West Texas Missioner

Friday, August 5, 2016

From ServLife International ... "Rubber Meets the Road"

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.

Servlife Photos

ServLife Blog: Rubber Meets The Road

Building global community can be writing a letter to an orphan, providing a small loan to a family in a village or praying for the church to grow around the world. For Pastor John Free from Boerne, Texas it meant flying to the other side of the world to get to know their sponsored pastor, Mansing. Pastor Free and a team from Currey Creek Baptist Church traveled to Nepal with ServLife, and after teaching at our annual Pastors’ Conference in Kathmandu, they set out on the journey of a lifetime. They followed Pastor Mansing to his home base in the Himalayas, traveling like locals to see where the ministry of church planting in an unreached area goes from theory to reality ...

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

Join Our Mission

From Adam Nevins
Executive Director
ServLife International Inc.

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 ...

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

From @FWMission ...Friday Story: "Molly’s South America Trip Report"

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.

Friday Story: "Molly’s South America Trip Report"

FWM Photo

Greetings, and Happy Friday!

It takes a lot of work—and collaboration with our partners in each country—to make our dream of lifting people off the ground a reality. Much of that work takes place through emails and video calls, but some of it needs to happen face-to-face. One FWM staff member just returned from visiting partners in Ecuador, Peru and Argentina, and she’s excited to share some of the process and the value of training together in person. In Molly’s own words ...

• read the rest of this story ...

In the News ... "Rock the Desert Schedule"

OA Photo by Mark Sterkel

• Going on NOW at RTD Festival Field, near Midland International Airport

Rich Lopez, Reporter
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - With a strong lineup of popular Christian groups and a slew of promising up-and-comers, this year’s Rock the Desert is poised to be one of its best. Headliners this year include Switchfoot, Memphis May Fire, Chris Tomlin and Tenth Avenue North. The three-day music festival begins today with more than 20 acts, the skateboard park, Tiki Island Water Park inflatables and more.

General admission tickets are available for $30 online at rockthedesert.com and at the gate.

The festival will also feature speakers and first-responder appreciation in between music sets. [Here] is the calendar of concert performances ...

• 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.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 5, 2016

PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - “YOU BELONG HERE NO MATTER WHAT,” reads the sign outside Broad Street Ministry in the heart of Philadelphia—a city where deep poverty and rapid gentrification exist side by side. The sign’s bright green lettering is one of the first things people notice when walking by the church’s arched façade.

Having grown up in the South, where nuanced laws of etiquette shape even the smallest interactions, I never expected to learn about hospitality in this proud underdog city ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

WAW Wednesday ... Law Enforcement Trip, and More

"The Word at Work is a ministry that mobilizes churches and individuals to answer God's call to minister to those in need," writes Rev. Tim Tam, Director of the Amarillo, Texas-based ministry. "Through our relationships, God reveals needs and opportunities for service. As we come along side the poor, new friendships develop and doors for ministry open. As we serve, God provides the resources to supply for the needs he reveals."

Law Enforcement Trip, and More

Hello Friends,

Summer teams have been stacked up in back-to-back. We have a small break of four days but start again this weekend with teams from Pennsylvania and North Carolina.Rushing to get this out while it is still Wednesday

Kenny just finish up the law enforcement trip: Last week a group from New Mexico and South Carolina worked with the Belmopan Police Department sharing their faith in Christ and providing training which included defensive tactics (Krav Maga)), first aid/CPR, and firearms. The team also worked with local police on a home of one of the officers, building walls in the home while helping the officer build relationships with his neighbors.

Momentum is building. They are asking for training in additional districts. Do you have law enforcement people in your church that can be involved in next years trip? Please send me their contacting information.

Update on Dallan from geneday@aol.com: To all ... Just went for the first follow up after surgery for Dallan. Dr. Higley said he is doing very well. This is a copy of the x ray of his jaw. The thing that looks like a bicycle chain on the right is the metal bar that is holding his mouth in place until they can put in the prosthesis. Please pray he is very careful and doesn't fall or take a blow to the face of any kind. That bar is very near his brain.

The metal on the left is brackets they put on his teeth to hold rubber bands to keep his mouth almost closed and in place.

The next 90 days are going to be a challenge waiting for the prosthesis. Please continue to pray for God's provision and give Him praise and thanks for ALL HE has done on Dallan's behalf. We still need to raise some more money to pay for the prosthesis. It is truly a blessing for all of us involved to witness God's hand in all of this. There are so many people involved in so many areas and God has brought us all together for His purpose and His child. When you think of where he was just two months ago it truly is a miracle. THANK YOU JESUS!!!

God Bless,

Gene and Bev

Thanks for your involvement and support which makes all this continue to happen!

tt (Tim Tam)
The Word at Work

ps: Our Ministry Associate team gathers school supplies, toys, and stuffed animals through out the year ... we've discovered blankets are an ongoing need as well, so please be saving them, too. Click here to learn more about becoming a TW@W Ministry Associate, or get in touch with Tim Hagen for more information!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Speaking from my own first-hand experience - working side-by-side with Tim, Kenny and our brothers and sisters in Belize - won't you give thoughtful, prayerful consideration to supporting the efforts of Tim, the Word At Work staff and their partners? Please please fill out this Commitment Card and return it to their office!

Also, remember that you can follow The Word At Work on their Facebook page!

Scarlet Threads Blog ... "Faith is a muscle - Part II"

Scarlet Threads is a compassionate boutique, specializing in fairly-traded handmade aprons and wire art. We're working to transform the lives of rural men & women across the globe through dignified and safe employment opportunities. You can be a part of our vision by purchasing one of our beautiful products! www.scarletthreads.org

Faith is a muscle - Part II

The following summer, God began to remind Sara and myself of the adoption calling He had placed in us long ago. As painful as it sounded to re-enter this arena, we knew God had confirmed it again to us through His word. My wife was given “Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you.” (Isaiah 43:5 ESV) This time, we were led to inquire about adopting from China!

"International adoption... that's insane, Lord!?!? Do you have any idea how much that will cost?!?" These were my most holy of prayers at the beginning. I had never traveled outside of the United States, we had no passports, no significant savings or assets to sell ...

• Read the rest of this post ...

• Read Faith is a muscle - Part I ...

In the News ... "Locals react to All Lives Matter sign in Odessa"

KWES Photo

• Seeing messages like these make them feel better about everything going on

Eric Onyechefule, Reporter
• KWES-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - The sign put up by the Wagner Supply Company looks over 42nd and West County Road in Odessa. It reads 2000 years ago Jesus ended the debate of which lives matter. He died for all. With tensions at a high people locally agreed with the message...

• read the rest of this KWES report ...

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 4, 2016

SEATTLE PRESBYTERY, WASHINGTON - For Eric Hanna, what began as a dinner invitation became an integral part of a spiritual journey.

Last year a classmate at the University of Washington invited Hanna to a meal and Bible study at International Friendship House in Seattle. Friendship House is home to International Disciples, a new worshiping community that seeks to empower international and American college students in the Seattle area to be global Christian leaders ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Mercy Trips Summer Outreach: "Both teams had a good day"

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.

Both teams had a good day

Aug 1st

Teams both had a good day today. The village team had clinic in Fort Portal at pastor Moses' church. They treated over 1200 people (561 provider visits) and things ran very smoothly, with no rush or disorder. The surgical team operated 5 children with large hernia/hydroceles. Tomorrow Is our last clinical day.

Favorite and least favorite food or drink here in Uganda.

Favorite thing is spaghetti with meat (Ugandan style) and the pineapple pancakes we had.
My least favorite would be the ALL the meats here. (Texture/taste is off) - Jasmin

Favorite food: avocado with some type of pasta salad on top
Least favorite: the egg plant - Jetcy

Favorite is fresh pineapple & the pineapple pancakes.
Least favorite was mushroom soup (2nd time) & the chicken tonite.
Favorite outside the motel- Frappuccino at the Garden cafe. - Jim

Favorite food: pineapple
Least favorite food: everything else (haha) - Shannon

Favorite food: pineapple
Least favorite food: mostly everything else - Johnette

Favorite food was pineapple wrapped in a pancake
Least favorite was the eggplant. - Judi

Favorite chocolate Frappuccino ever!
Not a fan of the soft mango - Natalie

Favorite food: Avocado topped w/ vegetables, yum!
Least fav food: The burnt coffee, it broke my heart. - Marie

Favorite food: wheat toast each morning.
Least favorite: dinner tonight - Christine

• Visit Mercy Trips' Facebook page for this and other posts.

Mercy Trips Healthcare Outreach
P.O. Box 13795
Odessa, TX 79768

In the News ... "Family works on a widow's home in adopting process"

KWES Photo

• "God is awesome and He does things you're not even expecting."

By Jolina Okazaki, Multimedia Journalist
• KWES-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The Low family is one step closer to bringing their adopted son home. They had sponsors and volunteers working together to work on a widow's home early Saturday morning. This is one of the program's necessities to help the family receive funding for the adoption.

"We're doing what God calls us to do," said Lori Low. "It literally says in the Bible to take care of the widows and to take care of the orphans, which is what we loved about Both Hands . We get to do both of those things" ...

• read/watch the rest of this KWES report ...

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,

Thank you for joining me in prayer for the children of the world. If you can, we'd love to have you pray together with us this Wednesday - TODAY - at 11:30 a.m., in the gym conference room at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas, followed by lunch together.

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,

Over the last few weeks, it seems as though the streets in our nation have been running blood-red with violence. We've been praying for the victims -- both police and civilian -- and their families. We've been asking God to heal the deeply rooted racial tensions that seem to be growing astonishingly fast and choking out civility, community, and unity on a national level, especially with an increasingly raucous presidential election. And we've been praying for opportunities to make a difference in our own hometowns; to be about the business of reconciliation, relationship-building, and forgiveness -- not in an abstract or philosophical way, but in a concrete, face-to-face way.

And as I've personally prayed that prayer, God answered in the form of an email from a good friend and member of our police force here in Midland. He shared an opportunity to be involved in a "Kids, Cops, and BBQ" event hosted by a small church in our town. Mt. Moriah Disciples of Christ is in a predominately-minority part of town, and the pastor, Reverend Hodge, wants to help build relationships between kids from the neighborhood and police officers and send the kids off to school with some new school supplies and backpacks.

MRT Photo

Over the last few days, I've been talking more with Rev. Hodge and learning more about what needs he sees in his neighborhood and what challenges the children and youth in his community face. He shared the following prayer requests with me:

"My heart's desire is to build relationships between our law enforcement agencies and community. Education, Communication and Relationships are very vital and necessary. My prayer for this event is first of all believing The Lord will provide all funding and every thing needed to make this event a success. I know that relationships are built by constant communication, so I believe this will be the first of many more events where our law enforcement and citizens would continue to intertwine. Please pray for the safety of our officers and our church because we know everyone is not pleased. So pray our church and its members would be protected from vandalism. I mentioned education. I'm asking that you pray and agree with me that The Lord will bless us with the funding to build a community education center on our lot across the street. A lot of the children in our area don't have access to computers and we want to make that available for them. I have many retired and current educators who are willing to help in tutoring our kids. Just pray for the success for this event that God may get the glory."

I hope you'll join me this week in praying for these needs that Rev. Hodge shared with us. I believe we must become better listeners in order to help heal the deep divisiveness in our country. So even if you aren't from Midland, please consider that these prayer requests might have just as easily come from your community, and lift them up on behalf of children in your town. And maybe start asking God to open doors to build relationships with churches ministering in neighborhoods you don't often visit.

Finally, please also pray that the Kids, Cops, and BBQ event this weekend will be a success with lots of good food eaten, great fun enjoyed, and meaningful friendships formed. If you want to get involved, you can come on Saturday, August 6 to Mt. Moriah Disciples of Christ Church at 701 S. Calhoun in Midland. It will be from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Donations are being accepted for school supplies and the BBQ!

Praying with you,

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

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 3, 2016

PRESBYTERY OF THE CASCADES, OREGON - Although the 222nd General Assembly (2016) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ended nearly six weeks ago, Presbyterian congregations near the host city of Portland, Oregon, make a key theme of the assembly—environmental stewardship—an ongoing ministry ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Word from Uganda: "We move by grace! "

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 ...

Photo by Kathie H.

We move by grace!

I am so glad that many days in Uganda and at Lulwanda are filled with smiles and jokes shared with the children or little chuckles created by TIA moments (This Is Africa). But not everyday is like that.

We move by grace, from one day to the next. We move by grace while raising these children up. We move by grace in helping to shape hearts. We move by grace in handling disciplinary issues. We move by grace in processing the life that was for them. We move by grace in hoping for the life to come and what the future holds.

There was recently a day that moving by grace was all we had and (as always) the Father's grace was sufficient.

I will borrow the words from the blog of one of the Global Journey team members, Claire, who beautifully captured this days events ...

• read the rest of Natalie's post ...

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

Mercy Trips Summer Outreach: "A wonderful day of worship and rest"

Another good day of service"

July 31

The team had a wonderful day of worship and rest today. After a spirit-filled church service we had lunch at the king's palace here in Fort Portal. (The king is out of town and pastor Moses, who is his uncle, arranged permission). Then we stopped at the coffee shop for a latte and spent a relaxing evening together at the hotel.

How have your expectations about this trip matched up with the reality?

This team has exceeded my expectations by far - they are a small but mighty team and we all laugh together like a family around the dinner table - Craig

Served the most hours on this mission trip and well worth every minute of giving! - Natalie

Coming to Uganda Natalie told me to expect the worst, just hard living conditions and working long days.. But being here has surpassed my expectations. The hotel is wonderful for where we're at, and the people here are so accommodating to us. Also, the LOVE I have for the people here. I never knew I could love on this level for people I hardly know. They truly have touched my heart. - Jasmin

I was unsure of my expectations for this trip, I just knew I needed to do this and I needed to be here. But, what I didn't expect was to click so quickly with my team, I just love everyone of them. I also did not expect to see the level of poverty that exits here. - Shannon

I understood the need for really hard work, but did not expect the level of poverty! - Johnette

Having been on 7 other Mercy trips I really had no real expectations other than knowing that we would be working hard. I have been pleasantly surprised by how quickly the team bonded. - Judi

Since I've been on several trips I really did not have many expectations. This team has exceeded my expectations. The bond between all of us is incredible! It's easy for groups to divide but we truly are one!

I've also been touched by how God has confirmed the importance of our work here by a medical student sharing he is in school for medicine because Dr Craig treated him several years ago. A nursing student who graduated this year sent us a message thanking us for inspiring him to go to nursing school. - Christine

My example is a little specific. This morning for church I had no idea what the service would be like or what to expect. The service was so full of life, and they received us as though we were guests of honor( which I thought was crazy). The service was so different from what I'm use to but it was tons of fun, with dancing and worship. Also when we first got to Uganda, I was handed a room key, and Mari was told she would be my roomie(Mari: but I don't know her, I just met her, me: oh no how awkward) Mari was not happy that she would have a roommate.Anyway we have clicked so well since then, I couldn't have asked for a better roommate:) she totally exceeded my expectations! Love her:) - Jetcy

I did not expect to have a room-mate. I've was partnered up w/Jetcy... (Above comment 😗) I confessed to Jetcy I did not pack PJs. I brought so many kiddie-goodies I condensed my carry-on. Soo I slept w/clothes till someone borrowed me comfy clothes. Yet, the kid- goodies is not enough, which makes me think... I need to return with more smile emoticon:). - Mari

I've been on several trips and have not had many new expectations, but am surprised at how quickly everyone came together as new best friends, most especially the new people. This has been one of the best transitioned trips in a while. Jim I expected a much bigger team... But, this much smaller team of 10 Munzungo's & 10 Ugandan's has seen as many patients as our teams of over 30! More importantly, we have gelled as brothers & sisters in Christ - we are a family. And..., I can't stop smiling. - Dr. Jack

• Visit Mercy Trips' Facebook page for this and other posts.

Mercy Trips Healthcare Outreach
P.O. Box 13795
Odessa, TX 79768

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,

Thank you for joining me in prayer for the children of the world. If you can, we'd love to have you pray together with us this Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., in the gym conference room at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas, followed by lunch together.

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

MRT Photo

In the News ... "Local pastor brings awareness to PTSD with HEART"

MRT Photo

• God is in control

Rich Lopez, Reporter
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Post traumatic stress disorder is an important issue to Gary Kennedy. As a former Midland police officer, he suffered from it himself due to some calls that led to violent images that stuck with him. Little did he know, he would be helping others with PTSD.

Kennedy, 50, is one of the founders of HEART, a year-old, faith-based group that works to lessen the effects of the disorder through communication and positive reinforcement. Kennedy spoke with the Reporter-Telegram about how he came to his new calling and what is in store for the future of his organization ...

• read the rest of this MRT report

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 2, 2016

NATIONAL CAPITAL PRESBYTERY - In a world that is less and less biblically literate—and where even many churchgoers are unfamiliar with Scripture—the Rev. Casey FitzGerald loves to tell the Bible’s story.

FitzGerald, a biblical storyteller, believes a return to the oral tradition of sharing the stories of God is essential for the formation of disciples. She will be one of the plenary speakers at the upcoming Go Disciple Live “Be the Light” Conference, to be held in St. Pete Beach, Florida, August 8–11 ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Monday, August 1, 2016

From @chinaaid : "Imprisoned pastor's letter to wife: ‘Pray and leave other things to God’"

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.

Imprisoned pastor's letter to wife: ‘Pray and leave other things to God’
Distributed by ChinaAid, June, 2016 ...

GUIYANG, GUIZHOU, CHINA – A house church pastor in China’s central Guizhou province, who has been in detention for more than six months, recently wrote a letter to his wife from prison on June 6.

Li Guozhi, also known by his pseudonym Yang Hua, wrote to his wife from the Nanming District Detention Center about their family and his time in detention. He tells her not to worry and reminds her to trust that this is part of God’s plan ...

• more on this story from China Aid

From ECPAT-USA ... "Anti-Trafficking Accessories"

ECPAT USA is part of a global network of organizations and individuals working together for the elimination of child prostitution, child pornography and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes. It seeks to encourage the world community to ensure that children everywhere enjoy their fundamental rights free and secure from all forms of commercial sexual exploitation.

Anti-Trafficking Accessories

Purchase and use of ECPAT luggage tags help ...

• contain warning signs of human trafficking and how to report it
• spark conversations about the issue while traveling
• show that are you an advocate
• provide skills and opportunities for vulnerable women
• support our work to train the travel industry
• help you find your luggage on the carousel

... and ECPAT USA has other accessories for sale, as well!

• CLICK HERE to go shopping with ECPAT USA

For more information on this and other ECPAT USA efforts, please email us at info@ecpatusa.org

Mercy Trips Summer Outreach: "Worship"

Mercy Trips Photo

"Worship"

Worship at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship- Fort Portal Uganda. Click on the link below for more photos from the worship service.

• Visit Mercy Trips' Facebook page for this and other posts.

Mercy Trips Healthcare Outreach
P.O. Box 13795
Odessa, TX 79768

In the News ... "Rock the Desert is back in the Basin"

Courtesy Photo

• Event offers music and more, is open to all ages

By Andre Buenacosa, Special Contributor
• Odessa American

ODESSA/MIDLAND, TEXAS - The festival during the hottest part of summer is looking to keep people cool while still having a good time as they trot out popular bands and water park inflatables during the August shows.

Rock the Desert will take place from Aug. 4 through Aug. 6 and showcase headliners such as Switchfoot, Chris Tomlin, Memphis May Fire and RED. Over the three days, 22 bands will take to the stage at Rock the Desert’s festival field at 2000 S. FM 1788 in Midland ...

• read the rest of this OA report ...

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 1, 2016

SEATTLE PRESBYTERY, WASHINGTON - From the outside it’s a nondescript place—a small building surrounded by buildings that are home to Amazon and Microsoft workers.

The first thing people notice when walking into Union, a new worshiping community in Seattle’s Westlake district, is a community coffeehouse with “this sanctuary-like space,” says Renee Notkin, who co-pastors Union, along with husband James ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.