In the News ... "Juneteenth celebration to target all generations, organizers say"

Juneteenth celebration to target all generations, organizers say
By Kathleen Thurber
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - In an effort to involve older generations returning for the weekend, adults still in town and youth, organizers of the 2010 Washington Park Juneteenth Celebration say they’re working to shake things up a bit. “We’re trying to get the youth and adults out,” said Cynthia Hicks, one of several helping to organize Juneteenth activities.

In conjunction with the Tall City Lions Club, she and others have worked to plan entertainment activities they hope will offer something for everyone and also have planned a gospel celebration meant to bring members from several Midland churches together.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Word from Uganda: "End of Term 1 Outting "

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 ...

End of Term 1 Outting

"As you know, the first term of the school year is over. A few of us have been very busy with the kids doing crafts, music, and dances,” Natalie writes. "Last week me and some of the teachers took the best performers of each class to Sipi Falls.”

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

In the News ... "Called to serve"

Called to serve
Roy Waggoner
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Fred Camarillo has given up one weekend a month for the past five years to study in San Angelo, but this wasn’t just any course.

He was studying to be a deacon, just one of three ordained clergy in the Roman Catholic Church. And [this past weekend], 29 deacons [were] ordained in San Angelo, including two from Odessa — Camarillo and ECISD Superintendent Hector Mendez.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.
CLICK HERE for a related slideshow from the OA.

Midland Group Reports Chinese Pastor Chooses Prison over Exile, Church Forced to Move from Rented House

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 Pastor Chooses Prison over Exile, Church Forced to Move from Rented House

Released by ChinaAid, May, 2010 ...

"GUANGDONG, CHINA – Wang Dao, pastor of Liangren Church, was told by government officers that unless he chooses to be exiled, he would face prosecution and lengthy imprisonment. He told his lawyers on Friday that he refuses to be exiled to abroad, and that he has prepared his heart to be imprisoned instead."
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

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).

"Matthew 6:6
Jesus, with instructions on how to pray"

"Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense God's grace."
The Power of a Prayer: Words to Speak and Pray from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

Please j join us for a time of prayer for children on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride's room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland. We'll have lunch ($5) and fellowship after our time of prayer.

If you have prayer concerns or celebrations about children, those who care for them, have authority over them, or, yes, even those who harm them, please send them to me at at claufer@facesofchildren.net, or give me a call.

Thank you for praying,
Chris

In the News ... "Miller to bring her music, story of hope to Midland"

Miller to bring her music, story of hope to Midland
By Megan Lea Buck
Assistant Lifestyle Editor
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - In 1987, pop, country and gospel music singer Jody Miller released an album of patriotic songs. "I had always wanted to do patriotic music and I'm glad I did," she said.

A year after releasing the album, Miller was asked to perform during stops on the campaign trail of former President George H.W. Bush. "I was happy to do that," she said. "That was something in my career that I will always be thankful for, even though I am a Democrat."

Miller will visit the hometown of the other President Bush when she performs June 12 and 13 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 4501 Thomason Drive. She will sing at a concert for the public at 7 p.m. June 12 and again at 10 a.m. June 13, during the church's Sunday morning worship service. The Saturday evening performance is free and open to the community; a goodwill offering will be accepted to offset the expenses of the event. Both performances will be in the church's sanctuary.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

HOT Topics at First Prez: Starts Today

Ten theologians ... ten challenges to faith ... twelve weeks this summer. You are invited to attend a special summer Sunday Schools series at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, addressing ten issues that are obstacles to faith for many both in and outside of the church.

Ten Christian and Jewish theologians, world experts in their respective fields as well as people of faith, were each asked to address a single perplexing issue, such as the existence of evil or the relationship between religion and science. The result is the "Serious Answers" course prepared by Wesley Ministry Network, which will encourage energetic discussion and sustained reflection by both believers and seekers.

The series - mixing video presentations with live discussion among attendees - will be offered Sundays, June 6 - August 22, 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Lynn Fellowship Hall at First Prez-Midland, on the northwest corner of A and Texas streets, on the west edge of downtown Midland.

All adults are welcome!

1. Evil - R. Kendall Soulen, Wesley Theological Seminary
2. Religion and Science - John Polkinghorne, Cambridge University
3. Other Religions - Sathianathan Clarke, Wesley Theological Seminary
4. Evangelism and Tolerance - Scott Jones, Bishop; formerly Perkins Schl. Theo.
5. The God of the Old Testament - Amy-Jill Levine, Vanderbilt Divinity School
6. Jesus and Christianity - Richard B. Hays, Duke Divinity School
7. Resurrection - N.T. Wright, Bishop; formerly Oxford University
8. The Gnostic Gospels - Ben Witherington, Asbury Theological Seminary
9. The Sins of the Church - Douglas M. Strong, Wesley Theological Seminary
10. Forgiveness - L. Gregory Jones, Duke Divinity School (Dean)

Reports From Lulwanda: April, 2010

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.

---

April, 2010
"This is our fifth month of our sixth year of operation. God has been gracious as we continue to see His power, authority and providence all through. The Children have grown and the staff continues to do their best as they serve the little children. Outstanding achievement of the month include; getting the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development signing of Memorandum of Understanding that commits both parties for the next three years."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Mukibi's April, 2010 report.

In the News ... "New Women's Center to help more in community"

New Women's Center to help more in community
By Audrie Palmer
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - When 25-year-old Ashley Fore first joined Teen Challenge and was accepted to their Women's Center, she said she only did it to please her family. She wasn't done drinking and didn't want to change her lifestyle.

Alcohol was an addiction she developed 10 years earlier and watched become a problem in her life when she was about 19. After four months in the program, Fore was dismissed.

Now, a year later, she's back - but because she wanted to be.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

In the News ... "Praying for the Basin"

Praying for the Basin
Roy Waggoner
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA-MIDLAND, TEXAS - Revival is serious business for a group of Odessa pastors meeting at the Odessa Regional Medical Center chapel every week.

They want to see Odessa and Midland transformed spiritually and otherwise and believe prayer is a key to that goal, particularly as both cities begin to work more closely together.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

In the News ... "Singer, songwriter to be clinician for gospel workshop"

Singer, songwriter to be clinician for gospel workshop
By Megan Lea Buck
Assistant Lifestyle Editor
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - At age 6, Malcolm Williams became the director of First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church’s Junior Choir in North Chicago. Still in the Chicago area, Williams has spent his adult life crafting a career in gospel music that includes the composition of 200 songs, some of which have been performed by top gospel names such as Beverly Crawford, Dorinda Clark-Cole and Dottie Peoples.

In June, Williams will bring some of the music from his current project to the Permian Basin as he serves as the clinician for the area-wide workshop of the West Texas Chapter of Gospel Music Workshop of America.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Midland Group Reports Chinese Officials Relent, Adventist Church Allowed to Worship

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 Officials Relent, Adventist Church Allowed to Worship

Released by ChinaAid, May, 2010 ...

"SHANDONG, CHINA – On May 1, members of Jinan Seventh-Day Adventist Church were once again allowed to meet at their rented site, having been forced to worship outdoors for more than two months, following a raid by Shandong Public Security officials on February 27."
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

HOT Topics at First Prez: Next Sunday

Ten theologians ... ten challenges to faith ... twelve weeks this summer. You are invited to attend a special summer Sunday Schools series at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, addressing ten issues that are obstacles to faith for many both in and outside of the church.

Ten Christian and Jewish theologians, world experts in their respective fields as well as people of faith, were each asked to address a single perplexing issue, such as the existence of evil or the relationship between religion and science. The result is the "Serious Answers" course prepared by Wesley Ministry Network, which will encourage energetic discussion and sustained reflection by both believers and seekers.

The series - mixing video presentations with live discussion among attendees - will be offered Sundays, June 6 - August 22, 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Lynn Fellowship Hall at First Prez-Midland, on the northwest corner of A and Texas streets, on the west edge of downtown Midland.

All adults are welcome!

1. Evil - R. Kendall Soulen, Wesley Theological Seminary
2. Religion and Science - John Polkinghorne, Cambridge University
3. Other Religions - Sathianathan Clarke, Wesley Theological Seminary
4. Evangelism and Tolerance - Scott Jones, Bishop; formerly Perkins Schl. Theo.
5. The God of the Old Testament - Amy-Jill Levine, Vanderbilt Divinity School
6. Jesus and Christianity - Richard B. Hays, Duke Divinity School
7. Resurrection - N.T. Wright, Bishop; formerly Oxford University
8. The Gnostic Gospels - Ben Witherington, Asbury Theological Seminary
9. The Sins of the Church - Douglas M. Strong, Wesley Theological Seminary
10. Forgiveness - L. Gregory Jones, Duke Divinity School (Dean)

Rolling Mission

Founded in 2001, Free Wheelchair Mission is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to providing wheelchairs for the impoverished disabled in developing nations. Headquartered in Irvine, California, FWM works around the world in partnership with a vast network of humanitarian, faith-based and government organizations, sending wheelchairs to hundreds of thousands of disabled people, providing not only the gift of mobility, but of dignity, independence, and hope.

"Our mission is to transform lives through the gift of mobility to

the physically disabled poor in developing countries

as motivated by Jesus Christ.
Our vision is to provide 20 million wheelchairs."

Want to take one for a test drive? During normal business hours, visit the lobby at the Texas Street entrance of First Presbyterian Church-Midland, at the northwest corner of Texas and A streets, on the west side of downtown Midland. For $51.29, you can give the gift of mobility. You can donate by mailing FWC, calling them, or visiting their website.

Free Wheelchair Mission
9341 Irvine Boulevard
Irvine, CA 92618

(800) 733-0858

www.freewheelchairmission.org/

ServLife International Online Auction Wraps-up Tomorrow

ServLife International is a movement defined by values of God’s kingdom, not programs built around human efforts and activities. The reign and rule of God should be made apparent to every person on the planet, despite their religion, race or socioeconomic status. We believe that issues of justice are inseparable from the good news that Jesus Christ came to proclaim. ServLife exists to take the gospel of Christ and the hope of a better, more just, world to the lives of people we touch. This happens through individual contributions of time, creativity, resources and dreams.

ServLife International Online Auction Wraps-up Tomorrow

ServLife is excited to announce their first online auction, taking place May 15-30. The items that will be featured range from a week-long stay in Florida to a one hour photo session with a professional photographer. The auction items have been donated by a variety of artists and people. All proceeds will benefit the work of ServLife around the world.

All bids will be made online and once a bid is submitted it is binding and you are responsible for payment if the auction closes and your bid is the current winning bid. If you don’t have access to the Internet, you may call ServLife's office (317) 544-0484, and one of our staff members will complete a form for you over the phone.

Reports From Lulwanda: March, 2010

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.

---

March, 2010
"There have been many activities going on concurrently, but we thank God who has enabled us to go through them all. The Children have grown and seems to be okay. We are making effort to ensure that they grow into adults we can all be proud of."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Mukibi's March, 2010 report.

FBR Report: "Good Life Club" Video

The Free Burma Rangers (FBR) is a multi-ethnic humanitarian service movement. They bring help, hope and love to people in the war zones of Burma. Ethnic pro-democracy groups send teams to be trained, supplied and sent into the areas under attack to provide emergency assistance and human rights documentation. Together with other groups, the teams work to serve people in need.

"Good Life Club" Video

Word from Uganda: "Pamela's Introduction Ceremony"

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 ...

Pamela's Introduction Ceremony

"I have decided that I like introduction ceremonies much more than weddings,” Natalie writes. "The wedding is the same expected thing and can last for quite some time (depending on how late the bride is and how long the pastor preaches). But introduction ceremonies are always slightly different from the last one.”

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

Midland Group Reports Christian Prisoner in China Sees Wife, Children for First Time in Years

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 Christian Prisoner in China Sees Wife, Children for First Time in Years

Released by ChinaAid, April, 2010 ...

"XINJIANG REGION, CHINA – Separated by the glass wall, Gulinuer and Alimujiang’s two sons stared at their father for the first time in over two years. On April 20, under international pressure thanks to years of legal advocacy and raising public awareness, the Xinjiang Kashgar Prison authorities allowed the Uyghur Christian prisoner to meet with his wife, children, mother, and sister for a brief 15 minute conversation—the first personal contact the family has had with Alim since he was first detained in January 2008."
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

In the News ... "That old time religion"

Gospel music workshop coming to Odessa
Roy Waggoner
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - He’s sang since he was a little kid, and gospel singer/songwriter Malcolm Williams hopes to share some of his insight through a workshop by the West Texas chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America.

"Gospel means ‘good news,’ and it’s important for there to be a smile on the face of everybody that hears it," Williams said.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.