In the News ... "FOCUS on HABITAT: Churches are needed to serve as apostle builders"

FOCUS on HABITAT: Churches are needed to serve as apostle builders
By Alynda Best
Executive Director, Midland Habitat for Humanity

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The need for affordable housing in Midland County is a "mission in our own backyard." With construction costs continuing to rise, many low-income families are left out in the cold. This October, Midland Habitat will host the first ever Apostles Build. Just as 12 apostles joined together to spread the message of Jesus, 12 churches of various denominations will join together to sponsor and build a home with a low-income family in our community.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Word from Uganda: "God is good in Uganda"

Missionary teacher Natalie Rolfe writes, "'When He calls me, I will answer ... I'll be somewhere working for my Lord.' My call was Mbale, Uganda and that is where I have returned to serve for another year. Specifically, I am teaching phonics at Lulwanda Children's Home, an orphanage and school for 90 kids." Natalie also keeps an online journal of her service at the weblog, When He calls me, I will answer ...

God is good in Uganda

"I truly had a wonderful, restful, fun, and refreshing trip to the USA- mainly Austin, Texas. Seeing as time was short, I didn't travel more than an hour outside of Austin, which made for plenty of time with family and near-by friends. I will post pictures later about my adventure in Greece (before I arrived in the USA) and around Austin,” Natalie writes. "But, I wanted everyone to know that I have now been in Mbale for over a week. I was really glad and eager to come back.”

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post

If you are interested in supporting LCH by sponsoring one of the 90 children, go to www.ugandaorphans.org If you are interested in financially supporting Natalie in her mission, you can send checks (with "Natalie Rolfe" in memo) to: Midland Bible Church, 2800 North A Street, Midland, TX 79705

In the News ... "Kairos 24 Helping Inmates Find God"

Kairos 24 Helping Inmates Find God
Stephanie Sobic
Reporter
KMID-TV

WEST TEXAS - A BBQ lunch was held in Midland this weekend to try and bring in volunteers for a prison ministry.

Kairos 24 has been around since the sixties, and those involved with the group continue to spread Christianity to inmates. This October, they'll be going into a prison in Fort Stockton to spread the good word and let the prisoners know that they're not alone.
CLICK HERE to read/view the rest of the KMID story.

Midland Group Reports on Difficulties for Chinese Christian, Human Rights Advocates

The China Aid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

Midland Group Reports on Difficulties for Chinese Christian, Human Rights Advocates

Released by ChinaAid, AUGUST, 2010 ...

"BEIJING, CHINA – On August 5th, 2010, Christian human rights lawyer Yang Huiwen was notified by a written summon signed by police officer Mr. Han of the Beijing police station. Yang was summoned to the Shuangyushu branch police station from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Yang is now home safely, and he is thankful for the attention and concerns from fellow lawyers and others."
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

Invitation to Prayer

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).

From Paul’s Letter to the Church at Colossae ...

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Colossians 4:2

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

I’ve gotten some wonderful responses to and thoughts on the Nouwen piece I sent out last week. Several prayer partners shared with me that in the Hebrew “jealous” also means “zeal.” Debbie Blades, a dear prayer friend in California wrote that from the very beginning God came looking for the humans (Genesis 3)…that God is always pursuing God’s creation.

She summed it up beautifully by writing, “I prefer to think of God being zealous for us—much better connotation than the negative emotion that jealousy conjures. I like to think that God is zealous for me, pursuing me.”

Faces of Children Midland prayer group will meet to pray for children on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride's room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland. We'll have lunch ($5) and a time of fellowship afterwards.

If you have prayer concerns or celebrations about children at risk, those who care for them, have authority over them, or, yes, even those who harm them, please send them to me at at claufer@facesofchildren.net, or give me a call. Thank you for praying for the children of our global and local communities!

Celebrating God’s zealous ardor,
Chris

In the News ... "Church still going strong after 125 years"

Church still going strong after 125 years
By Megan Lea Buck
Assistant Lifestyle Editor
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The oldest church in Midland recently marked its 125th anniversary. Serving cake to parishioners in the parlor and incorporating a brief history lesson into Sunday worship services, the clergy, staff and congregation of First United Methodist Church celebrated their August 23 anniversary one day early.

"I feel honored and rewarded to be pastor to a church with such a rich heritage that is still strong in the community," said the Rev. Dr. Tim Walker, senior pastor.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Getting a Permian Basin Perspective

Learn how to use your skills and passions to glorify God in all the earth, no matter your location or vocation ...

PERSPECTIVES ON THE WORLD CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT

The Perspectives course is an introductory mission study course that: Provides a framework for significant life decisions. Provides the necessary understanding for effective and strategic participation in the complex task of world evangelization and culturally relevant international development. It explores new avenues and opportunities available for obedience to Gods imperative for involvement in world missions from at home and abroad. Provides a foundation for further study.

The class will meet Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., thru December 14, in Room 101 of the F. Marie Hall Academic Building. There is a special kickoff on Tuesday, August 24, with the first class set for Tuesday, August 31.

Registration for this course is going on NOW, and you can enroll in person or online. For more information go to www.permianbasinperspectives.com You can also call the Midland College Continuing Education Department at (432) 685-4518, or e-mail questions@permianbasinperspectives.com

Got Prayer? ... Got Bear?

Available now at First Presbyterian Church-Midland

(there's no charge ... just look for one of the baskets inside any of the main doors of the church, which is located on the northwest corner of Texas and A streets, at the west edge of downtown Midland)

Dear Friend,
I'm Just a teddy bear, it's true,
but I have a message to bring to you;
I've been to church, and sat in a pew,
and I've been hugged by quite a few;
I've bowed my head when they said a prayer;
I've been charged with love by those who care.
And now I've come to live with you -
to bring you joy when you are blue,
to let you know that others care
and want all your days and nights to share.
So keep me close and squeeze me tight,
and know God's love makes all things right.
With our prayers for you,
In Touch Ministry, First Presbyterian Church

When you've had your time with me,
maybe you can set me free
to someone else who needs a prayer,
to show that God is always there.

In the News ... "Church marks 75 years of service"

Church marks 75 years of service
Lyxan Toldanes
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Generations of families have passed through the doors of the Odessa First Assembly of God to celebrate their milestones. In its 75 years serving the community, First Assembly has had two locations, nine pastors and several members who have grown from the church to minister on their own. Now, old and new members alike commemorate the church’s landmark anniversary.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.
CLICK HERE for a slideshow accompanying the OA story

Youth Ministry Fall Kick-off Concert, This Sunday at FPC-Midland

If there is one message First Presbyterian Church of Midland wants to share as it prepares to hosting a Youth Ministry Fall Kick-off Concert featuring the Jason Johnson Band, it's this ... "BE THERE AND BRING A FRIEND!!!!!"

The concert takes place Sunday, August 29, from 8:00 - 9:30 p.m. in the FPC Chapel, on the northwest corner of Texas and A streets, on the west edge of downtown Midland.

"With the emergence of Jason Johnson and his vivid worship music, it is apparent that Johnson is not only a great musician, but an individual whose authenticity of faith shines through every performance," said one reviewer.


"All We Need" from Jason Johnson Band on Vimeo.

In the News ... "Visit to Holy Land gives MC professor whole new outlook on Bible"

Visit to Holy Land gives MC professor whole new outlook on Bible
By Ruth Campbell
Reporter
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - After years of wanting to travel to the Holy Land, Stan Jacobs recently got his chance.

Jacobs, associate vice president of academics and transfer studies at Midland College, his wife, Carole, and a group from Brookhaven, Miss., visited Jerusalem and its Western Wall, Bethlehem, Nazareth, which is on 14 hills, the Golan Heights, the Sea of Galilee and Jordan, among other locales, in June.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Faces of Children: Prayer Requests

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 08/26/10

China
• Please keep the children and people of northwestern China held close in prayer as they deal with a massive landslide that killed more than 1,200 people. Pray for those who have lost family members, friends, neighbors, homes, schools, businesses, farms, and livelihoods. Pray for needed supplies to reach the injured and those without adequate food, clean water, shelter, or medical care.
A report from Reuters/AlertNet
Another report from Reuters/AlertNet

Haiti (Hosean International Ministries – hosean.org/)
• Please pray for the staff and volunteers of Hosean International Ministries in Pignon, a rural town in northern Haiti that’s been impacted by refugees from Port au Prince. Pray that God will provide the resources this ministry needs to pay the teachers at their school. Most of the refugee students aren’t able to pay for their own school fees. Pray that Pastor Caleb and his wife will be able to realize their dream of starting a university in this community to help the young people of this area.

Malawi (CURE International – helpcurenow.org)
• Pray for the disabled children receiving treatment at the CURE International Hospital in Malawi and for the medical staff and caregivers there. Also pray for a 12-year-old girl named Cecilia.

Uganda
• Please pray for 3-year-old Baraka who has hydrocephalus and brittle bones. Pray for his 5-year-old brother Steven who shows signs of autism. Pray for their parents who are doing their best to care for Baraka and Steven as well as three other children under the age of 5. Please pray that God will provide the resources this family needs to care for the tremendous health needs of their children. Pray that a loving community will come alongside this family to encourage and support them.

United States
• Please hold Shelby and Sarah close in prayer as these young women grieve the death of their mother. Give thanks to God for the supportive and loving community around them.
• Pray that God will bring comfort and peace to 9-year-old Rachael and her parents as they deal with her recent diabetes diagnosis. Please pray for Rachael as she prepares to go back to school and learns how to manage this lifelong disease in that environment.
• Pray for Connor as he makes the transition from an elementary school setting to a predominately tutorial program because of his extensive learning differences. Please pray that God will bring comfort to this very intelligent little boy who is upset that he will have to leave the school environment with which he is familiar. Pray for his parents and family as they make difficult decisions about Conner’s education.
• Give thanks to God for churches and community organizations that donate school supplies and back-to-school clothing for children who wouldn’t otherwise have access to these resources. Pray for children who will go back to school without adequate supplies or clothing.
• Thanks be to God for the ministry of Churches United for the Homeless in Moorhead, Minnesota that works with homeless families and helps them as they transition into stable housing. A volunteer with this shelter is working with families that “shop” at the shelter’s food shelf and teaches them how to make nutritious and economical meals with the available food. Give God thanks for those who donate fresh produce from their gardens to the food pantry in order that more children might have nutritious, garden-fresh food.
• Please pray for youth and young people in the United States and around the world who are homeless and disconnected from family members. Pray for their safety and health. Pray that God will raise up a community of compassion and love to surround each one of these young people and give them renewed hope. Pray that youth and young people who have been let down, abused, or abandoned by their parents will recognize the infallibility of Jesus Christ— the perfect, limitless love of Jesus Christ.

Faces of Children
• 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.

In the News ... "A New Home"

A New Home
Lyxan Toldanes
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - In just a few short months, the Rev. Darrell Sutton’s five-member Living Word Ministries congregation has flourished, growing to more than 50 members.

Sutton began Living Word in May operating out of the Best Western Garden Oasis on Interstate 20. Now the congregation has moved on to a larger location at 1223 E. 10th St., between Dixie Boulevard and Maple Ave.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story.
CLICK HERE for a slideshow accompanying the OA story

FBR Report: We will rebuild our village starting with the church

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. Ethnic pro-democracy 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.

We will rebuild our village starting with the church

"This week two of the villages we have been in close relation to for 14 years were burned to the ground by the Burma Army. The school and church in the larger village were among the biggest in the Karen State and were beautiful wooden structures set on a bamboo fringed hill. Below the hill and beyond the village stretched some of the most productive rice fields is the area. The villages have withstood many attacks and the church and school were not only well constructed, they were works of art. They were built by the community as places of worship and learning and where the community gathered to celebrate and share the joys of life ... Now the villages, church and school have been destroyed and the stench of the rotting carcasses of livestock killed by the attackers fill the air."
CLICK HERE to read the rest of this report from the Free Burma Rangers

Rolling Through West Texas

From First Presbyterian Church-Midland ... "A generous church member has offered to match donations to Free Wheelchair Mission, up to a grand total of $10,000. Each chair costs $59.20, so $10,000 will buy almost 170 wheelchairs, and a new life for people who are home bound, unable to get to school or work ... or sometimes, even get off the ground. Your donation of $59.20 will give someone the precious gift of mobility." To find out more, contact First Prez-Midland at (432) 684-7821, or see the information below the video.

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.

"Our mission is to transform lives through the gift of mobility to

the physically disabled poor in developing countries

as motivated by Jesus Christ.
Our vision is to provide 20 million wheelchairs."

Want to take one 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. For $51.29, you can give the gift of mobility. You can donate by mailing FWC, calling them, or visiting their website.

Free Wheelchair Mission
9341 Irvine Boulevard
Irvine, CA 92618

(800) 733-0858

www.freewheelchairmission.org/

Invitation to Prayer

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).

"God’s Desire for Us ..."

"I am deeply convinced that the necessity to pray, and to pray unceasingly, is not so much based on our desire for God as on God’s desire for us. It is God’s passionate pursuit of us that calls us to prayer. Prayer comes from God’s initiative, not ours. It might sound shocking, but it is biblical to say: God wants us more than we want God! The English spiritual writer Anthony Bloom (Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh) says it better than I when he writes:

We complain that God does not make God’s self present to us for the few minutes we reserve for God, but what about the twenty-three and a half hours during which God may be knocking at our door and we answer, ‘I am busy. I am sorry.’ Or when we do not answer at all because we do not even hear the knock at the door of our heart, of our mind, of our conscience, of our life. So there is a situation in which we have no right to complain of the absence of God, because we are a great deal more absent than God ever is.

So, who is more in need of our prayers: we or God? God is. Who wants to be heard most: we or God? God does. And who ‘suffers’ more from our lack of prayer: we or God? I say it in awe but without fear: God does. As long as we continue to reduce prayer to occasional piety we keep running away from the mystery of God’s jealous love, the love in which we are created, redeemed, and made holy."

The Only Necessary Thing: Living a Prayerful Life by Henri J.M. Nouwen

A message from Chris Laufer, Coordinator, Faces of Children

Greetings, Faces of Children Prayer Partner,

OK, this snippet from Prayer and the Jealous God by Henri Nouwen is definitely food for thought. It appealed to me initially because of the idea that God is passionately pursuing us. It made me uncomfortable, though, thinking about what Nouwen calls “the mystery of God’s jealous love.” I welcome your feedback and insights if you are so moved to respond.

We will meet to pray for God’s children Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. in the Bride's room at First Presbyterian Church, Midland. We'll have lunch ($5) and a time of fellowship afterwards.

If you have prayer concerns or celebrations about children at risk, those who care for them, have authority over them, or, yes, even those who harm them, please send them to me at at claufer@facesofchildren.net, or give me a call. Thank you for praying for the children of our global and local communities!

Celebrating God’s pursuit,
Chris

Reports From Lulwanda: June, 2010

Every month, Lulwanda Administrator Edward Mukiibi provides an update on Lulwanda Children's Home in Uganda – how the children are growing and learning, how the staff is developing, and any ongoing needs that may arise.

---

June, 2010
"This is our seventh report of the sixth year of our operation. We thank God who has done all this through people like you and me. Although the year is running very fast, we are optimistic that all the programs and plans set forth for this year shall be realized. We continue to thank God for all of you and what you continue to do for Lulwanda Children’s Home. May He continue to bless you and protect you in his service."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Mukibi's June, 2010 report.

Youth Ministry Fall Kick-off Concert, This Week at FPC-Midland

If there is one message First Presbyterian Church of Midland wants to share as it prepares to hosting a Youth Ministry Fall Kick-off Concert featuring the Jason Johnson Band, it's this ... "BE THERE AND BRING A FRIEND!!!!!"

The concert takes place Sunday, August 29, from 8:00 - 9:30 p.m. in the FPC Chapel, on the northwest corner of Texas and A streets, on the west edge of downtown Midland.

"With the emergence of Jason Johnson and his vivid worship music, it is apparent that Johnson is not only a great musician, but an individual whose authenticity of faith shines through every performance," said one reviewer.


"From the Inside Out" from Jason Johnson Band on Vimeo.

In the News ... "Local Non-Profit Sees Increase in Applications Amid Good Economy"

Local Non-Profit Sees Increase in Applications Amid Good Economy
Victor Lopez
Reporter
KWES-TV

MIDLAND, TEXAS - While the local economy may be on the mend, one local non-profit has seen the number of people coming to them for help sky rocket. Helping Hands of Midland is seeing a dramatic increase in applications.

So many families are turning to Helping Hands of Midland because they have no where else to go.
CLICK HERE to read the rest of the KWES story.

Midland Group Shares Report of Wife's Contact with Chinese Christian Prisoner

The China Aid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

Midland Group Shares Report of Wife's Contact with Chinese Christian Prisoner

Released by ChinaAid, August, 2010 ...

"XINJIANG, CHINA – Uyghur Christian prisoner Alimujiang Yimiti (Alim), whose family was constantly denied visiting rights in June, was finally allowed to see his wife in July. Ms. Gulinuer, Alim's wife, spoke with a reporter confirming this."
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid