Saturday, September 7, 2019

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 ... "Candlelight vigil held in Fort Stockton"

FSP Photo
• At Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church

By Aurora Sain, Reporter
Fort Stockton Pioneer

FORT STOCKTON, TEXAS - About 300 people turned out Monday night for a candlelight vigil to show support for the Midland-Odessa area in the wake of [last] Saturday's shooting ...

See the rest of this FSP photo album ...

In the News ... “Organizations bring hope to West Texas"

MRT Photo by Jacy Lewis
• Illinois man carves crosses for victims; golden retrievers comfort families

By Brandi Addison, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

ODESSA, TEXAS - Individuals across the country have extended their love and support to West Texans after Saturday’s mass shootings. But two organizations from Illinois have worked to bring comfort and joy to Odessans.

Crosses for Losses and Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs travel around the country to comfort victims and families affected by tragedies ...

 • 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 Mary Westervelt

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 7, 2019

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP - Trinity Presbyterian Church in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, a certified Earth Care Congregation, decided to change the church grounds as one way to be better stewards of God’s Creation. One church member offers the following reflection on the beginning of that project ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Friday, September 6, 2019

From ServLife International ... "Personal prayer request"

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.



Personal prayer request

I’m at the airport about to fly to Kathmandu, Nepal, and would like to personally ask for your prayers. It is always hard being away from my family, and I also have a lot to do on this short nine-day trip. The purpose of this trip is to host a team of eight civil engineers and architects from EMI as they design blueprints for a future orphanage.

Here are a few points of prayer:

     For my wife as she parents and drives our three kids to school, soccer, etc.
    For my kids, that they would be good for mom, and kind to each other.
    That I rely on Jesus every day and remain in the Bible and prayer.
    That I am a good host to the EMI team.
    That I would be a good liaison between the EMI team and the local Nepali staff.
    That I would catch good stories and moments through photo and video.

I appreciate you and your prayers over the next nine days. It should be an amazing trip and I’m excited to hop on the plane!

Thank you,

Adam Nevins 
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

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Indianapolis, IN 46220
USA


In the News ... " Area fundraisers to help victims' families"

MRT Photo by Jerry Lara
• Concerts, candlelight vigils, gofundme accounts, and more

By Rich Lopez, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Soon after the events of Saturday when a gunman killed seven people and injured 25 others, the community rallied to support the victims, their families and first responders. Here is a list of upcoming fundraisers in which the community can contribute ...

 • Read the rest of this MRT report ...

MRT Photo by Jerry Lara

In the News ... "'State of the Nonprofits' encourages a look to the future"

MRT Photo by Jacy Lewis
• How tomorrow’s nonprofit leaders need to be cultivated today

By Rich Lopez, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - MSS (formerly Midland Shared Spaces) hosted its second annual State of the Nonprofits luncheon on Wednesday at the Petroleum Club. The highlight of the event was the results of the MSS-commissioned study on the local nonprofit community. The study identified opportunities and challenges the sector faces now and in the future. A panel of speakers discussed the results and advised those in attendance on how tomorrow’s nonprofit leaders need to be cultivated today.

“That discussion, those conversations start here,” MSS executive director Autumn Vest said. “We hope it becomes a wave in the community that changes the way that nonprofits and for-profits collaborate.” ...

 • Read the rest of this MRT report ...

From @FWMission ... Friday Story: “Where Is She Now?”

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 Photo
Friday Story: “Where Is She Now”

At the Miracle of Mobility gala in 2017, one of our special guests was a young woman from Vietnam named Hien, who was then a 19-year-old graphic design student.

Hien is now 21 and works at a luxury beach resort in Da Nang, Vietnam ...

Read the rest of this story ...

In the News ... "Prayer vigil this weekend"

OA Photo by Mark Rogers
• Pastors from both cities will participate in the event

Staff Report
Odessa American


ODESSA/MIDLAND, TEXAS - For Odessa resident Tammy Edwards, the cross is a symbol of love, healing and restoration.

In light of recent events, she has organized a prayer vigil and candlelight ceremony this weekend at the motorist rest stop along Highway 191 near the Midland and Ector county line, where a large cross structure stands about 40 feet tall ...

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.

Photo by Eco-Stewards

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 6, 2019

ECO-STEWARDS PROGRAM - The Eco-Stewards Program seeks to educate, train and inspire young adults (ages 20–30) in the ways of eco-stewardship within the wider context of Christian faith. The program shares roots in and draws partial support from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Presbyterians for Earth Care, and the Presbyterian Camp and Conference Association (PCCCA) ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Thursday, September 5, 2019

In the News ... "Hindu community fundraising for Odessa shooting victims"

OA Photo by Jacob Ford
"As a community, we will come together in every way possible”

Staff Report
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - In a matter of days, the Hindu Association of West Texas has internally raised tens of thousands of dollars for Odessa shooting victims and their families.

HAWT board member Dr. Jayaram Naidu said the organization’s leadership wanted to find a way for the Indian community to show solidarity for those impacted by the tragic incident ...

Read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "Local church leaders: Thoughts and prayers must lead to action"

KLTV Photo
• Prayers should inspire action from those saying them

By Ryan Ordmandy/KLTV, Contributor
KOSA-TV


ODESSA, TEXAS - “If you’ve been a community or a group that’s gone through a tragedy, you really think ‘well your thoughts and prayers are great but where is the tangible evidence," said Todd Salzwedel of First United Methodist Church.

Messages of thoughts and prayers continue to be sent throughout the Midland-Odessa community. While some say offering prayer has become more of a cliché than an actual action, local church leaders say it doesn't have to be.

“If someone just uses a nice religious word or a consoling word, but doesn’t do anything, what is the depth of their consoling message," said Father Mark Woodruff of St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church.

And advise those praying for the community to offer the same help they’re asking for ...

read/watch the rest of this KOSA report 


In the News ... "Muri: Normalcy is important"

OA Photo by Mark Rogers
• Impressed with the way the community came together, and how they went from the initial shock to asking what they could do

By Ruth Campbell, Reporter
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - Returning to school in the aftermath of the mass shooting in Odessa this past weekend, there were community calls to wear yellow to symbolize hope and a short prayer outside of Crockett Middle School Tuesday ...

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.

Photo by Scott Schlesinger

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 5, 2019

EARTH CARE CONCERNS - As a downtown church, Hillsborough Presbyterian Church in Hillsborough, North Carolina, has very little green space to work with, but their Earth Care Team is dedicated to maximizing the use and natural beauty of every inch ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

In the News ... "Concerts are benefits for those affected by shooting"


• Thursday, September 5; Saturday, September 7

Staff Report
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - Many West Texans are finding ways to support their community and those affected by the nation’s most recent mass shooting in Odessa through fundraising events.

A wave of compassion and philanthropic actions has swept over Odessa-Midland during the past few days, and two concert benefits are scheduled for this week on Thursday and Saturday at The Club, 1023 S. Grant Ave.

The first event will showcase various DJs, hip-hop and rap artists while the second concert highlights rockers ...

Read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "Ruidoso Downs' Chaplain Darrell Winter providing services where needed at track"

Photo by Matthrew Asher
• A Southern Baptist preacher, ordained by North American Mission Board, and Racetrack Chaplaincy of America

By Matthew Asher, Reporter/Photographer
• Special to the El Paso Times


RUIDOSO, NEW MEXICO - Isaias Enriquez sits in the sauna room with five other jockeys at the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack preparing for his next race.

He has researched his opponents, spoken with his trainer and has a plan for the race. But before Enriquez suits up and jumps on the 1,000-pound horse he'll jockey, he needs to calm his nerves.

The door to the sauna opens and he sees a familiar face in Chaplain Darrell Winter. The jockeys all stand up, bow their heads and allow Chaplain Winter to say a prayer asking God to protect the horses and the riders today. With his head cleared, Enriquez is now ready to race ...

Read the rest of this EPT 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: September 4, 2019

CAMEROON, AFRICA - “At a time when fear and uncertainty are looming in the air, at a time when emotions have overtaken reason, at a time when the sacredness of human life has been defiled, at a time when we are creating more enemies than friends, at a time when division seems to be destroying the unity of our people, and at a time when we do not seem to trust each other, we are here again to remind all Presbyterians and the people of Cameroon of our collective responsibility and role as a Church and as a people in these trying moments of our nation and history.” Thus, starts the Oct. 10, 2017 official statement of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) concerning the crisis in Cameroon, often referred to as the Anglophone Crisis ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Partners Blog: “These Hands”

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
“These Hands”

It’s vacation and I think I have heard it all. “I’m bored. This is THE worst day of my life. You aren’t fair.” I try to tell them that reading a book isn’t that bad, that waiting for what they want can be good, and that they haven’t yet had a truly bad day. I try to understand that they are limited by their scope of experience, yet, I am irritated. Then I read this, a report from the ground, shared by one of our team members serving in the Middle East. My finger is now firmly pointed back at me as I realize I, too, haven’t yet had a truly bad day ...

Read the rest of this post ...




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 ... "Odessa-based Nourishing the Nations group feeds 600 children per day"

Courtesy Photo
• Missions to Kenya expand

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - Once you go to Africa and get to know the people, you learn firsthand why so many visitors go back, says the Rev. Chris Harrington, pastor of missions at Immanuel Baptist Church.

“It gets under your skin and grabs ahold of you and you fall in love with the people and culture,” said Harrington, who has led numerous missions to western Kenya during the past seven years ...

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.

Contributed Photo

Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 3, 2019

MATTHEW 25 INVITATION - During her nearly nine years as pastor of Washington Shores Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida, the Rev. Erika Rembert Smith has placed the Great Commission at the front and center of her vision for the congregation.

Now that the church has joined the more than 70 congregations and mid councils to embrace the Matthew 25 invitation, Smith sees efforts to “make disciples of all nations” bearing fruit ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Monday, September 2, 2019

From @chinaaid : "Xiamen Huoshi Church insists on requesting a hearing"

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.

Xiamen Huoshi Church insists on requesting a hearing
Distributed by ChinaAid, July 2019 ...

XIAMEN, CHINA – The shutdown Xiamen Huoshi Church has been insisting on requesting a hearing. While they do not give in, authorities used the transcript by the neighborhood committee as accusatory evidence.

In Xiamen, Fujian, Huoshi Church which was shut down in a mass crackdown on June 16, insists on requesting a hearing because the church does not want to give in. Huoshi Church, following Xunsiding Church and Xinzao Church, is the third one that insists on appealing by requesting a hearing ...

More on this story from China Aid ...


In the News ... "West Texas Music Scene to hold benefit concert on Sept. 5"


• 100% of proceeds will go to families and victims of deadly August 31 shooting

Staff Report
KOSA-TV


ODESSA, TEXAS - The West Texas Music Scene will be hosting a benefit concert on Thursday, Sept. 5. at The Club located at 1023 S. Grant Street in Odessa ...

read the rest of this KOSA report 



In the News ... "Diocese to hold Commemoration Mass marking one month since August 3rd shooting​"

EPHP File Photo
• Tuesday, September 3, 9:00 am at St. Patrick Cathedral

Staff Report
El Paso Herald-Post


EL PASO, TEXAS - On Wednesday, the Catholic Diocese of El Paso announced that Bishop Mark Seitz would hold a special mass on September 3, marking one month since the deadly Cielo Vista Walmart shooting that killed 22 people, and injured more than two dozen more ...

Read the rest of this EPHP report ...

In the News ... "ECISD creates 'Crisis Resources' page"


"Together we will work through the difficult days ahead"

Staff Report
KOSA-TV


ODESSA, TEXAS - The Ector County Independent School District has created a Crisis Resources page to help those affected by Saturday's mass shooting.

The page includes links on talking to children about violence and how to help teens with traumatic grief ...

read the rest of this KOSA report 


In the News ... "Comfort dogs arrive in Odessa to help victims"

KOSA Photo
• Just completed two weeks of deployment after the shooting at Walmart in El Paso

By Amber Stegall, Contributor
KOSA-TV


ODESSA, TEXAS - Six comfort dogs from all over Texas have come together in Odessa, Texas to comfort victims, survivors and first responders affected by the tragic shooting that shocked West Texas ...

read the rest of this KOSA report 


In the News ... "Visitors at El Paso Walmart memorial ask how many more have to die after Odessa shooting"

EPT Photo by Daniel Borunda
• Latest shooting, 280 miles east of El Paso was in some ways a repeat of the same feelings of worry, pain and anger

By Daniel Borunda, Reporter
El Paso Times


EL PASO, TEXAS - A day after the mass shooting in Odessa, Texas, people paying their respects at the Walmart memorial in East El Paso on Sunday asked when will the killings end ...

Read the rest of this EPT report ...

In the News ... "A Message From the People of El Paso to Midland and Odessa"

Staff Report
El Paso Times


EL PASO, TEXAS - The people of El Paso offers their sympathies and well wishes following a mass shooting in the cities of Midland and Odessa.

In the News ... "In response to tragedy, Odessa and Midland step up and step out for their communities"

ARN Photo by Timothy Chipp
Vitalant open Monday, despite holiday, to keep blood donation momentum going

By Timothy Chipp, Reporter
Abilene Reporter-News

ODESSA-MIDLAND, TEXAS - Philip Scherrer didn't know what to think Saturday afternoon when he saw an unmarked police vehicle driving near the Cinergy movie theater come to a complete stop on a highway with an 75 mph speed limit.

It wasn't until Scherrer got home that reality hit him. He had witnessed the start of a day of tragedy in West Texas ...

Read the rest of this ARN report ...

In the News ... "Religious leaders use Sunday sermons to discuss moving forward"

MRT Photo by Jacy Lewis
“I would love for our hashtag that seems to come with these community tragedies to be not ‘Odessa strong’ but ‘It stops here.’”

By Caitlin Randle,, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

ODESSA-MIDLAND, TEXAS - The day after eight people died in a mass shooting that spanned across Midland and Odessa, local religious leaders used Sunday services to offer messages of healing and hope, call for change and try to answer the “why” that will indefinitely haunt this community ...

 • Read the rest of this MRT report ...

In the News ... "Ministers offer perspective"

OA Photo by Royal McGregor
• Officers praised for their courage

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
Odessa American


ODESSA-MIDLAND, TEXAS - Permian Basin ministers Sunday said tragic times like these call more than ever for prayer to understand and overcome.

And hailing the bravery and selflessness of the officers who stopped the rampage, they said the evil of the current day can only be overcome by the power of Jesus’ love ...

Read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "Hundreds attend vigil in Odessa to start the healing"

MRT Photo by Jacy Lewis
“At that time, we saw the very worst of humanity ... but we also saw some of the very best of humanity."

By Monique Batson, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

ODESSA, TEXAS - Casey Wiseman, 33, has lived in Odessa most of her life. Her 12-year-old son attends Nimitz Middle School, near JBS Parkway, where Seth Aaron Ator traveled as he fatally shot seven people and injured 22 others.

And had it been a school day instead of a Saturday, Wiseman’s son and his classmates might have been outside.

“It could have hit a yard full of kids,” she said Sunday evening at University of Texas of the Permian Basin, where hundreds gathered for a community healing service. “Our safety is gone.” ...

 • Read the rest of this MRT report ...

In the News ... "Churchgoers unite after tragedy"

OA Photo by Ben Powell
"How do you ever get over something like that? "

By Courtney Borchert, Reporter
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - Heavy hearts gathered at First Baptist Church in Odessa Sunday seeking comfort after a deadly mass shooting sent shock waves through the community ...

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.

Image by Cynthia Rigby
Today in the Mission Yearbook: September 2, 2019

SOCIAL CREED FOR THE 2Ist CENTURY - What’s the use of the Social Creed for the 21st Century? Yes, the Social Creed gets cited in books that deal with ecumenical social ethics, but how many read those after they leave seminary? Well, actually, Cynthia Rigby’s book “Promotion of Social Righteousness” (2010) did get broader circulation, and it reprints the Social Creed as the key illustration of what the church stands for in its social witness ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Sunday, September 1, 2019

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: September 1, 2019

A SEASON OF PEACE - In his poem “In the Soul of the Serene Disciple” Trappist monk Thomas Merton flips the reader between two vantage points of a shared condition — one in which “poverty is a success” and one where it is “no achievement.” That poverty could be a success in any way is a difficult premise to accept. When we think of poverty, we think about a crushing system of social and economic deprivation that isolates and destroys lives. That is a reality for too many and a challenge that the church is called to help address. But the discipline of Christian poverty, in which a disciple might willingly give up a life of excess and extravagance in order to better focus on all that God provides, is another thing altogether ...

CLICK HERE to read more.