Category: Baptist Press

Tuesday

I mean that I want us to help each other

with the faith we have.

Your faith will help me,

and my faith will help you.

Romans 1:12 (NCV)

Update on Jordan Russell:

This evening about 5pm Jordan had his trach removed!!! Thank you for praying for him! He is feeling a lot better with it out and breathing well. It was so nice to hear him talk again.

If all goes well he will be discharged Tuesday. Please continue to pray for Jordan as he continues to recover from the surgery and as the trach opening closes. Please also pray for his left shoulder. It has been bothering him since he woke up Thursday. He says it feels like it goes numb or tingles from time to time.

Love,

Melinda and family

PARAGUAY. Missionary Iracema Kunkel writes: “As Sunday approached, I started reminding those we were discipling to go to church. O., a divorced mother with a 13-year-old son, was one who needed special attention. She prayed to receive Christ in February after reading a written testimony distributed by one of our Baptist volunteers during a prayerwalk. However, O. had stopped coming for discipleship. I called her and asked her to come to church with us. After church, we spent the afternoon together. As we talked, she shared with us why she had stopped coming. Our conversation turned into a six-hour counseling session! We learned that she still had many idols in her house and in her heart. Tim and I offered to do a ‘cleaning’ of all the idols that were keeping her from following the Lord. We took two bags and went to her home. One of the bags we filled and burned in an incinerator at her place. She told the security guards who were watching that she was ‘burning her sins’! The other bag we packaged and sent back to her parents. They were family gifts, and she did not feel comfortable burning them, but at least they are out of her home. We prayed in each room of her house. O. is free today and calls us her adopted parents. Pray for her as she tries to live a holy life. God cleaned her house and her heart.”

HUNGARY. August 20, St. Stephen’s Day, is Hungary’s largest celebration of the year. Commemorating the founding of the Hungarian state in 1000 A.D. by St. Stephen, Hungary’s first Christian king, it is celebrated with parades, folk singing, fairs and fireworks. Please pray that the people will come to realize that a Christian heritage cannot take the place of a personal relationship with Christ, and that Hungarian believers will take this opportunity to share their faith with those around them. Pray that Hungary will become a country that is not only culturally Christian, but also known as a place where the Lord is truly honored in the hearts and lives of the people. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 33:12a). http://www.heartforhungary.com

Please pray that the people will come to realize that a Christian heritage cannot take the place of a personal relationship with Christ,

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 33:12a).

Does that make you think of any other nation(s)?

PAKISTAN. In 2005, an earthquake ravaged the northern areas of Pakistan, killing more than 70,000 people and destroying the fragile infrastructure of this developing nation. Due to this calamity, hostile areas closed to foreigners were desperate for aid and hope. Three years after this tragedy, God’s people are still responding with medical assistance and a physical demonstration of God’s love. Recently a mobile medical clinic offered care to women and children. A team of college students from the United States came to assist with childcare, health data collection, and fellowship with the Pakistani women. Within 20 minutes of setting up their tent, they had a long line of women and children waiting to see the woman doctor. The students painted the children’s hands and played games with the little ones while the women listened to stories from the Word told in their own language. The doctor saw more than 80 patients in only seven hours. For many of these women, it was the first time someone had come to listen to them, hear their troubles, and help them. Please pray for fruit to come through the Word that has been planted among the women in this area. Pray that the demonstration of love will speak far louder than the medical advice they received.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. At the end of their summer stateside assignment, a couple who serves in Western Europe left their second daughter, as well as her older sister, in the United States to attend college. Pray that their daughter will have no problem adjusting to life in the country that she left behind when she was 5 months old. Pray that both of these young women will have a good year at their respective universities.


(I would like to add another request. Pray for the parents who went back to their field of service without two daughters.)

Baptist Press had some excellent, interesting articles yesterday evening. Read a few for yourself.

Baptist Press

August 18, 2008

CALIFORNIA–At forum, McCain & Obama differ sharply on abortion, judiciary. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28712

CALIFORNIA–Forum gives Saddleback members unique opportunity. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28713

CHINA–FROM THE OLYMPICS: 2 gold medals come by faith. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28714

CHINA–Bronze medalist devotes her talent to God. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28715

TENNESSEE–Triathlete relying on God’s strength. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28716

CHINA–Sprinter seeks platform for faith. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28717

CHINA–LETTER FROM CHINA: A hard question, an earnest appeal. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28718

FLORIDA–Fla. Baptists prepare for Fay’s wind & rain. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28719

TENNESSEE–Pastor pay raises edge out inflation. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28720

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (Trey Graham): How much church is enough? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28721

A Few Moments with God

 

For I have set you an example,

that you also should do as I have done to you.

(John 13:15 NRSV Bible)

Choosing great persons for models is good advice for anybody. But who would be on your list? A few of us might choose Mother Teresa. Some may choose Martin Luther King, Jr., the Pope, or Billy Graham. But if you want to find someone who has done all things well our list would be mighty short.

Who shall we choose to follow? There is only one who achieved excellence in every area of life and that one was Jesus Christ. He lived well, he taught well, he died well. Beyond that, he rose triumphantly and lives with God forever. Christ is the one we celebrate today. Christ is the one we should model our lives after.

In a Peanuts cartoon, Snoopy sat droopy-eyed at the entrance of his dog house. He lamented, “Yesterday I was a dog. Today I’m a dog. Tomorrow I will still be a dog. There’s so little hope for advancement!”

We are who we are, but we can be so much more by modeling our lives after Jesus Christ.

Dear God, how wonderful is the example of your son. May I do all I can to allow him to live through me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Ron Newhouse

Thanks for being there to pray each day. Your prayers mean so much to so many.

Anna Lee

Saturday

 

 

 

 

“Be imitators of God, therefore,

as dearly loved children and live a life of love,

just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us

as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

~Ephesians 5:1-2, NIV~

 

 

Friday Night Update on Jordan Russell:

Thank you for continuing to pray for Jordan. He is doing better but still has a ways to go even before going home. The doctor decided to keep Jordan’s trach in until Monday since his throat is still swollen making it hard to breathe through his nose and mouth. Pray he can keep nourishment down. He tried eating this afternoon but got sick. He gets easily anxious or stressed. Please pray he will take it easy as he begins to take liquid or soft foods like Boost, jello, pudding and even ice cream. He is still in ICU but may be moved to a regular room Saturday.

Thank you for praying for Jordan and us.

Love,

Melinda and guys

I talked with Beth before and after Kyle Brabham went to the doctor yesterday. Kyle is doing well, but experiencing pain. Pray for him as he continues to recover from surgery.

Richard Dunn continues to be at East Jefferson, but plans to come home Sunday or Monday. Pray for Richard and Kathy as they make the transition to their home.

Jason Dean has been having problems with his tonsils most of the week. Pray for him as he continues to try to get well.

Baptist Press

August 15, 2008

CHINA–‘God is my biggest fan,’ Olympics rower says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28698

CHINA–FROM THE OLYMPICS: With memories of Phelps, teacher heads to the classroom. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28699

CHINA–LETTER FROM CHINA: A visit to Saling. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28700

TENNESSEE–Relief workers monitor needs in Georgia conflict. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28701

WASHINGTON–LIFE DIGEST: Abortion doctor pleads not guilty in believer’s death. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28702

TEXAS–Katrina tragedy still grips missionary’s call. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28703

KENTUCKY–Beth Moore simulcast reaches 70,000 women. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28704

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): We need more men like these. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28705

ARKANSAS–FIRST-PERSON (Emil Turner): Heroism. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28706


SEEKING PRIVACY

The following humorous piece was sent to me author unknown:

ATTENTION CHILDREN: The Bathroom Door is Closed.

Please do not stand here and talk, whine, or ask questions. Wait until I get out.

Yes, it is locked. I want it that way. It is not broken, I am not trapped. I know I have left it unlocked, and even open at times, since you were born, because I was afraid some horrible tragedy might occur while I was in here, but it’s been 10 years and I want some PRIVACY.

Do not ask me how long I will be. I will come out when I am done.

Do not bring the phone to the bathroom door.

Do not go running back to the phone yelling, “She’s in the BATHROOM!”

Do not begin to fight as soon as I go in.

Do not stick your little fingers under the door and wiggle them. This was funny when you were two, but not now.

Do not slide pennies, Legos, or notes under the door. Even when you were two this got a little tiresome.

If you have followed me down the hall talking, and are still talking as you face this closed door, please turn around, walk away, and wait for me in another room. I will be glad to listen to you when I am done.

And yes, I still love you.

(signed)
Mom

I know that every parent (and especially every mother) can relate to that. Sometimes it seems that there is no hope of any privacy. No matter where you go, little steps are heard right behind you. You try to hold a private conversation and little ears are listening. There’s no getting away from it!

That’s true of God as well. Though we may sometimes wish that we could get away from Him for just a few minutes, there’s no way. Listen to how David put it:

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” (Psalm 139:7-8, NIV)

Though, at first, it may seem that God’s continual presence is something to dread, David realizes that there is great comfort in such knowledge:

“If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.”

(Psalm 139:9, NIV)

God’s omnipresence means that He will always be there to take care of us, no matter where we may be. Instead of being something to fear, His presence is something which gives us comfort.

Take comfort today in knowing that you can never get away from God — not even by closing the bathroom door!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina


Have a great weekend!

Anna Lee

Friday

“I cried to the Lord with my voice,

and He heard me from His holy hill.”

~Psalm 3:4~

Thursday Night Update on Jordan Russell:

Just a note to let you know Jordan is awake and off of the ventilator. He still has the trach. He is in pain so he can have pain med every hour if he needs it. They did give him a medicine this afternoon for nausea that also makes him sleepy which was good since after waking up this morning he was having problems at times going and staying a sleep. Tonight they gave him a relaxing med to help him sleep better. He did have some ice chips this afternoon. The trach is very uncomfortable to him so pray it comes out Friday morning. I am heading up there first thing since Roger has a book review due for his summer school class and has to do some other online stuff for the fall semester.

Pray Jordan rests well and the trach comes out Friday. Pray he does well as he begins taking liquid nourishment. AND yes pray his throat heals without any more problems!

It was great seeing his golden brown eyes and smile today.

Love,

Melinda and guys

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Friday, August 15, 2008

“…as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life” (Romans 6:4b, HCSB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, praying with you for new house churches and their outreach.

A cell church in Tijuana chose the name New Life Baptist Church. One of the men said that he liked the name because it describes where most of them are. They desire to put away their old lives and to put on the new life they have in Christ. Pray fervently that others-family members, neighbors, co-workers and friends-will come to that same desire.

There was an outreach among the Rural Xhosa of South Africa and 60 people accepted Christ as Savior. Follow up continues and N, a local, national pastor is planning to start a new church. Pray that the people will grow closer to the Lord daily and that they will tell others about this major decision in their lives.

In the aftermath of Kenya’s violence in early 2008, some Nairobi Christians are fearful about returning to their churches. Pray that leaders will be successful in teaching that God can be worshipped anywhere. Intercede for Nairobi Christians who are reluctant to return to traditional Sunday services, asking that they find peace in house churches.

In recent months, you have prayed for a small church start in Petropavlovsk. The Lord is hearing and answering your prayers. At a recent service, one teenager, M, began asking questions about God’s transforming power. While everyone was gathered around the table for a time of fellowship and tea that evening, M announced that he had decided to give his life to Christ. He was warmly welcomed into the family of God.

* Please pray for unity among members of these young churches.

* Ask the Lord to speak to the hearts of non-Christians in the areas of these congregations so that they will welcome the witness of believers.

* Pray for new believers as they learn to walk in a new way of life.

Baptist Press

August 14, 2008

CHINA–Nancilea Foster’s next challenge: Diving debut at Beijing Olympics. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28688

CHINA–Olympian finds victory over insecurity & fear. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28689

WASHINGTON–Beijing coerces churches not to meet July-October. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28690

CHINA–LETTER FROM CHINA: On the breakdown of missionaries. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28691

ARKANSAS–Gunman enters Baptist bldg. after killing. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28692

SOUTH AFRICA–Ostrich ministry is hope for South Africa. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28693

SOUTH AFRICA–Zimbabwean farmer faces death & forgives. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28694

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (Penna Dexter): On abortion, is this what you mean? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28695

KOMpray

“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

MISSIONARY KIDS IN COLLEGE

Everyone is buying school supplies-notebooks, shoes, clothes. It can be a lot of fun! I always liked going back to school because I got to see my friends again. I missed going to the pool, but I liked being with my classmates. Several MKs sent us prayer requests because they are getting ready for college. They live in foreign countries but will move to the United States, leaving their families overseas.

Here are some requests from some MKs in Central, Eastern and Southern Africa:

IAN, age 18, asks, “Pray for me as I start university at Liberty this August. Pray that I’ll stay with the Lord on the straight and narrow.”

MARIA, age, 18, left Kenya and asks us to pray that she will stay strong in her faith & convictions-that she will continually seek Christ and keep Him first in her heart. And that her life will always tell of God’s love, grace and mercy.

SARAH, age 18, is pretty nervous. She is not going to a Christian school so asks we pray for her to stay faithful to Jesus. Her parents will have children on 3 different continents, so pray that her family will remain strong.

ELIANNA, age 17, wants us to pray for her family while she is away, and please pray for AIDS victims that they may learn the truth about Jesus Christ and the eternal life that He can offer.

KIMBERLY, age 17, prays for her adjustment. I want my relationship with God to flourish rather than suffer. Also, it will be difficult to adjust to the American way of life – very difficult. Pray that God will lead her to a strong Christian group of friends and a good church that is on fire for God. Kimberly wants us to pray for her family-“I will miss them so much. Also, my father travels a lot for his job. So this will be difficult, and not just because I have to leave.”


MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

My mommy is having a baby. Please pray for her and for the new baby. Also pray that the people in White River will have enough food and clothes. CALLIE, age 6, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray for my brother that he would stop his bad habits. PHILIP, age 10 (Pacific Rim)

One of my sister’s best friends still comes by our house to visit. She has been a Christian for about three years. My mom shared Bible stories with her, her grandmother, aunt, and cousins. This believer has been treated really bad by her grandmother. Her grandmother even took her Bible. But that has not stopped her from believing in Jesus. One day she said … they can take my Bible but they can never take Jesus out of my heart. Please pray for this believer and for her grandmother, aunt and cousins. Pray that they will come to believe in Jesus just like my friend. DILLON,age 15 (West Africa)

The language in Malawi is called Chichewa. Please pray for the Muslims in Malawi. NATHANEL, age 11 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I get scared at night that my parents will get hurt really bad. My dad is sometimes going in and out of a country where Christians get hurt. (It’s called persecution) Please pray that I will not get scared at night and that God will keep my parents safe.

RACHEL, age 10 (South Asia)

Help me get better at reading. JULIANA, age 5 (Pacific Rim)

I would appreciate it if you prayed for my patience. I want to be able to not have a quick temper. ALISSA, age 11 (South Asia)

Please Pray for my grandma because she has breast cancer, and she’s not a Christian. Also, pray for my grandpa because he doesn’t have a job yet, SAMI, age 10, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Earlier this year, there was a lot of flooding where I live. Many people have lost their homes. There’s not a lot of drinking water for the people. Churches in Luanda, Angola are giving food and drinking water to the people. Please pray for the churches as they help. VERONICA, age 12, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray for some people I met that they get better. They have tumors in their necks. Please pray that they get more money because the people where I live are very poor. JARED, age 6, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

YOU PRAYED FOR 5 MINUTE ENGLISH ON MARCH 28

They kept coming! A group of volunteers and summer interns in Tokyo were out sharing 5 Minute English at a local train station. Remember the prayer request we had in the spring? The students hold signs up at train stations and scream “5 Minute English!” The Japanese stop to have an English conversation, and the students tell them about Jesus. Late one day the students put the signs down and got ready to leave. BUT the Japanese people kept coming to talk. Two hours later the team finally left! Please pray for God to continue to keep the door open for the Tokyo Team to do 5 Minute English in Japan.

Pray for the needs mentioned by these missionary kids. May their prayer requests ring in our ears all day today.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

Join with others in following my example, brothers,

and take note of those who live

according to the pattern we gave you.

Philippians 3:17 (NIV)

 

 

Pray for Jason Alford as he gets MRI results today in Rome, Georgia.

Please continue to pray for Greg Fortenberry. Greg was involved in an accident Memorial Day and has been hospitalized for twelve weeks at Ochsner Hospital. The plan is to try to move him to Hammond this week. Pray for Greg and his caregivers as they continue to watch over him.

Baptist Press

August 12, 2008

CHINA–Prayer helped outfielder reach the Olympics. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28668

CHINA–Archer ties Olympic mark, but loses next round. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28669

NORTH CAROLINA–Olympian to teach at Baptist school. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28670

CHINA–LETTER FROM CHINA: Ignorance about China is inexcusable. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28671

TENNESSEE–2008 Baptist Hymnal makes official debut. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28672

CALIFORNIA–Out-of-state donations key to Calif. Prop 8’s success. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28673

CALIFORNIA–DNC gave $25,000 to defeat Calif. amendment. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28674

CALIFORNIA–‘Prejudicial’ language to stay on Prop 8 ballot. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28675

KENTUCKY–FIRST-PERSON (R. Albert Mohler Jr.): Confusing the ‘gay marriage’ issue. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28676


INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, August 13, 2008

 

“A joyful heart is good medicine,

but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”

Proverbs 17:22, HCSB

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, asking you to pray for medical ministries.

In 2005, an earthquake ravaged the northern areas of Pakistan, destroying the fragile infrastructure of this nation. God’s people are still responding with medical assistance. Recently a team of college students came to assist a mobile medical clinic team with childcare, health data collection, and fellowship with the Pakistani women. Within 20 minutes of setting up, they had a long line waiting to see the woman doctor. The students painted the children’s hands and played games while the women listened to stories from the Word told in their own language. The doctor saw more than 80 patients in only seven hours. For many of these women, it was the first time someone had come to listen, hear their troubles, and help them.

As the result of a prayerwalking trip among the Kano Katsina Fulbe, a ministry is now offered in an area of 17 Nigerian villages. The chief and the health workers (all Muslim) offered to let Christian workers use their clinic. The team agreed saying, “If we do that, we would also like to share about the way of Jesus.” Their response? “That is OK with us.”

A medical team from Alabama is currently in Guatemala holding a medical clinic in a Kekchi village. The VIC Team in Colombia has begun nutrition groups in several areas of the country for malnourished children under 5 years of age and for expectant mothers. A dental team will arrive in Guinea August 15. This is the first clinic hosted by the Fulbe Futa Team.

Summer student workers are in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, assisting dentists and other doctors in clinics. After a pediatrician helped a family, they shared the gospel and a mother and daughter were saved!

* Please pray for the preparations for these various medical and dental clinics.

* Ask God to draw the patients to Himself as workers demonstrate His love in both word and deed.

* Thank the Lord for opening doors through practical means.

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

BE IT FOREVER understood that Jesus Christ never came into the world merely to explain what sin is…

Moses had for his mission the exposition of sin through the law; Christ has for His mission the eradication of it. Jesus did not apologize for sin; Christ never died so that sin might appear less sinful, that God might be less severe toward sin. Indeed, we never see sin to be so black as when we view its evil as revealed in the sufferings of Jesus, nor is God’s wrath ever more intolerable than when we behold it consuming His only begotten Son. No, Christ came to cure sin, not to cover over it, nor to make men forget the disease by drugging them with presumptuous thoughts of consolation but by absolutely removing that which is the cause of their dread and to make them whole. (Charles Spurgeon)

“It is not the healthly who need a doctor,

but the sick.”

Matt. 9:12

 

 

 

Share the Doctor with someone who is “sick”!
Anna Lee

Friday

 

 

See how very much our heavenly Father loves us,

for he allows us to be called his children,

and we really are!

1 John 3:1 (NLT) 

School!  Many area children will be beginning school today.  Pray for them as they embark on a new educational year.

 

 

Don’t forget to pray for the important unspoken request from the McCain family.

Today, I want to focus much of The Prayer Link on believers and missionaries around the world.  This give us a little glimpse into their prayer needs.  As you read about each situation, please pray for all the similar situations around the world.

KOMpray

(Kids on Mission Pray)

 August 8, 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

 

TIME FOR THE OLYMPICS

The 2008 Olympic Games have begun! Runners and swimmers, gymnasts and equestrians (they are the ones that ride horses) are all gathering in China. What about you? Are you and your family planning to watch the basketball or soccer tournaments? Everyone in the world is watching to see if their favorite team does well or to see how many medals their country wins. People have been planning a really long time to get ready for the Olympics. New buildings had to be built. Composers wrote special music, and directors planned the opening and closing ceremonies. Hundreds of people have been buying food and planning meals for the athletes. SOMEONE had to put sheets on a lot of beds. Whew, they have worked very hard just to get ready.Every time you watch the Olympics on TV, please pray for the athletes, the planners, and the visitors!

 

Did you know that thousands of Bibles and New Testaments will be given away during the Olympic Games? Fifty thousand copies of the books Matthew, Mark, Luke and John will be given to the athletes too. Please pray that people will read the Word of God and want to know more about Jesus.

 

Pray for Christians who are in China during the Olympics. They will get to tell people how much they love Jesus AND how much He loves them. Ask God to give them courage and the right words. Pray for Chinese Christians. There are about 1.3 billion people in China-that’s 1,319,175,332 and growing every day. Ask God to help Chinese Christians not be afraid but be bold in telling their friends and family about Jesus.

 


YOU SAW IT IN GA WORLD, July 30, 2008

Amanda Williams was featured in GA World/Children in Action magazine, and she had a prayer request. Do you remember praying for her? Here is that request:

Pray that people will know Jesus in our city. Pray that my friends at school will know Jesus, because we are the only Christians here. Pray for new churches. AMANDA, age 11 (Western Europe)

Amanda and her family say thanks for your prayers! Here is a quick update:

They just had an awesome Upwards Summer Basketball Camp with more than 100 children. Pray for all these children and their families. Most of them still do not Jesus.


MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please pray that national believers will not be shy about sharing their faith with others in their villages. Dillon, age 15 (West Africa)

 

I live in Argentina and many of the people there don’t know Jesus. For example if I’m on a bus with 100 people, only 3 of them know Jesus. Please pray for the people of Argentina. TORI, age 9 (South America)

 

My mom has had surgery. My brother and sister and cousin were in a car accident in America, and my cousin is in a coma. My brother and sister are fine. Please pray for my cousin. Many people that live around me are lost and please pray that I’ll be a good witness to them. Hinduism has many gods and the people believe there is a third eye on their forehead. VIOLET, age 10 (South Asia)

 

Please pray that the youth group at our church would grow. CALEB, age 16 (Pacific Rim)

 

Cyclones are dangerous in Madagascar, some people have died and others have lost their homes. Please pray for those who have been affected by the cyclones. PAUL, age 15 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

 

Please pray that I can help my parents lead people to Christ. CODY, age 13 (Pacific Rim)

 

Please pray for my friend that is working at a summer camp. Pray for a friend for me in India because all my friends are gone to the U.S. MARINA, age 10 (South Asia)

 

 

Melinda Russell passed these requests on for us to pray.

 As you read the following email – please just begin to pray. Thank you for believing in the power of prayer and trusting our Father with all things.

 

We see how the enemy will use anything to discourage, frustrate or distract us from Kingdom work. Pray for us to be an encouragement to our families even miles away.

Thank you for all your prayers and support. We could not do this without you and our Great God – our Redeemer and Almighty Healer!


No matter what the outcome — May we all continue to give Him Praise, Glory and Adoration for He is our only hope!

Loving God’s Gypsies, Tamara for the Banks family (in Braila, Romania)

A great big “Thank You” to all of you praying friends who have lifting us up in prayer. An important decision has been reached concerning the direction of our ministry, and it has been accomplished because of the faithful prayers of God’s people. If we really knew the affect that our prayers have on us, on others, and on events, we would certainly make more and better use of it. If God’s people don’t or won’t pray—-who will? (Sorry, I slipped into my preacher role, I’m back now). What I mean is—-thank you for praying for us!! The decision has been made that we will move to Craiova, RO. We will join Bob and Diane Wagstaff in ministering to the 300K+ people of Craiova and the many people of the surrounding villages who do not know the Love of God shown by the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross for the sins of the whole world. Our first prayer request is for you to go to the Lord daily for——-the Lost. They have no hope, but Jesus, and they don’t know Him as Savior and Lord, yet. Notice, I said yet. There is still time. “Today…harden not your hearts…. Come unto me…. Whosoever will, may come.”

After praying for the lost, please remember us in prayer:

for all of the CHANGES. We have gone through many big changes this year already, and here we go again for some more. We need HIS grace.

I was going to ask you to pray that God would provide for us with a furnished apartment BUT, before we could publish the need for your prayers, God has already answered. Bob and Diane Wagstaff have been apartment hunting for us in Craiova, and they were successful!!! They found us a large, furnished apartment that we could rent until the middle of December. Then we will stay in Bob and Diane’s apartment while they are on stateside assignment back in Texas.

This reminds me of the verse in Isaiah 65:24—“Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.”

When you are on God’s business—you are on God’s time, and He is in charge of every detail. Praise the Lord!!

  • for packing and moving. We will keep our IMB apartment in Bucharest and can leave there whatever we won’t need in Craiova, but what to leave and what to take can get sticky. We need His wisdom.
  • for our fellow missionaries in and around Craiova. They will have the additional tasks of getting us oriented and incorporated into the work. We all will need His patience.
  • and lastly, for Bucharest Christian Academy. Margie was slated to be their Art teacher this next year, but now she will not be able to do that. Please pray that all of the teachers they will need to teach all of the students that will come will be found and enlisted. This school ministers not only to the families of missionaries, but to the children of business and government leaders, etc. This school is like a little U.N., with people from all over the world affiliated. Pray for God’s abundant provision of good teachers.

“With this prayer letter, we will be signing off of Team Bucharest and will be joining Team Romania. You can look for us under that link on this website.”

Everyone we have talked to, who knows the Craiova area, has said that this will be a great challenge. The area has the reputation of being difficult and dark. SO, what does that mean for us and for you? We will need to be fully equipped Prayer Warriors every day or we may get run over. Will you arm yourself for the battle too? We are in a war for the souls of men and women. The kingdom of darkness has them held captive, and Jesus wants to deliver them and destroy the works of the devil. He wants them out of that dark kingdom into His glorious Kingdom of Love and Light. Will you help us in the battles? Will you pray? Thank you fellow soldiers.

 

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Missionaries serving among the Fulbe/Futa Jalon people of Guinea ask: “Please pray for our 15-year-old daughter as she goes off to boarding school for the first time on August 11. She will be joining her older brother, who was there for the spring semester. They will be leaving their youngest brother back in Guinea, which will surely be a lonelier place for him without either sibling around. Please pray that our family will see God’s bigger picture.” 

 

 INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Friday, August 8, 2008

“…a great chasm has been fixed between us and you,

so that those who want to pass over from here to you cannot;

neither can those from there cross over to us”

(Luke 16:26, HCSB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, simply encouraging you to pray. Occasionally, a missionary speaker or newsletter will strike a special chord; and I hear the words with sensitivity to the challenges missionaries face on the field.

“God is faithful. When the enemy is exposing and taking advantage of our weakness, when discouragement seems to overwhelm, our Lord is still near. When our reactions to trials are less than Spirit-led, He doesn’t turn His back, but patiently waits for us to notice His presence… and when we do, His grace is overwhelming….When I originally asked you to pray for us, I thought it would be in times like these I would be most determined to reach out, but it turned out … We just didn’t know what to say.”

Another missionary shared the emotions of first arriving on the field. “The Sahara Desert-I saw it and it didn’t look so bad. Of course, I was flying in an airplane high above the heat, drinking a soda, enjoying the air conditioning and watching a movie.” As time progressed, this missionary and his family faced sickness, loneliness, family issues in the United States, exhaustion, extreme heat, burn out, low response-they persevered despite serving the first ten years without a single convert.

Obviously, missionaries deal with emotional strain and discouragement; but hear what else they have to say. “Why do we do international missions? Why do we send men and women off to spend their lives at risk? We do it because being lost, apart from God, is the very worst human condition. Nothing is as bad as being separated from God.“

Missionaries are called of God to cross cultural boundaries and teach eternal salvation through Jesus. Missionaries are going, so what is our part? PRAY. Pray for missionaries to persevere and pray that the lost will accept salvation, crossing from death to God’s abundant life.

 

 

 

Please take time to read this Baptist Press article.  It is an eye-opener!

TURKEY–Iranian couple dies from police attack. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28631

 

 

I hope you have taken time to soak in every word today.  If not, please return to read, learn, and pray.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all people.”

~1 Chronicles 16:24~

 

 

I have an unspoken request from Tricia Wall McCain. Please pray as she requested.

Mrs. Barbara Hutchinson is home and progressing nicely. Please continue to pray for her as she heals.

Continue to pray for Kyle and Beth Brabham as they see his doctor this afternoon at 2 P.M.

Jeff Tolar was discharged yesterday. His surgery went well. Please continue to pray for him as he recovers from surgery.

Aubrey Perry is home and will be beginning a new treatment.

Please continue to pray for Mr. I.W. Simmons as he battles cancer.

Mr. Raymond Anthony had hip surgery Tuesday. Pray that after the recovery process he will be able to get around much better.

Please continue to pray for Mrs. Avis Sullivan as she continues to recover from her surgery.

Please continue to pray for Robert Wilson as he battles shingles. Pray for the pain to ease quickly.

Glenda Schilling said her mother, Mrs. Ona Schilling, has had some problems lately, but is basically okay. Please continue to pray for Mrs. Schilling and for Glenda.

Bro. Brady Haynes sent this report of his mission trip taking International World Changers to work with the Roma (Gypsies):

. . . . The Czech trip was amazing. Our main objective was to engage the Roma people through sports and spiritual conversations for the purpose of finding believers in the area who would be willing to start house churches. Boyd said that several key individuals were located in the areas where we worked and assured us that he objective was reached. One of the sights in particular had about 26 conversions (children and adults) and our site had 3-4. It is always cool for me to see the lives of students changed when they go on an international mission trip. The Roma are outcasts…the focus of prejudice and hatred…and God called us to minister to them. Our students have already been discussing ways to do local ministry to the outcasts and forgotten. Please pray for our group and those Roma that were confronted with the Gospel. Also, please pray for Honza and Lenka our translators who are not believers. Several of us have connected with them over Facebook so that we can continue the relationship over the web for the purpose of sharing the Truth of Christ.


Thanks for your prayers!

Brady and “the Bunch”

(Jennie reported the team from Alabama was well trained and did an excellent job with each task assigned to them.)

 

 

A Message to Teens about Profanity

By Phil Boatwright

Baptist Press


KANSAS CITY, Kan. (BP)–Name me a PG-13 film that doesn’t employ profanity (that is, language misusing God’s name). Shoot, even most PG films nowadays contain such language. And when you hear “Jesus” in a movie nowadays, it’s generally not spoken with regard for His Messiah-ship. Christ’s name is used more like an expletive. But let’s face it, by now, we’re pretty used to hearing the irreverent utterances in the movies. So, is the use of profanity that big of a deal?

I’d like to aim this piece at the dominant movie-going demographic: teenagers. My reasoning? I’ve already presented my thesis to oldsters many a time. But you — high schoolers — are who Hollywood aims to please — and teach.

Alas, I’m not one of you. I haven’t been a teenager since before you were born. And because of that age difference, we probably like different movies, different music, different clothes and different slang. But before you dismiss me as simply being a — what’s today’s euphemism for old fogey? — keep the following in mind. No matter the time on earth we call our generation, some things remain the same. Revering and respecting God should be something we have in common. It’s something we’re told to do in the Bible.

“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name” (Exodus 20:7). Honoring God is a command — from God. If it weren’t important to Him, wouldn’t it not be on the list at all?

While we keep hearing that there’s too much violence and sexuality in movies, those are only symptoms of what ails our entertainment mediums. Consider for a moment: If you go to a surgeon and detail the symptoms you are suffering, the doctor doesn’t just treat the symptoms. If he does, the malady will re-manifest itself. Well, when it comes to spiritual matters, defying God is the malady. For it is only when we honor God that we begin to truly care for our fellow man. You with me?

Those who profane God’s name are breaking one of God’s laws. And although we Christians have been turning a deaf ear to the media’s usage of blasphemy for quite some time, should we continue to do so? That also begs the question: If modern-day man wrote their own Ten Commandments, would the misuse of God’s name make the list? Probably not.

There’s no indication in Exodus 20 that a movie storyteller is exempt from following the same commands as the rest of us, yet nearly every actor of this era misuses His name in the movies. Why are they so free with profanity?

I’m not sure if that disobedience of biblical teaching is done out of ignorance, disbelief or just defiance. But I do know from a lifetime of studying Scripture that the Ten Commandments are not just suggestions. They are guidelines for honoring our Heavenly Father and for caring about our fellow man.

Some people may ask: If misusing God’s name is such a big deal, then why aren’t people being smote all over the place? Our God is merciful and patient (2 Peter 3:9), but the Bible indicates that there is a price to be paid for disobedience or mockery. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7). Read Psalm 73 and you’ll see that a time of justice will befall the unrighteous and those who live outside of God’s commands and refuse to make Jesus Lord of their life. Read the whole Bible and you’ll see what Hollywood often doesn’t.

You may not change the media. Just don’t let the media change you. “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

(Phil Boatwright reviews films for previewonline.org and is a regular columnist for Baptist Press.)

I’m thankful for Phil Boatwright’s stance on movies. Pray he will be able to influence people of all ages in making decisions about movies.

Deacon Hospital Ministry this week:

  • Tom Tolar
  • Raymond Cutrer

Nursery Volunteers for Sunday:

  • Gail Brister
  • Sharon Martin
  • Walter & Kathy Dykes

There will be no evening worship services again this week at FBC, Kentwood.

If you have a request for On Mission in Kentwood, please contact the church office or me. Begin praying now asking God if He would want you to minister in Kentwood in His name. There is a task for everone! Sign up to be blessed!

 

 

I CAN DO ALL THINGS?

A 6-year-old girl once asked her father, “What do you have to do to become a doctor?”

Her father said, “You have to do extremely well in school, take a lot of math and science, get into an excellent college, make the highest grades possible, and then go to med school, and follow that with an internship. Then you can start your own practice. Honey, as smart as you are, you can be anything you want to be.”

The little girl thought about that and then asked, “What do you have to do to be queen?”

I hate to be the one to burst your bubble, but I want to let you know that there’s a verse in the Bible that you may have mis-interpreted for many years. I know that I have. You see, many of us have heard lessons which promote positive thinking. We’ve been told, “If you can see it, you can achieve it.” So, if you’re a golfer, visualize getting through the golf course at 4 under par. If you need to lose weight, visualize what your life will be like when you’re 60 pounds thinner. If you want to climb the corporate ladder, visualize yourself with the position and the salary you desire.

And the verse we have often used to give us the strength to achieve these things is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” There are, no doubt, some Christian athletes headed to Beijing this week to compete in the Olympics who anticipate bringing home a gold medal because “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Now I don’t dispute that there is great value in having a vision of where we want to be and what we want to accomplish. And I don’t dispute that God will bless us with strength in all endeavors that glorify Him. But I believe it is wrong to teach that anyone can accomplish anything because God will give you the strength. Not every little boy with a dream of playing in the NFL or the NBA is going to achieve that. Not every athlete that quotes Philippians 4:13 this week will bring home a gold medal from Beijing. And you can dream about being king or queen all you want to — dreaming it won’t make it happen.

The truth is that for many of us, young or old, life is not always going to turn out exactly like we thought it would. And when people are made to think that if you believe something with all your heart, it will come to pass, then when it doesn’t happen that way, they get discouraged, depressed, feel like failures, get angry, or they give up. Christians may even begin to lose their faith in God. “God, how could you let this happen to me? This is not what I wanted! You promised I could do all things!”

When you look at the context of Philippians 4:13, though, it contains a more powerful message than we ever imagined. In the previous verse, Paul writes, “I know how to be abased and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Phil. 4:12).

What is it that Paul can do through Christ? He can be content no matter what the situation — whether he has plenty or he has nothing, whether he comes in first place with a gold medal or he comes in last place, whether he makes the team or he doesn’t make the team. Whatever the circumstance, whatever he may have or not have, Paul learned to be content, to be joyful. Why? Because “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”

May this verse serve as an encouragement to you, not to achieve great victories in life, but to find joy even in the midst of defeat.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I pray you will take time to think and rethink on the devotional above until the message becomes part of your way of thinking.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

God is the One who made all things,

and all things are for his glory.

He wanted to have many children

share his glory.

~Hebrews 2:10 (NCV)~

 

 

Baptist Press

August 5, 2008

ALABAMA–China emerging as powerful global leader. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28606

ALABAMA–From the Great Wall to the ‘gumdrop mountains.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28607

CHINA–LETTER FROM CHINA (Bertha Smith): ‘Thanking you in advance.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28608

SOUTH DAKOTA–Sturgis biker ministry throttles up. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28609

DALLAS–Criswell College feud goes public. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28610

ATLANTA–Hammond, Hunt address state Baptist leaders. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28611

WASHINGTON–ERLC urges action on indecency bill. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28612

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Keith Manuel): The true source of peace. http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=28613

 

 

 

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

Execute

I ONCE HEARD interviews with survivors from World War II…

The soldiers recalled how they spent a particular day. One sat in a foxhole; once or twice, a German tank drove by and he shot at it. Others played cards and frittered away the time. A few got involved in furious firefights. Mostly, the day passed like any other. Later, they learned they had just participated in one of the largest, most decisive engagements of the war, the Battle of the Bulge. It didn’t feel decisive at the time because none had the big picture.


Great victories are won when ordinary people execute their assigned tasks.

Perhaps you sense you’re in a spiritual rut. Stay at your assigned task! Obedience to God offers the way out of our futility. (Philip Yancey)

“What does the Lord require of you

but to do justly,

to love mercy,

and to walk humbly with your God.”

~ Micah 6:8~

 

 

Be faithful to your assigned task.

Anna Lee

Saturday

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro

throughout the whole earth,

to show Himself strong

on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”

~2 Chronicles 16:9a~

 

 

Mrs. Theople Hurst was given a good report and released from the hospital late yesterday afternoon. Thank God for her good report.

 

 

I’ve been missing hearing from Frann Clark. I wrote her and had to wait to hear back. Now I know why . . . .

I fell July 11 & was in the hospital for eight days. Then I was transferred to a rehab hospital for two weeks. I came home this afternoon and will receive outpatient therapy three days a week. Please pray for strength.to do daily activities.

Riley is adjusting very well to the War Veterans Home in Jennings, LA. Kerry and the girls have visited home several times and he hasn’t asked to come home with them. Please pray that he will be happy there.


. . .


God Bless You
Frann

 

 

Dr. Chip Sloan is a former pastor at Roseland Baptist Church. He just returned from another mission trip to Romania.

Greetings! Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We worked in cooperation with the Romania Chapel Project to build a church building in Insureti, about 45 minutes from Braila. Our ladies provided children ministry and women ministry, in addition to helping with the construction. Incredibly, we completed construction and dedicated the building Friday, July 25.

It was an eventful trip. As we loaded the bus to take the team of 17 to the airport, I twisted my knee. It swelled up and hurt like crazy but it didn’t keep me from fulfilling my role. Then the scaffolding collapsed dropping four of our men about ten feet onto the concrete floor. Miraculously, no one was seriously injured, though two of them were badly scrapped and bruised. Then on Friday, Martha suffered a kidney attack (stone or severe infection). She was in excrutiating pain. Bob and Gail Hill came to our assistance and got us to a clinic in Braila provided by Prestonwood Baptist Church. The story is too long to tell by email, but God provided. She is doing well.

While the trip was eventful, it was also insightful. We learned afresh the incredible commitment of our missionaries. They are subjected to inadequate medical care and willing to run the risk only because they love and trust the Lord. We also learned how God places each of us in the body, His Church, as He determines. It was special seeing how some of our team members blossomed in ministry to the Romany.

Thanks for your prayers. We needed them. God provided. We were blessed and I believe were a blessing.

. . .

His and Yours,

Bro. Chip

 

 

 

FBC Nursery Workers for August 3rd

  • Fay Shoemaker
  • J.C. Miller
  • Scott Miller
  • Katie Miller

 

 

SET YOUR MIND ON THINGS ABOVE

 

Here are some tips on the subject of aviation:

* Takeoffs are optional. Landings are mandatory.

* If you push the stick forward, the houses get bigger. If you pull thestick back they get smaller. (unless you keep pulling the stick back– then they get bigger again)

* Flying is not dangerous; crashing is dangerous.

* The propeller is just a big fan in the front of the plane to keep the pilot cool. Want proof? Make it stop; then watch the pilot break out into a sweat.

* It’s best to keep the pointed end going forward as much as possible.

* Every one already knows the definition of a “good landing” is one from which you can walk away. But very few know the definition of a “great landing.” It’s one after which you can use the airplane another time.

* The probability of survival is equal to the angle of arrival.

* A helicopter is a collection of rotating parts going round and round and reciprocating parts going up and down — all of them trying to become random in motion. Helicopters can’t really fly — they’re just so ugly that the earth immediately repels them.

* Trust your captain . . . . but keep your seat belt securely fastened.

* There are three simple rules for making a smooth landing:
Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.

* Try to keep the number of your landings equal to the number of your takeoffs.

* Gravity never loses! The best you can hope for is a draw.

* It’s better to be down here wishing you were up there, than up there wishing you were down here.

Several of these tips lend themselves to spiritual application, but the one that jumped out at me was that last one. How much better it is to be on this earth with a mind set on “things above”, than to be anywhere with a mind set on “things below”!

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)

Because we are surrounded by a world which we can see, it is easy to keep our eyes focused solely on that world. We will never grow as Christians, though, until we set our sights higher. Wherever your mind has been this morning, may this serve as a gentle reminder to set it on “things above”.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

 

 

 

Tribute to an Old Breed of Hero

By Paul Chitwood


MOUNT WASHINGTON, Ky. (BP)–“Don’t make us go, Daddy!”

After a week of doing whatever they wanted — whenever they wanted — my 11-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter were less than enthusiastic about the way this second week of our summer travels was beginning.

They spent the first week swimming and fishing on the beaches of South Carolina. They would spend the second week in Richmond, Va., where I would oversee my first meeting as chairman of trustees for the International Mission Board.

We had barely unpacked our suitcases in the hotel room when the battle of wills began.

“We have to go,” I said. “Daddy has to be there and I want you to be there. Tonight we meet our heroes.”

For my son, that statement must have brought to mind some of his favorite movie superheroes. When he found out we weren’t going anywhere near a theater, the faint trace of excitement on his face quickly faded. Further protests were met with: “We’re going, no more complaining!”

They slouched in their chairs for the first half of the service — even when their father was speaking. I had to think: my oratory skills seem least appreciated by those who hear me speak most often.

When IMB President Jerry Rankin failed to get a reaction from my two preacher’s kids, I began to question my effectiveness as a spiritual leader in my own home. By the time Dr. Rankin and I were replaced on the stage by 55 retiring Southern Baptist missionaries, my children hardly seemed to notice and I began to inwardly acknowledge that I had failed as a father.

Then, one by one those emeritus missionaries began to tell their stories. Not the whole story, just tidbits and highlights — victories and sacrifices of those who had lived their lives on the mission fields of the world, some for more than 40 years.

Suddenly the two lifeless bodies beside me resurrected. Eyes once glazed began dancing with wonder. Whispered questions began to fire back and forth.

“Where is her husband now?” one asked. “Why did they kill him?”

“What did they say happened to his wife?”

“Why didn’t they bring their little boy back to America to bury him?”

“Why is he in a wheelchair?”

The questions continued on the van ride back to the hotel. Then I asked two questions of my own: “Who is glad we went to the service?”

“I am, Daddy.”

“Me, too!”

“Who wishes they had stayed at the hotel and watched cartoons?” I said.

“Not me, Daddy!”

“Me either!”

I am grateful my children found some heroes — an old breed of hero. Plenty of flying, but always on a plane. A few stopped bullets, but bullets that did their damage. Thousands upon thousands of perilous rescues — not from blazing buildings — but from the fires of hell.

I am glad their heroes are men and women, boys and girls, who accepted the costs associated with reaching lost people. I am glad their heroes are — in the words of the old Methodist catechism — those who chose to “spend and be spent” saving souls.

Paul Chitwood is pastor of First Baptist Church in Mt. Washington, Ky., and chairman of the board of trustees for the International Mission Board.

Have you got any heroes? Who are they?

Anna Lee

Thursday Afternoon

Mrs. Kathryn Kuss requests prayer for her granddaughter Kelsey Kuss, Kit’s daughter, who will be going to Guatemala and Honduras in a week on a mission trip. This is Kelsey’s second mission trip. Pray for Kelsey and the other short term volunteers and for those to whom they will be ministering.

Brazil Missionary Dies after Brief Illness
Baptist Press

By Staff


RICHMOND, Va. (BP)–Elaine Lambach, 49, a missionary serving in Brazil through the Southern Baptist International Mission Board, died after a brief illness July 14. Lambach, a mother of five, was serving in church and home outreach evangelism in the seaport city of Belém in northern Brazil. She died after being rushed to a hospital in the city.

She and her husband Paul have served on the mission field together 10 years. Paul is a church planter who teaches at the Agulha Baptist Bible Institute and the Equatorial Baptist Theological Seminary, where he is the head of the missions department.

Lambach’s death was the second to impact the South America region in just over a week. Gregory Gomez IV, a student missionary serving in Peru, was killed in a bus accident July 5.

Born Elaine Samples in Morristown, Tenn., Lambach worked in Memphis as a physical therapist at Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center, the Special Kids Program and Les Passees Children’s Rehabilitation Center. Lambach attended Walters State Community College in Morristown and Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn. She graduated from the University of Tennessee in Memphis with a degree in physical therapy.

In addition to her husband, Lambach is survived by her children: Joseph, serving in the military; Jonathan, a student at Union University in Jackson, Tenn.; David, a recent high school graduate; Rachel, 12; and Hannah, 9.

Funeral services are scheduled for July 26 at First Baptist Church in Morristown.

Reported by the Richmond bureau of Baptist Press.

Wednesday

“Then He said to them,

‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.'”

~Matthew 4:19~

 

Mr. Frankie Gehringer is home. Thank you for your prayers for him the last few days and your continued prayers too.

 

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. As a result of a governmental treaty between the United States and France, Ron and Lisa Jones have recently learned that they must leave Reunion Island in September 2008. Please join Ron and Lisa in prayer as they seek the Lord’s will for their future as well as the future of the work they will be leaving in Reunion. At this point, they feel the Lord leading them to serve in the country of Namibia. The IMB currently has only one family serving in that African country, and they will be returning to the States on stateside assignment within the next few months and would like to have someone oversee the existing work as well as begin new work. However, in the past few years, it has been difficult to obtain work permits for IMB personnel to enter the country. Thus Ron and Lisa would like you to join them in prayer for a miracle: Pray that the Namibian government will grant a work permit for them to enter the country in a timely manner. They also ask you to join them in praying that the Lord will call out someone to take over the new work they have started in the south of Reunion, surely one of the darkest and most unevangelized areas of the island.

 

Teachers will be going back to school in the next few days, if not already, to prepare their classrooms for the coming year. Please begin to pray for each teacher and each student in each school throughout the area. Pray specifically for the teachers and students you know.

 

Baptist Press

July 22, 2008

HORN OF AFRICA–A simple plant battles malaria & gives hope. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28515

TURKEY–Iranian believer flees to Turkey. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28516

WASHINGTON–Kazakhstan weighs new religion restrictions. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28517

TENNESSEE–McCain’s VP choice ‘significantly important’ to evangelicals, Land says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28518

TENNESSEE–Man accepts Christ after killing deacon. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28519

TENNESSEE–At Bonnaroo, Baptists offer ‘More than Music.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28520

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON (Mike Licona): Is Jesus the only way? (part 1) http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28521

KneEmail

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

 

Suffering

IN AN INTENSIVE care ward, all visitors are united by a single, awful thread: concern over a dying relative or friend…

Economic differences…fade away. You’ll see no sparks of racial tension there. Sometimes strangers will console one another or cry together quietly and unashamedly. All are facing life at its most essential. Many call for a [preacher] for the first time ever. Only the megaphone of suffering is strong enough to bring these people to their knees to ponder ultimate questions of life and death and meaning. (Philip Yancy)

“For affliction does not come from the dust,

nor does trouble spring from the ground…

But as for me, I would seek God,

and to God I would commit my cause”

~ Job 5:6, 8 ~

 

Have a good “hump-day”!

Anna Lee