Death Notice(s) – Page 251

Saturday

Good morning. Thank-you for reading and praying today. May you be blessed as you do so.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Anna Lee

LET THE LIGHT SHINE

I heard about a couple who received a set of two horrible bedside table lamps as a wedding present from a distant aunt. Since the lamps were so ugly, this couple didn’t want to actually use them, so they put them in storage and bought a nicer set themselves. That worked for a while, but a few years later, this particular relative came to a family celebration. Knowing she would be there, the couple quickly set up the aunt’s lamps on the tables and hid their usual ones under the bed.

When time came to show the aunt around the house, the wife said, “Come and see how nice your lamps look in our bedroom.”

She turned on the switch on the wall — and suddenly an intense luminosity emerged from under the bed…..

Oops! How embarrassing! I am reminded of the following statement made by Jesus:

“[Jesus] said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.’ ” (Mark 4:21-22).

Jesus’ point here is not quite the same as it is in the more familiar passage in Matthew 5:16 (“Let your light so shine before men…”). Here in Mark, Jesus has apparently just begun to speak in parables. To the apostles, it may have seemed that Jesus was trying to hide the truth from people by speaking with such obscurity. But Jesus points out that wouldn’t make much sense; it would be like lighting a lamp (to bring light) and then placing it under a bed (to hide the light). His reason for using parables wasn’t to hide God’s truth, but to set it on a lampstand so that it could give forth as much light as possible.

Father, we thank you for sending One who not only came to show us the light, but who is Himself “the light of the world”. May our lives and conversation be such that we will never be embarrassed by an attempt to hide that light under our beds. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Nothing in all creation

is hidden from God’s sight.

Everything is uncovered and laid bare

before the eyes of him

to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)

Update on Don Denton:

It is a privilege and we feel honored that you all would take time today to lift us up in prayer today.

I woke this morning with a peaceful and thankful spirit. Don continues to be moved by the love of family and friends. One of his precious students wrote him and email today that lifted his spirits.

I have to confess to you all that I have never been strong through this long illness. I have been weak and most days are hard. So I too struggle. Yet, I know what is true. I know even when my feelings are saying one thing that my heart believes in what is true. And the big picture here is this – Don is alive and with us. God has heard our cries, our prayers. We have so much to be thankful for and that is my prayer.

We had doctor appointment yesterday and that went well. This doctor wants Don to see a specialist in Kansas City. This doctor specializes in area of dizziness. And Don goes to Cox South Tuesday for a lumbar puncture. Don will be getting new glasses and I feel that will help as well.

Bless you our family and friends

Diane

This morning at 7 A.M. FBC, Kentwood will host a superbowl prayer breakfast. Everyone is invited to attend.

Miss Virgie Bridges was returning home from work as a nurse when she found my grandpa, G.R. Smith, Sr., at the gate to what was then his farm. It is now our cabin. After Katrina, David was delivering supplies all around Kentwood. He “found” Miss Virgie. After a couple of meetings and lots of question about who he was and where he lived, she revealed she found Grandpa G.R. Needless to say, she became someone special to us. It was a long overdue friendship and a special connection we were glad to finally make.

Miss Virgie passed away Thursday night. Her wake will be at Pine Ridge Methodist Church from 10:00 to the funeral service at 1 P.M.

Reuel Townsend Adams, Jr.
(September 13, 1927 – January 29, 2009)

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U.S. Veteran REUEL TOWNSEND ADAMS, JR., AGE 81

And a resident of Mt. Hermon died at 5 PM Thursday, January 29, 2009 at East Jefferson General Hospital. He was a member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, vice president of Ruritan Club, former member of Franklinton Lion’s Club, secretary/treasurer of Mt. Hermon Volunteer Fire Department, active member of the Camellia Society and AHS. He was a WWII veteran of U.S. Navy.

Survived by: Wife: Bobbie Wilkes Adams of Mt. Hermon, 4 Daughters and sons in law: Suzanne Seale of Florence, MS, Beverly and Mike Taylor, Cheryl McElveen all of Mt. Hermon, Kim and Bret Allain of Jeanerette, 1 Son and a daughter in law: Craig and Lisa McElveen of Baton Rouge, 12 Grandchildren: Laurie Schexnider, Michael and Melissa Walker, Shea Taylor, Amber McElveen, Mac McElveen, Quin, Emma, and Robert Allain, Ashley McKenzie, Erin and Ryan Seale, 4 Step grandchildren: Tia, Crystal and Cole Taylor, Tyler Simmons, 3 Great grandchildren: Jace Schexnider, Hayden McElveen, James McKenzie, 2 Brothers and sisters in law: Robert and Joan Adams of Jacksonville, FL, John and Sherry Adams of St. Augustine, FL, He was preceded in death by a son Robert Townsend Adams, his parents Reuel T., Sr. and Pearl Rogers Adams and a brother Ben Adams.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home from 5 PM until 9 PM Friday, January 30, 2009 and after 8 AM Saturday, January 31, 2009. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Joe Baugh and Rev. Dale Parker officiating. Burial will follow in the Ellis Cemetery.

Friday Afternoon

Reuel Adams, brother-in-law of Dora Magee (married to her sister Bobbie) died shortly before 5:00 p.m. yesterday, Thursday, January 29. They live in the Mt. Hermon area. Arrangments were not finalized, but Crain Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements. Pray for family members as they travel and adjust to this unexpected death.

Shared by Velta Morris

Virgie C. Bridges
(December 23, 1928 – January 29, 2009)

Virgie C. Bridges

Virgie C. Bridges was born on December 23, 1928 and passed away at 6:25PM, Thursday, January 29, 2009 at the North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 80, a native of St. Helena Parish and a resident of Kentwood.

She is survived by a sister, Mildred Emily Bridges, Pine Ridge; 2 brothers, William J. Bridges, Zachary & Edward Bridges and wife, Carol, Pine Ridge; 3 nieces Sophie Rieger, Nacogdoches, TX, Barbara Bridges, Zachary. & Rene’ McDaniel, Spring Creek; a nephew, Richard Bridges, Queens, NY.

She was preceded in death by her parents William Otis & Nina Young Bridges; and an infant brother, Frank Bridges.

Visitation will be held at the Pine Ridge Methodist Church on Saturday, January 31, 2009 from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 1:00PM with Bro. Clay Spinks officiating. Interment in the Pine Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers Ms. Virgie request donations be made to the Pine Ridge Methodist Church.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

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

Friday

“Sing praises to the Lord,

who dwells in Zion!

Declare His deeds among the people.”

Psalm 9:11

Carl Wayne Stevens will be admitted to the hospital Monday and have surgery Tuesday to remove a place from his upper lung. Please be in prayer for Carl Wayne, his family, and the medical staff who will be working with him.

JAHANKA OF SENEGAL, GUINEA AND THE GAMBIA (jah-HONK-kay). The Jahanka people of West Africa are beginning to have more opportunities to hear the gospel. Often they respond by acknowledging that what they heard is the truth, but they are usually not ready to make a commitment to Christ. The next step, for those who are interested in learning more, is to participate in a Bible storying group. There they can hear a number of stories from God’s Word that help them understand better who Jesus is. Pray for new opportunities for Bible storying groups among the Jahanka. http://www.jahanka.org/

LAST FRONTIER. One worker writes: “I met a brother, Mr. H, who preaches in two churches in one of the most persecuted areas in his country. The members of his group have been jailed numerous times, and Mr. H himself has been jailed more than 50 times in the last 10 years. Since Jesus died for him on the cross, he considers what he has suffered to be nothing. Mr. H boldly said, ‘They beat me and kept me in jail for days. How can I compare that with what Jesus did for me? I am not afraid. No, I am not.’ Then Mr. H asked me, ‘Are you afraid of the police?’ What do you think my answer was? My answer was yes, with many excuses. Did I feel small? Yes, I did. One of Mr. H’s churches meets in his home, and the other church is 40 kilometers away in a different city. Finding a place to worship is difficult, because it is hard to rent a room when the police put pressure on the landlords not to rent to fellowships. So far, the current location is all right. Please pray for a place where they can continue to meet and worship together. Mr. H and I share a vision of planting eight more new churches by next Christmas. Please pray for more reproducing churches that can reach lost souls.”

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

“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

POPCORN WITH HOT SAUCE

A Christian couple in Guerrero, Mexico (geh-REH-roh) likes to spend a lot of time with their friend, C, and his family. The couple took cake and popcorn to their friend’s house one day, and C put hot sauce on the popcorn! Do you remember praying for the Tibetans who like chili sauce on their pancakes? We need to introduce C to the Tibetan people!

Another time C’s family served beans with pig’s feet. Christian workers in other countries really have to learn to like different kinds of food.

Whenever the Christian couple spends time with C and his family, they tell a Bible story. These families are really good friends. The Christians would love to see their friends accept Jesus. Pray for C—pray that he will accept Jesus and that he will tell others that Jesus loves them too.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Help my brother to have fun at university. TREVOR, age 10, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray for us to learn the Thai language so we can tell others about Jesus. EMILY, age 7 (Pacific Rim)

My very good friend is a muslim and we don’t talk about religion much. I would really like for her to come to Christ. Please pray for her to become a Christian or to give me courage to talk about it with her. EMMA, age 11 (Western Europe)

I have several India friends who need to know Jesus. We play together sometimes. I have tried to tell a girl named Nashelta about Jesus. Please pray for her and my other friends. Maybe someday they will accept Jesus into their hearts. TONI, age 11 (South Asia)

Please help my friends to believe in Christ because I tried but they didn’t believe me and I want the whole country believe in Christ. JOSEPH, age 11 (Central Asia)

Every Monday my sister and I do a Sunday (or Monday) school for five little Fulbe kids. Just pray that every one of them will all come to know Christ as their Personal Lord and Savior. Thank you! SARAH, age 11 (West Africa)

I would like you to pray for my mom’s back and ankle. Also pray for the people in Mozambique that they will stop firing guns. Please pray for my family to learn Portuguese, so we can tell people about Jesus. I want to tell you something—some people say pork and cheese when it is really “Portuguese.” Some of the people in my city are nice and some are mean. Please pray for them. ABBY, age 10, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Virgie C. Bridges
(December 23, 1928 – January 29, 2009)

Virgie C. Bridges was born on December 23, 1928 and passed away at 6:45PM, Thursday, January 29, 2009 at the North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 80, a native of St. Helena Parish and a resident of Kentwood.

She is survived by a sister, Mildred Emily Bridges, Pine Ridge; 2 brothers, William J. Bridges, Zachary & Edward Bridges, Pine Ridge; 2 nieces Sophi Rigger, Nacogdoches, TX & Barbara Bridges, Zachary.

She was preceded in death by her parents William Otis & Ninie Young Bridges; and an infant brother.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

In lieu of flowers Ms. Virgie request donations be made to the Pine Ridge Methodist Church.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite in charge of arrangements.

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

Muriel Little Heth
(September 13, 1922 – January 29, 2009)

Muriel Little Heth

Mrs. Muriel Little Heth was born September 13, 1922 and passed away at 6:55PM, Thursday, January 29, 2009 at her residence in Kentwood. She was 86, and a native of Chesbrough. The family would like to send a Special Thanks to Kathy & Michael Warren and family & Roy and Rose Rhodus.

Mrs. Muriel is survived by her son, Bruce Heth and wife, Stella, Kentwood; 1 sister, Bertie Mae Spitale, Amite; 2 brothers, Cecil Little and Ray Little both of Roseland.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Alfred Heth; parents, Hulon & Irma Smith Little; 2 sisters, Daphne Hayden & Wilma Lois Brown; 2 brothers, L. J. Little & Robert Little.

A Graveside Funeral Service will be held at the Russelltown Cemetery, Roseland, on Friday, January 30, 2009 at 2:00PM with Bro. Leonard McMichael officiating. Interment in the Russelltown Cemetery.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

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

IS IT OBVIOUS?

A woman had a problem — her husband was a loud snorer and kept her awake at night. So she called the doctor one morning, and asked him if there was anything he could do to help out with the problem.

“Well, there is one operation I can perform that will cure your husband, but it is really rather expensive. It will cost $1000 down, and payments of $450 for 24 months, plus payments for extras.”

“Oh my!” the woman exclaimed, “sounds like leasing a new sports car!”

“Hmm,” the doctor murmured, “too obvious, huh?”

Some things are rather obvious and can’t be hidden. Do you recall what the Jewish leaders said when they saw “the boldness of Peter and John”? At first they were confused because they realized that these were “uneducated and untrained men.” But then it came to them:

“They realized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

It was pretty obvious. In fact, it stood out like a sore thumb. I merely raise this question for you to think about this week — is it obvious to folks around you as to why you behave the way that you do? Is it readily apparent to others that you are someone who “spends time with Jesus”? May you live in such a way that it is all too obvious!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I pray my faith is obvious. I pray yours is too!

Anna Lee

Monday

Jesus told him,

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.

No one can come to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6 (NLT)

Mrs. Bill Hughes continues to need our prayers for her continuing health issues.

Mr.James Miller’s oldest daughter is hospitalized. He would appreciate you praying for her.

John Wesley Parker
(March 29, 1926 – January 24, 2009)

John Wesley Parker

U.S. Veteran Died at 1:59 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was a native of Dossville, MS and a resident of Kentwood. Age 82 years. He was a U. S. Navy Veteran of World War II and retired from Baton Rouge, Zachary, Angola and LSU Fire Services. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Services conducted by Rev. Richard Sandburg and Rev. Joe Starns. Interment Centre Cemetery, Greensburg. He is survived by his wife, Myrtis Newsom Parker, Kentwood; 4 sons, Wilbur G. Parker, Kentwood, Floyd W. Parker and wife, Rosemary, Waskom, TX, John M. Parker and wife, Janice, Central, and Wesley A. Parker, Kentwood; 2 sisters, Flo Goynes, Baton Rouge, and Retta Bellgraph and husband, Eugene, Zachary; 3 brothers, Carlton Parker, Zachary, Shade M. Parker and wife, Evelyn, Springfield, IL, and Amos Parker and wife, Colleen, Summit, MS; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Elva Wooten Parker; 4 sisters, Marie Bankston, Agnes East, Pauline Walker, and Roxie Parker; 3 brothers, James, Gus and Guy Parker. Pallbearers will be Travis Parker, John Parker, Jason Parker, Blaine Parker, Jimmy Parker and Blanton Burgess. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Louisiana Firemen’s Association.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

PEOPLE AROUND THE world reacted with shock in September 2006 when news broke that Steve Irwin, the “Crocodile Hunter,” had died…

His enthusiasm for life and for God’s creatures was contagious, making him a favorite personality worldwide.

When his wife Terri was interviewed shortly after Steve’s death, her love for him was obvious as she said through her tears, “I’ve lost my prince.” What an affectionate way to memorialize her husband! She saw him as her prince and her best friend.

The husband-wife relationship is often viewed today as anything but the tender one Terri and Steve must have shared. We see bitterness, insults, and animosity presented in the media as the norm. How much more desirable it is to see true love—to see a husband unashamedly cherish his wife, to unselfishly be her “prince.”

How can a husband continue to love his wife in a more princely way? Try these suggestions: Listen—enjoy those tender times when she can unburden her heart without fear. Love life—find ways to add fun to your marriage. Lead spiritually—guide the way into prayer and intimate fellowship with the Lord.

Men, be a prince to your princess. (Dave Branon)

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered” (1 Pet. 3:7).

There will be a free showing of the movie “Fireproof” at FBC,Kentwood. If you have not seen this movie, please work this event into your schedule. The movie’s focus is on improving marriages.

Have a marvelous Monday!

Anna Lee

Saturday

“Go therefore and make disciples

of all the nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father

and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit.”

~Matthew 28:19a~

Philip Dykes is home and doing fine. Thank you for praying for him.

Mrs. Faye Price appreciates your prayers. Her family does too. Keep praying.

James Alton Fairburn Sr. passed away on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, at Harvest Manor Nursing Home in Denham Springs. He was 75, a resident of Denham Springs and a native of Amite. Mr. James enjoyed hunting and fishing. Visitation at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Graveside service at Hayden Grove Cemetery in Amite at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, conducted by Brother Sam Cutrer. Survived by his daughters, Betty Fairburn, of Walker, and Shelia Barthol and husband Jack, of Denham Springs; son, James A. Fairburn Jr. and wife Kendra, of Walker; 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Betty Irene Fairburn; and parents, David L. and Vemie Cutrer Fairburn.

Roberts Sr., Wiltz Richard Hartman-Sharkey Funeral Home, McComb, Miss., at 2:30 p.m.

Baptist Press

January 23, 2009

WASHINGTON–Obama reaffirms Roe on 36th anniversary. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29716

TENNESSEE–Embryonic stem cell trial gets FDA approval. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29717

NEW YORK–Roger Goodell: NFL responsible to fans & communities. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29718

FLORIDA–PROFILE: Kurt Warner — The player & the person. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29719

FLORIDA–Baptist Press returns to the Super Bowl.
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29720

WASHINGTON–MARRIAGE DIGEST: ‘Gay marriage’ getting boost in U.S. Senate. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29721

TEXAS–Church planting passion sparked in Bluebonnet. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29722

TEXAS–Couple starts orphanage in El Salvador. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29723

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): This is change? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29724

CALIFORNIA–FIRST-PERSON (David Jeremiah): Making a way. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29725

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

THE TAX COLLECTORS of Jesus’ time were some of the most despised people in the land, considered untrustworthy, cheats, and traitors…

Yet it was Levi (Matthew) whom Jesus called to follow Him. This brave man arose from his tax office and went with the Lord. Later, as Jesus dined in his house, the scribes and Pharisees began their grumbling. No doubt, Levi was used to this kind of back-biting talk. Now his honored guest was being criticized for even associating with him. Jesus heard their talk and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Our Lord knew their hearts, their needs, and their resistance to Him.

This is not to say that we should not seek to maintain a good reputation through godliness and an exemplary Christian lifestyle. We should live in such a way that our critics have no just charge to level against us. Still, I am glad that Jesus cares more about sinners than He did about what the social and religious elite were saying about Him.

Regardless of what other people say against us, we must not stop doing what is good and right. We must not sacrifice our search for truth for tolerance of every false teacher in the neighborhood. We may be accused of being narrow and closed-minded. We may be told that we will be excluded unless we are unconditionally inclusive of all other ideas and dogmas. (Think about that!)

When it comes to others around us, we need to remember that Jesus came and died for the sins of the whole world, not just for those whom the world says are worthy. We need to have the heart of Jesus, reaching out to all of our friends and neighbors, rich and poor, powerful and powerless, because they all need Christ’s saving blood and the hope of eternal life that only He can give. Let us be bold in caring for others and always reaching out to them. Let us seek God’s approval and not the approval of the crowd and bring the lost to Him. (Roger Wright)

“And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him (Jesus) eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, ‘How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?’” (Mark 2:16).

Enjoy your weekend, but don’t leave Jesus out of it!

Anna Lee

Friday

“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

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell continues to have tests done in Baton Rouge. Please pray for her as she works hard to get better.

Mrs. Faye Price continues to slowly improve. Pray for her and her family as they work together to restore her health.

Mike Nason is scheduled to come home from OLOL today. He has been there this week to get his regular “tune-up”.

Two requests from Sue Minor Tucker:

Please add a co-worker of mine, Richard Kennedy to your daily prayers, Richard has been having health problems lately and has had Bladder Cancer before and today he was diagnosed with Esauphagial Cancer and now has to decide just what options he has and which ones he wishes to take. Thank you again for your daily prayers.

Please pray for our pastor’s new grandson, Johnathon Inman, who is not quite 2 weeks old and was Jaundice when he was born, got a little better went home and was put back in the hospital in ICU last night with a very high count and if they cannot get it down he may have to have a blood transfusion and they said that if that doesn’t work then something is wrong with his little liver. Please remember Brother Larry Inman and his wife Sandy and their son Johnathon and his wife Joanie and of course little Johnathon. Pray that he will get better and not have to go through all of this additional problems. Thank you for praying daily.

Wiltz R. Roberts Sr.
Wiltz Richard Roberts Sr., 92, died Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009, at his home in Osyka, Miss. He was born June 19, 1916, in Osyka. He was the son of Amos and Janie Blades Roberts. He was a retired truck driver. Mr. Roberts also was known for a number of years as the “sack man” when he was in the sack and feed business. He was a very active member of Osyka Baptist Church until his health began failing and where he taught Sunday School for many years and influenced many young people. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having served and fought in the Tunisian, Algeria-French Moroccan, Sicilian and Naples Foggia campaigns. For his dedicated service, Mr. Roberts was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with four bronze stars and five Overseas Service Bars. Preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Lawrence, Bilbo, Alton and Clyde Roberts; and three sisters, Jessie Hilbun, Golda Davis and Tina Rodriguez. Survived by his wife of 63 years, Joan Austin Roberts, of Osyka; son and daughter-in-law, Wiltz Richard Roberts Jr. and Kaye, of Kentwood; two daughters and sons-in-law, Ann and James Reid, of Jayess, Miss., and Margaret and Wayne Frazier, of McComb, Miss.; four grandchildren and their spouses, Daniel and Kim Roberts, Brandon and Rebekah Frazier, Blake and Penny Frazier and Dalton and Kim Rawls; three great-grandchildren, Ela Frazier, Brittany Rawls and Trey Rawls; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation at Hartman-Sharkey Funeral Home, McComb, on Saturday, Jan. 24, from noon until service at 2:30 p.m., with Dr. Milton Kleisch officiating. Burial in Roberts Cemetery, Osyka. Pallbearers will be Wayne Frazier, James Reid, Brandon Frazier, Blake Frazier, Dalton Rawls and Daniel Roberts. To share sympathies, condolences and memories go to Hartman-Sharkeyfuneralhome.com.

KOMpray

(Kids on Mission Pray)

Prayer requests

“Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,” Luke 18:16b

THANK GOD FOR MUD

“Walira mvula walira matope.” No, I don’t know how to pronounce it, but I know what it means. It says, “He who asked for the rain also asked for mud.” I think you say it something like this: Wah-LEE-rah meye-U-lah Wah-LEE-rah mah-TOE-peh. If you know someone from Zambia, ask them if I’m right!

When God answers our prayers, we should give Him thanks for the answer. Well, here’s a story from one of our missionaries in Zambia:

It was SO hot and we finally got rain. I was driving out to a Bible teaching center—“I shouldn’t have been surprised about the muddy road. I didn’t complain (much) until I came upon pigs wallowing in a huge mud-hole—right in middle of the road! … I was ashamed of my complaints.”

My students at the center asked for a Bible for two of her friends who are ‘shut ins’. She didn’t have the money to pay that day, but she promised to save her money then pay. Other students stepped up and told her not to worry—God would provide. They put their money together and had plenty for the two Bibles. On the drive home, this student rode part of the way with the missionary. At a simple path, she asked the missionary to stop. It was the path to the ‘shut ins’. This woman said it was an honor to deliver the Word of God to her friends on that very day.

“The muddy roads just didn’t seem too bad anymore.” Thank God for the mud that comes when we have the rain.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please ask God to Help my parents teach the people about Jesus. JOY, age 8, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray that more people would come to know Jesus. Sometimes, there is persecution (people who hate Christians bully them) and Christians get hurt. Please ask God to protect the Christians. Ask God to help the sick too. CALEB, age 9 (Pacific Rim)

Pray that I will find a Sri Lankan friend. I live near a very beautiful beach. We have a lot of palm trees. We have to wear skirts a lot because it is the culture. MELODY, age 11 (South Asia)

Botswana has one of the world’s highest rates of AIDS. Please pray against the strongholds in this country. Please pray that I stay strong in the faith and that I have an unquenchable thirst for the Word. Oh yeah, please pray for exams! Especially my music exam and design technology exam. EMILY, age 15, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

My mom and dad are trying to raise a teenager—their first—me!

My dad goes into the village every day so he can plant churches. We want to pray that the people of Basoga would be open to the gospel. Pray that the Bible study students will tell others about what God has done in their lives.

ETHAN, age 14 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray for the countries in Central Asia. There is a lot of corruption. Amen. JONATHAN, age 12 (Central Asia)

Pray for all of Mozambique and ask God to help my parents in their ministry. LUKE, age 8, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

I CAN COUNT on one hand my most intimate friends, those with whom I would share anything…

I can hardly think of a boundary on our conversations. We reached that plane of relationship after long hours together and considerable risk. If a doctor informs me tomorrow that I have a terminal disease, they will be my first calls.

Most of my intimate friends live in other cities, and as a result I may see them only once a year. When we meet, though, we skip the chitchat and go right to the heart of what concerns us most. I don’t worry about being judged or second-guessed or made the subject of gossip. With true friends, I feel safe.

Friendship with God encompasses each of these levels of communication. God cares about the ordinary and everyday as well as the peak experiences. I bring to God my failures and sins (confession, repentance) as well as my triumphs and joys (praise, thanksgiving). I bring to god my worries and concerns (petition, intercession). The very attempt to hide something from God is folly, for God know all of who I am: the genetics as well as the environment, the thoughts and motives as well as the actions. (Philip Yancey)

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God” (James 2:23).

Thursday

Carefully consider the path for your feet,

and all your ways will be established.

Proverbs 4:26 (HCSB)

Andy Taylor said his daughter, Melissa, had some surgery and then had to go back in the hospital because of an infection. Pray for her to soon be better.

Jimmy Schwartz will be seeing a neurologist about his health problems. Pray he gets some relief from pain.

Jimmy Harrell will be having eye surgery soon. Pray for the surgery to be effective.

Continue to pray for Lauren H. Fowler in the last weeks of her pregnancy. Staying home and resting has been good for her.

Mike Nason is in Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge. His health requires periodic stays there. Pray he will feel better by the end of the week.

Phillip Dykes is also in Our Lady of the Lake. Doctors are trying to determine his problem.

Tracy Williams, Debbie Miller’s cousin, is in ICU at Tulane. Please pray for him and his family.

Ronald Putman is still in ICU at Our Lady of the Lake with heart and kidney problems as well as pneumonia. His family will be thankful for your prayers.

Quinton West is no longer hospitalized and is able to attend school again. Pray his asthma allows him to return to a normal schedule.

Update on Don Denton:

Don’s parents left to go back to Louisiana today. They have been with us since January 2nd. We again find ourselves most grateful to God for them and the time, love, support and work and care they have given to us.

We surely could not have done this without them. They continue to bless us. They will make their journey back to their home, please pray for safe travel.

Each day is new for us in so many ways. Don continuing to improve physically. The depth of the dizziness does not subside and that is a difficult thing to deal with when trying to attempt much of anything.

We now see that this will take time as well. So we continue with doctor appointments and therapy.

Please pray for healing of the nerve endings in the base of the brain. This is were the Hydrocephalus is as well.

We have more doctor appointments next week.

Thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement and support and the special acts of kindness toward us. Some days seem long and tireing and it is on those days that God blesses us with your words, your phone calls and acts of kindness toward us. We love you all. Words can’t express the depth of how we feel, how we have been deeply touched and ministered to by you all.

We will keep you posted. Next week is another big week of meeting back with specialist.

Blessings to you our friends and family

Diane

Continue to pray for Mrs. Annie Belle Harrell, Mrs. Kathryn Sanders, and Mrs. Catherine Yarborough. Each one of them will be thankful for your prayers.

Hilda Yarborough Hanks
(April 1, 1929 – January 21, 2009)

Died on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greesburg, LA. She was a native of Liverpool, LA and a resident of Greensburg, LA. Age 79 years. She was employed at Bank of Greensburg for 42 years, was a church choir member, and enjoyed her grandchildren. Visitation at Greensburg United Methodist Church, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Friday. Services conducted by Rev. LaMarylis Smith Cotten. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Survived by 2 daughters, Janet Hanks Sukkar, Baton Rouge and Sandra Hanks Dykes and her husband, Scott, Kentwood, 7 grandchildren, Colin Salim Sukkar, Cameron Lawrence Sukkar, Caroline Alexandria Sukkar, Adam Yarborough Sukkar, Christopher Cody Foster, Rodrick Lawrence Dykes and Scotti Marie Dykes, 2 sisters, Doris Venable, Zachary, Alyne Campbell and her husband Kirby, Liverpool, 1 brother, Elbert Yarborough and his wife, Donald, Summit, MS. Preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Sitman Hanks, mother, Gussie William Yarborough, and father, Harvey O. Yarborough. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Joel A. Davis
(April 16, 1937 – January 19, 2009)

Joel A. Davis

Died at 6:50 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2009 at Sherwood Manor Nursing Home in Baton Rouge, LA. He was a native of Amite, LA and a resident of Baton Rouge, LA. Age 71 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. on Saturday until religious services at 11 a.m. Saturday. Survived by wife, Patricia Addis Davis, Baton Rouge; 2 daughters, Elizabeth Davis Blanton, Robert, and Bonnie Davis Fruge, Madisonville; 3 brothers, James A. Davis, Destrehan, A. Thomas Davis, Montpelier and David M. Davis, Alvin, TX; 3 grandchildren. Preceded in death by father, John Albert Davis, mother, Myrth Bornes Davis Cambre.

Baptist Press

January 21, 2009

CALIFORNIA–Calif. group launches petition drive to reverse Prop 8. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29702

GEORGIA–Baptisms alter church’s culture. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29703

ARKANSAS–Missionary surgeon: ‘God may be calling.’ http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29704

LOUISIANA–Coach acknowledges he’s ‘a little unusual.’ http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29705

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON (Howard Dayton): Who you gonna believe? http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29706

ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER

The story is told of a country lad who was hired for a salesman’s job at a city department store. It was one of those massive stores that has every department imaginable. In fact it was the biggest store in the world – you could get anything there.

The boss said, “You can start tomorrow, Friday morning, and I’ll come and see you when we close up.”

When the boss looked up the young man the next day at closing time, he saw him shaking hands with a beaming customer. After they parted, he walked over and asked, “Well, that looked good! How many sales did you make today?”

“That was the only one,” said the young salesman.

“Only one!?!” blurted the boss. “Most of my staff make 20 or 30 sales a day. You’ll have to do better than that! Well, how much was the sale worth?”

“$227,340 and change,” said the young man.

The boss paused for a moment, blinking a few times. “H… H… How did you manage that?!?”

“Well, when he came in this morning and I sold him a small fish hook. Then, I sold him a medium hook, and then a really large hook. Then I sold him a small fishing line, a medium one, and then a big one. I then sold him a spear gun, a wetsuit, scuba gear, nets, chum, and coolers. I asked him where he was going fishing and he said down the coast. We decided he would probably need a new boat, so I took him down to the boat department and sold him that twenty-foot schooner with the twin engines. Then, he said that his Volkswagen probably wouldn’t be able to pull it, so I took him to the car department and sold him the new Deluxe Cruiser, with a winch, storage rack, rust proofing, and a built-in refrigerator. Oh, and floor mats.”

The boss took two steps back and asked in astonishment, “You sold all that to a guy who came in for a fish hook?!”

“No,” answered the salesman. “He came in to buy a blanket.”

“A blanket?”

“Yeah, an extra blanket for the couch. He just had a fight with his wife. I said to him, ‘Well, your weekend’s ruined, so you may as well go fishing…'”

One thing leads to another. And that’s the way it should work in our spiritual lives. An old Chinese proverb says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” So it is with Christianity. We look ahead to where we want to be, and we take a step. Then another. And another. As we grow and mature in Christ, we continue to add virtue upon virtue.

“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” (2 Peter 1:5-7).

Wherever you are in your spiritual life, I pray that you’ll take a step up today, adding something that will make you a little more in the image of Jesus Christ. As you add one thing to another, you will be much closer to that goal by the end of 2009.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thank you for praying today. Your prayers mean so much to so many. You make a big difference!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“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~

Emily Panter

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Baby Steps

Well, Luke started back to school yesterday. Because of that, and the fact that my strength is growing. I have stayed home alone with all the kids for a few hours at a time. So far no real problems have arisen. I am allowed to lift Sarah, and the older kids have been very helpful when there is a task I don’t think I shoud attempt yet. I have loaded the washer and dryer, sorted clothes, cleaned the kitchen and helped the kids in their rooms some. (And I am not doind these things all of the time so don’t start calling Luke to reprove him.) Luke still bears the brunt of the chores sround here, and since he is also responsible for many other things, it is not always perfect around here (as if it ever was when I was in charge!) But God seems to be using it to help me let go of the things that are not as important as I once thought they were.

It seems that daily I am still running into someone I have not seen since before the hospital, and the conversation inevitably insues about how miraculous my journey has been. I continue to agree whole-heartedly and am amazed that God brought me through something which, for all intents and purposes, I should not have survived. He has healed me very quickly. He has given me the honor of seeing so many of the blessings that have affected peoples lifes, either through their faithfulness to pray, or through the testimony of God’s grace, mercy and undeniable power and soverenty. Last week the door bell rang and I got to it before Luke. I was expecting it to be the kids coming home from school, but it was the paramedic. The first one on he scene; he came back a few days after the insident to check on me and had come again to get an update.

I hope I continue to learn of God’s grace the rest of my life and i pray that I am always useful to Him in His plan. I hope I never again miss an oportunity.

Posted by Emily Panter

A Young Daughter’s Evangelistic Prayers

http://www.baptistmessage.com/articledetail.php?articleID=2c1cda9e1f37f1f6173d7cbbbc1a9124

Baptist Press

January 20, 2009

WASHINGTON–Obama calls for ‘era of responsibility’ at historic inauguration. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29695

WASHINGTON–WhiteHouse.gov now backs abortion rights, ‘gay rights.’
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29694

WASHINGTON–Southern Baptist in Congress express hope. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29696

WASHINGTON–Warren mentions Jesus’ name in invocation. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29697

WASHINGTON–Warren’s inaug. prayer only latest by a Southern Baptist. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29698

WASHINGTON–TRANSCRIPT: Obama’s inauguration speech. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29699

LOUISIANA–NOBTS announces austerity budget. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29700

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Art Toalston): An inauguration we will remember. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29701

Mildred Davis Thompson
(February 10, 1921 – January 19, 2009)

Mildred Davis Thompson

“I am now home in heaven, oh so happy and so bright. There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light”

Our beloved Mildred Davis Thompson, was called home at 1:03PM, Monday, January 19, 2009 at the St. Helena Parish Hospital, Greensburg. She was 87, a lifelong native & resident of St. Helena Parish.

Mrs. Mildred is survived by 2 brothers, Huey Davis and wife, Doris, Amite & Wilson Davis and wife, Mary, Amite; also numerous nieces & nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Freddie Thompson; her parents, George & Caroline Reeves Davis; & a sister, Lillie Davis Newell.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday, January 22, 2009 from 6:00PM until 9:00PM and on Friday, January 23, 2009 at the Hillsdale Baptist Church after 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM with Rev. Jim McGriff officiating. Interment in the Hillsdale Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to:

International Mission Board of Southern Baptist Convention for Guatemala Kekchi Indians Food Projects, PO Box 6767, Richmond, VA 23230-0767

Contributions may be made locally to the Hillsdale Baptist Church for the same mission fund. Hillsdale Baptist Church Guatemala Kekchi Indians Food Projects, 3621 Hwy 1045, Amite, LA 70422

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

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

TARGETED BY GOD

Everybody has difficulty in life, but several years ago, Brian Hise of Provo, Utah experienced more difficulty in one day than many of us go through in a year. First, a water pipe broke in the upstairs apartment above his own and flooded his apartment. So the manager told him to go out and rent a water vacuum.

That’s when he discovered his car had a flat tire. He changed the tire and went inside to phone a friend for help. Standing in the water, the electric shock he got from the phone startled him and he ripped the phone off the wall.

Before he could leave the apartment a second time, a neighbor had to kick down his apartment door because water damage had jammed it tight. While all of this was going on, somebody stole Brian’s car. But it was almost out of gas, so he found it a few blocks away. He then had to push it to a gas station.

That evening, Hise attended a military ceremony at B.Y.U. and he injured himself severely when he somehow sat down on his own bayonet which had been tossed onto the front seat of his car. Doctors were able to stitch up his wounds but no one was able to resuscitate Brian’s four canaries which were crushed to death when wet ceiling plaster in his apartment fell on them while he was gone.

When he got home, he slipped on the wet carpet and badly injured his tailbone. Mr. Hise said he began to wonder if “God wanted me dead but kept missing.”

Ever had days you felt that way? I recall an Old Testament character who felt the same way. After suffering hardship upon hardship, listen to these words of Job spoken to God:

“Will you never look away from me, or let me alone even for an instant? If I have sinned, what have I done to you, O watcher of men? Why have you made me your target?” (Job 7:19-20a, NIV)

We know that Job was not “targeted” by God. In truth, God was his source of strength in time of trial and his Redeemer when the story was over. But in the midst of adversity, when everything seems to be going wrong that possibly could go wrong, it’s tempting to feel the same way.

Be assured — God has not made you a “target.” He is, in fact, your source of strength to get through those tough times. May you rely on that today.

“Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper!” (Psalm 30:10)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Anna Lee

Tuesday Additions

Harold Neal
(March 14, 1928 – January 18, 2009)

Died at 2:44 a.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2009 at his daughter’s residence in Loranger. He was a native of Loranger and a resident of Amite. Age 80 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and at Cooper’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Loranger, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Interment Briar Patch Cemetery, Loranger. Survived by wife, Ruth C. Neal, Amite, 2 daughters, Patricia N. Watson, Loranger and Kathy N. Smith and her husband, Wendell, Loranger, 1 son, Keith Neal and his wife, Theresa, Loranger, 2 step-daughters, Beth Henry, Amite, Tommie Sue White and her husband, Jerry, Centreville, MS, 1 step-son, David Carroll, Amite, 1 sister, Eunice N. Goodrich, Loranger, 1 brother, John Neal, Loranger, 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by first wife Lois Neal, daughter, Delores Neal, brothers, Castle, Simpson, Robert, William, Frank, and Daniel Neal, sisters, Fines Benedict, Ollie Lewis, Pearlie Coleman, Lucy Cutrer, Frances Anthony, and Evy Anthony, mother, Inez L. Neal, father, Danny Neal. The family would like to express a special thanks to North Oaks Hospice Team, all family, friends, and church members who have loved and supported us during our time of need.

Mildred Davis Thompson
(Died January 19, 2009)

Mrs. Mildred Davis Thompson, 87, passed away at 1:03PM at the St. Helena Parish Hospital, Greensburg.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

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

Saturday

“So we must not get tired of doing good,

for we will reap at the proper time

if we don’t give up.”

~Galatians 6:9, HCSB~

Mrs. Faye Price continues to make improvement in Covington. Pray for her and her family as they continue this process.

Pray for the Smith/Clark family today as they have the memorial service for Riley Clark today in Deridder. Pray for Frann, his wife, as her health is not good. Frann has been my internet encourager for several years. I know she was the same to many others too. I miss her sweet words. This devotional reminds me of her. She used the “twenty-six soldiers” in such a positive way.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

KARL MARX DEVOTED his entire life to writing about the demise of capitalism and the coming of communism…

He, along with Friedrich Engels, wrote onen of the most well-known pollitical treatises in all of history, the Communist Manifesto. As evidence of his kneen understanding of the great power of words, Marx is credited with saying: “Give me twenty-six lead soldiers and I will conquer the world!” Who are the twenty-six lead soldiers Marx referred to? They are the twenty six letters of the alphabet on a printing press.

All words of have power and meaning (Isa. 55:11). Jesus said we would be held accountable for even our idle words (Matt. 12:36-37), and Proverbs says that that words have the power of life and death (18:21). So the question is not whether words have power. The question is, “What power am I releasing with my words?” If you have sent froth words that hurt, take them back with an apology and replace them with words that heal. The greatest untapped source of healing in life is “pleasant words.”

You may not consider yourself a physician, but you should–as along as you are dispensing words of life. (David Jeremiah)

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (Prov. 16:24).

Have a great day!

Anna Lee