“The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.”

~Psalm 14:2 (NIV)~

Pray for the People of Afghanistan
 Join Me This Sunday, August 22, for a Day of Prayer
Dear Friend,

Thousands of people are desperately trying to escape from Afghanistan after the country’s fall to the Taliban.

These Islamic extremists, who have now taken Afghanistan back by force, have a history of brutality, including beheadings and public executions. Time is short and the need is urgent, and that is why I am calling for a day of prayer this Sunday, August 22.

With the Taliban blocking access to the airport and all exit routes, this is a life-or-death situation for Christians and other religious minorities, and all those who worked with or for America over the past two decades. There is no hope for these people to get out safely—apart from a miracle from the hand of God—and that’s what we need to pray for.

It is a difficult and tragic situation. Will you please join me in praying for God to intervene in a mighty way?

Sincerely,

Franklin Graham
President, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
 “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
—James 5:16, ESV

Baptist Press

Editor’s Note: This Sunday (Aug. 22) is Disaster Relief Appreciation Sunday in the Southern Baptist Convention.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. (BP) – Every year, thousands of volunteers with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR) bring tangible help and spiritual hope during the trying days that follow disaster. This Sunday (Aug. 22), Southern Baptists will celebrate them by recognizing Disaster Relief Appreciation Sunday.

Most people rightfully think of the legions of yellow shirts that travel from across the nation to respond to the devastation wrought by major hurricanes or tornadoes, but SBDR routinely responds to a great diversity of events that do not make national headlines.

“I continue to believe the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is one of the best volunteer disaster response groups in the world,” said Coy Webb, who recently joined Send Relief as crisis response director after leading SBDR with Kentucky Baptists for 13 years. “It is filled with volunteers who sacrificially serve to bring compassion to those reeling from disasters.”

In 2020, a year marked by COVID-19 and the historic Atlantic storm season, volunteers invested 673,000 hours, prepared 754,000 meals, presented the Gospel 7,000 times and witness more than 875 people profess faith in Christ.

A record 30 named storm systems formed in the Atlantic in 2020, including Hurricanes Laura, Sally and Delta. Laura and Delta hit Lake Charles, La., merely six weeks apart while Sally directly hit the Gulf Coast. There were 28 state SBDR teams that responded to those hurricanes, serving approximately 15,000 people in 7,200 homes, according to Sam Porter, national director for disaster relief for Send Relief who served more than 19 years as SBDR director for Oklahoma Baptists.

“The pandemic forced us to do things that we’d never done before,” Porter said. “I think it was the best year for SBDR because we had to think outside the box and do whatever it took to get it done, encouraging SBDR teams to connect to communities in need through the local church. We had thousands upon thousands of churches jump in to serve, responding to their own local communities.”

There has not been a nationwide disaster response so far in 2021, but volunteers have been hard at work throughout the year responding to local events such as ice storms, floods, fires, tornadoes, the pandemic and other crises.

“Now we are in early hurricane season, and we know that if something hits, we will be there to serve,” Porter said. “We have a nationwide network of SBDR leaders and volunteers who are ready to go. We’d rather not have to go, of course, but if we need to, we will be there.”

Volunteers with SBDR have served 123,000 hours and prepared nearly 75,000 meals, presented the Gospel nearly 5,000 times this year with more than 300 making professions of faith in Christ. Nearly 200 of those professions have occurred as Southern Baptists have worked together to minister during the migrant crisis at the nation’s southern border.

“We do what we do to earn the right to share the Gospel,” Porter said. “When people ask our volunteers, ‘Why do you do what you do,’ they have a chance to share their faith and invite people to believe the Gospel.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is one of the top three volunteer disaster relief providers in the United States and has one of the largest trained volunteer forces. This includes teams capable of conducting mass feedings for storm survivors and crews capable of helping to remove downed trees and storm debris and repair roofs following natural disasters.

Send Relief is a collaborative effort between the International Mission Board (IMB) and North American Mission Board (NAMB) that provides an opportunity to serve through compassion ministry around the world. The primary partner for conducting disaster relief is Southern Baptist Disaster Relief.

“Southern Baptist Disaster Relief brings practical help, a healing touch, and the hope of Christ to countless people when disasters strike,” Webb said. “Send Relief counts it a privilege to serve beside our partners with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, and with them to fulfill both the Great Commission and the Great Commandment.”

In a recent video, NAMB president Kevin Ezell thanked SBDR leaders and volunteers for their efforts in bringing help and hope to disaster survivors.

Please pray for Donna Bennett, wife of Robert Bennett formerly of Amite. She is waging a long difficult war with cancer. It has now taken most of her hearing away.

RJ Booty

August 15, 1949 – August 20, 2021

RJ Booty, a resident of Kentwood, LA passed away on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at home with family in Kentwood, LA. He was born August 15, 1949 in Kentwood, LA and was 72 years of age. He was survived by ex-wife and loving friend, Linda Faye Booty; son, Ronald Wayne Booty and wife Tammy; 4 daughters, Rebecca Janel Travis and husband H.M., Rhonda Lynette McDaniel and husband Robert, Raquel Jeneane Puckett and husband Jamie, Leslie Ann Blount and husband Jake; 15 grandchildren, Roxie Blalock, Hayden Travis, Dixie Booty, Harley Booty, Jessika Hyde, Raelyn McDaniel, Trae McDaniel, Brentley Dees, Logan Puckett, Dalton Puckett, Ashton Soileau, Khloe Soileau, Kirsten Parrish, Austin Parrish and Seth St. Cyr; 4 great-grandchildren, Gabriel Wascom. Rowan Hyde, Maddix Blalock and Finley Hyde; 2 sisters, Perle Jones and Bonnie Hunter. Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Annie Mae Booty; siblings, Mirla Grace, Jewel Clyde Booty, Robert Laverne Booty, Corrine Booty, Verla Peek, Josephine Gatlins, Glen booty, Gayle Booty and Donnie Booty; numerous nieces and nephews; Visitation at New Jerusalem United Pentecostal Church from 5-9 Sunday and 9-11 Monday, August 23, 2021. Services conducted by his pastor and nephew Matthew Leon Booty and his Assistant Pastor and nephew, Donnie Ray Booty, Jr. Whom he loved and respected very much.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – August 21

EZEKIEL 20:1-22:16

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Baptist Message

http://www.baptistmessage.com/

Today, services will be held for Dr. Gibbie McMillan. You can watch online at the New Zion Baptist Church Facebook page at noon.

Stay safe and healthy.

Anna Lee