Author: Anna Lee

Thursday

Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)

Betty Taylor asks tat you pray for her mother, Mrs. Zigler, who is hospitalized in Magnolia with pneumonia.

Johnny Hurst has been experiencing some heart problems. He’s better. Keep him in your prayers.

Iowans Finding Hope Midst Floodwaters
By Mark Kelly


WAPELLO, Iowa (BP)–Southern Baptists are on the front lines of relief efforts in America’s flood-ravaged Midwest and workers on the scene say they are seeing God at work in people’s lives.

Solid Rock Baptist Church in Wapello, Iowa, is one of a half-dozen “Ground Zero” locations in Iowa, where tens of thousands have been forced from their homes by floodwaters that caused more than $1.5 billion in damage.

Solid Rock’s pastor, Dan Doolin, is multi-tasking.

“The Red Cross designated our church as a shelter site and we have about 20 people in residence right now,” Doolin said. “We also have been designated as a Red Cross feeding site. Mud-out teams from Texas and a shower unit from Arkansas got here yesterday. Now we have a laundry unit coming, I believe, from Oklahoma. We have been helping people with their FEMA applications and chaplains from our Iowa disaster relief units are helping people with their spiritual and emotional needs.”

Many families in the town of 2,100 on the Mississippi River had to get out quickly, leaving belongings and even pets behind, Doolin said. Church members responded by purchasing toothbrushes, toothpaste, underwear, T-shirts, deodorant — “all the kind of stuff you need to survive,” he said. Local businesses also have donated personal items and the church converted its nursery into a storage room where displaced families can pick up items. Several churches in town have been collecting clothing at a Methodist church across town.

About 20 members of Solid Rock are trained in disaster relief and they mobilized immediately to open up their feeding unit. Their meal count grew steadily over several days as volunteers flooded into the area to help with sandbagging efforts. The team even delivered meals to a crew reinforcing a levee in Oakville, about 11 miles downriver.

“The people wouldn’t come off to eat, they were so engaged in the fight [against the floodwaters],” Doolin said. “On the third day of feeding our count jumped to 1,000 meals because we started feeding down in Des Moines County, the next county down, as they sandbagged there.”

In Des Moines, Iowa, True Bible Baptist Church, a Regular Baptist congregation, has linked arms with Southern Baptists to help families in the Birdland Park area, where more than 200 homes and 35 businesses were evacuated when a levee gave way.

“A Southern Baptist mud-out team will be setting up shop here,” said Rod Bradley, the congregation’s pastor. “We have been meeting people in the Birdland Park area, telling them about what we will be able to do and making appointments for when the crew gets here. We also had opportunities to share the Gospel and have prayer with people at a shelter. We’re trying to do all we can to make sure their needs are met.”

Bradley said they are seeing God use the disaster to actually help people. One homeless couple had been moving from shelter to shelter and living in a tent. In the aftermath of the flood, however, they will have an opportunity to move into an apartment.

“I thought that was a joy, to be able to know that even in devastation God is still blessing people,” Bradley said. “We can see Him in everything that is going on around us. We just need to get involved in what He is doing.”

Back in Wapello, Doolin also sees God at work amid the devastation.

“We have seen people find hope. Sunday was a very powerful time,” he said. “We came together to worship and at the end I asked people to form small prayer groups. They came together hugging and crying and praying. People are growing in their faith.”

The threat of disaster continues to move southward. Floodwaters have broken through two levees in western Illinois and also threaten river towns in Missouri. The Mississippi River is expected to crest about 15 feet above flood stage at Quincy, Ill., and Hannibal, Mo., close to the level of the devastating flood that swept the area in 1993, the Associated Press reported.

Rick Seaton, the Missouri Baptist Convention’s disaster relief director, said flooding there isn’t too big a problem — yet.

“We are making preparations for a possible call out if there is flooding in Missouri,” Seaton said. “At the present time, we are asking people to let us know if they can respond for mass care, probably in eastern Missouri. The response could begin as early as this weekend and could continue for a period of time.”

Three of Missouri’s disaster relief units have been mobilized out of state, Seaton noted. A mud-out crew is working in Wisconsin and a chainsaw crew is working in Michigan, while a feeding unit has been sent to Wapello, Iowa. A Missouri-based child-care unit also is preparing to deploy to Wapello.
–30–
Mark Kelly is an assistant editor for Baptist Press. With reporting from Brian Koonce of The Pathway (www.mbcpathway.com), newsjournal of the Missouri Baptist Convention.

Pray for the missionaries of the Central and Eastern Europe as they complete their annual meeting with other missionaries from the area and return to their own countries. Thank God for the opportunity they had to gather and learn from each other and from all the volunteers from the States. Thank God for the opportunities the teens and the children had this week to be with other MK’s and to learn from the volunteers through camp and VBS experiences.

There will be a time of food, fellowship, prayer, and devotional study tonight at the Alford cabin. Please feel free to join us at 6:30 tonight.

CAN I TAKE HIS PLACE?

Joe, the Governor’s most trusted assistant, died in his sleep one night. The Governor had depended on Joe for advice on every subject, from pending bills to wardrobe decisions. In addition, Joe had been his closest friend.

So, it was understandable that the Governor didn’t take kindly to the droves of ambitious office seekers who wanted Joe’s job. “They don’t even have the decency to wait until the man is buried,” the Governor muttered.

At the funeral, one eager beaver made his way to the Governor’s side. “Governor,” the man said, “is there a chance that I could take Joe’s place?”

“Certainly,” the governor replied. “But you’d better hurry. I think the undertaker is almost finished.”

I’m sure we can all look around us and find a number of people of whom we have said at one time or another, “I would like to take his/her place.” But I dare say that you have never made that statement of someone who had died, or was about to die. Why would anyone want to trade places with someone like that? It is for that reason that God’s love for us is so difficult to comprehend, for that is exactly what Jesus did for us.

“He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:5-6)

May our lives be forever lived in gratitude for the one who “took our place.”

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thanks for being there to pray each day. You are greatly appreciated by many people.

Anna Lee

Wednesday Afternoon

Dear friends, The Parkway missions team to Romania leaves for Bucharest on Friday. We would so appreciate your prayers that God would use us to honor Him, for travel safety, and for spiritual and physical strength. In His Love, Dianne E.

Could you please add Gary Schiro to the praylink. He is the father of my best friend and will having open heart surgery on Monday. They will be replacing a valve. He had bypass surgery several years back. I know that the family would appreciate any prayer for their preperation of the surgery as well as the surgery itself. Thank you!

Wendy Fowler

Natalie Corrine Stafford McDaniel
(September 6, 1917 – June 17, 2008)

Natalie Corrine Stafford McDaniel, 90, a resident of Spring Creek, died at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at her daughter’s home in Mt. Hermon. She was a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Gail McDaniel of Spring Creek; a daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Hugh Fortenberry of Mt. Hermon; three step-sons and their wives, Robert and Toon McDaniel of Baton Rouge; Steve and Dianne McDaniel of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; and Tom and Marleen McDaniel of Atlanta, Georgia; 6 grandchildren, Kristin Latham, David McDaniel, Lisa LaCour, Hugh “Rusty” Fortenberry, Todd Fortenberry and Terry Fortenberry; 8 step-grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; and one niece and three nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Ione Crowe Stafford; husbands, Barney McCoy McDaniel and Talmadge McDaniel; siblings, Houston Stafford, Emile Stafford, Elaine Stafford, Wesley Stafford, Hoyt Stafford, Dalton Stafford, Marie S. Kemp, Bertha S. Lewis, and Clara S. Leonard; and daughter-in-law, Linda H. McDaniel. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, on Thursday, June 19, 2008 from 6 to 9 p.m. Visitation will continue at Spring Creek Baptist Church on Friday, June 20, 2008 from 9 a.m. until time for the service at 10:30 a.m. conducted by Rev. Danny Smith and Rev. Eric Latham. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are David McDaniel, Rusty Fortenberry, Todd Fortenberry, Terry Fortenberry, Don Lewis, Ted lewis, Jeff LaCour, and Smiley Conerly.

Ida Currier Landry
(September 2, 1917 – June 17, 2008)

Died at 6:32 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at Tangi Pines Nursing Home in Amite. She was a native and resident of Amite. Age 90 years. She was an active member of St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, where she was a choir member and past-president of the Altar’s Society. She worked for many years as an insurance agent, then as a bookkeeper at Home Lumber and Hardware and later volunteered for many years at God’s Storehouse. She is survived by her brother, Joseph “Jo Jo” Currier; nieces, Anita Gayle Currier, Jessie “Cookie” Coxwell and husband, Sid, Madeleine McElveen and husband, Ray, and Louise Peterson and husband, Melvin; nephews, Camile Currier and wife, Robin, and Neil Currier; great-nieces, Lynne Coxwell and Jennifer Currier Boyle; double first cousins, Richard “Radar” Currier and Joseph “Tip Top” Currier; numerous cousins including, Ida Tryniecki. She was preceded in death by her husband, Otis J. Landry; parents, Carmelo and Josephine Magliolo Currier; brother, Charlie P. Currier; sister, Venera Currier Esteven; nephew, “Butch” Esteven. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday with a rosary service to be held at 5:30 p.m. conducted by Deacon Mike Agnello. Visitation will continue on Friday at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 10 a.m. conducted by Fr. Joe Camilleri. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. Contributions may be made in her memory to your favorite charity.

Wednesday

For the grace of God …

teaches us to say “No”

to ungodliness and worldly passions,

and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives.

~Titus 2:11-12 (NIV) ~

Marvelous Mondays in July

  • 7 P.M. each Monday
  • Theme: “Building on the Firm Foundation”
  • Former staff members leading worship services
  • Nursery provided for each service
  • Worship Guests
    • July 7th – Keith Rhodes and Chris Wales
    • July 14 – Bobby Eads and Tim Daniels
    • July 21 – J.P. Miles & Dennis Walker
    • July 28 – Steve Echols and Ronnie Nielson

LAST FRONTIER. People in a Last Frontier people group are going through a hard time, as there is lack of food right now. It is a difficult period of time for people to survive, because there is no food before the new crop is harvested. A worker has plans to start a business of making soy milk to feed them. Ask the Father to provide whatever is needed to make this project successful. The worker wants to start feeding 900 people and then increase that to 1,300 people. He asks you to join him in requesting for our Provider to provide that all he needs to keep the business going. Also pray for people to begin to know the Lord through this act of love.

AIDS. Pray for the hundreds of thousands of unemployed and underemployed people of Durban, South Africa, as well as the tens of thousands who are living with AIDS and related illnesses that are making them physically unable to work regularly. As food and fuel prices continue to rise, single-parent families and those led by teenagers who are children themselves suffer the most. Pray that churches and Christians here will have a vision, a way, and a will to minister to those in need. http://www.imb.org/AIDS/

MUSLIMS: PRAYING BEYOND THE WALL. Praise the Lord for His unfathomable love which stubbornly pursues us when we are lost in sin, deceived by the Satan and even reject His love. Last year, a South Asian Muslim couple who had believed were separated when the wife renounced her faith in Christ. Sometime later, she had a dream of a man in white, warning her that the path she had chosen was dangerous, that she was “on the wrong path”. Later in tears she fearfully admitted she had made a mistake and said that she wanted to be on the right path again. However, as her internal struggle raged she once again lapsed into a stubborn refusal to surrender herself completely to the Lord. God did not give up on her. Believers continued to pray in faith and last month she made a public profession of faith in Christ. She and her husband have been reunited and have renewed their vows. Pray that they will rebuild their marriage and ministry on Jesus Christ, the only firm foundation!

Joseph Anthony “Joe” Ruffino

After a five-year battle with colon and liver cancer, he lost the battle on Tuesday, June 17, 2008, at 4:05 a.m. at his home surrounded by his family. He was a native of Amite and a resident of Baton Rouge for 55 years. He was 79 years young, hoping to live to the age of 97 like his mom, Louise Ruffino. He was born on July 12, 1928. He was a retired welder from Delta Southern with 35 years of service. He later opened his own shop where he made barbeque pits, truck racks, wood racks and garbage can carriers. He really loved his work and continued that work for 20 years. He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 58‰ years who didn’t leave his side or stop caring for him, Gwen Carson Ruffino; daughter, Jo Ann Ruffino DiVincenti and son-in-law, Sam W. DiVincenti Sr.; two grandchildren, Stacy Lynn DiVincenti and Sammy W. DiVincenti Jr.; and a great-granddaughter, Karlee Marie DiVincenti, all of Baton Rouge; sister, Mary Checchin, of McHenry, Ill.; three brothers, Louis S. Ruffino II, of Baton Rouge, and Sam Ruffino and Nunzio Ruffino, both of Amite; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Ruffino Sr. and Louise Inzinna Ruffino, who were both of Sicily, Italy; five sisters, Rose Ruffino, Pamelia Alack, Lucy Costanza, Josie Burrell and Stella Terracina; and two brothers, John Ruffino and Tony Ruffino. Visiting will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., on Wednesday, June 18, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and in the chapel Thursday from 9 a.m. until religious service at 10 a.m. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Louis John Ruffino, Louis Alack, Salvador Costanza, Anthony Ruffino, Louis Joseph Ruffino, Louis S. Ruffino III, Sal Ruffino and Robert G. Ruffino. The family would like to thank Dr. J. Philip Boudreaux and Dr. Yi Zarn Wang at Ochsner of Kenner and the staff of the intensive care unit of Ochsner Medical Center, where he stayed for 52 days; Dr. Fredric Billings and Sandra Knight and all of their caring staff at Mary Bird Perkins, along with the staff of St. Joseph’s Hospice. Special thanks to Rob Frazier for all his help. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, 4950 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 or St. Joseph’s Hospice, 8923 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810.

 

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
IN RECENT YEARS, a number of psychologists and sociologists have joined the chorus of religious and political opponents in warning about the impact of pervasive pornography…

They argue that porn is transforming sexuality and relationships — for the worse. Experts say men who frequently view porn may develop unrealistic expectations of women’s appearance and behavior, and have difficulty forming and sustaining relationships and feeling sexually satisfied. Fueled by a combination of access, anonymity and affordability, online porn has catapulted overall pornography consumption — bringing in new viewers, encouraging more use from existing fans and escalating consumers from soft-core to harder-core material. Cyberporn is even giving rise to a new form of sexual compulsiveness. According to Alvin Cooper, who conducts seminars on cybersex addiction, 15% of online-porn habitues develop sexual behavior that disrupts their lives. “The internet is the crack cocaine of sexual addiction,” says Jennifer Schneider, co-author of Cybersex Exposed: Simple Fantasy or Obsession? (Tim McLaughlin)

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,

whatever things are noble,

whatever things are just,

whatever things are pure,

whatever things are lovely,

whatever things are of good report,

if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy –

meditate on these things.”

~Philippians 4:8; cf. 2 Tim. 2:2~

Have a great “hump day”!

Anna Lee

Tuesday Afternoon

Jimmie Clayton Battles
(February 17, 1932 – June 17, 2008)

Jimmie Clayton Battles, 76, of Amite, LA., died Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at his home at 5:00AM. Jimmie was born on February 17, 1932 in Amite. Surviving are his high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Eva Juanita Graves Battles, Amite, a daughter, Caroline Battles, Bastrop, LA., Kathi Battles Moreland, Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, and Robin Battles Gray and husband Mark, Hammond; a sister, Mary Retha Davis, Amite, and 4 grandsons, John Mark Gray, Michael Clayton Gray, Daniel Moreland, and Clint Sharp. Jimmie is preceded in death by his parents Nathan and Lucille Bennett Battles, 2 brothers, Melvin Battles, Sr., and Clifford Battles, and 2 sisters Clara Bennett and Margie Drude. Jimmie was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict, Second Infantry Division, Second to None, 23rd Infantry Medical Company attachment, serving as a medic. He was a local building contractor for 48 years. His favorite past-time was fishing and hunting with his children and grandchildren. He was proud of his daughters and their many accomplishments, and of his grandchildren. Friends and family will be received Thursday, June 19, 2008, at First Baptist Church, Amite, from 9 AM until the Religious Services at 12 NOON at the First Baptist Church. Interment in Battles Cemetery, Hwy. 1046, Amite, LA. McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite in charge of arrangements. An on-line guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

Mrs. Mildred Brooks Easley
(August 6, 1921 – June 16, 2008)

Mrs. Mildred Evelyn Brooks Easley, 86, passed away at her home Tuesday, June 17, 2008 after a brief illness. Mrs. Easley was preceded in death by her husband, Fleet J. Easley during his second term as Mayor of Amite City. Mrs. Mildred Easley served as interim mayor after Mr. Fleet’s death in 1984. Mr. and Mrs. Easley were preceded in death by their only child, Evelyn Kathleen Easley in 1968 as the result of a car accident. Mrs. Easley was born in Chesbrough on August 6, 1921 to parents George Albert and Bettie Hart Brooks. She grew up in Tangipahoa, graduated from Kentwood High School and Soule’ Business College in New Orleans. Mrs. Easley served in the United States Navy during World War II, stationed in Pensacola and Whiting Field. Following the war, she worked at Gullett Cotton Gin in Amite City where she met and married Fleet, also a Gullett employee. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Amite. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Easley was preceded in death by three sisters Anna Laura Reed, Beverly LeTard, Helen Sue Gates and brother Richard Brooks. She is survived by two sisters Miss Dorothy Brooks of Kentwood, Mrs. Catherine Lou Brooks Wright of Amite and Fort Walton Beach, Florida and brother George Albert Brooks, Jr. of LaMarque, Texas. Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, Wednesday, June 18, 2008 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and Thursday, June 19, 2008 from 8:00 AM until Religious Services at 10:30 AM in the Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be conducted by Dr. Tom Higginbotham. Interment in the Amite Mulberry Cemetery. An on-line guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com. The funeral home is located at I-55 North and Hwy 16 West next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

Tuesday

“Be anxious for nothing,

but in everything by prayer and supplication,

with thanksgiving,

let your requests be made known to God.”

~Philippians 4:6~

There are several people undergoing tests again this week. Please keep these people in your prayers.

Mrs. Mildred Brooks Easley
(August 6, 1921 – June 16, 2008)

Mrs. Mildred Brooks Easley, died on Monday, June 16, 2008 at 11:58PM at her residence in Amite. She was 86, and a native of Chesbrough. She is preceded in death by Husband, Fleet J. Easley, former Mayor of Amite, and a Daughter, Evelyn K. Easley. Mrs. Mildred was also a former Mayor of Amite filling an unexpired term of her husband. Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, Wednesday, June 18, 2008 from 6:00PM until 8:00PM and Thursday, June 19, 2008 from 8:00AM until Religious Services at 10:30AM in the Funeral Home Chapel. Interment in the Amite Mulberry Cemetery.

Other information will be added later Tuesday.

Baptist Press

June 16, 2008

TENNESSEE–Polls: Evangelicals, Southern Baptists back McCain. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28292

IOWA–Iowa residents cope with disaster. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28293

GEORGIA–NAMB: Floods trigger multi-state relief effort. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28294

INDIANA–Crossover’08 reaches Hispanic communities. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28295

INDIANA–‘No one is exempt,’ Rankin tells Hispanics. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28296

INDIANA–NAMB president addresses Hispanic celebration. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28297

INDIANA–Calif. Hispanic couple models Gospel urgency. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28298

INDIANA–Black Servants report growth. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28299

INDIANA–Church needs Jewish believers, Messianics told. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28300

INDIANA–Baptist associations’ key roles underscored across the street. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28301

INDIANA–Don’t presume on God’s grace, Redmond says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28302

ALABAMA–Alma Hunt, longtime WMU leader, dies. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28304

KENTUCKY–FIRST-PERSON (Charles E. Lawless Jr.): Evangelism & goal-setting. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28303

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor


THE STORY IS told of a prosperous, young investment banker who was driving his new BMW on a mountain road during a snow storm…

As he made his way around one particularly sharp curve, he lost control of his car and began sliding off the road toward a steep precipice. At the last possible moment, he leaped from his car, which then tumbled end-over-end to the bottom of the ravine. Though he had narrowly escaped with his life, the man suffered a dreadful injury. It seems his right arm had been caught near the hinge of the door as he jumped and had been yanked off at the shoulder.

A trucker witnessed the accident in his rearview mirror. He quickly brought his rig to a stop and ran over to see if he could help. He found the man standing at the edge of road, looking down at his mangled automobile in the ravine below. “My BMW! My new BMW!” the banker cried, oblivious to his awful wound. The trucker pointed at the banker’s shoulder and said, “Mister, you’ve got bigger problems than that car. We’ve got to find your arm so that the surgeons can sew it back on!” The banker looked where his arm had been and then groaned aloud, “Oh no! My Rolex! My new Rolex!”

While the story is fictitious, it serves to illustrate a sobering truth. Materialism deludes to such an extent that the physical appears to be of greater duration and value than the spiritual. This explains why so many are willing to swap their souls for that which the world has to offer (Matt.
16:26).

Paul warned that, “…those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare (trap)…” (1 Timothy 6:9). The Greek word for snare, pagis reveals the deceptive nature of materialism: “It refers to the way wild animals are caught. A hole is dug in the earth and filled with sharp stakes. Then it is covered with grass. Unawares, the helpless victim plunges in the hidden hole and is transfixed on the stakes. /1

The Psalmist wrote, “They served their idols, which became a snare to them” (Psalm 106:36). Materialism deceives! “And the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (Mark 4:19). (Mike Benson)

1/ Mac Layton, “The Burden of Prosperity,” This Grace Also, pp. 136-137.

“And the cares of this world,

the deceitfulness of riches,

and the desires for other things entering in choke the word,

and it becomes unfruitful.”

~Mark 4:19~


Make today a good day no matter what happens to make it a bad day!

Anna Lee

Monday

“I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever;

with my mouth will I make known

Your faithfulness to all generations.”

~Psalm 89:1~

Joan Hagan will be having some medical tests this week. Please keep her in your prayers. Also, Joan asks for prayers for her mother, Mrs. Betty Bethel, who continues to have several health issues.

Kelly Schneeweiss, and possibly her sister-in-law, Sarah Schneeweiss, will soon travel to Honduras for a medical mission trip. You can participate by giving toothbrushes, toothpaste, shanpoo, soap, etc. Small travel size items can be purchased or the extra travel size items from your hotel visits can be used. These items need to be brought to the church by Sunday. You may also make a donation so the needed items can be purchased. Most importantly, pray for the team and those whom the team will minister to in Honduras.

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA (BOO-kuh-rest). International Service Corps workers Floyd and Freda Angeletti ask for prayer for God to call out people to join their Bible studies. They just finished going through the “Five Love Languages for Singles.” Their home was packed each week (averaging around 23-25 per week). God brought new people to join. Pray for Floyd and Freda as they begin a new Bible study with the college-age/singles, asking that God will continue to draw the lost to come and learn more about how they can have an eternal relationship with the Lord and enjoy a God-filled life. From this group, another group is beginning. Over the years, some college-age/singles have gotten married. Pray for Floyd as he begins a Bible study for this particular group. Floyd and Freda feel blessed to see how God is growing these young couples to be more like Himself. Pray for this group to be bold in their witness and to invite their friends to join this group and study God’s Word together. http://www.imbromania.ro/

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. As missionary personnel in restricted-access countries attempt to impact a people group or city with the gospel, they have discovered that one of their best resources is the harvest force with the national Christian church. Often they travel to remote areas and offer week-long training to the local believers in evangelism and church-planting methods. Please pray for the men (who are the frequent travelers) as they teach and encourage the believers, but also remember to pray for the wives and children who stay behind in their cross-cultural settings. Pray that they will experience God’s peace in their hearts and protection from people who know they are alone and may try to take advantage of it. Pray for freedom from accidents or illnesses that might prove to be difficult for the wife to handle alone.

There will be a share group meeting at the Alford cabin Thursday at 6:30 P.M. You are invited to attend and share in food, fellowship, and a devotional time.

Pray for Vacation Bible Schools that will be beginning today at some churches. Various churches will be conducting their VBS during June and July.

Pray for school teachers and students who are attending and teaching LEAP remediation classes during the month of June in preparation for retesting. The test will determine whether or not students will be able to move up to the next grade.

Power Point

Dr. Jack Graham

June 16, 2008

 

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

 

–Romans 8:37

Do you ever feel like you are just struggling to make it through the day or to the end of the week?

The apostle Paul is living proof that as believers, we can actually thrive… not just survive… in the midst of tough times!

Paul’s life is a great example to us. As we read in the Scripture, he endured hardship, abuse, pain, and persecution. But he never let his circumstances defeat him. In fact, hardships only made Paul stronger as a man and follower of Christ.

You and I know that life can be tough. We all face the pressures of day-to-day living. We all endure stress, uncertainty, fear, and anxiety. Tough times are just inevitable!

But Paul tells us that—through Christ—we can rise above it all. And through his words and his actions, Paul gives us courage that we can be triumphant in tough times!

Paul said in Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Then he went on to say in verse 37, “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

If you’re a follower of Christ, then you are more than a conqueror. You’re a super conqueror!

One of the greatest lessons we can learn from Paul is that a triumphant Christian life begins with a victorious attitude. You see, the difference between the average Christian life and the abundant Christian life is attitude.

We see today that Paul had an attitude that was indomitable. Even when he was chained and in prison, his attitude was always positive… uplifting… joyous… and hopeful.

Paul knew that even in prison his spirit was free. That’s why he declared that he was a prisoner of Jesus Christ, not of Rome… or of his circumstances. That’s why he could sing songs of praise to God in prison. And that’s why he could write the Scriptures from his cell!

So let me encourage you today. If you’re going through adversity… and if you’re facing a problem or a crisis… as a follower of Christ, you’re in the grip of His grace! And you can face anything… and everything… because Jesus Christ is on your side!

GIVE YOUR ATTITUDE A BOOST BY LISTING 5 THINGS YOU CAN BE THANKFUL FOR TODAY!

 

Please feel free to send praises, requests, and updates to be shared.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“So they said,

‘Believe on the Lord Jesus,

and you will be saved–you and your household.’

Then they spoke the message of the Lord to him

along with everyone in his house.”

~Acts 16:31-32, HCSB~

From James Rimes:

Mike Lee’s mother passed away yesterday morning.
Mike and his wife were in Tennessee but were to get back to Amite last night.

Mildred Lee Barclay

A native and resident of Amite, she died at 8:05 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2008, at Regency Hospital of Covington in Covington. She was 86. Mrs. Barclay was a member of Wilmer Baptist Church and Walter T. Ott, O.E.S. and was owner and operator of a dairy and cattle farm. She was known for her concern for neighbors, her uplifting laughter and being a avid reader. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday and from noon until religious services at 2 p.m. Tuesday, conducted by the Rev. Jason Skipper. Interment in Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Lee VanWoerkom and her husband, Rick, Waldorf, Md.; two sons, Dr. Jerry Lee and his wife, Pat, Baton Rouge, and Michael D. Lee and his wife, Theresa, Amite; a stepson, Owen Barclay, Amite; four grandchildren; a great-grandchild; devoted caregivers and friends, Bernita Mason and Lisa Henderson. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Burdette Lee; second husband, Dave Barclay; parents, Thomas and Bertha Mulina; and four brothers and two sisters.


Earl G. “Blackie” Bennett

A retired welder and member of Local Union 198, he died Friday, June 13, 2008, in his home in Baton Rouge surrounded by his family. He was 90 and a native of Amite. Survived by his wife, Hazel Hughes Bennett; four daughters and three sons-in-law, Janice Godfrey, New Jersey, Deborah and Benny Langston, Independence, Toni and Darrell Boeneke, Baton Rouge, and Carmen and Mike Henderson, Brookhaven, Miss.; son, Earl N. Bennett, Alaska; 10 grandchildren, Bonnie Ehreneperger and Chandra Kay Balter, both of New Jersey, Ben and Danielle Langston, both of Independence, Jason Lofton, Baytown, Texas, Brandon Lofton, Wallisville, Texas, Courtney and Tiffany Henderson, both of Brookhaven and Maia Weber and Shane Bennett, both of Alaska; and 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Clayton and Lois Bennett; nieces, Pasty Woster and Linda Binder; nephews, Bobby Joe Bennett and Rodney Bennett; very special great-nephew whom he helped raise, Taylor Bennett, of Atlanta; many other nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Frank M. and Jennie W. Bennett; sister, Merele Fortenberry; and brother, Clyde Bennett. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Sunday, June 15, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Prayer given by the Rev. Bradley McKenzie and a eulogy by Pete Gremillion at 7 p.m. following prayer. Visitation on Monday, June 16, from 8:30 a.m. until religious service at 9:30 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Bradley McKenzie of First Church of the Nazarene. Graveside service at Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, at 12:30 p.m. Monday. Serving as pallbearers will be Darrell Boeneke, Mike Henderson, Taylor Bennett, Shane Bennett, Jason Lofton and Brandon Lofton. The Bennett family would like to express a special thank you to the Amedisys Hospice.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor

IN HIS BOOK Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business, Neil Postman warns us of the danger of a world of information overload…

He reminds us of a chilling futuristic vision-Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, which describes a world thoroughly flooded with information. But that data is manipulated so that none of it has any significance.

A glance at the Internet or a magazine rack hints that we are living in just such a culture. We’re drowning in a sea of information often marketed by the unscrupulous. We need discernment to choose wisely whom we will listen to.

In John 6, Jesus delivered His “I am the bread of life” message (v.35). It was a sermon so controversial that, at its conclusion, many of His followers went away and stopped following Him (v.66). They chose to stop listening to the voice of Christ. When Jesus challenged His disciples as to whether they would also walk away, Peter wisely responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (v.68).

In a world swamped with confusing and contradictory information, we can, like Peter, turn to Christ for wisdom. He cuts through the words of confusion with words of life. (Bill Crowder)


Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (John 6:67-69).

Remember, it is Sunday. Keep the Son in you day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,

where moth and rust doth corrupt,

and where thieves break through and steal:

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,

and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

For where your treasure is,

there will your heart be also.”

~Matthew 6:19-21, KJV~

 

 


The V.B.S. Family Night Program was wonderful. You could fee the excitement of the week of VBS. Parents and grandparents of the children were in abundance. I’m already looking forward to my next VBS! I’m sorry for those of you who do not get to participate in VBS. You’re missing out!

Thank God for the showers that were so needed. If you haven’t received one, maybe this will be the afternoon you get your turn.

I started reading the Baptist Press articles from the bottom of the list. Your heart will be blessed if you take the time to do the same.

Baptist Press
June 13, 2008

INDIANA–WRAP-UP: Messengers elect Johnny Hunt president, launch evangelism initiative. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28274

IOWA–Iowa facing ‘historic hydrological event.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28275

INDIANA–Weather affects registration total. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28276

INDIANA–Loving a leader is ministers’ wives’ topic. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28277

INDIANA–Cullen receives ministers’ wives’ award. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28278

INDIANA–Pastors’ wives hear from Donna Gaines. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28279

INDIANA–Top chaplain: Prayer keeps us on God’s agenda. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28280

INDIANA–Seminary luncheons draw alumni, guests. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28281

TEXAS–At 104, he aims ‘to be a blessing.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28282

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Tim Ellsworth): Hug your kids a little longer. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28283

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Keith Manuel): Dream again, Daddy. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28284

INDIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Tony Kummer): It’s just a walk across the street. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28285

Ruby O. Hayden
(June 24, 1916 – June 12, 2008)

In loving memory of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ruby O. Hayden. She died on her wedding anniversary on June 12, 2008. She was born to Walter and Edith Ford almost 92 years ago on June 24, 1916. She is survived by her daughter, Bettie Ziebarth, her 2 grandsons, Wesley and Dale Ziebarth, and her granddaughter, Tona Phillips. She is also survived by 4 great-grandson, Brandon, Van, and Kevin Ziebarth and Jacob Phillips, 2 granddaughters, Brianna Ziebarth and Sara Phillips, 3 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be sorely missed but not forgotten. Rest in Peace Grandmaw. We love you. Visitation at Oak Grove Church of Christ, Independence, from 9 a.m. on Saturday until religious services at 11 a.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Bro. Dale Ziebarth and Brandon Ziebarth. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

WATER AND DESPAIR FLOOD COLUMBUS, INDIANA
The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team of crisis-trained chaplains has deployed to Columbus, Indiana, approximately 40 miles south of Indianapolis. According to media updates, the floods have brought casualties, the hospital has been evacuated, millions of dollars of damage are estimated, and there are reports of looting arrests as residents attempt to dig out in the aftermath of the tragedy. It appears that most of the victims do not have flood insurance for their homes.

“We want to be a light in this community that was plunged into darkness and despair as the Haw Creek overflowed last week,” says Jack Munday, director of the Rapid Response Team. “In many cases people’s lives are shattered right now. Their homes are badly damaged or destroyed, along with the memories the home represents. Their feeling of safety and security is gone. They are badly in need of hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.”

Please pray:

* for those who lost their homes
* for the patients and employees of the hospital that was evacuated
* that many will come to know Christ in the midst of sorrow

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze

Isaiah 43:2

Thank you for your prayers and support. We also greatly value your financial support.

*Online – https://www.billygraham.org/donate.asp?d=40

*Check or money order – Billy Graham Evangelistic Association,

1Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201

A PEOPLE OF OUR WORD

A duck walked into a feed store and asked the owner, “Do you have any duck food?”

The proprietor replied, “No, we don’t have any duck food.”

The next day the duck walked into the same feed store and asked the owner, “Do you have any duck food?”

The feed store owner was an ill-mannered, impatient man. He yelled at the duck, “I told you yesterday! We don’t have any duck food. Now get out of here and don’t come back or I’ll nail your webbed feet to the floor!”

Again, on the next day, the duck walked into the same feed store. This time he asked the store owner, “Do you have any nails?”

“Nope. We don’t have nails.”

“Then do you have any duck food?”

I suppose we’ve all made threats from time to time that we never intended to carry out. There have been many times I’ve heard a parent say to his or her child, “You better do this before I count to three or else!” only to count to three and, not seeing any response from the child, say, “This time I mean it — “You better do this before I count to three or else!” Our children catch on very quickly as to whether or not we intend to carry through on the promises and threats we make to them.

Sometimes things happen that keep us from following through on a commitment. But that should be the rare exception, not the rule. The apostle Paul wanted to make sure that the Corinthians knew the difference. He had told them that he intended to visit them twice, but he was only going to be able to see them once. Some of his critics used this as an opportunity to accuse Paul of being fickle and untrustworthy. Here’s Paul’s response:

“I had originally planned two great visits with you – coming by on my way to Macedonia province, and then again on my return trip….That was the plan. Are you now going to accuse me of being flip with my promises because it didn’t work out? Do you think I talk out of both sides of my mouth – a glib yes one moment, a glib no the next? Well, you’re wrong. I try to be as true to my word as God is to his…” (2 Cor. 1:15-18, The Message)

What a powerful statement to make — “I try to be as true to my word as God is to his.” Can we say the same? As Christians, we need to be known as a people of our word. We shouldn’t have to play word games like, “Well, if I say it like this, then I mean what I say, otherwise I don’t.” We need to develop a reputation for being a people of our word.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thanks for being there to pray each day. Please feel free to share praises, requests, and updates so we can all pray.

Anna Lee

Friday

So don’t get tired of doing what is good.

Don’t get discouraged and give up,

for we will reap a harvest of blessing

at the appropriate time.

Galatians 6:9 (NLT)

Ruby Hayden
(June 24, 1916 – June 12, 2008)

Passed away Thursday, June 12, 2008 at the age of 91. Visiting will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, June 14, 2008 from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Interment will be in the Loranger Cemetery. More details will follow when available.

Please pray for all the grieving families in our area. There have been numerous deaths lately. Each death touches many family members and friends.

The AGM I wrote about will be in Hungary, not Slovakia.

KOMpray


June 13, 2008

“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

I LIKE TO PLAY

Some of the people here in West Africa have asthma like me. When I found that out, it made it a lot easier to relate to them and have good relationships. People here have made up lots of games that are fun. One of the games is called “Yali Dor.” You start out by throwing a ball up in the air. When it comes down, everyone tries to kick the ball between someone else’s legs. If the ball goes through someone’s legs, they have to immediately try to run to base and while they are, everybody else tries to tackle him.I like to play soccer, too (they call it football here). I am usually a goalie and sometimes I even play on the field. My friends and I make slingshots out of sticks shaped like a “Y,” rubber strips from an inner tube, and pieces of the sole from tennis shoes. After we make them, we usually go hunting for 1 to 3 hours. Please pray for my friends that they will come to know and believe in Christ and that I can be a good witness to them. NATE, age 10 (West Africa)

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please pray for my brother to do well in school. CR, age 6 (East Asia)

I live in a big city, Lusaka. My family and I go to a Baptist church, and when the kids have children’s church, I go out with them, helping out, and playing guitar for them. I have a great Youth group there! I’m strongly thinking, and wanting, to go to a boarding school, in August. Pray that God will make it clear to me and my family whether I should go or not, and when I get there, that I survive for more than 3 months! ANNA, age 14 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray that God will give me wisdom as I decide what university to attend. Pray, too, that I will be diligent in my schoolwork. Ask God to help me be a witness always to those around me, every time I have an opportunity. NATE, age 17 (Pacific Rim)

My family serves in Zambia. Please pray that we will enjoy ourselves while in the United States. Please pray that we will make the most of our time with our relatives. In July we return to Zambia. Pray for help to serve and lead people to Christ. TROY, age 13 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I really like this devotional. It teaches us to be very careful in the way we handle little lives. We make lasting impressions, either positive or negative, on children.

PRICELESS SCRIBBLES

I saw this story this morning on eSermons.com and just had to share it with you:

Richard Fairchild tells about a story that appeared years ago in the Christian Reader. It was called “Priceless Scribbles.” It concerns a father who touched his child’s life in an unexpected way. A young boy watched as his father walked into the living room. The boy noticed that his younger brother, John, began to cower slightly as his father entered. The older boy sensed that John had done something wrong. Then he saw from a distance what his brother had done. The younger boy had opened his father’s brand new hymnal and scribbled all over the first page with a pen.

Staring at their father fearfully, both brothers waited for John’s punishment. Their father picked up his prized hymnal, looked at it carefully and then sat down, without saying a word. Books were precious to him; he was a minister with several academic degrees. For him, books were knowledge. What he did next was remarkable. Instead of punishing his son, instead of scolding, or yelling, his father took the pen from the little boy’s hand, and then wrote in the book himself, alongside the scribbles that John had made.

Here is what that father wrote: “John’s work, 1959, age 2. How many times have I looked into your beautiful face and into your warm, alert eyes looking up at me and thanked God for the one who has now scribbled in my new hymnal. You have made the book sacred, as have your brother and sister to so much of my life.”

The author of the story, now an adult, goes on to say how that hymnal became a treasured family possession, how it was tangible proof that their parents loved them, how it taught the lesson that what really matters is people, not objects; patience, not judgment; love, not anger.

“And you, fathers,

do not provoke your children to wrath,

but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

(Eph. 6:4)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina


I hope you have had a great week. Now, I wish for you a fantastic weekend!

Anna Lee