Reports From Lulwanda: February '09

Every month, Lulwanda Administrator Edward Mukiibi provides an update on Lulwanda Children's Home in Uganda – how the children are growing and learning, how the staff is developing, and any ongoing needs that may arise.

February, 2009
"The month under review is the second in our fourth year of operation. God through you has been most gracious and every thing seems to be working out well as expected despite the many challenges that we go through daily. It is indeed a great blessing to have people like you helping us out to support many of the once neglected and forgotten children in Uganda and East Africa."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of his February 2009 report.
CLICK HERE to visit the Lulwanda Photo Gallery.

West Texas Mission Opportunities:Invitation to Prayer

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).

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

"Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” Psalm 95:2

“Every prayer of petition becomes a prayer of thanksgiving and praise as well, precisely because it is a prayer of hope. In the hopeful prayer of petition, we thank God for his promise and we praise him for his trust."

"Our numerous requests simply become the concrete way of saying that we trust in the fullness of God’s goodness, which he wants to share with us. Whenever we pray with hope, we put our lives in the hands of God. Fear and anxiety fade away and everything we are given and everything we are deprived of is nothing but a finger pointing out the direction of God’s hidden promise which we shall taste in full.”

"Every prayer we pray, gracious God, is a sign of our love, our hope and our trust in you.”

Christ Our Hope, daily Lenten devotions compiled from the writings of Henri J.M. Nouwen

OK, since last week’s letter was so long, I’m only going to include the devotion this week! Thank you so much for praying with hope for the children of our local and global communities.

Thank you for your compassion for the children of our community and our world. Thank you for lifting them before God in prayer. If you would like to share prayer celebrations or concerns about children or those who care for them, please send them to me at claufer@facesofchildren.net or give me a call. Thank you for your prayers for the children of the world!

Please join us on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland, as we gather to pray for children. Lunch ($5) will follow our time of prayer

Praying with hope,

Chris

God Issues Today: "Greetings from Row 23"

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.

I am writing today's essay while sitting on an airplane waiting for takeoff. I thought I was flying on one airline, only to discover last night that I was flying on another. By the time I printed my boarding pass, I was in the "back of the bus," as they say. Boarding the aircraft was quite amusing, watching my fellow travelers do precisely what I have done so many times.

You may know the scenario-you've gotten a seat on the aisle or window, leaving the dreaded middle seat vacant. You put your coat, books, laptop and the rest of your worldly possessions on it, hoping to discourage latecomers like me from wedging themselves next to you. Then you look down at your lap, a book in your hands, anything which will keep you from making eye contact with the stragglers, hoping they'll take the hint. Thus I am writing from the very last row on the airplane. But there is no one in the middle seat, so I'm happy.

Relationship is less significant in some areas of life than others. On a commuter flight, you may not care about forming a lifelong friendship with the stranger seat belted next to you. In a family, relationship is everything. Houses come and go, schools are entered and graduations completed, but souls are eternal.

So it is with the reality of God. We are responding to the "new atheists," as personified by Christopher Hitchens, my debate partner a week ago at the Christian Book Expo. I have argued that faith is a relationship; like all relationships, it requires a commitment which transcends the evidence and becomes self-validating. If you waited for absolute proof before getting married or taking a job or choosing a school, you would never make your decision. You examine the evidence and then step beyond it into relationship. So it is with our experience of God.

In response, atheists want to know why we must have this conversation. If God is real, why do we wonder about his existence? You don't need assurance that your computer exists, or the chair in which you are sitting while reading this essay. Why must we debate God's existence?

In reply, I would ask what more God can do to demonstrate his existence to us. He created the universe and our part of it. He stepped into his creation on numerous occasions. He sent his angels to men and women. He revealed himself in dreams and visions, and continues to do so today. He then entered the human race, folding omnipotence down into a fetus and becoming a man like us. He proved his divinity by rising from the grave and returning to heaven. He gave us a book which records these events in remarkable and trustworthy detail.

What more would we like him to do? He could appear to you as you read these words, just as he appeared in the flesh 20 centuries ago. But many did not believe in his divinity even when they saw his miracles and knew about his resurrection. In the same way, you could dismiss your experience as a hallucination or dream, believing that your senses were deceiving you. The only way you could be absolutely certain that God exists would be to stand in his presence on Judgment Day. One day you will.

What if it were today? We'll continue in the morning (assuming there will be one, of course).

Note: Many of you have asked where you can view a video of Saturday's debate. Christian Book Expo officials tell us that it will be posted on "Tangle" (formerly GodTube) in the next few days. I am grateful for your interest.

Word from Thailand: "Choosing to Run for Those Who Have No Choice"

Brett and Shelly Faucett are mission co-workers living in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where we had a chance to meet with them during our mission to that country, earlier this year. They are HIV/AIDS regional consultants. Brett is a nurse and amateur photographer. Shelly, a former literacy specialist and ESL teacher. They have their two daughters, Acacia and Annapurna, with them.

"This T shirt says it all. This fundraiser for the displaced people of Burma was organized by the 'Free Burma Rangers.' They are based in Thailand and have teams that go into Burma to bring in aid, supplies and provide training. They do fantastic much needed work and could use your support," Brett and Shelly write in this post at their Welcome to the Jungle blog. "The Burma Fun Run has been held several years to raise support and awareness for the people of Burma. Burma is one of the most repressed countries on Earth. The Fun Run was on Saturday morning and it seemed like the entire expat/missionary community was in full force. Unfortunately, this time of year in Thailand and in Chiang Mai especially the farmers burn their trash and crops and the pollution is horrendous. Not great for running!"

Note from Missioner: Having been in Chiang Mai, Thailand, this time of year, I can confirm what they say about the smoke.

God Issues Today: "Believing in St. Nick"

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.

March isn't usually time for Santa Claus, but these are not usual times. Today's Wall Street Journal tells us about the increase in traffic cameras around the country, as cities look for ways to raise revenues. One town in Illinois installed a camera near an area mall and issued $1-million in fines in three months. Angry motorists are putting up Santa Clauses to block the cameras, using sprays that are supposed to blur license numbers and Web sites which warn of camera locations.

To atheists, believing in God is like believing in St. Nick — he's a useful symbol, nothing more. As you know, it was my privilege to take part in a debate last Saturday with Christopher Hitchens, the well-known atheist. In light of that experience, I have been thinking with you [these last few days] about the reality and relevance of God's existence.

We can argue from evidence for biblical authority or Jesus' divinity, but skeptics may well counter that such evidence is not proof. A second response is to argue that it is reasonable to believe in God, without trying to prove our assertion. This we can certainly do. While arguing from creation to Creator or design to Designer does not prove that God exists, such thinking is clearly logical. Skeptics may not agree that we are right, but they cannot prove that we are wrong.

This fact is of some significance. It would obviously be a veto to our faith if we could not demonstrate that faith in God is at least rational. I would have a hard time getting you to join me in worshiping Martians, since no evidence could persuade you of their existence (I hope). But we can argue logically that God made and designed the world. Even if skeptics credit atheistic evolution as the explanation for life as we know it, they cannot prove that they are right or that we are wrong.

Once we have shown that believing in God is reasonable, we can invite people to step from evidence into experience. As with all relationships, a relationship with God becomes self-validating. I know that God exists because I have experienced him. His existence was reasonable before I met him, and compelling now that I have.

Then we can ask: What else do we want God to do to prove himself? How could he have done things differently? He made a world which bears remarkable evidence of creative power and designing genius. Even if we explain life through adaptation, that very adaptation can be seen as part of his brilliant plan. The evidence is compelling, but when we enter into a personal relationship with God, he becomes both real and relevant to us. What have you done to step closer to your Father today? We'll continue on Monday
.

Note: Many of you have asked where you can view a video of Saturday's debate. Christian Book Expo officials tell us that it will be posted on "Tangle" (formerly GodTube) in the next few days. I am grateful for your interest.

Special Devotional: Elizabeti

The following post by John Stuart is from Presbyterian Bloggers
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Lamentations 5:7 Our fathers sinned and are no more, and we bear their punishment.

Last summer, my youngest daughter Lauren went on a mission trip to Tabora, Tanzania. She wanted to work with children who were orphaned due to the AIDS epidemic in Africa.

For three months, Lauren taught, looked after, and played with these unfortunate children – unfortunate, not just because their parents had died of AIDS, but because the ‘sin’ of their fathers was visited upon the children, most of whom had AIDS themselves. In some of the communities where they live, these children are treated as outcasts. They face harsh realties with no one to protect or provide for them. Their childhood is blighted by illness, prejudice, and hopelessness.

The workers at the organization where Lauren was stationed try to do as much as they can to make the lives of these AIDS kids as pleasant as they can. They give of their time, skills, and resources to ease the suffering, insecurity, and sicknesses of the children. They do something beautiful and worthwhile, which is largely ignored and forgotten by the rest of the world.

When Lauren came back from Tabora, she decided to help one little girl called Elizabeti. She sponsored her so that Elizabeti could go to a private school and be given a good education. Lauren proudly possesses a photograph of Elizabeti in her school uniform. The wee lassie’s eyes gleam with pride and happiness in the photograph. She has been given an opportunity that was beyond any of her dreams.

Sadly, we received news this morning that Elizabeti died. Her sickness was too much to bear for her wee body and the dreaded disease that claimed her parents has taken another victim. Lauren’s heart is broken and she is angry with God.

This war against AIDS in Africa has been going on for over thirty years. How can we keep this going on? The war against terrorism has preoccupied our western nations. Thousand of civilians and soldiers have died fighting terrorism, and yet millions upon millions of people have died in Africa from the scourge of AIDS. With all of our resources, when will we truly begin to wage the war against a real foe?

PRAYER - Lord Jesus, why are children dying in Africa from AIDS? Why are we so preoccupied with international criminals instead of dreaded diseases? What are You calling and expecting us to do to wage this war against an evil illness that is destroying people all over this planet? When will the ‘sins’ of the fathers stop becoming the punishment inflicted upon their children? How long, O Lord, will this continue? Amen.
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John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Free-for-All at First Prez ...

In this post at Into the West Texas Sun, John answers the question, 'What do you do for church music on the fifth Sunday of the month?'

God Issues Today: "Angry Lions and God"

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 Detroit Lions finished 0-16 last year. What do they need most? A new logo, apparently. Today's Wall Street Journal unveils the sharper, angrier lion. Maybe the Cowboys can make their star pointier and win a playoff game. They used to be called "God's Team," at least in Dallas. Perhaps God switched allegiances.

Atheists say that the notion of God is as silly as an NFL logo. We've seen that skeptics such as Christopher Hitchens dismiss our argument from creation to Creator and from design to Designer, as we cannot prove that God is the only explanation for the existence and order of the universe. A third way to argue for God's existence begins with the fact of human morality. We all have a sense of right and wrong, but why? Where did your conscience come from? Your parents, you might say. But where did your parents get theirs? And where did their parents get theirs? Ultimately we can reason back to a God who is holy and created humanity with a sense of morality reflecting his own character.

Unfortunately, this approach is not very compelling for skeptics, either. It's easy to claim that our morality illustrates the Darwinian principle of self-preservation, since it often does. (My wife told me when we got married that if I ever had an affair it wouldn't be a divorce but a funeral. I believe her.) Or we could credit natural selection for encouraging morality as a way of ensuring the survival of the species.

Even moral choices which seem to violate the instinct for self-preservation, such as a Christian who dies for his or her faith, can be explained as a selfish quest for admiration in this life and glory in the next. A Muslim suicide bomber seeking reward in paradise illustrates the point tragically. I'm afraid our skeptical friends are still not impressed.

So, where are we? One answer is to claim that God exists because the Bible says he does. Of course, that is the very definition of circular reasoning. The Qur'an claims that there is no God but Allah (the Arabic word for "God") and that Muhammad is his prophet. The Book of Mormon not surprisingly supports the teachings of the Mormon Church. We'd be amazed to find a religion whose sacred writings do not advocate what the religion believes.

It helps that the Bible has such outstanding evidence for its trustworthy nature. But even considering manuscript support, archaeological findings, internal consistency and fulfilled prophecy, we cannot prove beyond question that the Bible is divinely inspired or that its God actually exists. Fortunately we don't have to, as we'll see [Monday].

Note: Many of you have asked where you can view a video of Saturday's debate. Christian Book Expo officials tell us that it will be posted on "Tangle" (formerly GodTube) in the next few days. I am grateful for your interest.

"Missional & Mishmash" VideoPt. 2: On Mission

In the second installment of a popular series of videos, Missional and Mishmash prepare for 'mission.' For more information about Leading for Life, please visit their website. Video from Innovista at YouTube.

In the News ... "Pastors Seek to Plant Churches in Communities with No Churches"

Megan Lea Buck
Assistant Lifestyle Editor
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - “I don’t believe there is such a thing as church planting,” said Mark Dean, whose title ironically includes the phrase.The church plant minister for Golf Course Road Church of Christ went on to explain that church planting “is kind of putting the cart before the horse.”

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

God Issues Today: "Surfing the Unfriendly Skies"

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.

I think I am the victim of technological discrimination. I was on a Southwest Airlines jet last Sunday equipped with Internet access. Today's Wall Street Journal confirms that the airline is testing the service on four airplanes; mine happened to be one. Tragically, my MacBook was not able to access the Web. The lady in the next seat was happily surfing away on her PC. The airline must dislike Apple products; the problem surely could have nothing to do with my caveman technological abilities.

We live in a world filled with disappointment. So much suffering surrounds us, in fact, that Christopher Hitchens says God does not exist and religion poisons everything. Mr. Hitchens debated four apologists last Saturday at the Christian Book Expo; I was honored to be one of them. In response to that fascinating experience, I am reflecting on the reality and relevance of God's existence with you this week, applying the issue to the challenges we face in these uncertain days.

We've seen that the argument from creation to Creator is countered by atheists with the claim that the universe may have always been what it is, or may exist in a cycle of Big Bangs and collapses. Yesterday we considered the argument from design to Designer. If you found a watch on the road, you would assume a watchmaker. Isn't the world infinitely more complex than a watch?

Cambridge astronomer Fred Hoyle once calculated the possibilities that life arose spontaneously through mere chance as 1 in 10 to the 40th power, which Mr. Hoyle likened to the probability of a tornado blowing through a junkyard and forming a Boeing 747. Even if the universe is 14 billion years old, that's not nearly enough time for life to have evolved naturally through random chance, we're told. Atheists such as Mr. Hitchens are not persuaded, however.

Many invoke Darwin's assertion that life evolves through natural selection and survival of the fittest. If this is so, life did not come to exist as a tornado through a junkyard. Rather, we evolved through a process which chose the parts needed to make that Boeing 747. The odds of chance occurrence are irrelevant in a world which evolved through such a process of selection, as that process "sped up" the creation of life.

Scholars continue to debate the merits of Darwinian evolution, of course. But whether you think Darwin was brilliant or deluded, you can see why atheists such as Mr. Hitchens aren't much impressed with the design argument. If this is the best we can do, our skeptical friends will probably remain skeptical. Are there other ways to demonstrate the reality and relevance of the Christian God? Absolutely, as we'll see tomorrow.

Note: Many of you have asked where you can view a video of Saturday's debate. Christian Book Expo officials tell us that it will be posted on "Tangle" (formerly GodTube) in the next few days. I am grateful for your interest.

Got Vision?

What is your VISION for Midland's future? Come share your dreams and ideas for Midland at the Midland Vision 2020 Community Forum.

Thursday, March 26, 2009, 7:00 PM
Lynn Hall, First Presbyterian Church
800 W. Texas Avenue
(on the corner of Texas and A streets, on the west edge of downtown Midland, with plenty of free parking in lots along A, Texas and Illinois streets)

For forty years, community goal-setting initiatives have helped Midland achieve great success by discussing challenges, addressing priorities and writing down goals for the next ten years. Here's your chance to be involved in planning for the next decade.

Forum organizers are grateful to Midland Vision 2020 sponsors: Abell-Hanger Foundation, Greathouse Charitable Trust, The Junior League of Midland, Inc., City of Midland, Midland College, Midland County, Midland Independent School District, Midland Reporter-Telegram.

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 03/25/09

Haiti (New Canaan Orphanage)
• Pray for the health, energy, and safety of the mission team from the United States as they serve and minister in Haiti. Pray for the children of New Canaan Orphanage with whom the mission team will spend time.
• Pray that this team will be effective witnesses of Christ’s love to the children and people with whom they come in contact at the community medical clinic they will operate. Please pray that all of the medicines and orphanage supplies they bring will make it through customs and not be stolen.
• Pray that the team will have a successful outreach day and be able to enroll more children in the malnutrition clinic, Medika mamba.
• Please keep the long term missionaries serving in Haiti in prayer and give thanks that the mission team will be able to spend time with them, providing support, encouragement, listening ears, and prayer.

Madagascar
• Please keep the children and people of Madagascar in prayer as a power struggle between the president and an opposition leader threatens the stability and economy of this country. Pray for a peaceful resolution to this situation. Pray that the president and the opposition leader will show a willingness to work with one another to resolve this conflict.
A report from the alertnet.org
Another report from alertnet.org
Another report from alertnet.org
• Pray for the safety of several missionaries and their children (with ties to Faces of Children intercessors) who are serving in Madagascar at this time.
• Give thanks to God for the successful Christian-based peer education program in 14 locations around Madagascar. Middle and high school students are trained in positive life skills and to understand and prevent HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases. They are encouraged to share with their peers what they have learned in this training. Thanks be to God that schools are recognizing the importance of this program and seeking ways to continue it even after the first class of peer educators graduate.

Southeast Asia
• Please keep 7-year-old Tuong held close in prayer and ask that God would place healing arms around her. Tuong was born into a poor family and became fatherless shortly after her birth. When Tuong was 2 years old, she was diagnosed with a lung tumor and had that removed; however, her health didn’t improve. Her mother couldn’t care for this sick child or the rest of her children without any income so Tuong and an older brother were placed in a Homes of Love home.
• Pray that Tuong will be allowed to leave her country and travel to another country that can diagnose and treat her condition. Pray for healing and comfort for Tuong whose health has been declining rapidly the last eight months.

United States
• Please pray that God would comfort 9-year-old Lisa* and provide this emotionally neglected little girl with supportive and compassionate mentors.
   ◦ Pray that the tension between Lisa and her 18-year-old stepmother would ease. Lisa’s stepmother treats her with contempt. The stepmother is also jealous of any attention Lisa’s 50-year-old father gives his daughter. Pray for this hurting family—for understanding to replace scorn and derision.
• Give thanks to God that Kahlan is doing well following surgery to repair her broken neck.
   ◦ Praise God that she has full motion in her arms and legs and can feel heat and cold. Kahlan’s doctors believe she will make a full recovery. Several weeks ago, Kahlan fell off a swing set, breaking her neck at the site of an existing congenital deformity.
   ◦ Pray that God will comfort Kahlan and her family throughout this scary and painful experience.
   ◦ Please pray that this little girl will heal completely—she will have to be in a halo system for six months.
* Name changed for confidentiality and/or protection.

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: "Where's the Beef?"

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.

Today's Good Morning America tells us that diets high in red meat increase our risk for heart attack, cancer, Alzheimer's, and stomach ulcers. This news comes just after I polished off an excellent dinner of beef tenderloin at Dallas Baptist University's inspiring Tom Landry Dinner last night. Hot dogs are especially bad for us, I learn three days after consuming one at the Christian Book Expo. Is beef eaten at a Christian event exempt? Janet had a hot dog yesterday, but says it was kosher. Does that help?

A friend of mine suffers from heart disease and is on a restricted diet. He says it's simple: If it tastes good, spit it out. We live in a fallen world. Surrounded by so much nonsensical chaos and suffering, it's easy to see why some people claim that there is no God. Or if he exists and is responsible for this universe, they don't want to know him. Such is the position of Christopher Hitchens, the best-selling author and atheist. Yesterday we began a series of essays in response to the debate held at the Christian Book Expo on Saturday with Mr. Hitchens and four apologists, including myself.

If you were going to defend the existence of God, where would you begin? Most Christians think first of the visible world-where did it come from? If you say that life began as a cell floating in a pool of water, I want to know the origin of the cell and the water. If you claim that the universe began as a Big Bang some 14 billion years ago, I want to know where the Big Bang came from. If there is creation, there must be a Creator. So goes the "cosmological" argument (from "cosmos," Greek for "world").

Not so fast, our critics counter. Can we prove that every effect requires a cause? If so, who caused God? If he is "uncaused," then not everything that exists had a prior cause. Why can this not be true of the universe as well? What if the universe exists as a cycle rather than a straight line? Perhaps a Big Bang creates an expanding universe which eventually contracts and collapses, creating another Big Bang. Can we prove it's not so?

Other defenders of God's existence point to the design within the universe. (This is called the "teleological" argument, from the Greek word for "design.") The classic version was suggested by William Paley (died 1805), who asked us to imagine a man out for a walk when he stumbles upon a rock. He's not surprised to find a rock on the ground-such things happen. But then he finds a watch on the road. No one would think that the hands, gears, numbers, and so on just randomly happened, so he assumes that the watch was created by a watchmaker. Isn't the world infinitely more complex than a watch? Of course. Does this settle the issue? Not entirely. Let's continue tomorrow.

Note: Many of you have asked where you can view a video of Saturday's debate. Christian Book Expo officials tell us that it will be posted on "Tangle" (formerly GodTube) in the next few days. I am grateful for your interest.

Word from Uganda: "Sports, Races, IChooseYou, and Namesakes"

Missionary teacher Natalie Rolfe writes, "'When He calls me, I will answer ... I'll be somewhere working for my Lord.' My call was Mbale, Uganda and that is where I have returned to serve for another year. Specifically, I am teaching phonics at Lulwanda Children's Home, an orphanage and school for 90 kids." Natalie also keeps an online journal of her service at the weblog, When He calls me, I will answer ...

Sports, Races, IChooseYou, and Namesakes ...

"It seems like this weekend was surrounded by a lot of fun and memory making.” CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post

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If you are interested in supporting LCH by sponsoring one of the 90 children, go to www.ugandaorphans.org If you are interested in financially supporting Natalie in her mission, you can send checks (with "Natalie Rolfe" in memo) to: Midland Bible Church, 2800 North A Street, Midland, TX 79705

West Texas Mission Opportunities:Invitation to Prayer

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).

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished …” Matthew 5:17-18

“Look at Jesus. The world did not pay any attention to him. He was crucified and put away. His message of love was rejected by a world in search of power, efficiency and control… The question is not: How many people take you seriously? How much are you going to accomplish? Can you show some results? But: Are you in love with Jesus? Perhaps another way of putting the question would be: Do you know the incarnate God? In our world of loneliness and despair, there is an enormous need for men and women who know the heart of God, a heart that forgives, that cares, that reaches out and wants to heal. In that heart there is no suspicion, no vindictiveness, no resentment and not a tinge of hatred. It is a heart that wants only to give love and receive love in response. It is a heart that suffers immensely because it sees the magnitude of human pain and the great resistance to trusting the heart of God who wants to offer consolation and hope.”

"Dear Jesus, I do love you. Teach me to know your heart and show that love to the world.”

Christ Our Hope, daily Lenten devotions compiled from the writings of Henri J.M. Nouwen

I often use parts of the devotion above when I speak to groups, and especially when I talk about how difficult it can be to look at the faces of children who are suffering abuse, neglect, deprivation and/or exploitation. Sometimes it is so hard to read about these situations or watch them on television or the Internet. At times, I’ve turned my head away when I didn’t think I could take any more. Then I wonder how God can stand it…

In those painful moments, I find reassurance from Nouwen’s words. They tell me that God’s heart of compassion breaks for those who suffer. “It is a heart that suffers immensely because it sees the magnitude of human pain…” And that God needs “men and women who know the heart of God, a heart that forgives, that cares, that reaches out and wants to heal.” God needs us to reach out and offer love and hope to the suffering children of the world… to acknowledge their suffering and love them as we are loved by our compassionate Creator.

Richard Foster said something at a conference I attended last year that enlightened and encouraged me. He said that “prayer is a way of loving another human being.” Through prayer, we can acknowledge the suffering of the world’s children and share the heart of God with them. We can love them through our prayers.

When we acknowledge this suffering though, we must be careful. In Foster’s book, Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home, he writes, “…None of us is to shoulder the burden of prayer for everyone and everything. We are finite human beings, and it is an act of humility to recognize our limitations.” We are encouraged to give all of these things over to God in prayer and not hold onto these burdens ourselves. By joining together to intercede on behalf of children, we share this tremendous burden with one another, and then release it into God’s capable hands.

Thank you for your compassion for the children of our community and our world. Thank you for lifting them before God in prayer. If you would like to share prayer celebrations or concerns about children or those who care for them, please send them to me at claufer@facesofchildren.net or give me a call. Thank you for your prayers for the children of the world!

May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always,

Chris

God Issues Today: "Fishy Feet"

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.

It's good to live in Texas, where pedicures given by flesh-eating fish are illegal. Thirteen other states feel the same way about the latest craze in cosmetology, while other states disagree or haven't made up their minds. Today's Wall Street Journal tells us about epidermis-eating fish which are being used for pedicures. Salon owners stock them in small tanks; for a fee, you can dangle your feet inside and let them dine. That's an unappetizing thought with which to begin your Monday, wouldn't you say?

What a strange world we inhabit. If you were God for a day, what about the cosmos would you change? How can an all-loving, all-knowing, all-powerful God permit cancer and AIDS and unspeakable horrors such as Josef Fritzl perpetrated on his daughter and family in Austria?

Such issues are at the heart of a protest against religion gaining significant footing around the world these days. "The new atheists," they're sometimes called. Richard Dawkins of Oxford calls religion a virus in the software of humanity which must be expunged. Sam Harris writes bestsellers which claim that Christianity is obsolete, a leftover from unenlightened times which does more harm than good. Daniel Dennett argues that religion is a genetically-inherited predisposition to seek order in chaos, without objective foundation or merit.

The best-known of the "new atheists" is Christopher Hitchens, the British-born journalist and cultural commentator whose "god is not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything" is a national bestseller. I have read some of Mr. Hitchens' earlier work in The Atlantic and Vanity Fair, and found him to be a remarkably gifted wordsmith and essayist. "god is not Great" brings his intellect and turn of phrase to the defense of atheism.

I responded to it in my latest book, Wrestling with God, pointing out some of the errors and omissions in his claims and logic. I have talked about him in various settings where atheism has been discussed. I never imagined that I would get to meet him, much less debate him. But such was my privilege two days ago.

Last Saturday, as part of the Christian Book Expo in Dallas, a debate was staged on the subject, "Does the God of Christianity exist, and what difference does it make?" Lee Strobel, William Lane Craig, Douglas Wilson, Mr. Hitchens and I made up the panel. For two hours, we discussed and debated the challenges facing theism, Christianity, and atheism. This week, I'd like to relate that experience to the challenges we face in these days. We'll begin tomorrow.

Church Attendance NumbersGrowing Across the Basin

God Issues Today: "Vegetable Follies"

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.

There's bad news in the news: Michelle Obama is planting a vegetable garden. Today's New York Times tells us about the one she arranging for the White House, as a way of educating children about healthy eating at a time when obesity and diabetes are a national concern. That's wonderful and commendable. But if she's hoping I'll follow her lead, she's going to be disappointed.

Been there, done that. When Janet and I moved into the parsonage of New Hope Baptist Church in a rural part of the Ft. Worth area, we had the same idea. Having never done this before, I rented a roto-tiller to break up the dirt alongside our house. My shoulders still ache from the experience. The weeds I was trying to evict didn't take the hint, returning later that week with all their friends.

We planted zucchini which grew overnight to watermelon size, in numbers great enough to feed Patton's army. Janet decided to pitch the ones we couldn't eat over the barbed-wire fence to the adjacent cows, throwing out her arm in the process. The fire ants ate more than we did, and consumed most of my toes in the process. It's not a pretty picture.

My failed garden is a metaphor for the events of these days. Financial deregulation which was intended to engender further prosperity has led to the "Great Recession," as some are now calling this crisis. Industries whose business plans made good sense two years ago are failing. It's an act of courage to watch the morning news.

We've been looking for ways to deal with the stress of these hard days. Paul promised us "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding," if we would bring every pain and problem first to God in prayer (Philippians 4:7). I've not found that an easy reflex to develop. I live in a self-sufficient culture, where self-dependence is an exalted virtue and relying on others is a sign of weakness. My tendency is to plow the garden and plant the vegetables, then ask God to bless my efforts. I tend to give him my garden only when it has outgrown my ability to cope with its fire ants.

Do you know the feeling? Let's resolve together to take every event of this Friday to God. Let's pray first about every decision and conversation and action. Before we speak to others, let's pause to ask the Spirit to speak to us. Before we choose, let's ask the Father to show us his choice. When we're tempted or frustrated or angry, let's take that feeling or problem immediately to God. Only the Lord knows what the harvest of a day given to him may bring. Sola Dei Gloria.

Midland Group Reports Family of Chinese Human Rights Attorney Rescued to U.S.

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.

Midland Group Reports Family of Chinese Human Rights Attorney Rescued to U.S.

Released by ChinaAid, March, 2009 ...

UNITED STATES – ChinaAid confirmed that the three family members of prominent Chinese Christian human rights attorney Gao Zhisheng were rescued to the U.S. successfully, March 11. With the help of many people of conscience, including ChinaAid.
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid