Author: Anna Lee

Thursday

“And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, but as it is written: ‘To whom He was not announced, they shall see; and those who have not heard shall understand.’”(Romans 15:20-21)

Mrs. Faye Price has had a difficult day. She is not critical, but she is not stable. Virginia said they would get through this with your prayers. Keep on praying. (The family is in the ICU waiting room at North Oaks.)

Mrs. Carolyn Easley of the New Zion community has had some health issues recently. Pray for her as she tries to get well to help with the Lottie Moon Christmas Tea.

Bonnie Kelsey told us Mr. Charley Kuss has had a spell or two. He’s home and doing about the same. Keep Mr. Charley and “Miss” Kathryn in your thoughts and prayers.

Jimmy Harrell continues to have concerns about his vision. He was scheduled for another procedure this morning.

Go Tell the Story of Jesus
Week of Prayer for International Missions & the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
Quilombolas of Brazil

A When Ivanilson Costa arrived in Tombo to teach Quilombola children, he was the sole Christian in the Brazilian village. For 10 months, Costa prayed for someone to help him share Christ.

God answered Costa’s prayers in December 2005 when missionaries Keith and Deborah Jefferson, of Texas, visited.

“Before they arrived, it was almost prohibited to speak words of Christianity,” Ivanilson says, “and now we preach openly.”

Keith estimates more than 2,800 Quilombola villages are spread across 23 of Brazil’s 26 states. The villages, established as safe havens for runaway slaves in the 17th century, are still safely tucked away from civilization in Brazil’s remote interior.

But the same isolation that served to protect the Quilombolas from slave owners in the 1600s has also shielded them from hearing the Gospel.

“There will never be enough missionaries to reach the lost people groups of Brazil, so we’re here to encourage, challenge and help the Brazilians to reach the people groups of Brazil,” Keith says.

Ask God to touch Brazilian believers’ hearts for the sake of sharing Jesus with the Quilombola. Pray also that those who hear the Gospel message will accept Christ’s free gift of salvation.

Pray:

Ask God to touch Brazilian believers’ hearts for the sake of sharing Jesus with the Quilombola. Pray also that those who hear the Gospel message will accept Christ’s free gift of salvation.

http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=5747&LanguageID=1709

Jacqueline Jacob Viola
(November 28, 1935 – December 3, 2008)
Jacqueline Jacob Viola, 73, a native Independence, passed away at her home in Independence, on Wednesday, December 3, 2008. She was born in LaPlace, LA on November 28, 1935. Survived by her husband, Casimo Russell Viola, Independence, 4 daughters, Marilyn Calcagno, Independence, Cheryl Santangelo, Independence, Karen Forrest, Hammond, and Julia Dephllips, Albany. 2 sons, Russell Viola, Independence, and Jerry Viola, Independence. 2 sisters, Audrey Lewis, Laurel, MS and Francis Edwards, Albany. 2 brothers, James Jacob, LaPlace and Jerry Jacob, LaPlace. Grandchildren, Vanessa Tallo, Vincent Calcagno, Jr., Julie Ponder, Jennifer and Johnnie Santangelo, Whitney and Courtney Viola, Jocelyn and David Forrest, Jeremy, Jacy, and Jared Viola, Joshua and Kristen DePhillips. Great-Grandchildren, Brady and Seth Tallo. She was loved by a very dear friend, Bea Rost. Preceded in death by mother, Ester Marie Granier Jacob, father, Rosemond Jacob, and a brother, Lloyd Jacob. Visitation at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, from 9:30 a.m. on Friday and until religious services at 11 a.m. Friday. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

David Robert Kashin
(Died December 3, 2008)
David Robert Kashin, 53, passed away at 8:43AM, Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at his residence in Montpelier. He is a native of Norvelt, PA.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

TWO VERY DIFFERENT HOLIDAYS

I heard about a teacher who asked the children in her class about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. She thought it might be effective to inch toward its meaning by having them playfully correct some wrong ideas.

“Now let me think,” she began. “Thanksgiving. That’s the day when we think about all the stuff we have. And how we want more things than anybody else has. And how we don’t care about anybody but ourselves. And . . .”

“No!” the preschool kids were starting to chorus! “No-o-o!”

Then one little guy in the middle of the pack looked up and chirped, “That’s not Thanksgiving, Miss Michelle. That’s Christmas!”

As we begin the transition in this country from Thanksgiving to Christmas, there does indeed seem to be a world of difference in the way these two holidays are viewed. Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays left which has not been ruined by commercialism. It is still a relatively “pure” time of giving thanks to God for our bountiful blessings. Christmas, on the other hand…….

What should be a time when we are able to take great joy in giving to others (for “it is more blessed to give than to receive”, Acts 20:35) and a time to remember the great gift that God has given us through Jesus Christ, has (for many) turned instead to a stressful, hectic time when we are focused on ourselves and our wants

Allow me to make a suggestion based on an ancient Jewish practice. The Jews had a day set aside, like our day of Thanksgiving, to remember how God had blessed them as a nation and taken care of them in their darkest hour. Purim was a day of “gladness and feasting…and for sending presents to one another.” (Esther 9:19).

However, there was one major difference in their practice and ours (though there shouldn’t be). Their thanksgiving resulted in gift giving, but not just to friends and family. They had a practice of “sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor.” (Esther 9:22).

This past week, we all had opportunity to give thanks to God for how He has blessed us. We need to remember that with blessings come responsibilities — and we have a responsibility to use our blessings to God’s glory. In the weeks ahead, may you truly know the joy of using your blessings not merely to make your family happy, but to share with others around you who are in need.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Anna Lee

4th Update

4:05: The family was just informed the all the scheduled procedures have been completed. The doctors will need about another hour to complete the surgery. Thanks for your many prayers today. Continue to pray for “Miss” Faye, the medical staff, and the family. Thank God for the success of today’s surgery. Pray for the long recovery process.

Wednesday Addition

I just checked my school email address. I learned Amy Robertson Johnson, a young teacher at the junior high is hospitalized again. Please thank God her health issues are identified so she can get periodic help. Pray for her family during these times of frequent hospitalizations. Pray for her students to be flexible in adapting to days she is present and days when someone else teaches in her place.

Wednesday

“But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” 2 Chronicles 20:17 (NLT)

Mrs. Faye Price: “Miss” Faye will have heart surgery at North Oaks today. The surgery will be lengthy. Pray for the medical staff as they care for her and the family as they wait. “Miss” Faye has peace about the outcome of the surgery. Thank God for granting her this peace.

Don Denton is scheduled to fly home to Denver Friday. His dad will go with him in the medical plane. Don’s family will begin the drive tomorrow. Today will be a day of taking care of all the details that are needed for this long anticipated trip. Pray for the family to have a good day with few problems. Thank God for the snow that Joshua has enjoyed. Pray for those driving and those flying. Thank God this trip hope will be possible for Don and his family.

Emily Panter is doing better and better. Friends decorated her home for Christmas while the children got to visit their mother for the first time over the weekend. Thank God for the many “little steps” of progress Emily has made to get to this point. Thank God for the many friends, family members, and strangers who have helped this family during a very difficult time. Thank Him for standing by and providing strength and faith for the family during these weeks.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions
Day 4 – Imbabura Quichua of Ecuador

At 12,000 feet in the Ecuadorian Andes, Quichua farmers bring their sheep, pigs and cows to former New Mexico ranchers Darrell and Rogene Musick. But they get a lot more than pesticide, medicine and nutritional advice. Farmers hear the Gospel message related through some of life’s most basic elements: water, salt and light.

“We say, ‘Let me tell you what God thinks about this,’” Darrell says. “And because they’re people of the land, they really identify with these agricultural concepts.”

Through this gateway, the Musicks and local believers have seen approximately 40 house churches and Bible studies started among the 300,000 Quichua of northern Ecuador. The teams are led by Gabriel Mugmal, a national believer who was once nearly burned to death for sharing his faith.

“He literally took the Great Commission in Matthew 28, that it was his responsibility to go to other communities and just talk to them,” Darrell says.

Because you give:
“The money that supports us comes through churches that may not be able to physically go, but they have God’s blessing through their special offerings,” Darrell says. “One hundred percent of that money goes to the field so that everyone will know about Christ.”

(For additional information, go to http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=5746&LanguageID=1709.)

Baptist Press
December 2, 2008

WEST AFRICA–Remote African villagers welcome U.S. church. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29436

GEORGIA–Christmas tree reflects NAMB-state partnership. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29437

CALIFORNIA–Acclaimed preacher Frank Pollard dies. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29438

LOUISIANA–CP yields ‘incredible opportunity,’ pastor says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29439

TENNESSEE–CP giving 0.16% behind ’07 pace. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29440

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Keith Manuel): Ministry can be messy. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29441

Mary Louise Osborn Hyde
Visitation at Roseland Baptist Church from 9 a.m. on Wednesday until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA.

Martha Lee Rick Anthony Lanier
(October 23, 1957 – December 2, 2008)
Martha Lee Rick Anthony Lanier was born October 23, 1957 and passed away at 6:30AM, Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at her residence in Husser, LA. She was 51, and a native of Amite. Martha was the daughter of the late Monroe S. and Mary Abernathy Rick.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Lanier, Husser; 2 sons, Adam Wayne Anthony, Ponchatoula, & Byrun Gene Anthony, Sr. and wife, Cindy, Amite; 3 grandchildren, Mason Langley Anthony, Byrun Gene Anthony, Jr. & Annabell Anthony; 2 sister, Melinda Howes, Husser, & Mary Ann Cox and husband, Jim, Husser; 3 brothers, Monroe “Buster” Rick and wife, Julie, Tickfaw, Michael Rick, Hammond, & Mitchell Rick and wife Terri, Robert and numerous other extended family.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Shelton “Red” Anthony, a sister, Marilyn Rick “Sunshine” Dugar.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday, December 4, 2008 from 6:00PM until 9:00PM and on Friday, December 5, 2008 from 8:00AM until Religious Services at 10:00AM in the funeral home Chapel with Rev. Kent Newell officiating. Interment in the Lee Hill Cemetery, Folsom, LA.

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.

Relate

CHILDREN DO NOT always learn in the schoolroom how to treat one another with dignity and affection…

You can’t diagram respect, forgiveness, or servanthood. It isn’t found in any encyclopedia that I know of. It is observed and then put into motion.

The way in which an effective father relates to the children’s mother is of incalculable significance. The children watch and are strangely warmed when they see husband and wife embrace and kiss one another. Something tells them that this is a sign of security: all is well in our home. Furthermore, they begin to formulate within their own hearts an understanding of how men treat their wives and how a wife will respond. (Gordon MacDonald)

KneEmail: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her” ( Eph. 5:25).

(Posted by Mike Benson at October 30, 2008 4:11 PM)

There are many things children learn by observation as they grow up. Pray for parents as they set the example for what a loving, Christian home should be. Pray for children to focus on the good qualities they see in their parents and steer away from the qualities that would not be beneficial to them when they establish their own home.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

People who cover over their sins will not prosper. But if they confess and forsake them, they will receive mercy. Proverbs 28:13 (NLT)

Don Denton will be able to return to his home in Denver at the end of the week. He has been hospitalized for more than nine weeks. Thank God for the miracles of his improvement. Pray for safety for his wife and son as they drive home and for the medical plane that will fly him home.

During the weekend Emily Panter was able to see her children for the first time in almost two months. Her trach has been removed. She’s eating some and walking some. She has a regular room. There’s hope she will be able to go home soon. Thank God for the miracle of her recovery.

Mrs. Faye Price will have heart surgery tomorrow at North Oaks. Pray for her and her family as they prepare for Wednesday.

Mr. Morris Easley has been hospitalized at Greensburg due to an infection. Pray for him and for those caring for him.

Majel Dean’s sister and brother-in-law are both having medical issues. They are in the Jackson, MS area. Pray for them as they help each other through difficult days.

Barabara Bennett Gaines continues to work through recovery from complications of surgery. Pray for her as she continues to improve. Barbara one of Steve Bennett’s sisters.

Baptist Press
December 1, 2008

INDIA–Mumbai’s people ‘numbed’ by attacks, need prayer. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29429

WASHINGTON–Obama stands firm on ‘gay rights’ support. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29430

SWAZILAND–Myths worsen AIDS pandemic, workers say. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29431

SOUTH AFRICA–Caring ministry brings baby ‘from death to life.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29432

TEXAS–GuideStone exec responds to market conditions. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29433

RHODE ISLAND–SBTS’ Bruce Ware is ETS’ new president. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29434

VIRGINIA–FIRST-PERSON (Paul Chitwood): History suggests sacrifice for Lottie Moon offering needed now. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29435

Week of Prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions
Ethnic ministries, Brazil

One of the first things Virginians Phil and Donya Kesler noticed when they moved to Rio de Janeiro in 2006 was the international connections the city offered—produce shops managed by Chinese workers and Arabic mosques and churches were all just a short distance from their home.

As an ethnic ministries coordinator, Phil travels throughout the country training Brazilian missionaries in cross-cultural outreach. It’s a perfect fit with Phil’s natural gift for language. He can read, write and speak Portuguese, Arabic, French, Chinese and Spanish.

Phil and Donya teach a specific method for church planting known as “Churches Multiplying Churches.” The idea is to start a new church while simultaneously training local believers to assume leadership roles. Once the church is established, missionaries can move on to begin work in another area.

“Brazil is the next major country, we believe, to send waves of missionaries to help [spread] the Gospel from the unreached places in Brazil to the farthest nations on earth,” Phil says.

Because you give:

“We would like to thank Southern Baptists for your prayers—which are essential for keeping us in the field—but also for your generous giving that makes it possible for us to recruit, mobilize, train and equip Brazilian missionaries as well as strategic partners,” Phil says.

For more on the Keslers and ethnic ministries, Brazil:

PHOTO GALLERY – Ethnic ministries, Brazil

FEATURE – Churches Multiplying Churches: Keslers bridge culture, language gap among Brazil’s immigrants (659 words)

SIDEBAR – Phil and Donya Kesler: Helping churches multiply churches in Brazil (468 words)

SIDEBAR – Not too young to share: Missionary’s children take lead in sharing Gospel with peers
(524 words)

(You may use http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=5745&LanguageID=1709 in you want to read the feature and sidebars listed above.)

More missionaries are being added to the rolls of the IMB. You may be interested to know the statistics in the following article:
TODAY’S PRAYER
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
DECEMBER 1, 2008

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Prime Minister Ephraim Inoni of Cameroon (western Africa, between Nigeria and Chad).

A note from Ed Cox, director of the IMB’s International Prayer Strategy Office:

Thank you so much for your faithful intercession each month for the many conferences and events hosted by the International Mission Board. May God’s blessings abound . . .

Intercede for the 69 new missionary candidates who will be attending the Dec. 9-12 Candidate Conference. Ask the Lord to bless them with safe travel to Richmond, to guard their children from illness and accidents during their absence, to reveal His perfect plan for their lives, and to bless the consultants with an extra ounce of His wisdom. May each candidate leave Richmond with a clear understanding of where God would have him/her serve Him . . .

Please pray for the ISC Debriefing Conference scheduled for Dec. 10-14. Seventy-four returning journeyman, ISCers and Masters missionaries who recently completed their two- to three-year terms of overseas ministries will be reuniting at the IMB’s International Learning Center for a time of celebration, worship, debriefing and equipping for future ministry. May these days together be especially blessed for these precious servants . . .

Thank the Lord for the 256 missionaries who will be commissioned today, Dec. 17, for their overseas ministry assignments. They have successfully completed their eight-week field personnel orientation and will be departing very shortly. Please lift them and their families up before the Lord as they say their goodbyes. Several of the participants are still awaiting reception of their visas. And some of them have homes to sell prior to departure. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated. May the Lord show Himself mighty on their behalf . . .

In closing, I would like to ask you to pray for God’s blessings on the IMB staff as they serve you and our missionaries with faithful and caring hearts. May they sense God’s loving presence each step along the way . . .

KneEmail by Mike Benson
Enslaved

YOU’VE READ STORIES of lottery winners who are more miserable a few years after winning than they were before…

The wealth they dreamed would bring happiness didn’t. Not even close.

At the airport, Hugh Maclellan Jr. saw an acquaintance who looked troubled.

“What’s the matter?” Hugh asked.

The man sighed. “I thought I was finally going to have a weekend to myself. But now I have to go supervise repairs on my house in Florida.” Dejected, he sat waiting to take off in his private jet.

Here’s a man with everything he needs, with what most people dream of; yet he couldn’t even enjoy his weekend. He was enslaved by his possessions. We think we own our possessions, but too often they own us. Nothing makes a journey more difficult than a heavy backpack filled with nice but unnecessary things. Pilgrims travel light. (Randy Alcorn)

“And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” ( Luke 12:15).

Posted by Mike Benson at November 12, 2008 3:10 PM

Sometimes my “backpack” begins to get heavy with nonessentials. What about your “backpack”?
Anna Lee

Monday

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

Pray for Mrs. Faye Price and her family as they prepare for her heart surgery which is scheduled for Wednesday.

Continue to pray for the many families who are experiencing depression, loneliness, or grief during the holiday season.

Pray for our military as they continue to serve to protect us and many others around the world.

INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD

Monday, December 1, 2008

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, asking you to pray for believers around the world who need the power and sound mind of the Lord.

As you watched international news over the Thanksgiving holiday, you saw reports of the massacre in Mumbai, India, and the political protests in Thailand that resulted in the closure of the Bangkok airport. Did these events draw you to prayer? Allow the Lord to prompt you to pray for Christians who have opportunity to speak words of peace to those who are terrified and confused by the uproar in the country of India. Intercede for those workers who may be inconvenienced by political turmoil in Thailand—not that they would avoid the inconveniences but that they would be instruments of God’s grace to their community, demonstrating patience and understanding.

In recent months, Muslim-background believer leaders from Mumbai have traveled to other Indian states to minister to flood victims. They have boldly shared their faith and explained why they are ‘masihi’ (believers in the Messiah-Jesus). Rejoice and pray for these genuine, committed men of integrity, and praise God for the way He has worked in their hearts. Ask God to use these leaders to train others in Mumbai in effectively reaching their neighborhoods during these days of crisis and emotional distress.

Numerous volunteer teams plan to travel to Thailand over Christmas break. They will perform skits, offer musical programs, teach English, and distribute God’s Word. Many volunteers are on tight schedules and interruptions in travel will jeopardize their availability to serve.

* Please pray now for volunteer teams, asking God to minimize their travel complications in order to maximize their ministry opportunities.

* Intercede for India and all swept up in the Mumbai tragedy that hearts will be comforted and peace restored through the Spirit of God.

* Ask God to give you His eyes to see and ears to hear each time you watch the news.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions
GO TELL the story of Jesus

Day 2 – Aymara of Peru
Unlike many of the world’s lost, not having the opportunity to “hear” about Jesus isn’t the problem for Peru’s Aymara people.

“Everybody here has heard about Jesus—everybody,” explains Florida native Rick Martinez, who serves among the Aymara in the high plains of the Andes Mountains with his wife, Kelly, from Tennessee.

When Catholic missionaries first brought the Gospel to Peru hundreds of years ago, the Aymara blended it with their animistic traditions. The result is a folk Catholicism that reveres both God and natural “spirits”—not saving faith in Jesus.

Rick and Kelly separate worship of creation and Creator by presenting an undiluted Gospel message through simple Bible studies coupled with the JESUS film. They’ve launched three new churches so far. It’s a good start, but only a beginning.

“My ultimate vision is to see Aymara going out with a heart for their own people,” Rick says. “Once that starts to happen, I don’t think it will ever stop.”

Pray:

Ask God to raise up young Aymaran believers who have a passion for sharing the Gospel with their own people. Pray that the Holy Spirit will move the Aymara beyond spiritual apathy and that churches will be planted in the cities of Huancané and Moho.

Mary Louise Osborn-Hyde
(September 24, 1924 – November 28, 2008)
Died at 8:33AM on Friday, November 28, 2008 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was a native of Blox, TX, a resident of Amite, LA, and a former resident of Roseland, LA . Age 84 years. Visitation at Roseland Baptist Church from 9 a.m. on Wednesday until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. Survived by husband, W. Sanford Hyde, Chesbrough, daughter, Holly Ruth Osborn Mauterer, Amite, 4 sons, Retus W. Osborn, IV, Hermon, ME, Lyman H. Osborn, Roseland, Stephen D. Osborn, San Antonio, TX, Philip W. Osborn, Mobile, AL, 1 brother, Harry D. McIntyre, Jr., Enon and 7 grandchildren. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

KneEmail
Mike Benson

Enslaved

YOU’VE READ STORIES of lottery winners who are more miserable a few years after winning than they were before…

The wealth they dreamed would bring happiness didn’t. Not even close.

At the airport, Hugh Maclellan Jr. saw an acquaintance who looked troubled.

“What’s the matter?” Hugh asked.

The man sighed. “I thought I was finally going to have a weekend to myself. But now I have to go supervise repairs on my house in Florida.” Dejected, he sat waiting to take off in his private jet.

Here’s a man with everything he needs, with what most people dream of; yet he couldn’t even enjoy his weekend. He was enslaved by his possessions. We think we own our possessions, but too often they own us. Nothing makes a journey more difficult than a heavy backpack filled with nice but unnecessary things. Pilgrims travel light. (Randy Alcorn)

“And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” ( Luke 12:15).

(Posted by Mike Benson at November 12, 2008 3:10 PM)

It’s back to school today. Pray for the faculty, staff, and student body at schools throughout the area.
Anna Lee

“I will celebrate and be joyful because you, LORD, have saved me.” (Psalm 35:9, CEV).

GO TELL the story of Jesus
Week of Prayer for International Missions
November 30 – December 7, 2008
Focus: South America
Goal: $170 million
FBC, Kentwood Goal: $18,500

Day 1
Indigenous of Colombia
From missions field to missionary force—that’s the dream of Fernando and Brenda Larzabal for the South American nation of Colombia.

“The Gospel has been in Colombia for more than 150 years,” Fernando says. “Our problem is that the average Colombian Christian has the perception that missions belongs to somebody else. But missions belongs to the local church.”

That’s why the Larzabals are working to mobilize Colombian churches for the sake of evangelizing the country’s indigenous tribes.

Isolated from the Gospel by remote locales, social prejudice and insurgent armies, more than 60 of these tribes have no knowledge of Jesus Christ. Most are animists, spirit-worshippers who live in fear of failing to appease gods they can neither know nor love.

“Without God there is slavery,” Fernando says. “Without Christ there is fear and that’s what they breathe day in and day out.”

Pray:

Pray that more Colombian churches will grasp their Great Commission calling and respond to the indigenous tribes’ need for the Gospel. Ask the Lord to give Fernando and Brenda wisdom as they choose where to invest their time and energy.

For pictures: http://www.imb.org/main/downloads/page.asp?StoryID=6944&LanguageID=1709

Good news on two people we have been praying for!
– Don Denton will be able to go home (Denver) via a medical airplane by the end of the week. Don will have been hospitalized 73 days by them. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dondenton
– Emily Panter has developed problems shortly after giving birth to a new baby and has been hospitalized at Baylor. She was moved to a room and allowed to see her children (and the children to see her) for the first time in more than five weeks. http://emilypanter.blogspot.com/

Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Mary Louise Osborn-Hyde are still incomplete. Some of you may know her husband, Mr. Sanford Hyde, even if you didn’t know this sweet lady.

FBC, Kentwood
– Deacons for the week: Larry Miller and Henry McKenzie
– Nursery workers today: Laura DeBlanc, Gail Brister, and Stephanie McKenzie
– Ordination of Harrell Hoffstadt at 6 P.M. tonight
– Dec. 2 – Supper for the deacons and their wives at Don’s Seafood in Hammond at 7 P.M.
– Dec. 3 – Deadline for toys for migrants and Christmas cards w/stamps for prisoners
– Dec. 4 – Friendship Circle Christmas Party at Dean House at 6 P.M.
– Dec. 5 – Children’s bonfire and hayride @ 6:30 P.M. at Cutrer home
– Dec. 7 – Deacon/Widow banquet following morning worship
– Dec. 7 – AWANA Birthday Party for Jesus
– Dec. 7 – New study, “Men of the Bible”, begins in Friendship Circle Sunday School Class
– Dec. 11 – “Hope for the Holidays” @ 6:30 P.M. (loss, sorrow, loneliness, & grief)
– Dec. 13 – Lottie Moon Tea @ New Zion @ 2 P.M.
– Dec. 14 – “Miracle on Main Street” @ 6 P.M. by children’s choir
– Dec. 21 – “Jesus,Our Emmanuel” @ 7 P.M. by sanctuary choir

KneEmail
Mike Benson

Love

NEWSPAPER COLUMNIST and minister George Crane tells of a wife who came into his office full of hatred toward her husband…

“I do not only want to get rid of him; I want to get even. Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has me.”

Dr. Crane suggested an ingenious plan. “Go home and act as if you really loved your husband. Tell him how much he means to you. Praise him for every decent trait. Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate, and generous as possible. Spare no efforts to please him, to enjoy him. Make him believe you love him. After you’ve convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, then drop the bomb. Tell him that you’re getting a divorce. That will really hurt him.”

With revenge in her eyes, she smiled and exclaimed, “Beautiful, beautiful! Will he ever be surprised!”

And she did it with enthusiasm. Acting “as if.” For two months she showed love, kindness, listening, giving, reinforcing, sharing, etc.

When she didn’t return, Crane called, “Are you ready now to go through with the divorce?”

?!” she exclaimed. “Never! I discovered I really do love him.”

THOUGHT: Her actions changed her feelings. Motion resulted in emotion. The ability to love is established not so much by fervent promise as often repeated deeds. (J. Allan Peterson)

KneEmail: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her” ( Eph. 5:25); “That they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children” ( Titus 2:4).

Posted by Mike Benson at November 11, 2008 3:32 PM

Have a great Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee