Invitation to Prayer: TOMORROW

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).

Fearless Conversation with God

“To pray unceasingly, as St. Paul asks us to do, would be completely impossible if it meant to think constantly about God….To pray, I think, does not mean to think about God in contrast to thinking about other things, or to spend time with God instead of spending time with other people. Rather, it means to think and live in the presence of God. As soon as we begin to divide our thoughts into thoughts about God and thoughts about people and events, we remove God from our daily life to a pious little niche where we can think pious thoughts and experience pious feelings.

Although it is important and even indispensable for the spiritual life to set apart time for God and God alone, prayer can only become unceasing prayer when all our thoughts—beautiful or ugly, high or low, proud or shameful, sorrowful or joyful—can be thought in the presence of God. Thus, converting our unceasing thinking into unceasing prayer moves us from a self-centered monologue to a God-centered dialogue ...

To pray unceasingly is to lead all our thoughts out of their fearful isolation into a fearless conversation with God. Jesus’ life was a life lived in the presence of God.Jesus kept nothing, absolutely nothing, hidden from God’s face. Jesus’ joys, his fears, his hopes, and his despairs were always shared with God”

Clowning in Rome by Henri J. M. Nouwen

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Intercessor,

The Midland Faces of Children prayer group will meet on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. in our new regular spot, the Family Life Center conference room off of the gym (the old weight room) at First Presbyterian Church-Midland. Lunch ($5) and fellowship will follow our time of prayer.

If you have prayer concerns or celebrations 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.

Grace and peace,

Chris

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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is devoted to the theme of young adults in the church. Its stories, many told by young adults, lift up how Presbyterians of all ages are engaging and joining with Presbyterian young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: May 20, 2014

MOZAMBIQUE - When Rev. Orlando Ngovene of the Presbyterian Church of Mozambique (IPM) launched a holistic evangelism initiative in northern Niassa province in 2009, he saw women, young people, and elders as pivotal to the campaign. Zilda Libombo, a member of all three groups, was quick to sign up for the seminars, aimed at enhancing participants’ understanding of Reformed theology and equipping them to share their faith with other.

CLICK HERE to read more.

ChinaAid: "'We want you to have the same freedoms that we have': Midland pastor's message to Zhejiang Christians"

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.

'We want you to have the same freedoms that we have': Midland pastor's message to Zhejiang Christians

Distributed by ChinaAid, May, 2014 ...

MIDLAND, TEXAS – “We, as Christians in the United States, want our brothers and sisters in China to know, we know what’s going on—we’re hearing these stories, and we’re horrified by them, and we want you to have the same freedoms that we have,” said Midland’s First Baptist Church pastor Dr. Randel Everett in a statement about the Zhejiang demolitions.

Everett recorded a video statement, below, with China Aid to express his disbelief and disappointment over the demolition of Sanjiang Church in coastal Wenzhou, Zhejiang.

• more on this story from China Aid

Invitation to Prayer: Wednesday

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).

Fearless Conversation with God

“To pray unceasingly, as St. Paul asks us to do, would be completely impossible if it meant to think constantly about God….To pray, I think, does not mean to think about God in contrast to thinking about other things, or to spend time with God instead of spending time with other people. Rather, it means to think and live in the presence of God. As soon as we begin to divide our thoughts into thoughts about God and thoughts about people and events, we remove God from our daily life to a pious little niche where we can think pious thoughts and experience pious feelings.

Although it is important and even indispensable for the spiritual life to set apart time for God and God alone, prayer can only become unceasing prayer when all our thoughts—beautiful or ugly, high or low, proud or shameful, sorrowful or joyful—can be thought in the presence of God. Thus, converting our unceasing thinking into unceasing prayer moves us from a self-centered monologue to a God-centered dialogue ...

To pray unceasingly is to lead all our thoughts out of their fearful isolation into a fearless conversation with God. Jesus’ life was a life lived in the presence of God.Jesus kept nothing, absolutely nothing, hidden from God’s face. Jesus’ joys, his fears, his hopes, and his despairs were always shared with God”

Clowning in Rome by Henri J. M. Nouwen

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Intercessor,

The Midland Faces of Children prayer group will meet on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. in our new regular spot, the Family Life Center conference room off of the gym (the old weight room) at First Presbyterian Church-Midland. Lunch ($5) and fellowship will follow our time of prayer.

If you have prayer concerns or celebrations 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.

Grace and peace,

Chris

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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is devoted to the theme of young adults in the church. Its stories, many told by young adults, lift up how Presbyterians of all ages are engaging and joining with Presbyterian young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: May 19, 2014

MALAWI (continued) - oday Pulicila came over, as she often does, to play in my yard, and I saw that the tip of her left big toe had been badly torn. “Oooh!” I say. “Ouch!” She points over the fence. It happened somewhere over there, but that’s all I know. I look again at her toe. It doesn’t look like it would require stitches, but it’s close to that point. Certainly it would be helped by a butterfly closure. I ask, “Can I help?” and she nods.

Returning with my first-aid kit, I smear ointment in the wound and affix an adhesive bandage to hold the torn flap back in place, wrapping another around the toe to hold the first bandage in place, since she wears no shoes.

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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is devoted to the theme of young adults in the church. Its stories, many told by young adults, lift up how Presbyterians of all ages are engaging and joining with Presbyterian young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: May 18, 2014

MINUTE FOR MISSION: PITTSBURGH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY - In April 2013 I received a message that brought me joy and hope. It came from a recent Pittsburgh Seminary graduate—Nate, a bright young man in his late 20s with whom I’ve stayed in touch. Nate knew God was calling him to a ministry of hospitality and care, but he was unsure how this calling would unfold. I suggested he visit a friend of mine who, several years ago, opened a bistro on East Ohio Street in Pittsburgh’s North Side. The street is known for its nuisance bars and check-cashing establishments. The Bistro is an oasis that brings together businesspeople and suburbanites who’ve heard of its reputation for good food, value, and peace. Nate was hired.

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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is devoted to the theme of young adults in the church. Its stories, many told by young adults, lift up how Presbyterians of all ages are engaging and joining with Presbyterian young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: May 17, 2014

MALAWI - Naomi is an 18-year-old, living and struggling in northern Malawi. She was selected for a scholarship from the Secondary School Fund of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian–Synod of Livingstonia, which is supported by PC(USA) members and congregations. This is her story, which eloquently states the struggle many youth face and provides encouragement for those in similar situations.

“My name is Naomi. My father died when I was a year old, and our property was taken from us by my father’s relatives. I started primary school, but I took school for granted. But when I realized that school was the only way to help my family out of our impoverished condition, I started working very hard.

CLICK HERE to read more.

From @FWMission ... Friday Story: "Independence in Africa"

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.

---

Friday Story: "Independence in Africa"

Greetings and happy Friday!

A few months back I shared a story from my trip to Uganda. This week I would like to share with you another story from my trip of a beautiful woman named Zwena, a mother:

As we approached Zwena’s home, we found her waiting expectantly, seated on a block of wood in her dusty yard. Her big smile greeted us as we approached with a new GEN_1 wheelchair for her. Family and friends stood nearby anticipating what was about to happen. Zwena told us that she suffered a serious, undiagnosed illness about 10 years ago which resulted in the loss of all strength in her legs. Her young son, who was now 20, had been her main caregiver ever since. Often he had to leave his mother at home, but she longed to get out and see others and to help her son around the home ...

• read the rest of this 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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is devoted to the theme of young adults in the church. Its stories, many told by young adults, lift up how Presbyterians of all ages are engaging and joining with Presbyterian young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: May 16, 2014

ZAMBIA (continued) - Daniel, 24, graduated from Cavendish University in Lusaka, Zambia, in July 2011 with a BA in economics. While helping him edit his resume, I learned that he was serving as treasurer of Kaunda Square congregation of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian–Synod of Zambia (CCAP Zambia) and that he had been working with the CCAP Zambia HIV/AIDS department educating Zambian youth about prevention and voluntary counseling and testing. In his resume Daniel described himself as “self-motivated, with a strong appreciation for, and belief in, NGO capacity to improve the welfare of Zambians at the community level.” From a North American perspective, Daniel’s leadership characteristics, social consciousness, and academic achievements qualify him as an excellent candidate for an entry-level professional position.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Reports From Lulwanda: Administrator's Report for March 2014

March, 2014


"Once again receive greetings from Lulwanda community comprising of the staff and the children. It is a pleasure for me to send regards on behalf of the rest. We have indeed God’s hand of mercy and favor being upon us. My sincere thanks go to all those who donate and pray for the vulnerable children of Lulwanda. Without your support, it would have been an uphill task to see these children smile. Indeed we shall continue to be indebted to you ..."

"... We thank you the sponsors and donors for supporting the vulnerable children of East Africa in general and Uganda in particular. We are committed to serve and look after these children as stewards. We are committed to make best use of the money you send us, we know you sacrifice to send us the donations. As we pray for you, pray for us also here in Uganda. We love you deeply and we thank God for this partnership. But most importantly am grateful to God who has given us this big family. BE BLESSED."

In His Name,

Simon Peter Musagala
Administrator

• read the rest of Musagala's March, 2014 report

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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is devoted to the theme of young adults in the church. Its stories, many told by young adults, lift up how Presbyterians of all ages are engaging and joining with Presbyterian young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: May 15, 2014

ZAMBIA - When Naomi Daka was a child, there were no female pastors in her denomination. But the church was where she found joy, experienced God, and sang songs of praise to her Creator. She wanted to serve the Lord with all her heart, so when the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian–Synod of Zambia began to ordain women, Naomi followed her call into ministry.

After completing her secondary education—an important accomplishment in Zambia, where 65 percent of girls are not enrolled in secondary school—Naomi registered at a new seminary, Chasefu Theological College, very far from her home in Lusaka. At Chasefu, the first group of theological students slept on a cement floor of an old building and shared one classroom with a local mission school. They grew their own food, and when the harvest was poor, they simply went hungry. Through it all, they continued to learn about God, sing songs of praise, and study for ministry.

CLICK HERE to read more.

In the News ... "Midland volunteer recycles denim into shoes for African children"

Ragini Venkatasubban, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Recycling old denim into sustainable footwear — it’s an idea Midlander Wynne Elder hopes will catch on. After learning about the painful foot problems faced by children in rural Uganda because of a lack of proper shoes, she decided she needed to do something to help.

Elder had been to Uganda three times before — twice on mission trips and once with a group of artisans. During a recent visit, she volunteered with Sole Hope, a Christian-based nonprofit that provides footwear and medical care for rural Ugandans.

Foot-related diseases are a major problem in places such as rural Uganda, where many children don’t have access to closed-toe shoes. Without these shoes, sand fleas (commonly known as “jiggers”) burrow into children’s feet and lay eggs, causing parasitic infections that lead to open sores and gaping wounds.

“It’s so painful,” Elder said. “They’re not able to play, or walk, or go to school or all these things that kids are supposed to do.”

 • read the rest of this report ... 

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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is devoted to the theme of young adults in the church. Its stories, many told by young adults, lift up how Presbyterians of all ages are engaging and joining with Presbyterian young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: May 14, 2014

ZIMBABWE -“Youth make up almost 30 percent of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP), Harare Synod,” writes Rev. Mizeki Mndola, the convener of the synod’s youth department. “They play an important role in strengthening the faith of other Christians. When we look at the youth, we see the future of the church. But that future is now threatened by the economic situation.” Though the economy of Zimbabwe boomed just after independence in 1980, since 2000 political instability has contributed to an economic meltdown marked by hyperinflation, plant closures, and supply disruptions.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Word from Uganda: "I live in the most beautiful place! "

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 ...

I live in the most beautiful place!

Different towns in Uganda are known for different things:

- the capital is great for the big city feel, traffic jam, and if you are willing to pay the price, you can get just about anything.
- Jinja is mzungu central, with so many NGO's and many great places to eat
- (I haven't really been many places in west Uganda so I can't comment on them)

But my town, Mbale, is the most beautiful place. On the foothills of Mt. Elgon, is the smaller Mt. Wanale. Having gazed on this mountains beauty for the past (almost) 7 years, I finally decided to climb it.

With the company of some great people, we started our adventure up the mountain ...

 • read the rest of Natalie's post ... 

Invitation to Prayer: TOMORROW

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).

Experience God as Presence and Absence

““In prayer, God’s presence is never separated from God’s absence and God’s absence is never separated from God’s presence. The presence of God is so much beyond the human experience of being together that it quite easily is perceived as absence. The absence of God, on the other hand, is often so deeply felt that it leads to a new sense of God’s presence. This is powerfully expressed in Psalm 22. (“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)

This prayer not only is the expression of the experience of the people of Israel, but also the culmination of the Christian experience. When Jesus spoke these words on the cross, total aloneness and full acceptance touched each other. In that moment of complete emptiness, all was fulfilled. In that hour of darkness, new light was seen. While death was witnessed, life was affirmed.”

Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life by Henri J. M. Nouwen
 
God, God . . . my God! Why did you dump me miles from nowhere?
Doubled up with pain, I call to God all the day long. No answer. Nothing.
I keep at it all night, tossing and turning.

And you! Are you indifferent, above it all, leaning back on the cushions of Israel’s praise?
We know you were there for our parents: they cried for your help and you gave it; they trusted and lived a good life.

And here I am, a nothing—an earthworm, something to step on, to squash.
Everyone pokes fun at me; they make faces at me, they shake their heads:
“Let’s see how God handles this one; since God likes him so much, let God help him!”

I’m a bucket kicked over and spilled, every joint in my body has been pulled apart.
My heart is a blob of melted wax in my gut.
I’m dry as a bone, my tongue black and swollen.
They have laid me out for burial in the dirt.

Now packs of wild dogs come at me; thugs gang up on me.
They pin me down hand and foot, and lock me in a cage—a bag of bones in a cage, stared at by every passerby.
They take my wallet and the shirt off my back, and then throw dice for my clothes.

The Message by Eugene Peterson

"God of presence and absence, I know that no matter if I feel your nearness or remoteness, you have never forsaken me. I, however, have alienated you through sin. Somehow I hope that these sins will not be fruitless, but will be transformed through your forgiveness. Amen.”

Lent and Easter Wisdom by Henri J. M. Nouwen

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

The Faces prayer group will meet on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. in our new regular spot, the Family Life Center conference room off of the gym (the old weight room) at First Presbyterian Church-Midland. Lunch ($5) and fellowship will follow our time of prayer.

If you have prayer concerns or celebrations 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.

Blessings,

Chris

In the News ... "Local churchgoers give back"

OA Photo by Edyta Blaszczyk

• CrossRoads’ Give Life event draws hundreds

By Jared Wilson, Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - CrossRoads Fellowship spread out across Odessa, Midland and Monahans on last week to give back to the community with the annual Give Life event.

For the third consecutive year, members of the church went out to various locations to do community projects such as painting rooms, cleaning up school campuses and highway sites. Lead Pastor the Rev. Griffin Jones says it is all about giving back.

Nearly 1,200 people met, grabbed some snacks and drinks and were off to their location with smiles and excitement to serve the community.

• read the rest of this OA report ...

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. How often have you wondered, where are the young adults in the PC(USA)? Wonder no longer. The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer and Study is devoted to the theme of young adults in the church. Its stories, many told by young adults, lift up how Presbyterians of all ages are engaging and joining with Presbyterian young adults in reforming the church for Christ’s mission.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: May 13, 2014

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (continued) - I was frustrated. We had agreed that 9 youth from the Kananga Presbytery choir could travel with us to Mutoto, but 13 showed up. We had squeezed them into the Land Cruiser but now had just blown our third tire, only halfway to our destination. There was no AAA or tow truck to call in rural Congo! God provided another vehicle to transport part of our group—but the journey was still arduous. This vehicle got stuck in a mud hole, our way was blocked by a large tree that had to be chopped and moved, and then we got stuck in the mud again going up a hill.

CLICK HERE to read more.

ChinaAid: "Christians give letter denouncing Sanjiang Church’s forced demolition to Chinese Consulate"

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.

Christians give letter denouncing Sanjiang Church’s forced demolition to Chinese Consulate

Distributed by ChinaAid, April, 2014 ...

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Pastors from American and Chinese churches, a representative from China Aid’s Los Angeles office, representatives from the Overseas Pastors of House Churches of China organization, and local Christians will go to Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles to present officials with an open letter, condemning the forced demolition of Sanjiang Church in Wenzhou, Zhejiang and demanding a trial for the people responsible for the demolition.

Sanjiang Church was demolished on Monday after the government went back on an agreement it had made with the Church to leave the church building alone ...

• more on this story from China Aid

Invitation to Prayer: Wednesday

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).

Experience God as Presence and Absence

““In prayer, God’s presence is never separated from God’s absence and God’s absence is never separated from God’s presence. The presence of God is so much beyond the human experience of being together that it quite easily is perceived as absence. The absence of God, on the other hand, is often so deeply felt that it leads to a new sense of God’s presence. This is powerfully expressed in Psalm 22. (“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)

This prayer not only is the expression of the experience of the people of Israel, but also the culmination of the Christian experience. When Jesus spoke these words on the cross, total aloneness and full acceptance touched each other. In that moment of complete emptiness, all was fulfilled. In that hour of darkness, new light was seen. While death was witnessed, life was affirmed.”

Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life by Henri J. M. Nouwen
 
God, God . . . my God! Why did you dump me miles from nowhere?
Doubled up with pain, I call to God all the day long. No answer. Nothing.
I keep at it all night, tossing and turning.

And you! Are you indifferent, above it all, leaning back on the cushions of Israel’s praise?
We know you were there for our parents: they cried for your help and you gave it; they trusted and lived a good life.

And here I am, a nothing—an earthworm, something to step on, to squash.
Everyone pokes fun at me; they make faces at me, they shake their heads:
“Let’s see how God handles this one; since God likes him so much, let God help him!”

I’m a bucket kicked over and spilled, every joint in my body has been pulled apart.
My heart is a blob of melted wax in my gut.
I’m dry as a bone, my tongue black and swollen.
They have laid me out for burial in the dirt.

Now packs of wild dogs come at me; thugs gang up on me.
They pin me down hand and foot, and lock me in a cage—a bag of bones in a cage, stared at by every passerby.
They take my wallet and the shirt off my back, and then throw dice for my clothes.

The Message by Eugene Peterson

"God of presence and absence, I know that no matter if I feel your nearness or remoteness, you have never forsaken me. I, however, have alienated you through sin. Somehow I hope that these sins will not be fruitless, but will be transformed through your forgiveness. Amen.”

Lent and Easter Wisdom by Henri J. M. Nouwen

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

The Faces prayer group will meet on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. in our new regular spot, the Family Life Center conference room off of the gym (the old weight room) at First Presbyterian Church-Midland. Lunch ($5) and fellowship will follow our time of prayer.

If you have prayer concerns or celebrations 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.

Blessings,

Chris

In the News ... "Immanuel Baptist welcomes new pastor"

OA Photo by Mark Sterkel

• The Rev. Landon Coleman returns to a place he calls home

By Jared Wilson, Reporter
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Change can be a scary thing, but in the case of the new pastor for Immanuel Baptist Church, the Rev. Landon Coleman, change is filled with excitement to return home to his home state and start a new life in Odessa.

In November, the Rev. Don Allen announced that when Immanuel Baptist had found his replacement, and he would step down as the lead pastor. Through old, but familiar contacts, Coleman and his family were called to Odessa, and are excited about the opportunity to come back to a place he is somewhat familiar with.

• read the rest of this OA report ...