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| Courtesy Photo |
• Odessa American
ODESSA, TEXAS - Coming events include worship services, classes, Bible studies, community outreach, mission opportunities, hurricane relief efforts and more ...
• read the rest of this OA report ...
Saturday, September 30, 2017
In the News ... "Church News"
• Odessa American
ODESSA, TEXAS - Coming events include worship services, classes, Bible studies, community outreach, mission opportunities, hurricane relief efforts and more ...
• read the rest of this OA 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: September 30, 2017
1ST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MONTICELLO, ILLINOIS - First Presbyterian Church of Monticello, Illinois, is not a large church, but it has a big heart. Over its 175-year history church members have always given back to the community, says pastor Paul Spangler. But a few years ago, the church tried something different for Vacation Bible School, and the results proved beneficial for many residents in the small town as well as the church itself ...
• CLICK HERE to read more.
Friday, September 29, 2017
From ServLife International ... "Complete"
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.Complete
My marriage turns 18 years old this month. Our last year of teenage marriage! As my wife and I discuss our next year of marriage we want to focus on generosity and hospitality per Romans 12:13, “Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home.”
It is easy for us to feel like we are doing enough in the area of generosity ...
• CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post from ServLife ...
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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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 ... |
Fight Poverty
The HOPE Fund, our micro-finance program, provides start-up funds for a small business, paving a way out of poverty for families in need. • Learn More ... |
From @FWMission ...Friday Story: "Freedom for a Family"
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 |
Eugenia is a 91-year-old grandmother in Costa Rica who lost her sight nine years ago. Although she can stand up for short periods of time, her loss of vision, coupled with her frail condition, pose too much of a risk for her to move about on her own. Her daughter, Isabel, would constantly hover nearby to protect her from falling, which could lead to serious injury.
This severely affected Isabel’s ability to manage her household and take care of her own children ...
• read the rest of this story ...
In the News ... "Community Aiding in Hurricane Maria Efforts"
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| KMID Photo |
Clarke Finney, Reporter
• KMID-TV
ODESSA, TEXAS - Hurricane Maria tore through Puerto Rico last week. After seeing the devastation Odessans are standing up to lend a helping hand.
San Juan mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz says that Puerto Rico is currently facing a humanitarian crisis.The storm caused power outages across the island, inspiring a local Medical Center Hospital employee to take action ...
• read/watch the rest of this KMID report
In the News ... "Now showing, in 3D, Transformation Church"
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| ARN Photo by Greg Jaklewicz |
By Greg Jaklewicz, Reporter
• Abilene Reporter-News
ABILENE, TEXAS - "I love the smell of popcorn in the morning."
That's not exactly what actor Robert Duvall, as Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore, said in the movie "Apocalypse Now."
But then, he wasn't attending church in a movie theater.
It was "Launch Sunday" last weekend for Transformation Church, which meets at the new Cinemark in northeast Abilene ...
• read the rest of this ARN 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: September 29, 2017
YELLOWSTONE PRESBYTERY - “It’s bad, Dust Bowl bad.” That’s how Kathy Goodrich, co-general presbyter of Yellowstone Presbytery, describes the impact of recent Montana wildfires. Hot, dry conditions proved costly for communities across the state as wildfires spread ...
• CLICK HERE to read more.
Thursday, September 28, 2017
FBR Report: "From ISIS Battlefield to Rodeo Camp: One U.S. Family’s Journey"
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| FBR Photo |
It was not a casual war zone drop-in for the family. They’ve spent years doing aid work in dangerous places — together.
“They have been in every battlefield that I’ve been in,” Eubank told NBC News during a recent phone interview from Thailand, a day after the family left Iraq on their way to the U.S. for the summer. “They have been all around Mosul — every part of it. And into Syria, Burma and Sudan.”
For the Eubanks, having their children with them is non-negotiable ...
• CLICK HERE to read the rest of this FBR Report ...
• CLICK HERE to learn how YOU can get involved in FBR and its mission ...
In the News ... "Odessa woman gathering donations to help Hurricane Maria victims"
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| KWES Photo |
By Jolina Okazaki, Multimedia Journalist
• KWES-TV
ODESSA, TEXAS - There's signs of help for food and water in Puerto Rico, an island of 3.5 million people. Hurricane Maria killed at least 10 people and its left the island waiting for power. For Katherine Torres, she hasn't heard from her family who live in Ponce since last week.
"Wednesday, we had communication with family members. After that, everything blacked out. No communication, nothing," said Torres. "The first days of last week were horrible, sitting, eating wondering if my family has food in their stomach. There's a lot of people that lost everything."
Although West Texas is out of the island's reach, Katherine decided to change that ...
• read/watch the rest of this KWES report ...
In the News ... "Millions Raised By Rebuild Texas On Hold For Now"
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| KXAN/KMID Photo |
Alicia Inns, KXAN-TV, Reporter
• KMID-TV
AUSTIN, TEXAS - Millions of dollars for hurricane relief are sitting still for now.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s commission to Rebuild Texas after Hurricane Harvey is growing daily. So far it has raised more than $68 million. During a press conference Tuesday, Abbott said none of the money raised has been distributed yet, nor has the group identified which community organizations it will go to ...
• read/watch the rest of this KMID report
In the News ... Bonham looks to help fellow middle school
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| OA Photo by Mark Sterkel |
By Ruth Campbell, Reporter
• Odessa American
ODESSA, TEXAS - Bonham Middle School is doing its part to help victims of Hurricane Harvey in Victoria by collecting school supplies for a fellow middle school campus and a former Bonham teacher. ...
• read the rest of this OA 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: September 28, 2017
MISSION CO-WORKERS IN AFRICA - Four mission co-workers have accepted new calls within Africa: Jim and Jodi McGill (in photo above), Ruth Brown and Dr. Martha Sommers ...
• CLICK HERE to read more.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
WAW Wednesday ... "Blessed to be a Blessing!"
"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."
WAW Wednesday: "Blessed to be a Blessing!"
Blessed to be a blessing!
That's what you are.
In last week's letter we asked for your story on how God has impacted you through our ministry -- we received some awesome stories and we can't wait to get more!
So we are inviting you again ... Please take a moment and share the blessing. This invitation for stories is meant for both our Belize and U.S. partners. We are confident you've got a story to tell and we can't wait to hear it. (Hey, if writing isn't your thing, that's OK - you could always share a quick video on Facebook!)
And here's another reminder ...
Kenny is coming to the states for more than a month starting October 5! We're putting him on the road to visit churches and friends.
Today while he was unpacking a shipping container from Pennsylvania, he took time out to send you this video message ...
Kenny wants to see you! from The Word at Work on Vimeo.
Exodus Church Starts Feeding Program
Pastor Phillipa opened the program on September 4 in Belize City. She's getting by with what she has BUT she could do so much more with your help.
I asked her how we could help and she sent me this list ...
Whirlpool Stove or Commercial Stove
Hamilton Beach Juicer
Whirlpool Refrigerator
Hamilton Beach Blender
Cuisinart Bread Mixer
Funding for cabinet for kitchen sink
If you want to purchase any of these items just send us the funds and we can purchase locally from Sears….. Where we have inside connections.
Mollie's husband happens to work there ... "Mike, the appliance guy”!
Thanks, friends,
Tim Tam
#wearethewordatwork
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!
In the News ... "Friday college student gatherings are a site to behold"
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| ARN Photo by Greg Jaklewicz |
By Loretta Fulton, Reporter
• Abilene Reporter-News
ABILENE, TEXAS - On a recent Friday, 109 people from 24 countries gathered in a backyard in Abilene.
No, the United Nations did not hold a retreat in Abilene. These are people who are here permanently — or semi-permanently, at least.
Art and Susan Green are starting their 15th year of hosting Friday evening sessions that include a variety of food — and lots of it, fellowship, a message and focused conversation, hymn singing and prayers ...
• read the rest of this ARN report ...
In the News ... “Stonegate pastor: Midland, Odessa will rise together"
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| MRT Photo by Tim Fischer |
Stewart Doreen, Editor in Chief
Midland Reporter-Telegram
MIDLAND/ODESSA, TEXAS - Patrick Payton wants a push toward excellence, not just in Midland or Odessa but in both communities acting as one.
The senior pastor at Stonegate Fellowship, which has campuses in both cities, addressed those attending an event at Rea Greathouse Recital Hall to remind them of a Nov. 16 event at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center that will feature Eric Metaxas, author of the book “If You Can Keep It.”
He then told those in attendance that he feels something is happening in the two communities, something he said can match the excellence achieved below ground ...
• 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: September 27, 2017
1001 NEW WORSHIPING COMMUNITIES (1001NWC)CONFERENCE - Church planters in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) recently held their final conference at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort. They’ve been coming to St. Pete Beach, Florida, since 2003 ...
• CLICK HERE to read more.
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Partners Blog: "The Wise Men"
Steve and Oddny Gumaer started Partners Relief and Development in response to the needs of refugees and displaced people from Burma, and now in the Middle East, as well. Their mission is to demonstrate, through holistic action, God’s love to children and communities made vulnerable by war in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other conflict zones. |
| PR&D Photo |
It is summertime in Denver, Colorado. Temperatures are close to 100, but I’m sitting here thinking about the Christmas story. When God was fulfilling His marvelous plan to bring redemption to the world, He wanted people to know. He chose a few special groups to break the news to first. One of those groups was the wise men. The wise men were likely from somewhere near Iraq and probably not Jewish at all. They were stargazers. Astrology was not a part of Jewish culture, in fact, people who practiced astrology were often looked down on. That didn’t stop God. He revealed His plan to the wise men through the stars.
This story hits me ...
• read the rest of this post ...
Partners Relief and Development is a registered charity in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States. "We’re a small, grassroots nonprofit passionate about making a big impact in communities affected by conflict and oppression, demonstrating God’s love to children and giving them the opportunity to live free, full lives." For more information aboput Partners, visit their website at partners.ngo/
In the News ... "Traveling Rabbi leads Rosh Hashanah services"
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| KOSA Photo |
By Samantha Medney, Reporter
• KOSA-TV
ODESSA, TEXAS - A traveling rabbi. The idea might sound unorthodox, but Temple Beth El in Odessa is far from the first synagogue to have one ...
• read/watch the rest of this KOSA report
In the News ... "9-Year-Old Lubbock Girl Organizes Harvey Donation Drop-Off"
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| KMID Photo |
Avery Travis, KLBK-TV, Reporter
• KMID-TV
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - 9-year-old McKenzie Baker goes to school and dance class, just like many girls her age. But she is on a mission.
"I just want to make the world a better place and change it,” McKenzie Baker said.
She was inspired to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey ...
• read/watch the rest of this KMID report
In the News ... "HSU Cornerstone speaker urges audience to dream"
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| Courtesy Photo |
By Loretta Fulton, Contributor
• Abilene Reporter-News
ABILENE, TEXAS - The instruction from the guest speaker probably wasn’t necessary — most likely what he encouraged would have happened anyway.
Delvin Atchison, director of the Great Commission Team for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, opened the annual Cornerstone Lectures Tuesday morning at Hardin-Simmons University with a talk on “God of the Amazing.”
Before starting, he told the packed crowd in Behrens Auditorium that if they needed a little nudging for when to respond, he would help them by saying, “Insert ‘Amen’ here” ...
• read the rest of this ARN 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: September 26, 2017
HUMAN TRAFFICKING - Cathy Chang and her husband, Juan Lopez, are mission co-workers in Manila, Philippines. They help global partners such as churches and nongovernmental organizations address issues of migration and human trafficking. During her visit to Grace Presbytery, Cathy spent time with members of several churches to help spread awareness of her mission work ...
• CLICK HERE to read more.
Monday, September 25, 2017
From @chinaaid : "Government-hired gangsters beat Christian woman unconscious"
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. |
| CAA Photo |
Distributed by ChinaAid, August, 2017 ...
EZHOU, HUBEI, CHINA – Gangsters hired by the Chinese Communist Party beat a group of Christians in China’s central Hubei province on Tuesday, causing one woman to collapse as officials looked on ...
• more on this story from China Aid
In the News ... "Two-year journey begins this week for Catholics"
• Other events will be scheduled throughout the two-year “journey”
By Loretta Fulton, Reporter
• Abilene Reporter-News
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| Courtesy Photo |
... in Abilene, a rosary will be said at 7 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church. Bishop Michael Sis of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo will open the service with a presentation and explanation of “Share the Journey” ...
• read the rest of this ARN report ...
In the News ... "Hundreds unite in citywide prayer"
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| KOSA Photo |
By Samantha Medney, Reporter
• KOSA-TV
ANDREWS, TEXAS - "I thought it was really beautiful, my heart is full," reflected Betty Yarbrough.
The city of Andrews joined together Sunday morning for prayer, preaching unity. Pastors say that’s what prayer is really about. Twelve churches and just under one thousand believers sang, and worshiped, under one roof. ...
• read/watch the rest of this KOSA report
In the News ... “Temple Beth El prepares for Yom Kippur"
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| Hearst Photo by Christian Abraham |
Rich Lopez, Reporter
• Midland Reporter-Telegram
ODESSA, TEXAS - High holy days are upon the local Jewish community. The Jewish New Year Rosh Hashana concluded its celebration on Thursday. Now, Rabbi Jordan Parr prepares for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which begins at sundown Sept. 29.
The Kol Nidre service led by Parr at Temple Beth El begins the 25-hour fast and practice for Yom Kippur.
“On that Saturday, it’s a long day of introspection and prayer,” he said ...
• 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: September 25, 2017
"LIVING, DYING, RISING" CONFERENCE: DEATH - At “Living, Dying, Rising,” the national gathering for 1001 New Worshiping Communities (1001 NWC), they talked about death. Ninety minutes were devoted to the topic of dying during a worship and plenary session.
“It’s important for us,” said worship leader Abby King- Kaiser, “especially because our culture has such a fear of death.”
“We do everything we can to avoid it,” said the Rev. Daniel So, who along with the Rev. Jeya So led the plenary talk and conversation ...
“It’s important for us,” said worship leader Abby King- Kaiser, “especially because our culture has such a fear of death.”
“We do everything we can to avoid it,” said the Rev. Daniel So, who along with the Rev. Jeya So led the plenary talk and conversation ...
• CLICK HERE to read more.
Sunday, September 24, 2017
In the News ... "Forum address Texas’ foster care shortage and hope for help from faith-based community"
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| LAJ Photo |
By Lucinda Holt, Reporter
• Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - Paola Villa-Alvirena told her personal tale of life in foster care to a crowd at the Foster Care Leadership Forum at Southcrest Baptist Church on Tuesday that heard about Texas’ foster care shortage — particularly West Texas — and what a faith-based community can do to help ...
• read the rest of this LAJ report
In the News ... "Sunday morning mission nourishes the soul"
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| SAST Photo by Candace Cooksey Fulton |
Candace Cooksey Fulton, Contributor
• San Angelo Standard Times
SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - “Egg potato casserole?” I ask, smiling an easy smile.
Almost before the tired-looking man in a dingy T-shirt and baggy pants answers with a polite “please,” I’ve put a generous portion onto a plastic-foam plate.
He’s been here before, and so have I. We know the routine ...
• read the rest of this SAST 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: September 24, 2017
MINUTE FOR MISSION: EVANGELISM SUNDAY - As I speak with church leaders, I notice that there is frustration and anxiety around the rapid change in our culture. Since some people are no longer showing up in our churches, I hear the need expressed for evangelism training. Even though I believe training is important, I don’t believe evangelism training will solve the problems the church faces in the winds of change ...
• CLICK HERE to read more.
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