God Issues Today: "Fooling Cyberspace"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"When you wonder if your Creator accepts you unconditionally, go to Bethlehem," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Advent Reflections: December 19

Romans 16:25-27 BibleGateway.com

One of the best parts of these last couple of days before Christmas is the anticipation: of the next person to show up, the next gift to be placed under the tree, or the next warm baked good to be pulled from the oven. But what would life be like without anticipation? We would live our lives with each new day filled with dangers and unexpected pitfalls. We would find no joy in each new day and no hope that anything better is yet to come. Unfortunately, I think we do live our lives that way sometimes; we lose sight of God’s eternal plan and live each day with no joy or hope of Christ’s reign.

In today’s passage Paul summarizes God’s redemptive plan in one final sentence in Romans and praises God for this eternal plan through Jesus Christ. God’s plan is no secret! Jesus Christ is no secret! We have been made a part of this plan and can sit in anticipation of its completion in Christ’s return. Christ has been made known in the prophets, Christ has come and walked among us, Christ died and rose for us, and now we actively wait for Christ to come again. The anticipation makes me want to shake my Bible, like I do my Christmas gifts, looking for some clue as to what is to come.

Eternal and Wise God, you set your plan into action before the waters of creation and continue to build upon your plan in our time. The anticipation of its completion is almost too much to bear, but we give thanks for the joy that comes with the anticipation and ask that you use our anxious energy for your coming kingdom. We pray in the name of the coming Lord. Amen

Matthew L. Thompson, Senior Student
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Please Make Note for Your Christmas List

Looking for a 'little something' to add to your Christmas gift list? How about a "perfect stocking-stuffer?" Here is a wonderful way to spread the news ... AND spread the WORD. Notecards bearing images created by orphans of the Lulwanda Children's Home of Uganada, are now on sale at First Presbyterian Church of Midland. A packet of eight 51/2" x 3" cards, printed on heavy card stock, with envelopes, costs $10 and all of the proceeds from the sale goes to Lulwanda Children's Home.
All of the images that appear on the cards were created by the children this summer, when they were visited by FPC's 2008 Uganada Mission Team. You can choose from full-color landscapes, black-and white barnyard animals, or variable-color native plants from this region of Uganda. First Presbyterian Church is located on the northwest corner of Texas and A streets, on the west edge of downtown Midland, please use the Texas Street entrance near the intersection. The church office is open Monday through Friday, from eight o'clock in the morning until five o'clock in the afternoon. For more information, please call First Prez-Midland at (432) 684-7821.

Lulwanda Children’s Home opened its doors on December 1, 2004, the first children’s home established by the Grace International Children’s Foundation (GICF). Lulwanda now houses and cares for 90 orphaned or abandoned children between the ages of 3 and 12.

Before coming to Lulwanda Children’s Home, many of these children had no one to care for them, while others were living in desperate conditions with aging and overburdened grandparents. Now the children are thriving in a healthy, nurturing environment. The children not only live at Lulwanda, they also attend primary school on site, learning basic life skills, English, math, and a variety of other subjects. Pre-school, kindergarten, and first through fifth grades are held simultaneously for five hours daily, five days per week. The children receive regular medical care, nutritious meals, and lots of outdoor play time – all in a warm family environment that promotes bonding between the children, their house mothers, and the rest of the staff members

Facilities at the Lulwanda Children’s Home include boys’ and girls’ dormitories and bathhouses, living / dining areas, 6 classrooms, a large playground, a kitchen, laundry room, and a garden which provides some of the food for the Home. A 10 acre farm was recently acquired and food crops are being grown and harvested. The Home Administrator lives on site, as do the four housemothers.

CLICK HERE to view or download a 2 page color tri-fold brochure about Lulwanda, in PDF format.

God Issues Today: "Feeling Sorry for Butter"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"If you wonder about the importance of small things, go to Bethlehem," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Advent Reflections: December 18

Luke 1:46-55 BibleGateway.com

Dietrich Bonhoeffer believed the Psalms are of particular value when we pray them, not because they express what we feel in our hearts, but because they often make us pray against our hearts. This is an aspect of faith that we sometimes forget. I recall the shock on a church member’s face who “complimented” at the door one Sunday: “That sermon came straight from your heart.” I answered, “I hope not, because if it did, and the Prophet Ezekiel is right, then I’m a false prophet.” Ezekiel, like Bonhoeffer, believed that the human heart is a confused organ of sentimentality and self-interest, and it needs the correction of the Word of God.

Mary’s song, the Magnificat, is one of the Psalms of the New Testament. No other passage in the New Testament so perfectly blends the praise of God from the Psalms, the message of justice from the Prophets, and the confidence in God’s faithfulness incarnate in Jesus Christ. Yet we must admit: Mary’s song speaks against our own hearts, threatens our self-interests, and challenges our assumptions about what it means to be important, valuable, even good. The Magnificat is Jesus’ parables of the kingdom in song. It is appropriate that in some Christian traditions, along with the Lord’s Prayer, this is the one biblical text that is prayed every day.When it becomes our prayer, we can hear in the way it speaks against our hearts, in its stern “No!” of judgment, God’s ultimate “Yes!” of grace.

Knowing the first shall be last, and the last first; the proud scattered in the thoughts of their hearts; the powerful brought down; the lowly lifted up; the hungry filled with good things, and the rich sent empty away, we entrust ourselves to you, O Lord, in grace and in judgment. Amen

Michael Jinkins, Academic Dean, Professor of Pastoral Theology
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Faces of Children: Prayer Requests

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).

Prayer Concerns for the week of 12/17/08

India and Sri Lanka
• Please keep the children and families of southern India and Sri Lanka in prayer as they deal with the aftereffects of Cyclone Nisha, a powerful storm that struck in late November and hit the same area as the 2004 tsunami.
• Pray for the estimated one million people who have been displaced by this recent cyclone.
• Pray that children and their families will have suitable shelter, clean water sources, food and medical care, and that they will be able to return to their homes, schools and businesses soon.
A report from alertnet.org
Another report from alertnet.org

Pakistan
• Pray for the staff and volunteers of Christ Children Evangelism in Pakistan as they work with children who are poor, disabled, and/or orphaned.
• Pray that God will provide the resources they need to help these children and to organize a Christmas Children’s Rally this month.

Thailand
• Please keep the children and people of Thailand in prayer as their country deals with political turmoil and government instability once again. Pray that God will encourage and sustain those working with children at risk during this unpredictable time.
• Give thanks to God for the work of the staff and volunteers with NightLight ministry in Bangkok. www.nightlightbangkok.com
   ○ Pray for the women and girls who have left a life of prostitution and now earn their living making jewelry at NightLight. Thank God that they are now in a safe place and are able to learn about the saving love of Jesus Christ.
   ○ Pray for the women waiting to come to work at NightLight—that God will provide the resources necessary to hire these women who are desperate to leave the brothels and bars.
   ○ Pray for the new babies born to NightLight women this year and thank God that the babies are able to stay at the new NL child care center instead of being sent away to grandparents.
   ○ Pray for the safety of the NightLight children, many of whom are vulnerable to exploitation or trafficking.
   ○ Thank God for the rescue and repatriation of eight women from Uzbekistan this past year. Please pray for the safety of these women and their children and pray they won’t be retrafficked into prostitution.

United States
• Please keep Matthew, a 6th grade student who has battled cancer since he was 6 years old, held close in prayer.
   ○ Pray that Matthew and his family may experience the comforting peace and presence of Jesus Christ throughout this frightening experience.
   ○ Pray that God will heal the new malignancy recently found in Matthew’s lungs.
   ○ Pray that he might live a cancer free life.
• Pray for all children who have cancer—that they might also experience the victory that only Christ can deliver.
• Pray for the medical and research personnel working with pediatric cancer patients. Pray that they might always display compassion for and patience with their small patients.
• Please pray for 1-year-old Josiah and his foster family. His foster parents would very much like to adopt Josiah, but his biological father has decided to try to gain custody for financial reasons.
   ○ Pray that all parties involved would act in Josiah’s best interest.
   ○ Pray that God will give the case workers, lawyers and judges clarity and discernment in this case.
• Pray for Ashton, Elizabeth and Robert and for their mother Emily who is facing major medical issues.

Faces of Children
• Please continue to pray that more churches and individuals will join with the ministry of Faces of Children in spreading awareness about children in crisis and inviting more people to pray for children at risk.

God Issues Today: "Boars and Those Who Shoot Them"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"If you doubt God's grace, go to Bethlehem, where he became one of us so we could be one with him," Dr. Denison writes in today's post at God Issues.

Advent Reflections: December 17

2 Samuel 7:1-16 BibleGateway.com

Deep in the fabric of the Old Testament the promise of Advent is shadowed. Down the long corridor of the ages a promise is given and then given again, and yet again. To Abraham: “Leave kith and kin and make your way to a new land.” To Jacob: “A new name for you … ISRAEL, the one who wrestles with God.” And here in Samuel, the prophet’s word to King David: “Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.” (II Samuel 7:16).

But in the years following David, the kingdom of Israel crumbled under the hammer of history, and in its wake: destruction, exile, and mourning for a dreamindefinitely postponed. But even there, in the center of the maelstrom of history, there were other prophetic whispers calling to Israel: “Wait for the promise. Wait for great David’s greater Son.” Somehow—above the raw jumble and confusion of life—it’s as if Yahweh sort of grits his teeth and cries, “I will not forgetDavid. I will not forget the promise. I will remember.”

At Christmastide we herald the promise anew. There is a response to that dangling anticipation. The Son of David is among us; Christ the King is loose among us! But what an unimaginable fulfillment of the promise of Yahweh! What a King is this: His birth, in a stall; His robe, borrowed; His crown, thorns; His throne, a cross. Now risen in glory, here is our king, towering “o’r the wrecks of time.”
SOLI DEO GLORIA

Great God our King, startle us anew with
your faithful promise, and even more, startle us with the strange and wondrous fulfillment of that promise in Christ Jesus. The King of kings is among us, and He has claimed His people for all eternity. Amen

John M. McCoy, Ambassador and Partner
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Coming to the Tall City

"In just short of a decade," Jackie Chapman wrote in this article for ChristianMusicToday.com, "the David Crowder Band has amassed a loyal following through their uniquely textured alternative worship music."

West Texans will have a chance to hear and enjoy the music and the message for themselves January 14, when David Crowder*Band - a 6-piece Christian electronic rock and worship band from Waco, Texas - takes the stage at Midland Center. Tickets for the concert are $20 each, and can be purchased at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, 800 W. Texas Avenue (on the west edge of downtown Midland); and Mardel Book Store, 5214 W. Wadley Avenue (in northwest Midland). For more information, call First Prez-Midland at 684-7821.

God Issues Today: "You're Known By Where You Live"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"If the King of Kings and Lord of Lords would choose to live in Nazareth, why wouldn't the Christ of Christmas choose to live in your town? In your heart," Dr. Denison asks in today's post at God Issues.

Advent Reflections: December 16

Philippians 4:4-9 BibleGateway.com

Mary and Elizabeth meet with their hopeful eyes and swollen bellies, and their babies leap. Mary, overwhelmed by God knocking about inside of her, echoes Hannah and the prophets as she sings out the soaring Magnificat. That must have been some kind of kick.

I remember having those wonderful pains seven years ago. I’m in my third trimester, standing in the sweet little sanctuary in Louisiana, admiring its moss green aisle and simple stained glass. The sanctuary is not the only thing that’s green. I’m a new pastor, and I’m not entirely comfortable with my role at the table, before the bread and the wine.

Lifting the loaf in the air, I tear it in half and repeat the words of Jesus. As I proclaim, “This is my body,” my belly begins shifting with smooth oceanic movements. Even under that giant black robe, I notice my stomach transforming into alien shapes. I smile and think: Oh no. Not now. Please go back to sleep.

As I raise the cup, it’s no longer a gentle rolling. I feel jabs, right under my rib cage. I gasp as she plays soccer with my internal organs. My eyes widen, and I almost spill the wine as she kicks me … hard. Barely containing my laughter, I continue. Breathing deeply, I am stretched and transformed by this great and wonderful pain. With each jolt, a sense of joy overwhelms me. And for the first time, I feel at home–in my bloated, pregnant body and at that table, as a pastor.

Holy God, our Creator, teach us to delight in every circumstance and to rejoice in who you have made us to be. Holy Spirit, our Sustainer, stretch us and form us this Advent season. Jesus Christ, our Liberator, give us hope as we wait for you in expectant anticipation. Amen

Carol Howard Merritt, Pastor, Western Presbyterian Church, Washington, D.C.
Alumnus

Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Midland Group: Chinese Students Detained, Church Leaders Sentenced to Labor Camps

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.

Issued by ChinaAid, December, 2008 ...

BEIJING and ZHEJIANG, CHINA - After conducting detailed investigations, ChinaAid has confirmed that from the end of September to early November 2008, a large police force was dispatched to raid house gatherings in Beijing and in areas near college campuses in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. More than 400 Christian college students were arrested and interrogated. House church leaders who led the gatherings were detained, and four were sentenced to re-education through labor for one to one and a half years. House church members were accused of “preaching to students” and “engaging in cult activities.” The house church groups were all affiliated with the Local Church network founded by Witness Lee (1905-1997).

It is believed that this large-scale suppression by the Chinese authorities against the Christian college students in Beijing and Hangzhou is a part of the government’s efforts to limit citizens’ religious freedom after the Olympic Games. ChinaAid calls on the relevant agencies in China to stop the harassment of house church Christians, return illegally confiscated funds and personal property, and immediately release the four church leaders who have been sentenced to re-education through labor.

Click on the links below to find out more detailed information the raids in Beijing and Hangzhou.
• Read about the raid in Beijing
• Read about the raid in Hangzhou
• Read about the Local Church

God Issues Today: "Snowing in Houston"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"The One who made the universe (John 1:3) has visited our tiny planet. If God would become a baby, what won't he do for you today," Dr. Denison asks in today's post at God Issues.

Advent Reflections: December 15

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24 BibleGateway.com

Not that you need reminding … Christmas is only ten days away. There is simply too much to do. Even when we try to simplify the season, our “to-do” lists overflow with parties to attend, presents to buy, sermons to write, and the list goes on and on and on. As soon as we manage to cross off an item, we remember five more things we’ve forgotten we needed to do. Our days are dictated by our “to-do” lists.

Upon first reading today’s passage, it seems only to add to the list of things we must accomplish. Paul gives us a list of tasks we will never complete. Eventually Christmas potlucks wind down, but we’ll never be able to cross off “pray without ceasing.” Write a sermon ... no problem. Rejoice always ... I’ll never have the satisfaction of crossing that one off my list.

Thankfully, this isn’t a list that defines what we do, it is a list that defines what kind of people we are to become. It is a list that must be continually read with verse 24 in mind. Like the season of Advent in which we anticipate the joyful return of Christ, we look to the end of this passage to sustain us in the present. Rejoice always … the one who calls you is faithful. Pray without ceasing … the one who calls you is faithful. Write sermons, attend parties, and buy some presents … remembering that the one whose birth we celebrate, and whose return we anticipate, is truly faithful.

God of peace, you promise to sanctify us, to keep us sound and blameless. As we remember the one who came, and promises to come again, may we be constantly reminded that you are faithful. In the busyness of this season make us mindful of the people you want us to become. Amen

Joseph Moore, Senior Student
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Reflections: December 14

Isaiah 61 BibleGateway.com

Simone Weil explains that there are different categories of need: (1) physical needs of the body; (2) spiritual needs of the soul; and (3) physical needs of the soul. It is this third category that is most often neglected. We tend to think of the “Good News” as primarily spiritual in content. Yet the Good News Isaiah brings the oppressed is that God will meet the physical needs of souls. The gates of jails will be unlocked, and prisoners will be freed. Devastated cities will be rebuilt, and dislocated persons will reclaim their homes and heritages. Victims of robbery and wrongdoing will be compensated, vindicated, and restored. And in and through all this concrete, physical healing will be accomplished the healing of souls. Mourning will be replaced by gladness; we will rejoice in the Lord. Free, sheltered, and blessed, we–whose physical brokenness is no more–will also be healed of our spiritual brokenness. Sin will no longer cling to us; we will instead be clothed with “the garments of salvation” and “the robe of righteousness.”

In Luke 4 Jesus said that these words in Isaiah have been “fulfilled.” If so, then why is there still so much brokenness, both physical and spiritual? Perhaps our frenetic materialism and yuletide overindulgences are somehow fueled by a deep yearning for physical healing that is finally essential to the healing of our souls. Isaiah’s words challenge me, therefore, to consider: How, this season, will I attend to my and others’ physical needs in ways that fully participate in the Good News?

Your Kingdom come, Lord God! Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give all, on this day, the food they need to live and flourish. Forgive us, as we forgive others. Deliver us from robbery and wrongdoing, and guide us into the justice and righteousness that is your promise. Amen

Cynthia L. Rigby, W.C. Brown Professor of Theology
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Advent Reflections: December 13

Psalm 126 BibleGateway.com

These are troubling times. At the time this is being written the economy looks less than healthy, gasoline prices are soaring, home mortgages failing, and food prices continue to rise. The whole world seems to be in chaos; war, famine, fire, floods, cancer, and autism are in the news daily. Even the church has divisive issues that seem to be tearing it apart. And so we cry out: Restore us, O Lord, bring back our fortunes, restore our homes, bring our troops home as quickly as possible, rid the world of selfish leaders, cure us of the diseases that plague us.

Those of us who are older can look back and remember troubling events in our history: dreadful wars, the depression, polio, tuberculosis, segregation, a divided church. In the midst of those tumultuous events we also cried out to God. We can also remember when each terrible event ended. “Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy…” (v.2).

During this Advent season, let us be filled with the hope and anticipation that we have in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who has never left us alone. May we joyfully share this hope, reminding ourselves and others whom we meet that “The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.” (v.3)

All powerful and loving God, we are so grateful that you have never left us alone. Help us always remember and share with others the hope which is now rekindled in this Advent season through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Charlene and John Chesshir, Seminary Partners
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Askren Family Newsletter: "Computer Invasion"

The Askren Family has set out in obedience to God's word and have become the house parents of the Mae Ka Chan Children's Home in Northern Thailand. They invite you to join their ministry to the children of Thailand - through prayer, action and giving.

The Computer Invasion
by Katie Askren

"Oh, Halleluiah!" rang out the call. God has answered one of our prayers and sent a computer for the children to use. All the staff was abuzz with excitement as I behgan kooking up their brand new computer and installing the software.Computers are a much more exotic concept to the general public in Thailand than to us Americans. They still look on them with wonder, and don't fully understand their capacity

The children crowded around their new prize as soon as they heard the news. Who would be the first to get to use it? I jumped at the opportunity, and began teaching a class in the evening to some of the older students. They willo learn how to write a newsletter and I will post it on their website, and e-mail it to their mailing list. It is something that the home has been wanting to do for a while, but the stafrf doesn't have the knowledge or time to put something like this together, so I am using the skills God gave me, to encourage the children into taking on this task on a monthly basis.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Katie's report from Thailand

Please Make Note for Your Christmas List

Looking for a 'little something' to add to your Christmas gift list? How about a "perfect stocking-stuffer?" Here is a wonderful way to spread the news ... AND spread the WORD. Notecards bearing images created by orphans of the Lulwanda Children's Home of Uganada, are now on sale at First Presbyterian Church of Midland. A packet of eight 51/2" x 3" cards, printed on heavy card stock, with envelopes, costs $10 and all of the proceeds from the sale goes to Lulwanda Children's Home.
All of the images that appear on the cards were created by the children this summer, when they were visited by FPC's 2008 Uganada Mission Team. You can choose from full-color landscapes, black-and white barnyard animals, or variable-color native plants from this region of Uganda. First Presbyterian Church is located on the northwest corner of Texas and A streets, on the west edge of downtown Midland, please use the Texas Street entrance near the intersection. The church office is open Monday through Friday, from eight o'clock in the morning until five o'clock in the afternoon. For more information, please call First Prez-Midland at (432) 684-7821.

Lulwanda Children’s Home opened its doors on December 1, 2004, the first children’s home established by the Grace International Children’s Foundation (GICF). Lulwanda now houses and cares for 90 orphaned or abandoned children between the ages of 3 and 12.

Before coming to Lulwanda Children’s Home, many of these children had no one to care for them, while others were living in desperate conditions with aging and overburdened grandparents. Now the children are thriving in a healthy, nurturing environment. The children not only live at Lulwanda, they also attend primary school on site, learning basic life skills, English, math, and a variety of other subjects. Pre-school, kindergarten, and first through fifth grades are held simultaneously for five hours daily, five days per week. The children receive regular medical care, nutritious meals, and lots of outdoor play time – all in a warm family environment that promotes bonding between the children, their house mothers, and the rest of the staff members

Facilities at the Lulwanda Children’s Home include boys’ and girls’ dormitories and bathhouses, living / dining areas, 6 classrooms, a large playground, a kitchen, laundry room, and a garden which provides some of the food for the Home. A 10 acre farm was recently acquired and food crops are being grown and harvested. The Home Administrator lives on site, as do the four housemothers.

CLICK HERE to view or download a 2 page color tri-fold brochure about Lulwanda, in PDF format.

God Issues Today: "Care to Be a Senator?"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

"If the Christ of Christmas would elect peasants for parents, wouldn't he choose you to be the child of God," Dr. Denison asks in today's post at God Issues.

Advent Reflections: December 12

Isaiah 40: 1-11 BibleGateway.com

As you drive from my parents' home in East Texas, through the tunnel of trees that is State Highway 154, you pass through a crossroads community called Little Hope, Texas, with the obilgatory Little Hope Baptist Church. I have always been amused that somebody would name a community, much less a church, Little Hope. I am sure there is a compelling story in the name.

So, what would cause you to have such little hope? Perhaps if you had to watch the center of your religious life being destroyed, and then find yourself uprooted from your home and taken into exile in a foreign land. That is the situation about which the prophet Isaiah writes with such moving poetry: "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and cry to her that herwarfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned" (vs. 1-2). Now there is a cause for a great hope in a time of little hope. Then Isaiah proclaims: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God" (v. 3). Now we know. In a land of little hope, God will pre3pare a way for God's people to go home - to their true home - kneeling at the foot of the manger, there to: "Behold your God!" There we discover"
"Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art"
(from Come, Thou Log-Expected Jesus)

Gracious God, in a world of little hope and even despair, alloow us to wait with great hope and eager anticipation in the coming of your beloved Son. Amen

David M. Evans, Director of Seminary Relations
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.
CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary