The Match is Back ... LAST CALL!

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.



The new and improved model!

Buy one ... GIVE TWO.  That's right ...for every dollar you give between now and October 31 ... ANOTHER WILL BE DONATED. For every wheelchair you give ... ANOTHER WILL BE GIVEN. For every life you transform ... THERE WILL BE TWO.

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. You can give the gift of mobility. The cost of $72.00 is a bargain to us ... but it is a life-changing gift to impoverished and disabled recipients ... and for a limited time, your contribution will be matched, reaching not one - but TWO recipients. Please note on your check "Wheelchair Matching Gift."

The Match is Back ... ONE WEEK TO GO!

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.



The new and improved model!

Buy one ... GIVE TWO.  That's right ...for every dollar you give between now and October 31 ... ANOTHER WILL BE DONATED. For every wheelchair you give ... ANOTHER WILL BE GIVEN. For every life you transform ... THERE WILL BE TWO.

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. You can give the gift of mobility. The cost of $72.00 is a bargain to us ... but it is a life-changing gift to impoverished and disabled recipients ... and for a limited time, your contribution will be matched, reaching not one - but TWO recipients. Please note on your check "Wheelchair Matching Gift."

West Texas Mission Opportunities:Upward Basketball & Cheerleading

There are some for whom the word "mission" conjures up images of travels to the far side of the world for extended periods of time ... but that is NOT always the case. There are opportunities going on in your community - right here, right now - that have a genuine need for someone with exactly your skills, and exactly your schedule. One is Upward Basketball & Cheerleading, which kicks-off its 2012 season in West Texas, in just a couple of months - though registration is under way NOW.

Upward introduces children to Jesus Christ by creating opportunities to serve through sports. Upward is a fun, reliable, passionate and encouraging sports experience for boys and girls, in K5 through sixth grade. Upward provides first class, organized and detailed sports programming. Unique aspects of Upward include an evaluation system that promotes equal and competitive teams as well as a substitution system which allows for equal playing time for all participants.Through Upward, children are exposed to quality coaching and sport development. Upward emphasizes character and integrity instead of a “win at all costs” mentality associated with today’s sports world.

And, NO, you don't have to be a member of a church in order to participate!

There are all kinds of ways you can help the Upward program in your community ... all kinds of ways you can become a West Texas Missioner. You can be a coach, or an assistant, a referee or a timekeeper. You may also choose to present a brief devotional to the audience during the halftimes, while the teams are resting and getting ready for the next round of play. Your focus can be current events, a piece of Scripture from the Bible, or sports. You can compose your own, or work from guidelines that participating churches will provide you.

You can also help by signing-up your child, then heading to the game and cheering for everyone on the floor!

In Midland, there are programs at First Baptist Church (basketball only) and First Presbyterian Church .

In Odessa, there are programs at First Baptist Church and Second Baptist Church .

In Big Spring, there is a program at First Baptist Church (basketball only).

The Match is Back ... so let's get rolling!

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.



The new and improved model!

Buy one ... GIVE TWO.  That's right ...for every dollar you give between now and October 31 ... ANOTHER WILL BE DONATED. For every wheelchair you give ... ANOTHER WILL BE GIVEN. For every life you transform ... THERE WILL BE TWO.

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. You can give the gift of mobility. The cost of $72.00 is a bargain to us ... but it is a life-changing gift to impoverished and disabled recipients ... and for a limited time, your contribution will be matched, reaching not one - but TWO recipients. Please note on your check "Wheelchair Matching Gift."

West Texas Mission Opportunities:Upward Basketball & Cheerleading

There are some for whom the word "mission" conjures up images of travels to the far side of the world for extended periods of time ... but that is NOT always the case. There are opportunities going on in your community - right here, right now - that have a genuine need for someone with exactly your skills, and exactly your schedule. One is Upward Basketball & Cheerleading, which kicks-off its 2012 season in West Texas, in just a couple of months - though registration is under way NOW.

Upward introduces children to Jesus Christ by creating opportunities to serve through sports. Upward is a fun, reliable, passionate and encouraging sports experience for boys and girls, in K5 through sixth grade. Upward provides first class, organized and detailed sports programming. Unique aspects of Upward include an evaluation system that promotes equal and competitive teams as well as a substitution system which allows for equal playing time for all participants.Through Upward, children are exposed to quality coaching and sport development. Upward emphasizes character and integrity instead of a “win at all costs” mentality associated with today’s sports world.

And, NO, you don't have to be a member of a church in order to participate!

There are all kinds of ways you can help the Upward program in your community ... all kinds of ways you can become a West Texas Missioner. You can be a coach, or an assistant, a referee or a timekeeper. You may also choose to present a brief devotional to the audience during the halftimes, while the teams are resting and getting ready for the next round of play. Your focus can be current events, a piece of Scripture from the Bible, or sports. You can compose your own, or work from guidelines that participating churches will provide you.

You can also help by signing-up your child, then heading to the game and cheering for everyone on the floor!

In Midland, there are programs at First Baptist Church (basketball only) and First Presbyterian Church .

In Odessa, there are programs at First Baptist Church and Second Baptist Church .

In Big Spring, there is a program at First Baptist Church (basketball only).

And in Lamesa, there is a program at First Baptist Church (basketball and cheerleading, PLUS football).

The Match is Back ... so let's get rolling!

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.



The new and improved model!

Buy one ... GIVE TWO.  That's right ...for every dollar you give between now and October 31 ... ANOTHER WILL BE DONATED. For every wheelchair you give ... ANOTHER WILL BE GIVEN. For every life you transform ... THERE WILL BE TWO.

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. You can give the gift of mobility. The cost of $72.00 is a bargain to us ... but it is a life-changing gift to impoverished and disabled recipients ... and for a limited time, your contribution will be matched, reaching not one - but TWO recipients. Please note on your check "Wheelchair Matching Gift."

West Texas Mission Opportunities:Upward Basketball & Cheerleading

There are some for whom the word "mission" conjures up images of travels to the far side of the world for extended periods of time ... but that is NOT always the case. There are opportunities going on in your community - right here, right now - that have a genuine need for someone with exactly your skills, and exactly your schedule. One is Upward Basketball & Cheerleading, which kicks-off its 2012 season in West Texas, in just a couple of months - though registration is under way NOW.

Upward introduces children to Jesus Christ by creating opportunities to serve through sports. Upward is a fun, reliable, passionate and encouraging sports experience for boys and girls, in K5 through sixth grade. Upward provides first class, organized and detailed sports programming. Unique aspects of Upward include an evaluation system that promotes equal and competitive teams as well as a substitution system which allows for equal playing time for all participants.Through Upward, children are exposed to quality coaching and sport development. Upward emphasizes character and integrity instead of a “win at all costs” mentality associated with today’s sports world.

And, NO, you don't have to be a member of a church in order to participate!

There are all kinds of ways you can help the Upward program in your community ... all kinds of ways you can become a West Texas Missioner. You can be a coach, or an assistant, a referee or a timekeeper. You may also choose to present a brief devotional to the audience during the halftimes, while the teams are resting and getting ready for the next round of play. Your focus can be current events, a piece of Scripture from the Bible, or sports. You can compose your own, or work from guidelines that participating churches will provide you.

You can also help by signing-up your child, then heading to the game and cheering for everyone on the floor!

In Midland, there are programs at First Baptist Church (basketball only) and First Presbyterian Church .

In Odessa, there are programs at First Baptist Church and Second Baptist Church .

In Big Spring, there is a program at First Baptist Church (basketball only).

And in Lamesa, there is a program at First Baptist Church (basketball and cheerleading, PLUS football).

The Match is Back ... so let's get rolling!

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.



The new and improved model!

Buy one ... GIVE TWO.  That's right ...for every dollar you give between now and October 31 ... ANOTHER WILL BE DONATED. For every wheelchair you give ... ANOTHER WILL BE GIVEN. For every life you transform ... THERE WILL BE TWO.

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. You can give the gift of mobility. The cost of $72.00 is a bargain to us ... but it is a life-changing gift to impoverished and disabled recipients ... and for a limited time, your contribution will be matched, reaching not one - but TWO recipients. Please note on your check "Wheelchair Matching Gift."

Midland Group Offers "Prayer Band That Started a Revolution"

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

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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: September 29, 2012

GERMANY - It is hard for refugees from countries like Iran or Afghanistan to begin new lives in Germany. Language is a barrier, and German bureaucracy in general and asylum laws in particular are hard to understand. In their home society, honoring elders and parents is very important. But in their refugee situation, because children are fast learners they are able to gain power over their parents, which leads to many frustrations. Asylum seekers are not allowed to work in Germany and have almost no training opportunities. At best, they might arrive at an official status in Germany known as "tolerated."

CLICK HERE to read more.

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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: September 28, 2012

ALBANIA - When University Presbyterian Church (UPC) of Seattle sent its first mission volunteers to Albania, they could not have known what their initial steps would bring.

CLICK HERE to read more.

West Texas Mission Opportunities:Upward Basketball & Cheerleading

There are some for whom the word "mission" conjures up images of travels to the far side of the world for extended periods of time ... but that is NOT always the case. There are opportunities going on in your community - right here, right now - that have a genuine need for someone with exactly your skills, and exactly your schedule. One is Upward Basketball & Cheerleading, which kicks-off its 2012 season in West Texas, in just a couple of months - though registration is under way NOW.

Upward introduces children to Jesus Christ by creating opportunities to serve through sports. Upward is a fun, reliable, passionate and encouraging sports experience for boys and girls, in K5 through sixth grade. Upward provides first class, organized and detailed sports programming. Unique aspects of Upward include an evaluation system that promotes equal and competitive teams as well as a substitution system which allows for equal playing time for all participants.Through Upward, children are exposed to quality coaching and sport development. Upward emphasizes character and integrity instead of a “win at all costs” mentality associated with today’s sports world.

And, NO, you don't have to be a member of a church in order to participate!

There are all kinds of ways you can help the Upward program in your community ... all kinds of ways you can become a West Texas Missioner. You can be a coach, or an assistant, a referee or a timekeeper. You may also choose to present a brief devotional to the audience during the halftimes, while the teams are resting and getting ready for the next round of play. Your focus can be current events, a piece of Scripture from the Bible, or sports. You can compose your own, or work from guidelines that participating churches will provide you.

You can also help by signing-up your child, then heading to the game and cheering for everyone on the floor!

In Midland, there are programs at First Baptist Church (basketball only) and First Presbyterian Church .

In Odessa, there are programs at First Baptist Church and Second Baptist Church .

In Big Spring, there is a program at First Baptist Church (basketball only).

And in Lamesa, there is a program at First Baptist Church (basketball and cheerleading, PLUS football).

Traveling Mission

A TassaTag is a 4” x 6” bright, heavy, hand-woven cotton luggage tag that helps you spot your luggage more easily while reclaiming children's lives. It is practical, environmentally sensitive, fair trade, and with it you can make a difference.

With a TassaTag you support ECPAT-USA. This is a non-profit children's rights organization whose mission is to protect all children from commercial sexual exploitation, and is the US Chapter of Thailand-based ECPAT (End Child Prostitution and Trafficking) International, working at the community, national and international levels.

With a TassaTag you support The Regina Center in Nong Khai, Thailand, which provides education and income generating skills and opportunities for women. All proceeds from sales are returned to the producers. The project enables women to stay in their villages and keep their children in school, which are two major strategies in reducing sex trafficking.

CLICK HERE to learn more about this project
CLICK HERE to learn more about sex slavery and trafficking
CLICK HERE to order TassaTags

With a TassaTag you will be part of the ECPAT project by increasing the recognition of the TassaTag logo as a symbol against the sexual slavery and trafficking of children, raising greater awareness of this major illegal trade around the world, and being a voice positively addressing a serious children's rights issue.

In the News ... "St. James Baptist ‘Raises the Roof’ on relief work"

By Lyxan Toledanes
ReporterOdessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Little has changed at 400 S. Hancock Ave., where the charred remains of the St. James Baptist Church building still rest as a reminder of the fiery chaos on Aug. 2 that devastated an entire church community.

But the St. James congregation has slowly begun to move on as it hosted its second disaster relief worship service and fundraiser Monday evening at First United Methodist Church.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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: September 27, 2012

ITALY - Lampedusa is a small Italian island midway between Sicily and North Africa. For thousands of people escaping from hunger, persecution, encroaching deserts, war, and political turmoil, Lampedusa has become the first stop on the way to what they hope will be the good life in Italy. For too many of them, though, the Italian dream ends in a Mediterranean nightmare. The sea between North Africa and Lampedusa is a cemetery for thousands of refugees whose boats could not make it all the way.

CLICK HERE to read more.

The Match is Back ... so let's get rolling!

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.



The new and improved model!

Buy one ... GIVE TWO.  That's right ...for every dollar you give between now and October 31 ... ANOTHER WILL BE DONATED. For every wheelchair you give ... ANOTHER WILL BE GIVEN. For every life you transform ... THERE WILL BE TWO.

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. You can give the gift of mobility. The cost of $72.00 is a bargain to us ... but it is a life-changing gift to impoverished and disabled recipients ... and for a limited time, your contribution will be matched, reaching not one - but TWO recipients. Please note on your check "Wheelchair Matching Gift."

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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: September 26, 2012

FRANCE - Those whom all reject I will receive in the name of my Master.'' These are the words of Pastor Jean-Antoine (John) Bost in 1844. When John Bost was appointed as minister to La Force, a small village in southwestern France, he was deeply touched by the serious social problems of his time. In 1848, he opened the first of a number of buildings intended for those in social distress and for handicapped and incurably ill children for whom there was no other provision. By 1881, nine houses had been opened. At present there are 22 units for the mentally ill, for the handicapped, and for elderly people who cannot look after themselves..

CLICK HERE to read more.

EPCAT-USA: Signing the Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct

ECPAT International is a global network of organisations and individuals working together for the elimination of child prostitution, child pornography and the trafficking of children for sexual purposes. It seeks to encourage the world community to ensure that children everywhere enjoy their fundamental rights free and secure from all forms of commercial sexual exploitation.

Signing the Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct

On July 26 the Inn at Saint Mary's Hotel and Suites located in South Bend, Indiana became the 9th US-based company and 2nd single hotel property to sign the Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct. The Inn at Saint Mary's will, among other things, create a policy against the commercial sexual exploitation of children and train its staff on how to identify and appropriately react to suspected cases of abuse.

The Project Liberty team with the General Manager from the Inn at Saint Mary's Hotel and Suites, Kim Kudelka

 

Our work with the Inn at Saint Mary's was initiated by Sister Ann Oestreich of the IHM Sisters of Monroe who approached General Manager Kimberly Kudelka about the issue of human trafficking and the Code. Kimberly was quickly struck by the issue and immediately wanted to react. Kimberly signed the Code at the Inn's summer event, which was attended by key industry stakeholders and our colleagues at Project Liberty.

 

ECPAT-USA is proud to partner with the Inn at Saint Mary's and happy to welcome them as members to the Code.

 

To learn more about what you can do to promote or become a member of the Code visit www.ecpatusa.org/thecode or contact michelle@ecpatusa.org

In the News ... "Local pastors react to claim Jesus had a wife"

By Lyxan Toledanes
Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Measured at about 1.6 inches by 3.1 inches, the small piece of papyrus with mysterious writings referring to the “wife” of Jesus has made headlines around the world and brings into discussion the beliefs of early Christians.

The artifact, made public on Tuesday by Harvard Divinity School Professor Karen King, is a papyrus fragment with Coptic writing saying, “Jesus said to them, ‘My wife …’”

But the claims of a married Jesus are nothing new, nor something that should have impact on Christian teachings, local pastors said.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

The Mission Yearbook for Prayer and 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: September 25, 2012

SPAIN - Imagine that you want to help Christians grow in the knowledge of their faith. Imagine that they live in one of the most aggressively secular states in Europe - and that they worship in small congregations often led by lay people. That's the challenge facing the Seminario Evangelico Unido de Teologia (the United Evangelical Theological Seminary) in Spain. The seminary originated in 1884 and taught students during the long years of religious persecution and intolerance of Protestants. We focus on training that can be studied at a distance rather than on campus and that engages with contemporary life.

CLICK HERE to read more.