Wednesday Afternoon

Riley and Frann Smith Clark (daughter and son-in-law of Mr. George R. and Mrs. Myrtle Smith)

Just received word that Riley passed away in his sleep last night. Frann was sent to a Dallas hospital yesterday. She is in ICU there now. I understand that she is in critical condition herself. Don’t know the arrangements but think the funeral will be Sat. Vivian is to let me know after she talks to Connie or Krista this afternoon. They all definitely need our prayers.

Mary Alice

Shelby Joseph Poolson,Jr.
(January 2, 1956 – January 10, 2009)

A resident of Morgan City and former longtime resident of the Loranger/Amite area, he passed away on Saturday Jan. 10, 2009, at his sister’s home in Sweetwater. He was 53, born Jan. 2, 1956, a native of New Orleans. He was the beloved father of Shelby J. Poolson III and Michelle Lynn Poolson; and grandfather of James Blevins. He is survived by three brothers, Keith, Sweetwater, Paul and his companion, Rae Saurage, Folsom, and Gary and his wife, Loretta, Laurel, Miss.; three sisters, Catherine Yerger and her husband, Paul, Sweetwater, Connie Burnthorn and her husband, Don, and Charlynn Whitehead, Houston; 10 nieces and nephews; five great-nieces and great-nephews; a great-great-nephew; former stepmother, Marty Kay and her husband, Ron, Clinton, Mont.; and former mother-in-law, Leona Dillman. Preceded in death by his parents, Shelby J. Poolson Sr. and Hazel Yvonne Sanders Whitehead; grandparents, Daniel and Madeline Anthony Sanders and William Franklin Poolson and Ethel Farve Poolson Jewel; and his ex-wife and children’s mother, Cindy Leaber Cathalounge. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday, Jan. 13, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m., conducted by Brother Elester Raines. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Keith Derrick Poolson
(April 13, 1957 – January 12, 2009)

Keith Derrick Poolson

A resident of the Loranger/Amite area passed away on Monday, January 12, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was 51, born April 13, 1957, a native of New Orleans. He was the beloved father of April Danielle Poolson. He is survived by two brothers, Paul of Folsom, and Gary and his wife, Loretta of Laurel, Miss; three sisters, Catherine Yerger and her husband, Paul of Sweetwater, Connie Burnthorne and her husband, Don of Sweetwater and Charlynn Whitehead, Houston, TX; his ex-wife and daughter’s mother and friend, Donna Stafford; two whom he loved as his own, Trever and Miranda Arnold; former step-mother, Marty Kay and her husband, Ron, Clinton, Mont.; also, 10 nieces and nephews, 5 great-nieces and nephews and 1 great-great-nephew. He was preceded in death by his brother, Shelby Poolson, Jr.; parents, Shelby Poolson, Sr. and Hazel Yvonne Sanders Whitehead; grandparents, Daniel and Madeline Anthony Sanders and William Franklin Poolson and Ethel Farve Poolson Jewel. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Friday. Interment Briar Patch Cemetery, Loranger, LA.

Please be in prayer for these families during their time of loss.

Tuesday Evening

Nathan Joe McElveen
(October 16, 1945 – January 13, 2009)

Nathan Joe  McElveen

Nathan Joe McElveen a devoted husband, father, grandfather & brother was born October 16, 1945 and passed away surrounded by his family at 1:40PM, Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at his residence in Kentwood. He was 63 and a native of Washington Parish. He loved the outdoors and playing pranks on any & everybody at any given time. His children, grandchildren & foster children defined his life completely.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Judy Langford McElveen, Kentwood; 3 daughters Debbie McElveen Simeon, and husband Luke, Kentwood, Sonia McElveen Blalock and husband, Jeremy, Kentwood & Jeanine “Jeannie” McElveen, Natchitoches, LA; 3 sons, Michael McElveen, and wife, Jennifer, John “Jay” McElveen, and wife Rachel, Kentwood, & Will McElveen, Kentwood; 2 sisters, Bonnie Brabham, Kentwood & Annie Pevey, and husband Wilson, Pine Grove; 2 brothers, Gaylon McElveen, Mt. Hermon & Truman McElveen, and wife Anna, Mt. Hermon; brother-in-law, Bobby Langford, Kentwood; sister-in-law, Beth Potts, and husband, Dennis, New Orleans; 11 grandchildren, Riley, Hannah, Brodie, Dawson, Anthony, Jayde, Emily, Brayden, Julianah, Lathan & Sawyer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilmer & Eunice Duncan McElveen; a sister, Virginia Strickland; & sister-in-law, Mavis Sue McElveen.

Visitation will be held at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 from 6:00PM until 9:00PM and at the Mt. Hermon United Pentecostal Church, Mt. Hermon, on Thursday, January 15, 2009 from 9:00AM until Religious Service at the church at 10:00AM with Rev. Randall Garcia & Rev. Gene Simpkins officiating. Interment in the Mt. Hermon United Pentecostal Church Cemetery.

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

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

Tuesday Afternoon

Wendy Fowler and Selena Morgan emailed to ask for prayer for the family of Mr. Joe McElveen. He passed away today.

Darrel “Red” Clauer, Sr.
(July 20, 1917 – January 12, 2009)

Darrel

U.S. Veteran Darrel “Red” Clauer, Sr. a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great great-grandfather, & brother was born July 20, 1917 and passed away at 6:21AM, Monday, January 12, 2009 at his residence in Amite, LA. He was 91 and a native of Linden Township of Iowa County, Wisconsin. Mr. Red was a former resident of Delafield, WI of 28 years & also of Clinton, AR for 28 years before living in Amite, LA for the last 3 years. He was a bricklayer and retired in 1977 from Milwaukee, WI Bricklayers #8 and also was a WW II Veteran in the U.S. Army.

Mr. Red is survived by his wife, Evelyn Paullin Clauer, Amite, LA; 3 sons, David Schaefer, Rockford, IL, Darrel Clauer, Jr. and wife, Pam, Clinton, AR, Frank Clauer, and wife Susan, Helenville, WI; 4 daughters, Loretta Goetsch, and husband Vincent, Coker Creek, TN, Wanda Van Den Heuvel, and husband Kirk, Germantown, WI, Susan Kemmerling, and husband Bruce, Watertown, WI, & Kathleen Davis, and husband Dickie, Amite, LA; a sister, Nahldan Kneble, Dodgeville, WI; a sister-in-law, Lorraine Clauer, Ft. Myers, FL; 21 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren & 3 great great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Gertrude Slaght Clauer, 2 sisters, 4 brothers, 1 daughter & 1 granddaughter.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

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

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

Tuesday

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,

for I am gentle and lowly in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

~Matthew 1:29-30~

Marjorie “Joyce” Russell
(December 13, 1928 – January 11, 2009)

Marjorie “Joyce” Russell, 80, was born in Tylertown, Miss., on Dec. 13, 1928, and died peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009, at the Landmark Nursing Home, Hammond. She was preceded in death by her parents, Odis and Inez Hope Dier and her only two siblings, Odis Dier Jr. and Mary Dier. Surviving are her husband of 46 years, Cleo Russell; son, Kevin Russell; daughter, Marianna Ursin and husband Ed; stepdaughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Payne and husband Bill; four grandsons and a great-granddaughter. Marjorie worked at various jobs after completing high school in Kentwood in 1949, the first year, incidentally, the completion of high school required 12 grades rather than 11. Marjorie’s long work record included employment with Olan Mills Photography, accounting for various car dealerships, banks, the Roseland Wirebound Box Factory and last but not least, Accountant for School Food Services for the Tangipahoa Parish School Board. She passed the required test and became a certified Notary Public. Marjorie was a member of the Church of Christ and worked for years with her husband in teaching Sunday School classes for the children, participated in singing groups, assisted in the production of Church plays, etc. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday in the chapel from 8 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Kenneth Istre. Interment in Russelltown Cemetery, located at Big Creek Church of Christ, east of Arcola.

Baptist Press

January 12, 2009

TENNESSEE–Homeschooling numbers on the rise. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29647

TENNESSEE–Homosexual bishop to pray for Obama. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29648

GHANA–Volunteers help sustain medical center in Ghana. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29649

GHANA–‘Trailblazer’ hospital changes lives in Ghana. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29650

GHANA–Public health ministry serves rural Ghana. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29651

INDIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Dwight Mabury*): Horrific sights in Orissa. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29652

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Richard Land): Your prayers can change our country. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29653

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (John L. Yeats): When inflation accelerates. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29654

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
WHENEVER YOU FIND yourself going through times of testing, there is always a reason…a very good reason…
In fact, there are several reasons. Testing times are to:
UNCOVER something: When God allows pressures and trials, it is so that you might uncover something in your life He wants to deal with. Hardships reveal areas of weakness and vulnerability. God wants to strengthen us in those very areas, and better equip us not only to stand strong in the storms ourselves, but also to be a shelter for others.
RECOVER something: God allows us to be tested so that we might recover something we’ve lost over the months and years. Perhaps it is our delight in the Word of God, a habit of daily prayer, or the delight of regular fellowship with those of like-precious faith. Trials may force us back to that “first love” walk with the Lord that has slipped away from us.
DISCOVER something: Even though it’s a test you may not like or enjoy, you discover that He’s your God, you’re His child, and that He loves you. He’ll care for you and see you through.
I hear people talk about this trial and that trial, this test and that test. People will say, “Pray for me, I’m going through a trial in my marriage (or in my job or in my finances or in my relationships at home).” But in reality, those aren’t the things being tested at all. What’s being tested is our faith, whether we will really trust Him to work in and through our circumstances.
That’s what’s really at stake. When the heat’s on…when the shadows fall…when disappointment rips through my heart…am I going to trust Him? Am I going to wait on Him, worship Him, and give my anxieties to Him? Or am I going to turn away from Him in my doubt and discouragement? (Ron Mehl)
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Rom. 5:3-5).

Have a terrific Tuesday!
Anna Lee

Saturday

Work hard to show the results of your salvation,

obeying God with deep reverence and fear.

For God is working in you,

giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT)



Read the first three news articles from Baptist Press to get a modern day example of God using a young man who is very well know and still a servant witness for Him. You may have heard his name – Tim Tebow!


Baptist Press

January 9, 2009

FLORIDA–Scripture & faith were ‘secrets’ to parenting Tim Tebow, mom says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29633

FLORIDA–Pastor calls Tebow ‘servant leader.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29634

FLORIDA–Tebow’s faith takes center stage. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29635

GEORGIA–Recession prompts NAMB to enact spending slowdown. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29636

TENNESSEE–SPLASH people with God’s love. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29637

TENNESSEE–INTERNATIONAL DIGEST: India’s Christians celebrate Christmas in peace. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29638

CALIFORNIA–Missions thrust readied for San Diego & Tijuana. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29639

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (O.S. Hawkins): God’s economy in 2009. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29640

ISRAEL–FIRST-PERSON (Jim Sibley): The news from Jerusalem. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29641

Mrs. Nadine Bridges’ surgery went well yesterday. The doctor was very optimistic about the results. Please remember to pray for “Miss” Nadine as she recovers from surgery.


Quinton West is home. Doctors told him to stay in for a few days. Pray for him and his family in the next few days.


On Mission in Kentwood will be this morning at 8:00. Come out and join others as they minister in Kentwood. Pray the rain does not keep the needed work from being done.


Don’t forget AWANA and children’s choir will be resuming after a Christmas break. Pass the word. Pray for both ministries to be effective in influencing you lives in a positive Christian way during the coming months.


Margaret Constantino DiVincenti
(December 4, 1926 – January 9, 2009)

Margaret Constantino DiVincenti

Died at 9:52 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2009 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was a native of Independence, LA and a resident of Amite, LA. Age 82 years. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 8:30 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009. Services conducted by Fr. Joe Camilleri. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Phyllis DiVincenti, Amite and Mary Margaret DiVincenti, New Orleans; son, Louis G. DiVincenti, Jr., New Orleans; sister, Mary Rose Tarsney, Metairie; She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis G. DiVincenti, Sr.; parents, John and Mary Constantino; 3 sisters, Catherine Fasullo, Elizabeth Gagliano and Frances Barcelona; brother, Leo Constantino.

KneEmail

Tell

I HEARD ABOUT a baby camel that asked, “Mom, why do I have these huge three-toed feet…?”

The mother replied, “To help you stay on top of the soft sand while trekking across the desert.”

“And why the long eyelashes?”

“To keep sand out of your eyes on our trips through the desert.”

“Why the humps?”

“To store water for our long treks across the barren desert.”

The baby camel considered that and then said, “That’s great, Mom. We have huge feet to stop us from sinking, long eyelashes to keep sand out of our eyes, and humps to store water, But Mom…”

“Yes, son?”

“Why are we in the zoo?”

That’s a question for all of us to consider. If we’ve been given all the resources we need to carry our Lord’s message far and wide, and if we’re completely equipped to fulfill the Great Commission, why do we keep it within the four walls of our church buildings? The Gospel isn’t something we come to church to hear; it’s something we go from church to tell. (David Jeremiah)

“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,

teaching them to observe all things

that I have commanded you…”

( Matt. 28:19-20a).

Wednesday

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,

for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

Mrs. Faye Price is improving. Continue to pray for her, the medical staff caring for her, and the family. (Her surgery was five weeks ago today.)

Mr. Raymond Anthony seems to have had one problem after another the past few months. Pray for him and his wife, “Miss” Velma, as she cares for him.

Joshua Reece

Thank you for praying for Joshua. Read the great news below but continue to pray for his complete healing.

Love,

Melinda

Dear Prayer Partners,

We just got off the phone with our daughter, Heidi Reece, and she told us that Joshua is being released from the hospital. This is an amazing recovery sent down from above by our loving Heavenly Father. Joshua was taken to the hospital in Hannibal on Jan. 1st. Several hours later he was air-lifted to St. Louis by helicopter because he was in such terrible shape. Now, after only 5 and a half days of hospitalization, he is well enough to go home. Miracle!!

Of course, there are follow up visits and things that they want to see much improvement in, but for now, it is back home. Caleb, the big brother, will be waiting for his family to arrive. He has been in the care of David’s parents, out on the farm.

Thank you is not near enough to say to all of you faithful, praying friends. When we heard what the situation was, the only things we could do was to pray, and to ask others to pray. Since we asked, many of you have told us you were praying, and that you were asking your friends, church families, and prayer networks to pray. Only God knows how many people were praying for one little boy.

I am learning about the powerful answers that come from our powerful God, when we all unite in prayer on the same subject. May God richly bless you for what you have done for us.

Your grateful brother and sister in Christ, Bob and Margie Craig, Craiova, Romania

Mr. I. W. Simmons takes his last treatment Thursday. Pray for him as he completes this process.

Holly K. has safely arrived in West Africa. Thank you for praying. She is staying a a guest house and making purchases of items she will need in her new home. Please continue to pray for her as she continues to make adjustments and learn about what her responsibilities will be.

Paula Braud Guzzardo
(June 6, 1949 – January 5, 2009)

After a courageous battle with cancer, she passed away at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center on Jan. 5, 2009, at 3 a.m. She was born June 6, 1949. Paula was surrounded by loving family and friends. As a native and resident of Baton Rouge, she was an educator, business woman and Realtor. Visitation at St. Jean Vianney Catholic Church on Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 11 a.m. until funeral Mass at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Tom Ranzino, celebrant. Burial in Amite Cemetery, Amite. A celebration of Paula’s life will be held after the burial on Wednesday at the home of Paul and Diana Burns, 7381 Woodstock Drive, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Survived by her children, John Paul “J.P.” Guzzardo, Chad Nicholas Guzzardo and Erin Katherine Myers Guzzardo; father of children, Nick J. Guzzardo; grandchild, Ainsley Katherine Marie Hammack; mother, Edith Gainey Braud; and brothers, John J. Braud, Steven J. Braud and Charles R. Braud. She was predeceased by father, Paul H. Braud; and brother, Gary P. Braud. She was a graduate of Redemptorist High School and LSU with a master’s in education and history. Paula studied under the Jesuit Order at Millsaps College. A lover of great friends and family, she was a proud mother of three. Please send donations to The Sister Dulce Foundation, P.O. Box 77526, Baton Rouge, LA 70879. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

WEDNESDAY WINDOW ON THE WORLD – January 7, 2009

CARIBBEAN YOUTH. Team West writes: “We asked you to pray that a new work would be started in a neighborhood in Barbados. We are happy to announce that it began in November, had its second gathering in December, and will have the third on Jan. 11. God has opened many doors for sharing testimonies and doing acts of kindness in this neighborhood. Please continue to pray for His Spirit to move over this place and to do wondrous and mighty things in the lives of the residents.” http://www.macregion.org/

NEAPOLITANS OF ITALY (nee-uh-PAHL-uht-n). The Harvesting Naples Team writes: “There is already a small evangelical presence in Napoli (Naples); however, there has not been an emphasis on evangelism until recently. Churches are beginning to offer English Second Language (ESL) classes, Italian lessons and music lessons, as well as feeding the homeless as a way to reach others with the gospel. As we partner with the churches, we will have an opportunity to teach English lessons and feed the homeless. Please pray that the church members will support these new ministries, that there will be an interest in the language classes, and that the partnership between our team and the churches will prosper.” paulandmackenzie@gmail.com

CITY H, EAST ASIA. January is an important time in City H as families gather to celebrate the new lunar year. However, for new believers who made a recent decision to follow Christ, it is a spiritually difficult time. Many are sharing with their families for the first time that they have decided to follow Christ. And they will be ostracized, mocked and even beaten for their newfound faith. As a result of this persecution, some will fall away from Christ while others will bear this crushing burden alone. Pray for the strengthening and encouragement of these new brothers and sisters during this “spiritual dead zone” in the month of January. Pray especially for non-believing family members to come to faith in Christ when these believers share their testimonies and the gospel. prayfor.cityh@gmail.com

Baptist Message

January 6, 2009

TENNESSEE–Radio network gives Obama ad money to pro-life groups. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29612

ECUADOR–Unlikely church planters prove effective. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29613

ECUADOR–Former gang members now share Christ. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29614

ECUADOR–Changed man uses rap to spread the Word. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29615

ECUADOR–Ecuadorian house churches support own missionary. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29616

KENTUCKY–FIRST-PERSON (David E. Prince): A lesson about work over sausages. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29617

THINGS WE KNOW FOR SURE

A newspaper editor was instructing a new reporter in some of the important details of his job. “Never state as a fact anything you are not absolutely sure about,” said the editor. “To avoid putting the paper in the position of stating something which it may not be able to prove, you should always use the words ‘alleged,’ ‘claimed,’ ‘reputed,’ ‘rumored,’ and so on, unless you know positively that everything is true as stated.”

The reporter was sent out to get society items, and soon thereafter the following paragraph appeared in the society column:

“It is rumored that a bridge party was given yesterday by a number of reputed ladies. Mrs. Smith, it is said, was hostess. The guests, it is alleged, with the exception of Mrs. Brown, who says that she comes from Illinois, were all local people. Mrs. Smith claims to be the wife of Alexander Smith, who is rumored to be doing a thriving business in town.”

It is important to know those things that we are absolutely sure of. That’s one of the reasons why the letter of I John was written. John had some things to say to those Christians who referred to themselves as “gnostics”. The Greek word “gnosis” means “knowledge” and these Christians thought they had more knowledge than “normal” Christians. John writes this letter to say (1) The Gnostics didn’t know nearly as much as they thought they knew; and (2) All Christians know those things which are of greatest importance (“I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it.”, I John 2:21)

Among the things which we can “know”:

“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” (I John 2:23)

“…We know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (I John 3:1)

“And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.” (I John 3:5)

“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us.” (I John 3:16)

“By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.” (I John 4:13)

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life…” (I John 5:13)

“We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” (I John 5:19)

“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” (I John 5:20)

Take confidence in those things which you know to be true!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“We give thanks to You, O God,

we give thanks!

For Your wondrous works

declare that Your name is near.”

Psalm 75:1

Joshua and Paula Splane

Paula Splane asked that you put her nephew, Joshua Splane, age 22, on the prayer link. He is in ICU at Tulane. He has a shunt in his head and is having problems.

also, Paula fell last night a tore a tendon behind her knee and will be out of school this week and perhaps next week. Please put her on link also. Thanks,

Janet A. Hammons

Pray for Mrs. Catherine Yarborough as she continues to work to work to get pain relief. She is hopefully on the road to improvement.

Joshua Reece

Thank you so much for praying for Joshua. As you will read he is doing better but still has a ways to go in his recovery.

Melinda

Dear Prayer Partners,

God is answering your prayers for Joshua Reece, our grandson. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Like firemen, you heard the plea for help, and you ran to the rescue. Our Heavenly Father is full of mercy and grace, which He delights to pour out on His children. I talked with our son-in-law David, and received this report. Joshua has taken a 5 ounce bottle of formula, and has eaten about an ounce of solid food—the first intake by mouth in days. His IV for fluids has been disconnected, but is still in place just in case it is needed. The oxygen tube on his nose is still in place but has been reduced to almost no flow at all, since he is breathing on his own. He is coughing more now, which hurts his chest, which he does not like, but this is a sign that the congestion is beginning to break up in his lungs. His father, David, was playing some “peek-a-boo” with him, and he was chuckling, a little, so that is a sign that he is feeling some better.

Heidi and David have been able to get some rest and wish to thank all for their prayers for Joshua and for them. The different specialists are already making plans for follow up visits so they can analyze his development issues—-underweight, never crawled yet, fluid on the brain, etc. Because of this, please pray for wisdom from on high, that God would lead them to know how to help his little body grow. We all are so grateful for the excellent care given to him at Cardinal Glennon Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. We highly recommend their services.

I knew that God had led us to gather the best Prayer Partner Network available, and once again, I want to thank you. We could do nothing from here but pray, and to ask others to pray. God was very faithful to us and His grace was more than sufficient. Please, communicate with your prayer networks our gratitude. We would consider it a privilege if you would give us your prayer requests and allow us to hold you up in prayer, too. All praise and glory and honor goes to our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. Bob Craig—missionary

Don Denton

Don Update:

Don came home from the hospital on Friday. We again find ourselves so grateful to God for his mercy upon us. It was a long exhausting very tireing week. I am so grateful to my brother Steve and his precious wife Lynn for flying in from Texas to help out. We are so blessed. Joshua justs continues to be blessed by his family. We are so grateful to them for their generosity to us. We could not have made it through the week without them and I am most grateful to them.

We need more prayer. Don has numerous doctor appointments this week. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of why he continues to be so sick. We will have a few new “eyes” looking to help us. We are thankful for a doctor from Mayo who called me this week, a Dr. Whineshakker. He believes we need to continue asking questions. We are so thankful for Dr. Trotman for his passion and tenacity in not letting go of this. He is one of the finest doctors we have encountered. We know we are in excellent hands. And we know more than ever that God’s hand is upon us and directing us in a way that we know we will get answers.

Please pray for wisdom and discernment for these doctors and for us as we continue to ask the important question that need to be asked.

Sorry for the delay in the update. I literally got maybe three hours a night of sleep this last week. This next week will be a good week.

I will post as soon as we get more information.

Blessings to you our family and friends.

Diane


From the IMB:

PALESTINIAN ARABS OF THE MIDDLE EAST. Once again war is ravaging Gaza. Palestinian believers tell workers that it has never been as bad as it is right now. Hundreds have already been killed. There has been no electricity for a week. Food and water are in short supply. No one can sleep because the bombs fall all night. Ordinary people are terrified. Please pray that the violence will stop and that no more people on either side will be injured. Pray for those on both sides of this conflict whose hearts are hardened by hate and fear. Pray especially for those who are followers of Jesus. Pray that they will experience God’s peace in the midst of turmoil. Pray that they will find opportunities to share His peace with others.

LAST FRONTIER. Workers focused on a Last Frontier people group are planning a training conference for national partners. Join them in asking the Father to lead them to the right people to be invited. Ask that the learners will understand the information shared and will then be able to use the information to share with many members of the people group. Whenever there is an opportunity like this, there is always the challenge of gathering safely. Ask our Father to protect all the participants as they study together.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. In early December, you were asked to intercede for J, who is carrying twins. She writes: “On Christmas Eve, we went in for a follow-up ultrasound and we could easily see two healthy babies with strong heartbeats! It’s been quite an emotional roller coaster after having lost a baby, then going for an ultrasound, expecting to see nothing, then seeing two instead! Most likely, the doctors think there were triplets and we lost one. The last couple of weeks we’ve been waiting and hoping that those two have been growing steadily and remaining healthy. Today’s ultrasound confirmed just that. We’re ecstatic that mother and babies seem perfectly healthy now and chances for another miscarriage continue to drop with each passing day. We’re scared to death of being the parents of five, but we also feel extremely blessed and fortunate. Thanks for your prayers!”

Larry Roberts
(August 27, 1944 – January 4, 2009)

I have fought the good fight and kept the faith. Mr. Roberts died at 9:55PM on Sunday, January 4, 2009 at Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center in Independence, LA. He was a resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 64 years. Visitation at Greenlaw Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 8 a.m. on Tuesday until religious services at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Services conducted by Rev. Joseph Warden. Interment Roberts Cemetery, Osyka, MS. Survived by uncle and aunt, Wiltz Roberts, Sr. and Joan Roberts, Osyka, MS, numerous cousins, friends, and church family. Preceded in death by mother, Golda Davis, uncles, Lawrence, Bilbo, Alton, and Clyde Roberts, aunts, Jessie Hilbun and Tina Rodriguez. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Greenlaw Baptist Church, 14407 Greenlaw Baptist Church Road, Kentwood, LA 70444. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.
Baptist Press
January 5, 2009

TENNESSEE–Gaza Baptist Church damaged in air strike. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29605

WASHINGTON–Survey: Large majority favors abortion limits. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29606

CALIFORNIA–Rose Parade outreach yields Kingdom results. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29607

TENNESSEE–Rural church is missions ‘greenhouse.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29608

TENNESSEE–CP giving 4.99% behind ’08 pace. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29609

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Rebecca Powell) Spend more time around the table. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29610

FBC, Kentwood

On Mission in Kentwood will work Saturday @ 8 A.M.

AWANA will resume Sunday evening at 4:50.


Command

JUST BEFORE JESUS went to Calvary He said to His disciples, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” ( John 13:34, 35)…

Is it right for God to command us to love one another?

Imagine a young man on a college campus who sees and falls in love with a young lady. But she’s not the least bit interested in him. So, he goes up to her one day and says, “I command you to love me!” Can a man do that to a young lady? Of course not.

It’s important that we understand that Christian love is not an emotional feeling that we manufacture. But it means we treat each other the way God treats us. Christian love is not a matter of feeling, it’s a matter of willing. “For God so loved…that he gave” ( John 3:16). God’s love wasn’t a sentimental feeling, but it expressed itself in action.

How does God treat us? God forgives us, so we forgive one another. God is kind to us, so we are kind to one another. God receives us, so we receive one another. We may not have the same personalities, or we might not even have the same interests; but we willingly and deliberately treat each other the way God treats us. This helps us to understand what it means to love one another.

I’m going to have a difficult time washing your feet if I don’t love you. I’m going to have a difficult time forgiving you if I don’t love you. The interesting thing is this: the more we deliberately will to love one another, the more our feelings begin to change; and lo and behold, we even start to like one another. You may not want to spend a week’s vacation with some people, but you can still treat them the way God treats you. As we love one another more and more, we learn to like one another. We can get along with one another.

God commands us to love one another because He revealed to us His love. He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down one’s life for his friends” ( John 15:13). “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us…For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” ( Rom. 5:8, 10). Jesus gave us the perfect example of what it means to “love one another” by His life and by His death. His command to love one another shouldn’t be looked upon as a burdensome commandment ( 1 John 5:2, 3), but a joy. (Howell Ferguson)

KneEmail: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” ( John 13:34, 35).

Finally brothers, whatever is true,

whatever is honorable,

whatever is just,

whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely,

whatever is commendable—

if there is any moral excellence

and if there is any praise—

dwell on these things.

Philippians 4:8

Anna Lee

Monday

Ephesians 2:8-9

“By grace you are saved through faith,

and this is not from yourselves;

it is God’s gift – not from works,

so that no one can boast.”




Jane Duncan asks us to pray for Donald’s cousin, Shira Easley. Shira lives in Donald’s neighborhood and has cancer.


Joan Hagan asks for continued prayer for her cousin Kitty who has now developed a staph infection in addition to having the infection caused by the spider bite. Kitty is facing additional surgery.





Holly K. begins travels to West Africa today. Pray for her and her “new family” as they work together for the next two years.


MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. “Please remember the sister of a worker here in Southeast Asia. She just had a heart attack and will undergo heart catheterization on Wednesday morning. It is difficult enough going through the illness of a loved one when we are nearby, but when one has to be oceans away, there can be much concern. So when you pray for this dear sister and her heart, please also remember the heart of her sister here in Southeast Asia. Ask the Lord to give her peace and comfort while they are separated during this crucial time.”


Wilma Rimes Strickland
(June 20, 1915 – January 4, 2009)
Died at 7:05AM on Sunday, January 4, 2009 at Flannery Oaks Guest House in Baton Rouge, LA. She was a native of Magnolia, MS and a resident of Baton Rouge, LA. Age 93 years. She was a U. S. Army veteran of WWII and was a member of Stevendale Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, LA. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10 a.m. on Tuesday until religious services at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Services conducted by Dr. Richard Wallace. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. Survived by 2 daughters, June Ott, Denham Springs, Betty Gill, Amite, 1 sister, Wanza Burris, McComb, MS, 4 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Willie W. Strickland, and a daughter, Patsy Strickland. Special thanks to Flannery Oaks Guest House and Alysia and Dee with Hospice In His Care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Spring Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 61361 Highway 1057, Kentwood, LA 70444 or Hospice In His Care, 11715 Bricksome Ave., Suite, B6, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.



On Mission in Kentwood will be Saturday, January 10th. There’s many yards in the area that need “picking up” after the snow. If you are willing and able to help some people who cannot do this for themselves, please meet at the church at 8 A.M. You’ll make a difference to others. Mostly, you’ll be blessed as you minister to others.



I hope you were able to see the movie “Fireproof” last night. It’s doubtful there were many dry eyes! The lessons on marriage were very clear. FBC, Kentwood will show the movie again in February in connection with a Valentine meal. If you have not seen this movie, please make plans to see it somewhere.


Today is back-to-school day for teachers. Tomorrow, student will begin the second semester of this year. Pray for all as they return and get settled back into the routine.


WHEN EVERYTHING GOES WRONG

Here is a list of “Murphy’s Laws for Churches” (author unknown):

* Video projectors always work before the class meeting begins.

* The probability of the preacher tripping over the mike cord is greater on “Bring A Friend” Sunday than any other week.

* The largest Bible Class will show up when the teacher feels his/her worst.

* No matter how many bulletins you print, you’ll always need one more.

* A member living 15 miles away will be 15 minutes early; members living two blocks will be 15 minutes late.

* The shorter the agenda, the longer the business meeting.

* Saying “Let us pray” or singing “Just As I Am” causes babies to cry.

* When you answer the Bible teacher’s question right, nobody remembers; when you are wrong, nobody forgets.

* The furnace only fails when the outside temperature is more than 20 degrees below zero. The air conditioner only fails when the outside temperature is 90 degrees or above.

* When the preacher misspeaks in a sermon, at least half of those taking notes will write the remark down as an important thought from the sermon.

Murphy’s Law (“Whatever can go wrong will go wrong”) manifests itself in a multitude of ways in our lives. In fact, there are times when it seems that EVERYTHING is going wrong. How we react to those situations says a lot about our character.

Do we react by saying, “Everything will turn out all right eventually”? We may be living in a dream world.

Do we react by saying, “How could God do this to me”? Our bitterness may cause us to turn away from God.

Or do we react by turning to God, praying for strength, trusting Him to see us through?

In Acts 4, the apostles were threatened by government officials and forbidden to preach in the name of Jesus. They prayed, “Now, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word….” (Acts 4:29)

Father, there may be those reading this message whose world has come crashing down around them. May you bless them with strength; make them mindful of just how much they need your help. May you use the times when things go wrong as opportunities to manifest your glory in a special way. In Jesus name, amen.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thank-you for praying each day. You impact many lives!

Anna Lee


Sunday

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not rely on your own understanding;

think about Him in all your ways,

and He will guide you on the right paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6


Below is an update on Bob and Margie Craig’s grandson, Joshua.
Thank you for praying for him.
Melinda

Subject: The latest news on Joshua Reece…..

Dear Faithful, Praying Friends,
We just got off the phone with our daughter in St. Louis, Missouri, calling from the hospital. Joshua is better! Thank you Heavenly Father! He is NOT well yet. He has a long way to go.
The mass in his brain that was seen by the CT Scan is now believed to be normal fluid that is within the normal acceptable range for his age—1 year old. However, he seems to be nutritionally underdeveloped. There is no understanding as to why he is, because he eats—but perhaps not enough of the correct things, OR he DOES eat enough of the correct things, but his body does not absorb the nutrition from the food he eats. Nevertheless, the nutritionist at the hospital is very involved in his care. His muscle development is poor.
He has been on oxygen since arriving, and they have been reducing the amount from time to time to get him to breath deeper on his own, but they have had to occasionally boast it back up for a time, especially after he eats and gets sleepy. The white count in his blood is not too high at all, so the ear infection was not severe. The viral pneumonia and the RSV are the big enemies right now, and the lack of nutrition has been a constant enemy for a few months, they think. He will most certainly be in the hospital until he breaths on his own and they analyze his eating processes.
Right now, he is not eating much at all, but is on IV fluids, and he hates the oxygen tube in his nose, so he keeps trying to pull that off. It keeps his Mom, Dad, and the nurses hopping. Heidi said his color is much better now!! Everyone has been so good and kind. The hospital is full to overflowing with RSV affected babies. It is highly contagious. If you have children, please do not attempt to visit anyone in the hospital right now. God has been pouring on His love and grace to us. We have been amazingly calm and assured that He has everything under control. Praise His holy Name!
Your grateful missionary friends, Bob and Margie Craig
Holly K.
Today is Holly’s last day at home before beginning her trip to West Africa. She’s done the practical things like packing her bags. Pray this last day at her church and at her home will be encouraging to her and her family. Pray for her mother as she goes back to teaching tomorrow and for her dad as he takes Holly to the airport and in the days ahead. Pray for safe travel and good experiences from the time she meets her MK’s in Atlanta for the remainder of the trip. Pray for a good support system for Holly and her family during the next two years.

Ethel B. Harvell Dunn
(January 24, 1911 – January 3, 2009)
Died at 9:05a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. She was a native of Grangeville, LA and a resident of Greensburg, LA. Age 97 years. She was a retired School Teacher with St. Helena Parish Public Schools. Visitation at United Methodist Church, Greensburg, LA, from 9 a.m. on Tuesday and until religious services at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Services conducted by Rev. LaMarylis Smith Cotton. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Survived by daughter, Doris Higgins, Hattiesburg, MS, 3 sons, Leslie L. “Bubba” Dunn and his wife, Lois, Greensburg, Rev. Joe E. “Sandy” Dunn, Jr., and his wife, Estelle, Albany, Frank G. “Randy” Dunn and his wife, Janie, Greensburg, 9 grandchildren, Sherry Dunn Schivers, Brenda Dunn Miller, Colin Higgins, Samantha Higgins Williams, Joseph B. Dunn, Joseph W. “Jay” Dunn, Amy Dunn Harris, Kathryn Dunn Forrest, Christopher Dunn, 14 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Joe E. Dunn, Sr., parents, Leslie Self Harvell and Clara Strickland Harvell, 1 great-granddaughter, Breanne Miller, 2 sisters, Edith Harvell Hartner, Doris Harvell, 1 brother, Lea Harvell. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, 901 S. Vienna, Ruston, LA 71273 or contact online at LMCH.ORG. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.
“Fireproof” will be shown at FBC, Kentwood tonight at 6 P.M. Admission is free. Come and enjoy a good movie and learn the importance of working to strengthen a marriage.
KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
THOUGH LESS THAN an inch in length, the bombardier beetle is noted for its unique defense system…
When threatened, the insect sprays boiling, foul-smelling liquid and steam from its posterior, warding off spiders, birds, and even frogs.
Consider: This beetle is equipped with “a pair of glands which open at the tip of [its] abdomen.” Each of these has a reservoir that stores an acidic compound and hydrogen peroxide as well as a reaction chamber filled with enzymes dissolved in water. To protect itself, the insect can squeeze the solution from the reservoirs into the reaction chamber to trigger a chemical reaction. The result? Noxious chemicals, water, and steam–at a temperature of about 212 degrees Fahrenheit–are sprayed onto an attacker. The chambers are less than sixteenth of an inch long, yet the beetle can change the speed, direction, and consistency of its toxic spray.
Researchers have studied the bombardier beetle to learn how to develop more effective and ecologically-sound mist systems. They have discovered that the beetle not only used one-way inlet valves to allow chemicals into the reaction chambers but also has a pressure-relief valve to expel them. Engineers hope to use spray technology based on the bombardier beetle in car engines and fire extinguishers, as well as in medial drug-delivery devices, such as inhalers. Professor Andy McIntosh of the University of Leeds, England, says: “Nobody had studied the beetle from a physics and engineering perspective as we did–and we didn’t appreciate how much we would learn from it.”
What do you think? Did the bombardier beetle’s complex system of valves, combustion, and explosion develop by chance? Or was it designed? (Awake)
“Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good” (Gen. 1:24-25).

God’s plan for creation is so involved we will never be able to comprehend all that He did, much less do something of that magnitude ourselves. How can we not recognize that and serve Him daily?

Anna Lee

Thursday

For I resolved to know nothing

while I was with you except

Jesus Christ and him crucified.

1 Corinthians 2:2 (NIV)


Barbara Bennett Gaines got a good report. There is no evidence of

cancer. Join Barbara in rejoicing over this news. Thank God for this

good report.

Barbara’s cousin, Kitty, learned the doctors have decided to try to hold off

on additional surgery. Kitty’s condition calls for much prayer,

Jared Prescott is home. The family is appreciative of your prayers. God

still has plans for Jared and David Gullotta! David’s liver issues are still

a serious concern. Please continue to pray for both of these young men as

they heal.

Update on Don Denton

Don update:

Don is still in the hospital at Cox South. He is doing

much better. His headache pain is gone. The tests

reveal thatthe pressure from the Spinal Tap is slightly

elivated. This is nothing to be concerned about as it

is the lowest that it has been since Don has been sick

three months ago. That is a good thing.

The doctor believes that Dons steroids were being

tapered off too soon. So we are going to be more

purposeful in how we go about that.

Don does not have a secondary infection, nor does

he have a reoccurrence of this disease. These are all

good reports. We are hoping the doctor will let him

come home ina few days. My brother Steve and his

wife Lynn flew in very latelast night. I am so thankful

for them. Joshua loves them so much and is happy

they are here to help out and of course play with him.

We will be celebrating New Years Day at the hospital

tomorrow with Don.

We are giving thanks to God again for his mercy to us.

We are very tired so please pray that we will be able to

get the rest we need.

Thank you again for your love and care for us.

Happy New Year

Blessings to you our family and friends.

Diane

Jo Ann James
(April 12, 1938 – December 30, 2008)

Died at 1:40PM on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at King’s Daughter’s

Hospital in Brookhaven, MS. She was a native of Kentwood, LA and a

resident of Brookhaven, MS. Age 70 years. Visitation at McKneely

Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday and

from 11 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. Friday. Services conducted

by Rev. Ben Wayne Blackwell. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood,

LA. Survived by 4 daughters, Lisa Francis, Baton Rouge, LA, Leigh Ann

Wrather, Smurna, TN, Joni Spears, McComb, MS, Shy Ann James,

Brookhaven, MS, 2 sons, Joseph Francis, Pickins, MS, John Mark Spears,

Osyka, MS, 10 grandchildren. Preceded in death by mother, Ruby Lee

McDaniel Blackwell, father, Benjamin Blackwell, 2 brothers, Arlan Ray

Blackwell, Carl Blackwell.

Luther Ray Reynolds
(August 31, 1961 – December 21, 2008)

Luther Ray Reynolds was born on August 31, 1961 and passed away on

December 21, 2008 at the Port Allen Care Center, Port Allen, LA. He was

47, a native of Chicago, IL, and a resident of Port Allen. Luther was the

son of the late Harold & Virginia Speed Reynolds.

He is survived by his brother Wilbern “Will” Reynolds and wife Telena,

Southhaven, MS; a half- brother, Jack Speed and wife, Dawn, Chatawa,

MS; nieces and nephews, Dan Speed and wife, Brooke, June Speed

Gatlin and husband, Patrick, Jesse Reynolds, Nicole Reynolds Jones,

and husband, Jason, & Hunter Reynolds.

Luther was a member of the First Baptist Church of Greensburg.

A Memorial Service will be at later date.

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

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

Rev. F. Ory Miller
Retired minister Ory Miller died Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008, at Golden

Age Nursing Home in Denham Springs. He was 89, born June 15,

1919, in Walker, where he graduated from high school in 1936.

He was a member of the U.S. Army Air Forces and served in the

European Theater. After working 14 years in the banking

business, he entered the ministry in 1950 and graduated from

Louisiana College in 1953 and the New Orleans Baptist

Theological Seminary in 1956. He pastored Baptist churches

for 23 years before joining the Southern Methodist

denomination for 35 years. Rev. Miller served churches in

Louisiana and South Carolina. Some of the churches he pastored

in the area are First Baptist Church in Livingston, Line Creek

Baptist Church in Kentwood, First Baptist Church in Greensburg,

Eden Baptist Church in Denham Springs, Spring Creek Baptist

Church, and First Southern Methodist Church in Hammond. For

the past nine years, he was the resident minister at La

Plantation Retirement Center in Denham Springs. An active

member of the Denham Springs Masonic Lodge F&AM, he was

also a member of the Eastern Star. Rev. Miller is survived by

his wife of almost 69 years, Ethel Laird Miller; a daughter, Judy

Miller Lytle; two sons, Wendell Ory “Yogi” Miller and wife Karen

McBride and Jim Miller and wife Adele; seven grandchildren,

Troy Miller and wife Julie, Chris Miller, Robyn Atkinson and

husband Bradley, Bill Miller, Jay Miller and wife Daphne, Leslie

Schmidt and husband Adam, and Hilory Lytle; nine great-

grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, with special

mention of Sandra Ecoles, his very caring, loving and

dependable niece. He was preceded in death by his parents,

William Christopher Miller and Martha Geneva McNabb Miller;

and three sisters and brothers-in-law, Lorraine and Bentley

Rheams, Thelma and Cecil Eccles, and Vergie and Carl Eccles;

and a son-in-law, Terry Lytle. Visitation at Seale Funeral Home,

Denham Springs, on Friday, Jan. 2, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Visitation at Hebron Baptist Church, Denham Springs, on

Saturday, Jan. 3, from 10 a.m. until funeral service at 1 p.m.,

followed by a Masonic service at the cemetery. The services wil

l be led by the Rev. Olan McLaren of Davis Springs Southern

Methodist Church, with assistance by the Rev. Jim Efferson of

Indian Mound Baptist Church, and the Rev. Joe Alain of Hebron

Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to

your local church or your favorite charity. Ory Miller reveled in

his grandchildren and enjoyed playing puzzle games and memory

skills games with them to sharpen their logic skills as well as

making it fun to remember Bible facts. He was a faithful servant

and evangelist of the Lord, always striving to lighten the load of

his family and fellow man. He lived his life as a Christian.

Prayer Requests

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

THE FAITH OF A CHILD

A 4-year-old Chinese boy in Canada was punished by his

parents. He was really upset and wanted to talk to his Sunday

School teacher. Miss E is his teacher, so the parents called her

on the phone. She talked with the little boy and let him tell

his side of the story. Then she asked, “Would you like to pray?”

He said, “Yes.” Miss E waited for the little boy to start praying

but she didn’t hear anything. Maybe he wanted her to pray.

After a little while, the boy’s daddy picked up the phone. He

told Miss E that the 4-year-old was doing just what she

suggested. He had put down the phone to kneel and fold his

hands. He was praying!

This 4-year-old was upset with his parents, but he knew what

to do. He talked to someone he trusted, his teacher. His

teacher helped calm him down then asked him to talk to God.

This little boy learned a lot that day, but he also showed his

mommy and daddy how much he loves and trusts Jesus.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Pray that I’ll have courage to be an empowered witness…that

the people will see Christ in me and They may come to know

Him. KARRINGTON, age 15, (Central, Eastern and Southern

Africa)

Please pray for me that I will love others. I want to be loved

by them too, so please pray for me to be a good friend. TIM,

age 11 (Pacific Rim)

Pray for people affected by the earthquake in China, that God

will help them to rebuild their homes. Michael, age 6 (East

Asia)

Pray for our family (especially my parents) to pick up the

language. AMANDA, age 14, (Central, Eastern and Southern

Africa)

Please pray for my family. We need visas to get into our

country and they are very hard to get. Pray for my national

friends too. One of my friends has a heart problem. She has

to go to the doctor almost every day after school. My friend

in my ballet class does not know Jesus. She is a good friend.

Please pray that I will be able to share to her about Him.

ABIGAIL, age 12 (Central Asia)

Thank God for God’s people, God’s wonder, and God’s

kindness. Please pray for missionaries. RUTH, age 7 (South

Asia)

Please pray for the Senegalese people, as many of them

are Muslims. Also, I have a friend who comes over to play

with me a lot. She is a Muslim and her father says that won’t

change. I’ve told her about Jesus and his many miracles

before, but she tries to not listen to me. Please pray for her

and her family. Thank you! HANNAH, age 11 (West Africa)

Please pray for my family’s budget. We get paid in dollars,

but we spend it in a country that uses a different kind of

money. So, we have to change the dollars into the local

money. When the dollar went down, our dollars weren’t worth

as much. It’s kind of like what happened in the US when the

price of gas went up. One day you pay $20 for a tank of gas;

a few weeks later it’s $40 for the same amount of gas.

Please pray we spend our money wisely. Also please pray for

the people where we live, they are all Islamic and need Christ.

DAVID, age 11 (Northern Africa and the Middle East)

Please pray for my family by praying that we won’t get sick

and for God to take care of us. TANIALL, age 8 (Pacific Rim)

Please pray that God will keep my family safe since we

moved and that I won’t miss my cat that much. And please

pray that my mom and dad will let me watch a movie and

let Joy come over for a sleep over. CHLOE, age 8, (Central,

Eastern and Southern Africa)


4 Resolutions Worth Making
By Kelly Boggs

ALEXANDRIA, La. (BP)–While researching the subject of New

Year’s resolutions I came across the following quote: “He who

breaks a resolution is a weakling; He who makes one is a fool.”

The person from whom this quote flowed is obviously as much

a pessimist as a cynic when it comes to making a fresh start

on Jan. 1st.

“The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new

year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose;

new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes,” wrote

English author G.K. Chesterton. “Unless a particular man

made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions.

Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do

nothing effective.”

In recent years, the making of New Year’s resolutions — or

rather the breaking of them -– has become fodder for late-

night comics. That said, I agree with Chesterton that there

is something noble about seeking to better oneself with the

making of resolutions.

Once a person reaches the point that he or she sees no value

in seeking to become better by resolving to change, that

person has given up on living life and has settled on simply

existing. This, if you think about it, is in and of itself a

resolution –- a resolution to settle for mediocrity.

The problem with too many resolutions is they lack

imagination. It seems everyone makes the same resolutions

and some make them year after year. According to a federal

government website the following are some of the most

popular New Year’s resolutions:

— Lose weight.

— Eat right.

— Manage debt.

— Save money.

— Get a better job.

— Quit smoking.

When it comes to making New Year’s resolutions, I have found

that less is more. By making only a few resolutions, I am able

to concentrate on two or three aspects of my life that I really

want to change. As a result, I give myself a much better

opportunity to follow through.

Trying to make wholesale changes to your life in a year’s time

is difficult at best. However, making only one or two changes

annually, over time, you can change almost every aspect of

your life. If you altered two things a year for 10 years, you will

have changed 20 aspects of your life. And that, my friend, is

significant change.

I recently came across something titled “Wisdom for Life”

written by business and ministry consultant Bobb Biehl. It is

short and to the point. In it, he quotes author Stephen R.

Covey.

“I have … found that by making four simple assumptions in

our lives we can immediately begin leading a more balanced,

integrated, powerful life,” Covey wrote.

What are these four assumptions? They are as follows:

1. “For the body, assume you have had a heart attack;

now live accordingly.”

I found the first assumption sobering, because if I don’t

change certain aspects of my life, I could well be a candidate

for a coronary. So by assuming, or pretending, I have had

one, I simply need to ask, “Will this help or hurt my health?

2. “For the mind, assume the half-life of your profession

is two years; now prepare accordingly.”

Being an editor of what currently is primarily a print publication,

this is not a difficult assumption for me. As a result, I must

constantly be looking to the future to not only seek to retool

my publication, but also my own knowledge base and skill set.

3. “For the heart, assume everything you say about

another, they can overhear; now speak accordingly.”

The third assumption also is a sobering one and reminiscent

of Jesus’ words, “Do unto others as you would have them do

unto you.” Enough said.

4. “For the spirit, assume you have a one-on-one visit

withyour Creator every quarter; now live accordingly.”

As a believer, I don’t have to wait three months to visit with

God. I can, and should meet with Him constantly. However,

the thought of scheduling a regular “performance review”

with the Lord could and should have an impact on my daily

decisions and thus my life.

As a result of Covey’s wisdom, I have resolved this year to

make four “New Year’s assumptions.” And while I likely will

fail from time to time, I believe the effort will pay off and I

will be better for it this time next year — which makes me

no weakling and certainly no fool.

(Kelly Boggs is a weekly columnist for Baptist Press and editor

of the Baptist Message (www.baptistmessage.com),

newsjournal of the Louisiana Baptist Convention.)

I pray 2009 will be an especially good year for you and

yours.

Anna Lee