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

"A man out of the crowd answered, 'Teacher, I brought my mute son, made speechless by a demon, to you. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and goes stiff as a board. I told your disciples, hoping they could deliver him, but they couldn't.'

Jesus said, 'What a generation! No sense of God! How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this? Bring the boy here.' They brought him. When the demon saw Jesus, it threw the boy into a seizure, causing him to writhe on the ground and foam at the mouth. He asked the boy's father, 'How long has this been going on?'

'Ever since he was a little boy. Many times it pitches him into fire or the river to do away with him. If you can do anything, do it. Have a heart and help us!'

Jesus said, 'If? There are no ifs among believers. Anything can happen.' No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the father cried, 'Then I believe. Help me with my doubts!' Seeing that the crowd was forming fast, Jesus gave the vile spirit its marching orders: 'Dumb and deaf spirit, I command you-Out of him, and stay out!' Screaming, and with much thrashing about, it left.

After arriving back home, his disciples cornered Jesus and asked, 'Why couldn't we throw the demon out?' He answered, 'There is no way to get rid of this kind of demon except by prayer.'"

Mark 9:17-26, 28-29, "The Message" by Eugene Peterson

Greetings, Faces of Children Intercessor,

Do you know how a particular piece of scripture will just jump right out at you sometimes? That happened to me when I was reading this story of the demon-possessed son and how Jesus cast it out. The part where Jesus responded to the desperate father's plea really caught my attention.

Jesus said, "If? There are no 'ifs' among believers. Anything can happen.

I asked myself if I really do believe that anything can happen. I want to believe that it is possible for God to do anything, especially when it comes to the hurting children of the world. I want to believe.Lord Jesus help my unbelief.

We'll meet as a community of believers to pray for the children of our world on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride's Room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland. Please stay afterwards for lunch ($5) and fellowship.

Thank you so much for your love and prayers for God’s children! If you have concerns or celebrations about children that you’d like included on the prayer list, please send it to me at claufer@facesofchildren.net or give me a call.

Praying for the children of the world with hope and expectation and wanting to believe that anything can happen,

Chris

In the News ... "Pope John Paul II exhibit to be historic opportunity for MC"

By Jimmy Patterson
Online Editor

Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Everything from personal photos and notebooks to medals and the wooden skis, backpack and tent used by Pope John Paul II will be part of a historic exhibit starting in December at the McCormick Gallery at the Allison Fine Arts Building at Midland College.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

CLICK HERE to watch video of the press conference announcing the exhibit

Partners Blogcast: "Kirkegaard Nails It"

Steve and Oddny Gumaer started Partners Relief & Development in response to the needs of refugees and displaced people from Burma. This blog is meant to be a more personal stream of conversation than newsletters allow for. The opinions expressed here may not be those of Partners Relief & Development.

Kirkegaard Nails It

"The matter is quite simple. The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly. Take any words in the New Testament and forget everything except pledging yourself to act accordingly. My God, you will say, if I do that my whole life will be ruined. How would I ever get on in the world? Herein lies the real place of Christian scholarship. Christian scholarship is the Church’s prodigious invention to defend itself against the Bible, to ensure that we can continue to be good Christians without the Bible coming too close. Oh, priceless scholarship, what would we do without you? Dreadful it is to fall into the hands of the living God. Yes, it is even dreadful to be alone in the New Testament." Soren Kirkegaard

Steve Gumaer

Equipping for Mission, Evangelism

H. Stanley wood, who authored Extraordinary Leaders in Extraordinary Times, will be leading a morning workshop on Saturday, September 12, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon, at First Presbyterian Church-Midland.

The workshop will focus on two crucial areas for congregations: the formation of missional churches (what that means, and requires), and evangelism in 21st-century America.

Call 684-7821 for more information.

Book Note
Extraordinary Leaders in Extraordinary Times is an illuminating study of the most successful pastors of new churches in seven American mainline denominations. Four expert scholars — H. Stanley Wood, Carl S. Dudley, Darrell L. Guder, and Robert S. Hoyt — carefully analyze the results of a comprehensive survey of more than 700 founding pastors of new-church developments. The insights distilled here draw a blueprint for successful ministry to the unchurched in the twenty-first century.

Reports From Lulwanda: May, 2009

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.

May, 2009
"God continues to be gracious to us as things seem to be moving on well. Our children are well, the staff and the projects and programs are moving in the right direction. Our children continue to grow well and many have been transformed into active and assertive children who do every thing with vigor, love and commitment."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of his May, 2009 report.
CLICK HERE to visit the Lulwanda Photo Gallery for May, 2009.

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 09/09/09

Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Southern Sudan
• Please pray for the 125,000 people displaced along the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, southern Sudan, and the Central African Republic because of attacks by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a rebel militia that terrorized Northern Uganda for decades.

• Pray for children and families who have been forced from their homes and communities by violent attacks from the LRA. Pray for those who have lost family members and friends.

• Please pray for the girls and boys who have been kidnapped by this organization and forced into servitude as sex slaves or child soldiers.
• Pray that the leaders of the LRA will be brought to justice soon! Pray for an end to the violence and destruction that threatens to destabilize central Africa.
A report from alertnet.org
Another report from alertnet.org

India

• Give thanks to God for Amigo and Rejeena and the work they are doing with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Delhi. Pray for Celena, Kuljeet, and Shivan—three siblings Amigo and Rejeena have taken into their home to raise—and for their biological daughter Jonnina. Pray that God will guide these foster parents and provide the resources they need to care for their children.

Kenya ( CURE International – www.helpcurenow.org )

• Pray for the disabled children receiving treatment at the CURE International Hospital in Kenya and for the medical staff and caregivers there. Please also pray for a 15-year-old girl named Racheal.

United States
• Thanks be to God for the wonderful news 4-year-old Chelbi and her family received recently. Earlier this year, Chelbi was diagnosed with and treated for a rapidly advancing cancer that had also spread to her spine. Last week, they were told that the cancer is gone! Give God thanks and praise for Chelbi’s healing and for answering prayers in this amazing way!
• Please keep 1-year-old David* in prayer as he has to undergo extensive dental surgery as a result of negligent behavior by his biological parents. David was given soda pop in his bottle at bedtime, causing decay in his baby teeth. Pray for David’s foster parents as they now care for him, his baby sister, and their biological sons.
*Name changed for confidentiality and/or protection.
• Give thanks to God that 2-year-old Jack has made some significant improvements following his third heart surgery. Please keep Jack in prayer as he continues with his recovery.
• Please hold 6-month-old Kendall close in prayer during this uncertain time. Kendall’s mother died of a drug overdose and her father is in prison. She has recently been placed in the custody of the state because her grandparents are unable to care for her. Pray that Kendall will be placed in a loving foster home.
• Give thanks and praise to God for answered prayers regarding 3-year-old Izzy who won’t have to have an additional eye surgery. Izzy’s doctor was very happy and surprised at how good her eyes looked during her post surgery examination. Izzy’s parents and family are grateful to God for this wonderful news and for all of the prayers on their daughter’s behalf.
• Please keep 8-year-old Sam held close in prayer as he receives treatment for an aggressive cancer of the bone. Pray that God’s healing hand will be upon Sam and that God will bring comfort to him, his parents, and little sisters, Aubrey and Caitlin. Pray that God will guide the physicians, nurses and hospital personnel who interact with Sam and provide them with an extra measure of compassion for this little boy.
• Please also pray that God will bless 8-year-old Ethan — who has brain cancer — with healing and comfort. Pray that God will surround Ethan with support, love, and tenderness. Pray for his parents, family, and friends as they navigate this difficult medical situation.

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.

In the News ... "Orthodox mission church established in Odessa"

Roy Waggoner
Staff Writer
Odessa American
ODESSA, TEXAS - Search Google Maps for Baptist churches in Odessa and 348 locations pop up from all around the Odessa-Midland region.

Methodist: 119. However, Google only shows one result for an Eastern Orthodox Church: a new group meeting at Westminster Presbyterian Church, a mission of the Antiochian Orthodox Church jurisdiction.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Word from Thailand: "Hope Home"

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.

"I thought my work in Thailand would be primarily related to HIV/AIDS education due to my background as an ESL teacher and having been an HIV/AIDS instructor for the American Red Cross," Shelly writes in this post at their Welcome to the Jungle blog. "While I have been assisting Brett with grant-writing and proposals for the Church of Christ in Thailand’s AIDS Ministry (CAM), I have also found my own calling"

イエス・キリストのためのヘビ

So, what's on YOUR pulpit? Mexico has Fray Tormenta ... now Midland has Steven-san and Master-Todd, going to the mat - literally - in their efforts to bring more youth to Christ.

These shots were taken Sunday evening, at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, following the end of their Fall Youth Program Kickoff. Steve Schorr is Senior Pastor at First Prez, and Todd Wyrick (the one with the beard) is the church's Minister of Youth.

Midland group reports Chinese Christians sentenced after interview with foreign media

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 Chinese Christians sentenced after interview with foreign media

Released by ChinaAid, August, 2009 ...

"HENAN, CHINA – On August 13, 2009, several police officers broke into the fellowship home of Christians in Sanggu town, Xiayi County in Henan, and unlawfully seized Brothers Li Guangren and Zheng Xincai at 8:00 PM. The police officials disrupted the worship gathering, and with no legal explanation, arrested Li and Zheng and drove off with them in two vehicles."
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

Equipping for Mission, Evangelism

H. Stanley wood, who authored Extraordinary Leaders in Extraordinary Times, will be leading a morning workshop on Saturday, September 12, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon, at First Presbyterian Church-Midland.

The workshop will focus on two crucial areas for congregations: the formation of missional churches (what that means, and requires), and evangelism in 21st-century America.

Call 684-7821 for more information.

Book Note
Extraordinary Leaders in Extraordinary Times is an illuminating study of the most successful pastors of new churches in seven American mainline denominations. Four expert scholars — H. Stanley Wood, Carl S. Dudley, Darrell L. Guder, and Robert S. Hoyt — carefully analyze the results of a comprehensive survey of more than 700 founding pastors of new-church developments. The insights distilled here draw a blueprint for successful ministry to the unchurched in the twenty-first century.

In the News ... "New principal at Catholic school"

Roy Waggoner
Staff Writer
Odessa American
ODESSA, TEXAS - St. Mary’s Central Catholic School has gone through both some good and difficult times during its 50-year history.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Sparkling Mission

Annie Dieselberg heads the staff at NightLight, a ministry in urban Bangkok, Thailand, that reaches out to women and children working in the bar areas of the Nana-Sukhumvit district. Located in a neighborhood with a growing sex trade, Nightlight’s vision is to share the Light of the world in both word and deed to those who live in darkness, and to combat the sexual exploitation of women and children, both Thai and foreign.

Right now, Annie tells us, the greatest need at NightLight is to sell more jewelry. NightLight Design Co., Ltd. is a registered jewellery business which employs women coming out of prostitution or having been at risk of prostitution and/or trafficking.

If you are interested in hosting a jewelry party please write to Charity at charity@nightlightusa.org, and she will assist you in setting that up.

Remember the beautiful jewelry is also available on-line at http://www.nightlightbangkok.com/

"God is going before us to the bars preparing the way. He is sending us to receive the women and give hope," Annie writes. "We ask you to join us in this adventure. Thank you to those of you who already do. You are saving lives!"

Word from Uganda: "Dyana we will miss you!! "

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 ...

"Yesterday we had some shocking news that has sadly impacted the children's home. Our wonderful nurse came back about 3 weeks ago from being home for her brother's funeral but hadn't been feeling well since she had returned to Uganda. Yesterday she went into town and did tests to see what was wrong. To her surprise her white blood cell count was extremely too high, indicating that she has Leukemia. How? Why? Since when? We don't know.”

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post

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

"If there is any focus that the Christian leader of the future will need, it is the discipline of dwelling in the presence of the One who keeps asking us, ‘Do you love me? Do you love me? Do you love me?’ This is the discipline of contemplative prayer.

Through contemplative prayer we can keep ourselves from being pulled from one urgent issue to another and from becoming strangers to our own heart and God’s heart. Contemplative prayer keeps us home, rooted and safe, even when we are on the road, moving from place to place, and often surrounded by sounds of violence and war.

Contemplative prayer deepens in us the knowledge that we are already free, that we have already found a place to dwell, that we already belong to God, even though everything and everyone around us keep suggesting the opposite."

"In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership" by Henri J.M. Nouwen

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

After reading John Ortberg’s book, God Is Closer than You Think, I began to intentionally practice the discipline Nouwen talks about above—dwelling in the presence of God, recognizing that God is with me each and every moment.

It has been an eye-opening practice and one that I wonder if I’ll ever fully master. At times I’ve become quite frustrated with myself when I realize almost half a day has gone by and I’ve not consciously been aware of God’s presence. At other times, I find myself grinning like a fool because of the joy I feel dwelling in God’s presence —knowing God is right there with me in that moment

This coming Wednesday, September 9, 2009 you are invited to join us as we pray for the children of our community and our world—that they might experience this same joy and peace dwelling in the presence of God. We’ll meet at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride’s Room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland. I hope you’ll be able to stay afterwards for lunch ($5) and fellowship.

Thank you so much for your love and prayers for God’s children! If you have concerns or celebrations about children that you’d like included on the prayer list, please send it to me at claufer@facesofchildren.net or give me a call.

May Christ be beside you always,

Chris

In the News ... "After 10 years, a lot of growth, Stonegate members don't plan to 'stand still'"

By Megan Lea Buck
Assistant Lifestyle Editor

Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - On a Sunday in August 1999, 200 people attended a worship service of Stonegate Fellowship Church. Ten years later, the church at 6000 W. Wadley Ave. has an average Sunday attendance of 3,500 people.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

A Prayer Request from Dave

The following prayer request comes to us from Dave Eubank, founder of the Free Burma Rangers. His words and photos also provide insight into the FBR, a multi-ethnic humanitarian service movement that brings help, hope and love to people in the war zones of Burma.

The back problem is with Monkey of Ka Paw Say, the deputy director of FBR and head pastor. He is also in charge of all FBR video and he is the one that made the White Monkey video.

We sent him to the hospital in Bangkok today for surgery - please pray for him and that we can give him the best help.

Thanks and God bless you,
Dave

Monkey is the deputy director of the Free Burma Rangers and is the team pastor as well as head video man for all 52 multi- ethnic relief teams. ('White Monkey' was his video and he has shot most of our good footage). As the lead pastor he is responsible for the spiritual health of all our teams as well as our spiritual direction. We do this as a team but rely heavily on Monkey for his open heart to God, humility and dedication.

I have included pictures of him distributing Bibles, baptizing new believers and working in the jungle. His family (he has two of his own and has adopted two more) is in a refugee camp on the Thai side of the border and he spends up to 8 months a year away from them helping families in Burma who are under attack. (We are planning on moving his family out of the camp this year and finding him a place to say so they can be together more).

Monkey is not only a key leader of the FBR he is also an inspiration to the displaced families in Burma and we need him to be able to keep walking in to help these people.

About 6 months ago began having acute back pain. We took him to a hosptal here in Thailand after a mission and it was discovered that he has a herniated disk that is almost pinched off. The doctors told him he could try steroid injections or an operation. He chose the injections and even though in great pain he went back out on another mission. Now he is in more pain and his motion is limited. We want to send him down to Bangkok to have an operation (micro-diskectomy).

Our FBR team physician, Dr. Mitch Ryan, feels that is the best option and that we need to do it as soon as possible.

Thanks and God bless you,
Dave
'Father of the White Monkey'

Monkey gives Bible to IDP lady Monkey on IV and sat-phone call during attacks
Monkey prays with survivor, for two killed by Burma Army
Monkey baptizes Shan man
Monkey baptizes Karen man

NightLight Bangkok 06

Annie Dieselberg speaks to what you can be doing at home to help their ministry in Thailand.

Annie Dieselberg heads the staff at NightLight, a ministry in urban Bangkok, Thailand, that reaches out to women and children working in the bar areas of the Nana-Sukhumvit district. Located in a neighborhood with a growing sex trade, Nightlight’s vision is to share the Light of the world in both word and deed to those who live in darkness, and to combat the sexual exploitation of women and children, both Thai and foreign.

Right now, the greatest need at NightLight is to sell more jewelry. NightLight Design Co., Ltd. is a registered jewellery business which employs women coming out of prostitution or having been at risk of prostitution and/or trafficking. If you are interested in hosting a jewelry party please write to Charity at charity@nightlightusa.org . Charity will assist you in setting that up. Remember the beautiful jewelry is also available on-line at http://www.nightlightbangkok.com/ .

"God is going before us to the bars preparing the way. He is sending us to receive the women and give hope," Annie writes. "We ask you to join us in this adventure. Thank you to those of you who already do. You are saving lives!"

In the News ... "Midland Church Welcomes Addicts, Dealers, and Those Needing a Life Change"

By Camaron Abundes
Staff Reporter
KWES-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - There's a welcome mat for gang members, drug dealers and prostitutes, only instead of allowing wayward individuals to continue down a destructive path---After God's Own Heart Restoration Church wants to help show them the light.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the KWES story.

In the News ... "Catholic Schools See Decrease in Enrollment Due to Economy"

By Diane Tuazon
Staff Reporter
KWES-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - Uniforms, tuition, and religion; it's all part of a traditional Catholic school. It's an extra price to pay for parents who say they expect more from the school they send their kids to.

"Being in a Catholic environment or religious environment is great. Many parents like having religion emphasized at school as well," St. Mary's Principal, Josie Mediano, said.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the KWES story.