for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,

for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”

~Romans 1:16~

Continue to pray for the many folks we have been praying for.  Add names of those you know of with needs that were not listed here.  Contact me to have people/situations added.

VBS time is coming soon.  Local churches will beging VBS in June.  Be a part of something that is always fun and meaningful.  You can volunteer to help at your church or in multiple churches if you are available.  You’ll be doubly blessed!

Caring Bridge – Maggie Lee Henson - http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maggieleehenson

Devotional - http://www.devotions.net/devotions/05may/22.htm

Have a great day!  We have rain this morning.  It is coming out of the hose pipe and providing nourishment to the flowers and the plants in the garden.  I’m thankful for a good supply of water to help when plants are dry.  I’m also thankful for the one who is holding the hose in the dark this morning.

Anna Lee

That power is the same divine power

which was demonstrated in Christ when he raised him from the dead.”

~Ephesians 1:19b-20 Phillips~

Always remember that God loves you and never gives up on you!

What a week!  Last week, Marsha Bankston was in church.  Now, she has been in Oschner since Monday and ICU since the middle of the week.  Keep praying for her and her family, Larry, Daniel,  Michael, Steven and the families of the boys.

Mrs. Laura Joiner was in church last week when she fell and broke her leg and hit her face on a pew.  She’s been hospitalized in New Orleans all week and has had surgery on her let.  Keep praying all goes well as she heals.

Mrs. Mary Alice Blackwell and Jimmy Schwartz did not have a diagnosis for their illnesses.  Now, we know she has a brain tumor and will have surgery midday tomorrow in Hammond and Jimmy has myelofibrosis with a choice of treatment plans.

pour out your heart before Him;

God is a refuge for us.”

~Psalm 62:8

From Mary Criswell

My brother, Max Brent, was discharged from the hospital and returned to the health care/rehab center close to his home in Ohio. He is making progress in his recouperation from the removal of his cancerous kidney!! Prayer are still appreciated! Thanks to all for their concern!

Marsha Bankston is still at Ochsner.  It was easier to stay three days than to make all the trips, plus she gets physical therapy and other benefits.  Please continue to pray for Marsha, Larry, and their boys.

Sandra S. Arnold’s heart procedure went well.  Pray for her as she recovers.

Frances Rae Tate McIntyre’s Obituary

http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1482295&fh_id=11426

Betty Louise Newcomb Brabham’s Obituary

http://www.mckneelys.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1482090&fh_id=10545

Baptist Press Article – Touching!

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=37829

Baptist Press for Tuesday

http://www.bpnews.net/default.asp

Impact of AAEO

http://www.onmission.com/onmissioncb.aspx?id=8590121497

An American Hero

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/05/14/marine-commits-final-act-valor-saving-friend-from-plane-wreck/?test=latestnews

Devotional (I hope you take time to read more than just the devotional on this site.)

http://www.elisabethelliot.org/devotional.html

Hatchel count-down = 14 days

Don’t forget to join us at the cabin tomorrow night at 6:30.

Anna Lee

and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly,

and let us run with determination the race that lies before us.”

~Hebrews 12:1b TEV~

Max Brent is still “hanging in there”.  Please continue to pray for him. his family, and those caring for him.

Ray Ydarraga spent four days in North Oaks, but is better now.  Pray he continues to do well.

Kathy Jo Thompson is home and doing well.  Thank God for her successful surgery.

I have my date for the MRI and check-up.  It’s May 29th, the day before Jennie leaves for Prague.

Hillsdale Baptist Church will be having a homecoming today.  If you ever were a member there, they would love to see you.

Devvotional: Our Daily Bread

http://odb.org/

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

God sits on His holy throne.”

~Psalm 47:8~

Mrs. Carol Jean Gill was in church at Spring Creek yesterday.  She has come a long ways.  Please continue to lift her up in prayerl

Continue to pray for Kenneth Birch as he has back surgery today.  Pray he will be relieved from the pain he has endured lately.

Pray for David Allen as he bravely begins treatment this morning.

May 30th, one month from today, will be the date of the Hatchel’s return to Prague.  Pray for them as they begin to pack. Thank God everyone is healthy and so ready to get back “home”.

Pray for the family of Mrs. Vera Hayden as they celebrate her life this morning.

Today’s Devotional

http://www.ccci.org/training-and-growth/devotional-life/todays-promise/index.htm

Have a marvelous Monday.

Anna Lee

according to the power at work within us,

to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,

forever and ever. Amen.’”

~Ephesians 3:20-21, ESV~

Jadon’s mom has posted an update you will be sure to enjoy.

http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/

Pray for Mrs. Shirley Frazier.  The family is planning to bring her to Kentwood for the weekend.  I’m not sure it happened, but pray that “Miss” Shirley has a good weekend wherever she is.

I got some computer messages from Marsha Bankston.  She has an awesome outlook as a “Child of God” and will be seeing an oncologist for the next step.  Marsha invites you to continue to pray for her and her family.  She’s a real “trooper” because she knows she is in God’s hands!

We will celebrate part of the Easter weekend with “Mug & Muffin” at FBC, Kentwood this morning.  Ladies and girls are invited to bring their favorite mug to enjoy some coffee, tea, milk, juice, etc. to go with the muffins we plan to share.  Join us at 10:00 and have some questions for my favorite female missionaries – Jennie, Mallory, and Madison Hatchel.  Let’s celebrate part of the Easter weekend together.

Thought for the Day: Before morning can come

http://tftd.faithsite.com/content.asp?CID=18316

The meaning of each day of the Easter weekend is special.  I can face Friday and Saturday because I know the meaning of Easter morning.  It’s not chocolate candy or colored eggs.  It’s “Up from the Grave He Arose” and “Victory in Jesus”!

Jesus is indeed the reason for the Easter season!

Anna Lee

God made you alive with Christ.” 

~Colossians 2:13~

Scott Flamm

Great news, they think they got all of the cancerous roots!!! He was actually back at work this week.
THANKS FOR PRAYING
Pam (Sellers)

Jadon Pailet is doing better.  Keep praying until he is without any fever and back to learning new things.

Smiley Conerly’s back surgery is scheduled for Tuesday.  You can begin praying today.

Madison Alvin “Pete” Neyland

Died Sunday, April 1 at Lane Memorial Hospital. He was 81. Born October 17, 1930 in Amite County, MS, he moved to Central in 1942 where he resided until his death. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bobbie Bennett Neyland; two daughters, Patti Morgan, Central, and Betty Neyland, Laguna Beach, CA; one son, Mike and wife Lisa McKenzie Neyland, Kentwood; four grandsons, Jamie and wife Kris Creel Neyland, Franklinton; Matt and wife Amanda Touchard Neyland; Eli and Max Neyland, one granddaughter, Chloe Madison Neyland, all of Kentwood; sister, Mildred Neyland Bennett, Central; dear friends he considered his family, Steve Naquin and Sharon Knight, Central, and Russ and Amy Watts, Zachary. Preceded in death by his parents, Brew and Molly Lindsay Neyland; and a son-in-law, Michael J. Morgan. Pete was retired from Gulf States Utilities, and was a charter founding member of Central Private School. He was a veteran of the Korean War. Visitation at Rabenhorst East Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 4, from 9am with memorial services at 11 am conducted by Rev. Percy Mac Frazier, Kentwood United Methodist Church. A private inurnment for the family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans.

Thought for the Day: Looking heavenward

The temporary Sunday school teacher was struggling to open a combination lock on the supply cabinet. She had been told the combination, but couldn’t quite remember it. Finally she went to the preacher’s study and asked for help.

The preacher came into the room and began to turn the dial. After the first two numbers he paused and stared blankly for a moment. Finally he look serenely heavenward and his lips moved silently. Then he looked back at the lock, and quickly turned to the final number, and opened the lock.

The teacher was amazed. “I’m in awe at your faith, preacher,” she said.

“It’s really nothing,” he answered. “The number is on a piece of tape on the ceiling.”

What a great definition of the concept of faith! The essence of faith truly is to look heavenward. It is to look toward heaven for our guidance, our motivation, and our very reason for existence.

We are surrounded by the things of this world, and it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that what we can see all around us is what is “real.” Faith is the ability to set our eyes on that which is above, the true reality.

“By faith [Abraham] dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob….for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Heb. 11:9-10)

May you live by faith this day, and don’t forget to look up!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

Take some time Saturday morning to come to Mug & Muffin at FBC, Kentwood.  Come enjoy some muffins and morning beverages and talk with Jennie A. Hatchel and her daughter, Mallory and Madison.  You can get to know them better and ask questions about life as a missionary.  The Hatchel family will be returning to Prague in a little more than a month.  We hope to see you at 10:00 A.M.  Bring your favorite mug is you want to use it during the meeting.

Jesus is the reason for the Easter season!

Anna Lee

the Lord will hear when I call to Him.”

~Psalm 4:3~

Pray for Patsy Benefield who is hospitalized at North Oaks and undergoing tests.

Pray for Jimmy Schwartz who is back in North Oaks.

Sadie Goad Worley

(May 16, 1917 – March 31, 2012)

A resident of Greensburg, she died at 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at her home. She was born May 16, 1917 in Hickory Flat, MS and was 94 years of age. She is survived by her 2 sons, Jerry Lynn Worley, Wilmer and Ellis Kyle Worley, Kentwood; 5 sisters including a special sister, Mary G. Capace, Baton Rouge, Elsie Johnson, Denham Springs, Shirley Seal, Jackson, Lafolia Davis, Silver Creek, MS and Elbie Brumfield, Norwood; a brother, Paul Allen McCreary, Denham Springs; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles E. Worley; parents, Ellis and Era Goad; son, Charles D. Worley; 2 sisters and a brother. Visitation at Community Baptist Church, Greensburg, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 12 Noon on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Stewart and Rev. Sidney Johnson. Interment Center Cemetery, Greensburg. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Mug & Muffin

All ladies and girls are invited to attend Mug & Muffin at FBC, Kentwood morning at 10:00.  You are invited to bring a dozen muffins to share and a mug to use that morning.  Special guests will be Jennie, Mallory, and Madison Hatchel who will share about missions and answer your questions about their mission experienced as they work with the Roma (Gypsies).  You don’t have to be a member of FBC, Kentwood to attend.

Thought for the Day: As old as the Hills

The census taker knocked on the lady’s door. She answered all his questions except one. She refused to tell him her age.

“But everyone tells their age to the census taker,” he said.

“Did Miss Maisy Hill, and Miss Daisy Hill tell you their ages?” she asked.

“Certainly,” he replied.

“Well, I’m the same age as they are,” she snapped.

The census taker simply wrote on the form, “As old as the Hills.”

You may have heard that our nation’s oldest person, a 113-year-old woman who witnessed the aftermath of the great San Francisco earthquake, died in April. The world’s oldest person in the world, according to the Gerontology Research Group, is a Japanese man, who is 115. The oldest person ever on record was a Frenchwoman who was 122 when she died in 1997. All of these could easily be described with the phrase, “As old as the hills.”

But they are all babies when compared with Methuselah. You recognize his name. He’s known in the Bible for one thing — being the oldest person mentioned. 969 years old! That’s a lot of years. And I think it’s sad. Not that he was so old, but because that’s what he is known for. He’s not known for his great faith, for his moral courage, or for his righteousness. He’s known for being old.

In fact, if you do the math, you come up with an interesting fact — Methuselah died the year it started flooding. Was it just a coincidence, or was Methuselah one of the many who perished in that judgment of God? We don’t know.

I just pray that some day I’ll be remembered, not for the number of years I lived upon this earth, but for the way that I lived while I was here.

“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.” (Proverbs 16:31)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
White House Church of Christ
White House, Tennessee

and with my God I can leap over a wall.”

~2 Samuel 22:30, HCSB~

JAPAN IN CRISIS. As we have reached the one-year anniversary of the triple disaster that overtook unsuspecting Japan, it seems fitting and proper to pause a moment and voice a prayer for the more than 16,000 lives that have been confirmed as lost and the more than 3,000 lives that are not yet accounted for. At the same time, perhaps it would be appropriate to remember a life that was spared. Kenji Sato is a descendant of fishermen in the coastal town of Minamisanriku. On that fateful day of March 11, he was due to be on the job at a local nursing home. Yet on that day, he took time off from work to see his third child, Haruse, born at a hospital in a nearby port city. That decision spared his life, as following the tsunami, the only thing left of his workplace was a skeleton of twisted steel pillars. A year later, the four-generation Sato family celebrates the birthday of little Haruse. His grandmother insists, “He is a child who was born to save us.” As Christians, we know this wasn’t the first time that a child came into the world to save others. Pray that countless Japanese will come to know the Christ child who was born to save them so that they might walk in new life and hope.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Feastasianpeoples.imb.org%2Fjapan-in-crisis%2F&h=NAQEw8_NSAQHxcV1yImhoCRF_NADitibMMUxfQd9M3T2xQg

With the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck northern Japan yesterday, think how frightened the people must be there.  Pray for Christians to share with the people of Japan the news of one who is able to save the people so they might have eternal homes that never can be shaken.  Thankfully, there was no significant damage or any loss of life, but I’m sure it was a reminder of what happened last year.  May the people see their need for God as they face the threat of another earthquake and tsunami.

Crossover: Katrina labors have opened hearts

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=37380

Boyd is helping to coordinate some volunteers to work in the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting this summer in New Orleans.  I’m signed up to help register delegates.  There are many opportunities for you too.  Do some checking to find the spot that fits you “just right” and volunteer.

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions

What do AAEO-supported missionaries do?

• Start new churches
• Engage in student evangelism on college campuses
• Serve the physical and spiritual needs of people through inner-city Baptist centers
• Serve in local Baptist associations as church planting catalysts
• Provide training and ministry in apologetics (interfaith witness) evangelism
• Minister in resort settings such as campgrounds and ski areas
  

  I’m thankful for those who are full time or volunteer missionaries in Canada and North America.  Imagine how many people they reach through non-traditional ways (outside of Baptist churches).  The lost can find God while having a meal at a BCM (Baptist Collegient Ministry), at a campground in a state park, while hiking a mountain trail, while skiing at a resort, or many other places.  Yes, even at a church!  Don’t you feel your responsibility to help by going, praying, and/or giving.  Remember, the theme this year is “Whatever it Takes”.

The Beth Moore studies of James are going well.  I encourage other churches to offer this opportunity.  If you missed James: Mercy Triumphs and would like to particiapate in a study, please let me know.  I’ll try to connect you with a group.  If you are offering this study at your church in the future, please let me know.  I may be able to help let people know about the study and match some up with a group that is going to start in the future.

Thought for the Day: What are you willing to commit?

The story is told of a man in a fancy restaurant who started to choke on a bone. A doctor rushed over, identified himself as a doctor, and reassured the man that he was going to be all right. He performed the Heimlich Maneuver and the bone popped out.

As the man’s breath and voice returned he said, “I’m ever so grateful, doctor, how can I ever repay you?”

The doctor smiled and said, “I’ll settle for one-tenth of what you were willing to pay while you were choking.”

It’s true, isn’t it, that when you’re facing a crisis (especially a life-threatening crisis), you would give everything you have to get through it. Money is no object!

We do the same thing on a spiritual level. How many times have you faced hardship and prayed, “Lord, if you’ll just see me through this, I’ll serve you faithfully the rest of my life!” or something similar? But what happens when the crisis passes? Those feelings of urgency about serving God pass as well. If we could commit ourselves to doing one-tenth of what we’re willing to do in those moments, most of us would ascend to a new level of commitment.

Paul wrote, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

Father, there are moments in my life when I am reminded of how much I need you and how urgent it is that I commit my life to you. All too often, though, those feelings disappear, and I quickly revert back to a less-than-satisfactory level of commitment. Please forgive me and strengthen me in my resolve to reach the point where I can say with the apostle Paul, “To me, to live is Christ.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Boone Church of Christ
Boone, NC

Make a difference in someone’s life today!

Anna Lee

I’ve waited a long time to be able to say these words….Jadon’s EEG was NORMAL today!!!! Thank you God for this miracle!!!!!!

Andy Taylor is in surgery now.  I’ll update you later.

No update on Marsha C. Bankston yet.