Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 23, 2012

MINUTE FOR MISSION: NATIVE AMERICAN DAY - He was small in stature, shy, just like any other five-year-old upon entering a new environment. He would find safety and security behind his mother's skirts, even though everyone in the church was glad that his parents were coming and bringing him. It took several Sundays before he would join me in the Moment With the Children time during morning worship before going off to Sunday school, but once he felt safe and secure there was nothing shy about him.

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

EPCAT-USA: Buy Art, Not Kids!

ECPAT International is a global network of organisations and individuals working together for the elimination of child prostitution, child pornography and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes. It seeks to encourage the world community to ensure that children everywhere enjoy their fundamental rights free and secure from all forms of commercial sexual exploitation.

Buy Art, Not Kids!

ECPAT-USA's Annual Fundraiser will take place on Monday, October 22nd, generously hosted by the Salmagundi Art Club at 47 5th Avenue in New York City from 6PM to 9PM.

Buy Art Not Kids will be a silent auction event, offering art work from both internationally renowned and up-and-coming artists. In addition, works of art from survivors of sex trafficking will be a feature of the event, connecting it with ECPAT-USA's mission to protect victims. Be sure to check our website for updates including ticketing and an on-line catalogue previewing the art work. Please contact michelle@ecpatusa.org  to support ECPAT-USA and become a sponsor.

CLICK HERE to find out more about the exhibit, and how YOU can be a part of this effort.

Word from Uganda: "Grace"

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 ...

Grace

So, I will throw it out their. A slight unveiling of my heart in this season. Having lived in this foreign land I now call home for five years now, I am so grateful the Lord continues to teach me new things about myself, my mission, and who I am in Him.

My housemate, Tiffany, said something awhile back that is basic, but has stuck with me since then: "We are here (in Uganda) by God's grace and it's His grace that keeps us here."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post

ChinaAid: Lawyers for jailed Christian lawyer Gao Zhisheng barred from prison visit

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.

Lawyers for jailed Christian lawyer Gao Zhisheng barred from prison visit
Distributed by ChinaAid, September, 2012 ...

SHAYA, XCINJIANG, CHINA – Two lawyers for jailed Christian lawyer Gao Zhisheng were denied a meeting with him Monday by authorities at the prison in far west China where he has been held since last December, following years of being “disappeared” into police custody.

CLICK HERE for more on this story from China Aid

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

Traveling Mission

A TassaTag is a 4” x 6” bright, heavy, hand-woven cotton luggage tag that helps you spot your luggage more easily while reclaiming children's lives. It is practical, environmentally sensitive, fair trade, and with it you can make a difference.

With a TassaTag you support ECPAT-USA. This is a non-profit children's rights organization whose mission is to protect all children from commercial sexual exploitation, and is the US Chapter of Thailand-based ECPAT (End Child Prostitution and Trafficking) International, working at the community, national and international levels.

With a TassaTag you support The Regina Center in Nong Khai, Thailand, which provides education and income generating skills and opportunities for women. All proceeds from sales are returned to the producers. The project enables women to stay in their villages and keep their children in school, which are two major strategies in reducing sex trafficking.

CLICK HERE to learn more about this project
CLICK HERE to learn more about sex slavery and trafficking
CLICK HERE to order TassaTags

With a TassaTag you will be part of the ECPAT project by increasing the recognition of the TassaTag logo as a symbol against the sexual slavery and trafficking of children, raising greater awareness of this major illegal trade around the world, and being a voice positively addressing a serious children's rights issue.

EPCAT-USA: More Laurels for Our Film? We Hope So!

ECPAT International is a global network of organisations and individuals working together for the elimination of child prostitution, child pornography and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes. It seeks to encourage the world community to ensure that children everywhere enjoy their fundamental rights free and secure from all forms of commercial sexual exploitation.

More Laurels for Our Film? We Hope So!

J"What I Have Been Through Is Not Who I Am," our 21-minute documentary about sex trafficking of American children, winner of the "Best Short Documentary" award at the Filmanthropy Film Festival 2012, has been accepted as an official selection at the Global Peace Film Festival, September 18-23 in Orlando, Florida. The Global Peace Film Festival was established to utilize the power of the motion picture to further the goal of peace on earth, expanding the definition of peace beyond anti-war, ideology, activism or specific causes.

CLICK HERE to learn more and to find the Global Peace Film Festival screening schedule.

Reports From Lulwanda: Administrator's Report

Lulwanda Children's Home Administrator Patrick Busima holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Makerere University located in Kampala, Uganda. He has also taken formal training in management of personnel and management of projects. For 5 years he was Project Director of the Nawanjuki Child Development Center, after which he spent 5 years as Principal of the Yesu Afaayo Christian School.

July, 2012

"We thank God for his faithfulness towards Lulwanda children’s home. We thank everyone for the big “heart “that you have for the children at Lulwanda, may God bless you all."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Busima's July, 2012 report.

ChinaAid: Shaanxi Luonan house church’ summer camp suffers raid and arrest

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.

Shaanxi Luonan house church’ summer camp suffers raid and arrest
Distributed by ChinaAid, August, 2012 ...

SANYAO TOWN, SHANNXI, CHINA – ChinaAid has learned that at about 10 am on August 24, 2012, the students’ summer camp of a house church in Sanyao Town, Luonan County, Shaanxi Province, was raided by the Domestic Security Protection Agency. Students were forcibly dismissed. A teacher was arrested and released in the afternoon. School supplies including computers were taken by force and no legal papers were shown in this process.

CLICK HERE for more on this story from China Aid

Coming Next Week: Seminary president to visit Midland

The Reverend Dr. Theodore Wardlaw, President of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, will be 'preaching and teaching' in the Tall City when he visits First Presbyterian Church of Midland on Sunday, September 16. First Prez is located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Texas and A streets, on the west edge of downtown Midland. The public is cordially invited to come church with us, and to hear Dr. Wardlaw. Childcare is available.

Theodore J. Wardlaw became the ninth president of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in the fall of 2002, having come to the Seminary from the position of Pastor of Atlanta’s Central Presbyterian Church, a historic downtown congregation directly across the street from the Georgia Capitol. President Wardlaw has led the Seminary through its $25 million Centennial Campaign, the largest in the Seminary’s history, as well as the campaign for and construction of the first in a new generation of student housing, the Anderson House apartment building, built in 2009.

Wardlaw received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, his divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, and his Master of Sacred Theology degree (American Church History) from Yale University Divinity School.

He has contributed numerous articles to such periodicals as The Christian Century, The Presbyterian Outlook, Journal for Preachers, Journal of Reformed Liturgy and Music, and Call to Worship.

President Wardlaw is married to Dr. Kay Bryant, a clinical psychologist, and they have two daughters.
CLICK HERE to read Dr. Wardlaw's complete bio

For more information about Dr. Wardlaw's visit, you may contact First Prez-Midland at (432) 684-7821 or nkudsi@fpcmid.org
___________________

For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 9, 2012

MINUTE FOR MISSION: CHRISTIAN EDUCATION - Life is full of puzzlers. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Today's lectionary passage from James has us going in circles about whether faith or works come first. One puzzle that stirs our youth is: God-sightings or God's sightings?

Last summer, youth and adults from Latrobe Presbyterian Church spent a week on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where we saw poverty we have never seen in our small town in Pennsylvania. We were eager to live out our faith through hard work, and in turn, we were able to convert a bus into a mobile soup kitchen, provide indoor plumbing at a very remote house, re-roof a church, and dig an outhouse trench for a school. We worked hard.

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

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 8, 2012

PRESBYTERY OF NEWTON, NEW JERSEY - One thing is unbearable to 17-year-old Sabrina Brown - knowing that children all over the world go to bed at night with no arms to hold them and no blankets to keep them warm. So she decided to change the world one blanket at a time.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 7, 2012

PRESBYTERY OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - Within the Presbytery of Newark's compact 150 square miles, God's love is being realized in families and among neighbors who want to experience authentic and hopeful living, and in communities that want to become places of well-being and connectedness. Each of the 38 distinct yet interdependent congregations provides a safe, welcoming place for worship, learning, and growth, empowered by the Spirit to demonstrate God's love for the world.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Traveling Mission

A TassaTag is a 4” x 6” bright, heavy, hand-woven cotton luggage tag that helps you spot your luggage more easily while reclaiming children's lives. It is practical, environmentally sensitive, fair trade, and with it you can make a difference.

With a TassaTag you support ECPAT-USA. This is a non-profit children's rights organization whose mission is to protect all children from commercial sexual exploitation, and is the US Chapter of Thailand-based ECPAT (End Child Prostitution and Trafficking) International, working at the community, national and international levels.

With a TassaTag you support The Regina Center in Nong Khai, Thailand, which provides education and income generating skills and opportunities for women. All proceeds from sales are returned to the producers. The project enables women to stay in their villages and keep their children in school, which are two major strategies in reducing sex trafficking.

CLICK HERE to learn more about this project
CLICK HERE to learn more about sex slavery and trafficking
CLICK HERE to order TassaTags

With a TassaTag you will be part of the ECPAT project by increasing the recognition of the TassaTag logo as a symbol against the sexual slavery and trafficking of children, raising greater awareness of this major illegal trade around the world, and being a voice positively addressing a serious children's rights issue.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 6, 2012

PRESBYTERY OF NEW YORK CITY - Hindi, Punjabi, Twi, Ewe, Thai, French, Spanish, and Korean are among the languages in which Presbyterians in New York City hear God's word and sing God's praises - often with drumming, dancing, and other expressions unique to each culture. The presbytery is home to eight immigrant fellowships working to become independent chartered congregations.

CLICK HERE to read more.

From ServLife International: "July/August 2012 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.

"Driven to My Knees"
By Adam Nevins, Executive Director
ServLife International



Abraham Lincoln once said, "I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me insufficient for that day."

That has resonated with me personally as of late. Not because things are difficult, but rather because they are busy and overwhelming. So much is going on at ServLife, and I find myself struggling to keep up. There is always more to be done, and I am easily overwhelmed these days. I am driven to my knees.

In this newsletter we want to give you a quick snapshot of all that is going on so that you are in the loop and can pray and support what God is doing. If you have any questions about any of this, always feel free to contact me personally at adam@servlife.org. Thank you for your prayers and support.

SCHOOL

In both India and Nepal school is underway and the children are doing great and have already completed their first term exams. Your sponsorships make their education possible, and about 50 children still need sponsored. If you are not yet a sponsor, please consider donating $30/mo and caring for a child today: Sponsor here.

 

India recently celebrated their Independence Day and the children gathered for a special morning ceremony led by Director Albert Das"

 

INDIA CHILDREN'S SCHOOL

The first floor of the children's home in India is almost completed and should be ready for the kids to move in before the end of the year. Pray that it is completed soon and the $40,000 necessary to finish gets fully funded. Donate today to support this work.

 

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP

The son of India Director Albert Das, Paul Das, has been attending college in California and is now entering his second year. God is working in Paul's life and giving him an education beyond what he is doing formally in college. Paul is growing in his intimacy with Christ, and was baptized in June of this year!

 

We are trying to fund Paul's second year of college and need your help. Read more here and help us support this family that has given so much to the service of God's Kingdom. We can be a part of helping to launch this young man on to great things as God continues to shape and mold his heart and mind.

PASTORS TRAINING

11 men and 2 women from all over Nepal have gathered in Kathmandu for this year's Pastor Training School. Director Lazarus Thulung describes them as "very mature and growing in their passion for ministry. We are busy in teaching and modeling them in their personal life."

 

The India Pastor Training School has also started with 8 students. Please pray for these students, that God would equip them for the ministry He has called them to.

 

THE OFFICE

Adam and Rachel have been very busy in the office working on a variety of projects, including a brand refresh and new website that will roll out before the end of the year. Adam has been traveling to California and Texas recently, visiting with donors and churches. If you would like to personally meet with Adam or have him share with your church, please contact rachel@servlife.org to schedule.

Go with ServLife and make disciples in this world of need ...

•  Contact us to learn more about short-term and volunteer opportunities.

•  Help us train and send a church planter to the frontiers of the gospel. Make a

   one-time gift or give on a monthly basis.

•   Make a difference in the life of a child. Give hope. Become a ServLife child sponsor.

•   Serve the poor through micro-lending. Give to the Hope Fund

Thank you for letting us share what is happening in the world through ServLife . . . together with you,

 

Adam

 

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

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 4/8/12

CHINA (New Day Foster Home, http://www.newdaycreations.com/foster/ ) - Give thanks to God for the work of the staff, volunteers, and supporters of New Day Foster Home in providing a loving home for orphans with special needs. Pray God will give the staff and volunteers the strength and energy to care for babies and children with acute medical conditions.
• Thanks be to God that 1-year-old Maya continues to improve following surgery to treat a Wilms’ tumor, a rare kidney cancer that primarily affects children.
• Give thanks to God that Maya is at New Day Foster Home where she receives love and care from the nurturing staff at the foster home. This sweet baby girl was abandoned at the gate of a civil affairs bureau four days after her birth, taken to a local orphanage, and then several months later, moved to New Day Foster Home.
•  Give God thanks for the life of 2-month-old James who died last week. James’ fragile body wasn’t able to recover from the difficult surgery he had recently to repair his heart and the lung infection he developed from being on a ventilator so long.
• Pray for the staff and volunteers at New Day Foster Home and the hospital staff and surgeons who so lovingly cared for this little one who was abandoned at the foot of a mountain on the day he was born.

CAMBODIA - Give God thanks for the Colombian government’s reintegration program for former child soldiers. Pray more former fighters are able to complete their education and find jobs that pay a living wage. Pray for former child soldiers who are now parents. Pray for those who struggle to raise their children by working low paying jobs. Pray for the safety and security of these fragile families.
 • Keep in prayer those who have escaped from illegal rebel or paramilitary groups as they attempt to fit back into society. Pray for former fighters who struggle to find jobs in a country with unemployment at 11 percent and for those who are tempted to join criminal gangs because they can make more money. Pray for ex-fighters who are ostracized by society because of their previous involvement with rebel groups.
• Keep in prayer those who have escaped from illegal rebel or paramilitary groups as they attempt to fit back into society. Pray for former fighters who struggle to find jobs in a country with unemployment at 11 percent and for those who are tempted to join criminal gangs because they can make more money. Pray for ex-fighters who are ostracized by society because of their previous involvement with rebel groups.
 • Please pray for the thousands of children who have been forcibly recruited into Columbia’s paramilitary or rebel groups over the past five decades. Pray for those who joined the country’s illegal armed groups to escape grinding poverty or abusive home lives. Pray for children who are trained to use assault rifles and grenades and make explosives.
A report from the alertnet.org

KENYA ( Namoi's Village, http://naomisvillage.com/ ) -  Keep 3-week-old Hannah held close in prayer as she adjusts to life at Naomi’s Village. Give thanks to God that she was placed in this loving environment. Pray this four pound baby girl will grow and thrive at Naomi’s Village. Pray for the women who care for Hannah and the other four babies at this orphanage. Pray God will provide them with the energy and stamina to care for these little ones.

UNITED STATES - Please pray for all children returning to school soon. Pray for those who are attending school for the first time, for those going to a new school, and for those moving from private schools into public ones. Pray for Raymond, John, Julia, Alyssa, Camryn, and Grady as they transition into new situations. Pray for teachers, administrators, and school personnel who are also returning to school.

•   Pray for children who have few if any friends at school. Pray they will find a group of supportive and caring friends. Pray that a culture of hospitality, acceptance, and welcome will prevail at all schools.

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.
• Please keep Ashley, the daughter of a Faces of Children prayer partner, close in prayer as she has been diagnosed with the West Nile virus. Pray for her quick and complete recovery and that her newborn son Landis won’t contract the virus (in a few rare cases, it has been transferred through breast milk).
• Pray for healing for 4-year-old Anna, the niece of a Faces of Children intercessor, who recently had surgery to correct her club foot. Pray God will comfort Anna while her leg is in a thigh-high cast for the next six weeks.

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

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 5, 2012

PRESBYTERY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY - On a hot Saturday evening in June, Richard Palleschi, a member of Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church, sat in a pew at Trinity Cathedral in Trenton, loudly singing a gospel song he’d never heard before. Surrounded by 325 others from a variety of Christian traditions, he experienced the Holy Spirit in a way he never had before.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Word from Uganda: "Lip Dub"

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 ...

Lip Dub

So, about 2 months ago I hadn't even heard of a "lip dub". Now, thanks to Sarah H. and Jerad the children at LCH have their own. And it is SO good! Click the link below and please feel free to share.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post

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 of Confesssion

We come to you, O Christ, confessing to you the fears that twist our lives and keep us from the inner calm and peace that come from you:
    The fear of ourselves, that we cannot do what is expected of us;
    The fear of being found out for our littleness and pride in ourselves;
    The fear of being left out when joy and richness come to others;
    The fear of not being ready when opportunities present themselves for service;
    The fear of death, that when it comes our time to die, we shall not have done the things we would have done,
    because we were afraid to venture out.
    We find ourselves shrinking back before the unknown, wanting assurance where we must have faith;
We find ourselves hesitating to follow you, O Christ, afraid the cost may be too great, and life may pass us by.
Give us the strength and peace that only you can give. Amen.

A Book of Reformed Prayers
by Howard L. Rice & Lamar Williamson, Jr.

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

Although these words were written almost 60 years ago, they resonate with me now, especially the part about hesitating to follow Jesus because I’m fearful the cost will be too great. It’s true confession time, so here goes:

I’m happy to follow Christ
… as long as it’s convenient to do so.
… as long as it doesn’t make me uncomfortable.
… as long as I can control what happens.
… and only if that happens during work hours and I don’t have to give up a weekend.
… and only if I don’t have to make a commitment to anyone.
I’m happy to follow Christ, as long as it doesn’t cost me too much.

This baring of the soul is quite uncomfortable for me. I’m afraid you now know another fear that twists my life and keeps me from the inner calm that comes from Jesus Christ: The fear of being found out for my littleness and pride. And the purpose of this is what, you might wonder? I think confessing our weaknesses and sins before God and one another is one of the most healing parts of our life together as a community of faith, as members of the Church universal.

Another healing part of life in a faith community is prayer… praying with and for one another. You know this already or you wouldn’t be involved with Faces of Children and praying for children. So I ask you to join me in praying for each prayer partner/intercessor with this ministry, that we might experience the strength and peace that can only come through Jesus Christ. Would you pray with me that it might permeate our lives and wipe away our fears? Thank you

The Faces of Children prayer group will meet on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s room at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, with lunch ($5) and fellowship to follow.

If you have prayer concerns or celebrations 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.

Grace and peace,

Chris

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 4, 2012

PRESBYTERY OF NEW JERSEY - The congregation of La Primera Iglesia Presbiteriana Hispana Principe de Paz has been wandering for 23 years. In 1991, under Rev. Carmen Rosario, who shepherded the congregation from 1988 to 2005, it became a new church development in the presbytery and soon settled in Asbury Park. During this time the church was a partner in community efforts in support of primarily Puerto Rican and Cuban folks in the Asbury Park area. Principe de Paz was chartered as a full-fledged congregation in June 1993.

CLICK HERE to read more.

ChinaAid: Over a Thousand Kachin Refugees Forcibly Repatriated by China

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.

Over a Thousand Kachin Refugees Forcibly Repatriated by China
Distributed by ChinaAid, August, 2012 ...

YUNAN, CHINA – In the past week, Kachin refugees who have resided in refugee camps within Yunnan province of China since fleeing the civil war in Burma (Myanmar) have been forced to return to Kachin by the Chinese government. This has caused hardship and fear for their safety for the repatriated refugees and international concerns have been raised.

CLICK HERE for more on this story from China Aid

EPCAT-USA: We Need Your Help! Call your Senators September 4!

ECPAT International is a global network of organisations and individuals working together for the elimination of child prostitution, child pornography and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes. It seeks to encourage the world community to ensure that children everywhere enjoy their fundamental rights free and secure from all forms of commercial sexual exploitation.

We Need Your Help! Call your Senators September 4!

Join ECPAT-USA, the Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking (ATEST) and organizations and individuals across the country for a National Call-in Day to tell your Senators to pass the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act! On October 1, 2011, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, the cornerstone of the U.S. effort to fight human trafficking, expired and Congress is at risk of failing to reauthorize the legislation by the end of this session. Congress will not act until you do.

On September 4th starting at 9AM EST call your Senators and tell them to pass the TVPRA (S 1301). The time is now!

CLICK HERE to find out more, and to find your Senators' contact information

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 3, 2012

PRESBYTERY OF LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK - On a Thursday morning in February, 35 young people and adults walked into The Bowery Mission in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. They would spend the next five hours serving and being served as they learned about homelessness in New York City. It was, all in all, a routine day in youth ministry, except that the youth and adults represented six congregations of the Presbytery of Long Island. Calling themselves Nassau (County) Joint Youth, the partnership sponsors mission projects, retreats, mission trips, and a joint confirmation class.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 2, 2012

MINUTE FOR MISSION: CHRISTIAN VOCATION - I remember the day that the fog lifted and I realized that the word "undecided" no longer needed to appear after my name and major in the school directory. It was right after a college professor tapped me on the shoulder. Figuratively, anyway. He had been paying attention to my gifts and had seen my face light up in class. He could see where my passions were, yet was also aware of a place that needed that combination.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 1, 2012

PRESBYTERY OF HUDSON RIVER, NEW YORK - In John 20:24, Jesus reminds us "unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.'' In 2008, one of the good grains of God's field, the First Presbyterian Church of Poughkeepsie, closed its doors, merged with another congregation, and sold its beautiful building. It was a time of dying to the old and rising to the new.

CLICK HERE to read more.