Advent Reflections: December 14

Isaiah 61 BibleGateway.com

Simone Weil explains that there are different categories of need: (1) physical needs of the body; (2) spiritual needs of the soul; and (3) physical needs of the soul. It is this third category that is most often neglected. We tend to think of the “Good News” as primarily spiritual in content. Yet the Good News Isaiah brings the oppressed is that God will meet the physical needs of souls. The gates of jails will be unlocked, and prisoners will be freed. Devastated cities will be rebuilt, and dislocated persons will reclaim their homes and heritages. Victims of robbery and wrongdoing will be compensated, vindicated, and restored. And in and through all this concrete, physical healing will be accomplished the healing of souls. Mourning will be replaced by gladness; we will rejoice in the Lord. Free, sheltered, and blessed, we–whose physical brokenness is no more–will also be healed of our spiritual brokenness. Sin will no longer cling to us; we will instead be clothed with “the garments of salvation” and “the robe of righteousness.”

In Luke 4 Jesus said that these words in Isaiah have been “fulfilled.” If so, then why is there still so much brokenness, both physical and spiritual? Perhaps our frenetic materialism and yuletide overindulgences are somehow fueled by a deep yearning for physical healing that is finally essential to the healing of our souls. Isaiah’s words challenge me, therefore, to consider: How, this season, will I attend to my and others’ physical needs in ways that fully participate in the Good News?

Your Kingdom come, Lord God! Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give all, on this day, the food they need to live and flourish. Forgive us, as we forgive others. Deliver us from robbery and wrongdoing, and guide us into the justice and righteousness that is your promise. Amen

Cynthia L. Rigby, W.C. Brown Professor of Theology
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

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

Advent Reflections: December 13

Psalm 126 BibleGateway.com

These are troubling times. At the time this is being written the economy looks less than healthy, gasoline prices are soaring, home mortgages failing, and food prices continue to rise. The whole world seems to be in chaos; war, famine, fire, floods, cancer, and autism are in the news daily. Even the church has divisive issues that seem to be tearing it apart. And so we cry out: Restore us, O Lord, bring back our fortunes, restore our homes, bring our troops home as quickly as possible, rid the world of selfish leaders, cure us of the diseases that plague us.

Those of us who are older can look back and remember troubling events in our history: dreadful wars, the depression, polio, tuberculosis, segregation, a divided church. In the midst of those tumultuous events we also cried out to God. We can also remember when each terrible event ended. “Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy…” (v.2).

During this Advent season, let us be filled with the hope and anticipation that we have in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who has never left us alone. May we joyfully share this hope, reminding ourselves and others whom we meet that “The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.” (v.3)

All powerful and loving God, we are so grateful that you have never left us alone. Help us always remember and share with others the hope which is now rekindled in this Advent season through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Charlene and John Chesshir, Seminary Partners
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

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

Askren Family Newsletter: "Computer Invasion"

The Askren Family has set out in obedience to God's word and have become the house parents of the Mae Ka Chan Children's Home in Northern Thailand. They invite you to join their ministry to the children of Thailand - through prayer, action and giving.

The Computer Invasion
by Katie Askren

"Oh, Halleluiah!" rang out the call. God has answered one of our prayers and sent a computer for the children to use. All the staff was abuzz with excitement as I behgan kooking up their brand new computer and installing the software.Computers are a much more exotic concept to the general public in Thailand than to us Americans. They still look on them with wonder, and don't fully understand their capacity

The children crowded around their new prize as soon as they heard the news. Who would be the first to get to use it? I jumped at the opportunity, and began teaching a class in the evening to some of the older students. They willo learn how to write a newsletter and I will post it on their website, and e-mail it to their mailing list. It is something that the home has been wanting to do for a while, but the stafrf doesn't have the knowledge or time to put something like this together, so I am using the skills God gave me, to encourage the children into taking on this task on a monthly basis.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Katie's report from Thailand

Please Make Note for Your Christmas List

Looking for a 'little something' to add to your Christmas gift list? How about a "perfect stocking-stuffer?" Here is a wonderful way to spread the news ... AND spread the WORD. Notecards bearing images created by orphans of the Lulwanda Children's Home of Uganada, are now on sale at First Presbyterian Church of Midland. A packet of eight 51/2" x 3" cards, printed on heavy card stock, with envelopes, costs $10 and all of the proceeds from the sale goes to Lulwanda Children's Home.
All of the images that appear on the cards were created by the children this summer, when they were visited by FPC's 2008 Uganada Mission Team. You can choose from full-color landscapes, black-and white barnyard animals, or variable-color native plants from this region of Uganda. First Presbyterian Church is located on the northwest corner of Texas and A streets, on the west edge of downtown Midland, please use the Texas Street entrance near the intersection. The church office is open Monday through Friday, from eight o'clock in the morning until five o'clock in the afternoon. For more information, please call First Prez-Midland at (432) 684-7821.

Lulwanda Children’s Home opened its doors on December 1, 2004, the first children’s home established by the Grace International Children’s Foundation (GICF). Lulwanda now houses and cares for 90 orphaned or abandoned children between the ages of 3 and 12.

Before coming to Lulwanda Children’s Home, many of these children had no one to care for them, while others were living in desperate conditions with aging and overburdened grandparents. Now the children are thriving in a healthy, nurturing environment. The children not only live at Lulwanda, they also attend primary school on site, learning basic life skills, English, math, and a variety of other subjects. Pre-school, kindergarten, and first through fifth grades are held simultaneously for five hours daily, five days per week. The children receive regular medical care, nutritious meals, and lots of outdoor play time – all in a warm family environment that promotes bonding between the children, their house mothers, and the rest of the staff members

Facilities at the Lulwanda Children’s Home include boys’ and girls’ dormitories and bathhouses, living / dining areas, 6 classrooms, a large playground, a kitchen, laundry room, and a garden which provides some of the food for the Home. A 10 acre farm was recently acquired and food crops are being grown and harvested. The Home Administrator lives on site, as do the four housemothers.

CLICK HERE to view or download a 2 page color tri-fold brochure about Lulwanda, in PDF format.

God Issues Today: "Care to Be a Senator?"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"If the Christ of Christmas would elect peasants for parents, wouldn't he choose you to be the child of God," Dr. Denison asks in today's post at God Issues.

Advent Reflections: December 12

Isaiah 40: 1-11 BibleGateway.com

As you drive from my parents' home in East Texas, through the tunnel of trees that is State Highway 154, you pass through a crossroads community called Little Hope, Texas, with the obilgatory Little Hope Baptist Church. I have always been amused that somebody would name a community, much less a church, Little Hope. I am sure there is a compelling story in the name.

So, what would cause you to have such little hope? Perhaps if you had to watch the center of your religious life being destroyed, and then find yourself uprooted from your home and taken into exile in a foreign land. That is the situation about which the prophet Isaiah writes with such moving poetry: "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and cry to her that herwarfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned" (vs. 1-2). Now there is a cause for a great hope in a time of little hope. Then Isaiah proclaims: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God" (v. 3). Now we know. In a land of little hope, God will pre3pare a way for God's people to go home - to their true home - kneeling at the foot of the manger, there to: "Behold your God!" There we discover"
"Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art"
(from Come, Thou Log-Expected Jesus)

Gracious God, in a world of little hope and even despair, alloow us to wait with great hope and eager anticipation in the coming of your beloved Son. Amen

David M. Evans, Director of Seminary Relations
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

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

God Issues Today: "Making Cheese"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"If the King of Kings and Lord of Lords would visit Bethlehem, won't he visit you today," Dr. Denison asks in today's post at God Issues.

Advent Reflections: December 11

Luke 1: 46-55 BibleGateway.com

Hello. My name is Mary. I am not much older than a "tween" and am a teenage pregnant girl. And I want to tell you what great things the Lord has done for me. You may be thinking, "What! Being an unwed teenager is a good thing?" I wondered about that too. When I received the wonderful announcement that I would bear a childwho would be called the Son of the Most High, I'll have to admit that I was both astounded beyond belief and grateful at the same time. Me! Lowly and poor - at the bottom of the food chain - will be the mother of our new king, and will never be hungry again! How can this be? This must be all God's doing. This is how it feels to receive and experience the blessed mercy of God our Savior. This is why my spirit wells up within me with praises and rejoicing.

Do you know what this means for you, my friend? That my experience is also yours. You too have the privelege of bearing Jesus into the world. For this is our mutual calling, our mutual ministry. The Lord has done a great thing for me. God used me as amn instrument to bring our beloved Savior into the world and wants to do the same with you. This is good news. God has chosen you as an instrument to continue what was begin with me: So rejoice and sing with me! Praise God with me!

Dear Bearer of Life, like Mary, I am grateful that you have looked with favor on me, your servant. Use me, Lord, so that I too can praise you and say, "The Lord has done great things for me." Amen

Isabel S. Rivera-Velez, Seniopr Student
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

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

God Issues Today: "Why I Need a Manicure"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"If the Christ of Christmas could employ peasants for parents and dirty field hands for attendants, can't he use you today," Dr. Denison asks in today's post at God Issues.

Advent Reflections: December 10

Luke 3: 1-6 BibleGateway.com

Could they be more specific about the when, where, what , and who of this proclamation? How tedious I read these lines and was stumped, so I turned to a colleague and challenged him" write a devotional about this. He did:

"Poet Robert Frost maintained that God's ultimate act of humility and love was demonstrated in God's substantiation. There is no doctrine more troubling to those who would be more spiritual than God than the doctrine of the incarnation. God is not made human by a good idea, as a good speech, but in a historical action. This is why the Gospel begins at this point--so seemingly mundane-- with a statement that is purely historical. 'In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, ' God acted here, at this moment, in this place, and God made God's life and love known to us here, at this moment , in this place. Nothing else reveals fully the love of God but this vulnerable, transient, human act of God. The Word (eternal, everlasting, worthy of every Latin epitaph we can attach to it) became flesh and dwelt among us, not just as a fact, but as a neighbor. And God calls us to this same humanity in the neighborhood that knows no bounds."

I couldn't have done better and told him not to be surprised if he saw his words in print. Then, as I reread it, I saw, too. And once mundane historical notations now testified to the re-voicing of Isaiah's prophecy: "and all flesh shall see the salvation of God." (v.6). Indeed, we have.

We don't always get it when others do. May we allow our understandings to be informed and shaped by those around us, for you speak yourself through everyone. Amen

Jacqueline Hefley, Registrar
Board Member
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

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

God Issues Today: "Hybrid Hope"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"Friends and family may try to carry your burdens today; but human help cannot change human hearts," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Advent Reflections: December 9

Psalm 126 BibleGateway.com

This is a song of ascents. Even before they arrive in the temple, they are already singing praises to God. They praise God for giving blessings to Israelites, and they are praising God for the same "great things" for them. Their praises are full of anticipation of the birth of baby Jesus, the newborn King.

But, their expectation of God is pretty modest. They want God to give them harvest for their work, not to exceed their endeavor, but only up to their endeavor. They are asking as much as they weep bearing the seed for sowing, so that God would allow them to come home with their sheaves in joy. In other words, they are praying that God will bless their hard work.

However, think about this season of Advent. We are reaping what we have not sown at all. Jesus came to this world for us, and we have not done anything for that event to happen. If we were to pray like Israelites, we can't imagine what we could have ended up doing for Jesus to come and save us. God knew we could not do anything to deserve the blessings.

God sent Jesus into this world without our weeping, bearing, sowing, and shouting,; an yet we were able to harvest in salvation and eternal life. We harvested "great things" in this world without our endeavor. What an amazing blessing this is for all God's people! This is truly good news.

Gracious God, we give you praise for giving us the greatest thing, Jesus Christ. In this Advent season, may your Spirit use us to share that blessing with many people around us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen

Jennifer Lee, Senior Student
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

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

Midland Group: Chinese Authorities Accuse Pastor Over Prayer Bands

The China Aid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

Issued by ChinaAid, December, 2008 ...

BEIJING, CHINA - Pastor “Bike” Zhang Mingxuan has been accused by officials of engaging in “illegal business operations” for distributing free silicon prayer bands. These prayer bands were distributed to house church Christians and other individuals in China as a gift and a way to remember to bless and pray for China during the Olympics. ChinaAid, together with the ministry of The Voice of the Martyrs, offered prayer bands to U.S. supporters.

Pastor Bike was held by authorities from October 16 until October 27. During this time, his family was evicted from their homes, his sons were beaten, and his wife and her sister were also placed under arrest. After international outcry, authorities released Pastor Bike, his wife and her sister on October 27. When ChinaAid spoke with Pastor Bike about his detainment in October, he said that the Shilin Public Security Bureau (PSB) of Yunnan province accused him of engaging in illegal business operations “because he distributed ‘Bless China’ prayer bracelets during the Olympic Games.”

Others have also been harassed for wearing the prayer band. The authorities called the prayer band a “nationally politically sensitive item.” ChinaAid has received reports of Chinese police stopping people on the streets and taking the bands off their wrists. Some individuals have been interrogated and arrested.

When questioned about his involvement distributing prayer bands, Pastor Bike demanded the authorities provide written documentation of their interrogation. Officials gave Pastor Bike a “Notice for Further Questioning.” He said the authorities were in a hurry to make the document, so there are many date and time errors in it. For example, he pointed out the error in the document listing the year as “1951.”

Pastor Bike says he is currently in a perilous situation because authorities have already pressured seven major leaders of the Chinese House Church Alliance. He says these leaders are now under the authorities’ control. He says that he understands the authorities are trying to intimidate him. He told ChinaAid that on October 15, someone posted a note on a Christian website in an attempt to discredit him and bringing false charges on him. Pastor Bike said, “I was attacked on blogs as an Eastern Lightning or Falun Gong-type cultist. They even denounced me as a ‘wolf in a sheep’s skin’ and that I ‘attempted to achieve political purposes through religion.’”

Pastor Bike has been in Beijing since October 31, but he has been strictly forbidden to rent residences or stay in hotels in Beijing. Pastor Bike’s two sons, Zhang Jian and Zhang Chuang who were beaten by police on October 16, are recovering from their injuries and are settled in Nanyang city, Henan province. They are not allowed in Beijing. Zhang Jian is waiting to have surgery on his nose and possibly his eyes. ChinaAid supporters have sent funds to help this family with the medical expenses.

View the "Notice of Further Questioning” given to Pastor “Bike” Zhang Mingxuan, and read the English translation

God Issues Today: "Dropping In On the President"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"This week we have watched the Magi receive an even more exclusive opportunity. God reached across human history and a thousand miles to invite Persian astrologers to worship his Son," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Advent Reflections: December 8

Phillippians 1: 3-11 BibleGateway.com

Advent is a time of longing. We long for so many things at this time of year. We long for hope and peace in a troubled word. We long for reconciliation with family members and estranged friends. We long for some modicum of joy in our lives and our ministries.

Many of us harbor a longing that maybe this year, just maybe, we will have what they call a "Merry Christmas." How often we have wished that for others knowing full well it all too often escapes our grasp.

In his letter to the Phillippians, Paul voices a loinging. It is a poignant longing, since he is in prison. He writes this, "For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the passion of Christ Jesus" (v. 8). Paul yearns to be with his sisters and brothers who had supported him and encouraged him. He remembers with deep thanksgiving how they had shared "in the gospel from the first day until now," He is confident that they "hold me in your heart."

This is a close and lovely bond of affection between Paul and the Phillippian Christians. And so he prays that "your love may overglow more and more with knowledge and full insight." He hopes that in the day of Christ "you may be pure and blameless." Perhaps Paul gives us some insight into what to hope for one another this Advent season - something deeply rooted in the love of Christ.

Gracious God, we long for a peace that passes all understanding this Advent season. We pray that your mysterious peace may rest upon those we love and upon the whole world. O God of our hopes, grant us "Peace on earth." Amen

Frank Yates, Pastor, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
Board Member
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

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

Advent Reflections: December 7

Mark 1: 1-8 BibleGateway.com

The Book of Mark begins with the introduction of John the Baptist as the one who come preparing and making the way for Jesus Christ. John ventures out into the desert region, otherwise known as the wilderness, calling out for the confession and repentence of sins. He subsequently baptizes the Judeans, and proclaims the arrival of Jesus, who baptizes with more than just water.

This passage often garners up images of winlderness and remote desert regions of which we hardly have a clue. In our fast-paced Internet and cell phone age we are overrun by distraction and constant stimulus. But, what about that wilderness? Why is the wilderness such a shimmering note in this passage? Perhaps it is a clue. Perhaps it is a hint as to where to go to center ourselves and communicate with God.

In a recent back[acking trip I was rewarded with the wonderful gift of solitude in the mountains of Colorado. We went together into the mountains and did not take any watches, cell phones, or electronic devices. We were there to be in the moment. We managed to slow down our pace from the hustling and bustling of our hectic lives to a pace where we could hear and listen. We spent eight wonderful days in serenity listening to what God was telling us.

So when things become hectic and God becomes harder and harder to hear, find the wilderness in your life. Find your center so that you may hear what God is saying.

Sovereign and Creator God, it seems that the noisiness of our lives makes it difficult to hear you sometimes. We praye that when we struggle to hear you, we can find that wilderness in our lives to center ourselves and listen to your calling. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen

Jose Lopez, Student
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

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

Advent Reflections: December 6

Psalm 85: 1-13 BibleGateway.com

This is a psalm about God, and it is a psalm about time - not so much about God's own time, but about God in our own time. The first three verses of the psalm are in the past tense. They celebrate what God has done. The last six verses are in the future. They celebrate what God will do. Both of these sections, past and future, are confident affirmations of the power and goodness of God. But the four verses in the middle (vs. 4-7) are not affirmations. They are questions and supplications: Will you be angry? Will you revive us? Restore us and save us!

Advent is the question of the present that lies between the affirmations of the past and the future. Advent is the What about now? that lies between memory and promise. It is always question and prayer. The Lord crreated all, the Lord saved the people, Christ is born, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again, but what about now?

This question is not a riddle with a verbal answer. Rather it is a mystery in which we live. God weaves what will be out of what has been, in the moment of what is, and we live in that moment. Will we love in that moment? Will we forgive in that moment? Will we rejoice in that moment? Will we encounter God in that moment? Or will pain, fear self-centeredness and sin rob us of the hope that is to come? What about now?

Gracious Lord, we put the question "What about now?" to you, and you put the same question to us. Let the knowledge that you are eternally our God and Savior give us the comfort, courage and hope that will sustain us this day and always. Amen

David Johnson, Director of Supervised Practice of Ministry
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

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

FBR Report: Hunger and Malnutrition in Arakan and Chin States

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. Ethnic pro-democracy 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.

Hunger and Malnutrition in Arakan and Chin States

Villagers in the area of Paletwa Township, western Burma, have been forced into hiding by the Burma Army and are suffering the effects of advanced malnutrition, as reported by a Free Burma Rangers team on mission in that area.

Note: Paletwa Township is considered as part of Chin State but is an area populated by Arakan, Chin and other ethnic groups. Some Arakan also also consider it as part of Arakan State.

The Burma Army is demanding that villagers porter supplies for them, build new camps and provide food and jatropha seeds for Burma Army troops; this, in addition to banning farmers from staying at their farm huts, makes it impossible for the villagers to farm their own crops. As a result, at least four thousand villagers in this area have been forced to flee to the jungle where unstable and harsh living conditions, as well as malnutrition, have exacerbated the instances of diseases such as dysentery, beriberi, pneumonia and malaria.

This year, Paletwa Township, which is some 20 miles from the west coast of Burma and 70 miles west of Pye, has seen an increase of Burma Army troop concentration, from one to three battalions. LIB 55 is based in Than Dwe Township and commanded by Major Ne Lunn Aung. Major Aye Naing is in command of LIB 550, and LIB 289 is commanded by Major Myo Min Aung.

Villagers in the vicinity of Burma Army camps face constant threat from troops. Captain Tan Htun Naing, commander of Dowechawnwa village camp where LIB 550 is based, shot two pigs and took them without compensating the owner. The same Burma Army Captain brutally beat Khun Oo, a Khumi (ethnic group) Christian villager, and forced him to pay a 5,000 kyat fine. (name changed to protect the villager)

The crisis caused by the Burma Army has been made worse by a plague of rats which continues to devour the rice paddies of the villagers. Every 50 years or so bamboo plants flower, creating an increase in available fodder for rats which in turn results in dramatic increases in the rat population. When the bamboo flowering cycle is over, the newly-increased rat population must find forage elsewhere and moves on to any available food source, decimating villagers' crops and sometimes even gnawing into bamboo houses. Villagers estimate that at least 40% of their rice crop has been eaten by the rats. The price of rice has increased by about 75% since June this year causing many to try and live off jungle potatoes. The destruction of the rice crop also has an effect on education as many teachers are paid in kind. It is reported that thousands of children have left schools because villagers are unable to pay the teachers.

The Burma Army actively attempts to block all humanitarian assistance and to capture or kill anyone providing relief to those the Burma Army is attacking. The FBR Arakan team was able to treat more than 100 patients and record widespread human rights abuses such as forced labour, extortion, illegal detention, and arbitrary violence. They were also able to give some food and money to the IDPs as well as pray with them. A team member said: "We cannot solve this crisis without international help. We need food supplies, the reopening of schools, health care and emergency relief. I would like to request international communities to love these people and to cooperate with us for their present and future. The IDPs, refugees and villagers are really in a bad and alarming situation."

God Issues Today: "A Window Into the Universe"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"No one was a more unlikely participant in the Christmas miracle than they (the Magi)," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Advent Reflections: December 5

2 Peter 3: 8-15 BibleGateway.com

In the Dr. Seuss book, Oh, the Places You'll Go, there is an excerpt about waiting.

The Waiting Place ... for people just waiting.

Waiting for a train to go or a bus to come,

or a plane to go or the mail to come,

or the rain to go or the phone to ring,

or the snow to snow

or waiting around for a Yes or a No

or waiting for their hair to grow ...

Everyonme is just waiting.

Sometimes Advent feels like that. Waiting for what is to come, preparing for what might be, and in the midst of all that anticipation, maybe even forgetting the true reason for this season of waiting.

So, while we are "hastening for the coming of the day" as 2 Peter suggests, let us use this time for some spiritual formation by actively waiting. May our anticipation spur us to wait with new eyes and hearts alert to our surroundings - by finding ways to be agents of change and hospitality in our community and to the stranger whom we will surely encounter in the living of these waiting days.

We wait for you, Emmanuel. And we wait upon you in our service to one another. Make our waiting time worthy time. Use it to form us into the heralds of the new creation. And let us know that you are near as we wait. Amen

Jackie Saxon, Admissions Counselor
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

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

Prayer Request from Mae Kha Chan Children's Home

We would like to ask special prayer for Pastor Lawan and her children’s home in Thailand. This ministry produces some of the best disciples for Christ that we have seen in Thailand. Pastor Lawan has the only churches in her area. In Thailand the percentage of the population that is Christian is small.

Pastor Lawan gets the children from the mountains where they would be locked into a life of poverty if they didn’t get the education Pastor Lawan provides for them. There are worship services every morning and every evening. The children come to Christ within the first 30 days of being in the home. Then they are trained to be leaders. The high school students have started a number of churches, and they go every Sunday afternoon to lead the services. It’s an amazing work.

But this year the US$ dropped by about 15 percent, fuel prices have increased, food prices doubled, and rice prices have nearly tripled. This has left Pastor Lawan in debt. The food vendors are giving her credit to buy food for the children, but this won’t last long if she can’t start paying down some of her debt. We are asking that you would pray:

1) That the Lord would provide for her debts to be paid off.
2) That new monthly sponsors would step forward to help pay the extra costs of inflation.
3) That work would proceed quicker to help the children’s home become self sufficient; a. Making pens for animals that will provide food; b. Developing a plot of land for gardening; c. Build a building so they can have their own school. This will decrease their budget by not having school fees, plus students from nearby villages can attend a Christian school and learn about Christ. In the public schools, the Children are forced to bow in worship to idols. If the Christian kids don’t bow, they are ostracized by both teachers and students, and some have been beaten up after school.

Click here for information on donating to Mae Kha Chan Children's Home (please note that wire transfers or electronic deposits are recommended).

God Issues Today: "Going to Church with Persians"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"This week we are learning wisdom and faith from some very unusual, very wise men," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Advent Reflections: December 4

Isaiah 11: 1-10 BibleGateway.com

I smile as I recall the words of Woody Allen: "When the calf and the lion lie down together, the calf isn't going to get much sleep." Humor aside, Isaiah gives voice to a new vision of promise - a vision of a new way. God is promising, through thr words of Isaiah, , hope for a day of peace - a day of the soming of the Messiah. And the vision is that of a healed and whole, a reconciled and reordered creation.

Isaiah's vision inspired Edward Hicks, the 19th-century artist, to paint "The Peacable Kingdom. A huge rendition of the painting hangs in the downtown lobby of the largest bank in San Antonio, reminding customers of a day and time when violence will be no more. In that bank tapestry all the animals are there with wide and startled eyes. And in the middle, a child. No wonder! What the vision Isaiah saw and spoke of is nothing short of astonishing. Here is creation reordered, reorganized with all the violence gone. And a child in the center.

Advent promises such a day can come! In this season of Advent may these moving words nudge us to implore God to hasten the day when Isaiah's promise becomes reality in our troubled and strife-town world. Even so! Come, Lord Jesus!

In these days of candles and carols, crèche and cards, remind us, O God, that the meaning of these days is not the setting, but rather the birth of the One who brings light out of dark, victory from defeat, hope from despair, and life out of death. Uour name, O God, be ever praised through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Louis H. Zbinden, Jr., Zbinden Professor of Pastoral Ministry
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

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

Partners Blogcast: "Stay Awake When Duty Calls"

Steve and Oddny Gumaer started Partners Relief & Development in response to the needs of refugees and displaced people from Burma. This blog is meant to be a more personal stream of conversation than newsletters allow for. The opinions expressed here may not be those of Partners Relief & Development.

Stay Awake When Duty Calls

By Steve Gumaer - Thomas à Kempis, in "The Imitation of Christ," wrote these words: “Those who love stay awake when duty calls, wake up from sleep when someone needs help; those who love keep burning, no matter what, like a lighted torch. Those who love take on anything, complete goals, bring plans to fruition … But those who do not love, faint and lie down on the job.”
(links added to Steve's original post)

God Issues Today: "Kings Who Aren't"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"Yesterday we began our conversation with the Wise Men by noting that most of our traditions about them are wrong...we usually call them kings, as in 'We three kings of Orient are,' though they were nothing of the sort," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Advent Reflections: December 3

Mark 13: 24-37 BibleGateway.com

Watch and pray! The Gospel of Mark gives us a call to be alert and prepared for Jesus Christ's coming. We are asked to be changed and fortified by God's Word and assist the in-breaking of the kingdom of heaven on earth now, in our daily lives.

Working with men incarcerated at the New mexico State Penintentiary taught me the power of solitude for training one's alertness and observation skills. They had very little human contact, yet they were keenly skilled in watching and listening to discern what was about to happen. They sought control and power over an environment that was cold, hard, unforgiving, and unpredictable.

Not knowing what or when something is coming may cause us to feel itchy, distracted, and unproductive. We can spend our time ruminating on the past or so focused on our future that we miss the "precious present." In the now is where we are most available, aware, observant, on the ball, and ready to fulfill God's constant call to be a servant of the Gospel, and disciple of Christ.

Life is hectic; therefore, let us take time during Advent to be alert to God speaking to us. We do this is prayer, confession, worship, serving, celebrating, silence, and simplicity. When we intentionally practice these spritual disciplines, we prepare ourselves to listen for and actively seek and be God's will.

Eternal God, always present and deeply caring for all of your children, prepare our minds and hearts to be ready to act on the promise of your Word. Help us to be your will by loving and caring for persons who are alone and need our generous love. In Christ's name we pray. Amen

Will Heimbach, Senior Student
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

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

HIV/AIDS Awareness in Thailand, Pt. 1

Brett and Shelly Faucett are mission co-workers living in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where we had a chance to meet with them during our mission to that country, earlier this year. They are HIV/AIDS regional consultants. Brett is a nurse and amateur photographer. Shelly, a former literacy specialist and ESL teacher. They have their two daughters, Acacia and Annapurna, with them.

Monday night's special Service of Remembrance, held at First Presbyterian Church in Midland was part of a worldwide observance of World AIDS Day. Preparations for that observance were well underway in Thailand, as well.

"We are coming up on World AIDS Day on Dec 1st," Brett and Shelly write in this post at their Welcome to the Jungle blog. "Several Faith-Based Organizations and NGO's around Chiang Mai get together at Chiang Mai University and man information booths."

"The week prior to World AIDS Day several organizations plan events to bring greater awareness of HIV/AIDS ... live music and skits to bring all the important information about HIV/AIDS to life, a great venue and had a good amount of participation. There will be a much larger celebration tomorrow on Dec 1st in the middle of town. I will take lots of pictures and post another blog on the World AIDS Day events."

God Issues Today: "A Dangerous Devotional"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"This week, let's discover the faith and worship of the Magi," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Advent Reflections: December 2

Psalm 80: 1-19 BibleGateway.com

With heartfelt lyrics, the psalmist pleads for restoration, deliverance and salvation. It is a cry echoed en masse by the entire community as they lament together their current state of separation from God. Not once, not twice, but three times they beseech God to relieve them from their distress: "Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine that we may be saved (v. 7).

While not overtly repentant or remorseful, their lamentation still convey's the nation's deep longing to be favored once again; to reestablish the former, preforsaken relationship that existed between them and God. And so, they ache openly for the Almighty to intervene, knowing that God-involvement is necessary to grant them the new life they desire. Then, having voiced the final refrain of this sacred song, they wait in expectation for God's response.

And now, centuries later, with a hindsight that saw this prayer ultimately answered by God's in-breaking into humanity - an event that psalmist probably never even imagined - and with a foretaste of the kingdom upon our bread-and-wine-kissed lips, we find ourselves in a season of expectant waiting, too. Advent is upon us. We wait, we await, we anticipate. We are counting the days until a swaddled babe appears in the unlikely locale of a Bethlehem manger and dwells with us here on earth. Our Savior is coming! And still, in this in-between time, we wait, we await, we anticipate something more - a consumation of creation that. like the [salmist, we probably cant even imagine to the full extent if its glory. Come, Lord Jesus!

God-With-Us, we stand in awe of your never-ending love for us. Bless us with a faith that transforms our yearning to anticipation, that we might share your grace-filled love, and the hope it represents, with all whom we meet. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
Amen

Britta Dukes, Associate Pastor, Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church
Seminary Ambassador
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

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

Midland Group: Chinese Government Detains U.S. Journalist, Bans House Church Alliance

The China Aid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

Issued by ChinaAid, December, 2008 ...

NANYANG, HENAN, CHINA - CAA has learned that at 7 a.m. on November 28, 2008, Pastor Zhang Mingxuan, head of the Chinese House Church Alliance, was forcibly taken by four plain-clothed officers from Henan Public Security Department and City of Nanyang to the building where Nanyang Municipal Union Hotel is located. Over 20 government officials who claimed they were from Ministry of Civil Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Henan Provincial Department of Civil Affairs, Department of Public Security Bureau and State Administration for Religious Affairs forcibly announced to him the decision statement to abolish the Chinese House Church Alliance coded Min Qu Zi (2008) No. 1 and signed on November 28 by Ministry of Civil Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (please see the scanned document, above).

The decision statement claims: It has been found out through investigations that the “Chinese House Church Alliance” is not registered and it engages in its activities in the name of a social organization without authorization. Pursuant to Article 35 of the “Regulation on Registration and Administration of Social Organizations,” this agency has hereby made the decision to abolish the “Chinese House Church Alliance.” --- Public Seal of Ministry of Civil Affairs. November 28, 2008.

After that, the government officials wanted Pastor Zhang to sign the document, but Zhang refused. Zhang’s cell phone, camera and camcorder were taken by force and were confiscated. During the interrogation, Zhang’s wife was also taken by force from her home to that hotel. It was until 5 o’clock in the afternoon that Pastor Zhang’s wife was released. The whole process was videotaped by people specially assigned for the task.

In the meantime, at 10 a.m., the 17 Christians who were holding a prayer meeting in the residence of Pastor Zhang, Peter Ford, reporter of Beijing Bureau of the Christian Science Monitor of the US (phone number: +86-10-6532-3127) and his Chinese translator, were all taken away and detained by the officers from the Bureau of State Security. Peter Ford and his translator were escorted to the plane in the afternoon flying from Nanyang to Beijing.

The 17 Christians who were holding a prayer meeting in the residence of Pastor Zhang were taken to the local police station and were illegally detained and intimidated. They were released at 1 p.m. Each of them was forcibly photographed and they were made to sign documents. Over 600 Bibles, computers, VCD players, Shengshan magazines and many cell phones were confiscated.

CAA believes that announcing a decision of abolishment of the Chinese House Church Alliance in the name of the Ministry of Civil Affairs is a new tactic of the Chinese government in suppressing and encroaching upon the freedom of religion. What is thought provoking is that according to its own study, the Ministry of Civil Affairs believes the number of unregistered non-governmental organizations is 10 times that of the registered organizations.

When the Ministry of Civil Affairs abolished the house church with the decision statement coded Min Qu Zi (2008) No. 1, it is obvious that it has got pressures from higher authorities. According to the statistics by the Ministry of Civil Affairs itself, among the volunteers and organizations who went to disaster areas in Sichuan for relief efforts, 63% of them were Christians who spontaneously organized themselves, including the relief personnel organized by the Chinese House Church Alliance.

Dr. Fan Yafeng, a prominent constitutional law scholar from China Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, believes that the Chinese House Church Alliance is legal and constitutional on two aspects and should not be regarded as an illegal organization. First of all, it is in conformity with the law of the Bible and God and the natural law in people’s hearts; second, it is in conformity with Article 35 of the Chinese Constitution which states: “Citizens of the People's Republic of China enjoy freedom of speech, of the press, of assembly, of association, of procession and of demonstration.” The essence of the so-called “Regulation on Registration and Administration of Social Organizations” is actually to limit the basic rights of citizens with administrative regulations, which violates the principles in the constitutional jurisprudence that the basic rights of citizens can’t be restricted unless the Constitution or the law dictates it.

CAA calls on churches all over the world and people with conscience to make inquiries to the relevant agencies in China on the suppression of the Chinese House Church Alliance. Call CAA at (888) 889-7757 or (432) 689-6985 for more information.

See You Tonight?

MAAS World AIDS Day worship will be held on Monday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of Midland. Please plan to come join us, support the people who have lost a loved one because of AIDS, hear the beautiful music and light a candle for people whose lives have been affected by AIDS, and also for a loved one of your own. Hope to see you there!
Graphic produced by worldaidscampaign.org

MAAS (Midland Area AIDS Support) is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization funded by donations from concerned individuals and foundations. Services are confidential and free of charge. Contributions are tax deductible. MAAS is an organization set up for support and education. It is their mission to provide compassionate care and support of all kinds of people with AIDS, people who are HIV positive, and to the families and friends of people affected by this disease.

Advent Reflections: December 1

1 Corinthians 1: 3-9 BibleGateway.com

Waiting does not come easily to us. Waiting is annoying, inefficient, and frustrating, especially when we have grown accustomed to convenience, immediacy, and gratification. While reading this passage, I found myself eagerly consuming all that God has done for me - how I have been enriched and strengthened in Christ - and I cannot wait for the strengthening that God will do for me in the future. I am ravenous for more! But, tucked quietly between the past-tense testimony of what God has done, and the future-tensepromises of what God will do for us, the apostle Paul describes our Christian condition: we are waiting for the revealing of our Lord.

I cannot escape the possibilities for this word, "wait." It is the hinge in the passage. Before wait, we are told what we have been given. After wait, we glimpse the future, and we see what will be. To wait is to dwell in the liminal space of God's time: between what God has done and what God will do. To be sure waiting is not doing nothing: waiting is allowing oneself to be open to the possibility of God's abundance, revealed in Jesus Christ. This is Advent. We are called to wait.

I think about the wisdom of waiting. I think of not speaking too soon, of not jumping to conclusions, and of first seeking to understand. I ponder the virtue of patience. Wait with me. Wait with me for the revealing of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Gracious God, we give thanks to you for the abundant blessings in our lives. Amid the turbulence of our lives, we know that you have blessed us to be a blessing. With confidence in your faithfulness, we wait in joyful hope for the revelation of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Amen

Paul D. Dubois, Senior Student
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

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