Month: January 2011

Friday

“Just as our bodies have many parts

and each part has a special function,

so it is with Christ’s body.

We are all parts of his one body,

and each of us has different work to do.

And since we are all one body in Christ,

we belong to each other,

and each of us needs all the others.”

~Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)~

CaringBridge: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole

Lillian Josephine Casiano

(September 30, 1937 – January 18, 2011)

A resident of Amite, LA, died at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at her home. She was born September 30, 1937 in New York, NY and was 73 years of age. Memorial Services will be held at First Southern Methodist Church, Amite, LA on Saturday, January 22, 2011. Survived by Children Grace Lopez of Fortson, Georgia; Luis Alfonso Lopez, Joseph Michael Lopez of Belleville, New Jersey and Francis Herlindo Lopez of Ridgefield, New Jersey.Grandchildren: Luis Pagan of Fort Riley, Kansas; Juan Pagan of Chatanooga, Tennessee; Grace Martin of Franklin, New Hampshire and Wayne Martin of Concord, New Hampshire. 10 Great-Grandchildren: Erica Sanford, Gabriel and Lilliana Pagan, Tenarra and Lexi Pagan, Taylor Tilley, Lana White, Dylan and Amaya Marcoux and Aoife Pyke. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Herlon Cole Taylor

(November 21, 1919 – January 20, 2011)

Mrs. Herlon Cole Taylor was born November 21, 1919 and passed away at 9:35 a.m., Thursday, January 20, 2011 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 91, a native of Booneville, MS and a resident of Greensburg. Mrs. Herlon was lifelong and a founding member of Darlington Baptist Church.

Mrs. Herlon is survived by 5 sons, Morris and wife Barbara Painter Taylor, Don Taylor, Jimmie and wife Sandy Taylor, Randy and wife Marilyn Taylor, Butch and wife Linda Beauchamp Taylor; 10 grandchildren, Steve Taylor, Debbie Athey, Cathy Peever, Lisa Taylor, Tammy Rick, Clint Taylor, Brantley Taylor, Anna Maria Bullinger, Landon Taylor and Abby Taylor; 18 great grandchildren; 7 great great-grandchildren; sister, Willodean Cole ; numerous nieces, nephews & extended family.

Preceded in death by husband, Roy Taylor; mother, Mertie Lovell Cole; father, Huey Cole; sister, Vister Sagely; brothers Warren G. Cole, Melton Cole, Guy Cole, L. C. Cole and Cecil Cole; daughter-in-law, Dot Carruth Taylor and great granddaughter, Hannah Peever.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday, January 21, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at First Baptist Church, Greensburg from 10:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Worship Services at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Mark Robinson officiating. Interment in Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home is located at I-55N (Exit 46) and Hwy 16W next to Hood Chevrolet and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash, Bond Eye Clinic and Holiday Inn Express.

THE GOD OF TRUTH

There once were four preachers who had a series of theological arguments, and three were always in agreement against the fourth.  One day, the odd preacher out, after the usual “3 to 1, majority rules” statement that signified that he had lost again, decided to appeal to a higher authority.

“Oh, God!” he cried. “I know in my heart that I am right and they are wrong!  Please give me a sign to prove it to them!”

It was a beautiful, sunny day.  As soon as the preacher finished his prayer, a storm cloud moved across the sky above the four.  It rumbled once and dissolved.  “A sign from God!  See, I’m right, I knew it!”  But the other three disagreed, pointing out that storm clouds form on hot days.

So the preacher prayed again: “Oh, God, I need a bigger sign to show that I am right and they are wrong.  So please, God, a bigger sign!”  This time four storm clouds appeared, rushed toward each other to form one big cloud, and a bolt of lightning slammed into a tree on a nearby hill.

“I told you I was right!” cried the preacher, but his friends insisted that nothing had happened that could not be explained by natural causes.

The preacher was getting ready to ask for a *very big* sign, but just as he said, “Oh God…,” the sky turned pitch black, the earth shook, and a deep, booming voice said, “HEEEEEEEE’S RIIIIIIIGHT!”

The preacher put his hands on his hips, turned to the other three, and said, “Well?”

“So,” shrugged one of the other preachers, “now it’s 3 to 2.”

It’s a serious problem.  The problem of putting God’s words on an equal level with man’s words.  But spiritual truth is not determined by taking a vote.  In fact, even if 1,000 people agree with us, it makes no difference unless we agree with God.

As Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

That’s why Paul was so determined that the Thessalonians know the source of his teaching.

“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” (I Thess. 2:13)

Father, in the confusion of so many voices telling us what is right and what is wrong, may we look to your word for truth.  Thank you for being a God of truth, one in whom we can place our utmost confidence.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Someone suggested I add Crain Funeral Home to the links at the lower right.  I did.  I even added four more to the ones that were already there.  I hope this is a convenience you will use.

Have a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee

Thursday Obituary

BOBBY JOE WASKOM, AGE 75

A resident of Franklinton died Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at his residence.

He was a retired dairyman and commercial trucking business. He was a member of Stony Point Missionary Baptist Church.

Survived by: Wife: Mildred Willie Waskom of Franklinton

4 Children and spouses: Kathy and Russell Smith of Osyka, MS; Jeff and Ellen Waskom; Mark and Shandle Waskom; Chris and Vonda Waskom all of Franklinton

14 Grandchildren and spouses: Brandy and Raymond Cutrer, Katie and Scott Miller, Cade Dillon, Russell Smith, Marisa and Dusty Schilling, Josh and Mallory Waskom, Melissa Waskom, Jake and Kelley Waskom, Scott Seal, Bradley Seal, Christopher Waskom, Britney and William Bell, Amber Waskom, Hollie Waskom

7 Great grandchildren: Brady Miller, Peyton Miller, Rade Cutrer, Dawson Bell, Marleigh Schilling, Ethan Schilling, Colby Dillon

Sister in law: Bonnie McDaniel Waskom of Franklinton

Nephew and spouse: Mike and Rhonda Waskom of Franklinton

He was preceded in death by his parents Faires V. and Thelma Pittman Waskom, a brother John Kenneth Waskom and a nephew Kenny Waskom.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home from 6 PM until 9 PM Thursday, January 20, 2011. Visitation will continue after 9 AM Friday at Stony Point Missionary Baptist Church with a funeral service to be held at 11 AM with Eld. Brent King and Rev. Stanley Adams officiating. Burial will follow in the church Cemetery

Thursday

“Now he who plants and he who waters are one,

and each one will receive his own reward

according to his own labor.

For we are God’s fellow workers;

you are God’s field,

you are God’s building.”

~1 Corinthians 3:8-9~

Please continue to pray for these people who have been on our prayer list:

  • Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell
  • Mrs. Kathryn Sanders
  • Mrs. Sadie Hilburn
  • Jeff Birch
  • Mr. Gordon Price
  • Elizabeth Cooper
  • Mrs. Shirley Frazier
  • Rev. Gary Weiborg
  • Mrs. Frances Gay
  • Ashlyn Neal
  • Stacey Scarle

There are several funerals today.  Please pray for the Baugh family in Florida, the family of Tressie Gayle Foster in Denham Springs, and others.

Don’t forget the “Third Thursday” meeting at the cabin tonight at 6:30.  Join us for food, fellowship, devotional time, and prayer.  You’ll be blessed!

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
JANUARY 20, 2011

“But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, in the acceptable time.” (Psalm 69:13)

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Supreme Pontiff, Roman Catholic Church – Benedict XVI, Pope of Holy See (Vatican City, within commune of Rome, Italy).

AR OF COLOMBIA (ahr). Thank you for your prayers for the missionaries who work with the Ar of Colombia, asking that God would walk with them as they adjusted to a new city, new environment, and renewed work strategy. They are now comfortably settled in their home and neighborhood, their daughter is in school, and they have begun to make contacts with the Ar people. One woman, V, has invited them to visit in her home once a week for a time of Bible study. Two other women have expressed an interest in studying the Bible but live in a more isolated area, making it more difficult for the missionaries to coordinate a regular time of meeting. Pray that God will go before and open times for the missionaries to meet with these two Ar women. Pray that all three women will receive Jesus as Lord and Savior and that many other Ar people will have the desire to know God. brenlar@kastanet.org

OSAKA, JAPAN (OH-sah-kah). Mrs. E rises early each morning to make sure that all of her housework is completed before she leaves for her job of selling rice cakes at a sports complex. Recently when she met a Christian for the first time, she said, “Oh, every morning I listen to a radio program about Jesus being the Light of the world.” She then quoted some verses she had memorized from that program. Pray that as she reads God’s Word with her new Christian friend, she will have the faith to believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord. She was fascinated with the idea of Jesus being Light. Pray that she, too, will become a light among her lost friends and neighbors.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2.10
Mike Benson, Editor

ONE CHURCH CONSULTANT SAYS: “Most Christians don’t have a clue to what the mission of the church is…

Up to 80 percent of church members believe that the primary purpose of the church is to provide a place of fellowship where Christians can share God’s love with one another rather than reach out to those who are unchurched…”

…According to researcher George Barna, “Nine out of ten preachers call their church ‘evangelistic.’  However, less than one of of three church attenders has shared his or her faith in Christ with a non-Christian within the past twelve months…”  Tom Clegg, Warren Bird, “Discovering What We All Have in Common,”Missing in America, 87

“How I kept back nothing that was helpful,

but proclaimed it to you,

and taught you publicly and from house to house.”

Acts 20.20

Have a terrific Thursday!

Anna Lee

Third Thursday

Everyone is invited to our “Third Thursday” meeting for January at the cabin in the Pine Ridge community.  We meet at 6:30 and share supper and fellowship.  Later, there is a devotional time and prayer.  You are all invited.  Please know we do not put anybody “on the spot”.  If you cannot come this month, please plan to join us another “Third Thursday”.

Wednesday

“Do not think of your self more highly than you ought,

but rather think of yourself with sober judgment

in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”

~Romans 12:3 (NIV)~

The Amite Mission Team made it safely home from their trip.  Keep your ears open for reports from various members of the team.  Thank God these people willingly gave of themselves to help introduce others to God.  Thank God for people who seized the opportunity to be a witness for Him.

Jeff Birch is doing well, even though he is sore.  He was up walking the halls twice yesterday.  Sandy is able to stay with him.  They are thankful for the surgeon and the hospital.  Thank God for the progress he is making.

An opportunity you have to help a sick child:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adriannacavanagh

Baptist Press Stories for Jan. 18, 2011
—————————————
  • Voters silenced: Sup. Court lets stand D.C. ‘gay marriage’ ruling
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34456
  • House to vote on health-care repeal Wed.
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34457
  • Snowbound, pastor preaches via web
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34458
  • Floods take a toll in 3 countries
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34459
  • EU calendar omits Christmas, Easter
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34460
  • SANCTITY OF LIFE: ‘A Scent of Jasmine,’ a novel, Chapter 3
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34461
  • FIRST-PERSON: Jesus’ journey to us
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34462

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2.10
Mike Benson, Editor

WHEN A LIFE is at stake, people respond instinctively to the crisis…

  • The fireman hurls himself into a burning building to rescue a frightened boy.
  • A mother darts in front of an onrushing automobile to grab a stray child.
  • An average swimmer jumps into a rushing stream to grab a drowning stranger.

What is it that prompts such heroic acts?  One thing–the sure knowledge of the consequences if they do not attempt the rescue.

If evangelism is to become natural in the church, we must have a full knowledge of the consequences if we fail to reach out.  Ken Hemphill, “Passion for the Lost,” The Antioch Effect, 153

“But others save with fear,

pulling them out of the fire,

hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”

~Jude 23~

May your blessing be many today.  May you realize the many ways God has blessed you!

Anna Lee

Tuesday Additions

Dale Hyde William
(September 26, 1944 - January 18, 2011)Tressie Gayle Foster was one of my former OFA students.

A resident of Kentwood, LA, died at 1:05AM on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home in Kentwood, LA. He was born September 26, 1944 in Kenner, LA and was 66 years of age. He was a member of Chesbrough Baptist Church and was retired from Brister’s Thunder Karts after 26 years of service. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday, January 20, 2011 and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Friday, January 21, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. Heath Rohner. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough, LA. Survived by wife, Carolyn Cox Hyde, Amite, 2 daughters, Sherry Roux and her husband, Jay, Chesbrough, and Johanna Hudspeth and her husband, Ben, Arcola, 2 sons, Timothy Douglas Hyde and his wife, Paula, Chesbrough, and Roger Dale Hyde and his wife, Gay, Chesbrough, 4 sisters, Beverly Carroll and her husband, Robert, Erwinville, Brenda Hyde, Chesbrough, Julie Holton and her husband, Jimmy, Wilmer, and Kathy Hyde, Chesbrough, brother, John Richard Hyde and his wife, Leslee, Chesbrough, 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents, William Sanford Hyde and Lyra Dean Lawrence Hyde, sister, Violet Darlene Hyde, infant grandson, grandparents, Frank and Zoe Varnado Hyde, and George and Jessie Miller Lawrence.

Tressie Anne G Foster

March 10, 1968 – January 16, 2011

Tressie Anne Gayle Foster went to meet our Load and Savior on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011 at Ochsner’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. She was born on March 10, 1968. She graduated from Oak Forest Academy in Amite and Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA with a BS in Education. She was married to Lawrence Douglas (Larry) Foster on August 2, 1986. Tressie’s career started as a teacher at Gramercy Elementary in Gramercy Louisiana and Frost Elementary, followed by a lengthy career as homemaker, housewife, mother of 3 children and office manager for her Husband’s Orthodontic offices in Denham Springs and Walker Louisiana and Juneau, Alaska. She is a member of The First Baptist Church of Denham Springs. She is survived by her husband of over 24 years, Dr. Lawrence Foster, 2 sons, Lawrence Chase Foster and Brennan Joseph Foster, 1 daughter, Lauren Elizabeth Foster, all of Denham Springs, La.; Mother and Stepfather, Darlene and Ricky Nichols of Denham Springs, LA; Father and Stepmother, Landry and Charlotte Gayle of Holden, LA; Grandfather, Johnnie Whitehead, Denham Springs, LA.; Brother, Landry “Tootie” Gayle of Albany, LA; Stepsisters, Christie McMillon, Johnnie Mae Tate, and Mandy McDill; Father and Mother (In-Laws) BJ and Pat Foster of Denham Springs, LA; and numerous nieces, nephews, brother in laws and sister in laws, and friends in Louisiana and Alaska.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 19, 2011, 5PM – 9PM at First Baptist Church of Denham Springs, 308 N. River Rd. and Thursday, January 20, 2011 from 9AM until services at 10AM at First Baptist Church of Denham Springs. Burial to follow at Evergreen Memorial Park in Denham Springs, La.

Mary Stewart White
(November 6, 1939 – January 18, 2011)

A resident of Gillsburg, MS, died on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at her home. She was born November 6, 1939 in Gillsburg, MS and was 71 years of age. Graveside Services will be held at Wall Cemetery, Gillsburg, MS at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 19, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. James Dawson. Survived by husband, William H. White, Sr., Gillsburg, MS, 3 sons, William H. White, Jr. and his wife, Karla, Livingston, LA, Stephen C. White and his wife, Janet, Osyka, MS, Michael A. White and his wife, Suzanne, Atlanta, GA, and Kathy Stewart Wilkinson, Gillsburg, MS, 2 sisters, 2 brothers, 12 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Tuesday

“God will bless us,

and all the ends of the earth will fear Him.”

~Psalm 67:7~

Ferrin Hendry is improving and at home.  Thank-you for praying for her.

The people on the mission trip from Amite have enjoyed passing out “shoe boxes”.  Pray for them as they complete their mission and return to Amite.

Jeff Birch is doing still well.  Pray for him as he recovers from yesterday’s surgery.

CaringBridge: Macy Gueldner

Hazel Golmon Shelby
(December 9, 1909 – January 17, 2011)

A resident of Franklinton, she died at 12:40 a.m. on Monday, January 17, 2011 at her home. She was born December 9, 1909 in Pike County, MS and was 101 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Baker Correnti and her husband, Frank, Kenner; 3 sons, Douglas Baker and his wife, Ann, Pensacola, FL, Edgar Albert Baker, Hammond and Jimmie Stokes and his wife, Elizabeth, Franklinton; 9 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Dora Hafford, Post, TX, Thelma Stevenson, Hammond and Christina Milani, Jackson, MS. Preceded in death by her husbands, Edgar Baker, Otis Stokes, Dave Gill and Marvin Earl “Jack” Shelby; 2 sisters, Maybelle Cleveland and Mamie Golmon; 5 brothers, Mack Henry Golmon, Mack Henison Golmon, Archie Golmon, Herman Golmon and Tollie Golmon. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 19, 2011. Services conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Stokes. Interment Roberts Cemetery, Osyka, MS.

After son’s death, parents continue ministry in Africa (Baptist Press)

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2.10
Mike Benson, Editor

AUBREY MALPHURS DESCRIBES a leader without a clear vision to that of a person trying to drive blindfolded…

If this is the case, then according to research, the majority of church leaders are driving congregations blindly.  In these cases, there is a mixture of “no vision” and “unclear vision.”  This is to say that there are a number of times that as church leaders we believe that a vision is clear when in reality it is not.

A vision cannot be clearly communicated to others until God’s vision has been articulated within a congregation’s leadership.  Clarity yields clarity while uncertainty yields doubt and uncertainty.  Kenny Norris

“Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.”  Nehemiah 2.17; cf. Luke 6.39


Thanks for praying.

Anna Lee

Monday Update

Jeff Birch’s surgery went well.  Thanks for the prayers for him and his family.

Ferrin Hendry is doing much better.  She may be released this afternoon.

Bro. Joe Baugh’s mother (94) passed away.  As of now the plans are for a wake Wednesday night and the funeral Thursday in Florida.  Pray for the family.  Many of them will be driving or flying long distances.

Monday

“There is no fear in love;

but perfect love casts out fear,

because fear involves punishment,

and the one who fears is not perfected in love.”

~1 John 4:18, NASB~

Associational WMU Meeting

Today at 10:00 A.M.

FBC, Kentwood

Everyone is invited

Covered dish meal to follow

TODAY’S PRAYER
IMB
JANUARY 17, 2011

“May God be praised! He has not turned away my prayer or turned His faithful love from me.” (Psalm 66:20)

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Prime Minister Carlos Gomes, Jr. of Guinea-Bissau (western Africa, between Senegal and Guinea).

LAST FRONTIER. Thank you for praying for the November volunteer team that taught English to youth in a remote, mountainous area using two dramas. Both dramas were introduced in three different classes of students, ages 10 to 14 years. Several students have inquired about the concept of being a Good Samaritan and the consequences of not being a Good Samaritan. T, an 11-year-old girl, has especially been sensitive to this drama. She has shared about her difficult home life, as well as current living conditions. Please pray for her and her family, asking that the Spirit will use this drama to draw them to Jesus. Another young girl, G, heard the story of “The Prodigal Son,” which focused on a Father’s love. She cried as she told a worker how her father had left her mother for another young woman. Both G and her mother are followers of the Most High God. They endure hardships created by family, friends and officials who approve of her father’s actions. Lift up G and her mother, asking that the Spirit will bring healing to their hearts. Pray that the Spirit will work in her father’s heart so that he, too, will give his heart to Jesus.

PEOPLES OF NORTHERN ZAMBIA. Ten years ago, there was but one Baptist church in all of Luwingu district, but the Lord worked through a missionary family who served in Luwingu for the past eight years, and now many Zambians have been evangelized, saved, discipled and trained to lead fellow Zambians to Christ. There are now 12 churches and four outreach groups that have one vision and one mission: to reach the Luwingu district of northern Zambia with the Gospel of Jesus! Although the time for permanent missionaries in Luwingu has come to a close, the work of God will continue! Pray that these churches and believers will not become discouraged, but will be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Please pray that these churches will continue to be on fire for the Lord and be passionate about spreading the life-changing message of Jesus.

Have a great day!

Anna Lee