Author: Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Or what man is there among you who,

if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?

Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your Father who is in heaven

give good things to those who ask Him!”

Matthew 7:9-11


Mrs. Faye Price continues to show slow improvement. She was able to eat

a little ice cream, an indication she is better. Continue to pray for “Miss” Faye,

the medical staff, and the extended family. Laura told me how much it means

to her for people to tell her they are praying for her grandmother.

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA (BOO-kuh-rest). 2009–a new year! When

the clock strikes midnight the morning of January 1 in Bucharest, fireworks

will light up the sky. For members of Team Bucharest, it is always an

interesting sight to see: fireworks being shot from windows and on the streets.

No, it’s not safe, but it’s amazing to see how Romanians spend a lot of money

for just a few minutes of excitement. As the new year begins, please pray for

Romanians to know the Lord who can give them true joy–not just a face on

an icon, but their Savior who loves them. http://www.imbromania.ro/

(I’ve tried to sleep through this, but it is impossible. I found this much more

than interesting. I was very afraid! Yes, they need to know the Lord and His

great joy! Anna Lee)

MANDARIN CHINESE IN CANADA. Distressed after being disciplined by

his parents, a 4-year-old boy asked to talk with his Sunday School teacher.

On the phone, Miss E listened as M shared his burden and then helped him

find peace. Finally she said, “Would you like to pray?” He answered, “Yes.”

She waited for M to start a prayer on the phone but, after a time of silence,

sensed no one was on the line. Finally M’s father picked up the phone to

explain: The little boy had set the phone down to kneel and fold his hands,

and he was praying. Ask God to give highly educated Chinese believers who

face many difficult challenges in daily living the faith and humility of a child.

Pray that they will grow spiritually, enduring hardship as discipline, allowing

God to use each distressing event to conform them to the image of Christ.

http://www.macregion.org/

ONESTORY: WEST AFRICA. Susan, a member of the OneStory Senufo

Syenara Team, shares: “The Syenara story set is complete. Please pray for

the Syenara people as they hear stories from God’s Word in their very own

language for the first time ever.”

FBC, Kentwood will have a service at 6:30 P.M. tonight that will focus on the

new year. You are invited to attend. The youth will have a special activity

tonight. Contact Bro. Bucky or the church office for information.

KneEmail by Mike Benson

Trust

abtrust.jpgIT’S IMPORTANT TO be careful where

you place your trust…

Some barbers say “trust me” as half of

your eyebrow falls into your lap.

Some dentists say “trust me” as they

drill down deeper than Exxon.

Some postal workers say “trust me,” stamp your package “Fragile,” and then

drop-kick it into the parcel bin.

Some manicurists say “trust me,” as they push your cuticles back to your elbow.

Some mechanics say “trust me,” then make your engine purr like a kitten…

with strep throat.

Some friends say “trust me” as they borrow your favorite shirt, accidentally

wash it in hot water, then hand you back a swatch.

A lot of people say “trust me,” but don’t quite earn your trust. They fall short

of their promises, and leave you wishing you hadn’t placed your faith in them

in the first place.

Aren’t you glad, though, that when God says “trust Me,” you can?

(Martha Bolton)

“He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him” ( Prov. 30:5b

KJV).

Have a great day! Be safe!

Anna Lee

Posted by Mike Benson at December 30, 2008 1:08 PM

Monday – Prayers Needed

Don Denton

P r a y e r N e e d e d !

This morning Don was admitted to the hospital in Springfield after re-developing

sever headaches and neck pain yesterday. So far a CT scan has revealed

hydrocephlis dialated ventricals in the brain. They are giving him plasma to

thicken the blood, so a spinal tap can be done asap.

It is believed that part of what is going on has to do with his being weined off

the steroids.

Obviously, Diane, Don and Joshua need your prayers.

HELP is also need with Joshua. Diane is looking for those whom Joshua has

stayed with in the past, whom he is very familiar with, who can keep him, or

take care of him to let her know asap. I know some of you will want to volunteer

to take care of him who have not in the past, however, he has been going

through a very hard time,as you can imagine and therefore Diane does not

feel that it would be best to introduce some new into his care at this time.

If you can help with Joshua, please call Diane on her cel. 417-399-8520.

If you have questions you can reach me (Steve-her brother) @

spfisk@yahoo.com or 832-236-5577

Thanks you for your prayers and support through all of this.

Monday Afternoon

Joan Hagan said her cousin Kitty was having problems that may require

additional surgery. Please pray for Kitty and the medical staff caring for her.

Jared Prescott was doing very well. He may be able to come home today or

tomorrow. Please continue to pray for him and for David Gullota.

Wallace Merritt
(July 27, 1920 – December 29, 2008)

A native of Tangipahoa Parish, long time resident of Baton Rouge and

current resident of Kentwood, Wallace Merritt passed away on Monday,

December 29, 2008 at the age of 88. Retired from the United States Air

Force, Wallace was a veteran of World War II and double recipient of the

Purple Heart.

He is survived by one son, Donald McMillan of Kentwood; four grandsons,

Dalton McMillan of Kentwood, Mehmet McMillan of San Francisco,

California, Orhan McMillan of Baton Rouge and Dale McMillan of Galvez;

two great grandsons, Joshua and Jeremy McMillan; one great granddaughter,

Madeline McMillan; one great-great grandson, Brayden McMillan; one sister,

Geraldine Sanders of Kentwood and sister-in-law, Nell McLin of Baton Rouge.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Zelma McMillan Merritt, parents Obediah

and Jessie Grace Merritt, and sister, Maxine Simmons.

The family wishes to acknowledge the many devoted health care professionals

who cared for him since his stroke in June, with a special thank you to Tracy

Bergeron.

Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood from 5:00-

8:00 PM on Thursday, January 1st and 10:00-11:00 AM Friday, January 2nd

with the funeral service following at 11:00 AM. Services will be conducted by

Rev. Danny Smith of Spring Creek Baptist Church. Interment will be at Mt.

Hermon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Hospice,

19405 Helenberg Rd., Suite 206, Covington, LA 70443 or Spring Creek Baptist

Church Building Fund, 72937 Hwy. 1061, Kentwood, LA 70444.

Tuesday

I know what it is to be in need,

and I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content

in any and every situation,

whether well fed or hungry,

whether living in plenty or in want.

Philippians 4:12 (NIV)

Three posts yesterday concerning Don Denton:

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2008 10:49 AM, CST

Prayer Requests for Don:

  • Don was seen by his primary care physician this

morning – Don has significant increase in headache pain,

stiffness in neck and lower back and a rash again. He

is very dizzy and sick to his stomach again.

  • He will see neuro next week. If he continues w/

increase of these symptoms he will be seen sooner.

  • Pray that the doctors here will be able to get to the

bottom of this. We are also praying that they will conduct

MRI’s again to do comparisions.

We had a really good Christmas weekend, it was this morning

that Don woke up with these symptoms.

Blessings

Diane

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2008 11:01 PM, CST

Don Update

We spoke to another of Don’s doctors today who helped

clarify the severity of his pain, his dizziness and stiffness.

Don’s prednisone continues to be tapered down and this

weekend he is now down to a much smaller dosage. When

someone has inflammation of the nerves, brain and spine

and healing is still ongoing it could cause a reaction such

as this one. So Don’s meds have been increased to help.

By late this evening his pain was reduced.

Don’s body is so immunial suppressed that we have to be

very careful. He will see four different doctors next week

along with physical therapy. Please pray for the following:

  • All of his doctors will have the wisdom they need to
help with continued improvement. Don really can’t wait
to be back to work for the Spring semester and we are
hopeful for that.
  • Pray for healing of these nerve endings and
inflammation in brain and spine.
  • Don is showing improvement with regard to his
walking more with walker and less with wheel chair.
  • Pray for Joshua as he sees his daddy who has a day
like today and he becomes fearful. For a four year old this
is very scary and for an adult for that matter it is too.

This has been a long journey. I am asking you all to continue

to pray and believe that the good work that God continues

to do in Don will continue. I don’t believe that God has

brought us this far to leave us either. It can be so very

discouraging when a day like today happens for all of us.

My heart goes out to Don and Joshua when I see the

suffering. Joshua afraid that if he asks his daddy to “do

something” that his daddy will get sick and sleep for days

and it will be his fault. It breaks my heart to see my son hurt

like this.

Pray that I will have the wisdom, understanding, discernment,

love and acceptance that he needs.

I am here again, asking for God’s mercy upon us. Asking you

our friends to lift us up before God as we are in such need

these days. Waiting, Hoping and Believing.

Blessings to you our friends and family.

Diane

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2008 11:34 PM, CST

This is a poem that a dear friend shared with me. I share it with you. It is truth and hope. Enjoy….

God, make me brave for life:

oh, braver than this.

Let me straighten after pain, as a

tree straightens after the rain,

Shining and lovely again.

God, make me brave for life;

much braver than this.

As the blown grass lifts, let me rise

From sorrow with quiet eyes,

Knowing Thy way is wise.

God, make me brave, life brings

Such blinding things.

Help me to keep my sight;

Help me to see aright

That out of dark comes light

Please continue to pray for Don, Diane, and Joshua Denton. The

“road” they have traveled on the last few months has be hilly, full of

curves, and blocked with many obstacles for them to mangage to

get over, under, around, and through. God has been with them on

this journey – each step of the way.

I’m sure the poem Diane shared will be meaningful to many of you.

You may need it now for yourself or someone else. You may not

need it today, but will in the future. Print it and tuck it away for that

day.

Baptist Press

December 29, 2008

ISRAEL–Baptists proclaim Gospel in Manger Square.

http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29577

OKLAHOMA–Exec recounts Hobby Lobby’s ministry.

http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29578

SOUTH CAROLINA–Billy Graham joins FBC Spartanburg.

http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29579

TENNESSEE–RESOURCE: 7 words of worship.

http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29580

KENTUCKY–FIRST-PERSON (R. Albert Mohler Jr.):

A generation immersed in media.

http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29581

Salvadore Ruffino, Sr.
(November 2, 1916 – December 28, 2008)

U.S. Veteran Died at 5:58 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2008 at Baton Rouge

General Medical Center in Baton Rouge. He was a native and resident of

Amite. Age 92 years. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of World War II. For many

years, Mr. Sam drove a school bus for Oak Forest Academy in Amite. Visitation

at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. on Tuesday until religious

services at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence.

Survived by 3 daughters, Loretta Borde and her husband, Stanley, Tickfaw,

Frances Ann Nijoka and her husband, Barry, Greenwell Springs, Sandra

Petty and her husband Chuck, Prairieville, 1 son, Sal Ruffino, Jr., Amite,

7 grandchildren, Matthew Feder, Alisha Nijoka, Jared Nijoka and his wife,

Elisabeth, Mary Ann Cline and her husband, Trey, Elizabeth Orobono and

her husband, Fran, Maeghan Ruffino, Kristin Ruffino, 2 great-grandchildren,

Michael Ragan, Anna Cline, 1 sister, Mary Checchin, Lakemore, IL, 2 brothers,

Nunzio Ruffino, Amite, Louis Ruffino, Baton Rouge. Preceded in death by wife,

Anna Leto Ruffino, 5 sisters, Lucy Costanza, Pamela Alack, Stella Terracina,

Josie Burrell and Rose Ruffino; 3 brothers, John, Tony and Joe Ruffino;

parents, Louis and Laura Ruffino.

Debra Lynn Burkeens
(August 22, 1964 – December 26, 2008)

Debra Lynn Burkeens

Debra Lynn “Debbie” Woods Burkeens who will always be remembered and

loved by her son, family and friends was born on August 22, 1964 and passed

away at 7:42PM, Friday, December 26, 2008 at the St. Helena Parish Hospital,

Greensburg. She was 44, a native of Bay St. Louis, MS and a resident of

Montpelier. Debbie was the daughter of Edward Woods and the late Charlotte

Taylor Woods.

She is survived by a son, Nicholas Joe Zona and fiancée’, Ashley Bailey,

Temple, TX; father, Edward T. Woods and step-mother, Margaret Woods,

Walhalla, SC; 4 sisters, Mildred Smith and husband John W., III, Seneca, SC,

Brenda J. Murphy and husband, Mike, Pineville, LA, Rita Wells and husband,

Danny, Tickfaw & Cheryl Zwinkel, Seneca, SC; 4 brothers, Keith Woods and

wife, Debra, Seneca, SC, Dale Woods and wife Geneva, Ponchatoula, Joseph

“Joe” Woods and wife, Tammy, Independence, & Phillip Woods and wife,

Charlotte, North Carolina; 5 grandchildren & 30 nieces & nephews.

Preceded in death by mother, Charlotte Taylor Woods & husband, Thomas

Burkeens.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 from 5:00PM until 9:00PM and on Wednesday,

December 31, 2008 from 8:00AM until Religious Services in the funeral

home Chapel at 11:00AM with Bro. Bobby Carroll officiating. Interment in

the Colonial Mausoleum.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W

next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

PARENTS HAVE TO LIVE IT

At one point during a game, the coach said to one of his young players,

“Do you understand what cooperation is and what teamwork is all about?”

The little boy nodded in the affirmative.

“Do you understand that what really matters is not whether we win or lose,

but that we play together as a team?” The little boy nodded yes.

“Good,” the coach continued. “And, when a strike is called, or you’re

hrown out at first, you don’t argue, curse, attack the umpire with a bat, or

throw dirt in the opposing team members’ faces. Do you understand all that?”

Again the little boy nodded, “Well, sure, coach. That’s what you taught us.”

“Good,” said the coach. “Now, please go over there and explain all that to

your mother.”

I’ve been to a few Little League games when the above conversation needed

to take place! It’s sad to see parents who act in an irresponsible manner

because you know that they are teaching their children (and others’ children)

to behave in a similar manner.

God has given those of us who are parents an awesome responsibility —

not only to teach our children what is right, but to live in such a way that

they can see that we are willing to practice what we’ve been teaching them

to do.

Moses told the parents of Israel to take the laws which God had given

them and “teach them diligently to your children….” (Deut. 6:7). But before

telling parents to do that, he warned them: “Therefore hear, O Israel, and

be careful to observe it….” (Deut. 6:3).

Before we can teach a love of God and others to our children, it must be in

our own hearts. May God bless those of you who are parents as you strive to

do just that. May your life be so filled with a desire to follow God that your

children will be open to hear all that you have to say to them.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I’ll post some updates later.

Anna Lee

Monday

“Whatever happens,

dear brothers and sisters,

may the Lord give you joy …”

Philippians 3:1 (NLT)


(b. Viewmont, Albermarle County, Va., Dec. 12, 1840;
d. Kobe, Japan, Dec. 24, 1912). Missionary in Tengchow
and Pingtu, China, for nearly 40 years; instrumental in
instigating first Christmas offering, 1888. She was
educated at Female Seminary at Botetourt Springs (later
known as Hollins) and at Albermarle Female Institute,
Charlottesville. She was converted in the spring of 1859
in a meeting by John Albert Broadus, then pastor at
Charlottesville. She taught at Danville, Ky., and Cartersville,
Ga. She volunteered for missionary service in Feb., 1873,
in response to a sermon on the text, “Lift up your eyes, and
look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest,”
and she was appointed to China, July 7, 1873, by the Foreign
Mission Board, Southern Baptist Convention. In 1888 she
wrote to the Baptist women of the South, pleading for
reinforcements. The first Christmas offering in 1888 provided
three additional missionaries. She spent 14 years in China
before taking her first regular furlough. Toward the end of
her days, she suffered with her Chinese people in the terrible
famine. She gave all she had. In the time of deepest trials
she wrote, “I hope no missionary will be as lonely as I have
been.” Literally starving, she grew steadily weaker. Before
Christmas, 1912, Cynthia Miller, faithful nurse, started back
to America with Lottie Moon; death came to the frail missionary,
Christmas Eve, while the ship was at harbor in Kobe, Japan.
The present Christmas offering for foreign missions,
sponsored by the W.M.U., is named for Lottie Moon.
http://www.sbhla.org/bio_moon.htm




Yesterday, I had opportunities to learn from several
missionaries:
John Schaffner, the BCM director at SLU and pastor
of Roseland Baptist Church, told about returning a

few days ago from a two week mission trip to China.

He learned many lessons there. One was that the loss

of his camera, exta money, and GPS system caused

him to lose sleep, but the had not lost enough sleep

over the lostness of people.
The Sloan family of King’s Mountain, North Carolina

told us of three recent trips to Romania. They

ministered to the Roma and chose that people group

because of Jennie. Bro. Chip baptized Jennie!
Holly K. spoke last night of her future work in West

Africa where she will teach four MK’s. She leaves in

one week for a two year commitment as a journeyman.

Pray for Bro. John as he leads college students and chuch

members to be more aware of missions.

Pray for the Sloan family as they have developed a love for

the Roma and a desire to minister to their lostmness.


Pray for Holly to be a witness as she lives daily among people

who do not know the Lord and an example for those who are

new Christians.
I thank God for three special opportunities in one day.

I pray I will use what I learned to further His kingdom.

I pray you will become more mission-minded. God has a

plan for each of us!
Anna Lee

Sunday Evening

Mrs. Faye Price has now been able to sit up some. Please continue praying for her, her family as they wait in the ICU waiting area, and for the medical staff as they care for “Miss” Faye.

The Prescott and Gullota families have had a long night and day. Jared is in the critical care unit at Lady of the Lake. His injuries are being re-evaluated and some may not be as severe as first thought. David has had surgery at North Oaks. Please continue to pray for both families.

Christine Husser Miley
(February 7, 1923 – December 28, 2008)

Died at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2008 at Landmark Nursing Center in Hammond. She was a native and life-long resident of Husser. Age 85 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday and from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday. Religious Services at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Husser, LA at 11:30AM Tuesday. Services conducted by Fr. Chris Romaine. Interment St. Dominic Cemetery, Husser, LA. She is survived by 2 daughters, Shelia Currier and husband, Stanley, Loranger and Emily Garafola and husband, Johnny, Baton Rouge; special friend, Rita Terrebonne, Norwalk, WI; 2 cousins, Ethel Miller and husband, Lannis, Baton Rouge and Leona Watson, Baton Rouge; 8 grandchildren; 17 great- grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Austin Shelby Miley; parents, Simon, Sr. and Emily Husser; 6 brothers, Simon, Jr., Recey, Arthur, Ellis, Elzy and Harvey Husser; 5 sisters, Madie, Gracy, Irma, Daisy and Ellen Husser; The family would like to thank the staff of Landmark Nursing Home for their care and kindness over the past five years.