Midland Group: Imprisoned Chinese Christian Denied Meeting with Dying Spouse

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.

Imprisoned Chinese Christian Denied Meeting with Dying Spouse

Issued by ChinaAid, January, 2009 ...

BEIJING, CHINA – Hua Zaichen, 91, is dying and requested a final meeting with his imprisoned wife, Shuang Shuying, 79, to say farewell, but prison officials refused his request. Authorities say Shuang Shuying is not allowed to leave the prison before February 8, 2009, the end of her two-year sentence. However, officials stated that if her husband died before then, she would be allowed to see his body for 10 minutes and would have to be chained, handcuffed and shackled and wearing her prisoner uniform. She would be transported and monitored by Public Security Bureau officers.
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

Officers Force Chinese Christian Pastor Out of Beijing

Issued by ChinaAid, January, 2009 ...

BEIJING, CHINA – Friday morning, Thursday evening in China, more than a dozen Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers forcibly escorted Pastor “Bike” Zhang Mingxuan from Pastor Hua Huiqi’s home in Beijing and put him on a bus to Henan province. Authorities refuse to allow Pastor Bike and his family to stay in Beijing.
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

Faces of Children: Prayer Requests

Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Our mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, we seek to provide an opportunity for people of God to join together, learn about children and their needs throughout the world, and celebrate Christ's love (especially as it relates to children).

Prayer Concerns for the week of 01/21/09

Burma (Free Burma Rangers)
• Pray for all ethnic hill tribe families and children who have been chased out of their villages and into jungle hiding places by the Burma Army. A Karen grandfather shared with the Free Burma Ranger (FBR) relief team helping them that he has fled from Burma Army attacks more than one hundred times in his 62 years.
• Pray for the wellbeing and safety of the more than 30,000 people who have been displaced in the Karen State of Burma since 2006. Finding food is a huge challenge for these people as the Burma Army usually destroys crops and food storage facilities when they wipe out ethnic hill tribe villages.
• Please pray for the FBR relief teams, made up of different ethnic groups in Burma, as they literally risk their lives to provide help for the internally displaced people of Burma. Give thanks to God for their selflessness and courage.

China
• Please continue to pray for the children and people of China’s mountainous Sichuan province who were affected by the May 2008 earthquake.
• Pray for the estimated 530,000 people living in prefabricated housing in resettlement sites, surrounded by the rubble of their former homes. Forecasters predict that winter temperatures in this region will be colder than normal with more rain, snow and frost than usual.
• Pray that God will provide the resources needed to keep children and families in these resettlement areas warm and healthy throughout the winter season.
A report from alertnet.org

Costa Rica
• Pray for the children of Costa Rica who have been affected by the January 8 earthquake.
• Pray for those who have lost family members and homes because of the 6.1-magnitude quake and rain-induced mudslides.
A report from alertnet.org
A report from the Chicago Tribune

God Issues Today: "Looking Over Wall Street"

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.

"I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." This is the presidential oath of office, as specified by Article II, Section 1 of the United States Constitution. When Barack Obama repeated these words as intoned by Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts, he became our nation's 44th president.

Our first president took the oath of office on April 30, 1789, in front of New York City's Federal Hall on a balcony overlooking Wall Street. (Presidents have been looking over Wall Street ever since.) Four years later, George Washington's second Inauguration occurred in Philadelphia, as a permanent capital was still being constructed along the Potomac. His Inaugural address was 135 words, the shortest on record. Thomas Jefferson was the first president to be inaugurated in Washington.

Now our nation observes a truly historic moment as the first African American takes the oath of office. God calls us to pray "for kings and all those in authority" (1 Timothy 2:2). Have you prayed for our new president this morning? Scripture also tells us to "show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king" (1 Peter 2:17). How do we love people, honor authority, but "fear" God alone?

"Love" translates agapao, unconditional commitment. We are to love God's people always, whether we like what they do or not. "Honor" means to respect, encourage, support and follow. We are told to "honor the king" because "the authorities that exist have been established by God" (Romans 13:1). And we are to "fear" God—the word means to revere and dread. It is a present middle imperative, requiring that we reverence God every moment of this day. We can love people even when we do not respect them. We can respect leaders whether we love them or not. But we must revere God always.

Mr. Obama assumes the presidency at a time when our nation is facing crises of unprecedented proportions. We are fighting two wars while dealing with the worst financial conditions since the Great Depression. Radical Islam is on the ascent, and will be the conflict of this generation. There is less moral consensus in our country than ever before. Our president will need our daily intercession for divine direction.

But none of this surprises God. He was King of Kings yesterday, and he will be on his throne tomorrow. Why is that fact so relevant to these days? Let's continue tomorrow.

The Bridge: Counting the Days

In less than a week, one of Midland's old churches will open its doors on a new venture, and a new addition to the Tall City's community of faith.

It's called "The Bridge," a new worship service being added to the schedule at First Presbyterian Church-Midland.

"The Bridge is an ancient-future worship experience at First Presbyterian Church, each Sunday morning at 11:00 in the chapel," The Bridge's website explains. "Our desire is to engage God's ancient words in a new way, all for the purpose of entering into the presence of God."

"Wherever you are in life's journey, we hope that you'll join us at The Bridge, as we put our trust in God who is with us."

Preparations - conception and organization, staff development, construction and rennovation - have been well under way for the better part of a year. You can follow the progress of those preparations at "Into the West Texas Sun," a recent addition to Midland's corner of the blogosphere. The Bridge is not replacing any of the current services at First Prez - it is an addition to the church's schedule of worship, taking place in the Chapel (the church's original sanctuary), while a traditional service is under way in the Sanctuary itself. Both services will be preceded by shared fellowship and refreshments in Lynn Hall.

For more information, please call John Van Dusen 684-7821, Ext. 176.

God Issues Today: "Possible Only in America"

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.

"The real McCoy" refers to a steam engine lubricator invented by Elijah McCoy in 1872. Thomas J. Martin patented the fire extinguisher that same year. Lewis Howard Latimer invented the carbon filament for light bulbs in 1881. Gwendolyn Brooks won the Pulitzer Price in 1950 and succeeded Carl Sandburg as poet laureate of Illinois. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a civil rights movement which transformed America. Clarence Thomas has served on the Supreme Court of the United States since 1991. Colin Powell served as America's Secretary of State from 2000-2005, to be followed by Dr. Condoleezza Rice.

Now another African-American stands ready to serve his country, this time in the highest elective office in our nation. When Barack Obama becomes the 44th president of the United States, his inauguration "will be the major civic event of our time" (CNN, November 24, 2008). When his family moves into a White House built by African-Americans, history will be made.

Today's New York Times tells us that hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the Mall in Washington, D.C. yesterday to begin the celebration. Bands and celebrities performed. People traveled from all over the nation and abroad to watch history unfold. Tomorrow's inauguration will be an event none of us will forget.

As Mr. Obama often says, his story would be possible only in America. The son of a black man and white woman, raised by a single parent in relative poverty, running for president as a first-term senator—a year ago, virtually no political experts gave him a chance. Whatever our political loyalties or election choices, all Americans can take pride in a country where determination and sacrifice can lead to the highest office in the land.

This morning, all who follow Jesus are called by Scripture to pray for our new president and leaders. Paul's exhortation is unconditional: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Have you prayed for our new president yet today?

God's word instructs us to "show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king" (1 Peter 2:17). Note the order: Love God's people, honor the secular authorities, but "fear" God alone. How do we do all three? Let's continue tomorrow.

West Texas Mission Opportunities:Invitation to Prayer

Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Our mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, we seek to provide an opportunity for people of God to join together, learn about children and their needs throughout the world, and celebrate Christ's love (especially as it relates to children).

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

"After the scholars were gone, God’s angel showed up again in Joseph’s dream and commanded, ‘Get up. Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay until further notice. Herod is on the hunt for this child, and wants to kill him.’

Joseph obeyed. He got up, took the child and his mother under cover of darkness. They were out of town and well on their way by daylight. They lived in Egypt until Herod’s death. This Egyptian exile fulfilled what Hosea had preached: ‘I called my son out of Egypt.’

Herod, when he realized that the scholars had tricked him, flew into a rage. He commanded the murder of every little boy two years old and under who lived in Bethlehem and its surrounding hills. (He determined that age from information he’d gotten from the scholars.) That’s when Jeremiah’s sermon was fulfilled;

A sound was heard in Ramah,
weeping and much lament.
Rachel weeping for her children,
Rachel refusing all solace,
Her children gone,
dead and buried.”
Matthew 2:13-18 The Message/Remix by Eugene Peterson

Reading this passage, I thought about Jesus, probably the most famous child at risk in the Bible, and remembered how he was a huge threat to the authority and power of Herod. Then I remembered the other children at risk in that time period—the boys Jesus’ age and how the king, taking no chances, removed every possible threat by murdering them all.

Unfortunately, this kind of behavior continues to haunt the children of the world. The first prayer request on this week’s list came from a recent report by the Free Burma Rangers. I’ll give you a Readers Digest condensed version of this complex situation. The government of Burma (I don’t call it Myanmar because it is not recognized as a legally elected government) is intent on wiping out or conquering many ethnic groups in the country because they occupy areas rich in resources that the government wants.

And like the 62-year-old grandfather in one of the requests, many of these people — children, women, and men — have fled in fear from the Burma Army time after time after time. The government of Burma, through its army and militia, has continued this systematic campaign of murder, destruction, and enslavement for decades.

Would you join me in prayer this week for children at risk and their families in Burma, China, Costa Rica, Kenya, the U.S., and everywhere else in our global community? The Faces of Children prayer group will meet this coming Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Midland in the Bride’s room. I hope you will also stay for lunch ($5) and a time of fellowship following the prayer meeting.

Blessings,
Chris

God Issues Today: "Flying With the Birds"

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.

By now you've seen the remarkable images of the US Airways jet that landed in the Hudson River yesterday. The jet was apparently struck by geese shortly after taking off. This morning's New York Times tells us that since 2000, at least 486 planes have collided with birds. Pilots never know when it will happen to them. It's a parable for life—the future is unpredictable, so we need to stay close to the only One we can trust.

We have sought this week to experience a more intimate, personal relationship with our Lord. We have learned to invite Christ to live in our souls, turning our thoughts to our Lord, disowning ourselves and surrendering each day to his purpose. When we choose to dwell in the presence of Jesus, we will know him more passionately than ever before.

This is a lifestyle, not a Sunday morning activity. Practicing the presence of God means that we choose to honor him above all others and do only what pleases our holy Lord. Richard Baxter, the seventeenth-century Puritan theologian, advises us: "Spend your time in nothing which you know must be repented of; in nothing on which you might not claim the blessings of God; in nothing which you could not review with a quiet conscience on your dying bed; in nothing which you might not be safely and properly doing if guests surprise you in the act."

That much I understand. It is only logical that I cannot draw close to a holy God unless I am willing to live as a holy person. But there's one other key to intimacy with God which we often overlook—serving others. I must breathe out to breathe in. I must give away what is in my hand to receive something in my hand. When I love my neighbor as myself, I can love God with my heart, soul, mind and strength (Matthew 22:37, 39). You cannot hate my family and love me. When I serve you, I draw close to your Father.

Consider this assertion by E. M. Poteat, Sr.:

Carve your name high above the shifting sand, where the steadfast rocks defy decay;
But all you can hold in your cold, dead hand is what you have given away.
Build your pyramids skyward, and stand gazed at by millions: cultured, they say;
But all you can hold in your cold, dead hand is what you have given away.
Conquest in gold and fame; Ah how grand! King of the salon, the mart, a day—
But all you can hold in your cold, dead hand is what you have given away.

What will you give away today?

Christian Missionary Who Was Raised Muslim to Speak in Midland

The Rev. Karim Baidaoui has a unique perspective on the differences between Christianity and Islam. Raised as a Muslim in Morocco, Baidaoui came to America to attend Ohio State University. He ended up in Arlington, Texas, working as a manager of a restaurant where he met and fell in love with a Christian woman. When the couple went to tell her parents of their wedding plans, the woman’s mother insisted Baidaoui become a Christian before marrying her daughter.

Baidaoui was baptized in 1991. He and his wife, Susy, have three children and live in the Dallas, Texas, area. In 2005 he completed his studies at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and became a missionary-at-large in the Texas district of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

CLICK HERE to read the complete story by the MRT's Megan Lea Buck

Baidaoui will be bringing his message to Midland January 18 when he visits Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 5110 N. Garfield Street. He will preach during the 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. services, and later that day he will meet with teenagers to talk about dating and marriage.

God Issues Today: "What's an Apple Without a Jobs?"

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.

Today's New York Times reports that the company's chief executive is taking a leave of absence because of ongoing health concerns. Mr. Jobs has learned that his health problems were "more complex" than he originally thought. In these days of economic crisis, market analysts worry about Apple's future without its leader.

This week we've been seeking a closer, more intimate relationship with our Leader in the face of changing, challenging times. We've learned from Thomas Kelly's A Testament of Devotion to invite Christ to live in our souls, turn our thoughts toward our Lord, disown ourselves and surrender our day and plans to his Spirit. The bottom line: Choose to dwell in the presence of Christ in each moment. You will experience "a deeper, internal simplification of the whole of one's personality, stilled, tranquil, in child-like trust listening ever to Eternity's whisper" (p. 37).

This is "the life beyond fevered strain. We are called beyond strain, to peace and power and joy and love and thorough abandonment of self. We are called to put our hands trustingly in His hand and walk the holy way, in no anxiety assuredly resting in Him" (p. 38, italics his).

This is to live in the Spirit, displaying his fruit every day. To what degree are you experiencing love? Joy? Peace? Patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control? You can, if you will live in the presence of Christ, in the eternal now. Richard Foster says, "The Christian life comes not by gritting our teeth but by falling in love." When you dwell in Jesus' love each moment, you have his peace.

Thomas Kelly concludes: "I think it is clear that I am talking about a revolutionary way of living. Religion isn't something to be added to all our other duties and thus make our lives yet more complex. The life with God is the center of life, and all else is remodeled and integrated by it. It gives the singleness of eye ... There is a way of life so hid with Christ in God that in the midst of the day's business one is inwardly lifting brief prayers, short ejaculations of praise, subdued whispers of adoration and of tender love to the Beyond that is within. No one need know about it ...

"One can live in a well-nigh continuous state of unworded prayer, directed toward God, directed toward people and enterprises we have on our heart. There is no hurry about it all; it is a life unspeakable and full of glory, an inner world of splendor within which we, unworthy, may live" (p. 76). Let's find our "inner world of splendor" today.

Midland Group: Chinese Court Accepts Chistian Pastor's Suit

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, January, 2009 ...

GUANGDONG, CHINA – On December 25, 2008, Haizhu District People’s Court accepted the filing of Pastor Wang Dao’s lawsuit against the State Administration of Religious Affairs Bureau (SARA) in Guangzhou city, Guangdong province for raiding Liangren Church. This is an unprecedented move by the court to accept an administrative lawsuit filed by a house church pastor challenging the penalty decision by SARA.
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

51 Christians Detained in Xinjiang; Church Leader Sentenced

Issued by ChinaAid, January, 2009 ...

XINJIANG, CHINA – At 1 p.m. local time on January 2, 2009, a house church in Shayibake District of Urimuqi city, Xinjiang Autonomous Region was raided by a number of Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers. Fifty-one Christians were detained for questioning, with forty-eight released later that day.
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

God Issues Today: "My Mustang and My Soul"

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.

I'm such a trend-setter. For years I drove my beloved 1965 Mustang with no idea that I was starting a national movement. But today's Wall Street Journal reports that the rest of you have caught on to my wisdom. Old cars are skyrocketing in popularity in this recession. People are keeping and repairing their vehicles, and buying extended warranties for them. It seems that my Mustang was a harbinger of things to come.

To be honest, I didn't drive it because it was economical. Nor did I eventually sell it because of the economy. My wife hated my favorite possession, perhaps because I spent more time repairing it than driving it. When I sadly watched it drive away in the hands of its new owner, my act of self-denial was actually in my best interest.

We are learning how to practice the presence of God in hectic and troubled times, following the wisdom of Thomas Kelly, the Quaker missionary and scholar whose A Testament of Devotion is a spiritual classic. He urges us to invite Christ into our souls by faith and turn our thoughts toward our Lord all through the day.

Now we come to the third and crucial step: disown yourself. Kelly observes: "It is just this astonishing life that is willing . . . sincerely to disown itself, this life that intends complete obedience, without any reservations, that I would propose to you in all humility, in all boldness, in all seriousness. I mean this literally, utterly, completely, and I mean it for you and for me—commit your lives in unreserved obedience to Him" (pp. 24-25, italics his).

How? Begin where you are. Obey what you know to obey from God today. Surrender what you know to surrender. Confess what you know to confess. As best you can today, give up rights to your own ambitions, dreams, hopes. Put them into God's hands. Trust that the One whose Son died for you, the One who knows the future you cannot see, will guide your life better than you can.

Ask him to guide your next step, to reveal your next decision, to use your life for his purposes. When you sense yourself taking your life back, give it again. When you take it back, give it again. Time after time after time. Disown yourself.

Here's what you'll experience: "Self-renunciation means God-possession, the being possessed by God" (p. 31). Here is the key to the power, peace and presence of God. It is the key to the life you seek this morning. We'll finish our series tomorrow.

Reports From Lulwanda

Every month, Lulwanda Administrator Edward Mukiibi provides an update on Lulwanda Children's Home in Uganda – how the children are growing and learning, how the staff is developing, and any ongoing needs that may arise.

December, 2008
"This month marked four years of Lulwanda Children’s Home existence. It has been a journey of faith and we have experienced the mighty hand of God’s providence and protection," Mukiibi writes in his latest report. "The home has grown to care for 90 children and its infrastructure has greatly improved and we embarked on our fifth year. The journey we are on has been made possible because of you, your financial, material and prayer support has played a vital role in what Lulwanda Children’s Home is today. We therefore say thank you for Loving us and supporting us this far. We also encourage you to continue standing with us as the journey seems to be long but the anticipated benefits in years to come are worthy of our sacrifice."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of his December 2008 report.
CLICK HERE to visit the December 2008 photo gallery.

God Issues Today: "Finding Your Joy"

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.

"There may be some good news in the bad news. This morning's Wall Street Journal reports that overall economic output decreased less than the reduction in the number of hours worked. In other words, businesses appear to be increasing productivity even as the economy is going through its most severe contraction in decades. Such productivity growth should drive profits, and hopefully wages, higher in the future.

These days, we'll take positive economic news wherever we can find it. But if you're like most of us, the protracted recession threatens to sap your spirit and rob your joy. How can we experience the presence and peace of Jesus in these hectic times? I have been rereading Thomas Kelly's classic A Testament of Devotion. This Quaker missionary was a scholar in philosophy of religion, but even more a student of the soul. He suggests some principles which may help us find the serenity of the Spirit for these days.

First, invite Christ to dwell in your soul. Make him your Savior and Lord. This is God's desire and invitation to you: "Deep within us all there is an amazing inner sanctuary of the soul, a holy place, a Divine Center, a speaking Voice, to which we may continually return. Eternity is at our hearts, pressing upon our time-worn lives, warming us with intimations of an astounding destiny, calling us home unto Itself" (p. 9). If you have asked Jesus to forgive your mistakes and become your Lord, you are the child of God. His Spirit now lives in you, ready to help you experience the presence of your Father.

Next, learn to practice his presence through each day. Kelly: "There is a way of ordering our mental life on more than one level at once. On one level we may be thinking, discussing, seeing, calculating, meeting all the demands of external affairs. But deep within, behind the scenes, at a profounder level, we may also be in prayer and adoration, song and worship and a gentle receptiveness to divine breathings. . . . It is at this deep level that the real business of life is determined" (p. 12-13).

How do we live on this deeper level? "By quiet, persistent practice in turning of all our being, day and night, in prayer and inward worship and surrender, toward Him who calls in the deeps of our souls" (p. 15).

We turn our thoughts to God constantly. We pray to him with brief phrases all through the day. We seek his word in our minds and hearts. As we walk in his presence, we find that he prays for us and through us. We find ourselves carried along by his Spirit. We sense ourselves in his peace, and his peace is ours. Let's continue tomorrow."

Coming to the Tall City

"In just short of a decade," Jackie Chapman wrote in this article for ChristianMusicToday.com, "the David Crowder Band has amassed a loyal following through their uniquely textured alternative worship music."

West Texans will have a chance to hear and enjoy the music and the message for themselves January 14, when David Crowder*Band - a 6-piece Christian electronic rock and worship band from Waco, Texas - takes the stage at Midland Center. Tickets for the concert are $20 each, and can be purchased at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, 800 W. Texas Avenue (on the west edge of downtown Midland); and Mardel Book Store, 5214 W. Wadley Avenue (in northwest Midland). For more information, call First Prez-Midland at 684-7821.

"We would greatly encourage you to attend this special worship event. If you are unable to attend, we would suggest you purchase tickets we could give away to those who otherwise would not be able to attend."

God Issues Today: "Leaky Souls"

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.

"Need to recharge your batteries? If Wang Chuanfu has his way, you'll soon need to do the same for your car. According to today's Wall Street Journal, the founder and chairman of BYD Co. is the world's second-largest maker of lithium-ion batteries. Now he is set to unveil his electric car at today's North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

His venture has already attracted the attention of Warren Buffett and other veteran investors. His invention can go 50-60 miles on a single charge, and has apparently resolved safety issues which have plagued electric cars. We will be seeing more of this technology soon, as the ailing auto industry focuses on electric and hybrid cars. My beloved 1965 Mustang wouldn't have a chance in today's economy.

My soul needs recharging even more frequently than Mr. Wang's invention. Dwight Moody spoke for me when he described himself as a leaky bucket which needs refilling often. In that light, yesterday I came across a statement by Dietrich Bonhoeffer which stopped me in my tracks. In The Cost of Discipleship, the German theologian and martyr asserted: "The life of discipleship can only be maintained so long as nothing is allowed to come between Christ and ourselves—neither the law, nor personal piety, nor even the world. The disciple always looks only to his master, never to Christ and the law, Christ and religion, Christ and the world. He avoids all such notions like the plague. Only by following Christ alone can we preserve a single eye. His eye rests wholly on the light that comes from Christ, and has no darkness or ambiguity about it. . . . Thus the heart of the disciple must be set upon Christ alone. If the eye sees an object which is not there, the whole body is deceived. If the heart is devoted to the mirage of the world, to the creature instead of the Creator, the disciple is lost."

My heart resonates with Bonhoeffer's insight. When I am trying to focus on Jesus and preaching, or teaching, or writing this essay, I lose sight of the One with whom and for whom the work is to be done. When I am focused only on Jesus, I am able to sense his thoughts and speak his truth more fully.

The operative question, then, is how? How do we develop and maintain a singular focus on Jesus in these hectic days? With economic crisis dominating the news, a historic inauguration and political transition just eight days ahead, increasing conflict in the Middle East and turmoil at home, how are we to keep our eyes on Jesus? I've found a guide who wants to help us. Let's meet him and listen to his wisdom, tomorrow."

God Issues Today: "God + You"

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.

"There is much to fear, but even more to trust. God + you = majority, every time," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Got Prayer? ... Got Bear?

Available now at First Presbyterian Church-Midland

(there's no charge ... just look for one of the baskets inside any of the main doors of the church, which is located on the northwest corner of Texas and A streets, at the west edge of downtown Midland)

Dear Friend,

I'm Just a teddy bear, it's true,

but I have a message to bring to you;

I've been to church, and sat in a pew,

and I've been hugged by quite a few;

I've bowed my head when they said a prayer;

I've been charged with love by those who care.

And now I've come to live with you -

to bring you joy when you are blue,

to let you know that others care

and want all your days and nights to share.

So keep me close and squeeze me tight,

and know God's love makes all things right.

With our prayers for you,

In Touch Ministry, First Presbyterian Church

When you've had your time with me,

maybe you can set me free

to someone else who needs a prayer,

to show that God is always there.

God Issues Today: "An Essay I Didn't Intend to Write"

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.

"The evidence for Easter is remarkably strong," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Midland Group: Chinese Christians Sentenced to Re-education Through Labor

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, January, 2009 ...

HENAN, CHINA – ChinaAid just received additional information regarding the 50 house church Christians arrested on December 3, 2008 in Zhoukou township of Taikang county. Three leaders were sentenced to one year of re-education through labor.
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

Members of Congress Urge Deputy Secretary to Prioritize Religious Freedom During Visit to China

Issued by ChinaAid, January, 2009 ...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Later this week, Deputy Secretary John Negroponte will visit China. This celebration of the 30th anniversary of US-Sino diplomatic relations is a vital time to reinforce a key U.S. priority – religious freedom, especially in light of the increased persecution of house church Christians.
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

There's Still Time to Get Involved

You can help the folks at Upward Basketball & Cheerleading, which kicks-off its 2009 season in West Texas this weekend.

They are needing people to give short devotionals at halftime for the Upward basketball games at First Prez - and across the street, at Midland High - this Saturday. Games are from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.and are an hour long (though you are free to leave once your part is done, at halftime). If you can volunteer to give a devotional during any of these games please contact Scott or Melinda at 684-8440.

Upward introduces children to Jesus Christ by creating opportunities to serve through sports. Upward is a fun, reliable, passionate and encouraging sports experience for boys and girls, in K5 through sixth grade. Upward provides first class, organized and detailed sports programming. Unique aspects of Upward include an evaluation system that promotes equal and competitive teams as well as a substitution system which allows for equal playing time for all participants.Through Upward, children are exposed to quality coaching and sport development. Upward emphasizes character and integrity instead of a “win at all costs” mentality associated with today’s sports world.

And, NO, you don't have to be a member of a church in order to participate!

There are all kinds of ways you can help the Upward program in your community, and a number of volunteers have already stepped forward to serve as coaches or assistant coaches, referee or timekeepers.

You may also choose - where there's a special need at the moment - to present a brief devotional to the audience during the halftimes, while the teams are resting and getting ready for the next round of play. Your focus can be current events, a piece of Scripture from the Bible, or sports. You can compose your own, or work from guidelines that participating churches will provide you.

In Midland, there are programs at First Baptist Church and First Presbyterian Church. In Odessa, there are programs at Sherwood Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Second Baptist Church and Faith Church of the Nazarene. And in Lamesa, there is a program at First Baptist Church.

God Issues Today: "The Aetheist Bus Campaign"

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 you don't believe in atheists, does that mean that atheists don't exist," Dr. Denison asks in today's post at God Issues.

Faces of Children: Prayer Requests

Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Our mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, we seek to provide an opportunity for people of God to join together, learn about children and their needs throughout the world, and celebrate Christ's love (especially as it relates to children).

Prayer Concerns for the week of 01/07/09

Palestine, Israel
• Please be in prayer for the children of Israel and Palestine as the violence escalates between Israel and the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip.
• Pray for those who have been wounded, lost family members, friends, or homes in the Israeli air strikes and Hamas cross-border rocket attacks.
• Pray for Israeli and Palestinian children who are programmed to hate one another because of an entrenched tradition of violence and vengeance.
• Pray for an immediate ceasefire and for a long term, peaceful resolution to this relentless conflict.
A report from alertnet.org
Another report from alertnet.org
A report from the BBC
A report from the Washington Post

Guatemala
• Give thanks to God for answered prayers regarding a little girl who was raped several years ago. Thanks be to God that she is in recovery and that the person who hurt her is in prison. Please continue to pray for her healing.
• Please be in prayer for the leaders of AMI San Lucas, a children's ministry in Guatemala, as they prepare for a sponsorship program that will begin next month. Pray that many churches and communities will join in to help children at risk.

South Asia (Youth With A Mission)
• Please pray for the children of South Asia who live in remote places or in tribes and villages where they have little opportunity to receive a good education. Often there are no schools in these areas or the school may only include the first few primary grades.
• Pray for children without access to education who are trapped in the same cycle of poverty as their parents.
• Pray for families who cannot afford to send their children away to school-who are unable to pay for the children's boarding fees in villages with schools.
• Please keep the leadership of King's Kids South Asia, a ministry of Youth With A Mission (YWAM), in prayer as they plan for a school sponsorship program for children who don't have access to education. Pray that God will provide the resources needed to begin this program.

United States
• Please be in prayer for 4-year-old Chelbi who is receiving treatment for rapidly advancing cancer that has spread to her spine. Pray that God's healing hand will be upon this little girl and that God will bring comfort to Chelbi and her family. Pray that God will guide the physicians, nurses and hospital personnel who interact with Chelbi and provide them with an extra measure of compassion for this sick little girl.
• Please continue to pray for 1-year-old Grace*, her foster family, and her birth family as the court date to determine Grace's permanent placement draws near. Grace was placed with this foster family when she was four days old-she knows no other parents. And Grace's foster parents want very much to adopt her.
     ○ Pray for Grace and her birth father's family as they mourn this man's death. Grace's birth father died of a suspected overdose several days after he was released from prison. Please continue to pray for healing and peace for Grace's birth family which has a history of substance abuse, domestic violence, child neglect/abuse, and imprisonment.
     ○ Pray that everyone involved with this case will be guided by what is in Grace's best interest. Pray for the social workers, the legal personnel, the new judge on the case, and the child advocates.
• Please continue to pray for 2-year-old Irene* and 4-year-old Victoria* who are in foster care and have special medical needs. Pray that a loving adoptive home will be found for these little girls. Please pray that they will make significant progress with their mental and physical development in the new year.
* Names changed for confidentiality and/or protection.

Faces of Children
• Please continue to pray that more churches and individuals will join with the ministry of Faces of Children in spreading awareness about children in crisis and inviting more people to pray for children at risk.

God Issues Today: "The Headlines of Your Heart"

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.

"The good news is that Almighty God cares about the headlines of your heart," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Coming to the Tall City

"In just short of a decade," Jackie Chapman wrote in this article for ChristianMusicToday.com, "the David Crowder Band has amassed a loyal following through their uniquely textured alternative worship music."

West Texans will have a chance to hear and enjoy the music and the message for themselves January 14, when David Crowder*Band - a 6-piece Christian electronic rock and worship band from Waco, Texas - takes the stage at Midland Center. Tickets for the concert are $20 each, and can be purchased at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, 800 W. Texas Avenue (on the west edge of downtown Midland); and Mardel Book Store, 5214 W. Wadley Avenue (in northwest Midland). For more information, call First Prez-Midland at 684-7821.

God Issues Today: "Landing In the Rain"

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.

"The next time you find yourself landing in the rain, you might consult Psalm 91," Dr. Denison suggests in today's post at God Issues.

Midland Group: Chinese Church Demolished; Christian Sentenced to Re-education Through Labor

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 ...

Chinese Christian Sentenced to Re-education Through Labor

HENAN, CHINA – On November 10, 2008, house church Christian Mr. Mao Minzi, was sentenced to one year of re-education through labor for “organizing an illegal religious gathering.” Christian attorney Li Baiguang will defend Mao Minzi with the help of ChinaAid’s Legal Defense Fund.

Mao Minzi, age 55, met with other house church Christians at the home of Ms. Wang Xiuzhen located in Zhang village, Cangtou township of Xin’an county, Henan province on January 11, 2008. Authorities confiscated a large number of Christian books and discs and have not returned them. Mao Minzi was detained by authorities on November 3, 2008 and sentenced on November 10, 2008.

Read the "Decision Statement of Re-education Through Labor for Mao Minzi"

Registered Church Demolished, Christians Beaten

JIANGSU, CHINA – The morning of December 17, 2008, police officers, together with nearly a thousand unidentified people, led by government officials from Yancheng city, Jiangsu province and real estate developers, forcibly demolished the Chengnan Christian Church of Tinghu District. The destruction of this registered church came less than 24 hours after the church won a court case protecting their building against the same individuals who attacked it. The mob took away property belonging to the church and beat more than10 Christians. Contacts report that the destruction was the result of government officials and powerful businessmen working in collusion to obtain the coveted church property by force.

On December 24, 1999, Chengnan Christian Church of Tinghu District was formally established upon review, approval and registration by Yancheng Municipal People’s Government. In order to construct a church building which would accommodate a congregation of 800, the church obtained a loan and the Christians enthusiastically donated personal funds for four years.

On June 12, 2003, the congregation bought four mu (about 0.66 acres) of land for the church building. The construction of the church building started in April 2004, and was completed in February 2005. On March 11, 2005, the church members began Sunday worship and various church activities in the church building. Pastor Ding Jianling said: “The grace of the Lord is overflowing, and the investment of five million yuan on the church all comes from the loving donations from brothers and sisters over the past 10 years or so and is the fruit of hard work. Now, the temple of God is built.”

However, beginning in 2006, sources say that real estate developers began to covet the land on which the church was built. The developers established connections in key agencies and departments and planned to build commercial housing units to sell for a large profit.

Because of the pressure to sell the building and property, the church said it was willing to hold negotiations on equal footing to solve the problems. However, real estate developers and the relevant agencies in the government offered to pay only 2,860,000 yuan to settle the matter. They also refused to provide the land to replace the demolished church.

Chengnan Christian Church refused to accept the unfair conditions. Contacts say that the real estate developers collaborated with relevant agencies in the government to harass the church by cutting off the water supply and electricity.

At 9 a.m. on January 16, 2008 government officials and real estate developers called in more than 500 people to lay siege to the church and tried to demolish the building. Since the church had already petitioned, filed a case and reported the incident to the relevant agencies for urgent resolution, and because members of the church came out to protect the building, the church temporarily avoided demolition.

On May 29, 2008 real estate developers and officials once again, attempted to demolish the church, and once again, they failed.

One day in August, a real estate developer desiring to provoke the congregation, beat up one church member so badly that the victim had to be hospitalized. The developer was required to pay for the medical expenses.

Finally, in order to protect themselves from harassment from Yacheng government officials and the real estate developers, the church filed a lawsuit in Tinghu District Court. At 6 p.m. on December 16, 2008, Tinghu District Court ruled in favor of Chengnan Christian Church. After the ruling, the members of the church thought the government agencies and the real estate developers would abide by the law and would leave the church in peace.

However, the following day, December 17, between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., more than 50 Christians were in gathered for prayer in the church, when a large number of police officers and unidentified people suddenly broke in. Without showing identification or giving any explanation, the police officers and attackers dragged the Christians outside the church, while hundreds of government officials, police officers, security guards and a large number of unidentified people gathered outside the church.

According to witnesses, the leader of the mob was Cai Zhaoshan, Deputy General Secretary of Yancheng Municipal Government. Wielding tools, the crowd began to demolish the gate of the church, the office and other structures. Some of the mob loaded debris into trucks and hauled it away. When approximately 10 members of the church tried to stop the attackers, they were beaten.

At the time of this report, contacts reported that the church’s office, the training center and cafeteria have all been destroyed. The damages are estimated to be more than 3 million yuan. Witnesses report that before officials left the scene, they boasted that they would come again in three days to continue the demolition.

Pastor Ding Jianling of Chengnan Christian Church says he is very sad that the church has been destroyed and that the brothers were beaten. Pastor Ding issued this appeal: “Please pray for us. We hope the authorities will repent for what they have done and may they be forgiven. In broad daylight, they occupied our property by force and broke the law knowingly. The government must give us an explanation for this.”

ChinaAid believes this to be a serious incident of religious persecution. This is a significant case exposing the government’s persecution against a Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) church, despite the fact that TSPM churches are registered and approved by the government. Forcible demolition of legally registered churches appears to be a new development in recent years where corrupt government agencies and real estate developers conspire together for huge financial profits at the expense of disadvantaged social groups and religious freedom.

Bob Fu, president of ChinaAid stated: “The central government has demanded on many occasions, both in China and abroad, that churches register, claiming that once churches are registered, they will receive legal protection by the government. How the government handles the Yancheng incident will be the touchstone to test the validity of their claim, freedom of religion and rule of law in China. ChinaAid will advocate for all Christians in China who are persecuted for their faith.”

Contact officials in Yancheng and let them know your concern for this church destruction:
Foreign Affairs Office of Yancheng City, Jiangsu
Director Zhao Ning
Fax： +86-515-6660827
Phone: +86- 515-6660825

Bringing the Word from Uganda to Midland

Natalie Rolfe has spent the last year at Lulwanda Children's Home in Mabale, Uganda, serving "90 of the most precious kids in the WORLD" by teaching them phonics and sharing the love of Jesus with them.

She has kept a running account of her activities in her "When He Calls Me, I Will Answer" blog. She is now on furlough, at home in Texas, and you can meet her this Sunday, January 4, begining at 12:15 p.m. She will be the guest speaker at a pizza lunch at Midland Bible Church, 2800 North A Street. You can call MBC at 684-9722 for more information.

By the way, Natalie's mission to Uganda is a 'work in progress,' and she is already preparing for her return ...

"I am a SUPPORT-RAISING missionary," she explains. "Therefore, I wanted to give the opportunity to those who feel led to give. The Lord deeply cares for orphans (as stated many times in the Word) and He blesses those who contribute to the mission of helping them - whether through going, praying, or sending. If you would like to financially support my second year in Uganda, please make checks out to Midland Bible Church, with Natalie Rolfe in the memo."
Midland Bible Church
2800 North A Street
Midland, TX 79705

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this : to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. - James 1:27

HIV/AIDS Awareness in Thailand, Pt. 2

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.

December'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.

"The estimated population of Thailand is 65,493,000 people of which approximately 614,000 are living with HIV/AIDS ... the estimated adult HIV prevalence rate in Thailand is 1.4%. Total number of AIDS related deaths reported in 2007 is 31,000 (UNAIDS)," Brett and Shelly write in this post at their Welcome to the Jungle blog. "December 1st commemorates World AIDS Day,unfortunately due to Thailand’s unstable political circumstances the World AIDS Day celebration was quite subdued. The original plan was to have a march of WAD participants from each corner of the moat to the center of town ... this was curtailed by the government’s fear of large groups of people gathering due to the recent protestor activity."

Church of Christ in Thailand AIDS Ministry(CAM) along with 6-7 other HIV/AIDS NGO’s and FBO’s organized a WAD celebration in the sub district of Saraphi located in the southern part of Chiang Mai ../. Please pray for the people of Thailand and their continued efforts to care for those suffering from HIV/AIDS.

Rev. Ajan Sanan Wutti
Director of CAM

Spreading the Word in SE AsiaPt. 2: Pictures

Deadly cyclones and repressive governments notwithstanding, our friends in mission based in southeast Asia continue to spread the love of Jesus Christ, not only through their actions, but through the written Word of God. Following is an update we received from Mark and Astrid of the Christian Far East Ministry. We met with them both, learned from them and contributed to their efforts during our Thailand Mission, earlier this year. Their work extends beyond the borders of Thailand into other southeast Asian countries ... as the following post will tell you.

-----

Pt. 2: Pictures

Christian Far East Ministry reports, "below are pictures of the people, many of them Christians, who we feed, aid, encourage, and share the gospel with. They are amazing people. In spite of all the horrors, oppression, and death that have come against them, many are still so kind, gentle, and loving. There seems to be no anger in them; nor unforgive-ness or hostility. Sadness, yes, but they don’t seek revenge, only peace and freedom."

Refugees kneeling in the sand to worship God

Shan children learning a Christian song at outreach

At night we preached and gave Bibles by candlelight
IDPs receive their personal Bibles
A sponsor gave money so we could build this church with a cement floor for the refugee children who jump and dance as they worship God, and who were falling through the floor of their bamboo house on stilts.
Refugee children are praying to the Lord with all of their heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Bibles given at a refugee camp

"And when you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive them, so that also your Father in Heaven may forgive you your trespasses." Mark 11:25

Bringing the Word from Uganda to Midland

Natalie Rolfe has spent the last year at Lulwanda Children's Home in Mabale, Uganda, serving "90 of the most precious kids in the WORLD" by teaching them phonics and sharing the love of Jesus with them.

She has kept a running account of her activities in her "When He Calls Me, I Will Answer" blog. She is now on furlough, at home in Texas, and you can meet her this Sunday, January 4, begining at 12:15 p.m. She will be the guest speaker at a pizza lunch at Midland Bible Church, 2800 North A Street. You can call MBC at 684-9722 for more information.

By the way, Natalie's mission to Uganda is a 'work in progress,' and she is already preparing for her return ...

"I am a SUPPORT-RAISING missionary," she explains. "Therefore, I wanted to give the opportunity to those who feel led to give. The Lord deeply cares for orphans (as stated many times in the Word) and He blesses those who contribute to the mission of helping them - whether through going, praying, or sending. If you would like to financially support my second year in Uganda, please make checks out to Midland Bible Church, with Natalie Rolfe in the memo."
Midland Bible Church
2800 North A Street
Midland, TX 79705

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this : to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. - James 1:27