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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).
Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 31, 2012
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN - Pa dum, pa dum, pa dum dum dum ... The beat of the African drum calls us to worship under the mango trees in Adol, Lakes State, Republic of South Sudan. Here women, men, and children gather on Presbyterian Women have joined hands with this faith community. They provided a grant for building a Pa dum, pa dum, pa dum dum dum.
CLICK HERE to read more.
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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).
Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 30, 2012
RWANDA - It has been 18 years since the Rwandan genocide in which a million people were massacred. Has that been long enough for the psychological trauma to heal? ``No,'' says Mr. Sophonie Rubyagiza, coordinator of the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (EPR)'s Department of Education and Community Development. Sophonie's concern is the children in the 140 EPR elementary and secondary schools.
CLICK HERE to read more.
By Sara Higgins
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram
MIDLAND, TEXAS - Joe Barron, Don Simpson and Ryan Wonderly all were church leaders trusted by their communities, and all have faced allegations related to child sexual abuse.
Fort Worth-based trial lawyer Greg Love held sessions for both church leaders and the public Tuesday at the Midland Center to discuss sexual abuse prevention and awareness. Love, who has represented victims of sexual abuse since 1994, worked to debunk myths in attendees' minds about who can be a predator, and what warning signs to look for in their own congregations.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story
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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).
Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 29, 2012
EQUATORIAL GUINEA - The Reformed Presbyterian Church of Equatorial Guinea (IRPGE) is growing in the knowledge of God by encouraging families to hold to a discipline of daily time together for prayer, Bible reading, and reflection. The general secretary of the IRPGE points to this as one way the church is trying to raise youth strong in their faith. He adds that this in turn is contributing positively to the whole society while nurturing leaders for the church.
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Brett and Shelly Faucett are Mission Partners with Interserve that are living in Chiang Mai, Thailand. They are working in three main areas: HIV/AIDS, Special needs children and Human Trafficking. Brett is a nurse and amateur photographer. Shelly was a former literacy specialist and ESL teacher. They both love travelling and seeing the world, especially Africa and Asia. They have 2 high spirited daughters Acacia (9yrs old)and Annapurna (7yrs old). The Thailand Mission Team from FPC and TPC in Midland had a chance to meet with them during our mission to that country in 2008.
"It's all in your perspective"
"Yesterday I went to visit McKean Hospital with our CAM staff and a volunteer that is here helping us for 2 weeks. McKean Hospital is one of the first hospitals in Thailand that was devoted solely to treating people with Leprosy. McKean Hospital was founded in 1908 by Presbyterian Missionaries Mr and Mrs McKean. McKean is surrounded on one side by a river and a stream that connects the river to create an island of sorts. The hospital grew in stages of being a leprosy colony and hospital to a leprosy rehabilitation center providing physical and occupational therapy. Their goal is to empower these patients to attain their maximum potential physically and to be psychologically healthy with a sense of worth and self acceptance, and to be able to live productive lives with acceptance and dignity in their own community"
CLICK HERE for the rest of this post at their Committed to the Calling blog
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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).
Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 28, 2012
CAMEROON (continued) - Biblical metaphors associated with food and farming to illustrate effective ministries readily bring to mind the efforts of our Cameroonian Joining Hands partners, the Network Fighting Hunger in Cameroon (RELUFA).
CLICK HERE to read more.
By Sara Higgins
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram
MIDLAND, TEXAS - Horses and cattle hardly took notice of a church bus arriving to their ranch in Post five years ago. They already had grown accustomed to weekend visitors like Midlander Colleen Todd, who had brought with her a group of Sunday schoolers.
A sign directed them off the highway to a mesquite-lined dirt road in Post - without it, they surely would have missed the turn. A shuttle ride from the parking lot led them to an indoor live performance center, Ragtown Gospel Theater. Envisioned by two brothers, their wives and families, the 400-seat theater serves to entertain as well as minister to those who are willing to make the trip.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story
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 ...
New Year. New Resolutions.
New year. New resolutions.
But realistically, those never really last. Being inspired by a friend who faithfully blogged every Monday during his time in Uganda, I made the resolution that I would do the same and set a night. Obviously I have failed at that because this is my first post since the new year started. Maybe I can aim for once a month?
CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post
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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).
Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 27, 2012
CAMEROON - Twelve years before the Eglise Presbyterienne Camerounaise (EPC) became autonomous, the women of the church had already organized the Association of Christian Women (ACF).
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The China Aid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.
Issued by ChinaAid ...
"
This prayer band has been declared illegal in China."
"Chinese police have stopped people on the streets and taken the bands off their wrists. Some have been interrogated and arrested; at least three families were evicted from their homes—for the government, the prayer band is a symbol of revolution."
"We thank everyone across the U.S. and around the world who answered the call to wear a 'Pray for China' prayer band and pray during the Olympics. Your willingness to stand with Chinese house church Christians encouraged them as they also wore prayer bands and prayed for their country. Their commitment came with a cost. Read more."
"Yet, house church Christians refuse to be intimidated. They say that prayer for China is even more critical now that the world is no longer watching. Persecution has increased. Will you join in this revolution of prayer for China?"
"They can arrest me or put me in prison, but I'm not going to stop praying for China. Although the prayer band is banned in China, prayer can never be banned. I am asking every Christian to support believers in China by wearing a prayer band." - a prominent house church leader
"At this crucial time, will you partner in prayer? And, will you please forward this information to others who will want to pray for the persecuted in China."
» Click here to order a China Prayer Band
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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).
Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 26, 2012
NIGER - Niger is one of the poorest and least developed places on earth. The 2010 United Nations Human Development Index ranked it 167 out of 169 countries worldwide. Life expectancy is just under 53, and the average Nigerien has attended school for only 1.4 years
CLICK HERE to read more.
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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).
Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 25, 2012
MINUTE FOR MISSION: SELF-DEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLE - Once a week, the Brazilian women proudly carry their homemade food - maize cake, cassava/manioc, tapioca - to their trade fair booth, along with some of their handicrafts. As the forro band plays, crowds come, and people buy the food and crafts. Between songs, the women promote the nutritional benefits and principles of environmentally friendly farming and issues of fair trade. Usually excluded from commercial activities by the gender expectations of their culture, these women are proud of their success in the marketplace!
CLICK HERE to read more.
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.
ChinaAid Association Accredited by National Financial Accountability Organization
Distributed by ChinaAid, Febuary, 2012 ...
MIDLAND, TEXAS – The "Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) announced today the accreditation of ChinaAid Association of Midland, TX.
ECFA accreditation is based on the ECFA Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™, including financial accountability, transparency, sound board governance and ethical fundraising.
ChinaAid Association joins a growing number of Christ-centered churches and ministries across America, supported by over 20 million donors that have earned the right to display the ECFA seal. When an organization is accredited by ECFA, it demonstrates its willingness to follow the model of biblical accountability."
CLICK HERE for more on this story from China Aid
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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).
Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 18, 2012
MINUTE FOR MISSION: JOHNSON C. SMITH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY - Some people wonder how a historically African American school like Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary (JCSTS) can continue to survive today. African Americans attend Ivy League schools, litigate high-profile court cases, are CEOs of national corporations, even occupy the White House. Is there still a need for culture-specific or race-specific institutions?
CLICK HERE to read more.
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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).
Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 17, 2012
OLYMPIA PRESBYTERY, WASHINGTON - Tacoma pastors Heather James of Westminster and Robyn Hogue of Skyline use cards to show the percentages by which their congregations increased their annual pledging.
We Christians who wish to bear fruit to those who are hungry for the gospel need to be good stewards of our orchards. Four congregations in Olympia Presbytery responded to a recent presbytery-wide inquiry about ``bumper crops'' in the spiritual gift of giving.
CLICK HERE to read more.
By Jason Britsch
Reporter
KOSA-TV
ODESSA, TEXAS - "We asked the church members to bring clothing in for children and we thought it would be a good idea, but then we got more clothes than we knew what to do with," said Morris Shaw, Sherwood Church of Christ Member.
Shaw along with other members of Sherwood Church of Christ first asked their church family to donate clothes for children a few months ago, but have since received more clothes than they knew what to do with.
That’s when they shifted their focus to something bigger.
CLICK HERE to read/watch the rest of the KOSA story.
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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).
Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 16, 2012
PRESBYTERY OF NORTH PUGET SOUND, WASHINGTON - Congregations in the Presbytery of North Puget Sound encourage one another to bless the people of their communities and build the discipleship and servanthood of congregants.
First Presbyterian Church of Port Angeles exemplifies this spirit through a partnership with Hamilton Elementary School. It began when the Mission Committee and the pastor, Rev. Ted Mattie, asked the principal at Hamilton how volunteers from the church could help the school with its mission of educating students.
CLICK HERE to read more.
By Meredith Moriak
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram
MIDLAND, TEXAS - Numbers were the subject of conversation Tuesday night at the Cogdell Learning Center as representatives from the education and health and human services sectors came together to discuss how state budget cuts have affected them locally.
Though the budgets and programs offered by the four organizations vary, all entities reported the number of caseloads, clients and students are increasing, while the funds in place to run the programs are stagnant or decreasing.
"As Midland's population grows, more people are coming in and we're being expected to serve more people with the same funding," said Joanne Mundy, a Department of State Health Services program specialist. "...There is absolutely no caseload growth funding in our budgets."
Mundy was one of four panelists at the community forum hosted by the Midland Association of Churches, League of Women Voters, Midland College and United Way of Midland.
The forum was established because local organizations need to know what they can do to help, said Edna Hibbitts of the Midland Association of Churches.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story
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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).
Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 15, 2012
PRESBYTERY OF THE INLAND NORTHWEST, IDAHO AND WASHINGTON - Knox Presbyterian Church in Spokane has an aging congregation and has been experiencing a steady decline in membership for many years. Despite the fact that it is debt-free, the 78-member congregation faces a severe financial reality that threatens the church's viability. Sound familiar?
CLICK HERE to read more.
By Sara Higgins
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram
MIDLAND, TEXAS - Leaders of five different religious backgrounds gathered Tuesday night to discuss how they understand and confront contemporary issues through their various faith traditions.
The interfaith event, which was hosted at First Baptist Church, aimed to promote dialogue and understanding among different faiths, organizers and participants said.
"We're trying to foster more tolerance, and one of the ways to do that is to interact," said Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami of Kauai's Hindu Monastery in Hawaii, who was also a panel member at the first interfaith event held last year at St. Stephen's Catholic Church.
Other speakers Tuesday night were the Rev. Randel Everett of First Baptist Church in Midland, Rabbi Holly Cohn of Temple Beth El in Odessa, Imam Wazir Ali of the Houston Masjid of Al-Islam and Masjid Al-Qur'an and Monsignor James Bridges of St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Midland. Russell Meyers, CEO of Midland Memorial Hospital, moderated the event for the second year in a row, and the event was orchestrated by Padmaja Patel of the Hindu Association of West Texas.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story
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 in the 2012 Mission Yearbook were gathered around the prayer of Paul for the Colossians, that these faithful brothers and sisters would bear fruit and grow in the knowledge of God (1:10).
