West Texas Missioner

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

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).

Being All-Ear for God

“It is clear that we are usually surrounded by so much inner and outer noise that is it hard to truly hear our God when God is speaking to us. We have often become deaf, unable to know when God calls us and unable to understand in which direction God calls us. Thus our lives have become absurd. In the word ‘absurd’ we find the Latin word surdus, which means ‘deaf.’

A spiritual life requires discipline because we need to learn to listen to God, who constantly speaks but whom we seldom hear. When, however, we learn to listen, our lives become obedient lives. The word ‘obedient’ comes from the Latin word audire, which means ‘listening.’ A spiritual discipline is necessary in order to move slowly from an absurd to an obedient life, from a life filled with noisy worries to a life in which there is some free inner space where we can listen to our God and follow God’s guidance. Jesus’ life was a life of obedience. He was always listening to the Creator, always attentive to God’s voice, always alert for God’s directions. Jesus was ‘all ear.’ That is true prayer: being all ear for God. The core of all prayer is indeed listening, obediently standing in the presence of God.”

Making All Things New 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, October 15, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center conference room at First Presbyterian Church-Midland, Afterwards, we'll share lunch ($5) and fellowship.

I hope you are able to join us as we pray for the children of our local and global communities.

Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer for the littlest citizens of God’s Kingdom! 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

In the News ... "Buckner Family Place event draws attention to domestic violence"

• October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Steve Kuhlman, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - With recent high-profile cases of domestic violence in the news, such as the incident involving Baltimore Ravens player Ray Rice, the issue has once again come to the forefront of mainstream media attention.

According to the United States Bureau of Justice Statistics, between 2003-2012, domestic violence accounted for 21 percent of all violent incidents in the nation with intimate partners ranking as the most frequent offenders. Among victims of domestic violence, 76 percent were women and 77 percent of the occurrences happened at or near the victim’s home.

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Buckner Family Place partnered with several other local organizations including the Midland Police Department and District Attorney’s office, Safe Place of the Permian Basin and Midland Fair Haven to host the “It’s No Secret” event Thursday to educate women and children on domestic violence and to make them aware of the services available locally ...

• 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. 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: October 14, 2014

PRESBYTERY OF NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND - First Presbyterian Church of Barre, Vermont, has partnered with Barre Congregational Church in seeking to engage people who might be uncomfortable deepening their spiritual life within the four walls of a church. Instead, we have been meeting in a local establishment for Theology on Tap.

The group began with a focus on twenty- and thirtysomethings. Our hope was to provide an opportunity for them to explore faith and current events as well as spiritual practices through which God can make a difference in one’s life ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Monday, October 13, 2014

Invitation to Prayer: WEDNESDAY

In the News ... "Conference to bring awareness about moral injury in veterans"

Courtesy Photo

• Event begins Wednesday at Midland DoubleTree

Steve Kuhlman, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - While post-traumatic stress disorder has garnered attention and research, some — including those at Texas Christian University’s Sour Repair Center at the Brite Divinity School — believe there is another, separate piece to the trauma soldiers experience: moral injury.

Beginning Wednesday, the Soul Repair Center will host a conference at Midland’s DoubleTree by Hilton about the role of community support in the process of recovery from moral injury. The three-day conference will include multiple speakers, workshops and a community discussion ...

• 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. 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: October 13, 2014

PRESBYTERY OF NEWTON, NEW JERSEY - oung adult ministry feels a little bit like looking at a panel of dials and trying to figure out how to adjust them all in just the right way. The Presbyterian Church in Morristown has, like every other church in the country, been trying to reach young adults for years. It has offered contemporary services, lunches after church, service projects, events to see speakers like Rob Bell, and Theology Pubs in the vibrant local restaurant community. Its story is really no different than any other congregation’s. Statistics continue to show that over half of involved youth will leave their congregation during their young adult years.

The Morristown congregation continues to look for new ways to engage young adults. ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

MINUTE FOR MISSION: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS - Did you know that every year one in four adolescents reports physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse and that one in three teens reports knowing a friend or peer who has been physically hurt by his or her partner through violent actions that included hitting? Every year I have the privilege of presenting a seminar on domestic violence to high school students.

I begin with an experiential exercise that allows the students to walk in the shoes of domestic violence victims—to enter into their lives and make decisions that determine the outcome of their stories ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

PRESBYTERY OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - Following the example set by Jesus in Matthew 19, Newark Presbytery proclaims, “Let the children come!” Caring adults lead initiatives like the Montclair Summer Youth Program at Trinity and Central churches. Music, multimedia academies, and mission trips engage youth and young adults at First Presbyterian (Caldwell); Grace (Montclair); Korean United and Bethany, both in Bloomfield; and the Roseville, First Hispanic, Elizabeth Avenue-Weequahic, and St. Paul’s congregations in Newark.

The youth and young adult ministry at Elmwood United (East Orange, West Orange, and Newark) typifies our story. ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Friday, October 10, 2014

From @FWMission ... Friday Story: "Mobility x 2"

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: "Mobility x 2"

Greetings and happy Friday!

Mobility is our number one goal when giving the gift of a wheelchair to someone in need. We want that individual to be lifted off the ground and able to move around when and where they want. This week I want to tell you about Mark—he is from Zambia, and the gift of mobility changed his life.

Mark dreamed of the day when he would be able to play and explore with his friends. For the past 14 years he has been completely dependent on his family and friends for everything—to meet even his basic needs.He spent his life crawling on the ground to get around or waiting for someone to carry him wherever he needed to go ...

• read the rest of this story ...

Want to take one of these wheelchairs for a test drive? During normal business hours, visit the lobby at the Texas Street entrance of First Presbyterian Church-Midland, at the northwest corner of Texas and A streets, on the west side of downtown Midland. You can give the gift of mobility. The cost of $72.00 is a bargain to us ... but it is a life-changing gift to impoverished and disabled recipients ... and there are times when your contribution will be matched, reaching not one - but TWO, and sometimes FOUR recipients. Please note on your check "Wheelchair Gift."

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

WAW Wednesdays: Wow

"The Word at Work is a ministry that mobilizes churches and individuals to answer God's call to minister to those in need," writes Rev. Tim Tam, Director of the Amarillo, Texas-based ministry. "Through our relationships, God reveals needs and opportunities for service. As we come along side the poor, new friendships develop and doors for ministry open. As we serve, God provides the resources to supply for the needs he reveals."

Wow

Dear Friends,

My calendar says today is the first day of October! Wow, time is flying!!

Here's another WOW we wanted to share with you:

We are overwhelmed at Drew Merritt's talent displayed on this wall at the King's Children's Home! Drew is in Belize making a video documenting his creation and the amazing kids at KCH. Plans are to raise awareness and funding for the home in conjunction with an art show in Los Angeles in 2015.

Another WOW!

Dr. Ron Williams, world class expert and board certified, fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon- specializing in musculoskeletal pathology has agreed to assist Dr. Keith Bjork on Ladeni's surgery and treatment plan! Dr. Williams has an extremely busy practice in Austin, Texas ... we are working on setting a date for Ladeni's surgery and will need to get Dr. Williams to and from Austin as speedily as possible since he has so graciously offered his services.

An Amarillo friend has offered his plane and pilot, and we are working to raise funds to cover the fuel (about $2500). Additionally, we've had a few other expenses (phone, meds, supplements) come up for Ladeni's care over the past 3 weeks. If you would like to make a donation toward these expenses, please let me know.

In this shot, you see Ladeni's mother, Grace (second from right) share her heart with a group of friends that gathered to pray with Ladeni last Sunday. It's amazing to see how God is providing for the Osorto's since they arrived.

It was a great afternoon of worship and prayer. Dr. Bjork asked that we pray specifically, "that there is sufficient muscle, blood supply, and tissue left undamaged by the tumor to successfully reconstruct Ladeni's leg." Hope you will pray that prayer with us!

Gratefully,

Tim Tam
The Word at Work

EDITOR'S NOTE: Speaking from my own first-hand experience, working side-by-side with Tim, Kenny and our brothers and sisters in Belize, won't you give thoughtful, prayerful consideration to supporting the efforts of Tim, the Word At Work staff and their partners? Please please fill out this Commitment Card and return it to their office!

Also, remember that you can follow The Word At Work on their Facebook page!

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

In the News ... "St. Stephen’s newest priest takes unusual road to ministry"

MRT Photo by Tim Fischer

Steve Kuhlman, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - While he may have felt a calling from an early age, St. Stephen’s Catholic Church’s newest priest, the Rev. Lorenzo Hatch, took an unusual road to fulfilling it.

The Dumas native spent his early life heavily involved in the Baptist church along with his family.

“I was in the Baptist church every time the doors opened,” Hatch said. “We even moved closer to the church, to about a block away, so that we could just walk. We participated in everything.”

Hatch said that his first step toward realizing his spiritual calling came at the age of 12 while at a religious summer camp ...

• read the rest of this MRT report ...

Monday, October 6, 2014

In the News ... "Midland Church Sending Food Donations to Cambodia"

• Contribution to “Stop Hunger Now”

Staff Report
KWES-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - A church in Midland has announced that the donations they raised during an event they held last month will be going to help orphans and widows in Cambodia.

The congregation at First United Methodist Church held a food packaging event back on August 10 to gather their contributions to worldwide organization Stop Hunger Now ...

• read the rest of this KWES report ...

Sunday, October 5, 2014

FPC-Midland Belize Mission: Where We're Going - The Culture

From November 8th through the 15th, 2014, a team from 1st Presbyterian Church-Midland will be traveling to the Central American country of Belize, and working with The Word at Work ministry. This will be an opportunity to reach out and share the gospel with the people of Belize while working side-by-side with the local community and The Word at Work staff on a much-needed construction project ... all of this building upon a foundation of relationships that was laid early this year.

WHERE WE'RE GOING - THE CULTURE

The center of the Mayan empire for almost 1,000 years, the Spanish arrived in the 16th century and used the area primarily for logging. During the next two hundred years, many British and Spanish pirates inhabited the area, battling for naval supremacy. Finally in 1798, the British navy defeated the Spanish and laid official claim to the area. In 1862, Britain formally named the territory “British Honduras,” a title that lasted until 1962 when a peaceful independence was granted and British Honduras became Belize. The country gained full independence by 1982. As of 2012, an estimated 324,000 people lived in Belize.

Language

Belize is the only country in Central America where English is their official language. Creole is often spoken among the locals, along with Spanish in the western region near the Guatemalan border, and in the north near the Mexican border.

Currency

Belize's dollar value is tied to the United States dollar. Two Belizean dollars equal one U.S. dollar, and either currency can be used. Belizean banks are still not connected to the international banking system, so Americans can not use the ATM's. Most hotels and restaurants accept Visa and MasterCard.

Economy

Belize's economy is seeing steady growth due to an increase in international tourism. Its jungles are touted as destinations for eco-lodges. And being located next to the world's second longest barrier reef makes it a great destination for scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing. The per capita income, however, is just over $3,000USD per year.

Food

Most of the food in Belize is traditional Latin American (chicken, rice and beans, and enchiladas), with some Caribbean, Creole and Chinese. Most restaurants serve a good variety of foods, from chicken to steak to shrimp and a variety of fish, and even pizza. Local fruits, such as mangoes, bananas and pineapples are widely available and taste great.

Religion

The majority of Belizeans declare some sort of faith. Many are Roman Catholic, while Christian Protestantism continues to grow. Jehovah's Witnesses, Hindu and Voodoo are also practiced.

GOT QUESTIONS?
Is there something you'd like to ask any of our mission team members, or our pastor?

CLICK HERE to e-mail us your question

In the News ... "Midland Pastor Claims Valuables Were Unfairly Seized"

KMID Photo

Nick Russo, Reporter
KMID-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - A Midland Pastor calls it a case of David versus Goliath, after he says another church forced him out of his church's home, and threw away his valuables.

"We feel that we've been slighted, we've been done wrong, and I don't think that's the christian thing to do, by the Catholic church or the Methodist church," said Pastor Ervin Thompson, of "Abundant Faith Ministries", who says he had permission to run a ministry out of a vacant building owned by the Rio Grande Conference of the United Methodist church for the last four years.

"We thought we were doing something good by coming in the community, opening the door and inviting people in, and making it a nice place to be," Thompson said ...

• read/watch the rest of this KMID 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: October 5, 2014

MINUTE FOR MISSION: WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY, PEACEMAKING OFFERING - Invisibly, a young girl’s family is given wages she has yet to earn. One of many, she is taken away from her home by boat to a destination unknown. A mother quietly weeps, pulling her luggage through an airport. She is uncertain of her return or reuniting with her family. She is now one of the many so-called Overseas Filipino Workers. In a rural village, a boy old enough to work in the sugarcane fields is fortunate that his family is able to send him to school. While at school he is recruited for a job in the city that will make him more money than in the fields. Living and working in a building that is locked and monitored, he climbs through an open window onto a mango tree and patiently waits for six hours hoping to escape. Free from the building, he is lost, alone, and without money or connections ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Saturday, October 4, 2014

FPC-Midland Belize Mission: Where We're Going - The Country

WHERE WE'RE GOING - THE COUNTRY

An Overview of Belize
(from The Word at Work ministry)

Belize is located in the southern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula, bordering Mexico and Guatemala, with the Caribbean Sea to the east. The coast is at-or-below sea-level with swamps, mangroves, lagoons and sandy beaches. The Maya mountain range lies to the west and south, rising to over 3,000 feet at some peaks. The capitol, Belmopan, is in the center of Belize, near the Maya Mountain foothills, with Banana Bank and the El Salvadorian refugee settlement (called The Valley of Peace) right nearby.

Belize City, over 300 years old and the country's main commercial area and seaport, is the largest city with over 80,000 residents. The Burial Grounds is on the northern outskirts of the city where TWAW does a significant amount of ministry. This is also where St. Andrews Presbyterian Church is located (one of our ministry partners). Other areas of TWAW activity include Orange Walk and Corozal to the north.

Many come to vacation in Belize for its beautiful beaches, casinos, scuba diving off the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world, and its smattering of quaint islands. We spend 1 of the 8 days on TWAW mission trips recuperating and reflecting on the past week on a private island right near the barrier reef.

Climate

Belize has what's called a subtropical climate the entire year. The rainy season lasts from late-August through November, followed by a dry season from December through March. Normal highs all year are 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit, while temperatures never drop below the mid-60's. However, your comfort has something to do with where you'll be serving... Belize City is on the Caribbean, so the sea breeze keeps things feeling a bit cooler. If you're in the jungle regions of central Belize there is no breeze to speak of, so it does feel a bit warmer.

GOT QUESTIONS?
Is there something you'd like to ask any of our mission team members, or our pastor?

• CLICK HERE to e-mail us your question

In the News ... "A congregation ready to move"

• First service in new home set for October 5

Steve Kuhlman, Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - After years without a permanent home, St. Paul’s Anglican Church will soon relocate to its newly built facility on “A” Street.

The oldest of the three remaining Anglican churches in Midland, St. Paul’s changed locations several times since its founding in 1978. Most recently, the church met at what is now Providence Presbyterian Church on Princeton Avenue.

While it once owned the building, St. Paul’s senior warden and long-time member James Henderson said that the church could no longer handle the size of the facility ...

• read the rest of this MRT report ...

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

PRESBYTERY OF GENEVA, NEW YORK - Spurred by a growing commitment to connect local and global mission, the Presbytery of Geneva began conducting annual mission and learning experiences in 2010. Through these trips (over Columbus Day weekend), the presbytery is developing strong partnerships with the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations in New York City and the Office of Public Witness in Washington, DC. All the trips involve group meals and reflections, learning modules, hands-on mission, and intergenerational fun activities. Tracks for children, adults, and young adults are offered ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Friday, October 3, 2014

From @FWMission ... Friday Story: "Transformation x 2"

Friday Story: "Transformation x 2"

Greetings and happy Friday!

This week I wanted to share a story about two brothers in Peru. Their lives were transformed with the gift of their very own wheelchairs.

Edgar and Franklin were born with birth defects; Edgar was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and Franklin struggles with clubfoot. Together these two brothers have pushed the limits of what is considered possible.

Before they received their wheelchair, they were unemployed and unable to socialize with family and friends in their community ...

• read the rest of this story ...

Today in the PC-USA Mission Yearbook

PRESBYTERY OF GENESSEE VALLEY, NEW YORK - In his song “Free Life,” Dan Wilson sings, “And in the air the questions hang/Will we get to do something?/Who we gonna end up being?/How we gonna end up feeling?/What you gonna spend your free life on?”

These questions occupy the thoughts of young adults heading out into the world. Our driven culture offers little time or space to explore answers—to reflect on how God calls them to be in this world.

A new program in the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, Lagom Landing, offers young people 10 months to reflect on these questions while learning from the monastic practices of labor, simplicity, and community ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

At the Start of It All ... Once More

Over the last nine-or-so months, I have talked about "WHEN I return to Belize" ... as opposed to "IF I return to Belize" ... and that has proven to be the case. Once again, I will be part of a team heading south on Christian mission ... once again, I will be seeking "adventure, discovery and illumination" in Belize ... once again, I will be giving and, in return, receiving so much more.

It was more than six years ago, in January of 2008, that I launched The West Texas Missioner blog with this post, the first of many over the ensuing months that would document our preparations for a mission trip to Thailand, and then the trip itself.

When all was said and done - once we were home, with the mission trip was behind us - I thought of retiring the blog ... but after some thought and some prayer, and some encouraging feedback from fellow bloggers here in the Tall City, I decided instead to continue the blog, but with a broader focus ... daily minutes for mission, news stories, efforts by my own church and by our brothers and sisters in Christ around the region, local opportunities for mission, and reports from our friends-in-mission around the world.

And now, here I am ... at the start of it all, once more.

From November 8th through the 15th, I shall be part of a team from 1st Presbyterian Church-Midland traveling to the Central American country of Belize, and working with The Word at Work ministry. This will be an opportunity to reach out and share the gospel with the people of Belize while working side-by-side with the local community and The Word at Work staff doing a much-needed construction project ... there may also be opportunities for mission through education, medicine, fellowship, prayer and testimony.

Faces of Children: Prayer Concerns for This Week

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).

Prayer Concerns for the Week of 10/01/14

Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger

Boko Haram continues to terrorize the people of northeast Nigeria with daily raids, murders, and abductions in their campaign to establish an Islamic Sharia state in that region. Tens of thousands of people have fled this violence to the neighboring countries of Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. An estimated three million people have been affected by the fighting. Boko Haram, which means “Western education is forbidden,” generally targets Christians, but a large number of their victims have been Muslim. The militant group has looted villages and burned homes and churches to the ground in their raids. They’ve also been reported to use boys and girls as young as 10 as soldiers. Self-defense militias that have sprung up in the absence of a strong Nigerian military presence are also reported to recruit children as soldiers, spies, and cooks. In a new development, Boko Haram has begun using female suicide bombers in their campaign of terror. Most of them have been teenage girls, possibly the children of Boko Haram fighters or poor girls lured by the promise of financial security.
• more on this issue
• more on this issue
• more on this issue
• Please continue to pray for children and families who’ve been affected by Boko Haram’s violent campaign. Pray for those who’ve had loved ones killed or injured in attacks by this militant group. Pray for children and families who have lost their homes and communities. Pray God will provide for their immediate and deepest needs.
• Pray for children who have been forcibly recruited as child soldiers by Boko Haram as well as other warring factions. Pray for those who’ve been abducted and for those subjected to sexual violence.
• Keep in prayer captured child soldiers who are held in Nigerian military detention facilities known for their mistreatment of prisoners. Pray for their protection, release, and rehabilitation.
• Please continue to pray for peace in Nigeria’s troubled northeast region. Pray for Nigeria’s government and military leaders during this challenging season. Pray for wisdom and courage to do the right thing for their fellow Nigerians, especially the children of this fractured country.
• Pray for Boko Haram’s leaders—that God would change the hearts of those who use violence to achieve goals.

Uganda

Baraka, a 7-year-old boy with brittle bone disease, is unable to walk because of complications from a surgery several years ago. His family lives in an upstairs apartment without an elevator, so Baraka’s mother or father must carry him up and down. Last summer, Baraka’s teacher was carrying him downstairs when she fell. He suffered several broken bones in that fall. Baraka recently had another surgery and is still in immense pain and experiencing a lot of bleeding.
• Please continue to pray that God will bring healing to Baraka and lift the terrible pain. Pray his little body will experience a miracle of complete healing.
• Pray for Baraka’s mother and father and his four brothers and sisters as they help care for him.

United States

Last spring, 4-year-old Jordan had surgery to remove one of her kidneys that had a fist-sized tumor wrapped around it. Several days after that surgery, Jordan had another operation to remove a tumor in one of her lungs. On a happy note, Jordan finished 10 days of radiation and chemotherapy the day before her baby sister Leslie was born. Jordan recently had her first CT scan after completing several months of chemotherapy and there were no indications of abnormalities—everything looks good!
• Thanks be to God for Jordan’s wonderful medical news! And give thanks to God that her energy level is back to normal, her hair is growing back, and she loves her new school. Please continue to pray for Jordan … that she will remain tumor-free.
• Continue to keep Jordan’s parents, Jerin and Kristen, in prayer as they care for Jordan and her baby sister. Jordan’s parents shared their gratitude for the support they’ve been given during this ordeal. They praise God for those who’ve been in prayer for their family and say the prayers carried them through.
• Give God thanks for the joy baby Leslie has brought to her big sister and their family in such a challenging season.

Faces of Children

• Please pray for the mother of Faces of Children intercessor Robin. Pray for God’s healing touch upon her mother and for her complete recovery from a recent knee surgery.
• Please continue to pray that more churches and individuals will join with the ministry of Faces of Children in spreading awareness about children in crisis and inviting more people to pray for children at risk.

If you have prayer requests 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 Chris Laufer, FOC Coordinator, at claufer@facesofchildren.net

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: October 2, 2014

PRESBYTERY OF ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY - Virtually abandoned by her parents in her native Ecuador, young Ana supported herself by selling sacks of onions at the local market. By the time she reached 16, lack of hope for a better life led her to embark on a harrowing two-month journey that would bring her to Plainfield, New Jersey.

She arrived alone and penniless, and also pregnant. Overwhelmed, Ana had no idea how she would support herself and her child.

Fortunately, an Ecuadoran woman took her in and suggested she apply for WIC assistance. Woman, Infants, and Children is a federal nutrition-assistance program for low-income pregnant women and young children. When the WIC secretary realized that Ana had no parents to sign her application, she told her about a place that might be able to help—El Centro Hispanoamericano ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

WAW Wednesdays: There Is Hope

There Is Hope

Dear Friends,

I'm currently in Belize planning a conference for Belize Hospice & Palliative Care with our partners. During last week's vision trip we were made aware of a "hopeless" medical case. But there IS hope!!!

Our new friend, Ladeni, is 21 years old. She and her parents (below) are from Orange Walk where they are members of Luz Del Evangelico. Ladeni was recently employed by Atlantic Bank before her diagnosis knocked her down. Her family has exhausted all of their resources to find treatment in Guatemala and Mexico, to no avail.

The large cell tumor on Ladeni's knee must be treated in the US... We have been overwhelmed by the Body of Christ's response in Belize and Texas - and she will very soon be arriving in Amarillo to receive treatment! Atlantic Bank and members of Luz Del Evangelico are providing airfare for L and her mother. Our generous medical community in Amarillo is providing treatment. Every effort is being made to save her life and restore HOPE for this family!

To our Amarillo / Canyon friends - would you please prayerfully consider opening your home to Ladeni and her mother while she receives treatment? We are unsure the length of her stay; however, we are VERY sure that God is moving and we have a tremendous opportunity to join Him in His work! We will be assembling a team of folks to help with transportation to Dr's visits, etc. Will you be on Ladeni's team?

Would you please pray with us:
--Praise God that hope is restored for Ladeni and her family!
--Ask God to provide SWIFT approval of their VISA applications; that all of the paperwork will be executed properly and without delay!
--That Amarillo friends will join God in His work and provide hospitality during their stay here!
--There are MANY ministry opportunities and projects going on now with TWAW; please pray for God's supernatural energy for our staff, and provision as we continue to struggle with stabilizing our operating budget.

Gratefully,

Tim Tam
The Word at Work

In the News ... "Coin by coin, church helps homeless"

KOSA Image

By Lauren Lanmon, Reporter
KOSA-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Clean clothes is something many of us take for granted, but for those less fortunate and out on the street a clean pair of jeans and a t-shirt is a luxury.

Thursday evening Midland’s Church Under the Bridge joined with a local Laundromat where they gave just that, free clean clothes to the homeless.

Dozens came out to take advantage of this good deed done by Church under the Bridge. Those who used their services say acts like this is what gives them hope in the Midland community ...

• read/watch the rest of this KOSA 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: October 1, 2014

EASTERN KOREAN PRESBYTERY - The New Mercy Community Church in Hackensack, New Jersey, is a community of ordinary people who have found hope in an extraordinary God. In fact, they report that their community is filled with broken people.

But this is as it should be, for Jesus came not for the righteous but for the sick. They believe this is precisely what the church is supposed to be—broken people finding hope and healing in Jesus and his life-changing gospel. This is why they call New Mercy “a church for the broken” ...

• CLICK HERE to read more.