"Gracie's New Step Stool"
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| After we explained what we needed to the hospital carpenter, it literally took just 20 minutes for Gracie to get her new step stool. |
Friday, January 31, 2014
Mercy Trips January-February Outreach Trip: "Gracie's New Step Stool"
"Gracie's New Step Stool"
Mercy Trips January-February Outreach Trip: "Experiences from First Patient Day"
"Experiences from First Patient Day"
It felt good finally getting my "hands dirty" and start operating. We performed 4 surgeries today. They all went great and I know our qpatients are going to feel better. They are so thankful and appreciative. Their thankfulness makes the long hard work day worth it. Im so thankful to God for allowing me to be here and help the people of Uganda.
Grace
We saw over 2200 people today with the common problems but also some cardiac problems that you wouldn't expect. Also, there was 5people involved in a boda-boda accident that had major injuries. Hopefully they got to the hospital in Mbale for care. We are all out again tomorrow for the 2nd day and everyone is healthy.
Jim
It was interesting being involved in the Uganda OR. Our team is great and work so well as a team. I pray we are a blessing to all we serve. I thank God for all.
Julie
Today we had our first day sending patients to the Physician. I can't believe we cared for so many people. We had an extremely long line of people and I was honored to help each and everyone. Later we handed out mosquito nets and candy to the children. I got to hold the cutest baby that adored me. I wish I could of taken him home with me and care for him forever! Can't wait to see what tomorrow holds!
Natalie
It was great being in the OR today! It was fun teaching my mom how we do surgery and care for patients "Uganda style." It's definitely different than how things are in the U.S.! Each one of them are so grateful for the treatment they receive. It is such a blessing that God has allowed me to be a part of His work He is doing here!
Angie
Went out to see a "couple of patients" after the first case today, and got "hammered" they just kept bringing patients back before I finished the chart on the one I just had seen, not allowing me to say "last one". I finally got rescued by Godfrey, who came out to get me for the next case, the patient was "prepped and draped" already - walked in, scrubbed and started - felt just like Dr. DeBakey. Anyway, had the six day surgery schedule filled in by noon.
Craig
• visit Mercy Trips' Facebook page
In the News ... "Steven Curtis Chapman brings tour to Midland"
Midland Reporter-Telegram
MIDLAND, TEXAS - In 2013, Steven Curtis Chapman wrapped up the fall version of his Glorious Unfolding tour to much acclaim. Boasting sold-out shows and a new album, the tour was successful enough to book more dates, including an appearance in Midland.
The second leg of his tour will hit the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center on Saturday. The show will feature openers The Afters and Josh Wilson.
Juggling time between the tour and his recent appearance at the Grammys for his nomination for single “Love Take Me Over,” Chapman took some time to talk with us before heading to West Texas.
• 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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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.Today in the Mission Yearbook: January 31, 2014
In July 2012 a presbytery-wide youth delegation visited Peru for a jointly led cross-cultural retreat with Peruvian youth. Unphased by the challenge of language and cultural difference, those young people worked, learned, worshiped, and played side by side.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Teichert Prayer Letter for January/February
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.
January/February Letter ...
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Jeremiah 33:3
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| Stephen's graduation from Worship Academy |
As we start a NEW YEAR, we would appreciate your prayers in the following ways:
Next steps for Ann after graduation from Biola University in May.
Engineering studies for Scott in his second year at Cal Baptist University.
Work for Stephen and the Lord’s confirmation for aviation studies in the fall.
Year of grade 11 studies and class activities for John at The King’s School.
Equipping leaders in coaching and disciplemaking by Karl.
Assisting caregivers in Finetown and facilitating new Channels of Hope training by Jenny.
Reliance on God in all areas of our lives.
Thank you for standing in the gap for us,
Karl and Jenny
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| "Our Leader as Coach" Workshop |
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.
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 01/29/14
Cameroon, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Central African Republic
• Pray for West African girls who have suffered excruciating pain as well as physical and psychological scarring because of the practice of “breast ironing.” The custom of putting hot stones on the breasts of girls just entering puberty is believed to have started in the 1930s as a way for mothers to protect their daughters from premarital sex, early pregnancy, and rape. Pray for the estimated 1.3 million girls who are victims of this brutal cultural practice.
• Give God thanks for the nationwide campaign in Cameroon that has raised awareness about the harm breast ironing does to developing girls. And thanks be to God there has been a decline in practicing this custom in Cameroon because of the national awareness campaign in schools, churches, and the media. Pray all countries in which breast ironing is practiced will work to raise awareness of the harm it causes.
China
• Give thanks to God for the rescue of six babies who had been sold to traffickers by a doctor. Thank God these little ones were reunited with their parents who had been tricked into giving them up. The doctor convinced parents that their babies had incurable diseases or deformities then sold them to traffickers.
• Pray God will comfort the family of the baby that was ill and thrown into a garbage ditch by traffickers. The baby was never found.
• Pray for the doctor who confessed to this horrific crime and give thanks to God she is being held accountable for her actions. Pray the suspended death sentence she was given will send a strong message to others in the medical community and to traffickers that the practice of selling babies is intolerable.
• Please pray the rampant practice of child trafficking in China will cease. Pray for a change in cultural attitude in communities where there is a traditional bias for male children. Male offspring are considered preferable as they support elderly parents and are heirs to the family name. Pray for an end to the abortion of females and the killing and abandonment of baby girls.
Philipines
• Please continue to keep the children and people of the Philippines in prayer as they deal with the effects of a tropical depression just two months after super typhoon Haiyan struck the country on November 8, 2013. Pray for those made homeless by Haiyan who had to flee emergency shelters when this recent tropical storm destroyed or damaged tarps and tents.
Syria
• Please keep the children and people of Syria close in prayer as the three-year-old conflict between the Syrian government and opposition forces continues. Pray for the 9.3 million Syrians in the country and the 2 million outside of it who are in urgent need of humanitarian aid.
• Pray food and medical aid will reach the estimated 18,000 people living in a Palestinian refugee camp near Damascus that is under siege. Pray for children, youth, and adults who are at risk of starving because their camp has been blocked from receiving humanitarian aid. Pray for those who’ve been surviving on lentils, onions, powdered tomato paste, animal feed, and sometimes, boiled grass. Pray for the loved ones of those, mainly children and elderly people, who have died of hunger or hunger related illnesses.
• Pray for an end to this long-running conflict and for peace and reconciliation between opposing factions.
United States
• Give thanks to God that 14-year-old Dallas was found and the 37-year-old man with whom he ran away was arrested. Pray for healing, peace, and comfort for Dallas during a very difficult season in his life.
Faces of Children
• Please keep Faces of Children prayer partner Allegra Boone and her family close in prayer during their season of sorrow and loss. Pray God will bring them comfort as they mourn the death of Allegra’s husband Bob on December 21, 2013.
• 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
Mercy Trips January-February Outreach Trip: "First Impressions and/or Other Comments"
"First Impressions and/or Other Comments"
The team had a busy day today. We set up the OR, readied the meds for clinic, toured the hospital and grounds for the first timers, saw many pre-op and other patients, and attempted to rescue a sick newborn (more on that later from Angie) it was a good day overall, and the team is working together very well.
Even though I've been away from Uganda for 9 years the memories came flooding back. Seeing familiar faces was the best. I am so eager to start operating tomorrow. The hospital and even the hotel has changed so much. It's really amazing to see. The people of Africa definitely have a piece of my heart.
Gracie
Today was our first day on the field assisting patients. Not only did I have the privilege of counting pills I also made a few new friends. Holding babies overflows my heart with joy. Having kids run after our van screaming Jambo (hello) makes me happy. Seeing adults smile from ear to ear makes me feel warm. I am so honored to be here and thank God for this opportunity!!!
I am BLESSED,
Natalie
I was really happy to be back in Kanginima again. This is my fourth mission trip. I so much enjoy the group comradere effort pulling together to accomplish the common goal of providing third world health care.
Mark Van Wormer MD
This is my first missions trip and lucky to spend it with my daughter, Angie. I'm so proud to see her take bold steps in her practice with the patients at the hospital. My most interesting thing I saw today was seeing a rooster walking through the ward....that was a first for me.
Julie
This is my second time to return to Kanginima hospital. I started the day today by arranging supplies in the OR. I took a break and went to the ward and saw a newborn infant in a room being held by her mother wrapped in multiple blankets. I knew instantly by the weak grunting cry that the infant was very sick. I picked her up and felt her body burn with a fever. When I learned that the infant was born last night, had not had the strength to take in any milk, and had gotten an infection from the mother during delivery, I knew the child needed treatment immediately. I went to Dr. Craig and Dr. Mark to ask them for help on what to do to care for the child. With limited resource, we started what we could for the infant. We started her on scheduled antibiotics, IV fluids with dextrose added (sugar for the body since she had nothing to eat), put her on oxygen from the one machine that the hospital owns, and some tylenol to help her tiny body fight the fever. Through out the day I was in and out of the room taking care of the infant, and toward the end of the day her condition had seemed to improve quite a bit. As we were leaving for the day and giving the nurses instructions on what to do to care for the infant for the night, the child suddenly went limp and stopped breathing. My mom and I tried stimulating the infant to breathe, but without success. I wish I could say that there was a happy ending to the day because it was heartbreaking to have the child die after so much effort that was put into trying to save her life. Though it was sad, especially for mother and family, and looks so hopeless, there is good news through it all. That good news is that there is a God who is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He knows and loves each and every life, and He is in control of everything that happens. Even when we might not understand why he allows certain things to happen, He sees the whole picture and we can put our trust in Him. He has saved us all from sin and death by His life He gave us on the cross. No matter what happens in life, we can have hope in Him who saved us. I thank God that because of that I can see the precious little infant in Heaven one day without sickness or pain.
Angie
• visit Mercy Trips' Facebook page
In the News ... "Pastor Troy Stevenson retires"
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| OA Photo by Ryan Evon |
Odessa American
ODESSA, TEXAS - Longtime pastor Troy Stevenson is retiring from Immanuel Baptist Church after 22 years of service to the Odessa community.
Stevenson has been with Immanuel Baptist Church since 1991 and according to Teaching Pastor Don Allen, he is a great leader and friend to everyone he encountered and will be missed.
• 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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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.Today in the Mission Yearbook: January 30, 2014
Instead of deciding that VBS wouldn’t work, they learned from the experience.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
ServLife International: Restoration and Reflection, from the Field
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.Restoration and Reflection, from the Field
Many of the children in ServLife homes experience hardships no child should have to face. Yet through love, support and education, many of these children turn tragic stories into ones filled with redemption and hope. Januka's story is a perfect example ...
Multiplying Light
Psalm 80:19 speaks to our brokenness and desperation, God's mighty power, and the accessible light of salvation:
"Restore us, Lord God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved."
Restoration and salvation comes from God alone. But it does not come to me alone. It comes to us. To humankind. To God's children. To all of us that would turn to Jesus. And this restoration does not end with us; it multiplies.
We receive the light and salvation from God, and are then commissioned to shine His light so that all people will see Jesus. The "we," the "us," continues to expand as restoration and the warmth of God's light and love washes over our lives, our homes, our cities, our entire world.
Your investment in India and Nepal is continuing to enlarge God's community and show his light and love. You are providing warm homes for children rescued from the street. You are illuminating hearts with the hope of the Gospel. You are bringing restoration and respect to those previously living in extreme poverty. I am so encouraged by your generosity and support. Thank you.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
Restoration and salvation comes from God alone. But it does not come to me alone. It comes to us. To humankind. To God's children. To all of us that would turn to Jesus. And this restoration does not end with us; it multiplies.
We receive the light and salvation from God, and are then commissioned to shine His light so that all people will see Jesus. The "we," the "us," continues to expand as restoration and the warmth of God's light and love washes over our lives, our homes, our cities, our entire world.
Your investment in India and Nepal is continuing to enlarge God's community and show his light and love. You are providing warm homes for children rescued from the street. You are illuminating hearts with the hope of the Gospel. You are bringing restoration and respect to those previously living in extreme poverty. I am so encouraged by your generosity and support. Thank you.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
Adam Nevins
Executive Director
ServLife International Inc.
Join Our Mission
ServLife International propels reconciliation and justice by building global community to plant churches, care for children and fight poverty. Compelled by the message, life and love of Jesus Christ, we seek to care for the spiritual, physical, social, and economic areas of life in northern India and Nepal. Learn more about our latest news, featured stories, and how to get involved at servlife.org
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In the News ... "Local ministry provides food, clothing, medical aid to Midlanders in need"
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| MRT Photo by Tim Fischer |
Midland Reporter-Telegram
MIDLAND, TEXAS - It’s a typical Wednesday morning at Area Missions Outreach Services, a local food and clothing ministry on the south side of Midland. Volunteers Mae Spencer and Nancy Dakil sort through a large box stuffed with donated clothing, toys and household items. People trickle in and out of the small building; some volunteers, some dropping off donations and others seeking aid.
At the center of it all, Maria Rodriguez greets everyone with a warm smile, frequently ducking into the food pantry or sorting room to help volunteers. They call her the executive director, but as the ministry’s only employee, she wears many hats.
Area Missions Outreach Services, or AMOS, is a faith-based nonprofit started in 1988 to provide food, clothing, household items, health screenings and other services for Midland County residents in need. The ministry helps anyone from the low-income, elderly and disabled to those who have simply fallen on hard times.
• 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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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.Today in the Mission Yearbook: January 29, 2014
PRESBYTERY OF SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - In 2007 members from La Jolla Presbyterian Church gathered to pray about an outreach to neighboring Mission Bay High School. Building relationships with students and families, they began attending after-school events and volunteering in classrooms. Through their relationships with students, they learned that 85 percent of the students did not live in the immediate area but were bused in from low-income neighborhoods in San Diego.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Word from Uganda: "My favorite sign in Uganda"
My favorite sign in Uganda
Some things you see here are cause for a double-take. This is my favorite sign I have seen yet in Uganda, right in the heart of Kampala.
• 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).Prayer for School Children
“Seeing the kids on their way to school always makes me smile, Lord.
It makes me remember my own days in school,
and the mixed feelings of being a child and ‘growing up’ all at once.
Please give each of them good friends to share their school days,
teachers who can inspire them to keep growing toward a future they cannot yet see,
and a passion for discovering new things and learning new skills.”
A Little Treasury of Prayers by Walter C. Sutton
A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children
Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,
The prayer above, from Walter Sutton’s A Little Treasury of Prayers, reminds me that we can pray for children wherever or whenever we encounter them. During my commute to and from work, it’s possible for me to pass through five school zones, depending upon the route I take or the time of day. I’ve fallen out of the habit of praying for the children, teachers, staff, and volunteers at these schools by which I pass, but reading Sutton’s prayer encourages me to take that practice up once again.
Where or when do you encounter children? At home, your work place, church, or the grocery store? In the media…newspapers, television, or internet? As you drive past playgrounds or sports fields? Will you join me (if you aren’t doing this already) in lifting in prayer the children we come across, whether it’s a face-to-face or indirect encounter…will you join me in praying for them? And if you’re already praying for them in this way, thank you, thank you, thank you!
The Midland Faces of Children prayer group will meet this coming Wednesday, January 29, 2014, at 11:30 a.m. in Room 217 at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, as we lift in prayer the children of our hearts and communities. Please join us for prayer and, afterwards, for lunch ($5) and fellowship. I hope you will be able to join us.
The church is starting an 18-month-long renovation project and we won't have access to the Bride's Room during that time, so we will be meeting in Room 217. We’ll still have lunch available to us even after the move.
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 ... "Nonprofit helps Midlanders with housing repairs"
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| MRT Photo by Tim Fischer |
Midland Reporter-Telegram
MIDLAND, TEXAS - A plumber, a teacher, a landman and a real estate broker walk into a home on East Nobles Avenue. This isn’t the beginning of a riddle; it’s Radical Generosity, a Midland nonprofit that devotes its time to repairing people’s homes for free.
Mark Dean, a teacher at Midland Christian School, helps load a new, 30-gallon water heater onto a dolly as real estate broker Justin Roland rolls the old heater they’re replacing into an alley behind the home. Landman Matt Sears joins the men as they gather around the trunk of Dean’s car to help professional plumber Jamie May cut and solder a piece of pipe to attach to the new water heater.
Such projects are a near-weekly occurrence for the four men, who volunteer with Radical Generosity to repair people’s homes around Midland. Through word of mouth, they hear about people who need help and schedule a time to come out.
• 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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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.Today in the Mission Yearbook: January 28, 2014
The Inland Empire Chinese Worshiping Community draws together immigrants from Taiwan and China. Many are young adults new not only to this country but to Christianity and have only recently accepted Christ.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Mercy Trips January-February Outreach Trip: Arriving
January-February Outreach Trip: Arriving
Wow - the team has all arrived intact, but tired, weary and Dusty. The four team members flying out of Dallas; Jim Huston, Mark Van Wormer, Grace Castillo-Andrade and Natalie Rodriguez made it to London on time, but then sat on the Tarmac for two hours while they exchanged the fuel pump on their plane. They arrived only one hour late and made it to the Speke Hotel after 2:00 am. The three team members flying out of Chicago; Craig Daniel, Angie and Julie Meyer had a delayed flight and missed the connection in London. They were re-routed on Qatar Airways via Doha (5.5 hrs) and had just enough time to walk to the gate to catch the 6.5 hr flight to Entebbe. Arriving at 0630 this morning, two supply bags containing mostly surgical supplies did not show up. So after filing paperwork to find the bags, the team was caught in a traffic jam between Entebbe and Kampala, finally arriving at the hotel at 0935 just in time to jump in the shower, exchange money and jump back in the Van for the 5 hr trip to Mbale - whew. Please pray for good rest for the team and recovery of the two missing bags.
• visit Mercy Trips' Facebook page
ADVANCE NOTICE: Later This Week in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook
EDITOR'S NOTE: This was set to run this coming Sunday, but I really, REALLY wanted to share it now ... maybe help spread the word and get something going around here BEFORE Super Bowl Sunday.
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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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.
Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 2, 2014
MINUTE FOR MISSION: SOUPER BOWL OF CARING - Souper Bowl of Caring is a national youth-led movement that works to spread awareness of and fight hunger in the United States with every penny collected by participants. Souper Bowl of Caring will send anyone who asks everything necessary to start a donation drive, at a time of year when most food banks are depleted from the holidays. But the best part is that you get to choose where the money goes in your local community. No money gets sent to the organization; all you do is report your total amount raised.
CLICK HERE to read more.
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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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.Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 2, 2014
CLICK HERE to read more.
Invitation to Prayer: Wednesday
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 for School Children
“Seeing the kids on their way to school always makes me smile, Lord.
It makes me remember my own days in school,
and the mixed feelings of being a child and ‘growing up’ all at once.
Please give each of them good friends to share their school days,
teachers who can inspire them to keep growing toward a future they cannot yet see,
and a passion for discovering new things and learning new skills.”
A Little Treasury of Prayers by Walter C. Sutton
A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children
Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,
The prayer above, from Walter Sutton’s A Little Treasury of Prayers, reminds me that we can pray for children wherever or whenever we encounter them. During my commute to and from work, it’s possible for me to pass through five school zones, depending upon the route I take or the time of day. I’ve fallen out of the habit of praying for the children, teachers, staff, and volunteers at these schools by which I pass, but reading Sutton’s prayer encourages me to take that practice up once again.
Where or when do you encounter children? At home, your work place, church, or the grocery store? In the media…newspapers, television, or internet? As you drive past playgrounds or sports fields? Will you join me (if you aren’t doing this already) in lifting in prayer the children we come across, whether it’s a face-to-face or indirect encounter…will you join me in praying for them? And if you’re already praying for them in this way, thank you, thank you, thank you!
The Midland Faces of Children prayer group will meet this coming Wednesday, January 29, 2014, at 11:30 a.m. in Room 217 at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, as we lift in prayer the children of our hearts and communities. Please join us for prayer and, afterwards, for lunch ($5) and fellowship. I hope you will be able to join us.
The church is starting an 18-month-long renovation project and we won't have access to the Bride's Room during that time, so we will be meeting in Room 217. We’ll still have lunch available to us even after the move.
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 ... "New Building Housing Several Nonprofit Organizations Unveiled"
By Justin Kree, Reporter
KWES-TV
MIDLAND, TEXAS - The idea to have many nonprofit's all in one place was initially talked about three years ago when the Abell-Hanger Foundation decided that this was a good idea in the Midland community. Shared Spaces already had 200 locations around the U.S. and Canada.
After raising $10 million, they were able to renovate an older building and purchase furniture and IT-equipment for future tenants.
"How important are the donors in Midland, Texas? You know things like Midland Shared Spaces would not even happen if it wasn't for the kind of community we live in," Vicki Jay, Executive Director for Midland Shared Spaces, said.
This new state of the art building will allow nonprofit's to work in separate offices but the idea was to get all of them to talk and communicate with one another. The open spaces and the community break room will allow conversation to flow between nonprofit's, which will be helpful for the community.
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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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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.Today in the Mission Yearbook: January 27, 2014
CLICK HERE to read more.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Mercy Trips January-February Outreach Trip: In Transit
January-February Outreach Trip: In Transit
So four team members got off from Dallas on time, but three are delayed at Chicago, and will miss the connection in London, they have been re-routed through Qatar and will catch up to the rest of the team on Tuesday morning. Please pray they have no further delays and arrive rested.
• visit Mercy Trips' Facebook page
"I Am Second" Video Collection: Lecrae
Inspiring the Revolution of Second.
You are here for a reason. We all have needs and could use some help. Talk to us. Call, chat, or email. 24 hours a day.
Go a step further, talk with the people in your life. Spread the revolution of Second. Share the videos with friends. Gather a group of friends to discuss the films. Start an I am Second group.
Volunteer at concerts. Serve through I am Second community service events. Organize your own I am Second events. Sign up for an I am Second Expedition to help people in other countries. Check out Live Second for other opportunities. Connect with us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.
I am Second is designed to help people discover their purpose in life. Have you discovered yours?
To find out more about the people and leadership team behind I Am Second you can check out Who We Are.
Mercy Trips January-February Outreach Trip: Heading Out
January-February Outreach Trip: Heading Out
This afternoon the winter team leaves for their outreach trip. We have team members leaving on flights from Columbus, Chicago, Dallas, Amarillo, and Midland. They will meet up at various locations along the way. Praying for safe and timely travel for the team members.
• visit Mercy Trips' Facebook page
FPC-Midland Belize Mission: And that's a wrap ... or is it?
From January 4-11, 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.
And that's a wrap ... or is it?
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| The 2014 Belize Mission Team from 1st Presbyterian Church, Midland, Texas |
GOT QUESTIONS?
Is there something you'd like to ask any of our mission team members, or our pastor?
In the News ... "Youth night at rodeo offers support"
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| OA Photo by Edyta Blaszczyk |
Odessa American
ODESSA, TEXAS - Youth from around West Texas gathered Wednesday evening for the 21st annual Christian Youth Night at the Ector County Coliseum.
The SandHills Stock Show and Rodeo, from its origin, has always supported the youth from around West Texas, Vice President of Youth Jim Wise said, and Wednesday night was their opportunity to give back to the younger crowd by providing an evening of music, fellowship and even scholarship.
“Our primary purpose is to get the youth in here and introduce them to Jesus Christ,” Wise said. “We also gather funds from around the area and provide the youth with scholarships.”
Around 1,000 members of the community from churches in Odessa, Andrews and Midland, among other areas, were in attendance to hear the message being provided while also hoping to hear their names called for the various scholarship.
• CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story
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