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: March 31, 2011

PRESBYTERY OF LAKE HURON - Faith in Flint is the rallying cry of First Presbyterian Church (FPCF) in Flint. Flint has lost over 75,000 General Motors jobs and has an unemployment rate of 28 percent, but one vibrant downtown congregation understands the calling to be the presence of resurrection faith in the city and to proclaim a faith that God has a blessed future for Flint.

FPCF is Faith in Flint.
CLICK HERE to read more.

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 3/30/11

Japan

• Continue to keep the children and people of Japan held close in prayer as they deal with the destruction from the 9.0 magnitude March 11 earthquake, the subsequent tsunami, and the damaged nuclear reactors. Pray that God will provide for each victim of these combined disasters. Pray for the 390,000 who have been forced out of their homes; for the 850,000 households that are without electricity in freezing weather; and for the 1.6 million without running water.

A report from alertnet.org

A report from ABC News

• Pray for those who mourn the death of more than 6500 people and for those who search for the more than 10,000 missing. Pray for children separated from parents or family members. Pray for parents searching for their children. Whole communities along Japan's northeastern coast were destroyed by tsunami waves that followed the earthquake.

A report from alertnet.org A report from the Washington Post

• Give thanks to God for the strength and resilience of the Japanese people and for the support they are receiving from around the world. Pray that the most vulnerable will receive aid quickly.

A report from alertnet.org

• Please continue to pray for those working to stabilize the nuclear reactors at Fukushima Daiichi complex. Pray for those who have been evacuated from homes and communities around this nuclear facility. Pray for those who have been exposed to radiation. Pray that panic over radiation exposure won't detract from the efforts to help survivors of the earthquake and tsunami.

United States

• Please keep Kerri, a young mother with 3-year-old twins and a 1-year-old, and her family in prayer as she continues to recover from brain surgery. Give thanks to God that Kerri's surgeons were able to remove 85 percent of her brain tumor. Pray that the rest of the tumor can be treated successfully and that it will go away. Continue to pray for the physicians and staff Kerri encounters at the cancer center-that they will be thorough and compassionate in caring for this young mother.

• Pray for 19-year-old Jenny *, a young mother who is several days overdue to deliver her baby. Please pray for a safe delivery and for the health of Jenny and her baby. Pray that God will be with her as she cares for this new baby and her daughters, 3-year-old Serenity and 5-year-old Gabriella. Give thanks to God for the Family Promise Program in which Jenny is involved and through which she receives support as she works to become independent and secure more permanent housing for her family.

* Name changed for confidentiality and/or protection.

• Please continue to lift baby Lexi in prayer as she will need to have surgery soon to place a feeding tube in her stomach. Lexi was born two-and-a-half-months premature to young parents addicted to cocaine and has a multitude of physical challenges due to maternal drug use. Pray that the surgery may be performed soon so Lexi can go live with her paternal aunt and uncle with whom she will be placed. Give thanks to God for the healing that Lexi has experienced in many areas and pray that God will continue to wrap arms of healing tenderness around this beautiful baby girl. Pray that God will provide her aunt, uncle, and grandparents with the stamina to care for Lexi and the resources with which to do so.

Faces of Children

• Pray for 13-year-old Sarah, 14-year-old Shelby, their mother Jodi and father Nick. Jodi, the sister-in-law of a Faces of Children prayer partner, is in a fight for her life. Pray that Jodi can overcome the infection in her body. Jodi is a 12 year kidney transplant survivor, but her heart has weakened, she has pneumonia, and her kidneys are shutting down. Pray for Jodi's extended family and friends as they gather in support. Pray that her physicians and hospital staff are able to treat this infection.

• Please keep Reid, a Faces of Children prayer partner's grandson, held close in prayer following the sudden death of his father. Reid came home from school and found his father dead. Pray that God will bring comfort and peace to Reid, his older brother, and his mother as they grieve the loss of this beloved father and friend. Pray for Reid's grandmother and extended family as this was the seventh death in their family in the last one-and-a-half years.

• Give thanks to God for the fourth grade students in class 4A at Whitinsville Christian School in Massachusetts who pray for children using age appropriate Faces of Children prayer requests. Thanks be to God for 10-year-old Rachel who brings the requests to her class during their time to pray about news events.

• Please pray for Margaret, a Maryknoll Sister stationed in Japan and a Doctoral Ministry colleague of a Faces of Children intercessor, as she serves the children and people of Japan.

• 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 ... "Salvation Army Receives Grant for Appliances"

Salvation Army Receives Grant for Appliances
Shelley Childers
KOSA-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS -The Salvation Army says they are extremely grateful for financial assistance that allowed them to buy a washer and dryer.

The Salvation Army of Odessa has been using a residential washer and dryer for the past four months, saying it was taking four to six hours a day to clean their linens.

Their previous washer and dryer were no longer operational, and thanks to a $5,000 grant from the junior league of Odessa, they now have the proper facilities.
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: March 30, 2011

EASTMINSTER PRESBYTERY - First Presbyterian Church (FPC) of Niles was a thriving congregation of more than 1,000 before the local economy collapsed. Today it has fewer than 140 members. FPC members refused to withdraw into a survival mode. Instead, they dramatically increased their outreach.

Church volunteers began reaching out to a low-income housing complex. Litter-strewn grounds and broken glass greeted them everywhere. A month later, they returned to clean up the complex and refurbish its playgrounds. FPC's session voted to hold vacation Bible school (VBS) at the complex that summer. Members hauled tables and chairs to a parking lot and stretched a tarp overhead for shade. More than forty children turned out. For three years VBS met there until renovation construction took over the site.

Soon, another neighborhood needing an infusion of God's love emerged.
CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Catholic priest to leave Odessa"

Catholic priest to leave Odessa Lyxan Toldanes Staff Writer Odessa American ODESSA, TEXAS - It’s out of the Lone Star State and into the Show Me State for the Rev. Mark Miller. The priest is leaving the St. Joseph and St. Anthony Catholic parishes June 27 to serve two parishes in Sedalia, Missouri. Miller, who has served the Catholic Churches of South Odessa for the last seven years, said it was about time for a possibility of a change. 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: March 29, 2011

THE PRESBYTERY OF DETROIT - On the third Saturday of every month, Calvary Presbyterian Church in Detroit distributes food to families in need. The Food Distribution Ministry was started as a project of the church’s Evangelism Committee under the leadership of elder Tracey Reynolds.

The distribution process starts early in the month when elder Pam Johnson assesses the needs of the families. She orders enough food from the Gleaners Community Food Bank to feed more than sixty families. The average family receives meat, vegetables, starches, bread, milk, cereal, juice, fruit, and treats for the children.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Midland Group Share Chinese Government Document Concerning Recent Raid on Christians’ Legal Study Session

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 Chinese Government Document Concerning Recent Raid on Christians’ Legal Study Session

Released by ChinaAid, March, 2011 ...

"HUBEI, CHINA – ChinaAid has received a copy of the government document issued last week to the Christians in Yangdang Town, Zaoyang city of Hubei, who had gathered for a lecture on their church’s legal rights defense. On February 23, police raided the meeting, confiscated property, took all the attendees to the police station, and beat several of them."
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).

"Look for the Spirit"

“The spiritual life can only be real when it is lived in the midst of the pains and joys of the here and now. Therefore we need to begin with a careful look at the way we think, speak, feel, and act ... in order to become more fully aware of our hunger for the Spirit. As long as we have only a vague inner feeling of discontent with our present way of living, and only an indefinite desire for 'things spiritual,' our lives will continue to stagnate ..."

"Our first task is to dispel this vague, murky feeling of discontent and to look critically at how we are living our lives. This requires honesty, courage, and trust. We must honestly unmask and courageously confront our many self-deceptive games. We must trust that our honesty and courage will lead us not to despair, but to a new heaven and a new earth.”
"Making All Things New: An Invitation to the Spiritual Life" by Henri J.M. Nouwen

"Beloved God, chase away my melancholy and ennui with the gift of your grace. Let me actively pursue your spiritual gifts instead of putting off this pursuit out of a vague sense of boredom and doubt. Give me the honesty to unmask my many self-deceptive games so that I may strive wholeheartedly for the kingdom of God. Amen."
"Lent and Easter Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen" compiled by Judy Bauer

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

Well now. Who wants to pull out a magnifying glass and look critically at how you're living your life? "Not me," says the spiritually sluggish voice in my head. "I'm doing well just putting one foot in front of the other most days. I really, really don't want to dig around in my cluttered brain and try to figure out the self-deceptive games I play. The status quo is just fine by me."

In fact, I'm not even sure I understand what Nouwen is referring to here. Did this critical self evaluation lead to Nouwen's decision to give up the life of an acclaimed professor at an Ivy League divinity school and go to work with developmentally disabled people at the L'Arche community of Daybreak in Canada? Holy cow, that's a major change!

So if I go poking about with a magnifying glass, challenging the status quo in my life, what on earth am I going to discover? Actively pursuing the spiritual gifts with which God has poured out on me is a bit daunting to say the least. And yes, I confess, I am afraid of change, of letting go of the status quo. Sometimes these Lenten practices can be so disturbingly challenging. Your thoughts?

Please join us on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s Room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland, for a time of prayer for the children of the world. Please stay afterwards for lunch ($5) and a time of fellowship.

If you have requests about children, those who care for them, those who have authority over them, or those who harm them (the really hard prayers to say sometimes), please send them to me at at claufer@facesofchildren.net, or give me a call.

On the journey with you this Lenten season,

Chris

In the News ... "Religious leaders to engage in interfaith panel discussion"

Religious leaders to engage in interfaith panel discussion
By Sara Higgins
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Leaders of five different religious backgrounds will discuss how their traditions allow them to understand and confront contemporary issues April 7 at St. Stephen's Catholic Church.

The religious officials will comment on a handful of issues from a faith perspective, said Padmaja Patel, secretary of the Hindu Association of West Texas. Each speaker will be invited to ask a question that each person on the interfaith panel will answer individually.
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: March 28, 2011

THE PRESBYTERY OF CINCINNATI - "In an ongoing effort to become a more missional body, the Presbytery of Cincinnati has abolished its Mission Committee. Instead of focusing primarily on the creation of top-down mission programs, the presbytery encourages shared initiatives emerging from congregations and sessions. These initiatives typically take one of two forms, either networks or congregations in mission partnerships."
CLICK HERE to read more.

Video Vault: "Imagine a World Without Malaria"

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: March 27, 2011

MINUTE FOR MISSION: JOHNSON C. SMITH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY - "Paul T. Roberts is now dean at Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary.

'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future' (Jer. 29:11, NIV).

My career path has been full of surprises. After earning a degree in architecture and African American studies from Princeton University in 1985, I went to New York City and landed an entry-level job in advertising. Surprise."
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!"

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: March 26, 2011

THE SYNOD OF THE COVENANT - "Life in the Synod of the Covenant is consistently developing both in depth and in width as staff and members seek to be faithful to God's call in this new century.

The synod has been the recipient of a grant from the Frank E. Clark Charitable Trust for the purpose of "Responding to God's Creation. The eleven presbyteries received equal shares of the grant and distributed their funds to upgrade the fuel efficiency of small churches. Because of the age of so many church buildings, this grant provided help in making needed improvements for 'greening' church buildings."
CLICK HERE to read more.

Free Burma Rangers schedules season of Regional Meetings in the U.S.

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.

"Free Burma Rangers schedules season of Regional Meetings in the U.S."

Dear Friends, Free Burma Rangers are planning meetings this summer to include prayer, worship, updates on the situation in Burma and collaboration on action plans for how to take action for the people of Burma. Dave and Karen Eubank and family will be at these meetings along with others working with FBR.

REGIONAL MEETINGS

Midland, TX @ First Presbyterian Church Midland, Saturday, May 7, 2011
Gig Harbor, WA @ Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, Sunday, May 15, 2011
Berkeley, CA @ First Presbyterian Church Berkeley, Saturday, May 21, 2011
Malibu, CA @ Malibu Presbyterian Church, Saturday, May 28, 2011
St. George, UT @ Calvary Chapel St. George, Sunday, June 5, 2011
Wimberley, TX @ Cypress Creek Church, Saturday, June 18, 2011
Siloam Springs, AR, Saturday, June 25, 2011
Newton, MA @ Newton Presbyterian Church, Saturday, July 9, 2011
Colorado (more information TBA), Saturday, July 23, 2011
Anchorage, AK @ Faith Christian Church, Saturday, Sept 10, 2011

We welcome you to join us for the meeting in your area.

For more information please contact; Amy Galetzka at amygaletzka@gmail.com

Thank you and God Bless you,
Free Burma Rangers

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 3/23/11

Japan
• Please pray for the children and people of Japan following the 9.0 magnitude earthquake (the fourth largest in the world since 1900) that triggered a massively destructive tsunami on March 11, 2011. Pray for those in the northern communities that were hit hardest by the quake and tsunami. An estimated 15,000 people are missing—10,000 from one town alone—and 350,000 are now homeless.
A report from alertnet.org
A report from the New York Times
A report from the Washington Post
• Please pray for the estimated 450,000 people who have been evacuated. Pray for those without adequate shelter, water, electricity, food, or medical care as rescue operations continue to be hindered by damaged roads and train lines, water and fuel shortages, aftershocks (more than 90), tsunami alerts, and the threat of a nuclear crisis.
A report from alertnet.org
• Pray for those working to stabilize the nuclear reactors at Fukushima Daiichi complex after a partial meltdown—the fuel rods in one of the plant’s reactors were partly exposed when water levels fell temporarily. Pray for those who have been evacuated from their homes and communities around this nuclear facility. Pray for those who have been exposed to radiation substances leaked after an explosion in one of the reactors at the complex. Please pray that this situation will be stabilized quickly and thoroughly.
A report from the Washington Post

Kazakhstan, United States
• Please keep Cindy, a single mother of four internationally adopted children, in prayer as she is currently in Kazakhstan adopting Tia, a little girl who was born with facial deformities. Give God thanks that the judge in this case has made an exception to the current no adoption rule in the country. Pray that everything will go smoothly for this adoption and that nothing will interfere with it.
• Pray for God’s comforting presence for 2–year-old Tia as she waits to be united with her new mother and siblings. Pray for Cindy’s four children back in the United States who miss their mother very much.

North Korea
• Please pray that God will provide for the children of North Korea in a time of great food insecurity. Pray for children who are without a regular source of food each day—one in three children is stunted and one in four pregnant women is malnourished.
A report from the Washington Post
• Pray that leaders and governments around the world will seek God’s guidance in helping this starving country, especially since North Korea’s leaders often divert humanitarian aid to the military, or give it as gifts to elites, or resell it for a steep profit. Pray that all aid reaches the ones who are in the most need.

United States
• Pray for 9-year-old Ray who needs to have surgery to place tubes in his ears. Pray that God will provide the resources his family needs to pay for this surgery as they have no health insurance.
• Pray for the 11-year-old girl at the center of a sexual assault case involving 17 men and boys (that number could grow to 28) from her small Texas community. Pray for her emotional and spiritual healing and for her safety. Give thanks to God that she is in a different community now under foster care. A report from the Houston Chronicle
• Please pray for that 11-year-old’s parents and other siblings—her father can’t find employment and her mother earns very little. Pray for those who have been accused of sexually assaulting this little girl and taking videos and pictures of the rapes with their cell phones. Pray for the children and people of this community as they cope with the fallout from this vicious assault
A report from the New York Times
• Pray for the estimated one million homeless students in the United States. Pray for those who live with their families in motel rooms, shelters, and relatives’ homes. Pray for those who are completely on their own because: their parents have abandoned them; a divorce or rocky economic situation broke the family apart; their parents were deported; they aged out of the foster care system; or they fled homes rife with violence or drug or alcohol abuse. Pray for the throwaway and runaway children of this country and for those around the world.A report from the Washington Post
A report from mysanantonio.com
• Please keep three brothers held close in prayer as they enter the foster care system because of their parents’ neglect and drug use. Give thanks that the 7-year-old reached out for help for himself and his 1-year-old and 11-month-old brothers when they were left alone by their parents in a filthy motel room. Pray for healing, maturity, and peace for their parents. A report from inforum.com

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 ... "Bishop's appeal to help Japan"

Bishop's appeal to help Japan
Staff Report
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The Rev. Michael Pfeifer, Catholic bishop of the San Angelo Diocese, has made an appeal for help to raise funds for the earthquake and tsunami that occurred in Japan.
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: March 25, 2011

PRESBYTERY OF THE YUKON, ALASKA - But you will sing, sing through an all-night holy feast! Your hearts will burst with song, make music like the sound of flutes on parade ... on their way to the Rock of Israel (Isa. 30:27, The Message).

"The Chapel in the Mountains is in Anaktuvuk Pass. For days the people gathered. They came from across the Arctic, from across the state, and even from California. They all came by air because there are no roads to Anaktuvuk Pass. They came for the fiftieth anniversary of the Chapel in the Mountains."
CLICK HERE to read more.

Healing & Wholeness Conference, in Midland this weekend

On March 25 and 26, 2011, First Presbyterian Church, Midland will host a Healing and Wholeness Conference with several local churches and church organizations participating. If you are interested in helping on a prayer/healing team or as a volunteer for this conference, please contact one of these Faces of Children prayer partners: Jean Kiker, jbkiker@suddenlink.net, (432) 686-9509 or Sally Green, egreen3444@sbcglobal.net, (432) 686-0949.

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The upcoming Healing & Wholeness Conference gives us access to the four building blocks in support of a mission of "Loving and leading all people to deeper life in Jesus Christ!"

• Worship - Worship means recognizing the "worthiness" of our God. Without knowing this, our prayers would be in vain. God is worthy! Let us come together to offer our worship to God's honor and glory!

• Equip - Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to learn how to Embrace God's Healing Love through Prayer for yourself and others!

• Serve - "Bear one another's burdens, thus fulfilling the law of Christ" - Gal. 6:2
Prayer is one the greatest gifts you can receive or give to another! Come and learn this weekend how to "package your gift" for another, OR how to "unwrap your gift" from another!

• Invite - You won't be disappointed as our speaker and teacher, Dr. Joe Johnson, brings his many years of experience and knowledge of the subject of Healing Prayer to us. It has been the pleasure of the Prayer & Spirituality Ministry, together with an ecumenical team from other churches in Midland to plan the Healing & Wholeness Conference as a gift to this community and throughout the Permian Basin. Please come and bring a friend!

Conference Agenda:
The conference begins with registration (no fees) at 6:30 p.m. on Friday night, March 25th, in the Sanctuary.

If you can't come on Friday, plan to come on Saturday, March 26th. Beginning with registration at 8:30 a.m. and a free continental breakfast, we will gather in Fellowship (Lynn) Hall for several teaching and prayer sessions, with lunch provided for the small fee of $6.00 per person. I hear the menu is super good!

At 3 p.m., we will adjourn to the Sanctuary for a Commissioning of prayer teams and an open Healing Service to the community.

Any questions, please feel free to contact Jean Kiker, jbkiker@suddenlink.net, (432) 686-9509 or Sally Green, egreen3444@sbcglobal.net, (432) 686-0949.

WORSHIP - EQUIP - SERVE - INVITE!
We anticipate the powerful presence of our Father as He embraces and loves us through our Lord Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit!

We'll look for YOU !!!!!!

In the News ... "Salvation Army Warns About Fake Donation Scam"

Salvation Army Warns About Fake Donation Scam
Staff Report
KMID-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS -The Salvation Army is warning donors to beware of scams relating to relief efforts in Japan.

The Salvation Army says there are currently bogus e-mails going around asking for donations to the Salvation Army's relief efforts in Japan. The e-mail - which claims to be from the Salvation Army - urges people to send a donation to an email address. That e-mail address is not a valid Salvation Army address.
CLICK HERE to read/watch the rest of the KMID 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: March 24, 2011

SEATTLE PRESBYTERY, WASHINGTON - "Seattle's presbyters are doing a new thing: connecting.

Something different happened at Seattle Presbytery's first meeting of 2010: laughter and deep conversation. A new, connectional paradigm is taking root within the 53 churches, 10 ethnic fellowships, and 20,312 members, and building relationships is at the heart of this movement. As executive presbyter Scott Lumsden describes it, 'We are seeing our work as not just fulfilling a Book of Order mandate, but actually taking the time to listen to each other, to understand each other, and to build each other up. We are rethinking the presbytery not as a functional entity that makes sure we're getting all our i's dotted and t's crossed, but actually seeing it as a unique experience of the body of Christ.'"
CLICK HERE to read more.

Word from Thailand: "Give Me Your Eyes"

Brett and Shelly Faucett are mission co-workers living in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where we had a chance to meet with them during our mission to that country in 2008. They are HIV/AIDS regional consultants. Brett is a nurse and amateur photographer. Shelly, a former literacy specialist and ESL teacher. They have their two daughters, Acacia and Annapurna, with them.

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"Give Me Your Eyes"

"Music really stirs my soul and makes me feel closer to GOD. I can't count how many times a poignant song will make me cry. I felt compelled to put together this video after listening to this song because I often feel that I may be looking at the world, but not really seeing it. Do you know what I mean? I recently attended a week long workshop on HIV/AIDS in Bangkok and during the workshop there was lots of talk of how we need to reduce stigma and discrimination in the HIV/AIDS community because we are all the body of Christ and when one of us is hurting we are all hurting"
CLICK HERE for the rest of this post at their Welcome to the Jungle blog

In the News ... "Tech chapter of Campus Crusade for Christ to host fundraiser in Midland"

Tech chapter of Campus Crusade for Christ to host fundraiser in Midland
By Meagan Lea
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Campus Crusade for Christ wants its message spread beyond the walls of dormitories and dining halls and, for Texas Tech's chapter of the international Christian organization, even beyond Lubbock's city limits.

"We have so many of our students who are leaders in our ministry who are from Midland," said Trace Hunt, Campus Crusade for Christ field staff and advisor for the Greekwide Student Ministry at Tech. "We've developed great relationships with these students and their parents."

Hunt, along with other staff from Campus Crusade at Tech, will be in the Tall City next weekend to host a fundraiser. The March 26 event at the Petroleum Club will begin with a 6 p.m. reception, followed by dinner and presentations by students, parents and staff.
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: March 23, 2011

OLYMPIA PRESBYTERY, WASHINGTON - "S.C.Y.N. is bridging the gap between unchurched youth and the church.

With only a handful of youth in its youth program, Shelton Presbyterian Church decided to grow this program by reaching out to unchurched youth. Since there were a large number of homeless teens and youth from broken homes in their community, church members decided to provide a place on Thursday nights where any youth would feel welcome. On Shelton Community Youth Night (S.C.Y.N.) there’s no Christian music, preaching, or organized prayer times. Instead there is a warm, home-style meal served in a place where youth can hang out and relax with a group of adults who accept them unconditionally and will offer to help them get what they want out of life."
CLICK HERE to read more.

El Paso: Update #9 (Photos)

A team of our brothers and sisters in Christ - high school students and adult leaders - are back in the colonias of El Paso, TX where they are joining "the work God is already doing there through VBS and several construction projects. It is a week that promises a lot of sweat, great fellowship and an encounter with the God who is on the move!" Here is a report from Midland's Spring Break 2011 Mission Team, courtesy of the FPC-Midland Youth blog, Postcards From the Edge.

March 20 - Pics from Friday in El Paso 2011

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Word from Uganda: "Back in Uganda"

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 ...

Back in Uganda
"I arrived in Mbale on March 3, grateful that none of my luggage (aka wonderful treasures from America) got lost in transition. I am so glad to be back. And luckily, today was a public holiday so I got to play with the kids all day (instead of them being at school)," Natalie writes.
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

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).

"Acknowledge God's Love"

“The most important thing you can say about God's love is that God loves us not because of anything we've done to earn that love, but because God, in total freedom, has decided to love us. At first sight, this doesn't seem to be very inspiring; but if you reflect on it more deeply this thought can affect and influence your life greatly. We're inclined to see our whole existence in terms of quid pro quo. We assume that people will be nice to us if we are nice to them; that they will help us if we help them ... that they will love us if we love them. And so the conviction is deeply rooted in us that being loved is something you have to earn ... We can scarcely conceive of getting something for nothing.”
"Letters to Marc about Jesus" by Henri J.M. Nouwen

"God most high, please take me back again into your love that I can never earn. I confess that I have failed, and that your forgiveness is wholly undeserved. I am mired in the human belief that love is something I earn, that others will only love me if I act as if I love them. What can I do with a love that is not rationed, that is boundless, that cannot be withdrawn. I am truly awed. Grant me the grace to accept this gift. Amen."
"Lent and Easter Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen" compiled by Judy Bauer

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

Please join us on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s Room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland, for a time of prayer for the children of our local and global communities, and afterwards for lunch ($5) and fellowship.

Thank you for praying for children ... for loving hurting children through your prayers. May we all experience the abundant love of Jesus Christ, a love that can never be earned. If you have requests about children, those who care for them, those who have authority over them, or those who harm them (the really hard prayers to say sometimes), please send them to me at at claufer@facesofchildren.net, or give me a call.

On the journey with you this Lenten season,

Chris

El Paso: Update #8

A team of our brothers and sisters in Christ - high school students and adult leaders - are back in the colonias of El Paso, TX where they are joining "the work God is already doing there through VBS and several construction projects. It is a week that promises a lot of sweat, great fellowship and an encounter with the God who is on the move!" Here is a report from Midland's Spring Break 2011 Mission Team, courtesy of the FPC-Midland Youth blog, Postcards From the Edge.

March 20 - Some wrap up on El Paso 2011
We’ll have more later, but here are some of the final reflections from El Paso. We’re back safe and sound as expected and on the heels of a phenomenal week together serving God and serving others. Here’s a few of the reflections…hope to add more later.
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In the News ... "Bishop Pfeifer: Water is lifeblood for Earth"

Bishop Pfeifer: Water is lifeblood for Earth
Rev. Michael Pfeifer
Bishop, San Angelo Diocese

Opinion Piece in the Odessa American

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - Tuesday, March 22,2011, is World Water Day. The United Nations first declared this day in 1993 as a way to focus public attention on critical water issues around the world. World Water Day calls attention to how water crosses borders and links us together.
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: March 22, 2011

PRESBYTERY OF NORTH PUGET SOUND, WASHINGTON - "'On behalf of the Presbytery of North Puget Sound, I declare that the Baker Korean Community Church is now constituted as a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A).'

These words, spoken on June 7, 2009, confirmed that Christ is growing his church in the shadow of magnificent Mt. Baker in northwestern Washington State. Fifty-seven charter members and their children were joined by more than one hundred members of the presbytery as they celebrated the chartering of the congregation and the installation of the Rev. Young Han Hyun as pastor. Three months later, through the action of the presbytery, God provided this congregation with a large financial grant to purchase property."
CLICK HERE to read more.

El Paso: Update #7 (Photos)

A team of our brothers and sisters in Christ - high school students and adult leaders - are back in the colonias of El Paso, TX where they are joining "the work God is already doing there through VBS and several construction projects. It is a week that promises a lot of sweat, great fellowship and an encounter with the God who is on the move!" Here is a report from Midland's Spring Break 2011 Mission Team, courtesy of the FPC-Midland Youth blog, Postcards From the Edge.

March 18 - Pics from Thursday

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Midland Group Reports Chinese Court Upholds Christian's Sentence

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

Midland Group Reports Chinese Court Upholds Christian's Sentence

Released by ChinaAid, February, 2011 ...

"XINJIANG, CHINA – ChinaAid has recently learned that the decision on the reconsideration of the case of Alimujiang, the Uyghur Christian of Xinjiang, was made by the Higher People’s Court of Xinjiang and a notice was sent in mid-February of 2011 to Alimujiang who is serving his sentence in No. 3 Prison of Xinjiang. The court ruled to uphold the original sentence of 15 years of imprisonment."
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

El Paso: Update #6

A team of our brothers and sisters in Christ - high school students and adult leaders - are back in the colonias of El Paso, TX where they are joining "the work God is already doing there through VBS and several construction projects. It is a week that promises a lot of sweat, great fellowship and an encounter with the God who is on the move!" Here is a report from Midland's Spring Break 2011 Mission Team, courtesy of the FPC-Midland Youth blog, Postcards From the Edge.

March 18 - Thursday from El Paso … blessings all around …
Hi all,

Thanks for all of your comments on the blog this week! We’ll read more to the kids tomorrow night, so please leave them! It’s been so encouraging for the whole group to hear from folks back home praying for them and rooting them on as they serve the Sparks community.

Tonight, we simply asked the kids “what’s God been up to?” I would really encourage all of you to ask the kids about their stories when we get home. There are sure a lot of them to tell!
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post

In the News ... "Healing & Wholeness Conference to focus on healing prayer, sacred wounds"

Healing & Wholeness Conference to focus on healing prayer, sacred wounds
By Sara Higgins
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - First Presbyterian Church - Midland will host a Healing & Wholeness Conference this weekend with the hope to teach Midlanders about healing prayer.

The two-day event, which will take place fom 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, will be led by the Rev. Joe Johnson, community life pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Huntington Beach, California.

"It will be an opportunity for people to learn how to pray for healing and to embrace God's healing love through prayer," Johnson said.
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: March 21, 2011

PRESBYTERY OF THE INLAND NORTHWEST, IDAHO/WASHINGTON - "Whitworth University, a 2,700-student, Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts college in Spokane, Washington, has long been a partner of the Presbytery of the Inland Northwest in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Since 1914 students have received 'an education of mind and heart' through rigorous intellectual inquiry guided by dedicated Christian scholars. Many of those students take that experience and go on to serve in a variety of roles at Presbyterian churches throughout the country."
CLICK HERE to read more.

Healing & Wholeness Conference, in Midland next weekend

On March 25 and 26, 2011, First Presbyterian Church, Midland will host a Healing and Wholeness Conference with several local churches and church organizations participating. If you are interested in helping on a prayer/healing team or as a volunteer for this conference, please contact one of these Faces of Children prayer partners: Jean Kiker, jbkiker@suddenlink.net, (432) 686-9509 or Sally Green, egreen3444@sbcglobal.net, (432) 686-0949.

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The upcoming Healing & Wholeness Conference gives us access to the four building blocks in support of a mission of "Loving and leading all people to deeper life in Jesus Christ!"

• Worship - Worship means recognizing the "worthiness" of our God. Without knowing this, our prayers would be in vain. God is worthy! Let us come together to offer our worship to God's honor and glory!

• Equip - Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to learn how to Embrace God's Healing Love through Prayer for yourself and others!

• Serve - "Bear one another's burdens, thus fulfilling the law of Christ" - Gal. 6:2
Prayer is one the greatest gifts you can receive or give to another! Come and learn this weekend how to "package your gift" for another, OR how to "unwrap your gift" from another!

• Invite - You won't be disappointed as our speaker and teacher, Dr. Joe Johnson, brings his many years of experience and knowledge of the subject of Healing Prayer to us. It has been the pleasure of the Prayer & Spirituality Ministry, together with an ecumenical team from other churches in Midland to plan the Healing & Wholeness Conference as a gift to this community and throughout the Permian Basin. Please come and bring a friend!

Conference Agenda:
The conference begins with registration (no fees) at 6:30 p.m. on Friday night, March 25th, in the Sanctuary.

If you can't come on Friday, plan to come on Saturday, March 26th. Beginning with registration at 8:30 a.m. and a free continental breakfast, we will gather in Fellowship (Lynn) Hall for several teaching and prayer sessions, with lunch provided for the small fee of $6.00 per person. I hear the menu is super good!

At 3 p.m., we will adjourn to the Sanctuary for a Commissioning of prayer teams and an open Healing Service to the community.

Any questions, please feel free to contact Jean Kiker, jbkiker@suddenlink.net, (432) 686-9509 or Sally Green, egreen3444@sbcglobal.net, (432) 686-0949.

WORSHIP - EQUIP - SERVE - INVITE!
We anticipate the powerful presence of our Father as He embraces and loves us through our Lord Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit!

We'll look for YOU !!!!!!

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: March 20, 2011

MINUTE FOR MISSION: EVANGELICAL SEMINARY OF PUERTO RICO - "Varinia Morales receives the Graduation Dedication Award during commencement at Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico. To grow the church deep and wide, we need new visions of what we can accomplish as people of faith. Seminary students respond to God's call impelled by these visions and with great expectations. At the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico, one of those visionaries is Varinia Morales."
CLICK HERE to read more.