Friday, February 28, 2014

Rolling Mission

Founded in 2001, Free Wheelchair Mission is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing wheelchairs for the impoverished disabled in developing nations. Headquartered in Irvine, California, FWM works around the world in partnership with a vast network of humanitarian, faith-based and government organizations, sending wheelchairs to hundreds of thousands of disabled people, providing not only the gift of mobility, but of dignity, independence, and hope.

The new and improved model!
Want to take one for a test drive? During normal business hours, visit the lobby at the Texas Street entrance of First Presbyterian Church-Midland, at the northwest corner of Texas and A streets, on the west side of downtown Midland. You can give the gift of mobility. The cost of $72.00 is a bargain to us ... but it is a life-changing gift to impoverished and disabled recipients ... and their are times  there are times when your contribution will be matched, reaching not one - but TWO, and sometimes FOUR recipients. Please note on your check "Wheelchair Gift."

In the News ... " Church Under Bridge Responds to the Midland PD Homeless Controversy"

DeAnn Lopez, Reporter
KOSA-TV


MIDLAND, TEXAS - After the details of an internal investigation involving two Midland Police Officers, who were collecting homeless signs as a competition, were released earlier this week, Evan Rogers with Church Under the Bridge-Midland spoke with the homeless members of his church to discover if this had affected any of them.

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. 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 28, 2014


PRESBYTERY DE CRISTO OF ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO - The Presbytery de Cristo has begun a new church development, the Wells, in Maricopa City, Arizona, under the leadership of Rev. Eneyas Frietas. In the 1800s the town of Maricopa Wells, eight miles north of present day Maricopa City, was not only an important supply station but a reliable source of water. Today, the Wells seeks to be a source of living water to members, friends, and inquirers alike—a place where they can worship together as a community. Like the well in John 4:2–26, the Wells will be a place that serves a community, one where connections are made, God’s radical hospitality is extended, and divine encounters and life transformation happen..

CLICK HERE to read more.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

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 02/27/14


Burma (Myanmar)

Please continue in prayer for the Kachin ethnic hill tribe people of Kachin State in Burma as they suffer persecution and increased violence by the Burma Army. Pray for those who recently fled their homes in Nam Gau and Nam San villages when Burma Army troops attacked with heavy mortar and machine gun fire. This was the second time their villages were attacked and the second time they had to flee. Pray for these vulnerable families who are now in an internally displaced peoples (IDP) camp.
more on this request
Pray for the loved ones and friends of the three Nam Lim Pa villagers who were tortured and killed, allegedly by the Burma Army last November. One of the victims was a deaf mute and another was a mentally disabled young man. Please pray for the children, youth, and adults of this village who had to flee the attack and have been staying in an IDP camp for several months.
Give thanks to God for the work of Free Burma Rangers who stand with the Kachin people under attack. Pray for the volunteers, staff, and leaders of this organization who go into conflict areas to provide humanitarian relief, medical and dental care, and spiritual encouragement. Pray for all organizations that provide assistance for marginalized ethnic groups like the Kachin.
Please pray for peace and reconciliation in Burma’s conflict zones. Pray for freedom and justice for the ethnic hill tribe people of this beautiful country. Pray all its children may have the freedom to attend school in peace, have access to medical care, be recognized as citizens of Burma, and hope for a future filled with opportunity.
Pray for a change of heart within Burma’s government and military leadership. Pray they will recognize the sovereignty of God and the sacredness of all human life. Pray God will heal Burma’s leaders of their lust for wealth and power.

Syria, Jordan, Lebanon

Continue to lift in prayer the children of Syria who are affected by the country’s ongoing civil war. Pray for children displaced by the violence—46% of the 6.5 million people displaced in Syria are children.
Pray for the loved ones of the more than 11,000 children who have died in this conflict—71% were killed indiscriminately by explosive weapons.
more on this request
Please pray for the more than 200,000 Syrian children under age 5 who are at risk of malnutrition.
Pray for Syria’s children who aren’t able to attend school because of the violence—more than half are estimated to be out of school.
Please keep in prayer the more than 3,700 Syrian refugee children in Jordan and Lebanon who are living alone or who are separated from their parents.

United States

Give thanks to God the brutal murder of a sister and brother, 9-year-old Destiny and 6-year-old Travis, has been solved and the killer brought to justice. Destiny and Travis’ mother found their decomposing bodies under a mattress in their father’s home on the Spirit Lake Reservation in May 2011.
more on this request
          o Continue to pray for the children’s mother and two other siblings as they grieve the tragic deaths of Travis and Destiny. Pray for their father who was convicted of reckless endangerment and public intoxication and sentenced to two years in prison.
          o Pray for the young man, a cousin of Destiny and Travis, who was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for stabbing them to death.
Continue to pray for 18-year-old Casey * whose father died suddenly and left him with a void of parental guidance in his life. Pray he will receive wise counsel regarding his latest situation. Casey was arrested and charged with having sex with a minor under the age of 15. Pray for the teenage girl upon whom he allegedly preyed.

* Name changed for confidentiality and/or protection.


Faces of Children

Keep Faces of Children intercessors Katie and Franklin close in prayer as they travel in India and Nepal for a month, checking in with all of their ministry team members. Pray for stamina, good health, and safe travels as they minister to team members in these countries.
Give thanks to God for the work of Franklin and Katie who provide Bible teaching and church leadership for pastors, evangelists, and church planters in Asia who don’t have the opportunity to attend a Bible school or seminary. Thanks be to God for the dedication of these team members who go out into their communities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
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 ... "Latest Midland Homeless Number Projection Doubles"

Matt Rist, Reporter
KOSA-TV


MIDLAND, TEXAS - The Midland Homeless Coalition reports homeless numbers in Midland are estimated to be anywhere from 500 to 800 people.

Evan Rogers, who works with Church Under the Bridge-Midland, said these numbers are nearly double what they were expecting.

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: February 27, 2014


SYNOD OF THE SOUTHWEST - In an attempt to spur interest in the General Assembly, youth in grades 7–12 from the Synod of the Southwest were invited to travel to Pittsburgh in July 2012 for the synod’s first General Assembly Mission Experience (G.A.M.E.). The purpose was twofold: to introduce them to the workings of GA and to provide them with a hands-on mission experience. Participants spent time observing many plenary sessions and learned about the way legislation is proposed, presented, debated, and decided upon. They also spent several days engaged in the national Youth Works mission program in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Rev. Harold Armstrong, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Hobbs, New Mexico, and several volunteer chaperones accompanied 25 youth on the adventure.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

In the News ... "MPD Officers Suspended for Competition To Take Signs From Panhandlers, Not Logging Evidence"

Matt Rist, Reporter
KOSA-TV


MIDLAND, TEXAS - Two Midland Police officers were suspended for three days after officials learned about a competition to see who could collect the most signs from panhandlers.

The internal investigation also found improper logging of evidence, including a set of illegal brass knuckles that were confiscated and never logged.

It was good journalism on the part of The Midland Reporter-Telegram that uncovered the November suspension, spurred by a complaint by fellow Officer Jaren Speck.

And for those who work closely with the homeless population, the game to nab signs from panhandlers comes as quite a shock.

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. 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 26, 2014


ARGENTINA/PARAGUAY/URUGUAY - Anibal Flores is standing barefoot in a tiny church, strumming a guitar. Outside, children play, sliding through puddles—the product of rains that flooded what was meant to be only a temporary home. This is Yakye Axa, a camp in Paraguay with houses made of logs and plastic lining and a church that is also a primary school and a meeting room. It is the resistance of 67 indigenous families who for 20 years have lived here demanding the return of their ancestral territory.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Word from Uganda: "Jesus Loves Children Ministry Crusade"

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 ...

Jesus Loves Children Ministry Crusade

am amazed at how the Lord puts different passions in the hearts of His people. I am proud of Jerad for his faithfulness and initiative to put on crusades. But not just any crusade, a crusade led by children. With the intent to teach and allow children to serve God at an early age, these Children's Crusades are an amazing opportunity to see how the Lord can use anyone, of any age, to bring glory to His name ...


 • CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post, and enjoy the photos

The Power and Potential of United Prayer:Thursday

 

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

more from collegiatedayofprayer.org

02/27/14

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 Forgiveness


“Forgive me, Holy One, for the sins I have committed against you both by what I have done and by what I have left undone. Forgive the words I have said that should have been left unsaid, and the times I was silent when I should have spoken out. Forgive my longing for the opportunities and things I do not have, and my indifference toward those you already have given me. In your mercy, set me free from what I have been, to live a new life in your Spirit, today and for all the days to come.”

A Little Treasury of Prayers by Walter C. Sutton

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Intercessor,

The Midland Faces of Children prayer group will meet on Wednesday, February 26, 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. The church is starting an 18-month-long renovation project and we won't have access to the Bride's Room during that time. We will have lunch ($5) and fellowship after our time of prayer. I hope you will be able to join us.

Thank you for praying for the children of our local and global communities. Your prayers matter! Your prayers are instruments of a gracious and generous God who uses them to bring healing and hope to a broken world. Thank you again for your faithfulness in prayer.

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 Catholic priest from India dedicates life to serving needy"

MRT Photo by Tim Fischer
Ragini Venkatasubban, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - His flock call him “Father Swamy.” His real name is the Rev. Arogya Swamy Lakkineni, and he’s the new priest at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and Shrine.

Raised in Itukulapadu, a tiny town in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India, Lakkineni grew up in a devout Catholic family of four sons and five daughters. His mother tongue is Telugu, and he also speaks English and a little bit of Spanish. While studying for his bachelor’s degree in economics in India, his local pastor asked him to join the seminary.

 • 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: February 25, 2014


BRAZIL (continued) - Kim and I were appointed as mission coworkers in 2010. I was fresh out of graduate school; this began an amazing time for me and my whole family. We moved to Brazil, and I began teaching Old Testament at the Graduate Ecumenical Institute for Religious Sciences, a PC(USA) mission partner and part of the Methodist University of São Paulo.

Learning Portuguese has been an arduous process. I have often been frustrated, but I know language acquisition takes time. Just as an example, Portuguese uses the subjunctive much more than English, and there are three different subjunctive conjugations: present, imperfect, and future. Whenever I begin a sentence with “if” or “I want you to,” the verbs that follow must be in the subjunctive. Mastering this is my next linguistic challenge.

The first semester of 2013, I taught my first solo class, and it went quite well. I certainly made plenty of errors, but the students were gracious and engage.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Monday, February 24, 2014

ChinaAid Commentary: "Guest Post: The Mysterious Death of a Christian in China"

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.

Guest Post: The Mysterious Death of a Christian in China

Distributed by ChinaAid, January, 2014 ...

Chinese New Year is coming soon. It reminds me of my first and also last reunion with the old girls and boys from high school before the 2008 Chinese New Year. As we chatted and drank tea, the organizer, who used to be our class monitor, causally said, “Yuanming will never make it to our reunion.” She sighed, and everybody in the room became quiet.

more on this story from China Aid

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 Forgiveness


“Forgive me, Holy One, for the sins I have committed against you both by what I have done and by what I have left undone. Forgive the words I have said that should have been left unsaid, and the times I was silent when I should have spoken out. Forgive my longing for the opportunities and things I do not have, and my indifference toward those you already have given me. In your mercy, set me free from what I have been, to live a new life in your Spirit, today and for all the days to come.”

A Little Treasury of Prayers by Walter C. Sutton

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Intercessor,

The Midland Faces of Children prayer group will meet on Wednesday, February 26, 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. The church is starting an 18-month-long renovation project and we won't have access to the Bride's Room during that time. We will have lunch ($5) and fellowship after our time of prayer. I hope you will be able to join us.

Thank you for praying for the children of our local and global communities. Your prayers matter! Your prayers are instruments of a gracious and generous God who uses them to bring healing and hope to a broken world. Thank you again for your faithfulness in prayer.

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 ... "‘Crazy Hair Tour’ aims to teach modesty, purity to pre-teen girls"

Ragini Venkatasubban, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - A verse in 2 Corinthians 5:13 of the Bible reads, “If I acted crazy, I did it for God.”

This is the inspiration behind the Crazy Hair Tour, a nationwide event by the Secret Keeper Girl series that promotes modesty, purity and inner beauty in pre-teen girls. Held in about 80 cities around the U.S. this year, the show will visit the Permian Basin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25 at Mid-Cities Church, 8700 State Highway 191.

 • 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: February 24, 2014


BRAZIL - Talented young people with frustrations! They are skillful with new technologies but unprepared to deal with the difficulties of real life. Still, they are dreamers and want to be a part of the kingdom of justice and peace.

Pablo is among the many young people who have experienced difficulties, perhaps feeling that he doesn’t fit in. He was very discouraged with the church and its influence in the world and was drifting away from the church and from God. Recognizing this, I tried to help him, as did Jhenifer Souza and others who are active among the young people in the presbytery. I wanted to help Pablo perceive the call of God in his life and to encourage him to use his gifts for the sake of God’s kingdom..

CLICK HERE to read more.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

In the News ... "St. Mary's celebrates priest's 25th year of service"

OA Photo by Ryan Evon
• Udayar celebrates 25th priestly ordination anniversary

By Jared Wilson, Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Parishioners at St. Mary’s Catholic Church gathered Tuesday night to join in celebrating the Rev. Santiago Udayar’s 25th Priestly Ordination Anniversary.

About 250 people packed into the auditorium of St. Mary’s to celebrate a major accomplishment and the time they have spent with Udayar.

Udayar was born in India in 1959 and was ordained as a priest in 1989.

“I had just graduated from high school and the call had consumed me. God was calling me to serve his people and so I decided to become a priest,” Udayar said.

He then came to the United States where he continued his path in the church and in the community serving as a principal at many schools, a teacher and even a lawyer during his tenure.

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: February 23, 2014


MINUTE FOR MISSION: THREE CRITICAL GLOBAL ISSUES: POVERTY - We stood staring silently into an abyss of trash. The hillside slid steeply downward; mountains of garbage sat piled below. Dozens of black buzzards circled overhead, searching for anything salvageable. Looking farther we saw people everywhere, scavenging just like the birds. For them, the garbage was a different type of lifeline: salvaged items are cleaned, repaired, and resold to provide income for their families. Often, it’s all they receive.

This is the Guatemala City dump—one of the largest in Central America and a place that over 1,000 people call home.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

FPC-Midland Belize Mission: Looking Back ... Pat Hunter


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.



Looking Back ... Pat Hunter

From Pat Hunter, Mission Team Member ...  

Three of us visited three different ministries one day. The first was a church led by a family. We met with Eugenia and her son. They had been meeting in a warehouse business, but the owner asked them to leave. They now meet in a tent. However, they have bought property and have obtained a truck trailer which will function as their first building. Even without a convenient meeting place, their church ministries remain strong.

The five family members each fill leadership roles for the church. Mom preaches, leads women’s groups, and leads other ministries. Dad preaches and leads men’s groups. Oldest son (16) leads youth groups and disciples small groups of young men. Daughter (15) organizes music and leads youth. Young son (12) leads intercessory prayer groups.


A big project is a fight against hunger. The church feeds 200 children each Sunday, and would like to expand to daily meals. They give families chicks to raise for themselves and for the church. A family will raise 50 chicks. Forty are returned to the church, which then sells BBQ chicken to raise funds for the church. The 10 remaining chickens can be used however the family wants. However, one chicken will make 500 tamales, and with the resulting money, they can buy more chickens.

They are also starting a farming program. They have seeds for 25 families, but it has been too wet to plant. They have hopes for growing enough to feed themselves plus enough for their ministries and to sell any excess for ministry funding.

They are a vibrant and exciting church. We visited with them at least one hour, with Eugenia enthusiastically telling us all that God is doing for and through them. She could have kept going all day. 





GOT QUESTIONS?


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

In the News ... "First Baptist members comforting distraught locals in Kiev"

Those who are serving in Kiev, Ukraine in the midst of the riots are Troy Chesnut, Jesse Gore, Penny Gore, Kimberly Southall, Spencer Dobbs, Don Norris, Alan Harris, Laurie Wash. Courtesy Photo
By Lyndsay Weaver, Reporter
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - Protesters tossed firebombs and advanced upon police lines Thursday in Kiev, Ukraine’s embattled capital. Government snipers shot back, killing at least 70 people and wounding hundreds of others, according to a protest doctor.

Video footage on Ukrainian television showed shocking scenes Thursday of protesters being cut down by gunfire, lying on the pavement as comrades rushed to their aid. Trying to protect themselves with shields, teams of protesters carried bodies away on sheets of plastic or planks of wood.

As Kiev crumbled and its people were slain in higher numbers on Thursday, the missionary team from Odessa’s First Baptist Church stayed indoors and comforted students and locals who passed through the church where they are staying full-time.

 • 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: February 22, 2014


CHILE - Sowing hope. This was the vision that brought together 200 young people in January 2013 for the sixth International Congress of Young Environmentalists (CIJA). As we gathered in Peru, I saw young people radiate hope for a just and peaceful future. Rooted in their common faith in Jesus, youth from Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Canada, and the United States shared their hope for a better world.

Participants emphasized that the ecological disasters that plague our planet are rooted in a model of development that promotes unlimited consumption and divides the world into a very few haves and a vast multitude of have-nots.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Sparkling Mission

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2

Annie Dieselberg, founder and CEO, heads the staff at NightLight, a ministry in urban Bangkok, Thailand, that reaches out to women and children working in the bar areas of the Nana-Sukhumvit district. Located in a neighborhood with a growing sex trade, Nightlight’s vision is to share the Light of the world in both word and deed to those who live in darkness, and to combat the sexual exploitation of women and children, both Thai and foreign.

Right now, Annie tells us, the greatest need at NightLight is to sell more jewelry. NightLight Design Co., Ltd. is a registered jewellery business which employs women coming out of prostitution or having been at risk of prostitution and/or trafficking.
If you are interested in hosting a jewelry party please write to NightLight, at jewelry@nightlightinternational.com , and they will assist you in setting that up. NightLight representatives are available for parties and events. If you’d like to host a jewelry party or have a representative at your event, contact Nightlight at that same e-mail link.

Remember the beautiful jewelry is also available on-line at store.nightlightinternational.com/

"God is going before us to the bars preparing the way. He is sending us to receive the women and give hope," Annie writes. "We ask you to join us in this adventure. Thank you to those of you who already do. You are saving lives!"

FPC-Midland Belize Mission: Looking Back ... Mayra Thompson


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.



Looking Back ... Marya Thompson

From Mayra Thompson, Mission Team Member ...  

Our Belize trip was an amazing experience in which we saw God weave our lives with the lives of the people of El Progreso. These are wonderful God loving people whose faith can move mountains. I had the privilege of getting to know some of the ladies of this community. Through various conversations their borderless faith and power of prayer was evident in their lives.


El Progreso is a small village in the central part of Belize. This is the place where God took us to establish a relationship with His people, His church already there. We got there on Sunday morning for worship service. We were all excited to finally meet the people we came to serve. When we got out of the van, they all came to meet us and welcome us to their village and service. We felt right at home and were surprised that there were more English speakers than we were expecting. The service was amazing with testimonies from a couple team members and Partor Victor's.The children of El progresso also came to the front and sang a couple of songs for the congregation.


After the service was over, a few of the ladies came over and introduced themselves. I met Rosa, Pastor Victor's wife and her sister Telma. During the week there, I was able to hear a few of their stories. One of the stories that is still present in my mind, is about Rosas's surgery.

Three years ago, Rosa had a hysterectomy. The surgery went well, but the recovery was very difficult. Rosa was so weak that she was not able to take care of herself at all. She lost over half her weight, and though months went by, she was not feeling any better. Rosa shared that she had lost so much weight, her friends did not recognized her. She started wondering whether or not she was going to make a full recovery. "Prayer was my daily bread" she said. "I could not keep food in my stomach to make my body strong, but I had the power of prayer and God by my side". "I prayed every time I was too weak to stand up, every time I missed a meal, every time I could not do what I needed to. I had no option, prayer was my only hope" she said.

Rosa is now back to complete health. Her life is a testament to the power of prayer and the endless faith on her Creator.


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 ... "Most Rev. Bishop Michael Sis Talks About New Position, West Texas Hospitality"

By Devin Sanchez, Reporter
KWES-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - It was Bishop Michael Sis' first stop in Odessa since he was ordained Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo. He was in town for a celebration at St. Mary's Catholic Church but spoke with NewsWest 9 about his three weeks as bishop before the event.

"This is a completely new adventure for me, so I come here with an open heart, ready to serve and I hope to carry out my responsibilities faithfully," Most Rev. Bishop, Michael Sis, said.

 • 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. 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 21, 2014


PERU - Tired but happy and hopeful Young Adult Volunteers finally touch down in Peru, where they will live, serve, and accompany for the coming year in placements with partner organizations of the Red Uniendo Manos Perú (Joining Hands Network Peru) that address the root causes of poverty. Their desire to serve and hope for a better world have brought them here and will carry them through as they try to discern what God is calling them to do with their lives, with this desire and hope.

Other tired but happy and hopeful people await them in Peru.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Reports From Lulwanda: Program Coordinator's Report for January 2014

Natalie Rolfe serves Lulwanda Children's Home in Uganda as program coordinator: organizing and coordinating the programs of the Home, school, and clinic; overseeing sponsor connection and relationships (on the side of the children); and hosting American visitors that come to the Home.

January, 2014

"January continues our long school break, so all of the LCH children have been home. As we have been reading news from the USA about winter storms that have been sweeping through the country, we have been in the middle of our dry season that is very hot and dusty ... Having a wonderfully long holiday behind us, everyone is eager for a new school year to begin."


 • CLICK HERE to read the rest of Rolfe's January, 2014 report.

FPC-Midland Belize Mission: Looking Back ... Will Smith


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.



Looking Back ... Will Smith

From Will Smith, Mission Team Member ...  

Belize Homework

The most important thing that I took away from my Belize trip was the breaking down of mission stereotypes. For too long I avoided mission work, because I struggled with knowing the “smart” way to give. Yes, I went on youth trips through the church, and I volunteered for local projects. But, I wasn’t comfortable with just handing stuff over to someone in need. Though it is not biblical in origin, I really like the proverb, “Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, but teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime.”


The Word at Work has completely embraced the “teach a man to fish” strategy. With every ministry the WAW was involved in, you could feel the pride and ownership that the people participating felt for their position. The children’s home had helped raise funds for their new buildings, the sewing ministry taught the workers a trade while they were earning income, and the church in El Progresso was funded and built by the community. The fact that they had sold a crop of potatoes to raise money for the foundation blew me away.

Most of the construction work is done by the community. We were just serving as the support team. I did a lot of carrying and heavy lifting, but the actual craftsmanship was done by the church members and their neighbors. As I mentioned above, I have been on smaller youth mission trips where we served others, and the focus was our own character building. However, I cannot recall the name of a single person that I helped on those trips. While working alongside the people of El Progresso, I was able to forge relationships that I hope last forever.

I now plan to do more mission work in the future, and I am glad that my view of true mission has changed. I definitely plan to return to Belize in the future.


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?