From ServLife International ... "Sujata"

ServLife International is a movement defined by values of God’s kingdom, not programs built around human efforts and activities. The reign and rule of God should be made apparent to every person on the planet, despite their religion, race or socioeconomic status. We believe that issues of justice are inseparable from the good news that Jesus Christ came to proclaim. ServLife exists to take the gospel of Christ and the hope of a better, more just, world to the lives of people we touch. This happens through individual contributions of time, creativity, resources and dreams.

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Servlife Photo

Sujata

Sujata Shrestha is the living definition of a bundle of joy. She’s almost three and like most children she adores cartoons, singing songs, and getting as much loving attention as she can from both her family and strangers who are charmed by her outgoing nature. Looking at her today you’d never guess at the tragedy in her past that brought her to ServLife’s Kathmandu Children’s Home ...

• CLICK HERE to read the rest of this post from ServLife

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From Adam Nevins
Executive Director
ServLife International Inc.


Join Our Mission

ServLife International propels reconciliation and justice by building global community to plant churches, care for children and fight poverty. Compelled by the message, life and love of Jesus Christ, we seek to care for the spiritual, physical, social, and economic areas of life in northern India and Nepal.  Learn more about our latest news, featured stories, and how to get involved at servlife.org

Support a Pastor Our church planters spread the love of Christ in some of the most difficult environments in the world. • Support Them ...	Sponsor a Child For only $30 per month you can help give a child food, education, care and, most importantly, hope. • Sponsor Now ...	Fight Poverty The HOPE Fund, our micro-finance program, provides start-up funds for a small business, paving a way out of poverty for families in need. • Learn More ...

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ServLife International, Inc.
P.O. Box 20596
Indianapolis, IN 46220
USA

From @FWMission ...Friday Story: "New Plans"

Founded in 2001, Free Wheelchair Mission is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing wheelchairs for the impoverished disabled in developing nations. Headquartered in Irvine, California, FWM works around the world in partnership with a vast network of humanitarian, faith-based and government organizations, sending wheelchairs to hundreds of thousands of disabled people, providing not only the gift of mobility, but of dignity, independence, and hope.

FWM Photos

Friday Story: "New Plans"

Greetings, and Happy Friday!

Life sometimes has a way of turning out differently than we plan. Fred didn’t even consider his parents dying as soon as they did or that he would be involved in a motorcycle accident that would change his life ...

• read the rest of this story ...

In the News ... "A crisis of faith"

OA Photo by Mark Sterkel

• Personal, financial problems trigger the phenomenon

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Even the staunchest Christians have crises of faith, and the ministers who counsel them take various approaches to that troubling, often frightening experience.

Bill Melton, Tim Halstead, Les Jackson and Lynn Money say such dark periods are commonplace, stemming from troubles like death, divorce and job loss. “Sometimes they’ve twisted off into a lifestyle that is not conducive with their Christian walk, and there is a lot of guilt and shame,” said the Rev. Melton ...

• read the rest of this OA report ...

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: April 15, 2016

WEST JERSEY PRESBYTERY - God cares for the hungry and homeless – two major issues in the United States. The Presbytery of West Jersey has been able to assist our congregations and others in creative ways. During a Presbytery meeting we invited everyone to bring in canned goods and then we packaged meals for New Visions in Camden NJ, a homeless day shelter.

The Presbyterian Church at Hammonton sponsors a Food Pantry and a Clothing Ministry where families in need, including the growing Latino population, has both benefited and contributed to these ministries ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Lessons of Job are universal"

OA Photo by Jacob Ford

• "The glue that’s held our church together for years.”

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Studying the Bible not only enhances one’s understanding of God, says the Rev. Charles Lavaughn “Vaughny” Taylor, it gives insights into what it means to be human.

Having preached on the Book of Job for a year, the Central Baptist Church pastor said, “People oftentimes feel like they’re the only ones experiencing something, but in reality many people may be going through similar things ...

• read the rest of this OA report ...

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: April 14, 2016

HUDSON RIVER PRESBYTERY, NEW YORK - When we read Matthew 25 and think about visiting “the least of these” in prison, it is easy to focus on our own virtue. We forget that in those visits we meet Jesus; and meeting Jesus can be joyous, humbling and life-changing.

Women who live near Bedford Presbyterian Church in Hudson River Presbytery are discovering the joys of these encounters ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "First United Methodist pastor leading group to Israel"

Staff Report
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - First Methodist Midland senior pastor Tim Walker will lead a group of Midlanders to Israel, specifically places often read about in the Bible. The trip is open to anyone in the community who would like to be apart of the experience ...

 • read the rest of this MRT story

Invitation to Prayer from Faces of Children ... TODAY

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).

Invitation to Prayer, Today

Hi Friends,

I look forward to our prayer time together this Wednesday at 11:30, in the gym conference room at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas, followed by lunch.

Also, Faces of Children is now on Facebook ! I invite you to like our page so that you can see regular stories, prayer needs, and updates from partner ministries.

All the best,

Carrie

---

Dear Intercessors,

Thank you for your prayers covering our Empowered to Connect conference this past weekend. I'm grateful to report that the event went very well, and we had close to 60 people in attendance over the course of the weekend. And given the way that for many of us, this material changes the way we interact with children, the ripple effects of these 60 people coming will impact even more lives as we take what we learned home and put it into practice.

I'm grateful this ministry can be a part of not only praying for children, but bringing hope and healing to them in tangible, concrete ways.

For many of the attendees, the conference was a brief respite from the daily struggles of caring for kids from hard places, and right now they are back to "normal life." I'd like to ask us to pray for each participant to be strengthened and encouraged as they "fight the good fight," and that the Holy Spirit will empower them to implement what they learned with compassion, clarity, and a deep sense of peace. Also, throughout the conference, we gave attendees a chance to share some of their prayer requests. This week, I wanted to share a few of those with you for us to lift up together.

Each of these is a personal prayer request given by conference participants:

• Please pray for T., G. and B, for all have been hurt and still struggle. Pray for us as parents and grandparents to make wise decisions and for our health and endurance with tough children.

• Please pray for my little brothers. We were raised in a family with a lot of trauma. I've had lots of help through the years and have found considerable healing, but after this conference, I see more clearly the long-term impacts of that early trauma on their adult lives. Pray for their healing and for God to give them a bright hope and a future.

• Please pray for God's timing in my foster care journey. Pray that the Lord's Hand is upon my every step and in my home and guiding my love in the care of His children. Pray that He would use me as a vessel of His love, power, and presence to all kiddos He puts in my life.

• Pray for our ten-year-old-daughter M. She has been in our family for three years and we discover new layers of grief and trauma all the time. We pray for her heart to be healed and whole and for us to be equipped to walk alongside her with patience, love and compassion.

• Also, several participants requested that we pray for them to have wisdom and clear direction regarding their decisions about foster care and adoptions ... including families adopting from China, Ukraine, India, and Hungary.

Sincerely,

Carrie

Carrie J. McKean
Faces of Children Director
First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas
(432) 684-7821 x153

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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 info@facesofchildren.net

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. 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: April 13, 2016

CONGO - Dear Friends ... We live close to the Congo River where the rapids start. They are some of the most powerful rapids in the world. As you look out over this section of the Congo River, you see these massive whirlpools form that spiral with tremendous force. In a way, these whirlpools depict the hunger situation in Congo ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Word from Uganda: "God of MIRACLES, He is my Papa!"

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 ...


God of MIRACLES, He is my Papa!

"So the story started with a scene resembling this on a warm day in July ...

... but unfortunately that blissful scene turned into a traumatic water-balloon fight accident. Immediately after being pelted in the ear and the balloon popping, I knew I had a problem. My hearing went muffled and there was a ringing sound- not to mention a stinging face from the close range attack ..."

 • read the rest of Natalie's post ...

 • help raise funds for Natalie's mission ...

Invitation to Prayer from Faces of Children ... 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).

Invitation to Prayer, Tomorrow

Hi Friends,

I look forward to our prayer time together this Wednesday at 11:30, in the gym conference room at First Presbyterian Churchof Midland, Texas, followed by lunch.

Also, Faces of Children is now on Facebook ! I invite you to like our page so that you can see regular stories, prayer needs, and updates from partner ministries.

All the best,

Carrie

---

Dear Intercessors,

Thank you for your prayers covering our Empowered to Connect conference this past weekend. I'm grateful to report that the event went very well, and we had close to 60 people in attendance over the course of the weekend. And given the way that for many of us, this material changes the way we interact with children, the ripple effects of these 60 people coming will impact even more lives as we take what we learned home and put it into practice.

I'm grateful this ministry can be a part of not only praying for children, but bringing hope and healing to them in tangible, concrete ways.

For many of the attendees, the conference was a brief respite from the daily struggles of caring for kids from hard places, and right now they are back to "normal life." I'd like to ask us to pray for each participant to be strengthened and encouraged as they "fight the good fight," and that the Holy Spirit will empower them to implement what they learned with compassion, clarity, and a deep sense of peace. Also, throughout the conference, we gave attendees a chance to share some of their prayer requests. This week, I wanted to share a few of those with you for us to lift up together.

Each of these is a personal prayer request given by conference participants:

• Please pray for T., G. and B, for all have been hurt and still struggle. Pray for us as parents and grandparents to make wise decisions and for our health and endurance with tough children.

• Please pray for my little brothers. We were raised in a family with a lot of trauma. I've had lots of help through the years and have found considerable healing, but after this conference, I see more clearly the long-term impacts of that early trauma on their adult lives. Pray for their healing and for God to give them a bright hope and a future.

• Please pray for God's timing in my foster care journey. Pray that the Lord's Hand is upon my every step and in my home and guiding my love in the care of His children. Pray that He would use me as a vessel of His love, power, and presence to all kiddos He puts in my life.

• Pray for our ten-year-old-daughter M. She has been in our family for three years and we discover new layers of grief and trauma all the time. We pray for her heart to be healed and whole and for us to be equipped to walk alongside her with patience, love and compassion.

• Also, several participants requested that we pray for them to have wisdom and clear direction regarding their decisions about foster care and adoptions ... including families adopting from China, Ukraine, India, and Hungary.

Sincerely,

Carrie

Carrie J. McKean
Faces of Children Director
First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas
(432) 684-7821 x153

---

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 info@facesofchildren.net

In the News ... "Pastor dies in 4-vehicle crash"

MRT Photo by Tim Fischer

• Fund established to assist family

Staff Report
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Crestview Baptist Church Executive Pastor Michael Menasco, who died in a traffic wreck Saturday morning, was involved in a four-vehicle wreck, according to a press release from the Midland Police Department ...

 • read the rest of this MRT story

In the News ... “God’s Not Dead” author Rice Broocks talks science and God at Mid-Cities

Courtesy Photo

• 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 13, at Mid-Cities Church

Trent Johnson, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Dr. Rice Broocks has had a busy few months. His newest book, “Man, Myth, Messiah: Answering History’s Greatest Question” was released March 1 followed a month later by the film version of the book “God’s Not Dead 2” that opened in theaters April 1. Amid the releases and film premieres, the author still visits churches and college campuses around the world to discuss his research and beliefs ...

 • read the rest of this MRT report

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: April 12, 2016

PRESBYTERY OF WYOMING - Born out of a shared community meal called “Souper Tuesdays” hosted in the home of pastor Libby Tedder Hugus and her husband, Jeremy, a New Worshiping Community, the Table, was formed as a pioneering discernment team asked the question “Is there space for a fresh-church experiment in Casper?” Libby and the team realized there were plenty of people who were hungry for safe space in which to ask critical questions of life, love and religion. So the team aimed to curate that space ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Area pastors to be part of screening, discussion of gun violence documentary

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: April 11, 2016

SYNOD OF THE SUN - In response to the call to be stewards of the earth, members of First Central Presbyterian Church in Abilene, Texas, are transforming the corner property across from the church from a vacant lot to a meditation and community garden that will nourish both body and soul. When completed, the tract will encompass seven smaller gardens for growing vegetables that will be shared with neighborhood residents. Any surplus will be given to those who visit the Presbyterian Food Pantry ...

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. 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: April 10, 2016

McCORMICK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY - What does it mean to do justice in today’s world?

In 2014, McCormick engaged its first annual theme, “Peacemaking in the City: A Faithful Response to Urban Violence,”with a series of lectures, exhibits, and events to increase understanding and create responses to the violence impacting people in Chicago. McCormick’s faculty is deeply engaged in this work, offering courses and experiential opportunities for students to develop skills and knowledge in peacemaking ...

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. 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: April 9, 2016

NEW HARMONY PRESBYTERY, SOUTH CAROLINA - In many ways, the story of our little church is very much like the story of your church, if your church is like over half of all PC(USA) congregations, with fewer than 100 members. And I have walked through the halls of our building much as you have walked through the halls of yours, listening to church members telling stories of “better days,” of youth groups, Sunday school, Christmas pageants and the like.

Yes, I walked through those empty halls, peering into empty classrooms full of leftover children’s books and musty educational toys. As I walked, I prayed, “Lord, this is just not right. Please bring children back to this church. Please fill these empty rooms once again” ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Christian music concert"

Courtesy Photo

• Christian pop duo composed of Australian-American brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone

Staff Report
Odessa American

ANDREWS, TEXAS - The Priceless Tour featuring For King & Country has been scheduled at 7 p.m. April 16 at the Andrews County Expo, 1441 E. State Highway 176, Andrews ...

• read the rest of this OA report ...

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: April 8, 2016

PRESBYTERY OF NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND - n 2010, an opportunity to rethink the way the presbytery relates to its congregations began to unfold. In 2011, that process resulted in a vision for a different kind of leadership, replacing the traditional executive presbyter with a resource presbyter.

In a nutshell, the central responsibility of the resource presbyter is to identify resources and to make them available in order to help the congregations and ministries of the Presbytery of Northern New England to thriv ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Church plans garage sale fundraiser"

OA Photo by Edyta Blaszczyk

• Benefiting summer mission to Malawi

Staff Report
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Mission Dorado Baptist Church is planning a garage sale fundraiser to benefit a mission team ...

• read the rest of this OA report ...

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: April 7, 2016

PRESBYTERY OF ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA - First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville, Florida, is located in downtown Gainesville, and has a long history of involvement with the University of Florida, its neighbor to the west. In the summer of 2014, seeking to find opportunities to serve its neighbors to the east, members of First Presbyterian met with a group of African American pastors serving Southeast Gainesville churches. Southeast Gainesville is home to a significant population of underserved youth and children who are living in poverty. ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Invitation to Prayer from Faces of Children ... TODAY

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).

Invitation to Prayer, Today

Hi Friends,

I look forward to our prayer time together this Wednesday at 11:30, in the gym conference room at First Presbyterian Churchof Midland, Texas, followed by lunch.

Also, Faces of Children is now on Facebook ! I invite you to like our page so that you can see regular stories, prayer needs, and updates from partner ministries.

All the best,

Carrie

---

Dear Intercessors,

On April 8 and 9, Faces of Children will be hosting Empowered to Connect, a two-day conference designed to help adoptive and foster parents, ministry leaders and professionals better understand how to connect with "children from hard places" in order to help them heal and become all that God desires for them to be.

We currently have nearly 50 registrants, with more signing up every day. We'll be welcoming adoptive and foster parents, child placing agency staff, teachers and counselors from our local school district, and people who work with social service agencies like CASA and other programs helping vulnerable children. Please be praying for this conference and the people who will be coming. My prayer is that it is an encouraging time for all participants; that those who feel like they are at the end of their rope will leave with renewed hope and practical tools to help the children in their care.

As we gear up for this conference, I'm also mindful that the foster care system in Texas is currently embroiled in lawsuits and controversy. U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack concluded Texas foster children "almost uniformly leave state custody more damaged than when they entered." And while decisions are made in courtrooms and offices about what is best for children, thousands of kids are growing up in a broken system. Their childhoods aren't put on hold while judges and attorneys and child development experts hash out what they think is the best way to structure the foster care system. And due to a critical shortage of foster families in the state of Texas, more children are sleeping in CPS offices -- three times the number from the year before.

Thousands of children suffer abuse and trauma at home, only to be removed to settings that are sometimes as traumatic as the ones they left. And so often, as the video at the top of this letter shares, these children are nearly invisible to us, living amongst us but slipping through the cracks. Please join me in praying that the Church rises up to respond to this crisis, providing places of safe refuge to children caught in moments of crisis, leaning in to support the children's biological families when appropriate, and partnering with organizations and ministries working to expand and develop quality foster care programs for children in crisis. And please pray for the people who will be joining us for this upcoming training; so many of them are in hard seasons as they walk with their kids through hard things. Please pray the weary will feel refreshed, the confused will find clarity, the fearful will find hope, and the discouraged will have a new vision!

Sincerely,

Carrie

PS: If you sense God is calling you to pray more deeply for this matter, I invite you to sign up with the 40 Weeks of Prayer for America's Orphans group to receive weekly prayer focuses and join believers across the nation in lifting up these vulnerable children right in our own communities.

Carrie J. McKean
Faces of Children Director
First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas
(432) 684-7821 x153

---

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 info@facesofchildren.net

In the News ... "Local nonprofits prepare for the future"

MRT Photo by Rick Lopez

• With job layoffs and financial uncertainty ...

Rich Lopez, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - As Midland treads through the current economic climate, area nonprofits have to plan ahead. Operating on funds likely received from donations, fundraisers and grants from previous years, agencies have to consider their future while donors currently may be tightening their belts.

That lapsed effect results in organizations having to rethink their financials to prepare for the future ...

 • read the rest of this MRT report

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: April 6, 2016

SYRIA - Christians in the Middle East greet one another by saying, “Almaseh Kam”—“The Christ is risen”—from Easter Sunday until Advent, and I greet all of you, dear brothers and sisters, with this same resurrection assurance! In the week that follows Easter I normally read (and preach) the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35), and I would encourage all of you to look again at this familiar passage. I think of this event as “the restoration of resurrection hope.”

This year, especially, with what is happening in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, I find this story so appropriate to share with the Christians of Syria, as a reminder that Christ “shows up” to us, with us, and for us even in the darkest and saddest of times ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Invitation to Prayer from Faces of Children ... 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).

Invitation to Prayer, Tomorrow

Hi Friends,

I look forward to our prayer time together this Wednesday at 11:30, in the gym conference room at First Presbyterian Churchof Midland, Texas, followed by lunch.

Also, Faces of Children is now on Facebook ! I invite you to like our page so that you can see regular stories, prayer needs, and updates from partner ministries.

All the best,

Carrie

---

Dear Intercessors,

On April 8 and 9, Faces of Children will be hosting Empowered to Connect, a two-day conference designed to help adoptive and foster parents, ministry leaders and professionals better understand how to connect with "children from hard places" in order to help them heal and become all that God desires for them to be.

We currently have nearly 50 registrants, with more signing up every day. We'll be welcoming adoptive and foster parents, child placing agency staff, teachers and counselors from our local school district, and people who work with social service agencies like CASA and other programs helping vulnerable children. Please be praying for this conference and the people who will be coming. My prayer is that it is an encouraging time for all participants; that those who feel like they are at the end of their rope will leave with renewed hope and practical tools to help the children in their care.

As we gear up for this conference, I'm also mindful that the foster care system in Texas is currently embroiled in lawsuits and controversy. U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack concluded Texas foster children "almost uniformly leave state custody more damaged than when they entered." And while decisions are made in courtrooms and offices about what is best for children, thousands of kids are growing up in a broken system. Their childhoods aren't put on hold while judges and attorneys and child development experts hash out what they think is the best way to structure the foster care system. And due to a critical shortage of foster families in the state of Texas, more children are sleeping in CPS offices -- three times the number from the year before.

Thousands of children suffer abuse and trauma at home, only to be removed to settings that are sometimes as traumatic as the ones they left. And so often, as the video at the top of this letter shares, these children are nearly invisible to us, living amongst us but slipping through the cracks. Please join me in praying that the Church rises up to respond to this crisis, providing places of safe refuge to children caught in moments of crisis, leaning in to support the children's biological families when appropriate, and partnering with organizations and ministries working to expand and develop quality foster care programs for children in crisis. And please pray for the people who will be joining us for this upcoming training; so many of them are in hard seasons as they walk with their kids through hard things. Please pray the weary will feel refreshed, the confused will find clarity, the fearful will find hope, and the discouraged will have a new vision!

Sincerely,

Carrie

PS: If you sense God is calling you to pray more deeply for this matter, I invite you to sign up with the 40 Weeks of Prayer for America's Orphans group to receive weekly prayer focuses and join believers across the nation in lifting up these vulnerable children right in our own communities.

Carrie J. McKean
Faces of Children Director
First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas
(432) 684-7821 x153

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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 info@facesofchildren.net

In the News ... "Orphans, foster kids get church’s attention"

OA Photo by Jacob Ford

• "We come back to the Great Commission a lot."

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - One of the most important ways by which Christians show their faith is with a strong work ethic, says the Rev. Josh Green of Redemption Church at 2409 Walnut Avenue.

“When we look at the nature and character of God, we see that He works hard and does a great job,” Green said. “People who are not Christians should not be able to look at us and see Christ dishonored by our lack of a work ethic” ...

• read the rest of this OA report ...

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: April 5, 2016

PRESBYTERY OF NORTHERN WATERS, MINNESOTA - The Presbytery of Northern Waters over the years has had several small churches in basically “the middle of nowhere.” Sadly, several have had to close their doors due to aging congregations and/or finances. However, one of these small churches, First United Presbyterian Church of Willow River, Minnesota, has continued to be an energized congregation and a vital part of the community ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Invitation to Prayer from Faces of Children ... WEDNESDAY

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).

Invitation to Prayer, Wednesday

Hi Friends,

I look forward to our prayer time together this Wednesday at 11:30, in the gym conference room at First Presbyterian Churchof Midland, Texas, followed by lunch.

Also, Faces of Children is now on Facebook ! I invite you to like our page so that you can see regular stories, prayer needs, and updates from partner ministries.

All the best,

Carrie

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Dear Intercessors,

On April 8 and 9, Faces of Children will be hosting Empowered to Connect, a two-day conference designed to help adoptive and foster parents, ministry leaders and professionals better understand how to connect with "children from hard places" in order to help them heal and become all that God desires for them to be.

We currently have nearly 50 registrants, with more signing up every day. We'll be welcoming adoptive and foster parents, child placing agency staff, teachers and counselors from our local school district, and people who work with social service agencies like CASA and other programs helping vulnerable children. Please be praying for this conference and the people who will be coming. My prayer is that it is an encouraging time for all participants; that those who feel like they are at the end of their rope will leave with renewed hope and practical tools to help the children in their care.

As we gear up for this conference, I'm also mindful that the foster care system in Texas is currently embroiled in lawsuits and controversy. U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack concluded Texas foster children "almost uniformly leave state custody more damaged than when they entered." And while decisions are made in courtrooms and offices about what is best for children, thousands of kids are growing up in a broken system. Their childhoods aren't put on hold while judges and attorneys and child development experts hash out what they think is the best way to structure the foster care system. And due to a critical shortage of foster families in the state of Texas, more children are sleeping in CPS offices -- three times the number from the year before.

Thousands of children suffer abuse and trauma at home, only to be removed to settings that are sometimes as traumatic as the ones they left. And so often, as the video at the top of this letter shares, these children are nearly invisible to us, living amongst us but slipping through the cracks. Please join me in praying that the Church rises up to respond to this crisis, providing places of safe refuge to children caught in moments of crisis, leaning in to support the children's biological families when appropriate, and partnering with organizations and ministries working to expand and develop quality foster care programs for children in crisis. And please pray for the people who will be joining us for this upcoming training; so many of them are in hard seasons as they walk with their kids through hard things. Please pray the weary will feel refreshed, the confused will find clarity, the fearful will find hope, and the discouraged will have a new vision!

Sincerely,

Carrie

PS: If you sense God is calling you to pray more deeply for this matter, I invite you to sign up with the 40 Weeks of Prayer for America's Orphans group to receive weekly prayer focuses and join believers across the nation in lifting up these vulnerable children right in our own communities.

Carrie J. McKean
Faces of Children Director
First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas
(432) 684-7821 x153

---

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 info@facesofchildren.net

In the News ... "Plans for new The Way Retreat Center enter phase one"

MRT Photo by James Durbin

• Thus far, feedback has been positive

Rich Lopez, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - With a groundbreaking scheduled for June, Mike LaMonica, Andy Iverson and Brian Fralin will begin to see the first real results of nearly 10 years of planning and commitment. The three have worked to bring into reality their vision for a large space to serve Midland’s spiritual community. The Way Retreat Center will be Midland’s first state-of-the-art, nondenominational center ...

 • read the rest of this MRT report

Courtesy Photo

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: April 4, 2016

FOOTHILLS PRESBYTERY, SOUTH CAROLINA - As he approached 65, Mike Payne wanted his life still to make a difference in retirement. For three decades as a cardiologist he had helped people. He loved his work.

Helping people after he retired would require intentionality, he realized ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Local Church Hosts Garage Sale to Send Kids to Summer Camp"

KMID Photo

• Plans to host another rummage sale next weekend

Lauren Tropea, Reporter
KMID-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - One local church gets creative to help send kids to summer camp.

Highland United Methodist church held a garage sale fundraiser to help raise money to send a group of kids to camp ...

• read the rest of this KMID report

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: April 3, 2016

LOUISVILLE PRESBYTERIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY - We say it often, but perhaps not often enough: Our church needs creative, energetic, theologically well-educated ministers and church leaders to answer God’s call to serve in a diverse and often polarized world.

Our faculty is hard at work rethinking the already great theological education that Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary provides in light of the changing needs of church and society. They are asking themselves the fundamental question of “Why” we teach as we rededicate ourselves to the great ends of the church and the world ...

CLICK HERE to read more.