Author: Anna Lee

Wednesday

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!

You have relieved me in my distress;

Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.

~Psalm 4:1 (NASB)~

Debbie Miller called to say Tracy Williams has been moved to Tulane Hospital when he is undergoing additional tests. Tracy has received eleven units of blood. Please pray for Tracy.

Quinton West (13) has been readmitted to the hospital. He is in Lakefront in Covington. Pray he is soon better.

Ronald Putman is hospitalized in McComb with heart problems. Pray for him and his family.

Update on Don Denton

Today Don had MRI of the brain. We will await the results of this. We also saw many doctors last week including an oncologist.

At this point we are waiting again. Waiting to see if the steroids will do its job.

We are also waiting for doctors to discuss possible further treatment if necessary.

At the same time, I need to say that I have noticed that just within the past two days, Don’s dizziness and nausea have improved. He is looking better. He is getting stronger.! Thank you to God our Father!

These are the specific things I am asking for prayer:

  • That these steroids will continue to do its job and that Don continues to get better.
  • That as the steroids are tappered off, Don not relapse.
  • The improvement we see now only continue.
  • We will not have to go back to Mayo or another facility outside of Missouri.
  • Complete healing for Don.
  • I have outpatient tests in Springfield on Thursday. Doctor thinks I may have an ulcer.
  • Pray for Joshua that he starts sleeping better. He wakes up every night crying.
  • Pray for Don’s parents as they continue down this path with us.

I believe in our Father who says that all things are possible. I believe in “what I can not see”. I am holding onto the hope that is in Christ. Christ in me the hope of Glory.

The waiting is a most difficult thing. Since September 20th we have been walking down this path, this season in our life and we will continue to wait and hope and trust. And in the waiting I have found that I am changed. I look forward to each new day with my family. Even in the everyday responsibilities of this life and in the exhaustion. I am getting more sleep. More than ever I find myself learning to laugh more, try not to take myself too seriously, and be present with my family and friends.

I will keep you posted. God bless you for continuing to walk with us. For being Christ to us. For praying for us, loving and supporting us. For speaking words of encouragement. For showing us the church in action in a beautiful way.

Bless you our friends and family

Diane


Pray for the families who are grieving. Pray they will find the peace in their grief.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
TWO MONKS WERE walking together through the country-side…
Both had taken the vow of silence and the vow of cleanliness, which meant they were not to speak to or touch anyone. Their journey brought them to a shallow stream, but the water was moving rapidly. As they prepared to cross the river, they noticed a woman stranded there on the bank’s edge. She was obviously afraid of the water and just stood there, petrified and helpless.
One of the monks just ignored her and began to cross the river. However, the second monk saw the woman, sensed her fear, and his heart went out to her. He knew that the law of his religion told him not to speak to her and not to touch her, but he also knew that a higher law told him to love and help people. So he picked the woman up and gently and carefully carried her across the swollen waters. On the other side, he tenderly put her on solid ground. She thanked him profusely. He smiled and waved, and then caught up with the other monk.
The other monk was disgusted with him for helping the woman. The two monks walked along in silence for several miles, and the first monk became angrier and angrier with the second monk. How could he have done that? How could he have broken his vow of cleanliness to help that woman? Finally, the first monk could hold it no longer. In total frustration, he turned to his fellow monk and shouted, “How could you have done that?! How could you have broken your vow like that? How could you have touched that unclean woman?”
“She was afraid. She needed help,” replied the second monk.
“That’s no excuse,” said the first monk. “You broke your vow!”
The second monk paused for a moment, and then answered, “Oh my good Brother, I dropped that woman off ten miles ago. What are you still carrying her?” (James W. Moore)
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).
“Moving on” is often very hard. We have a tendency to want to “stay” where we do not need to be. Pray to stay focused on God and let Him lead your body and your thoughts to where He would have you to be.
Anna Lee

Tuesday Evening

Nathan Joe McElveen
(October 16, 1945 – January 13, 2009)

Nathan Joe McElveen

Nathan Joe McElveen a devoted husband, father, grandfather & brother was born October 16, 1945 and passed away surrounded by his family at 1:40PM, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at his residence in Kentwood. He was 63 and a native of Washington Parish. He loved the outdoors and playing pranks on any & everybody at any given time. His children, grandchildren & foster children defined his life completely.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Judy Langford McElveen, Kentwood; 3 daughters Debbie McElveen Simeon, and husband Luke, Kentwood, Sonia McElveen Blalock and husband, Jeremy, Kentwood & Jeanine “Jeannie” McElveen, Natchitoches, LA; 3 sons, Michael McElveen, and wife, Jennifer, John “Jay” McElveen, and wife Rachel, Kentwood, & Will McElveen, Kentwood; 2 sisters, Bonnie Brabham, Kentwood & Annie Pevey, and husband Wilson, Pine Grove; 2 brothers, Gaylon McElveen, Mt. Hermon & Truman McElveen, and wife Anna, Mt. Hermon; brother-in-law, Bobby Langford, Kentwood; sister-in-law, Beth Potts, and husband, Dennis, New Orleans; 11 grandchildren, Riley, Hannah, Brodie, Dawson, Anthony, Jayde, Emily, Brayden, Julianah, Lathan & Sawyer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilmer & Eunice Duncan McElveen; a sister, Virginia Strickland; & sister-in-law, Mavis Sue McElveen.

Visitation will be held at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 from 6:00PM until 9:00PM and at the Mt. Hermon United Pentecostal Church, Mt. Hermon, on Thursday, January 15, 2009 from 9:00AM until Religious Service at the church at 10:00AM with Rev. Randall Garcia & Rev. Gene Simpkins officiating. Interment in the Mt. Hermon United Pentecostal Church Cemetery.

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.

Tuesday Afternoon

Wendy Fowler and Selena Morgan emailed to ask for prayer for the family of Mr. Joe McElveen. He passed away today.

Darrel “Red” Clauer, Sr.
(July 20, 1917 – January 12, 2009)

Darrel

U.S. Veteran Darrel “Red” Clauer, Sr. a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great great-grandfather, & brother was born July 20, 1917 and passed away at 6:21AM, Monday, January 12, 2009 at his residence in Amite, LA. He was 91 and a native of Linden Township of Iowa County, Wisconsin. Mr. Red was a former resident of Delafield, WI of 28 years & also of Clinton, AR for 28 years before living in Amite, LA for the last 3 years. He was a bricklayer and retired in 1977 from Milwaukee, WI Bricklayers #8 and also was a WW II Veteran in the U.S. Army.

Mr. Red is survived by his wife, Evelyn Paullin Clauer, Amite, LA; 3 sons, David Schaefer, Rockford, IL, Darrel Clauer, Jr. and wife, Pam, Clinton, AR, Frank Clauer, and wife Susan, Helenville, WI; 4 daughters, Loretta Goetsch, and husband Vincent, Coker Creek, TN, Wanda Van Den Heuvel, and husband Kirk, Germantown, WI, Susan Kemmerling, and husband Bruce, Watertown, WI, & Kathleen Davis, and husband Dickie, Amite, LA; a sister, Nahldan Kneble, Dodgeville, WI; a sister-in-law, Lorraine Clauer, Ft. Myers, FL; 21 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren & 3 great great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Gertrude Slaght Clauer, 2 sisters, 4 brothers, 1 daughter & 1 granddaughter.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

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

Tuesday

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,

for I am gentle and lowly in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

~Matthew 1:29-30~

Marjorie “Joyce” Russell
(December 13, 1928 – January 11, 2009)

Marjorie “Joyce” Russell, 80, was born in Tylertown, Miss., on Dec. 13, 1928, and died peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, at the Landmark Nursing Home, Hammond. She was preceded in death by her parents, Odis and Inez Hope Dier and her only two siblings, Odis Dier Jr. and Mary Dier. Surviving are her husband of 46 years, Cleo Russell; son, Kevin Russell; daughter, Marianna Ursin and husband Ed; stepdaughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Payne and husband Bill; four grandsons and a great-granddaughter. Marjorie worked at various jobs after completing high school in Kentwood in 1949, the first year, incidentally, the completion of high school required 12 grades rather than 11. Marjorie’s long work record included employment with Olan Mills Photography, accounting for various car dealerships, banks, the Roseland Wirebound Box Factory and last but not least, Accountant for School Food Services for the Tangipahoa Parish School Board. She passed the required test and became a certified Notary Public. Marjorie was a member of the Church of Christ and worked for years with her husband in teaching Sunday School classes for the children, participated in singing groups, assisted in the production of Church plays, etc. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday in the chapel from 8 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Kenneth Istre. Interment in Russelltown Cemetery, located at Big Creek Church of Christ, east of Arcola.

Baptist Press

January 12, 2009

TENNESSEE–Homeschooling numbers on the rise. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29647

TENNESSEE–Homosexual bishop to pray for Obama. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29648

GHANA–Volunteers help sustain medical center in Ghana. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29649

GHANA–‘Trailblazer’ hospital changes lives in Ghana. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29650

GHANA–Public health ministry serves rural Ghana. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29651

INDIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Dwight Mabury*): Horrific sights in Orissa. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29652

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Richard Land): Your prayers can change our country. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29653

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (John L. Yeats): When inflation accelerates. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29654

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
WHENEVER YOU FIND yourself going through times of testing, there is always a reason…a very good reason…
In fact, there are several reasons. Testing times are to:
UNCOVER something: When God allows pressures and trials, it is so that you might uncover something in your life He wants to deal with. Hardships reveal areas of weakness and vulnerability. God wants to strengthen us in those very areas, and better equip us not only to stand strong in the storms ourselves, but also to be a shelter for others.
RECOVER something: God allows us to be tested so that we might recover something we’ve lost over the months and years. Perhaps it is our delight in the Word of God, a habit of daily prayer, or the delight of regular fellowship with those of like-precious faith. Trials may force us back to that “first love” walk with the Lord that has slipped away from us.
DISCOVER something: Even though it’s a test you may not like or enjoy, you discover that He’s your God, you’re His child, and that He loves you. He’ll care for you and see you through.
I hear people talk about this trial and that trial, this test and that test. People will say, “Pray for me, I’m going through a trial in my marriage (or in my job or in my finances or in my relationships at home).” But in reality, those aren’t the things being tested at all. What’s being tested is our faith, whether we will really trust Him to work in and through our circumstances.
That’s what’s really at stake. When the heat’s on…when the shadows fall…when disappointment rips through my heart…am I going to trust Him? Am I going to wait on Him, worship Him, and give my anxieties to Him? Or am I going to turn away from Him in my doubt and discouragement? (Ron Mehl)
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Rom. 5:3-5).

Have a terrific Tuesday!
Anna Lee

Monday

Let us think of ways to motivate one another

to acts of love and good works.

And let us not neglect our meeting together,

as some people do,

but encourage one another,

especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)

Saturday’s On Mission in Kentwood was another busy day of helping others. The workers and the home owners were all blessed.

A week from today, January 19, the quarterly associational WMU meeting will be held at FBC, Kentwood. Gloria Wheat Thompson will be the speaker. Join us at 10 A.M. for the meeting which will be followed by a covered dish lunch.

Friendship Circle Sunday School Class will provide Soup & Salad for Senior Adults the last Sunday of February.

Holly K. shared a photo of her new home in West Africa. She is dealing with the dust and loving the people. Please continue to pray for Holly.

There will be a share group meeting at the Alford cabin Thursday night at 6:30 P.M. Join us for food, fellowship, and a devotional time.

KneEmail

Knees

abknees.jpgON FEBRUARY 26, 1829, A Jewish boy named Loeb Strauss was born in a cottage in the Bavarian village of Buttenheim…

As a young man, Loeb changed his name to Levi and wound up in California where he opened a textile company in San Francisco. One day a gold miner walked into Levi’s shop and assailed the young merchant. “Look at these,” said the miner, pointing to the pants. “I bought ’em six months ago, and now they’re full of holes!”

When Levi asked why, the miner explained, “We work on our knees most of the time.”

What you need is some really strong material,” replied Levi. “We have some canvas. It’s used to make tents. If we make your trousers out of canvas, I’m sure they won’t get holes.”

A tailor was called, and presently the miner had a set of trousers — and the rest is history. Soon minors across the West were wearing Levi Strauss’s jeans. (Stephen Van Dulken)

Christians should have the same problem that plagued that miner — pants with worn-out knees — for we ought to do most of our kingdom work on our knees.

“For this reason I bow my knees

to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Eph. 3:14

Posted by Mike Benson at December 19, 2008 1:48 PM

I don’t “wear out the knees” enough. Do you?

Anna Lee

Sunday Evening

Big 10 from teamromany January 2009

1. On January 13 teamromany members Boyd, Joe, Gayle, and Daniel will meet with International World Changers volunteers in Prague. After a few days of planning and training, the volunteers will travel with the teamromany members to their fields of service. They will spend several days making plans together for the large groups of students who will serve with teamromany this summer through International World Changers. Pray for the leaders as they make decisions about the ministry opportunities this summer.

2. Bob and Gayle will spend most of the month of February in Prague for team leader training. Pray for them as they complete assignments this month. Pray that the training will help better prepare them for their role in ministry.

3. In December we asked you to pray for Daniel as he directed a live nativity. Twenty youth participated and were able to share the gospel. Thank God for the witness of these youth and pray for those who heard the message of the Savior.

4. Teenagers from 4 villages will participate in a winter retreat this month. Pray for Daniel as he leads this event.

6. Pray for Cornel Tuns as he returns to Romania to teach in the Romany Bible Institute.

7. Pray for Romany believers to grow in their faith, to have strong testimonies in their communities and to be bold to share Christ with their friends and family.

8. Pray for Boyd, Jennie, and their children as they face some transitions this year. As the IMB is restructuring, Boyd was asked to take on the responsibility of leading Romany ministry throughout Europe. This role will begin in March. The Hatchel family will be moving to Prague in the summer.

9. Pray for volunteer Lisa Kail as she makes plans for the Romany Summer Youth Camp in Romania.

10. Pray for those who are considering serving with teamromany as summer missionaries.

 

Thank you for praying with us and for us.

 

teamromany

Daniel Byrd – Romania

Boyd and Jennie Hatchel – Czech Republic

Bob and Gayle Hill – Romania

Joe and Julie Silby – Czech Republic

 

teamromany.com

 

Kitty Bennett Lapreyrolerie continues to need our prayers. Her condition doesn’t seem to be improving. New problems are arising. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Mrs. Faye Price in now in a room at North Oaks. She no longer has a vent. Plans are being made for a future transfer to rehabilitation. Thanks for your prayers for her, the medical staff, and the family. Keep on praying.

Aubrey Perry, brother of Karen Miller, will have surgery tomorrow. Karen said Aubrey needs a miracle. Karen and her family will appreciate your prayers for Aubrey and his entire family.

Mrs. Alice Faye Lee requested prayer for her nephew’s wife. Amy Hood Conti is undergoing tests in Baton Rouge for a heart issue.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell is home, but still having some continuing health issues. Pray for her as she sees a different doctor this week.

Jared Prescott and David Gullota are both still recovering from their accident. Please continue to pray for them.

Mr. Charley Kuss seems to be much better. The doctors have given him a good report. He is appreciative of visitors.


 

Sunday

“Come to Me,

all you who labor and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28, NKJV

Debbie Miller asks us to pray for Tracy Williams of Bolivar. He is hospitalized at North Oaks.

Too dangerous for the gospel?

“The Commission”

Shawn Hendricks
International Mission Board

Weary travelers stand alongside a river somewhere in South America’s Amazon Basin.

After three hours of trying to maneuver upstream by motorboat to a remote village, a group of International Mission Board missionaries grudgingly accepts the realization that the journey for that day has ended. Shallow waters, exposed rocks, tree limbs and a rough current that nearly capsized the boat won’t allow the group to go any farther.

Score a victory for the Amazon.

Jungle creates daunting ‘wall’

Thousands of miles of dense jungle create a daunting “wall” for those wanting to take the Gospel to this area. For some of the people groups in remote areas, their only hope to hear about Jesus is through faithful Christians praying the Gospel message will reach them.

“A lot of people don’t realize how big the Amazon Basin and the jungle really is,” says Terry*, an IMB missionary who leads work among indigenous peoples in portions of South America.

“It covers a huge area the size of the United States,” adds the Texas native. “You have massive areas where there are no airstrips, no roads. The only way to get there would perhaps be by helicopter or boat.”

More than 400 people groups

More than 400 people groups – roughly 26 million people – live in the Amazon Basin. Of that number, 270 people groups are less than 2 percent evangelical Christian with no IMB missionaries living among them. In addition, about 85 people groups survive completely isolated, deep in the jungle.

“We know they exist,” says Terry, pointing out some of these groups have been spotted only by satellite.

“We know very little about them – except they live in primitive situations. They’re (understandably) suspicious of outsiders.”

Two key factors keep these groups unreached by the Gospel. The government prohibits missionaries from having access to them. And most of these groups live in areas considered too dangerous for outsiders. Dangers include guerilla fighters, hostile tribes, poor flying conditions, crumbling or nonexistent roads and unpredictable waters.

Many have lost their lives

Over the years, many missionaries have lost their lives attempting to take the Gospel to these isolated peoples. One of the most well-known incidents occurred in 1956 – recounted in the 2006 movie, “The End of the Spear” – when a group of Huaorani Indians in eastern Ecuador killed Jim Elliot, Ed McCully, Roger Youderian, Pete Fleming and their missionary jungle pilot, Nate Saint.

But not all was lost among the Huaorani.

Some responded with prayer

“When [those five missionaries] died, it really raised up a host of prayer warriors [who] began to pray for the Huaorani,” says Russ Bare, another Texas native and IMB missionary who leads work among indigenous people in Ecuador.

“Today we have many Huaorani believers. There is power when God’s people pray.”

More than 50 years later, prayer is still needed if the Gospel is to penetrate the isolated corners of the Amazon Basin.

Missionaries continue to explore ways to reach Amazon peoples. One option is training local believers to go into the remote areas; another involves sharing the Gospel with those who venture from their isolated villages into cities or areas along the rivers.

Believers endure persecution

Some indigenous believers endure persecution to share their faith among their people. Pablo,* who leads a church among his Kogi people, works with a missionary to translate portions of the Bible into his language. Christian workers estimate there are only 100 believers among the 11,000 Kogi, who are located in remote areas of Colombia.

“The Kogi live a sad life,” Pablo says. “It’s just full of fear. They’re never really at peace.”

Lives spent pacifying spirits

The Kogi spend their lives seeking to pacify the spirits by offering payments for everything they do – whether they are cutting down trees or harvesting crops. Pablo says some of them wonder, “If I don’t make this payment, what’s going to happen? Will my child die if I don’t make the payments correctly?”

Life for the few believers also has been difficult. Some Kogis have threatened the lives of Pablo and fellow Christians. Still, these believers continue to share the Gospel among their people.

“[The Kogi] see a big difference in our life,” Pablo says. “[They] have lived in fear, (repeatedly) paying the spirits and not seeing any results. And when we tell them Jesus has paid all for us, they really like that.”

People as museum pieces

Not all, however, are happy with indigenous people like the Kogi turning their lives over to Christ.

Many anthropology and government organizations don’t welcome change among indigenous people. Warning signs or government officials guard protected territory in some areas.

“They don’t want them to hear the Gospel,” Terry says. “The government a lot of times sees indigenous peoples as museum pieces – something they can show. They are actively against indigenous peoples being educated … having choices.”

Prayer may be the only route

The only way many of them will be reached is through prayer, Terry stresses.

“Baptists have been working in South America for 150 years, and … I would ask them to pray that God [will] open [these people’s] hearts to understand who the one and true God is through Jesus Christ.”

*Names changed or last names removed for security reasons.

Act
• Learn how you can be a part of missions in the Amazon Basin

You can aid this work by contributing to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee


Saturday

Work hard to show the results of your salvation,

obeying God with deep reverence and fear.

For God is working in you,

giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT)



Read the first three news articles from Baptist Press to get a modern day example of God using a young man who is very well know and still a servant witness for Him. You may have heard his name – Tim Tebow!


Baptist Press

January 9, 2009

FLORIDA–Scripture & faith were ‘secrets’ to parenting Tim Tebow, mom says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29633

FLORIDA–Pastor calls Tebow ‘servant leader.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29634

FLORIDA–Tebow’s faith takes center stage. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29635

GEORGIA–Recession prompts NAMB to enact spending slowdown. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29636

TENNESSEE–SPLASH people with God’s love. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29637

TENNESSEE–INTERNATIONAL DIGEST: India’s Christians celebrate Christmas in peace. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29638

CALIFORNIA–Missions thrust readied for San Diego & Tijuana. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29639

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (O.S. Hawkins): God’s economy in 2009. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29640

ISRAEL–FIRST-PERSON (Jim Sibley): The news from Jerusalem. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29641

Mrs. Nadine Bridges’ surgery went well yesterday. The doctor was very optimistic about the results. Please remember to pray for “Miss” Nadine as she recovers from surgery.


Quinton West is home. Doctors told him to stay in for a few days. Pray for him and his family in the next few days.


On Mission in Kentwood will be this morning at 8:00. Come out and join others as they minister in Kentwood. Pray the rain does not keep the needed work from being done.


Don’t forget AWANA and children’s choir will be resuming after a Christmas break. Pass the word. Pray for both ministries to be effective in influencing you lives in a positive Christian way during the coming months.


Margaret Constantino DiVincenti
(December 4, 1926 – January 9, 2009)

Margaret Constantino DiVincenti

Died at 9:52 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was a native of Independence, LA and a resident of Amite, LA. Age 82 years. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 8:30 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. Services conducted by Fr. Joe Camilleri. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Phyllis DiVincenti, Amite and Mary Margaret DiVincenti, New Orleans; son, Louis G. DiVincenti, Jr., New Orleans; sister, Mary Rose Tarsney, Metairie; She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis G. DiVincenti, Sr.; parents, John and Mary Constantino; 3 sisters, Catherine Fasullo, Elizabeth Gagliano and Frances Barcelona; brother, Leo Constantino.

KneEmail

Tell

I HEARD ABOUT a baby camel that asked, “Mom, why do I have these huge three-toed feet…?”

The mother replied, “To help you stay on top of the soft sand while trekking across the desert.”

“And why the long eyelashes?”

“To keep sand out of your eyes on our trips through the desert.”

“Why the humps?”

“To store water for our long treks across the barren desert.”

The baby camel considered that and then said, “That’s great, Mom. We have huge feet to stop us from sinking, long eyelashes to keep sand out of our eyes, and humps to store water, But Mom…”

“Yes, son?”

“Why are we in the zoo?”

That’s a question for all of us to consider. If we’ve been given all the resources we need to carry our Lord’s message far and wide, and if we’re completely equipped to fulfill the Great Commission, why do we keep it within the four walls of our church buildings? The Gospel isn’t something we come to church to hear; it’s something we go from church to tell. (David Jeremiah)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

teaching them to observe all things

that I have commanded you…”

( Matt. 28:19-20a).

Posted by Mike Benson at January 8, 2009 11:12 AM

Have a super Saturday!

Anna Lee

Friday

“Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all people.”

~1 Chronicles 16:24~

Mrs. Murphy (Nadine) Bridges is in North Oaks and will be having surgery today. Please be in prayer for her today and in the days to come. Thank-you.

Quinton West is the child who has been hospitalized in New Orleans. He is better and may be able to come home soon. Thank-you for praying for him.

Don Denton

We have taken several steps back. I have not posted as I have been pretty depleated myself. I am at a loss for words these days.

The doctors are telling us that unless Don gets better over the next few weeks that we will have to wait till the steriods are tappered off again and “wait for the disease to show itself.”

He has a MRI next week and ongoing tests. He suffers from elevated dizziness and nausea, which has not gotten better.

We have had doctor appointments everyday this week. We are confident in our doctors. They are wonderful and we feel heard and feel that we are getting excellent care. Pray for them as they continue to help Don.

Honestly this is so hard and I am holding onto the Hope that we have in Christ with a thread. Please continue to pray for a miracle, pray that this will be treatable and that Don will get better.

I know that God says we can keep asking, don’t quit asking and I am not going to give up. I BELIEVE these steps back for us are only a new place of HOPE for new eyes to see Don’s case.

I am asking each one of you to pray for answers and answers that are treatable. I know our God has brought us this far and His hand is upon us.

I will update you after we get results fromMRI next week unless Don were to get sicker.

Blessings to you our family and friends

Diane

Emily Panter

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Memories

On this date back in 2000 mom and I were just a little busy. We were checking last minute arrangements, scheduling deliveries and pick-up times with the florist, dress place and the wonderful woman who made my beautiful (original) wedding cake to match my unique unity candle (I also rebelled and had red velvet instead of the traditionalJ.) Luke was I am sure just as busy making his arrangements for after the weddingJ. Tomorrow, because of God’s wonderful mercy, we will be celebrating our 9th year together. In that time we have lived in 7 different houses or apts. We have seen many end meeting jobs and have gone through 4 vehicles. We have also been honored to spend three of those years here at Bridgeview Baptist Church. Luke will be graduating in May, and we have been blessed with the addition of five amazing people to our family and this world. A lot can happen in 9 years and I pray God grants us many, many more (years not childrenJ.)

On January 4th, 2005 I was going in to see my OB and get ready for my induction on the 5th. I went in and one of the three Dr. who practiced there came in (the one I didn’t like) and said: “So you are scheduled to be induced tomorrow…” “yes” I replied with a grin from ear to ear. “Well, we are going to have to cancel that” she said flatly. I laughed thinking she was kidding, but she did not smile. “Are you serious?” I asked. “Yes, we have had too many naturally started labors come up and we don’t have room for you induction.” I was crushed. I left the room and as soon as I saw Luke in the waiting room, also smiling from ear to ear, I buts into inconsolable tears. He asked me what was wrong and was furious when I finally managed to get it out. He tried to comfort me and when that didn’t work, he took me to Culvers for the best frozen custard around.

Well, we both decided we were too ready to have this baby so we went out to eat spicy Mexican (he made me eat tons of hot sauceJ) and then we went speed walking at the mall for as long as I could stand. And you know what? It worked (or I like to think so.) That night at 1am I felt the first contraction. His mom made it to the house by 2 and we were at the hospital by 3. The nurse set me up and said they would monitor me for a few hours and see if they would keep me or send me home. Well at 5 when she checked me we were admitted and the epidural was ordered. At 8:10 am our beautiful Abigail Joy was born. She weighed 7.11 and was 20 ½ inches long. I will never forget. They put her in the warmer and she stared at me for an hour. It was so special. That was 4 years ago this past Monday, and she has lived up to her name which means ‘fathers joy.’ She has a wonderful sense of humor and is always making us smile. ‘We love you Abigail!!’

I thank God, not only for the memories, but for every day He gives me to make more. ‘Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights,  with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.’ James 1:17

Oh yeah! I’ve added blog sites to my blog. Best of Becky is obviously my aunt (the one who kept up this blog for so long.) Gleanings is my mom’s blog and the rest are my brother’s and his wife (the ones in full time missions in Germany.) Feel free to check them out and keep up the communications that began during this journey.

Posted by Emily Panter at 12:34 PM

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Missionaries serving among the peoples of the Mpumalanga province of South Africa write: “Please pray that the children of missionaries Kyle and Vicki Quarterson will meet some friends in their new location of White River. They are meeting a couple of American families this week. Pray that some new friendships will begin and that our MKs (missionary kids) will feel connected with others here.”

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

Prayer requests

“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

SHOWING KINDNESS AND LOVE

There are some countries in the world where moms and dads don’t want their children to learn about Jesus.

Some Christians in Indonesia meet in “house churches.” One of those house churches invited Muslim children to study stories from the Bible. The Muslim children have different beliefs and a few of the parents got angry. They did not want their children to learn what the house church members had to say.

The church members keep on showing kindness and the love of Jesus to their neighbors. They are praying that the children will be allowed to come and learn Bible stories again. They also pray that the moms and dads will come to church.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please pray for me and that I could get better grades. JARED, age 8, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I need prayer to help with math. And help my Mom and Dad teach about Jesus. CALEB, age 8, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I pray for all the Muslims in the country where I live that they will look up to Jesus. I pray that all my friends will come to Jesus and trust Him will all of their heart. I pray that my parents and my family will continue sharing in Northern Africa and the Middle East. TAMARA, age 11 (Northern Africa and the Middle East)

Pray for my family as we go to an unreached people group. Pray for successful first greeting and meeting of our people. And a place to stay and make our Home. TUCKER, age 13 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray for my Mom’s allergies and that she will feel better. Pray for the people who don’t know Jesus. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. JL, age 6 (East Asia)

Please pray that I will be a good witness to the people around me. And please pray that I will do good in my schoolwork. ROSE, age 11 (Pacific Rim)

My prayer request is the Asians to come to Christ! All my Asian friends say that the only God is Krishna. We want them to believe in God. We are having trouble getting them to believe. They won’t believe. One did, her name is MJ. She came to Christ when my mom asked her “do you want to come and believe? That is an answer to prayer. Please pray for the Asians to come to Christ.

SARAH, age 12 ½ (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Dear God, Please help the people that are sick and that have been in accidents. Help us to be brave. Help us to understand about Jesus. Help David, my friend. JL, age 6 (East Asia)

Pray for my friends, Hally and Noel. She’s in 6th and 5th. Pray that they will have a good time with friends and pray for my brother Kenyon. ROCKY, age 7 (South Asia)

Please pray for the people where I live. They don’t know Jesus as Lord. CADEN, age 8 (Pacific Rim)

There’s plenty to pray for today. Thank-you for your prayer time for the needs listed here and the needs that are not listed here for one reason or another.

Anna Lee