From ECPAT-USA ... "Bid in Our Virtual Silent Auction"

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.

"Bid in Our Virtual Silent Auction”

Dear Friends of ECPAT-USA,

Today, Thursday, August 6, is the final day to bid in our World Day Against Trafficking in Persons Silent Auction. Doors will close at 9 p.m. ET tonight, so please make sure to register here to view some of our amazing prizes. Registration is free and can be done from your computer or mobile device, and every dollar raised will go directly to support ECPAT-USA’s survivor-informed programs.

Thank you to all who donated prizes and who have placed bids thus far! With a variety of prizes, there is surely something for everyone, whether you’re treating yourself or someone else! Some of our prizes include:

250,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points ...

Book your next Marriott stay or upgrade by bidding on 250,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points. Can also be used for cars and flights.
More about this and other auction items ...

Red Flower gift card ...

Implement a new self-care routine by bidding on a $180 Red Flower gift card for skincare products, home fragrances, scents and more!
More about this and other auction items ...

2 round-trip American Airlines Business Class flights ...

Bid for the chance to book your next trip in luxury and style with two round-trip American Airlines Business Class flights.
More about this and other auction items ...

Catered outdoor dinner ...

Host a catered outdoor dinner for your friends and family members where the only thing you will have to do is relax with your guests.
More about this and other auction items ...

Your support helps us to continue our meaningful work protecting children from the threat of sexual exploitation and trafficking. Together, let’s keep fighting to create a world where no child is bought, sold, or used for sex.

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

• CLICK HERE to support our programs

• CLICK HERE to go shopping with ECPAT USA

In the News ... "Grace Lutheran VBS donates $2,020 to West Texas Food Bank"

KOSA Photo

• Different look, but still helping those in need


Staff Report
• KOSA-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Grace Lutheran VBS looked different this year, but still raised money for those in need. The VBS donated $2,020 to West Texas Food Bank on Friday ...

• Watch the rest of this KOSA report ...

In the News ... "Stuff the Bus for kids Aug. 7-8 benefiting Salvation Army"

BSH Photo byAmanda Duforat

• All donations made at “Stuff the Bus” events remain in the community

Staff Report
• Big Spring Herald

BIG SPRING, TEXAS - The tradition continues this year as Walmart and The Salvation Army are teaming up once again to provide new school supplies to local children in need during the second annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign event at Walmart this weekend - Aug. 7-8, during Tax-Free Weekend ...

• Read the rest of this BSH report ...

In the News ... "Conaway lends a hand at food bank"

OA Photo by Ben Powell

• "This is just one slice of that broad answer of how do we continue to feed people”

By Michael Bauer, Reporter
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The West Texas Food Bank got a boost on Wednesday when U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway was one of a number of volunteers who helped distribute food to families in need ...

• 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.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 6, 2020

HIROSHIMA DAY - Today is Hiroshima Day. With all the problems surrounding us, it can be easy to forget the devastation that was wrought in 1945 when the atom bomb, Little Boy, was dropped on Hiroshima, destroying 90% of the city, immediately killing 80,000 people, with tens of thousands more dying later of radiation exposure ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Safe Place 2% away from completing capital campaign to expand shelter"

KOSA Photo

• Just needs about $350,000 more


Staff Report
• KOSA-TV

MIDLAND/ODESSA, TEXAS - Safe Place of the Permian Basin is just 2% away from completing its capital campaign to expand its shelter. It just needs about $350,000 more ...

• Watch the rest of this KOSA report ...

In the News ... "Conaway meeting with food bank officials on Farmers to Families program"

• Part of the USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The West Texas Food Bank received its first shipment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s newest program to distribute fresh produce, the Farmers to Families Program, last month, and welcomes the fresh produce as part of its goal to distribute more fresh fruits and vegetables to West Texans ...

• Read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "Locations have been selected for Pecos free food and book boxes"

KWES Photo

• The "Little Pantries" and "Little Libraries" will form a trail around town once complete

By Pierson Beach, Reporter
• KWES-TV

PECOS, TEXAS - The city of Pecos has decided on locations for their free "Little Libraries" and "Little Pantries."

Locations that have been selected will eventually create a trail through the town, which residents will be able to follow to receive free food or a free book at each location ...

 • Read/watch the rest of this KWES 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 William Iven/Unsplash

Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 5, 2020

STEWARDSHIP - By mid-March, COVID-19 began changing the way the world interacts, and the church was not immune to those changes. Amid social distancing and shelter-in-place orders, many churches either canceled worship or moved to a virtual form of worship. Pastors and sessions looked for creative ways to worship and to care for the most vulnerable church members in a quickly changing landscape. But what about financial stewardship during such a time as a pandemic – or any other event that would interrupt traditional modes of being the church? ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

From PC(USA) Store ... Pandemic Faith Formation

The Presbyterian Church (USA) offers a central online store where you can find all PC(USA)-produced books, curriculum, and resources in one place. PCUSAStore.com is a comprehensive selection of PC(USA) resources that provides the information and materials necessary to support new and existing congregations, leaders, study groups, and individuals forge a deeper understanding of Presbyterian beliefs and doctrines. PCUSAStore.com is maintained by the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, the publishing house of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Geneva Press curriculum publishing, and other agency partners.

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Children and Youth Faith Formation During a Pandemic

Have you been trying to figure out how to do faith formation during this pandemic? We have too! We are working on guides and special adaptations to make it easier for you to do faith formation during this unprecedented time.

We have also put together a webinar with detailed information about each resource. Click the links below to access the webinar and additional informational resources.

• Watch the Webinar ...

• Download the Webinar PowerPoint ...

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Please Note: We can currently only ship to customers in the United States. For our international distributors, please contact us at support@pcusastore.com.

PC(USA) Store
100 Witherspoon Street
Louisville, KY 40202
(800) 533-4371
support@pcusastore.com

In the News ... "Family Promise works to expand with capital campaign"

KOSA Photo

• Renovation and new construction


Staff Report
• KOSA-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Family Promise of Midland's $6.2 million capital campaign is funding the renovation of the Day Center and then construction of a new housing. ...

• Watch the rest of this KOSA report ...

In the News ... "Photo Album: Mourners flock to Grand Candela as night falls on anniversary"

EPT Photo by Mark Lambie

• Hundreds of visited the memorial on the anniversary of the shooting

By Mark Lambie, Photographer/Reporter
• El Paso Times

EL PASO, TEXAS - As August 3 came to an end, El Pasoans flocked to the Grand Candela in the parking lot of the Walmart where 23 people were murdered on this day last year ...

• Enjoy the rest of this EPT photo album ...

In the News ... "Bishop Seitz announces commission on race, equity, honoring Walmart mass shooting victims"

EPT Photo by Kalley Huang

• “Ceremonies of remembrance, while they are important, times of prayer, while they are essential, aren’t enough"

By Kalley Huang, Reporter
• El Paso Times

EL PASO, TEXAS - Bishop Mark J. Seitz of the El Paso Catholic Diocese announced the formation of a new commission on race and equity on Saturday in El Paso.

The panel will honor the victims of the Aug. 3, 2019, Walmart mass shooting ...

• Read/watch 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: August 4, 2020

GUN VIOLENCE - Halfway through her opening statement on a recent episode of “Standing Our Holy Ground,” the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program’s yearlong webinar series about how the church can respond to gun violence, Nicole Hockley of Sandy Hook Promise cited some extraordinary achievements by her group ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

From @chinaaid : "China restricts minority birth rates"

The ChinaAid 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 restricts minority birth rates
Distributed by ChinaAid, June 2020 ...

URUMQI, XINJIANG, CHINA – Chinese authorities have been forcing minority women to take birth control and terminate pregnancies, according to an AP investigation ...

• More on this story from ChinaAid ...

In the News ... "Gallery+Video: Community Healing Garden, Interfaith Celebration of Life and Healing"

EPHP Photo by Andres Acosta

• Andres Acosta was there and we bring you his view of the ceremony, as well as the drive-through service via this gallery

By Andres Acosta, Reporter/Photographer
• El Paso Herald-Post

EL PASO, TEXAS - Sunday night, El Pasoans gathered at Ascarate Lake for the virtual groundbreaking for the El Paso County Community Healing Garden, as well as the Interfaith Celebration of Life and Healing ahead of Monday’s anniversary of the August 3 Walmart massacre ...

• Read the rest of this EPHP report, and enjoy the photo album ...

From Outreach Foundation ... Mission Partnership Update

• Your gifts to the COVID-19 Emergency Appeal are making a difference … in Lebanon and Syria

Outreach Foundation Photos

With gifts that Outreach supporters sent to the COVID-19 Emergency Appeal, along with other funds on hand, we were able to send $16,000 to support the emergency outreach ministries of Together for the Family (TFF), a ministry partner in Lebanon, which serves Syrian refugees in the Bekaa Valley.

Over 76,000 Syrian families - some 350,000 souls, of whom 60% are children - are still living in this fertile but harsh valley just over the border from Syria. Despite the presence of many large aid agencies who are caring for this vulnerable population in the vast camps, thousands “fall through the cracks” because they have chosen to live in smaller clusters outside the “mega camps.”

Several years ago, TFF’s Director, Izdihar Kassis, whose home in Zahle overlooks the Bekaa Valley, began to meet many of these refugees in the streets and shops near her house, and as conversations developed with the mothers who were carrying small babies and trailing a toddler, began to discern that most of the women had inadequate care available to them for these little ones. She began a feeding program to ensure the infants had formula if needed, as well as medicines, and basic food supplies for the other children in the family. As the ministry grew, Izdihar found a small piece of land to rent, near the “informal camps” where many of these women lived, and, from a small trailer, expanded her outreach to offer classes to teach the young girls sewing and hairdressing and the young boys, woodworking. Soon, other trailers were needed to open a small clinic, a school, and a meeting room where the women could gather while Izdihar dispensed the Good News of Christ’s love along with the desperately needed aid. As Izdihar and her volunteers built trust with this fragile community, they were invited into the tents where tender relationships developed and deeper conversations could be carried on to offer “a Hope and a future.”

The dire circumstances of these families were exponentially compounded when the global pandemic forced everyone to “shelter in place” and the sole “breadwinner” in the family - be it the father or a teenage son or daughter - lost access to the meager (and irregular) day’s wage they might have earned from a nearby farm or small factory. And so, the ministry of Together for the Family quickly refocused on the new circumstances, as Izdihar writes:

In addition to raising awareness on how to take necessary precautions against COVID-19, we provided drills to children and mothers on proper handwashing. We also distributed free soap and sanitizers. Our women and teenage girls in the sewing schools started to make masks (photo above). The goal was to produce 1000 masks to be distributed to the Syrian refugees. I am glad to tell you that we reached our goal in no time and we are aiming now to produce an additional 2000 more masks.

When visiting the Syrian refugees’ camps we noticed that the UNHCR is hardly supporting them with life necessities. Those refugees who were able to do some work in factories or in the fields are now confined to their tents. TFF has decided to provide weekly food baskets to families. We were able to provide for 100 families but the need is to help 400 more families. Most importantly, we are devoting time to teach about God’s sovereignty, providence, and love even in this exceptional time.

These two short videos give you a glimpse into the ministry of Together for the Family:



Click here to learn more about Outreach’s COVID-10 Emergency Appeal

Thank you!

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Engaging followers of Christ for His work in the world, the Outreach Foundation is committed to helping the church live out its missional calling, building the capacity of the global church, especially where the church is vulnerable or growing rapidly, and transforming lives through mission involvement.

The Outreach Foundation
381 Riverside Drive, Suite 110
Franklin, TN 37064,
United States
(615) 778-8881
info@theoutreachfoundation.org

In the News ... "Lubbock women gift President Trump prayer quilt"

Photo provided  by Rep. Jody Arrington's office

• “You want to know what makes America great?"

By Matt Dotray, Reporter
• Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - More than 100 women from Lubbock made a quilt of Bible verses, which Rep. Jodey Arrington gave to President Donald Trump this week ...

 • Read the rest of this LAJ report ..

In the News ... "Apostle James led first church"

1. Painting by Giovanni Battista Piazzetta 

• Jesus’ brother was initially skeptical and came to the faith late

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
• Odessa American

MIDLAND, TEXAS - CKnown as “James the Just” for his righteousness and devotion to God, the Apostle James didn’t accept Jesus, his brother, as the Messiah until seeing Jesus brought back to life after the crucifixion.

But when he finally believed, he did so wholeheartedly and was extremely faithful until his martyrdom in 62 A.D., when historians say he was thrown from the top of the Temple Mount and beaten to death because he refused to tell a large crowd that Jesus was not the Messiah.

The Revs. Aaron Shipman, Robert Thayer and Del Traffanstedt say James was a no-nonsense man who said what he had to say in a direct manner in the book that bears his name ...

• 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 Paul Seebeck

Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 3, 2020

LIFE AFTER CORONAVIRUS - As more than 50 pastors and other church leaders recently explored together “Lifelong Discipleship Formation” — which is one of the Seven Marks of Vital Congregations — it became apparent that during the coronavirus crisis they are discovering new ways to help people live out their Christian faith ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Gallery: Resilience: Remembering August 3 exhibition at the El Paso Museum of History"

EPHP Photo by Andres Acosta

• Andres Acosta was there and we bring you his view of the special exhibit via this gallery

By Andres Acosta, Reporter/Photographer
• El Paso Herald-Post

EL PASO, TEXAS - On Friday morning, officials with the Museums and Cultural Affairs Department and the El Paso Museum of History opened their doors for a sneak peek of the Resilience: Remembering August 3 exhibition that is dedicated to the victims of the Walmart massacre.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Museum of History remains closed and the exhibition is available to the public via virtual means. Museum officials did say, however, that they would be hosting private viewing for families of the victims ...

• Read the rest of this EPHP report, and enjoy the photo album ...

In the News ... "El Paso, New Mexico florists create tribute to Walmart mass shooting victims"

EPT Photo by Maria Cortes Gonzalez

• The florists want to remain anonymous to focus and promote the unity of El Paso

By Maria Cortes Gonzalez, Reporter
• El Paso Times

EL PASO, TEXAS - A group of florists from El Paso, Las Cruces and other parts of New Mexico are creating a tribute to the 23 victims of the El Paso mass shooting using moss and dried flowers.

The goal is to use 23 silhouettes to create a colorful, emotional and uplifting visual at this weekend's opening of the El Paso County Community Healing Garden through the beauty of sunflowers, cosmos, zinnias, roses, and larkspur ...

• Read the rest of this EPT report ...

From Grace Presbyterian, Midland ... "Come church with us online, TODAY"

We hope you can join us for our ZOOM worship this Sunday, August 7 - TODAY - at 10:00 a.m. We hope you are up for a meaningful and adventurous worship experience. There will be a TIME WITH YOUNG DISCIPLES – so please help your kids get connected.

Grace Worship Service
August 2, 2020, 10:00 a.m. Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2597444686

We also have a bulletin to go with the service ...
Bulletin for 07/19/20 ZOOM worship service (.pdf file)

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 Credit: Hyeyoung Lee

Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 2, 2020

CELEBRATING YOUNG ADULT VOLUNTEERS - “It was a very painful but meaningful time to think again about what it means to live as a Christian and as an American in this world.” This was a comment from Dia, one of the Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs) from 2016–17, after we visited No Gun Ri, the site of a massacre of Korean civilians committed by U.S. soldiers at the beginning of the Korean War ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

From Grace Presbyterian, Midland ... "Come church with us online, TOMORROW"

We hope you can join us for our ZOOM worship this Sunday, August 7, at 10:00 a.m. We hope you are up for a meaningful and adventurous worship experience. There will be a TIME WITH YOUNG DISCIPLES – so please help your kids get connected.

Grace Worship Service
August 2, 2020, 10:00 a.m. Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2597444686

We also have a bulletin to go with the service ...
Bulletin for 07/19/20 ZOOM worship service (.pdf file)

From PC(USA) Store ... Save 40% when You Preorder Fall Books!

The Presbyterian Church (USA) offers a central online store where you can find all PC(USA)-produced books, curriculum, and resources in one place. PCUSAStore.com is a comprehensive selection of PC(USA) resources that provides the information and materials necessary to support new and existing congregations, leaders, study groups, and individuals forge a deeper understanding of Presbyterian beliefs and doctrines. PCUSAStore.com is maintained by the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, the publishing house of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Geneva Press curriculum publishing, and other agency partners.

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On new releases and pre-orders

There are so many great books coming to PC(USA) Store in the next few months and we can't wait to tell you about them. So while most of these books aren't available yet, you can save 40% on all of them through the end of August 4, 2020. You can browse all using the button below, or click on any book cover to learn more! Be sure to check for the publication date on the book's page to see when it will be available ...

• Browse all, and save ...

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Please Note: We can currently only ship to customers in the United States. For our international distributors, please contact us at support@pcusastore.com.

PC(USA) Store
100 Witherspoon Street
Louisville, KY 40202
(800) 533-4371
support@pcusastore.com

In the News ... "El Paso's Star on the Mountain to flash in honor of 23 victims of Walmart mass shooting"

EPT File Photo

• Will begin flashing in 10 second intervals at 9 pm, Monday

By Aaron Martinez, Reporters
• El Paso Times

EL PASO, TEXAS - The Star on the Mountain will be used to honor the 23 people killed in the mass shooting at an East Side Walmart on the anniversary of the tragedy ...

• Read/watch the rest of this EPT report ...

In the News ... "San Angelo area churches offer worship, volunteer options, 08/01/20"

• Here is a look at the communications received by the Standard-Times to date

By Matthew McDaniel, Reporter
• San Angelo Standard Times

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - Faith briefs may be submitted by emailing News@GoSanAngelo.com. Briefs are published in print on Saturdays and the deadline to submit an entry is noon Wednesdays ...

• Read the rest of this SAST report

SAST Photo

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 ...

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 Rich Copley

Today in the Mission Yearbook: August 1, 2020

CORONAVIRUS - CHALLENGES AND SURPRISES - An April survey by Research Services of nearly 1,100 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations and mid councils revealed some surprising responses on how they’re dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.