Midland Group Reports America, Great Britain Speak out to Help Free Chinese Church Leader

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 America, Great Britain Speak out to Help Free Chinese Church Leader

Released by ChinaAid, February, 2011 ...

"MIDLAND, TEXAS – On February 16, 2011, Congressman Joe Pitts from Pennsylvania gave a one-minute speech on the House Floor, calling for action to free Dr. Fan Yafeng (Beijing legal scholar and house church leader) from house arrest."

"Congressman Pitts stated that the Chinese government's treatment of Dr. Fan included "systematic interrogation, search and seizure, and torture," and that "He is currently under house arrest, guarded by police in Beijing and cut off from the outside world."
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).

"All Shall Be Well"

""But all shall be well,
and all shall be well,
and all manner of thing shall be well."
Lady Julian of Norwich

"In her Showings - a discussion of sixteen revelations given to her by God - Lady Julian says that God, in tender love, comforts all those trapped in pain and sin by speaking these words over them."

Prayers from the Heart By Richard J. Foster

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

The thought of God tenderly speaking these words over the children of
our communities brings me great comfort. Let us join our voices together
for the at-risk and hurting children of the world using Lady Julian's
prayer of reassurance.

We will meet to pray for children at-risk on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s Room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland. Please join us for prayer, and then fellowship and lunch ($5) afterwards.

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.

Blessings,

Chris

Mercy Trips Uganda Mission:January 23, 2011 / Destination … Uganda

Partnering with local healthcare workers and churches in medically underserved countries, Odessa, Texas-based Mercy Trips Healthcare Outreach provides free medical clinics and surgical care as an outreach of Christian love for our fellow man.

January 23, 2011 / Destination … Uganda

"Pray, Plan, Pack, Pack Pack…The suitcases were stuffed and even though one was way overweight the airline let it go through without charging and extra fee. Thank you American Airlines." (more)

CLICK HERE to visit Mercy Trips' blog.

In the News ... "Midland Bible Church oversees former intern's missionary work in Uganda"

Midland Bible Church oversees former intern's missionary work in Uganda
By Sara Higgins
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Natalie Rolfe, 28, begins each day at 6 a.m., waiting for the sun to rise. She goes for a run through the streets on the outskirts of the lush, green town of Mbale in Uganda. As she runs, children come out to greet her and follow her on her journey. Some drop off when they reach their school; others simply follow Rolfe until they venture too far from home to continue. Forty-five minutes later, the missionary is at work, happily greeting and socializing with her Ugandan co-workers. She plays games with and tickles children who call her "teach-ah" and "Auntie Na-TAH-lie."

This was once only a nondescript dream for a 14-year-old Rolfe living in Austin, who had an inexplicable curiosity about Africa and the children who lived there. She said there was no explanation but that God had written Africa into her future plans.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer.

The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matt. 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

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Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 28, 2011

Education was one of the emphases of the Rev. David Riitho Gathanju, moderator of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), as he addressed the General Assembly. Since I had just been asked to work as a mission co-worker in leadership training, I was thrilled to hear his enthusiasm about its importance.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer.

The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matt. 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

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Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 27, 2011

In her book Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival, Velma Wallis writes about two women whose nomadic family left them to die, but they summoned the courage and skills to survive an extremely cold winter. Abandoned because of their fragility and age, these women said, "Let us die trying."
CLICK HERE to read more.

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

March 13 is Global Day of Prayer for Burma

"TOGETHER WE SEEK FOR JUSTICE, JUST AS THE WIDOW DID, CRYING OUT TO GOD DAY AND NIGHT. WE BELIEVE GOD ANSWERS OUR PRAYERS."
Karen Eubank, Christians Concerned for Burma

PRAYER GUIDE - Thank you for the past 13 years of praying on this Global Day of Prayer for Burma. We have included some stories this year that we and ethnic relief teams, who live year round inside Burma, wrote while in different ethnic areas. In spite of the obstacles and our own failings, when we pray together and obey, look what God does.
Psalm 107:1-3

Please use this book as a guide to pray, think and act as God leads you for the people of Burma.
CLICK HERE to download the prayer guide

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Partners Relief & Development is a registered charity in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States, working with communities impacted by war in Burma. "Through holistic action, we demonstrate God’s love to children and communities made vulnerable by war in Burma."

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer.

The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matt. 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

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Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 26, 2011

As we drove through the Ethiopian countryside, I noticed the similarities between rural southwest Ethiopia and northwestern Pennsylvania. Hilly and covered with trees, I recalled drives with my family through similar terrain. Along the drive through lush forests on dirt roads, however, I saw a great need for shalom in rural Ethiopia.
CLICK HERE to read more.

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."

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A Quick Word ...

Dubuque Seminary makes online education work for seminary students. More at http://www.pcusa.org/news/

In the News ... "Matthew West to perform 'The Story of Your Life' at Golf Course Road Church of Christ"

Matthew West to perform 'The Story of Your Life' at Golf Course Road Church of Christ
By Sara Higgins
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Contemporary Christian singer Matthew West will perform at Golf Course Road Church of Christ 7 p.m. Sunday as part of his "The Story of Your Life" tour.

"It's more than a concert or a show," Golf Course Road worship minister Kent Rogers said. "It's going to be an experience of people's stories."
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Blood Drive Urgency in West Texas

With the frigid and wintry conditions West Texas experienced, earlier this month, we need your help! Due to those wintry storms, United Blood Services has experienced a severe depletion of its blood supply. The cancellation of blood drives and the cold weather are all contributing factors. If there is any way that you can help by spreading the word, signing up as many people as you can to donate at your drive and donating yourself if possible, we would very much appreciate it. In-center donations are way down so the more convenient we can make donating the better chance we have of meeting our hospitals needs.

First Presbyterian Church-Midland's blood drive is this Sunday, February 27th from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon in the Bride's Room. Please call Rhondy at the church 684-7821, to schedule your appointment time.

Thank you for helping in this request for help!

In the News ... "FUMC launches citywide 'God Bless Midland' campaign"

FUMC launches citywide 'God Bless Midland' campaign
By Sara Higgins
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - First United Methodist Church congregation member Jill Dolloff's always got blessings on her mind.

She carries around cards that say "God loves you" and hands them out to almost everyone she meets in what she calls "random acts of kindness." She passes one card out as she goes through a drive-thru; another she leaves with a tip at a restaurant.

"I think it's just so awesome how you can see the joy you bring to people with such small things," Dolloff said.

Dolloff and other members of FUMC said they will expand their scope of shared blessings during the church's recently announced outreach initiative called "God Bless Midland."
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer.

The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matt. 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

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Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 25, 2011

This is a holy place. Here we experience Holy Communion. Sitting on benches under an old Wadessa tree, munching bread and drinking sweet cinnamon spiced chai, is like participating in Holy Communion with disciples hungry for the Word of life and promise for their lives and their people.
CLICK HERE to read more.

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."

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A Quick Word ...

Are you a fan of PC(USA) on Facebook? Follow us at http://www.facebook.com/pcusa

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 2/23/11

Egypt
• Please keep the children and people of Egypt in prayer during this season of political unrest. Pray for those who have been hurt in the fighting between political factions. Pray for children who have witnessed this violence, for those who are terrified by it, and for those who are deeply affected by it.
A report from The Washington Post
A report from Reuters/alertnet.org
• Pray for the peaceful transfer of leadership in Egypt. Pray for Christian children and families in Egypt during this time of unrest and upheaval.
A report from Yahoo News

Haiti
• Please pray for the 810,000 children and people of Haiti who still struggle to survive more than a year after the January 2010 earthquake. Pray for those who live in tents and makeshift shelters in the 1,150 camps set up after the earthquake. Pray for those still without proper shelter, electricity, sufficient food and medical care, employment, and education.
A report from The Washington Post

Zambia ( CURE International – www.helpcurenow.org )
• Pray for the disabled children receiving treatment at the CURE International Hospital in Zambia and for the medical staff and caregivers there. Also pray for two 18-year-old young women, Karen and Christine.

United States
• Pray for 2-year-old Ethan who is at the center of a custody battle. Pray that Ethan would be placed in the best possible home for him at this time in his life. Pray for a loving and supportive community to surround this little boy. Pray that Ethan’s mother might be healed from her addiction to heroin…she has recently relapsed.
• Please keep Carrie, a young mother with 3-year-old twins and a 1-year-old, and her family in prayer as she begins treatment for a brain tumor. Pray for God’s healing touch and for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. Pray that God will guide Carrie and her family as they make difficult decisions about her medical care. Pray for the physicians and staff she encounters at the cancer center—that they will be thorough and kind in caring for this young mom.
• Pray that 1-year-old Madison*will continue to gain weight and thrive in her paternal grandparents’ care. Pray for her mother who recently lost custody of Madison because she wasn’t feeding her regularly. Madison has a feeding tube and must receive nourishment on a consistent basis or she loses weight easily. Pray that Madison’s mother and maternal grandmother will understand what is best for this little girl and be supportive instead of angry.
• Give thanks to God that 10-year-old Katherine was able to have emergency dental surgery to take care of the severe infection in her mouth. Pray for healing and comfort as she recovers from having several teeth pulled and the infection treated.
• Pray for children and families who are homeless during this winter season. Pray that God will provide shelter and stability for them during this winter’s dangerous storms.
• Give thanks to God for the young life of Christina Taylor Green, a 9-year-old girl who was killed in Tucson, Arizona by a gunman on January 8. Pray for her friends, classmates, family, and other children in her community who were deeply affected by her death.
     o Pray that parents, caregivers, and teachers are able to find the right words and actions that will help children deal with their grief and fear in constructive ways.
     o Please pray for the families of the others killed in this tragic incident and pray God will bring them peace. Pray for God’s healing touch on those who were injured.
A report from ABC News
A report from The Washington Post



Faces of Children
• Give thanks to God for the life of Margaret Farley, a Faces of Children intercessor in Sanderson, Texas, who died February 8, 2011. Please keep Margaret’s family and friends held close in prayer during their season of sorrow.
• 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 ... "Catholic churches transform"

Catholic churches transform
Lyxan Toldanes
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - For the past few months, Catholic churches around Odessa were busy planning and literally undergoing drastic transformations to their church landscapes.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer.

The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matt. 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

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Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 24, 2011

A ngelic is my Sudanese sister and Across colleague, who works in our Juba office as an administrative assistant. Named by a Catholic priest, she is from Nimule and is the widowed mother of three sons: Christopher, the firstborn; Saviour, so named because he was born at Christmas; and Pasquale, the youngest. Angelic's young adult life was spent in the Alere Refugee Camp, Uganda.
CLICK HERE to read more.

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."

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A Quick Word ...

In opening addresses, WCC leaders stress unity. More at www.pcusa.org/news/

Collegiate Day of Prayer is Thursday, February 24

"As the students go, so goes our nation! If we win the spiritual battles across our nation but neglect our college campuses all our progress will be undone in a generation.Therefore, students today need our support and earnest prayers. However, college students don't just need more prayer, they need our UNITED prayer. Without a greater degree of genuine unified prayer our hopes and dreams for this generation may never be realized. According to Matthew 18:18-20, the greater the number united in faith and prayer, the easier the battle for this generation can be won. Just as a team of horses can move a heavy load faster and easier together, so our greatest barriers can be better overcome through united prayer."

CLICK HERE for more information about Thursday's Collegiate Day of Prayer

In the News ... "Family Promise completes first week in Midland"

Family Promise completes first week in Midland
By Kathleen Thurber
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Watching as her daughters ran down the hallway with their Dora toys one recent evening, the 19-year-old single mother of two shook her head, smiled and slowly trailed after her crew.

The 3- and 5-year-old girls dressed in matching light pink had made themselves right at home at Grace Lutheran Church, where the family stayed throughout last week as part of the kickoff of Midland's Family Promise program.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer.

The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matt. 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

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Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 23, 2011

Nile Theological College is a bastion of faith in Sudan. Many students come to the college from Southern Sudan, where civil war raged for decades.
CLICK HERE to read more.

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."

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A Quick Word ...

Belhar Confession generating spirited discussion online. More at www.pcusa.org/news/

Blood Drive Urgency in West Texas

Despite the frigid and wintry conditions outside, we need your help! Due to this month's storms, United Blood Services has experienced a severe depletion of its blood supply. The cancellation of blood drives and the cold weather are all contributing factors. If there is any way that you can help by spreading the word, signing up as many people as you can to donate at your drive and donating yourself if possible, we would very much appreciate it. In-center donations are way down so the more convenient we can make donating the better chance we have of meeting our hospitals needs.

First Presbyterian Church-Midland's blood drive is this Sunday, February 27th from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon in the Bride's Room. Please call Rhondy at the church 684-7821, to schedule your appointment time.

Thank you for helping in this request for help!

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).

"Thanking God for You"

"Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you’re in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Creator,
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, The Message By Eugene H. Peterson

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

Indeed, I give thanks to God for you and the work you are doing in God’s Kingdom…for your prayers of compassion and love for God’s children, young and old. Thank you!

On Wednesday, Februuary 23, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s Room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland, will meet to pray for children at-risk. We will have fellowship and lunch ($5) after our prayer gathering.

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 God thanks for you,

Chris

In the News ... "African group to perform at Immanuel Baptist"

African group to perform at Immanuel Baptist
Lyxan Toldanes
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - In Southern Africa in the land-locked country of Zambia, a group of more than 250 school children, mostly orphans, are getting the rare opportunity of a free education at the Zambian Vocal Group Academy.

More than 8,000 miles away, the school’s namesake, Zambian Vocal Group, tour from coast to coast, performing at schools and churches, which, in turn, help the group raise money to run their school. The group is stopping by Immanuel Baptist Church at 7 p.m. Wednesday, where love offerings will be collected to help the group in their mission.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer.

The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matt. 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

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Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 22, 2011

Everywhere you travel throughout Rwanda you see so-called jerry cans. You see them in the country and in the cities. I'm sure that originally they were bright yellow and clean, but now they are all smudged with the dirt of the many miles they have traveled.
CLICK HERE to read more.

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."

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A Quick Word ...

Follow the Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study on Twitter at @MYB4Prayer and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/missionyearbook

Midland Group Reports One Chinese Christian Attorney Beaten, Another Missing

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 One Chinese Christian Attorney Beaten, Another Missing

Released by ChinaAid, February, 2011 ...

"MIDLAND, TEXAS – Because of the heightened attention on Chen Guangcheng‘s recent persecution, the Domestic Security Protection Squad has beat up Beijing Christian attorney Jiang Tianyong and taken away another attorney, Tang Jitian."
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

In the News ... "Local Conference Deals With Homosexuality and the Church"

Local Conference Deals With Homosexuality and the Church
Meron Berkson
KOSA-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS -Homosexuality and the church has is a controversial subject, but now one local conference is preaching acceptance of all Christians no matter their sexuality.

The gay and lesbian community has endured all sorts of persecution and judgment from many in the church.

And now a conference is in town providing a place for them to speak out and feel accepted.
CLICK HERE to read/watch the rest of the KOSA story.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer.

The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matt. 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

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Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 21, 2011

The members of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) come from every direction and by every mode, and not just on Sundays. An indigenous entity, the PCC was born of the Basel Mission over fifty years ago with a commitment to being Christ’s witnesses to their own people and beyond.
CLICK HERE to read more.

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!"

Word from West Texas: "Trapped Words"

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.

Trapped Words

John writes, "Our laptops, flat screens, tablets, and phones rule the day. It’s a funny thing though; even as we come together around our favorite content we do it as individuals. We are separately together, and for me as a worship leader and God’s servant, that is where the mission field lies."
CLICK HERE to read the rest of John's post at Into the West Texas Sun

In the News ... "Religious art graces Ellen Noël"

Religious art graces Ellen Noël
By Georgia Temple
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

ODESSA, TEXAS - Retablos, santos, crucifixes and altar pieces grace the Ellen Noël Art Museum in the exhibition "The Art of Devotion: Latin American Religious Art from the Collection of the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts."

"They are influenced by the Spanish baroque art forms, which were inherited when conquistadors and especially the monks came over and brought these images with them," said Les Reker, director of the Ellen Noël Art Museum. "The monks would make images of the saints basically to teach Bible stories. The monks weren't necessarily trained in art, but they remembered some of the forms they brought over."

"What we have in this collection are folk art that come after that and are made by Native Americans who converted to Catholicism — the Incas and the Aztecs, and we're talking about not just Mexico but going down to South America. But the images we have are primarily Mexican."
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

In the News ... "Pastor's dream becomes church-wide campaign to benefit Midland"

Pastor's dream becomes church-wide campaign to benefit Midland
By Tim Walker
Senior Pastor
First United Methodist Church - Midland

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Have you ever experienced a prompting by God that you couldn't let go? You think about it. You create a list of the pros and cons. When you make a list of "reasons why this is not a good idea," it does not diminish the sound of the voice in your heart."

"Sometime in the spring of 2010, I experienced a prompting by God that I couldn't let go. It just hung on. It wasn't a loud voice booming from the heavens. It wasn't even a specific Scripture, though I am sure Scripture informed the prompting. It was one of those strong nudges from the Holy Spirit for our people to do something wonderful for the city of Midland"
CLICK HERE to read the rest of Pastor Walker's column in the Midland Reporter-Telegram

EPCAT-USA February Newsletter

ECPAT International is a global network of organisations and individuals working together for the elimination of child prostitution, child pornography and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes. It seeks to encourage the world community to ensure that children everywhere enjoy their fundamental rights free and secure from all forms of commercial sexual exploitation.

This Newsletter is All About Partnerships

WITNESS - EPCAT-USA announces a new partnership with WITNESS, the international human rights organization that trains human rights defenders to strategically use video to change practices, policies and laws. Together, we are producing a 12 to 18-minute advocacy video to protect sexually-exploited children from criminalization in the U.S. It is a grave human rights abuse that most states allow the justice system to treat trafficked children as criminal offenders rather than giving them the support and protection they need as victims. Currently, only four states have changes their approach by passing laws that we call "safe harbor" laws. These laws require that the children found in the sex trade be referred for protective services instead of prosecuted. With training and support from WITNESS, this video advocacy campaign supports EPCAT-USA in its work to get strong, protective "safe harbor" legislation passed in the rest of the states.

LEND A HAND CAMPAIGN - The ongoing global economic crisis could have far-reaching social effects for children worldwide. As many face financial hardship, the risk of trafficking children for sexual purposes increases. To address these concerns, beauty retailer The Body Shop USA, the Somaly Mam Foundation and EPCAT-USA are joining hands to raise awareness and resources to help keep the world's children free from trafficking. Please lend a hand ... here's how:
• Sign the Petition Calling on Government to Protect Children.
• Visit The Body Shop USA location near you and purshase Soft Hands Kind Heart Hand Cream. The Body Shop will donate a portion of each purchase to EPCAT-USA.
• Educate yourself and tell your friends. The more people who understand the issue, the more hand will be joined in ending trafficking. Use our website resources and your own ingenuity to find out more about the problem.

TIANA STAR - Up and coming singer-songwriter Tiana Star has written and recorded a song for, "I Am My Own," EPCAT-USA. Half the proceeds support EPCAT-USA's work. You can buy it on iTunes online.

ATEST COALITION - EPCAT-USA proudly joins the Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking (ATEST). The coalition's PSA went up in Times Square last week.


TASSATAG - This prestige luggage tag is big, bright and fair trade. It helps you find your luggage, and also makes you a visible supporter of the campaign against child sex tourism. Travelers Take Actions Against Sex Slavery and Trafficking www.tassatag.org

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 2/16/11

Australia
• Please pray for the children and people of Australia’s Queensland state as they recover from severe flooding that left the state capital of Brisbane looking like a war zone. Also pray for those in the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley regions, west of the capital, who lost homes, businesses, and schools in flooding caused by heavy rains.
A report from Reuters/alertnet
• Pray for those affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasi, a massive tropical storm that struck North Queensland on February 2. This powerful storm, on the scale of Hurricane Katrina, was the largest to hit Australia since Europeans first settled there.
A report from The Guardian
A report from CNN

Ivory Coast, Liberia
• Please keep the displaced children of the Ivory Coast held close in prayer as they are at great risk of sexual exploitation or recruitment by armed forces following the disputed presidential elections in November 2010. Pray for the 30,000 who have been displaced and crossed into Liberia and for the 18,000 who are internally displaced. More than 75 percent of these groups are children and women.
• Please pray for the safety of children living in refugee camps and IDP (internally displaced person) camps. Pray they will have access to health care and education. Pray that children who have been separated from their parents will find protection and a safe haven. Pray that they might be reunited with their parents.
• Pray for a peaceful resolution to the political crisis in the Ivory Coast. Pray for an end to the political violence and for physical and emotional healing of all involved.
A report from Reuters/alertnet
Another report from Reuters/alertnet

Kenya (Naomi’s Village naomisvillage.com )
• Pray for the children that have come to live at Naomi’s Village in Kenya … for 6-month-old Tony, 7-year-old Millicent, 5-year-old Stella, 4-year-old Kevin, 5-year-old Mary, 9-year-old Evelyne, 9-year-old Mary, 8-year-old Zakayo, 3-year-old John, 9-year-old Paul, 6-year-old Dennis, and Joshua. Pray for healing for Joshua and Stella as they have been running fever and coughing. Pray that the rest of the children won’t catch this illness.
• Please continue to be in prayer for the staff and volunteers with Naomi’s Village as they bring more children into the new orphanage. Pray for discernment and God’s guidance as they make difficult decisions. Pray for the children God is bringing to Naomi’s Village.

Pakistan
• Pray for children and people in Pakistan who remain homeless more than six months after devastating flooding destroyed or damaged their homes. Last July, monsoon floods inundated more than a fifth of Pakistan, killing 2,000 and affecting more than 18 million people. Pray for adequate shelter for the estimated 850,000 people who are without it this winter season. Pray that humanitarian aid will reach those living in makeshift camps and shelters.
A report from Reuters/alertnet

United States
• Give God thanks and praise that 14-year-old Elizabeth is doing so well following her health scare several months ago. Thanks be to God that the lesions on her hands and the fever dissipated after a week and thank God that her heart is doing exceptionally well. Please continue to keep this special needs young woman in prayer as she will most always have long-term fatigue from genetic abnormalities that affected her brain development. Pray for Elizabeth’s family as they negotiate the chronic day-to-day struggles that sometimes seem harder than periods of acute care.
A report from caringbridge.org
• Pray for parents who make poor decisions that endanger the lives of their children. Pray for those who ignore travel warnings and continue to drive in blizzard conditions or remain in their snowbound cars instead of staying in shelters. Pray for emergency rescue workers and volunteers whose lives are also endangered by the lack of common sense of these parents.

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 ... "State of Texas Says Bible Class Can't Be Taught Straight from the Bible"

State of Texas Says Bible Class Can't Be Taught Straight from the Bible
Anayeli Ruiz
Reporter
KWES-TV

BIG SPRING, TEXAS - Controversy at the Big Spring High School over an elective Bible class. The state says the teacher can't teach straight from the Bible. Students will have to use a textbook instead. That's fired up a local group whose been paying for the class.
CLICK HERE to read/view the rest of the KWES story.

National Prayer Breakfast-Midland Set for Tomorrow

2011 National Prayer Breakfast Midland
Thursday, February 17 at 7:00 am at Midland Center

Each February the people of the Permian Basin come together in prayer for our nation and it's leaders. This year in addition to music, scripture reading and prayer by area officials, pastors and citizens, our guest speaker will be Jim Denison, founder of the Center for Informed Faith.

Tickets are $7.00 each and available at Mardel, First Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church, First Methodist Church, St. Ann's Catholic Church and St. Stephens Catholic Church until February 15, 2011. They will be available at the door on February 17, 2011. For more information please call (432) 686-4300 or go to www.npbmidland.org/

In the News ... "Stonegate to start morning, evening service schedule"

Stonegate to start morning, evening service schedule
By Meagan Lee Buck
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Many members of Stonegate Fellowship will be changing their routines Sunday when the church transitions from three services to four.

With 3,500 active members and a 6-year-old auditorium that seats 1,300, church staff said the only Sunday morning service that wasn't too full was at 8:30 a.m.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Reports From Lulwanda: January, 2011

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.

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January, 2011
"As we go into our seventh year of operation, we continue to look forward with optimism trusting the God of the universe to continue the work that Himself started seven years ago through different individuals who have made us what we are today. Thank you and many blessings as you continue to serve in different areas He has called you to serve."

"Our children continue to grow and get involved in every home activities. Individually and collectively their needs are handled by the staff members who have helped us to care for the children to the best of our ability. Socially they continue to relate with one another as a family brother/sister and actively participate in all home activities with a lot of enthusiasm. Discipline continues to be of paramount importance to us and is critically examined and enforced. However we are mindful of creating a favorable environment for all to flourish to their full potential."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Mukiibi's January, 2011 report.

Word from Uganda: "Prayer Request"

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 ...

Prayer Request

"* PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS are set to be held on February 18. Please pray peace over the nation of Uganda and that there would be a fair election. Pray for peace and acceptance for whatever the outcome of the election may be.”

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post

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