West Texas Missioner

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

FPC-Midland Belize Mission: Songs and Surprises in Music Mission

From January 11, 2014, a team from 1st Presbyterian Church-Midland will be traveling to the Central American country of Belize, and working with The Word at Work ministry. This will be an opportunity to reach out and share the gospel with the people of Belize while working side-by-side with the local community and The Word at Work staff on a much-needed construction project.

Songs and Surprises in Music

Many of us at First Prez already know what a blessing Karen Lang and her music can be. Now the people of El Progresso - especially the young people - are finding out as well, as Karen (guitar and songbooks in hand) takes her show on the road, ready to share music and message with all she meets ... and she also does requests!

Music has been part of the activities over the last two days at El Progresso Government School. There was story time as the children heard the tale of Noah's Ark, accompanied by music, play and and a very active spray bottle providing the rain.

It didn't take long for word to get around that someone with a guitar was on the campus, singing for the students. It wasn't long before Karen was getting visitors, students from other classrooms with their teachers' requests that Karen come to their room, and perform "Happy Birthday" for one of the students in that class.

Music has also been an opportunity to reach out and connect with youngsters in the community who have been working with us on church construction. We've had some impromptu jam sessions in the parking lot.

GOT QUESTIONS?

Is there something you'd like to ask any of our mission team members, or our pastor?

CLICK HERE to e-mail us your question

FPC-Midland Belize Mission: What Dreams May Come

What Dreams May Come

We have a routine for the start of the day ... waking up, dressing and packing for the day, breakfast with a morning devotional from Tim Tam, then heading out on the road to El Progresso.

But some things are less-than-routine once we arrive and get to work, There will still be some routine, the tasks for which we have prepared. But there may be other things in store for us ... this morning, for example.

The work day began with a prayer circle on the floor of the building project, in both English and Spanish. But the morning gathering also included a caution, and a reminder to 'keep it safe' on the workplace. Julio, a man of El Progresso, shared a dream he'd had last night about all the activity of the day before, and the attention that activity attracted.

During the day, I had observed a large part of the community had passed by, pausing to note the progress and to exchange a wave and a smile with the villagers on the worksite.

But in the dream, when we were done for the day and the worksite was quiet, Julio -struggling to return to 'sleep' after hearing a voice call his name - saw a pair of monsters or demons looking over the worksite with their arms folded, and noting the progress that had been made ... and they looked MAD.

What might that foretell?

So we will not stop, and we will not pause ... but we WILL take care today ... and it's a good day for that reminder as we erect scaffolding, and begin laying the final courses of cinder blocks to the walls, preparing for the bracing that will support the roof.

GOT QUESTIONS?

Is there something you'd like to ask any of our mission team members, or our pastor?

CLICK HERE to e-mail us your question

FPC-Midland Belize Mission: If I had a hammer, and some cement, some rebar ...

If I had a hammer, and some cement, some rebar ...

Going to church is one thing ... but BUILDING a church? That's something else ... and that's what we started today. At least WE started ... the church building itself is well underway. The foundation has already - quite literally! - been laid, and the walls are nearly done.

Now it's time to begin work on the bracing that will support the roof. Later will come the roof itself, and the windows, and the doors, and so much more. A lot of work has been done, but there is STILL a lot of work to do. Fortunately, there are many hands for that work. True, some of those hands are less skilled (my own, for example) and are only here for a week.

But then there are other hands, many of them, more skilled, and here for the long run. The people of El Progresso ... they are the ones building a church home, building a center for the entire community, building a future.

We're thankful to be a part of it. Some of us have brought our own skills to bear on the project ... Casey is adept at navigating the tops of the cinder block walls and pouring cement, Will is able to reach higher with less scaffolding than anyone else in the community, and Pastor Walter wields one mean machete.

There are also sacks of cement, bundles of rebar and stacks of cinder blocks to be hauled from Belmopan to the worksite in El Progresso where the rebar will be cut, shaped and placed , and where the cement will be mixed and poured, and buckets of that mixed cement to be carried up the scaffolding ... there really is something for everyone.

GOT QUESTIONS?

Is there something you'd like to ask any of our mission team members, or our pastor?

CLICK HERE to e-mail us your question

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

PRESBYTERY OF FLORIDA - The Presbyterian University Center (PUC) at Westminster House on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee celebrates 80 years of witness. A ministry affiliated with the PC(USA)’s UKirk network, PUC provides a Reformed and Presbyterian perspective among nearly 45,000 students, faculty, administrators, and staff.

University students are a remarkably important mission field for the church, as they are forming lifelong practices and habits during these years.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Monday, January 6, 2014

FOC-Midland Belize Mission: Sunday Team Meeting

Sunday Team Meeting

Team meetings are held each evening, following dinner. The meetings are led by Tim Tam, who heads up The Word At Work, our partner here in Belize. There is prayer, of course, then some discussion of the mission ... significant moments for each of us that day, and a look ahead to what tomorrow might bring in addition to our scheduled activities ... the unplanned, the unanticipated, but important nonetheless.

There's also music, with Tam providing us the lyrics straight from Scripure,
the working out a tune on his guitar to accompany those lyrics. We sing together, then parcel it out, with the women singing one part as then men sing another, all at the same time ... IMHO, it sounds pretty good.

Here's one song ...

Now to him who is able to keep you
Who is able to keep you from stumbling
And to make you stand in the presence
of His glory, blameless with great joy

To the only God our savior
Through Jesus Christ our lord
Be glory, majesty, dominion and power
For all times, both now and forever

Amen

... and here's another ...

There is one thing I ask of you, Lord
For this I long
That I might dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life

To behold your beauty
Within your house

O, my God, take and hide me
In the shelter of your tent
All the days of my life

O, my God, take and hide me
In the shelter of your tent
All the days of my life

We close the meeting with prayer, lifting up individuals and circumstances that we encountered in the course of the day, and seeking encouragement for ourselves, for the days that lie ahead.

GOT QUESTIONS?

Is there something you'd like to ask any of our mission team members, or our pastor?

CLICK HERE to e-mail us your question

FPC-Midland Belize Mission: Worshiping in El Progresso

Worshipping in El Progresso

Sunday morning had us making our first visit to the community where we will be serving this week - the village of El Progresso, located in the Cayo District of Belize. From the national capital of Belmopan, you follow the West Highway to Georgeville. The paved road ends at that town's limits, and the road gets a little smaller, a little rougher as you claim pup into the hills and mountains of western Belize.

There has been some heavy rainfall in recent days, and some of the VERY muddy stretches of road are especially challenging, that and the washed-out areas, and the rough, narrow bridges. After several miles of that, you reach the village of El Progresso.

It is here that we find Casa de Arabanza, a non-denomination church serving this village and the surrounding area. We were introduced to them through our Belize mission partner, The Word At Work. We are looking forward to joining with this church family as they continue their work on an expanded building which will serve not only as a house of worship, but also a community center for all of El Progresso.

For today, though, it was time for worship. There was prayer, music, Scripture, a sermon from both the church's Pastor Victor and our own Pastor Walter and testimony from both the local community and members of our team, Karen Lang and Greg Bartha.

Worshiping together today, working together tomorrow. It was a good start to the week in El Progress!

GOT QUESTIONS?

Is there something you'd like to ask any of our mission team members, or our pastor?

CLICK HERE to e-mail us your question

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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is devoted to the theme of young adults in the church. Its stories, many told by young adults, lift up how Presbyterians of all ages are engaging and joining with Presbyterian young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: January 6, 2014

FLINT RIVER PRESBYTERY, GEORGIA - Not so long ago, young people went off to college, wandered from their church moorings, graduated, got married, had children—and then returned to the church.

Now, young adults go off to college and in many instances never return to church, because the church has not touched their lives in a compelling way.

Flint River Presbytery and its 47 congregations are committed to the young adults within presbytery bounds. Flint River invests 12 percent of its budget in three campus ministries. It doesn’t assume these ministries will be creating lifelong Presbyterians, but it knows lives are being changed.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Sunday, January 5, 2014

"I Am Second" Video Collection: Tony Dungy

Inspiring the Revolution of Second.

I Am Second is a movement meant to inspire people of all kinds to live for God and for others. Actors. Athletes. Musicians. Business leaders. Drug addicts. Your next-door neighbor. People like you. The authentic stories on iamsecond.com provide insight into dealing with typical struggles of everyday living. These are stories that give hope to the lonely and the hurting, help from destructive lifestyles, and inspiration to the unfulfilled. You’ll discover people who’ve tried to go it alone and have failed. Find the hope, peace, and fulfillment they found. Be Second.

You are here for a reason. We all have needs and could use some help. Talk to us. Call, chat, or email. 24 hours a day.

Go a step further, talk with the people in your life. Spread the revolution of Second. Share the videos with friends. Gather a group of friends to discuss the films. Start an I am Second group.

Volunteer at concerts. Serve through I am Second community service events. Organize your own I am Second events. Sign up for an I am Second Expedition to help people in other countries. Check out Live Second for other opportunities. Connect with us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.

I am Second is designed to help people discover their purpose in life. Have you discovered yours?

To find out more about the people and leadership team behind I Am Second you can check out Who We Are.

FPC-Midland Belize Mission: A Place for the King's Children

From January 4 through January 11, 2014, a team from 1st Presbyterian Church-Midland will be traveling to the Central American country of Belize, and working with The Word at Work ministry. This will be an opportunity to reach out and share the gospel with the people of Belize while working side-by-side with the local community and The Word at Work staff on a much-needed construction project.

A Place for the King's Children

A couple of stops on the road from Belize City to our lodgings outside Belmopan. The most impactful one, offering a great introduction to the community, it's needs and our mission was the King's Children's Home. Run by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, the home has made dramatic progress in general facilities and in the services it provides for its young residents.

Members of our team who visited Belize last year expressed amazement over that progress, and we're thrilled to renew their acquaintances staff and residents alike. A tour included dormitories, recreational and educational rooms and the dining hall.

King's Children's Home is one of many joint ventures in Belize involving our mission partner here, The Word At Work, and is one of many, many examples of their work in Belize, partnering with established local churches and with those from outside seeking the means to make their own contributions.

GOT QUESTIONS?

Is there something you'd like to ask any of our mission team members, or our pastor?

CLICK HERE to e-mail us your question

FPC-Midland Belize Mission: We've Arrived

Arrived

Apologies for the delay in posting this ... Saturday was a loooooong day, but a successful one. We have arrived in Belize, on time and in good shape. In a previous post I expressed my confidence in the preparations for that trip ... And that confidence was borne out by timely connections and smooth transfers through the many stops along the way ... check-in, security, customs, baggage-claim, you name it.

Smooth ... but as I said, long. The airport is near Belize City, in the eastern part of this country. There would still be a couple. Of hours on the road as we made our way to Belmopan, the national capital, closer to the center of the country. There was a also a special stop along the way ... MORE ON THAT IN A LATER POST.

By the time we had checked-in to our lodgings, unpacked, and enjoyed dinner, then a team meeting with our partner/hosts from The Word At Work, I was ready for bed ... With plans to get back on my blogging schedule the next day ... which I am.

Bottom line ... We're in Belize, and ready to get to work!

GOT QUESTIONS?

Is there something you'd like to ask any of our mission team members, or our pastor?

CLICK HERE to e-mail us your question

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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is devoted to the theme of young adults in the church. Its stories, many told by young adults, lift up how Presbyterians of all ages are engaging and joining with Presbyterian young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: January 5, 2014

MINUTE FOR MISSION: EVANGELICAL SEMINARY OF PUERTO RICO - How do people keep the faith in hard times and continue to believe despite widespread hopelessness? The people of Israel exiled in Babylon faced that question. Those were the days of unique spiritual leaders—the prophets, who foresaw the exile but also prophesized that God would restore a remnant of his people to their homeland.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Saturday, January 4, 2014

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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is devoted to the theme of young adults in the church. Its stories, many told by young adults, lift up how Presbyterians of all ages are engaging and joining with Presbyterian young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: January 4, 2014

CHEROKEE PRESBYTERY, GEORGIA - Cherokee Presbytery: one church in many locations, following Christ together.

Located in the northwest corner of the state of Georgia, our “many locations” include established congregations, new church developments, student and campus ministries, a retreat center, and many congregationally sponsored community mission projects, such as GED programs, homeless ministries, transitional housing, food banks, clothing banks, and health clinics.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Friday, January 3, 2014

FPC-Midland Belize Mission: One Day Out, Baggage Prep

Check Your Bags

Karen Winkler is co-leader of the group (along with Pastor Walter Thompson), and has done an outstanding job in organizing the 'logistics' of our upcoming mission trip. That organization will be put to the test in about twelve hours, as we depart Midland. But I've seen Karen at work before (she and I were both part of FPC-Midland's 2008 mission team, and has been on the mission trail on several occasions since then), and I am confident those prep's will pass the test with flying colors.

Those of you who have travelled before with groups know that baggage handling can be a challenge. A short while back, Karen presented us with packets that included several items to help us to effectively wrangle our bags. This includes yellow ribbons to raise our bags' profile on the luggage carousels, and personalized luggage tags identifying our team as well as the individual members.

On the reverse side of those tags is a variation the "Halverson Benediction," which over the years has been widely disseminated and is used by many churches, including First Prez-Midland. It is a particularly "missional" message ...

"You go nowhere by accident.
Everywhere you go, God is sending you.
Everywhere you are, God Has put you.
The Living Christ who dwells in you
has a purpose for you to further
His Kingdom right where you are."

GOT QUESTIONS?
Is there something you'd like to ask any of our mission team members, or our pastor?

CLICK HERE to e-mail us your question

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

CHARLESTON ATLANTIC PRESBYTERY, SOUTH CAROLINA - Less than two years ago, the Presbyterian campus ministry at the College of Charleston had four students. Now, after the hiring of a 29-year-old director and a dramatic recasting of vision, this replanted worshiping community called the Journey already numbers around 75 students and is the second-largest ministry at the college. Of that number, about a quarter were raised in the PC(USA), while the rest hail from other denominations or are new followers of Jesus.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

FPC-Midland Belize Mission: Two Days Out, What to Bring

What to Bring

So, what do you pack for a mission trip? Mostly, the usual 'stuff' one packs for any trip ... though that stuff might vary due to the nature of our mission and the work we'll be doing. Clothing, for example, will be short on formal wear. Working wear? That's something else entirely. "Take clothes that you don't mind getting dirty," we've been advised ... work clothes, work shoes and serious work gloves.

Speaking of that work ... we won't have to be packing tools, building supplies and so on ... that will be handled by our mission partner, The Word at Work, a ministry that has a long, deep acquaintance with the nation of Belize, its people and their needs. And not only that, they're a neighbor of sorts, headquartered 'just up the road' from Midland, in Amarillo, Texas.

Not all the time will be spent on the community center's construction site. Our mission will also include outreach in the school and in church, so we'll need to pack slacks or long skirts, and a nice shirt or blouse. Other times will call for sandals, flip-flops or sneakers. Pack shorts and t-shirts, but also a sweater or windbreaker. Pack a swimsuit, but also a rain jacket ... and a hat that will keep both the sun and the rain offyour face..

Bibles will be close-to-hand, but so will copies of Richard Stearns' book, "The Hole in Our Gospel," that we've been reading in preparation for our trip, and will be part of our daily devotionals while we're in Belize.

A lot of 'the usuals' ... passport, airline tickets, prescription medicines, personal toiletries (I still carry my Boy Scout toiletry kit from the 1970s), sunscreen, insect repellant, and all of that.

Most of us will have something to capture special moments of our mission ... the people we meet, the work we do, the relationships we establish ... and share it with others, items like cell phones, cameras, notebook computers and pads, and good old-fashiOned paper and pencil/pen. And with that in mind, DON'T FORGET CORDS FOR RE-CHARGING, AND SPARE BATTERIES!

Got Questions?

Is there something you'd like to ask any of our
mission team members, or our pastor?

CLICK HERE to e-mail us your question

In the News ... "Midland Salvation Army Scores Valuable Antique Coin Donation"

Matt Rist, Reporter
KOSA-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The Salvation Army is one step closer to meeting its fundraising goal this holiday season after a donation of two antique coins.

• read/watch the rest of this story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

CENTRAL FLORIDA PRESBYTERY - In Osceola County, right outside the affluence that defines Celebration, Florida, is a corridor of pain and brokenness: 10,000 persons without homes, including 2,400 children (one in four) in the school system. The program 60 Minutes accentuated the immense poverty in the shadow of Disney, “the happiest place on earth.” Community Presbyterian Church could not ignore the probing question of Matthew 25:44: “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?”

CLICK HERE to read more.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

FPC-Midland Belize Mission: Three Days Out, a Prayer for Traveling Mercies

Our Travel Itinerary

An initial prayer request from the Belize Mission Team is for "traveling mercies." Part of our team will be departing Midland tomorrow morning (Thursday, January 2), arriving in Belize late that afternoon. A large part of our team will be departing Midland Saturday morning January 4. We'll connect with a third part of team at Dallas-Fort Worth International, and travel together from there to Belize, arriving later that afternoon.

"Start praying for traveling mercies," we've been advised. "We have a tight connection in Dallas!"

Speaking of prayer, each of us received a stack of bookmarks, which we've been sharing with others. The bookmarks list our mission team members, with a request that you pray for our team. Those team members are ...

Greg Bartha
Chris Hammit
Pat Hunter
Morgan Lane
Karen Lang
Jeff McDonald
Connie Morrow
Casey Smith
Will Smith
Mayra Thompson
Walter Thompson
Zureyma Thompson
Karen Winkler

How You Can Help

While God has opened up a door for us on the team to develop a greater heart of compassion for all his people around the world, he has also opened that door for you to share that compassion in different ways.

First and foremost, we ask for your prayers that God will prepare us for our visit, and bless our efforts as we minister to the people of Belize. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers in the weeks ahead, and add the Belize Mission Team, 1st Presbyterian Church, Midland, Texas to your church’s prayer list.

We also ask for prayers that our financial needs be met. Each member of our team needs to raise $2,000 in support – through our own resources and through the support of friends and family. Would you prayerfully consider supporting our team through a small contribution? If you feel led to contribute financially, please make checks payable to “First Presbyterian Church” and include “Belize Mission Team” in the notation line. The checks may be sent to:

Belize Mission Trip
c/o 1st Presbyterian Church
800 W. Texas Avenue
Midland, TX 79701

Whether you feel led to contribute financially, through prayer or through both ... all of your support is appreciated!

GOT QUESTIONS?
Is there something you'd like to ask any of our mission team members, or our pastor?

CLICK HERE to e-mail us your question

In the News ... "St. Luke’s United Methodist to offer new children’s day out program"

Ragini Venkatasubban, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - After four years of teaching for Midland Independent School District, Robin Hall witnessed firsthand just how many kindergartners weren’t prepared for the ever-increasing standards of school.

That prompted her to leave teaching and establish Little Lights of St. Luke’s, a new, Bible-based “children’s day out” program for children ages 2 through 5, run by St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. The program will begin Jan. 7 and run through May 22, following the MISD calendar.

• read the rest of this story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

SYNOD OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC - Bare Bulb Coffee (BBC) is a coffeehouse that is also a new church development of Flint River Presbytery. The shop not only provides money for local charities but also helps to sustain a new community of faith within the Warner Robins neighborhood in Georgia. BBC strives to find common ground with all ages and to build real community by creating a space for people to gather, fellowship, have a great cup of coffee, experience the arts and music, and join others in giving back to the world.

CLICK HERE to read more.