Monday, September 21, 2009

Please Take Note

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.

Word from Uganda: "Life in Photos"

Missionary teacher Natalie Rolfe writes, "'When He calls me, I will answer ... I'll be somewhere working for my Lord.' My call was Mbale, Uganda and that is where I have returned to serve for another year. Specifically, I am teaching phonics at Lulwanda Children's Home, an orphanage and school for 90 kids." Natalie also keeps an online journal of her service at the weblog, When He calls me, I will answer ...

"I have not done a very good job at keeping up with what is happening here. Sorry. As you probably know, we have had many visitors and many activities, all while still being in the second term of school. But hopefully over the next few weeks I can post some things that I never got around to and other photos that just show life here. I am blogging by the motto that a picture holds a thousand words. Hopefully that proves true.”
CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post
_____________________

If you are interested in supporting LCH by sponsoring one of the 90 children, go to www.ugandaorphans.org If you are interested in financially supporting Natalie in her mission, you can send checks (with "Natalie Rolfe" in memo) to: Midland Bible Church, 2800 North A Street, Midland, TX 79705

Friday, September 18, 2009

Partners Blogcast: "Update on the people displaced from Ler Ber Her area"

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.

Update on the people displaced from Ler Ber Her area

"Over the last week there has been significant co-ordination between Thai authorities, international organisations, community based groups in Mae Sot, and key community leaders."

"The 3500 or so people remain camped in 4 separate locations within the Thai border region, each receiving food, shelter, water, sanitation and medical supplies from a number of interested groups. Partners’ continues to support these people with clothing, shelter & medicine and has been involved in the liaison process regarding finding a temporary safe location for these people within Thailand."

"Last Thursday two Partners staff accompanied other organisations in scouting out land within Thailand for the relocation. The need to have the new arrivals within a central location is to facilitate access for supplies, improve safety and ensure these people move from an ‘emergency context’ to an environment more conducive to temporary living conditions."

"This Wednesday (or thereabouts) at least 1500 people will be relocated to the new site. This weekend local non government organisations are hurriedly building latrines, shelter and food storage facilities. The area is prone to flooding, filled with leaches and access is currently problematic due to a fast flowing river and no bridge. Hopefully a new bridge and road reinforcement will be started and completed, so that the new arrivals can transfer safely."

"It’s expected that the site can properly house 1500 people, yet there are around 3500 people who may potentially move to the new site! A “back up plan” has been made. The overflow area is close by, but unfortunately hills, water and sanitation access difficult."

"The bombing has now stopped, and the displaced people desire to return to their homeland. Yet the risk of exploding landmines & fear associated with being forcefully recruited as porters for the DKBA and food insecurity still remain. Please continue to pray for grace and mercy for these displaced people and that the transition to this new temporary location will be peaceful and stress free

Kathryn Halley

Investing in the Koin Shop

Koinonia, meaning "fellowship" in ancient Greek, is the cornerstone of a new small-group ministry at First Presbyterian Church-Midland. Join them as they follow the biblical tradition of finding deeper life in Christ through small groups. For more information, call Shannon Weisenfels at (432) 684-7821.

In the News ... "Volunteers Needed For Howard County Chaplain Corps"

By Wyatt Goolsby
Anchor, Reporter
KWES-TV

BIG SPRING, TEXAS - local group in Howard County is looking for volunteers to help, especially in emergencies. The County Chaplains Corps is hosting a recruitment training session within the next couple of months. Chaplains are on-call to assist individuals or families spiritually in a crisis or accident.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the KWES story
CLICK HERE to watch video of this report

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Reports From Lulwanda: "The Good Neighbor Program"

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. Those updates include reports on the home's "Good Neighbor Program."

"It has always been the desire of GICF to ensure that the children of Lulwanda Children’s Home have contact with children outside the Home, to stay in touch with the culture of Uganda," he explains. "We also want to build on the existing goodwill we have in the community by allowing our children to share God’s love with those less fortunate. We hope to achieve these aims through 'The Good Neighbor Program,' which was kicked off in March, 2007."

CLICK HERE to read more about the "Good Neighbor Program" at Lulwanda Children's Home.

Pictures Worth a Thou... No, a MILLION Words

On the premise that, "what the eyes have seen, the heart cannot forget," you are invited to experience the plight of the displaced children of Burma through an interactive exhibit of paintings and stories.

"Hope Behind the Red Bamboo" will hold an opening event and reception Tuesday, October 13, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Claydesta Atrium, in Midland. Presented by the Champions for Burma Ministry, and First Presbyterian Church of Midland, the exhibit features artwork from children ... decidedly different from what you might have hanging on the door of your refrigerator at home.

The paintings are the product of an art therapy program conducted at an IDP (internally displaced person) camp inside Burma. Along with the paintings are the faces and stories of each child artist - memories of their life before and after the enemy came.
Raising awareness ... and raising funds. 100% of the proceeds raised through this exhibit will directly support the relief efforts of Partners Relief & Development, a registered non-profit charity helping thousands of refugees and displaced people in Thailand, Burma and Indonesia; and the Free Burma Rangers, a humanitarian service movement that brings help, hope and love to people in the war zones of Burma.

In the News ... "Filmmakers hope audiences will embrace 'Gold Score' as inspirational family film"

By Megan Lea Buck
Assistant Lifestyle Editor
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Seven years ago Terrance Alan began working on the script for a film inspired by a song he and fellow songwriter William Demmon had composed. Now in its pre-production phase, the Christian family film “Gold Score” will be set in Post, and includes such ubiquitous Texan themes as high school football and bull riding.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Word from Thailand: "Typical Day in Chiang Mai"

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.

"I was taking Keith and Shelly, who are friends visiting from Albania, to get a Thai massage. Shelly and Keith were in Peace Corps with us in Moldova and now Shelly is the Admin Officer for Peace Corps Albania," Brett writes in this post at their Welcome to the Jungle blog. "On the way out, while we were driving in the Moobaan (neighborhood), we spotted an elephant walking along the street. Which, surprisingly, in not an uncommon occurance. Just a typical day in Chiang Mai."

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 09/16/09

Belize
Give thanks to God that 9-year-old Moses was able to receive surgery and treatment in the United States after he was run over by a dump truck. Moses has made a miraculous recovery when it wasn't expected that he would survive. Thanks be to God that he was able to return home to Belize with his mother recently. Pray for his continued healing and growth.

Kenya
Thanks and praise to God for the work of the staff and volunteers with the Kijabe Feeding Program in Kenya. Thirty-five families and 120 children have received food on a regular basis through this program. Pray for these children and their families, and the people of Kenya who are experiencing one of the worst droughts in a decade.
Pray that God will provide the necessary resources and people to bring the vision of Naomi's Village, a children's home, to fruition. Give God thanks for this home that will care for up to 110 children. Pray for God's favor upon this project and that the children who need this care will be easily identified.


North Korea
Please pray for the children and people of North Korea who are held in this country's labor camps. Human rights groups and Western governments estimate that hundreds of thousands of people have died in these brutal camps during the 50 years they have been in existence. Pray for the generations of families who are condemned to the camps because of something a relative has done-guilt-by-association is used to enforce totalitarian rule.
A report from the Washington Post
Keep in prayer the children of North Korea who suffer because of their country's chronic food shortages and government policies. U.N. food agencies estimate that more than a third of North Korea's 23.5 million people will require food aid this year.
A report from the Washington Post
Another report from the Washington Post


Peru
Please pray for 18-year-old Yolanda and her 5-year-old twins, Miguel and Esteban, who all live in a home for teen mothers. Pray that God will provide a stable home for them and the guidance of a loving, Christian family. Pray that Yolanda will be able to provide better education and life opportunities for herself and her sons.
Give thanks to God for Andrea's change of heart towards her 2-month-old daughter. Before Andrea's recent commitment to follow Jesus Christ, she was very bitter towards her baby. Please pray that this relationship between Andrea and her Savior will grow stronger every day and that she will continue to nurture and love her daughter.
Pray that God will soften Mary's heart so she would love and care for her baby instead of trying to get others to take care of him.


United States
Please keep 7-year-old Sarah, a troubled young soul, held close in prayer as she struggles with the loss of her beloved adoptive mother. Pray that Sarah is surrounded by those who will understand when she acts out in anger and frustration and love her despite her inappropriate behavior.
Give God thanks and praise that 3-month-old Caleb was able to go home from the hospital. Caleb had a heart transplant when he was only a few weeks old. Please continue to pray for his healing and growth and that God will guide and comfort his parents.
Praise God for answering prayers for 9-year-old Genna and her 3-year-old brother Andrew. Their young mother died suddenly, leaving them in the care of their grandfather who was also caring for their grandmother, a stroke victim. Thanks be to God that Genna's teacher and her husband expressed a desire to raise these two little ones and are now their foster parents. Please continue to pray for this new family as Andrew requires specialized care.

Faces of Children
Please keep Ann, a Faces of Children friend, and her family in prayer as she begins treatment for cancer. Pray that God will bless her with healing and comfort during this frightening time.

In the News ... "Pope exhibit coming to Midland"

By Mycah Glover
Reporter
KMID-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Some exciting news for West Texas, and Midland College in particular. MC President, Dr. Stephen Thomas, announced that his campus will be the first stop on a U-S tour featuring a historic collection of over 140 personal items of the late Pope John Paul II.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the KMID story
CLICK HERE to watch video of this report

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Campus Mission

The Fall 2009 Midland College Club Fair, hosted by MC’s Student Activities office, was a big success with more than 250 students meeting-and-greeting representatives of 39 campus clubs and off-campus organizations, representing a wide variety of interests and activities. These included a variety of Christian ministries and programs.



Midland group shares pastor's open letter to Chinese president

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.

Midland group shares pastor's open letter to Chinese president

Released by ChinaAid, August, 2009 ...

"HENAN, CHINA – With the 60th Anniversary Celebration of Communist Party rule in China rapidly approaching, Chinese authorities continue vilifying Christians as a danger to the Chinese state, boldly taking actions to dismantle and control the independent Christian church, especially in Beijing. In response, Pastor 'Bike' Zhang Mingxuan, President and Founder of the Chinese House Church Alliance, issued his fourth public 'Open Letter to President Hu Jintao,' on August 16, 2009."
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

Investing in the Koin Shop

Koinonia, meaning "fellowship" in ancient Greek, is the cornerstone of a new small-group ministry at First Presbyterian Church-Midland. Join them as they follow the biblical tradition of finding deeper life in Christ through small groups. For more information, call Shannon Weisenfels at (432) 684-7821.

In the News ... "Genesis Class"

Roy Waggoner
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Adam Penrod isn’t Jewish, but he wants to learn as much about what is effectively the Jewish Bible using the ancient Jewish sources. It’s an approach he has brought to Odessa with a new class on the book of Genesis.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story

Monday, September 14, 2009

Midland Group Offers "Prayer Band That Started a Revolution"

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 ...

This prayer band has been declared illegal in China.

Chinese police have stopped people on the streets and taken the bands off their wrists. Some have been interrogated and arrested; at least three families were evicted from their homes—for the government, the prayer band is a symbol of revolution.

We thank everyone across the U.S. and around the world who answered the call to wear a "Pray for China" prayer band and pray during the Olympics. Your willingness to stand with Chinese house church Christians encouraged them as they also wore prayer bands and prayed for their country. Their commitment came with a cost. Read more.

Yet, house church Christians refuse to be intimidated. They say that prayer for China is even more critical now that the world is no longer watching. Persecution has increased. Will you join in this revolution of prayer for China?

"They can arrest me or put me in prison, but I'm not going to stop praying for China. Although the prayer band is banned in China, prayer can never be banned. I am asking every Christian to support believers in China by wearing a prayer band." - a prominent house church leader

At this crucial time, will you partner in prayer? And, will you please forward this information to others who will want to pray for the persecuted in China.

» Click here to order a China Prayer Band

Word from Uganda: "Thought"

Missionary teacher Natalie Rolfe writes, "'When He calls me, I will answer ... I'll be somewhere working for my Lord.' My call was Mbale, Uganda and that is where I have returned to serve for another year. Specifically, I am teaching phonics at Lulwanda Children's Home, an orphanage and school for 90 kids." Natalie also keeps an online journal of her service at the weblog, When He calls me, I will answer ...

"Continued violence and disruption in Kampala and surrounding areas ..." This was an email that I got from my insurance. They send me emails when health or political news happens in Uganda, just to keep me informed. My first thought - “What? I don’t understand what this is even about and how the riots are going to accomplish anything. What about a peaceful demonstration?”
CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post
_____________________

If you are interested in supporting LCH by sponsoring one of the 90 children, go to www.ugandaorphans.org If you are interested in financially supporting Natalie in her mission, you can send checks (with "Natalie Rolfe" in memo) to: Midland Bible Church, 2800 North A Street, Midland, TX 79705

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

"A man out of the crowd answered, 'Teacher, I brought my mute son, made speechless by a demon, to you. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and goes stiff as a board. I told your disciples, hoping they could deliver him, but they couldn't.'

Jesus said, 'What a generation! No sense of God! How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this? Bring the boy here.' They brought him. When the demon saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a seizure, causing him to writhe on the ground and foam at the mouth. He asked the boy's father, 'How long has this been going on?'

'Ever since he was a little boy. Many times it pitches him into fire or the river to do away with him. If you can do anything, do it. Have a heart and help us!'

Jesus said, 'If? There are no ifs among believers. Anything can happen.' No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, 'Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!' Seeing that the crowd was forming fast, Jesus gave the vile spirit its marching orders: 'Dumb and deaf spirit, I command you-Out of him, and stay out!' Screaming, and with much thrashing about, it left.

After arriving back home, his disciples cornered Jesus and asked, 'Why couldn't we throw the demon out?' He answered, 'There is no way to get rid of this kind of demon except by prayer.'"

Mark 9:17-26, 28-29, "The Message" by Eugene Peterson

Greetings, Faces of Children Intercessor,

Do you know how a particular piece of scripture will just jump right out at you sometimes? That happened to me when I was reading this story of the demon-possessed son and how Jesus cast it out. The part where Jesus responded to the desperate father's plea really caught my attention.

Jesus said, "If? There are no 'ifs' among believers. Anything can happen.

I asked myself if I really do believe that anything can happen. I want to believe that it is possible for God to do anything, especially when it comes to the hurting children of the world. I want to believe.Lord Jesus help my unbelief.

We'll meet as a community of believers to pray for the children of our world on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride's Room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland. Please stay afterwards for lunch ($5) and fellowship.

Thank you so much for your love and prayers for God’s children! If you have concerns or celebrations about children that you’d like included on the prayer list, please send it to me at claufer@facesofchildren.net or give me a call.

Praying for the children of the world with hope and expectation and wanting to believe that anything can happen,
Chris

In the News ... "Pope John Paul II exhibit to be historic opportunity for MC"

By Jimmy Patterson
Online Editor
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Everything from personal photos and notebooks to medals and the wooden skis, backpack and tent used by Pope John Paul II will be part of a historic exhibit starting in December at the McCormick Gallery at the Allison Fine Arts Building at Midland College.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story
CLICK HERE to watch video of the press conference announcing the exhibit

Friday, September 11, 2009

Partners Blogcast: "Kirkegaard Nails It"

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.

Kirkegaard Nails It

"The matter is quite simple. The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly. Take any words in the New Testament and forget everything except pledging yourself to act accordingly. My God, you will say, if I do that my whole life will be ruined. How would I ever get on in the world? Herein lies the real place of Christian scholarship. Christian scholarship is the Church’s prodigious invention to defend itself against the Bible, to ensure that we can continue to be good Christians without the Bible coming too close. Oh, priceless scholarship, what would we do without you? Dreadful it is to fall into the hands of the living God. Yes, it is even dreadful to be alone in the New Testament." Soren Kirkegaard

Steve Gumaer

Equipping for Mission, Evangelism

H. Stanley wood, who authored Extraordinary Leaders in Extraordinary Times, will be leading a morning workshop on Saturday, September 12, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon, at First Presbyterian Church-Midland.

The workshop will focus on two crucial areas for congregations: the formation of missional churches (what that means, and requires), and evangelism in 21st-century America.

Call 684-7821 for more information.

Book Note
Extraordinary Leaders in Extraordinary Times is an illuminating study of the most successful pastors of new churches in seven American mainline denominations. Four expert scholars — H. Stanley Wood, Carl S. Dudley, Darrell L. Guder, and Robert S. Hoyt — carefully analyze the results of a comprehensive survey of more than 700 founding pastors of new-church developments. The insights distilled here draw a blueprint for successful ministry to the unchurched in the twenty-first century.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Reports From Lulwanda: May, 2009

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.

May, 2009

"God continues to be gracious to us as things seem to be moving on well. Our children are well, the staff and the projects and programs are moving in the right direction. Our children continue to grow well and many have been transformed into active and assertive children who do every thing with vigor, love and commitment."
CLICK HERE to read the rest of his May, 2009 report.
CLICK HERE to visit the Lulwanda Photo Gallery for May, 2009.

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 09/09/09

Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Southern Sudan
• Please pray for the 125,000 people displaced along the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, southern Sudan, and the Central African Republic because of attacks by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a rebel militia that terrorized Northern Uganda for decades.
• Pray for children and families who have been forced from their homes and communities by violent attacks from the LRA. Pray for those who have lost family members and friends.
• Please pray for the girls and boys who have been kidnapped by this organization and forced into servitude as sex slaves or child soldiers.
• Pray that the leaders of the LRA will be brought to justice soon! Pray for an end to the violence and destruction that threatens to destabilize central Africa.
A report from alertnet.org
Another report from alertnet.org

India
• Give thanks to God for Amigo and Rejeena and the work they are doing with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Delhi. Pray for Celena, Kuljeet, and Shivan—three siblings Amigo and Rejeena have taken into their home to raise—and for their biological daughter Jonnina. Pray that God will guide these foster parents and provide the resources they need to care for their children.

Kenya ( CURE International – www.helpcurenow.org )
• Pray for the disabled children receiving treatment at the CURE International Hospital in Kenya and for the medical staff and caregivers there. Please also pray for a 15-year-old girl named Racheal.

United States
Thanks be to God for the wonderful news 4-year-old Chelbi and her family received recently. Earlier this year, Chelbi was diagnosed with and treated for a rapidly advancing cancer that had also spread to her spine. Last week, they were told that the cancer is gone! Give God thanks and praise for Chelbi’s healing and for answering prayers in this amazing way!
• Please keep 1-year-old David* in prayer as he has to undergo extensive dental surgery as a result of negligent behavior by his biological parents. David was given soda pop in his bottle at bedtime, causing decay in his baby teeth. Pray for David’s foster parents as they now care for him, his baby sister, and their biological sons.
*Name changed for confidentiality and/or protection.
• Give thanks to God that 2-year-old Jack has made some significant improvements following his third heart surgery. Please keep Jack in prayer as he continues with his recovery.
• Please hold 6-month-old Kendall close in prayer during this uncertain time. Kendall’s mother died of a drug overdose and her father is in prison. She has recently been placed in the custody of the state because her grandparents are unable to care for her. Pray that Kendall will be placed in a loving foster home.
• Give thanks and praise to God for answered prayers regarding 3-year-old Izzy who won’t have to have an additional eye surgery. Izzy’s doctor was very happy and surprised at how good her eyes looked during her post surgery examination. Izzy’s parents and family are grateful to God for this wonderful news and for all of the prayers on their daughter’s behalf.
• Please keep 8-year-old Sam held close in prayer as he receives treatment for an aggressive cancer of the bone. Pray that God’s healing hand will be upon Sam and that God will bring comfort to him, his parents, and little sisters, Aubrey and Caitlin. Pray that God will guide the physicians, nurses and hospital personnel who interact with Sam and provide them with an extra measure of compassion for this little boy.
• Please also pray that God will bless 8-year-old Ethan — who has brain cancer — with healing and comfort. Pray that God will surround Ethan with support, love, and tenderness. Pray for his parents, family, and friends as they navigate this difficult medical situation.

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.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

In the News ... "Orthodox mission church established in Odessa"

Roy Waggoner
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Search Google Maps for Baptist churches in Odessa and 348 locations pop up from all around the Odessa-Midland region.

Methodist: 119. However, Google only shows one result for an Eastern Orthodox Church: a new group meeting at Westminster Presbyterian Church, a mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Church jurisdiction.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Word from Thailand: "Hope Home"

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.

"I thought my work in Thailand would be primarily related to HIV/AIDS education due to my background as an ESL teacher and having been an HIV/AIDS instructor for the American Red Cross," Shelly writes in this post at their Welcome to the Jungle blog. "While I have been assisting Brett with grant-writing and proposals for the Church of Christ in Thailand’s AIDS Ministry (CAM), I have also found my own calling"

イエス・キリストのためのヘビ

So, what's on YOUR pulpit? Mexico has Fray Tormenta ... now Midland has Steven-san and Master-Todd, going to the mat - literally - in their efforts to bring more youth to Christ.

These shots were taken Sunday evening, at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, following the end of their Fall Youth Program Kickoff. Steve Schorr is Senior Pastor at First Prez, and Todd Wyrick (the one with the beard) is the church's Minister of Youth.


Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Midland group reports Chinese Christians sentenced after interview with foreign media

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.

Midland group reports Chinese Christians sentenced after interview with foreign media

Released by ChinaAid, August, 2009 ...

"HENAN, CHINA – On August 13, 2009, several police officers broke into the fellowship home of Christians in Sanggu town, Xiayi County in Henan, and unlawfully seized Brothers Li Guangren and Zheng Xincai at 8:00 PM. The police officials disrupted the worship gathering, and with no legal explanation, arrested Li and Zheng and drove off with them in two vehicles."
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

Equipping for Mission, Evangelism

H. Stanley wood, who authored Extraordinary Leaders in Extraordinary Times, will be leading a morning workshop on Saturday, September 12, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon, at First Presbyterian Church-Midland.

The workshop will focus on two crucial areas for congregations: the formation of missional churches (what that means, and requires), and evangelism in 21st-century America.

Call 684-7821 for more information.

Book Note
Extraordinary Leaders in Extraordinary Times is an illuminating study of the most successful pastors of new churches in seven American mainline denominations. Four expert scholars — H. Stanley Wood, Carl S. Dudley, Darrell L. Guder, and Robert S. Hoyt — carefully analyze the results of a comprehensive survey of more than 700 founding pastors of new-church developments. The insights distilled here draw a blueprint for successful ministry to the unchurched in the twenty-first century.

In the News ... "New principal at Catholic school"

Roy Waggoner
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - St. Mary’s Central Catholic School has gone through both some good and difficult times during its 50-year history.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Sparkling Mission

Annie Dieselberg heads the staff at NightLight, a ministry in urban Bangkok, Thailand, that reaches out to women and children working in the bar areas of the Nana-Sukhumvit district. Located in a neighborhood with a growing sex trade, Nightlight’s vision is to share the Light of the world in both word and deed to those who live in darkness, and to combat the sexual exploitation of women and children, both Thai and foreign.

Right now, Annie tells us, the greatest need at NightLight is to sell more jewelry. NightLight Design Co., Ltd. is a registered jewellery business which employs women coming out of prostitution or having been at risk of prostitution and/or trafficking.

If you are interested in hosting a jewelry party please write to Charity at charity@nightlightusa.org, and she will assist you in setting that up.

Remember the beautiful jewelry is also available on-line at http://www.nightlightbangkok.com/

"God is going before us to the bars preparing the way. He is sending us to receive the women and give hope," Annie writes. "We ask you to join us in this adventure. Thank you to those of you who already do. You are saving lives!"

Word from Uganda: "Dyana we will miss you!! "

Missionary teacher Natalie Rolfe writes, "'When He calls me, I will answer ... I'll be somewhere working for my Lord.' My call was Mbale, Uganda and that is where I have returned to serve for another year. Specifically, I am teaching phonics at Lulwanda Children's Home, an orphanage and school for 90 kids." Natalie also keeps an online journal of her service at the weblog, When He calls me, I will answer ...

"Yesterday we had some shocking news that has sadly impacted the children's home. Our wonderful nurse came back about 3 weeks ago from being home for her brother's funeral but hadn't been feeling well since she had returned to Uganda. Yesterday she went into town and did tests to see what was wrong. To her surprise her white blood cell count was extremely too high, indicating that she has Leukemia. How? Why? Since when? We don't know.”
CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post

If you are interested in supporting LCH by sponsoring one of the 90 children, go to www.ugandaorphans.org If you are interested in financially supporting Natalie in her mission, you can send checks (with "Natalie Rolfe" in memo) to: Midland Bible Church, 2800 North A Street, Midland, TX 79705

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

"If there is any focus that the Christian leader of the future will need, it is the discipline of dwelling in the presence of the One who keeps asking us, ‘Do you love me? Do you love me? Do you love me?’ This is the discipline of contemplative prayer.

Through contemplative prayer we can keep ourselves from being pulled from one urgent issue to another and from becoming strangers to our own heart and God’s heart. Contemplative prayer keeps us home, rooted and safe, even when we are on the road, moving from place to place, and often surrounded by sounds of violence and war.

Contemplative prayer deepens in us the knowledge that we are already free, that we have already found a place to dwell, that we already belong to God, even though everything and everyone around us keep suggesting the opposite."

"In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership" by Henri J.M. Nouwen

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

After reading John Ortberg’s book, God Is Closer than You Think, I began to intentionally practice the discipline Nouwen talks about above—dwelling in the presence of God, recognizing that God is with me each and every moment.

It has been an eye-opening practice and one that I wonder if I’ll ever fully master. At times I’ve become quite frustrated with myself when I realize almost half a day has gone by and I’ve not consciously been aware of God’s presence. At other times, I find myself grinning like a fool because of the joy I feel dwelling in God’s presence —knowing God is right there with me in that moment

This coming Wednesday, September 9, 2009 you are invited to join us as we pray for the children of our community and our world—that they might experience this same joy and peace dwelling in the presence of God. We’ll meet at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s Room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland. I hope you’ll be able to stay afterwards for lunch ($5) and fellowship.

Thank you so much for your love and prayers for God’s children! If you have concerns or celebrations about children that you’d like included on the prayer list, please send it to me at claufer@facesofchildren.net or give me a call.

May Christ be beside you always,
Chris

In the News ... "After 10 years, a lot of growth, Stonegate members don't plan to 'stand still'"

By Megan Lea Buck
Assistant Lifestyle Editor
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - On a Sunday in August 1999, 200 people attended a worship service of Stonegate Fellowship Church. Ten years later, the church at 6000 W. Wadley Ave. has an average Sunday attendance of 3,500 people.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Friday, September 4, 2009

A Prayer Request from Dave

The following prayer request comes to us from Dave Eubank, founder of the Free Burma Rangers. His words and photos also provide insight into the FBR, a multi-ethnic humanitarian service movement that brings help, hope and love to people in the war zones of Burma.

The back problem is with Monkey of Ka Paw Say, the deputy director of FBR and head pastor. He is also in charge of all FBR video and he is the one that made the White Monkey video.

We sent him to the hospital in Bangkok today for surgery - please pray for him and that we can give him the best help.

Thanks and God bless you,
Dave



Monkey is the deputy director of the Free Burma Rangers and is the team pastor as well as head video man for all 52 multi- ethnic relief teams. ('White Monkey' was his video and he has shot most of our good footage). As the lead pastor he is responsible for the spiritual health of all our teams as well as our spiritual direction. We do this as a team but rely heavily on Monkey for his open heart to God, humility and dedication.

I have included pictures of him distributing Bibles, baptizing new believers and working in the jungle. His family (he has two of his own and has adopted two more) is in a refugee camp on the Thai side of the border and he spends up to 8 months a year away from them helping families in Burma who are under attack. (We are planning on moving his family out of the camp this year and finding him a place to say so they can be together more).

Monkey is not only a key leader of the FBR he is also an inspiration to the displaced families in Burma and we need him to be able to keep walking in to help these people.

About 6 months ago began having acute back pain. We took him to a hosptal here in Thailand after a mission and it was discovered that he has a herniated disk that is almost pinched off. The doctors told him he could try steroid injections or an operation. He chose the injections and even though in great pain he went back out on another mission. Now he is in more pain and his motion is limited. We want to send him down to Bangkok to have an operation (micro-diskectomy).

Our FBR team physician, Dr. Mitch Ryan, feels that is the best option and that we need to do it as soon as possible.

Thanks and God bless you,
Dave
'Father of the White Monkey'

Monkey gives Bible to IDP lady Monkey on IV and sat-phone call during attacks
Monkey prays with survivor, for two killed by Burma Army
Monkey baptizes Shan man
Monkey baptizes Karen man

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

NightLight Bangkok 06

Annie Dieselberg speaks to what you can be doing at home to help their ministry in Thailand.

Annie Dieselberg heads the staff at NightLight, a ministry in urban Bangkok, Thailand, that reaches out to women and children working in the bar areas of the Nana-Sukhumvit district. Located in a neighborhood with a growing sex trade, Nightlight’s vision is to share the Light of the world in both word and deed to those who live in darkness, and to combat the sexual exploitation of women and children, both Thai and foreign.

Right now, the greatest need at NightLight is to sell more jewelry. NightLight Design Co., Ltd. is a registered jewellery business which employs women coming out of prostitution or having been at risk of prostitution and/or trafficking. If you are interested in hosting a jewelry party please write to Charity at charity@nightlightusa.org . Charity will assist you in setting that up. Remember the beautiful jewelry is also available on-line at http://www.nightlightbangkok.com/ .

"God is going before us to the bars preparing the way. He is sending us to receive the women and give hope," Annie writes. "We ask you to join us in this adventure. Thank you to those of you who already do. You are saving lives!"