Author: 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

Friday

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19 (NIV)

Deacon Hospital Ministry:
Nov. 16-22: Bobby Raborn & Frankie Gehringer
Nov. 23 – Nov. 29: Andy Taylor & Mike Estay

Nursery Workers for Sunday, Nov. 23:
Carol Jean Conerly
Wanda Miller
Ora Lee Wilson
Lily Edwards

Community Thanksgiving Service
Sunday, Nov. 23 @ 6:30 P,M,
FBC, Kentwood
Message by Rev. Percy Frazier
Fellowship

“Hope for the Holidays”
Thursday, Dec. 11
Seminar dealing with loss, sorrow, loneliness, & grief

“Men of the Bible”
Begins , Sunday Dec. 7
Friendship Circle Sunday School Class
9:15 A.M,
You are invited to attend.

Current Projects due to church office by wed., Dec. 3rd:
Christmas Toys (new) for Migrant Children
Christmas Cards w/Stamps for Prisoners

KOMpray
(Kids on Mission Pray)

“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

GOOD NEWS NOW

A 15-year-old girl in Sri Lanka asked God to help her learn how to tell others about Jesus. Sri Lanka is an island nation in South Asia near India. God heard her prayer and gave her a chance to go to a class called “Good News Now.” She learned how to tell others about Jesus then went out to tell her friends and neighbors. She led more than 20 people to the Lord in just three months!

Not only that—she had a chance to tell all of her classmates in front of the entire school during story time. She shares the love of Jesus with her teachers and one of them is now a Christian. Please pray for this 15-year-old girl. Pray that she will keep on telling everyone about Jesus. Pray that many people will want to become Christians. And ask God to help this young girl teach new believers how to share their testimony too.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Pray that I will glorify God in all I do. ANDREW, age 15, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

My sister will get braces and she is afraid if she gets braces. Pray she will have a safe fit. TONYA, age 8 (South Asia)

Pray that the people of Kenya will accept and know God. Pray that all of the missionaries won’t to give up hope in God. Pray that Jesus will be with us.

The culture I live in is where some of the worst traffic in the world originates from. Our culture speaks Swahili and some are eager to see the Lord. Our culture is a culture of many ethnic groups, and people who are lost.

GARRETT, age 12 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I have 2 friends who live in a village close to where I live who don’t know Jesus as their Savior. Please pray that TM and KJ will listen to the word of God and then give their lives over to Him. Thank you. REBEKAH, age 14 (West Africa)

Pray for my grandfather, K, he is not a believer! CHANG, age 10 (Pacific Rim)

Please pray for our people group. Many don’t know Jesus. Not many people know about them (our people group) or where they live. Also, please pray more people will come and help the people of our group. TH, age 9 (East Asia)

We are in the United States for a little while. Please pray for our family as we try and settle in and try to keep up with the school work that I am going to be missing. ROBERT, age 15, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray for everyone in Nepal because they are Hindu. Pray they will become Chrisitans. LEVI, age 11 (South Asia)

KneEmail
Mike Benson

Hope

IN 1997 THE JOURNAL of the American Heart Association reported on some remarkable research…

According to the Chicago Tribune, Susan Everson of the Human Population Laboratory of the Public Health Institute in Berkeley, California, found that people who experienced high levels of despair had a 20 percent greater occurence of atherosclerosis — the narrowing of their arteries — than did optimistic people. “This is the same magnitude of increased risk that one sees in comparing a pack-a-day smoker to a non-smoker,” said Everson.

In other words, despair can be as bad for you as smoking a pack a day.
That is just one more reason to choose hope and and faith. The Christian life contributes to good health today, and eternal life tomorrow.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” ( 2 Cor. 4:16).

We all need hope. Pray for those who have to deal with lots of problems will not lose hope.
Anna Lee