West Texas Missioner

Friday, February 7, 2014

Mercy Trips January-February Outreach Trip: "What Food Do You Miss from Home?"

Partnering with local healthcare workers and churches in medically underserved countries, Odessa, Texas-based Mercy Trips Healthcare Outreach provides free medical clinics and surgical care as an outreach of Christian love for our fellow man. Among them on this latest trip is Midland's own Dr. James Huston.

"What Food Do You Miss from Home?"

I miss REAL Mexican food & looking forward to some soon after I get back. I worked in OR today, started out with an ovarian cyst that turned into a hysterectomy- surprise to all of us. The other surgeries were no surprises.
- Jim

Today was my first time n the OR and I learned so much. My teammates were so helpful and we work well together. Also got to hand out candy to all the children in the area. Today flew by fast but was a great learning experience. Oh and I miss Ranch y'all! Yeehaw!!
- Natalie

I miss my iced tea the most, but I love not having to cook and doing dishes, so it's a good trade off. I'm proud to see Angie doing about every job their is to do in the OR.
- Julie

Today was great - I got to learn so much from our anesthetist Lameck. He taught me about medications that he uses and monitoring the patient. I even got to intubate a patient which was successful! Very excited that I had someone willing to teach me so much! As far as food that I miss... I can't think of anything. I love all the food here!
- Angie

I admit it, I rolled my eyes at Dr. Daniel (picture to follow) lol! I was teaching the surgical technologist students the "clamp, clamp, cut, tie" routine and he said "well technically it's clamp, clamp, cut, tie, tie" for those that work in the operating room I know your rolling your eyes too lol!!!!! Doctors are soooo technical lol! I miss my mothers authentic Mexican food.
- Grace

Winnie, the PA brought me a patient with chronic cough who she had worked up with TB testing, multiple antibiotics and chest x rays, etc, actually a pretty extensive workup for Uganda, but the lady was just not getting better. She had a pretty loud heart murmur and and a pulsatile chest. I used the good old Chinese ultrasound machine to diagnose an aortic stenosis and aortic valve leakage as the cause of her chronic cough. She will be referred to a cardiologist in Kampala for further care. We can actually do a lot of medicine at Kanginima Hospital! I miss green chili everything from Northeastern New Mexico!
- Mark Van Wormer

I so enjoy sitting around a table with a small team waiting for dinner, laughing, joking, talking about the day. It's a lot like a family dinner time, and a small enough group to participate in every conversation. I must echo Mexican Food as the food I miss the most.

• visit Mercy Trips' Facebook page

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

GUATEMALA (continued) - PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs) have come each fall to Guatemala to spend a year living with families, participating in the life of a local church, and working in different outreach programs. It’s delightful to see how their time in Guatemala is like a Sabbath year. Coming from US culture, which often celebrates “weekday” values of being useful and achieving as most important, YAVs grow tremendously by living into the importance that God puts on Sabbath values. YAVs stop the constant hurry in order to pay attention to life, take time for prayer, invest in relationships with people who are different from them, live in a just way that lets not only them but the whole creation rest and be renewed, and align what’s most important to them with what they spend most of their energy doing.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Mercy Trips January-February Outreach Trip: "Jim Always Gets to the Root of the Matter"

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Faces of Children: Prayer Concerns for This Week

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 02/06/14

Burma / Myanmar

• Please continue to keep in prayer Nancy*, her family and the children they take care of at Hallelujah Orphanage in Burma. Pray God will provide for their everyday needs as they have recently lost a significant source of funding. Pray God’s comforting presence will sustain Nancy and her family during this stressful season.
• Pray for the health and well-being of the children at Hallelujah Orphanage as they prepare to take their finals later this month. Pray they will experience peace during this testing process. And pray they will enjoy a good summer break after their tests are finished.

Central African Republic

• Please lift in prayer the estimated 6,000 children of the Central African Republic (CAR) who’ve been recruited to fight on both sides of a violent and escalating conflict between Muslims and Christians. Pray for children who have been forced to commit atrocities against those of different ethnicities or religions. In March 2013, a Muslim rebel group seized control of the country and began a surge of violence against Christians which resulted in retaliatory attacks by Christian self-defense groups.
• more on this request
• more on this request
• Pray for children who have been directly attacked or maimed in this armed conflict. Pray for those who have been sexually assaulted. Pray for the loved ones of children killed in this conflict.
• Please keep in prayer the more than 2.3 million people of the CAR who are in desperate need of humanitarian aid. Pray God will provide for their greatest needs at this time.
• Pray for safe passage for those working with humanitarian aid organizations. Fierce fighting in many neighborhoods has limited their access to people most in need.
• Pray for the nearly one million people who have fled their homes in the CAR because of violence. Pray for the estimated 300,000 children in the capital Bangui who have been displaced. Pray for the 240,000 refugees who have escaped to neighboring countries.
• Please pray for peace between Muslims and Christians. Pray these groups, who not long ago lived, worked, and socialized with one another, will strive for reconciliation and healing.

Uganda, South Sudan

• Continue to keep the children and people of South Sudan in prayer during this season of violence and conflict. Pray for the estimated 200,000 people who have been displaced from their homes and communities because of fighting between President Kiir’s SPLA government forces and rebels loyal to former vice president Machar.
• Please pray for the 25,000 South Sudanese refugees that have crossed into Uganda since the conflict began in December 2013. Pray God will protect and provide for these traumatized children, young people, and adults. Please pray for the 51 unaccompanied children and the 160 children who were separated from their parents, but traveled to Uganda with other relatives.
• more on this request

United States

• Pray for Alice* who left home when she turned 18 recently and is now living with an abusive boyfriend. Please pray she will listen to her friends and leave this dangerous situation. Please pray for Alice’s safety and health. Pray she will continue to attend high school and not drop out.
• Please pray God will protect 17-year-old Amber who ran away from home several months ago and has been living on the streets or with her biological grandfather. Pray for healing and peace in Amber’s life. Pray she will work to reconcile with her adoptive parents. Pray for Amber’s parents as they seek to do the best thing for their troubled daughter and the rest of their family.
• Pray God will comfort and provide for 18-year-old Casey* as he learns to live independently following his father’s sudden death. Give thanks Casey is continuing to attend high school. Thanks be to God for the community of support surrounding Casey. Pray God will bring healing to his mother who is an unreliable presence in his life.
• Keep Thomas and Julia close in prayer following the recent death of their father. Pray for a loving community to help these young people cope with their new orphan status. Their mother died nine years ago after a long battle with cancer. Pray Thomas, who has cerebral palsy, and Julia will be placed with experienced and compassionate caregivers. Pray they will experience God’s comforting embrace during this season of loss.

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.

* Name changed for confidentiality and/or protection.

If you have prayer requests about children, those who care for them, those who have authority over them, or those who harm them (the really hard prayers to say sometimes), please send them to Chris Laufer, FOC Coordinator, at claufer@facesofchildren.net

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

GUATEMALA - Poverty: The yellowed cheeks and glazed eyes of a malnourished, 18-month-old girl, weighing a mere 15 pounds and waiting on death’s doorstep.

Poverty: The desperation in her mother’s eyes, knowing that something must be done but also knowing, too well, that there’s no money to buy the fortified milk her daughter’s life depends on.

In my work as a Young Adult Volunteer in Guatemala, that’s what I saw when I first met Cristina and her baby: two people trapped in the hopeless, life-draining effects of poverty that plague far too many people in Guatemala and around the world.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Mercy Trips January-February Outreach Trip: "Team at the Falls"

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Mercy Trips January-February Outreach Trip: "Something About Sunday at Church and/or at Sisiyi Falls"

Partnering with local healthcare workers and churches in medically underserved countries, Odessa, Texas-based Mercy Trips Healthcare Outreach provides free medical clinics and surgical care as an outreach of Christian love for our fellow man. Among them on this latest trip is Midland's own Dr. James Huston.

"Something About Sunday at Church and/or at Sisiyi Falls"

I think I was adopted by Joy, in clinic on Saturday, as she was with me all day that day & in church on Sunday and n JK on the way to Sisiyi Falls. As always, it was a relaxing Sunday afternoon and a break for all of us. We were ready for Monday's work.
- Jim

The church'm.m service was quite animated with African Song and Dance as well as modern calypso type music. The sermons by the church preacher were quite animated in both Lugandan and English simultaneously. Dr. Daniel's sermon was enlightening on the " meaning of life " according to Solomon, with resounding applause.The hike to the top of Sisiyi Falls pretty well kicked my _____, indicating that I need more aerobic training. The day was blessed by fun, food, comradere, and spirituality. Could not ask for more.
- Mark Van Wormer

The people at church were so inviting and made me feel welcomed. I have never been to a church service with so many people. I enjoyed Dr. Daniel's sermon. It was very heartfelt and lifted me !up. Going to Sisiyi Falls was so much fun. I enjoyed socializing with the nursing and surgical technologist students we have had with us all week.
- Grace

God created Sunday to be a day of rest and that is surely what we did! We had a long hard week serving and ended the week being guest at Chosen Church of Mbale. During the service we heard very energetic and uplifting music. Also Dr.Daniel gave a great sermon about God has a plan and purpose for our lives. He said that when we are going through trouble, there is no better way of overcoming then to give to someone in need. Also we had a great picnic and hike at beautiful Mount Elgon. What a wonderful day!!!
- Natalie

Sunday was such a great day of fellowship! It is awesome being able to go to church and worship Jesus with our team and other Ugandans! I love praise and worship at the church here! The people are so full of energy and joy. And then going to Sisiyi falls was beautiful! Then climbing up to the top of the falls was fun - there is a whole village of people that live up at the top. They were all very friendly and the children enjoyed having us take their pictures and they followed us around for a while. Overall it was a great day!
- Angie

I was so humbled worshipping with the Ugandans on Sunday. They praised God with their "hearts and voices. It was hot and crowded, but that didn't matter. I truly felt the joy of the Lord.
- Julie

I confess, I paid them all to say nice things about my sermon, JK -- thanks for the kind words. I enjoyed the hike up to the top of the falls too, but sure made me realize how out of shape I have gotten since I quit exercising after breaking my foot, thought I was going to run out of air (time to start climbing stairs again). Taught a couple of boys how to make a grass whistle, scared a couple of folks by getting close to the edge, a good time as usual.
- Craig

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Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

MEXICO - Frontera de Cristo’s (FDC) binational internship ministry provides young adults from Mexico and the United States an opportunity to live in community and serve with the ministry of FDC in Agua Prieta/Douglas. Interns serve with the Mission Education Ministry, helping to build relationships and understanding between people from both sides of the border and facilitating biblical and theological reflection on border experiences and our call to a life of discipleship.

Pastor Cat Dodson Goodrich reflects on her internship experience ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Word from Uganda: "Don't Waste Fun"

Missionary teacher Natalie Rolfe writes, "'When He calls me, I will answer ... I'll be somewhere working for my Lord.' My call was Mbale, Uganda and that is where I have returned to serve for another year. Specifically, I am teaching phonics at Lulwanda Children's Home, an orphanage and school for 90 kids." Natalie also keeps an online journal of her service at the weblog, When He calls me, I will answer ...

Don't Waste Fun

So today I walked out of the Main Hall and saw this ...

Thanks to my time at TbarM Camp, all that went through my head when seeing this fountain of water pouring over the fence was: DON'T WASTE FUN. DON'T WASTE FUN. DON'T WASTE FUN.

So we didn't. :) ...

• CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post

Mercy Trips January-February Outreach Trip: "Thanks for the Headlight Jenny"

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Invitation to Prayer: TOMORROW

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 for the Unsung and Unseen Among Us

““So many do so much for me, Lord, and often when I’m not looking. Someone has built and maintained the roads I drive on, picked up my trash, opened and supported the hospital where I have been treated, established and taught in the schools I attended, produced the food I eat, made the clothing I wear, constructed the buildings in which I work and live.

They’re mostly unsung and unseen servants, Lord, and often go unthanked.
Bless them (and all the others I haven’t thought of too)!”

A Little Treasury of Prayers by Walter C. Sutton

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Intercessor,

I’ve harvested another little prayer from Walter Sutton’s A Little Treasury of Prayers that reminds me to pray for those whose work is often seen, yet taken for granted. I’m guilty of taking things like our highway system, water treatment facility, postal service, police and fire departments, and local hospital for granted. Our community is fortunate to have these wonderful systems and services available to us and I am grateful for those who worked hard to create them and for those who continue to work in or on them.

There is another element in this reminder to pray for the unsung and unseen, I think. And that is to also extend our prayers to the children of the unsung and unseen, to the children who are affected by these systems, and to the children who use these services. For example, we can pray for children whose parents work in physically demanding or dangerous jobs; for children who drink the water or travel the roads in our communities; for children who are hospital patients.

We can also use this reminder to extend our prayers to migrant children who pick produce for our tables; children who labor in garment factories to make our clothes; children who are enslaved in brick kilns (factories) making bricks for buildings. I suggest these ways to pray for children not because I want to take us on a guilt trip, but because our prayers are powerful tools in helping children in our local and global communities. We can give God thanks and praise for hearing and answering our prayers for children…for using our prayers to help children in crisis, in need, and at risk. Thank you for praying with hope for each one of them!

The Midland Faces of Children prayer group will meet this coming Wednesday, February 5, 2014, at 11:30 a.m. in Room 217 at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, as we lift in prayer the children of our hearts and communities. Please join us for prayer and, afterwards, for lunch ($5) and fellowship. I hope you will be able to join us.

The church is starting an 18-month-long renovation project and we won't have access to the Bride's Room during that time, so we will be meeting in Room 217. We’ll still have lunch available to us even after the move.

If you have prayer concerns or celebrations about children, those who care for them, those who have authority over them, or those who harm them (the really hard prayers to say sometimes), please send them to me at at claufer@facesofchildren.net, or give me a call.

Grace and peace,

Chris

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. 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: February 4, 2014

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN (continued) - I know about their disheartening reality, but I was genuinely surprised, as well as humbled, that our partners are asking us to keep the hope alive: asking us to be their spiritual warriors, reminding them what hope is and why it is important.

It surprised me because so often the case is just the reverse. When we from the United States travel to Latin America and experience the strength and faith of the people, despite daunting circumstances of poverty and violence, we leave energized, in awe of people’s utter reliance on God. Our hope is renewed.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Monday, February 3, 2014

ChinaAid: "Patrick Henry College interviews Bob Fu as part of Newsmakers Interview Series"

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.

Patrick Henry College interviews Bob Fu as part of Newsmakers Interview Serie

Distributed by ChinaAid, January, 2014 ...

PURCELLVILLE, VIRGINIA – Patrick Henry College interviewed Bob Fu today as part of its Newsmakers Interview Series.

In the interview Fu, who is the founder and president of ChinaAid, discussed the future of Christianity in China.

Fu said he founded ChinaAid to promote religious freedom in China. Since the organization was founded, the mission has expanded to support the legal defense of Christians in cases of persecution, to actively research rule of law and to minister to and train house church leaders in China.

• more on this story from China Aid

Mercy Trips January-February Outreach Trip: "Jim Gets a Trim for Church"

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Invitation to Prayer: Wednesday

In the News ... "Rev. Sis ordained sixth Bishop of San Angelo"

• 'Today is the first day of the future’

Jimmy Patterson, Correspondent
Midland Reporter-Telegram

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - A jubilant crowd of enthusiastic Catholics from West, Central and Southeast Texas celebrated a unique and infrequent Mass at the Junell Center on the campus of Angelo State University Monday: the ordination and installation of the Most Rev. Michael J. Sis, sixth Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo.

Also attending from Washington was Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, apostolic nuncio and papal delegate to the United States.

“Today is the first day of the future that God wants to work with us in our lives here,” Sis said in brief remarks at the end of the Mass.

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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. 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: February 3, 2014

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN - On a recent visit to Guatemala, I met with the general coordinator of CEDEPCA, the Evangelical Center for Pastoral Studies in Central America. Beyond just checking in, I was there to get things ready for a new mission coworker being assigned to them. I asked if there were any special needs or concerns for which our new worker could be preparing prior to arriving in Guatemala.

She said that our new worker needed to come spiritually prepared to maintain hope in a place where hope isn’t seen.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Mercy Trips January-February Outreach Trip: "Natalie Makes a Friend"

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Mercy Trips January-February Outreach Trip: "Heartwarming Stories, Changing Attitudes"

Partnering with local healthcare workers and churches in medically underserved countries, Odessa, Texas-based Mercy Trips Healthcare Outreach provides free medical clinics and surgical care as an outreach of Christian love for our fellow man. Among them on this latest trip is Midland's own Dr. James Huston.

"Heartwarming Stories, Changing Attitudes"

I love seeing the children and their beautiful faces. I love passing out treats for them. I enjoy the surgeries and knowing I am making a difference. I am so thankful to God for allowing me this opportunity. Coming to Africa in 2005 at the age of 20 really opened my eyes to developing nations. It reminded me to always be thankful for the blessings I have. I always wanted to return to Uganda and I m glad I was able to. I plan to come again and strive to help the people of Africa in any way I can.
- Grace

I look forward to seeing Winnie at the hospital every day. She works as a clinical officer, which is like a physician's assistant. She has only worked there for about one month and is such a dedicated and hard worker. Not only is she great at teaching and helping us out, she is very eager and willing to learn from us as well. She is such a blessing!
- Angie and Julie

I always come away with admiration for the people who are so happy and hard-working In their lives. They look forward to seeing us and we to seeing them. Everyone is worn out today, we have Sunday off tomorrow to recuperate.
- Jim

What is amazing is that these Ugandan People, in the midst of severe poverty, remain some of the happiest, contented and kind, loving and faithful devoted Christians ( and Muslims) that I have ever met. I realize they must know they are poor, however, their happiness is obviously not based on material wealth. I just wonder, if imparting the goal of first world economics is a good idea. I believe that improving water quality, infrastructure and education and health access is probably a good idea, but the idea of wealth accumulation will surely lead to conflict, struggle and induced sadness.
- Mark Van Wormer

Another day doing clinical work and was very productive. I hade privilege of giving injections and handing out medication. The children are shy at first and then open up and share their hearts of gold in no time. I thank God for giving me this opportunity and can't wait for what tomorrow holds.
- Natalie

I feel very honored tonight, one of our patients from several years ago; Mrs. Perusi, a lady that came in to our clinic with advanced breast cancer, found out that I have spoken in the church at Kanginima in the past, and asked me to come speak at her church tomorrow. I'm a little nervous about it however, instead of speaking to a familiar crowd of 200 at Kanginima, we will be at Chosen Church in Mbale with about 1000 in attendance. Guess I better go practice, or at least make some notes.
- Craig

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Albertson's and me are tackling hunger ... join us?

Stopped by the Albertson's on Andrews Highway, in Midland, yesterday to purchase a "Tackle Hunger in Texas" sack of groceries to benefit the West Texas Food Bank. The promotion is continuing today at Albertson's in Midland and Odessa .. still time for you to get out there and "tackle hunger."

Souper Bowl of Caring is a national youth-led movement that works to spread awareness of and fight hunger in the United States with every penny collected by participants. Souper Bowl of Caring will send anyone who asks everything necessary to start a donation drive, at a time of year when most food banks are depleted from the holidays. But the best part is that you get to choose where the money goes in your local community. No money gets sent to the organization; all you do is report your total amount raised.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

MINUTE FOR MISSION: SOUPER BOWL OF CARING - Souper Bowl of Caring is a national youth-led movement that works to spread awareness of and fight hunger in the United States with every penny collected by participants. Souper Bowl of Caring will send anyone who asks everything necessary to start a donation drive, at a time of year when most food banks are depleted from the holidays. But the best part is that you get to choose where the money goes in your local community. No money gets sent to the organization; all you do is report your total amount raised.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Upward Devotional for February 1, 2014

Saturday mornings this time of year find me working the floor of the gymnasiums at our church in Midland, and at the high school across the street, offering halftime devotionals during Upward Basketball games.

Saturday, February 1 25, 2014

Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for being here today.

So, did I hear right? Is there some football game going on tomorrow? What. Oh, that's right, the Super Bowl! The big game ... and the topic of a LOT of interest, a LOT of chatter the last couple of weeks ... at work, at school, in the media.

So, who's going to win? I don't know ... ask me this time next week, and I'll have a better idea than I do now. If it were up to me, my beloved Pittsburgh Steeleres would be playing for their seventh Super Bowl championship ring tomorrow ... but alas, that is not to be, at least not THIS year.

Good luck to both of the teams, and good luck to all of the players ... but I am reserving special best wishes for Peyton Manning. There's someone whose career has had more than its share of adversity over the last three years.

A good start to that career with the Colts, then neck surgery, then another procedure - spinal fusion surgery, then a recovery slowed by having no access to NFL facilities because if that lockout. He did recover, but the Colts decided to keep him on injured reserve for the entire season ... then they released him altogether.

And through it all, Manning says, he remained faithful, and continues to place that faith at the top of his priorities, followed by family, friends, THEN football.

Bbbbnb

Sometimes, when things just aren't going our way, there is still someone watching out for us, who cares very deeply for us.

In the Book of Matthew, we read "Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

And just a little bit later, in the Book of John, we read "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Just as Manning has overcome his troubles. In 2012, he signed with the Denver Broncos and led them to the playoffs. In 2013, he went to his twelfth Pro Bowl, AND was named Comeback Player of the Year ... and THIS time is leading the Broncos all the way to the Super Bowl.

As I said before, good luck to both of the teams, and good luck to all of the players ... and not just those on the field in New Jersey tomorrow, but to all the players. On this court today.

God bless them all!

Thank you everyone ... enjoy the game!

Upward Sports, by the way, is one of the the world’s largest Christian sports program for children, and was created with a vision to provide the best sports experience possible for every child. An estimated 1-million people around the world play, coach, referee or volunteer in some way to support Upward sports activities, hosted by more than 2,600 churches - there are four churches here, in Midland, including my own First Presbyterian.

The organization notes that, "anyone – children and volunteers of any faith or no faith – can participate in Upward Sports. Specifically designed for children in K5- sixth grade, Upward aims to bring out 'the winner' in every child – regardless of the game’s score."

Mercy Trips January-February Outreach Trip: "Perplexing Goiter"

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Mercy Trips January-February Outreach Trip: "Most Surprising, Funniest or Shocking Thing"

Partnering with local healthcare workers and churches in medically underserved countries, Odessa, Texas-based Mercy Trips Healthcare Outreach provides free medical clinics and surgical care as an outreach of Christian love for our fellow man. Among them on this latest trip is Midland's own Dr. James Huston.

"Most Surprising, Funniest or Shocking Thing"

Most surprising - Dr.Patrick had to stop and get directions to the village; he knows every place in eastern Uganda.
- Jim

During our missions to the village we usually end with handing out candy to the kids, which normally results in a crazed feeding frenzy, much like fish in an aquarium. On this occasion we were fortunate enough to be escorted by the military soldiers supplied by Patrick Mutono's high ranking position in parliament. At the end of clinic I thought it was quite cool to see the military lining all the children up in a strict Que to receive their dividend of candy. The children were totally respectful of the military authority! Quite a well placed use of military might.
- Mark

While driving to the hospital one morning, Natalie began to feel sick to her stomach. We had the bus driver pull over on the side of the road so she could get out of the bus. Now, when kids see us they usually think that they are getting candy or some treat. As our bus pulled over on the side of the road, many kids came running up all excited to see us. Natalie came out of the bus and began throwing up. The kids instantly came to a stop, and the looks of horror on their face was priceless.
- Angie

I thought I'd seen everything in a hospital ward, but seeing a rooster strolling through was definitely a first. Ditto Angie's story.
- Julie

What Angie said lol
- Grace

There was a mix-up in the schedule today and we had a clinic we were not supposed to have so we had to divide the already small group even further, but when you do these trips you have to learn to go with the flow. We had to cancel one of the thyroids due to a cardiac arrhythmia that developed after anesthesia induction, turned out to be fortuitous since the second goitre had some seriously baffling anatomy and took almost twice as long as usual to safely accomplish. otherwise the OR has run very smooth. Wish we had 2 more general surgeons, we could be having a hernia fest running three rooms. The dynamic Meyer duo and super-scrub Gracie are spoiling me seriously this trip. As you can see from the above we are having a rollicking good time while serving.
- Craig

Please consider a couple of prayer requests; Natalie continues to be plagued by intermittent stomach problems, Jim's brother is having some health issues, I'm sure Jim is longing to be back stateside soon to provide more support, and I was just informed that a missionary couple was involved in a tragic accident here today which claimed the life of their infant child and left them seriously injured, not sure if we will be able to travel over to give any help, but we are looking into it.

• visit Mercy Trips' Facebook page

In the News ... "Local Albertsons Host 'Souper Bowl of Caring'"

SPECIAL NOTE: Albertsons in Midland are also participating in "Souper Bowl"

DeAnn Lopez, Reporter
KOSA-TV

MIDLAND/ODESSA, TEXAS - With the big game just around the corner local Albertsons stores are selling more than just party platters, they're looking to tackle down the fight against hunger.

All three Albertsons in Odessa are selling pre-packed bags filled with canned foods for $8 as part of the "Souper Bowl of Caring" campaign.

Tomorrow is the last day to take part in this fundraiser.

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Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

PRESBYTERY OF SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA - The Presbytery of Santa Barbara is the mission agency of the churches of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties. The presbytery has committed considerable energy and financial resources to develop ministry designed to encourage college youth. We also are actively recruiting young people with church-planting skills to move into leadership.

Front Porch University Ministry Center is a two-year-old, $5 million residence hall and ministry center at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Rev. Joel Drenkpohl leads our effort there to bring a community of biblical truth, healing, and redemption to the university.

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