Thursday

“And they continued steadfastly

in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship,

in the breaking of bread, and in prayers…

and the Lord added to the church daily

those who were being saved.”

~Acts 2:42-47~

Joan Hagan is hoping to be able to come home today.

Kenneth Birch has had gall bladder surgery and is already home. Pray for him as he recovers.

Mr. Henry Harris continues to be in ICU at North Oaks. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Mike Nason is in Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge. Please remember to pray for him.

This email from my cousin’s wife was sent out yesterday. My aunt and uncle sent it onto me. Please continue to pray for M as she waits to hear about the body scan, as she takes college finals this week, and as she is a mother and wife.

Thank you for praying!

Melinda

I have had several e-mails over the last couple of days so if you are wondering what is happening with me I am unfortunately in a holding pattern. I had my full body scan last Friday which I thought went great. I was in and out very quickly. I have my appointment with the oncologist this coming Monday the 5th to get the results and he will tell me what is next. Please pray that the cancer is contained and has not spread. The worst part right now is just knowing that it is there and no one is doing anything to stop it yet!!!

I am in the middle of finals week at school and cramming like crazy! Please pray I can stay focused on my school work and not think about the cancer….I can not even begin to tell you how hard that is!

Thank you all so much…I love you all and I am strong and positive because I have Jesus and all of you!!!

M

Bobby Lee Kirby
Bobby Kirby died Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington. He was 78, a native of Osyka, Miss., and a resident of Greensburg. He worked as a machinist at Exxon for 10 years and worked at Gulfsouth in Ponchatoula for 17 years. Visitation at Amite Church of Christ, Amite, on Friday, May 2, from 9 a.m. until service at noon, conducted by Brother John Fulda. Interment in Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Myrtle Willis Kirby, of Greensburg; daughter, Carolyn Beth Kirby Blouin and husband Selwyn, of Gurley; daughter-in-law, Kathy Kirby; and four grandchildren, Katie Kirby, Zane Kirby, Lex Blouin and Beau and wife Andrea Merritt Blouin. He was preceded in death by his parents, John V. and Mamie Frazier Kirby; two brothers, Johnny Edward and Zelion Quinn; infant daughter, Madeline Gail Kirby; and son, Timothy Randall Kirby. Pallbearers will be Selwyn Blouin, Beau Blouin, Lex Blouin, Zane Kirby, Dennis Kirby and Bob Harvin. Honorary pallbearers are Carlton Drew, Roger Navarra and Emerson Newman. Bobby Kirby served in World War II as an airplane and engine mechanic in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Amite Church of Christ and on the board of directors of the Amite Church of Christ Daycare. Memorial donations may be made to The Crossroads Youth Ranch, 62300 Russell Town Road, Roseland, LA 70456 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Share sympathies, condolences, memories at http:// http://www.charletfuneralhome .com.

‘Saw Man’ Shares Jesus After Disasters
By Mickey Noah
VANDUSER, Mo. (BP)–As the guys on the Arkansas disaster chainsaw team — tired after a long day of working a recent Missouri storm — ate their dinner at a local Southern Baptist church, the big, burly man who came in was impossible to miss. Imagine John the Baptist with a Stihl chainsaw.

Dressed in blue denim, with a full, graying beard and huge hands, Tom Stanton dropped by their table and asked if they needed any chainsaws sharpened.

“The Saw Man,” as Stanton is called, didn’t have to ask twice. Any operator of a chainsaw knows that a dull chainsaw is useless, and sharpening chainsaws is a prickly job best left to experts. And The Saw Man is just that.

Stanton’s unique chainsaw-sharpening ministry is valuable to Southern Baptist disaster relief chainsaw teams who respond to ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and other disasters.

Stanton, 53, calls Deer River, Minn. — about 100 miles south of the Canadian border — home. Until last October, he pastored a small church there.

Now, his “day job” is running a shear/scissor sharpening business.

Stanton’s disaster relief ministry began 2001 when a major tornado hit Siren, Wis. The following day — after a sleepless night — he felt “called” to go to Wisconsin.

“I had no clue what I was going to do,” said Stanton, who first learned to sharpen chainsaws as an 18-year-old logger in Montana. “My first paycheck was a chainsaw.

“In Wisconsin, I found guys who didn’t know how to file chainsaws. So I volunteered and started sharpening. People came out of the woodwork. I sharpened chains with a file for three days until a preacher got me a 12-volt rotary tool. Then I sharpened for another 10 days.”

That was the beginning of Stanton’s chainsaw-sharpening ministry. He doesn’t know for sure but figures he’s sharpened thousands of chainsaws in the wake of disasters, including Hurricane Katrina. He doesn’t charge a penny.

Financially, how does Stanton cover his expenses? What about $3-plus-a-gallon gasoline for the Ford pickup truck he must drive to disasters? What about tools? Lodging? Food?

“God provides,” Stanton said. “The people are really generous with me.” He said God gave him his sharpening business back home, which provides most of his day-to-day financial needs.

“Through the years, God has provided for me miraculously with a small camper/trailer, a generator and even with my truck, given to me by a Christian friend from my hometown. Last year, someone gave me a GPS so I won’t get lost!”

These days, Stanton is too professional to use files or even his original rotary tool to sharpen saws. Now he uses a Dremel tool.

“Dremel Company now provides me with all my tools. In fact, I was invited to their plant in Racine, Wis., to teach their people how to use their tool.” With the Dremel device, Stanton does not have to remove the chain from the chainsaw to sharpen it, which saves significant time and effort.

During the first two weeks after Hurricane Katrina, someone estimated that Stanton sharpened 2,000 chainsaws in Louisiana and Mississippi. He worked as many as 20 hours a day.

“Since I can leave the chain right on the saw, I can pull up to a bunch of guys and easily sharpen 10 saws an hour,” Stanton said. “When I have someone to hand me the saws, I can do 16 an hour. Hand-filing takes up to 20 minutes apiece. This helps the disaster relief teams get back to work faster.”

Why would a man who’s had both hips replaced — and who last year suffered a heart attack requiring 10 stents — chase natural disasters around the country to sharpen chainsaws for strangers?

“It’s really hard for me to stand back and see somebody else hurting,” Stanton said. “I’ve been crippled up through the years. Since 1997, I haven’t been able to do much physically for people except for chainsaw sharpening. It’s a tremendous need.”

Stanton even has a Bible verse, Ecclesiastes 10: 9-10, that reflects his ministry: “… the one who cuts wood may be endangered by doing it. If the axe is dull, and one does not sharpen its edge, then one must exert more strength….”

“God has allowed me to see many people make professions of faith in Jesus Christ. I go to disasters, sharpen chainsaws and tell people how to avoid the world’s greatest disaster,” which Stanton says is rejecting Christ.

At a disaster site, Stanton witnesses to the public during the day as he sharpens their chainsaws. He gives out tracts and New Testaments from a five-gallon pail he calls the “Bucket of Hope.” At night, he sharpens chainsaws for disaster relief workers, including those from Southern Baptist teams — counseling, challenging and encouraging Christian men in their walks with God.

Stanton would like to see his chainsaw sharpening ministry go full-time.

“I’d love to go to fires, ice storms, snowstorms — do it full-time if the Lord opened up the door for it.”

He’s also eager to train others on the fine points of chainsaw sharpening. In fact, he’s taught two classes for the Mississippi Baptist Convention.

“I’d love to teach chainsaw sharpening as an evangelistic ministry to every association — just to equip people to get out there. I’m just praying that God will raise up more people to do what I do.”

Fritz Wilson, Florida Baptists’ director of disaster relief and recovery, has known Stanton for several years, working several hurricanes and other disasters with him. He calls Stanton a “super” Christian with a unique ministry.

“He comes in and sharpens our saws, and then goes out in the community and offers to sharpen anyone’s saw,” Wilson said. “Tom has a unique ministry and uses sharpening to parallel the Christian life and walk. He tells people that we can’t be good tools for Christ unless we stay sharp.”

In 2007 alone, the North American Mission Board tallied thousands of tree-removal jobs performed by disaster relief volunteers throughout the United States. While state Southern Baptist conventions provide the manpower and most equipment, NAMB coordinates multi-state disaster responses and partners with national relief groups like the American Red Cross and Salvation Army to ensure vital services reach the most critical-need areas quickly.

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

AT THE END of her first quarter at the university, Lenora came home and announced: “I am not going to church anymore…!”

Her parents were shocked. “Lenora, what happened?” wailed Mom. “You have all those awards for perfect attendance! And you’ve always seemed glad to worship God.”

“I no longer believe in God; he is a myth,” she replied bluntly. “Dr. Phillips has taught me the truth.”

“How did Dr. Phillips teach you that God is a myth?” asked her dad.

“It really wasn’t hard. He pointed out that apples do not grow in the Tigris-Euphrates Valley.”

“Well?” Lenora’s father was inquisitive.

“Dad.” Lenora was impatient. “That being true, the first story in the Bible, the creation story, is a myth. The Garden of Eden was in the Tigris-Euphrates Valley, so Eve could not have eaten an apple as the Bible says. And if that story is a myth, what not all the others?”

“Hold on a minute, Lenora. Let’s answer three questions. First, do we know the location of the Garden of Eden? No. Second, do we know the nature of the climate in the Garden? No. And third, what kind of fruit was forbidden? The Bible does not say. The myth here is the apple. Did Dr. Phillips read the Scriptures?”

Lenora shrugged her shoulders and walked away. To Lenora, her dad was a good, old-fashioned man. Dr. Phillips was her authority. Facts no longer mattered to her. She had decided that all truth is relative, and what she had come to believe was right for her. Nothing else mattered. (Robert L. Waggoner)

KneEmail: “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Heb. 3:13).

Today is the National Day of Prayer. In Kentwood, the event will be celebrated at the City Hall monument at from 12:30 – 1:00 this afternoon. You are invited to attend and bring others with you. You can find more information at http://www.ndptf.org/home/home.html

If you are unable to attend a prayer rally, you can have prayer wherever you are. The main point is to pray for our great nation!

Anna Lee

Friday

“The righteous cry out,

and the Lord hears,

and delivers them out of all their troubles.”

Psalm 34:17

Have you ever had one of those days when everything seemed to go wrong around you and nothing was your fault? That happened to me yesterday. I know a couple other people who also had unusually hard days. The best thing I can say about that is we are not promised to have perfection in our little world. We just have someone who goes with us through those difficult days! He’s always there and loves us through whatever is happening. That’s an assurance I cling to on days such as yesterday.

BIBLE SCHOOLS OF TANZANIA. Pray for the sense of calling of each student and teacher at the Bible Schools to remain clear and strong so that the difficulties they will encounter will not discourage them. Life in a developing country has a full range of challenges at best; but as in all Christian endeavors, when a person makes a commitment to serve in God’s kingdom work, spiritual battles begin. Pray for these called servants to have perseverance and to be at peace with God. Pray for the wellbeing of their families, for their health, for needs to be met, and for relationships to be strong and positive.

HAUSA OF WEST AFRICA (HOW-suh). As the missionary finished sharing a parable with a group of men, one of the men said, “You should start a church in Hausa.” Ask the Lord to give wisdom and direction to this missionary couple as they seek His will concerning where, when, and with whom to start a church among this people group that has traditionally been resistant to the gospel. Please intercede for Hausa seekers who are longing to hear the truth.

BULGARIA. In Eastern Europe, most churches follow the Orthodox calendar for holidays. This means that Easter for Bulgarians is April 27 this year. Please pray for the many people who will go to the churches to carry out rituals without any real understanding of what they are doing or why they are supposed to do it. Pray for the true meaning of this celebration to become clear to them and for the Spirit to soften their hearts and draw them to the cross in repentance. Pray for all believers in Bulgaria to be bold and caring in sharing the truth of the resurrection with all those around them. pray4bg@yahoo.com; http://www.teambulgaria.org/

There are a number of people who are very sick. Many have been listed in the last few days. Please reread those names and pray for each one individually. Also, add other names that may not have been listed.

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

April 25, 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

IS IT SWIMMING OR DRIVING? It’s rainy season in Southern Sudan, and it’s really hard to drive down many of the roads. A large SUV is going down the road towards a big puddle of water-it’s as big as a pond! In Sudan, the SUVs have snorkels. That’s usually a tube that helps someone breathe underwater. Have you heard of them? When people go to Hawaii to see the pretty fish and coral, they swim using a snorkel. Can you imagine how funny it would be to have a snorkel on the front of your car? It would help you and your family get fresh air to breathe.

Back to the SUV in Sudan….the SUV gets to the pond in the middle of the dirt road and starts into the water. The muddy water comes up over the hood and covers the windshield. The seatbelts lock to keep passengers in their seats, and the once-white machine bumps and jerks through the water. It’s like an obstacle course with all the potholes. The windshield wipers work frantically while the SUV goes down, down, down into the water. It’s as if the driver is blind. You just can’t see and the snorkel keeps fresh air coming in. Finally, the SUV comes out on the other side and the wipers clear enough of the mud away from the windshield for the driver to see! THAT’s travel in Southern Sudan during the rainy season. Imagine the excitement when people learned that the road is going to be paved!

Please pray for a special family that has been working in this area. They were in the US for awhile and are back. They used to be the only family there, but now there are new workers and they are getting ready for volunteer teams. The family has a lot of work to do to find places for the workers to live; and then they will teach the newcomers how to find good food, how to make friends in this culture, and how to find the best roads. Please pray that they will trust God completely.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Pray for my friend NY, he is going through a really hard time now. MARY, age 16 (West Africa)

Pray that Christians be free to tell others about Jesus and that more people will come to Christ. ROBBIE, age 10 (East Asia)

Please pray for me to be a good boy. And pray for my tribal friends to be safe. ZACH, age 5 (Pacific Rim)

I need help speaking the language. Pray for me. PRESTON, age 8 (Central and Eastern Europe)

Thank you for my teachers and all my friends and boys too! HP, age 9 (East Asia)

Please pray for my friend who is confused about the way to heaven. He thinks all religions lead to heaven. Please pray he will learn about Jesus. JOEL, age 13 (South Asia)

My prayer requests are that I will not do bad things, and will be closer to God. JK, age 12 (East Asia)

What you would write if your personal prayer request was next?

Nursery Volunteers for Sunday

Scott and Kristi Womack
Tammy Borrelli
Nancy Stokes

Baptist Press

April 24, 2008

WASHINGTON–Abstinence hearing a one-sided ‘circus.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27898

TENNESSEE–TobyMac, Casting Crowns win multiple Doves. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27899

TEXAS–Brandon Heath: missions-minded musician. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27907

TENNESSEE–Dakota’s Jim Hamilton to be 2nd VP nominee. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27901

TENNESSEE–Christian students counter Day of Silence. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27900

MISSOURI–MBC factions hopeful about ‘peace committee.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27902

NORTH CAROLINA–Crisis protocol will speed disaster response. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27903

FLORIDA–Evolution academic freedom bill passes in Fla. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27904

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Craig Franklin): Will the Jena revival continue? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27905

VIRGINIA–WORLDVIEW (Erich Bridges): Truth with a capital ‘T.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27906

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

IT’S AMAZING HOW the things people say do not always match up with reality…

Consider the person who begins a statement with the words, “I may be wrong, but…”

Usually he really means, “There’s no way that I could be wrong!”

Consider the person who says, “I hate to say I told you so.”

Of course he’s enjoying it immensely!

And what about the one who says, “I’m sorry if I have done anything to upset you.”

What he really means is, “You’re so hypersensitive. This shouldn’t have upset you!”

There are two things which young people find hard to do in sports; winning and losing. It’s hard to lose gracefully, and it’s hard to win graciously. It is also hard in a family – whether it be a church family or a physical one – to win and lose. It’s just so hard to hide that gleam of triumph when you were right after all, the satisfied smirk when your dire prediction of “disaster” came true.

As if you’re glad to see God’s people hurt. That is sad!

Carl Mitchell used to repeat a line that makes a lot of sense: “If you’re wrong, admit it,” he would declare, “and if you’re right, shut up!”

Paul said it this way: “Let your gentleness be evident to all” (Philippians 4:5); and elsewhere, he said, “Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

Being “right” does not justify acting unkindly towards others. You can differ with another without attempting to destroy him. The question I always ask myself when speaking to another is this: Have I equipped him, enabled him, to serve God and God’s people better?

To quote the apostle again, “Everything should be done for edification” (I Corinthians 14:26).

Why should this be? Simply put, because we always view others as being more important than ourselves (Philippians 2:1-4).

Don’t we? (Stan Mitchell)

“Let your gentleness be evident to all” (Philippians 4:5).

That’s one most of us will have to work on!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“The secret things belong to the LORD our God,

but those things which are revealed

belong to us and to our children forever,

that we may do all the words of this law.”

~Deut. 29:29~

Aaron Hill – 3:38 P.M. Monday

Please pray for a miracle. Aaron was rushed down for a CT scan earlier and it showed a very bad brain injury. The doctors have told us they don’t know why it happened, but they have given us no hope for Aaron. It is so bad that they said his heart may stop. Please play that God will manifest Himself in a miraculous healing of Aaron. If that is not His will, please pray that He will not allow him to suffer.

Aaron Hill – 3:32 A.M. Tuesday

Scott and I have been with Aaron all night, praying and waiting on a miracle. Please continue to pray.

Baptist Press had wonderful articles. I think as you read them you will agree. Can’g you just imagine how wonderful the service was Sunday when Franklin Avenue Baptist Church had their first service in their church since Katrina. Please read these articles. They will make your day!

Baptist Press

April 7, 2008

LOUISIANA–In New Orleans, joy abounds as congregation returns home. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27774

LOUISIANA–Franklin Avenue: pre- and post-Katrina. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27775

LOUISIANA–Luter acknowledges his transparency. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27786

TEXAS–Texas raid prompts First Baptist ministry. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27776

LOUISIANA–Jena, La., envisions ‘new beginnings.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27777

TENNESSEE–ELECTION 08: Clinton vows to fight for ‘gay rights.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27778

TEXAS–Jayhawks buoyed by Coach Self’s faith. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27779

TEXAS–Winningest N.C. player: ‘God is enough.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27780

TEXAS–ESPN’s Hubert Davis receives Wooden award. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27781

TEXAS–Disgraced Baylor coach seeks forgiveness. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27782

TEXAS–All-star guard ready ‘to honor God.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27783

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (John L. Yeats): The feet of a rejoicing pastor. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27784

ALABAMA–FIRST-PERSON (Ginger Plowman): Dangerous denial. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27785

Upper Room Daily DevotionalAsking for Help

Asking for Help

Read Psalm 31:1-5

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
-Mark 10:15-16 (NIV)

“MAMá, fix it!” cried Mateo as he handed me one of his toy cars and a tiny piece of yellow plastic.

Examining the little car, I saw that the steering wheel had come off. I fitted the piece back into place and returned it to Mateo.

“Here,” I said; “it was the steering wheel, see?”

“Yes,” he responded. Never taking his eyes off the car, he took it from me and placed it alongside his other toy cars.

This incident made me think. Mateo, who is barely two years old, has complete faith in my ability to fix things. Though he has exhausted his own resources, it does not occur to him that there could be no solution. He simply looks for other options.

Mateo’s request was simple and trusting. It reminded me of the importance of maintaining a child’s perspective, one that is pure, humble, and trusting. How good it is to set aside our pride at excelling in everything! We can turn the broken pieces of our lives to God our Father, and say, “Papá, fix it!”

Laura Gattinoni (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Prayer
Loving God, we place our lives in your hands. Guide our steps as we go forward in our journey. Amen.

Thought for the Day
When solutions elude us, we can rest in God’s love.

Prayer Focus

Those reluctant to ask for help

Rest in God today!

Anna Lee

Friday

“And this gospel of the kingdom

will be preached in all the world

as a witness to all the nations,

and then the end will come.”

~Matthew 24:14~

Aaron Hill & Marshall

Noon posting

Frann Smith Clark

We were disappointed last night when the doctors decided not to start feeding Aaron…again. They wanted to see if his chest continued draining fluid and how he handled it. He was irritable and fussy and they didn’t want to give him any more morphine to “see how he handled things.” Apparently that theory didn’t work during the night so he got more drugs to sedate him and they started tiny feeds at 2 a.m.(2 ml per hour-not much). He was getting so upset that his heart rate was up in the high 180s-not a good thing at all. This morning, however, another attending physician was in charge and decided to up his feeds to 5 ml per hour to see if his tummy tolerates it and is happy and to continue steady sedation. We are glad b/c we want him comfortable and fed. Good news is that the fluid from the right side of his chest has pretty much resolved. There was a little fluid building up on the left side of his chest in this morning’s x-ray, but not enough to require a drain. If he keeps doing well today, they MIGHT remove the medication lines to his heart and pacer wires from his chest tomorrow. If they do this and are also able to remove his chest drain, they will probably let us hold him and comfort him when he cries. Of course, as his mother, I think being held and having a full tummy will make him much happier, but I don’t want them to move prematurely if the lines need to stay in. Please pray that the decision will be clear on all these issues.

Please keep praying for Marshall as well. He is still waiting on his new heart.

Mason and Adam Carter

Lawana shared the wonderful news that Mason was baptized at Spring Creek Baptist Church on March 16 and participated in the Easter Drama that week. She is thankful for God to has worked in Mason’s life, to Bro. Danny for investing time in Mason and sharing with him, and to the Spring Creek Baptist Church for accepting him.

Lawana requests prayer for her younger son, Adam, who has an extensive rash and has been running a temperature. Pray this will soon be resolved.

Please pray for Mason as he grows as a Christian and for Adam’s health to improve.

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

March 28, 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

5 Minute English!

We want to find a way to talk with people; so in Japan, we do something fun. We hold signs up at train stations and scream “5 Minute English!” The Japanese stop and we have an English conversation with them, using questions from a book.

The questions usually say things like, “Are you a religious person and why?” This is the most popular way to get their attention. Please pray that the people we met will have a hunger to know God. ASHLEY, age 13 (Pacific Rim)

ABOUT THE PAC RIM We received a lot of prayer requests from children in the Pacific Rim, so this week will focus on that region. Where is it? Well, go to your map and travel halfway around the world. The Pacific Rim region includes the countries of Korea, Japan, all the countries of Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the nations of the South Pacific-lots of islands! More than 800 million people live in the Pacific Rim. THAT’s a bunch! That’s more than two times the number of people in the United States-it’s almost three times. I can’t count that high, can you?

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Pray for me and my sister to get along. Please pray that my basketball team will come to know Christ. ADAM, age 11 (Pacific Rim)

Pray for me so that I will have the discipline to learn Thai so I can communicate God’s love to my Thai friends. LUCIUS, age 16 (Pacific Rim)

Can you pray for my family? We are about to go stateside and go to a school there. MADELYN, age 13 (Pacific Rim)

Please pray that I will have a good day at school. And pray for my brother Jake who is in boarding school. JED, age 6 (Pacific Rim)

Sometimes I have trouble with my brother. We can annoy each other. Please pray that I will have a loving heart and that we won’t be so annoying. Also, all my friends have moved. I’m really lonely. Please pray that some people will come and be my friend. HOPE, age 10 (Pacific Rim)

My Prayer request is this: I have met a new friend, KZ, and if everyone would pray that he would email me so that I can share the Gospel with him. ASHLEY, age 13 (Pacific Rim)-yes, the same Ashley who told us about 5 Minute English.Be Born Again

Billy Fraham Evangelistic Association

Billy Graham reminds us of the time when Satan tempted Jesus Christ:

He tried to get Him to fall astray. But He did not do it. He was filled with the Holy Spirit; He quoted the Scriptures; He was in prayer. And as a result of all of this, He overcame the devil. And He teaches us that we too can resist the devil and the devil will flee from us. But the first step in your life is to come to know Christ as Lord and Savior. That means you must be born again if you are to see the kingdom of God. You can do that by, first, repenting of your sin right now-that means changing your lifestyle; that means admitting to God that you have sinned-and then turning by faith to Jesus Christ as Lord, Master, and Savior. You can believe now, and the Holy Spirit will come and dwell in your heart.

To begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, call us at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, toll free, at 866-JESUS-CARES. Or click billygraham.org.

Jena revival to enter 7th week

http://www.baptistpress.com/BPnews.asp?ID=27713

The devil is certainly being put in his place in Jena, Louisiana! I hope you have time to read this article and to pray for the same revivals spirit to continue to move in Louisiana, in American, and throughout the world.

Thursday

“But know that the Lord has set apart

for Himself him who is godly;

the Lord will hear when I call to Him.”

~Psalm 4:3~

Aaron Hill

Posting for Aaron

Frann

Thank you, Natalie, for reminding me of this verse.

‘Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.’ Matt. 6:26-27.

God is still feeding Aaron this evening. He has had a very quiet day, resting and draining fluid. The doctors haven’t decided on starting to feed him yet, but hopefully they will start some form of nutrition after night rounds. They had to cut the nitric up again on his breathing assistance, but it seems to make him more comfortable and for that we are glad. His heart rate and breathing is less labored and we are thankful for that as well.

We still struggle with patience. However, we are grateful and thankful for Aaron’s stability today and his small progress. Thinking about patience and Job today, I read a devotional on thankfulness. The text was Job 42:10- ‘And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” I am so thankful for everyone’s continued prayers for Aaron and hope that God will bless each of you twofold for praying for us-as friends

(NOTE: One of the families mentioned today may be familiar to many of you.)

Baptist Press

March 26, 2008

WASHINGTON–‘Living together’ a statistical risk, experts say. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27699

TENNESSEE–Churches help ease pain of flood victims. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27700

CZECH REPUBLIC–Kids help mom & dad evangelize Gypsies. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27701

NORTH CAROLINA–Gypsy outreach gets First Baptist boost. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27702

NEW ORLEANS–Prof lends expertise to martyrs documentary. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27703

KENTUCKY–Page warns against weak prayer lives. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27704

DALLAS–FIRST-PERSON (Tamara Quintana): About those prescription meds … http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=27705

Deacon Hospital Visitation

Jimmy Williams
James Rimes

Nursery Volunteers for Sunday, March 30th

Bobby Raborn
Wanda Miller
Susan Rimes
Paul Scott Schwartz

Church Council Meeting

Sunday, March 30 @ 4 P.M.
Room across from the Heritage Room

Birthday Celebration for Mrs. Mickey Cade’s 75th Birthday

Saturday, March 29th
2 – 4 P.M.
Fellowship Hall
Your presence is your gift.

Migrant Health Kits

Soap, Washcloth, Shampoo, Comb, Deoderant, Toothpaste, Toothbrush
Place items in a gallon size Zip-loc bag.
The church will supply a Bible
Deadline: Wednewday, April 2

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

Our goal: $13,000.00
Received so far: $6,218.75

Boxes of Offering Envelopes

Available on the table underneah the soundroom stairs

AWANA Party

Sunday during AWANA time
Each child is to bring 6 candy-filled plastic eggs

Associational Missions Fair

April 19th – FBC in Amite
April 20th – Individual churches

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…”

(Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor

LIGHT AND DARKNESS are common Biblical themes throughout Scripture…

They express vividly the chasm between Christ and Satan. We would all do well to mine its depths in our own personal study.

We understand clearly physical darkness and light. Sighted people witness it daily. Darkness, dawn, daylight and dusk frame our lives. They hide or irradiate our existence. The lessons from them are bountiful.

Someone steps out of physical darkness into light. The contrast is clear in our minds. We are in one or the other. When mixed in between, we characterize it as being shaded in darkness or some such phrase. However, we do not say they are standing clearly in the light. Sometimes, we ponder what they are hiding. We sense danger when someone is remaining partially shadowed in darkness.

Criminals, like some vicious animals, use darkness as a cloak to hide their predatory behavior. Rebels who seek a break from proper society often employ an air of darkness and mystery.

Darkness obscures truth and clarity, replacing them with confusion and deception. Shady deals are those that employ the latter to steal money from their victims.

God brought physical light into the world through Christ (Genesis 1:1-4; John 1:1-3). “God divided the light from the darkness” (Genesis 1:4, NKJV). The creation of light was an astounding moment that still reverberates.

God brought spiritual light to the world through Christ (John 1:1-5). “Jesus spoke again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life'” (John 8:12). Humanity will never be the same.

Christ throws open the shutters on the clandestine methods of Satan and his dark kingdom. Satan is the father of lies, an adversary that seeks to devour and deceive all of us (John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:9). He remains shrouded in darkness leading people to think he is a fairy tale while empowering them to do his will. His deception leads billions astray (Matthew 7:13-14; Psalm 82:5; Proverbs 4:19).

Christ offers life through the light (John 1:4). The path to heaven opens up before us. “Your word is a lamp to my feet [a]nd a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). We learn of Christ through Scripture and it becomes the path to salvation (John 12:48; Romans 10:17).

James Stewart writes, “Christ is the redeemed man’s new environment. [The Christian] has been lifted out of the cramping restrictions of his earthly lot into a different sphere; the sphere of Christ…His spirit is breathing a nobler element. He is moving on a loftier plane.”

Salvation is only in Christ (John 14:6; Acts 2:47; Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews 9:11-15). “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). Grace through faith and the sprinkled blood of Christ saves us from Satan’s clutches (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:6-11).

Christians must be actively faithful and obedient to God’s Word (Ephesians 2:10; John 14:15). “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). We are to walk worthy of Christ every day as we show his light to the world (Ephesians 4:1; Matthew 5:14-16).

We cannot try to stand in darkness and in light simultaneously. It will only be shady and deceptive. Christ demands that we follow him exclusively.

Darkness brings death while light brings salvation. Which path

“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

Wednesday

Jesse Dean
Jesse had a much better day yesterday. Thank-you for your continued prayers for him.

Joan Hagan
Joan’s surgery has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 30th. Please keep Joan in your prayers.

Dustin Clark

please pray for my son, dustin clark. (frann clark’s grandson) he has a doctor’s appt regarding his colon.
thanks keith clark

Aaron Hill

Please pray for Faith & Scott. They are so tired. Pray for healing for Aaron & the right path for the doctors to take.
Frann Smith Clark

We have had a disappointing day so far. Aaron was given morphine throughout the night last night to calm him, as his crankiness was causing his heart rate to rise. This morning, they started giving him phenabarbitol to help with anxiety and to sedate him as well. His feeds still have not been increased. A chest x-ray showed some fluid in one side of his chest. Because of this and because of the elevated heart rate/pressure in his heart, they are doing another echo in a little while to check on things. Although his bloodwork and overall blood pressure seem okay, they have indicated they might need to do another heart catheterization to take a closer look at things since he isn’t getting better. Because of these issues, they won’t be taking out any of his pacemaker lines or heart medication lines today.
We are worried and sad. We know we can’t help the doctors sort these things out and trust that God will show us and the doctors the next step to help Aaron. We wish that God would just work His healing b/c we know He can and doesn’t need help from any doctors, drugs, etc. But that might not be His plan. When you pray for miraculous healing for Aaron, please pray for his peace and our patience.
Thank you so much…Faith

Just received a notice of a posting. Faith sounds so tired. Aaron was born Feb. 18 & it has been such a tiring time for all of them.
Some of you have asked my connection. Aaron’s grandfather is my 1st cousin. My mother (Myrtle Smith) & Aaron’s great grandfather were sister & brother.
Frann Smith Clark

“Today was a day filled with a lot of waiting. Not that every day isn’t that way to some extent, but today was especially difficult. We got kicked out after hearing Aaron would have an echo this morning so the physicians could do rounds. Then two post-operative babies came into Aaron’s room, so we had to stay out until 5. Aaron finally had his echo, which showed both positive and negative findings.
First, Aaron’s heart repair still looks good. His heart seems to be functioning fine. However, there is a moderate amount of fluid around his heart. This fluid is likely the reason for the breathing difficulty, his elevated heart rate and the increased pressure in his right atrium. Tonight, the doctors decided to stop giving him diuretics to see how he does overnight/if the fluid builds up again or if he can shed it. If he does not, they may have to go in and draw off the fluid from around his heart. If they do this, they will likely have to put him under anesthesia again/ventilate him again. For this reason, they have totally stopped feeding him-even the miniscule amount he was getting.

I know they are being conservative b/c he can’t have food on his belly if they have to intubate him, but it is so hard to see my child hungry and not be able to feed him. He has been hungry for over 2 days now and I want to give him what he needs instead of seeing them deal with his hunger by putting narcotics into his body to dull the hunger pangs.

God has been good. He has brought Aaron out of the rocky place and is continually healing him. He did not promise us an easy road. Please pray 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, that we may be able to offer Aaron the comfort that God has offered us. Thank you all for your continued prayers and messages of comfort and support.

Baptist Press
[Includes two more articles on the Roma (Gypsies)]
March 25, 2008

POLAND–Gypsy family ties conducive to outreach. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27692

ROMANIA–He no longer avoids the Gypsies. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27693

WASHINGTON–HHS challenges threat to pro-life physicians. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27694

ISRAEL–Messianic pastor’s home targeted in bombing. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27695

TENNESSEE–Spike in Baylor tenure denials protested. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27698

KENTUCKY–Mohler tumor clear of cancer. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27696

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Keith Manuel): Witnessing to a ‘CEO.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=27697

Melvin L. Tate
McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, at 10 a.m.

Charles Adrian Bridges
The Lord’s Church, Kentwood, at 1 p.m.

The Real Meaning of the Cross

Rev. Billy Graham

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Jesus Christ died on a rugged cross for our salvation. We do not worship that cross; we worship Christ, who is alive. Yet among all the emblems of the world, the cross is admired with awe and wonder.

A Message From Billy Graham

The history of the cross goes back long before Christ came. But it was the Romans who used it on a massive scale to execute people. The victim was fastened to the cross by cords, or his hands were nailed, and he was left to die. Even with the heat of the sun, the pull of the body and the torture the victim had endured before being put on the cross, sometimes it took a week to die on a cross. It was one of the most terrible, painful ways to die.

God loves us all. His love extends … to the whole world.
But Christians started to use the cross as a symbol of Christianity. And every time the Gospel is proclaimed, those who hear the message and receive Christ as Savior come to faith by way of the cross.

Four dimensions of the cross come to my mind. First, I think about the breadth of the cross. The love of Christ is manifested in the cross to everyone. When I study the world population and see how fast it is increasing, I am staggered. Yet God loves us all. His love extends to Africa, to Asia, to Latin America, to Russia, to China, to the United States, to Canada-to the whole world. It includes you, whoever you are, whatever your religion, even if you have no religion. God says from the cross, “I love you.”

Then there is the length of the cross. It has no measure. It extends from eternity to eternity, from everlasting to everlasting. When Noah built the Ark, it was 450 feet long. When Solomon built the Temple, it was 60 cubits long. If you build a shed for garden tools, you can measure the lumber with a tape measure. But how can you measure God’s love for us on the cross?

The Bible says that God’s love surpasses knowledge (Ephesians 3:19). There is no way that our finite minds can even begin to understand the love God had for us when He gave His Son on the cross to die for us, because you and I deserve death. We deserve judgment and hell.

Then I think of the height of the cross-it extends to the throne of God. It doesn’t matter how high heaven is. Through the cross, God draws all people to Himself. But you have to make a decision about Jesus Christ.

And I think about the depth of God’s love for us on the cross. You can fall into the pit of sin and degradation. You can live like an animal. You can be a murderer, a rapist. But you can’t get beyond the love of God. The cross covers to the very gates of hell. How deep is God’s love? The Bible says, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33). It can draw every sinner up to the exalted height of heaven. Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself” (John 12:32).

Think of the cross for a moment. Think of Christ’s suffering for you and for me. It’s said that Jesus endured five kinds of wounds: Concussion, when they beat Him on the head; laceration, when they bared His back, took long leather whips with steel pellets on the end and beat Him until He was bleeding from head to toe; penetration, when they crushed that crown of thorns on His brow; perforation, when they drove the nails through His hands and feet; and incision, when they put the spear in His side.

Think of Christ’s suffering for you.

Those nails through His hands and feet were driven by you and me and all the peoples of the world. We all had a part in the death of Christ because of our sins. Our sins put Him on the cross-and you participated.

You will never understand the Bible, you will never understand the death of Christ on the cross, until you understand that God is a holy and righteous and pure God. He cannot even look upon evil.

In that terrible time of the agony of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross, a shadow came between God the Father and God the Son. God cannot look upon sin, and in that moment He was laying your sins and mine on Christ.

He who knew no sin was made to be sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). That means that He had never known sin, never told a lie, never had an evil thought, never had any greed or lust. But all of the filth and dirt from your life and my life descended on Him. None of us will ever understand the mystery of that moment. It was God’s great love for each of us that allowed His Son to take that suffering.

He who knew no sin was made to be sin for us.

You and I have sinned against God. We have broken His laws. God told Adam that if he broke God’s law, he would surely die (Genesis 2:17). But Adam and Eve broke His law.

They sinned. We have all deliberately rebelled against God. God would not be God, He wouldn’t be just and righteous and holy, if He came along and patted us on the back and said, “You’re forgiven.” We either had to die for our own sins, or somebody who was qualified had to die for us. That Person who was qualified was Jesus Christ, and He volunteered to do it. He died in our place. People will do almost anything to get rid of their guilt. The place to get rid of guilt is at the cross. Jesus came to die. On the cross He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

God had given Jesus a work to do, and in the Gospel of John we read that Jesus said, “I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4). We wonder why He didn’t feed everybody and heal everybody. He could have done it. He healed some people and fed some who were hungry, and He did that out of compassion. But His real work was the cross; there He was dealing with eternity.

Your body will go to the grave. Your soul, your spirit-the part of you that lives forever-will live on. Where will you spend eternity? Heaven or hell? That will be decided by what you do about the cross, because from the cross Christ is asking you to repent of your sin and receive Him as your Lord and Savior.
From the cross, Jesus reached out by His death and rescued us.
On the cross Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46). They did not take His life from Him; He laid it down voluntarily. He gave up His Spirit to God the Father. And in saying this, He conferred upon every one of us the possibility of the gift of eternal life. You can have eternal life, too. Jesus’ invitation is to heaven.

We were lost, confused, without purpose or meaning in life, without assurance of a future life. But from the cross Jesus reached out by His death and rescued us. We can say to Him today, “Lord,” “Savior.” Are you sure that He is your Lord and your Savior? Thousands of people attend church, but they are not sure that they have committed their lives to Christ.

The crowd at the cross was shouting, “Save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross” (Matthew 27:40). Others were saying, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save” (Matthew 27:42). They were mocking, jeering, laughing.

Christ was on the cross for six hours between two thieves (Luke 23:39-44). They both deserved to die, according to Roman law. But one of the thieves looked at Jesus, and he saw that Jesus was different. He must have said to himself, “He has to be the Son of God. He has to be Lord.” He said, “We deserve what we are getting, but He does not-He hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he turned to Jesus and said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). What an act of faith!

Jesus was different.

And what did Jesus say? “Today you will be with Me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). That thief will be in heaven. Jesus forgave him by His death on the cross.

The forgiveness and the mercy of God are so far beyond our comprehension that we can hardly even talk about them.

Do you know Christ? Do you know the forgiveness of the cross and the power of Christ’s resurrection? Are you forgiven? Have you received new life, resurrection life? I am asking you to make your commitment to Christ. God will help you, if you are willing.

Tuesday

“I pray that from his glorious,

unlimited resources

he will give you mighty inner strength

through his Holy Spirit.”

~Ephesians 3:16 (NLT)~

Faith, Scott, and Aaron

Monday nightPlease pray for Faith & Scott. This is so difficult for them. Also pray for healing of Aaron

Frann Smith Clark

Well, Aaron only got 3 small bottles today and now he is cut off again. Ever since they started letting him try a bottle, his heart rate has been way up in the high 170s. They were also trying to wean down his heart medication (hoping to take out the medication line going directly into his heart tomorrow) and the nitric into his breathing tubes. He has been very agitated ever since. They have gone back to feeding him through his NG tube in the hopes that this will be easier for him. Even though he has been off narcotic pain relief for about 48 hours, they decided tonight to give him a dose of Fentanyl in the hopes of bringing his heart rate down and relaxing him some. We are very hopeful that this evens him out again. We really were hoping they would take out his pacer wires tomorrow, but with his heart rate so elevated, they may not do this.

We are glad they are being extra careful, but we keep hoping every day will be the day we get to hold him again. Please pray for Aaron’s heart rate, his peace and the continued healing of his heart. It is easy to forget sometimes that he is still a very sick little boy and that his body is still adjusting to its new heart.

Thanks to all of you-Faith

Carl Wayne Stevens

Carl Wayne continues to progress following his recent stroke. Pray he will continue to see progress in this process.

Jesse Dean

Jesse had a difficult day yesterday. Majel will continue to stay home with him even though her school resumes today. Please keep both of them in your prayers.

Seasonal Allergies

Pray for the many people who are having difficulties with seasonal allergies. I’ve been among that number, but am much better now. Some way to spend my Easter holidays! I love the beautiful weather and being outdoors, but the pollen gets the best of me! It seems like I would remember that from year to year and stay inside, but I can hardly wait for this time of the year. A few days outside brings a few days of misery inside!

Baptist Press

You will notice the first three articles are about the Roma, Boyd and Jennie’s people group. Baptist Press will release more Roma articles today and tomorrow.
March 24, 2008

ROMANIA–Missionaries make inroads with Roma Gypsies. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27685

BRAZIL–Same people group, different continent. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27686

VIRGINIA–Roma live on the fringes of society. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27687

WASHINGTON–ELECTION 08: Obama’s church printed pro-Hamas editorial. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27689

GEORGIA–New churches needed to combat ‘evangelistic deficit’ in U.S. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27691

TENNESSEE–$270,000 gift to aid Union students. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27688

KENTUCKY–FIRST-PERSON (Russell D. Moore): Should we miss our church graveyards? http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=27690

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

WHAT KID HASN’T dreamed about being Superman or Spiderman or (insert your favorite superhero)…?

It’s those superpowers: x-ray vision, super speed or strength. We can imagine all kinds of neat applications of such powers. But, alas, here we are, just ordinary, common folks with nothing any more extra special about us then anyone else. Really?

A group of Jesus’ disciples were once quite excited because of the powers they had received from Him. This group was the seventy Jesus had sent out in pairs to preach. When they returned to Jesus they were excited because “even the demons are subject to us in your name” (Luke 10:17). This was something for which people had marveled at Jesus (Mark 1:27-28). In that day demons were recognized as beings beyond human control. To be able to exercise authority over them demonstrated extra-human power. No wonder the disciples got excited.

Jesus’ response to that is surprising. If we are to rejoice about anything, He said, it should be that our “names are recorded in heaven.” That’s something worth being excited about. We tend to thrill at something that would set us apart from everyone else (isn’t that what makes a superhero a superhero?). The most thrilling thing is actually something that is available to everyone else, though not many find it (Matt. 7:13-14). Our names recorded in heaven is really what it’s all about. Although I still think x-ray vision would be pretty cool. (David Deffenbaugh; Bill McFarland)

“Behold, I give you the authority

to trample on serpents and scorpions,

and over all the power of the enemy,

and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Nevertheless do not rejoice in this,

that the spirits are subject to you,

but rather rejoice

because your names are written in heaven.”

~Luke 10:19-20~

Have a great day, but watch out for the pollen!
Anna Lee

Saturday

Jesse Dean

Jesse is home. He had a long day yesterday. Majel is scheduled to return to school Tuesday. Please continue to pray for both of them

Aaron Hill

Aaron’s echo this morning showed a little too much pressure in the right side of his heart. They had cut his nitric oxide in anticipation of extubating him today, but that was evidently too hard on his heart and lungs. Also, b/c his urine output has been low, he was getting rather swollen. They have now given him another diuretic to help him get rid of the extra fluid and have told us they are going to take things really slow to give him plenty of time to adjust. We are impatient (as is Aaron) b/c we really want to hold him again and the removal of the ventilator, chest tube, catheter, etc., are the steps we want to take in that direction. We know Aaron doesn’t like the tube down his nose/throat (he tries to cry but can’t make sound because of the tube), so that makes us anxious to get rid of it even more. We don’t like to see him hurt and hate that we can’t comfort him when he cries. We must pray for patience for ourselves and little Aaron as we wait for his body to be ready for these steps.

Happy Good Friday to everyone. Don’t forget to celebrate the reason for this Easter weekend!

Unnamed

Someone that David and I have known all our lives and most of you have know for many years has developed a serious health issue. Please pray for this individual.

Becki and the children made it safely home yesterday afternoon. Thanks for praying for them as they traveled. Pray for all those who have miles to travel and stops to make in the coming days.

Baptist Press – Thursday

TENNESSEE–Resurrection of Christ is the heart of the Gospel. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27672

TENNESSEE–Did Jesus really rise from the dead? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27673

NORTH CAROLINA–2 thieves represent mankind, pastor says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27674

GEORGIA–Proclaiming Easter’s message all year long. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27675

TEXAS–Judge dismisses suit against Southwestern. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27676

KENTUCKY–Mohler recovering from surgery. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27677

TENNESSEE–Extreme winter calls for quick response. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27678

WASHINGTON–LIFE DIGEST: Pro-lifers should avoid ‘Idol Gives Back,’ leader says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27679

TENNESSEE–Still hospitalized, prayer lifts UU duo. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27680

LOUISIANA–Jena embraces ‘whatever God wants.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27681

SOUTH CAROLINA–FIRST-PERSON (Frank Page): A 10-year evangelistic strategy. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27682

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON (Henry Blackaby): Resurrection power. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27683

Friday

“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.

See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth,

waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.

You also be patient.

Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”

~James 5:7-8, NKJV~

Lawyer John Buckley, Sr.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but until all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8. A retired entrepreneur, road service tire repairman and a photographer, Lawyer died at his home on Saturday, March 8, 2008. He was 68, a resident of Baton Rouge and a native of Osyka, Miss. Visiting at Winnfield Funeral Home on Saturday, March 15, from 9 a.m. until religious service at 10 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Dewitt Brock. Interment in Gilbert Memorial Park. Survived by his two sons, Lawyer John Buckley Jr. and Kendrick Shropshire; two daughters, April Donald and Darcelle Shropshire; four sisters, Undean Reed, Maytee Buckley, Martha Shepherd and Dorothy Domingue; four brothers, the Rev. Earl Buckley, Raymond Buckley, Alton Buckley and Larry Buckley; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margie Buckley; father, Arcell Buckley; mother, Stella Buckley; and three brothers, Melton, Edward and Preston Buckley.

Easter Worship Musical

“The Risen Christ”

FBC, Kentwood

Sanctuary Choir

Sunday, March 16 @ 6 P.M.

Monday, March 17 @ 7 P.M.

First Baptist Church of Arcola

“The Celebration of Easter”

i-55 Frontage Road, Arcola
No admission charge
March 14-15, 2008
7:30 – 9:00 P.M.
Twelve live drive-through scenes of the life of Christ

Jena, La. has received a lot of bad press lately. I thought you might want to read these two articles that show a different side of Jena than you have seen in the press:

Baptist Press

March 12, 2008

LOUISIANA–This time, Jena makes spiritual headlines. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27604

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Craig Franklin): Good news from Jena, La. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27609 Thank God for this revival. May it spread to other towns and cities!

APPOINTED FOR MEN TO DIE ONCE

After buying her kids a pet hamster, after they PROMISED they would take care of it, the mother, as usual, ended up with the responsibility.

One evening, exasperated, she asked her children, “How many times do you think that hamster would have died if I hadn’t looked after it?”

After a moment, her youngest son replied quizzically, “Once?”

Well, that didn’t help make the mother’s point but, technically, their answer was correct — not only for hamsters, but for us as well. The Hebrew writer said, “And as it is apponted for men to die once, but after this the judgment…” (Heb. 9:27).

The fact that we are appointed to die once is both sobering and promising. IOn the one hand, it means that there is no way that we can escape death (“it is apponted for man to die”), but on the other hand it is something that we will have to experience only once. While there are a few notable exceptions in the Bible, everyone who has ever lived on the face of this earth has died, but only once.

But the real point of this passage in Hebrews has nothing to do with us. It has everything to do with Jesus Christ. The Hebrew writer says that Jesus is just like us. He, too, only had to die once. The significance of that is that once was enough. Unlike the sacrifices of the Jews which had to be offered over and over, one sacrifice was sufficient to take away all of our sins — forever! With that knowledge comes this beautiful promise:

“…so Christ was offered as a sacrifice one time to take away the sins of many people. And he will come a second time, not to offer himself for sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” (Heb. 9:28, NCV)

Praise be to Jesus Christ for the effectiveness of his death and for the promise of his return!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thank you for being there to pray each day. You mean so much to so many!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all people.”

~1 Chronicles 16:24~

PAISA OF COLOMBIA (PIE-sah). The “Pied Piper,” for whom you have been praying, is a man who has a heart for the children of one of the poorest and most dangerous parts of a major city. He faithfully goes each Saturday to tell Bible stories to the children. On Sundays, he has been going early to this area to ensure that the children are dressed and ready to travel the long distance to the Baptist church down the mountain. Join the Paisa Team in giving thanks that on February 3, the Pied Piper started church services on Sundays in the area where the children live so they no longer have to travel down the mountain. Pray that the parents of the children will attend the services since they are now more accessible to them. Also pray that the hearts of all who hear the Bible stories will be open to the gospel message.

HANDS ON: CENTRAL, EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA. Missionaries serving on the Eastern Metropolitan Evangelism Team in Johannesburg, South Africa, ask: “Please pray for the ‘Hands On’ missionaries who have recently arrived and are working with many of our field personnel. Pray specifically for the missionary supervisors to have wisdom, patience and understanding as they plan and direct meaningful gospel ministry. Ask God to open doors for the gospel in many new neighborhoods, and pray for Him to call those ‘Hands On’ missionaries to a lifetime of service in missions as a result of their time here.” http://www.hands-on-africa.com/

KEKCHI OF GUATEMALA (KEK-chee). Hearing God’s Word proclaimed over the four Kekchi radio stations has brought many unbelievers to a saving faith in Christ Jesus. During 2007, these stations aired in its entirety the stories from both the Old and New Testaments. The workers at these stations met at the beginning of the new year to discuss a burden they all have for teaching their people how to share their faith on a day-to-day basis. As a result of this meeting, a new radio evangelism course, complete with nine lessons, was birthed. Intercede for the broadcast of these lessons all over the Kekchi area. May many believers be encouraged and challenged to tell others about Jesus. Pray for many to be saved as a result of this new ministry and for new works to open up. http://www.macregion.org/

PACIFIC RIM MEDIA. Video is the medium of choice in today’s visual culture. Many of the media specialists in the Pacific Rim are being asked to learn videography. Pray for wisdom and quick acquisition of these skills for people who are trained in other areas, such as photography and writing. Ask God to call videographers to the Pacific Rim. Pray for wisdom to use the right level of technology to tell our Pacific Rim stories effectively.

Billy Roy “Poppy” “Woodsie” Allen Sr.

“A golden heart stopped beating and hard working hands were put to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.” A longtime resident of Jackson and a native of Kentwood, he died Monday, March 10, 2008, at his residence. He was 72, retired for 17 years from the Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System, Jackson, with 33 years of service. Visiting at Charlet Funeral Home Inc., Zachary, on Wednesday, March 12, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visiting continues at First Baptist Church in Jackson on Thursday from 9 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Alvin Hall. Burial in Second Baptist Church Cemetery. A loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 52 years, Willie Jean Williams Allen; son, Billy Roy Allen Jr., of Jackson; three daughters and their spouses, Brenda and Harvard Brian, of Slaughter, and Debbie and Jimmy Norsworthy and Tracy and James “Peanut” Stevens, all of Jackson; six grandsons, Jason Allen, whom he raised as his own, his wife, Carla Connell Allen, and their children, Rileigh, Olivia and Jason “Jace” Allen Jr., all of Jackson, Josh Perkins, of Slaughter, James Allen Stevens and Adam Allen, both of Jackson, and Cody Rollins and Matthew Thomas, both of Norwood; three granddaughters, Jeana Perkins, of Slaughter, and Jaci Stevens and Anna Allen, both of Jackson; stepgrandson, Jamey Norsworthy, of Jackson; stepgranddaughters, Toby Kay Edwards, of Central, and Victoria and Grace Brian, both of Slaughter; stepgreat-grandchildren, Slade and Isabella Edwards, both of Central, and Talon and Jake Norsworthy, both of Jackson; sisters, Jewel Easley, of Kentwood, and Sybil “Sam” Marcantel, of Jackson; and stepfather-in-law, Edward “Coonie” Fontenot. He enjoyed reading his Bible in the early morning hours and always enjoyed spending time with his family gathered on his back porch, where lots of lessons were learned. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and listen to his rabbit dogs. He always had a large garden and you could always find him piddling with something outside. He definitely knew the value of a hard day’s work and if you hung with him, you would, too. He loved them Tigers, his first love being the Centreville Academy Tigers, then the LSU Tigers. His all-time favorite was watching his grandsons play ALL sports for the CA Tigers. He would even (sometimes) watch his granddaughters dance and cheer, but his biggest passion was the football game. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Minnie Hurst Allen; mother-in-law, Helen Fontenot; father-in-law, Collins Williams; four brothers, Luther Reed Allen, Charlie Ray “Bo” Allen, John Freeman Allen and Felix Warren “Peter Rabbit” Allen; and two sisters, Rena Weigand and Robbie Allen Bueche. Pallbearers will be Jason Allen, Josh Perkins, James Allen Stevens, Adam Allen, Jamey Norsworthy, Joe Allen Easley, Mitch Allen and Joe Bueche. Honorary pallbearers are James “Peanut” Stevens, Jimmy Norsworthy, Harvard Brian, Edward Fontenot, Bill Hurst, Cliff Hurst, Brian Lea Hurst, David Stevens, Fred Allen and Gerald Connell. Special thanks to his family and friends with whom he has been so blessed to have: Dr. Chaillie Daniel, Dr. Michael Castine, Dr. Ryan Majoria, Feliciana Home Health and St. Joseph Hospice and Nurse Tanya Tillman. Share sympathies, condolences and memories at http://www.charletfuneralhome.com/

Baptist Press

March 11, 2008

TENNESSEE–China harasses Christians ahead of Beijing Olympics. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27593

TENNESSEE–Chinese Christians forced into labor camps. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27594

HAWAII–Missionaries see Hawaii’s less exotic side. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27595

TENNESSEE–America must not forget history, Bush tells NRB. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27596

OHIO–Fired Cedarville prof wins initial appeal. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27597

TENNESSEE–RESOURCE: New study Bible helps defend the faith. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27598

TENNESSEE–RESOURCE (Gregory E. Ganssle): God & evil. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27599

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON(Keith Manuel): It’s block party time. http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=27600

The Way to Salvation

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Man is obligated by God to do certain things to receive the benefits of Christ’s sacrifice. We are saved by grace, which is the unmerited favour of God in that we have nothing inherent within us that can save us from the penalty of sin which is death. God has provided a specific way for our salvation in the bible:

BELIEVE: Believe in the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved, you and your household (Acts 16:31)

REPENT: Unless you repent you will all likewise perish (Luke 13:3)

CONFESS THAT: Thou art the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the living God. (Matthew 16:16) For with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation (Romans 10:10)

BE BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST: And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name (Acts 22:16)

link arrow LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1Cor 6:9-10)

Upon your obedience to these steps the following wonderful possessions are yours:

ALL your sins are forgiven

Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name every one who believes in Him has received forgiveness of sins. (Acts 10:43)

YOU shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge (2 Cor 1:21-22)

YOU are a member of Christ’s body the church

For even as the body is one, and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. (1Cor 12:12)
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink one spirit” (1Cor 12:13)

YOUR future sins are forgiven through repentance and prayer to God through Christ who is now your intercessor

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1John 1:9)

YOU will inherit ETERNAL LIFE (1John 2:25)

And this is the promise which He himself made to us: eternal life. (1John 2:25)

“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. (John 3:36)

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgement, but has passed out of death into life. (John 5:24)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

Have a great day!

Anna Lee