Monday, January 31, 2011

A Quick Word from PC-USA

From Presbyterian Church (USA) - "God comes to us in free and undeserved favor in the person of Jesus Christ who lived, died, and rose for us that we might belong to God and serve Christ in the world. Following Jesus, Presbyterians are engaged in the world and in seeking thoughtful solutions to the challenges of our time."


A Quick Word ...

What's happening in PC(USA) seminaries? Find out at http://www.pcusa.org/news/2011/1/7/seminary-news/

Midland Group Issues "Chinese Law and Religion Monitor" for Jul - Dec 2010

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 Issues "Chinese Law and Religion Monitor" for Jul - Dec 2010

Released by ChinaAid, January, 2011 ...

"MIDLAND, TEXAS – The latest publication of The Chinese Law and Religion Monitor, a biannual publication of China Aid Association, is now available."

"Since 2004,ChinaAid has been publishing the Chinese Law and Religion Monitor, the only journal of its kind in this field. Thousands of copies have been published and disseminated to human rights and religious freedom-related individuals, institutions and organizations, key U.S. government leaders and the United Nations Council on Human Rights. Each edition contains the most current research and analysis of religion and the law. Its purpose is to provide Chinese scholars and researchers, policymakers, lawyers, judges and human-rights advocates with the best available information on the current challenges in the struggle for religious freedom in China, particularly in the area of legislation and rule-making."

"According to the preface by ChinaAid president Bob Fu, “This issue is dedicated to articles on the change of the relationship between the state and the church."

Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

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).

"Give Thanks in All Circumstances"

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

"Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 The Message

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

On the heels of “anger” last week, I’m tossing “give thanks in all circumstances” at you this week. What seemingly ironic information I’m passing along to you! Actually, this scripture came out of last Sunday’s worship at my home church. I was going to lead the time with the young disciples (children’s sermon, if you will) and had been asked to talk about giving God thanks even in the difficult times. Talk about challenging! How was I going to convey that to the under 8 crowd in only five minutes?

Then I remembered one of my children’s favorite books, Jimmy’s Boa Bounces Back by Trinka Hakes Noble. This hilarious little book had my children giggling every time I read it to them. Jimmy’s pet boa constrictor causes a ruckus at a ladies’ garden club party and the illustrations convey that chaos brilliantly.

During worship last Sunday, I shared with our young disciples parts of this adventure and the pandemonium it caused in the lives of those at the party. Then we talked about days in our own lives in which things didn’t go so well…about times that were pretty hard for us. I reminded our young disciples about the Friend they have who will always be with them, even on those difficult days and in those hard times. And then I shared with them that we are to thank this Friend, our gracious God, for being with us in good and bad times.

I love the way the writer of 1 Thessalonians reminds us that we are to give God thanks for accompanying us on this roller coaster journey of life. Even in the midst of darkness and anger, God is with us. Thanks be to God!

I hope you will be able to join us as we pray for the children of our local and global communities this Wednesday, Februuary 2, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s Room at
First Presbyterian Church, Midland. We will have fellowship and lunch ($5) after our prayer gathering.

Your prayers for children are much appreciated! If you have prayer concerns or celebrations about children at risk, those who care for them, have authority over them, or, yes, even those who harm them, please send them to me at at
claufer@facesofchildren.net, or give me a call. Thank you for your prayers for the children of our community and world.

Giving thanks for God’s comforting presence in hard as well as happy times,

Chris

Gospel Bowl for God - TONIGHT

Gospel Bowl for God
Staff Report
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - While the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers may be gearing up and getting ready for the Super Bowl, ministers and pastors around Texas are doing a different kind of warm up for the Minister’s Gospel Bowl II, 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The five-night event at 2121 E. Ninth St. will feature 15 ministers and pastors from Odessa, Midland, Lubbock, Amarillo and Dallas.

Monday: Rev. Charles Sims, Rev. Calvin Lynch and Rev. Q.L. Randall

In the News ... "Messianics practice at Baptist Church"

Messianics practice at Baptist Church
Lyxan Toldanes
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - When someone asks you what religion you follow, more often than not the answer is simple and straightforward. For those who follow Messianic Judaism, however, the answer is not so simple.

Messianic Jews, also called Messianic believers or Messianics, follow Jewish practices and customs, such as observing the Sabbath on Saturday and eating only kosher food. They also believe that Jesus is the Messiah.

“I’m really a part of the Christian community, but I have one foot in the Messianic,” Jack Hubbard said.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Sparkling Mission

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, Annie tells us, 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 NightLight, at charity@nightlightusa.org, and 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 ... "Gospel Bowl for God"

Gospel Bowl for God
Staff Report
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - While the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers may be gearing up and getting ready for the Super Bowl, ministers and pastors around Texas are doing a different kind of warm up for the Minister’s Gospel Bowl II, 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The five-night event at 2121 E. Ninth St. will feature 15 ministers and pastors from Odessa, Midland, Lubbock, Amarillo and Dallas.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Friday, January 28, 2011

A Quick Word from PC-USA

From Presbyterian Church (USA) - "God comes to us in free and undeserved favor in the person of Jesus Christ who lived, died, and rose for us that we might belong to God and serve Christ in the world. Following Jesus, Presbyterians are engaged in the world and in seeking thoughtful solutions to the challenges of our time."


A Quick Word ...

The Presbyterian Minority Outreach Program seeks to provide material needs of those who are unable to make ends meet. More at http://cot.ag/g9EpKS

Word from West Texas: "Perfect Gifts"

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.

Perfect Gifts

John writes, "Finding the perfect gift is a passion for some and a pain for others. Most of us are somewhere in the middle, not worrying too much either way, but, we all know the perfect gift when we see it. Being human, we all have those “I’ve got to have it!” moments but the sensation of having to get it for someone else is a compelling one. There is a delicious agony that builds through the procurement and on through to the delivery into the hands of that unique recipient you have on your heart. The satisfaction and sweet release gained from their response is priceless."
CLICK HERE to read the rest of John's post at Into the West Texas Sun

In the News ... "China Aid president says Obama administration too lenient on foreign policy"

China Aid president says Obama administration too lenient on foreign policy
By Kathleen Thurber
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - While some tout Chinese President Hu Jintao's U.S. visit as an economic success, president of Midland-based China Aid Association called the side-stepping of human rights issues by leaders from both countries a travesty.

"The reality is, a regime that totally destroys human dignity, human rights and freedom to worship should not be treated as an equal partner," China Aid Association President Bob Fu said.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Reports From Lulwanda: December, 2010

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.

December, 2010

"We thank you all for making Lulwanda Children’s home what it is today. We continue to pray and ask you to continue supporting us as God provides so that we can ensure that the children which God has entrusted to us are brought up well to His glory. All our children are doing well, they continue to grow and increase their participation in the home activities every day. They take charge of some of the basic things that the mothers have trained them to do."
CLICK HERE to read the rest of Mukibi's December, 2010 report.

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 1/26/11

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Continue to pray for the children and people of the Democratic Republic of Congo who have been attacked and chased from their homes by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Please pray that the LRA and its leaders are captured and brought to justice soonA report from Reuters/alertnet.org

Pray for the children and adults who have been abducted by this rebel militia in the DRC last year. A fifth of the children kidnapped by this brutally violent group are forced to fight. Four-fifths are used as forced labor and all of the girls are raped. Pray for their healing, their freedom, and their restoration back into their communities.

Kenya
Please be in prayer for the staff and volunteers with Naomi’s Village in Kenya as they begin the selection process, deciding which 100 children will be brought into the new orphanage. Pray for discernment and God’s guidance as they make these difficult decisions. Pray that God will make it very clear which children are to be brought into this children’s home. Pray for the children God will bring to Naomi’s Village.
Give thanks to God for the opportunity to love and rescue children who have no home and no family.

Zimbabwe, South Africa
Please pray for the thousands and thousands of Zimbabwean children and families who face deportation from South Africa in the New Year. An estimated 1.5 million Zimbabweans migrated to South Africa to escape political violence and economic collapse in their home country. Pray for those who will return to Zimbabwe where there is 80 percent unemployment.
Give thanks to God for the work of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) along the Zimbabwe/South Africa border. The IOM offers migrants returning to Zimbabwe medical care, counseling for rape victims, temporary shelter, family tracing for unaccompanied children, free transport home for those without the funds to travel, and small business start-up support.
A report from Reuters/alertnet.org

United States
Please keep 6-year-old Daisy Love Merrick held close in prayer as she goes through her second bout with cancer. Pray for complete healing for this little girl who has experienced so much pain and suffering already. Pray that God surrounds her with a community of love and support. Pray for her family as they make decisions about her care and as they watch their precious child go through cancer treatments once again.
Continue to keep 2-year-old Lane in prayer as doctors try to determine what is causing his seizures. Pray that they will be able to accurately diagnose and treat Lane. Pray that Lane will to adjust to living in a new home—he has been distraught since his family moved to a new house on the family farm. Pray for peace and comfort for Lane and his parents during this transitional time.
Please pray for 5-year-old Gavin who is sick with mononucleosis and was recently hospitalized when he became dehydrated. Pray for comfort during the long period needed to recuperate from this viral infection.
Continue to pray for the children and young people at Children’s Hope Residential Services. Pray that God will bring healing to these emotionally disturbed children, some of whom are quite violent. Pray for the protection of all these children and those who care for them. Give thanks to God for the staff at this facility who care so deeply for these children and young people. Pray that God will sustain them in this difficult and demanding ministry. Pray that God will provide the resources needed to expand this ministry so it can help even more children.

Faces of Children
Please keep Faces of Children intercessor Margaret Purvis held close in prayer as she recovers from recent surgeries. Pray that Margaret will heal completely.
Please pray for Peachy, the daughter of a Faces of Children prayer partner, who is suffering from debilitating headaches, dizziness, hearing blockage, and continuous body shakes. Pray that Peachy will be able to find a compassionate physician who will listen to her and diagnose her correctly. Pray for healing for this young woman and peace for her family.
Give thanks to God for the opportunity to share the ministry of Faces of Children with members of the Midland Rotary Club recently.
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 ... "Healing power of prayer"

Healing power of prayer
Lyxan Toldanes
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - For some people, going to a doctor or a hospital may not be enough of a solution when dealing with a serious illness or disability.

Some turn to prayer while others turn to faith healers, those in the Catholic religion who have been blessed with the gift of physical healing.

Priests and lay men around the world conduct faith-healing services wherein crowds of thousands attend in the hopes of a cure for cancer, blindness or even a disability. Many believers who attend these services even give testimonies of miraculous cures to their ailment.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

In the News ... "Jubilee Center volunteers come together to help working poor"

Jubilee Center volunteers come together to help working poor
By Meagan Lee Buck
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - In May of 2004, the Rev. Josie Rose and a handful of volunteers packed 25 boxes of food to hand out to needy families. When only 12 families showed up at the Jubilee Center to accept the food, she was a little disappointed at the missed opportunity to help more people.

Six years later, families are lining up around the building every other Saturday and the center's volunteers are preparing more than 200 food boxes.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Teichert Prayer Letter for January

Karl and Jenny Teichert are serving the Lord as missionaries with OC Africa, in South Africa. They moved to Johannesburg in November, 1997 with their four children; Ann, Scott, Stephen and John. Karl serves as the Southern Africa Director of the Southern Africa Regional Team. Their vision is to see a healthy, Bible-based church established in every un-reached village and community in South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia and beyond. Their strategy is to partner with key African church leaders to research, train, and mobilize the body of Christ to complete the Great Commission. They are striving to equip local leaders in Southern Africa to reach their nations for Christ and send missionaries into other countries as well. Karl’s ministry focuses on research, church planting, and leadership development training. In addition to caring for their four children, Jenny enjoys ministering through hospitality and equipping Sunday school teachers

January Prayer Letter, ...

Sometimes you need a little help from a friend — or two friends, for that matter. In our team’s case, we had the privilege of having Daniel and Ellen Oh, life-based mentors from OC International and Safe Harbor Ministries, facilitate a one-week session of team building and healthy family life cultivation. The Ohs travel around the globe ministering, coaching, and helping people seek transformational growth and change in Christ.

The Ohs came alongside our team as personalized life coaches and life-based mentors. They listened. They encouraged. They guided. They helped us examine our life experiences; positive and negative, as teachable moments.

Each life experience provides a life-giving and transformational message from the LORD. For our team which spends the majority of our time coaching, mentoring, listening, and caring for the felt needs of others in southern Africa, this was a week of blessing, rejuvenation, and refocus.

As we mentioned, the Ohs have a ministry called Safe Harbor. Daniel says:
Ellen and I have had the privilege of providing a “safe harbor ministry” in a life-based mentoring context to people throughout the world. Our hope and prayer is that we can encourage them to listen to God as they try to discern his life messages for them, so that they can gratefully embrace the shaping hand of God in their past, humbly walk in the present where God has placed them, and boldly move into the future with confidence and conviction.

Are you in need of a safe harbor? Our team has experienced the significant impact and blessing of Safe Harbor firsthand. We highly recommend them to you. You can contact Daniel Oh directly at his e-mail address: danieloh@oci.org


After all, we all need a little help from a friend,
Karl, Jenny, Ann, Scott, Stephen, and John

OC Africa is an interdenominational ministry committed to developing, equipping, and mobilizing church leaders to multiply healthy, Bible-based churches in every community in Southern Africa and the world. OC is a faith-based mission who depends on the Lord to provide committed, financial supporters and partners. The contributions from these individuals help generate ministry opportunities around the world, impact missionaries and their global work, and provide a means for the International Mobilization Center to function. CLICK HERE to learn how YOU can be a part of mobilizing church leaders around the world by donating to OC.

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).

"Anger"

"“What is not love is fear. Anger is one of fear’s most potent faces. And it does exactly what the fearful ego wants it to do: It keeps us from receiving love at exactly the moment when we need it most. Our greatest need, when fearful, is to be able to express how scared we are. Instead, of course, we are often tempted to express anger, meekly hoping that somehow, someone will read our minds and say, ‘I know you’re only angry because you feel so scared. Come here and I’ll love you.’ There are those rare moments when the other person is evolved enough to do that; in the vast majority of cases, however, our anger will send others further and further away from us, increasing our pain and our terror.

In the realm of mental energy, what we give to others stays with us. That is true of both love and fear. Anger, then, is not to be denied but surrendered to God. Our prayer is to be shown an alternative way of conflict resolution. We want both to be in touch with our anger and to release our anger. What we do not want is to project our anger onto someone else in the false belief that we will then feel better. Such behavior offers only temporary relief. Before we express our anger to others, the attitude of empowerment is to express our anger as well as our pain to God. God can handle it. The line ‘Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord’ actually means just that. When the anger mounts, call on God. Tell God first.”

Dear God,
Take from me my rage.
I feel such anger from my pain, my frustration, and my disappointment.
I throw my anger in so many inappropriate places.
I do not contain it or use it creatively.

Dear God,
Please grant me serenity and peace that I might know my power within my peace.
Transmute my rage, transform my anger that I might not direct it against others or myself,
That it might be undone, unraveled through the grace of God.
Where I am focusing on someone’s guilt, please show me his innocence, for I know that my attack on him is my own damnation.
I am willing to see everyone’s innocence.
Please show it to me.
Thank you.
Bless us all.
Amen"

Illuminata, a Return to Prayer by Marianne Williamson

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

The last couple of days I’ve been overwhelmed with grief for children and families in some very painful situations. The sudden death of a young woman leaving three children motherless…. A young man and his girlfriend, both drug addicts, and the premature baby they just delivered who is having seizures … Another young mother who suffered a major stroke and whose life hangs in the balance … A child is gunned down in front of a grocery store … The mass rape of girls and women in the Democratic Republic of Congo… Children and parents enslaved by the Burma Army, forced to be porters and land mine sweeps... Anger, that potent face of fear, and grief, its distant cousin, enveloped me.

As I searched for devotion material, I found Williamson’s writings on anger and gave God thanks for these words and prayers. Taking these overwhelming feelings to God in prayer is the only way I know how to survive the anger, the rage, the grief, and the paralyzing fear for at-risk children that bubbles up more often than I care to admit

Thank you for sharing your deep feelings about the at-risk children of our local and global communities with God through prayer. God bless you for your compassion and love for these little ones and those who care for them. The Midland Faces of Children prayer group will meet on Wednesday, January 26, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s Room at
First Presbyterian Church, Midland, to pray in one accord for suffering children everywhere. Fellowship and lunch ($5) will follow..

Your prayers for children are much appreciated! If you have prayer concerns or celebrations about children at risk, those who care for them, have authority over them, or, yes, even those who harm them, please send them to me at at
claufer@facesofchildren.net, or give me a call. Thank you for your prayers for the children of our community and world.

Advent blessings,
Chris

In the News ... "A Bible a day ..."

A Bible a day ...
Lyxan Toldanes
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The members of Chapel Hill Baptist Church can happily cross one book off their reading lists when Dec. 31 arrives. All members of the church are participating in a goal to read the entire Bible in one year.

Pastor Jeff Box said he got the idea after reading several surveys that reported Americans’ lack of religious knowledge of the Bible.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Midland Group Reports Crackdown on Chinese Christian Religious Activities

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 Crackdown on Chinese Christian Religious Activities

Released by ChinaAid, January, 2011 ...

"XINJIANG, CHINA – During the Christmas season, Chinese authorities continued to crack down on religious activities in China. On Sunday, authorities in far northwest China’s region of Xinjiang broke up a gathering of 31 Christians, both Han Chinese and Uyghur, in Shache County, Kashgar. Also, a government-approved Three-Self Patriotic Movement church in Longhua, Hebei province, was shut down because the number of people in attendance exceeded the limit set by the government."
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

In the News ... "Stonegate to host Voice of the Martyrs conference"

Stonegate to host Voice of the Martyrs conference
By Sarah Higgins
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Sitting on the floor of a jungle in the Philippines, Gracia Burnham couldn't remember the last time she slept. She counted down from 500 to pass the time, and she sometimes wondered if God had forgotten about her and her husband, Martin. The couple recited passages from the Bible to each other to remind themselves of what they were struggling to believe: "I have loved you with an everlasting love ...." (Jeremiah 31:3)

Burnham will be speaking at a regional conference for Voice of the Martyrs, an interdenominational non-profit organization that supports Christians around the world who are persecuted for their beliefs. The event, Jan. 29 at Stonegate Fellowship, will bring in speakers from a variety of backgrounds, including two who have been imprisoned in foreign countries for their Christian faith.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Got Prayer? ... Got Bear?

(there's no charge ... just look for one of the baskets inside any of the main doors of the church, which is located on the northwest corner of Texas and A streets, at the west edge of downtown Midland)

Dear Friend,
I'm Just a teddy bear, it's true,
but I have a message to bring to you;
I've been to church, and sat in a pew,
and I've been hugged by quite a few;
I've bowed my head when they said a prayer;
I've been charged with love by those who care.
And now I've come to live with you -
to bring you joy when you are blue,
to let you know that others care
and want all your days and nights to share.
So keep me close and squeeze me tight,
and know God's love makes all things right.

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

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

Friday, January 21, 2011

Partners Blog: "Where Would We Go?"

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.

Where Would We Go?

"Recently I was sitting in the woods deep in Karen state with 33 other men. We were near the site of the attacks from earlier this year and together we were discussing the effect the attacks had on their lives. To reach this place I had already walked 12 days visiting other villages and pockets of Internally Displaced People (IDPs), many of whom were from the villages represented by the headmen now meeting with me in the woods. As we talked I began to more fully understand the plight of the IDPs living in the area."
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post


Wednesday, January 19, 2011

FBR Report: "Mission Report From South-Eastern Shan State - Photo Album"

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 (Myanmar). 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.

"Mission Report From South-Eastern Shan State - Photo Album"

MISSION SUMMARY:
Four Shan relief teams went on a mission to provide humanitarian assistance to villagers and displaced people in South-Eastern Shan State. The mission ran from September 28th, 2010 until October 7th, 2010. Altogether they visited 14 villages in San Loi Pang Pi area in Mung Pan Township, and 5 villages in San Loi Kung Mao area in Lang Hko Township. The teams would set up a program outside the village for a short period of time and villagers would travel there to receive medical aid and participate in Good Life Club programs. The teams were able to give medical aid to 350 villagers.

* NOTE - villagers faces are blocked for security reasons.

Team member checking villager for malaria
Jungle dentist
Good Life Program - Giving health education

Showing movie to villagers
Team member carrying medicine and gear

Villagers after Good Life Club program
Thank you for your support in helping these teams make a difference bringing help, hope, and love in Shan State, Burma.

Thank you and may God Bless you,
FBR Shan Teams

Monday, January 17, 2011

Midland Group Reports Christmas Persecutions of Chinese 'House Church' Christians

The China Aid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

Midland Group Reports Christmas Persecutions of Chinese 'House Church' Christians

Released by ChinaAid, December, 2010 ...

"MIDLAND, TEXAS – Christmas brought no let-up in the Chinese government’s persecution of house church Christians, with more reports coming to ChinaAid Association of Christians being detained, Christmas services disrupted and another group of house church Christians left with no place to meet."
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Traveling Mission

A TassaTag is a 4” x 6” bright, heavy, hand-woven cotton luggage tag that helps you spot your luggage more easily while reclaiming children's lives. It is practical, environmentally sensitive, fair trade, and with it you can make a difference.

With a TassaTag you support
ECPAT-USA. This is a non-profit children's rights organization whose mission is to protect all children from commercial sexual exploitation, and is the US Chapter of Thailand-based ECPAT (End Child Prostitution and Trafficking) International, working at the community, national and international levels.

With a TassaTag you support The Regina Center in Nong Khai, Thailand, which provides education and income generating skills and opportunities for women. All proceeds from sales are returned to the producers. The project enables women to stay in their villages and keep their children in school, which are two major strategies in reducing sex trafficking.

CLICK HERE to learn more about this project
CLICK HERE to learn more about sex slavery and trafficking
CLICK HERE to order TassaTags

With a TassaTag you will be part of the ECPAT project by increasing the recognition of the TassaTag logo as a symbol against the sexual slavery and trafficking of children, raising greater awareness of this major illegal trade around the world, and being a voice positively addressing a serious children's rights issue.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Partners Blog: "Par's Story"

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.

Par's Story

"Par is a lady in her early fifties from Shan State, Burma. When I first met her she seemed to be an odd fit in a group of young people mainly in their twenties. She has a twinkle and strength in her eyes and when she talks, she talks like one with wisdom gained through personal experience.

This is her story, and one that I am sure would be repeated throughout Shan State.

Shan State is a part of what used to be known as the Golden Triangle an area infamous for it’s drug trade, but while other countries like Thailand have worked hard to rid themselves of this reputation, Burma continues to produce and use huge amounts of drugs. The money earned from this is pocketed by local drug lords and even the Burma Army itself. Burma has the inauspicious honor of being rated only behind Afghanistan as the second largest producer of Opium in the world."
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

FBR Report: "Mission Report From South-Eastern Shan State"

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 (Myanmar). 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.

"Mission Report From South-Eastern Shan State"

MISSION SUMMARY:
Four Shan relief teams went on a mission to provide humanitarian assistance to villagers and displaced people in South-Eastern Shan State. The mission ran from September 28th, 2010 until October 7th, 2010. Altogether they visited 14 villages in San Loi Pang Pi area in Mung Pan Township, and 5 villages in San Loi Kung Mao area in Lang Hko Township. The teams would set up a program outside the village for a short period of time and villagers would travel there to receive medical aid and participate in Good Life Club programs. The teams were able to give medical aid to 350 villagers.

Also on this mission one of the FBR team members was shot and killed by the Burma Army. He was killed on September 14th 2010 as he was giving humanitarian assistance to people in need in Shan State, Burma. While on a relief mission Sai Yod (name changed to protect his family) was shot in the back and killed by Burma Army troops from IB 99, MOC 17, commanded by Aung Than Tai. Sai Yod was the team camera man as well as one of the Good Life Club team members who focused on helping children. He was a kind and smiling man who loved to help others, endured hardship without complaint and loved children. He was a hard worker, tough, and never surrendered. The people he helped had a funeral service for Sai Yod and the team continued the relief mission. We will do our best to help his family and are grateful for your prayers.

We miss Sai Yod but believe that we will see him again in the place where all tears are wiped away.

"Greater love has no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends" -- John 15:13

BURMA ARMY ACTIVITY:
In Mung Pan and Lang Hko townships the Burma Army controls most villages and sends out patrols regularly. Most large Burma Army camps have 150 soldiers and send out patrols of 35-40 man details to the villages and on the roads. These patrols take what they want from the villagers, tax the villager's crops, and plant spies to live with the villagers.

In Lang Hko Township there is a 'Peoples Militia' consisting of 400 soldiers under Burma Army control. These 400 soldiers come from four different villages: Wan Haat, Na Kong, Mark Un Lao, and Pang Ta Wie. In Burmese the Peoples Militia is called "Pitdosit". The leaders of the Pitdosit (people's militia) in Lang Hko area are:
1. Lung Yo
2. Lung Chuay Puun
3. Lung Kandamar.

It was in one of the villages in Lang Khur Township that FBR team member Sai Yod was killed by the Burma Army.

In spite of the presence of the Burma Army and their proxy forces, The Shan State Army (pro-democracy ethnic resistance force) enjoys support in these areas and facilitates humanitarian assistance for the Shan people.

VILLAGER SITUATION:
Currently there are no new IDPs in Lang Hko and Mung Pan area, however the Burma Army is in and around every village taking taxes and whatever they want from the villagers.

In San Loi Bang Pi (Mung Pan Township) there are 15 villages but there is only one school which is in Mae Bok village. The villagers don't have money to build schools, much less pay for teachers. The Burmese government will not build schools for them so if they want to study they have to walk several hours to Mae Pok village and join in the Burmese school.

In the San Loi Kung Mao area (Lang Hko Township), there are 14 villages and 4 schools. The schools are in:
1. Bang Ta Wie
2. Huay Niang
3. Pung Lao
4. Sam Pu

TEAM SUMMARY:
The teams interviewed villagers, conducted Good Life Club programs including teaching basic health, singing songs, and playing games. They gave medical aid and were able to visit, and encourage the villagers.

NEXT WEEK: A Photo Album

Thank you for your support in helping these teams make a difference bringing help, hope, and love in Shan State, Burma.

Thank you and may God Bless you,
FBR Shan Teams

Monday, January 10, 2011

Midland Group Share's Chinese Pastor's Letter of Thanks

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 Share's Chinese Pastor's Letter of Thanks

Released by ChinaAid, December, 2010 ...

"GUANGZHOU, CHINA – Dear esteemed Pastor Bob Fu,

Peace in Christ! Thank you and your team for your concern, help and support for the Liangren Church in Guangzhou and for me. You stand steadfastly with the persecuted house church in China, bearing up under great pressure. Wherever there is persecution, the persecuted there receive phone calls from you that encourage and comfort, especially those calls from the human rights lawyers who work with you. They are like guardian angels, frequently appearing before clients from disadvantaged social groups who are suffering hardships and tribulation. Hereby, let me express my deep respect and gratitude to you and the team under your guidance. Chinese society sorely needs elites like you fighting for justice to champion the rights of the common people!"

Read the Rest of the Letter from ChinaAid

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Rolling Mission

Founded in 2001, Free Wheelchair Mission is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing wheelchairs for the impoverished disabled in developing nations. Headquartered in Irvine, California, FWM works around the world in partnership with a vast network of humanitarian, faith-based and government organizations, sending wheelchairs to hundreds of thousands of disabled people, providing not only the gift of mobility, but of dignity, independence, and hope.

"Our mission is to transform lives through the gift of mobility to
the physically disabled poor in developing countries
as motivated by Jesus Christ.
Our vision is to provide 20 million wheelchairs."


Want to take one for a test drive? During normal business hours, visit the lobby at the Texas Street entrance of First Presbyterian Church-Midland, at the northwest corner of Texas and A streets, on the west side of downtown Midland. For $51.29, you can give the gift of mobility. You can donate by mailing FWC, calling them, or visiting their website.

Free Wheelchair Mission
9341 Irvine Boulevard
Irvine, CA 92618

(800) 733-0858

www.freewheelchairmission.org/

Friday, January 7, 2011

Partners Blog: "Christmas in Mae Sot"

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.

Christmas in Mae Sot

"Last year at Christmas time our office here in Mae Sot was planning our Staff Christmas party and we decided at the last minute to throw out our staff party and instead do a party at the Partners Mae Sot Farm for all of the migrant workers who live in the area. These people are in Thailand illegally from Burma and work for the Thai land owners for about 100 baht a day. About 3 Dollars US."

"They live in small bamboo shanties that are scattered around the fields where they work. Last year we were told 50 people were going to show up and we stopped counting at 100. Miraculously the food did not run out."
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

FBR Report: "A Closeness Born of Gratitude, Common Purpose and Love - Part 2"

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 (Myanmar). 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.

"A Closeness Born of Gratitude, Common Purpose and Love - Part 2"

"Dear friends, Thanks so much for how you help us and for how you care about the people of Burma. We are relaying this out from Karen State and want you to know how grateful we are for each of you."

"A few days ago in a village we had visited before, the headmaster of the school came up to me and, smiling broadly, said, 'We thank God for you, you are such a blessing to us and are always bringing us the good things that we need. We pray that God will bless you and that you will keep coming here!'"

"I replied, 'Actually I do not have very much. It is my friends from around the world who give these things to us to give to you. Without them we could not do this. So they are really the ones to thank.'"

"'Oh yes, I understand,' was the headmaster's reply. 'We thank God for them and pray God's abundant blessing on them. Please tell them all how grateful we are and how they send the things we need. We see how they help you help us. Please tell them we will pray for them!'"

"So I am writing to let you know how you are a crucial part of this team. We are each in our different places and in our different roles, working together to help make a better Burma. Not only that, this service helps us to be the kind of people we want to be. Your encouragement and support makes us want to live up to the highest standards of love, courage and honor."

"Earlier, on December 6, our team held a medical treatment, fun run and Good Life Club (GLC) program in a rice field valley near Tha Dah Der village. The village had been burned by the Burma Army in July, 2010. It was the fifth time the village had been overrun by the Burma Army since 1958 and the third time it had been burned. In spite of these attacks there was an overwhelming feeling of joy as over 450 children, from four different schools, gathered here for the program."

"I would like to have two of the team members describe this day; one is 'Ant,' part of the GLC team [read Ant's report in last week's post], and one is my father [below] who, at age 81, traveled by foot, mule and elephant to be part of the training of the teams and the first mission after graduation."

Part 2: My Father

Tha Dah Der villagers worship next to ashes of their burned church

"Children, youth, and adults had come together for the races, songs, Bible stories, drama, health training and medical examinations. After the races the Karen Brigade Commander, General Baw Kyaw, addressed the villagers and the 17 FBR teams. The multi ethnic four man teams had come together to this village after completing their 2 months of training at the FBR camp. From here they will begin their missions to other villages further inside.

FBR medics treat a patient at Tha Dah Der

The General said, "I want to thank God and Tha U Wah A Pa [the White Monkey's father] for bringing joy to our people. With all the pressures and dangers around us we have not been joyful. [Earlier this morning, machine gun and grenade fire was heard from a skirmish on the road about an hour's walk away.] Today I see happiness on the faces of the children. I could not bring this joy, but you brought it, and I am grateful."

Feeding the elephants at the beginning of the day

Earlier, I talked to two new FBR team members, both university graduates. Daniel, a Karen, had been a concert pianist and the other, Naw Ya, is a Karenni woman. Both had struggled through the strenuous physical part of the training. I asked them, "What were some of the important things you gained from the FBR training?" I was very impressed by their answers.

Tha Dah Der congregation at the site of their burned church

Naw Ya replied, "Peace! I had peace all through the training because everything was done for and with God. I have attended many training programs but never where we did everything for God and with God. When I return, I will organize my training programs to teach what I learned here - doing everything for God and with God."

"Daniel answered, 'Closeness! I feel very close to the FBR team members and to the Karen all over Burma. Before I only felt close to the Karen right around me, but now I feel close to every Karen. Now, I feel close not only to my Karen people, but also to the Lahu, Karenni, Pa-Oh, Kachin, Naga and Mon, because they were with us in the training.'"

"Even though we are far away from you dear reader, we also feel a closeness to you. This is a closeness born of gratitude, common purpose and love."

May God bless you all,

A Relief Team leader
Free Burma Rangers
Burma

In the News ... "A new religion for a new year"

A new religion for a new year
Lyxan Toldanes
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - While many people mark the first day in the New Year as the time for changes, others are already in the midst of it.

Those who have committed themselves to converting to a new faith or religion have already been enrolled in classes for weeks or months to assimilate themselves into their new church environment.

Unlike New Year’s resolutions left at the wayside after a few weeks, introductory classes offered at various churches are a way for people to fully dedicate themselves to their newfound faith.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Reports From Lulwanda: November Photo Album

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.

November Photo Album

CLICK HERE to view the rest of Mukibi's May, 2010 photo album.
"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 4 and 13. Here are a few fun photos from recent activities around Lulwanda Children's Home"