Category: Baptist Press

Thursday

God does not give us a spirit of fear,

but a spirit of power, love and self-control.

~2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)~

Update on Larry Watts from James Rimes

I spoke to Larry yesterday (Tuesday) and he sounded much better. One of his doctors told him that he could probably be released (to rehab) this week if he continues to do well. Please continue to pray for Larry and the family.

Please continue to pray for little Allie Daigle as she returns home. Pray she will be able to stay off her foot until it heals properly.

Baptist Press

September 10, 2008

TENNESSEE–Gustav, Ike ravage Cuba; Baptists launch relief. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28875

INDIA–Anti-Christian violence continues in India. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28876

CALIFORNIA–ELECTION 08: Calif. pro-lifers change strategy for 3rd parental notification vote. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28877

NORTH CAROLINA–LifeWay sees ministry results in tough economy. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28878

NORTH CAROLINA–New LifeWay initiative: ‘Transformational Church.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28879

LOUISIANA–Gustav victims hear volunteers’ witness. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28881

TEXAS–Missions-minded music prof dies. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28882

TENNESSEE–FIRST PERSON (David Francis): Sunday School supports church’s mission. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28883

Fred Luter in Chapel: When the storm comes’
By Michael McCormack
NEW ORLEANS (BP)–For New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, reopening after its Hurricane Gustav evacuation, Sept. 9’s chapel service became a time of thanksgiving and reunion — and words of encouragement from New Orleans pastor Fred Luter.

Because of widespread power outages and Louisiana law prohibiting habitation of multi-family housing with no utilities, many NOBTS apartment dwellers could not return to the campus until Saturday, Sept. 6. That amounted to a weeklong absence for many seminarians.

In welcoming students, faculty and staff back to campus, NOBTS President Chuck Kelley encouraged them to view difficult experiences like Hurricane Gustav in light of God’s refining work. Kelley compared that work to intense fire that produces steel and intense pressure that produces diamonds.

“There’s no way for us to become who God wants us to be without going through the fire and the pressure,” Kelley said at the Tuesday gathering. “All of this is to prepare you to have a word for those people you will be leading.”

Kelley gave thanks that New Orleans and coastal Louisiana were spared from what was predicted to be a devastating storm. He also reminded that not all of the seminary family has gone untouched through the 2008 hurricane season.

New Orleans Seminary has partnerships with Baptists in both Haiti and Cuba, two island countries that have been battered by multiple hurricanes this year.

Kelley concluded his welcome by reading Psalm 46, a psalm appropriate for both the person spared from calamity and the person struggling to recover. Regardless the circumstance, Kelley said, God’s mercy is reliable.

Tuesday’s chapel speaker, Fred Luter, pastor of New Orleans’ Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, titled his message “What to do when the storm comes.”

“Somewhere between the time of your first breath and your last breath,” Luter said, “storms will come your way. And my concern is not that we have storms and tribulation but what we do when the storm comes.”

Luter then offered a glimpse into his personal faith struggle following Hurricane Katrina.

“Do you know what I have discovered?” Luter asked. “I’ve discovered that when trouble comes our way faith is the first area that Satan works on.”

Luter said he remembers sitting in his daughter’s apartment in Birmingham, Ala., in August 2005 as Hurricane Katrina approached the Gulf Coast. His faith was shaken.

“I looked at what was going on [in New Orleans] and I looked up and said, ‘God, why don’t You do something?'” Luter recounted. “For the first time in my life, ladies and gentlemen, my faith was literally shaken unlike it had ever been shaken before.”

Not only was he mad at government leaders and agencies, Luter said he was mad at God. But through that experience, Luter said he learned afresh to trust God.

“I have discovered that every now and then God will allow you and me to get into a situation where we can’t trust in mama, daddy, the pastor, the president, the government or the mayor,” he said. “Your back is against the wall and all you can do is trust in God.

“If you don’t have faith, you have fear,” Luter continued. “And if the enemy can get you to fear, he can get you to doubt everything God has told you in His Word.”

Luter pointed to Mark 4:35-41, the account of Jesus calming the storm. To strengthen their faith in times of trouble, Luter challenged the chapel audience to first remember the promises of Jesus.

In verse 35, Jesus told the disciples, “Let us pass over to the other side.” And yet when a fierce storm threatened the boat, the disciples feared they were about to drown. Luter pointed out that their fear could have been quickly quelled if only the disciples would have remembered the purposes and promises of Jesus.

“Jesus didn’t come to drown,” Luter said. “He didn’t come to drown; he came to die on the cross…. He couldn’t drown because He’d said, ‘Boys, let’s go to the other side.'”

Just as the disciples in the boat could have found confidence in the words of Jesus, so Christians today can find confidence in the promises of God during times of trouble. For instance, Psalm 34:19 states, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”

Luter also said Christians must remember the presence of Jesus. He said Jesus could have easily sent the disciples across the lake while He stayed behind to rest. Instead, Jesus opted to go along with them in the boat. Christians can find encouragement and confidence in the fact that Jesus was in the boat and in the storm with the disciples.

“My brothers and my sisters, I don’t care what you’re going through. I don’t care what the enemy brings against you. I don’t care what trials or tribulations or storm it might be. If you’ve accepted Jesus into your life, He’s walking with you,” Luter said. “His grace is with you. His mercy is with you. … He’s walking with you. He’s there all the time.”

And, pointing to the power of Jesus, Luter compared the water crashing over the sides of the disciples’ boat to the waves splashing over the walls of the Industrial Canal in New Orleans during Hurricane Gustav. The New Orleans pastor noted: With only three simple words — “Peace, be still” — Jesus brought calm to the situation.

Michael McCormack is a writer for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

9-11

 

PRAYER IN TIME OF WAR

A young guy in a two-engine fighter was flying escort for a B-52 and generally being a nuisance, acting like a hotdog, flying rolls around the lumbering old bomber.

The hotdog said over the air, “Anything you can do, I can do better.”

The veteran bomber pilot answered, “Try this hot-shot.” The B-52 continued its flight, straight and level.

Perplexed, the hotdog asked, “So? What did you do?”

“I just shut down two engines, kid.”

Virtually every day, we are reminded when we turn on the television or pick up the newspaper that there is a war going on in Iraq. These are difficult times, and we all feel the urgent need to spend more time with God in prayer. We pray for the safety of our troops. We pray for a quick end to the conflict. But, beyond that, what should we pray for?

In 2003, Ron Hutchcraft sent out an e-mail entitled “10 Ways to Pray in Times Like These” (http://www.christianitytoday.com/todayschristian/special/10waystopray.html). His suggestions are still good ones. Here are 7 of his points:

1. “Lord, do something that will show people Your glory over all the earth.”

This is a moment for God to do something that no diplomat, no world leader, no army could possibly do – so all will know that “the Lord He is God.”

2. “Lord, use these anxious and uncertain times to bring many to Christ.”

God can use this fearful time to reach the hearts of many – in Iraq, in America, across the Middle East, among the young men and women of the military.

3. “Lord, guide our leaders to be instruments of Your will on earth.”

“I urge … that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority.” (I Timothy 2:1-2)

4. “Lord, protect the innocent.”

5. “Pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27)

Jesus has charged us to represent even our enemies before His Throne of Grace.

6. “Lord, help Your people model peace in these troubled times, pointing the people around them to Jesus – at a time when hearts are soft.”

This uncertain time is a life-saving moment – when those who belong to Jesus have an unusual window to introduce Him to those who don’t. But the window may not be open for long.

7. “Lord, bring peace out of all that’s happening.”

God has told us that the result He desires in answer to our prayers for our leaders is a climate where peace and righteousness can flourish (I Tim. 2:2).

My appreciation goes out to Ron Hutchcraft for his article, and I hope that his prayers will be yours as well. We live in troubled times that serve as a reminder of just how much we need God.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thank God we had not had any more terrorist attacks in the United States. Thank God for the political and military officials who have made many difficult decisions regarding fighting terrorism and sending troops into war. Thank God for the many people in uniform who have served since 9-11. Pray for the families of each one. Pray for the military personnel who were injured in the war zone and for their families as they face medical disabilities and treatments of their loved ones. Pray for the families of those whose lives have been given since 9-11 to provide freedom for others and to fight the spread of terrorism. Thank God for each person who has volunteered to serve in our military.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Today, I would like to share three Baptist Press articles with you. I hope you benefit from reading them.

 

 

Baptists Help Feed Gustav-Battered City
By Adam Miller


HOUMA, La. (BP)–The small side roads running from Baton Rouge to Houma began to tell the story of Hurricane Gustav as power line poles bowed toward the pavement like loose fingers.

Houma is one of the towns hardest hit by the Category 3 hurricane that churned along the western Louisiana coast unabated by much-diminished marshland that once slowed the onslaught of devastating winds and storm surge.

As the sun began to burn a long orange descent and Houma came closer, the sharper, thicker stars in the sky reminded one of a world without electricity.

“No city lights,” one volunteer said later. “You can see the stars better.”

No electricity, no hotels. And the tap water was unsafe to drink, said Bob Roberts, a leader of the Arkansas Southern Baptist disaster relief feeding, shower and communications units stationed at Christ Baptist Church in Houma. “Use our water. Our water filters can take the most polluted water and make it drinkable,” he said. The filters are what international missionaries use in Third World countries. The closer to the impact zone of a hurricane, the closer these primitive conditions things become.

Near the heart of Houma, local police set up a roadblock to enforce an 8 o’clock curfew. Blue lights flashed distantly throughout the evening, a welcome though ominous show of life in a city that had only three days before been beaten around by the largest show of strength in the Gulf since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

“The doves would try to fly this way and the wind would push them back,” said Werlien Prosperie, owner of the Jolly Inn, a Cajun dance hall in Houma. “I stood at my window. That sign came down, then the power lines.”

“But the really amazing thing,” his daughter interjected, “was how the [cooling] coils from the power company went flying. Then the roof came off of that.”

“So what’d you do?” a reporter asked.

“Wait. Nothing to do but wait.”

Prosperie had housed five families in his establishment and they all watched from windows of the 60-year-old structure as Gustav wreaked havoc along Tunnel Boulevard.

“Katie Couric was down here a couple of days ago. CNN and USA Today came too,” he said. “They asked me why I stayed. ‘That’s how Cajuns are,’ I told them. I was concerned for family and the people around here, but I’m too stupid to be scared. We’ve been through stuff like this before. It comes then it passes and you move on and get ready for the next one. We had a business to care for and, besides, it just costs too much to evacuate and takes too long to get back home.

“I’ve not seen that much wind since Betsy,” Prosperie added, recounting his experience with the 1965 Hurricane he witnessed from an oil rig out in the Gulf. “[With Gustav] we had winds 110 to 120 mph. Gusts of 130. Tin and sheet metal flying around. That night [the wind] lifted this porch up three or four inches and set it back down.”

By Thursday, Sept. 4, North Carolina Baptist disaster relief units had rolled in with six 18-wheelers filled with meal supplies. By Friday they were in position to cook 30,000 meals a day for delivery to residents by the Salvation Army’s fleet of disaster response trucks.

Earlier in the week Arkansas Baptist disaster relief had set up at Christ Baptist Church to provide meals and showers to National Guardsmen, law enforcement officers, other emergency workers and fellow Baptist relief units, including a 3 a.m.-arriving North Carolina feeding unit and a Tennessee unit.

“We have those Cambros ready to feed the National Guard,” said Roberts, pointing to large red insulating containers that had been filled with grilled chicken, pinto beans and canned peach wedges.

By 8 a.m. Friday, residents started mile-long car lines leading into the local civic center where National Guard troops distributed meals ready to eat (MREs) and bags of ice. North Carolina feeding unit volunteers were putting final touches on their cooking area, gathering supplies, putting a line of command into place and by 10 a.m. were filling yellow Cambros with breaded chicken and green beans for delivery by the Salvation Army.

About 67 Southern Baptist disaster relief (SBDR) units from 16 state conventions are serving in Louisiana. Many of those units will have to be moved in order to seek protection from Hurricane Ike’s fury as it looms over the Gulf.

Southern Baptist disaster relief leaders at the North American Mission Board’s Atlanta-area offices are working quickly to ready a relief response once Hurricane Ike makes landfall at week’s end.

“People ask, ‘Why do you need these guys?'” said a Houma reporter and photographer named Kilm Liretta, pointing toward North Carolina’s feeding operation. “You know what I tell them? Without these guys, we’d be lost.”

“I grew up half-Catholic and half-Baptist,” added Liretta. “It’s made a pretty good impact on me.”

In Florida, where the state Baptist convention has a partnership with Haitian and Cuban Baptists, disaster relief director Fritz Wilson noted, “Cuba and Haiti again seem to be taking the brunt of everything this year,” after Hurricane Ike continued the string of hurricanes that have struck the Caribbean nations.

Craig Culbreth, Florida Baptists’ director of partnership ministries, will return to Haiti Sept. 10 where many have died as a result of massive flooding, and most of the gardens have washed away.

“The country has been cut off from north to south because of several bridges that have washed out,” said Culbreth, who returned from Haiti Sept. 4. “Their major need is food.”

Adam Miller is associate editor of On Mission magazine published by the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board. With reporting by Joni B. Hannigan, managing editor of the Florida Baptist Witness. To make a donation to Southern Baptist disaster relief ministries, call toll-free 866-407-6262 or visit http://www.namb.net.


Seminary’s Power Restored, Classes Resume
By Gary D. Myers


NEW ORLEANS (BP)–Early Saturday morning, Sept. 6, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary announced that power had been restored to all campus housing units. The news, delivered via text message and the Internet, cleared the way for all members of the seminary family to return to campus.

“It is time for all NOBTS saints to make plans for marching in,” NOBTS President Chuck Kelley wrote on the seminary’s website. “We had a great day on campus today. As of 7 a.m. Saturday morning, all students, staff, and faculty, including those in temporary housing, are invited to return at your convenience.”

Returning students encountered a campus with little evidence of a storm. The operations staff had cleared much of the debris and repaired the slight roof damage on campus buildings. The only visible signs of the storm were two broken shutters on Leavell Chapel and a pile of tree limbs and trunks near the back of campus.

As residents returned Saturday and Sunday, impromptu meetings began throughout campus. Neighbors greeted returning neighbors and shared their evacuation experiences.

The mood of returning residents was tempered by the presence of Hurricane Ike in the Caribbean. Kelley began working to reassure campus residents. Kelley’s first online post regarding Ike came Sunday, Sept. 7.

“Hurricane Ike appears to be moving on a track farther and farther to the west of New Orleans. It is still too early to know with certainty, but most models now show it making landfall south and west of Houston, Texas,” Kelley wrote. “We will continue watching it carefully.”

By Monday, the National Weather Service had moved the official forecast track of Hurricane Ike well south of Houston.

In his second and last post regarding Ike, Kelley called on students to pray for people in Louisiana, South Florida, Haiti, Cuba and Texas who have been affected by tropical storms this year and the ones who are facing an impending evacuation. Kelley also encouraged students to trust God even in the midst of trials.

“It is in the fire of life that God does most of the shaping of our souls. Jeremiah tells us that God is like a potter shaping and reshaping our lives (Jeremiah 18:1-10),” Kelley wrote. “It is the choice of trust in the fire of doubt that roots the habit of trust in our soul.

“The touch of our Potter can feel heavy and rough at times, but He assures us the vessel that emerges will be beautiful (Psalm 143),” Kelley wrote.

Seminary officials moved computer operations back to the main campus on Monday, Sept. 8. Offices reopened and classes restarted Tuesday, Sept. 9.

Gary D. Myers is director of public relations at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

FIRST-PERSON:
Raw and Re-Opened Wounds
By Keith Manuel


ALEXANDRIA, La. (BP)–My long-healed wounds are now raw and oozing again. Post-traumatic stress is kicking me in the ribs making every breath short. The tightness in my chest is as strong as if Hurricane Katrina made landfall yesterday, not three years ago. Instead, the storm’s name is Gustav.

I’m awake at 1:30 a.m., having an anxiety attack, feeling as if I need to save someone, help someone, do something. I’m having the same guilt-laden, yet exuberant, feeling of survival after this storm as when my family survived with minimal damage after Katrina. My mother lives less than a mile from the beach on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and my in-laws are farther south in Louisiana than New Orleans. Both have all utilities restored. Amazing.

Yet I sit here, three days post storm, 100 miles inland, listening to the endless hum, no roar, of generators up and down my street. They have a strange, rhythmic beat like the sound of distant, but menacing, war drums. Always there to remind us, “You’re in the dark, if we choose to attack.”

The pictures on the local news and the homes I now drive past are reminiscent of many trips into the flooded neighborhoods of New Orleans. The only difference is, here people can start the clean up in a few hours instead of a few weeks. The water is different, too. Instead of saltwater — at least inland — the residents are dealing with freshwater. However, the mud and the mold smell the same. My nostrils and eyes are burning. It won’t go away.

There are moments of levity. Before the storm came rolling in, I was feeling the beginning effects of my plight, shortness of breath and probably temper. Some of our ministry assistants laughed with me as I realized I am a Ph.D. with ADD suffering from PTSD Can I put that on a plaque?

The effects of Katrina, not really Gustav, are much more searing when I see it affect my children. When we evacuated New Orleans before Katrina struck, my daughter Hannah, then barely five years old, forgot her favorite stuffed animal. She cried herself to sleep every night, worried that “Rainbow Bear” was “hurt.” Hannah, now eight, didn’t let Rainbow Bear out of her sight until Gustav passed over our new home in Pineville, La.

As the winds began to increase to hurricane strength during Gustav, my middle son, Jeremy, who is 12, hid his most valuable possessions in what he called a “very safe place.” His valuables include an autographed football by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, a New Orleans Saints football jersey signed by former receiver Joe Horn, and a Jackie Robinson baseball card. Jeremy wasn’t saving them for himself. He told my wife, “Mom, we can sell these to get back on our feet after the storm.” I am weeping as I type. Pride and pain are a weird combination.

Our oldest son, Keith Jr., is a rock. Like his dad, his desire to help kicks in during and after a storm. But, for all his internal strength, I know what he is suppressing inside.

Even our ugly, red door on our house reminds me of Katrina. The nearly 20 inches of rain has caused our door to swell, making it almost impossible to open. My mind races back to two groups of people I met following Katrina. The first group was a family trying to check on items in their home. The second was a group of volunteers from Florida in yellow Southern Baptist Disaster Relief shirts. The Floridians and I came across this family standing in the street. Stopping to talk, we found they couldn’t even open their door because it was swollen shut. A lock has yet to be invented that can seal a door as secure. So they stood, helpless, only guessing what it was like inside, not wanting to break a window out of fear that what they might return and salvage, would be stolen. We held hands in the street and prayed.

Though the circumstances of your life’s storms may be different, our family is a living testimony of the grace of God. We may be scarred and scared, but — praise God — we survived Hurricane Gustav.

Keith Manuel is an evangelism associate on the Louisiana Baptist Convention’s evangelism & church growth team.

Tuesday

“Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice!

Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.”

~Psalm 27:7~

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Ben and Kumiko Collins, International Service Corps workers in Japan, need your prayers for their new daughter. She was born prematurely on Sept. 4, 2008, about six weeks from her due date. At birth, there was no movement, so she was given medication to help her brain rest for a few days. As of Sept. 8, she has been taken off this medication but still is not showing signs of movement. She is receiving breast milk through a feeding tube and digesting that well. The next step will be to see if she exhibits any other normal bodily functions. Please pray for this child, as the doctors are trying to understand what is happening and what care she should be receiving. Pray for the parents and their older son, since this is very difficult on the entire family. Pray for our Great Physician to touch this child and bring her healing, and ask for the peace and rest that Jesus offers to be felt by Ben and Kumiko at this time.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Personnel in one Asian country write: “Because of tighter requirements for visas, many on our team still have to travel out for months at a time, and there may be only one family in the country in September at best (out of seven). Six families are currently on the hunt for a new visa. Please pray for 12-month work permits for every husband, and pray that all of the document issues will be worked out for the team to be able to live and work in the homeland of our people group.”


Pray for Jason Dean as the medication he has been taking doesn’t seem to have cured his throat problem. He’ll see the specialist again.

Sylvia Watson’s surgery was Thursday. She’s back in the Pine Ridge community and doing well. Please continue to pray for her.

Kyle Brabham continues to recover from last month’s outpatient surgery. Yesterday, he had treatment on his arm. Please continue to pray for Kyle and his family.

Pray for the people who were in the path of Hurricane Gustav as they try to return to normalcy. Pray for the people in the path of Hurricane Ike as they prepare for the storm. Pray for wise decisions.

Christine S. Gulotta
(June 27, 1932 – September 5, 2008)

Mrs. Christine S. Gulotta, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister was born June 27, 1932 in Independence, LA and passed away September 5, 2008 at the North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was 76, and a resident of Independence. Mrs. Christine was the daughter of the late Joseph and Pauline Sirchia. She is survived by a son, John Joseph Gulotta and daughter-in-law, Cathy Wascom Gulotta, Independence; three sisters, Frances Costa, Independence, Lena Costa, Independence, and Katherine Giartiano, New Orleans; a brother, Frank Sirchia, Independence; three grandchildren, Ashley Gulotta Guzzardo and husband, Russ, Amite, Lacey Gulotta, Independence, Blaine Gulotta, Independence; two great-grandchildren, Bethainee and Bryelle Guzzardo; also numerous nieces and nephews.She was also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Lawrence Gulotta; a brother, John Sirchia; a sister, Annie Cacioppo.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Religious Services at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, at 10:00 a.m. Interment at the Colonial Cemetery Mausoleum.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N and Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

Lucille Sullivan
(October 20, 1939 – September 4, 2008)

Mrs. Lucille Sullivan was born October 20, 1939 in Independence, LA, and passed away September 4, 2008 in Aberdeen, MS. She was 68, and a resident of Loranger. Mrs. Lucille was the daughter of the late John & Lula Mae Williams. She is survived by her husband, Mullen E. Sullivan, Loranger; 2 sons, Mullen E. Sullivan, Jr. and wife, Teresa, Aberdeen, MS and Eddie Timberlake and wife, Gail, Loranger; 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Gwendolyn Viola Boudreaux and a brother, Eugene Williams.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Monday, September 8, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 3:00 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Marshall Wallace officiating. Interment in the Briar Patch Cemetery.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N and Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

Antoinette Liuzza Mason
(June 13, 1937 – September 7, 2008)

Died at 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2008 at the age of 70 years at her residence in Amite. She was born September 13, 1937 in Independence. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday. Mass of Christian Burial Services will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Services conducted by Fr. Joe Camilleri. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite. She is survived by her son, Edward G. Mason, III and wife, Mary “Pat” Bellott Mason, Amite; 5 grandchildren, Christy of Amite, Nicholas of Jasper, TX, Thomas of Corpus Christi, TX, Micheal of Amite, Catherine of Amite; 2 great-grandsons, Jacob and Nathan; 2 brothers, Jack N. Liuzza, Sr. of Amite, Anthony “Fuzzy” Liuzza of Independence. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward G. Mason, Jr.; parents, Nicholas J. & Jennie Carreca Liuzza; son, Nicholas A. Mason, Sr. She was the Medical Lab Director at Hood Memorial Hospital and a Member of Community Advisory Committee (CAC) with LSU Lallie Kemp Medical Center.

Baptist Press

September 8, 2008

CHINA–Good news overshadowed by bad in China. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28857

WASHINGTON–State Department urged to penalize Vietnam. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28858

WASHINGTON–Pelosi’s archbishop invites her to meet on abortion. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28859

GEORGIA–As Ike looms, relief workers take precautions. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28865

LOUISIANA–Collegians were ready for post-Gustav ministry. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28860

ALABAMA–Dellanna O’Brien, former WMU exec, dies at 75. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28861

WASHINGTON–FIRST-PERSON (Terry Mattingly): On the count of three — pray. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28862

VIRGINIA–FIRST-PERSON (Ken Connor): Deadly intentions. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28864

LOUISIANA–New Orleans seminary partially reopens. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28856

SEEING OTHERS AS WE SHOULD

A man dressed as Napoleon went to see a psychiatrist at the urging of his wife. “What’s your problem?” the doctor asked.

“I have no problem,” the man replied. “I’m one of the most famous people in the world. I have a great army behind me. I have all the money I’ll ever need, and I live in great luxury.”

“Then why are you here?”

“It’s because of my wife,” the man said. “She thinks she’s Mrs. Smith.”

Pride tends to do two things with us. It causes us to see ourselves as more important than what we really are. That’s why Paul wrote, “…Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…” (Rom. 12:3, NIV).

But pride also causes us to see other people as less important than what they are. Someone has described us as having a “crab mentality.” The term refers to a pot of crabs in which one tries to escape over the side, but is relentlessly pulled down by the others in the pot. As humans, we often act the same way. If we can’t be somebody great, we can at least pull down others around us so that we look better by comparison!

In the Corinthian church, there was a lot of competition involving spiritual gifts. Those who had the more prominent or public gifts, such as the ability to preach or the ability to speak in different languages, regarded themselves as superior to those who held what they viewed as “less significant” gifts. Paul says, though:

“On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor….But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” (I Cor. 12:22-25, NIV).

May God help us not only to ourselves as He sees us, but to see others around us as He sees them as well.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I wish and pray you have the best day you have had in the last week or so.

Anna Lee

Monday

The annual Fall Food Roundup for the Louisiana Battist Children’s Home is requesting the following items:

Ziplock Bags (gallon/quart)
Mayonnaise
Salad Dressing (Ranch, Italian, Thousand Island)
Pickles
Flour ( Plain & Self Rising)
Sugar
Pancake Mix
Meal (Plain & Self Rising)
Grits (Regular & Instant)
Oatmeal (Regular & Instant)
Cake, Cookie & Brownie Mix
Cake Frosting
Foil, Plastic Wrap, Wax Paper

Cleaning Supplies
Paper Towels
Tea (Regular & Decaf)
Fruit Juice
Spices
Cooking Oil
Kool-Aid & Lemonade
Cream Soups
Instant Potatoes
Hamburger Helper
Canned Pie Filling
Canned Fruit
Cereal
Barbeque Sauce

Ketchup
Syrup
Canned Meats
Chocolate Syrup
Deodorant
Canned Vegetables
Kleenex
Onion Soup Mix
Chicken Broth
Beef Broth
Condensed Milk
Crackers
Laundry Detergent
Dish Soap

Dishwashing Powder
Bath Soap
Hairspray
Deodorant
Feminine Products
Biscuit Mix
Furniture Polish
Cooking Spray
Shampoo/Conditioner
Body Lotion
Cupcake Liners
Microwave Popcorn
Splenda
Toilet Paper

Any of these items can be turned in at FBC by the September 22 collection day. Thank you for sharing with the children who live at LBCH.

Deacons for the week at FBC, Kentwood:

Larry Miller

Henry McKenzie

Kid’s Choir at FBC, Kentwood will begin Wednesday night at 6:30 in the choir room under the direction of Wendy A. Fowler. The children will begin work on “Miracle on Main Street” which will be performed in December.

The associational senior adult revival will be Sept. 15-18 at the following churches:

Monday – Montpelier

Tuesday – Lewiston

Wednesday – Greensburg

Daphne G. Brown
Age 87, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, Daphne passed away peacefully at Hammond Nursing Home on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008. Daphne was a native of Castor, a resident of Hammond for the past 20 years and lived most of her younger adult life in Amite. A true homemaker indeed, she was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking, sewing, gardening, flower arranging and even “acting” in a movie from time to time; however, she always made time for volunteer work in her community. She was known as a highly educated person without a degree, for her favorite pastime was reading – a library book, a magazine, the Bible or whatever she could find. Daphne and her surviving husband, Edward L. Brown, were married on April 5, 1939, and have had 69 beautiful years together. She is also survived by a daughter, Carolyn Brown Spiller and her husband, Dr. Edmund Spiller, of Hammond; granddaughter, Beth Sanders Scamardo, of Pumpkin Center; and grandsons, Greg L. Duoos, of Mandeville, and Douglas D. Brown, of Hammond. She also leaves behind two great-granddaughters, Dara Daphne Stewart and Gwen Brown; along with five great-grandsons, Zach Stewart, Ian Scamardo, Avery Scamardo, Gareth Brown and Wiliam Brown. Surviving siblings are Mary Helen Ellzey, of McComb, Miss., Edna Faye Joseph, Natchez, Miss., and Pope Emmitt Godfrey, of Forest, Miss. Preceding Daphne in death were her daughter, Janice M. Brown; brothers, Dalton and Marshall Godfrey; and parents, Thomas Aaron and Bertha Guin Godfrey. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral service at the chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, west of Hammond, on Monday, Sept. 8, at 11 a.m. Visiting hours on Sunday, Sept. 7, were observed at the funeral home from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation resumes at the funeral home on Monday from 9 a.m. until service time. Daphne’s nephew, Cedric Parsons, lay minister, of Houston, will officiate the service. Interment in Holly Gardens Cemetery. The family expresses “special thanks” to the wonderful staff at Hammond Nursing Home, North Oaks Geriatric Rehabilitation, third floor medicine unit at North Oaks Medical Center, especially Rick Thomas, R.N., and to Brandon and Martha Thompson along with their staff at Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home. Condolences and information are available online at http://www.bgthompsonfuneralhome. com.

Baptist Press

September 5, 2008

HAITI–Storms kill 150, destroy crops in Haiti. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28842

FLORIDA–Florida disaster relief teams bracing for Ike. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28849

LOUISIANA–After Gustav’s chaos, Baptists bring reassurance. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28850

MINNESOTA–McCain’s pastor, a Southern Baptist, prays at RNC. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28843

MEXICO–Mexico high court upholds abortion law. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28844

TENNESSEE–CULTURE DIGEST: College presidents reignite drinking age debate. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28845

GEORGIA–Marriages nurtured despite Hurricane Fay. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28846

GEORGIA–Speakers encourage ‘Fireproof’ marriages. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28847

NORTH CAROLINA–FIRST-PERSON (Nathan A. Finn): Gender and the vice presidency. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28848

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

EVERYONE IS GOING TO SCHOOL!
Just like you, many children around the world have just gone back to school. Kids in Russia did, and now have a special chance to tell their school buddies about their new friend. Weeks ago, you prayed for children in a summer camp and some of them accepted Jesus as Savior. Please pray for these Russian children-they can tell their school friends about their newest friend and Savior, Jesus. Pray they will be brave enough to tell their friends.

I go to an International School where there are a lot of people of different religions. Please pray that these kids will come to know Jesus like we do.

Also please pray for my brother. His best friend just recently began to swear and hang out with some really bad kids.

And please pray that my grandmother will get the right treatments for her breast cancer. JASMINE, age 12, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I go to a school where most of the people are religious but they don’t live a Christian life. Please pray for them to know the Lord. Also please pray for the government. KIRSTEN, age 13, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please pray for my neighbors go to church more often. Pray too that I will make friends. SOPHIE, age 10 (Pacific Rim)

The people in the bush of Angola believe in witchcraft and cults. I pray that these lost people will be touched by the Holy Spirit. I also pray for the province of Cunene. It has had MAJOR flooding and they have way dirty drinking water. Please pray for the thousands who are dying lost every day.

Also pray for us missionaries that we will be able to do God’s work and not ‘lean on our own understanding.’ Pray that we will rely on Him. IONA, age 13, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Ask God to help my grandfather to get better. JAMES, age 9 (Pacific Rim)

For the People Who do not Know God to Know Him. JOSEPHINA, age 9 (South Asia)

Please pray that more people in Argentina will come to Christ especially in Corrientes and in my neighborhood. Also, pray that I will find a great friend close to home here who is already a Christian so I don’t miss my friends in Dallas so much. SAMUEL, age 11 (South America)

I live in Botswana, the people speck Setswana and English. You can pray for the HIV Aids to go down. BLANTON, age 12, (Central Eastern Southern Africa)

My prayer request is that I need God in all aspects of my life like school. GABE, age 14 (Pacific Rim)

My best friend’s mom in Tennessee used to have breast cancer but the dr’s did not remove it all and now she has Stage 4 cancer in 2 or 3 places on her body. Please pray for a miracle to happen. ALYSSA, age 10 ½ (South Asia)

My family just moved so we need to get moved in. Please pray for us that we make new friends, make the house feel like home, and share Jesus. HANNAH, age 11 (Pacific Rim)


LEARNING FROM TREES

 

The following (edited) article is entitled “All I Need To Know About Life I Learned From Trees” (author unknown)

It’s important to have roots.

In today’s complex world, it pays to branch out.

If you really believe in something, don’t be afraid to go out on a limb.

Be flexible so you don’t break when a harsh wind blows.

Sometimes you have to shed your old bark in order to grow.

Grow where you’re planted.

It’s perfectly okay to be a late bloomer.

Avoid people who would like to cut you down.

Get all spruced up when you have a hot date.

If the party gets boring, just leaf.

You can’t hide your true colors as you approach the autumn of your life.

It’s more important to be honest than poplar.

Those are some good lessons. They remind me of some other lessons taught in Psalm 1:

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” (Psalm 1:1-3)

The Psalmist says that a godly man is like a tree in three very important ways. First, he is planted — he’s got his roots put down deep, he’s fortified, stable. Second, he bears fruit — he develops godlike qualities in his character and life. Third, he doesn’t wither — he is able to survive under all circumstances, even days of difficulty.

May your spiritual life take on the qualities on a tree planted by the rivers of water.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina


Be flexible so you don’t break when a harsh wind blows.

That could be the Hurricane Gustav thougth for the week!

Anna Lee

Friday

Hurricane Gustav – Day 5

Life is progressing, but still not normally for many people. It has been interesting to hear where electrical power has and has not been restored. Most people are making the most of their circumstances as they count their blessings. It has been heartwarming to hear people in need to tell you to help someone else whose need is greater! What a Christian spirit!

Since I’m on someone else’s computer, I’ll be brief again today. I have one birth announcement, funeral updates, and Baptist Press articles to share.

David Mark Smith III “TREA” arrived Saturday, August 30th at 2:54p.m. He weighed 7lbs 14oz.
Trea and Mommy are both at home and doing great.
Trea’s parents are David and Monica Estes Smith.

The entire family give thanks to the lord for such a wonderful blessing!

Two funerals services were held this morning. I couldn’t be in two places at once, so I atteded the services for J.L. Williams. It was indeed a special time. The wake for Richard Dunn will be in the morning at McKneely-Vaughn from 9:00 until the funeral at 1:00. Burial will be at Kedron. Please continue to pray for the families who lost loved ones this week.

Baptist Press

September 4, 2008

LOUISIANA–Gustav evacuees find Baptists waiting to help. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28834

FLORIDA–Church’s Gustav shelter: ‘hands & feet of Christ.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28835

LOUISIANA–Electricity problems delay NOBTS reopening. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28836

CALIFORNIA–400 goats visit Golden Gate Seminary. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28837

TENNESSEE–Seminary convocations set forth challenges. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28838

LOUISIANA–EDUCATION BRIEFS: Louisiana College begins master’s degree program. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28839

NORTH CAROLINA–Hawkins urges: Reclaim fear of God. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28840

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Gary D. Myers): Evacuation brings unexpected blessing. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28841

Help a neighbor and be blessed!

Anna Lee

Thursday

Gustav – Day 4

Progress is being made, but many, many people are without electricity and water. They seem to have a wonderful attitute and are appreciative of anything you can do for them. Many people from further south are learning they do have a home to go back to, even if there is some damage. Also, many people are spending hours on the interstate trying to get back home.

Continue to thank God for the many ways people have been spared this week. Thank him for family, friends, and strangers who have taken time to help one another. Pray for safety as people travel and as they work around downed lines and fallen trees.

I want to include two Baptist Press emails and four obituaries. The timing of the deaths this week seems to have made the deaths even more difficult.

Lucille Lewis Pierre
(March 3, 1932 – September 1, 2008)

Died at 12:20 p.m. on Monday, September 1, 2008 at her residence in Husser, LA. She was a native of Independence, LA. Age 76 years. Visitation at New Sharon Baptist Church, Husser, from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 12 Noon Friday. Services conducted by Rev. Kent Newell. Interment New Sharon Cemetery, Husser, LA. Survived by son, Landry Bruce Pierre, Sr., Husser, sister, Sylvia Populus, Uneedus, brother, Royd Lewis, Loranger, 3 grandchildren, Jessica Saragusa, Adam Bernard Capdeboscq, Sr., Landry Bruce Pierre, Jr., 4 great-grandgrandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Louis V. “Boyge” Pierre, Jr., parents, Ollie and Spencer Lewis, daughter, Cynthia Anquenette Capdeboscq, 10 brothers and sisters. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

John M. Newman
(August 20, 1923 – August 31, 2008)

Died at 1:15 pm on Sunday, August 31, 2008 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was a native of Magnolia, MS and a resident of Hammond, LA. Age 85 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. on Friday until religious services at 10 a.m. Friday. Services conducted by Rev. Mitch Williams. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. Survived by sister, Lois LaBauve, numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters, Helen Yentgen, Myrtle Courtney, and Winnie Cox.

Richard W. Dunn

(June 11, 1943 – September 1, 2008)

Richard W. Dunn, the greatest Husband, Daddy, and a most beloved Son and Brother was born July 11, 1943 and passed away at 2:20 P.M., Monday, September 1, 2008, at his residence in Amite. He was 65 and a native of Independence. Richard was the son of Mrs. Eula Jenkins and the late Woodrow Dunn. Richard was the most generous businessman our community ever knew. He also was a man who loved the challenge of hard work and his greatest joy was knowing he was called “Paw Paw”.

Richard is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathryn Daniel Dunn, Amite; 4 daughters, Lori Ballard, Dana Dunn, Kelly Sofge and husband, Ben, and Krsiten Davis all of Amite; mother, Mrs. Eula Jenkins, Amite; 4 sisters, Jeanette Armato, Independence; Evelyn Pittman, Kentwood; Diane Scott, Shreveport; and Rita Blades, Amite; 2 brothers, Leroy Wilson, Shreveport; and Charles Dunn, Amite; 6 grandchildren, Jade Patton, Raina Sofge, Emma Sofge, Savannah Ballard, Richard Chasen Ballard, and Joshua Davis, also numerous aunts, uncles, and extended family. Preceded in death by father, Woodrow Dunn, and 2 brothers, Calvin Wilson and M.L. Wilson.

Visitation will be Saturday, September 6, 2008 from 9:00 A.M. at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, until Religious Services at 1:00 P.M. in the Funeral Home Chapel. Services conducted by Rev. Herb Cowan with interment in the Kedron Cemetery.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

James Lathan Williams Sr., 81, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008, while working on his farm in Kentwood. He was born June 24, 1927, son of Jim and Dora Hughes Williams. J.L.’s passion was farming. He was a dairy farmer for 25 years and for the last 20 years remained a beef cattleman. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Kentwood and was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. Preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Pamela Williams McBride; stepfather, Eddie Williams; four sisters, Edith Cuzzort, Alice Daspit, Juanita Mears and Genell Varnado; and two brothers, LeRoy and Robert Williams. Survived by his wife of 55 years, Wanzie Sharkey Williams, of Kentwood; three sons, James Lathan Williams Jr. and wife Wendy, of Baton Rouge, Stan Williams and wife Visa, of Mandeville, and Gary Williams and wife Reneé, of Baton Rouge; six grandchildren, James Lathan Williams III, Derrick Williams, Chad Williams, Chloe Williams and Zach Williams, all of Baton Rouge, Cory Harold and wife Jessica, of Walker; stepgrandson, Jason Clem, of Fayetteville, Ark.; great-granddaughter, Sydnie Williams, of Baton Rouge; brother, Bruce Williams and wife Mary, of Hammond; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation at First Baptist Church of Kentwood on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until service at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Joey Miller officiating. Burial in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. Arrangements by Hartman-Sharkey Funeral Home, McComb, Miss.

Baptist Press

September 2, 2008

LOUISIANA–Minimal Gustav damage at New Orleans Seminary. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28821

GEORGIA–Baptist feeding units begin their work as weakened Gustav advances inland. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28820

OKLAHOMA–Native American churches launch new organization. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28822

ALASKA–Alaska’s grandeur is church’s mission setting. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28823

TENNESSEE–CP: 0.88% ahead of 2007 pace. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28824

NORTH CAROLINA–FIRST-PERSON (Andrea Higgins): Don’t use the ‘R’ word. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28825

September 3, 2008

GEORGIA–2,000 refugees in Gori fed by Texas volunteers. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28827

MISSISSIPPI–SBC disaster relief teams rolling into Louisiana. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28833

LOUISIANA–Gustav spawns ministry by La., Miss. Baptists. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28828

LOUISIANA–Texting keeps New Orleans seminary alert. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28831

TENNESSEE–Connecting young adults to the things of God. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28830

NEW YORK–N.Y. judge says governor can order ‘gay marriage’ recognized. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28829

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (Tamara Quintana): Preventive care begins with you. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28832

GEORGIA–Relief teams battle lingering winds, rain in Gustav’s wake. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28826

God has taken good care of me this week. I trust you can say the same. Be sure to thank Him.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“The Lord has heard my supplication;

the Lord will receive my prayer.”

~Psalm 6:9~

The Alford baby passed away. I’ll post an obituary when one is available.

Editorial, Hammond Daily Star

Wednesday, August 27, 2008 9:15 AM CDT

As Hurricane Gustav approaches, now is the time for families to review their emergency plans in the event they may have to put them into effect. Now, as always, is also a good time for prayer.

Poignant are the words of the Most Rev. Maurice Schexnayder (1895-1981), second bishop of Lafayette, who authored a prayer for safety against hurricanes many years ago:

“O God, Master of this passing world, hear the humble voices of your children. The Sea of Galilee obeyed Your order and returned to its former quietude. You are still the Master of land and sea. We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control: the Gulf, like a provoked and angry giant, can awake from its seeming lethargy, overstep its conventional boundaries, invade our land, and spread chaos and disaster.

“During this hurricane season we turn to You, O loving Father. Spare us from past tragedies whose memories are still so vivid and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal with passing of time…Amen.”

 

Hurricane Gustav

You may use the link below to track the hurricane and get needed information.

http://media.myfoxtampabay.com/myfoxhurricane/

On Mission in Kentwood will be this Saturday. Meet at the church at 8:00 A.M. for a quick breakfast and an assignment. If you would like to volunteer, please contact First Baptist Church or me. If you know of a project for the volunteers, you may also contact the church or me. Come join in and receive a blessing.

Dr. and Mrs. Steve Bryan have just moved to Austin, Texas where their daughter Anna lives. Pray for the Bryans as they make the adjustment to living in a new area.

Baptist Press

August 27, 2008

COLORADO–While Denver parties, witnesses impact eternity. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28784

WASHINGTON–Pro-lifers decry APA denial of abortion-depression link. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28785

UGANDA–Gospel message met with joyful ‘trill.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28786

UGANDA–Senior duo adds to 70-plus mission trips. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28787

LOUISIANA–Katrina, after 3 years, remains mission opportunity. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28788

(Friday is the three year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.)

FLORIDA–FIRST-PERSON (Christine Sneeringer): No longer lesbian. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28789

KneEmail

Mike Benson

Storm

JESUS TOLD THE twelve to get into a boat on the Sea of Galilee…

As they started across the sea, everything was smooth and calm, and Jesus went to sleep. Suddenly a huge wind blasted on the sea and the boat began to be swamped with water. They awakened Jesus in great fear and said, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” (v. 24). They believed they were going to die right there on the water. Jesus woke up and told the wind and water to be still, and instantly the sea was as smooth as glass. At this point Jesus turned to the disciples and asked, “Where is your faith?” (v. 25). The disciples were now terrified, not of the storm that had stopped, but of the One who stopped the storm.

Why were they suddenly afraid? They had already witnessed so much power from Jesus. What was different on this occasion? The difference was that is was their storm. They were the ones in the boat this time. It was their lives on the line. They knew Jesus could take of the storms in someone else’s life, but it was an entirely different issue when it was personal. People tend to do this all the time. Spiritual lives are destroyed because of the storm of family problems, or the storm of past sin, or the storm of sickness, or the storm of money troubles, ad infinitum. It is easy to tell someone else that they need to trust God to take care of them, but what about when it is my boat that is sinking? What do we do?

If Jesus is with you, outside influences cannot enslave you, nor can they sink your boat (Rom. 8:31-39). Outside influences cannot take away eternity as long as you weather the storm. They may make life more difficult here, but they will not defeat you unless you allow them to do so. Jesus Himself suffered more than any of us, yet He was victorious because His focus was on God’s eternal plan, not the immediate storm of life. The next time you are facing a storm, remember that He needs to be in the boat first, and then you will be successful in weathering whatever storm you are facing. (Terry Frizzell)

“But He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’

And they were afraid, and marveled,

saying to one another, ‘Who can this be?’

For He commands even the winds and water,

and they obey Him!”

~ Luke 8:25 ~

Be prepared for the possible storm.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Love one another as I have loved you.”

~John 15:12, NIV~

We briefly visited with three generations of the Kliesch family. Holly Kliesch is preparing to go to the missionary learning center for orientation as she plans to serve as a MK teacher, probably in West Africa. She will be able to use the French she learned as a child when her parents were missionaries. Pray for her as she begins this special portion of her life. Whitney Kliesch is leaving in a couple days to return to the military. He will be heading to Iraq for his second tour. Pray for him and the other young men and women with him. Pray for the parents and the grandparents as they release two of their family members to serve overseas.

Joan Hagan’s daugher, Rachel O’Brian, requests prayer for two families:

  • Wayne Wales family of the Easleyville area
  • Bobby and Shirley Landers who both have health issues

Joan requests prayer for her aunt, Mrs. Elaine Bennett, as she faces surgery. You can pray for her as she has a 2:30 appointment today.

Joan also reported her mother, Mrs. Betty Bethel, got a good medical report yesterday. Thank God for her good news.

Continue to pray for Kathy Dyer. She’s still in ICU following Monday’s surgery.

Please remember Charlotte Craig (Team Romania) and her family in prayer. Her father, James Preston Cox, passed away today. Ron will be traveling to Tennessee tomorrow to be with her so remember him as he travels. Charlotte flew to Tennessee a little over a week ago to see her father and be with her family.

Blessings,

Donna

It’s time to begin to pray for those in the path of another hurricane, Gustav. My friend and former coworker, Amber Anthony of Tickfaw, is expecting a baby at any time. Her doctor will induce Wednesday if the baby is not born before them. This is a portion of her latest email.

We talked a lot today about the hurricane situation, and I have been praying for God to dissolve the storm completely…I don’t want to wish it on Texas or Mexico…I just want it to disappear! Thanks for your prayers and support!!

At this point, the hurricane’s projected paths include our area. Pray for people who might be in the path of Gustav to begin to make necessary preparations. Unless the storm dissolves or turns around and heads back to the Atlantic (ha ha), it will be making landfall somewhere in early next week.

On Mission in Kentwood will be this Saturday at 8 A.M. Meet at the church for donuts and an assignment. There’s a job for everyone. Come be blessed as God blesses others through you.

Baptist Press
August 26, 2008

WASHINGTON–Alternatives make embryonic stem cell research obsolete. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28777

COLORADO–Behind the scenes in Denver, Baptists aid first responders. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28776

TENNESSEE–Southern Baptists’ views of Scripture studied. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28778

FLORIDA–‘Fickle Fay’ displaces blind family. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28779

FLORIDA–After Fay’s drenching, volunteers mobilize. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28780

TENNESSEE–Union to open 14 student housing buildings. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28781

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Keith Manuel): Sharing Christ in the school. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28782

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

Run from anything that gives you the evil thoughts . . .

but stay close to anything that

makes you want to do right.

2 Timothy 2:22 (LB)

From Linda Williams:

Kathy Dyer is recuperating from her surgery and has been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Please pray for healing and rest.

Jordan Earl McNabb
Jordan Earl McNabb, 21, of McComb, Miss., died on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008, in an automobile accident on U.S. 51 South in Magnolia, Miss. Visitation at Jones Family Funeral Services, McComb, on Tuesday, Aug. 26, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation resumes at the funeral home on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until service at 10 a.m., officiated by the Rev. Wayne Hall, assisted by the Rev. Jimmy Smith, the Rev. Danny Smith and the Rev. Rick Kennedy. Burial in Hall Cemetery, Miss. 48 East. Jordan, born Aug. 4, 1987, in Hammond, was the son of Robert Glenn McNabb and Phyllis Travis. Mr. McNabb was a hard worker and boilermaker for P2S Construction. He was a member of Silver Creek Baptist Church and attended New Heights and Spring Creek Baptist churches. Jordan was a devoted and loving son who was respectful and soft hearted. His family said he didn’t meet a stranger. He was a big time fisherman and loved his little sisters and his “MawMaw Vade.” He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Mr. McNabb was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Houston and Peggy Travis; and paternal grandfather, Robert Lee “Bobby” McNabb. Survivors include his wife, Cheyenne McNabb, of McComb; parents, Robert Glenn McNabb and his wife, Angie, of McComb; and Phyllis Travis and her husband, Jack Terrell, of Magnolia; paternal grandparents, Wayne and Mardell Forrest and Cecil and Barbara Hall; paternal great-grandmother, Levade Spears; aunts and uncles, Benny and Tanya McNabb, Kelly McNabb, Claude and Elaine Forrest, Sonny Travis, Angela “BooBoo” and Brett Ballard, and Lynda Travis; sisters, Chasity Rose Thompson, Heidi Kaye Tisdale and Jessie Montana McNabb; and numerous cousins and friends. Pallbearers will be Benny McNabb, Kelly McNabb, Claude Forrest, Marty Lawson, Davis Haygood, Keith Gerald, Tyler Travis and Jamie McClendon. Honorary pallbearers are John O’Hern, Whitney Webb, Kennis Montgomery and Clayton Jarreau.

Please take time to read some of these articles from Baptist Press. As usual, they are very interesting.

Baptist Press

August 25, 2008

CHINA–Olympic impact echoes in eternity, volunteers say. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28767

CHINA–FROM THE OLYMPICS: ‘Redeem Team’ duo add perspective to redemption. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28768

CHINA–LETTER FROM CHINA, Lottie Moon: ‘Now is the time of opportunity.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28769

TENNESSEE–Prayer vigil for revival to begin Sept. 24. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28770

GEORGIA–In Gori, relief logistics move forward. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28771

ILLINOIS–Obama, Biden align on most major issues. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28772

TENNESSEE–DVDs give modern-day view of Jesus’ parables. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28773

TENNESSEE–EDITORIAL (Will Hall): In China, some things never change but some things cannot stay the same. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28774

Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“As holy people . . .be sympathetic,

kind, humble, gentle, and patient.”

Colossians 3:12 (GWT)

Pray for Sylvia Watson of the Pine Ridge community as she prepares for surgery.

Pray for Kyle Brabham as he prepared to see his doctor again tomorrow.

Sunday, Robert Wilson said he was doing better with his case of shingles. Please continue to pray for him.

Jason Alford said the constant pain in his leg is gone. He can still experience pain when he moves the leg sideways. Thank God for not needing surgery, good medical treatment, modern brace, and a supporting family. Pray for Jason to be able to stay off the leg for the coming months.

Jason Dean saw the specialist yesterday morning and will try a new medication to address his problem. Pray for Jason as he tries this medication.

Mr. Frankie Gehringer continues to improve. His wife said he was able to go to a fire yesterday. If you know him, you know how important helping others in this way is to him. Thank God for his progress. Thank-you for praying for him.

Mrs. Blanch Wheat continues to be at home. Visitors would be a blessing to her and she would be a great blessing to the visitors!

Larry Miller is home again after another surgery. Pray for Larry as he recovers.

Mrs. Barbara Erwin was walking without a cane last night. Thank God she is now pain free.

Mr. I.W. Simmons will begin chemo tomorrow. Pray for him as he goes through the treatment.

Mr. Raymond Anthony is scheduled to leave rehab and go home tomorrow. Pray for him and “Miss” Velma as the recovery process continues.

Mr. Larry Watts continues to do well as his recovery continues. He will probably have a pacemaker implanted in the near future.

Mrs. Mary Nell Kliesch is facing surgery. Pray for her and her family.

The monthly share group will meet at the Alford cabin tonight at 6:30 for a time of fellowship, food, devotional study, and prayer. You are invited to attend. If you need directions please call.

Baptist Press

TENNESSEE–Diver to begin her final Olympics event. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28722

TENNESSEE–Olympian ready to showcase his sport. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28723

CHINA–Olympian once was a rebellious teen. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28724

CHINA–Bronze medalist thanks God through running. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28725

CHINA–LETTER FROM CHINA: ‘The sun shall not smite thee.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28726

TENNESSEE–Faith healer separates from wife, draws criticism from charismatics. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28727

WASHINGTON–Calif. court: Fertility doctor must treat gays. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28728

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Keith Manuel): Running the race. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28729

GOD IS LEFT-HANDED?

Little Bobby was spending the weekend with his grandmother. His grandmother decided to take him to the park on Saturday morning. It had been snowing all night and everything was beautiful.

His grandmother remarked, “Doesn’t it look like an artist painted this scenery? Did you know God painted this just for you?”

Bobby said, “Yes, God did it and he did it left-handed.”

This confused his grandmother a bit, and she asked him, “What makes you say God did this with his left hand?”

“Well,” said Bobby, “we learned at Sunday School last week that Jesus sits on God’s right hand!”

Indeed he does! “[God] worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.” (Ephesians 1:20-21)

The Hebrew writer tells us that such is an indication that Christ is far greater than any of the angels (1:3-4). Paul tells us in Romans 8:34 that Christ makes intercession for us while he is there at the right hand of God.

Jesus sits on God’s right hand. That doesn’t mean God is left-handed, but it does tell us just how magnificent Christ is!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Yesterday, I heard on the television that the deputy that was killed in another parish recently sang “How Great Thou Art”. She knew something many others need to learn!

Anna Lee