The mountains and hills may crumble,

but my love for you will never end,

so says the Lord who loves you.

~Isaiah 54:10 (TEV)~

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Friday, July 30, 2010

“Since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh . . . let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:19-23, ESV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, celebrating with you in prayer over new beginnings.

Missionaries serving in the Huasco River Valley, Chile, request prayer as they begin a community Bible study in the rural village of La Compania. A recent volunteer team made up of university students prayerwalked and held a community-wide Vacation Bible School as well as a women’s evangelistic tea. The Lord opened many doors, and the community is very receptive.

The Fulakunda Team rejoices that there are 10 new believers in villages of Senegal, Guinea-Bissau and the Gambia. When a volunteer team came in February, they were faithful to share stories from the Word, and in doing so, they found one man who accepted the Truth. The team prayed for this man over the next few months, and recently more volunteers came and reconnected with him. They found that he had been sharing what he knew with his family and friends. Pray for these 10 new believers, asking that they will be convicted to meet together consistently to study. Also pray that Fulakunda team members and other local believers will have opportunities to mentor and disciple these new brothers and sisters in the next few months.

Approximately one year ago, a Mandinka pastor, SD, relocated to a town in southern Senegal. It has been challenging for him and his family to leave their friends and family, but they are building new relationships and witnessing every day.

* Please pray that SD and his family will persevere through the subtle and sometimes blatant persecution they encounter.

* Intercede for new Fulakunda believers and seekers in Chile, asking God to reveal His truth daily.

* Hold fast to your confession of hope, knowing that He who promised is faithful!

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

ONE OF THE biggest news stories of the summer broke on July 28th with the temporary injunction set down by U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton, stopping several measures in an immigration bill signed into law by Governor Jan Brewer and set to go into effect today…

Effectively, this injunction prohibits law enforcement from more easily detecting those who are in this country illegally.

For many, this is an issue they cannot divorce from politics or race.  But, how should a Christian view the matter of illegal immigration?  That is a different question than whether or not we should embrace those who seek to lawfully enter our nation from other nations around the world.  Bible truth is truth, recognizing no political party of skin color.  To ask how a Christian views any matter is also to ask what the Bible may have to say about it or issues involved with it.  While there is no verse that explicitly deals with illegal immigration, there are biblical principles to consider.

Lying is sinful.  There are no situations that make lying OK.  Paul urged the Ephesians to lay aside falsehood and speak truth (Eph. 4:25). The end for liars is most undesirable (Rev. 21:8).  If one claims something to an employer, landlord, or law enforcement officer that is not true, that one is lying.  How often do those hiring and harboring illegal immigrants knowingly lie or deceive?

Disobeying a nation’s laws is disobeying God.  Romans 13:1-4 says, “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”  Many people go through the proper channels for applying for citizenship.  Even if a nation is lax in enforcing its laws, a Christian will not knowingly subvert the governing authorities in either harboring illegal immigrants or attempting to be in a nation illegally.  A Christian should be averse to being a party to anything rightly labeled “illegal.”

One is to submit to every human, governmental institution (1 Pet. 2:13ff).  Obviously, the only exception is if that entity seeks to get us to disobey the Lord’s commands (cf. Acts 5:27-29).  Otherwise, we must submit to them and in so doing we are “doing right” (1 Pet. 2:14-15).

I would never want to defend or advocate something that, objectively viewed, is termed “illegal.”  Perhaps the desire of some to rationalize on this issue is a product of a greater problem our culture has with law and authority.  The child of God, however, will be reminded “to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men” (Titus 3:1-2).  Neal Pollard, “How Should A Christian View Illegal Immigration?,” Preacherpollard’s Blog, July 29, 2010

“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said: ‘

We ought to obey God rather than men.”

~Acts 5:29~

Have a fantastic day!

Anna Lee

David just called.  ”Miss” Catherine’s surgery went very well.  She will be in ICU for a while.  Keep praying for more good reports.

Mrs. Catherine Yarborough‘s surgery was delayed and didn’t start until around 11:00.  The updates say all is going well.  Please continue to pray.

Mike Nason is also in Our Lady of the Lake.

Mrs. Mildred Birch is doing well and should be released tomorrow.

“Trust in Him at all times, you people;

pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us.”

~Psalm 62:8~

Mrs. Catherine Yarborough’s surgery will be at 10:00 A.M.  Please pray for her, the medical staff working with her, and her family and friends.

Mr. Billy Brabham is doing better.  Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Robbie Lynn Callihan Kirby is slowly improving from her surgery.  Pray for her during this time.

Rachel Morris Muth will have surgery Friday at North Oaks.  Please remember her in your prayers.

From Eleanor Morris

Ellen’s procedure was this afternoon ( Wed.) She returned home about 5:30pm still a little sedated.
The Dr. said everything went well. She should see some results soon. Thank you for your prayers.

CaringBridge

• http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/averysmith1/journal?jid=5868170

I sorry the weatherman didn’t get it right about cooler weather.  Be careful not to get too hot!

Anna Lee

From Keri Harper Wickham

Please keep my brother, Pete Harper, in your prayers. He is having surgery tomorrow morning in SC to remove a brain tumor. He found out this morning and they immediately hospitalized him and scheduled surgery.

Petey grew up in Roseland and still has lots of family in this area.  We recently visited with him when he was home for his father’s funeral.  I know his family well and know they will appreciate every prayer for Petey, who now goes by “Pete”.

Micah Tolleson (22) had his third day of treatment today.  Pray for the whole Tolleson family as there are many health issues in his immediate family.

Dr. Earl Council has family members in Florida who are having health issues.  Please pray for the Council family.

Mrs. Mildred Birch had knee surgery this morning.  All went well.  She should be at home by the end of the week.

Pray for Mrs. Catherine Yarborough as she prepares for surgery at 10:00 in the morning.  Pray for her family too.

Robert Frohn of Amite had a heart attack yesterday and stints put in last night. He is in ICU at North Oaks. Please remember him in prayer this morning.

CaringBridge

• http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kathyjothompson/journal?jid=5860120
• http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole/journal?jid=5859159

CONTRAST

IF I OFFERED you a method for making a million dollars, and it was s certain process, would you listen…?

What if I offered you the ability to live your life in a wise, godly manner? Would you listen? Sorry, but I do not have the million dollar deal figured out, but I do know where to find the process for living.

That process is found in Psalm 1. It contrasts the difference between the man who wants to live in a godly manner and the one who does not. The contrast is between day and night. One many follows the way of God and is blessed. What is his process? First, he makes his own decisions about what he is going to do. He avoids evil company and refuses to associate with people who are cynical about everything. We often have to work with such people, of course, but we do not need to spend our “off” time with them.

The godly man looks to the true source of wisdom and strength — God Himself. He drinks in godliness as a tree drinks in the water running along its roots. Because of that action and attitude, the man yields fruit. He prospers.

On the other hand, the man who lives as if God were irrelevant is like chaff. He is blown away and has no lasting impact on life. Evil is its own worst enemy and is self-destructive. As the psalmist puts it, “The way of the wicked will perish” (v. 6). Oh, that might not happen right away. In fact, some of the world’s biggest scoundrels seem to have it all. But appearances are deceptive. What they build will not last.

God keeps the way of His people: “For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous” (v. 6). These two ways of living could not be more diverse. One way is day; the other way is night.

Where do you live? Don M. Aycock & Mark Sutton, “The Difference Between Day and Night,” Still God’s Man, 147-148

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” Psalm 1

Posted by Mike Benson

I think the weatherman who promised cooler weather yesterday was wrong.  Today, the report is for hot weather.  Take care of yourself and others today.

Anna Lee

Rev. Ed Griffin, 76 years old of Hammond, died July 25, 2010, in Richard Murphy Hospice House.

He was born on August 27, 1933, in Gloster, Mississippi son of the late Dock and Edith Stevens Griffin.

Brother Ed was a pastor for over 57 years having served at St.Stephens Baptist Church, St. Stephens, AL; Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Brookhaven, MS; Roseland Park Baptist Church, Picayune, MS; Calvary Baptist Church, Bogalusa, LA; Woodland Park Baptist Church, Hammond, LA; First Baptist Church, Ridgeland, MS; Clifton Baptist Church, Franklinton, LA; Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Independence, LA; and Interims @ New Zion Baptist Church, Covington, LA; New Beulah Baptist Church, Albany, LA; Colyell Baptist Church, Livingston, LA.

He graduated from Mississippi College where he was a four year letterman in football. He was three years All Conference and his senior year, he was the Little All American. In 2004, Brother Ed was inducted into the Mississippi College Hall of Fame. He received his Masters of Divinity from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Surviving are wife of 55 years, Gloria W. Griffin, daughter & son-in-law, Beth and Jimmy Stire, daughter, Lisa Griffin, son & daughter-in-law, Greg L. and Susan A. Griffin, grandchildren, Bradley Stire, Lance Traylor and his wife Brandi , 4 sisters, Dorothy Barbato, Betty Hughes, Ruby Cliburn, and Peggy Pate.

He is preceded in death by his brothers, D. J. Griffin, Jack Griffin, and a sister, Thelma Wilson.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond and on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 from 8:00 am until 10:00 am at Woodland Park Baptist Church, 1909 J. W. Davis Dr, Hammond, LA 70403.

Services will be held at Woodland Park Baptist Church on Wednesday, at 10:00 am, with Dr. Lonnie Wascom officiating.

Interment will follow in the New Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, Covington, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Richard Murphy Hospice House, 16013 Halbert Ln., Hammond, LA 70403.

Second Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

“Even if my mother and father forsake me,

the Lord will receive me.”

Psalm 27:10

Pray for Mrs. Catherine Yarborough who will be having surgery Thursday.

Pray for Ellen Morris vande Vuss who will be having kidney stones blasted today.

Pray for Mrs. Katherine Sanders.  She has been “under the weather”.

CaringBridge

• http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/macygueldner/journal?jid=5852864

Mission Team News

• The Amite team had 70 in VBS yesterday.
• The Canadian team (Miranda Erwin and others) had camp in the morning and did service projects in the afternoon
• The Kentwood team is scheduled for VBS this morning and youth rally tonight.

Continue to pray for the Muse family today.

From Judy McElveen

Thank you for your prayers for my cousin, Frank and his family. God has released him from his pain. Our God is an awesome God.

Enjoy a cooler day today!

Anna Lee

Charles Wayne Rohner
(August 22, 1944 – July 26, 2010)

A resident of Amite, LA, died at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, July 26, 2010 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born August 22, 1944 in Amite, LA and was 65 years of age. He was a veteran of Viet Nam and retired from Local 2B Operating Engineers. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. on Wednesday until religious services at 1 p.m .Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Don Meadows. Interment Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite, LA. Survived by wife, Joyce Hughes Rohner, Amite, 3 sons, Mark Rohner and his wife, Renie, Holden, David Rohner, Albany, and James “Scooter” Rohner and his wife, Beth, Roseland, grandchildren, Larrilyn Rohner, Chris Rohner, Blake Rohner, and Jayden Rohner, great-grandson, Bryson Rodriguez, brother, Jimmy Rohner, Amite, 2 sisters, Sharon Needham, Amite, and Linda Rohner, Amite, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Earl and Betty Hughes, Roseland. Preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Ruth Rohner.

Chris Bond (February 27, 1973 – July 26, 2010) Died at 8:04 a.m. on Monday, July 26, 2010 at his residence near Independence. He was born February 27, 1973 and was 37 years of age. He is survived by his grandmother, Inez Randall, Amite, special niece, Laci Randall, 2 special nephews, Blake and Will Carter, special cousin, Shelby Smith. Preceded in death by his mother, Barbara “Bobbye” Randall Bond, father, Carlton G. Bond, Sr., brother, Carlton “Chip” Bond, Jr., grandparents, Lawrence Randall, Clarence and Meda Bond, cousin, Jason Randall. Arrangements are incomplete at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite.