Thursday, November 30, 2017

In the News ... "Help fill the stocking this year"


• Funds for a holiday meal, gifts under the tree

Staff Report
The Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The 23rd year of the Empty Stocking Fund is underway with a goal of $100,000 that won’t be met without your help.

Funds stay in Ector County and go to help needy families like that of Jan (not her real name). She is a single parent who was recently unemployed ...

read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... Students ready to rumble for charity

OA Photo by Mark Sterkel
• OC, UTPB SIP classes have fundraising challenge THIS SATURDAY

By Ruth Campbell, Reporter
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - Students in Philanthropy organizations from Odessa College and the University of Texas of the Permian Basin are figuratively flexing their bell-ringing muscles this week in preparation for a Salvation Army fundraising competition Saturday ...

read the rest of this OA report ...

Midland College students' holiday fundraiser ends TODAY


• Now through November 30 ... TODAY

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The members of Midland College Students in Philanthropy will fill your child’s heart with the spirit of Christmas with a very special and personalized letter from Santa!

Your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and loved ones will enjoy receiving a letter from Santa as he tells them how very special they are!

Contact Chelsea Burch, MC-SIP adviser, at (432) 685-4528 or cburch@midland.edu to get a copy of the Santa letter form.

Please fill out the for each individual child and send your completed “Santa” form, and $10 per letter donation to Chelsea Burch, Midland College, 3600 N. Garfield, PAD 140, Midland, Texas 79705 by November 30, 2017.



The Students in Philanthropy program is sponsored by funding partners, Abell-Hanger Foundation and Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust.

A key goal of SIP is to raise funds and then re-distribute them to deserving non-profit organizations in Midland. The students learn about “sharing and caring” for others by personally creating each “Santa Letter” for your loved ones.

Thank you!

In the News ... "Artist pointed Brooks to pulpit"

OA Photo by Mark Sterkel
• Minister says ‘false selves’ created to cope with harsh world should be discarded

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
Odessa American


MIDLAND, TEXAS - The Rev. Steven Russell “Steve” Brooks grew up attending the First United Methodist Church of Tulia, south of Amarillo, and he sat every Sunday in the pew in front of noted western artist Kenneth Wyatt, who saw Brooks’ potential long before he thought of it himself.

As a sophomore majoring in history at Texas Tech, he was visiting Wyatt one weekend when the former minister confronted him ...

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.

PCC Photo
Today in the Mission Yearbook: November 30, 2017

CAMEROON - The Rt. Rev. Fonki Samuel Forba, moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC), recently issued a statement urging peace and dialogue in response to ongoing persecution and marginalization of the country’s Anglophone population. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is an ecumenical partner of the PCC and has previously engaged in advocacy on the church’s behalf ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

In the News ... "Helping hands needed by Empty Stocking"


• Partnership of the Odessa American and the Salvation Army

Staff Report
The Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The 23nd year of the Empty Stocking Fund is underway. The goal is $100,000 and won’t be met without your help.

Meet the Garza family of Odessa. They have two toddlers and an infant and are struggling. Imagine not having the means to provide a holiday meal and gifts ...

read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... “Carillon Concert, Carol of Lights kick off Texas Tech holiday traditions"

LAJ Photo
"We are looking forward to a fantastic event this year.”

Staff Report
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - Texas Tech will celebrate the holiday season with a variety of events over the next few weeks, beginning Friday night with the lighting of Tech’s 38-foot-tall Christmas tree during Carol of Lights ...

 • read the rest of this LAJ report

Midland College students' holiday fundraiser ends TOMORROW


• Now through November 30

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The members of Midland College Students in Philanthropy will fill your child’s heart with the spirit of Christmas with a very special and personalized letter from Santa!

Your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and loved ones will enjoy receiving a letter from Santa as he tells them how very special they are!

Contact Chelsea Burch, MC-SIP adviser, at (432) 685-4528 or cburch@midland.edu to get a copy of the Santa letter form.

Please fill out the for each individual child and send your completed “Santa” form, and $10 per letter donation to Chelsea Burch, Midland College, 3600 N. Garfield, PAD 140, Midland, Texas 79705 by November 30, 2017.



The Students in Philanthropy program is sponsored by funding partners, Abell-Hanger Foundation and Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust.

A key goal of SIP is to raise funds and then re-distribute them to deserving non-profit organizations in Midland. The students learn about “sharing and caring” for others by personally creating each “Santa Letter” for your loved ones.

Thank you!

In the News ... "52 Faces" Q&A with John-Mark Echols

MRT Photo by James Durbin
• 52 Faces: John-Mark Echols, The Field's Edge

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Presented by Chevron, "52 Faces of the Community" is a feature of the Midland Reporter-Telegram that is recognizing the unsung heroes and volunteers of Midland, Texas. The latest installment in this series offers a question-and-answer session with John-Mark Echols, who is involved with Breaking Bread and Church Under the Bridge and created a nonprofit to build tiny houses ...

read the rest of this MRT report ...

visit the "52 Faces" index page

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, 2017

PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA - The Presbytery of Philadelphia, which is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year, recently welcomed 2,000 worshipers to a special Saturday service in North Philadelphia ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

In the News ... "The Empty Stocking Fund needs your help "


• Funds for a holiday meal, small gifts under the tree

Staff Report
The Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The 23nd year of the Empty Stocking Fund is underway. The goal is $100,000 and won’t be met without your help.

Funds raised stay in Ector County and go to help needy families like that of Sandra, who is a struggling single mom with four kids. Sandra (not her real name) needs help ...

read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "Salvation Army in need of bell ringers"

KWES Photo
• Volunteer and paid positions

By Dana Morris, Multimedia Journalist
KWES-TV

MIDLAND/ODESSA, TEXAS - The Salvation Army in Midland wants more people to ring bells for the holiday season.

They're hoping to surpass last year's donation total of $137,000, which helped provide Christmas gifts for more than 1,200 underprivileged kids ...

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

In the News ... "Missions from San Angelo to Nepal give a lesson in gratitude"

Courtesy Photo
• A variety of lessons that are oft forgotten

Shaun Loveless, Reporter
San Angelo Standard Times


SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - Winter is coming. It’s difficult not to chuckle at the iconic phrase as images of fantastic beasts and battles unfold in many of our imaginations. However, the somber and bleak connotations traditionally ascribed to winter are still very real in places like Nepal, where Terry Mikeska has been spreading the warmth of this community.

Just two years ago Terry kick-started the “Fill the Rice Pot” project, providing food to austere Nepali villages devastated by an earthquake that killed nearly 9,000 ...

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: November 28, 2017

MINUTE FOR MISSION: GIVING TUESDAY - Before the sun set on Thanksgiving Day, stores across our country opened their doors to shoppers seeking an early start on Black Friday specials. This “busiest shopping day of the year” is etched deeply into our culture and our economy. In the past decade, another retail phenomenon has developed in the days following Thanksgiving. The technological revolution and savvy marketers have given us Cyber Monday, which is filled with promotions aimed at online shoppers.

On the heels of these two commercial events, a third post-Thanksgiving tradition has emerged, and it is claiming the attention of more and more people, including Presbyterians ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Monday, November 27, 2017

In the News ... "2017 Empty Stocking Fund campaign has begun"


• This year's goal set at $100,000

Staff Report
The Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The 23nd year of the Empty Stocking Fund is underway with a goal of $100,000 that won’t be met without your help.

Funds raised stay in Ector County and go to help needy families like that of Gloria, who is a struggling single mom with eight kids. Gloria (not her real name) needs help ...

read the rest of this OA report ...

Midland College students 'filling children's hearts,' raising funds for community

• Now through November 30

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The members of Midland College Students in Philanthropy will fill your child’s heart with the spirit of Christmas with a very special and personalized letter from Santa!

Your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and loved ones will enjoy receiving a letter from Santa as he tells them how very special they are!

Contact Chelsea Burch, MC-SIP adviser, at (432) 685-4528 or cburch@midland.edu to get a copy of the Santa letter form.

Please fill out the for each individual child and send your completed “Santa” form, and $10 per letter donation to Chelsea Burch, Midland College, 3600 N. Garfield, PAD 140, Midland, Texas 79705 by November 30, 2017.



The Students in Philanthropy program is sponsored by funding partners, Abell-Hanger Foundation and Helen Greathouse Charitable Trust.

A key goal of SIP is to raise funds and then re-distribute them to deserving non-profit organizations in Midland. The students learn about “sharing and caring” for others by personally creating each “Santa Letter” for your loved ones.

Thank you!

In the News ... "Trinity celebrates staff member of 50 years"

MRT Photo by Tim Fischer
• Jo Weber honored with chapel endowment fund

Simone Jasper, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Trinity School All Saints’ Chapel has special meaning for long-time staff member Jo Weber.

“I have been connected with the chapel and worked in the chapel for almost 50 years, and it’s really my very favorite place on the campus,” Weber said. “It means a great deal to me that the students get to come every day to worship.”

To honor Weber’s five decades of service, Trinity School established the Preservation of All Saints’ Chapel Endowment Fund. The endowment was announced earlier this month at a reception in the school’s Commons building ...

 • 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.

Photo by Jan Lohs
Today in the Mission Yearbook: November 27, 2017

AIDS IN AFRICA - On the day PC(USA) member Francis Ntowe’s sister was buried, there were six other funerals in her small community in Cameroon.

“One of them was a pastor, and all of them had died from HIV/AIDS,” he said ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Sunday, November 26, 2017

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, 2017

INTERNATIONAL PEACEMAKER FROM VIETNAM - Building a church and its membership from the ground up is no small feat. Doing it in a country that persecutes members of your faith makes it doubly difficult. But the Rev. Manh Nguyen, pastor of Evangelical Community Church in Hanoi, Vietnam, continues to grow his church despite a government that frowns upon religion ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Saturday, November 25, 2017

In the News ... "Abilene Church News"


• Church news includes 'The Perfect Gift' and 'A Christmas to Remember'

Staff Report
Abilene Reporter-News

ABILENE, TEXAS - From the Reporter-News, news of services, special events and programs from Abilene-area houses of faith ...

read the rest of this ARN report ...

In the News ... "San Angelo Faith Briefs"


• This weekend, and in the week ahead

Staff Report
San Angelo Standard Times


SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - From the Standard-Times, news of special events and programs from Concho Valley houses of faith ...

read the rest of this SAST report

In the News ... "Odessa Church News"

Courtesy Photo
• Today and in the days ahead, in Odessa-area houses of worship

Staff Report
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - Coming events include worship services, classes, Bible studies, community outreach, mission opportunities 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: November 25, 2017

PRESBYTERIAN HUNGER PROGRAM - For more than 17 years, the Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP), through its Joining Hands initiative, has been tackling the root causes of hunger and poverty. PHP staff recently gathered with representatives from several countries to look at the progress and where to go from here ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Friday, November 24, 2017

From @FWMission ...Friday Story: "A Caregiver’s Story"

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: "A Caregiver’s Story"

Veronica, 70, lives in a modest home in South Africa.

One night, almost ten years ago, she came home from her job as a domestic worker, exhausted and ready for an evening of rest, only to find an agitated crowd waiting for her.

They had come out of concern for Veronica’s four great-granddaughters. ...

read the rest of this story ...

In the News ... “Cinergy to host canned food drive for WTFB"

WTFB Photo
• Going on now through November 30

Staff Report
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND/ODESSA, TEXAS - Cinergy Entertainment Group will be hosting a canned food drive at their Midland and Odessa locations to benefit the West Texas Food Bank. To encourage patrons to participate, Cinergy will offer the choice of free popcorn or a $5 game card in exchange for two canned food items ...

 • 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 24, 2017

'THE WORD ON THE STREET' PODCAST - In the first episode of a new podcast called “The Word on the Street,” hosted by the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Charles Wiley and Alonzo Johnson, a Kentucky Hall of Fame broadcaster recalled being in a person’s home during a time of tragedy and being asked to pray for them ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Thursday, November 23, 2017

In the News ... "Generous people make annual Salvation Army meal a success"

LAJ Photo by Sarah Self-Walbrick
• Helping with the event each year is a holiday tradition

By Sarah Self-Walbrick, Reporter
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - This year, Nathanael Doria said he was thankful for volunteers and resources.

Salvation Army Lubbock Captain Doria, who just moved to the city over the summer, and over 100 volunteers helped to prepare and serve 1,000 meals to Lubbockites in need on Thanksgiving ...

 • read the rest of this LAJ report

In the News ... "United Blood Services hosts 'Thanks for Giving' blood drive"

KWES Photo
• If you want to donate ...

By Ronnie Marley, Online Content Manager
KWES-TV

MIDLAND/ODESSA, TEXAS - United Blood Services held their "Thanks For Giving" blood drive on Wednesday in Midland and Odessa ...

... They need more donations around the holidays because of the higher number of accidents during holiday travel and that leads to the need for more blood ...

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

In the News ... "Woman living at Midland Fair Haven shares her thankful story"

KWES Photo
• Welcomed and happy to have someone to share time with

By Phoenix O'Connor, MMJ Reporter
KWES-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The women of Midland Fair Haven have lot to be thankful as many of them are restarting a new life.

The organization is a Christian faith-based program that helps single mothers get a new handle on life ...

... This Thanksgiving, the group of women shared a feast together as one big family ...

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

In the News ... "Man provides free limo rides for homeless to Ajuua's Restaurant"

KWES Photo
"We're all supposed to be a family."

Jolina Okazaki, Reporter
KWES-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - During Thanksgiving, many people are showing thanks, while many are showing kindness.

For Jesse Porras, he spent his Wednesday afternoon looking for the homeless. When he found some, he gathered them up for a small ride in a limo.

"The more I give, the more I feel happy," said Porras. "In some way or another I can help, I'm going to do it."

Next stop was Ajuua's Restaurant, where they were giving out free food to the homeless as an early Thanksgiving dinner ...

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

In the News ... "Curb Side Bistro preps free Thanksgiving meals for community"

KWES Photo

"The main thing I want to do is create memories and not worry about anything else."

Eric Onyechefule, Reporter
KWES-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - Giving out free Thanksgiving meals.

"People are still hungry, there's still people in poverty. Hunger is still very alive in 2017," said Alejandro Barrientos, Executive Chef, Co-Owner, Curb Side Bistro Restaurant.

Barrientos and his wife are preparing to do that for the community ...

 • read/watch the rest of this KWES 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 23, 2017

YOUNG ADULT VOLUNTEERS - Applications are now being accepted for the 2018–2019 Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) class. This is the 25th anniversary of a program that is helping to shape the next generation of globally aware, faithful and passionate leaders ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

In the News ... "Soup kitchen looking to raise $20,000 for homeless to eat this holiday"

Courtesy Photo
• Passing out 200 bags of food for Thanksgiving.

Eric Onyechefule, Reporter
KWES-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - Helping those with no place to turn for the holidays.

"A few years back I thought goodness, there are so many people that really depend on us for a nightly meal and it just kind of bothered me that they go without for 2 weeks," said Trisha Weatherford, Executive Director, Breaking Bread Soup Kitchen.

The Breaking Bread Soup Kitchen in Midland is doing that for the hundreds they help per day. ...

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

Invitation to Prayer from Faces of Children ...

Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Their mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, they 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 ...

Hi Friends,

We will not be meeting this Wednesday for prayer, as I believe most of our group will be traveling or welcoming out-of-town guests for Thanksgiving. We'll resume on November 29 at 11:00 in the gym conference room. I hope you have a delightful and delicious Thanksgiving!

Warmly,

Carrie



"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me"
Psalm 23:4


Dear Intercessors,

It's the week of Thanksgiving! And we certainly have so much for which we can be grateful. One of the things I find myself grateful for this year is that I love a God who has room in his heart for both joy and sorrow, happiness and grief, plenty and poverty. We love and trust a God who promises to be with us even in the darkest of valleys, hemming us in before and behind with his hand of blessing upon our heads. (Psalm 139:5) Even when the mountains in our lives are shaking, his faithful love remains. (Isaiah 54:10)

I'm grateful that even though the world seems to be on fire, my heart is steadied, calmed, and held by the one who also holds the whole world in his hands. I find this incredibly comforting, especially when we're praying for children who suffer much.

This week, please join me in praying for the following:

MIDLAND // 14-Year-Old in Hospice care with brain tumor
This need was shared by FPC's benevolence ministry. Natessa* Randolf, a single mother, has a 14-year-old son, Donovan, who was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor 20 months ago. She and her two daughters have been struggling to manage this situation. The cancer is a very aggressive type and they have referred Donovan to Hospice care. He is at home and his mother stays with him, unable to work. They have given Donovan approximately two more months to live. Neither hospitalization nor standard cancer treatments are real options any longer.
His family is asking for us to pray that he is able to manage his fear of his death looming before him, that he is comfortable and at peace, and that God would provide a miracle that will grant him more time. *Natessa grants permission for you to forward this email to anyone who you think will take his situation to heart.

Islamic Republic News Agency/AP Photo by Mosleh Pirkhezranian
IRAN and IRAQ // Magnitude 7.3 Earthquake
Felt as far away as Turkey, Israel, and Kuwait, the earthquake that struck Iran and Iraq is already considered the deadliest of 2017. Estimated to have killed over 500 people, it injured another 7,400 and left more than 70,000 in need of shelter. Rescue efforts have been hampered by landslides.
Learn more here ....
Please pray for the families who lost children, children who lost parents, and all those who were injured. Pray for families who have no shelter in freezing temperatures and for children who struggle to process the experience.

New York Times Photo by Adam Ferguson
NIGERIA // Boko Haram strapped suicide bombs to them. Somehow these teenage girls survived.
"The girls didn't want to kill anyone. They walked in silence for a while, the weight of the explosives around their waists pulling down on them as they fingered the detonators and tried to think of a way out. "I don't know how to get this thing off me," Hadiza, 16, recalled saying as she headed out on her mission. "What are you going to do with yours?" she asked the 12-year-old girl next to her, who was also wearing a bomb. "I'm going to go off by myself and blow myself up," the girl responded hopelessly. It was all happening so fast..." "According to Unicef, more than 110 children have been used as suicide bombers since the start of the year - at least 76 of them girls. Most were under 15 years old. One girl blew herself up along with a baby strapped to her back. The deployment of children has become so frighteningly common that officials in the areas where Boko Haram operates are warning citizens to be on the lookout for girl bombers. A huge billboard here in Maiduguri - the Nigerian city where Boko Haram was born - proclaims "Stop Terrorism" with the image of a scowling, wild-eyed girl with explosives on her chest, clutching a detonator."
Read the rest of this incredible story ...
Please pray for the girls who are being tortured in this evil and cruel way, and for the surrounding society that's increasingly fearful and distrustful of its girls. Please pray for Boko Haram to see the evil in their ways and cease this violence. Come, Lord Jesus, Come.










We may not know their stories, but we know the One who does. And it's certainly not just these students. This week, will you pray with me for God's Holy Spirit to reveal how He would have you minister to the people he puts in your path? He can reveal the hidden things and make what is in the dark come to the light. He can give us insight and God-perspective and His Father's heart for those we encounter. And as we walk in the power of this knowledge and speak truth and love to the brokenhearted, we are part of His redemptive plan; bringing His children safely to His lap, laying them at the feet of Jesus.

Praying with you,
Carrie

PS: If you wish to receive a weekly list of prayer requests from Midland High Students, please let me know.

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