Praises
Frann Smith Clark
Just a quick praise-Aaron is off the ventilator and seems to be doing well. They also took out his NG tube, so other than getting some oxygen through a nasal cannula, his little nose and mouth is free for the first time in 4 days. It is wonderful to see his face. He has been awake and looking at us as if to say “IT’S ABOUT TIME…”
Jesse Dean is doing much better. I just talked with Majel. She said the doctor may remove the drain tomorrow and allow Jesse to come home. Then, he will begin therapy again.
Thanks for your continued prayers for Jesse, Majel, and the other family members as well as the medical staff caring for Jesse. Just to let you know how special Jesse is – The doctor said this was the first time in 10 years he has seen the problem Jesse developed last week!
$7,667.85 has already been received on the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering at FBC, Kentwood. Our goal is $13,000.
Good Monday morning to everyone from PA. It has been a low-key 24 hours here at CHOP for Aaron. Even though we desire fast improvement, we will settle for slow steady improvement, too. Aaron has had a pretty good 24 hours. They have not yet taken him off the ventilator, but we anticipate he will be ready today. Yesterday, he was having some trouble breathing and the doctors (actually, a very smart nurse) noticed his chest tube drainage was suspiciously low. They checked the tubes and found clots on both sides that were preventing fluid from draining out of the space around his lungs. After his pleural space was drained, he felt SO much better and his heart rate and breathing became much more comfortable.
The plan as we understand it is to let Aaron rest and see how his heart and lungs do for the next couple of days–to get his body back to where it was before the assault of the heart cath. Then they will evaluate the need for another surgery to close the two holes that were left in his heart after his surgery. Please continue to pray that God will close the holes and alleviate the need for another surgery for our precious child.
Love to all.
“My voice You shall hear in the morning,
O Lord;
in the morning I will direct it to You,
and I will look up.”
~Psalm 5:3~
Family connection to Baby Aaron Hill explained by Frann Clark:
Marshall is not related to me.
Aaron is the grandson of my 1st cousin, Jerry Risher, who lives in Enterprise, MS. Jerry’s father and my mother were sister & brother.
Marshall’s parents were from Jackson, MS. Aaron’s mother and father, Faith and Scott, work in Jackson & live in Madison, MS. They were friends of Marshall’s parents, Jennifer & Jeremiah.
Thanks for asking & for your concern.
God Bless You
Frann
| Burlon Ray McGehee | ||
| “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of Death, I will fear no evil.” Psalm 23:4. A native of Osyka, Miss., he went to be with his Lord at 9:49 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2008, at his residence in Walker. He was 76, a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War and retired from AT&T. Visitation at Revival Temple Church, Walker, on Tuesday, April 1, from 10 a.m. until memorial service at 1 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Wes Courtney and the Rev. Richard L. May. Burial in Revival Temple Cemetery. Survived by his wife of 37 years, Bobbye Abney McGehee; daughters and sons-in-law, Roxanne and Gary Nicholls, Wanda and Donald Giles and Rebecca and Chuck Wilkes; son and daughter-in-law, Ricki and Tami Rosenthal; sister and brother-in-law, Patty and Marty Sandifer; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Carolyn McGehee and Rodney and Cathy McGehee; stepmother, Betty Jean McGehee; granddaughters, Michelle Earle, Shasta Jones and husband Chad, Jennifer Rosenthal, Anna Aitken and husband Chris, and Kimberly O’Neal; grandsons, Chris Wilkes and wife Heather, Colbi Rosenthal and Brody Wilkes; and great-grandchildren, Presley and Isabelle Wilkes and Autumn Jowers. Preceded in death by his mother, Elma Milton McGehee; and father, Edward P. McGehee. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to their family, friends, Wes Courtney, pastor, and the Revival Temple Church family, Kaci Grimes, Joni and RIchard May, Dr. David West and Hospice in His Care for all the care and love they expressed. May God bless each one of you. Arrangements by Seale Funeral Service Inc., Denham Springs. | ||
FBC Deacons for Hospital Visitation this week:
I shared this devotional thought several years ago. Alan Smith sent it again, so I’m sharing it again. It reminds of a a wonderful concept of God.
CRACKED POTS
The story is told of a water bearer in India who had two large pots. They hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck, but one of the pots had a crack in it. While the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. For two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots of water to his master’s house.
Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.”
“Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?”
“I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said.
In his compassion, the water bearer said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.”
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”
It is an amazing thing (but true) that God is able to accomplish some wonderful things through our efforts, in spite of our imperfections. Paul said of his role as a preacher of the gospel:
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” (2 Cor. 4:7).
Though we may often feel inadequate and useless, if we will continue about the task that God has given us, we will produce fruit and influence lives in ways we may not even be aware of.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (I Cor. 15:58).
May your life “abound” this day in the work of the Lord! Though you may feel like a “cracked pot”, your efforts are not in vain.
Have a great day!
Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina
It’s a good think we don’t have to be perfect to be used in His service. I certainly wouldn’t qualify! Would you?
Anna Lee
Jesse is out of surgery. The doctor was able to remove some blood and put a drain in Jesse’s knee. A culture will be run, but there doesn’t seem to be any infection. If all goes well, Jesse should have the drain until Wednesday. Thank you for your continued prayers for Jesse and the family.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
~ Psalm 23:4~
Today is a beautiful day in PA, but our hearts are very heavy. Aaron’s friend Marshall did not make it through his surgery last night. His little body just could not handle it anymore and today he is home in Heaven. There are no words to describe the grief we feel or even fathom the pain Jennifer and Jeremiah are going through today. Please pray for them and their family.
After the loss of Marshall, it is hard to report good news for our Aaron. He had a good night last night and they plan to take him off his ventilator today. His heart rate is down in the 130s this morning–lower than it has ever been, so we are pleased. He is still very swollen and sedated, but better. We are so thankful for all the prayers for healing for Aaron. We pray that God’s will and our desires for closing the residual holes in Aaron’s heart are one in the same. He is a mighty God and He could close these VSDs with a touch of His hand.
It’s 12:30 P.M. Jesse is going into surgery in about an hour. The doctors were unable to drain any fluid, so they need to do more checking. Surgery should last about an hour. I’ll let you know when I hear anything else. Please continue to pray for Jesse, his family, and for the medical staff as they care for Jesse.
Update on Jesse Dean
Jesse’s problem has been identified as an infection which will be cultured. His pain is under control now. The knee will be drained tomorrow. Jesse is in a semi-private room at North Oaks for now, but hopes to get a private room.
Please pray for Jesse, Majel, other family members, and the medical staff as they care for Jesse.
Melissa Johnson just called with a request for the Johnson family. Brooke and Kayla’s uncle, Jamie Johnson of Jayess, MS, died in a house fire last night. He was alone, so details are not clear at this time. Jamie’s wife, Judy, was working in Baton Rouge. Jamie’s parents, Frances and Herman Johnson of Summit, have already lost one son, Jackie. Pray for them and the other member of the family as they deal with this loss. Pray for Judy Johnson and her children. Pray for Brooke as she travels home from Florida and for Melissa and Kayla as they go to be with the Johnson family this morning. Thank you for your prayers.
“Or what man is there among you who,
if his son asks for bread,
will give him a stone?
Or if he asks for a fish,
will he give him a serpent?
If you then, being evil,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your Father who is in heaven
give good things to those who ask Him!”
~Matthew 7:9-11~
Jesse Dean
Majel had to bring Jesse to North Oaks tonight because he was in so much pain with his knee. They are waiting for him to be put in a room till Monday when the doctor is going to do something to reduce the swelling.
(Harrell and Susie Sharkey)
Churches Help Ease Pain of Flood Victims
By Staff
North American Mission Board
March 28, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Southern Baptist churches served as shelters and volunteers helped residents clean up after major flooding in the Midwest left at least 17 dead and nearly half of Arkansas’ counties declared as disaster areas.
Flooding that began March 18 and started receding March 24 displaced hundreds of people in the southeastern part of Missouri, many of whom took shelter in churches including the First Baptist churches of Delta, Marble Hill and Ellington.
First Baptist Church in Piedmont served as a launching point for a Missouri Baptist disaster relief mass care feeding trailer from the Cape Girardeau Baptist Association, which served 2,000 hot meals to workers and victims. A shower trailer from the Jefferson Baptist Association is still on site at Piedmont, officials said.
Fed by torrential rains, the Meramec and Mississippi Rivers swelled to near-record levels, displacing hundreds and killing at least five in that area, one of whom was Walter Baker, a deacon and a member for more than 50 years at First Baptist Ellington.
As Baker was crossing the bridge over the swelling creek that separated his home from his hardware and machine shop, a camper trailer floated down the creek, destroying the bridge and throwing Baker into the rushing waters.
Jim Stewart, pastor of First Baptist, said he and numerous church members aided in the search effort as best they could during the flood, but by the time the 81-year-old Baker was found, it was too late. Baker had been active in the community, local chamber and the church, Stewart said.
“He never missed a Sunday, [he] taught the youth for a time and taught Sunday School. He was a great missionary in our community. He was never afraid to tell you about Jesus or invite you to church,” the pastor said.
The flooding has touched 70 of Missouri’s 114 counties, prompting President Bush to declare parts of the state federal disaster areas eligible for FEMA assistance. The Mississippi River crested at 45 feet at Cape Girardeau, 13 feet above flood stage.
First Baptist Marble Hill housed 20 people the first night of the flood when Hurricane Creek, which bisects the community, separated people from their homes.
“Some kids who got out of school early couldn’t get home to their families,” Fred Ritter, pastor of First Baptist Marble Hill, said.
A community of about 1,500, Marble Hill is getting used to turning to First Baptist for help. A few weeks ago during an ice storm, more than 50 people showed up to sleep in the church’s family life center.
“We don’t really have a community center, so our church has become the place to go in a disaster,” Ritter said. “It’s been a great way to minister, and the Lord is watching over us.”
Even though the waters are back to a manageable level, Rick Seaton, director of the Missouri Baptist Convention’s disaster relief fleet, said work is far from over. The North American Mission Board is sending an incident command team to coordinate the monumental mud-out and cleanup efforts, and volunteers, trained or not, are in high demand.
“We need a lot more in-state volunteers,” Seaton said. “If you have had Southern Baptist/Missouri Baptist disaster relief training in any area but have not specifically had mud-out training, you are still welcome to help with mud-out. Training will be provided on site. Please let us know the dates you would be available and someone will contact you if/when you are needed.”
For information about Missouri disaster relief or to volunteer, contact Gwen Martin at gmartin@mobaptist.org or call 1-800-736-6227.
In Arkansas, Gov. Mike Beebe has declared nearly half of the state’s counties disaster areas, hundreds of homes have been damaged and roads are still closed in several counties. Heavy rains began pounding the state March 17, prompting the deployment of Arkansas Baptist disaster relief volunteers. At least one Arkansas resident has died in the floods and another is missing.
Robby Tingle, head of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention missions ministries team, said a group of Arkansas Baptist volunteers was involved in flood relief efforts in Mountain View, and others were expected to arrive March 27 to help with mud-out and cleanup efforts.
Tingle said assessment teams also are attempting to contact Baptist leaders in Des Arc, DeValls Bluff and Clarendon, where floodwaters continue to rise, to receive an update on their needs. As floodwaters recede in many areas of Arkansas, Tingle said ABSC relief workers would be deployed to access damage. At that time, additional relief crews will assist in mud-out and cleanup efforts as needed.
So far one Baptist church in Arkansas has reported damage. Floodwaters damaged the fellowship hall of White River Baptist Church in Oil Trough and, before receding, threatened the sanctuary. Arkansas Baptist officials have offered financial resources to several ABSC churches to help them minister to their communities.
In Illinois, Dorrisville Baptist Church in Harrisburg provided food and shelter to 50 people over a four-day period after heavy rains caused severe flooding in the southern part of the state. Disaster relief recovery teams from Dorrisville and McKinley Avenue Baptist Church, also in Harrisburg, are assisting in area cleanup efforts.
According to local emergency management agencies, 75 businesses and 60-80 homes have been affected by the flooding. The forecast for the area calls for more rain.
Farther north, in east central Illinois, the town of Watseka is still recovering from two major flood events in the last two months. Watseka Baptist Church sustained serious structural damage and is meeting in a local museum while church leaders make decisions about the church building’s future.
The small, aging congregation did not have flood insurance for the 113-year-old church building and the Illinois and Federal Emergency Management Agencies have denied them assistance. The Illinois Baptist State Association has given the church $5,000 from its disaster relief fund while other Illinois Baptist churches and the surrounding community also have provided assistance.
Compiled by Erin Roach of Baptist Press with reporting by Brian Koonce of The Pathway in Missouri, Stella Prather of the Arkansas Baptist News and Lisa Sergent of the Illinois Baptist.
This is the season when we give to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. We never know when or where some of the emergency funds will be needed. If you have not already contributed, please consider doing so. If you have already contributed, please consider giving again.
KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…”
(Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
Weaver
YOU ARE NOT the product of evolutionary chance…
You are the handiwork of a skillful Weaver.
“Your body is made up of microscopic cells so small that the letter O on the this page would contain between thirty to forty thousand of them. Each cell is a world in itself, containing as estimated two hundred trillion tiny molecules of atoms…Each cell has its own specialized function and each works to an intricate time table which tells it when to grow, when to divide, when to make hormones, and when to die. Every minute of every day, some three billion cells in the body die and the same number are created to take their place. During any given moment in life of any one of these cells, thousands of events are taking place, each one being precisely coordinated at the molecular level by countless triggers. The human body has more than a million million of them-a million in each square inch of skin, thirty billion in the brain, billions of red blood cells in the veins.” (John Phillips)
“I will praise You,
for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
marvelous are Your works,
and that my soul knows very well.”
~Psm. 139:14~
Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee
The Prayer Link 
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