Midland Group: Government Persecution of Church in China Worsens for Fifth Straight Year

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: Government Persecution of Church in China Worsens for Fifth Straight Year

Released by ChinaAid, April, 2011 ...

"MIDLAND, TEXAS – Chinese government persecution of the church in China continued to worsen in 2010, the fifth straight year of escalating persecution, according to an annual report released Thursday by the Christian monitoring group ChinaAid Association."
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: April 24, 2011

MINUTE FOR MISSION: RESURRECTION OF THE LORD / EASTER ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING - Then Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him" (Acts 10:34-35).

Picture the scene: it is hot; we are sitting in the shade of a thatched roof; we hear goats bleating, roosters crowing, and people gathering to sit on the ground and meet the group from PC(USA). We were in Yaweima, a remote village in Sierra Leone, to see the ongoing results of a One Great Hour of Sharing-funded program in which villagers work together to produce, store, process, and share food and seeds so that they are more food secure and less impacted by outside forces.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: April 23, 2011

PRESBYTERY OF NORTH CENTRAL IOWA - First Presbyterian Church in Fort Dodge has a wheelchair repair shop ministry that is one of nine satellite repair shops of the nonprofit Hope Haven International Ministries in northwest Iowa. At the shop donated chairs, mostly in disrepair, are disassembled, cleaned, and disinfected. Worn parts, tires, and tubes are replaced, bearings greased, and parts repainted before the chair is reassembled. The workers, all volunteers, have served for God's glory in this outreach ministry for six years and have repaired 710 chairs.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: April 22, 2011

GOOD FRIDAY MINUTE FOR MISSION - The lectionary reading from Isaiah for this day is part of a larger passage that points to the incongruities of this day. Isaiah 52 begins with an exhortation to "awake, awake," for the Lord announces redemption. A messenger brings good news, announces salvation, and proclaims that God reigns. This comfort, this redemption is a sign of a God whose strong arm is bared before the nations.

But this good news of triumph comes from an unlikely source, one who had no majesty. He was despised and rejected, a man of suffering. People hid their eyes from him.

CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "West Texas Churches Pray For Rain"

West Texas Churches Pray For Rain

By Jennifer Samp, KOSA-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS -It’s been nearly seven months since the Permian Basin has had a significant amount of rain, and local churches across West Texas are joining together to ask for the much-needed moisture.

Saint Mary's Church is one of the many congregations that are focusing their prayers on rain.

CLICK HERE to read/watch the rest of the KOSA story.

In the News ... "State of Religion, Pt 1: Area pastors say church attendance in Midland still going strong"

State of Religion, Pt 1: Area pastors say church attendance in Midland still going strong

By Sarah Higgins, Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS -Pastors of local churches are reporting slow and steady growth over the past few years, as overall religious affiliation among adults has declined in the United States.

The percentage of American adults who self-identify as Christians declined from 86 percent in 1990 to 76 percent in 2008, according to American Religious Identify Survey data published by the U.S. Census Bureau. One out of five Americans failed to indicate affiliation with any religion in the 2008 survey. Those who did not claim any religion, or were atheist or agnostic, grew -- though at a slower pace than during the 1990s -- from 8.2 percent of the American adult population in 1990 to 14.1 percent in 2001, and 15 percent in 2008.

"Midland's a sort of bubble in lots of ways, but we're not immune to that, either," said the Rev. Steve Schorr of First Presbyterian Church.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: April 21, 2011

MINUTE FOR MISSION: MAUNDY THURSDAY - I make my way to Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas, through the neighborhood of well-manicured lawns and beautiful houses. Something is out of context. I hear African drums, and the lively melody is invigorating. As I enter the worship space, young African boys give me a bulletin and welcome me. The African hymns are sung with feeling, and I am drawn into the holy presence of God.

This was my introduction to the All Nations worshiping community, where the Rev. Dr. Cyprian Kimathi Guchienda is pastor.

CLICK HERE to read more.

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 4/20/11

BURMA/MYANMAR ( Partners Relief and Development ) - Give thanks to God for the work of the staff and volunteers with Partners Relief and Development as they help the ethnic hill tribe children and people of Burma. Partners' local staff was able to distribute drinking water, food, and tarps the day after a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Shan State in Burma. Pray that God will continue to provide for all those affected by this quake. A report from Partners Relief & Development

• Please pray for children and people in the Karen State in eastern Burma who suffer from severe food shortages due to failed crops. Pray for those who are not allowed to cultivate better land because they are surrounded by the Burma Army. Thanks be to God for Partners' work with these persecuted people.

ECUADOR - Give God praise for the work of volunteers with Medical Mission Ecuador program in treating 600 children and performing more than 150 surgeries. Many of the ailments treated are genetic defects or preventable birth defects. Thanks be to God that so many children were able to receive treatment for cleft palate, clubfoot, and cerebral palsy due to birth injury. A report from infoforum.com

IVORY COAST, LIBERIA - Please keep the children and people of Ivory Coast held close in prayer during this season of political unrest and violence. Pray for those who live in fear as this country slides closer and closer to civil war.

• Pray for the nearly one million people displaced by the fighting between followers of the incumbent president and those of the winner of the recent presidential election. Pray for the estimated 110,000 people who have escaped the violence and sought refuge in Liberia. A report from alertnet.org A report from the New York Times

• Pray that God will provide the resources needed to care for these displaced people and for those who have seen their livelihoods disappear because of the fighting. Ivory Coast is the world's largest producer of cocoa and exports have stopped due to European Union sanctions. A report from alertnet.org

KAZAKHSTAN, UNITED STATES - Give praise to God for answering prayers about 2-year-old "Tia" (name changed for confidentiality and/or protection), a little girl born with facial deformities. The judge in Kazakhstan made an immediate decision in the case and allowed Cindy, a single mother of four internationally adopted children, to adopt Tia. Because of Tia's severe facial deformities, the judge in this case made an exception to the current no adoption rule in Kazakhstan.

• Please continue to keep Tia and her new mother in prayer as Cindy won't be able to take Tia to the United States for several more weeks. Pray for traveling mercies for Cindy and Tia in the coming weeks. Pray for Cindy's four children in the U.S. who are ready for their mother and new sister to come home. Pray for their grandmother who has been caring for these children in Cindy's absence.

UNITED STATES - Give thanks to God for answering prayers about 3-month-old Lexi, a premature baby born with a multitude of physical challenges due to maternal drug use. Thanks be to God that Lexi doesn't have to have surgery to implant a permanent feeding tube in her stomach and can now feed on her own! Praise be to God that she has gained weight and was allowed to go home with her aunt and uncle who have custody of her now. Please pray that God will continue to wrap arms of healing tenderness around this beautiful baby girl. Pray that God will provide her aunt, uncle, and grandparents with the stamina to care for Lexi and the resources with which to do so.

• Pray that God will bring comfort and peace into 13-year-old Colton's life as he goes to live with his grandparents.

• Give thanks to God for the safe delivery of "Jennifer's" (name changed for confidentiality and/or protection) baby boy, Brandon, early last week. Please keep this young mother and her children held close in prayer as they start another chapter in their lives.

• Pray for Mai, her children, and her husband during this very difficult time in their lives. Mai fell down recently and suffered severe brain damage. She has been in a coma since the fall. Please pray that God will bring healing and peace to this young mother and wife. Pray that God will comfort Mai's 3-year-old daughter and 18-month-old son who must miss their mother very much. Pray that Mai's husband will feel the love and support flowing from his family, friends, church family, and community.

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.

• If you have prayer requests about children, those who care for them, those who have authority over them, or those who harm them (the really hard prayers to say sometimes), please send them to Chris Laufer, FOC Coordinator, at claufer@facesofchildren.net

In the News ... "A Charitable night out"

A Charitable night out

By Lyxan Toledanes, Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS -When the clock strikes 1 a.m., the magic of Catholic Charities’ Glass Slipper Ball won’t end when the evening does.

Serving as the charity’s major fundraiser, the fourth annual ball’s proceeds will go directly toward helping those in need, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. The Glass Slipper Ball is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 30 at the International Ballroom.

Women and men will be dressed to the nines for an elegant evening of dinner and dancing.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: April 20, 2011

PRESBYTERY OF MISSOURI RIVER VALLEYS - Calvin Crest Camp, Conference and Retreat Center is nestled atop a bluff overlooking the Platte River near Fremont, Nebraska. Founded in 1957, Calvin Crest is a mission of Homestead and Missouri River Valley presbyteries. Though the Platte River is shallow there, Calvin Crest is a place where residents of both presbyteries explore the depths of their faith in Jesus Christ. In addition to offering summer camp opportunities for over fifty years, modernized facilities allow it to operate as a fully accredited camp and conference center. Calvin Crest serves nearly 10,000 campers and visitors each year.

CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "China Aid president asks Americans to stand with persecuted church"

China Aid president asks Americans to stand with persecuted church

By Sarah Higgins, Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS -Wang Zhanhu envisions a time when the Christian church has grown so rapidly in China that it's able to reach out and bring God's word to other countries.

"Pray that they will lead a mission serving (other) nations, that they can bless the world," he told Bob Fu, president of China Aid Association, recently.

China Aid is holding its annual fundraiser on Thursday to help support its ministry that provides aid to families being persecuted and works to expose news about people suffering in China, among other activities. Above that, though, Fu said, he hopes the event can raise awareness and prayer support for those who don't enjoy the same religious freedoms afforded in Midland.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: April 19, 2011

PRESBYTERY OF MINNESOTA VALLEYS - The congregation and staff of First Presbyterian Church of St. Cloud never imagined that within three years both their neighborhood and their ministry would change so dramatically. Over two years ago, the congregation engaged in a discernment process that produced a consensus for ministry focused on five areas: youth and young adult, missional church emphasis, vibrant worship, empowered laity, and improving the church facility to minister to the downtown community. For the past two years, they have been implementing those priorities.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Midland Group Asks Americans to Stand with Persecuted Church

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 Asks Americans to Stand with Persecuted Church

Released by ChinaAid, April, 2011 ...

MIDLAND, TEXAS – Wang Zhanhu envisions a time when the Christian church has grown so rapidly in China that it's able to reach out and bring God's word to other countries.

"Pray that they will lead a mission serving (other) nations, that they can bless the world," he told Bob Fu, president of China Aid Association, recently.

China Aid is holding its annual fundraiser on Thursday to help support its ministry that provides aid to families being persecuted and works to expose news about people suffering in China, among other activities. Above that, though, Fu said, he hopes the event can raise awareness and prayer support for those who don't enjoy the same religious freedoms afforded in Midland.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of this story from the MRT and China Aid.

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).

Pray for Dependency on God

"Prayer requires that we stand in God's presence with open hands, naked and vulnerable, proclaiming to ourselves and to others that without God we can do nothing. This is difficult in a climate where the predominant counsel is, 'Do your best and God will do the rest.' When life is divided into 'our best' and 'God's rest,' we have turned prayer into a last resort to be used only when all our own resources are depleted. Then even God has become the victim of our impatience. Discipleship does not mean to use God when we can no longer function ourselves. On the contrary, it means to recognize that we can do nothing at all, but that God can do everything through us."

"Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life" by Henri J.M. Nouwen, Donald P. MacNeill, and Douglas A. Morrison

"Three-personed God, it truly frightens me to recognize that I am totally dependent on you. I know that my life is not my own, though I arrogantly act as if I am in control. On the contrary, it is you who determines my destiny. Ease my worries over my dependency on you, soften my impatience with your plans for me, and help me to acknowledge that you can do all things through me. Amen."

"Lent and Easter Wisdom" from Henri J.M. Nouwen" compiled by Judy Bauer

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

This coming Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. we will meet back in the Bride's room at First Presbyterian Church-Midland. Please stay afterwards for lunch ($5) and a time of fellowship.

If you have requests about children, those who care for them, those who have authority over them, or those who harm them (the really hard prayers to say sometimes), please send them to me at at claufer@facesofchildren.net, or give me a call.

On the journey with you this Lenten season,

Chris

Free Burma Rangers schedules season of Regional Meetings in the U.S.

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 (Myanmar). 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.

Free Burma Rangers schedules season of Regional Meetings in the U.S.

"Dear Friends, Free Burma Rangers are planning meetings this summer to include prayer, worship, updates on the situation in Burma and collaboration on action plans for how to take action for the people of Burma. Dave and Karen Eubank and family will be at these meetings along with others working with FBR."

Regional Meetings, 2011

MIDLAND, TEXAS @ First Presbyterian Church-Midland, Saturday, May 7, 2011

GIG HARBOR, WASHINGTON @ Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, Sunday, May 15, 2011

BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA @ First Presbyterian Church-Berkeley, Saturday, May 21, 2011

MALIBU, CALIFORNIA @ Malibu Presbyterian Church, Saturday, May 28, 2011

ST. GEORGE, UTAH @ Calvary Chapel St. George, Sunday, June 5, 2011

WIMBERLY, TEXAS @ Cypress Creek Church, Saturday, June 18, 2011

SILOAM SPRINGS, ARKANSAS (more information TBA), Saturday, June 25, 2011

NEWTON, MASSACHUSETTS @ Newton Presbyterian Church, Saturday, July 9, 2011

COLORADO (more information TBA), Saturday, July 23, 2011

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA @ Faith Christian Church, Saturday, Sept 10, 2011

"We welcome you to join us for the meeting in your area. For more information please contact; Amy Galetzka at amygaletzka@gmail.com Thank you and God Bless you,"

Free Burma Rangers

In the News ... "Seats filled for the interfaith event"

Seats filled for the interfaith event

By Gabriella Lopez, Odessa American

MIDLAND, TEXAS -How,” moderator Russell Meyers asked, “does your faith tradition explain the problems of evil and suffering?”.

With that question, the Permian Basin’s first interfaith event began its dialogue at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Midland..

Several hundred people sat in the pews and listened as holy men from Catholicism, Hinduism, Judaism, the Baptist faith and the Episcopalian religion discussed five different questions, one submitted by each speaker.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: April 18, 2011

PRESBYTERY OF MILWAUKEE - In 2008, Southminster Presbyterian Church turned a quarter acre of unused lawn into twenty-nine vegetable plots to be shared equally among church members and neighbors. The garden is considered an essential use of church resources in caring for God's people. Church members are excited to have joined other churches, schools, and cities that have developed similar community gardens.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Video Vault: New Music from the Village Church

The Village: God of Victory "The Vision" from The Village Church on Vimeo.

In the News ... "City, clergy issue proclamation for a day of prayer for rain"

City, clergy issue proclamation for a day of prayer for rain

By Sarah Higgins, Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS -Mayor Wes Perry and Bishop Michael Pfeifer have issued a proclamation that today Midland will be united in prayer for rain.

"The day we are unified in prayer for rain," Perry's proclamation reads. "We ask our gracious God to bless West Texas with rains that will quench our thirsty land and fill our lakes and reservoirs."

The drought has stretched more than six months and is being blamed for many of the wildfires in the West Texas region.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study is a daily devotional with 365 inspiring mission stories that come from next door and all across the globe. It inspires thousands of Presbyterians daily as they uphold the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in intercessory prayer. The stories for the 2011 Mission Yearbook were collected around General Assembly Mission theme “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide” based on Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 9:35. Each yearbook page bears witness to the abundant possibilities of the church because of the leadership of Christ.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: April 17, 2011

MINUTE FOR MISSION: PASSION PALM SUNDAY - The Presbyterian Church Office of Public Witness, located in Washington, DC, is a prophetic office of the denomination that speaks truth to power. It is charged with the responsibility of implementing the social justice policies voted on by the General Assembly of the PC(USA). For sixty-five years this office has spoken to both the domestic and international needs of persons who most often are dismissed by the powerful. In the biblical traditions of the prophets and the historical Jesus, issues such as racial, gender, and economic justice; Middle East peace; human trafficking; immigration; environmental justice; and other GA policy and social justice policy statements are addressed by this office.

CLICK HERE to read more.