Saturday, August 31, 2013
Video Vault - "2013 Peacemaking Offering: Encountering Injustice and Sharing Experiences"
Through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Peacemaking Program, we seek to promote peace at all times in all ways. One of the ways we hope to accomplish this is by facilitating Travel Study Seminars, which allow Presbyterians to walk side by side with those experiencing injustice, while learning how it's being addressed by the local community and PCUSA's global partner.
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
"
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
Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook
The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 31, 2013
SYNOD OF THE NORTHEAST - “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19)
This promise from Isaiah has become a key text for the Synod of the Northeast.
At its annual meeting in October 2011, the synod decided to move into a season of reflection and discovery. Rev. Dr. Harold Delhagen was appointed and introduced as the synod’s new transitional leader. A team of 10 synod members, diverse in age, background, and interest, has been appointed to work with Rev. Delhagen to look for what God is calling the synod to be and to do next. They brought a report of their discernment to the assembly meeting in October 2012.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook
The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 30, 2013
PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION - The Presbyterian Foundation is a vital part of the PC(USA) and is committed to strengthening congregations, mid councils, the General Assembly, and all other related entities by developing gifts and managing funds on their behalf and working with them to build communities of generosity among their members and constituents. We provide all Presbyterians an avenue to realize their philanthropic goals through a variety of giving options while maintaining a strong focus on the Reformed values that guide our stewardship and investmen.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Faces of Children: Prayer Concerns for This Week
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 8/28/13
Burma
• Please continue to keep Nancy* and the children for whom she cares at Hallelujah Orphanage in Burma held close in prayer. Pray God will provide the resources Nancy and her family need to care for all 11 children (ranging in age from 9 to 18) in their home. Give thanks to God the children, Nancy, and her family have stayed well during this rainy season when dengue fever is rampant.
• Pray for Nancy, her family, and the children as they work to harvest their corn crop during this very rainy period. Pray for a bountiful harvest of corn and pineapples that will help support the work at Hallelujah Orphanage. Pray God will provide for the needs of this small ministry to children who are orphaned, abandoned, or neglected. And pray God will continue to encourage Nancy as she fulfills the vision and plan to which God has called her.
Nepal ( Next Generation Nepal )
• Give thanks to God for the rescue of eight children, aged 5 to 9 years, from a children’s home where they were abused and neglected. Thanks be to God for the persistence of the Next Generation Nepal (NGN) staff in negotiating and campaigning to rescue these children from such horrible circumstances.
• Give God praise the children will receive care, love, and education at the NGN-funded transitional home while the organization searches for their families. Pray the children will come to trust the NGN staff and allow healing and recovery to begin.
• Pray the staff and volunteers with NGN will be able to locate the families of these children and begin the long process of reconnection and reunification.
• Pray for the estimated 11,000 children of Nepal who live in children’s homes or orphanages. Two out of three of these children have at least one living parent; often these parents believe their children have been lost to them.
• Thanks be to God for the work of NGN and The Himalayan Innovative Society (THIS) in rescuing the trafficked children of Nepal and reuniting them with their families.
United States
• Please keep 5-year-old Hayden McAllister in prayer as he recovers from brain surgery. Pray for God’s healing touch to be upon Hayden and lessen the pain of recovery. Pray for his parents and family as they help care for Hayden during this season of healing. Pray for the nursing staff and all those with whom Hayden comes into contact while he is in the hospital. Pray he will be surrounded by compassionate caregivers during his recovery.
• Pray for a 9-year-old Minnesota girl who was accidentally shot in the chest by her 5-year-old brother. Give thanks to God she wasn’t critically injured and is expected to recover from this injury. Pray for her little brother and her three other siblings. Pray for their parents who are being investigated for possible negligence as the .22-caliber rifle with which the little girl was shot had been left out for repairs. Pray all children are provided a safe environment in which to grow and thrive. Pray the adults and caregivers in their lives will act responsibly to protect their children.
• Please continue to pray for 4-month-old Haydn* who is recovering from heart surgery. Pray for comfort and healing as he is experiencing more health complications and will need to see a kidney specialist, as well. Pray for his mother who is physically and emotionally exhausted from caring for Haydn. Pray God will surround them with a compassionate and caring support community. Pray for peace and rest for both Haydn and his mother
Faces of Children
• Pray God will bring comfort and peace to Faces of Children prayer partner Orvileine Fergus, her sister, and family as they grieve the loss of Fergie’s brother-in-law. Give God thanks this beloved man has been released from the severe pain he endured because of the cancer in his body. Pray his family will feel God’s love through the tenderness and compassion of their support community during this season of loss and sadness.
• Pray for Fernando, the husband of Faces of Children intercessor Linda Paquian, as he endures blood transfusions and chemotherapy treatments for a rare form of cancer, malignant mesothelioma.
• Give thanks to God for the positive report 23-year-old Meaghan, the daughter of a Faces of Children prayer partner, received at her follow-up appointment with her endocrinologist. Meaghan had surgery for thyroid cancer almost a year ago and was told that she is now cancer free, praise be to God!
• 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.
If you have prayer 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 Chris Laufer, FOC Coordinator, at claufer@facesofchildren.net
Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook
The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 29, 2013
PRESBYTERIAN MISSION AGENCY (continued) - The Presbyterian Mission Agency is governed by an elected board and is responsible for the coordination of program activity at the national and international level of the church’s witness. Elder Linda B. Valentine serves as the executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Rev. Matthew Schramm is the chair of the elected Presbyterian Mission Agency Board. Approximately 300 staff members carry out the work of Presbyterian Mission. Nearly 200 mission co-workers (in 50 countries) and 51 Young Adult Volunteers (in three sites internationally and 10 sites in the United States) are engaged in vital ministries of sharing faith and working against poverty and violence.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook
The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 28, 2013
PRESBYTERIAN MISSION AGENCY - Hundreds of Presbyterians in scores of congregations use the new Engage resource designed to connect evangelism with disciple making. Through Engage, a Charlotte congregation touched people in its community with God’s love. In 2011 session leaders began to pray and read Scripture together. Their faith stories came alive, touching 94 people who made professions of faith, 63 becoming new members. The congregation began to engage in new mission and service opportunities in its community.
In times of disaster, the most marginalized are often the last to get help. But by working with local partners in Haiti, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and the Self-Development of People programs are able to reach those who would otherwise be overlooked.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Reports From Lulwanda: Administrator's Report for July 2013
July, 2013
"Despite the dynamics of work, God has been faithful to us. His grace has been sufficient. With much reverence we would like to recognize the contribution made by the donor community and the leadership of GICF. Your support has enabled us be a blessing to the vulnerable children placed under our care.”
CLICK HERE to read the rest of Busima's July, 2013 report.
In the News ... "Midland church seeks growth"
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OA Photo by Edyta Blaszczyk
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Odessa American
MIDLAND, TEXAS - About 500 Odessans travel to Midland every week for services at Stonegate Fellowship Church.
That may soon change.
The church has seen such growth in the last few years that officials announced in August a plan to expand their campus to Odessa, but no location has been set, Stonegate Fellowship Pastor Patrick Payton said.
• read the rest of this story
Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook
The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 27, 2013
CLICK HERE to read more.
Monday, August 26, 2013
ChinaAid: "Pastor Tan Wen, Urumqi house church leader, detained again"
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.Pastor Tan Wen, Urumqi house church leader, detained again
Distributed by ChinaAid, August, 2013 ...
• more on this story from China Aid
In the News ... "Midland leader calls for human trafficking awareness"
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MRT Photo by Tim Fischer
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Midland Reporter-Telegram
MIDLAND, TEXAS - On Tuesday afternoon, a roomful of Midlanders gathered at Golf Course Road Church of Christ to address a human rights issue affecting more than just Texans or even Americans. County Commissioner and church elder Randy Prude called the meeting to raise awareness about global human trafficking and slave labor.
Prude met International Justice Mission Director of Strategic Partnerships Michelle Conn three months ago at a trafficking presentation in Midland. Since that meeting, Prude hasn’t slept so well.
• read the rest of this story
Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook
The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 26, 2013
CLICK HERE to read more.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Come Church with Us at First Prez-Midland, TODAY!
Do you remember playing the board game LIFE?
Our mission at FPC is to love and lead all people to deeper LIFE in Jesus Christ. is fall we’ll be studying the Psalms in worship and in many of our classes and small groups. e Psalms are the prayers and praises of people in the midst of doing LIFE with God. In them we see joy and sadness, exuberance and despair, doubt and affi rmation, fear and faith – real people and real communities in very real situations pouring out their lives before God. And God is always faithful.
Jesus says, “I have come that you may have LIFE, and have it in abundance.” We believe that the only way to the truest, richest, deepest, most meaningful LIFE is LIFE in Jesus Christ, and we can nd that life through worship, study and service in the community of God’s people. All the opportunities you’ll nd in this booklet are designed to equip you as a disciple and to help you take hold of the full abundant LIFE in Jesus. Join us this fall! We pray you’ll and community, purpose and deeper LIFE in Jesus Christ at FPC.
Questions about any of these opportunities? Contact Pastor Shannon Weisenfels, 432-684-7821 or sweisenfels@fpcmid.org
Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook
The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 25, 2013
MINUTE FOR MISSION: PUBLIC EDUCATION - “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. . . . And you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:37–38)
Although the autumnal equinox is still a month away, the end of August always feels like the end of summer. And for the majority of the 50 million or so school-age children, the end of summer marks the beginning of school. Ninety percent of those children attend public schools. On this Public Education Sunday, Presbyterians around the nation are invited to remember these children and the teachers and staff who work with them.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Video Vault - "Egypt: Eyes Open"
From Moving Works ... "Since January 18, 2011, Egypt has been in a state of civil and political unrest, but in the midst of the violence and uncertainty, God is moving in a BIG way."
Score: "Linger" by Parachute Band ( comeandlive.com/artists/parachute-band )
More Information: movingworks.org
Egypt: Eyes Open from Moving Works on Vimeo.
Score: "Linger" by Parachute Band ( comeandlive.com/artists/parachute-band )
More Information: movingworks.org
Egypt: Eyes Open from Moving Works on Vimeo.
Come Church with Us at First Prez-Midland, TOMORROW!
Do you remember playing the board game LIFE?
Our mission at FPC is to love and lead all people to deeper LIFE in Jesus Christ. is fall we’ll be studying the Psalms in worship and in many of our classes and small groups. e Psalms are the prayers and praises of people in the midst of doing LIFE with God. In them we see joy and sadness, exuberance and despair, doubt and affi rmation, fear and faith – real people and real communities in very real situations pouring out their lives before God. And God is always faithful.
Jesus says, “I have come that you may have LIFE, and have it in abundance.” We believe that the only way to the truest, richest, deepest, most meaningful LIFE is LIFE in Jesus Christ, and we can nd that life through worship, study and service in the community of God’s people. All the opportunities you’ll nd in this booklet are designed to equip you as a disciple and to help you take hold of the full abundant LIFE in Jesus. Join us this fall! We pray you’ll and community, purpose and deeper LIFE in Jesus Christ at FPC.
Questions about any of these opportunities? Contact Pastor Shannon Weisenfels, 432-684-7821 or sweisenfels@fpcmid.org
Traveling Mission
A TassaTag is a 4” x 6” bright, heavy, hand-woven cotton luggage tag that helps you spot your luggage more easily while reclaiming children's lives. It is practical, environmentally sensitive, fair trade, and with it you can make a difference.
With a TassaTag you support ECPAT-USA. This is a non-profit children's rights organization whose mission is to protect all children from commercial sexual exploitation, and is the US Chapter of Thailand-based ECPAT (End Child Prostitution and Trafficking) International, working at the community, national and international levels.
With a TassaTag you support The Regina Center in Nong Khai, Thailand, which provides education and income generating skills and opportunities for women. All proceeds from sales are returned to the producers. The project enables women to stay in their villages and keep their children in school, which are two major strategies in reducing sex trafficking.
• CLICK HERE to learn more about this project
• CLICK HERE to learn more about sex slavery and trafficking
• CLICK HERE to order TassaTags
With a TassaTag you will be part of the ECPAT project by increasing the recognition of the TassaTag logo as a symbol against the sexual slavery and trafficking of children, raising greater awareness of this major illegal trade around the world, and being a voice positively addressing a serious children's rights issue.
Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook
The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 24, 2013
CLICK HERE to read more.
Friday, August 23, 2013
In the News ... "Former Believers Way Church to re-open as Renew Life Church"
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MRT Photo by Tim Fischer
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Midland Reporter-Telegram
MIDLAND, TEXAS - Believers Way Church will be opening its new doors as Renew Life Church on Aug. 11, moving Sunday services to the Cole Theatre at 2000 W. Wadley Ave.
The Rev. Braden Conner will remain pastor of the nondenominational, 300-member congregation. The former Believers Way facility at Loop 250 and Midland Drive will be closed.
Though the name is changing, Conner assured members that the church's mission — "loving people, preaching Jesus, sharing life and serving others" — will remain the same.
• read the rest of this story
Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook
The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 23, 2013
CLICK HERE to read more.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Teichert Prayer Letter for August
Karl and Jenny Teichert are serving the Lord as missionaries with OC Africa, in South Africa. They moved to Johannesburg in November, 1997 with their four children; Ann, Scott, Stephen and John. Karl serves as the Southern Africa Director of the Southern Africa Regional Team. Their vision is to see a healthy, Bible-based church established in every un-reached village and community in South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia and beyond. Their strategy is to partner with key African church leaders to research, train, and mobilize the body of Christ to complete the Great Commission. They are striving to equip local leaders in Southern Africa to reach their nations for Christ and send missionaries into other countries as well.
August Letter ... Lovey's Story
Lovey is a 23-year-old girl who has been working as a home-based caregiver in Finetown. Her Zulu name is “Noluthando,” which means “mother of love.” The name Lovey was given to her as a “term of endearment” by Cherie, one of our short-term team workers from the states. Today Lovey shared her story with me and gave me permission to share it with you.
Jenny: What was it like for you growing up?
Lovey: I grew up in a family of six children in the Eastern Cape. I had an abusive father who was an alcoholic. When I was young he would not allow us to play with other children and we were “held captive” at home. My father believed that women had no power, only men had power. He had no regard for women and he beat my mother. At that time in South Africa, women and children had no rights so we couldn’t report those circumstances to the police. My mother was the only one working and making money for our family at the time. One day my father got a gun out and pointed it at my mother, swearing at her to give him money. Terrified, my brothers and sisters and I cried and pleaded, “Please, stop father! Don’t do this!” He finally put the gun down, but for some reason when he set it down a bullet went off and shot up toward the ceiling. All of us quickly fell to the ground and thankfully no one was hurt. Because of the anger and abuse my father expressed against us, I learned to fear men at a young age and I was emotionally unstable. These were really painful parts of my life.
Jenny: Why did you decide to be a home-based caregiver in your community?
Lovey: I wouldn’t say I was interested in being a caregiver initially. There was no money for me to attend college. I couldn’t go out there and sell my body as a prostitute, which many young girls are doing to make money. I found this channel of serving the community as a home-based caregiver and I realized that I really do love it—caring for people! Unfortunately the government has not paid us much. Just like many of the other caregivers though, I continue to serve rather than stay at home and do nothing.
Jenny: What is something in your generation you feel needs to change?
Lovey: I would like to change abuse. It must stop! And molestation … I believe it is demonic … it is not nice; people are being mistreated by their own blood, their own family. People in our own neighborhoods are being taken advantage of, at night especially. Young women are put in harm’s way and the police are allowing them to get away with it. It is sad that children adapt to what they see. They grow up thinking that it is right.
Jenny: What is the greatest lesson you have learned?
Lovey: Even though my father was abusive and I wasn’t brought up in perfect circumstances, there are still things I can be grateful for. I grew through difficult situations and saw how my mother stood up for us and even in her misery, she remained brave. Those are the things I hold onto.
Jenny: What is your future dream?
Lovey: One thing I can say is that I would like to prosper. I hope to go levels beyond where I am currently and be successful in my work. I hope to work in a clinic or hospital someday.
Jenny: Tell me about your name, “Noluthando.”
Lovey: (with her face beaming) It was my father who named me! It’s hard to believe that my father, of all people, was the one who actually came up with such a beautiful name for me, “mother of love.”
Jenny: What is the greatest need you have?
Lovey: That my family would get along. That people in my family would stop fighting. We need to be united, no more conflict. At times I don’t understand what is breaking us apart and I feel lonely because of family issues. I just want to be in a happy family, where there is no more hatred and to love one another.
Jenny: What can we pray for you for?
Lovey: No more sickness at home. Death is a part of our life, but at times it is like it’s a curse. Please pray for healing and to love one another. And, please pray that I can get a better job!
I was deeply touched as I listened to Lovey’s story. It reminded me of God’s promise “…to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion, to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of a spirit of despair…” Isaiah 61:2-3.
Thank you for your prayers and care!
OC Africa is an interdenominational ministry committed to developing, equipping, and mobilizing church leaders to multiply healthy, Bible-based churches in every community in Southern Africa and the world. OC is a faith-based mission who depends on the Lord to provide committed, financial supporters and partners. The contributions from these individuals help generate ministry opportunities around the world, impact missionaries and their global work, and provide a means for the International Mobilization Center to function. CLICK HERE to learn how YOU can be a part of mobilizing church leaders around the world by donating to OC.
In the News ... "'Gospel yoga' offers different kind of religious experience"
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MRT Photo
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Midland Reporter-Telegram
MIDLAND, TEXAS - This week, I decided to mix it up a little. Rather than visiting a traditional religious gathering, I picked up my yoga mat and headed to Midland Yoga Works for its Sunday "Hot Gospel Vinyasa Yoga" class.
The class is donation-based, unlike other Midland Yoga Works' classes that run around $15. Participants can pay whatever they want or nothing at all. Teacher Cyndi Simpson said it's her way of "giving back" to the community.
• read the rest of this story
Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook
The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 22, 2013
These lyrics represent the congregation’s mission to build a faith-based community. “We’re about community empowerment, connection, advocacy, and equipping people for leadership in the church and community,” said Marty RamÃrez, wife of Rev. Julio RamÃrez-Eve.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
ServLife International: Child Sponsorship Month Update
ServLife International is a movement defined by values of God’s kingdom, not programs built around human efforts and activities. The reign and rule of God should be made apparent to every person on the planet, despite their religion, race or socioeconomic status. We believe that issues of justice are inseparable from the good news that Jesus Christ came to proclaim. ServLife exists to take the gospel of Christ and the hope of a better, more just, world to the lives of people we touch. This happens through individual contributions of time, creativity, resources and dreams.
"Child Sponsorship Month: Halfway Through August"
Friends,
We're halfway through August, which means we're halfway through Child Sponsorship Month!
First, we want to thank you for your involvement. The support you have shown has been a blessing and encouragement to our ministry.
Second, we want to update you on the progress we've made toward our goal of finding sponsors for all 100 of our unsponsored children. As of today, 21 children have been sponsored this month! That's 21 children who are receiving love, care and hope for a better future because of you. Thank you so much.
Now, even if you're not a math whiz, you probably noticed that we're not on track to meet our goal of 100 new sponsorships. We'll be honest, 100 child sponsorships in one month is a BIG goal for an organization of our size. It's the type of goal that we won't be able to take credit for when accomplished because it's only possible through God's provision and your help. But because of that, we believe it can be accomplished. And because we believe that God cares deeply for children, we believe it's vitally important that it's accomplished.
With that in mind, here are some ways you can help us reach this goal:
1. Consider sponsoring a child.
2. Tell friends and family about Child Sponsorship Month and ask them to consider sponsoring a child.
3. Host a child sponsorship event at your church or organization. This is one of the most impactful ways you can help. Contact us for more info.
4. Spread the word on social media. Stay updated by following us on Facebook and Twitter.
We're so glad you've partnered with us to care for children. As August unfolds, we're faithfully expecting to be amazed by God's provision.
In His Grace,
The ServLife International Team
P.S. - If you are already sponsoring a child, you can begin writing your child a letter to be taken over during our October trip. The deadline will be October 2.
Go with ServLife and make disciples in this world of need ...
• Help
us train and send a church planter to the frontiers of the gospel. Make
a
Servlife International is a non-profit organization planting communities of the Kingdom and restoring hope to children-at-risk and the global poor.
ServLife International, Inc.
P.O. Box 20596
Indianapolis, IN 46220
USA
ServLife International, Inc.
P.O. Box 20596
Indianapolis, IN 46220
USA
In the News ... "Pastoral care is passion for new priest at Holy Trinity"
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MRT Photo by James Durbin
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Midland Reporter-Telegram
MIDLAND, TEXAS - The Rev. Barbara Kirk-Norris, new associate rector of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, was raised Roman Catholic.
She attended parochial schools growing up, and because the Catholic faith does not permit women to become priests, she said she never thought of it as an option for herself. But in her senior year of high school, her parish priest sparked that fire.
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Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook
The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 21, 2013
NEWCASTLE PRESBYTERY, DELAWARE/MIDLAND - The proverbial “grass that grows up between the cracks” is one way we talk about emergent ministries in New Castle Presbytery. In recent years our most daring projects have sprung up in places no one could imagine. With the arrival of Rev. Jeff Howard to our Pocomoke City congregations three years ago, we also received as a candidate for ordination his wife, Grace. They arrived in southern Maryland from California, both with backgrounds in multicultural/multiethnic ministries.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Reports From Lulwanda: Administrator's Report for June 2013
June, 2013
"We have had many activities going on throughout June, nonetheless we glorify God for his promise, 'those who wait for the lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary!' Isaiah 40:31. In His grace, God sustained us throughout the month of June. Below is an account of what we were able to accomplish.”
CLICK HERE to read the rest of Busima's June, 2013 report.
Invitation to Prayer: Tomorrow
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).Let Your Light Dawn in Our Minds
O God, let fear die and conviction be born in our lives.
Let Your light dawn in our minds as the day dawns on the earth.
Let us not be so busy hurrying into the future and
worrying about the past that we lose today—the only one we have.
God, help us do what we know we have to do today,
and leave tomorrow to You. Marian Wright Edelman
Bedside Prayers: Prayers and Poems for When You Rise and Go to Sleep
by June Cotner
A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children
Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,
I hope you can join the Faces of Children prayer group as we lift the children of our local and global communities in prayer this coming Wednesday, August 14, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s room at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, with lunch ($5) and fellowship to follow.
If you have prayer concerns or celebrations 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.
Grace and peace,
Chris
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