West Texas Missioner: November 2013

Saturday, November 30, 2013

FPC-Midland Belize Mission: Where We're Going - The Country

From January 4 through January 11, 2014, a team from 1st Presbyterian Church-Midland will be traveling to the Central American country of Belize, and working with The Word at Work ministry. This will be an opportunity to reach out and share the gospel with the people of Belize while working side-by-side with the local community and The Word at Work staff on a much-needed construction project.

WHERE WE'RE GOING - THE COUNTRY

An Overview of Belize
(from The Word at Work ministry)

Belize is located in the southern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula, bordering Mexico and Guatemala, with the Caribbean Sea to the east. The coast is at-or-below sea-level with swamps, mangroves, lagoons and sandy beaches. The Maya mountain range lies to the west and south, rising to over 3,000 feet at some peaks. The capitol, Belmopan, is in the center of Belize, near the Maya Mountain foothills, with Banana Bank and the El Salvadorian refugee settlement (called The Valley of Peace) right nearby.

Belize City, over 300 years old and the country's main commercial area and seaport, is the largest city with over 80,000 residents. The Burial Grounds is on the northern outskirts of the city where TWAW does a significant amount of ministry. This is also where St. Andrews Presbyterian Church is located (one of our ministry partners). Other areas of TWAW activity include Orange Walk and Corozal to the north.

Many come to vacation in Belize for its beautiful beaches, casinos, scuba diving off the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world, and its smattering of quaint islands. We spend 1 of the 8 days on TWAW mission trips recuperating and reflecting on the past week on a private island right near the barrier reef.

Climate

Belize has what's called a subtropical climate the entire year. The rainy season lasts from late-August through November, followed by a dry season from December through March. Normal highs all year are 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit, while temperatures never drop below the mid-60's. However, your comfort has something to do with where you'll be serving... Belize City is on the Caribbean, so the sea breeze keeps things feeling a bit cooler. If you're in the jungle regions of central Belize there is no breeze to speak of, so it does feel a bit warmer.

GOT QUESTIONS?
Is there something you'd like to ask any of our mission team members, or our pastor?

CLICK HERE to e-mail us your question

Word from Uganda: "An Epic Thanksgiving Story Retold"

I moved to Uganda in October 2007. Looking back, this was interesting timing, seeing as it was right before all the major holidays of the year (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and all 4 of our family members’ birthdays).

My first Thanksgiving in Uganda, I was living at the Ogenga’s house, and had come to the conclusion within myself that since this is Uganda and there is no Thanksgiving Day and I would just go throughout the day as if it was any other day.

But God works in mysterious ways.

• CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post

In the News ... "Salvation Army hosts annual Thanksgiving meal"

OA Photo by Edyta Blaszczyk

• Volunteers serve food, visit with guests

By Nathaniel Miller
Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Ronnie Derr said Texas Governor Rick Perry convinced him to come to Texas.

Not personally, of course. While living in Phoenix, Arizona, Derr said he was about to move to Scottsdale, Ariz., when he heard Perry talking about the state’s low unemployment rate on Sean Hannity’s radio show. So Derr said he decided to pick up and move to Texas instead. It is a choice he said he does not regret.

“I made the right move,” Derr said.

However, because rent prices are high and he was unable to find a place to live, Derr said he’s been living at the shelter at the Salvation Army in Odessa for the past month, working with a company that specializes in cleaning oilfield clothing.

• CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA 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: November 30, 2013

PRESBYTERY OF DENVER, COLORADO - We heard Jesus ask us, ‘How many loaves have you?’ as we listened to pastors struggling to feed their families in a Malawi village. We gathered together our loaves and fishes to form a microbusiness lending program that allows pastors to learn new skills and provide for their families.” That is the answer to Jesus’ question provided by members of one of the Presbytery of Denver’s mission partnerships.

Others also obeyed his command to “go and see.” For more than a decade, Carpenter’s Helpers has seen the need for homes for families. They have seen people come together to offer resources of labor and funds to make this happen. Through another mission partnership, a well was dug in Zimbabwe. Seeing the thanksgiving of the people when water flowed brought tears of rejoicing. Presbyterians affiliated with Second Wind Fund saw the need to prevent teen suicides in Colorado. They responded with resources. To those who received the resources it “feels like the multiplication of loaves and fishes!” Yet somehow here I was: the chaplain to a grieving family; helpless.

CLICK HERE to read more.

THE 2014 PRESBYTERIAN MISSION YEARBOOK - Where are the young adults? How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is devoted to the theme of young adults in the church. Its stories, many told by young adults, lift up how Presbyterians of all ages are engaging and joining with Presbyterian young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

CLICK HERE for more information, and to purchase a copy

Friday, November 29, 2013

In the News ... "New women’s crisis shelter to open in January"

MRT Photo by Tim Fischer

Ragini Venkatasubban, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - A new shelter for women and children in crisis will open its doors in January.

The Genesis Center of the Permian Basin, a branch of the shelter of the same name in Kaufman, will offer a 12-month residential program and 30-day emergency shelter for women and children affected by domestic violence, sexual abuse, homelessness, drug and alcohol problems, parole situations or other crises.

The 46,000-square-foot shelter is housed at 2800 Louisiana Ave. in what used to be Trinity Presbyterian Church, which closed in June. Genesis Center will accept up to 100 women and children. Currently, 20 women and children are signed up.

• read the rest of this story

For your consideration, "Black Friday" alternatives, #2

"Black Friday is the Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, often regarded as the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. In recent years, most major retailers have opened extremely early and offered promotional sales to kick off the holiday shopping season," we are told in Black Friday's very own Wikipedia listing. "Black Friday shopping is known for attracting aggressive crowds, with annual reports of assaults, shootings, and throngs of people trampling on other shoppers in an attempt to get the best deal on a product before supplies run out."

For your consideration may offer you some simple, stay-at-home alternatives to today's bedlam, via West Texas Missioner's Twitter feed ? Thee are some neat ideas out there ... including many that really do capture the true spirit of the Thanksgiving/Christmas season.

Part 2:

Chris Seay: @PastorChrisSeay
As we embark on Thanksgiving/Black Friday would u give me 2 minutes to share a few thoughts w/you? vimeo.com/33694600 .

Mwangaza Choir: ‏@mwangazachoir
The ultimate gift this season is hope in a child's life. Give a gift that will last past this December at: goo.gl/IMoCjw .

Samaritan's Purse: ‏@SamaritansPurse
For less than $15 you can change a life this Christmas. Learn more here: bit.ly/1ewUOKD #BlackFriday

For your consideration, "Black Friday" alternatives, #1

Part 1:

I am Second: ‏@IamSecond
Need a case for that new iPad? Go I am Second style. Plus 20% off entire Signature Collection (Promo code: 6156): iamsecondstore.com .

Living Water International: ‏‏@livingwater
Brave the #BlackFriday crowds but first kick off your Christmas with Give Well! Instead of gifts, ask for safe water: water.cc/givewell .

International Justice Mission: ‏@IJM
This #BlackFriday, take a stand against consumerism and help fund a rescue operation: bitly.com/GiveFreedom .

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: November 29, 2013

SYNOD OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS - Most of the presbyteries in the Synod of the Rocky Mountains are not totally self-supporting entities, as the geography is so vast and the population sparse. These presbyteries have therefore relied on monies given to the synod through Domestic Mission Partnership Funds provided by the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Anticipating the ending of that program this year, all of the presbyteries have been conversing with each other about partnerships and the sharing of resources.

The challenge in our synod, as in several other synods covering very large regions, is how to be creative and resourceful in providing programs that support shared ministry.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Reports From Lulwanda: Administrator's Report for October 2013

October, 2013

"Receive warm and lovely greetings from the LCH family — the children and the staff. God has been so gracious to us and all we can do is to thank Him for His great mercies, abundant love, kindness, provision but above all protection. We hope and believe that God has kept you as well in the same way. I am humbled to report on the following:

The Children:
We thank God who has entrusted them under our care and control. They are in a good state; we continue to feed them with a balanced diet. We are doing the best to ensure they get quality education. We continue to nurture them spiritually and I am trying my level best to ensure that the children grow up in a God fearing way. The social worker on several occasions has had a one on one interaction with the children to find out what are some of their needs ...”

MUSAGALA SIMON PETER
Acting Administrator

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the October, 2013 report.

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 11/28/13

Free Burma Rangers ( www.freeburmarangers.org/ )

• Pray for the Kachin ethnic hill tribe people of Northern Burma who have endured torture, forced imprisonment, attacks on their villages, rape, forced labor, and the deaths of loved ones, including the killing of children when their villages were shelled by the Burma Army.
• Please keep close in prayer the 1,284 Kachin people who fled Burma Army attacks in October. Pray God will protect and provide for the children, youth, and adults of this vulnerable ethnic group who are now in hiding and lack access to food, medical care, and shelter.
• more on this request
• Pray for a 15-year-old girl from Lu Htawng village who was gang raped by Burma Army soldiers. Give thanks to God she was released and reunited with her parents. Pray for her physical, emotional, and spiritual healing following this horrific assault. Pray for justice for this young woman. Pray God will be at work in the hearts of her attackers…that they will repent of their evil actions and suffer the consequences of them.
• Pray for the 300 students at the Nam Lim Pa IDP (internally displaced people) school compound in Kachin State who were held and threatened by Burma Army soldiers on November 16. Pray for the 2,000 children, women, and men who fled Nam Lim Pa village and IDP camp later that night when the Burma Army attacked. Please keep these vulnerable people in prayer—half of the group was sent to another village, but the other 1,000 are still hiding in the jungle.
• more on this request
• Pray God will provide for the four children and wife of Maraw Brang Na who was killed by Burma Army soldiers on November 14. Pray for God’s comfort and peace for his loved ones who are at an IDP camp in Bhamo now.
• Please pray for peace in Burma. Pray for a change of heart in those who hold positions of authority in Burma’s government and military.

Philippines

• Please continue in prayer for the children, youth, and adults affected by Typhoon Haiyan, one of the largest ever recorded. Pray for those on isolated islands who haven’t been reached yet after the typhoon devastated the central part of the Philippines.
• more on this request
• more on this request
• Pray for the estimated four million people who have been displaced by this massive disaster. Please pray God will provide for children and families who don’t have access to clean water, food, medical care, or shelter. Pray the humanitarian aid coordination problems, the logistics, and the bottlenecks will be resolved soon.
• Pray for the most vulnerable and at-risk children in this disaster. Pray God will protect these children from anyone who might take advantage of the chaos and confusion to traffick or abuse them.
• Please keep in prayer the loved ones and friends of the more than 3,900 people killed in Typhoon Haiyan. Pray for those in communities where bodies decompose amidst the rubble because there aren’t enough body bags or trucks or people to remove them.
• Pray for the people of Tacloban, a city of 220,000 that was devastated by Typhoon Haiyan. An estimated 90% to 95% of the city was damaged with few buildings still standing and no electricity or communications. Pray for children and families in this regional capital who are without food or water. Pray for those in neighborhoods that are cut off by debris.
• more on this request

United States

• Please keep close in prayer an 11-year-old boy who had been handcuffed to the porch of his foster parents’ home. The boy was handcuffed to the porch rail by his ankle and a dead chicken had been tied around his neck. Give thanks to God this child was found by a deputy sheriff and removed, along with four other adopted children (ages 14, 13, 9, and 8), from his foster parents’ care.
• more on this request
• Pray all of these children will be safe now they are in the custody of social services in another county. Please pray God will bring healing and peace to the little boy and his foster siblings.
• Pray God will be at work in the hearts of the foster parents who have been accused of intentional child abuse inflicting serious injury and false imprisonment. One of the parents is an emergency room nurse and the other works as a county social services supervisor.
• Please pray for the safety and health of all children in foster care. Pray they will experience God’s love through the love and care given them by those involved in the child welfare system.
• Pray all those desiring to foster children will enter into the commitment with the proper intentions and skills to care for children who have experienced great loss or woundedness in their lives.

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.

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

In the News ... "Midland Soup Kitchen Ministry serves up Thanksgiving meal"

Rachael Gleason, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - As hungry patrons lined up outside, Midland Soup Kitchen Ministry volunteers formed a circle, took hands and bowed their heads to pray.

The ministry typically serves a Thanksgiving meal -- turkey and all the fixings -- to 300 Midlanders on the Wednesday before the holiday. But for managers Jason and Nancy Ivy, the kitchen provides more than just a warm, home-cooked meal.

“We’re meeting physical, spiritual and emotional needs,” said Nancy, who started volunteering in the kitchen at age 8 when her parents ran it. “That’s the most important part: giving thanks to the Lord.”

• read the rest of this story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

FPC-Midland Belize Mission: How You Can Help

How You Can Help

While God has opened up a door for us on the team to develop a greater heart of compassion for all his people around the world, he has also opened that door for you to share that compassion in different ways.

First and foremost, we ask for your prayers that God will prepare us for our visit, and bless our efforts as we minister to the people of Belize. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers in the weeks ahead, and add the Belize Mission Team, 1st Presbyterian Church, Midland, Texas to your church’s prayer list.

We also ask for prayers that our financial needs be met. Each member of our team needs to raise $2,000 in support – through our own resources and through the support of friends and family. Would you prayerfully consider supporting our team through a small contribution? If you feel led to contribute financially, please make checks payable to “First Presbyterian Church” and include “Belize Mission Team” in the notation line. The checks may be sent to:

Belize Mission Trip
c/o 1st Presbyterian Church
800 W. Texas Avenue
Midland, TX 79701

Whether you feel led to contribute financially, through prayer or through both ... all of your support is appreciated!

GOT QUESTIONS?
Is there something you'd like to ask any of our mission team members, or our pastor?

CLICK HERE to e-mail us your question

In the News ... "Midland Youth Group Hands Out Thanksgiving Meals to Needy Families"

Geena Martinez, Reporter
KWES-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Thanksgiving was still a couple of days away but the spirit of giving ws already in full swing. On Tuesday, a local church passed out dozens of turkeys to families in need.

This year, a younger generation carried on the tradition.

"We're gonna go pray to the families in need and we're gonna go deliver their turkeys," Rosa Rodriguez said.

The youth group at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church knocked on doors and handed out a Thanksgiving meal to those who otherwise might've gone without.

• read/watch the rest of this story

In the News ... "Turkey day offers free meal"

By Nathaniel Miller
Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The Salvation Army in Odessa is preparing for its annual Thanksgiving meal, which — as it has the past — will be free to anyone who goes to The Salvation Army Thursday morning.

Odessa Corps Officer Lt. Joe Contreras said Salvation Army staff and volunteers will serve turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and other foods between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The food, some being donated by individual volunteers, was purchased by the Salvation Army.

“We usually prepare for about 200 to 250 people,” Contreras said. “We should have plenty.”

The meal is free to anyone who walks through the doors, Contreras said, regardless if they “take the bus or drive a Mercedes.” He encouraged all people who had no place to go to stop by and enjoy a free, hot meal.

“We’ll have the doors wide open for them,” he said.

• CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story

In the News ... "Big Spring Salvation Army Asking For Volunteers to Help With Thanksgiving Community Feast"

Staff Report
KWES-TV

BIG SPRING, TEXAS - The Salvation Army in Big Spring is asking for people to help them with their Thanksgiving Community Feast this Thursday.

The non-profit group started taking donations for the feast on Tuesday but they still need your contributions of meal items, volunteer service, and canned goods for their pantry.

• read the rest of this story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

FPC-Midland Belize Mission: Our Mission Partner

Our Mission Partner

Some members of the First Prez mission teams are old hands with Belize, having spent years living and working there ... others will be making their first visit to that nation. Others are somewhere in between, with a brief visit of a day or a short span of days that afforded a tantalizing glimpse of what lay just outside our vision, just around that next bend in the road, on the other side of that next hill ... not so much scratching the surface of Belize ... but just scratching the surface of 'scratching the surface.'

Fortunately, we will be partnering with a ministry that has a long, deep acquaintance with the nation, its people and their needs. And not only that, they're a neighbor of sorts, headquartered 'just up the road' from Midland.

"The Word at Work is a ministry that mobilizes churches and individuals to answer God's call to minister to those in need," writes Rev. Tim Tam, Director of the Amarillo, Texas-based ministry. "Through our relationships, God reveals needs and opportunities for service. As we come along side the poor, new friendships develop and doors for ministry open. As we serve, God provides the resources to supply for the needs he reveals."

"Simply put, we're a bridge connecting resources with needs, and churches and people with opportunities to serve."

"The birth of our ministry came from the conviction that Christians need to put what they hear into practice in obedience to Jesus and His word. As we put our faith into practice (putting God's Word to work), and give ourselves away in mission, we ourselves are transformed."

Among the valuable insights that The Word at Work provides its visiting partners, is that there is more to their mission than simply bricks-and-mortar.

God has revealed to us an entire host of people and places in Belize that need the regenerative touch of His hand. So, we are obedient to Jesus' call on our lives," Tam explains. "We run short term mission trips for groups of people from churches of all denominations from the USA to Belize, Central America."

"Relationships are central to the Gospel with which we are entrusted. God is at work in Belize and He calls us to join Him in that work, empowering us in a unique way to match needs and resources. We are honored to have hundreds of friends in Belize who teach us about service each time we travel there with a team. Our work complements, adapts, supplements, and encourages Belizean ministries in their work for those in need.

For more information about The Word at Work and its ministry, please visit their website.

Word from Uganda: "It is better to give than to receive"

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 ...

It is better to give than to receive

During one of the many activities this summer, one of the teams brought the great opportunity for the Lulwanda children and staff to participate in being a blessing to the surrounding community. The project, Backpacks of Promise, is awesome. People in the States choose to bless those in Uganda by donating money and school items to then fill these backpacks with a variety of scholastic needs.

• CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post

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).

Giving Thanks to You, Our God

Yours, O God, are the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty;
for all that is in the heavens and on the earth is yours;
yours is the kingdom, O God, and you are exalted as head above all.

Riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all.
In your hand are power and might;
and it is in your hand to make great and to give strength to all.

And now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your glorious name.

1 Chronicles 29:11-13, New Revised Standard Versionn

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

The Faces of Children prayer group will meet this coming Wednesday, November 27, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s room at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, as we lift in prayer the children of our hearts and communities. Pleasae join us for prayer and, afterwards, for lunch ($5) and fellowship.

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

In the News ... "Freezing Temperatures Claim Life of Homeless Man in Odessa"

Geena Martinez, Reporter
KWES-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - The Basin's first round of winter weather turned deadly over the weekend. Sadly, a homeless man died in the freezing temperatures.

"I got a phone call from a friend, who works at the fire department, he said one of our old friends from the streets has passed away," Donny Kyker, pastor of Jesus House Odessa, said.

Kyker got the news over the weekend. The homeless man was found Saturday night, not far from Jesus House. He died on the way to the hospital.

• read/watch 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: November 26 2013

PRESBITERO DEL NOROESTE (NORTHWEST) - In times of need, the church must withstand the hardship that afflicts its parishioners, be present with them as the church, and provide for its people. The church is accustomed to providing peace, hope, and the Word of God, but these don’t cover all the needs people have in difficult circumstances.

Through the Church Council of Puerto Rico, the Northwest Presbytery has been giving out grocery vouchers to members of various congregations. Participating congregations receive a minimum of $500 in vouchers. Each congregation selects which families receive vouchers according to the hardship they have experienced.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Monday, November 25, 2013

At the Start of It All ... Once More

It was almost six years ago, in January of 2008, that I launched The West Texas Missioner blog with this post, the first of many over the ensuing months that would document our preparations for a mission trip to Thailand, and then the trip itself.

When all was said and done - once we were home, with the mission trip was behind us - I thought of retiring the blog ... but after some thought and some prayer, and some encouraging feedback from fellow bloggers here in the Tall City, I decided instead to continue the blog, but with a broader focus ... daily minutes for mission, news stories, efforts by my own church and by our brothers and sisters in Christ around the region, local opportunities for mission, and reports from our friends-in-mission around the world.

And now, here I am ... at the start of it all, once more.

From January 4 through January 11, 2014, I shall be one of 18 members from 1st Presbyterian Church-Midland who will be traveling to the Central American country of Belize, and working with The Word at Work ministry. This will be an opportunity to reach out and share the gospel with the people of Belize while working side-by-side with the local community and The Word at Work staff doing a much-needed construction project ... there may also be opportunities for mission through education, medicine, fellowship, prayer and testimony.

Midland Group Offers "Prayer Band That Started a Revolution"

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

Issued by ChinaAid ...

"

This prayer band has been declared illegal in China."

"Chinese police have stopped people on the streets and taken the bands off their wrists. Some have been interrogated and arrested; at least three families were evicted from their homes—for the government, the prayer band is a symbol of revolution."

"We thank everyone across the U.S. and around the world who answered the call to wear a 'Pray for China' prayer band and pray during the Olympics. Your willingness to stand with Chinese house church Christians encouraged them as they also wore prayer bands and prayed for their country. Their commitment came with a cost. Read more."

"Yet, house church Christians refuse to be intimidated. They say that prayer for China is even more critical now that the world is no longer watching. Persecution has increased. Will you join in this revolution of prayer for China?"

"They can arrest me or put me in prison, but I'm not going to stop praying for China. Although the prayer band is banned in China, prayer can never be banned. I am asking every Christian to support believers in China by wearing a prayer band." - a prominent house church leader

"At this crucial time, will you partner in prayer? And, will you please forward this information to others who will want to pray for the persecuted in China."

• CLICK HERE to order a China Prayer Band

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

Sunday, November 24, 2013

In the News ... "Local Groups Trying to Help Homeless Survive in Freezing Weather"

Geena Martinez, Reporter
KWES-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - As temperatures continue to drop, there are hundreds in the Basin who don't have a warm place to go. Several shelters are already packed full but there are still so many people left out in the cold.

Local groups are trying to help the homeless any way they can.

Volunteers are going out to find them, and with below freezing temperatures expected throughout the weekend, their focus is keeping them alive.

While most of us are trying to stay warm indoors, the folks at Jesus House Odessa are braving the frigid cold to help the most vulnerable.

• read/watch 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: November 24, 2013

MINUTE FOR MISSION: CHRIST THE KING / REIGN OF CHRIST - "W hat can you do?” muttered the grief-stricken teenage son of a heart-attack victim during the dark morning hours at a community hospital. Having only been a hospital chaplain for a few weeks, I had no answer for him. Instead, I offered what I could: “I could pray with you or call your spiritual leader?” He shook his head and turned back into the dim room where his mother and siblings were.

I sat down at the nurse’s station, feeling completely helpless. I was only a student chaplain, there to fulfill a requirement for ordination. Yet somehow here I was: the chaplain to a grieving family; helpless.

CLICK HERE to read more.