Month: August 2008

Tuesday Evening

Mrs. Susie Wales is still having blood pressure problems and is in Baton Rouge to be nearer her doctor. She and her family would greatly appreciate your prayers.

Update on Larry Watts:

Larry came home late yesterday evening and is doing well. Doctor’s appointment on Friday. Possibly a pacemaker later. Please continue to pray for him.

Update on Jordan Russell:

Thank you for praying for Jordan during his time in the hospital. He is home! He came home and fixed himself a protein drink and is now asleep in a nice comfortable bed. Please continue to pray for him as the trach area closes up (when the doctor changed the bandage today it was starting to close from the inside out) and his throat heals as well as the rest of his body recovers. He still has numbness/tingling in his left shoulder. The orthopedic doctor (my mother’s doctor) came by to see Jordan before we left. He said the problem seems neurological (no we don’t know how it happened) and hopefully it will start improving but if not better by next week to go see him. The nurse informed us Jordan can not drive for a week. I am taking him home to Belton in the morning to recuperate. We will stop in Tyler to pick up Kyle as we head home. Jordan will see his doctor next week to see how everything is healing.

Thank you for praying for Jordan and us during this past week.

Love,

Melinda and family

P.S. Kyle passed his driving exam today and now is an official driver. He even took the test in the rain.

Pray for Jason Dean as he prepares to see a specialist at 8 A.M. in the morning concerning his “second tonsils” problem.

Tuesday

I mean that I want us to help each other

with the faith we have.

Your faith will help me,

and my faith will help you.

Romans 1:12 (NCV)

Update on Jordan Russell:

This evening about 5pm Jordan had his trach removed!!! Thank you for praying for him! He is feeling a lot better with it out and breathing well. It was so nice to hear him talk again.

If all goes well he will be discharged Tuesday. Please continue to pray for Jordan as he continues to recover from the surgery and as the trach opening closes. Please also pray for his left shoulder. It has been bothering him since he woke up Thursday. He says it feels like it goes numb or tingles from time to time.

Love,

Melinda and family

PARAGUAY. Missionary Iracema Kunkel writes: “As Sunday approached, I started reminding those we were discipling to go to church. O., a divorced mother with a 13-year-old son, was one who needed special attention. She prayed to receive Christ in February after reading a written testimony distributed by one of our Baptist volunteers during a prayerwalk. However, O. had stopped coming for discipleship. I called her and asked her to come to church with us. After church, we spent the afternoon together. As we talked, she shared with us why she had stopped coming. Our conversation turned into a six-hour counseling session! We learned that she still had many idols in her house and in her heart. Tim and I offered to do a ‘cleaning’ of all the idols that were keeping her from following the Lord. We took two bags and went to her home. One of the bags we filled and burned in an incinerator at her place. She told the security guards who were watching that she was ‘burning her sins’! The other bag we packaged and sent back to her parents. They were family gifts, and she did not feel comfortable burning them, but at least they are out of her home. We prayed in each room of her house. O. is free today and calls us her adopted parents. Pray for her as she tries to live a holy life. God cleaned her house and her heart.”

HUNGARY. August 20, St. Stephen’s Day, is Hungary’s largest celebration of the year. Commemorating the founding of the Hungarian state in 1000 A.D. by St. Stephen, Hungary’s first Christian king, it is celebrated with parades, folk singing, fairs and fireworks. Please pray that the people will come to realize that a Christian heritage cannot take the place of a personal relationship with Christ, and that Hungarian believers will take this opportunity to share their faith with those around them. Pray that Hungary will become a country that is not only culturally Christian, but also known as a place where the Lord is truly honored in the hearts and lives of the people. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 33:12a). http://www.heartforhungary.com

Please pray that the people will come to realize that a Christian heritage cannot take the place of a personal relationship with Christ,

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 33:12a).

Does that make you think of any other nation(s)?

PAKISTAN. In 2005, an earthquake ravaged the northern areas of Pakistan, killing more than 70,000 people and destroying the fragile infrastructure of this developing nation. Due to this calamity, hostile areas closed to foreigners were desperate for aid and hope. Three years after this tragedy, God’s people are still responding with medical assistance and a physical demonstration of God’s love. Recently a mobile medical clinic offered care to women and children. A team of college students from the United States came to assist with childcare, health data collection, and fellowship with the Pakistani women. Within 20 minutes of setting up their tent, they had a long line of women and children waiting to see the woman doctor. The students painted the children’s hands and played games with the little ones while the women listened to stories from the Word told in their own language. The doctor saw more than 80 patients in only seven hours. For many of these women, it was the first time someone had come to listen to them, hear their troubles, and help them. Please pray for fruit to come through the Word that has been planted among the women in this area. Pray that the demonstration of love will speak far louder than the medical advice they received.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. At the end of their summer stateside assignment, a couple who serves in Western Europe left their second daughter, as well as her older sister, in the United States to attend college. Pray that their daughter will have no problem adjusting to life in the country that she left behind when she was 5 months old. Pray that both of these young women will have a good year at their respective universities.


(I would like to add another request. Pray for the parents who went back to their field of service without two daughters.)

Baptist Press had some excellent, interesting articles yesterday evening. Read a few for yourself.

Baptist Press

August 18, 2008

CALIFORNIA–At forum, McCain & Obama differ sharply on abortion, judiciary. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28712

CALIFORNIA–Forum gives Saddleback members unique opportunity. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28713

CHINA–FROM THE OLYMPICS: 2 gold medals come by faith. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28714

CHINA–Bronze medalist devotes her talent to God. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28715

TENNESSEE–Triathlete relying on God’s strength. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28716

CHINA–Sprinter seeks platform for faith. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28717

CHINA–LETTER FROM CHINA: A hard question, an earnest appeal. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28718

FLORIDA–Fla. Baptists prepare for Fay’s wind & rain. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28719

TENNESSEE–Pastor pay raises edge out inflation. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28720

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (Trey Graham): How much church is enough? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28721

A Few Moments with God

 

For I have set you an example,

that you also should do as I have done to you.

(John 13:15 NRSV Bible)

Choosing great persons for models is good advice for anybody. But who would be on your list? A few of us might choose Mother Teresa. Some may choose Martin Luther King, Jr., the Pope, or Billy Graham. But if you want to find someone who has done all things well our list would be mighty short.

Who shall we choose to follow? There is only one who achieved excellence in every area of life and that one was Jesus Christ. He lived well, he taught well, he died well. Beyond that, he rose triumphantly and lives with God forever. Christ is the one we celebrate today. Christ is the one we should model our lives after.

In a Peanuts cartoon, Snoopy sat droopy-eyed at the entrance of his dog house. He lamented, “Yesterday I was a dog. Today I’m a dog. Tomorrow I will still be a dog. There’s so little hope for advancement!”

We are who we are, but we can be so much more by modeling our lives after Jesus Christ.

Dear God, how wonderful is the example of your son. May I do all I can to allow him to live through me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Ron Newhouse

Thanks for being there to pray each day. Your prayers mean so much to so many.

Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

Please add Mrs. Lorene Shelton who is 94 years young to your prayer list, she is experiencing some health problems and is in the hospital right now. Please also remember her family who are seeing to it that she is taken good care of. Thank you.

Randall Lynn “Randy” Booty
(December 19, 1961 – August 17, 2008)

Randall Lynn “Randy” Booty passed away at 9:43PM, on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at St. Helena Parish Hospital, Greensburg. He was 46, a native of Independence and a resident of Greensburg and Fluker where he was raised most of his life. Randy was the son of the late Ronald and Evon Traylor Booty. Also preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Lee Booty. Randy was an avid fisherman and loved motorcycles.

He is survived by his 2 daughters, Kristen Booty and Nancy Booty, Amite, sister, Leisa Booty Ballard, Greensburg, and numerous nieces & nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 20, 2008 from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 2:00PM, at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home Chapel, Amite with Rev. Scottie Holland officiating, and interment will be in Tangipahoa Cemetery.

Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

Monday Afternoon

From Sue Minor:

Please add Mrs. Lorene Shelton who is 94 years young to your prayer list, she is experiencing some health problems and is in the hospital right now. Please also remember her family who are seeing to it that she is taken good care of. Thank you.

Randall Lynn “Randy” Booty
(December 19, 1961 – August 17, 2008)

Randall Lynn “Randy” Booty passed away at 9:43PM, on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at St. Helena Parish Hospital, Greensburg. He was 46, a native of Independence and a resident of Greensburg and Fluker where he was raised most of his life. Randy was the son of the late Ronald and Evon Traylor Booty. Also preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Lee Booty. Randy was an avid fisherman and loved motorcycles.

He is survived by his 2 daughters, Kristen Booty and Nancy Booty, Amite, sister, Leisa Booty Ballard, Greensburg, and numerous nieces & nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 20, 2008 from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 2:00PM, at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home Chapel, Amite with Rev. Scottie Holland officiating, and interment will be in Tangipahoa Cemetery.

Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

Monday

“Hear me when I call,

O God of my righteousness!

You have relieved me in my distress;

have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.”

~Psalm 4:1~

 

 

Update concerning Jordan Russell:

Good evening all! Thank you for continuing to pray for Jordan. He is out of ICU and in a regular room. Yeah! He was moved late Saturday afternoon. He is up and walking around and eating and drinking (mostly drinking water and juices). He is on a full liquid diet but does not usually eat much of it since nothing really tastes good.

Please continue to pray for the swelling to go down in his throat. The trach can not come out until he can breathe normally out of his nose. His doctor said today that there is the possibility Jordan could go home with the trach still in BUT we would prefer that not to happen. Jordan is on steroids to help with the swelling. He does not have to have as much pain medicine now which is good.

Pray also he sleeps better at night. Last night Jordan and Nathaniel (spent the night with him) did not sleep well. He is by himself tonight. Nathaniel had to return to Belton and Roger is in Belton since he preached tonight at FBC Belton. Kyle is in Tyler. Jordan told me I did not have to spend the night with him.

We are glad to see Jordan more aware of what is going on and can enjoy visitors now that he is out of ICU. My Uncle Victor came last night and this morning Jordan enjoyed a visit from three of his Union friends (one is a roommate of his). They had spent the summer working at Pine Cove Camp outside of Tyler and were heading back to Tennessee. Jordan also had me call friends and his Sergeant from TN National Guard this evening to give updates.

Thank you again for praying for Jordan and us.

Love,

Melinda and all

Pray for Jason Dean as he prepares to see a specialist at OLOL Wednesday at 8 A.M. Jason is having problems with his “second tonsils”.

Joan Hagan requests prayer for her mother, Mrs. Betty Bethel, and her aunt, Mrs. Elaine Bennett. Your prayers for these two ladies will be greatly appreciated.

Pray for Kayla and Kelly Schneeweiss who are in West Palm Beach, Floria as tropical story Fay visits the Florida area. Play Kayla and Kelly will be able to fly out before the worst of the weather. Pray for all the people in the path of Fay as she heads to Florida.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is home after a sudden visit to the hospital Friday. She is better, but needs our prayers as she continues to improve.


Mrs. Barbara Hutchinson was at church yesterday morning and evening. Thank God for her amazing progress following surgery.

Please pray for Frann Clark.

I will have an IVIG Monday at Beauregard Memorial Hospital starting at 8 am & ending about 5 pm.

Tuesday I will have phy therapy with pickup at 8 am. That afternoon I see Dr. Nichols in Lake Charles for a check of my esophagus. He had to stretch it several years ago & will probably have to do it again. I am having a little trouble swallowing.

Wednesday I will probably be zapped out after a long day Monday & Tuesday.

Please pray for me on both days.

God Bless You
Frann

The share group that meets at the Alford Cabin will meet Thursday at 6:30. Please feel free to join us. Call for directions.

 

 

 

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor

Towel

JESUS SAID THE answer to pride was a towel ( John 13)…

Men have never been good at using towels. After three years of concentrated teaching, the apostles were still pushing and shoving for the chief seats. If Jesus was not angry, He was disgusted. Without a word, He washed feet. On cue, Peter whipped out his “no, never” sermon. Without mercy, Jesus cut him to the ground. Christian lives/churches are built only with towels. (Charles Hodge, reprinted with permission, Gospel Advocate)

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher,

have washed your feet,

you also ought to wash one another’s feet.

For I have given you an example,

that you should do as I have done to you.”

~ John 13:14-15~

It’s not about being self-centered and always expecting others to do for us. It’s about serving others. Jesus set the example!

Anna Lee

Sunday Afternoon

Evelyn Sitman Addison
(Died August 17, 2008)

Died on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at St. Catherine Village in Madison, MS. Age 94 years. Visitation at Greensburg United Methodist Church, Greensburg, LA from 9 a.m. on Tuesday until religious services at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Juanita Young Felker
(August 23, 1940 – August 17, 2008)

Died at 12:05 a.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was a native and resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 67 years. Visitation at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church, Pine Ridge, LA , from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Monday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Services conducted by Rev. Kevin Smith & Rev. Tim Pruitt. Interment Pine Ridge Cemetery, Pine Ridge, LA. Survived by daughter and son-in-law, Sherry Felker Day and Tommy Day, adopted children, Melinda Felker Collette and her husband Luke Collette, Darryle Felker, and Michael Felker, 2 brothers, Clarence “Tut” Young and Donald Young, aunt, Lorraine Donnariche, uncle, Clarence “Jr.” Bridges, 9 grandchildren and 3 great- grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by husband, William “Billy” Brent Felker, parents, Marion and Helen Bridges Young, brother, George A. Young. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Sunday

“Ask of Me,

and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance,

and the ends of the earth for Your possession.”

~Psalm 2:8~

AUKAN OF SURINAME AND FRENCH GUIANA (AW-kan). The Aukan Team praises God for His loving kindness to the Aukan people. A flood came two months ago and left more than 1,000 families homeless. The Christians responded to the flood by giving out food packets to the families. The Aukan people saw God’s love and are thankful to God’s people for their kindness. Please pray that the people will come to know Christ as their Savior.

BULGARIA. “We are so excited about the women who are coming from Texas and Illinois to do the quilting demonstration in September,” writes Team Bulgaria. “Please continue to lift them up as they prepare to come and use their love of quilting to share God’s love with women here. Ask the Lord to prepare the hearts and minds of the women who attend to be drawn nearer to Him as they learn the art of American quilting. Praise our gracious Father for the supplies that He has already given us for this project, and ask Him to continue to lead us.” pray4bg@yahoo.com; http://www.teambulgaria.org/

PALESTINIAN ARABS OF THE MIDDLE EAST (pal-uh-STIN-ee-uhn). In the midst of a densely populated Muslim area, God has strategically positioned a Christian elementary school. The student body is predominantly Muslim. The Lord is illuminating the school as an island of peace amid a sea of turmoil. Despite persecution, the school is continuing to grow. Praise God! Several new classes will be added this year. Pray for God’s protection for students, staff and school property. Ask that many young families will open their hearts to the love of God through His Son.

Change of Schedule at FBC, Kentwood Tonight:

  • Evening Worship will resume at 6 P.M.
  • AWANA will resume at 4:45.


SECURING THE TOMB

 

 

A joke heard around the Pentagon goes like this:

One reason the Services have trouble operating jointly is that they don’t speak the same language.

For example, if you told Navy personnel to “secure a building,” they would turn off the lights and lock the doors.

Army personnel would occupy the building so no one could enter.

Marines would assault the building, capture it, and defend it with suppressive fire and close combat.

The Air Force, on the other hand, would take out a three-year lease with an option to buy.

It seems to me that there was some misunderstanding regarding the “securing” of a location in Palestine in the first century as well.

“On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, saying, ‘Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, “After three days I will rise.” Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, “He has risen from the dead.” So the last deception will be worse than the first.’ Pilate said to them, ‘You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.’ So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.” (Matthew 27:62-66).

The Jewish and Roman leaders’ idea of “securing the tomb” meant putting a big rock in front of it. Unfortunately for them (but fortunately for us), Jesus’ idea was to secure the tomb’s place in history by rising from the dead. Mere rocks are unable to hold back the one who created the universe! What hope is ours because of what happened that glorious morning nearly 2,000 years ago! Praise God for the resurrection of His precious Son!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Blessings,

Anna Lee