Author: Anna Lee

Saturday

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, . . . being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:3-6)

Update on Don Denton:

Pictures….from Thanksgiving Day! We have several pictures from our wonderful Day. It was Don’s first day from a hospital in 64 days!

Joshua was not sure that he was really going to see his daddy outside of the hospital. To a 4 year old two months is like 10 thousand years.

But when Joshua saw his daddy in the van, that child could have sprouted wings and flown to the car. Joshua was elated with joy! As I watched the two of them, tears flowed from me. The reality of Don leaving the hospital was actually happening.

Our day was a day sitting around the table just basking in the moment. It was a precious site to us. WE savored every moment.

As much as we tried to prepare Joshua for his daddy having to go back to the hospital, it still was very difficult.

But now we are counting down and only 6 days left till we come home to Bolivar and 7 for Don.

We still have a long road ahead of us once we get home. Don is looking forward to returning back to work. He misses his students, his teaching and his peers.

Please pray that upon our leaving Rochester that the weather will be good for traveling by plane and by car.

We have allot of work to do to the house to get it ready for Don.

* I need some volunteers to help me with making these adjustments. I will have the supplies. I would appreciate anyone who may have some time to help me.
* There is one more request that I have and this one is for Joshua. Joshua does not realize that his daddy will not be able to put up Christmas lights this year. I know this is probably a “wishlist” request. But I would welcome anyone who might be willing to help me with this too.

Since this will be our first Christmas staying in Bolivar this year, it would be really special to have some Christmas lights. We have them in our attic, I just would need some help putting them up.

Well just to be home will feel wonderful. We continue to be so grateful for you all and your kindness to us.

Love and blessings

Diane
( http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dondenton)

Two of the recent updates on Emily Panter from http://emilypanter.blogspot.com/.

Thursday, November 27, 2008
THANKSGIVING
I called Luke just now and told him to tell Emily that we’re celebrating her life today! We know that many of you, just like us, have had losses—God doesn’t always answer our prayers with a “yes.” He does what glorifies Himself the most. But today, we have so much to praise and thank God for. And we’re praising Him and thanking Him for Emily’s life.
Luke said Emily had a good night. She has tolerated the cap on her trach for over 24 hours now!! YIPPEEE!! In fact, they changed out her trach this morning and it has helped her coughing alot, Luke said. He said she’s also eating well today. We don’t know what the plan is yet about Emily getting to stay off of the vent, etc. But….for where we are…we’re grateful!

Father,
We just want to praise and thank You for choosing life for Emily. Thank You for blessing Luke and her children and her extended family this way. Thank You for glorifying Yourself through her life. We come in agreement as her friends and family glorifying Your holy name—You’ve done all things well. We trust Your heart, Father. We love You!! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I Chronicles 16:34
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
Posted by Emily Panter at 11:44 AM 6 comments
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Quiet Night
I just talked to Luke and he said Emily has had a restful day. Her coughing has subsided considerably. She also still has the cap on the trach (which means the vent is off) and is doing well with that. Mike & Jonathan (Emily’s dad & brother) had gotten there and they had just left to go to Jeff & Kim’s, I believe.
Please pray that Emily does well all night long. Pray that her cough goes away completely. And pray that she endures the cap on the trach for 24 hours.

Psalm 17:8
“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.”

Pray for the many families who have lost loved ones recently. The list is long!

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 and a resident of Roseland, LA. Age 84 years. Funeral arrangements are pending at McKneely Funeral Home of Amite & Kentwood, Inc., Amite, LA.

Eddie Joe Blanchard Sr.
Blanchard Sr., Eddie Joe Assembly of God of Kentwood at 10 a.m.

McNabb, Donald E. (Funeral Notice) – McNabb, Donald E. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, at 2 p.m.

Herman Ray Harris
Harris, Herman Ray Graveside service at Tickfaw Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Bates School Road, Osyka, Miss., at noon.

Communicator

SCIENTISTS AGREE THAT the universe is constantly communicating with us…

When we hear this, most of us imagine some half-crazed researcher spending decades listening to static noise from outer space, waiting for some abnormal yet distinct pattern or variance.

For example, the 1997 movie Contact, based on Sagan’s 1985 book, gave us a glamorized version of the legitimate search for extraterrestrial intelligence. In it, Ellie (played by Jodie Foster) is monitoring radio waves and signals from outer space, listening for some sort of ordered, encrypted sequece in the midst of static. She and other scientists eventually decipher a signal that is, as they describe it, “not local.” As a result, they surmise that a complex, ordered pattern “can only come from an intelligent source.”

Such communication can be found in our everyday existence. Consider the fact that the blueprint for who we are is intricately coded within the DNA molecules of each of our bodies. In other words, the DNA contained in every cell within your body contains information. It’s filled with “instructions” — complex, coded information. Obviously, information can’t be communicated unless there’s a communicator — and in this case, an intelligent Communicator — delivering the information. (Alex McFarland)

“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God'” (Psm. 14:1).

Start praying for your contribution to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions. The week of prayer begins tomorrow.
Anna Lee

Friday

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them.” Luke 6:32 (NIV)

Carl Wayne Stevens is better and able to be out of ICU. Please continue to pray for him and his family.

It’s time to start thinking and planning for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions. Sunday will begin the week of prayer for the LMCO.

Increased giving crucial to keep pace with record growth
While celebrating record growth and the largest number of missionaries under appointment in recent years, trustees of the IMB also heard some cautionary notes related to giving during their Nov. 10-11 board meeting in Houston. But some encouraging words from IMB president Jerry Rankin: “God has always proved His faithfulness through the giving of His people that His mission might be carried out around the world. Even in these austere economic times we must press forward in our vision to reach a lost world and be obedient to our Great Commission task.”

A challenge from
Jerry Rankin
The lost billions in the world are not just waiting to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are dying without Him. Will we be found faithful to GO TELL the story of Jesus through our gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®?

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

GIVE THANKS

What if you were an American in a foreign country? What would you do for Thanksgiving? None of your neighbors even know it’s a holiday. And no one has jellied cranberry sauce at the store!

The turkey may have to be a chicken and the pies baked in a tiny toaster oven. It doesn’t matter. Americans living in other countries find a way to celebrate Thanksgiving. I remember the year we got all of our American friends together. Everyone made something and we had a big feast. Better than the food? We all loved each other. We were thankful for the family of Christian friends God gave us…AND for the jellied cranberry sauce sent from America.

Christians living in foreign countries can feel lonely on holidays. Ask God to give them good friends. Lots of Christians will invite their neighbors over for dinner. Please pray that they will be able to tell their friends and their neighbors about how God provides for them. Pray that they will be able to talk about Jesus. Give thanks for everything God has done for you!

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

There aren’t a lot of Christians where I live, so good influences are hard to find. Pray that I can hold on to Christ as I minister to people because it is easy to be pulled down when trying to lift up others. RUTH ANNE, age 14, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I pray that I will meet new friends everywhere I go. And pray my grandfather’s hip to get healed very soon. JAROD, age 7 (South Asia)

Pray for my American friends

CHLOE, age 6 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray that my friends will become Christians. Pray for my sister and I to continue to learn French and Creole better. Pray for us to have a real fun time and to learn a lot at the schools we go to. Pray for my sister and me to meet and make more friends. SEAN, age 5, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray for the sick and poor and old and dying—that’s what I want you to do. ISAIAH, age 11 (Pacific Rim)

Please pray for my friends in Portugal to get to know Jesus. ELISABETH, age 10, (Western Europe)

I have some friends that are stuck in America because of visa problems. I miss them a lot and now I can’t see them until January. Please pray that they would be okay. KA, age 11 (East Asia)

In Indian families, the parents or grandparents are the head of the family. In our friend’s family, a woman is Christian and sharing to her husband; but the husband’s mom is a strong Hindu and against Christians. The man wants to be a Christian, but he will lose everything if he comes to God. Pray he will know God will provide if he believes and trusts in Him. Also pray that the man’s mom will come to Christ and accept them as Christians. AMANDA, age 12 (South Asia)

Reminder: Wednesday is the last day for bringing a toy for the migrant children or Christmas cards with stamps for the parish prisoners.

Randy Burnell Simpson
Simpson, Randy Burnell Kentwood First Baptist Church at 11 a.m.

Donald Emile McNabb
(December 1, 1938 – November 27, 2008)

Sign Guest Book

U.S. Veteran Died at 2:12AM on Thursday, November 27, 2008 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. He was a native and resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 69 years. Mr. McNabb was as U. S. Army veteran and general foreman with Asplunda. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Don Meadows. Interment Hutchinson Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by wife, Carolyn Pease McNabb, Kentwood, daughter, Bobbie Falco and her husband, David, Longview, TX, son, Joseph E. McNabb and his wife, Cindy, Grangeville, 2 step-daughters, Samantha Malone and her husband Scott, Carlyss, Robyn Fontenot, Houma, brother, Edgar M. McNabb and his wife, Kathryn, St. Helena Parish, sister-in-law, Eva McNabb, St. Helena Parish, 8 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by father, Edgar J. McNabb, mother, Helen Hutchinson McNabb Cossiboin, step-father, Joseph E. Cossiboin, brother, Bobby L. McNabb. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of St. Helena Parish Nursing Home for their care and assistance.

The prayers of MK’s took me to this devotional. I hope you can see the link between the prayers of children for the lost and the devotional.

Ready

THERE IS COMING a day that won’t be followed by another day…Are you ready…?

There is coming a day when this earth, and all that is in it will be burned up and destroyed…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when all that you have been taught about the comingof Christ will culminate with the actual event…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when your beliefs and those of your friends with whom you disagreed will be tested…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when your faith will be transformed into sight…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when sins that have not been covered by the blood of Christ will be revealed and reckoning will commence…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when your opportunities to have obeyed the gospel will be all be past…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when you and everyone around you will be judged, each one according to his/her own works…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when heaven and hell won’t be just future possibilities, but stark realities…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when the dead shall rise and your loved ones who died in the Lord will be waiting to be reunited with you…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when all of your talk about earthly things “not meaning so much” will be validated…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when those burdens that are pressing so hard upon you will be lifted…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when the path you are now walking is seen by all to be what it truly is…Are you ready? (Lance Cordle)

KneEmail: “Therefore, you must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” ( Matthew 24:44, ESV)

Posted by Mike Benson at October 27, 2008 2:32 PM

Have a great day!
Anna Lee

Thursday

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:18; cf. Jas. 4:16).

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I hope you are planning some time today listing all the reasons you are thankful. There are numerous reasons I could list for you, but you probable have heard most of them. I want to share two sites I have referred to lately. Join with these families in thanking God.
Emily Panter – http://emilypanter.blogspot.com/
Don Denton – http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/visitAPage.do (Type “dondenton” in the first box.)

The wake for Randy Simpson will be tonight from 6-9 P.M. and 8-11 A.M. tomorrow at FBC, Kentwood. The funeral service will be at 11 A.M. tomorrow morning at FBC.

Please continue to pray for the many families who are grieving in our area. We seem to have had more deaths than usual in the last week or so.

I just heard on the news that the oldest woman who lived to be 115 has passed away. She lived a long time, but death ended her earthly life.

Knowing that death comes to each of us one day, I’m including this devotional about Heaven. I trust it gives hope to those who need it today.

KneEmail by Mike Benson
Heaven

GOD HAS PROMISED to take away:

. DEATH: No more bedside vigils, anxious moments and the mixed feelings that force us to cry, “I hate to see her suffer; but, I cannot bear to say, ‘Goodbye.'”

. MOURNING: No more uncontrollable sobs of sorrow. No more hours of visitation at the funeral home. No more nights of lonely vexation. No more days of bitter-sweet memories.

. CRYING: No more tear-stained pillows of disappointment. No more blood-shot eyes of despair. No more fatigue or feeling washed out from the stress that is so unique to discouragement.

. PAIN: No more open wounds. No more surgery. No more children with tears streaming down their cheeks and the question, “Why?” in their eyes. No more teenagers struggling with their identity or with the rejection of their peers. No more disloyalty and divorce. No more broken hearts. No more shattered dreams (Dan Winkler).

“And god will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4).

Posted by Mike Benson at March 29, 2006 2:33 PM

Thank-you for reading The Prayer Link and praying. You make a difference to many people.
Anna Lee

Wednesday

Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions. 1 John 3:18 (NLT)

(This verse reminds me of the hymn, “Be Ye Doers of the Word”.)

Carl Wayne Stevens, a former resident of this area, is in ICU in Laurel. He has improved since being admitted. Please remember him in your prayers.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, November 26, 2008

“I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders” (Psalm 9:1, NASB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, thanking the Lord with you for His great wonders.

The turkey may be a chicken and the pies may be baked in a toaster oven, but many Americans living in China will most certainly celebrate Thanksgiving. They will thank the God of bounty who provides for them and their families in every way and who has called them into partnership with Him.

Team Corsica is hosting four traditional Thanksgiving meals. They have invited non-believing friends into their homes for food and fellowship. Corsicans love learning about the United States and her holidays. Last year, the team hosted three meals which led to a deepening of friendship with friends.

Missionaries serving in Lilongwe, Malawi, share, “We have so many things for which to be thankful. The government offers many freedoms, we have Christian friends and colleagues among nationals who are co-laborers in the task, and we have prayer partners who are faithful. Ask God to use this special holiday time to remind us of the greatest reason to give thanks and the reason to be about the Father’s business: that Jesus Christ is the one and only Way for us to have life abundant and eternal. Pray that we will see the opportunities God gives each day and have the courage to speak boldly about our Lord Jesus.”

Missionaries in the Central and Western Tanzania Cluster are having a prayer retreat. Pray for safe travel for all the missionaries who are attending. Also pray for the volunteers from Nevada who are working with the missionary children. Pray that the fellowship will be refreshing, the teachings challenging, and the preaching encouraging.

* Please pray that missionary homes be filled with the Spirit of God and His wisdom as guests ask questions.

* Praise God for abundantly providing protection, guidance and enabling to all who serve Him.

* Our missionaries humbly thank you for your prayers during this time of Thanksgiving!

If you know of young adults who are interested in being a part of International World Changers, the might want to consider an opportunity such as the one found at http://thetask.org/students/Projects/ProjectDetails.asp?JobID=89674.

Holly K sent her latest newsletter. She has complete five weeks of her eight weeks of training. God is using her in many ways, including making me rethink persecution of Christians. She has talents and a special heart that will make her as asset for her people group. Pray for her as she completes her training and returns to this area for Christmas. Then, she will be off to West Africa to serve as a MK teacher.

John “Johnny” Walter Hurst II

John “Johnny” Walter Hurst, II, age 53, passed away on November 22, 2008 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Hurst was a part-time well operator with the Tangipahoa Water District.

He leaves to cherish precious memories, his wife of 28 years, Lynne LeBlanc Hurst; sons, Ryan, Joshua, and Tanner Hurst; mother, Anne Hurst of Kentwood, LA; sisters and brothers-in-law, Nedra & Rick Carter of Laurel, Mississippi and Bonnie & Marc Impastato of Madisonville, LA; and other relatives and numerous friends. Preceded in death by his father, John Walter Hurst and niece Rebekah Carter.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend visitation at Harry McNeely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 from 8:30 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m. Officiating the service will be Bro. Joey Miller, pastor of Johnny’s home church, First Baptist in Kentwood and Bro. Rick Carter, associate pastor of First Baptist Church in Laurel, Mississippi. Interment will follow at Inspiration Park Memorial Gardens in Kentwood, LA. An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.harrymckneely.com

(The time of the graveside service should be approximately 12:30.)

Margaret Elizabeth McCann Abbott
A resident of Kentwood, she died at 11:15 a.m. Monday, Nov. 24, 2008, at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home. She was 83 and a native of Sheffield, Ala. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Greg Stewart and the Rev. Danny Smith. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. She is survived by four daughters and three sons-in-law, Ovelene and Ernest Spears and Jean and Jimmy Powers, all of Kentwood, Janice and Steve Hutchinson, of Cedarville, Ill., and Charlotte White, of Kentwood; two sons, James and Joseph Abbott, both of Kentwood; 23 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her first husband, Columbus Abbott; second husband, Charles Abbott Sr.; three sons, Timothy, Paul and Charles Abbott Jr.; daughter, Gennie Willie; and parents, Ellis and Jennie McCann. Pallbearers will be Steven Spears, Eric Brumfield, David Spears, Scott Abbott, Joseph Willie Jr. and Jimmy Powers Jr. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Robert Maslias “Bayboy” Rogers
A resident of Slaughter, he died Monday, Nov. 24, 2008, at his home. He was 58 and a retiree from the town of Slaughter with 26 years of service. Visiting at First Baptist Church, Slaughter, on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m. Burial in the Rogers Family Cemetery, Norwood. Survived by his wife of 16 years, Donnis Rogers; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Phillip and Mandy Rogers, Kentwood, and Tyler Rogers, Slaughter; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Janice Belle and Joseph Beavers and Robbie and Charles George, all of Slaughter; and three grandchildren, Ethan Scott Rogers, Chelsea Renee Tatum and Blake M. Thibodaux. Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lesia Rogers. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Beavers, Joseph Beavers Jr., Chris George, Jacob Beavers, Benny Lindsey and Jerry Beavers. Honorary pallbearers are Phillip Rogers, Tyler Rogers, David Miller and Jason Causey. Memorial donations may be made to Charlet Funeral Home Inc. to defray funeral expenses. Share sympathies, condolences and memories at http://www.CharletFuneralHome.com.

Ray Tompkins
A retired machine operator with Paxon Polymer and a resident of Greensburg, he died at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008. He was 66, a native of Paradise, Mont., and a U.S. Air Force veteran. Graveside service at Days United Methodist Church Cemetery, Greensburg, on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 1 p.m. Survived by his wife, Katherine Tompkins; mother, Maxine Tompkins, of Plains, Mont.; three daughters, Sheila Simmons, of Osyka, Miss., Karen Barkman and husband Ken, of Picayune, Miss., and Amanda Hilton and husband Chris, of Greensburg; three sisters, Nancy Bradshaw, of Morgantown, N.C., Martha Good, of Paradise, and Rose DeNu, of San Jose, Calif.; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his father, Roy W. Tompkins; two brothers, Frank and Gary Tompkins; a sister, Betty Coy; and biological mother, Mona Sharp. He founded the North Helena Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Unit and served for eight years as fire chief. After retirement he ran his own bulldozer and backhoe business. Arrangements by McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Kentwood.

Last night, I was talking with a special older friend. We mentioned the numerous deaths in our community. I hope that as each family goes through the grieving process they will be able to call on God to be with them in their time of great need. The following devotional seems most appropriate, not only because of the holiday, but because of the many needs around us. I’m sure Mike Benson would be honored to know you retold his devotional to help someone at this season of their life.

Squeal
by Mike Benson

WE RAISED PIGS…

We raised about a thousand pigs a year. In one field we had two or three hundred little oinkers running around. Every day, at four in the morning, as I’d walk into the field to feed those guys, they’d scatter.

Once a little pig came up and began to chew on my foot, so I picked him up and began to pet him. Soon he wanted down. I said, “No, I’ll let you down when I’m ready.” At that moment, he let out a squeal such as I had never heard. In about two seconds, thirty mama pigs weighing five to six hundred pounds each were headed my way. I put him down and headed for the fence. I barely made it over, and all the mama pigs were snorting and walking back and forth, daring me to come back over and bother one of their kids. I look back at that and realize the little rascal wasn’t intimidated. He was out of control, but he wasn’t intimidated. Why? Because one squeal away he had resources. (Rod Cooper)

We can “squeal” (e.g., pray) and know that the God of the universe will employ His resources to meet our needs.

“Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer” (Psm. 61:1).

(Posted by Mike Benson at November 25, 2008 2:46 PM)

It’s okay to “squeal” for help. God is waiting to hear your call!
Anna Lee

Tuesday Evening

Eddie Joe Blanchard, Sr.
(October 30, 1931 – November 24, 2008)
Died at 3:00PM on Monday, November 24, 2008 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was a native of Bogalusa, LA and a resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 77 years. Visitation at Assembly of God of Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. William Hyde & Rev. Danny Smith. Interment Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA. Survived by 4 sons, Eddie Joe Blanchard, Jr. and wife, Sandra, Kentwood, Reggie Eugene Blanchard, Kentwoood, Ronnie Ray Blanchard and wife, Donna, Prarieville, Randie Lynn Blanchard and wife, Sandra, Kentwood, 1 sister, Georgia Durand, New Orleans, 1 brother, Ernest Blanchard, Baton Rouge, 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by wife, Annie Newsom Blanchard, parents Phillip and Minnie Lea Blanchard, 2 sisters. Pallbearers will be his grandsons and great-grandsons. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services for Johnny Hurst will be in Hammond in the morning with burial at Inspiration Park. I have been unable to locate an obituary, but will post one when one is available.

Tuesday – Midday

“Giving thanks for Rich’s report yesterday….after

last weeks PetScan! GREAT!!! N O cancer cells!

Thanking our Father!”
(Rich is my cousin, Suzan’s, husband. They live in Texas.)

Mrs. Bert (Vivian) Newton of Roseland is hospitalized in ICU at North Oaks. She’s had surgery, but is still running a temperature. Please pray for Vivian and her family.

Randy Burnell Simpson
(September 6, 1952 – November 24, 2008)
Died at 4:12 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2008, at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. He was a native of McComb, MS and a lifetime resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 56 years. Randy was a member of First Baptist Church of Kentwood. He was a talented mechanic and helped many people with car repairs from a large area. Randy was a devoted husband and father. He spent every possible moment with his son and was excited over the upcoming birth of his first grandchild. Visitation at Kentwood First Baptist Church, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Friday. Services conducted by Bro. Joey Miller & Bro. Heath Rohner. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers: Arnold Pezant, E. H. Welch, Ray Gill, Jason Simpson, Brandon Simpson and Marty Simpson. Survived by wife, Martha Chapman Simpson, Son, Matthew Blake Simpson and wife Celeste, of Slaughter, LA, Father and Mother, Burnell Boyd and Hazel Corking Simpson, Kentwood, LA, two brothers, George Wayne Simpson and wife, Susan, Kentwood, LA, and Ricky Dale Simpson and wife, Sherry, Kentwood, LA, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sister, Linda Lee Simpson. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Tuesday

… That you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Deuteronomy 30:20 (NIV)

Margaret Elizabeth McCann Abbott
(August 10, 1925 – November 24, 2008)
Died at 11:15AM on Monday, November 24, 2008 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home in Kentwood, LA. She was a native of Sherfield, AL and a resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 83 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. on Wednesday until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Greg Stewart and Rev. Danny Smith. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by 4 daughters, Ovelene Spears and her husband, Ernest, Kentwood, Jean Powers and her husband, Jimmy, Kentwood, Janice Hutchinson and her husband, Steve, Cedarville, IL, Charlotte White, Kentwood, 2 sons, James Abbott, Kentwood, Joseph Abbott, Kentwood, 23 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by 1st husband, Columbus Abbott, 2nd husband, Charles Abbott, Sr., 3 sons, Timothy Abbott, Paul Abbott, and Charles Abbott, Jr., daughter, Gennie Willie, parents, Ellis and Jennie McCann. Pallbearers will be Steven Spears, Eric Brumfield, David Spears, Scott Abbott, Joseph Willie, Jr., and Jimmy Powers, Jr.

FBC Reminders
*Christmas Toys for Migrant Children are due to the church office by Wednesday, Dec. 3rd.
*Christmas Cards with Stamps for parish prisoners are also due by Wednesday, Dec. 3rd.
*No AWANA meeting on Nov. 30th.
*”Men of the Bible” Bible study begins Dec. 7th in Friendship Circle Sunday school class.
*”Hope for the Hoidays”, a seminar for those dealing with loss, sorrow, loneliness, and grief will be at FBC, Kentwood on Dec. 11th at 6:30 P.M.

Partial
By Mike Benson

A CHICAGO BANK once asked for a letter of recommendation on a young Bostonian being considered for employment…

The Boston investment house could not say enough about the young man. His father, they wrote, was a Cabot; his mother was a Lowell. Further back was a happy blend of Saltonstalls, Peabodys, and others of Boston’s finest families. His recommendation was given without hesitation.

Several days later, the Chicago bank sent a note saying the information supplied was altogether inadequate. It read: “We are not contemplating using the young man for breeding purposes. Just for work.”

God is not a respector of persons either. He wants to use people from every family, nation, and race who want to work and serve for Him.

“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him” ( Acts 10:34-35).

Posted by Mike Benson at October 21, 2008 2:41 PM

Make the most of this day the Lord has given us. Today is the only day we will have this day!
Anna Lee

Monday Evening

It didn’t take long to learn of two deaths and two families you may wish to pray for.

Johnny Hurst passed away Saturday. His services will be Wednesday. I’ll post more information later. In the meantime, pray for the Hurst family.

Randy Simpson passed away this afternoon. Please pray for the Simpson family as they begin to deal with this loss.

Monday Afternoon

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (NIV)

We made a “flying” trip to Rome (Georgia) to be with Jason’s family. We enjoyed seeing all of them and doing some fun things together – feeding ducks, geese, and a swan at Berry College, seeing many, many deer at Berry College, putting together a 500 piece puzzle, eating and more eating, attending worship at West Rome Baptist church where we witnessed 15 baptisms and heard 3 awesome testimonies of thanksgiving, attending the reveal of an extreme makeover (by West Rome Baptist Church and XL (their alternative church) and witnessing the wedding of the lady whose family benefited from the makeover. Sunday was a day I’ll probably remember with chill bumps for a long time! That was all of top of receiving some hugs and kisses from some of the most special people in our lives!

You can read the story of the makeover in this online newspaper article.
http://news.mywebpal.com/partners/680/public/news937152.html
Take time to view the video. You will be amazed!
Many people said you needed to see the before and after pictures to really appreciate the love and work this family benefited from.

XL:http://www.xlwired.com/
West Rome Baptist Church:http://www.westrome.org/
There were approximately 1,000 in worship service yesterday morning. What a spirit of excitement about what God has done!

Some of you please call or email me and let me know what I missed here in Kentwood that needs to be shared on The Prayer Link. I have no current information at this time.

Jennie and Boyd also make it safely home today from a trip to Paris. Thank God for his traveling grace for our family over the last few days.

Read the updates on Emily Panter @ http://www.emilypanter.blogspot.com/. Continue to pray for Emily and her family.

You can read the updates on Don Denton @ http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewJournal.do?method=executeInit. Pray for this family too.

Ray Wilburn Tompkins
(March 7, 1942 – November 23, 2008)
U.S. Veteran Ray Wilburn Tompkins was born on March 7, 1942 and passed away at 10:37AM, Sunday, November 23, 2008 at his residence in Greensburg. He was the son of the late Roy and Mona Sharp Tompkins. Ray was 66 and a native of Paradise, MT. He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force where he was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Longevity Service Award.

He was survived by his wife, Mrs. Katherine Tompkins, Greensburg; 3 daughters, Shelia Simmons, Osyka, MS; Karen Barkman and husband, Kenneth, Carriere, MS; and Amanda Hilton and husband Christopher, Greensburg, LA; 2 sisters, Nancy Bradshaw, Morganton, NC & Rose DeNu, San Jose, CA; a half sister, Martha Good, Paradise, MT; step-mother, Mrs. Maxine Tompkins; 7 grandchildren & 2 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by parents, 2 brothers, James Frank Tompkins & Gary Wayne Tompkins; a half sister, Betty Lou Moore.

There will be a memorial service at a later date in the Day’s Cemetery, Liverpool.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to: Community Care Hospice, 1007 W. Thomas St.,Suite A, Hammond, LA 70403.

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

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

Chief John J. (Bacile) Polito, Sr.
(January 14, 1940 – November 23, 2008)
U.S. Veteran Died at 10:07 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2008 at his residence in Independence, LA. He was a native of Kenner, LA. Age 68 years. He was member of Independence Fire Department for 45 years where he served as chief for 37 years. He also served as an Alderman and was the current Mayor Pro-temp of Independence. He was the Chief of District #11 Volunteer Fire Department in Livingston Parish where he was responsible for chartering their department. He was a life member of the Louisiana State Fireman’s Association, a member of the Louisiana Municipal Association, an employee of Tangipahoa Parish Council, a member of the Advisory Committee for Central Tangipahoa Head Start, was an avid farmer and loved to spend time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Congetta Drago Polito, Independence; 2 daughters, Mary Polito Spencer and husband, Tommie, Independence and Patricia Polito Sparacello and husband, Sammy, Independence; 2 sons, John J. Polito, Jr. and wife, Dianna, Independence and Michael A. Polito and wife, Missy, Tickfaw; 7 grandchildren, Lauren Spencer Hardy and husband, Christopher, Jessica Polito, Brandi Polito, Sam Sparacello, Jr., Bridget Polito, Tommie “TJ” Spencer and Stephani Sparacello; 2 great-grandsons, Brayden Polito Carlisle and Christpher D. “CJ” Hardy, Jr.; 5 brothers, Nick Bacile, Jr., Baptist, John Bacile, Metairie, Anthony Bacile, Baton Rouge, Nace Bacile, Walker and Charles Bacile, Walker; sister, Camilla Bacile, Independence; numerous nieces and nephews, family and friends. Preceded in death by his brother, Vincent Polito; father, Joseph Polito; mother, Mary Mitra Polito Bacile; step-father, Nick Bacile, Sr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Religious Services at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Deacon Roger Navarra. Interment Colonial Cemetery, Independence, LA.

Courage

PETER CARTWRIGHT, A nineteenth-century, circuit-riding preacher, was an uncompromising man…

One Sunday morning when he was to preach, we was told that President Andrew Jackson was in the congregation. Cartwright was warned not to say anything out of line.

When Cartwright stood to preach, he said, “I understand that Andrew Jackson is here. I have been requested to be guarded in my remarks. Andrew Jackson will go to hell if he doesn’t repent.”

The congregation was shocked and wondered how the president would respond. After the service, President Jackson shook hands with Peter Cartwright and said, “Sir, if I had a regiment of men like you, I could whip the world.”

“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” ( Matt. 3:1-2).

I’m not sure my courage would be equal to that, but I pray for more courage to speak up with the appropriate words at the appropriate times.

Anna Lee

Friday Afternoon

The senior adults said the Thanksgiving luncheon Wednesday was delicious. Enjoy some good holiday meals during the next week.

Lauree said the final shoebox (Operation Christmas Child) count was 144. Thanks to all who had any part in making this mission project such a success. Lots of boys and girls will be blessed by the shoeboxes they receive at Christmas.

Have a great afternoon and evening.
Anna Lee