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 ... "St. Nicholas’ Episcopal Church to hold Lessons and Carols"

• Service with West Texas Winds Ensemble on December 17

Staff Report
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Prepare for Christmas with beautiful songs and scripture readings when St. Nicholas’ Episcopal Church holds its annual Lessons and Carols service at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 17. The West Texas Winds ensemble will accompany the church choir.

Rather than a traditional worship service that anchors around a sermon, this style of service consists of Christmas songs interspersed with scripture readings, explained the Rev. Amy Haynie.

“This service is ideal for anyone who wants to hear the story of God, or re-hear it, to remind themselves of the holiness of the season of Christmas,” she added ...

• 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 ... "Highway 191 Cross hosting 'Christmas' Story today"

OA File Photo

• “It’s a special time but we want the kids to know the true meaning of Christmas”

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - People Pride Scholarship Program students and John Bushman, program founder and chairman of the Investment Corporation of America, will gather Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Calvary Cross on Highway 191 for an explanation of the true meaning of Christmas.

Students from Odessa elementary schools will attend with their parents and teachers.

The event is scheduled at 4:30 p.m. at the Calvary Cross, on the south service road of highway 191 about 3 miles east of Faudree Road. Parking will be offered on a new parking area adjacent to the cross, accessed from 191, parking will not be allowed on the shoulder of the service road. Please use caution entering and exiting.

“It’s a special time but we want the kids to know the true meaning of Christmas,” Bushman stated in a news release. “We take this time to gather our scholarship students and honor them with this special story.”

Damian Christian, local singer, will perform along with students. Kyle Rodgers, minister of St. Andrew Cumberland Presbyterian Church, will help facilitate the program.

In the News ... "H-E-B, Meals on Wheels of Odessa to distribute 700 holiday meals

• In conjunction with annual Feast of Sharing-Odessa, Friday, December 8

By Zachary Bordner, Reporter
• KMID-TV/KPEJ-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - In partnership with Meals on Wheels of Odessa, H-E-B will be celebrating the holiday season by distributing more than 700 holiday meals to homebound neighbors as part of HEB’s annual Feast of Sharing celebration.

According to a release, H.E.B. partners and community volunteers will be passing out meals, bags of fruit and vegetables, and other food items and festive goodies to fellow Texans in Odessa ...

 • Read/watch the rest of this KMID/KPEJ report ...

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

In the News ... “Local food ministry celebrates groundbreaking for new building"

KWES Photo

• Mission Agape unveiled their new 7,700 square foot Distribution Center Wednesday morning

Staff Report • KWES-TV

MIDLAND TEXAS - Mission Agape broke ground on its new 7,700 square foot Distribution Center Wednesday morning at 4501 Thomason Drive.

Mission Agape is a faith-based food ministry committed to ending hunger in the community.

The groundbreaking marks a major step toward expanding their services and reaching more people who need food ...

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

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 ...

In the News ... "West Texas Food Bank joins forces with JumBurrito for annual fundraiser: Because You Fed Me"

• Dedicated to JumBurrito Revolutionary Rewards Club Members, both current and new

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA/MIDLAND, TEXAS - The West Texas Food Bankannounced Friday its partnership with JumBurrito for the 13th consecutive year in an endeavor to make a meaningful impact on hunger in the community. This festive collaboration, running from Sunday, November 12, to Saturday, December 16, is dedicated to JumBurrito Revolutionary Rewards Club Members, both current and new. JumBurrito is set to turn each member’s visit into an act of generosity. For every visit during the promotional period, JumBurrito will pledge to donate $.50 to the West Texas Food Bank, a contribution that translates into providing two meals to individuals in need. The initiative not only satisfies our taste buds but also nourishes the community it serves, a news release said.

To add an exciting twist to the season of giving, each visit will also serve as an entry for JumBurrito Revolutionary Rewards Club Members to win 1,000 Rewards Points. With six winners to be selected, the promotion encourages active participation while offering a chance to earn appealing rewards.

“This marks the 13th year of our cherished partnership with JumBurrito, and we are incredibly grateful for their ongoing commitment to our cause,” expressed Libby Campbell, CEO at the West Texas Food Bank, in the release. “Their generosity for every member visit is a testament to the shared values of compassion and community support that define this annual fundraiser. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity.”

• November 8 at Midland College's Scharbauer Student Center Carrasco Room

In the News ... "Story of Lazarus proves Jesus’ deity"

Painting by Giotto di Bondone

• Raising close friend from the dead led to key statement

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The story of Lazarus in the Gospel of John 11 shows that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and he has the power of life over death.

Ministers Mark Roosinck and Mike Vestal say it also illustrates the difference between man’s time and God’s time.

The Rev. Roosinck, pastor of Westover Baptist Church, said Jesus’ key statement in Chapter 11 is in verses 25 and 26 where he says, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live even though he dies and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

“Jesus was always directed by the Father to do exactly what the Father wanted him to do,” Roosinck said.

Asked why Jesus wept in John 11:35 when he knew he was about to bring Lazarus back to life, the pastor said it was probably because he was sympathetic to the grief of Lazarus’ sisters Mary and Martha and his friends.

Roosinck said Jesus and his disciples had often stayed with Lazarus and his sisters and they were all good friends.

Vestal, minister of Westside Church of Christ in Midland, said the story “shows that God cares when people grieve and that Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

“There is a large portion of unique material looking at the life of Jesus in John,” he said. “The resurrection of Lazarus is one of the last miracles we read about in the earthly ministry of Jesus because it happened not long before the crucifixion.

“It shows the power of Jesus over death because Lazarus had been dead for four days and it came to mean a lot to the apostles after Jesus arose on the third day.”

Vestal said the story also shows “that God works on a different timetable than we do" ...

• read the rest of this OA report ...

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 ... "Feast for your eyes and stomach"

• Feast of Sharing is an annual gathering hosted by H-E-B that serves more than 340,000 meals across Texas and Mexico

By Nathaniel Miller, Reporter
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Get ready to make room for barbecue not long after a full Thanksgiving meal.

Scheduled for Dec. 8, H-E-B is bringing the annual Feast of Sharing to Odessa at the Ector County Coliseum, 4201 Andrews Highway, in Barns D and E. The event is scheduled from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., and doors will open at 3:30 p.m.

The Feast of Sharing is an annual gathering hosted by the grocery chain that serves more than 340,000 meals across Texas and Mexico.

Jessicka Gonzales, H-E-B’s Public Affairs Officer for West Texas, said the 21st annual event is scheduled to have a Texas-style spread, live music and entertainment and activities for children.

The event is free to the public and organizers are expecting up to 8,000 people ...

... Not just content with feeding residents of Odessa at the event, H-E-B sponsors food for a day with Meals on Wheels of Odessa, and members of the company deliver those meals to home-bound seniors ...

• Read the rest of this OA report ...

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 ... "C.S. Lewis On Stage: Further Up & Further In ... this weekend"

• Sunday, November 5 at Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

Staff Report
• Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

ODESSA/MIDLAND, TEXAS - From the producers of The Screwtape Letters comes a dazzling, new theatrical experience that takes you further up and further into the spiritual journey of C.S. Lewis.

Sunday, November 5, 2023
Event Starts: 3:00PM
Doors Open: 2:00 PM

Using Lewis’ own words within a vividly immersive, multimedia experience, award-winning actor Max McLean takes you Further Up & Further In the mind and heart of one of the most imaginative and gifted writers in history.

 • More information, and ticket purchases ...

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.

In the News ... "H-E-B Feast of Sharing event happens Friday in Midland"

MRT Photo by Mercedes Cordero

• Information about event, and volunteer opportunities

By Ben Shaffer
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - H-E-B will hold its Feast of Sharing event at the Horseshoe Pavilion on Nov. 3.

This year, H-E-B’s mobile kitchens will serve traditional Texas-style meals. Each event includes music, activities for families and a variety of free services like health and wellness screenings and flu shots, according to H-E-B. ...

 • Read the rest of this MRT report ...

 • Sign-up To Volunteer Through West Texas Food Bank

In the News ... "First Love Outreach achieves goals"

Courtesy Photo

• Life Unlimited Church program loves the underappreciated

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - There’s not enough love in the world and the leaders of First Love Outreach are taking the initiative to address that problem.

Held back for a long time by COVID, Tammy Argo, Tim Mayfield and a host of volunteers from Life Unlimited Church have resumed visiting law enforcement officers, firefighters, nursing homes and apartment complexes with stuffed animals, drinks, food and most essentially hugs and other expressions of recognition and admiration.

“The first responders have been very receptive,” said Argo, who may be reached at 362-1911. “We have visited the ladies at Mission Messiah and we’ve been to the High Sky Children’s Ranch.

“Showing appreciation to people is very needed in this day and age. All some people need is a hug and a pat on the back. You’re showing God’s love to them and doing what he tells us to do. We have also fed the homeless.

“We came up with the name because we just desire to love on people who need to know that there are people in the world who care about them.”

Argo said the program is financed by the congregation of Life Unlimited Church at 4224 Northeast Loop 338 and other supporters.

“We tell the congregation what we plan on doing and then report back on what we have done and how it was received,” she said ...

• Read the rest of this OA report ...