Monday, February 29, 2016

From ChinaAid: "Chinese media airs confession of prominent human rights lawyer "

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.

China Aid Photo
Chinese media airs confession of prominent human rights lawyer
Distributed by ChinaAid, February, 2016 ...

WENZHOU, ZHEJIANG, CHINA – Today, on the six-month anniversary of prominent human rights lawyer Zhang Kai’s [pictured] detention, Chinese media aired footage of the lawyer confessing to disturbing social order and endangering state secrets...

more on this story from China Aid



Invitation to Prayer from Faces of Children ... 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).

Invitation to Prayer, Wednesday

Hi Friends,

I hope you can make it to our time of prayer Wednesday at 11:30, at First Presbyterian Churchof Midland, Texas, followed by lunch together. Also, please pray for our intercessors and friends, Ramon and Bob Billhimer, as they head to Uganda this week to visit some of their water well projects and to explore new project opportunities!

Dear intercessors,

As I sat down to gather stories and happenings around the world for us to lift up together in prayer this week, I was struck by a common theme that emerged ... education, freedom, and the rights of women. Please pray that no matter what corner of the world a young girl may find herself in, that she would be in a place where her value is known, her rights are protected, her body isn't violated, and she is given the opportunity to pursue all her hopes and dreams. Sometimes the things we pray for seem monumentally large and nearly impossible to imagine becoming reality... but we serve a God who moves in mysterious and mighty ways, and we are told to come boldly before his throne. So let's pray bold and impossible prayers with confidence in our good and faithful Father who wants to see justice for each of his children.

Thank you for your faithful prayers ...

BURMA

Free Burma Rangers recently sent teams into Chin state and came back noting that "one of the most pressing concerns in the region was the state of the regional educational system. One village lost a school in the landslides. The central government pledged recovery funds for the school, but as of the time rangers wrote this report, no money had been received. All of the villages that they visited have or have had schools, although the quality and the availability of education varies by economic status. Schools that have since shut down mostly did so due to difficulty surrounding retaining teachers. The rangers noted that several teachers have resorted to making side money by turning their homes into unlicensed guesthouses and hostels. Poorer families in the region tend to lack the ability to help pay for school supplies in government schools and therefore receive subpar education from government teachers or refuse to enroll their children in schools at all. Meanwhile, richer families tend to pay for private home education in recognition of the low quality of government education. Lack of road access has also increased the cost of school supplies such as books and writing implements, making it even more difficult for children in the region to receive an adequate education." Please pray for the educational system in Burma.

NIGER

A recent BBC News Magazine article shared the story of a brave young girl who sued her family (and won!) for the right to remain unmarried and continue her studies. "Niger's tradition of marrying its girls young - it has the highest rate of child marriage in the world - is partly rooted in its grinding poverty," the article shares. But with the help of her teacher and a local NGO, Balkissa Chaibou was able to stand up to this tradition and has recently passed her International Baccalaureate exam and is now studying in medical school. But it wasn't an easy fight; her uncle threatened to kill her after he was taken to court for his role in the arranged marriage, and Balkissa was forced to move into a women's shelter temporarily for her own safety. But in the end, Balkissa prevailed and she wants other girls to understand that they can stand up for themselves and their dreams, too. "I'm not saying don't marry," she tells one group of schoolgirls. "But choose the right moment to do so. The advice I have for you is to fight - study with all your might. I know studying isn't easy but you must force yourself because those studies are your only hope." Praise God for Balkissa's bravery and the community support she received!

INDIA

Conservative estimates suggest that each year at least 1,000 young women in India have acid flung in their faces by men who are angry for not being allowed to have their way with them. At Sheroes Cafe in the shadow of the Taj Majal, a group of young victims are fighting back by refusing to cover their faces. By remaining a part of society rather than hiding in the shadows, they empower other victims to do the same, forcing political and social attention to remain on the abhorrent practice and hopefully bringing justice to their perpetrators and ultimately an end to the practice. Please pray for these women as they heal from both their physical and emotional wounds. Pray that they come to know God is with them as they try to make a new life - one often marked by pain, blindness, and an often a bleak future as outsiders. Please pray for laws to be passed around the world, regulating the sale of acid and bringing to justice those who cause harm. Underlying these acts of violence is a deep-seated misogynistic attitude among many men around the world; pray that God would work on their hearts so that they see women as valuable and worthy of respect.

USA

February 25 marked the annual End It Day, a day dedicated to shining a light on modern day slavery. End It is a "Coalition of the leading organizations in the world in the fight for FREEDOM. Each of our amazing Coalition Partners are doing the work, on the ground, everyday, to bring AWARENESS, PREVENTION, RESCUE, and RESTORATION." Groups like IJM, A21, World Vision, and World Relief come together to raise awareness and action on behalf of those trapped in slavery. This year the Coalition is seeking to lobby Congress to pass The End Modern Slavery Act of 2015, a piece of legislation aimed at seeing a measurable 50 percent decrease in slavery in the next 7 years. Please consider reaching out to your representatives to express your support of this Act. And please pray that the world's attention continues to focus on ending slavery in all its forms. Pray that governments, NGOs, businesses and individuals would take a united stand and work together to end slavery in our lifetime.

Thank you for your faithful prayers,

Carrie

Carrie J. McKean
Faces of Children Director
First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas
(432) 684-7821 x153



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 info@facesofchildren.net

In the News ... "Science leads pastor into ministry"

OA Photo by Edyta Blaszczyk
• Hand: Paul’s writings are down to earth to post-resurrection people

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - The Rev. Rebecca Lynn “Becky” Hand had long been certain her destiny was to be a veterinarian when she graduated from Odessa High School in 1983, but a serious illness during her first year at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences ended that ambition.

After recovering from mononucleosis, Hand got her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science and genetics from Tarleton State and Texas Tech and taught the subjects for 14 years at Odessa College; however, the ministry’s call changed her course again when in 2007 she became the founding pastor of Life in Grace Lutheran Church at 1009 N. Tom Green Avenue ...

read the rest of this OA report ...

Friday, February 26, 2016

From ServLife International ... "Brackets For Good"

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.



Brackets For Good

Brackets For Good is a a single-elimination, bracket-style fundraising tournament where 1$ = 1 Point. ServLife has been selected out of a pool of 280 applicants to participate in Brackets For Good, and we’re so excited! But we need your help to make it all the way to the final round and $10,000 grand prize. Luckily, all the teams get to keep whatever they fundraise in each round, so everybody wins!

The tournament starts at 8:00pm Friday, February 26. Each round lasts a week and ends at 7:59:59 the following Friday, so be sure to give right at the buzzer to make the final points count! You cannot start giving until tip off at 8:00pm EST Friday the 26th. ...

CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post from ServLife



Adam Nevins 
From 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

Support a Pastor

Our church planters spread
the love of Christ in some of the most difficult
environments in the world.
Support Them ... 

Sponsor a Child

For only $30 per month you can help give a child food, education, care and, most importantly, hope.
Sponsor Now ... 

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Learn More ...



ServLife International, Inc.
P.O. Box 20596
Indianapolis, IN 46220
USA


Thursday, February 25, 2016

Shine a light, today ...

From Jenny Garnica
Accounting & Purchasing Department, Midland College

Today is “SHINE A LIGHT ON SLAVERY DAY.” Mark a red X on your hand to support!
So, how can a simple red X do anything to fight Human Trafficking? This red X starts a conversation. This red X symbolizes the 27,000,000 victims being sold for their bodies around the world. This X proves that people are pushing for laws, raising awareness & fighting for the freedom of those in the slave trade. It is an opportunity to inform others that slavery still exists. It is a symbol that although they might feel forgotten, we are the voice for those who are sold.


Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Equal Exchange Blog ... "Roots of Catholic Social Teaching"

Equal Exchange's mission is to build long-term trade partnerships that are economically just and environmentally sound, to foster mutually beneficial relationships between farmers and consumers and to demonstrate, through our success, the contribution of worker co-operatives and Fair Trade to a more equitable, democratic and sustainable world.


Roots of Catholic Social Teaching

Formal Catholic Social Teaching is defined by a set of Papal documents, starting with Pope Leo XIII's 1891 encyclical on the condition of the working class, Rerum Novarum. Ultimately, however, it originates in how God speaks to us in scripture. On a trip to Mexico, I saw how God transmits social teaching to a group of His people there ...

CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post

Bishop Samuel Ruiz of San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, who aided the founding of CIRSA

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Word from Uganda: "The little pieces that make up AWESOME stories ... "

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 ...


The little pieces that make up AWESOME stories ...

"O you know how sometimes God pieces together stories over a long period of time, sometimes unknowingly that this piece matches with that one? Well I have one of those stories (of many) to tell ..."

 • read the rest of Natalie's post ...

 • help raise funds for Natalie's mission ...

Monday, February 22, 2016

From ChinaAid: "Vancouver church holds service to support Beijing’s persecuted Shouwang Church"

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.

China Aid Photo
Vancouver church holds service to support Beijing’s persecuted Shouwang Church
Distributed by ChinaAid, February, 2016 ...

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA – The Faith Chinese North American Baptist Church in Vancouver held a prayer service in late December to support Beijing’s Shouwang Church after the sixth anniversary of the Chinese church’s move to exclusively outdoor worship services due to government persecution ...

more on this story from China Aid



Friday, February 19, 2016

In the News ... "Pastors combat family violence"

OA Photo by Mark Sterkel
• The Rev. Woodruff: Emotional abuse is also a serious problem

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - Unpleasant and embarrassing as it is, family violence is a woe that won’t be solved if it’s not comprehensively addressed, say four Odessa ministers.

The Revs. Mark Woodruff, Leland Maples, Andy Hill and Tim King say all violence between spouses is dangerous from the start and it only gets worse as it inexorably progresses.

Woodruff said he “not infrequently counsels a spouse who will come to me and say their spouse is violent ..."

“I sometimes say right out, ‘You ought to leave the guy,’ ” said the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church pastor. “Unless he is under a psychologist’s care, it’s going to happen again and again ...

read the rest of this OA report ...

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Teichert Family Update ... Discipling Farmworkers

The family of 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 unreached 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.


Discipling Farmworkers

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

Dear family and friends,

Noel and Jean Livesey are one of our newest OC Africa strategic ministry partners. They are forming an OC Africa team in the Hermanus area near Cape Town, South Africa. Hermanus is a small town on the Atlanti c coast known for its whale-watching and fruit orchards. Noel and Jean moved to this area about fi ve years ago to reach the farmworkers in the Overberg region. For centuries, families of farmworkers have lived on the many large apple and pear orchards and vineyards. Farmers provide employment and basic services, but their spiritual growth is poorly neglected. Many of these families battle with alcoholism, drugs, domestic violence, and basic education. Because of this great need, Noel is partnering with farm owners and the provincial government to provide skills training and start weekly discipleship Bible studies.

Japtha Williams is one of the farmworkers that Noel serves. Japtha has battled with alcohol abuse for much of his life. Alcoholism is the number one problem among farmworkers. Aft er attending a three-month rehabilitation program provided by the Salvation Army in 2010, Japtha returned to his family sober and equipped for a life of sobriety. He has remained sober up to this day. Japhta says the reasons he has remained sober are: he has committed not to drink an alcoholic beverage, every morning he asks God to help him stay away from alcohol, and he takes one day at a time. Since September, Japtha’s wife Mina has also stopped drinking. Noel has been meeting with Japtha to equip him to lead a weekly Discovery Bible Study (DBS) on the Wildekrans farm. The hope is that this group will multi ply into other DBSs that will grow into churches

Now there are five other DBSs in the Hemel en Aarde Valley. Japtha’s group is the first to address substance abuse. Many farmworkers are too proud to admit they have a problem of addicti on. Noel, himself a recovering alcoholic, believes establishing DBSs among farmworkers is the best way to address the issue of substance abuse. Japtha is the first to gather his entire family with the express purpose of overcoming addictions through obedience-based Bible discovery. Noel has heard many stories of those who continue to struggle with alcoholism without the support of a local DBS.

Noel and Jean have committed the rest of their years to reaching the people in the Overberg region by multi plying DBSs on every farm. Please pray for God’s strength and provision for them in this transforming ministry. Thank you for your faithful partnership with us!

For God's glory,

Karl and Jenny



OC Africa is an interdenominational ministry committed to developing, equipping, and mobilizing church leaders to multiply healthy, Bible-based churches in every community in Southern Africa and the world. OC is a faith-based mission who depends on the Lord to provide committed, financial supporters and partners. The contributions from these individuals help generate ministry opportunities around the world, impact missionaries and their global work, and provide a means for the International Mobilization Center to function. CLICK HERE
to learn how YOU can be a part of mobilizing church leaders around the world by donating to OC.

In the News ... "Shelton makes missions a priority"

OA Photo by Edyta Blaszczyk
• Morton native enters 12th year at Sherwood Baptist Church

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - Roiling down the Amazon River to visit four Peruvian villages and choose one for a new church might seem unusual for a minister from Odessa, but it was just part of the Sherwood Baptist Church program led by the Rev. Ivy Shelton that’s also established missionary beachheads in Panama and South Africa.

“We took a boat five hours from Iquitos and 15 minutes up a tributary, and we prayed over which village God wanted us to work in,” said Shelton, describing that January 2013 trip with the Rev. Robert Thayer of Odessa Bible Church and three others ...

read the rest of this OA report ...

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Equal Exchange Blog ... "Host a Cocoa Tasting in Your Community"

Equal Exchange's mission is to build long-term trade partnerships that are economically just and environmentally sound, to foster mutually beneficial relationships between farmers and consumers and to demonstrate, through our success, the contribution of worker co-operatives and Fair Trade to a more equitable, democratic and sustainable world.


Host a Cocoa Tasting in Your Community

This winter, warm up with a cocoa tasting event! Hot chocolate is the quintessential cold weather treat – so a chilly winter day is a great time to introduce all three of Equal Exchange’s organic, fairly traded cocoa mixes to your community. Here are our suggestions for a festive and delicious tasting event ...

CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post

In the News ... "Odessa resident traveling to Juarez for Papal visit"

KWES Photo
• "We should go with an open heart and God will bless us."

By Alejandra Guzman, Reporter
KWES-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS -Many people are gearing up for the pope's visit to Juarez, Mexico later this week, NewsWest 9 spoke with a man who was selected to go see the pontiff.

"First of all I'd ask for health and plenty of employment for Odessa, we all know we need it. The health of all the community, and blessing for all," said Mauricio Garcia.

These are only a few things on Mauricio Garcia’s mind as he gets ready to see the Pope in Juarez this Wednesday. Garcia is one of five lucky residents going after he was given a ticket by a local priest, but originally, he wasn't going to go ...

 • read/watch the rest of this KWES report ...

In the News ... "Faithful Prepare for Papal Visit in Juarez"

KOSA Photo
• "He will know that people here in Texas love him."

Christopher Saul, Reporter
KOSA-TV


ODESSA/MIDLAND, TEXAS - About 120 people from Midland and Odessa will be among the many thousands of faithful visiting the border this week to see the pope. For the group that made the journey they consider their visit to the two cities a pilgrimage and a special opportunity ...

read the rest of this KOSA report


In the News ... "Group From Andrews Going to Hear Pope Francis Speak at Mexico-U.S. Border"

KMID Photo
• Wanted to see Pope Francis when he visited Philadelphia last September, but they weren't able to work it out

Tyler Woessner, Reporter
KMID-TV


ANDREWS, TEXAS - Pope Francis has a visit planned to Juarez, Mexico on Wednesday.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Andrews is sending a group of people to the border-town to hear the Pope speak ...

read/watch the rest of this KMID report


Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Word from Uganda: "Scripture Memory Challenge 2016"

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 ...


Scripture Memory Challenge 2016

"As the new year has begun, I have challenged myself to try an memorize a new scripture each week of the year. Some of these are one sentence, some a few verses long.

Being one who loves a friendly "competition," I would love to have a few others join me to help hold one another accountable. Please let me know if you do ..."

 • read the rest of Natalie's post ...

 • help raise funds for Natalie's mission ...

In the News ... "Local church set on fire"

KWES Photo
• They plan on rebuilding as soon as possible

By Kalene O'Brien, Reporter
KWES-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - A church in Odessa went up in flames Saturday morning and investigators say it was no accident. Now, the search is on for whoever started it.

The congregation's spirits were still high on Sunday. The River of Life Church isn't letting the fire stop them from holding service. On Sunday afternoon, they gathered outside of the burned church for Sunday worship ...

 • read/watch the rest of this KWES report ...

Monday, February 15, 2016

From ChinaAid: "Officials raid Christian care center, forcibly transfer patients"

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.

China Aid Photo
Officials raid Christian care center, forcibly transfer patients
Distributed by ChinaAid, February, 2016 ...

HUIZHOU, GUANGDONG, CHINA – More than 100 personnel from multiple government departments raided a Christian care center in China’s southern Guangdong province on Thursday, seized 15 staff members and patients, including an infant, and relocated them to another shelter.

Under the pretense of conducting a medical check-up, authorities forced their way into a Huizhou branch of Guanai (Care) Center, a Christian facility established for the care of people with a variety of medical conditions, despite pleas from local Christians to leave the premises. They forced 15 staff members and patients into a vehicle and moved them to a shelter in Huiyang District ...

more on this story from China Aid



In the News ... "Get your ash at mass ..."

Courtesy Photo
Bishop Michael James Sis, of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Angelo, presided over an Ash Wednesday mass on Wednesday, February10, in the Dollye Neal Chapel, on MC's main campus.

The mass was open to all, and attendees included MC's Catholic Student club, college faculty and staff club, and members of the general public.

The day included the traditional imposition of ashes on the foreheads of attendees, on the grounds of the chapel.

CLICK HERE for a photo album

Sunday, February 14, 2016

In the News ... "Lenten Series seeks change"

• Several guest speakers scheduled to speak in Basin

OA Photo by Mark Sterkel
Staff Report
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS -Lent is a period when Christians should reflect on their shortcomings and resolve to imitate Jesus Christ by becoming more self-sacrificial toward their fellow man, say two ministers who’ll speak during the Odessa Ministerial Alliance’s annual Lenten Series.

Observed during the 40 days prior to Easter, Lent began with Ash Wednesday Feb. 10 and will continue with speakers at five churches ...

• read the rest of this OA report ...

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Invitation to Prayer from Faces of Children ... TODAY

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).

Invitation to Prayer, Today

Hi Friends,

I hope you can make it to our time of prayer tomorrow at 11:3, at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas, followed by lunch together.

Please join us in lifting up the needs of vulnerable children around the world.

Hallelujah Home in Kalaymyo, Burma


On their recent trip to Burma, members of the FPC Missions Team visited the Hallelujah Home in Kalaymyo. This home has been supported by our church since it began in 2008, when Nu Bawi felt God call her to help care for vulnerable children and she began taking children into her family's home. Currently 11 children live at the Hallelujah Home. The children are a mix of orphans and children from surrounding villages who would not have any opportunity to receive an education if they stayed at home with their families. Sadly, last year Nu Bawi passed away quite suddenly due to illness. Thankfully her family has continued in her steps, caring for the children and providing them a safe place to grow, get an education and learn about Jesus, but it is a big responsibility to take over for Nu Bawi. Please pray for strength and wisdom for those leading this ministry now, and please pray that they continue to receive the support they need to love and serve their children well. Also, please pray for the following children who live at the Hallelujah Home.

Daniel - 2 years old
Samuel - 5 years old
Thomas - 7 years old
Dawt Ku - 11 years old
Abisak - 12 years old
Thangte - 14 years old
Dawt Tha - 15 years old
Bapa Hmun - 15 years old
Sanda - 16 years old
Mawi Mawi - 18 years old
Lian Lian - 19 years old

All the best,

Carrie

Carrie J. McKean
Faces of Children Director
First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas
(432) 684-7821 x153



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 info@facesofchildren.net

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Invitation to Prayer from Faces of Children ... 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).

Invitation to Prayer, Tomorrow

Hi Friends,

I hope you can make it to our time of prayer tomorrow at 11:3, at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas, followed by lunch together.

Please join us in lifting up the needs of vulnerable children around the world.

Hallelujah Home in Kalaymyo, Burma


On their recent trip to Burma, members of the FPC Missions Team visited the Hallelujah Home in Kalaymyo. This home has been supported by our church since it began in 2008, when Nu Bawi felt God call her to help care for vulnerable children and she began taking children into her family's home. Currently 11 children live at the Hallelujah Home. The children are a mix of orphans and children from surrounding villages who would not have any opportunity to receive an education if they stayed at home with their families. Sadly, last year Nu Bawi passed away quite suddenly due to illness. Thankfully her family has continued in her steps, caring for the children and providing them a safe place to grow, get an education and learn about Jesus, but it is a big responsibility to take over for Nu Bawi. Please pray for strength and wisdom for those leading this ministry now, and please pray that they continue to receive the support they need to love and serve their children well. Also, please pray for the following children who live at the Hallelujah Home.

Daniel - 2 years old
Samuel - 5 years old
Thomas - 7 years old
Dawt Ku - 11 years old
Abisak - 12 years old
Thangte - 14 years old
Dawt Tha - 15 years old
Bapa Hmun - 15 years old
Sanda - 16 years old
Mawi Mawi - 18 years old
Lian Lian - 19 years old

All the best,

Carrie

Carrie J. McKean
Faces of Children Director
First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas
(432) 684-7821 x153



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 info@facesofchildren.net

Sunday, February 7, 2016

In the News ... "Bishop to talk adversity at National Prayer Breakfast"

MRT Photo by Steve Kuhlman
• Event set for Tuesday morning, February 9, at Midland's Horseshoe Pavilion

Trent Johnson, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - On Thursday, President Barack Obama addressed the crowd at the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. with a message about how faith has enabled him to overcome countless fears in his presidency, his personal life and even in dealing with his children. Even though the circumstances highlighted were empirical to the president, the theme of fear is prevalent and even extends to Midland and West Texas ...

... Midland will follow suit with its own prayer event Tuesday in an effort to join all Christian denominations together to pray for local and national leaders. Featured speaker Bishop Michael J. Sis, of the Diocese of San Angelo, will focus his words not on fear but adversity ...

 • read the rest of this MRT report

Saturday, February 6, 2016

In the News ... "Food Bank's Souper Bowl of Caring wraps up Feb. 7"

• Grocery store customers may participate through food bag purchases, cash donations

Rich Lopez, Reporter

Midland Reporter-Telegram

ODESSA/MIDLAND, TEXAS - he West Texas Food Bank and Albertsons and Market Street Stores will have their final push this weekend for their Souper Bowl of Caring campaign. The campaign will accept both grocery and cash donations through Sunday. The Food Bank, which recently moved into new facilities in Odessa, distributes donated and purchased food through a network of more than 75 partner Agencies in 19 counties throughout West Texas with every dollar donated providing four meals for the hungry ...

 • read the rest of this MRT report


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.