Author: Anna Lee

Friday

“This poor man cried out,

and the Lord heard him

and saved him out of all his troubles.”

~Psalm 34:6a~


Robbie Lynn carefully made the trip to Kentwood to visit with family. Pray for her back to continue to improve.

All of Mr. Frank Erwin’s reports came out good. Pray for him as he returns to normal routine at home.

Miranda McDaniel Erwin is still waiting on test results. She injured her shoulder skiing Saturday in Canada.


Pray for Mrs. Faye Price as she continues to adjust to life at Kentwood Manor. Pray she will continue to improve. Pray for the family as they continue to assist in caring for her day after day.


Pray for Andy Taylor’s family. His daughter and his mother had surgery this week.


Don Denton Family

Well we are back from St. Louis. We arrived yesterday afternoon. And we are so very glad that we made the trip to St. Louis for the second opinion. The pediatric ENT sees broken noses all the time and she felt very strongly that Joshua did not need surgery. She was very reassuring with us as well.

WE are trying to get everything ready for our trip back to St. Louis. We will arrive Sunday evening and Don will be admitted to Barnes-Jewish Hospital at 8am on Monday morning. He will undergo further testing to determine possible cause of the dizziness. WE are most hopeful that the doctors will have answers for us. This IS the weekend that Don tapers down to 20mg of his steroids. He has relapsed twice since he has been ill. We are praying that he does not relapse this time as well. If he does relapse we feel we will be in a good place in St. Louis.

Dr.Klein in St. Louis feels that it will only take a few days. We will be home by weeks end. WE are asking for prayer specifically in that the doctor will be able to have answers for us. We are asking for prayer for the following:

  • Result that will help Don get better.
  • Wisdom for his doctors.
  • This short transition for Joshua will be less stressful for him. It will not be too much of a setback for Josh that his daddy is back in the hospital again.
  • God has provided for us through Anne and Frank Agovino opening their home up to us while we are in St. Louis. We continue to be humbled by God’s people. We give praise to God for all of God’s provision for us.
  • Our church this Sunday after services in having a “special time of prayer” for Don, Joshua and I. WE Believe we are going to find answers. We Believe Don is going to get better.
  • Don is showing so many signs of getting better already.

I will have my computer with me and I will give you all updates this week as we hear.

Bless you our family and friends.

Diane


Alice O’Hern asks that we pray for Deana Cummings who has cancer. Alice met Deana by chance and was touched by her needs.




To learn about stink-free pigs and Jesus, please go to http://imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=6686&LanguageID=1709.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
I ALMOST CLEANED out my attic today…
It is such a mess. I’ve been putting it off until warmer weather. I almost started sorting out the stuff that needs to be thrown away from the stuff I need to keep. I almost moved it around to get some of it ready for a garage sale in the spring.
While I was almost cleaning out my attic, I thought about some of the people I have not talked to in a long time. I almost got out my address book to call them. But they may not be home or perhaps are busy. Maybe it would be better to write them a letter. So I almost wrote them a letter instead.
While I was almost cleaning out my attic and almost writing letters, I thought that there are several folks at church that are sick. I wondered if they would like some cookies or a cake, or maybe just someone to stop by and say “hello.” So I almost went to the kitchen to fix them something and I almost went to visit them. It made me feel so good inside to think about their faces smiling as I walked in their door with a plate of goodies. In fact, I almost smiled just thinking about it.
While I was almost doing those things, I looked out my window and saw a neighbor who does not go to church and needs the gospel. He seems like a really nice guy. I almost called him to invite him to go with me to church this weekend.
While I was almost doing those things, I almost sat down and read my Bible. I had to move it off the kitchen counter where it was sitting. As I carried it to the other room I almost just sat right down that minute to spend time in the word of God.
When I got to the church building the other day I noticed the weeds that have grown up during the cold weather months. We need to clean up so that others get a good impression when they come to worship. I almost called a couple of friends to see if they would like to spend a couple of hours cleaning up a little. It almost looks better already. Well, not really.
There are a lot of good things that we almost do in life. It does not matter what we plan, intend or almost do. What matters is what we actually do, not almost do.
King Agrippa was almost convinced to be a Christian (Acts 26:28). I wonder how many believers are almost faithful and will be almost saved?
The immortal words of Philip P. Bliss sing on: “Almost persuaded,” harvest is past! “Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last! “Almost” cannot avail; “Almost” is but to fail! Sad, sad, that bitter wail—“Almost,” but lost. (Tim Orbison)
Then Agrippa said to Paul,
“You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
~Acts 26:28~
Yesterday, I almost . . . .

Anna Lee

Thursday

“He has shaped each person in turn;

now he watches everything we do.”

~Psalm 33:15 MSG~



Daddy’s procedure went well yesterday. Thank-you for praying for him.

Baptist Press

March 18, 2009

WASHINGTON–U.S. endorses U.N. homosexuality declaration. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30090

WASHINGTON–Obama’s first judicial nominee once ruled against Christ’s name in prayers. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30091

WASHINGTON–Boxer urges U.S. to OK controversial kids treaty. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30092

ALABAMA–‘What if?’ focuses Pastors Conf. on Great Commission. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30093

ALABAMA–Seafarers & campers get youthful ministry. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30094

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Michael Foust): When discussing cloning, let’s be honest. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30095



Elva Mae Townsend Tycer
(July 21, 1922 – March 18, 2009)

Died at 8:10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at The Hospice House in Hammond. She was a native of Columbia, MS and a resident of Montpelier. Age 86 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2009. Services conducted by Rev. Reggie Ogea. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite. She is survived by her 3 sons, Arthur Ray Tycer, Meridianville, AL, James Herndon Tycer, Montpelier and Lindsay Townsend Tycer, Mechanicsville, VA; 3 sisters, Iva Lee Dunaway, Spartanburg, SC, Nell Lanier, Hammond and Dorothy Forshag, Hammond; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Tycer; parents, Carl and Mary Powell Townsend; 2 brothers, Shelby Ray Townsend and James Townsend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation, 16013 Halbert Lane, Hammond, LA 70403.


Frederick Andrew Yarborough passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at St. Helena Nursing Home. He was born Dec. 18, 1924, to Joseph and Rebecca McKinney Yarborough. He is survived by sons, James and William Yarborough, of Greensburg; daughters, Jody Yarborough, of Hammond, Norma Travis, of Denham Springs, and Becky Richhart, of Mooresville, Ind.; brother, Roulan Yarborough, of Greenwell Springs; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. He was a member of Day’s Methodist Church, an alumni of LSU, a dairyman and former manager of Kentwood Dairy Co-op and Gulf Dairy Inc. He was also a proud Merchant Marine. Visitation at Day’s Methodist Church, Liverpool, on Sunday, March 22, from noon until memorial service at 2 p.m. Preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Wilkinson Yarborough; two sons, Ricky and Franklin Joseph Yarborough; parents, Joseph and Rebecca Yarborough; and sisters, Louise Batte and Marguerite Travis. Special thanks to Community Care Hospice and St. Helena Nursing Home staffs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, Community Care Hospice in Hammond or Day’s Cemetery Fund.
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KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
REMEMBER “LONESOME DOVE,” television’s blockbuster mini-series…?
It was the saga of two men, Woodrow Call and Gus McCray. Both strong. Stronger together. Men with rock solid commitments to each other. To be sure, both were stubborn eccentrics. They called each other into question regularly, but they never questioned the friendship. They knew, at the soul level, the one would gladly die for the other. They’d ride through any storm for each other. Come **** or high water. “Ah giv’ him mah word,” became the bottom line of the relationship. And a big chunk of America watched–fascinated, tainted perhaps with cynical disbelief, but touched with unspoken longing–as Woodrow Call dragged the body of Gus McCray three thousand miles to bury him “‘neath the pecan trees at the picnic place ’cause…Ah giv’ him mah word.” Period.
America may have questioned it. Jacob wouldn’t have. Seems to me I recall the old patriarch asking his son to swear he’d bury his bones back over the long miles to bury him at home “with my fathers.” And Joseph did it without flinching. Even though it took and act of Congress (okay, Pharaoh) to do it (see Genesis 47:29-31, 50:1-14). There’s something to it, isn’t there? There was something between two men who understood each other. And others stood around in awe, watching one man move a whole community, “a very great company,” just to fill out a relationship. Joseph might have been heard to declare in Western Hebrew, “Ah giv’ him mah word.” I find myself longing for that kind of commitment in a friendship. To give it and receive it. Don’t you? (Stu Webber)
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).

Enjoy a little sunshine provided by the Son.
Anna Lee

Wednesday


“Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord.

As long as I live I’ll wholeheartedly obey.”

~Psalm 119:33 LB~

Frank Smith

I received three updates on Frank Smith – one from his wife, one from his daughter, and one from a friend. All three said he was doing very well. I’ll post the one from his wife.

. . . . I apologize for not sending in an update on Frank yesterday. His surgery went amazing. The Dr. only had to remove one disc and replaced with bone fragment and a metal plate with screws. I brought him home at 4:00 p.m. Monday and he had a pain free night. His throat is a little sore but nothing to complain about. He did not have to have any pain meds through the night.
I went through 3 back surgeries with him and I can tell you medicine technology has come a long way in 15 years. Thank you all for the power of prayer, I am sure that is what brought him through so good and also the skilled hands of the surgeon.
We love all of you and thanks to all for the prayers.
Sue Smith

Grant Smith

My dad, Grant Smith, will have an outpatient procedure today in Hammond. Pray for him and the medical staff caring for him today.

Thank You For Life!

from Emily Panter by Emily Panter

I was privileged last week to celebrate another year that God has given me. It was a very special birthday, and I can’t help but think that I have learned to appreciate every single day He gives me to watch my children grow a little bit bigger and to see them figuring new things out. I am so grateful for every hug I am able to enjoy from them and from Luke, my tangible rock, who had to endure so much this past year. I hope we can all realize that each day we are given is a day that we remain useful for God’s kingdom. I hope that even on those ‘bad’ days we can all still appreciate that life is beautiful. He was so wonderful to give us so many pleasures in life. What a gift it is to experience it with our senses, our thoughts, our emotions, and our memories. Let me encourage you to give someone a hug today and tell them that you are glad that they are here, and that you have the joy of knowing them.


Baptist Press

March 17, 2009

WASHINGTON–Ban on embryo destruction funds renewed for time-being. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30083

GEORGIA–Ga. may pass nation’s 1st embryo adoption law. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30084

LOUISIANA–Patrick of Ireland: an evangelical hero. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30085

TENNESSEE–RESOURCE: Mother of special needs child offers hope to others. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30087

TENNESSEE–Faith plays little role in Christian parenting. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30088

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Gene C. Fant Jr.): Why worldview matters. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30089


Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

Annie Armstrong

Annie Walker Armstrong was the first corresponding secretary of Woman’s Missionary Union. Born on July 11, 1850, in Baltimore, Maryland, to a prominent family active in Baptist life, Annie accompanied her mother to the missionary meetings of Woman’s Mission to Woman where she learned the importance of giving and praying for missions. Having a heart for home missions, Annie worked with Indians, immigrants, Blacks, and children. In 1882, Annie helped organize the Woman’s Baptist Home Mission Society of Maryland. She was this society’s first president.

Missions work among women’s groups had grown as an endeavor in other states as well. In conjunction with the Southern Baptist Convention of 1888, women from 12 states met on May 14 in Richmond, Virginia and formed the Executive Committee of Woman’s Mission Societies, Auxiliary to the Southern Baptist Convention. Annie Armstrong was elected corresponding secretary, a position equivalent to executive director today. In 1890 the name Woman’s Missionary Union was adopted. Annie Armstrong served as corresponding secretary until 1906 and always refused a salary for the work she did through WMU to further the gospel. In 1934 the offering that was collected annually for the Home Mission Board was renamed the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for Home Missions. Annie Armstrong died on December 20, 1938, the year of WMU’s 50th anniversary.

WMU events that occurred during the tenure of Annie Armstrong:

1) WMU recommended that churches adopt a graded system of missionary education with organizations for all age levels, beginning with Baby Bands. (1899)
2) WMU began the process of legal incorporation. (1906)
3) WMU began publishing literature for sale. (1906)
4) The organization became officially named Woman’s Missionary Union, Auxiliary to Southern Baptist Convention. (1890)
5) WMU adopted Sunbeam work at the request of the Foreign Mission Board. (1896)
6) The motto “Go Forward” was chosen. (1888)

The SWAP Shop was one think I missed being about to support when the Hatchels where at NOBTS for the last stateside assignment. I’m thankful it is now open and look forward to being able to contribute to the needs of the seminary students again.
NOBTS S.W.A.P. Shop Reopens, Provides Boost for Seminarians
March 12, 2009
By:Gary D. Myers
Baptist Press

NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary students and student families have a new place to “shop” on campus. Best of all, it is a place without price tags.

On Jan. 30, NOBTS President Chuck Kelley cut the ribbon on the seminary’s brand new S.W.A.P. (Surplus with a Purpose) Shop. The shop is designed to meet immediate needs for seminarians free of charge. Since 1989 the S.W.A.P. Shop has helped students outfit their apartments, clothe their families and make ends meet. The ministry relies entirely on donated items.

Hurricane Katrina forced the closure of the S.W.A.P. Shop. The shop’s original location, flooded by Katrina, was damaged beyond repair. Now the S.W.A.P. Shop is once again open ready to serve the seminary community.

Thanks in part to a generous hurricane recovery gift from the Georgia Baptist Convention, a new metal building was built at the rear of campus to house the S.W.A.P. Shop. And with the slumping economy, the reopening could not come at a better time.

“The S.W.A.P. Shop is one of my favorite things to reopen after Katrina,” Kelley said. “Georgia Baptists are the ones who made this possible. We want to dedicate this with the promise Paul gave us under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the book of Philippians: ‘My God shall supply all of your needs out of His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’”

“Thank you for God’s pantry which is being opened once again for the needs of our seminary family,” he continued. “We thank Georgia Baptists. We are celebrating God’s faithfulness to the NOBTS family.”

Filled with gently worn children’s clothes, men’s suits, toys, dishes, books and small appliances, the S.W.A.P. Shop provides a vital link between Southern Baptist churches and the seminary family. Churches and individual church members have long helped students meet their basic needs by donating quality used items.

“The S.W.A.P. Shop is an exciting ministry that provides for the practical, day-to-day needs of our campus family, and our students have been waiting expectantly for its reopening,” said NOBTS Dean of Students Craig Garrett. “ Through the generosity of the Georgia Baptist Convention, which funded the building, and the countless donors of everyday items, our students are now able to give and receive the sorts of things that make a difference in their quality of life.”

“I’ve heard countless stories of God’s provision through the S.W.A.P. Shop in the past, and I look forward to witnessing many more to come,” he said.

The metal building took six months to complete and offers 1200 square feet of space.

Kelley closed the ceremony with a prayer of blessing. He also prayed for those who will donate items to the S.W.A.P. Shop and for the students who will benefit from the gifts.

ARE YOU STARTING TO FORGET?

There’s a beautiful story about a little boy who couldn’t wait for his new baby sister to come home from the hospital. He couldn’t wait to be near her, to talk to her. But his parents didn’t want him to be left alone with her. After all he was only four years old, so they wanted to supervise his visits. He kept begging to be alone with her, so one night his parents finally relented. The boy tiptoed into her room, stood next to his sister’s crib and said: “Tell me about God – I’m starting to forget.”

There are times when we as adults get so caught up in the “rat race” and all of our responsibilities. Perhaps we need to go to the children around us and say, “Tell me about God — I’m starting to forget.”

There are weeks when we’ve been dealing with irate customers and heavy traffic. We need to fellowship with the saints and worship God together because “I’m starting to forget.”

There are weeks when we’ve had to focus on crying babies, the paying of bills and doctors’ appointments. We need the reminder of the Lord’s Supper to see God’s love and grace because “I’m starting to forget.”

There are days when we’re so caught up in deadlines at work and getting the kids to soccer practice, days when we need to slow down a bit and spend time with God in prayer because “I’m starting to forget.”

“Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life.” (Deuteronomy 4:9)

Are you starting to forget? Ask someone to tell you about God once more.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thank-you for praying. You make a difference!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“I sought the Lord, and He heard me.”

~Psalm 34:4a~

Mrs. Faye Price was scheduled to be moved to Kentwood Manor from rehabilitation in Covington. I don’t know if this happened as scheduled. Continue to pray for “Miss” Faye and her family. It’s been a long time since December 3 when she had surgery.

Mrs. Ruby Dillon got a good report. Join her and her family in thanking God for this good news.

Ronald Putman continues to do well at home. He still has a ways to go, so keep praying.

Carl Wayne Stevens was being moved from Jackson to a long term care facility in Hattisburg. Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Pray for Frank Smith. He was to have had back surgery in Alabama. I didn’t get an update yet, but will share one when it is received.

Joshua Denton saw specialists yesterday.

Diane called me this afternoon to tell me good news! Joshua was seen by two pediatric ENT doctors in St. Louis who both agreed that he does NOT need surgery! The three of them are elated and are celebrating this good news tonight. They did not have their computer with them but wanted people to know this good news as soon as possible so I am updating their site.

Thank you for all of your prayers on their behalf. Good news is truly good medicine.

Arwen Gustafson (a friend from Rochester, MN)

June Carline Holden
(June 17, 1950 – March 15, 2009)

June Carline Holden

Celebrating the Homegoing of June Carline Holden

June C. Holden was born on June 17, 1950 in Independence, LA. Died at 4:27PM on Sunday, March 15, 2009 at Earl K. Long Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. She was a resident of Greensburg, LA. Age 58 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. on Wednesday and until religious services at 2:00PM Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Bruck McKenzie. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite, LA. Se leaves behind her mother and step-father, Helen and Danny Ebarb, Greensburg, her life-long partner, James Cormier, Greensburg, 3 sons, Thomas Holden, Greenbrier, AR, Daryl Holden, Amite, and Randall Raybourn, Addis, 3 sisters, Betty Hagan, Greensburg, Louise Brown, Amite and Nancy Cox, Loranger, 3 brothers, Raymond Holden, Loranger, Larry Holden, Arcola, and Edward Holden, Easleyville, 2 stepsisters and 2 step-brothers, 4 grandchildren, Brandon Holden, Ronney Williams, Jayden Holden, and Sarai Holden along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her father and step-mother, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Holden, maternal grandparents, Joseph and Vernie Premo, paternal grandparents, Calvin and Maudie Holden, and her great-grandparents, Mr. And Mrs. M. D. Pittman. She was loved by all and gave her all to everyone. The family would like to thank the hospital and it’s staff for their care. We would also like to thank all of our friends and everyone else for their prayers and concern. Thank You! Sincerely, The Holden Family.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
IN 1995, OUTSIDE THE Bulgarian Embassy in Washington, D.C., the son of a former embassy employee lost his life…
Walking with his friends, he was confronted by muggers. Apparently, however, his murder could have been avoided. The thieves only wanted his jacket, but he resisted and fought until one of the agitated criminals killed him.
I wonder what was so special about that jacket? What made it worth a human life to its owner–its age, design, brand, or material? Why didn’t he just give it up? It seems to have meant too much to him.
THOUGHT:
Lots wife gave up her life for a single glance back at Sodom.
Korah gave up his life for a run at power.
Achan gave up his life for a few items of clothing and a little wealth.
Samson gave up his life for relief from the nagging of a wicked woman.
Absalom gave up his life for a seat on a throne.
Abab gave up his life for a grape vineyard.
Haman gave up his life for a bow from Mordecai.
Judas gave us his life for approximately $30.
Ananias and Sapphira gave up their lives for an infinitesimal percent of the world’s riches. (Neal Pollard)
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).

Enjoy the sunshine and the Son today!
Anna Lee


Monday


“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart

and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

This is the first and greatest commandment.”

~Matthew 22:37-38 NIV~


Frank Smith

. . . . He will be having neck surgery March 16th at Brookwood Hospital here in Birmingham, Al. He will have 2 disc removed and a steel plate inserted. Hopefully everything will go okay for him. . . .

Sue


Miranda Erwin injured her rotator cup skiing Saturday. Pray for her as she has this evaluated today.


Mr. Frank Erwin in hospitialized at North Oaks. Pray for him as he undergoes testing to determine the exact problem.


Robbie Lynn C. Kirby is home, but experiencing lots ot pain. Pray the pain level lessens today and the extensive back surgery will have a positive result.



Shirley Bates Rushing
(September 29, 1947 – March 14, 2009)

Died on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe, LA. She was a native of Kentwood, LA and a resident of Greensburg, LA. Age 61 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Heath Rohner. Survived by husband, Terry L. Rushing, Greensburg, daughter, Gail Housley and her husband, Kenny, Walker, son, Wayne Rushing, Greensburg, 3 grandchildren, Kevin Housley, Dustin and Rayleigh Rushing, 4 sisters, Barbara Hall, Amite, Sylvia Stielper, Baltimore, MD, Avis Carmical, Jackson, MS, and Willie Bell Strickland, Osyka, MS, 3 brothers, Donald Ray Bates, Kentwood, Hugh Bates, Kentwood, and Arthur “Odessa” Bates, Jackson, MS. Preceded in death by parents, Willie and Bertha Bates, brother, Howard Lee Bates, Father-in-law and mother-in-law, C. E. And Ruth Rushing, brother-in-law, Ricky Keith, sister-in-law, JoAnn Whitfield, and nephew, Patrick Bates.




Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

Annie Armstrong was the Corresponding Secretary of the Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) from its establishment in 1888 until 1906. Her letters to Sunday School Board Corresponding Secretaries J.M. Frost and T.P. Bell reveal close cooperation between the Sunday School Board and the WMU as well as close personal relationships between the correspondents. At a time when many Southern Baptists opposed the existence of the Sunday School Board, Armstrong’s keen sense of both public relations and business matters proved valuable in the campaign to establish legitimacy and support for the new Board. Despite the fact that female leaders of the WMU were not paid for their work during this period, it is clear that Armstong’s leadership position was a full-time career in which she exercised significant influence over male leaders of the various Boards of the Convention. The official status of the WMU was as an auxiliary to the Foreign Mission, Home Mission, and Sunday School Boards, but the significant fundraising conducted by Southern Baptist women, along with the bureaucratic talents of Annie Armstrong, gave the WMU a level of power in the Convention that went beyond its status as an officially subordinate auxiliary. Interestingly, Armstrong alternately accepted and challenged the limited social roles of Victorian womanhood. She was willing to remain behind the scenes in the workings of the Convention, as exemplified by requests in her letters that the author of her tactical suggestions remain anonymous. On the other hand, Armstrong was willing to challenge the bounds of the “woman’s sphere” not for the sake of social equality but for greater efficacy in the mission work that was her passion.


Deacons for the Week at FBC, Kentwood

Smiley Conerly

Roy Turner

There will be a share group meeting Thursday night at 6:30 at the Alford cabin. Feel free to join us for food, fellowship, and a devotional.


IN ONE ACCORD

The following bit of humor comes from Roy Rivenburg:

“Most people assume WWJD stands for ‘What would Jesus do?’ But according to Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle, the initials are shorthand for ‘What would Jesus drive?’

“For centuries, theologians have squabbled over the type of transportation the Lord would use: Public transit or private car? Stick shift or automatic? A sport-utility vehicle roomy enough for all 12 apostles or an economy model?

“One of Ostler’s readers theorized that Jesus would tool around in an old Plymouth because the Bible says God drove Adam and Eve out of the garden of Eden in a Fury.

“But our research department found several other scenarios. In Psalm 83, for example, the Almighty clearly owns a Pontiac and a Geo. The passage urges the Lord to ‘pursue your enemies with your Tempest and terrify them with your Storm.’ (We’re not sure how a Geo Storm could be considered terrifying, unless it had those scary shooting flames painted on the sides.)

“Another scripture indicates that Yahweh favored Dodge pickup trucks. Moses’ followers are warned not to go up a mountain until ‘the Ram’s horn sounds a long blast.’

“Some scholars insist that Jesus drove a Honda, but didn’t like to talk about it. As proof, they cite a verse in John’s gospel where Christ tells a crowd, ‘For I did not speak of my own Accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say.’ However, there is debate over whether the vehicle had bumper stickers such as ‘Save the Humans,’
‘My other car is a flaming chariot’ or ‘Honk if you love me.’

“Ostler has uncovered several other religious theories: [One of them is that] Moses rode an old British motorcycle, as evidenced by a Bible passage declaring that ‘the roar of Moses’ Triumph is heard in the hills.’ ”

Someone else has suggested the apostles following Jesus’ lead and carpooled in a Honda because Acts records that “the apostles were in one Accord”.

Rivenburg’s article is intended only to make you chuckle. But allow me to think with you seriously about the fact that “the apostles were in one accord.” The phrase “one accord” appears 12 times in the book of Acts. Most of those passages refer to the unity of the early Christians. There was a harmony that existed in the early church, the result of Jesus’ prayer in John 17. We all know the value of such unity. As David said long ago, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). But seldom do we know the reality of that unity.

One thing I have noticed over the years is that unity is often the result of great adversity. We all saw it vividly in this country on a grand scale on September 11, 2001. A nation divided quickly became a nation united. Petty squabbles were set aside and the people of the United States stood hand in hand — “one nation under God.”

I’ve seen the same things happen in families, and in churches. Sadly, sometimes it takes a disaster to help us to put things into perspective, to help us to realize that the insignificant things which we tend to argue about are not nearly as important as the things which bind us together. Wouldn’t it be great if we could come to that realization without having to go through disastrous times?

May you all seek to “Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” (Phil 2:2)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Enjoy the rain the Lord has provided to wash away some of the pollen.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Surely your goodness and unfailing love

will pursue me all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the LORD

forever.”

~Psalm 23:6 NLT~



Mrs. Ora Lee Wilson continues to improve as she recovers from her heart procedure. Thank God for the progress she has made so far.


Carl Wayne Stevens has been moved to a room. Pray for him, his family, and the medical staff as they address new issues.


Mrs. Ruby Dillon does not have a biopsy report yet, Pray for her as she has an appointment Monday.


Annie Armstrong (and Lottie Moon) have Facebook pages. The NAMB (and IMB) have found a way to use technology these ladies never dreamed of to connect them to the present world. If you belong to FB, you may be interested in inviting these ladies to be your friends.


Melinda Ballow

A native of Amite and a resident of Denham Springs, she passed away at 8:50 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2009, at Our Lady of The Lake Regional Medical center in Baton Rouge. She was 44. Visitation at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, on Monday, March 16, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation at Victory Temple Church, Greensburg, on Tuesday, March 17, from 10 a.m. until funeral services at noon, conducted by the Rev. A.W. O’quinn. Burial in Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg. She is survived by her husband, Edwin Ballow; mother, Marjorie Criswell; daughters, Stacy Bertelsen and husband Robert Thompson II, and Tiffany Johnson; sons, Alex Allan Bertelsen and Edwin Dewayne Ballow; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Melissa Hagan; grandchildren, Hayden Reed Thompson, Gage Rylee Thompson, Madison Noel Bertelsen, Kayleigh Nicole Johnson, Destiny Atkins and Cason Atkins; best friend for 40 years, Becky Dionora; friend, Donna Halphen; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ray and Nancy Gibson. She was preceded in death by her father, Nathaniel Travis Hagan.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
PEOPLE USED TO travel between the UP (Upper Peninsula) and LP (Lower Peninsula) of Michigan by ferry until they built a bridge along the Straits of Mackinac…
In 1934, the Michigan Legislature created the Mackinac Straits Bridge Authority to study the feasibility of the bridge and authorized it to sell bonds for the project. Preliminary plans for the bridge featured a three-lane roadway, a railroad crossing on the under deck of the span, and a center-anchorage double-suspension bridge configuration similar to the design of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. From 1939 to 1941, a cause-way of approximately 4,000 feet in length was constructed with concrete road fragments extending from the northern shore. With uncertainty in funding and the initiation of World War II, further building was delayed. In 1950, engineers resumed construction and the state legislature authorized the sale of $85 million in construction bonds on April 30, 1952.
David B. Steinman was appointed the design engineer in January 1953, and the American Bridge Division of United States Steel Corporation was awarded a contract of over $44 million to build the steel superstructure. On November 1, 1957, after two-and-a-half years of construction and the loss of five lives, the bridge finally opened to traffic. It was officially dedicated on June 25, 1958. The bridge is approximately five miles long, the third longest in the United States. Forty years after the dedication, the 100-millionth crossing was celebrated.
Most of us probably look at the construction of this bridge as a feat of modern engineering. True enough, it is. But behind the construction was the need: the need to connect two cultures and two land masses, to expand and improve economic prosperity by bringing people together.
Did the bridge spring up immediately? No.
How did it start? With a vision, a picture in the minds of visionaries of what it might resemble and how it might change the lives of all affected by its construction. When it became clear that ferries were too expensive and too inefficient to accomplish the goals of connecting the two sides, the bridge came to the forefront of everyone’s mind. The old ways of transportation just were not working. Something new had to be put into place.
What it cheap? No.
Was it easy to build? No.
Were human lives put in danger? Yes.
Was it worth the cost, the hardship, the lives lost, the requirements of years of work and commitment to make this bridge happen? For most people connected with the bridge, the answer was an overwhelming yes.
Like suspension bridges built across bodies of water, it takes time, money and risk for bridges of healing to be built between estranged people. Many may feel that the cost is too high to achieve the bridge. It might cost me time or pride. I might have to say I’m sorry. What if the person to whom I am trying to direct my bride laughs at me, scorns me or refuses my overture–or worse yet, just plain ignores me?
Jesus said that we must count the cost of discipleship (cf. Luke 14:28). Building bridges that result in restored relationships is probably one of the most important costs of being a disciple of Jesus. Christ taught that reconciled relationships are more important to God than any offering we could bring before Him.
Why? Because for God, how we treat others is synonymous with how we treat Him (cf. 1 John 4:20). (H. Norman Wright, Larry Renetzky)
“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar,
and there remember that your brother
has something against you,
leave your gift there before the altar,
and go your way.
First be reconciled to your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.”
~Matthew 5:23-24~

May this Lord’s Day bring blessings in your life. May you also be a blessing to others today.
I leave you with this thought – Be a “bridge builder”.
Anna Lee

Saturday

“In response to all he has done for us,

let us outdo each other

in being helpful and kind to each other

and in doing good.”

~Hebrews 10:24 TLB~

Don and Joshua Denton

We met with ENT for Joshua this morning. The ENT said that he does not usually recommend surgery for a child this age with broken nose, but he is strongly recommending surgery for Monday morning for Joshua.

This ENT is not a pediatric and when asked he does not have allot of experience preforming surgery on one so small. So we have a surgical consult at Childrens Hospital in St. Louis on this Monday. If this pediatric ENT surgeon recommends surgery is will happen this next week. So we will head up to St. Louis on Monday.

Also the specialist at Washington University wants to admit Don in the hospital up there for one week. Once we have all of records from every doctor and hospital, we will call her and she will start the admit process. They will bring specialist in to investigate the level of dizziness that Don has that does not diminish. So we will go this Monday for Joshua and then wait till all records come in for Don.

We feel really good about this. We believe we will find answers and feel there may be some resolve.

Please pray for Joshua. This is a very scarey thing for all of us if the doctor at Childrens says he needs surgery. It will be a somewhat simple procedure and he will be home from hospital within a day if all goes well.

I am really feeling like Job these days. Please pray that the surgeon for Joshua will have wisdom he needs.

Bless you all our family and friends.

Diane


Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions

NAMB Missionaries—On Mission To Share Christ

More than 5,500 missionaries serve through the North American Mission Board in the United States, Canada, and their territories. Though their areas of service differ, they are all on mission together to share the love of God with all people.

Church Planting

The largest number of missionaries are starting new Southern Baptist churches, more than 1,450 churches were started in 2007. Mission pastors serve English-speaking and language churches in rural and urban settings.

Evangelism

Sharing the gospel by ministering to people’s needs in church and community settings, including senior adults, nonreaders, non-English-speaking people, substance abusers, families, people in the criminal justice system, homeless people, disabled people, migrant workers, and even vacationers.

Mission Service Corps (MSC)

These missionaries serve more than two years and provide a majority of their own funding although they may receive some NAMB support through the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering®.

Chaplains

In addition to missionaries, Southern Baptist endorsed chaplains minister in many of the same ways as do missionaries. Almost 2,500 Southern Baptist Convention chaplains serve in the military, institutions such as prisons and hospitals, and in corporate settings.

Mission Volunteers

Our mission efforts are also supported by more than 450,000 missions volunteers each year, including adult and youth mission teams, and World Changers groups.


Pastor’s Widow Points to ‘Celebration Day’

By Martin King
Baptist Press

MARYVILLE, Ill. (BP)–Cindy Winters, widow of slain Illinois pastor Fred Winters told 1,900 people who attended his funeral that Sunday, March 8, was “celebration day” for her husband and that she refuses to harbor hatred.

“Fred and I talked so many times about how God is at work here in this church doing incredible things,” she said during Winters’ March 13 funeral at First Baptist Church in Maryville, Ill. “Nothing has changed. Our vision and purpose are the same. I refuse to let Satan win. He is not going to steal my passion and my joy.”

Winters was fatally shot while preaching at the 1,500-member Southern Baptist church east of St. Louis.

Speaking for 20 minutes during a two-hour funeral service, Cindy Winters said, “Our vision and our purpose still remains the same. … I refuse to let Satan win. … He’s not going to steal my joy. He’s not going to steal my passion. He’s not going to steal my desire to spread God’s Word. I’m not going to hate.

“And I will work to carry out the mission of this church and I know all of you will too,” she said. “And I’m not going to survive this thing; I’m going to be a better person because of this thing.”

She quoted one of her two daughters, ages 13 and 11 years, as saying, “I want to be just like my daddy. I hope the man who did this learns to love Jesus.”

Winters refuted a note the man accused of the shooting left on his calendar labeling March 8 as “death day.” She said, “Sunday was not death day, but celebration day — the best day of Fred’s life. On Sunday, my husband did not die, but got a promotion,” as she pointed upward to heaven. Then, the words of the theme song from the television show “The Jeffersons” — referring to “movin’ on up” — played throughout the church building as the congregation stood and applauded.

She told those in attendance in the 900-seat sanctuary and another 1,000 overflowing into the gymnasium as well as those viewing the service on the Internet a number of humorous stories about Winters that illustrated his reputation for being thrifty, athletic, intelligent and passionate about his ministry.

“Fred loved being a pastor. He had a pastor’s heart. When you hurt, he hurt, and when you were happy he was happy. He never got tired of being your pastor,” she told the First Baptist members attending the funeral.

Winters brother and father-in-law also spoke during the service, while three former staff members brought messages.

Bob Dickerson, pastor of First Baptist Church, Marion, Ill., who met Winters in seminary, held his Bible aloft and said, “If Fred were here, he would speak from the Word of God, so that’s what I will do.” Dickerson read from Genesis 50:20 quoting Joseph speaking to his brothers, “What you intended for harm, God intended for good to accomplish the saving of many lives.”

“Fred was intense about sharing Christ. He wanted everybody to know Jesus, and good will come if 100 people, or 1,000 people or 10,000 people, will help others find God” because of what has happened, Dickerson said.

“Evil did not take Fred Winters life because he gave it to Christ many years ago. Evil did not stop the message that Jesus saves,” Dickerson said.

Adam Cruse, pastor of First Baptist Church in Mt. Zion, Ill., another former staff member at First Baptist Maryville, said Winters “was always there for us. He was a rock for us. He cared for us. I know you are hurting and sad, but this is not a time of defeat or surrender because the mission that we shared with him is still our mission.”

The service ended with a video Winters had made several months before his death answering the question, “Why do you exist?” as a way to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the videotape, which had been on the church’s website during the week, Winters gave the “A-B-Cs of salvation” and ended with an invitation to pray to accept Christ.

Following another presentation of the Gospel by First Baptist’s minister of worship, Mark Jones, the service ended on what Jones called “a note of praise” as they sang “My Savior Lives.”

(Martin King is editor of the Illinois Baptist, newsjournal of the Illinois Baptist State Association.)

Vyette Baham Reid
(August 20, 1928 – March 13, 2009)

Vyette Baham Reid

We will miss our wonderful mother, Nanny, and friend who died at 9:00AM on Friday, March 13, 2009 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. She was a native of Folsom, LA and a resident of Loranger, LA. Age 80 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and at Lee Valley Baptist Church, Uneedus, from 10 a.m. Monday until religious services at 2 p.m. Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Johnny Shaw. Interment Noah Cemetery, Loranger. Survived by children, Richie Reid, Husser, Patsy Husser, Omaha, AR, Weda O’Keefe, Bush, Kimberly Gray, Moffatt, CO, Cherrie Humphries, Bush, sister, Inez Pelitere, Madisonville, 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Hulon Reid, parents, Forrest Baham and Bella Baham, brothers, Virgil Baham, Ernest Baham, Wade Baham, Arlee Baham, Ancil Baham, sisters, Weda Willie, Phine Couget, Dorothy Rainey.

Lillian Williams Harper
(October 25, 1921 – March 12, 2009)

Died at 8:52 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was a native of Red Bay, AL and a resident of Amite, LA. Age 87 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, 9 a.m. on Monday until religious services at 12 Noon Monday. Interment Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite, LA. Survived by daughter, Ivies Fay Harper, Amite, son, Charles Harper, Amite, 5 grandchildren, Michael Harper, St. Amant, Crystal Brown, Amite, Shannon Husser and husband, Shelby, Husser, Kimberly Bankston and husband, Josh, Husser, Blake Harper and wife, Jessica, Tickfaw, 6 great-grandchildren, nephew, Carlton Williams and wife, Audrey, Greensburg. Preceded in death by husband, Doris “Buddy” Harper, son, Johnny Lee Harper, parents, Sam and Nellie Williams, brother, Dossie Williams.



Pray for Mansell’s family.

Jessie Mae Wells
(July 14, 1929 – March 9, 2009)

Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. on Saturday until religious services at 10 a.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Butch Revere. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA.


Pray for “Miss” Ann’s family.

Ann L. Schilling

 Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 1 p.m. until religious services at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2009. Interment will be at the Mulberry Street Cemetery in Amite.

Set construction for the Easter drama at FBC, Kentwood will begin this morning. Work if you can, if not pray for those working, those who will participate in the drama in any way, and for those who will worship with us by viewing the drama.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Anna Lee

Friday

“We who are strong in the faith

ought to help the weak

in order to build them up in the faith.”

~Romans 15:1~

Robbie Lynn C. Kirby

Just an update to let you know that Robbie’s surgery went very well. The Dr. said they cleaned out a lot of stuff and replaced some parts and he was very happy with the results of the surgery. She should be released to go home Fri. they hope. Only time will tell how successful it really was. Thank all of you who prayed for Robbie and continue to pray for her as she has many health issues in addition to her back. We appreciate all the prayers. Robert

Roger Tate


please add Roger Tate of the east fork community to the prayer list – he has a tumor on his spine
Galen Shinkle

Jordon Russell (former MK)

Well Jordan just texted me that his surgery went well. Hopefully we will learn more later this afternoon when Kyle has checked on him. Thank you for praying for Jordan as he had his wisdom teeth removed. Pray the recovery will go smoothly.

Love,

Melinda

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering® (AAEO) Fast Facts

The reason we give to AAEO:
To help our missionary force reach for Christ an estimated 251 million lost people in the United States and Canada; that’s three of four people.

AAEO national goal for 2009:
$65 million

Amount given to AAEO in 2007:
Year-end figures totalled $59.3 million

Amount of AAEO used to support missionaries and their work:
100%

Number of NAMB missionaries:
More than 5,500. Generally, a third of the number represents career missionaries, a third are short-term funded missionaries, and a third are Mission Service Corps missionaries.

Total 2007 NAMB budget:
$124,000,000

Amount of NAMB budget that comes from Annie:
46%

Amount of NAMB budget from Cooperative Program:
36%

Year offering started by WMU:
1895

Amount given in 1895:
$5,000 +

Year offering named for Annie Armstrong:
1934

What do AAEO-supported missionaries do?

  • Start new churches

  • Engage in student evangelism on college campuses

  • Serve the physical and spiritual needs of people through inner-city Baptist centers

  • Serve in local Baptist associations as associational missionary or other mission staff

  • Provide training and ministry in apologetics (interfaith witness) evangelism

  • Minister in resort settings such as campgrounds and ski areas

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

IMB

“Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,” Luke 18:16b

A SONG AND A PIECE OF FRUIT

A family in South Asia enjoys helping the children in a very poor community. Every time they go, a crowd gathers and they sing to them about Jesus. The people sing songs for the family too. The family tries to make sure each child gets a piece of fruit, but too many times they don’t have enough!

The children play games, running in and out of the rows of huts made out of scrap metal. They sort through bags, peel labels off plastic bottles and pile up trash in a corner. It’s pretty dirty, but the kids don’t see how bad it is. They get head lice and bad tummy aches. Most days they get rice to eat but not much else. Fruit is a special treat.

The clothes the kids wear are always dirty, but good clothes don’t come along very often. People just don’t throw ’em away and these children get their clothes from the trash. None of them can read—but they can find the good stuff in the trash. That’s what these children in the poor community do.

Please pray for these South Asian children. Pray that they will have enough food to eat today. Pray that there will be enough fruit for each child when this family goes to help. Pray that they will want to know more about Jesus.

YOU SAW IT IN GA WORLD and LAD, January 3, 2009:

Katelyn Brown was featured in GA World/Lad magazines, and she had a prayer request. Do you remember praying for her? Here is that request:

My parents start new churches. I help volunteer teams with the language and figuring out Romanian money. Pray that more missions teams will come to Romania to help with our ministries. KATELYN, age 13 (Central and Eastern Europe)

Katelyn and her family say, “Thank you all so much for your prayer. Please continue to pray for my parents as they are working on church planting in villages neighboring Bucharest city limits. I am still learning worship songs on the guitar and would appreciate prayer for that.”

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

I live in Grafanil which is a city in Luanda, Angola. Outside our compound there is a large market that is full of people and their goods. At night it’s empty because of the Malaria mosquitoes and Banditos. Please pray for me and my family as we serve the people in Angola. ALEXANDRIA, age 11, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

For the unbelievers that are at my school that God would show me a way to minister to them. And for the small ministries and outreaches that I work with. CAMMIE, age 14 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray for our misson for we are going to work with an unreached people group.

JON, age 13 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray for our home schooling. JOSEPH, age 9, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I’m going to start a Bible study with my friends. I’m worried that since I’m not teaching them about their god, they will not come back! Please pray that they will want to hear about Jesus. JESSICA, age 10 (Pacific Rim)

Thank-you for praying today. Your prayers mean so much to so many.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“We should consider the good of our neighbor

and build up his character.”

~Romans 15:2~

Robbie Lynn is having surgery at St. Dominicks in Jackson,Ms. in the morning. Please add her to the prayer link. This is her second back surgery and she has been in a lot of pain. Linda is with her and their home is only about 10 min from the hospital. Pray that the surgeon will do a great job and the results will be what they are hoping for. Thanks/Robert (Callihan)

(The surgery is at 8:30.)


Lauree Titus continues to have health issues. These problems have kept her from being able to work regularly for some time now. Please keep her in your prayers.


Ora Lee Wilson continues to heal from her pacemaker surgery. Please continue to pray for her.


Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell continues to have medical tests. Please pray for “Miss” Annie Bell and her family.


Mrs. Ruby Dillon expects results of her biopsy tomorrow. Pray for her as she waits.



Orin Davidson, father of Naomi Tolar, is in North Oaks. Please pray for him and her family as they help care for him.


Don Denton

(Letter from Diane, his wife)

Anna
. . . My husband Don Denton is a Theology Professor at Southwest Baptist University. Don has degrees from New Orleans Seminary and Fuller Seminary in Pasadena California. We have been married seventeen years. Our son Joshua is 4 1/2 years old. Our son is a miracle from God in our life.
We now live in Bolivar Missouri. My husband is also a writer. He has written one book and contributed to another book coming out this year.
On a Monday morning back in September of last year, Don, woke up with a headache. It did not go away for more than 2 months. He was in Cox South hospital for 25 days and almost died. He then was transferred to Mayo in Rochester and was there for 47 days. My son and I lived in a boarding house in Rochester for those 47 days as well.
Since our return from Mayo on December 5th, my husband has been back in the hospital twice. One of those times a relapse of his disease. Which doctors are not sure of the cause. He had meningitis, encephalitis, deconditioned body, lost 30 plus pounds, dissection in his carotid artery, double vision and is having to learn how to walk again. He was also just diagnosed with hydrocephalus mild. His illness is still ongoing at many levels. During this time we have had many, many obstacles. A house fire, insurance company not paying what they indicated they would for health insurance, our dog had surgery, loss of my job, and our son just broke his nose. WE are hoping to see a specialist in St. Louis soon as my husband has debilitating dizziness all the time. His illness has lasted 6 months with improvements in some areas.
He is unable to teach at this time as well. Our journey is on caringbridge.org and enter: dondenton.

. . . Thank you for praying for us. We really need it. We are so grateful for God’s mercy to us and for God’s people reaching out to us is so humbling and touches us deeply.
Thank you for your email and bless you.

Diane Denton

Don Denton

(Latest post on Caring Bridge)

First thing this morning we all headed down to Springfield. Don’s appointment was first with the ID doctor and then Joshua’s appointment was after that. Joshua got sick, so I ended up dropping Don off to his appt and then bringing Joshua to his appointment.

Joshua will see a ENT first thing Friday. He will determine if there is damage to sinus, etc. and if need for surgery.

Don’s doctor ordered blood work to look for reasons with the onset of increased fatigue. Don has had increase in headache pain, not high level, but increase.

He will taper to the 20mg one week from this Saturday.

Today we received a call from a specialist in the area of CNS- central nervous system diseases. She is at Washington University in St. Louis. I wrote to her a week ago. I had been doing some research and found her area of specialty to be close to what Don has. She has been gracious enough to talk with us. Today was a fruitful conversation. She asked allot of questions and she wants to talk with her colleagues further about Don’s disease. She will get back with us by Monday to discuss the possibility of us coming up there to further explore his symptoms. She at this point feels as we do. He should not have this level of dizziness. There is an under lying cause. It should be mostly resolved by now.

It was good to have her expertise. She is suggesting an area that is somewhat scary for us, but we are willing to go down this path to get answers. If her colleagues are in agreement, it looks like we will see a neuro otologist and possibly a neruo oncologist to further explore these unresolved issues Don is having.

Anne A. we may take you up on the offer when we come up to St. Louis. Thank you for the offer.

Joshua’s little nose is bruised and swollen, but he is a resilient little guy. He was so brave having to have a CAT Scan. He was wondering where is the Cat?

WE feel we are getting closer to more answers. It is a direction we have been wanting for sometime now.

Thank you for your postings, and emails, they mean so much! I read each one and sometimes over and over again. They are most helpful to me.

Bless you our family and friends

Diane







Annie Armstrong Easter Offering®

The first collection of funds by WMU for either of the Boards was for home missions and took place at WMU’s organizational meeting in May of 1888. WMU accepted a request from Home Mission Board corresponding secretary Dr. Isaac Taylor Tichenor to aid in building a church and enlarging a Christian cemetery in Havana, Cuba. Offerings for home missions continued to be taken each year, usually to aid missionaries on the frontier and the work in Cuba. In 1895 Dr. Tichenor asked WMU to contribute $5,000 to help alleviate the agency’s $25,000 debt and prevent the withdrawal of missionaries from their missions fields. In response, WMU instituted the Week of Self-Denial as a time of praying for and giving to home missions and raised more than the $5,000 requested. Since 1895, a week of prayer and a home missions offering have continued. In 1903 the official name of this event was the Week of Prayer and Special Effort for Home Missions; in 1922 the name was changed to the Thank Offering. In honor of WMU’s first corresponding secretary and crusader for home missions, the offering was named the Annie Armstrong Offering in 1934. In 1969 the name was changed to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering®, directly connecting the offering with the Christian observance. Woman’s Missionary Union continues to promote this offering and set the goals for giving to North American missions.


Victor Myles “Vic” Trahan
A pipe fitter and resident of St. Amant, he died Saturday, March 7, 2009, at his home. He was 47, born in Houma and a native of Amite. Survived by his wife of 26 years, Robin Jones Trahan; daughter, Kaitlin Rae Trahan; two sons, Jesse Jay and Taylor James Trahan; parents, Norris J. Jr. and Juanita J. Pace Trahan, all of St. Amant; sister, Robin Trahan and husband Milton Phillips Sr., Osyka, Miss.; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by his daughter, Jodi Marie Trahan; maternal grandmother, Mary Jane Pauline Walker, who was of Amite; and paternal grandfather, Norris J. Trahan Sr., who was of Houma. Visitation at Ourso Funeral Home, Gonzales, on Friday, March 13, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Donaldsonville on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until religious service at 10:30 a.m. Interment in Ascension Cemetery, Donaldsonville.



SHOULD I FORGIVE THAT PERSON?

The following story comes from Glenn E. Schaeffer via Christian Reader (“Kids of the Kingdom;” September/October 1997):

During a childrens sermon one Sunday morning, I held up an ugly-looking summer shirt that I wore occasionally around the house. I explained to the children that someone said the shirt was ugly and should be thrown away.

“This really hurt me,” I explained. “I’m having trouble forgiving the person who said those mean things. Do you think I should forgive that person?” I asked the children.

Immediately, my six-year-old daughter, Alicia, raised her hand. “Yes, you should,” she said without hesitation. “But why? The person hurt my feelings,” I responded.

To which Alicia wisely answered, “Because you’re married to her.”

We live in a society that doesn’t care much at all about forgiveness. Our culture exalts those TV and movie heroes who take vengeance on others. Those who are willing to forgive are portrayed as weak, and those who refuse to forgive are strong. The result is a society filled with bitterness, vengeance, anger, hate and hostility. Marriages suffer because grudges are held and nobody’s willing to forgive. Crimes of retaliation and ridiculously excessive lawsuits are rampantly common as people seek vengeance both inside or outside the law.

But Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiving others. In fact, he doesn’t give us any other option, if we are to be his disciples. He said, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15). That’s strong language!

Again in Mark 11:25-26, Jesus said, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

When Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” (Matthew 18:21), Jesus responds by telling a parable about a master who forgave a servant’s huge debt, but that servant refused to forgive another servant who owed him a small amount. The story ends with an angry master turning over the unforgiving servant to the jailers for torture and torment. And then Jesus made the application in one of the harshest statements in all the gospels: “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” (Matthew 18:35).

Jesus makes it painfully clear that forgiving others is directly related to our being forgiven by God, and our unwillingness to forgive destroys the bridge over which God’s forgiveness comes to us. Before you ask for God to forgive you, is there someone who needs your forgiveness today?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

May God use you to bless someone today!

Anna Lee