West Texas Missioner

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Advent Devotional for December 6

"This Advent Season, start — or end — your day with these meditations provided by faculty, students, and alumni/ae of the Austin Seminary community."

CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Thursday, December 6

Malachi 3:5-12

Today, December 6th, is the day we remember a great saint of the church. Many know this saint by his shorthand name, Santa Claus. But the name Santa Claus is related to an older name, St. Nicholas. And even though, at the mention of this name, our thoughts probably turn to images of reindeer and chimneys and a sack of gifts, there are other things to know about St. Nicholas.

Different stories about this saint tell us that indeed he was always a gift-giver. These accounts tell us that as early as the fourth century, this Bishop of Myra (southern Asia Minor) had the reputation of compassion for all the people within his jurisdiction of the church, especially for the needy. Old prayers of the church tell us that St. Nicholas was considered an exemplar of the faith because he provided care for orphans and widows, he fed the hungry and the poor, and he freed captives.

On this mid-week day in Advent we read the strong words of the prophet Malachi. The prophet pronounces God’s judgment against any who do not pay right wages to workers, who oppress the widow and orphan, or who cast aside the alien (v. 5).

Strong words indeed. We do well, in this time of preparing for the arrival of God on earth, to reflect on the fact that not only in modern times do we care for issues of justice and the well-being of all people, especially those on the edges of economy, security, and societal norms. Malachi, a prophet of God, said life in God looks like this. St. Nicholas, old saint of the church, lived exemplified such a life in God. Those witnesses stand before us today.

In your mercy, Holy God, make us your land of delight through our actions on behalf of all the needy ones, that we may serve you all the days of our lives. In the name of the One whose arrival we await. Amen.

Jennifer L. Lord
The Dorothy B. Vickery Associate Professor of Homiletics and Liturgical Studies

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.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

In the News ... "Churches celebrate season with songs"

By Audrie Palmer, Reporter

Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - It's their gift to the community. As the Christmas season kicks off, churches around the Tall City will host Christmas concerts throughout the month of December as a way to give back to West Texans and ring in the holidays with song.

First United Methodist Church of Midland will host a free Christmas concert December 9, with multi-Grammy award winner Sandi Patty and 2012 Gospel Music Association's artist of the year Jason Crabb.
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Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

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Advent Devotional for December 5

"This Advent Season, start — or end — your day with these meditations provided by faculty, students, and alumni/ae of the Austin Seminary community."

CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Wednesday, December 5

Isaiah 1:24-31

Recently I was staring at a picture of my children. There they were, three faces staring back at me, frozen in time. I began to wonder how and when they got to be so big and so independent. As I continued to stare at the picture I began to reflect back on our lives together and over our incredible journey we have shared thus far. As we prepare for the coming of the precious Christ child, Isaiah calls all of God’s people to likewise take a picture of their faith. We are called to stare at a picture of who we have become, and where we are now, as children of God.

We are also called to be reminded of who it is that created us and sent us on our way. It is in these moments, as we stare at ourselves, that we can identify how we have stayed the course, or where we find ourselves veering far off in one direction or the other. It is only in these sometimes difficult moments of reflection when we can truly ask God to purge our lives of the meaningless pursuits that become all-consuming.

Here in these snapshot moments we can once again ask of the Almighty, the One who is bigger than all of the faults and foolishness we see in ourselves, to purify us and again call us back to our created selves. We are reminded that Christ is coming, and with him comes the promise that no matter how far we wander, or where we find ourselves at that particular moment, God will scour and redirect us. Only then are we set free to continue our journey once again being called children of God.

Holy One, we come to you now where we are in our lives; broken, lost, misguided. We come to you now where we are in our lives; full of love, faithfulness, and joy. We ask that you separate us from all that would lead us astray and purify us so that we may indeed be called your children. Amen.

Lisa Rush
Senior MDiv student from San Antonio, Texas

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

In the News ... "‘Tis the season for helping"

By Lyxan Toledanes, Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - When everyone prayed for rain, Edna Ontiveros prayed that it wouldn’t. Every rainstorm for the 83-year-old widow meant a night without sleep, changing pails of collected water that would fall through the hole in her deteriorated roof that was just above her bed.

Because she is on Social Security, Ontiveros’ fixed income did not allow for the extra cost for home repairs.

“When it rained, I used to have to stay up. By the time I emptied one pail of water, the other was full,” Ontiveros said.

With the help of Christmas in Action volunteers, Ontiveros’ roof — once made of gravel, tar and felt — has been patched up and replaced with shingles.
• read the rest of this story

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: December 4, 2012

FLINT RIVER PRESBYTERY, GEORGIA - Presbyterian Church of Warner Robins, Georgia, took a leap of faith, and asked the presbytery to join its efforts to launch a new mission in Middle Georgia. Their aim was to create a third space in the area where individuals of all ages could gather for coffee, conversation, and community. This congregation's efforts were joined by the presbytery's New Church Development Committee, the Synod of the South Atlantic, the General Assembly Mission Council of the PC(USA), and neighboring congregations to open a coffeehouse to use as the gathering place for a new community of disciples and a launching pad for mission to the Warner Robins area and the world.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Advent Devotional for December 4

"This Advent Season, start — or end — your day with these meditations provided by faculty, students, and alumni/ae of the Austin Seminary community."

CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Tuesday, December 4

II Samel 7:18-29

King David and God are in a really good place. God has just blessed David with victory over the Philistines. David has joined the people in expressing gratitude and joy, “dancing before the Lord with all his might.” Settling back in at home after the festivities, his continued exuberance spills over and into a desire to do something more to honor God. David decides he will build God a house—after all, he reasons, God has been living in an ark, while David has been living in a home made of cedar. Nathan assures David this is an idea God will support.

But God rejects David’s idea. When has God ever needed a house? Instead of David building a house for God, God will build a house for David: a house that will endure not only for a lifetime, not only for generations, but forever and ever.

How can it be that the God who does so much for us has promised even more? With David we are humbled; with David we are hopeful. We know we are unworthy, that this is pure grace. We ask for what has already been promised, exercising our invited audacity.

The One who promises to come is the Promised One who has no home. No room in the inn. No tomb but a stranger’s. No place to lay his head. He moves from womb to manger, from table to cross, from garden to lakeshore. He has no home but makes a home for us. He knows our need for space and care, and so prepares a place—a mansion. Many mansions. And he will come, and take us to himself. And we will be home — with him - forever.

Bounteous God,
Fill us, on this day, with the joy that comes when we recognize your blessings. Lead us to dance, and praise, and make excessive offerings even as you offer excessive gifts. Remind us that our home is in you even as we await your coming. Keep your promises, and give us the courage to claim them. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Cindy Rigby
The W. C. Brown Professor of Theology

Monday, December 3, 2012

In the News ... "Churches use online giving, kiosks to collect donations"

By Audrie Palmer, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - With a changing population and giving habits in a world where paper currency is seldom required, many churches and congregations are utilizing new technologies to make collection of offerings more simple.

It's a concept that's only recently been taking off in churches -- online giving. While many pay their bills online and through direct deposits or withdrawals, some have found it also more convenient to make donations online to their house of worship.

St. Stephen's Catholic Church recently launched its online giving program where church members can make a donation with a credit or debit card through the church's website. Using the WeShare program, parishioners can also register for church events and activities and contribute a donation, seven days a week, even when they are sick or out of town.
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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: December 3, 2012

CHEROKEE PRESBYTERY, GEORGIA - Cherokee Presbytery understands itself to be one church that is located in many places throughout northwestern Georgia, following Christ together with confidence, joy, and hope. This particular church consists of 42 chartered congregations (ranging from the newly chartered to some over 175 years in age), two campus ministries, a retreat center, and more than 9,800 members (lay and clergy) faithfully bearing fruit in the kingdom and growing in the knowledge of God.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Advent Devotional for December 3

"This Advent Season, start — or end — your day with these meditations provided by faculty, students, and alumni/ae of the Austin Seminary community."

CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotionals.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Monday, December 3

Psalm 90

As I read this psalm out loud, I imagine Mary sitting across the room, listening. She twists and turns. She can’t seem to get comfortable. The baby is lying on her sciatic nerve and pain is shooting down her left leg. She tries to get him to move by turning on her side and pushing on the little body. Please make this pain go away, she pleads. Please get this over with, she begs. But her mother has told her: All in good time. God’s time. You can’t make it happen. You wait and pray for some relief.

Psalm 90 puts words to this human experience of time. Like Mary, waiting for something to change her condition, we are bound to life measured day by day by relentless day of toil and trouble. For God, on the other hand, a thousand years go by as if they were a dream in a single night. In our life span, we hardly have a chance to make an impression on God. In fact, Moses suspects, what impression we do make is by our sins, sins that evoke the wrath of God.

Unlike most psalms of lament, which this one surely is, Moses’ poem does not make a final turn to thanking God for saving us. No. Moses leaves us waiting and praying for relief. He ends with a plea: Please make our work prosper! Please make our lives count for something!

Like Mary, sometimes we just sit and wait. But we know what Moses did not, that Mary’s baby—when he comes and when he comes again—will change our plight. God will see us differently through the glory of Jesus Christ

Everlasting God,
This day we wait. It may be a day full of toil and trouble. It may be a day we prosper. I ask that your presence within me, whatever this day brings, remind me of the hope of Jesus Christ for me and also for all the people with whom I share this day. May I see them reflecting glory. Amen.

Melissa Wiginton
Vice President for Education Beyond the Walls at Austin Seminary

Sunday, December 2, 2012

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: December 2, 2012

MINUTE FOR MISSION: ADVENT - The anticipation was wonderful! Sis was coming to town! We, my brother and three cousins, knew that there would be gifts for each of us. Sis, the second oldest of my mother's sisters, came to visit at least three times a year. We knew she was coming when we saw her turn the corner after walking a half mile from the bus station. She rode the bus from her home in Lexington to our home in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Her visit prior to the beginning of school year brought us new clothes for school; her visit before Easter brought new coats, pants, and dresses for spring and summer. Her pre-Christmas visit delayed the anticipation until the wrapped gifts could be opened.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Advent Devotional for December 2

"This Advent Season, start — or end — your day with these meditations provided by faculty, students, and alumni/ae of the Austin Seminary community."

CLICK HERE for a complete schedule of this season's devotional
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Devotional for Sunday, December 2

Jeremiah 33:14-16

Under royal surveillance, the imprisoned prophet Jeremiah lies in wait for a word of hope. The word from the Lord that Jeremiah receives moves him to see a world beyond the walls of his prison to one filled with the divine promise of a Redeemer. Indeed, in our observance of Advent, the spiritual practice of waiting is a significant part of our relationship with God. Like Jeremiah, we are waiting expectantly for the promised Redeemer.

For many of us, the place wherein we practice our Advent waiting may not be prison walls and the sounds of despair outside them. The warmth of family and friends that accompanies our Advent waiting should, therefore, move us to a second important spiritual Advent practice of thanksgiving. We are thankful that God has planted in the ground of tomorrow the seed of a Davidic promise that is, indeed, soon to sprout amid this busy season. The fruits of this sprouting “righteous Branch” include executed “justice and righteousness.”

Although we may be stretched in many different ways during Christmas, the prophet’s words invite us to be mentally and spiritually present in the precious moments we have with family and friends. In this hope of the Messiah, we also believe that imprisonments will be transformed into places of safety, peace, and liberation.

As we celebrate Advent, may these prophetic words not only transport us to a future promise but also ground us in a message of hope and thanksgiving. As Jesus proclaimed to his disciples, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Blessed are You, Lord our God, who gives us breath.
We gather today to offer you songs of praise and thanksgiving. For you have comforted us with the falling rain and have shown us compassion in our suffering.

May we feel from this momentary encounter the warmth ofyour eternal grace.

May the joy of our salvation move us closer to your love. Heal our troubled hearts with your healing touch
Allow your Holy Spirit to render our egos powerless.
We pray this in Christ’s name, Amen.

Gregory Lee Cuéllar, PhD
Assistant Professor of Old Testament

Saturday, December 1, 2012

In the News ... "Buddhist nun: Let natural love come out for holidays"

By Audrie Palmer, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - While the Christmas season is a wonderful time of year, it also can be a time of stress. By taking time to eliminate that stress, we can relax, help others to relax and enjoy the holiday.

"The whole point is to see what stresses you and avoid it. We can be loving and relaxed because this is the most special time of the year," said Buddhist nun Kelsang Chondzin.

Chondzin will speak at a free public talk from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Midland.
• read the rest of this story

Friday, November 30, 2012

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: November 30, 2012

CHARLESTON-ATLANTIC PRESBYTERY, SOUTH CAROLINA - The Charleston-Atlantic Presbytery Campus Ministry is living the theme of ``Bearing Fruit and Growing in the Knowledge of God.'' Campus ministry is a wonderful opportunity for churches to continue the baptismal promises they make. For many college students, it is their first time away from home, and providing a safe space for them to explore and grow in their faith is not only a wonderful ministry but also a responsibility.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

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: November 29, 2012

CENTRAL FLORIDA PRESBYTERY - Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church is a microcosm of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Over the years it has steadily lost more members than it has gained, and the average age of its membership is well over 65. After a particularly difficult experience with a pastor, the Committee on Ministry exercised some tough love and strongly encouraged the church to participate in the Acts 16:5 Transformation Initiative.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

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: November 28, 2012

SYNOD OF SOUTH ATLANTIC - The synod and its presbyteries and seminaries work together to train, equip, and help leaders serve the church. In the Synod of South Atlantic, covenant relationships with seminaries and schools help to facilitate that. As seminaries and schools continue to welcome new students, it is always an encouragement to see the actual organization change and grow. Working hard to bear good fruit sometimes means transitions.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Kicking-off the 'giving season'

"We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. This year help create #GivingTuesday, the giving season’s opening day," writes givingtuesday.org. "On Tuesday November 27, 2012 charities, families, businesses and individuals are coming together to transform the way people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season."

"It’s a simple idea. Find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to join in acts of giving. Tell everyone you can about what you are doing and why it matters. Join a national celebration of our great tradition of generosity, and together we’ll create ways to give more, give better and give smarter."

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: November 27, 2012

YELLOWSTONE PRESBYTERY - These are challenging days for the PC(USA) and for Yellowstone Presbytery. In these times, the presbytery focuses its mission and outreach on its mission statement: ``Our Vision: Yellowstone Presbytery - guided and sustained by Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and prayer - is a community rooted in the love of Jesus Christ. We will: Gather Together for God's glory and spiritual synergy; Equip and Encourage disciple-making congregations and leaders for living the gospel ... intentionally becoming more like Christ; ably sharing our faith in our communities; worshiping in loving response to God; and mutually supporting and training leaders; Go Out to join Christ in Christ's mission in our communities, Montana, and the world ... embodying and sharing Christ’s good news; loving and serving, as commanded, in our words, actions, and relationships.”

CLICK HERE to read more.

Monday, November 26, 2012

ChinaAid: China continues repatriating Kachin refugees forcibly

YUNAN, CHINA – On August 21, 2012, the Chinese government began to forcibly repatriate the Kachin refugees who had sought refuge in Yunnan province. Though the battles between the Kachin Independence Army and the Burmese government army continue, a large number of refugees have been forced to return to Kachin, as they had no alternative. On August 29th, the reporter interviewed several officials of the Kachin Independent government, in charge of refugee affairs, regarding the current situation. They gave relatively detailed answers to the plight of the refugees that is attracting attention in the outside world.

CLICK HERE for more on this story from China Aid

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: November 26, 2012

PRESBYTERY OF WYOMING - Spurring someone on'' is a Western way to encourage another. It's a little nudge to make things go better. This was the thought behind the Silver Spur award given for efforts to ``spur others on in their efforts to be like Christ.'' Paul had a knack for this as he wrote to the new churches, and the Presbytery of Wyoming is doing the same as they recognize efforts to encourage and bring Christ to others. The award goes to a person, church, or group and is awarded at each presbytery meeting. The award was first given to Rev. Curtis Hill for his work on the Ministry Area Resource Team, a way to use the strengths of the area ministers for the benefit of all churches in the area.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

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: November 25, 2012

MINUTE FOR MISSION: CHRIST THE KING / REIGN OF CHRIST - Staggered by the news of the gang-related murder of Brandon Jackson, family members found themselves at an impasse. Gang retaliations had begun and in the midst of the tension, not one church big enough to host the funeral was willing to open its doors. The family turned to the Presbyterian church, the home of Japanese Americans who for decades have lived in the area with the African American community. As neighbors they sat down together, not knowing that they were being led.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Friday, November 23, 2012

In the News ... "Shared spaces initiative launches for Midland nonprofits"

By Meredith Moriak, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - In less than a year, more than 12 nonprofit organizations will be housed in the same location, working collaboratively to improve the Midland community.

The creation of Midland Shared Spaces and a floor plan for housing 12 nonprofits under the same roof was unveiled Thursday during a ceremony at Hillcrest School, the future site of Midland Shared Spaces.
• read the rest of this story

Thursday, November 22, 2012

A Thanksgiving Prayer

“Oh God, when I have food, help me to remember the hungry; when I have work, help me to remember the jobless; when I have a warm home, help me to remember the homeless; when I am without pain, help me to remember those who suffer; and remembering, help me to destroy my complacency and bestir my compassion. Make me concerned enough to help, by word and deed those who cry out for what we take for granted ... Amen.”

– Samuel F. Pugh

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

In the News ... "Salvation Army looks for venue to house donations"

By Tyler White, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The Salvation Army is struggling to find a venue to house donations for its annual Angel Tree program. Each year, the Salvation Army looks for a vacant commercial venue to use during the holiday season in order to organize and distribute the donated clothes and presents, said Capt. Andrea Ellis, who leads the local agency with her husband, Capt. Tex Ellis.

"We usually have to find a new property every year in order to have this program," Ellis said. The search is becoming more difficult. Ellis and her husband look for places throughout the year, but they can't guarantee the venues they find will be vacant at the end of the year.
• read the rest of this story

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

New Web Presence for Partners

Hearing from our mission friends at Partners Relief & Development ... "Our new website is live! Take a few minutes to explore and read about all the good things Partners is doing. Perhaps you want to send some links to your friends so they can see what is going on as well. We also have a new blog which you can read at partnersworld.tumblr.com There are many more useful links on the site for you to explore. Feel free!"

Monday, November 19, 2012

ChinaAid: House Church Evangelistic Team Detained in Shenzhen, Released Four Days Later

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.

House Church Evangelistic Team Detained in Shenzhen, Released Four Days Later
Distributed by ChinaAid, November, 2012 ...

SHENZHEN, CHINA – A house church evangelistic team that was taken into police custody for handing out tracts and preaching the Gospel in the southern city of Shenzhen has been released after four days' detention, ChinaAid has learned.

CLICK HERE for more on this story from China Aid

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).

Prayers of Gratitude

Lord,

O God, Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier,

we thank you that we may be together

to hear your word of life and hope.

We are all equal before you.

You know our life in its deepest recesses.

You have not forgotten us;

you love us, and again and again you fill the empty hands

which we stretch out towards you.

Through the suffering and death of your Son Jesus Christ,

you took our darkness and fear upon yourself

in order that we might know light and joy.

Prayer of the Waldensian Church from John Carden, from the 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 Intercessor,

I found this prayer of thanksgiving in the book I've been using for a few months and thought it might be appropriate for our devotion this Thanksgiving week. It was intended for a worship setting, I believe, but it could also be used in our faithful community of Faces of Children prayer partners.

I think it is a most appropriate prayer to pray for the children of our hearts and our world. How wonderful to remember that we all, including the "least of these," are equal in God's sight and not forgotten by our generous Creator! Thanks be to God!

The Faces of Children prayer group will meet on Wednesday, November 21, 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

In the News ... "Program offers respite for Alzheimer's caregivers "

By Meagan Lea, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month and one local group is hoping to help Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. The Patio caregiver respite program provides adult day care for seniors from 1-5 p.m. every Thursday at Midland Lutheran Church. The volunteer-run program marked its fifth anniversary with an open house last month. The program currently serves three clients, but can accommodate up to 10
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Friday, November 16, 2012

In the News: Fatal Train Accident in Midland ... "Faith-based support for veterans"

By Tyler White
ReporterMidland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Churches and faith counselors from across Midland reached out to family members of victims by opening their doors and providing spiritual counseling.

First Baptist Church of Midland had rooms, food and water for any family members or visitors here for the event. Hank Henry, associate ministor of missions, said veterans from Midland and Odessa came to the church to provide water for anyone who might show up.

Mark Dettman, chaplain for Midland Police Department, Midland Fire Department, and Midland County Sheriff’s Office, was available for faith counseling at the DoubleTree by Hilton, where victims and family members were staying.

“We need everyone in the community to pray for these folks,” Dettman said.

Dettman was on call at Midland Memorial Hospital earlier Thursday night to speak with family members of victims and those in need of spiritual counseling.

Several pastors from Midland area churches also were available for counseling, Dettman said.

There was “a lot of faith” there, he said.

• Prayers from the Friday morning vigil in downtown Midland

• Four killed, 16 injured in parade accident (+ Photo Gallery)
• Hundreds turn out to give blood after accident
• Mayor: Accident is ‘one of the most tragic events we’ve had in our town’

Monday, November 12, 2012

ChinaAid: Clergymen of a TSPM church in Hefei, Anhui Province are Persecuted

HEFEI, ANHUI, CHINA – China Aid Association has learned recently that two clergymen from a TSPM church in Hefei, Anhui province left the TSPM church after being persecuted and began serving in a house church. As a result, government authorities escalated their revenge and persecution of them, even to the point of violence.

CLICK HERE for more on this story from China Aid

Thursday, November 8, 2012

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 11/8/12

BRAZIL- Give thanks to God for the work of the staff and volunteers of Youth with a Mission (YWAM) Belo Horizonte with street children, physically challenged children, slum children, and children with HIV/AIDS. Pray for the approximately 90 staff members who work in the eight children's homes this ministry supports in Belo Horizonte. Please pray for the children who are served in these homes ... pray for their healing and wholeness.
• Thanks be to God the number of children living on the streets of Brazil's major cities has gone down drastically since the 1980.
• Pray for children who are trapped in a cycle of poverty, addiction, and sexual exploitation. Please pray for the 32 million Brazilians who go hungry on a daily basis and for the 65 million on the verge of poverty. Pray for the six million who are addicted to either crack or cocaine. Pray for children and women who are trafficked into commercial sexual exploitation. Pray for children who are at risk of being prostituted at major athletic events that will be held in Brazil soon (Soccer World Cup in 2014 and Olympics in 2016).
•  more from YWAM Belo Horizonte
• a blog by Johann and Jeanette Lukasse

BURMA - Continue to pray for the ethnic hill tribe children and people of Burma who are facing new threats because of increased economic activity in their country. As Burma's leaders make positive changes, governments around the world are beginning to lift economic sanctions on this country.
• While giving God thanks for the positive changes in Burma, please ask God to protect farmers and their families who are affected by the unscrupulous business practices of state and private interests. Pray for those who have been forced off their land...who have had it stolen by Burmese or foreign investors who rarely compensate these families for their land.
• Please pray for the children in these families. Many have left school because their parents cannot afford to send them any longer or they are needed to make an income for the family. Pray for girl children who are forced into prostitution to help provide for their families.
• Pray for the protection of farming families in rural Burma as the acquisition of land becomes an even higher priority for investors. Pray for legal protection for these vulnerable families from domestic and foreign companies intent upon developing large-scale plantation-farming, pipelines, dams, and mines.
• Keep farmer Maung's 14-year-old daughter close in prayer as she makes a living for her family through prostitution. Maung's land was nconfiscated by two Chinese mining companies and he was given no compensation. Pray for all families and children facing this same bleak future.
•  a report from Partners Relief & Development
• more from partnersworld.org

MALI - Please pray for the people of northern Mali where extremists have imposed Islamic sharia law and women and children seem to be targeted for abuse. A military coup in March left a power vacuum enabling Tuareg rebels to take over nearly two-thirds of Mali.
• Pray for children who are sold into slavery because of the widespread poverty and instability in this area. Pray for children whose families have accepted money so they would become child soldiers. Pray for children who are forced to carry weapons and make improvised explosive devices for rebel groups.
• ray for women who are sold into marriage and for those who are sold again and again as prostitutes. Pray for pregnant women or unmarried women with children who are being targeted by extremists intent on enforcing a strict version of sharia law.
•  a report from trust.org/alertnet

YEMEN - Please keep the children of Yemen in prayer as this country owns the dubious honor of having the world's third-highest rate of child malnutrition. The political revolt last year and skyrocketing global prices for food and fuel have combined to wreak havoc on Yemen's economy and cause its youngest citizens to suffer greatly. Pray for the 13 percent of Yemeni children who are now acutely malnourished because of the country's instability.
• Pray for the 10 million people in Yemen who go to bed hungry every night because they can't afford the high food prices or grow their own crops. Yemen has little arable land on which to grow crops so it must import most of its food.
• Pray for political stability and security in this struggling country where conflict, terrorist activity, population displacement, and food insecurity are causing such great distress.
•  a report from trust.org/alertnet

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

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

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).

To Love Those Whom I Do Not Love

Lord,

You who love this person whom I do not love,

you who read the hearts of others whom I do not understand,

you who know the inmost suffering of those whom I ignore,

you who discern the efforts of each one in attitudes which I perceive as deceitful:
open my eyes and my heart.

You also know me far better than I know myself;
you love me better than I love myself...

Lord! Teach me to love with your love.

Amen.

By Genevieve Graves, from the 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 Intercessor,

The Faces of Children prayer group will meet on Wednesday, November 7, 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

Monday, November 5, 2012

ChinaAid: Bob Fu Signs with Major Christian Publisher to Write His Memoirs

MIDLAND, TEXAS – ChinaAid founder and president Bob Fu has signed a contract with a major U.S. Christian publisher to write his memoirs, to be called God’s Double Agent: The True Story of a Chinese Christian’s Fight for Freedom. .

CLICK HERE for more on this story from China Aid