Teichert Prayer Letter for June

Karl and Jenny Teichert are serving the Lord as missionaries with OC Africa, in South Africa. They moved to Johannesburg in November, 1997 with their four children; Ann, Scott, Stephen and John. Karl serves as the Southern Africa Director of the Southern Africa Regional Team. Their vision is to see a healthy, Bible-based church established in every un-reached village and community in South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia and beyond. Their strategy is to partner with key African church leaders to research, train, and mobilize the body of Christ to complete the Great Commission. They are striving to equip local leaders in Southern Africa to reach their nations for Christ and send missionaries into other countries as well.

June Letter ...

Dear family and friends,

Unlike your usual missionary letter, this letter is coming from a supporter of your missionary. Like you, we at OC’s headquarters (U.S. Mobilization Center) are part of your missionary’s support team. And like you, we do what we can to keep your missionary effectively serving in the country to which God has called them. Part of that service includes the processing of their monthly letters. Doing this saves our missionaries hours of labor each month, freeing them to carry out effective ministry on the field. In addition, it saves each missionary printing and postage expenses.

Over the past several months we have been transitioning to new database software. This “software storm” has heavily impacted our finance and communications departments. For prayer letters it means ensuring that the 40,000 letters we send out monthly go to the right people with the right addresses. We have tested the system, and this month we are going “live” with a single common letter—this prayer letter. We would request that you continue to pray for your missionary, for their physical and spiritual health, for open doors for the gospel, and for clear direction from the Lord.

Please also pray for us at the U.S. Mobilization Center, where we perform supporting tasks like prayer letters, member care, finance, training, recruiting, and much more. Like you, we are the ones behind the scenes, and we are glad to serve the Kingdom work in this way.

We are also here to serve you. If you have a minute to give us some feedback, we would be very grateful. You may go online to surveymonkey.com and do a short survey electronically. We want to hear your heart. Thank you for listening to ours.

Yours for the Kingdom,

Greg Gripentrog

OC Africa is an interdenominational ministry committed to developing, equipping, and mobilizing church leaders to multiply healthy, Bible-based churches in every community in Southern Africa and the world. OC is a faith-based mission who depends on the Lord to provide committed, financial supporters and partners. The contributions from these individuals help generate ministry opportunities around the world, impact missionaries and their global work, and provide a means for the International Mobilization Center to function. CLICK HERE to learn how YOU can be a part of mobilizing church leaders around the world by donating to OC.

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 7/13/11

CHILD LABOR - Pray for the estimated 215 million children around the world who work, often full time. Pray for children who labor in jobs that jeopardize their physical, mental, or moral well-being. Pray for those who are denied an education, proper nutrition, and care.
A report from the International Labour Organization
• Pray for those who work in hazardous conditions: those who are sold or trafficked, held in debt bondage, serfdom, or forced labor; those who are forced or recruited into armed conflict; those who are prostituted, made to produce pornography, or used in pornographic performances.
• Pray for children who are exposed to physical, psychological, or sexual abuse in the work they perform.
• Pray for those who work underground, under water, at dangerous heights, in confined spaces, with dangerous machinery, equipment and tools, or lift or transport heavy loads.
• Pray for those who work in unhealthy environments that expose them to hazardous substances, agents, or processes, or to temperatures, noise levels, or vibrations damaging to their health.
• Pray for children who work long hours, work night shifts, or are unreasonably confined to the employer's premises.
• Pray for the elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
Another report from the International Labour Organization

MEXICO - Please pray for the children and people of Mexico who are affected by the escalating drug cartel violence.
• Pray for children who witness this violence and live in fear every day. Pray for those who have had parents or relatives disappear-bus loads of passengers have been kidnapped by drug cartel traffickers and allegedly forced into gladiator-like fights to groom fresh assassins.
A report from the Huston Chronicle
• Pray for an end to the insatiable demand for drugs and that the drug wars plaguing Mexico will cease.

NIGERIA - Please keep in prayer the 32 teenage girls who were rescued from a "baby factory" where they were allegedly forced to have babies that were then offered for sale for trafficking, black magic rituals, or illegal adoption. Pray that God will bring healing and peace to these 15- to 17-year-old young women. Pray for the babies who have been sold. Thanks be to God the owner of this "baby factory" was arrested and faces charges of child abuse and human trafficking. Pray for justice for these girls and babies.
A report from Yahoo News
• Pray for the estimated 15 million child laborers in Nigeria. Pray for those working in very dangerous jobs. Pray that God will free children from work that is hazardous or demeaning and robs them of the chance to be children.
A report from AlertNet

RUSSIA - Pray that God will comfort and bring peace to Darya following the death of her 8-month-old son Maxim last November. Give thanks to God for Darya's passionate work in challenging the incompetence and heartlessness she encountered in the Russian healthcare system. A Russian government study suggests that health care is the most corrupt field in Russia and public spending on health care is very low.
• Thanks be to God that Darya has been able to raise enough money to reopen a children's clinic in her community, complete with an emergency room. The clinic had been converted into a for-profit adult treatment center and wasn't available when Maxim was in medical crisis. And thank God for the formation of a grass-roots nonprofit organization, Health Care for Children, that has been launched to help the children of Russia secure proper medical care.
A report from the Washington Post

UGANDA - Please keep Pastor Peter and the staff with DEYWA in prayer as they minister to the physical and spiritual needs of 100 orphaned children. Pray that God will provide the resources needed to make this ministry self-sustaining. Please pray that God will comfort and bring peace and healing to the leaders of this ministry as they mourn the recent death of one of these children. Pray for encouragement in the face of these challenges.

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.
• If you have prayer requests about children, those who care for them, those who have authority over them, or those who harm them (the really hard prayers to say sometimes), please send them to Chris Laufer, FOC Coordinator, at claufer@facesofchildren.net

In the News ... "Catholic Churches of South Odessa gets new priests"

By Lyxan Toledanes
Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - At the Catholic Churches of South Odessa parishes, it’s out with the old and in with the new – priests, that is. The Revs. Serafin Avenido and Patrick Okpanobong are serving at the St. Joseph and St. Anthony parishes and the St. Martin de Porres mission.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 13, 2011

IRELAND - Roma families who fled their Belfast homes after racist attacks receive help from churches.
CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Exorcism seminar draws in crowd of hundreds"

By Sara Higgins
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - A conference on evil and the unknown compelled hundreds to gather at a weekday presentation offered by the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo. About 700 individuals from all over West Texas traveled to San Angelo Monday for a seminar on exorcism and diabolical influence.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 12, 2011

PORTUGAL - Rev. Bob and Keiko Butterfield arrived in Portugal as new PC(USA) mission co-workers in 2010. They brought with them community organizing and church growth ministry experience in Brazil and the United States. They are serving in Abrantes, a city of 41,000 people, and working with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Portugal (IEPP), a PC(USA) partner, in evangelism and community development.
CLICK HERE to read more.

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).

"Prayer and Acceptance" (continued)

"The wisdom of the world is the wisdom that says:

'It is best to stand firm, to get a good grip on what's yours here and now, and to hold your own against the rest who want to take it away from you; you've got to be on your guard against ambush. If you don't carry a weapon, if you don't make a fist, and if you don't scramble to get what you need-food and shelter-then you're just asking to be threadbare and destitute, and you'll end up trying to find a mediocre satisfaction in a generosity which no one appreciates. You open your hands and they pound in nails! Smart people keep on their toes, with muscles tense and fists clenched; they squint and are always ready for an unexpected attack.'

That's how a person's inner life often appears. If you nurture thoughts of peace, you have to be open and receiving. But can you do it, do you dare? Suspicion, jealousy, hate, revenge, resentment, and greed are there before you've even given them names.

'What are they really trying to do?' 'What's actually on their minds?' 'They must not be laying all their cards on the table.' 'There's certainly more to that remark than meets the eye.'

Often such feelings arise even before thoughts can be formulated. Something deep inside you has already tightened up:

'Watch out, plan your tactics, and hold your weapons in readiness.'

And so thoughts of peace remain far away. You fear they are too dangerous or impractical. You think:

'Those who don't arm themselves share the guilt for their own fall.'

How can you expect a gift in such a mood? Can you even imagine that your life could be any other way? No wonder praying presents such a problem, for it requires a constant readiness to lay down your weapons and let go of feelings which tell you to keep a safe distance. It requires you to live in the constant expectation that God, who makes everything new, will cause you to be born again."
With Open Hands, by Henri J.M. Nouwenn

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

This reflection is a continuation of last week's devotion from the chapter "Prayer and Acceptance" from Henri Nouwen's book With Open Hands. I will be sharing portions of the rest of this chapter with you for several more weeks and hope they will bless you as they have me.

This particular passage challenges me to let go of the instinctive, intuitive thoughts that immediately surface when I'm feeling threatened, insecure, vulnerable, or angry. It challenges me to dismantle the wall I've constructed around myself to protect me from what I perceive is harmful. Nouwen's words urge me to do the counter-intuitive-to think and act in ways that are contrary to what my primal first response would be. His words encourage me to nurture those thoughts of peace; to lay my weapons down; to disregard the safe distance; and most of all, to open my hands and my heart with joyous anticipation of the gift God promises ...

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God's mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23 (English Standard Version)

The Midland Faces of Children prayer group will meet on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride's room at First Presbyterian Church-Midland to pray for children. I hope you will be able to join us. Lunch ($5) and a time of fellowship will follow.

If you have requests about children, those who care for them, those who have authority over them, or those who harm them (the really hard prayers to say sometimes), please send them to me at at claufer@facesofchildren.net, or give me a call.

With grateful thanks for God's unceasing love,

Chris

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 11, 2011

EUROPE (Continued) - During my visit to Lodz, in one of the Evangelical Reformed Church in Poland congregations with which Doug and Liz Searles serve, I witnessed firsthand how Liz's infectious smile and sense of God's purpose draw people in. In all three of those congregations, music from a variety of traditions is bringing people to church. With renewed enthusiasm, they are spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Video Vault: "Dispatches from the Front: Intro"

"Believers everywhere desperately need a renewed vision of Christ and the unstoppable advance of His saving work in all the earth. Our view of God’s Kingdom is often too small and limited to what we have experienced. "Dispatches from the Front" highlights the marvelous extent, diversity, and unity of Christ’s Kingdom in our world. The journal format of each episode underscores the daily unfolding of God’s activity on the “frontlines,” bringing viewers up-close with sights and sounds from distant corners of the Kingdom."



CLICK HERE to order your copies of "Dispatches from the Front"

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 10, 2011

MINUTE FOR MISSION: PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY - When the earthquake struck his native Haiti in 2010, Emmanuel Bourjolly was ministering at the Albert C. Wagner Youth Correctional Facility in New Jersey. As the prison chaplain, he gathered the inmates to pray for those in his homeland who had lost family, homes, and friends - not unlike the inmates themselves.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 9, 2011

EUROPE - What do Lodz, Poland, Verona, Italy, and Gat, Ukraine, have in common? Why, music, of course! Each has music from the most heavenly of choirs - our Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) partner congregations.
CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Churches struggle to use technology wisely"

By Sara Higgins
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Gutenberg Bibles reside in libraries, museums and universities around the globe as symbols of how technology can revolutionize religion. Thanks to the invention of the movable type printing press in the 15th century, technology paved the road for wide circulation of the Bible. But as new technology reaches consumers at an ever-quickening pace, churches are left to grapple with how, or if, they should implement changes in worship and outreach programs.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 8, 2011

PRESBYTERY OF SOUTHERN KANSAS - Westminster Woods Camp and Retreat Center, near Fall River in southeast Kansas, was established in 1964. During the last few years the number of campers in its summer program has grown. Two new cabins were built in 2008. Then the need arose for a bigger chapel. Through the efforts of many individuals and congregations and in memory of Kelly Cox, a popular, young camp counselor who died in a car accident, $460,000 was raised to build a new chapel that opened during the 2010 camping season. The new chapel seats 200 and provides an inspirational place where God meets students and adults.
CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "First Baptist-Midland breaks ground on 18-month, $13.9-million building campaign"

By Sara Higgins
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - As Christians observed Pentecost Sunday, First Baptist Church's congregants gathered with the added intention to celebrate the groundbreaking of a $13.9 million building project.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 7, 2011

PRESBYTERY OF NORTHERN KANSAS - The Council of the Presbytery of Northern Kansas entered new territory in 2010 when members began each meeting praying in small groups.
CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Downtown church focuses on inner healing"

By Meagan Lee Buck
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS -
Staff at Rock Fellowship Church are committed to transforming the lives of Midlanders. Though the church's air conditioner is broken and parts of the building are in disrepair, pastor Randall Manning and his wife, Angela, are focused on creating an atmosphere of healing for any person who walks through the door.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 6, 2011

MISSOURI UNUION PRESBYTERY - The congregations of Missouri Union Presbytery (MUP) live out their connected ministry to grow Christ's church deep and wide through eleven Ministry Mission Teams (MMT). Since 2009 the newest MMT supports Agape Fellowship, in Columbia, Missouri, a New Immigrant Fellowship of African refugees from Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Together with General Assembly, and direct involvement from six member congregations, Missouri Union Presbyterians pray for and provide financial support to Agape Fellowship.
CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "From the east to the west, Mission Dorado Baptist's new pastor"

By Lyxan Toledanes
Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Moving to an unfamiliar town across the state to begin a new job might not be the easiest of transitions for most people. But for the Rev. Jared Wellman, Mission Dorado Baptist Church’s newest senior pastor, it’s like he’s lived in Odessa for years.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 5, 2011

JOHN CALVIN PRESBYTERY: KANSAS, MISSOURI - Good Christian words sometimes get lost. The good word "evangelism,'' which carries so much baggage, is virtually unusable. When did it become a dirty word? Probably about the time too many well-meaning, but misguided Christians whacked people over the heads with their Bibles in an attempt to intimidate them into the kingdom of heaven! It actually happened two summers ago on a street corner in Austin, Texas.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Free Burma Rangers schedules season of Regional Meetings in the U.S.

Free Burma Rangers (FBR) is a multi-ethnic humanitarian service movement. They bring help, hope and love to people in the war zones of Burma (Myanmar). Ethnic pro-democracy groups send teams to be trained, supplied and sent into the areas under attack to provide emergency assistance and human rights documentation. Together with other groups, the teams work to serve people in need.

"Dear Friends, Free Burma Rangers are planning meetings this summer to include prayer, worship, updates on the situation in Burma and collaboration on action plans for how to take action for the people of Burma. Dave and Karen Eubank and family will be at these meetings along with others working with FBR.

Regional Meetings, 2011

NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS @ Newton Presbyterian Church, Sunday, July 10, 2011
Regional Meeting at Newton Presbyterian Church
Sunday, July 10, 10:00am - 3:00pm
Dave Eubanks of the Free Burma Rangers will be preaching at our service. The service will be followed by lunch and the Christian Concerned for Burma meeting.

COLORADO @ Mile High Vineyard, Friday, July 22, 2011
Regional Meeting at Mile High Vineyard
Friday, July 22
First, on Friday night, we will now be hearing from David Eubanks from Free Burma Rangers! David and his wife Karen embody our hopes for the Cause Conference - under incredible risk for their lives, they work to help the Karen tribe of Burma find freedom and resources through their organization, Free Burma Rangers. It will be an incredibly inspiring evening!

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA @ Faith Christian Church, Saturday, Sept 10, 2011

"We welcome you to join us for the meeting in your area. For more information please contact; Amy Galetzka at amygaletzka@gmail.com

Thank you and God Bless you,"

Free Burma Rangers

In the News ... "Paintball ministry a 'blessing' for Second Baptist"

By Sara Higgins
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - A cross stands on a small hill in a field on South County Road 1136 Behind it, a group gathers in prayer under a metal canopy. When they lift their heads, they put on masks and gloves and grab their guns for a unique afternoon of fellowship.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 4, 2011

HEARTLAND PRESBYTERY: KANSAS, MISSOURI - Heartland Presbytery is committed to growing Christ's church deep and wide. While this is the desire throughout the presbytery, it is particularly exemplified in five congregations.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 3, 2011

MINUTE FOR MISSION: PITTSBURGH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY - As president of a theological seminary, one of my great joys is visiting with pastors who have returned to campus for a continuing education event. Recently, one pastor told me that a seminar taught by one of our faculty members had brought Jerusalem and Samaria to life for him. He couldn't wait to share his insights with his congregation! Another pastor found renewed strength for her journey in a series on women and ministry. At Pittsburgh Theological Seminary we believe that continuing education is critical for pastors and laity throughout our church. Our vision statement says that we want to prepare "life-long learners who continue seeking wisdom and modeling the faith."
CLICK HERE to read more.

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

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 NightLight, at charity@nightlightusa.org, and she will assist you in setting that up.

Remember the beautiful jewelry is also available on-line at nightlightinternational.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!"

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Mission has an opportuntity for YOU

Even as the 2010/2011 school year is wrapping-up in West Texas, people are already looking ahead to the next school year, and making plans to meet the needs of schoolchildren in the Tall City. These include the staff and volunteers at Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Mission, located at 1708 N. Fort Worth Street, in Midland.

St. Andrew's has a "Latch-Key" after-school program for elemetary-age children, and welcomes volunteers yo give special presentations for the children, to expand their horizons.

Do you have a special skill or unique craft, a special area of knowledge, a special collection? Please contact San Juana Prado, Director of Educational Services, at (432) 682-2351.

Meals-on Wheels needs YOU

The changes of seasons and people's calendars are creating an immediate need at Meals-on-Wheels of Midland for extra volunteers. Drivers, riders and food-packing colunteer are needed to deliver meals to 450 elderly people daily.

Everyone is busy, but the meals don't stop. Meals-on-Wheels deliveries begin at 10:30 - 11:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. The Meals-on-Wheels staff can find a day convenient for you, and it takes about an hour to drive a route.

Give a gift of your time to the homebound elderly of Midland. Call Shanda Garner at 689-6693, for more information.

Contribute to Africa mission's 'net effect'

Mosquito net treated with long-lasting insecticide? $10.00 ... Helping West Texans control one of Africa's biggest killers? Priceless ...

A mission team from First Presbyterian Church-Midland will be headed for Tanzania June 17-29. A full schedule of diverse activities will include the distribution of specially-treated mosquito nets to residents of that part of Africa - where mosquitos are FAR MORE than just a nuisance.

The efforts in Tanzania by First Prez-Midland are part of an ongoing campaign - fought by a wide variety of individuals and organizations - against debilitating, even deadly diseases that plague the Third World. The fight against malaria, in particular, was documented in this article by Robert M. Poole, in the June, 2007 issue of Smithsonian Magazine. The article focuses particularly on former-President of the United States Jimmy Carter's efforts in Ethiopia, but it provides good insight into the mission and methods of this "crusade to eliminate malaria, an elusive and ever-changing killer" from the African continent.

"Now rare in developed countries," the article notes, "the disease kills more than a million victims each year in the world's poorest regions. At least 300-million people worldwide are incapacitated by malaria infections. The disease's aches, fever, chills and other flu-like symptoms not only inhibit economic productivity but also suppress immune systems in its victims, making them more susceptible to tuberculosis and AIDS—both of which kill even more people than malaria does—and other life-threatening ailments."

The new nets being distributed in Africa add a high-tech twist to the old protective strategy: they not only block the insects, but also kill any that come in contact with the nets, since they have an insecticide (one with no apparent risk to humans) woven into the mesh.

And they cost just $10 apiece. Won't you help? Please leave a contribution at First Prez-Midland, on the northwest corner of A and Texas streets, on the west edge of downtown Midland. For more information, please call Pastor Walter Thompson at 684-7821 (Ext. 115)

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Mission has an opportuntity for YOU

Even as the 2010/2011 school year is wrapping-up in West Texas, people are already looking ahead to the next school year, and making plans to meet the needs of schoolchildren in the Tall City. These include the staff and volunteers at Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Mission, located at 1708 N. Fort Worth Street, in Midland.

St. Andrew's has a "Latch-Key" after-school program for elemetary-age children, and welcomes volunteers yo give special presentations for the children, to expand their horizons.

Do you have a special skill or unique craft, a special area of knowledge, a special collection? Please contact San Juana Prado, Director of Educational Services, at (432) 682-2351.

Word from Uganda: "Make new friends but keep the old ..."

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 ...

Make new friends but keep the old ...

It is definitely a season of changes. Dry season starting to become rainy season. New sisters added to LCH. School holiday schedule. S1 coming home for holiday. Preparing for summer visitors. And housemates'/friends' time of ministry in Uganda coming to an end.

[Here] are my lovely housemates. Sadly, two of them have already returned to America and the other departs early June. And not just for a break, but for good. When I arrived in March, at my first dinner back with my friends, I asked who was leaving and when. Sadly, the days continue to come and many of my close missionary friends are moving on to the next season of their life.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post

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If you are interested in supporting LCH by sponsoring one of the 90 children, go to 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

From ServLife International: "May 2011 Message"

ServLife International is a movement defined by values of God’s kingdom, not programs built around human efforts and activities. The reign and rule of God should be made apparent to every person on the planet, despite their religion, race or socioeconomic status. We believe that issues of justice are inseparable from the good news that Jesus Christ came to proclaim. ServLife exists to take the gospel of Christ and the hope of a better, more just, world to the lives of people we touch. This happens through individual contributions of time, creativity, resources and dreams.

"Surprised by hope ..."
By Jeff Romack, ServLife International

Grace & peace to you ... That wonderful greeting, used in a number of the Apostle Paul's letters to fledgling churches, captures in a minimum of words the character of our standing in Christ Jesus; grace and peace. It's a place of God's loving favor upon us in total contrast to our just desserts. And, it's a place of peace in a world in which peace is mostly a distant dream. Grace and peace; this is our prayer and our hope for you in this new season.

Previously at ServLife ... a couple of months back when I first wrote to you in my new role as Executive Director, I mentioned that I would soon be travelling to visit our people and work in both India and Nepal. That visit is now in the books. I arrived back to the U.S. a week ago after nearly a month of living on the road and out of a suitcase. It's good to be home; when do I get to go again!

This trip was essential both for the ServLife staff in India and Nepal and for me. Truth be told, last year was a tumultuous time for everyone connected with the mission. The time I was able to spend with our staff provided an opportunity for all of us to listen to one another's story and to feel one another's pain and confusion over all that has transpired. The good news is that we all found a way through that pain and confusion to emerge together on the other side in a place of new relationship and renewed commitment to our calling to the least, the last and the lost. It's no exaggeration to say that we were all surprised ... by hope for what God will yet do through us.

I want to give you just a few of the highlights of that time which will also serve as something of an update on what is now going on in ServLife.

A new beginning in Raxaul, India ... after arriving in Kathmandu I quickly caught a domestic flight to Simara located in what is known as the Tarai of southern Nepal. There I was met by Albert Das of ServLife India. From that tiny airport we made the 1-1/2 hour drive to the Nepal-India border. It's really quite a scene with nearly every form of transportation imaginable; pedestrians, bicycles, rickshaws, pedal rickshaws, horse carts, ox carts, motorbikes, cars, buses, trucks and more, all vying for the same limited space on the dusty highway. Picture that!

Raxaul lies just over the border in India. It is, literally, the end of the line in India. On the other hand, you might say it's the beginning. It is, in fact, the beginning point of ServLife's ministry in India. Raxaul is home to the Das family and ServLife Empowering Society and its children's home (30 children), the ServLife Mission School ( 20 more kids), and the church planter training program (72 workers deployed across India, Nepal and Bangladesh).

These days Albert is most excited that work is nearing completion on the first of three purpose-built buildings which will accommodate all those ministries. ServLife India is still needing funds in the amount of $8,000 to complete the work on the interior of that first building. After that Albert and family and the children and schools will move from rented facilities to the new property while work continues on the other buildings.

Going to Kathmandu ... following the time in Raxaul I backtracked to Kathmandu. While I've spent the last 30 years living and working in Asia this was my first time in Nepal. Not sure why it took so long. I've loved everywhere I've ever lived during that time but the entire time I was in Kathmandu I had a feeling that if I'd landed in Nepal earlier in my journey I might have remained there for the long haul. Whatever, I'm just glad we're involved in this nation at a time when the gospel is making such an impact.

In Nepal ServLife is primarily working through two local initiatives. The first, Himalayan Development (HD), is led by Lazarus Thulung. HD is focused on the training and sending of church planters into the remote and far-flung villages of Nepal. At the present time we have 41 workers on the ground and 43 churches. That group will be bolstered by another 12 workers later this year following their training. We've got the gospel, humble leadership, a well-conceived plan and committed workers. Already fruit is being born. We are also planning to move ahead with the Hope Fund project. This micro-lending initiative to alleviate poverty is being done in villages where we are already at work planting the church. In a perfect world the Hope Fund would be in every village where we are working. Actually, in a perfect world the Hope Fund would not be needed but we are quite a ways from perfect so we are striving to help more families in real need. Our only limitation is available funds. Perhaps you would like to help?

The final piece of our picture, AS Nepal, is devoted to the care of orphans and other children-at-risk. At the present time we have three children's homes caring for 32 children. I had an opportunity to listen to many of their stories during my visit. All are heartbreaking and many almost unbelievable. The scripture makes it no secret of God's determined care for the orphans and most vulnerable among us. We are privileged to be serving these children in Jesus' name. What joy to see lives changed and surprised by hope! In addition to these we are also sponsoring 123 children of the poor for education that they otherwise would never be able too afford. Still more hope!

The last word ... I remarked to someone just yesterday that this trip was the most hopeful thing I've experienced in mission in many years. Thanks for the opportunity to share it with you. And now the opportunity is yours to join us in nothing less than changing our piece of the world in Jesus'name and for his Kingdom.

Together in hope,
Jeff

ServLife International is a non-profit organization planting communities of the Kingdom and restoring hope to children-at-risk and the global poor.

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

Meals-on Wheels needs YOU

The changes of seasons and people's calendars are creating an immediate need at Meals-on-Wheels of Midland for extra volunteers. Drivers, riders and food-packing colunteer are needed to deliver meals to 450 elderly people daily.

Everyone is busy, but the meals don't stop. Meals-on-Wheels deliveries begin at 10:30 - 11:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. The Meals-on-Wheels staff can find a day convenient for you, and it takes about an hour to drive a route.

Give a gift of your time to the homebound elderly of Midland. Call Shanda Garner at 689-6693, for more information.

Teichert Prayer Letter for May

Karl and Jenny Teichert are serving the Lord as missionaries with OC Africa, in South Africa. They moved to Johannesburg in November, 1997 with their four children; Ann, Scott, Stephen and John. Karl serves as the Southern Africa Director of the Southern Africa Regional Team. Their vision is to see a healthy, Bible-based church established in every un-reached village and community in South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia and beyond. Their strategy is to partner with key African church leaders to research, train, and mobilize the body of Christ to complete the Great Commission. They are striving to equip local leaders in Southern Africa to reach their nations for Christ and send missionaries into other countries as well.

May Prayer Letter ...

Dear family and friends,

One of the greatest blessings of living in Johannesburg has been the school that our children have attended for the past 14 years! The King’s School (Robin Hills) is just across the street from our home. It is a National Christian school which has about 750 students from “kindergarten” to 12th grade. The vision of the school is to be conformed to the image of Christ, and its mission is “We are committed to educate and equip the children of God’s people to make a difference.” The purpose of the school is to help prepare learners for effective living, and we have been grateful over the years for the teachers and staff who have been committed to God and his purpose for the school and have modeled servanthood.

This is Scott’s final, “Matric” (12th grade) year. This year Karl and I were asked to help lead a prayer time along with all of the parents of the other Matric students. We have been so encouraged by the attendance of so many parents as we meet once a month to pray for our Matric students. It has been a blessing to unite our hearts as we bring various needs before the Lord … We all need his wisdom for the future of our kids as well as for them to finish the year strong. Scott is thinking of doing a gap year like his sister did in Jeffrey’s Bay at the leadership/discipleship training school there and then apply to schools in California. At this point he is still interested in studying electrical engineering.

Stephen is in 11th grade and wanted to tell you about his latest project: “Every year for our school’s high school science students, we have to do an experimental project for marks on any topic we want. Last year a friend and I did a project on the Tesla coil. This year, our teacher wanted to try something different and she entered our class into a bridge-building competition. Our class split into groups of four, and each group was given a pack of thin pieces of wood (15m in total). It took me and three other friends 13 hours to build our bridge. At the competition, our bridge did really well. Our bridge held 160.6 kg (353.3 pounds), which put us second overall. I was really happy with what we achieved, and it was a great experience.”

Stephen John is in eighth grade ... hard to believe he will soon turn 14! His passion is soccer; he loves watching his favorite team, Manchester United, play whenever he has a chance. He continues to help lead the younger kids at Kidzone on Friday nights and Sunday mornings. Unlike his brothers and sisters who studied Zulu, he has decided to study Afrikaans. It is a challenge, and we would appreciate your prayers when you think of him.

It is a good season in the life of our boys, and we are grateful for the opportunities they’ve been given. Thanks for standing with us in prayer and for all you do to support us and the ministry here.

Blessings,

Jenny for the Teicherts

OC Africa is an interdenominational ministry committed to developing, equipping, and mobilizing church leaders to multiply healthy, Bible-based churches in every community in Southern Africa and the world. OC is a faith-based mission who depends on the Lord to provide committed, financial supporters and partners. The contributions from these individuals help generate ministry opportunities around the world, impact missionaries and their global work, and provide a means for the International Mobilization Center to function. CLICK HERE to learn how YOU can be a part of mobilizing church leaders around the world by donating to OC.

Contribute to Africa mission's 'net effect'

Mosquito net treated with long-lasting insecticide? $10.00 ... Helping West Texans control one of Africa's biggest killers? Priceless ...

A mission team from First Presbyterian Church-Midland will be headed for Tanzania June 17-29. A full schedule of diverse activities will include the distribution of specially-treated mosquito nets to residents of that part of Africa - where mosquitos are FAR MORE than just a nuisance.

The efforts in Tanzania by First Prez-Midland are part of an ongoing campaign - fought by a wide variety of individuals and organizations - against debilitating, even deadly diseases that plague the Third World. The fight against malaria, in particular, was documented in this article by Robert M. Poole, in the June, 2007 issue of Smithsonian Magazine. The article focuses particularly on former-President of the United States Jimmy Carter's efforts in Ethiopia, but it provides good insight into the mission and methods of this "crusade to eliminate malaria, an elusive and ever-changing killer" from the African continent.

"Now rare in developed countries," the article notes, "the disease kills more than a million victims each year in the world's poorest regions. At least 300-million people worldwide are incapacitated by malaria infections. The disease's aches, fever, chills and other flu-like symptoms not only inhibit economic productivity but also suppress immune systems in its victims, making them more susceptible to tuberculosis and AIDS—both of which kill even more people than malaria does—and other life-threatening ailments."

The new nets being distributed in Africa add a high-tech twist to the old protective strategy: they not only block the insects, but also kill any that come in contact with the nets, since they have an insecticide (one with no apparent risk to humans) woven into the mesh.

And they cost just $10 apiece. Won't you help? Please leave a contribution at First Prez-Midland, on the northwest corner of A and Texas streets, on the west edge of downtown Midland. For more information, please call Pastor Walter Thompson at 684-7821 (Ext. 115)

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Mission has an opportuntity for YOU

Even as the 2010/2011 school year is wrapping-up in West Texas, people are already looking ahead to the next school year, and making plans to meet the needs of schoolchildren in the Tall City. These include the staff and volunteers at Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Mission, located at 1708 N. Fort Worth Street, in Midland.

St. Andrew's has a "Latch-Key" after-school program for elemetary-age children, and welcomes volunteers yo give special presentations for the children, to expand their horizons.

Do you have a special skill or unique craft, a special area of knowledge, a special collection? Please contact San Juana Prado, Director of Educational Services, at (432) 682-2351.

Meals-on Wheels needs YOU

The changes of seasons and people's calendars are creating an immediate need at Meals-on-Wheels of Midland for extra volunteers. Drivers, riders and food-packing colunteer are needed to deliver meals to 450 elderly people daily.

Everyone is busy, but the meals don't stop. Meals-on-Wheels deliveries begin at 10:30 - 11:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. The Meals-on-Wheels staff can find a day convenient for you, and it takes about an hour to drive a route.

Give a gift of your time to the homebound elderly of Midland. Call Shanda Garner at 689-6693, for more information.