Wednesday

“In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,

And his children will have refuge.”

~Proverbs 14:26, NASB~

Many places in our area are flooding. In addition we have tornado warnings all over. Please pray for people to be safe. Thank God for those who are out in this weather helping others.

The OFA students who were hurt in a wreck seem to be doing better following their surgeries. Continue to pray for them and their families.

CaringBridge: Kathy Jo Thompson

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kathyjothompson

Annie Armstrong Week of Prayer: Day 4

Tom and Marla Polak

952 N Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204-1032

Website: www.baptistcenterindy.com

Tom’s Birthday: January 26

Marla’s Birthday: April 1

Tom’s Hometown: Syracuse, New York

Marla’s Hometown: Overbrook, Kansas

Children: Hannah, Rachel, Caleb, Moriah, Joel

Hobbies: Golf, woodworking, reading, museums

Favorite Bible verses: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 4:13

When you see a person in need, think of the Polaks in Indiana! Tom is the director of Metro Baptist Center in Indianapolis and pastor of Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, which meets at the center. The ministry shares the love of Jesus by meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals and families.

Their story in words and in video

http://www.onmission.com/polak/

Opal McElveen Williams
(July 3, 1939 – March 7, 2011)

A resident of Greensburg, she died at 4:25 a.m. on Monday, March 7, 2011 at her home. She was born July 3, 1939 in Mt. Hermon and was 71 years of age. She retired from the Bank of Greensburg and was a member of Grangeville Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, Charles E. Williams, Greensburg; daughter, Jackie Williams, Greensburg; 2 grandchildren, April Boyd Eaton, Hammond and Jason Boyd and wife, Brittany, Clinton; step-father, R. J. Frazier, Mt. Hermon; 3 brothers, Dale McElveen and wife, Annie Ruth, Leroy McElveen and wife, Emelda, and Sidney Frazier, all of Mt. Hermon; 4 sisters, Jo Duncan and husband, Murry Jo, Ann Baker, all of Mt. Hermon, Ruth Horning and husband, Stanley and Debbie Frazier, all of Franklinton; sister-in-law, Betty Madere and husband, Karl, Baton Rouge, brother-in-law, Ronald Schilling, Mt. Hermon; numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her son, Andy Williams; mother, Iona Mae Frazier; father, Houston McElveen; 2 sisters, Dorothy “Dot” Schilling and Faye Morgan; brother-in-law, Ronnie Baker; 2 nephews, Robbie McElveen and Dewey Morgan. The family would like to thank her special care givers, Doris Woodard and Sherrie Neely. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2011. Services conducted by Rev. Mark Robinson, Rev. Joe Baugh and Bro. Leroy McElveen. Interment Grangeville Cemetery, Grangeville. Pallbearers will be Joey Duncan, Ellis Eaton, Earl Gill, Jeff Schilling, Scott Schilling and Aaron Wood.

Thank God for this day, but be safe!

Anna Lee

Tuesday Afternoon

Continue to pray for Margaret Huber and her family.

From Dwayne Wilson: Update of Pat Smith

Here’s an update on Pat’s condition from his wife, Stefanie. I’ll probably not post updates as often since we now seem to be out of the critical stages and beginning a long recovery process. Please do keep him in your prayers.

“Hi,

Have not had a chance to update today. Pat seemed a little clearer today. Could see improvements as the day went on. They got speech therapy and physical therapy in there with him today. They will work with him everyday. That is good. I think that will allow him to get better progress.

They did a CT scan today that came back clear, so no major strokes and no major brain bleeding. Praise! The neurologist does want to do an MRI to get a finer detailed brain scan later this week.

Pat has some definite deficits at this point. Right now, they are saying it is not uncommon for someone in his position with the tons of trauma. If you visited with him in the days before the surgery, I would say that he is much worse off than how he was then. Just being frank. He could almost fool you into being normal back then if you didn’t stay too long. Now, you will immediately see issues. It’s too soon to be “worried” about it. It’s a one day at a time type deal. Neurologist believes that therapy will help tremendously. She can’t say what will be permanent, so in my mind, she has left the door open for prayer to work powerfully and we should boldly ask for full recovery at this point.

What was the sermon two weeks ago…”peace over worry”. That is where I am at. I am at peace and happy to see progress.

Communication / Visitors:
I get lots of texts, calls, and voicemails. Often I am missing them and ignoring them. With Pat more awake, it is pretty busy back there now and I don’t like to talk on my phone back in his room. I do text some back there. Just know that I may not be getting back with you soon.
No visitors back to see Pat right now. He is getting worn out from all of the docs and therapists. I can’t add people and conversations on top of that. I enjoy you visiting with me in the waiting room, but know that I seem to be back there with Pat a lot more. So, I am sorry if I miss out on your visit, but have a nice chat with other GATEway folks. ;-) I am NOT saying “don’t come”, but just saying “Don’t get upset if you don’t get to visit with me or Pat.”

Prayer Requests:
1. That we will see progress each day and be satisfied with the pace. That Pat will understand his therapists and do what they ask.

2. That we will have competent, confident nurses. I did not have that on Monday’s day shift. It makes a difference.

3. Pat did have a fever today, so there is some concern of infection. Fever was lower tonight, but does not mean that infection is clear. Pray that infection will be cleared/cured. Pray that antibiotics will help cover him and protect him. Pray that he does not have a reaction to antibiotics (he had one last week). They literally opened him in the ICU room when all of the Thursday drama went down (thankfully!), so there has been question about effects of that and infection. But, this fever could be from lots of things. Let’s just pray that it is nothing serious and antibiotics will kill it.

4. Pat was “throwing PVCs” today. It is something about his heart and the timing of valves, etc. It is not the kind of thing that they jump up and down about, but they are keeping an eye on it. He showed low on magnesium, so they gave him some, but I am not sure that it changed situation. Cardiologist can give certain things for it, but said that those meds are toxic. So, he tries to avoid them if possible. Kind of a technical prayer request, but some of you med people out there know what is going on. I would say that we pray that it clears up on its own without the “toxic” meds.

5. Pray that timelines will get a little clearer for me. I have no indication about the future, other than “prepare for the long haul”. I think even doctors are just taking it day by day.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

Love,
Stefani”

Lida Marie Wall Abernathy

September 29, 1937 – March 7, 2011

Lida Abernathy passed away at home early Monday morning.

She was proceeded in death by her parents Alon L. Wall and Dorothy B. Wall, a brother Sidney Wall and a nephew Jubal W. Wall.

She is survived by her husband John B. Abernathy, sons Todd Abernathy and his wife Tracy, John Ford, daughters Jessica Loveday and her husband Bill, Melissa A. Louk and her husband Russell, three grandsons, two granddaughters, one granddaughter-in-law, three great grandsons, a brother Dutton Wall and his wife Karen, several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews.

She graduated from Amite High and Southeastern Louisiana University, taught at Southeastern Lab School and Hammond State School and retired in 1993.

She was a member of Springfield Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years.

As she generously donated her body to science, a Memorial Service will be held in her honor Friday, March 11, 2011, at Springfield Baptist Church from 4pm to 7pm with visitation from 4pm to 6:30pm and a Memorial Service from 6:30pm to 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Olympics, North Oaks Hospice, Springfield First Baptist Church or a favorite charity.

Thank you to North Oaks Hospice!

A Very Special Thank You to Dad for his love and devotion and taking such excellent care of our Mother.

Tuesday

“Now he who plants and he who waters are one,

and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

For we are God’s fellow workers.”

~1 Corinthians 3:8-9a~

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering: Day 3

Paulette and Greg DeHart

3797 Etna Drive
Snellville, GA 30039

Website: www.literacymissions.org

Paulette’s Birthday: October 15

Greg’s Birthday: February 24

Paulette’s Hometown: Pleasanton, California

Greg’s Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina

Children: Jessica, Emily

Pets: Dog: Sadie; 5 cats: She-coon-G, Pinkie, Boots, Patch, Booger

Hobbies: Gardening, reading, ballet

Favorite Bible verses: Ezekiel 33:11; John 15:5

When you see a book or newspaper, think of the DeHarts in Georgia! Paulette shares the love of Jesus with others as she teaches English to people from other countries and teaches adults how to read and write.

Watch the video and read her story: Love in another language

http://www.onmission.com/dehart/

Updated Prayer Concerns (March 2011):

Pray for three new students who have received the Lord in the last few weeks to grow in maturity in Christ
Pray for the individual ESL ministries to be more creative in advertising their ministries to help more people learn English and share the Good News with them.

Jadon’s Story: Still Sick 😦

I’m still not feeling good today. I woke up with 103 fever but it hasn’t gone above 102.5 since then. My pediatrician ordered some blood work to make sure it was a virus. So yes I have a virus on top of the sinus infection. She said I should start feeling better tomorrow. I sure hope so and mommy does too. Mommy says she thinks I am because my seizures have been better today. Still not good but better than the last couple of days. If I could just get better maybe we could try to get some more control over the seizures. We are so tired of watching me have seizures everyday. I will let you know how I feel tomorrow. Everybody have a great mardi gras.

Mary Prescott sent word that Bernie Gill had a massive heart attack. Pray for Bernie and his family.

Mary and Boots Prescott are progressing in their recovery from surgeries. Keep them in your prayers.

Mrs. Ann Chapman sent an email saying her brother John’s wife passed away. I’m looking for the obituary for Lida Wall Abernanthy. When I find one, I’ll post it. According to “Miss” Ann, Lida has a number of relatives in Spring Creek.

I don’t do Mardi Gras, but I will pray for safety for those who do. Please add your prayers too.

Count your blessings today!

Anna Lee

Midday Monday

Pray for the seniors from Oak Forest that were involved in a wreck this morning. Several are having surgery this afternoon.

A well-known and beloved former priest at St. Helena Catholic Church passed away while vacationing in Australia. Father Fred Youngs, who served St. Helena Catholic from 1991 – 1995 will be greatly missed by many around this area.

Annie Louise Hurst “Aunt Easy” Miller
(January 20, 1926 – March 6, 2011)

A retired employee from The State of Louisiana. She was 85, a resident and native of Greensburg, La. She died Sunday, March 6, 2011 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home. Graveside services will be at Red Bluff Baptist Church, 1532 Red Bluff Church Road, Greensburg, La on Thursday, March 10, at 2 p.m. conducted by Bro. Joe Day. Survived by her daughter, Phyllis and husband, Travis Beebe; son, James D. Miller, Jr. and wife, Karen; sister, Eunice Gill; brother, Ray Hurst and wife, Ruby. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Angela Primeaux; Catherine Mason and her husband, Gary; and James D. Miller, III and wife, Kim; also great-grandchildren, Jesse and Connor Miller; Katie and Darrell Burris. Preceded in death by her husband, James D. Miller, Sr.; two brothers, Kennon and Leo Hurst, one sister, Margie Hurst. The family would like to thank to the staff at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home for their loving care they provided to Mama while she was there. Also a special thanks to Generations Hospice of Denham Springs. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Red Bluff Baptist Church. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Sunday Afternoon

Pray for Mrs. Fern Brennan. Her daughter, Kara Brennan, passed away. That’s three deaths (sister, husband, and daughter) in ten months for “Miss” Fern. Please keep her in your prayers.

We may need to pray for Glenda Womack Harrell. She had a grandson (Slade Easton Womack, son of Scott and Kristi) and a great granddaughter (Briston Lee Antoon, daughter of John and Kirstie) born the same day, Friday, and both coming home today! This would be a lot of excitement for anyone!

Friday Afternoon

photo.php.jpg

Slade Easton Womack

Thank God for his arrival.

Mrs. Iris Russell Bel

Mrs. Iris Russell Bel was born on September 17, 1929 and passed away at 6:05 a.m., Friday, March 4, 2011 at Cannon Hospice, Jefferson, LA. She is 81, a native of Roseland and a resident of Franklin, LA.

Mrs. Iris is survived by 2 daughters, Becky B. Robichaux and husband Mike, Franklin, LA and Suzanne B. Taylor and husband Philip, Belle Chasse; 3 grandchildren, Philip Taylor and wife Nancy, Mobile, Al, Tempi T. Nepveaux and husband Sonny, Gretna and Shane M. Robichaux and wife Heather, Houma; 3 great grandchildren, Trinity Robichaux, Madison Taylor and Matthew Taylor; a sister, Mary Lyle R. Ellzey, Amite; 3 brothers, Kirk Russell and wife Louise, Roseland, Morris Russell and wife Irene, Jackson, and Connie Russell, Amite; sister-in-law, Linda Russell, Amite and a devoted friend, Anna Hanagriff, Franklin.

Preceded in death by parents, Olaf and Edith Springs Russell; husband, Francis X. “Hank” Bel, Sr.; son, Francis X. Bel, Jr.; 2 sisters, Ontie R. Gredesky and Clarice Toney.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Monday, March 7, 2011 from 12:00 Noon until Celebration of Life Services at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home Chapel with Deacon Mike Agnello officiating. Interment in Amite Mulberry Cemetery.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’ Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

Mid-day Friday

From Deborah Bales

Update on Jacob my grandson whom the Dr, though he was having seizure activity going on.. As of yesterday evening he seems to be doing ok nothing has changed so that is a good thing!!! His getting over the Mono & sinus infection will lessen the chances of him having seizures!!! When his body is well it seems to keep seizure activity at bay!! Please keep praying for him!!!

From the IMB

Thank you for your prayers for the worker among the East Asian Peoples who has been undergoing a very serious health crisis this week. Thank God that his condition has taken a turn for the better. However, he is still in ICU. Please continue to lift him up, praying for swift and complete healing. Ask God to give peace to his wife and others as they continue their vigil.

Thank God for blessing Rev. Charles and Mrs. Vickey Dean with two foster children last night. I know the children will be blessed by their stay in the Dean home.

Roy Mahaffey
(Died March 4, 2011)

Arrangements incomplete at this time.

Wednesday Obituary

Billy Gene Booty was born on November 6, 1946 and passed away at 2:01 p.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at West Jefferson Medical Center, Marrero, LA. He was 64, a native of Fluker and resident of Avondale.

He is survived by a sister, Edna Bradford, Houston, TX; 2 brothers, Arnold Booty and wife Helen, Prairieville and Howard Booty, Kentwood; 3 daughters, Sandy Gee and husband Mickey, Richlands, NC, Kelly Dominick, Belle Chasse, & Tammy Dominick, Gretna; 8 grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by his parents, Noel and Mable Gill Booty; brother, Ronald Booty; nephews, Marshall Lee, Ronnie Booty and Randy Booty.

Visitation at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home Chapel with Bro. Willie Westmoreland officiating. Interment in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Mt. Hermon, LA.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’ Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

Wednesday

“If any of you want to come with me,” he told them,

“you must forget yourself,

carry your cross,

and follow me.”

~Mark 8:34 (TEV)~

Please take a few minutes to pray for Margaret Huber and her family.

Mary Prescott stayed at the hospital after her surgery. Keep Mary and Boots in your prayers.

Jadon’s Story:

Appointment info

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 05:33 PM PST

I know it’s been a couple of days but we have just been trying to enjoy things and not think about seizures. I don’t have a real good count on how many I’m having because we haven’t been counting. We’ve been counting for over a year and we needed a break. I’m estimating about 60-80. We do know they have increased 😦 The good news is we haven’t seen any like the ones we had to go to the hospital for. We are seeing that type of seizure, it’s just not as long or intense as before. I went to the neurologist today. I didn’t get to see my neurologist because she had to leave due to a family emergency right before we got there. The neurologist that we saw increased my vimpat some more. We will see how I do. It’s almost like the vimpat is making one type of seizure better and my spasms worse. I really don’t know yet. We will definitely know in a few days. My neurologist is going to call me when she gets back so we will see what she has to say. So not much information today. I will keep you posted on how I do this week. Please continue to pray for me. I left you a picture of me at the mardi gras parade. I loved it!!!!

FBC, Kentwood will be providing lunch for the BCM (Baptist Collegiant Ministry) at SLU today. Pray lots of students come for jambalaya and to her the brief devotional. We thank God for this opportunity to minister to college students. If you know a SLU student, tell them to come for some of Marty’s jambalaya. It will be good!

I have a young cousin whose father-in-law passed away last night in Ohio. Join me in thanking God he is in Heaven. Pray for the England family in the loss of Sherman Roger England.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2.10

Mike Benson, Editor

A WOMAN PUT an ad in the local paper: “Lost 50 pounds! Selling my fat clothes – they’re in good condition, sizes 18-20…”

She was bombarded with phone calls, but nobody wanted to buy her fat clothes. They all wanted to know how she had lost the 50 pounds.

You see, the callers wanted to know about something that had changed her life hoping that this something could change their lives too!

That’s what folks outside of Christ are really looking for. They want to know if Jesus really works in your life. Jeff Strite

“Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works

and glorify your Father in heaven.”

~Matthew 5.16; cf. 2 Cor. 3.2~

They wanted to know the plan.  The plan was Jesus dying for us so we could go to our Heavenly

home when we no longer live on this earth like Mr. England did!  Do you know the plan?

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“All men shall fear,

and shall declare the work of God;

for they shall wisely consider His doing.”

~Psalm 64:9~

SPORTS: Trevor Bayne, in spotlight after Daytona win, voices his goal

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=34739

Julia Virginia Calmes “Nanny” Phillips
(August 24, 1922 – February 27, 2011)

Virginia met Jesus, Face to Face, on February 27, 2011 after a lengthy illness. Born August 24, 1922 to Napoleon B. “Nap”, Sr. and Jessie Chaney Calmes. She was born in Dennis Mills, LA where she lived almost her entire life and where she passed away surrounded by her family. Preceded in death by parents, brothers, Edmond C. Calmes, Sr. and N.B. Calmes, Jr., sister, Miriam Chutz, and son, Gregory L. Phillips. Survived by husband of 63 years, Lawrence C. Phillips of Dennis Mills, LA, two sons, Chaney Phillips, of Ponchatoula, Matthew Phillips and wife, Christine of Watson, two brothers, Chaney Calmes and wife, Lurline of Baton Rouge, Stanley Calmes of Diamondhead, MS, six grandsons, Gregory Phillips and wife, Jennifer of Metairie, Ryan Phillips and wife, Stephanie of Baton Rouge, Jason Phillips and wife, Kristi of Baton Rouge, Dallas Phillips and wife, Tammy of Denham Springs, Jackson and Ethan Phillips of Watson, one granddaughter, Brandy Roberts and husband, John of Denham Springs, seven great-grandchildren, Chaney, Grayson and Lindsey Phillips of Metairie, Jacob and Jordan Phillips of Baton Rouge, Brenna Phillips of Baton Rouge, Brandon Phillips of Denham Springs, numerous nieces and nephews, and hundreds of friends and extended family. A special thanks to beloved neighbor, friend, and devoted caregiver, Elaine Cash. Virginia grew up in a fun and loving family in Dennis Mills. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, a member of the Sunshine Class, and served as church pianist and organist until age 84. After 20 years, she retired from the St. Helena Parish School System in 1987. She loved spending her time keeping her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and cooking for her family. Virginia loved the Lord and her family with complete devotion. She was always there for us, making any sacrifice necessary without complaint. Everything she did was done with love and kindness. She looked for the positive in everyone and could always find it. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her smile and laughter made the darkest days bright. We were blessed to have known her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Pine Grove, LA. Visitation at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Pine Grove, on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m with Rev. Phillip McDaniel officiating. Burial in Pine Ridge Cemetery on Hwy 440 west of Tangipahoa, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

A person who lives a long time like Mrs. Chaney surely has created many memories for other. Mrs. Bertie Hano left many memories for her family, her church family, and her friends. I would like to share a special one from our family. “Miss” Bertie Hano, “Miss” Sadie Hilbun, and “Miss” Pauline Bryant, and a massive balloon bouquet rode to New Orleans with Rev. Ronnie and Angie Nielson to help welcome our daughter home from Brazil where she had served two years as a MK teacher. I wish you could have seen these ladies as they experienced their first airport visit and their first escalator ride! They took these risks to honor Jennie. That made a major impact on our lives to know they would do that for her. What special ladies! What blessings on our lives! We miss all of them so much!

Today, thank God for the many blessings He has given you.

Anna Lee