Month: December 2012

Friday

The reason for the season: 

“For God loved the world in this way:

He gave His One and Only Son,

so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.”

~John 3:16, HCSB~

 

Jill Brister and Lloyd Hayden are both having problems with their backs.  Pray for some relief for them.

The Jason and Ellen vande Vuss family has now had two children hospitalized this week.  Pray the other members of the family will be spared.

Debi Bales is home and better, but still weak and recovering from her illness.  She would appreciate your continued prayers.

Emme Brabham went home last night.  Continue to pray for her as she heals.  Her family appreciates all of your prayers.

Dan Turner is ready to wake up, but the doctors have decided to keep him medicated a little longer so his ribs and lungs can heal a little more.  The family is so thankful Dan is doing so well and for the many prayer warriors who have been lifting up the name of Dan.

Austin Elder – Today, he will go to St. Louis.

We would like to share that last night Tim Ernst, the artist that led the rescuers to where Austin laid, and his precious wife Pam, brought our family the branch off of the little maple tree that spared Austin from immediate death. Tim went and found the branch that caught Austin on the way down. We call it the branch of life from the tree of life. It was on their hearts to make sure we had that special branch and we love them for it. Please go towww.timernst.com and look for his current journal to see his sweet words about Austin.

Please pray for strength for Danny, Gina, and Brittany. They have peace beyond all earthly comprehension, but they are exhausted. When Austin got his new drivers license last year, he selected to be an organ donor, which lead he and his Mom to have a conversation regarding donation. He was adamant that he wanted to be a donor. That conversation was part of God’s perfect plan. Austin fell 100 feet, but God used that small maple tree to keep his organs from being damaged so that he could save 5 to 8 other people. We thank God for revealing his perfect plan to us. But for various reasons, in order to donate his organs, we will have to wait until tomorrow, which means another day here at St. John’s. Pray for strength. They will then take Austin to St. Louis where the Miracle of our precious Austin will live on.

Last night Tim Ernst, the artist that lead the rescuers to where Austin lay, and his precious wife, Pam, brought thefamily that branch off of the little maple tree that spared him from immediate death. Tim went and found the branch that caught Austin on the way down. We call it the branch of life from the tree of life. It was on their hearts to make sure we had that branch and we love them for it. Please go to www.timernst.com and look for his current journal to see his sweet words about Austin.

We have so much to say to all of you, but may not get them said today. We can’t tell you how much we love you all and we thank you for allowing God to use you all to bless this family.
Baptist Press: BPNews.net
The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering continues in area Southern Baptist Churches.  One hundred percent of the money given to this offering will go for work to spread the Good News around the world.  This money represents 54% of the total budget for world missions.

Fast Facts

International Mission Board vital stats
• 4,903 missionaries (as of August 2012)
• 28,873 new churches*
• 333,823 baptisms*
• 442,385 new believers who heard a Gospel witness*

*As reported in the 2011 Annual Statistical Report

Status of World Evangelization
• 11,424 people groups worldwide; 6.9 billion people
• 6,524 unreached people groups (less than 2 percent evangelical)
• 3,257 unengaged, unreached people groups (no church-planting strategy)

People group figures current as of Aug.15, 2012. Get the latest status of world evangelization figures.

Lottie Moon past and present
• 2012 goal: $175 million
• 2011 receipts: $146.8
• 2010 receipts: $145.6 million
• 2009 receipts: $148.9 million
• $3 billion given since offering’s inception
• $3,315 collected in 1888 for first offering, enough to send three women to China

How much does it cost to support a missionary?
• $49,800 a year (average)
• $4,150 a month
• $958 a week
• $136 a day

Reported May 2012. Support includes housing, salary, children’s education, medical expenses, retirement and more.

IMB budgeted income: 
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering – about 54 percent
Cooperative Program – 29 percent
World Hunger and General Relief – 2 percent
Field-generated funds, investment returns and other income – 15 percent

Total IMB expenditures 2011 – $307.6 million
• Overseas missions – $260.8 million
Missionary support – $206.7 million
Field work – $53.8 million
• Stateside – $47.1 million

Total IMB expenditures 2010 – $294.2 million
• Overseas missions – $244.8 million
Missionary support – $196.3 million
Field work – $48.5 million
• Stateside – $49.3 million

Total IMB expenditures 2009 – $306.8 million
• Overseas missions – $255.4 million
Missionary support – $221.9 million
Field work – $33.5 million
• Stateside – $51.4 million

Have a great day!  Do something that brings the real meaning of Christmas to others.

Anna Lee

Thursday

 “Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request,

and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.”

~Ephesians 6:18, HCSB~

Continue to pray for Debi Bales.  She is home, but not feeling much better.
Bro. Joey and Karen and both “under the weather”.  Add them to your prayer list.
Pray for Jimmy Schwartz.  He tries to be like the energizer bunny and keeps going and going.
Dan Turner had his knee wound cleaned out.  Doctors will begin to eliminate the induced coma this morning.  Expect a good report as Dan wakes up.  Continue to pray for Dan and his family.
Dear Prayer Warriors, Our precious precious Austin has taken a turn for the worse. Austin has suffered two massive strokes, which has left him with no brain function. We will meet with Dr. Lee in the morning to take Austin off of the respirator. We will give you more information tomorrow, but we can’t express how much you have held us up, witnessed to us and loved us. We know you are the Gift that God gave us to help through this. We will Praise Him in this storm.
 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions
Click on some of the markers and learn something about our work in Asia.  Thank God for people like Lottie Moon who paved the way for work in Asia and around the world.
 
Baptist Press – You may be interested in several of these articles including the one about Hurricane Sandy disaster relief.
Happy birthday, Lottie!
Anna Lee

12-12-12

You will be glorifying God through your generous gifts.

For your generosity to them will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.

~ 2 Corinthians 9:13 (NLT) ~ 

Bro. J.P. Miles sent word that he will be retiring on12-31-12 and living in the same area with plans to preach, teach, consult, etc.  He current email address is jpaulmiles@gmail.com.  Let all pray he enjoys retirement and has numerous opportunities to continue serving God.

Austin Elder, the grandson of missionary friends, who fell 100 ft. off a cliff has a big day ahead of him.  As you pray for him and those caring for him, please say special prayers for his mom and dad.

Debi Bales was in Hood Memorial, but was released last night.  She got needed medication and much needed rest, but missed all the creature comforts of being at home.  Pray for continued improvement.

Mrs. Shirley Frazier is still hospitalized in Greensburg.  Pray they can help her to feel better soon.  Pray for her family too.

Mrs. Ruby Luke is better and was able to move from step-down to a regular room.

Dan Turner is responding to commands and comments even while in an induced come.  The plans are to wake him up today.  The family is expecting one miracle after another.  Pray for them too.  Thank-you to all who have prayed for him.  The attached link shows you Dan has a large group of medical friends praying for him.

http://blogs.clarionledger.com/crimebeat/2012/12/11/and-a-little-bit-on-dan-turner/?fb_comment_id=fbc_394016937343209_2771566_394069404004629#f1c871ee0c

Emma Brabham is healing.  Yesterday, she was able to take a little walk using a walker.  Pray for her continued healing and for her family.

Updated from Sue Smith

This is an update on the 3 people I put on prayer list last week. My Sister- in-Laws mother passed away and was buried last Thursday. She was 88 years old and lived a great life. Frank’s brother Mike’s surgery was cancelled till Dec. 19th. My brother’s knee replacement was a success. Thanks for posting this.

Sue Smith

A friend shared this link about why people do not come to church.  I think there is a lot of truth to this.  Let’s read and benefit.

http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article.cfm?article_id=11131

 Who was Lottie Moon?

http://www.imb.org/main/give/page.asp?StoryID=5524&LanguageID=1709

Enjoy the Christmas festivities, but remember the reason was Jesus and what He did for us.

Anna Lee

Update on Austin Elder

Another positive update. Austin’s blood counts look much better today. His brain waves are spiking when we talk to him. HE HEARS US…..PRAISE GOD. He needs prayers today to heal his lungs. This is still a big hurdle. We still have a long way to go. This is definitely a marathon, but we are ready to run it and win it, and give all the glory to the Great Physician, our Lord and Savior.

Lucky, the friend with Austin at the crag, is here sharing what happened when Austin fell. Please pray for Lucky. No one should have to go through what he did that night to save his friend. We will be forever grateful.

We love you all so much.

Tuesday Updates

Little Jadon has now been seizure-free for eleven months.  I’m thanking God for blessing this young man and his family with a much better quality of life for all of them.

Dan Turner (via Ladd Turner)

  •  Good news throughout the night! Dan was moving his arms, legs, hands, and toes! Doctors said this was not a reflex but intentional. He even reached up and rubbed his nose in a way that is unique to Dan Turner. He started getting a little to feisty and started reaching for his hoses and such. Moral of the story you ask? Even broken and sedated, Dan remains the same stubborn, strong willed self! To God be the Glory!!
  •  Nurse just went in and asked Dan to hold up 2 fingers and he did!!!! She told him to give her a thumbs up and he did!!! AND HE’S SEDATED!!!! GOD IS ALIVE!!!

Tuesday

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.”

~2 Corinthians 9:15, HCSB~

 

Austin Elder

http://5newsonline.com/2012/12/09/fort-smith-teen-survives-100-foot-fall-from-whitaker-point/

Adeline vande Vuss out of the hospital and back home.  Thank God for her care and improvement while there.

Emma Brabham – Continue to pray.

Dan Turner – Doctors plan to work on his knee today.

Clayton Graham said his “Dr. Dad”, Ernest Graham, will be an adjunct professor at New Orleans Baptist Theological seminary beginning in the spring semester.  May God continue to bless Dr. Graham and his family as they take on a new ministry area.

Lottie Moon’s Life 

http://www.imb.org/main/give/page.asp?StoryID=5526&LanguageID=1709

Baptist Press News

BPNews.net

Keep Christ in your Christmas!

Anna Lee

Monday Addition

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is named for a very brave, determined, dedicated, smart, loving young lady who served in China and encouraged others to pray for missionaries, to go as missionaries themselves, and to give generously so those who did not know about Jesus would have that opportunity.  Check this out:

http://media1.imbresources.org/files/149/14961/14961-82839.jpg

Hospitalized church members

  • Mrs. Ruby Luke at North Oaks
  • Mrs. Shirley Frazier at Greensburg
  • Mrs. Debi Bales at Hood Memorial
Updates
  • Emma Brabham is using an oxygen tent to help her breathe since her mouth is wired closed and her nose is not working 100%.  A private room will allow her to have more family and friends as visitors.  She is improving.  The family is very appreciative of your prayers.  She is at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge.
  • Dan Turner 
    • From Ladd –  All sedation has been turned off completely and Dan is starting to move around a little. The effects of the meds should be worn off in approximately 12 hrs. The injury is to the area of the brain that controls his waking. Pray that God will wake him! Thank you all for your prayers and support!
    • Don is at University Medical in Jackson, MS.
    • http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20121209/NEWS/312090060

 

Monday

“Nations will come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your radiance.”

~Isaiah 60:3, HCSB~

I’m trying to get this posted before the bad weather hits within the hour.  I may update later.  Be safe!

Pray for Dawson Primes as he prepares for another trip to Afghanistan.  Pray for his troops and for his family who will remain in Amite.

Dan Turner is improving.  The doctors plan to reduce the level of his induced coma today.  If all goes well, they may completely eliminate the induced coma tomorrow.  As you pray for Dan, pray for his family.

Emma Brabham is doing better than expected and according to her doctor has started to heal.  Continue to pray for her and her family.

Jadon’s Story – an update

http://jadonsisstory.blogspot.com/

Ellen Morris vande Vuss’s little daughter spent the night in the hospital last night to get some fluids in her body.  Pray the doctors get Adeline well and back home soon.

I hear the thunder now, so I’m going to get this much posted.

Anna Lee

Sunday Afternoon

Emma Brabham‘s family continues to be very pleased with her surgery.  The results so far are even better than the family expected.  They appreciate your prayers and ask for continued prayers as the recovery process continues.

Mrs. Ruby Luke, mother of Linda Hulkaby, is in the step-down unit at North Oaks due to complications of bronchitis.  Pray for her to steadily improve in the coming days.

Dan Turner, son of Roy and Diane Turner, was in a motorcycle accident yesterday.  He is in critical, but stable, condition in Jackson, MS.  Pray for him as steps are taken to relieve pressure on his brain and allow him to heal.  Pray for his family, especially as they travel back and forth to spend time with Dan.

Austin Elder is having a hard time after his fall in Arkansas.  Pray for doctors to make the best decisions and for family members to trust God with Austin’s life.