Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Partners Blog: “The world keeps spinning: pressing on when fear is imminent”

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
“The world keeps spinning: pressing on when fear is imminent”

As we witness an unprecedented global reaction to the novel coronavirus outbreak, it’s easy to watch the news and clutch our pearls with fear and anxiety.

But the reality is this: the world keeps spinning.

Yes, we must be careful. Yes, we will take the necessary precautions to fight off the spread of COVID-19.

Nevertheless, we continue to do what we’ve always done ...

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/

In the News ... "Lifelong music man leads"

OA Photo by Eli Hartman
• Hill continues decades-long career at Northside Baptist

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - The Rev. David Hill has played a variety of roles during his work at Southern Baptist churches in Texas and Oklahoma but is now doing what he loves best, serving as worship leader and directing the choir at Northside Baptist Church at 100 W. 50th Street ...

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.

Photo Courtesy of Caldwell Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, N.C.
Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 31, 2020

RIGHTING THE WRONGS OF SLAVERY - At Caldwell Presbyterian Church, the walls of our sanctuary talk. The voices are those of enslaved African Americans owned by the Caldwell family on a plantation north of our city of Charlotte, North Carolina. Before emancipation, their forced labor, blood, sweat and tears created the fortune that was later given to this church to build its sanctuary in 1922.

Today, the walls of that sanctuary cry out for justice ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Monday, March 30, 2020

From @chinaaid : "Shandong authorities ban online preaching"

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
Shandong authorities ban online preaching
Distributed by ChinaAid, March 2020 ...

JINAN, SHANDONG, CHINA – Authorities in China’s Shandong province banned online preaching. They also ordered the eradication of non-official churches ...

More on this story from ChinaAid ...


In the News ... "MMH seeks donations of equipment, supplies"

Hearst Media Photo by Christian Abraham
• Coronavirus outbreak has led to restricted quantities of protective equipment

Staff Report
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Midland Memorial Hospital has moved its mobile donation location to the Abell Hanger Pavilion, 200 Andrews Highway. The site will be staffed 10 a.m.-noon Monday through Friday.

MMH normally doesn’t accept donations of equipment or supplies, but ...

 • Read the rest of this MRT report ...

In the News ... "Calling all seamstresses: Covenant Health seeks DIY medical mask"

Photo provided by Covenant Health
“We have received so many offers to help make masks from our community”

By Adam Young, Reporter
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - Lubbock area seamstresses and seamsters have a hands-on way to help in the ongoing battle to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Covenant Health on Tuesday shared a public appeal for those handy with a sewing machine to help make and donate face masks that can be used in medical settings. Covenant shared specific instructions for making the cotton cloth masks that, when completed, would have slot opening where filters can be added to increase their effectiveness ...

 • 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.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 30, 2020
The Rev. Dr. N. Graham Standish

WHO DO WE ADMIRE? - I’ve been working with a pastor for a number of years, helping him invigorate a somewhat stagnant church. We’ve talked about a lot in the process, and the results of our conversations are showing signs of breathing new life into the congregation. But it’s still been a frustrating ministry for this pastor. He’s struggled because much of what he’s tried hasn’t worked. ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Sunday, March 29, 2020

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.

Jon Tyson/Unsplash
Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 29, 2020

DECISIONS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE - How long, O Lord? This anguished cry flows from the mouths of millions of beleaguered folks in this, the richest nation in the world. We hear reports of the wealth of our richest citizens and see on our streets those who have no place to sleep. We pass beggars at intersections with their cardboard signs asking for a pittance. Our star athletes are offered monumental amounts of money to play the sports we so avidly watch, and even those among them who grossly misbehave can afford fines in the millions of dollars ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

From Austin Seminary: "Lenten Devotional for 5th Sunday in Lent with Bill Greenway"

This Lenten season we invite you into conversation with members of our faculty as they reflect on the theme of Easter Hope. Today, we visit with Dr. William Greenway Professor of Philosophical Theology wgreenway@austinseminary.edu.




For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.

We hope that you are preparing the way for the Lord in your life as you read these meditations and prayers. And, we hope this Advent season is a meaningful one for you. Please know that Austin Seminary’s dedicated, diverse, and loving community of faith is not complete without you. Did you know?

   Students in our masters-degree programs receive up to 85% need-based tuition aid.
   Historically, more than 80% of our graduates are called to congregational ministry.
   Our students come from more than a dozen denominations.
   Our alumni serve in ministry in forty-eight U.S. states as well as in twenty different countries across the world.

Your gift to Austin Seminary contributes to scholarships, housing, computer equipment, library materials, and other resources needed by seminarians as they fulfill their calls to Christian service and leadership.

Your support underwrites the finest theological faculty and an administration committed to upholding the highest standards possible with respect to the unique vocation of ministry.

Every gift is significant and is appreciated. They are put to work right away and make a real impact. Please send your gift today.

CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Equal Exchange Podcast ... "Podcast Episode 13: Taking a Passion for Food Online"

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.


Podcast Episode 13: Taking a Passion for Food Online"

Food sustains us – and it brings people together, too. Chelsea Colbath found that out when she brought her interest in eating and cooking in healthy ways online, as a professional blogger and food photographer. Danielle Robidoux and Gary Goodman talked to her about tricks of the trade, and about the power of connecting with other ethical eaters, online and IRL ...

CLICK HERE to listen to the rest of this post


In the News ... "Video+Gallery: Kelly Memorial Food Pantry hosts food distribution Friday afternoon"

EPHP Photo by Ruben R. Ramirez
• Opportunities for those wishing to help

By Ruben R. Ramirez, Reporter/Photographer
El Paso Herald-Post


EL PASO, TEXAS - On Friday afternoon, Kelly Memorial Food Pantry and their volunteers held a open food distribution event at their location in Central El Paso.

Scores of El Pasoans made their way to the facilities parking lot, where volunteers with protective gear handed out the boxes of food ...

Read the rest of this EPHP report, and enjoy the photo album ...

In the News ... "Donations being accepted at SMMC"

"We are humbled by the generosity of all who have inquired about donating medical supplies"

Staff Report
Big Spring Herald


BIG SPRING, TEXAS - Scenic Mountain Medical Center issued a press release Friday afternoon stating they are now accepting donations, at this time ...

Read the rest of this BSH report ...

In the News ... "Tell me something good ..."

KWES Photo
• ... Midlanders come together to pray for nurses, doctors and staff at MMH

Staff Report
KOSA-TV


MIDLAND, TEXAS - Midlanders came together Thursday night (in their vehicles) to show their support for the nurses, doctors and staff working at Midland Memorial Hospital ...

read/watch the rest of this KOSA report 


In the News ... "Churches announce service changes, home-worship options"


• Here is a look at the communications received by the Standard-Times to date

By Matthew McDaniel, Reporter
San Angelo Standard Times


SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - From live streaming of services to limiting funeral attendance to 10 mourners, San Angelo area churches rushed this week to formulate their ministry outreach programs as COVID-19 numbers continue to climb daily around the world ...

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.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 28, 2020

STEPPING OUT IN FAITH -
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
— Robert Frost

Two direction signs pointing in different directionsI hadn’t read this poem in years and so, when a friend recently included it in an email, it brought back memories. ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Friday, March 27, 2020

From ServLife International ... "Thank you for your prayers and support during my trip"

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.



Thank you for your prayers and support during my trip

I'm back from my trip! Thank you for your prayers and support this month. It has been needed and means a lot.

My family did well during my trip, and the kids are now home remote learning from school for a while. I'm glad I'm home.

The Pastors' Conference was supposed to be this week, but due to global challenges with COVID-19 we decided to postpone. Last Saturday, things were escalating quickly in the USA, with all of my own children's schools deciding to close. The government of Nepal also started banning large gatherings and closing entertainment venues. The US Embassy has only confirmed one case in Nepal, but the government is taking extreme measures to keep people safe, which I totally agree with. So last Sunday my friend and photographer from Texas, Kyle, and I returned to Nepal early from India and by that evening he was on a flight home and I was the next day. We also cancelled fellow Texan Justin's trip.

It was hard to leave my friends in India and Nepal quickly, but I'm confident it was the right decision and I'm glad to be home with my family now. As more cases of COVID-19 are confirmed in India and Nepal, please pray for safety and protection for the people, children and pastors, and wisdom for government leaders.

Apart from my trip getting cut short by a week, it was a great experience. I got to spend time with 14 women concluding their one month of sewing training that also included Bible studies, church lay-leadership training and much more. When I visited their class we discussed Priscilla and Aquila, who sewed tents 2,000 years ago. They took Paul under their wing and discipled him in the way of Jesus, and the known world was changed due to their investment. God can use all of us no matter what our job is. We are all created in him to do good works in this world (Eph. 2:10).

I got to ride a motorcycle out to east Nepal with two of our national staff, and we visited six pastors in just a few days. It was great getting to visit them in their villages and meet people in their church. I look forward to sharing some of their stories in the months to come.

Kyle and I got to visit the school in India, and had a fun time playing with the kids and delivering sponsorship letters. We visited six of the kids' families and got to hear firsthand how this new school has created new opportunities for their children and families.

It was a great trip, and I'm so grateful to be in partnership with such amazing leaders in India and Nepal. I'm also grateful for you, and appreciate your prayers and support. During this uncertain time, may God give you peace and his divine Presence.

Thank you,




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 ... "Payton: WTFB can use residents’ help"

MRT Photo by Jacy Lewis
"It’s time for us to sacrifice for one another aggressively as we get past this”

By Stewart Doreen, Editer/Photographer
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND/ODESSA, TEXAS - Midland Mayor Patrick Payton said Wednesday that the West Texas Food Bank can use the community’s support.

Payton said during an afternoon press conference that the oil price downturn and coronavirus pandemic have placed an economic hardship on the region, and there is a great demand on the food the WTFB provides ...

 • Read the rest of this MRT report ...

From @FWMission ... Friday Story: “Cornerstone of Our Progress”

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.



FWM Photo
Friday Story: “Cornerstone of Our Progress”

I’m filled with gratitude for all who have been faithfully supporting Free Wheelchair Mission, often doing so quietly for years with little fanfare.

One group that deserves special recognition is the Circle of Mobility ...

Read/watch the rest of this story ...

Here's a Chance for YOU to Get Involved!

“Get Rolling!” with Grace Presbyterian and Free Wheelchair Mission ...

In the News ... "Midland senior centers check on their members"

MRT Photo by Tim Fischer
• They have 1,000 members between the two centers

By Caitlyn Randle, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Midland’s senior centers have been calling their members to ask if they need assistance and provide information on available resources.

“We are calling each one of our senior center members, making sure they’re doing OK and asking what their needs are and how we can assist,” Tracy Renton, development director for Senior Life Midland, said Wednesday. “We’re here to protect them.”...

 • Read the rest of this MRT report ...

In the News ... "Local artist, 85, inspired to paint 'Jesus watching over San Angelo' amid COVID-19"

SAST Photo
""I wanted to show Jesus, our Shepherd, is here for us all"

By John Tufts, Reporter
San Angelo Standard Times


SAN ANGELO, TEXAS - An 85-year-old local artist felt inspired to create a painting depicting Jesus of Nazareth watching over San Angelo amid the coronavirus outbreak.

"Call it a prayer," said artist Barbara Jones ...

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.

Photo by Ken Rummer
Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 27, 2020

MEMORY BOX - A box to put memories in. That’s my current project in the wood shop ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

In the News ... "Anonymous Midlander will match all donations to Helping Hands"

MRT Photo by Steve Kuhlmann
“It was looking extremely bleak ..."

By Caitlin Randle,, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - An anonymous Midlander has offered to match all donations to Helping Hands of Midland up to $100,000 to assist the agency in serving those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Mary Hardin, executive director of the nonprofit, said they had “virtually no money coming in” after they were forced to temporarily close their thrift store because of the pandemic. She said the store supplied most of the funds for operating expenses, financial assistance for those they serve and their food pantry ...

 • Read the rest of this MRT report ...

In the News ... "Spreading the word, not the virus: Lubbock area churches find ways to worship despite distancing"

LAJ Photo by Adam Young
• Being active and connecting with the community even in times of social distancing

By Adam Young, Reporter
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - Sunday morning didn’t look the same at churches around Lubbock.

Pews were largely empty as Lubbockites, like millions around the country, practiced social distancing to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

But that doesn’t mean many in the community didn’t practice their faith over the weekend ...

 • 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.

Clark Tibbs/Unsplash
Today in the Mission Yearbook: March 26, 2020

SMALL CHURCHES - It seems that in today’s culture, the “bigger is better” philosophy is all around us. Supercenters, 75-inch flat-screen televisions and mega-sized smartphones have become the norm. The church is not immune to this growing trend (pun intended), as many communities are seeing the growth of the megachurch — churches with hundreds in worship, often across multiple campuses and varying service times. It is as if the larger the church membership becomes, the healthier the church is perceived to be, leaving smaller congregations often feeling inadequate. While megachurches may appear to be the new norm, statistics paint a different picture ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

In the News ... "Blessing Box bringing hope to Monahans community"

KWES Photo
"As long as I'm able, I'm going to fill it up. And as long as people are able, I hope that they come and fill it up also."

By Rachel Ripp, Reporter
KWES-TV

MONAHANS, TEXAS - Ashley Arroyo is giving her hometown the one thing we all need right now: hope.

She and her family built what’s called a Blessing Box ...

 • Read/watch the rest of this KWES report ...

In the News ... “Connection Christian Church takes its service to the parking lot"

KWES Photo
• Pastor Dawn Weaks said even without being physically together, being able to look to your left and right and see your neighbor is comforting.

By Tate Owen, Reporter
KWES-TV

ODESSA, TEXAS - Churches all over the nation are changing the way they delivered their messages to their congregations while practicing social distancing.

Many churches took their services online, but one Odessa church took their service to the parking lot. On Sunday, cars parked and the worshiping began ...

 • Read/watch the rest of this KWES report ...

In the News ... "Job’s fortitude examined"

Painting by Gustav Doré
• Biblical patriarch should inspire faith, ministers say

By Bob Campbell, Reporter
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - The travails of Job as described in the book named for him were so severe that many of today’s Christians would lose their faith if they were tested so harshly, ministers say ...

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: March 25, 2020

NAP MINISTRY - I received a text from a friend instructing me to “bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow or whatever you’d like for resting comfortably on the floor.” I was going to be joining her at a nap ministry event ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Partners Blog: “Simple things you can do to help the world when it feels hopeless”

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
“Simple things you can do to help the world when it feels hopeless”

As we noted on our recent blog post, the world is in an uncertain place. As conflicts progress, displaced families become increasingly vulnerable to illness outbreaks.

Reading the news can make you feel helpless. Perhaps you feel disconnected from the suffering of people in faraway places.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

If you care about children affected by conflict and oppression and want to do something to help, here are some steps you can take today ...

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/

In the News ... "Christian singer Mitch McVicker walking faithfully in late Rich Mullins' footsteps"

"I am setting out to be guided by the Love of God."

By Greg Jaklewicz, Reporter
Abilene Reporter-News

ABILENE, TEXAS - A beloved name, still, in Christian music is Rich Mullins.

Mullins died in 1997, when the Jeep in which he was riding overturned. Severely injured in the crash was Mitchell McVicker, who both performed and collaborated with Mullins. Above all, they were Christian brothers.

Their last project together was "The Jesus Record," released the next year. In 1999, the Gospel Music Association honored their song "My Deliverer" as song of the year.

More than 20 years later, McVickers still is recording and touring extensively ...

read the rest of this ARN report ...


EDITOR'S NOTE: McVicker's March 24th concert at Wylie Christian Church in Abilene has been postponed

In the News ... "Surgeon forms Facebook group to sew masks"

OA Photo by Elia Hartman
• Started group on March 18, and it now has more than 350 members

By Ruth Campbell, Reporter
Odessa American


ODESSA, TEXAS - Facing depletion in its stock of surgical masks, a general surgeon with Medical Center Hospital has formed a Facebook group to help increase the supply.

Dr. Faye Armstrong-Papp, who also is chair of the hospital’s department of surgery, said the immediate goal of the group, Masks for Medics Odessa, TX, is to sew 2,000 masks ...

Read the rest of this OA report ...