Wednesday, November 30, 2016

WAW Wednesday ... Thank you for being our friends!

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


Thank you for being our friends!

Dear Friends and Partners:

Kenny Logan, Tim Hagen and our friends from First Presbyterian Church Midland, TX spent last week furthering their relationship with our friends from Casa De Alabanza Church in El Progresso Village. It was a great week for both churches full of worship, hard work on the church building, prayer, laughter, excellent food, and a trip to see 1000ft Falls. Both churches are reaping the benefits of this ongoing friendship!



Please Pray over the Word at Work ...

  Praise for the time in our Father's presence that Tim Tam has been blessed with on Sabbatical.
  Travel mercies for our Staff who will travel over the next week.
  Continued healing for Chepito as he recovers from an appendectomy.
  Funding for Dallan's impending surgery this month - 2/3 of the funding is still needed.
  Stanley Herrera (Leonie & Phillipa's brother) began treatment in Mexico last week for cancer; we're thankful for resources that make this possible.
  Direction and unity for our Board of Directors as they implement new governance policies.
  May God be glorified through the Word at Work!

Our Friends in Belize are sharing their hopes for the parties they plan to host next month ...

Thank you for sharing Christmas Joy with them!!!

A gift to our Christmas Project will help provide food for parties where apples and bananas are a real treat; connect families to loved ones through phone cards for prisoners; deliver gifts far and wide to our partners; and so much more. We'll be happy to send a gift acknowledgment card to your loved ones if you'd like to donate as an alternative gift! Thank you for clicking the link above today...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

How has your life been impacted by being the Word at Work? Maybe you've a story to share with our friends - I'd love to hear from you! Email me or give me a shout!

Blessings,

Mollie
The Word At Work
mollie@twaw.org


EDITOR'S NOTE: Speaking from my own first-hand experience - working side-by-side with Tim, Kenny and our brothers and sisters in Belize - won't you give thoughtful, prayerful consideration to supporting the efforts of Tim, the Word At Work staff and their partners? Please please fill out this Commitment Card and return it to their office!

Also, remember that you can follow The Word At Work on their Facebook page!


UPDATE: Application deadline for 1st Prez-Midland's Spring Break mission to Belize moved to DECEMBER 7


First Presbyterian Church will join The Word at Work during spring break in Belize again this year. Whether it is construction, leading Bible school, or just making new friends you will be an integral part of spreading the love of Jesus and continuing the relationship FPC has with the people in the village of El Progresso and the country of Belize. You will serve, laugh, fellowship, and grow as you participate in with this awesome ministry!

Be praying about the chance to join in this revolutionary approach to missions where we will be a part of the unified body of Christ! It will be an experience you will not forget! Applications are available here or at the church office and are due December 7 ...

CLICK HERE for more information, and to download an application ...

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,

Thank you for joining me in prayer for the children of the world. If you can, we'd love to have you pray together with us this Wednesday - TODAY -  at 11:30 a.m., in the gym conference room at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas, followed by lunch together.

Also, Faces of Children is now on Facebook ! I invite you to like our page so that you can see regular stories, prayer needs, and updates from partner ministries.

All the best,

Carrie



Dear Intercessors,

We could have missed this.

It's a refrain that has been echoing around the adoption community for the last few weeks as adoptive families have reflected on their journeys during National Adoption Month. As part of National Adoption Month, November is also a time to encourage more people to consider adoption and ask the church to pray about how she can better care for orphans and foster children. And for many families who hear this call, its an overwhelming prospect. The stakes are high, the cost is huge, and the possible ways that adoption or foster care can introduce heartache, angst, and anxiety into our lives are too many too list.

The call is undoubtedly there... but to say yes? That is terrifying.

But on the other side of the yes? Speaking as an adoptive mama, when I feel my little girl lean in for a hug and hear her tell me she loves me, my heart almost stops when I think, "We could have missed this."

There are so many reasons to say no. It's so expensive. The process is unpredictable. The child might have more medical needs than the file says. She may not adjust well. He might be too angry and disruptive. What if he takes my attention away from the child I already have? How can I meet her needs? I'm not that great of a mama, how could I step up my parenting game to help a child who has experienced such loss? It is so easy to say no.

But this week, a few days after Thanksgiving, I'd like to invite you to listen to the families who have said yes. I want you to see the faces and hear the stories from mamas and daddies who, with hearts full of gratitude for their children, want the world to know, "We could have missed this." You can read hundreds here, or you can simply enjoy just this one:

Photo by Stefanie @ Ni Hao Ya'll
November 18, 2014. In a police station in Changsha China, we had our first glimpse of our girl. Adoption day had been set for the day before but Clementine was in a hospital in Beijing that day - fighting pneumonia and not well enough to leave. On this day, though, she traveled by plane and bus and car to meet us, surely frightened to be leaving all that was familiar. Then, finally, she was carried into the police station wrapped in a thick yellow bunting, flat on her back, and quickly plopped onto a cardboard box for her passport photo.... her last moments as an orphan. Our eyes met: me, a hesitant mama and her, a hesitant daughter. Remnants of medical tape on her face and an IV port still in her ankle, the crackle of her breathing was audible across the room... and I was completely overwhelmed with fear that I was not enough for her. That I didn't know enough, or have enough. What I wasn't counting on, in that moment of almost debilitating fear, was that He is enough. In all things and at all times - He is enough. Adoption is risky and messy, born out of loss and grief, it's the knitting together broken and traumatized people. But oh, if we had allowed fear to have its way in our hearts that day. Because this girl? A million times worth it.

I know I don't speak only for myself as an adoptive parent when I say, but for the grace of God and His spirit guiding us through the steps and leading us through the hard days, we would have missed this! And I'm so grateful we didn't miss it!

In the week after Thanksgiving and at the close of National Adoption Month, I think it is good for us to pause and give thanks for these children and families who are living out the ministry of restoration and healing in their homes. Thank God for these families who demonstrate that He alone can set the lonely in families, bind up the brokenhearted, and care for the fatherless. Please join me in praising God for adoptive families and asking Him to strengthen them emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically. Pray for Him to meet their every need, and to surround them with supportive communities who can help carry them when they are too tired to continue. And please pray for more families to listen to that quiet whisper in their hearts... may it be louder than their fears.

Praying with you,

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

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.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: November 30, 2016


PRESBYTERIAN MISSION CO-WORKERS - Edgar Moros-Ruano sees leadership development as key to church’s future.

At the Presbyterian House in Merida, Venezuela, Dr. Edgar Moros- Ruano, a former Presbyterian mission co-worker, says “the gospel is proclaimed not only by word of mouth, but also through deeds.”

Moros-Ruano serves as pastor of the Congregation of the Resurrection and is a tenured professor of philosophy at Universidad de Los Andes in Merida. In both his pastoral work and his seminary teaching, Moros-Ruano says he has integrated leadership development as an evangelistic effort to share the gospel of Jesus to his congregations and students ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

West Texas youth mission oppportunity ... Upward Basketball & Cheerleading


There are some for whom the word "mission" conjures up images of travels to the far side of the world for extended periods of time ... but that is NOT always the case. There are opportunities going on in your community - right here, right now - that have a genuine need for someone with exactly your skills, and exactly your schedule. One is Upward Basketball & Cheerleading, which kicks-off its 2017 season in West Texas this January - though registration for volunteers and youngsters is under way NOW.

Upward introduces children to Jesus Christ by creating opportunities to serve through sports. Upward is a fun, reliable, passionate and encouraging sports experience for boys and girls, in K5 through sixth grade. Upward provides first class, organized and detailed sports programming. Unique aspects of Upward include an evaluation system that promotes equal and competitive teams as well as a substitution system which allows for equal playing time for all participants.Through Upward, children are exposed to quality coaching and sport development. Upward emphasizes character and integrity instead of a “win at all costs” mentality associated with today’s sports world.

And, NO, you don't have to be a member of a church in order to participate!

There are all kinds of ways you can help the Upward program in your community ... all kinds of ways you can become a West Texas Missioner. You can be a coach, or an assistant, a referee or a timekeeper. You may also choose to present a brief devotional to the audience during the halftimes, while the teams are resting and getting ready for the next round of play. Your focus can be current events, a piece of Scripture from the Bible, or sports. You can compose your own, or work from guidelines that participating churches will provide you.

You can also help by signing-up your child, then heading to the game and cheering for everyone on the floor!

In Midland, there is a program for basketball at First Baptist Church, and programs for basketball and cheerleading at First Presbyterian Church.

In Odessa, there is are programs for basketball and cheerleading at Second Baptist Church.

Benefit art event set for THIS WEEK in Midland


For more information, contact ...

Africa Bridges of Hope

Palladium Arts Studio

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,

Thank you for joining me in prayer for the children of the world. If you can, we'd love to have you pray together with us this Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., in the gym conference room at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas, followed by lunch together.

Also, Faces of Children is now on Facebook ! I invite you to like our page so that you can see regular stories, prayer needs, and updates from partner ministries.

All the best,

Carrie



Dear Intercessors,

We could have missed this.

It's a refrain that has been echoing around the adoption community for the last few weeks as adoptive families have reflected on their journeys during National Adoption Month. As part of National Adoption Month, November is also a time to encourage more people to consider adoption and ask the church to pray about how she can better care for orphans and foster children. And for many families who hear this call, its an overwhelming prospect. The stakes are high, the cost is huge, and the possible ways that adoption or foster care can introduce heartache, angst, and anxiety into our lives are too many too list.

The call is undoubtedly there... but to say yes? That is terrifying.

But on the other side of the yes? Speaking as an adoptive mama, when I feel my little girl lean in for a hug and hear her tell me she loves me, my heart almost stops when I think, "We could have missed this."

There are so many reasons to say no. It's so expensive. The process is unpredictable. The child might have more medical needs than the file says. She may not adjust well. He might be too angry and disruptive. What if he takes my attention away from the child I already have? How can I meet her needs? I'm not that great of a mama, how could I step up my parenting game to help a child who has experienced such loss? It is so easy to say no.

But this week, a few days after Thanksgiving, I'd like to invite you to listen to the families who have said yes. I want you to see the faces and hear the stories from mamas and daddies who, with hearts full of gratitude for their children, want the world to know, "We could have missed this." You can read hundreds here, or you can simply enjoy just this one:

Photo by Stefanie @ Ni Hao Ya'll
November 18, 2014. In a police station in Changsha China, we had our first glimpse of our girl. Adoption day had been set for the day before but Clementine was in a hospital in Beijing that day - fighting pneumonia and not well enough to leave. On this day, though, she traveled by plane and bus and car to meet us, surely frightened to be leaving all that was familiar. Then, finally, she was carried into the police station wrapped in a thick yellow bunting, flat on her back, and quickly plopped onto a cardboard box for her passport photo.... her last moments as an orphan. Our eyes met: me, a hesitant mama and her, a hesitant daughter. Remnants of medical tape on her face and an IV port still in her ankle, the crackle of her breathing was audible across the room... and I was completely overwhelmed with fear that I was not enough for her. That I didn't know enough, or have enough. What I wasn't counting on, in that moment of almost debilitating fear, was that He is enough. In all things and at all times - He is enough. Adoption is risky and messy, born out of loss and grief, it's the knitting together broken and traumatized people. But oh, if we had allowed fear to have its way in our hearts that day. Because this girl? A million times worth it.

I know I don't speak only for myself as an adoptive parent when I say, but for the grace of God and His spirit guiding us through the steps and leading us through the hard days, we would have missed this! And I'm so grateful we didn't miss it!

In the week after Thanksgiving and at the close of National Adoption Month, I think it is good for us to pause and give thanks for these children and families who are living out the ministry of restoration and healing in their homes. Thank God for these families who demonstrate that He alone can set the lonely in families, bind up the brokenhearted, and care for the fatherless. Please join me in praising God for adoptive families and asking Him to strengthen them emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically. Pray for Him to meet their every need, and to surround them with supportive communities who can help carry them when they are too tired to continue. And please pray for more families to listen to that quiet whisper in their hearts... may it be louder than their fears.

Praying with you,

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 ... “Fair-trade shopping event serves a bigger need"

Courtesy Photo
• To serve people from across the globe

Rich Lopez, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The Abilene-based Eternal Threads returns to Midland for its annual shopping event beginning December 2 at Golf Course Road Church of Christ.

While people can start buying their holiday presents, founder Linda Egle said that the event serves a far bigger purpose. Eternal Threads works to improve the lives of women and children through the products they make for events such as the December market ...

 • read the rest of this MRT report

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.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: November 29, 2016

PALISADES PRESBYTERY, NEW JERSEY - In the spirit of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., three northern NJ churches have rehabilitated a church in need of repairs.

Over the MLK holiday weekend in January 2016, the Presbyterian Church at Tenafly and Old Bergen Church of Jersey City teamed up for a construction project at the Mideast Evangelical Church in Jersey City to remodel, insulate and paint a fellowship hall, reinforce a hand rail, share in a delicious Middle Eastern meal, hear stories, and commemorate the MLK Day of Service ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Monday, November 28, 2016

From @chinaaid : "Plan to ‘manage’ house churches in Anhui leaked"

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.

Plan to ‘manage’ house churches in Anhui leaked
Distributed by ChinaAid, October, 2016 ...

LU'AN, ANHUI, CHINA – Leaked documents from Lu’an, Anhui, revealed an organized plan to catalog and disband house churches in a “Development Zone” of Yuan District.

The plan outlines four steps in order to manage the “batches” of house churches in the area ...

more on this story from China Aid



In the News ... "Salvation Army needs more bell ringers"

KWES Photo
• "It's been very rewarding and satisfying ..."

By Gerald Tracy, Multi-Media Journalist
KWES-TV


MIDLAND, TEXAS - Johnny Owens has been a bell ringer for a little while now.

"This is my first year actually," said Owens. "I started on the 19th."

He said he just moved to Midland recently and the opportunity came up.

"I had a bucket list of different jobs I wanted to do and seeing Miracle on 34th Street, watching the Bell Ringers, I always thought, 'well that'd be pretty neat to do it,' said Owens. "Well they were advertising it and I needed a job and the Salvation Army helped me and my family out when I first moved here."

Now, he's working as much as he can, and loving every bit of it ...

read/watch the rest of this KWES report 


Courtesy Photo

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,

Thank you for joining me in prayer for the children of the world. If you can, we'd love to have you pray together with us this Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., in the gym conference room at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas, followed by lunch together.

Also, Faces of Children is now on Facebook ! I invite you to like our page so that you can see regular stories, prayer needs, and updates from partner ministries.

All the best,

Carrie



Dear Intercessors,

We could have missed this.

It's a refrain that has been echoing around the adoption community for the last few weeks as adoptive families have reflected on their journeys during National Adoption Month. As part of National Adoption Month, November is also a time to encourage more people to consider adoption and ask the church to pray about how she can better care for orphans and foster children. And for many families who hear this call, its an overwhelming prospect. The stakes are high, the cost is huge, and the possible ways that adoption or foster care can introduce heartache, angst, and anxiety into our lives are too many too list.

The call is undoubtedly there... but to say yes? That is terrifying.

But on the other side of the yes? Speaking as an adoptive mama, when I feel my little girl lean in for a hug and hear her tell me she loves me, my heart almost stops when I think, "We could have missed this."

There are so many reasons to say no. It's so expensive. The process is unpredictable. The child might have more medical needs than the file says. She may not adjust well. He might be too angry and disruptive. What if he takes my attention away from the child I already have? How can I meet her needs? I'm not that great of a mama, how could I step up my parenting game to help a child who has experienced such loss? It is so easy to say no.

But this week, a few days after Thanksgiving, I'd like to invite you to listen to the families who have said yes. I want you to see the faces and hear the stories from mamas and daddies who, with hearts full of gratitude for their children, want the world to know, "We could have missed this." You can read hundreds here, or you can simply enjoy just this one:

Photo by Stefanie @ Ni Hao Ya'll
November 18, 2014. In a police station in Changsha China, we had our first glimpse of our girl. Adoption day had been set for the day before but Clementine was in a hospital in Beijing that day - fighting pneumonia and not well enough to leave. On this day, though, she traveled by plane and bus and car to meet us, surely frightened to be leaving all that was familiar. Then, finally, she was carried into the police station wrapped in a thick yellow bunting, flat on her back, and quickly plopped onto a cardboard box for her passport photo.... her last moments as an orphan. Our eyes met: me, a hesitant mama and her, a hesitant daughter. Remnants of medical tape on her face and an IV port still in her ankle, the crackle of her breathing was audible across the room... and I was completely overwhelmed with fear that I was not enough for her. That I didn't know enough, or have enough. What I wasn't counting on, in that moment of almost debilitating fear, was that He is enough. In all things and at all times - He is enough. Adoption is risky and messy, born out of loss and grief, it's the knitting together broken and traumatized people. But oh, if we had allowed fear to have its way in our hearts that day. Because this girl? A million times worth it.

I know I don't speak only for myself as an adoptive parent when I say, but for the grace of God and His spirit guiding us through the steps and leading us through the hard days, we would have missed this! And I'm so grateful we didn't miss it!

In the week after Thanksgiving and at the close of National Adoption Month, I think it is good for us to pause and give thanks for these children and families who are living out the ministry of restoration and healing in their homes. Thank God for these families who demonstrate that He alone can set the lonely in families, bind up the brokenhearted, and care for the fatherless. Please join me in praising God for adoptive families and asking Him to strengthen them emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically. Pray for Him to meet their every need, and to surround them with supportive communities who can help carry them when they are too tired to continue. And please pray for more families to listen to that quiet whisper in their hearts... may it be louder than their fears.

Praying with you,

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 ... "Odessa resident owns collection of rare Bibles"

KOSA Photo
• One belonged to England's King George II

By Matthew Alvarez, Reporter
KOSA-TV


ODESSA, TEXAS - Chris Vore has only been collecting Bibles for three years, but his collection is already quite impressive. The books he has make up seven centuries worth of history.

"It’s kinda fun to see how the Bibles have changed over the years. The style, the way they printed them the different fonts, the different types of coverings and so forth," Chris Vore said ...

read the rest of this KOSA report 


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.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: November 28, 2016

MID-KENTUCKY PRESBYTERY - In West Louisville, Ky., Westwood Presbyterian Church came up with a creative way to address what generations of African Americans have come to believe, “that life is cheap, and the cheapest of all are black lives.” By hosting a drama camp for African American kids earlier this year, Westwood took them back to a time when African American culture was thriving ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Sunday, November 27, 2016

1st Presbyterian-Midland announces Spring Break mission to Belize


First Presbyterian Church will join The Word at Work during spring break in Belize again this year. Whether it is construction, leading Bible school, or just making new friends you will be an integral part of spreading the love of Jesus and continuing the relationship FPC has with the people in the village of El Progresso and the country of Belize. You will serve, laugh, fellowship, and grow as you participate in with this awesome ministry!

Be praying about the chance to join in this revolutionary approach to missions where we will be a part of the unified body of Christ! It will be an experience you will not forget! Applications are available here or at the church office and are due December 1 ...

CLICK HERE for more information, and to download an application ...

In the News ... "Salvation Army in Odessa looking to bring joy to children in need"

KOSA Photo
• Drop-off locations include any OFD station

By Matthew Alvarez, Reporter
KOSA-TV


ODESSA, TEXAS - The Salvation Army in Odessa is holding a Christmas toy drive.

The drive aims to bring joy and hope to under-privileged children on Christmas day.

Over 1000 children have applied for a gift on Christmas, the Salvation Army is calling on the community to step up and help these children ...

read the rest of this KOSA report 


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.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: November 27, 2016

COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL CEREMONY - Columbia Theological Seminary is “educating imaginative, resilient leaders for God’s changing world.” We do not fully know how God will use us in the future or what that future will look like. We move from fences that are limiting and destructive to bridges which liberate, heal and expand our communal vision ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Saturday, November 26, 2016

West Texas youth mission oppportunity ... Upward Basketball & Cheerleading


There are some for whom the word "mission" conjures up images of travels to the far side of the world for extended periods of time ... but that is NOT always the case. There are opportunities going on in your community - right here, right now - that have a genuine need for someone with exactly your skills, and exactly your schedule. One is Upward Basketball & Cheerleading, which kicks-off its 2017 season in West Texas this January - though registration for volunteers and youngsters is under way NOW.

Upward introduces children to Jesus Christ by creating opportunities to serve through sports. Upward is a fun, reliable, passionate and encouraging sports experience for boys and girls, in K5 through sixth grade. Upward provides first class, organized and detailed sports programming. Unique aspects of Upward include an evaluation system that promotes equal and competitive teams as well as a substitution system which allows for equal playing time for all participants.Through Upward, children are exposed to quality coaching and sport development. Upward emphasizes character and integrity instead of a “win at all costs” mentality associated with today’s sports world.

And, NO, you don't have to be a member of a church in order to participate!

There are all kinds of ways you can help the Upward program in your community ... all kinds of ways you can become a West Texas Missioner. You can be a coach, or an assistant, a referee or a timekeeper. You may also choose to present a brief devotional to the audience during the halftimes, while the teams are resting and getting ready for the next round of play. Your focus can be current events, a piece of Scripture from the Bible, or sports. You can compose your own, or work from guidelines that participating churches will provide you.

You can also help by signing-up your child, then heading to the game and cheering for everyone on the floor!

In Midland, there is a program for basketball at First Baptist Church, and programs for basketball and cheerleading at First Presbyterian Church.

In Odessa, there is are programs for basketball and cheerleading at Second Baptist Church.

In the News ... "Midland church blesses hundreds of donated coats"

KOSA Photo
• Annual Coats for Kids outreach

By Matthew Alvarez, Reporter
KOSA-TV


MIDLAND, TEXAS - The congregation of First United Methodist Church came together this morning to bless coats donated to children in need.

Nearly 800 coats were donated by the congregation and other Midlanders as well.

Church members say they are stunned and humbled by how the community of Midland's immense support ...

read the rest of this KOSA report 


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.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: November 26, 2016

DISCIPLE MAKING - As part of its ongoing mission to foster a culture of discipling–central to Christian life and practice–the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s office of Evangelism has announced plans for its annual Disciple Making Church Conference.

The 2017 conference–based on John 15:4 and titled “Abide in Me … A Spiritual Purging”–is designed to introduce participants to a variety of spiritual practices and help them live fuller mental and spiritual lives in order to bear more fruit for Jesus Christ and Christ’s church. The conference will be held January 16-19, 2017, at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, St. Pete Beach, Florida ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Friday, November 25, 2016

From ServLife International ... "Say Yes"

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.



ServLife Photo
Say Yes

I recently met Bob Goff, and have been encouraged by his book Love Does. The first line of chapter 9 continues to resonate with me, “I used to think you had to be special for God to use you, but now I know you simply need to say yes” ...

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

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


From @FWMission ...Friday Story: "The Greatest Gift I Have Ever Received"

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.

FWM Photo
Friday Story: "The Greatest Gift I Have Ever Received"

Greetings, and Happy Friday!

Javier lives in Honduras and received a GEN_2 wheelchair in April of this year. Javier worked for a large cruise ship years ago, but he developed diabetes and had to stop working because of severe hypertension. He eventually had to have his right leg amputated.

With no way to earn money and support his family, Javier had what he described as “a few very dark years.” Sadly, during this time, Javier felt worthless. His home began to feel more and more like a prison ...

read the rest of this story ...

In the News ... “Nonagenarian wins Golden Deeds Award"

MRT Photo by Tim Fischer
"Volunteering keeps me busy and alive"

Staff Report
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - A.R. “Bo” Bohannon was honored Monday with the Exchange Club of Midland’s Golden Deeds Award. At age 90, Bohannon can be found volunteering five days a week at Midland Soup Kitchen or Habitat for Humanity ...

 • read the rest of this MRT report

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.


Today in the Mission Yearbook: November 25, 2016

PRESBYTERY OF SHENANGO, PENNSYLVANIA - If this summer’s Presbyterian Youth Triennium is any indication, more young people are showing an overwhelming interest in critical topics that intersect faith and social justice, such as environmental racism. The summer gathering at Purdue University drew nearly 5,000 young people for a week of worship, fellowship and a chance to learn and engage on issues of great importance to the church as a whole. For many of the presenters on key advocacy issues, the turnout and interaction were more than they expected ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Thursday, November 24, 2016

1st Presbyterian-Midland announces Spring Break mission to Belize


First Presbyterian Church will join The Word at Work during spring break in Belize again this year. Whether it is construction, leading Bible school, or just making new friends you will be an integral part of spreading the love of Jesus and continuing the relationship FPC has with the people in the village of El Progresso and the country of Belize. You will serve, laugh, fellowship, and grow as you participate in with this awesome ministry!

Be praying about the chance to join in this revolutionary approach to missions where we will be a part of the unified body of Christ! It will be an experience you will not forget! Applications are available here or at the church office and are due December 1 ...

CLICK HERE for more information, and to download an application ...

In the News ... "Odessa SWAT calling on a higher power for safety"

KOSA Photo
"The protection and oversight of our lord and savior Jesus Christ"

By Alexa Dunson, Reporter
KOSA-TV


ODESSA, TEXAS - It’s a heartwarming picture making the rounds on social media. The photo shows the Odessa SWAT team huddled in a circle saying a prayer before going out to a call on Wednesday morning ...

read the rest of this KOSA report 


In the News ... "OUR VIEW: It’s been 22 years of helping"

• THE POINT — The community always comes through for the Salvation Army.

Editorial Staff
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - The last 22 years of working with the generosity of Odessans through the Empty Stocking Fund has been a real pleasure. We are always amazed and humbled by the generous spirit of folks around here.

As we go into our 22nd year of asking for your help, which begins Thanksgiving Day, we took a moment to reflect on how the fund started in 1995 and raised $28,895 that year.

That was something that made us all proud ...

read the rest of this OA opinion ...

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.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: November 24, 2016

PRESBYIAN YOUTH - If this summer’s Presbyterian Youth Triennium is any indication, more young people are showing an overwhelming interest in critical topics that intersect faith and social justice, such as environmental racism. The summer gathering at Purdue University drew nearly 5,000 young people for a week of worship, fellowship and a chance to learn and engage on issues of great importance to the church as a whole. For many of the presenters on key advocacy issues, the turnout and interaction were more than they expected ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

In the News ... Get legal help at Catholic Charities

• Free to those who meet financial and other qualifications

Staff Report
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The Ector County Evening Legal Clinic has been scheduled on the third Tuesday of each month at Catholic Charities, 2500 Andrews Highway.

Volunteer attorneys will provide legal advice on issues including family law, wills and probate, consumer matters, landlord/tenant law, bankruptcy and foreclosure ...

read the rest of this OA report ...