In the News ... "Midland Salvation Army to open warming station for homeless"

MRT Photo by James Durbin

• Will be open anytime the temperature reaches 42 degrees or below

By Ben Shaffer, Reporter
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The Salvation Army of Midland, at 600 E. Wall St., will open a warming station for those experiencing homelessness.

As winter weather approaches, The Salvation Army, at 600 E. Wall St., is opening a warming station for those experiencing homelessness to get out of the cold during the winter.

The warming station will be open anytime the temperature reaches 42 degrees or below, according to a press release.

“We make an additional 70 emergency cots available in our shelter during inclement weather, on top of the 70 beds available year-round,” said Captain Robert Coriston, with The Salvation Army in Midland, in a press release. “We will do our best to make sure everyone has a warm, safe place to sleep, and no one is left outside exposed to the freezing winter weather. We currently have 78 people staying in our shelter, including men, women, and families.”

To make a donation, or for more information about the warming station and inclement weather shelter, please call The Salvation Army at 432-683-3614, visit online at www.salvationarmymidland.org or stop by at 600 E. Wall St. in Midland ...

 • Read the rest of this MRT report ...

In the News ... "'Help the Stocking"

OA File Photo

• Time is winding down ...

Staff Report
• The Odessa American

Time is winding down to help needy Odessans with a Merry Christmas with only eight more days in this year’s Empty Stocking Fund campaign.

The Parks Bell Foundation gave the Odessa Empty Stocking Fund a huge boost Wednesday with a generous $10,000 donation.

That boosts the daily total to $17,060.

All donations are also being matched dollar for dollar by a generous $50,000 matching challenge from the Sewell Family of Companies.

Many in our community need help this year as a Merry Christmas meal and gifts for the kiddos are simply out of reach. Will you help the needy in Odessa have a Merry Christmas? ...

• Read the rest of this OA Report, and learn how you can help

In the News ... "'Empty Stocking' needs your help"

• Empty Stocking Fund now in its 29th year

Staff Report
• The Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Times are tough out there and Odessan Sandra and her family are no exception.

Sandra is a single mom to a 10 and 3-year-old and is moving from place to place but working and looking to get her family settled.

Odessa families are in need this holiday season and can get help through the Empty Stocking Fund.

Many in our community, like Sandra and her kids, need help this year as a Merry Christmas meal and gifts for the kiddos are simply out of reach. Will you help the needy in Odessa have a Merry Christmas?

The 29th year of the Empty Stocking Fund has a $100,000 goal to meet the needs in our community. The Fund helps families who are struggling to make ends meet. Many are single moms and grandmothers trying to raise family in tough economic times. Funds donated to the Empty Stocking stay in Ector County and help local families like that of Sandra and the kids.

Empty Stocking Funds go for a good holiday meal and small gifts under the tree. Donations to the Empty Stocking Fund may be mailed or delivered to the Salvation Army Community Center, 810 E. 11th St., or the Odessa American, 700 N. Grant, Suite 800. ZIP codes for both are 79761. Call the Salvation Army at 332-0738.

The Empty Stocking Fund, an annual fundraising effort by the Odessa American and The Salvation Army, provides a good holiday meal and small gifts under the tree for needy seniors and children. Donations to the Empty Stocking Fund may be mailed or delivered to the Salvation Army Community Center, 810 E. 11th St., or the Odessa American, 700 N. Grant, Suite 800. ZIP codes for both are 79761. Call the Salvation Army at 332-0738.

The Empty Stocking Fund was created by the Odessa American in 1995 and has raised more than $2.24 million. Donate online at Donate online at https://give.salvationarmytexas.org/campaign/empty-stocking-fund-2023-odessa-texas/c529771

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, 2023

GIVING TUESDAY - Giving Tuesday, which is being observed today in more than 150 countries, exists for one purpose: to celebrate and encourage giving. We Presbyterians have a strong history of giving, and we see examples of this all over the world: schools, hospitals, beautiful churches and exciting ministries of justice, peace and mercy with the name Presbyterian attached to them have enlivened a world more like God’s realm in almost every place in God’s Creation ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

From @FWMission ... Friday Story: “Milka’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.

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FWM Images

Friday Story: “Milka’s Story"

Milka, 19, lives with spastic cerebral palsy, which hinders her mobility.

Despite the challenges, Milka maintains a consistently cheerful disposition, often discussing her accomplishments, her knack for reading, and her deep love for her mother, Valeska.

Milka needed a wheelchair, but her family could not afford one ...

• Read the rest of this story ...

From @FWMission ... Friday Story: “Freeing 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.

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FWM Images

Friday Story: “Freeing a Family"

The gift of mobility is freeing a family in Kenya—the family of a little boy named Ian.

When Ian was born, he did not cry.

He was admitted to a hospital for two weeks and diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which affects his mobility ...

• Read the rest of this story ...

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 16, 2023

PRESBYTERIAN GIVING CATALOG’S FAMILY FARM BUNDLE - Like so many people she knows, Mary Osburn has more than she could ever need or want.

Which is exactly why the longtime ruling elder and Mission Committee chair at the First Presbyterian Church of Fulton, Missouri, immediately thought of the Presbyterian Giving Catalog when helping to plan the church’s annual Christmas Fair Trade International Market last year ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... “Mission Agape presents 'Cocoa and Cookies With Santa"

• Saturday morning, November 18 at Golf Course Road Church of Christ

MIDLAND TEXAS - Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can be one of great strife for those who can’t afford food for their family, let alone gifts. Mission Agape wanted to bring joy and smiles to children in the community by hosting a Christmas Blessing Event.

Each year, Mission Agape holds a toy drive to collect donations for our Christmas Blessing Event. After the toy drive, we adopt children from our partnering MISD schools and invite parents to come and “shop” for gifts for their children ...

 • More information about this event ...

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: November 15, 2023

PEACE & GLOBAL WITNESS OFFERING - When God promised to be present through life’s floods and fires, the assurance was of little comfort to Trell, whose house burned to the ground in March.

And, to make matters worse, after all of Trell’s earthly belongings had gone up in flames, when he sought refuge in his car, he discovered that it had a flat tire.

That was when the timely intervention of a local pastor, the Rev. Stephen Herring — known more familiarly in Tarboro, North Carolina, as Pastor Steve — made God’s presence real to him ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

From @FWMission ... Friday Story: “You helped make this happen in October”

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.

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Friday Story: “You helped make this happen in October"

Wheelchair Arrivals

In October, 2,598 wheelchairs arrived in China, Kenya, Pakistan, and Uganda, with more en route to Chile, Ecuador, Eswatini, Jamaica, Nicaragua, and Paraguay, thanks to your prayers and support.

More Stories from Free Wheelchair Mission ...

• Independence Multiplied: Story of a Life Transformed ...

• Churches Provide Mobility: Ways your church can get involved ...

• AARP presents FWM President/Founder Don Schoendorfer with Purpose Prize Award and Inspire Award ...

Season of Giving: Gifts that Make a Difference

Give meaningful gifts that make a difference this holiday season!

• Free Wheelchair Mission Christmas and Holiday Cards, which gift a free wheelchair to someone in a developing country who desperately needs one but cannot afford one. E-Cards are also available.
• Miracle Wheels: The Story of a Mission to Bring Mobility to the World, the book by Don Schoendorfer, the proceeds of which will go towards providing new wheelchairs.
The Dignity Bracelet, which represents one wheelchair given.
• Or, you can give a donation as part of our “Season of Giving.” Make a tax-deductible, year-end gift by December 31 to take advantage of current tax laws.

Whether you order cards and books or make a donation, your transforming gift will provide more than just mobility. It will offer renewed hope, freedom, and independence.

• To order cards or donate, visit FreeWheelchairMission.org/Season ...

WAW Wednesday ... "November 11th Benefit for The Word At Work"

"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, Spiritual 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."

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WAW Wednesday: "November 11th Benefit for TWAW"

Come support local musicians and The Word at Work for a great evening with live music and information about the ministry of The Word at Work.

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In the News ... "Samaritan Center celebrates 50 years of community impact with Golden Celebration"

• Event is also a fundraiser, aiming to generate crucial financial support for Samaritan Center’s ongoing mission

Staff Report
• Odessa American

MIDLAND/ODESSA, TEXAS - Samaritan Center has announced its Golden Celebration that will honor the remarkable legacy of the organization. As part of this grand occasion, Samaritan Center will recognize the 2023 Samaritan Honoree, the founders and benefactors of Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center.

This historic celebration will take place at 6 p.m. November 7 at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center. The event is set to be a night to remember, bringing together generations of Samaritan supporters, community members, and friends who have all played a vital role in the growth and success of the organization, a press release said ...

• Read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "NewsWest 9 kicks off 2023 toy drive"

• Partnering with Salvation Army and United Supermarkets to help gather and distribute toys to children in West Texas

Staff Report
• KWES-TV

BIG SPRING/MIDLAND/ODESSA, TEXAS - NewsWest 9, the Salvation Army and United Supermarkets have once again partnered in 2023 for the annual toy drive.

The toy drive will help gather and distribute toys to children in West Texas to make sure they have a happy Christmas.

Red barrels will be at select locations across Midland, Odessa and Big Spring to collect toys ...

• Read the rest of this KWES report, and find a collection point near you ... 

WAW (almost) Wednesday ... "November 11th Benefit for TWAW"

"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, Spiritual 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."

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WAW Wednesday: "November 11th Benefit for TWAW"

Come support local musicians and The Word at Work for a great evening with live music and information about the ministry of The Word at Work.

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In the News ... "Kick for Kenya 1K/5K/10K"

• All proceeds benefit Midland-based Kenya Widows and Orphans Ministry

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Kick for Kenya 1K/5K/10K has been scheduled for Saturday, November 11, at GCR Church of Christ, 3500 W. Golf Course Road, Midland.

KWO Ministries is proud to welcome you to one of the premier running events in the Permian Basin. Over the last nine years, Kick for Kenya has become one of the largest and longest-running charity races in the area, featuring a 10K-5K-1K format.

The 1K Kids Fun Run will begin at 8:45 a.m. and 5K/10K run will begin at 9 a.m.

All proceeds of this event will go towards KWO (Kenya Widows and Orphans) Ministry. Founded in Midland, their mission is to redeem the lives of Kenyan widows and orphans. KWO is a non-profit ministry that serves 16 orphanages, provides feeding stations, and funds educational opportunities, all while sharing the message of God’s love in Kenya.

To sign up, visit runsignup.com

For more information, visit Tkwoministries.org/kick-for-kenya.

In the News ... "Tom’s Coats kicks-off"

• Donation locations in Odessa and Midland

By Lauren Munt, Reporter
• KOSA-TV

ODESSA/MIDLAND, TEXAS - As the temperatures drop, many West Texans are struggling to stay warm, that’s why Chief Meteorologist, Tom Teffertiller is hosting a coat drive.

We’re looking for gently-used or new jackets or sweaters for the drive.

You can donate jackets and coats at the sites listed below.

• Frost Bank - 2 Midland locations

4101 Midland Dr.
800 W. Wadley Ave.

• Frost Bank - 2 Odessa locations

3501 Faudree Rd.
2710 N. Grandview Ave.

• Odessa College

Saulsbury Campus Center, 201 W University Blvd.

• CBS7 Studios at the Music City Mall

4101 E. 42nd St., Suite J-7

• All American Chevrolet of Odessa

5020 John Ben Shepperd Pkwy.

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: November 1, 2023

PEACE & GLOBAL WITNESS OFFERING - As a mere child herself, Rose had already married, given birth to — and lost — a child by the time she was 15 years old.

Upon discovering that she was pregnant just four months after her traditional Malagasy wedding, Rose’s joy at the birth of her son quickly turned to sorrow.

“My baby was dead after 10 days,” she said.

One agonizing month later, Rose’s in-laws demanded that she move out of their home and file for separation from their son. Because — according to their belief system and the prevailing customs in their native Madagascar — if a baby dies before it is 1 month old, it doesn’t have a good mother.

“Even the chicken can take care of their kids beyond one month,” Rose recalled. “That means I am not even as bright as a chicken.”

Overwhelmed and despondent at having lost everything, Rose turned to the bright lights of Madagascar’s nightclub and discotheque scene.

“I do not like this life,” she said. “I am like a prostitute; but I needed to run away from my sadness.”

It was there that the Rev. Helivao Poget found her ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

From ServLife International ... "LAST DAY to have your donation matched"

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.

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LAST DAY to have your donation matched

YOU and others like you have made all the difference in Sonu’s life and other kids like him. We are so grateful for your support, and if you haven’t given yet during this campaign, please consider a gift today and help us exceed our goal of $100,000!

Your generous donation will support the Pastor Mangal, Sonu, Pradeep, and others like them.Your generous donation will support the Pastor Mangal, Sonu, Pradeep, and others like them.

  Adam J. Nevins
 Executive Director


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

 

• CLICK HERE to learn more about extreme poverty and how we can partner together to empower families and children ... 

• CLICK HERE to give a gift to help families and our partners in India and Nepal ...


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 ...

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 Adam J. Nevins
 Executive Director
 ServLife International, Inc.
 P.O. Box 20596
 Indianapolis, IN 46220
 USA

In the News ... "Kick for Kenya 1K/5K/10K"

• All proceeds benefit Midland-based Kenya Widows and Orphans Ministry

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Kick for Kenya 1K/5K/10K has been scheduled for Saturday, November 11, at GCR Church of Christ, 3500 W. Golf Course Road, Midland.

KWO Ministries is proud to welcome you to one of the premier running events in the Permian Basin. Over the last nine years, Kick for Kenya has become one of the largest and longest-running charity races in the area, featuring a 10K-5K-1K format.

The 1K Kids Fun Run will begin at 8:45 a.m. and 5K/10K run will begin at 9 a.m.

All proceeds of this event will go towards KWO (Kenya Widows and Orphans) Ministry. Founded in Midland, their mission is to redeem the lives of Kenyan widows and orphans. KWO is a non-profit ministry that serves 16 orphanages, provides feeding stations, and funds educational opportunities, all while sharing the message of God’s love in Kenya.

To sign up, visit runsignup.com

For more information, visit Tkwoministries.org/kick-for-kenya.

From @FWMission ... Friday Story: “Anh and Her “Best Friend””

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.

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FWM Photos

Friday Story: “Anh and Her “Best Friend”"

Anh is a seventh grader in Vietnam whose intelligence, friendly nature, and athletic prowess earned her the admiration of both teachers and friends alike.

Her dream of becoming a professional athlete seemed within reach when she was recruited to represent her entire province in sports.

But life had different plans ...

• Read the rest of this story ...