Saturday, February 29, 2020

In the News ... "Abilene Church News"

• What's happening at churches in the Big Country?

By Loretta Fulton, Reporter
Abilene Reporter-News

ABILENE, TEXAS - From the Reporter-News, news of services, special events and programs from Abilene-area houses of worship ... including including Gospel meeting at North Creek and Grape Street ...

read the rest of this ARN report ...


In the News ... "Odessa Church News"


• 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, fundraisers, mission opportunities and more ...

Read the rest of this OA report ...

C.S. Lewis Daily - Today's Reading

Presented by Bible Gateway
Today's Reading

Screwtape outlines a fundamental deception:

Men are not angered by mere misfortune but by misfortune conceived as injury. And the sense of injury depends on the feeling that a legitimate claim has been denied. The more claims on life, therefore, that your patient can be induced to make, the more often he will feel injured and, as a result, ill-tempered. Now you will have noticed that nothing throws him into a passion so easily as to find a tract of time which he reckoned on having at his own disposal unexpectedly taken from him. It is the unexpected visitor (when he looked forward to a quiet evening), or the friend’s talkative wife (turning up when he looked forward to a tête-à-tête with the friend), that throw him out of gear. Now he is not yet so uncharitable or slothful that these small demands on his courtesy are in themselves too much for it. They anger him because he regards his time as his own and feels that it is being stolen. You must therefore zealously guard in his mind the curious assumption ‘My time is my own’. Let him have the feeling that he starts each day as the lawful possessor of twenty-four hours. Let him feel as a grievous tax that portion of this property which he has to make over to his employers, and as a generous donation that further portion which he allows to religious duties. But what he must never be permitted to doubt is that the total from which these deductions have been made was, in some mysterious sense, his own personal birthright.

From The Screwtape Letters
Compiled in A Year with C.S. Lewis

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 Courtesy of Nancy Smith-Mather

Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 29, 2020

SOUTH SUDAN - I sat next to Rachel Obal outside of her home in rural South Sudan, listening to the story of her uncle who, as a boy, was taken from his home by Arabs to be sold as a slave near Khartoum, Sudan. Obal’s words painted a vivid picture as she spoke of how her father followed his brother to rescue him and had to witness the small boy, with hands tied behind his back, paraded in front of crowds to be sold.

No one, though, would buy the boy, as he was too young. And so Obal’s father tried to negotiate for his release. That didn’t work out well ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Friday, February 28, 2020

From ServLife International ... "Pencils, headbands and stickers!"

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
Pencils, headbands and stickers!

We are preparing to send letters and gifts to over 400 children in India and Nepal this March!

Over half the kids are sponsored and their sponsors are sending letters. But we want all the kids to get letters and gifts! That's where we need your help.

Would you make a financial gift to help with the child packets? Just click here to give online and mark "child packets" in the comments field.

Or, would you go ahead and purchase pencils, headbands, stickers or something else from our Amazon Wish List by this Friday? Just click here, then pick what to give and the quantity. When you checkout, you can choose the shipping option, "ServLife International's Gift Registry Address."

Finally, would you help us get more of the kids sponsored? Click here to sponsor a child or share the link on social media.

Thank you for all your support and caring for these amazing kids!




From Adam Nevins
Executive Director
ServLife International Inc.







Join Our Mission

ServLife International propels reconciliation and justice by building global community to plant churches, care for children and fight poverty. Compelled by the message, life and love of Jesus Christ, we seek to care for the spiritual, physical, social, and economic areas of life in northern India and Nepal.  Learn more about our latest news, featured stories, and how to get involved at servlife.org

Support a Pastor

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

Sponsor a Child

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

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 ...



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


In the News ... "Art and faith come together at first Sonshine Arts Festival"

MRT Photo by Tim Fischer
• Saturday, February 29, at ChristChurch Anglican

Staff Report
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The inaugural Sonshine Arts Festival at Christ Church Anglican will showcase more than 70 pieces of art in a variety of mediums including painting, drawing, photography and sculpture. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m ...

 • Read the rest of this MRT report ...

In the News ... "Abilene's Gary Morrison recalled for faith and love of family, sports"

"We say goodbye – just for a little while"

Courtesy Photo
By Laura Gutschke, Reporter
Abilene Reporter-News

ABILENE, TEXAS - Accountant Gary Morrison gave his heart and treasure to Beltway Park Church, where his funeral Wednesday focused on his foremost passion – his love and service for God ...

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: February 28, 2020

GRATITUDE - When I go to the gym and get on a treadmill, I sneak a look at the people around me. Who are they? How fast are they going? How steep an incline is their machine set at? Then I compare myself to one of them. Am I going faster? Is my incline steeper? Lately, it often seems that I’m much slower than my gym neighbors. They have better numbers showing on their machines.

When I compare myself to the person beside me, the voices in my head start ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Thursday, February 27, 2020

In the News ... "Family Promise of Midland breaks ground on expansion"

KOSA Photo
• Seeking donations to continue the project's next phase

By Shane Battis, Reporter
KOSA-TV


MIDLAND, TEXAS - Family Promise of Midland has broken ground on a major expansion of their facility ...

Read/watch the rest of this KOSA report ... 


In the News ... "Photo Album: Ashes To Go' option available to area residents for Ash Wednesday"

MRT Photo by Jacy Lewis
• Providing ashes outside of a regular church sermon

Staff Report
Midland Reporter-Telegram

ODESSA, TEXAS - Connection Christian Church of Odessa provided 'Ashes to Go', free coffee and prayer for Ash Wednesday in Odessa ...

 • Read the rest of this MRT report ...

In the News ... "Catholic Charities Odessa to Host Annual Banquet of Hope"


• Opportunity to show the growth and impact the organization has made in Ector County

Staff Report
KMID-TV/KPEJ-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - Catholic Charities Odessa will host their annual Banquest of Hope at the American Legion on Thursday, March 5, 2020, with featured guest speaker and Vietnam veteran, former DAV Commander Roberto “Bobby” Barrera.

The banquet will be an event to raise awareness and funds to continue the mission of Catholic Charities Odessa, but will also showcase the stories of individuals who overcame odds to provide a better way of life for themselves with help and guidance from Catholic Charities Odessa ...

 • Read the rest of this KMID/KPEJ 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 Courtesy of TriStar Pictures

Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 27, 2020

MR. ROGERS, "A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD" - Though the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a relatively small denomination compared to Baptists or Methodists, Hollywood has paid plenty of attention to Presbyterian clergy ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

In the News ... "Photo Album: Ash Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church in El Paso"

EPT Photo by Mark Lambie
• The start of the Lenten season

By Mark Lambie, Photographer/Reporter
El Paso Times


EL PASO, TEXAS - Father Jose Luis Mesa, S.J. celebrated Ash Wednesday mass at Sacred Heart Church in the Segundo Barrio. Ash Wednesday marks the start of the the Lenten season ...

Enjoy the rest of this EPT photo album ...

In the News ... "Acclaimed troupe of Ugandan orphans to stop in Midland"

• Also, two performances in San Angelo

Staff Report
Odessa American


MIDLAND, TEXAS - The Watoto Children’s Choir will perform at 6 p.m. March 20 at True-Lite Christian Fellowship, 3001 North A St. in Midland.

The choir has performed before presidents and royalty in the White House, Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant in the UK, the United Nations, and is featured on Chris Tomlin’s album, “Hello, Love.” The choir of 16 orphans from Uganda will continue its five-month U.S. tour featuring a brand new concert, "We Will Go!" ...

Read the rest of this OA report ...

EDITOR'S NOTE: The March 20 performance in Midland will be followed by two performances in San Angelo, Texas.

Friday, March 21
Christian House of Prayer
333 West Avenue C
San Angelo, TX 76903
325-653-0418
6:00 PM

Saturday, March 22
First Christian Church
29 N. Oakes
San Angelo, TX 76903
(325) 653-4523
6:30 PM

In the News ... "Invitation to Ash Wednesday Mass - TODAY"

Courtesy Photo
• All are welcome

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The Catholic Student Association of Midland of Midland (CSAM) invites you to Ash Wednesday Mass on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 - TODAY - at 5:30 p.m. at the Dollye Neal Chapel on the Midland College main campus.

This mass will be celebrated by Bishop Michael Sis. He will then follow mass with a Young Adult Listening Session. This event is open to college students and anyone ages 18-35. Bishop Sis would like to engage with young adults from Midland College and from all local parishes to listen to their concerns, stories, challenges, and to discuss how the Church can serve their needs. All are welcome, and bring a friend!

For an interesting video explaining Ash Wednesday’s significance in the Catholic Church and discussion of why it is not a holy day of obligation, click on the link below:



For more information on the CSAM organization, please feel free to contact Cindy Canon at cmadewell@midland.edu or (432) 288-7052 or Anita Montez at amontez@sanangelodiocese.org.

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.

Contributed Photo

Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 26, 2020

PRESBYTERIAN HUNGER PROGRAM ACTION CONGREGATION - As a Hunger Action Congregation, Faith Des Peres Presbyterian Church is taking aim at food insecurity in greater St. Louis by providing food for schoolchildren and other vulnerable populations ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

From Austin Seminary: "Lenten Devotional for Ash Wednesday with Jennifer Lord"

This Lenten season we invite you into conversation with members of our faculty as they reflect on the theme of Easter Hope. Today, we visit with Rev. Dr. Jennifer Lord The Dorothy B. Vickery Professor of Homiletics and Liturgical Studies.




For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.

We hope that you are preparing the way for the Lord in your life as you read these meditations and prayers. And, we hope this Advent season is a meaningful one for you. Please know that Austin Seminary’s dedicated, diverse, and loving community of faith is not complete without you. Did you know?

   Students in our masters-degree programs receive up to 85% need-based tuition aid.
   Historically, more than 80% of our graduates are called to congregational ministry.
   Our students come from more than a dozen denominations.
   Our alumni serve in ministry in forty-eight U.S. states as well as in twenty different countries across the world.

Your gift to Austin Seminary contributes to scholarships, housing, computer equipment, library materials, and other resources needed by seminarians as they fulfill their calls to Christian service and leadership.

Your support underwrites the finest theological faculty and an administration committed to upholding the highest standards possible with respect to the unique vocation of ministry.

Every gift is significant and is appreciated. They are put to work right away and make a real impact. Please send your gift today.

CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Partners Blog: “Empowering women economically: the story of Intertwine”

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
“Empowering women economically: the story of Intertwine”

A lack of economic opportunities for women negatively affect not just the GDP of a nation, but families and children as well.

World Bank reports that “Enhancing women’s participation in development is essential not only for achieving social justice but also for reducing poverty.”

To accomplish our goal of helping children affected by conflict and oppression live free, full lives, we must provide opportunities for women and girls to participate in the economy and earn fair wages ...

Read/watch 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/

CRS Briefing, February 2020 ... Meet the people you serve

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States.The CRS Briefing is a monthly service to our supporters. We aspire to keep you informed of our progress and up-to-date on issues that affect the people we serve in more than 100 countries around the world.



February 2020 ... Meet the people you serve

Our Monthly Prayer

During our Lenten observance we seek a closer union with God. And so we pray ...

Pray with us ...


Donate Your Car

Add even more miles by giving it away — and turn your wheels into a vehicle for change.

Learn more ...

Best Photos of 2019

The people you help as seen through the eyes of our photographers.

View now ...

In the News ... "The 1st Annual Sonshine Christian Art Festival comes to Midland"

• Free to the public, the art festival will feature art work by various artists around the community

By Leatra Hernandez, Reporter
KWES-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Bring your artful eye, to a beautiful event at the 1st Annual Sonshine Christian Art Festival on Saturday, February 29, at ChristChurch Anglican ...

 • Read the rest of this KWES report ...

 • More about this event - including submissions! - at ChristChurch Anglican's website ...

In the News ... "Church takes Ash Wednesday to the streets"

• Part of a nationwide movement that has clergy and lay people visiting street corners

Staff Report
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - On Ash Wednesday Connection Christian Church will be offering “Ashes to Go” for its fifth year, a new approach to a centuries-old Christian tradition.

In Odessa, the church is offering Ashes to Go at the following places ...

Read the rest of this OA report ...

FBR Report: "'Free Burma Rangers' movie premier concludes TONIGHT at theaters in West Texas"

The Free Burma Rangers (FBR) is a multi-ethnic humanitarian service movement. They bring help, hope and love to people in the war zones of Burma (Myanmar) and the Middle East. Groups send teams to be trained, supplied and sent into the areas under attack to provide emergency assistance and human rights documentation. Together with other groups, the teams work to serve people in need.




"'Free Burma Rangers' movie premier concludes TONIGHT at theaters in West Texas"

The Free Burma Rangers film premiered at theaters across the US last night. That premiere will conclude Tuesday, February 25 - TONIGHT -  and some theaters have already begun to sell out, as they did last night! We hope you will be able to see the film about the heart and mission of our work and that you will buy your tickets online ahead of time. We’ve been so amazed and encouraged by the responses so far!

Below are links that show the heart of the film and the trailer ...

Thank you again for your prayers and support. We hope you enjoy the film!

Dave, family, and the Free Burma Rangers

EDITOR'S NOTE: In West Texas, the Free Burma Rangers movie will be showing at the following locations on February 24 and 25, at 7:00 pm (local time) both evenings ...

• ABILENE:
     Century 12 Abilene
• EL PASO:
     Cinemark West & XD
     AMC El Paso 16
     Cinemark 20 & XD
• LUBBOCK:
     Tinseltown Lubbock
• MIDLAND:
     Regal Tall City Stadium 14
• SAN ANGELO:
     Tinseltown San Angelo

CLICK HERE to learn how YOU can get involved in FBR and its mission ...

“LOVE EACH OTHER.
UNITE AND WORK FOR FREEDOM, JUSTICE, AND PEACE.
FORGIVE AND DON’T HATE EACH OTHER.
PRAY WITH FAITH, ACT WITH COURAGE, NEVER SURRENDER.”

In the News ... "Invitation to Ash Wednesday Mass - TOMORROW"

Courtesy Photo
• All are welcome

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The Catholic Student Association of Midland of Midland (CSAM) invites you to Ash Wednesday Mass on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 - TOMORROW - at 5:30 p.m. at the Dollye Neal Chapel on the Midland College main campus.

This mass will be celebrated by Bishop Michael Sis. He will then follow mass with a Young Adult Listening Session. This event is open to college students and anyone ages 18-35. Bishop Sis would like to engage with young adults from Midland College and from all local parishes to listen to their concerns, stories, challenges, and to discuss how the Church can serve their needs. All are welcome, and bring a friend!

For an interesting video explaining Ash Wednesday’s significance in the Catholic Church and discussion of why it is not a holy day of obligation, click on the link below:



For more information on the CSAM organization, please feel free to contact Cindy Canon at cmadewell@midland.edu or (432) 288-7052 or Anita Montez at amontez@sanangelodiocese.org.

In the News ... "Landmark Abilene black gospel radio station dedicated"

ARN Photo by Greg Jaklewicz
• God using people

By Greg Jaklewicz, Reporter
Abilene Reporter-News

ABILENE, TEXAS - If you have searched between public radio station KACU (89.5) and, say, sports-minded KTLT (98.1) on the FM band, you may have paused at 94.1.

Holy Moses, is that traditional black gospel music?

It is, indeed ...

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.

Photo by Charlotte Sommers

Today in the Mission Yearbook: February 25, 2020

DETROIT PRESBYTERY - No one knows exactly how many children in the tri-county area around Detroit (Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties) are lacking a bed of their own, but it is likely that the number is in the thousands, according to the nonprofit Building Beds 4 Kids ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Monday, February 24, 2020

From @chinaaid : "Early Rain Covenant Church--They passed through the valley of tears: Part 5"

The ChinaAid 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.

ChinaAid Photo
Early Rain Covenant Church--They passed through the valley of tears: Part 5
Distributed by ChinaAid, January 2020 ...

ChinaAid Note: This is the final part of an article written by ChinaAid correspondent Yu Ren concerning the persecution of Early Rain Covenant Church.

CHENGDU, CHINA – Elder Su Bingsen, the principal of the Early Rain Covenant Church school, dean of Huaxi College of Humanities, and the promoter of Christian classical education, appears to be the most scholarly brother in the church. One might easily associate Bingsen, a thin, quiet and soft-spoken man, with a weak scholar. However, if one listens to his lectures or reads his articles, they will change this view ...

More on this story from ChinaAid ...


News from Presbyterian World Mission ... February 2020


A message from Presbyterian World Mission ... Presbyterians do mission in partnership. We believe that doing mission in partnership broadens our awareness of how interconnectional God’s mission is at the local, national and global levels. The one table around which we gather is God’s table and the one mission to which we are called is God’s mission.



February 2020

Mission Matters;
 Mary Jane Veloso’s traffickers are convicted;
Double the value of your gift to World Mission today;
Caring for God’s Fragile Earth is the topic of latest Mission Crossroads magazine;
Apply to serveas a YAV;
Subscribe to mission co-workers’ letters;
Apply to serveas a YAV;
Mission stories illustrate the Lenten lectionary;
and more!

Read this month's News from Presbyterian World Mission ...