Saturday, November 30, 2019

Equal Exchange Podcast ... "Podcast Episode 11: The Spicy Origins of Burlap & Barrel"

Equal Exchange's mission is to build long-term trade partnerships that are economically just and environmentally sound, to foster mutually beneficial relationships between farmers and consumers and to demonstrate, through our success, the contribution of worker co-operatives and Fair Trade to a more equitable, democratic and sustainable world.


Equal Exchange Photo
Podcast Episode 11: The Spicy Origins of Burlap & Barrel"

Where do you go to find the most unusual spices? Former chef Ethan Frisch travels all over the world. More specifically, he seeks out farmers who are growing herbs and seasonings of exceptional quality, and through his company, Burlap & Barrel, he helps them connect with a global market. This month on The Stories Behind Our Food, Ethan joined us for a conversation about fair trade and the entrepreneurial spirit ...

CLICK HERE to listen to the rest of this post


In the News ... "Penance services planned at Catholic churches in San Angelo diocese"

ARN Photo by Ronald W. Erdrich
“One of the most precious gifts that Jesus Christ gave the human race is the Sacrament of Penance”

By Loretta Fulton, Reporter
Abilene Reporter-News

ABILENE, TEXAS - Local and area Catholic churches will be have penance services during Advent, which begins Sunday ...

Read the rest of this ARN report ...

In the News ... "Empty Stocking needs help"


• Helping those in need in Odessa

Staff Report
The Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The 25th year of the Empty Stocking Fund has started with a goal of $100,000 and that won’t be met without your help. Funds stay in Ector County and help needy families like that of Sadie, not her real name, a mom who recently had a leg amputated. She has not been able to return to work and a happy holiday is difficult.

This family can be helped through the Empty Stocking Fund, an annual fundraising effort by the Odessa American and Salvation Army of Odessa ...

read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "Lubbock Faith Briefs"

Courtesy Photo
• What’s going on in South Plains churches

By Erica Pauda, Reporter
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - From the Avalanche-Journal, news of regular services, and special events and programs at houses of faith in Lubbock and across the South Plains ...

 • Read the rest of this LAJ report ...

 • More from the LAJ's "South Plains Faith Calendar" ...

In the News ... "Odessa Church News"


• Today and in the days ahead, in Odessa-area houses of worship

Staff Report
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - Coming events include worship services, classes, Bible studies, community outreach, fundraisers, mission opportunities and more ...

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.


Today in the Mission Yearbook: November 30, 2019

MATTHEW 25 CALL - For Grace Presbyterian Church in Martins Ferry, Ohio, answering the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s invitation to become a Matthew 25 church was such a natural fit, it didn’t hesitate ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Friday, November 29, 2019

In the News ... "Gingerbread Haven kicks off the month with sweet and spice"

MRT Photo by James Durbin
• Event also raises awareness about MFH services

Staff Report
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Midland Fair Havens celebrates eight years of frosting and fellowship with its annual Gingerbread Haven event on Tuesday at the Horseshoe Pavilion. The morning luncheon and afternoon family project raises money for programming that helps single mothers and children achieve self-sufficiency ...

 • Read the rest of this MRT report ...

In the News ... "Belmont Baptist Church delivers Thanksgiving meals "

KMID/KPEJ Photo
“It’s an opportunity to do what we’re called to do"

By Yoselin Person, Reporter
KMID-TV/KPEV-TV


ODESSA, TEXAS - The giving hasn’t stopped in West Texas. One Odessa church took the time to deliver Thanksgiving meals to those who need it.

Many volunteers from Belmont Baptist Church hit the road to make a difference by serving meals to local families in need ...

Read/watch the rest of this KMID/KPEJ report ... 


In the News ... "Empty Stocking is underway"


• Helping those in need in Odessa

Staff Report
The Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The 25th year of the Empty Stocking Fund has started with a goal of $100,000 and that won’t be met without your help. Funds stay in Ector County and help needy families like that of Meredith, not her real name, a struggling single mom to two children. She doesn’t get financial help from her ex-spouse and money is limited.

This family can be helped through the Empty Stocking Fund, an annual fundraising effort by the Odessa American and Salvation Army of Odessa ...

read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "College food insecurities in Abilene: Cisco College pantry called 'a lifesaver'"

ARN Photo by Greg Jaklewicz
• Do students know help is available?

By Loretta Fulton, Reporter
Abilene Reporter-News

ABILENE, TEXAS - The neatly arranged rows of boxed and canned foods, diapers and wipes, laundry detergent and other household goods make a statement that this pantry is tended to by someone who cares deeply about its appearance and its purpose.

That someone is Latrice Gooden, a student volunteer at the Food For Thought pantry at the Abilene campus of Cisco College ...

Read the rest of this ARN 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.

Photo by Michael Erdelyi
Today in the Mission Yearbook: November 29, 2019

SOUL CHILDREN OF CHICAGO AND TRIENNIUM - “Total joy” is how Presbyterian Youth Triennium director Gina Yeager-Buckley remembers one of this year’s experiences. Thinking about it still gives her energy ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

FBR Report: "Northern Burma Clash Account – October 2019"

The Free Burma Rangers (FBR) is a multi-ethnic humanitarian service movement. They bring help, hope and love to people in the war zones of Burma (Myanmar) and the Middle East. 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.




"Northern Burma Clash Account – October 2019"

October has seen a continuation of conflict within and around Kutkai Township, with Burma Army units being supported by air. Conflict in Northern Burma has reduced in Kachin State over the last year and increased in northern Shan State, where trade routes and ethnic enclaves reside in contested territory ...

CLICK HERE to read/watch the rest of this FBR Report ...

CLICK HERE to learn how YOU can get involved in FBR and its mission ...

“LOVE EACH OTHER.
UNITE AND WORK FOR FREEDOM, JUSTICE, AND PEACE.
FORGIVE AND DON’T HATE EACH OTHER.
PRAY WITH FAITH, ACT WITH COURAGE, NEVER SURRENDER.”

In the News ... "Jalisco Cafe offering free Thanksgiving Day dinner for all"

Photo Courtesy of Jalisco Cafe
“Everyone, and we mean everyone is welcome!”

Staff Report
El Paso Herald-Post


EL PASO, TEXAS - As they’ve done over 15 years, the Jalisco Cafe will again open its doors on Thanksgiving Day to provide a full course traditional Thanksgiving meal for those who would normally not have one ...

Read the rest of this EPHP report ...

In the News ... "Bulldog Steel hosting Thanksgiving meal"

“It’s all about the community, not us.”

By Cindy Pinch, Reporter
Big Spring Herald


BIG SPRING, TEXAS - Bulldog Steel will be hosting a Thanksgiving meal for the community on from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

“We are here to support you. We want everyone to enjoy this,” Shayla Walisa, with Bulldog Steel, said.

The Thanksgiving meal is free to the public and is the company’s way to give back to the community ...

Read the rest of this BSH report ...

In the News ... "Soup kitchen feeds Tall City residents before holiday"

KOSA Photo
• A place of gathering, especially for those who do not have anyone

By Alex Valdez, Reporter
KOSA-TV


MIDLAND, TEXAS - A soup kitchen in Midland is responsible for feeding over 500 Tall City residents right before the holiday.

Midland Soup Kitchen Ministry held their ‘34th Annual Thanksgiving Lunch’ for anyone living in the Tall City ...

Read/watch the rest of this KOSA report 


In the News ... "Curbside Bistro prepares for Thanksgiving for the community"

KMID/KPEJ Photo
• Doors open to everyone today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

By Yoselin Person, Reporter
KMID-TV/KPEV-TV


ODESSA, TEXAS - Many people begin to prep those turkeys for Thanksgiving, and one Odessa man and his team will be doing the same for hundreds of people ...

Read/watch the rest of this KMID/KPEJ report ... 


In the News ... "Empty Stocking begins today"


• Fund was created by the Odessa American in 1995 and has raised more than $1.9 million

Staff Report
The Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - The 25th year of the Empty Stocking Fund begins today. The goal is $100,000 and won’t be met without your help. Funds stay in Ector County and help needy families like that of Nancy, not her real name. She is a widowed grandmother raising her deceased child’s young children and needs help as she is still under medical treatment herself.

This family can be helped through the Empty Stocking Fund, an annual fundraising effort by the Odessa American and Salvation Army of Odessa ...

read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "San Angelo's Terry Mikeska spending Thanksgiving in Nepal"

Photo Contributed by Terry Mikeska Foundation
• Local philanthropist is working through Thanksgiving in Nepal on his 54th mission trip to the country

By Matthew McDaniel, Reporter
San Angelo Standard Times


SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - Terry Mikeska and his sister, Rebekah Ocker, are celebrating Thanksgiving in Nepal this year, as the local philanthropist works his way through a 54th mission trip to the Himalayan nation since a devastating earthquake struck in April 2015 ...

Read the rest of this SAST report

In the News ... "Here are some San Angelo nonprofits you can help with holiday donations"

Photo by Getty Images
"Christmas is an urgent time of year for people that are left out and fall through the cracks."

By Rosanna Aguilera, Reporter
San Angelo Standard Times


SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - 'Tis the season to ensure our loved ones know how much they mean, a time to give your heart. And in that spirit, San Angelo nonprofits are asking for the community to give to their causes as wel ...

Read the rest of this SAST 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.

Contributed Photo
Today in the Mission Yearbook: November 28, 2019

HOLMES CAMP & RETREAT CENTER - It’s been a few months since Holmes Camp & Retreat Center in Holmes, New York, made history. Now the camp’s executive director, the Rev. Bryan Breault, is hearing lovely things from the parents of campers from across the country ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

From Adam Nevins, ServLife International ... "Happy Thanksgiving!"

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



ServLife Photo
Happy Thanksgiving!

Pratima (pictured above) works with the staff at our India school to feed every child a full, healthy meal each day. Many of the kids don't always get a full meal at home so their huge lunch of rice, lentils, vegetables and occasional meat is critical to their development.

Last Friday I returned home after three weeks in India and Nepal and had a lot of rice and lentils myself on the trip. It reminded me of how I'm able to eat what I want and as much as I want in the USA. As much as I like that convenience, I'm even more grateful for the opportunity to sponsor a child in India to help them have nutritional meals.

I'm also thankful for you and your partnership to help hundreds of children receive an education, food, care and love. May God bless you this Thanksgiving as you gather with family and friends, and may God continue to bless our efforts to share our provisions with others. Happy Thanksgiving.




From Adam Nevins
Executive Director
ServLife International Inc.







Join Our Mission

ServLife International propels reconciliation and justice by building global community to plant churches, care for children and fight poverty. Compelled by the message, life and love of Jesus Christ, we seek to care for the spiritual, physical, social, and economic areas of life in northern India and Nepal.  Learn more about our latest news, featured stories, and how to get involved at servlife.org

Support a Pastor

Our church planters spread
the love of Christ in some of the most difficult
environments in the world.
Support Them ... 

Sponsor a Child

For only $30 per month you can help give a child food, education, care and, most importantly, hope.
Sponsor Now ... 

Fight Poverty

The HOPE Fund, our micro-finance program, provides start-up funds for a small business, paving a way out of poverty for families in need.
Learn More ...



ServLife International, Inc.
P.O. Box 20596
Indianapolis, IN 46220
USA


In the News ... "El Paso Rugs owner sees hope in wax figures of Jesus, Virgin Mary formed by melting candle"

EPT Photo by Samuel Gaytan
• In a state of despair, the 65-year-old turned to an antique painting of the Virgin Mary

By Samuel Gaytan, Reporter/Photographer
El Paso Times


EL PASO, TEXAS - Rick Gutierrez believes he has an extra reason to be thankful this holiday season.

In June, the owner of El Paso Rugs said he was going through a hard time ...

Read the rest of this EPT report ...

In the News ... "Giving to provide Thanksgiving dinner"

ARN Photo by Greg Jaklewicz
• Church's goal was to provide about 150 dinners

By Greg Jaklewicz, Reporter
Abilene Reporter-News

ABILENE, TEXAS - The food pantry at First Central Presbyterian Church got started early Tuesday ...

Read the rest of this ARN report ...

In the News ... "Two Non-Profit organizations pair up to make a difference this Thanksgiving "

KMID/KPEJ Photo
• Breaking Bread pairs with Masa Rescue

By Felize Romero, Reporter
KMID-TV/KPEV-TV


MIDLAND, TEXAS - A night stuffed with gratitude and love, Breaking Bread in Midland making sure everyone has something to be thankful for this holiday season ...

Read/watch the rest of this KMID/KPEJ report ... 


In the News ... "Ministering to the hungry"

Courtesy Photo
• Midland Soup Kitchen Ministry prepares for the holidays

By Caitlin Randle,, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Midland Soup Kitchen Ministry has been serving the area for 35 years, and since they opened, they’ve prepared Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for hundreds of people.

Last year, they fed about 650 people for Thanksgiving and close to 800 for Christmas, said Nancy Ivy. Ivy and her husband, Jason, run the soup kitchen with their sons, Jay Anthony and Nathen.

Ivy said preparations for Thanksgiving begin the Sunday before when she thaws out 32 turkeys ...

 • Read the rest of this MRT 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.

Photo by Tammy Warren
Today in the Mission Yearbook: November 27, 2019

REV. DR. LUCY DERGARABEDIAN - The Rev. Dr. Lucy Dergarabedian left Lebanon 30 years ago, knowing she would likely never live there again. She wanted to be a minister of Word and Sacrament and that was not an option for her in her home country ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Partners Blog: “Shan healthcare workers shine in English class”

Steve and Oddny Gumaer started Partners Relief and Development in response to the needs of refugees and displaced people from Burma, and now in the Middle East, as well. Their mission is to demonstrate, through holistic action, God’s love to children and communities made vulnerable by war in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other conflict zones.

PR&D Photo
“Shan healthcare workers shine in English class”

In a village nestled between mountains along the Thai-Myanmar border that is home to many internally displaced persons from Shan State, Myanmar, Partners has been quietly walking alongside Shan young adults for over a decade. Today we support a locally-run medical clinic and provide a comprehensive education for medics and clinical health workers (CHWs) training in the area.

The young medics and CHWs learn English and throughout their 8-month intensive program ...

Read the rest of this post ...




Partners Relief and Development is a registered charity in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States. "We’re a small, grassroots nonprofit passionate about making a big impact in communities affected by conflict and oppression, demonstrating God’s love to children and giving them the opportunity to live free, full lives." For more information aboput Partners, visit their website at partners.ngo/

News from Presbyterian World Mission ... November 2019


A message from Presbyterian World Mission ... Presbyterians do mission in partnership. We believe that doing mission in partnership broadens our awareness of how interconnectional God’s mission is at the local, national and global levels. The one table around which we gather is God’s table and the one mission to which we are called is God’s mission.



November 2019

The Fall 2019 issue of Mission Crossroads is
   focused on Migration: Faith, Not Fear;
Give to World Mission and double the impact
   of your gift;
Advent Lectionary Reflections;
Respond to a world in need on
   #GivingTuesday;
Mission stories - and invitations - from around
   the world;
Matthew 25 Welcome Kit;
and more!

Read this month's News from Presbyterian World Mission ...


In the News ... "Student clubs/organization holding Christmas toy drive"

• Going on through December 6 at Midland College; benefiting High Sky Children’s Ranch

Staff Report
West Texas Missioner


MIDLAND, TEXAS - It’s the most wonderful time of the year….. and just is time for Black Friday shopping!

We are so excited to share the wish lists (below) for this year’s Christmas angels from High Sky Children’s Ranch, brothers: Damarin and Davaria! I will make routine updates as items on their lists have been purchased.

Thank you for your continued support, and for helping promote the spirit of benevolence among your students!

Any additional items collected are also donated to High Sky Children’s Ranch to supplement the need for other children. Feel free to bring items for all ages and genders!

Place your unwrapped gifts under the Christmas tree in the Scharbauer Student Center, on the MC main campus, 3600 N. Garfield Street, in Midland.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

Taneekwa Hurdle
Student Activities Coordinator
Midland College
(432) 685-4543


In the News ... "Abilene blood bank Hendrick Regional Blood Center facing critical need"

Photo: viicha / Getty Images
• Needs at least 60 donors a day to meet its expected demand

By Laura Gutschke, Reporter
Abilene Reporter-News

ABILENE, TEXAS - Hendrick Regional Blood Center has a critical need for all blood types.

"The holiday weekend is only going to strain our already low blood supplies," said Hendrick Health System spokeswoman Lynne Bruton ...

Read the rest of this ARN report ...

In the News ... "Nativities from around the world on display in Floyd County museum"

Contributed Photo
• Almost 500 nativities collected from around the world

By Adam Young, Reporter
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

FLOYDADA, TEXAS - The Floyd County Historical Museum is inviting the public to start the Christmas season early with a display of hundreds of nativity scenes from around the world.

The collection is on display now through the end of January in the museum’s annex, the Barrow Building, in downtown Floydada, according to Sherry Heitzenrater, museum volunteer...

 • Read the rest of this LAJ 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.

Contributed Photo
Today in the Mission Yearbook: November 26, 2019

INLIGHTEN FILMS - Scott Galloway’s father, grandfather and great-grandfather were all Presbyterian pastors. Galloway has followed all three of his preacher forebears — not into the pulpit, but as a storyteller and filmmaker who has created a product that pastors, church educators and others can use to stimulate discussion and make the weekly readings from the Revised Common Lectionary more relatable to Sunday worshipers ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Monday, November 25, 2019

From @chinaaid : "Imprisoned pastor pens poem"

The ChinaAid 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 Photo
Imprisoned pastor pens poem
Distributed by ChinaAid, November 2019 ...

PU'ER, YUNNAN, CHINA – The following poem was written by John Cao, a pastor currently serving seven years in prison in China ...

More on this story from ChinaAid ...