Thursday, June 30, 2022

From ServLife International ... "Survey Prayers Needed"

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
Survey Prayers Needed

By the grace of God, Bhakti and Udaya were able to start the Nepal children’s ministry in 2003. Since then, the ministry has grown from two kids to over 350 children throughout the country. 29 of those kids live in the Kathmandu Children’s Home where Bhakti and Udaya are home parents. Having rented children’s home facilities for decades, they are eager to finally build their own “forever home” for the kids.

The land has been purchased, the blueprints have been drawn up (by EMI – read more about their trip here), and now they are just waiting for the Nepali government to survey the land and settle a property line dispute. Each month, Udaya and his team have reached out asking for someone to come survey the land, and week after week they’ve been told, “yes, yes, someone will come out,” but they just keep delaying it.

After raising $200,000 in the last year for this home, Udaya’s humble request is this, “do not send more money for the building (right now), but please just pray ...

Read/watch the rest of this Servlife report, and learn how you can help ... 

Click here to give a gift to help families and our partners in India and Nepal.


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 ... "Out and About: 'Pink the Basin' luncheon"

MRT Photo by Julie Donnelly
• Raising awareness of women’s health issues, fostering educational and service initiatives that positively embrace women’s health

By Julie Donnelly, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - It was a pink-clad, sold-out crowd that was laughing until their sides hurt at the 2022 Pink the Basin Benefit Luncheon featuring comedian Leanne Morgan.

A pink painted semi-truck that was “Pulling for the Cure” sat parked outside of the event that took place at the Horseshoe. After checking in, a long, lush pink carpet directed everyone underneath a luxurious oversized pink, red and gold balloon arch.

Guests arrived at their seats to find a pink “goody bag” in their seat. A Texas Fiesta Salad topped with either Garlic Rosemary Beef Flank Steak or Flame Grilled Chipotle Lime Chicken Breast was beautifully plated and served for lunch. Dessert was a choice between Berry Chantilly Cake or Key Lime Pie.

Tatum Hubbard welcomed everyone. Dawn Weaks then said the prayer. Breast cancer survivors then hit the runway for a style show, each escorted by a Texas Tech medical student. After that, Leanne Morgan took the stage. She entertained the audience by explaining in a comical way how women change as they grow older and views that they have as they age. Pink the Basin President Sheila Simmons then announced the Volunteer of the Year awards for 2020, 2021 and 2022, which were Christi Callicoatte, Roxy Brown and Tina Mobley, respectively.

Learn more about 'Pink the Basin' ...

From Synod of the Sun, PC(USA) ... SunSpots: "Twisty Tingle Tangles"

Amidst the changes and chances of the COVID-19 pandemic, churches and entities throughout the The Synod of the Sun found ways to not only survive but also find unique and beautiful ways to minister to God's people in need. Mission and ministry takes form in supplying basic necessities, or caring for the environment. Connections have been made via video feed and blankets. Love is supplied via learning how to read and drive-in diapers.



Twisty Tingle Tangles

IIn part three of their continuing conversation, Sarah Leer, Natarsha Sanders, and guest host Elizabeth Brinegar explore the tension of when to silent and when to use their voice. Using Proverbs 21:23 as a touchpoint, they talk about the how and when of speak out and when to listen deeply.

Find their previous conversations, entitled The Educated Life and We Belong to Each Other, on your podcast application.

Don’t listen to podcasts? The same content we post on the SunSpots podcast will also be posted on our YouTube page.

You can find SunSpots on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Alexa (“Hey Alexa, play the SunSpots podcast”), or wherever you find your favorite podcasts.



Find SunSpots on our web page ...


Find SunSpots content on the Synod of the Sun YouTube channel ...
(click on SunSpots playlist)

From PC(USA) Store ... "Books to Help You Better Your Community"

The Presbyterian Church (USA) offers a central online store where you can find all PC(USA)-produced books, curriculum, and resources in one place. PCUSAStore.com is a comprehensive selection of PC(USA) resources that provides the information and materials necessary to support new and existing congregations, leaders, study groups, and individuals forge a deeper understanding of Presbyterian beliefs and doctrines. PCUSAStore.com is maintained by the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, the publishing house of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Geneva Press curriculum publishing, and other agency partners.



Books to Help You Better Your Community

Whether you’re travelling this summer or enjoying a staycation, having a good book by your side to help you unwind from the day and connect with yourself is always a good idea. We’ve collected a great list of books, including spiritual biographies about Eleanor RooseveltJackie Robinson, and Mister Rogers. We also have adult coloring books, a collection of inspirational essays from Barbara Brown Taylor, and the best-selling Soul Feast, Newly Revised Edition: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life.
 
As always, you save 35% on each of these books. Click the button below to find your perfect summer books.




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In the News ... "Midland Habitat for Humanity dedicates the 178th house in program’s history"

• Making homeownership a reality for some of the neediest families in the Permian Basin

Staff Report
Odessa American


MIDLAND/ODESSA, TEXAS - On Tuesday, Habitat for Humanity, Midland announced it has dedicated its 178th house, located at 814 Wolfberry Court, in Midland. The home was funded by the Permian Basin Area Foundation and the Moriah Foundation.

MHFH is one of the premier institutions responsible for constructing affordable housing in the Permian Basin. The organization’s partnership model offers deserving, hard-working families a hand-up. MHFH uses a rigorous qualifying process that includes progress from the application through homeownership. Each participant contributes a minimum of 350 hours of “sweat equity” on the worksite and completes a homeownership education program.

Successful candidates are then awarded a 0% interest mortgage, making homeownership a reality for some of the neediest families in the Permian Basin.

Anyone interested in supporting MHFH’s efforts in the Permian Basin can contact Jeff Meyers, Chief of Staff, at 432-686-8877.

Midland Habitat for Humanity is a Christian based non-profit organization that builds homes for low-income families trapped in substandard housing. Homeowners make house payments to Habitat with a 0% interest, 25-year mortgage. These house payments go into a fund to build more homes. For more information visit www.habitatmidland.org or call 432-686-8877.

In the News ... "'Brother Jack' Ridlehoover, 91, was devoted to faith, preachers and Pioneer Drive Baptist"

ARN File Photo
• The preacher known as "Brother Jack" died Sunday. He was 91

By Greg Jaklewicz, Reporter
Abilene Reporter-News

ABILENE, TEXAS - The Dallas Cowboys went 29 years with one coach. From 1963 to 2020, Pioneer Drive Baptist Church had two longtime "coaches."

One was Stan Allcorn, who pastored the southwest Abilene church for 22 years, retiring in August two years ago. The other was Jack Ridlehoover, who led the congregation from 1963-92. That's a combined 51 years, with George Gaston serving the five years between the two men.

Called a "truly devoted Christian man" and a "great, great friend," Ridlehoover took leadership of the church located today at the corner of South Seventh Street and Pioneer Drive not long after it was founded in 1954. He announced his retirement on the 28th anniversary of his PDBC pastorate and the 37th anniversary of the church.

The preacher known as "Brother Jack" died Sunday. He was 91.

Richie Neighbors began employment at the church when she was 23, and worked with Ridlehoover the final 16 years that he was pastor.

"Working for him were the best years of my life," she said, noting there were tragedies in her life during that time. "Having his support and prayers ... I am unable to say how valuable that was and how I was blessed by him."

She said Ridlehoover knew how to "pastor his people" at Pioneer Drive, but also was that kind of pastor to others in Abilene.

"You didn't have to be a member there for him to be your pastor," Neighbors said. "Anyone who was in need, he was there. He will be greatly missed."

A Pioneering Effort

Ridlehoover was a native Texan, born Oct. 2, 1930, in Gunter, which is 50 miles north of Dallas. He married Betty Jo Knight in 1948. Married for 74 years, she survives her husband. Like Allcorn, Ridlehoover attended Baylor University, graduating in 1952. He graduated next from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, in 1957, and was awarded a doctor of divinity degree by Hardin-Simmons University in 1983.

He pastored five churches, the last being Pioneer Drive. The others were Ben Arnold Baptist in Ben Arnold, Bois D' Ark Baptist in Palestine and College Avenue Baptist in McGregor as a student, and later North Temple Baptist in Dallas. He was called to ministry at 17 and began preaching at 19, while in college.

Ridlehoover led several expansion projects at Pioneer Drive, including the construction of the current sanctuary in 1967. A family life center was added in 1973, and a $2 million education wing that recently was renovated was built in 1988.

The pastor didn't take credit for expanding the church campus and services.

"Any credit for what has been accomplished here should go to God and to the people here, not me," he said in 1991.

Also during his time at PDBC, a church was planted in the Wylie area. Today, Beltway Park Church - it was Beltway Park Baptist for years - is one of the city's largest churches. Pioneer Drive went to three Sunday services during his tenure, and about 1,600 regularly attended. Overall membership grew to about 4,200.

"Brother Jack was a leader in every respect," longtime church member Bobby Melson said. "He was a good pastor to the people, a good preacher and he led our church into so many different things. He thought out plans very thoroughly and presented those to the church and to the deacons. I don't remember any of his plans being turned down and they all succeeded."

A Mentor to Other Preachers

When he retired in 1992, Ridlehoover became president of Ministers’ Mentoring and Consulting Service. In his role, he mentored and consulted for pastors and smaller congregations. He was interim pastor at 22 churches in retirement.

"In my younger years, I would have welcomed the opportunity to sit down with someone with a great deal of experience as a pastor and say, 'Hey, this is my problem ...,'" Ridlehoover told the Reporter-News in October 1991, when his retirement plans were announced.

Melson worked with Ridlehoover in the mentoring project.

"There's no telling how many young preachers, any preacher, he counseled," he said. "He was interested in helping them succeed."

Melson said the church gave Ridlehoover $15,000 when he retired and he put it all into the program.

The former pastor was involved in the consulting service until October, when he contracted COVID, Melson said. Even then, he would counsel by phone.

"Jack Ridlehoover has been a great, great friend, mentor and helper," church member Sid Saverance said.

Ridlehoover served on the board of directors for the Baptist Standard, a widely circulated weekly publication. He was on the executive board of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Locally, he served on numerous boards, including Hendrick Medical Center and then-Abilene State School (now Abilene State Supported Living Center). Ridlehoover was president of the Abilene Baptist Pastor's Conference and chairman of the Abilene-Callahan Baptist Association.

A Leader in Every Respect

Neighbors said Brother Jack was a perfectionist.

"I wanted to do his work the way he wanted it," she said. "He said he wasn't actually a perfectionist but he liked excellence. He taught me that work ethic." She said that when he worked, his desk would get cluttered with research materials. Yet, she said, laughing, he'd know if someone moved an item. "He definitely knew where everything was," she said. "He was very knowledgeable. He studied all the time."

Saverance called Ridlehoover the most organized man he has known.

The pastor was known for calling everybody on their birthday, regardless of church attendance. If he didn't reach them, he'd leave a message, Melson said. He visited those who were sick, and offered counsel to those who needed advice.

"That's the kind of preacher he was," Melson said ...

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.

Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 30, 2022

LABYRINTHS GROW IN POPULARITY - As a spiritual director, I’m often asked about my own spiritual practices. Meditation tops my list. There’s something about the intimacy of personal time spent with the ultimate divine presence that sustains me. While there are many forms of meditation, there’s none quite like meditating as I walk a labyrinth ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

In the News ... "Senior Life Midland raises money with 'March for Meals'"

• It is through the community’s support that their organization can help so many people across the Permian Basin

Staff Report
KOSA-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - A recent event by Senior Life Midland helped to bring in almost $50,000 dollars to help provide meals for homebound seniors.

CBS7 is a longtime sponsor of Senior Life.

The event was held a Midland College and the goal was to raise enough money for 6,000 meals ...

Read, watch the rest of this KOSA report ...

From PC(USA) Store ... "Last Chance to Save up to 50% on Commentaries!"

The Presbyterian Church (USA) offers a central online store where you can find all PC(USA)-produced books, curriculum, and resources in one place. PCUSAStore.com is a comprehensive selection of PC(USA) resources that provides the information and materials necessary to support new and existing congregations, leaders, study groups, and individuals forge a deeper understanding of Presbyterian beliefs and doctrines. PCUSAStore.com is maintained by the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, the publishing house of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Geneva Press curriculum publishing, and other agency partners.



A sale for preachers, Christian educators, and anyone studying the Bible!

For two weeks, you can save up to 50% on more than 200 Bible commentaries! We've included all of your favorite series as well as a few one-volume commentaries. Your best deals, saving you 50%, are on our commentary sets.

NOTE: Commentary sets are subject to shipping delays due to their current availability. They will ship as soon as they are packaged.

Click the images and links below to start saving. Take advantage now and make it easier to prepare your sermons, work on worship planning, create a study series, and stock your church or personal library.

Commentary Series Sets

Save 50% on these preaching, worship, and Bible study sets from Connections, Feasting on the Word, Interpretation, and the Old and New Testament for Everyone series!

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Connections Resources for Preaching, Worship, & Devotion

Save 40-50% on this contemporary lectionary resource! The nine-volume preaching series is now complete, and you can also preorder the latest volume of the devotional Everyday Connections as well as Connections Worship Companion, Year A, Volume 1.

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Belief: A Theological Commentary on the Bible

Building on a wide range of sources from biblical studies and the Christian tradition, renowned scholars provide a theologically focused commentary that considers the contemporary relevance of the text. You can even preorder and save 40% on the upcoming volume on 1 & 2 Thessalonians.

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Save 40-50% on this all-inclusive series that covers lectionary and Gospel preaching, children’s sermons, worship planning, and devotional time.

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The Old Testament for Everyone

Perfect for daily devotions, Sunday school preparation, or brief visits with the Bible, the Old Testament for Everyone series is an excellent resource for the modern reader.

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N. T. Wright provides guides to all the books of the New Testament in this series idea for group study, personal study, or daily devotions. A glossary is included at the back of each volume and all books are also available in enlarged print editions.

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Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching

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These volumes focus on the Bible's most enduring passages and most vital themes, bringing to these topics the insight and faithful wisdom that are longtime hallmarks of the Interpretation series. This expanded Interpretation series is an excellent resource for all those who teach, preach, and study the Bible.

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Please Note: We can currently only ship to customers in the United States. For our international distributors, please contact us at support@pcusastore.com.

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Burgers & Blessings ... TONIGHT at Grace Presbyterian-Midland

Image by Laura Up In the Clouds
• Continuing our summer gatherings of faith, fellowship and food


June is here, and thus our annual Burgers and Blessings get-togethers are about to commence!

Please join us Wednesdays, during the month of  June, at Grace Presbyterian Church, 2801 N. Garfield Street in Midland, Texas. The dinners begin at 6:00 p.m. and are very casual.

Burgers, hot dogs and "the fixings" will be provided by the church; you just come, bring a side dish or dessert, and the gift of your company.

We hope to see YOU there!

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.

Dr. A. Oveta Fuller
Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 29, 2022

HEALTH CARE INEQUITIES - Health-care inequities that sicken and kill people of color undermine communities. Reducing those inequities will require working together to improve health-care quality, accessibility and affordability for everyone.

“The church has a huge influence and responsibility. I believe God is holding us accountable for this,” said Dr. A. Oveta Fuller, an associate professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

FBR Report: "FBR Team Brings Relief to Displaced Families on the Border"

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.



FBR Photo
FBR Team Brings Relief to Displaced Families on the Border

24 May 2022
Karen State, Burma

Dear friends,

The border between Burma and Thailand has become increasingly stressed over the past year as close to one million people continue fleeing Burma Army violence while civil war intensifies throughout the country. Last month, Free Burma Rangers (FBR) teams spent a week serving 800 of those who have fled, both reactively to and preemptively from attacks, and are now living in make-shift shelters hiding along the Burma-Thailand border. Of these 800 people, most were women, children, and elderly men. While some were supported by local non-government organizations (NGOs), many still lacked basic resources like food, water, and shelter ...

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

Thank you and God bless you,

Dave, family, and team

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.”

Burgers & Blessings ... TOMORROW at Grace Presbyterian-Midland

Image by Laura Up In the Clouds
• Continuing our summer gatherings of faith, fellowship and food


June is here, and thus our annual Burgers and Blessings get-togethers are underway!

Please join us Wednesdays, during the month of  June, at Grace Presbyterian Church, 2801 N. Garfield Street in Midland, Texas. The dinners begin at 6:00 p.m. and are very casual.

Burgers, hot dogs and "the fixings" will be provided by the church; you just come, bring a side dish or dessert, and the gift of your company.

We hope to see YOU there!

From Austin Seminary: "José R. Irizarry called as Austin Seminary’s Tenth President"

Austin Seminary Photo
He will begin his tenure with Austin Seminary on August 22, 2022

The Austin Seminary Board of Trustees, at a called meeting on June 27, elected the Reverend Dr. José Ramon Irizarry as the Seminary’s next president.

Reflecting on conversations with the candidate, Board Chair Keatan King recalled, “Dr. Irizarry lifted up the distinctive gifts of our seminary and gave voice to a hopeful vision of theological education for our time. For José, listening isn’t simply a best practice of leadership; it is his spiritual gift—one he has honed in his personal practice of contemplative prayer. José Irizarry will lead Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary by listening to all members of the community to hear God’s dreams, already emerging within us, so he can guide us in reaching our potential.”

Since 2016, Irizarry has served as Vice President of Education at the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). A scholar in the field of practical theology, Irizarry teaches at Villanova University and has held teaching and administrative positions at various educational and theological institutions including The University of Cambridge (Visiting Fellow), Lutheran School of Theology, the Pacific School of Religion, and McCormick Theological Seminary.

Out of his expertise as a bilingual educator, Dr. Irizarry directed Cambridge College’s regional campus in his native San Juan, Puerto Rico, (2011-2015) and served as academic dean, acting president, and held The Limardo Chair in Practical Theology at the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico (2007-2011). He earned degrees from the University of Puerto Rico (BA), McCormick Theological Seminary (MDiv), and Northwestern University (PhD) as well as professional certifications from the Universitá per Stranieri di Perugia, Italy, Boston College, and Cornell University.

Supporting his work in the field of religious education and intercultural relations, Irizarry has traveled internationally to lead seminars and conferences and to conduct research. He has chaired academic accreditation teams in the US and Puerto Rico and served as president of the Religious Education Association in the United States and Canada. An ordained minister in the PC(USA), he has served the church as member of the Review Committee of the Whole (assessing the work of all agencies of the Presbyterian Church) and on the Committee on Theological Education. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation (Westminster John Knox Press, Geneva Press) for eight years and is currently a Trustee at Columbia Theological Seminary. He served interim pastoral positions at Presbyterian and inter-denominational congregations in Puerto Rico and the US.

The Reverend Dr. Jill Duffield (DMin’13), who served on the Presidential Search Committee, said, “After our conversation with Dr. Irizarry, I kept returning to a question he posed to us: ‘Who needs theological education?’ His instinct and commitment to begin with people rather than program, opportunity rather than challenge, invited imagination and creativity. We began to consider new possibilities. This simple question has profound implications not only for what we do as a theological institution, but for who we are as a community of believers. I can’t wait to see how the Spirit will answer this question under Dr. Irizarry’s leadership.”

The Reverend Dr. José Irizarry is married to Mildred (Milly) Del Valle, a speech pathologist and ruling elder, and they are parents to three young adults currently engaging undergraduate and graduate studies: Yuyza (23), Darien Farel (21), and Abayomi Nicola (18). He will begin his tenure with Austin Seminary on August 22, 2022.

Meet The Reverend Dr. José Irizarry




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

In the News ... Opinion: "Enter this new day of post Roe v Wade with grace and peace"

"Here are some practical steps for our future"

By Pastor Darin Wood, First Baptist Church - Midland, Contributor
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - As we enter this new day of post Roe v Wade, let us do so with grace and peace for those who disagree and not a spirit of conquest. Those who disagree with us are not our enemies so let’s not treat them as such. They are fellow Americans, gifted with the same freedoms we have. Instead of such animosity, let us live in this new day with a joy of protecting the unborn and all life. Let us live responsibly to fulfill our calling in Christ and our commission toward a more perfect union ...

 • 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 Rob Collins
Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 28, 2022

FIRST SEXTUPLETS BAPTIZED IN THE PC(USA) - Certain stories are unforgettable.

Like this one, which was first told by the Rev. Mary Kay Collins at First Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, in 2018. Before baptizing the sextuplets of Adeboye and Ajibola Taiwo, she spoke of the couple’s longing to have children. Introducing their story, she asked, “Is anything too wonderful, too great, too difficult or too tough for God?”

Now, the sextuplets are 4 years old. Wondering how they were doing, Presbyterian News Service reached out to Collins. She shared a letter that the Taiwos, who came to the U.S. from Nigeria, wrote to the FPC congregation in January ...

CLICK HERE to read more.

Monday, June 27, 2022

From @chinaaid : "Investigation of students’ religious beliefs in Chinese colleges and universities with new survey'"

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
Investigation of students’ religious beliefs in Chinese colleges and universities with new survey
Distributed by ChinaAid, May 2022 ...

CHINA – Survey forms recently circulated about the religious beliefs of Chinese college and graduate students and their involvement or resort to violence, threats, and other similar methods. This form requires the applicant to indicate his ethnicity, name of religion, and the name of crime organizations they’re involved in ...

More on this story from ChinaAid ...

From @austinseminary ... Ted Wardlaw's final "State of the Seminary"

"I know that there are great things in store for Austin Seminary"

We at Austin Seminary are still basking in the glow of the weekend in May when we dedicated to God's glory the beautiful new Mary B. and Robert J. Wright Learning and Information Center, followed by the first in-person Board Meeting and Graduation Ceremony since 2019. What a glorious weekend and what joy we experienced being once again together in person!

I want to share an update on Austin Seminary as I begin the transition into retirement after twenty years as its president.

I know that there are great things in store for Austin Seminary, and, as always, I am deeply thankful for you, our community of friends.

Ted Wardlaw
President of Austin Seminary

 



Get the latest news from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in their digital monthly eNewsletter. Features on events, students, faculty, and alumni can be sent directly to your inbox.




In the News ... "GOOD NEWS: WTFB Westside Outreach"

Contributed Photo
• Multiple organizations stepped-up to help

Staff Report
Odessa American


ODESSA TEXAS - West Odessa Volunteer Fire Department, Southwest Heritage Credit Union, Bluecrest Financial Alliances West Texas, and Cosa Nuestra M.C. Odessa Chapter recently helped serve 300 families at the West Texas Food Bank Westside Outreach.


REMINDER: "West Texas Food Bank pantry hours changed for summer"

At both Odessa and Midland locations

Staff Report
Odessa American


MIDLAND/ODESSA TEXAS - The West Texas Food Bank announced via press release that it will be changing its pantry hours with the hopes of beating the heat this summer.

The West Texas Food Bank facilities hours will be from 10 a.m. to noon.

This will only impact the in-house pantries at the West Texas Food Bank facilities in Midland and Odessa, the press release stated.

Beginning Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon:

West Texas Food Bank Odessa Facility Pantry located at 411 S. Pagewood Ave., Odessa, TX 79761.

Beginning Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon:

West Texas Food Bank Midland Facility Pantry, 1601 Westcliff Dr., Midland, TX 79703.

The West Texas Food Bank does not require advanced registration to participate and require that a person be in line by noon in order to receive food. There is no advantage to lining up early.

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 Hope Presbyterian Church
Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 27, 2022

MATTHEW 25 CONGREGATION ANSWERS THE INVITATION - Three years ago, if you were to ask Austin, Texas, residents what they knew about Hope Presbyterian Church, chances are they would have remarked on the beautiful roses on the property. Not much would have been said about its mission — until now ...

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Sunday, June 26, 2022

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 Donna Frischknecht Jackson
Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 26, 2022

SEEING WITH THE HEART - One early spring morning, I gazed upon my property that I had lovingly named “Old Stone Well Farm.” It was far from being a farm, but in my heart, I treasured its potential and held tightly to what I have come to call its “still-to-comes.”

I could see the yet-to-be planted fruit trees surrounding the gnarly old apple tree. I could see that much-needed barn finally standing at the base of the hill. I could see the goat pen arriving and placed near the chicken coop. (I will give a prize to the Presbyterians Today reader who counts the number of times I have mentioned my desire for raising goats!) As the sun rose, with it rose my hope that those “still-to-comes” were not just wistful dreaming. Despite plans being put on hold for one reason or another, I could see with my heart what was not visible to the eyes ...

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Saturday, June 25, 2022

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.

Provided Photo
Today in the Mission Yearbook: June 25, 2022

SEASON OF PRAYER AND REFLECTION IN THE KOREAN PENINSULA - Today, June 25, marks 72 years since the Korean War broke out. Throughout that June, skirmishes along the division border led to North Korean forces crossing the border en masse on the 25th. Most U.S. Americans believe the war then ended in 1953; however, only an armistice agreement was signed at that time. This means outright fighting in the war has paused, but the state-of-war itself has continued for 72 years ...

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Friday, June 24, 2022

In the News ... "Among 'The Chosen': How Lubbock family helped in the making of a miracle"

Contributed Photo
• Served as extras in filming scenes for “The Chosen”

By Doug Hensley, Reporter
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - It’s not every day somebody has a chance to be part of a miracle, so when the opportunity came along, the Stanford family didn’t want to miss out ...

 • read the rest of this LAJ report