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 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 16, 2013

INDONESIA (continued) - The Javanese village of Ngrajek is 13 miles from one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mount Merapi, which in 2010 began its biggest eruption since the 1870s. On October 24, a flow of cold lava took away many of the Ngrajek villagers’ homes.

The increasing number of disasters and the global economic crisis have made funds for aid hard to come by, especially for a village like Ngrajek, located far from the volcano. Seeing few other options, the villagers formed their own response team. Bang Med, the team leader, said that the government offered the villagers a place in makeshift barracks, but on seeing their conditions, Mr. Med said: “We are serving survivors who have already suffered. Why make them suffer more?”

CLICK HERE to read more.

ChinaAid: "Six Churches United to Defend Their Rights"

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.

Six Churches United to Defend Their Rights

Distributed by ChinaAid, June, 2013 ...

KAIFENG CITY, CHINA – On the morning of June 13, 2013, Kaifeng Christian Church called together 700 pastors and coworkers represented from six different churches. They convened on the north side of the Kaifeng Yellow River Water Conservancy Technical Institute near the construction site of Fuxing Avenue. There, they organized a protest to stop the local authorities’ occupation of their land. According to Kaifeng Christian Church, a state-owned forestry farm has occupied their 200,000 square meters land since forty some years ago. A state-operated Technical Institute has been occupying a portion of this land for 10 years, and still, a portion of their land has been sliced off for municipal road construction use. Kaifeng Church’s demonstration is intended to draw the government’s attention to the crimes committed by the local authorities and call for the return of the occupied land.

• 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).

Listen to the Message

""Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus."

"Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything."          1 Peter 4:6-8, The Message

The Power of Prayer
by Eugene H. Peterson

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

I hope you will be able to join us as we pray for children at the Midland Faces of Children prayer meeting on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 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.

Giving thanks for this life and this love,

Chris

In the News ... "Rock The Desert expecting big turnout, raising permanent stage"

By Matt Rist, Reporter
KOSA-TV

MIDLAND-ODESSA, TEXAS - Off a dusty road on 1788 between midland and Odessa, Rock The Desert has done just that with Christian bands and family fun.

“It’s family friendly, Kids can come, hear good music and the gospel message of Jesus Christ,” said Co-Chair of the Rock The Desert Ministries Board Marcy Tull.

The $25 event is expected to be larger than ever, with Grammy-nominated bands, a new skateboard pipe and a $1,000 prize skateboarding contest.

"Our headliners this year are Third Day, Fly Leaf, LeCrea and other great artists,” Tull said.

 • 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 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 15, 2013

INDONESIA - Indonesia has the largest Muslim population of any country. It also includes more than 25 million Christians as well as many Hindus, Buddhists, Confucianists, and indigenous religions. The first principle of its Constitution is “The Great Unity of Deity.” All Indonesians are expected to believe that, whatever their religion or culture, they are all under one God.

For much of history, Indonesia’s religious communities lived in relative harmony. Decentralization of power, democratization, the removal of the military from government, and an economic crisis have led to many ethnic and religious conflicts around Indonesia. New freedoms have led to an upsurge in radical Islamicist activity and attacks on minority groups. The long history of religious peace seems threatened.

CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "New priest starts at Our Lady of Guadalupe"

MRT Photo by James Durbin

Ragini Venkatasubban, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The Rev. David Herrera marked July 1 as his first day as pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and Shrine, following the reassignment of former pastor, the Rev. Marek Stroba, OMI and former associate pastor, the Rev. Lawrence Mariasoosai, OMI to parishes in Mexico and Eagle Pass.

“Priests always have to get used to the fact that one day, we will move,” Herrera said. “We never call one place our home.”

 • 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 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 14, 2013

MINUTE FOR MISSION: UNION PRESBYTERIAN SEMINARY - Recently, I was a guest on a radio show. A caller inquired, “Is there such a thing as a call, and have you experienced one?” I answered yes to both. In different ways, to different people, God issues calls to serve the world with the good news of God’s love expressed in Jesus of Nazareth. To the Colossians, the apostle writes of the “hope laid up for you in heaven,” which they had heard “in the word of the truth, the gospel” (1:5). God calls some to share this good news.

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 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 13, 2013

VIET NAM - Protestant Christians arrived in Vietnam in 1911, established churches, and initially experienced slow growth. By the time of the Fall of Saigon in April 1975, there were only an estimated 160,000 evangelical Christians in the nation. The victory of the Communist North over the South produced a dark decade (1975–1985) of terrible persecution against Christians, and much of this persecution continued at least for another two decades. During this time, however, the Protestant community thrived, experiencing revivals in the midst of adversity.

CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Mission Fulfilled"

By Michelle Brownstone, Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - After about 10 years of struggling to find reliable wireless Internet service, Mission Dorado Baptist Church should be connected by the end of the month.

“(Several local Internet providers) contacted us and offered us gracious opportunities,” Mission Dorado Baptist Church Pastor Jared Wellman said in an email. “We are very grateful for all of their efforts … every company was willing to go the extra mile to help us get good service.” may have a direct line to God but the Internet is a different story.

 • 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 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 12, 2013

THAILAND (continued) - It will be like a tsunami,” says Ajarn Thanom Pinta, director of the Office of Education Ministry of the Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT), speaking of the flood of English that will immerse Thailand when ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) opens its borders to form a union in 2015. “We are not prepared for it, and we desperately need more English-speaking Christian volunteers to serve as English teachers.” I am tasked with finding these volunteers for the 26 Christian schools of the CCT. The need is critical.

CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Two seminarians to serve Abilene"

AP Staff Report
Odessa American

ABILENE, TEXAS - Growing up in Olfen, Sam Matthiesen realized the community was well known for producing two things in abundance — farmers and priests.

Spending hours as a youngster in his family’s cotton fields in Runnels County made Matthiesen realize something else.

“As long as I can remember,” he said, “I didn’t want to be a farmer.”

He wasn’t sure exactly what he wanted to be when he grew up. He just knew he didn’t want to be a farmer. So, the other logical choice was to become a priest. And now, at age 27, that’s exactly what he is.

 • 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 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 11, 2013

THAILAND - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plans to be a community by 2015. To compete on this new multination platform, Thailand needs training in English and in intercultural skills. Payap University invites the Christian Volunteers Thailand program to help. Ozzie Crocco, our first volunteer, sums up his time at Payap in the blog entry below.

“As I reflect on my time at Payap University, I can’t help but think about the people I’ve met and the stories I’ve been honored to hear.

CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Bishop Pfeifer to head to Brazil for World Youth Day"

By Michelle Brownstone, Reporter
Odessa American

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - In a few weeks Bishop Michael Pfeifer of the San Angelo Diocese will head to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to meet Pope Francis and celebrate World Youth Day, July 23, with millions.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him for the first time as pope,” Pfeifer said. “The other great excitement is you see youth there from all over the world. The one in Spain drew youth from about 180 countries in the world.”

Pfeifer said they’re projecting this year’s event may be the biggest one ever with more than three million people expected to attend.

 • 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 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 10, 2013

SRI LANKA - The Kalpitiya Islands are an integral part of Sri Lanka’s beautiful landscape. Yet 1,500 fisher families living there will soon be displaced by the government as part of its agenda to turn these islands into a tourist destination. The famous Dutch Bay, a narrow strip of land that divides the sea from the lagoon, is a wonder of God’s creation. It is covered with thick mangrove forests. Any human intervention can upset its delicate balance and create havoc. The Bar Reef—a system of coral reefs off the shore from Sri Lanka’s Kalpitiya peninsula—is another important landmark close to this region. The Joining Hands network in Sri Lanka, Praja Abhilasha, has been working with the fishing community to prevent another “tsunami,” this time created by human avarice..

CLICK HERE to read more.

Reports From Lulwanda: Program Coordinator's Report for May 2013

Natalie Rolfe serves Lulwanda Children's Home in Uganda as program coordinator: organizing and coordinating the programs of the Home, school, and clinic; overseeing sponsor connection and relationships (on the side of the children); and hosting American visitors that come to the Home.

May, 2013

"The month of May is a much anticipated month because it draws in a season of change from the normal routine of school. May 3rd was the ending day of Term 1. Though most children in Uganda love school and highly value the opportunity to learn, with a rigorous 6 day schedule of classroom and study time, children throughout the country look forward to the one month May holiday."

 • CLICK HERE to read the rest of Rolfe's May, 2013 report.

Invitation to Prayer

Faces of Children is an ecumenical prayer ministry under the auspices of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Our mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, we seek to provide an opportunity for people of God to join together, learn about children and their needs throughout the world, and celebrate Christ's love (especially as it relates to children).

Prayer and Hope

"The prayer of little faith is where you hold fast to the concrete of the present situation in order to win a certain security. The prayer of little faith is filled with wishes which beg for immediate fulfillment. This prayer of wish fulfillment has a Santa Claus naiveté which wants to satisfy specific desires. When the prayer is not heard, that is, when you don't get the present you wanted, there is disappointment even hard feelings and bitterness.

It is understandable, therefore, that this prayer of little faith has a great deal of fear and anxiety about it. If you pray like the person of little faith for health, success, an advancement, for peace, or whatever else, then you get so set on the concrete request that you feel left in the cold when the expected present doesn't arrive ... With this prayer of little faith, it is the concreteness of the wishes which eliminates the possibility for hope ... With this prayer, the petition is aimed at getting what you ask for, any way you can, instead of being directed toward the person who might or might not be able to make that wish come true ... All the attention is on the gift and none on the one who gives it.

...when the person of little faith prays, it is a prayer without hope. Likewise, it is without despair, for despair is only possible for someone who knows what it means to hope. The person of little faith prays a prayer that is carefully reckoned, even stingy, and which is upset by every risk. There is no danger of despair and no chance for hope ...

A person with hope does not get tangled up with concerns for how his or her wishes will be fulfilled. So, too, his or her prayer is not directed toward the gift, but toward the one who gives it. His or her prayer might still contain just as many desires, but ultimately it is not a question of having a wish come true, but of expressing an unlimited faith in the giver of all good things. You wish that...but you hope for....For the prayer of hope, it is essential that there are no guarantees asked, no conditions posed, and no proofs demanded, only that you expect everything from the other without binding them in any way. Hope is based on the premise that the other gives only what is good. Hope includes an openness by which you wait for the other to make known their loving promise come true, even though you never know when, where, or how this might happen."


With Open Hands
by Henri J.M. Nouwen

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

I came across this book, With Open Hands, when we were clearing out our parent's house about a year after my mother's death. Seeing her name penciled on the inside cover brought a smile to my face...her handwriting was sure and confident. It was a delightful surprise to realize my mother had discovered Henri Nouwen years before I even knew his name. Reading through the pages where she underlined passages that were meaningful or important has brought me great comfort. In the chapter "Prayer and Hope," there are many places underscored by her trusty number 2 pencil. My pen marks now join her penciled ones in this marvelous, vintage book in which I've discovered more gems of Nouwen wisdom. The passage above is lengthy, but worth the time, I believe

Please join us as we pray for children at the Midland Faces of Children prayer meeting on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 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.

Giving thanks for this life and this love,

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 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 9, 2013

BANGLADESH - Deep within Dhaka’s crowded slums of Khejurbag, the Church of Bangladesh’s Community Intervention Program, led by Shondha When one student, 11-year-old Belal, began to experience shortness of breath and then learned that he had a congenital heart defect, he lost hope of being able to continue his studies. Having no health insurance and being required by the hospital to pay all surgical expenses up front, Belal’s parents, who together earn less than a $100 a month, faced the overwhelming challenge of paying $1,700 for the surgery needed to save their son’s life. After taking on two extra jobs, gathering donations from friends and relatives, and taking out the largest loan they could, they still fell short of what they needed. Distraught, they turned to Shondha.

CLICK HERE to read more.

ChinaAid: "Zhuoqi Gospel Church banned by local government in Alashan, Inner Mongolia"

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.

Zhuoqi Gospel Church banned by local government in Alashan, Inner Mongolia

Distributed by ChinaAid, June, 2013 ...

ZHOUQI, MONGOLIA, CHINA – On April 28, 2013, local officials from the office of religious affairs in Zhuoqi, Inner Mongolia raided the Zhuoqi Gospel Church. Since then, the church members have continued to endure pressure and intimidation from the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee. They have not been able to meet for regular worship services. Entry into the church’s original sanctuary is prohibited, nor is the pastor allowed to even go back to the church.

• more on this story from China Aid

In the News ... "Catholic retreat aims to inspire"

OA Photo by Mark Sterkel

By Michelle Brownstone, Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - About 200 high school students will head to a Steubenville Catholic retreat July 12 in Tucson, Arizona.

The two-day retreat will help introduce students to other Catholics their age as part of a spiritual experience, Holy Redeemer Church youth ministry coordinator Victor Garza said.

 • 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 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 8, 2013

INDIA (continued) - Triumph of spirit over injustice was celebrated in Chennai at the Second Dalit Graduation Celebration on January 23, 2012. After 2,000 years of denial of education to Dalit people, the celebration was highly charged with emotion, just like the Black Grad graduation at Pomona College in Claremont, California it was modeled on. The huge hall at Loyola College reverberated with the beat of the parai, traditional Dalit drums. Two hundred graduates in all fields, from more than eight universities, were honored with certificates and medals by a Tamil Nadu government minister. .

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 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 7, 2013

MINUTE FOR MISSION: SAN FRANCISCO THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY - The relationship between San Francisco Theological Seminary (SFTS) and Korean Presbyterians has been growing for nearly a century. And thanks to pastor-scholars such as Rev. Dr. Yong-Kyu Kang, the tradition continues. Kang, senior pastor of Hanshin Presbyterian Church in Seoul, South Korea, believes that all Korean Presbyterian ministers deserve access to the solid theological training he received while earning his D.Min. at SFTS.

CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Mission Dorado Baptist on a mission for Internet"

By Michelle Brownstone, Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Mission Dorado Baptist Church may have a direct line to God but the Internet is a different story.

The church, at 4142 Faudree Road, has attempted to get wireless Internet for about 10 years from local companies but hasn’t been successful.

 • 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 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 6, 2013

INDIA - At Buchanan School I teach girls of all ages and visit five other coed schools weekly. A few weeks ago after class, one of the seventh-grade students came up to me and said, ‘Rachel . . . Miss, I liked your lesson today. Can I be in your English club?’ She was the class troublemaker, but I was impressed by her earnestness. With apprehension, I added her to the list,” reports Rachel Wells, a Young Adult Volunteer staying and serving in Kerala, South India.

CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Midlanders get taste of homelessness for a day"

Meredith Moriak, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Less than 24 hours into Church Under the Bridge Midland's poverty and homelessness simulation, participants' ideas and feelings toward homeless individuals were already evolving.

"This just gives you a whole new respect and you feel more compassionate toward the homeless," said participant Rusty Holt while trying to rest in the shade late Saturday afternoon. "We're going through this for 24 hours and I'm ready for it to be over, but for a lot of people, this is their daily existence and it's unfathomable."

 • 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 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 5, 2013

PAKISTAN (continued) - The Christians in Pakistan are discriminated against and for 31 years were offered virtually no opportunity for higher education. The church leadership was aging. With little or no education, entire families were locked into poverty for generations. The Christian colleges, such as Forman Christian College (FCC), had been nationalized in 1972 and no longer served the Christian community. Indeed, when FCC was returned to the PC(USA) in 2003 there were only four Christian faculty members and 20 Christian students.

A small number of Pakistani Christians and several representatives of the PC(USA) worked tirelessly from 1994 until 2003 for the denationalization of FCC.

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 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 4, 2013

PAKISTAN - It’s paradise.” Not many students would say that about their college, but many of the more than 6,000 students at Forman Christian College talk about it just that way—as an urban paradise. It is not just that the college is green and well tended; it is also that the campus is safe and quiet, free from the student strikes and sectarian violence that mars life at other Pakistani colleges.

Everyone is free to practice their faith at Forman without fear of persecution, which is a source of grace for the school’s 833 Christian students. Women are a vital part of the university, with a goal of 50 percent female enrollment by 2015.

CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Midland organization works to feed seniors, Midlanders with disabilities"

Meagan Lee Buck, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Shelves of canned and boxed food line two walls in a small room inside an office building on South Main Street. The other two walls are decorated with paper plates bearing messages written in colorful markers.

"It's like Christmas," one message declares.

"It's a real blessing. My icebox was empty," another states.

"Greater Works provides the only meat I have. I don't buy meat."

The messages are from clients and volunteers of Midland County Greater Works, a DBA of the nonprofit Ward County Greater Works.

MCGW launched in November 2011 when WCGW board member Lisa Beauchamp was participating in a Bible study at her South Main Street office building.

 • 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 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 3, 2013

ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (continued) - while Christianity is definitely a minority religion in Asia-Pacific, churches in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia continue to grow. Throughout these areas are many first-generation Christians among our partners in ministry who demonstrate an unparalleled passion and zeal for their faith in Jesus Christ. .

CLICK HERE to read more.

Reports From Lulwanda: Administrator's Report for May 2013

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.

May, 2013

We glorify God for His abundant grace and the protection He has brought us. He renews our strength every step of the way. Our efforts this month were still on the theme “Leading a meaningful and purposeful life while at Lulwanda.”

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Busima's May, 2013 report.

'My Two Cents' on Yarnell ... "Prayer and Praise for Firefighters"

It’s been more than thirty years since I took the field as a substitute forest firefighter … but that brief service left me with a deep appreciation for the profession, and for those who embrace it. There remains to this day a place in my heart and my prayers for firefighters, which hasn’t diminished one bit over the decades … in fact, it grew some on ‘9/11’ … and it grew once again with this week’s tragic news from Arizona.

In the summer of 1980, I was working a seasonal job as an archaeologist with the National Forest Service in Sequoia National Forest, in the mountains east of Bakersfield, California. Our team was posted to the Greenhorn District, and we shared accommodations with NFS Engine Company 5-2. There wasn’t much to do in our off-work hours, so Chuck and I – both college students from the University of New Mexico – studied with the crew chief, familiarized ourselves with procedures and equipment, tested, and were eventually ‘red-carded.’ We were sub’s, available to fill-out the crew when they were short-handed, and each of us ended up rolling on a few fires.

In the course of my service, I came to know some ‘hot shots’ and to watch them at work. There was about them a swagger, an attitude that they were rough and tough and scared of nothin’. Some might have called it arrogance … I know that I did, at first. But over the course of my own service – watching them go into a fire on direct-attack, knocking it down and watching them come out – I came to the conclusion that their attitude was merited … even after one unfortunate incident when a hot shot expressed his contempt for ‘engine slugs’ and almost started a fight between our crews.

Like I said, that summer – watching REAL firefighters at work, my brief service with them, and my own close call on one occasion – left me with an indelible impression.

In his book, Report from Engine Co. 82, New York firefighter Dennis Smith suggested that there was good reason for the use of fire in images of Hell … as anyone who has been burned could tell you. I remember my training during that summer in California, and learning to prepare the ground around me and deploying my personal, emergency fire shelter in the event that the blaze shifted and trapped us … and I remember hoping and praying that I never found myself in that kind of situation. Those who do find themselves in such a situation, on more than one occasion, and keep coming back? Let’s face it … it’s natural for people to rush out of a burning building - or a collapsing World Trade Center - in a mindless panic … but then there are those who mindfully, purposefully rush IN.

May God bless them, and keep them, comfort their families and their friends, protect them and uplift them in their life, and welcome them in their passing. Amen

In the News ... "Human Trafficking Movie Comes to Odessa"

By Andrew Boven, Reporter
KOSA-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - "Not Today" is an eye-opening account of human trafficking in India. Sunday was it’s second showing at Century 12 Theatre and it will be shown five times each day until July fourth. CBS 7 spoke to one of the makers of the film who says the support for the film has been great.

 • read the rest of this story

 • visit the official "Not Today" website

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 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 2, 2013

ASIA AND THE PACIFIC - From the evergreen brush and rocky hills in the north of China to the palms and volcanoes of southern shores in Indonesia, more than two-thirds of the world’s population finds its home in the various landscapes of Asia and the Pacific. They are communities and individuals whose cultures are vastly diverse and whose languages and dialects number into the thousands. To try to capture this region of the world in just a few broad strokes or an abbreviated summary would be a pointless exercise, as the richness of the customs and the enlightening expressions of humanity are cosmic.

CLICK HERE to read more.

ChinaAid: "Verdict Regarding Enyu Bookstore’s Case Has Been Determined"

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.

Verdict Regarding Enyu Bookstore’s Case Has Been Determined

Distributed by ChinaAid, June, 2013 ...

TAIYUAN, SHANXI, CHINA – On June 17, 2013, a court decision regarding Enyu Bookstore’s (located in Taiyuan, Shanxi) case was made. The court of Xiaodian district of Taiyuan sentenced brother Lacheng Ren to five years in prison and brother Wenxi Li to two years. Their lawyer and friends were greatly disturbed by the court’s verdict. The court completely twisted the facts throughout their decision-making process. The defense lawyer made a compelling argument in the trail against the prosecutor. But when it came to making a decision, the court completely disregarded the facts and laws. Brother Li’s family is preparing to appeal to a higher court in response to this unjust verdict.

• 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).

Gratitude for the Body

Dearly God,
As I rise up, I thank you for the opportunity to be on this earth.
I thank you for my mind and body.
I thank you for my life.
Please bless my body and use it for your purposes.
May I rise up strong today, and may my body and soul radiate your love.
May all impurities be cast out of my mind, my heart, my body.
May every cell of my being be filled with your light.
May my body and mind both be illumined for your sake and for the sake of all the world.
Amen."

Illuminata, a Return to Prayer
by Marianne Williamson

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

In the opening section of the chapter Prayers for the Body in Marianne Williamson's book Illuminata, she writes about the body not being separate from the mind.

"As we relinquish our primitive mechanistic perspective and appreciate again the influence of the soul, we embrace a different attitude toward the body. The body is a reflection of thought. God's thought is our salvation in all things. God's thought about the body is that it is here for one function: to experience love and to extend love, to help communicate to the children of God that true life is, in fact, beyond the body. The body is a holy lesson in communion and should be seen and treated as a sacred trust. Thoughts of aggression, unforgiveness, conflict, and fear, tear down the body because they tear down the soul. Healed thoughts produce healing, in body as well as mind."

A good friend reminds me often to speak what I want to create ... to speak words of healing...to think thoughts of healing...instead of beating myself up because of some perceived fault with my body. He reminds me that I am worthy of loving, and harder still for me, that I am worthy of loving myself.

What a wonderful reminder that we are all deeply, dearly loved by our Creator who wants us to share that love with one another, as well as ourselves!

lease join us as we pray for children at the Midland Faces of Children prayer meeting on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 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.

Giving thanks for this life and this love,

Chris

In the News ... "Midland church expands into the community with year-long VBS program"

William Malm, Intern
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The morning begins as kids walk through the front doors and are awoken with breakfast, exercise and a worship session. From then on the schedule changes day to day, and includes a range of opportunities from singing at local nursing homes to swimming at Doug Russell pool. But while the activities may vary, the His Kids program at Cross Ministries Outreach Center focuses on one goal: providing a safe place for kids to be and to worship during the day.

Opened in 2008, His Kids serves families living in east Midland near Crockett Elementary School, staying open during both summer and the school year. The outreach center was started by Fairmont Park Church of Christ and original director Denise Malm as a way to reach more of the community outside of their own immediate area on northwest side of town. From the very beginning, the center had success in achieving its goal as the 50-child limit was reached and waiting lists had to be created for the overflow. Along with constantly being filled, the center has seen a very low turnover rate with kids. Some families that were there from the beginning still have children participating in it.

 • 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 2013 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the question of Jesus to his disciples, “How many loaves have you?” from Mark 6:38. The book is filled with stories of God’s abundance in the face of overwhelming needs and a scarcity of resources.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: July 1, 2013

PRESBYTERY OF WESTERN KENTUCKY - After more than 30 years of preparation, the Presbytery of Western Kentucky “grows” a new church development! What began years ago as an outreach to students at Murray State finally has taken root as a “beautiful church” in Murray. The Areumdaum Woori (our beautiful) Church was commissioned by the presbytery on November 13, 2011, and the presbytery installed Hui Dae (David) Tark as pastor. Additionally, after months of preparation, the commission ordained and installed six ruling elders who would form the session.

The Areumdaum Woori Church began as a campus ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Murray that reached out to Korean students and instructors at Murray State University. The campus ministry program would flourish and then lie dormant as students came and went.

CLICK HERE to read more.