineering department. "It's not a rehab program. This, hopefully, is where a person can feel at home. We try to make a person feel they can stay and open up their heart (to Jesus) -- the sooner the better."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Word from Thailand: "Chiang Mai Photo Exhibit"

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 have entered my first Photo Exhibition which starts on Nov 14th and runs until the 29th. Let me back up though and tell you that I'm not a professional photographer and I joined a photography group in Chiang Mai to hone my skills," Shelly writes in this post at their Welcome to the Jungle blog. "I feel very lucky to have 7 photos represented in the exhibition. The theme of the exhibition is Chiang Mai and Asia in general. I have 3 pictures from my Mission trip in India and 4 pictures from around Chiang Mai."

Youth Mission: Christmas For Our Troops

If you haven't checked-out and gotten involved in Christmas for Our Troops, you should. There's still time for you to show your support for the men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan with the United States armed forces.
This is a Midland-based effort that "provides individual Christmas boxes full of a variety of gifts, necessities and goodies for our local men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. These boxes will be shipped the first week of December via Priority mail to ensure that our troops have a package from home in their hands before Christmas Eve. This is a non-partisan private effort to give West Texans the opportunity to give a little something back to the military folks who give so much for us and this country."

The latest step in this year's effort took place this last week at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, where the Youth Ministry at First Prez assembled and stacked shipping boxes, getting them ready to be filled, sealed and mailed overseas. This is the second year in a row, where the First Prez youth have assembled the boxes, and many of them will be back in early December to help fill those boxes.

There are other steps coming in the days ahead ... and other opportunities to for YOU to get involved. For more information, please contact CFOT Chairman Scott Davis at (432) 620-8820, or e-mail capatazhsd@sbcglobal.net . He'll tell you about ways you can contribute your time and effort, or about what is needed to fill those boxes the kids have assembled.

You can also make a financial contribution by contacting Western National Bank ("Christmas for OUR Troops Fund"), 508 W. Wall Street, Midland, Texas 79701.

In the News ... "Midland Organization Reaches Out to Those in Need Despite Rising Numbers"

Stephanie Rivas
Anchor/Reporter
KOSA-TV

BIG SPRING, TEXAS - The Midland Soup Kitchen on Orchard Lane always has a steady crowd for lunch. But Jason Ivy who runs the kitchen with the help of his wife and volunteers says the number of people visiting has gone up.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the KOSA story.

Word from West Texas: "Why I Love the Church"

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, "attending a church can drive you insane. There, I've said it. People say things that make you wonder if they've ever read their Bible. Every church or independent ministry thinks they hold the key. Bomb throwers, who are often former church members, stand outside the door and lob solutions that few listen to because there is no relationship in which to cultivate a reasonable dialog. The powerful divide up grace like the spoils of war and hand it out in small portions. The thirsty, hungry, and naked are still thirsty, hungry, and naked. The prophets are frustrated and congregations go home empty, longing to be filled."

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

"Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart." Matthew 11:29

"God chose powerlessness. God chose to enter into human history in complete weakness. That divine choice forms the center of the Christian faith. In Jesus of Nazareth, the powerless God appeared among us to unmask the illusion of power, to disarm the prince of darkness who rules the world, and to bring the divided human race to a new unity."

"Through total and unmitigated powerlessness, God shows us divine mercy. The radical, divine choice is the choice to reveal glory, beauty, truth, peace, joy, and most of all, love in and through the complete divestment of power. It is very hard-if not impossible-for us to grasp this divine mystery."

"Jesus, in all we do and say this Advent, may we follow your example of gentleness and humility"

Living in Hope: Advent Meditations from the Writings of Henri Nouwen
compiled and edited by James E. Adams

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

I am still finding it hard to believe that we are more than midway through November and well on our way into the Christmas season. So in celebration of that, and the fact that the first Sunday in Advent fast approaches, I've included an Advent devotion by Henri J.M. Nouwen with the prayer list this week. May his words bless your time of preparation and waiting for the arrival of our Savior.

We will not meet this coming Wednesday, November 25, 2009 because of conflicts with the Thanksgiving holiday schedule. However, we will meet the following week, Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at the regular time.

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 keeping the children of our communities and our world held close in prayer!

Happy Thanksgiving,

Chris

In the News ... "209 Benefit"

Dianna Wray
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Pastors at CrossRoads Fellowship have been teaching “Revolution” during the past few months, a program that emphasizes being grateful for what you have and giving back to the community. Members of the congregation are volunteering with 10 other nonprofit organizations as another way of showing their commitment to giving back to the community.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Midland group reports church persecution continues during President Obama's visit to 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 reports church persecution continues during President Obama's visit to China

Released by ChinaAid, November, 2009 ...

"BEIJING, CHINA – Although President Obama addressed the general topic of human rights as a "universal value" in his speech at the Shanghai Museum of Science and Technology on Nov. 15, current religious freedom and human rights conditions in China require stronger measures."
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

Coming to West Texas: Jack Modesett

Jack Modesett, Jr., Bible in 90 Days video presenter and board member of the Christianity Today International ministry, will be in Midland, Tuesday, December 1st.

First Presbyterian Church-Midland is hosting a luncheon with Mr. Modesett from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Koinonia Room. Lunch will be served for $5 in the FPC kitchen beginning at 11:30am. Mr. Modesett will speak at noon and then host a time for questions and answers.

Mr. Modesett is chairman of the board for Christianity Today magazine, has taught adult Sunday school for decades. His lessons are broadcast on Christian radio in greater Houston.

Everyone is welcome. Please join us for this special opportunity!

In the News ... "Salvation Army Goes High Tech"

Anayeli Ruiz
Reporter
KWES-TV

BIG SPRING, TEXAS - The Big Spring Salvation Army is bringing some big changes to the way they are collecting donations this holiday season, they are going high tech.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the KWES story.

Conspiracy Uncovered at Midland Church ...

... though it's not the kind of conspiracy you'd find in a Dan Brown novel. Advent Conspiracy is an international movement restoring the scandal of Christmas by substituting compassion for consumption - a movement of Christ-followers who want to ...

● Worship Fully,
● Give More,
● Spend Less, and
● Love All.

It's a conspiracy without a hidden agenda ... every Sunday from November 29 through December 20, First Presbyterian Church-Midland will host classes devoted to Advent Conspiracy. The classes will meet from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. in Lynn Fellowship Hall. The classes will be preceded and followed by fellowship, with coffee, juice and a variety of brunch snacks.

Faces of Children: Prayer Requests

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

Prayer Concerns for the week of 10/18/09

Afghanistan
• Please keep in prayer the girls of Afghanistan who believe setting themselves on fire is the only option when faced with abusive husbands or relatives. Quite often, child brides or girls forced into marriage will practice self-immolation as a solution to abuse. Pray for an end to this destructive tradition. Pray for a change in the cultural attitude that regards girls and women as chattel or property-a mind-set that often leads to abuse.
A report from msnbc.com
• Pray for boys who are forced into an age-old underground tradition know as "bacha bazi." Boys are taken from their families, made to dress as women and dance at parties attended by powerful men, then used as sex slaves. Pray for freedom and justice for these boys and an end to this devastating practice. Pray for enforceable laws that will protect these boys.
A report from CNN

Ethiopia
• Please keep the children of the Joseph Children's Home in Ethiopia held close in prayer. Pray that God will provide for their every need, spiritual as well as physical. Pray for the caregivers and volunteers at this home-that God will bless them with encouragement and sustain them for this difficult work. (Watch and Pray)

Thailand (The Garden of Hope – www.thegardenofhope.org)
• Give God thanks for the academic success of five children who regularly come to the Children's Drop In Center. These children are considered at the bottom of Thai society, but the confidence, skills, and care they receive at the center are making a huge difference in their lives. Pray for all of the children who come to the center-that they would also grow spiritually and academically. Pray for the staff and volunteers who work with them.
• Pray for the many women from the red-light district who attend English classes every day at The Garden of Hope's Women's Resource Center. Pray that God will continue to bless these women through their lessons and provide them with employment that gives them hope for a better future.
• Please keep The Garden of Hope staff and volunteers held close in prayer as they prepare for the opening of the Hospitality Training Center. Give thanks to God for the hope offered to vulnerable and exploited women through these vocational training opportunities. In the coming weeks, up to 20 women will receive training and employment there.

United States
• Pray for the 19 surviving children of the soldiers killed at Fort Hood in Texas last week. Thirteen service men and women (one of whom was three months pregnant) were shot and killed November 5 by another U.S. soldier.
A report from BBC
• Pray for the spouses, parents, children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends of those slain and injured in this attack. Please pray that God will bring them comfort and peace during this sad time.
• Please pray for children at Fort Hood who are frightened by all of the armed soldiers and police personnel on guard around the Army post.
A report from BBC
• Pray for the gunman who was responsible for this pain and suffering.
A report from the New York Times
• Please continue to pray for Andrea, an eight-year breast cancer survivor, and her family. Pray that God will help her children-9-year-old Josh, 11-year-old Zach, and 13-year-old Lauren-feel safe and strong despite their mother's new bone cancer diagnosis. Pray that God will comfort Andrea, her husband, children, and friends as she navigates this latest setback. Pray that God's healing touch will restore Andrea's health.
• Please keep Rachel, her husband, and her young children in prayer as she battles ovarian cancer. Pray that 8-year-old Angel, 6-year-old Christian, and 4-year-old Anthony will feel God's comforting presence during this scary time in their lives. Pray that God will surround her with healing mercies.

Faces of Children
• Give thanks to God for the recent Orphan Sunday events that took place around the United States, Haiti, and Canada. Pray for those who learned about the plight of orphans and at-risk children at these events. Pray they will be open to God's guidance and instruction in how they can be a piece of the solution concerning the at-risk and orphaned children of the world ( www.orphansunday.org/ ).

In the News ... "Old Store Renovated Into New Church In Big Spring"

Diane Tuazon
Reporter
KWES-TV

BIG SPRING, TEXAS - For members at Trinity Baptist Church, seeing the newly built version came at a big surprise.

"This is real pretty, it suits our needs a lot of room and I hope we fill it," Church Member, Shaun Moses said.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the KWES story.

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 come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?"

"Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace."

"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:"

"Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best -"

"as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes."

Matthew 6:5-13, from The Message/Remix
by Eugene Peterson

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

I am comforted by this passage from The Message when I feel overwhelmed by the great need of the children in our world. I am comforted that I can pray in this way-that I can come before God in simplicity and honesty and ask God to "set the world right" for our children.

On Wednesday, November 18, 2009, we will come together to pray for the children of the world and their relationship with God. Please join us in the Bride's Room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland at 11:30 a.m. for prayer and afterwards for lunch ($5) and fellowship.

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 keeping the children of our communities and our world held close in prayer!

Joyfully yours,

Chris

* This epistle is commonly attributed to John, the beloved disciple [John 21:20] of Jesus Christ and was thought to have been written to churches near Ephesus in the province of Asia, which is now modern Turkey. http://bible.org/seriespage/non-pauline-epistles

In the News ... "Faithful Business"

Roy Waggoner
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - You might not know it, but TYL Propane stands for Jesus.TYL stands for "Thank You Lord." The Christian faith is a central part of TYL and other businesses across the Basin. At TYL, the name is a response to the business’ success.

Owner Debi Ward said she’s a Christian and believes that all things ultimately come from God, so the focus of the business acknowledges that aspect, flowing out in how the company workers deal with customers.
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Midland group shares prayer request in response to Chinese government crackdown on house churches

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 prayer request in response to Chinese government crackdown on house churches

Released by ChinaAid, November, 2009 ...

"BEIJING, CHINA – On October 26th, in preparation for the International Day of Prayer on November 8, the Chinese House Church Alliance appealed to the international community and churches around the world for prayer on behalf of the persecuted house churches in China. In their letter of appeal, they listed a few of the most severe persecutions of churches and Christians by the Chinese communist government."
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In the News ... "Sunday school class aims to make Christmas happier for military family"

By Megan Lee Buck
Assistant Lifestyle Editor

Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - To kick off the holiday season, Keith Land and his family received 97 cookies, 110 packages of hot chocolate mix, 30 greeting cards, one wooden take-apart toy, one wooden ship toy, four stuffed animals, 45 gift cards to restaurants and grocery stores, $2,065 in cash and a banner with the signatures of several first- through fourth-graders whom the family has never met.

The children are members of First United Methodist Church’s Operation: Faith Challenge Sunday school class. Their mission: to make the holiday season a little happier for one military family.

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In the News ... "Andrews plans 70-foot cross at south end of town"

By Ruth Campbell
Staff Writer

Midland Reporter-Telegram

ANDREWS, TEXAS - What began as a vision from God has propelled Glen Hackler - and many in this 10,500-population community - toward building a 70-foot-high cross about five miles south of town on U.S. Highway 385.

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In the News ... "Ministry DVD"

Roy Waggoner
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Greg T. Anderson grew up "chopping cotton" before moving to Odessa and taking a spot on the 1984 championship Permian football team. Now he’s just released a ministry DVD designed to teach people how to "tap into" the power of God to conquer things in the world that distract people from a spiritual focus.
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In the News ... "Moms to 'Arise! Cry out!' in prayer for their children, schools"

By Megan Lee Buck
Assistant Lifestyle Editor

Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - On November 14, women in 40 countries worldwide, every state in America and more than 49 churches in Texas will gather to pray for their children, grandchildren and the schools in their communities. The global prayer event — Arise! Cry Out! A Worldwide Day of Extraordinary Prayer for Children and Schools — celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Moms In Touch International ministry. Women in Midland and the surrounding areas will meet at Kelview Heights Baptist Church for prayer and fasting from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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In the News ... "Student Ministry"

Veronica Sandate Craker
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - "Walk by faith, not by sight" ... this message can be seen on shirts worn by members of the UTPB Catholic Student Association. Coincidentally the message — from 2 Corinthians 5:7 — reflects the exact situation the group finds itself in, as members work to create a Newman Center at the university.
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In the News ... "Movement seeks to raise awareness of plight of orphans"

By Megan Lee Buck
Assistant Lifestyle Editor

Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Nicole Lancto and her husband Greg are adopting a child from China. Last April the couple submitted their dossier - a package containing extensive personal information - and they have spent countless hours preparing legal paperwork, and arranging for home studies and background checks. Now the Lanctos are busy waiting, often the most time-consuming part of international adoption.

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Reminder: Hear the Truth About the Persecuted Church

First Baptist Church of Midland reminds you that Sunday, November 8, is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. We invite you on that day to come and pray with us.

That Sunday morning, during the first and second services (8:30 and 9:50 a.m.), Pastor Dr. Gary Dyter and Pastor Getaneh Getaneh will bring a message about persecution around the world.

Please join us for the evening service (6:00 p.m.), to pray for our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted around the world. The evening service is open to the public.

FBC-Midland is located at 2104 W. Louisiana Avenue (corner of Louisiana and Garfield), in Midland. For more information, call (432) 683-0600, or (800) 782-6862.

Hear the Truth About the Persecuted Church

First Baptist Church of Midland reminds you that Sunday, November 8, is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. We invite you on that day to come and pray with us.

That Sunday morning, during the first and second services (8:30 and 9:50 a.m.), Pastor Dr. Gary Dyter and Pastor Getaneh Getaneh will bring a message about persecution around the world.

Please join us for the evening service (6:00 p.m.), to pray for our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted around the world. The evening service is open to the public.

FBC-Midland is located at 2104 W. Louisiana Avenue (corner of Louisiana and Garfield), in Midland. For more information, call (432) 683-0600, or (800) 782-6862.