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: November 17, 2011

THE SYNOD OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC - By 2007, a new church development opened the doors of its new church building to the surrounding community. Hamilton Mill Presbyterian Church (HMPC) in Hoschton, Georgia, holds special events like "Trunk or Treat," Invite a relationship with Christ.

The diversity of the community is reflected by members from Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, and Africa. God has blessed the membership with the opportunity to learn from and grow with one another.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Partners Blog: "Learn to Live Training Report, October, 2011"

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.

Learn to Live Training Report, October, 2011

"Since, 2009 Partners has been working with two other Non-Government Organizations to provide training of community leaders in Shan State, Burma. In March to May 2011 we brought together several program areas to deliver training of students from Shan State on how to empower community leaders in:
• Education
• Economic Development
• Social problems
• Community Health"
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post

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 11/16/11

CHINA - Please pray that God will comfort the parents and family of 2-year-old Yueyue, a little girl who was run over multiple times in the street while more than a dozen people walked or drove by and didn't stop. Yueyue died from her injuries a week later.
A report from the Washington Post
Another report from the Washington Post
Another report from the Washington Post (Warning: Includes graphic video)
• Pray God will be at work in the hearts of the drivers that hit Yueyue and left her lying in the street. Pray for all those who walked past her broken body and did not stop to help.
• Pray for a change in the hearts and minds of those in China who are afraid of being arrested or sued for stopping to render aid. Good Samaritans have been accused of causing the injury when they have stopped to help an injured person. Pray that love for one another will overcome fear of retribution.
• Please pray for an awakening in the hearts of those who are not outraged or disturbed by this incident. Pray that indifference to suffering will be replaced by compassion and love.
• Pray for justice for Yueyue and all children who are abandoned in times of crisis or emergency.

INDIA - Please pray that the girl children of India will be recognized for the blessings they are to this country. Pray for a change in attitude of those who perceive female children as financial burdens or as of no value to society.
• Pray for pregnant mothers who are pressured into aborting female fetuses because of these societal perceptions. India's 2010 census estimates there are 7.1 million "missing girls" out of a total population of 1.21 billion people-girls whose lives were ended before birth often because of the easy access to cheap ultrasound tests at illegally-run sex determination clinics.
A report from IPS News
• Give thanks to God for the Kopal (sapling) program that educates parents and communities about the adverse physical and psychological effects on women who have sex selective abortions.
• Pray the laws regarding sex determination before birth are upheld and enforced throughout the country, especially in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand where the child sex ratio has dropped to 886 girls per 1,000 boys.

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. Also pray for two 9-year-old girls, Kiswii and Muema, and their needs.

Malawi, Tanzania ( Marion Medical Mission: www.marionmedical.org/ ) - Give thanks to God for the work of the staff, volunteers, and African partners with Marion Medical Mission in providing clean water sources for communities in Malawi and Tanzania. As of late October 2011, more than 2,046 wells have been installed.
• Pray God will provide the resources needed to continue the work of building shallow water wells in villages and communities in these countries. The ministry goal is to build 2,500 shallow water wells.
• Pray for the volunteer team members-the field officers, installation supervisors, and builders-who are very tired. Pray God will encourage and sustain them in this important work of building shallow water wells and bringing clean water to the children and people of Malawi and Tanzania.

UNITED STATES - Please keep in prayer New England residents who continue to deal with the aftereffects of two powerful tropical storms that struck within a week of one another last August.
A report from KOMO-TV News
• Pray for children and families who are still homeless in upstate New York and in Vermont because of the severe flooding caused by tropical storms Irene and Lee. Pray for those who have lost businesses and jobs-pray for those who struggle to provide for their families.
• Please pray for students and faculty of schools flooded by Irene and Lee-many are experiencing great trauma.
• Keep the students at Middleburgh High School/Middle School held close in prayer (the facility had extensive physical damage) and give thanks to God they were able to return to school far sooner than expected.
A report from the Middleburgh School District
Another report from the Middleburgh School District
Index of reprts from the Middleburgh School District

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 ... "Running Preacher keeps boy's memory alive"

By Nathaniel Miller
Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The “Running Preacher” David Johnson has a reason for doing all that running.

While it might seem crazy to some, Johnson, who will be running his 11th marathon in 11 weeks Sunday, is doing it all to help keep the memory of Jeremy Bader alive.
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: November 16, 2011

YELLOWSTONE PRESBYTERY - As a presbytery and as individual congregations, Yellowstone Presbytery seeks to join God in mission in mission in Montana and beyond.

Pastor Debbie Funke of Manhattan Presbyterian leads a weekly God-quest group of about twenty young adults in her home — people who are looking for a substance-free environment to talk about life and faith, but who would not think of attending Sunday church.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Word from Uganda: "Inflation"

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 ...

Inflation

There are things that are so basic that we often take for granted. Let’s take sugar. Shockingly, the cost of sugar has increased from 2300 shillings/kg about four months ago to 6000 shillings/kg. In the past month, it has not been uncommon to see sugar increase by 1000 shillings in a day.
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 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

In the News ... "Pastor Uses Past Life Experiences in Church Ministry"

By Jason Britsch
Reporter
KOSA-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - "I love these people and they love me and we want to love others and bring them in," said Strauss McCreary, Pastor at Chosen Life Ministry.

Strauss McCreary’s journey to where he is now is no ordinary one.
CLICK HERE to read/watch the rest of the KOSA 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: November 15, 2011

PRESBYTERY OF WYOMING - Five years ago, Wyoming land values were sky high, but attendance at the two Presbytery of Wyoming camps was not. Many felt that the presbytery should sell Camp Story and Skyline Camp and use the proceeds in other ways for the glory of God. Almost everyone was wondering if running two camps was wise. Both camps are up in the Wyoming Mountains and can only be used during the summer.
CLICK HERE to read more.

ChinaAid donates Bible, hand-copied by Chinese house church Christians in labor camp, to George W. Bush Institute

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.

ChinaAid donates Bible, hand-copied by Chinese house church Christians in labor camp, to George W. Bush Institute

Released by ChinaAid, November, 2011 ...

"DALLAS, TEXAS – ChinaAid on Tuesday presented to The George W. Bush Institute a portion of the Bible hand-copied in Chinese by house church Christians imprisoned in a labor camp in northwest China as a token of appreciation for President Bush’s 'dedication to the advancement of religious freedom in China' and his 'tireless efforts as an advocate for those Chinese in bondage’.”
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

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).

Matthew 5:43-45, Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount

"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. God gives God's best - the sun to warm and the rain to nourish-to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty."
The Power of a Prayer: Words to Speak and Pray from "The Message", by Eugene H. Peterson

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Intercessor,

The Faces of Children Midland/Odessa prayer group will meet on Wednesday, November 16, 2011, at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride's room at First Presbyterian Church-Midland. Please join us for this time of prayer, and afterward for lunch ($5) and a time of fellowship.

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. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer for the children of our world.

Grace and peace,

Chris

In the News ... "Local company works to provide water in Africa"

By Kathleen Thurber
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Every 15 seconds, a child dies from a water-borne illness. In Ethiopia and other sub-Saharan countries in Africa, four out of five children either rely on unclean surface water or walk up to 15 miles to find a protected source of water, according to Unicef.

For at least some children, one Midland company is trying to change those statistics.

“This will change a kid’s life in Ethiopia,” said Dustin Bryson, marketing director at Envirocon Technologies, Inc. “This is just real.”
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: November 14, 2011

PRESBYTERY OF WESTERN COLORADO - As it celebrates 125 years in the Grand Valley of Western Colorado, First Presbyterian Church of Grand Junction has made a strong commitment to take the church outside the walls and to be Christ's hands and feet in the community. The church has reorganized its staff and ministry teams to put a greater emphasis on community outreach. It also has taken an active role in networking with other churches to help serve the community. First Presbyterian took the lead in organizing ShareFest, a weekend-long event that brings together several thousand volunteers from many churches to help individuals, schools, nonprofits, and several neighborhoods do cleanup and repairs.
CLICK HERE to read more.

REMEMBER ...

... today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP), a global day of intercession for persecuted Christians worldwide. Its primary focus is the work of intercessory prayer and citizen action on behalf of persecuted communities of the Christian faith. We also encourage prayer for the souls of the oppressors, the nations that promote persecution, and those who ignore it.

CLICK HERE for more about this day, and its goals, as well as a directory to a variety of participating organizations and resources.

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: November 13, 2011

CAREGIVER SUNDAY - Does your church have a health ministry, a parish nurse, Stephen ministers, or just loving people who check on those in need? Sometimes forgotten people of our congregations are caregivers. There are days when they could use a break to dash to a store or to have a free morning. Could you or other church members offer those breaks? Some churches offer respite care for a day, while some institutions offer respite care for several days while a person takes a trip or has time for renewal.
CLICK HERE to read more.

'No Room at the Inn," next weekend at Grace Prez-Midland

Grace Presbyterian Church, 2801 N. Garfield St, will host "No Room at the Inn," a fundraiser for Family Promise of Midland, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm on Saturday, November 19.

More than 100 nativity scenes will be on display, and there will be a children's corner, refreshments, a silent auction and raffle for a Christmas quilt. Suggested $5 donation at the door for adults; $1 for children.

Members of the community wishing to have their nativities on display for the event should contact Donna Edney at 528-5521 or donna.edney@gmail.com by Tuesday, November 15.

Nativity set helps provide education to children in a war zone

Buy a nativity set handcrafted by villagers in Shan State, Burma, and help support village schools.

For the last 30 years the children in the village did not have a school beyond 4th grade in their area. Now they have a chance to complete 7th grade. These little (6.5cm tall) nativity sets make it possible.

Partners buys the sets. The money the villagers receive covers the expenses to run the school. The children get to study and the adults get a job.

By buying one of these sets you will help children go to school. And you will have a unique, handcrafted nativity set that you can give as a gift or put in your living room. We can’t think of a more meaningful gift this Christmas!

CLICK HERE for more information, and to order.

 • Shipping available ONLY to addresses within the USA.
 • Orders close November 19 and will ship first week of December.

Steve and Oddny Gumaer started Partners Relief & Development in response to the needs of refugees and displaced people from Burma. Partners Relief & Development is a registered charity in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States. Their mission is to, through holistic action, demonstrate God’s love to children and communities made vulnerable by war in Burma.

In the News ... "Midland churches to pray for persecuted Christians"

By Sara Higgins
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - When the Rev. Getaneh Getaneh was asked by clergy from all across the nation what they could do to help the persecuted church, he had only one answer for them: "Prayer."

Getaneh will lead Midlanders in prayer throughout the weekend in an international effort to pray for the persecuted church. He will lead prayer at True Lite Fellowship 3-5 p.m. Saturday. Getaneh also will be interviewed by the Rev. Randal Everett at the 8:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Sunday services at First Baptist Church-Midland, and lead the prayer event at 6 p.m. Sunday in the church's fellowship hall. Getaneh will speak and outline a report from 54 countries where persecution is happening to help raise awareness.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

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 11/11/11

KENYA/ETHIOPIA - Pray for the thousands of Somali refugees crossing into Kenya and Ethiopia seeking help. Pray for children and parents who have walked for weeks to reach northern Kenya and Dadaab, the world’s largest refugee camp.
• Pray for children who have witnessed incredible devastation on their journey to Dadaab: empty villages, piles of dead animals, dying people, and an unbroken trail of bodies from their home villages to the Kenyan refugee camp.
• Pray for Kenyans who are overwhelmed by the massive influx of Somali refugees. Many are afraid these refugees may never go home because of the chaos and violence in their home country
A report from the New York Times

NORTH KOREA - Please hold close in prayer the severely malnourished children of North Korea. Pray for God’s healing touch upon each of these vulnerable ones. Pray they receive the medical and nutritional care they desperately need. Pray that all children in North Korea suffering from food scarcity and malnutrition will receive assistance quickly.
• Please pray that the truth about North Korea’s food situation will come to light. North Korean leaders have requested humanitarian assistance claiming a harsh winter, heavy rains, and summer floods and typhoons destroyed crops. Outside investigators disagree and claim the reclusive country came through that experience better than expected.
A report from Reuters/AlertNet
• Pray that whatever distribution of food aid coming into North Korea will be done with transparency and fairness. Pray donated food aid won’t be siphoned off for the military or ruling elite

THAILAND - Please keep the children of Thailand held close in prayer as the worst flooding in 50 years continues throughout large parts of the country. About one third of the country has been affected by flooding caused by heavy monsoon rains that started in late July.
A report from the BBC
• Pray for the one million Thais whose homes flooded weeks ago—many still remain flooded. Pray for children who are unable to continue their education because schools and streets are flooded. Pray for parents who are unable to work because fields or factories are flooded. Pray for those who are running out of food and clean water because store shelves are bare or food/water sources are contaminated by flood water.
• Please keep the NightLight staff and volunteers held close in prayer as they move furniture, electronic equipment, jewelry, and perishable goods to the top floors of their buildings in preparation for the floodwaters to enter Bangkok. Pray for the women and children this ministry serves as they are even more vulnerable in times of widespread crisis and unemployment. Many of the women who make jewelry at NightLight live in areas that have already been flooded. NightLight web site
• Pray for those in Christian ministries in Thailand ... that God will give them vision, guidance, and divine strategies to bring healing and restoration to this country after the floodwaters recede.

TURKEY - Please pray for people affected by the October 23, 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit the northern part of Turkey in the Kurdish heartland. A report from Reuters/AlertNet
• Pray for children, teenagers, and adults still trapped in the rubble of thousands of flattened buildings. Give God thanks for the rescue of a 2-week-old baby girl, her mother, and grandmother from one of the damaged buildings.
• Pray for rescue personnel working hard in cold weather and pouring rain to locate and remove victims. Pray that medical care will be available to all of those injured in the quake and its aftershocks.
• Pray for children who witnessed the death or injury of a parent, grandparent, sibling, or friend. Pray for God’s comforting peace to be with them all during this frightening time.
• Pray for the thousands who have been left homeless by the earthquake and for those who are afraid to stay in their houses because of aftershocks. Pray that tents and temporary housing will arrive soon in this region to provide homeless children and families with shelter during this cold and rainy season—winter snows are less than a month away. Pray that warm clothing, sleeping bags, blankets, water, and food will be delivered to each family in need.

FACES OF CHILDREN - Keep Abram, the 5-year-old nephew of a Faces of Children prayer partner, held close in prayer as he recovers from surgery to implant a pacemaker in his heart. Pray for Abram’s healing and for a complete recovery
• 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 ... "Local governments give Rock the Desert financial assistance"

By Gabriella Lopez
Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA-MIDLAND, TEXAS - Rock the Desert 2012 continues to announce performers for its Christian music concert, but come spring when the event kicks off they’ll have a little help from local governments.

“We like to support events that bring people into the city,” City of Odessa Assistant City Manager James Zentner

After receiving an application from Rock the Desert, both the Odessa and Midland city governments chose to contribute $50,000 each from the hotel/motel tax, according to City of Midland documents and Zentner.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story

Partners 2012 Calendar now available

Partners' 2012 calendar is now available for pre-order to be shipped in December. The pictures in this year's calendar were taken by Partners Relief & Development staff and friends who have engaged with the people of Burma. These photos are part of Partners' story. As they endeavor to bring free, full lives to the children of Burma, they catch these sublime moments to remember and share.

CLICK HERE for more information, and to order.


Steve and Oddny Gumaer started Partners Relief & Development in response to the needs of refugees and displaced people from Burma. Partners Relief & Development is a registered charity in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States. Their mission is to, through holistic action, demonstrate God’s love to children and communities made vulnerable by war in Burma.

In the News ... "Midlander’s story included in George W. Bush Institute"

By Kathleen Thurber
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

DALLAS, TEXAS - In presenting President George W. Bush with a handwritten copy of the book of Revelation, Midlander Bob Fu said he hopes to have brought encouragement and awareness to the Chinese who are persecuted daily for their faith.

Fu and his wife, Heidi, were among a group honored last week by former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush during an event for the George W. Bush Institute in Dallas. Fu presented the Bushes with a copy of the book of Revelation that was handwritten by prisoners in a Chinese labor camp and later delivered as a “thank you” to the Fus’ organization, China Aid Association.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Partners Blog: "Lessons from the least of these"

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.

Lessons from the least of these

"I went to Alaska recently to attend the annual Friend’s Church Banquet, a fabulous evening of entertainment, delectable desserts, and stories from the heart that remind me that I am to carry my brother’s burdens as if they were my own."
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post

In the News ... "Female pastor finds compassion for Indian widows"

By Shanna Sissom
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS -The whole idea of our mother globetrotting off to a land where cobras and tigers roam made my sister and me a little nervous when she announced several months ago her plans to visit India.

My mother is an ordained minister who sometimes enjoys traveling. She'd never before ventured outside the relative safety of North America, Europe and Israel, though she has received repeated invitations to preach in primitive villages in Third World countries of Africa (much to my disdain. There's probably man-eating lions wandering around, I told her.)
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

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).

Romans 8:31-39

"So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing God’s self to the worst by sending God’s own Son, is there anything else God wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

    They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
    We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us."
The Message Remix: The Bible in Contemporary Language, by Eugene H. Peterson

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Intercessor,

It’s been a number of years since I challenged myself and the fifth and sixth graders I was teaching to memorize parts of this passage from Romans 8. Their quick minds were able to remember the verses with ease. However, my adult brain took a little longer to semi-permanently acquire them.

"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39, New Revised Standard Version

These days (even though I probably wouldn’t be able to quote the verse verbatim), I can still recall the gist of this message Paul had for the church in Rome and for each of us: No one or no thing can separate us from the love of Jesus Christ. Nothing or nobody can get between us and God’s love for us.

Like most everyone else, I’ve had some challenging stretches along this journey through life. Remembering these particular verses (even in my less-than-correct grammatical style) has helped me navigate those difficult periods, secure in the knowledge that God is near and will never abandon me.

I give God grateful thanks that this promise is offered and available to each of us, especially to the vulnerable and abused children of our local and global communities. Will you pray with me that “the least of these” might know the life changing, life sustaining love of Jesus Christ? Would you pray with me that children who have no one to love them or pray for them will know God’s unshakeable, unwavering love?

The Faces of Children Midland/Odessa prayer group will meet on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride's room at First Presbyterian Church-Midland. Please join us for this time of prayer, and afterward for lunch ($5) and a time of fellowship.

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.

Thank you for your compassionate heart for children!

Chris

In the News ... "Choosing the path to God"

By Lyxan Toledanes
Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Behind the bars of his prison cell, the Rev. Strauss McCreary had come full circle. After a life of dealing and doing drugs and engaging in gang activities with the Crips, McCreary was sent to prison in 1990 and came out a “saved” man.

In 1993, he started preaching but, in 2006, he found himself back in prison, implicated when he said he was trying to help his brother get clean of drugs. It was this arrest that, McCreary said, saved his life.
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: November 8, 2011

CHRISTIAN AND CITIZEN / ELECTION DAY - Today is Election Day. When I think of elections, my mind turns to those great movements in American history when those denied the vote claimed it as a right or even as a sacred duty. Stories of marching in the suffragist and civil rights movements are my stories as an American and as a member of the church. These movements were political and religious in the sense that many of the leaders and followers insisted that their work for voting rights was in keeping with their faith.
CLICK HERE to read more.

ChinaAid President Bob Fu’s Interview on the BBC’s HARDtalk News Program

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.

ChinaAid President Bob Fu’s Interview on the BBC’s HARDtalk News Program

Released by ChinaAid, October, 2011 ...

"LONDON, ENGLAND – In a wide-ranging interview on the BBC’s flagship news program HARDtalk that recently aired globally, ChinaAid founder and president Bob Fu pointed out that true religious freedom does not exist in China and contrasted the realities of Chinese religious persecution against the positive picture sometimes painted by visiting U.S. preachers and scholars of flourishing churches in China.
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

In the News ... "Indian priest adapts to West Texas life, ministry at St. Stephen's"

By Shanna Sissom
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The Rev. Joseph Prem Sunil Thumma, a native of the small village of Warangal in Andhra Pradesh, India, is adjusting to West Texas life while serving as assistant pastor of St. Stephen's Catholic Church.

He came to the U.S. via Detroit-Dallas-San Angelo and was ordained in the San Angelo Diocese on June 4.

"Midland is just like my hometown -- dry," Prem said, smiling. "But I would like to see rain."
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: November 7, 2011

THE PRESBYTERY OF DENVER - The mission of Christ begins in one heart, one conversation, or one church. But then it grows. In the Presbytery of Denver, mission has grown and led to the creation of twenty partnerships among churches across the width of the presbytery. It reaches those most have forgotten or do not see. It recognizes Christ's presence in those who are close by and are hungry, homeless, and hopeless, and it extends to Malawi, Ghana, and Zimbabwe.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Nativity set helps provide education to children in a war zone

Buy a nativity set handcrafted by villagers in Shan State, Burma, and help support village schools.

For the last 30 years the children in the village did not have a school beyond 4th grade in their area. Now they have a chance to complete 7th grade. These little (6.5cm tall) nativity sets make it possible.

Partners buys the sets. The money the villagers receive covers the expenses to run the school. The children get to study and the adults get a job.

By buying one of these sets you will help children go to school. And you will have a unique, handcrafted nativity set that you can give as a gift or put in your living room. We can’t think of a more meaningful gift this Christmas!

CLICK HERE for more information, and to order.

 • Shipping available ONLY to addresses within the USA.
 • Orders close November 19 and will ship first week of December.

Steve and Oddny Gumaer started Partners Relief & Development in response to the needs of refugees and displaced people from Burma. Partners Relief & Development is a registered charity in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States. Their mission is to, through holistic action, demonstrate God’s love to children and communities made vulnerable by war in Burma.

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: nOVEMBER 6, 2011

MINUTE FOR MISSION: STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT - This morning's Gospel lesson speaks of being wise and ready. Like the wise bridesmaids, we are to be ready with the resources necessary to heed Christ's call. We sometimes think of stewardship as an administrative task to meet the needs of the church. In fact, it is a spiritual exercise through which each of us grows in faith by assessing the many blessings of our lives and considering our need to give as an expression of our gratitude to God. Stewardship is a spiritual discipline by which we determine an appropriate, joyous, and faithful response to God's generosity and through which we make ourselves and our church ready to respond to Christ's call.
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: November 5, 2011

THE SYNOD OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS - The Western National Leadership Training (WNLT) event is a key element of the Synod of the Rocky Mountains' leadership development emphasis. Each year for eighteen years members, deacons, elders, and ministers have gathered for worship, fellowship, and education. Sponsoring the event are the synod and its presbyteries, presbyteries in the Synod of the Pacific, and four Presbyterian seminaries. The contributions of the seminaries are critical to this program, as is support from the Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation.
CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Full-time minister brings new energy to Unitarian Universalist Church"

By Megan Lea Buck
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Barbara Handley was visiting with another parishioner in her church foyer after Sunday services a couple weeks ago. When the two stopped talking, Handley heard a welcomed noise: the excitement and vitality evident in voices of others who had stayed after the service.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Midland recently hired its first full-time minister in eight years, and Handley said she already can tell a difference in the congregation.
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: November 4, 2011

PRESBITERIO DE SUROESTE, PUERTO RICO - The First Presbyterian Church in Hormigueros, Puerto Rico, has joined a growing number of congregations across the southwestern region of the island that have taken steps to respond to the increasing problem of unemployment. The reality of this problem hits home much too frequently.
CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "GOOD NEWS: First Presbyterian Church and ABLE Center"

Staff Report
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - First Presbyterian Church and ABLE Center, part of The Texas Ramp Project, built a ramp Oct. 15 for a Gardendale citizen who needed one built for her retired husband who was recently released from rehabilitation. This is the fourth ramp built by The Texas Ramp Project volunteers, under the leadership of their project coordinator and businessman Don Hallmark and his team-leader, Fred Sanchez.
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: November 3, 2011

PRESBITERIO DE SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - The Presbytery of San Juan, comprising 14 congregations with a total of 1,701 members in and around the greater metro area, seeks to minister in an island struck hard by the economic downturn and ensuing layoffs.
CLICK HERE to read more.

Partners Blog: "Press Release Regarding Political Prisoner Amnesty"

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.

Press Release Regarding Political Prisoner Amnesty

"Partners Relief & Development welcomes the release of about 120 political prisoners in Burma. We do, however, urge the government of Burma to release ALL political prisoners as we have noted that the most prominent ones have still not been set free. Nearly 2000 political prisoners are still in jail, many of them with sentences as long as 65 years or more.

The release that happened October 12th came after several actions that are unusual by the Burma government; the decision to abandon the Myitsone dam project and President Thein Sein’s offer of peace talks with ethnic groups being two of them."
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post

In the News ... "Helping the homeless"

By Lyxan Toledanes
Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - For most days, a little gray house on Cambridge Street remains empty and quiet, void of any activity.

But once a month for just a few hours, the house behind Odessa Tabernacle Family Life Center becomes a temporary home for those without one.

The house is the primary center for Odessa Tabernacle’s “Hope for the Homeless” lunch program, which provides Odessa’s homeless residents the resources to get back on their feet.
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: November 2, 2011

PRESBiTERIO DEL NOROeSTE, PUERTO ROICO - Mision Bajuras in Isabela, a coastal town in Northwest Presbytery, is the oldest fellowship in the presbytery. It held services in the streets, in homes, or in rented space before land was gived and it had its own home. Mision Bajuras, in what was once a quiet, rural area, is now amid a lively tourist attraction. The Mision ministers through evangelistic strategies, programs for children, youth, the elderly, and victims of domestic violence.
CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Golf Course Road Church of Christ plans race to benefit Kenyan orphans"

By Sara Higgins
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - It's hard for Layne Coco to put into words the way her life was changed after visiting Kenya on a medical mission trip in August.

"It's such a life-changing experience," she said. "It affects your every day thoughts and actions."

Coco visited orphanages and feeding stations as a part of Golf Course Road Church of Christ's Kenya Orphans and Widows ministry. On November 5, the ministry will hold its second annual Kick for Kenya benefit race at 9 a.m. All proceeds from the $15 entry fee will be donated directly to the Kenya ministry to benefit orphans and widows.
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: November 1, 2011

BORIQUEN SYNOD OF PUERTO RICO - The words of Christ in Mark 9:35 - "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all" - guide all the churches in the Boriquen Synod of Puerto Rico to respond to God by reaching out in service and proclaiming the gospel to its three presbyteries, its schools, and homes for the elderly and less fortunate. The members of each congregation nurture relationships with Jesus Christ as they grow in discipleship through diverse workshops, camps and retreats offered by the presbyteries and synod, and through its youth groups and the ministry of Presbyterian Women.
CLICK HERE to read more.