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: June 8, 2019

1001 NEW WORSHIPING COMMUNITIES - n 2012, the General Assembly made a bold commitment — to create an environment within the denomination that would lead to the flourishing of the existing church and the birth of at least 1001 new communities of worship and witness. The Presbyterian Mission Agency went to work creating a system of resources to support this call to equip presbyteries, help potential leaders discern God’s call, develop a system of grants, build leadership capacity and create a network of coaches prepared to accompany a new worshiping community through all the stages of development. As a result of establishing partnerships and collaboration with other North American denominations, the reach of these resources extends far beyond the PC(USA) ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

From ServLife International ... "2019 Pastors’ Conference"

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

2019 Pastors’ Conference

Preaching the Gospel and serving the poor, it can be easy to adopt a scarcity mindset. And yet, God owns everything and desires to provide for our physical and spiritual needs. With this in mind, ServLife's annual Pastors' Conference focused on John 1:16, "From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another."

In March 2019, almost 130 pastors and their spouses gathered for three days of training and encouragement at the annual Pastors' Conference in Chitwan, Nepal. Many of the pastors face increased opposition from Hindu fundamentalists, and were encouraged by Director Bekharaj and others that "We don't need to be afraid about anything because God is with us."

CLICK HERE to read more and watch a highlight video.

Thank you,

 
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

In the News ... "Food Truck Extravaganza"

• Hosted by Immanuel Baptist

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Immanuel Baptist Church, 4020 E. University Blvd., has scheduled a Food Truck Extravaganza from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 9.

Covered seating will be provided, and the playground will be open.

In the News ... “Ace Hardware and Salvation Army host fan drive"

• Nationwide campaign started as local event in one Kansas town

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Rain may have cooled temperatures a bit in Odessa but we are still heading toward the triple digit days in West Texas.

Those days can be deadly for those without air conditioning. To help meet the needs of those struggling in this summer heat, Westlake Ace Hardware and The Salvation Army have teamed up to raise money for fans ...

 • 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: June 7, 2019

FAITH SHARING - We rarely talk about evangelism, let alone evangelism that is intentional and authentic. But there is a great passage for pondering it. Take a minute to read Romans 10:8b–13 — and continue to verse 17 for extra credit.

Our Presbyterian hesitancy to talk about evangelism revolves around three questions: What is it? Why do it? And how should we do it? ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

FBR Report: "Homecoming to an Unknown Home "

The Free Burma Rangers (FBR) is a multi-ethnic humanitarian service movement. They bring help, hope and love to people in the war zones of Burma (Myanmar) and the Middle East. Groups send teams to be trained, supplied and sent into the areas under attack to provide emergency assistance and human rights documentation. Together with other groups, the teams work to serve people in need.

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FBR Photo

"Homecoming to an Unknown Home "

Dear friends,

The newly trained Karenni Rangers all live in a refugee camp. The majority of them were born in the camp and have lived their whole lives in the camp. They are Karenni, and speak Karenni, but have never spent any length of time living in Karenni State. In March and April they went on their first FBR mission, and it was also the first time any of them had spent time in the land of their roots ...

• CLICK HERE to read/watch the rest of this FBR Report ...

• CLICK HERE to learn how YOU can get involved in FBR and its mission ...

In the News ... "Midland library partners with food bank for free summer meals"

• Library Lunches program will feed bodies and minds of kids and parents this summer

By Jeremy K. Jones, Reporter
• KWES-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Children and their parents may enjoy a free meal and additional programming this summer at Midland County Public Library Downtown, 301 W. Missouri Ave.

The Library Lunches program runs May 28 through August 9 in the newly renovated downtown library’s children’s activity room. Lunch will be served from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

This will mark the third year the library has partnered with West Texas Food Bank to ensure all children have access to food during summer vacation ...

 • Read the rest of this KWES report ...

In the News ... “Rock the Desert celebrates 20 years of music and faith"

• 2019 festival set for August 1-3 at RTD Festival Field

By Rich Lopez, Reporter
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND/ODESSA, TEXAS - While it’s business as usual at this year’s Rock the Desert, the Christian music festival also approaches a milestone. This August will mark two decades of the festival that began in 2000 at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. With five bands and some outdoor activities in the church’s parking lot, the festival has grown into, quite literally, its own space with two stages, a skateboard park and more than 20 acts from around the country ...

 • 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.

Photo by Kathy Melvin

Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 6, 2019

ISRAEL/PALESTINE - Osama (last name withheld) is a licensed Palestinian tour guide. He recently stood with one of his tour groups in the Ibrahimi mosque in Hebron with his head bowed and his expression troubled as a group of Israeli Jewish tourists walked through. The last person in line was an Israeli guard carrying a machine gun. It is a traditional sign of respect for visitors of any faith to remove their shoes and for women to cover their heads. This group had done neither. “No respect,” he said quietly. “No respect” ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "SisterDough teams up with WTFB for National Donut Day"

• You can grab a free donut with a donation to the food bank

By Kirsten Geddes, Multimedia Journalist
• KWES-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - SisterDough and the West Texas Food Bank are partnering for a very special National Donut Day.

SisterDough will have some of their famous donuts available at the WTFB Midland facility from 9 to 10 a.m. on June 7. The donuts will be free with a donation to the food bank ...

 • Read the rest of this KWES report ...

In the News ... "John the Baptist considered"

Painting by Giovanni Fattori

• Prophet who announced Jesus’s advent was a Nazirite

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - John the Baptist was an unusual man with a unique role in history that he continues today in pointing people toward Jesus Christ as the savior of mankind, says the Rev. Ron Hankins.

A cousin of Jesus who was born six months before him, John fulfilled his purpose as a herald of the Messiah but then said in John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” said Hankins, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Odessa ...

• Read the rest of this OA 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. Their mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, they 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,

If you're in Midland this week, we'll be meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5 - TODAY - for prayer. We meet in the prayer closet at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Please join us in lifting up the needs of vulnerable children in our community and around the world!

Blessings,

Carrie

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

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: June 5, 2019

PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE - A new report by the Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy finds that faith-based organizations are playing a key role in the ongoing recovery from 2017’s Hurricane Harvey — and that state emergency management leaders, specifically those in Texas, should bring more faith-based disaster response organizations into the state’s emergency planning process before the next disaster strikes ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Partners Blog: “Why Do You Have Thai Class?”

Steve and Oddny Gumaer started Partners Relief and Development in response to the needs of refugees and displaced people from Burma, and now in the Middle East, as well. Their mission is to demonstrate, through holistic action, God’s love to children and communities made vulnerable by war in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other conflict zones.

PR&D Photo

“Why Do You Have Thai Class?”

Most of the migrant workers who work in Thailand come with the intention of working for money to provide for their family. If they want to have a better chance to find jobs, it is important that they know more languages. Our SEED students come to study in our programs with the hope that they will learn to read, write, and speak. When they finish one course they have the opportunity to continue their education ...

• Read the rest of this post ...

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Partners Relief and Development is a registered charity in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States. "We’re a small, grassroots nonprofit passionate about making a big impact in communities affected by conflict and oppression, demonstrating God’s love to children and giving them the opportunity to live free, full lives." For more information aboput Partners, visit their website at partners.ngo/

In the News ... "'Novel Tea' at First Baptist-Odessa"

• Reservations are required

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - First Baptist Church, 709 N. Lee Ave., has scheduled Novel Tea, a women's ministry book club, from 6:30 p.m. June 20 in the commons.

Reservations are required. To join text BOOK CLUB to (432) 271-4648.

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. Their mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, they 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,

If you're in Midland this week, we'll be meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5, for prayer. We meet in the prayer closet at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Please join us in lifting up the needs of vulnerable children in our community and around the world!

Blessings,

Carrie

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

In the News ... "50 years a priest: Abilene's Robert Bush called 'a man of prayer'"

ARN Photo by Ronald W. Erdrich

• Will be honored at his church with a Mass at 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY

By Loretta Fulton, Reporter
• Abilene Reporter-News

ABILENE, TEXAS - The first time Robert Bush served as priest of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, it was for eight months.

The second go-round has lasted considerably longer ... ...

• Read the rest of this ARN 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.

Photo by Nancy Smith-Mather

Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 4, 2019

SOUTH SUDAN - Squeezed together with girls about her same age, Mary sat on a bamboo pew in the sanctuary. It was the first morning of a three-day children’s trauma healing workshop. The list of things written in her new notebook included: too much housework, loss of my parents and missing school.

Mary’s parents died when she was 7. She is now 17, living in Bidi Bidi refugee camp with a woman she calls “stepmother.” Mary was not alone in lamenting the increase in housework in the camps ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

From @chinaaid : "Jiangxi officials crack down on Christianity "

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.

China Aid Photo

Jiangxi officials crack down on Christianity
Distributed by ChinaAid, April 2019 ...

SHANGRAO, JIANGXI – Since September, authorities in an area of China’s eastern Jiangxi province have carried out a sweeping crackdown on Christianity, destroying the crosses of 25 churches and imposing various measures in order to keep a tight rein on religious activities ...

• More on this story from China Aid ...

Burgers & Blessings ... coming THIS WEEK to a church near you!

Image by Laura Up In the Clouds

June is almost here, and thus our annual Burgers and Blessings get-togethers are about to commence!

Please join us Wednesdays, starting on June 5th - THIS WEEK - at Grace Presbyterian Church, 2801 N. Garfield Street in Midland, Texas. The dinners begin at 6:00 p.m. and are very casual.

Burgers, hot dogs and "the fixings" will be provided by the church; you just come, bring a side dish or dessert, and the gift of your company.

We hope to see YOU there!

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. Their mission is to initiate ministries of prayer for children in churches, communities, and neighborhoods. In doing so, they 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,

If you're in Midland this week, we'll be meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5, for prayer. We meet in the prayer closet at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas. Please join us in lifting up the needs of vulnerable children in our community and around the world!

Blessings,

Carrie

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

In the News ... "Most early San Angelo churches designed by Ruffini"

SAST File Photo

• Finding his services in demand locally, he decided to settle here

By Matthew McDaniel, Reporter
• San Angelo Standard Times

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - Oscar Ruffini, protoarchitect of San Angelo, designed almost all of the earliest churches in town, in addition to an impressive list of 36 buildings in a four-block area of downtown, and numerous residences, the old San Angelo Waterworks and other projects, and he usually supervised their construction personally ...

• Read the rest of this SAST report

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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.

Contributed Photo

Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 3, 2019

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING - The 2010 earthquake that devastated Haiti and changed it forever also set Andral Estes’ life on a different course.

Estes lost his home and career in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital city, and moved to a rural community on Haiti’s Central Plateau. He now makes his living as a small-scale farmer, a far cry from his former occupation in the insurance industry.

He said that having a good education helps him navigate his new path, and he and other earthquake survivors see education as key to Haiti’s future.

In his new community, which was built with help from One Great Hour of Sharing gifts, Estes is a leader ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Houses of Faith: St. Mary's Catholic Church established in 1930"

Editor's Note: The Standard-Times will spotlight a different San Angelo house of faith each week during 2019.

SAST Photo by Arthur Spragg

• Church became a full-fledged parish on August 1, 1960

By Matthew McDaniel, Reporter
• San Angelo Standard Times

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - When St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 11 W. Avenue N, was first built in 1930, it was just beyond the San Angelo city limit on Chadbourne Street, which was the only road to Wall, Eden and points southwest. San Angelo ended at Avenue L back then ...

• Read the rest of this SAST 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: June 2, 2019

INTERCULTURAL CHURCH SUNDAY - The 223rd General Assembly (2018) approved the initiative to “Declare an Imperative for the Reformation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) in being a Transformative Church in This Intercultural Era.” The 223rd General Assembly also declared the period from 2020 to 2030 as the “Decade of Intercultural Transformation” by focusing on transformative priorities and initiatives across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Equal Exchange Podcast ... "Podcast Episode 5: Total Eclipse of the Heart"

Equal Exchange's mission is to build long-term trade partnerships that are economically just and environmentally sound, to foster mutually beneficial relationships between farmers and consumers and to demonstrate, through our success, the contribution of worker co-operatives and Fair Trade to a more equitable, democratic and sustainable world.

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Podcast Episode 5: Total Eclipse of the Heart"

Lots of us like to fantasize about what a career in chocolate might be like. In this episode, Dary Goodrich gets real with us about his job as Chocolate Products Manager. Learn about the process for developing delicious new bars, like the intense 92% cacao Total Eclipse Dark Chocolate, and about the challenge of sourcing cacao from small-scale farmers in West Africa for the first time ...

• CLICK HERE to listen to the rest of this post

• Learn how YOU can help Equal Exchange ...

In the News ... "Lubbock Faith Briefs"

Courtesy Photo

• What’s going on in South Plains churches

By Erica Pauda, Reporter
• Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - From the Avalanche-Journal, news of regular services, and special events and programs at houses of faith in Lubbock and across the South Plains ...

 • Read the rest of this LAJ report ...

 • More from the LAJ's "South Plains Faith Calendar" ...

In the News ... "Odessa Church News"

• Today and in the days ahead, in Odessa-area houses of worship

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Coming events include worship services, classes, Bible studies, community outreach, fundraisers, mission opportunities and more ...

• Read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... Area churches schedule jamaicas"

LAJ File Photo

• Beginning June 2, and continuing throughout the month

Staff Report
• Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

LUBBOCK, TEXAS -  ...

 • Click here for a list from LAJ ...

[WTM EDITOR'S NOTE: Jamaica (pronounced "ha-MY-ka") is an annual charity/fundraising festival held byCatholic Church parishes, especially those in states that border Mexico.]

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.

Contributed Photo

Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 1, 2019

PRESBYTERIAN MO-RANCH ASSEMBLY - As president and CEO of Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly, a camp and conference center on 500 acres along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, Dick Powell had a problem.

Children from the Rio Grande Valley weren’t coming to Mo-Ranch for camp in any recognizable numbers ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.