Death Notice(s) – Page 254

Sunday

30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1

Mrs. Faye Price continues to be in ICU at North Oaks. She may be a little better. As you pray for her, continue to pray for her family as they “hang close”.

There are still a number of people without electricity. The crews from the power company are working long hours to restore power. Pray for their safety as they work and for those without electricity to be understanding.

The Lottie Moon Christmas Tea was nice. If you missed being there, I hope you will attend next time.

The children of FBC, Kentwood will present their Christmas program at 6 P.M. tonight. You are invited to attend even if you don’t have a child or grandchild participating.

FBC, Amite will have four presentations of The Living Christmas Tree. The first performance is at 2 P.M. today followed by presentations Sunday through Tuesday nights. Bro. Dennis Walker and the choir always do a wonderful job. The lighting is spectacular.

Norma Marie Costanza
(November 1, 1923 – December 12, 2008)
Died at 9:38 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2008 in Chesbrough, LA. She was a native of Picayune, MS and a resident of Amite, LA. Age 85 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Foster. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. She is survived by her daughter, Amy Smith, Kentwood; 2 sons, Louis Costanza, Amite and Anthony Costanza, Amite; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Costanza; mother, Amy Rosto; father, James T. Taylor.

Christmas Scripture Quiz
http://www.makedisciples.com/Christmas/quiz.htm

How many wise men were there?
a. 3
b. 4
c. The Bible does not say.

(Answer below)

How has the shrinking dollar impacted missions?

Over the past year the U.S. dollar has lost as much as 15 percent of its value in the world marketplace. That means Southern Baptists must give $1.15 to the Lottie Moon offering in 2008 in order to match the buying power of every dollar given in 2007. Though 15 cents may not sound like much, in the scope of the International Mission Board’s $300 million budget, those extra pennies add up to $45 million.

Why does this matter? Because God continues to call record numbers of Southern Baptist missionaries to reach the lost. This year we anticipate sending out more than 900 new missionary personnel. They are faithfully responding to God’s call to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Will we be faithful to send and support them?

How many wise men were there?

c. The Bible does not say.

Although tradition suggests there were three wisemen, as in the carol “We Three Kings of Orient Are,” the Bible actually does not give the number of Magi.

Luke 1:26-38
The Birth of Jesus Foretold

26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.28The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month.37 For nothing is impossible with God.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

Jesus is the reason for the season!
Anna Lee

Saturday Morning

Norma Marie Costanza
(November 1, 1923 – December 12, 2008)
Died at 9:38 a.m. on Friday, May 12, 2008 in Chesbrough, LA. She was a native of Picayune, MS and a resident of Amite, LA. Age 85 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Foster. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. She is survived by her daughter, Amy Smith, Kentwood; 2 sons, Louis Costanza, Amite and Anthony Costanza, Amite; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Costanza; mother, Amy Rosto; father, James T. Taylor.

Saturday

But the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. Luke 2:10 (NLT)

This is an update on Dustin Rosamond: Dustin was moved to Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans and has undergone a procedure to draw fluid from his lung and may have to undergo surgery to that lung to clean out “infection pockets”. He would like to be at home but the doctors have informed him that he would rather go ahead and take care of these problems rather than go home and have to turn right around and come back. Both of his parents are staying at the hospital around the clock so please continue to pray for Dustin and for his parents, Chris and Sherry and for the rest of his family as they anxiously await his recovery.
Please remember my Mom and Step-Dad, Ruby and Aubrey Stokes as they have been without phones and electricity for 2 days now and Aubrey is going through some continuing medical tests of his own which we pray for a good outcome and my Mom for her strength and health. Thank you for your continued prayers.
Sue Minor/Tucker

Emily Panter
Friday, December 12, 2008
It’s Hard for Emily
Emily called me this morning and told me she is having a hard adjustment. SHE CAN DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!! And this is per doctor’s orders—but she also feels it. She can do nothing. They still have a huge need. Emily cannot be left alone–at all! If any of you are available to help her by coming and staying with her, helping with kids, etc.—please sign up on the calendar. (We were getting hit by spammers on the calendar, so there may be an extra step in posting on the calendar)
Please, please pray for this family’s adjustment. It’s a struggle right now. I’m sure the kids are so excited to have mommy home–but just don’t realize mommy’s still not completely well.
Thank you!

Psalm 63:7
“Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.”

Don Denton
Wow….what a week! Today marks one week that Don has been home. It is still sinking in as we embrace life as we know it.

We have been welcomed in a warm, wonderful way by this community of believers. I was just talking with a colleague of Don’s about the outpouring of love and support that we have received. It is truly the church expressing Christ’s love in a beautiful way. We as a family continue to receive support in amazing ways. We are so grateful! We are so blessed. We see God in such a powerful way.

We could have never expected how helpless it feels to come home and realize that we have been so needy. This certainly continues to be a place where God is teaching me about His amazing love and my ability to accept from others.

I have been humbled to realize that I can’t do this all by myself. I continue to learn from this experience as well.

We have so much to give thanks for this week. I have some prayer requests and want to give times for visitation with Don. I hope to have pictures of Don’s flight soon on the sight.

Prayer requests and answered prayer:

* Equipment Don has needed has been loaned to us, which we are so thankful for.
* Others continue to provide food for us, and delicious home cooked food, yeah!
* My brother and dear friends of his came in to spend the day with us today. It is so good to see their faces and spend special time with them.

Prayer requests:

* Don’s parents left this morning back for Louisiana. We needed them a few extra days. Pray for a safe trip for them.
* Pray for Joshua as he adjusts to daddy being home and daddy not feeling himself. This is still very hard for him.
* Pray for me as we adjust. I am realizing that I can’t do it all.
* Pray for Don as he continues to improve. Today was a day where is was most tired and did not feel well. This has been busy week for him.

We continue to give thanks to our God for the body of Christ who has reached out to meet our needs. WE are most grateful!

Don will be taking visitors starting this week. This Sunday from 2 – 4pm. Please call ahead of time: 417-777-6612

Tuesday Dec 16th 2-4pm

Friday Dec 19th 1 -3pm.

Call me if you have questions.

Blessings to you our family and friends

Diane

George H. Will
(October 4, 1917 – December 11, 2008)

U.S. Veteran Mr. George H. Will passed away at 5:10AM, Thursday, December 11, 2008 at the St. Helena Parish Hospital, Greensburg. He was 91, a native of Lockhart, TX and a resident of Kentwood.

Mr. George is survived by his wife of 22 years, Lula Mae Needham Will, Kentwood; a brother, Ludwig Theodore Will, and wife, Jeanne, Denver, CO; 2 nieces, Dr. Patricia Wells, and husband, Jim, Sacramento, CA & Charlene Wright, Houston, TX; a nephew, Thomas Will, and wife, Donna, Houston, TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ludwig & Nellie Will; first wife, Iverina Will; & a sister, Louise Wright.

Visitation at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, December 13, 2008 from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM in the Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Percy ‘Mac’ Frazier officiating. Interment in the Needham Cemetery, Kentwood, LA.

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.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Friday, December 12, 2008

“Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name JESUS” (Luke 1:31, HCSB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, encouraging you to pray for others as we move through this holiday season.

The lyrics, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. . . “ and “It’s the most wonderful time of the year . . . ,” keep floating through my mind. We all have a mental image of the ideal holiday season. Americans have a distinctly cultural view of Christmas that includes presents, snow, and nativity scenes.

But Christmas looks quite different in Saudi Arabia! There are no Christmas trees for sale, and it is hard to find Christmas decorations–certainly no snow. Pray a special blessing for Christians living there. Many come from countries all around the world and they spend the holiday away from families. Others face persecution from fellow countrymen. Pray that their celebration will be rich as they focus on the real reason for Christmas.

In Durban, South Africa, international, national and local holidaymakers are visiting beaches and other attractions. Pray for safety for all, in what is not considered to be such a safe environment these days. Pray that missionaries and Christian groups will find opportunities to share Jesus without fear as they mingle with holiday-goers at a time when many are curious as to the reason for the season.

The Xhosa tribe of South Africa does not really celebrate Christmas. Since it is in the middle of summer, many of the church programs are suspended and many pastors take the whole month off–there are no Christmas plays, musicals or indigenous Christmas songs. Please pray for team members as they minister in the different communities, teaching the significance of Christmas.

* Please pray that the love of Jesus will shine and believers in Saudi will share the hope they have in Jesus with friends and coworkers.

* Pray for the Durban holiday crowd that they will call on the name JESUS!

* Intercede for believers in South Africa to find biblically and culturally appropriate ways to celebrate the Christ child.

Baptist Press
December 12, 2008

WASHINGTON–Obama & new Congress could set back pro-life movement decades. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29503

WASHINGTON–Quick order would belie Obama’s call for abortion reduction. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29504

WASHINGTON–Pro-life policies likely Obama targets. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29505

WASHINGTON–Cizik resigns after controversial interview. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29506

WASHINGTON–Land: Bush not ‘theologian-in-chief.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29507

VIRGINIA–Hispanics aim for $1M Lottie Moon offering. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29508

TENNESSEE–INTERNATIONAL DIGEST: Orissa Christians fear violent Christmas. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29509

ALABAMA–FIRST-PERSON (Wanda S. Lee): The importance of missions giving. http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=29510

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): We need a character bailout. http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=29511

EVERY SECRET THING

At the end of their first date, a young man takes his favorite girl home. Emboldened by the night, he decides to try for that important first kiss. With an air of confidence, he leans with his hand against the wall and, smiling, he says to her, “Darling, how ’bout a goodnight kiss?”

Horrified, she replies, “Are you mad? My parents will see us!”

“Oh come on! Who’s gonna see us at this hour?”

“No, please. Can you imagine if we get caught?”

“Oh come on, there’s nobody around, they’re all sleeping!”

“No way. It’s just too risky!”

“Oh please, please, I like you so much!!”

“No, no, and no. I like you too, but I just can’t!”

“Oh yes you can. Please?”

“NO, no. I just can’t.”

“Pleeeeease?…”

Out of the blue, the porch light goes on, and the girl’s sister shows up in her pajamas, hair disheveled. In a sleepy voice the sister says: “Dad says to go ahead and give him a kiss. Or I can do it. Or if need be, he’ll come down himself and do it. But for crying out loud, tell him to take his hand off the intercom button!”

How embarrassing to realize that a conversation you thought was being held in secret was known to everyone in the house! There are some things we say that we don’t want others to hear and some things we do that we don’t want others to know about (sometimes with good reason). But, the truth is, much of what we try to keep hidden from others is because we know that what we are saying and doing is wrong and we don’t want others to know about it.

If there’s something in your life that you’re trying to hide from others, you’d better be careful. And be reminded that there are no secrets we can keep from God. He sees all, He knows all, and He appreciates the person who is honest enough to allow God into every aspect of his life. For those who want to live in secret, the day is coming when those secrets will be revealed.

Paul spoke of “the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.” (Romans 2:16)

Solomon spoke of a time when “God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14)

May your live your life every day with the confidence that your hand is on the intercom button, God is on the other end, but you have nothing to be ashamed of.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Don’t forget the Lottie Moon Christmas Tea at 2 P.M. today at New Zion Baptist Church. It is for all girls and ladies! It doesn’t matter your age, size, church, or knowledge of Lottie Moon. Come, enjoy some tea (or hot chocolate) and some tea cakes made by Lottie’s recipe. You’ll learn more about her and her support of missions. Then, you will realize why our annual offering for International missions is named in her honor.
Anna Lee

Friday

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Luke 2:11-12 (NIV)

Tangipahoa Parish’s 37 public schools ordered shut down as a result of Thursday’s snowstorm will remain closed Friday, the school district announced.

Emily Panter was about to go home late yesterday afternoon. She has fought for her life and the blessing of returning to her family since October. Thank-you so much for praying for her while she was hospitalized. Now, our prayers need to focus on her rehabilitation and her and adjustment to being with her family again. http://emilypanter.blogspot.com/

Don Denton went home last Friday. Please continue to pray for Don and his family during his continuing recovery at home. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dondenton

Mrs. Catherine Yarborough will have a procedure on the 16th to take care of some nerves in her back that cause constant pain. Please pray for “Miss” Catherine as she prepares for this.

George Will
(Died December 11, 2008)
Mr. George Will, a resident of Kentwood, passed away at 5:10AM, Thursday, December 11, 2008 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 I55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

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

SUMMERTIME CHRISTMAS

Are you ready for Christmas break? School will be out soon and you can help bake cookies, drink hot chocolate, and bundle up in warm clothes. Well, not all kids are wearing warm clothes this Christmas.

Did you know that spring is just ending and summer is beginning in Brazil? Yes! The children in Brazil celebrate Christmas during summer vacation. They spend time with their friends and family then have dinner at midnight!

In the United States, most people get paid for twelve months of work each year. But in Brazil and some other countries, they get thirteen paychecks. Every year at Christmastime, they get paid one extra time. The money is spent almost as fast as they get it—food for big parties, presents for the children and all the relatives, trips to see family.

Christmas IS a lot of fun! But do we get all excited and forget about what is important? It doesn’t matter if it is summertime or winter. It’s okay if we don’t get to buy lots of presents for all our friends. What is most important?

If you live in Brazil, in the United States, or any other country in the world—the most important part of Christmas is JESUS! Let’s pray for the children in Brazil. They are wearing bathing suits and playing on the beach. You are putting on your snowsuit and making snow angels. But they are kids just like you. They need to know about the love of Jesus too.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please pray for my dad—he is stressed about work. NATHAN, age 14, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray that more people will come to Christ and pray that we don’t get sick or hurt. SOPHIA, age 11 (Pacific Rim)

My parents work with people who live in villages and in the bush. Pray for people to know the truth about God and Jesus. Pray for me at school—for my friends and teachers. ALLISON, age 5, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray for Uruguay because it is very depressing country. The people in Uruguay are not looking for Jesus. They aren’t looking for God at all. Uruguay is the one top most countries in that allows abortion. So please pray for Uruguay! PLEASE!!! CORA, age 11 (South America)

Dear God, please take care of the city I live in. I hope my Mom and Dad will have a good day. Amen. ES, age 8 (East Asia)

Pray for my church. Pray for my cousin, he is in Texas. Pray for me in Sri Lanka to find a friend. JUSTIN, age 7 (South Asia)

Pray for us—the Lees—as we travel and share the gospel with the Mwera of Southern Tanzania. Please pray for my two national friends, AM and AD. Pray they will come to know the Lord and that they may step into the Light of Jesus. Also pray for the Mwera that they may have the burning desire to know the Lord. Once again, pray for us as we travel to reach the Mwera.

CHRISTIAN, age 12 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

We live in one of the largest cities, so we are in a rather nice area. Dad teaches at the seminary, mom works with the immigrants that end up without proper jobs such as parking cars. You can pray that we will be able to reach these people. Also pray that my brothers and I will be able to reach the children in our school. They are well-off children, thus don’t really see the need for a God.

For some people, their living areas are often junk metal put together for shelter and the shelters often catch on fire. So please pray for their homes/housing.

My family is prone to sickness, so pray for our health. SYDNEY, age 15, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

“Missionary’s Calling ‘Undeniable, Irresistible’ Force”
http://www.imb.org/main/news/details.asp?StoryID=7513&LanguageID=1709

KneEmail: Looks

THE BIBLE DOES describe the physical appearance of many people…

Moses was said to be a beautiful child. People spoke of King Saul as being handsome, standing a head taller than anyone in Israel. David and Solomon were both “ruddy,” handsome men.

But what of Jesus?

Nothing. Zilch. Zero. Not a word about a regal nose, handsome visage, or muscular body. In fact, the Bible tells us virtually nothing about Jesus’ looks. Only that he “has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him” ( Isa. 53:2 NKJV).

From those words we might presume Jesus wasn’t handsome, at least not in the way modern artists portray Him. Apparently, in the mind of God, this was a nonissue. Jesus’ words and character and love drew people to Him, not His dashing good looks. (Mark Littleton)

We probably put too much emphasis on a person’s outside.

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” ( 1 Sam. 16:7; cf. v. 12).

Posted by Mike Benson at December 5, 2008 11:58 AM

As far as I know, the Lottie Moon Christmas Tea scheduled for 2 P.M. tomorrow at New Zion is still on schedule. I’ll let you know if anything changes.

Be safe and warm today.
Anna Lee

Thursday Afternoon

Joan Hagan’s mother, Mrs. Betty Bethel, has been having several health issues lately. Please keep her in your prayers.

2 things: Update: Our customer’s son who had surgery yesterday to remove a tumor from his brain (it actually turned out to be one small orange sized tumor and one golf ball size turmor and it was located on the front left lobe of his brain which affects his speech and memory) surgery went well and if all continues to go well he will be able to go home in a few days and then has to start radiation, please continue to keep him and his family in your prayers and thank you so much for the prayers on his behalf already. 2: My sister’s grandson, Dustin Rosamond is in North Oaks with pneumonia in one lung and they are planning to transfer him to Tulane Medical Center (my sister, Pearl is very worried about him and is worried that this may affect his only kidney (he only has one)) he has been running a raging fever, been very weak and throwing up so I am asking for prayer for him and the doctors and techs caring for him and for his family. Thank you so much for always being there to pray for all the many needs.

Chris W. did leave Russia yesterday and is now in the Balkans.
The rest of the family is packing and distributing their household
goods to meet up with Chris in about a week. Please keep praying for
them diligently for their move, new ministry, team members being
reassigned and the ministry they must leave.

Thank you for praying for Chris and his family. Please continue to pray for
Jill as she packs up their belongings and she and Christian meet up with
Chris. Please also pray for the Russian officials that handle missionary
visas that they will come to know the Lord and let his light through them to
others.

Melinda

W B Travis
(April 28, 1943 – December 11, 2008)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7. W. B. Travis went home to be with the Lord at 3:28 a.m. at his home in Kentwood surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, December 11, 2008. He was a dairyman and fence contractor for many, many years. He was a member of New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, and Masonic Lodge #98, F&AM, Greensburg. He is survived by his devoted wife, Joan Pittman Travis, Kentwood, and his six children, Lesia Jones and husband, Scott, Roseland-Arcola, Joanie Booty and husband, Johnie, Spring Creek, Penny Bates, Kentwood, and Sonya Williams, and husband, Fred, Gillsburg, MS, Clent Travis and wife, Erin, Kentwood, Brent Travis and partner, Charlie Tomkins, Loranger; two sisters, Mary Rose Mahaffey and husband, Roy, and Carlene Brownell, Gillsburg, MS; 14 grandchildren, Bridgette Jones, Cassie Jones, Danielle Jones, Jonathan Booty, Jacob Booty, Joanna Booty, Jace Booty, Barrett Bates, Chelsea Bates, Baylor Travis, Blake Bridges, Tristen Bailey, Travis Williams and Kirby Williams; 2 great-grandchildren, Alyvia Bates and Duely Deaton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Felder and Bulah Mae Travis; 2 brothers, Carl Travis, Irvin Travis and his two infants; a nephew, Wayne Mahaffey. Visitation will be held at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, Friday December 12, 2008 from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 7 p.m. Visitation will resume at 8 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2008 with religious services at 11 a.m. at New Zion Baptist Church. Services will be conducted by Rev. Richard Sandburg and Rev. Danny Smith. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Baptist Press

December 11, 2008

WASHINGTON–House churches under new threat in China. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29491

MISSOURI–Appeals panel hears MBC/Windermere case. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29492

OHIO–Ohio Baptists recognize 30 new church starts. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29493

HAWAII–Hawaii Baptists welcome Korean church. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29494

VIRGINIA–Oldest IMB emeritus missionary dies at 102. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29495

KENTUCKY–Deaton elected Western Recorder editor. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29496

VIRGINIA–WORLDVIEW (Erich Bridges): Knocking at the gate at Christmas. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29497

FYI: As if this time, the parish school system is scheduled to reopen tomorrow after a day off due to SNOW!

Be careful as you travel today. David went to work in the steady rain and snow this morning. The weather map shows lots of rain and snow mix headed our way from the west.

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

Prayer List for today:
Mrs. Faye Price
Pascal Dean
Mrs. Tullie Dean
Aubrey Perry
Robbie Lynn Callihan Kirby
Mrs. Parmys Stegall
Mr. Charley Kuss
Mrs. Blanch Wheat
Mrs. Margaret Callihan
Caregivers
Don Denton
Emily Panter

Wednesday, December 10, 2008
I talked to EMILY!!!
Forgive me…I’m going to be emotional. I just talked to Emily for the first time over the phone. Tears are streaming down my face and all I can keep saying over and over is, “God, You’re so good! You’re so good!!”
The doctors are all in agreement that Emily can go home this weekend!!!!! Well, actually, she’s still waiting to hear from one doctor—but he’s already been leaning that way, so we’re hoping it’s a go! They did a cat scan on her liver yesterday and there is definitely a hematoma or it could be a walled-off infection. So they’re waiting on Dr. Spock, the infectious disease dr., to look at it and see whether he wants to prescribe an antibiotic for it. It will be totally up to him. Emily said they also told her they may just want her to come back for check-ups on it. The blood count from the liver is fine and there have been no cultures growing. So the liver doctor is on board for her going home. AWESOME!!
She thinks there’s been a mix-up or a lack of communication because there was an order written questioning where she’ll go for therapy when she leaves. But all of the doctors have been o.k. with her going home and having physical therapy at home. So we’ll just pray it’s a misunderstanding somewhere!
Emily still has a headache, but she said her glasses are not working now. The prescription is way off after having Sarah. She said she was also messed up for 9 hours yesterday from taking the iodine for the cat scan.
Emily said she only has a little bandaid on her neck from her trach and only has one I.V. left. So everything is healing. She still only has a little appetite, but this afternoon her stomach actually grumbled, so she felt like that was a good sign!
Thank you, God! We have so much to be thankful for. So much. But Emily & I had a good cry together over our first phone call to one another. She was grateful for me blogging and putting the prayer requests out there so people would know how to pray. And I’m grateful she’s alive.

Colossians 4:2
” Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

What a Monday….One doctor appointment, one blood work and physical therapy….five hours.

Good news, Don continues to improve. And we love, love, love being home!

And I am so exhausted I can’t see straight. Thank you for the offers for the chair for the shower, we have one.

Joshua told me tonight when lying in bed….”mom, I have sugar plums dancing in my head”, then he said… “mom, what are sugar plums”?

Joshua cleared out space in his bedroom for his daddy to get his wheelchair in there so they could play. He is a much happier little boy these days.

We had a really good physical therapy session by a physical therapist whom we believe is going to be so good for Don. We really are impressed with her.

I have more prayer requests and these are big ones again:

* The insurance company is denying coverage for simple supplies that we need that really add up in cost. They also are saying they won’t pay for a very expensive seat cushion for Don’s wheel Chair which he really needs.
* This means more time, allot more time on the phone with the insurance company.
* Insurance company is also making it challenging with PT.
* Pray that we will be able to overcome these obstacles with the insurance company.
* I have so much more to do here at the house and I am trying to coordinate appointments and physical therapy and work part time. Pray that I can balance all of this too.

We continue to give thanks to God for all of you. We continue to be blessed in so many, many ways by our church, our Sunday school class, our neighbors, friends and family. We continue to feel so cared for and God continues to provide and show us that He is with us, even when I feel like I can’t do one more thing.

I need to give thanks to some very, very special people in our lives and that is Don’s mom and dad. I have said numerous times that I could not do this without you all, but you need to know that they have been with me day in and day out. They have been away from their home since this all started and they will begin to head back to their home this Friday.

It will be a happy/sad departure. Happy that they will finally get to go home and sleep in their own beds and reconnect with family and friends. Sad, that we will not have them close by.

They live in Louisiana. None of our family is in Missouri. We will miss them terribly. Joshua adores his granny and paw paw. He thinks they are pretty special.

He told me upon waking this morning as his granny left his bedroom. He said…”mom, I need to send my granny a thank you card”, I said, when should you do this and he said, this morning I should.

So, you can see why this will be hard for us. They have walked this journey the closest with us. WE will miss them, we are so grateful to them for who they are, for all that they have done for us. Please pray for their trip home when they leave us on Friday. And pray for us as we transition even further without them.

God bless you our dear family and friends. Have a beautiful week filled with God’s amazing wonder. We have so much to be thankful for . When it all comes down to it in this life…..it is about relationships more than anything we could ever get as a gift or accumulate in this life. God calls us to relationship with him and with one another.

Thank you again for caring so much.

Blessings

Diane

LAST FRONTIER. Thank you for giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. We know that with the economic ups and downs, every gift is sacrificial. A worker writes: “We recently moved to a new place. We need to find an inexpensive and reasonable way to stay. Ask that we will be able to secure a visa quickly. We are looking for ‘people of peace’ who can help us to open the doors to a Last Frontier people group. Please pray for us to work according to the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.”

Hollis C. Harrell
Hollis C. Harrell, 95, died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008, at his home in Hazlehurst, Miss. Visitation at Stringer Family Funeral Home in Hazlehurst was held Saturday, Nov. 29, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The funeral service was conducted at First Baptist Church of Hazlehurst on Sunday, Nov. 30, at 2 p.m., with internment in Hazlehurst Cemetery. Hollis Benjamin Claiborne Harrell was born Jan. 4, 1913, in Bay St. Louis, Miss. He was a graduate of Kentwood High School in Kentwood and attended LSU in Baton Rouge as a pre-med student. He then attended LSU Medical School in New Orleans and became a casualty of Gov. Huey P. Long. On Dec. 29, 1934, he married Emily Viola Stringfield and they resided in Kentwood. While in Kentwood they had two sons, John Bruce Harrell, in February 1936, and William C. “Bill” Harrell, in November 1937. In 1938, Claiborne Harrell Sr. purchased timber and a mill to manufacture pine lumber. Hollis Harrell was sent to Hazlehurst to manage the new mill for his father. Shortly after the beginning of World War II, the mill began producing wood boxes for ammunition. He remained in business in Hazlehurst for 60 years, changing from manufacturing pine lumber and oak flooring to selling steel, wire and nails. The new business of steel, wire and nails began from his basement with deliveries made in a pickup and later to large transport trucks. It had always been a love of Mr. Harrell’s and a family tradition to eat in New Orleans at Galatoire’s. Starting back in 1932, when his father took him for his first business lunch at Galatoire’s with the heads of the lumber businesses in New Orleans. The heads were at odds with each other in business and the lunch meeting at Galatoire’s brought them together, resulting in an improved business relationship. Mr. Harrell continued the tradition by taking his children, grandchildren down to the great-grandchildren to Galatoire’s. Beignets at Café du Monde and sliding down raw oysters at Acme Oyster Bar were on the list of favorites following the meal at Galatoire’s. Mr. Harrell had several principles of life he stood by: his love for God, family, friends and his endless zest for life and practicality. He accomplished this zest and practicality by lifting 50-pound boxes of nails and riding his stationary bike five miles a day. We, the grandchildren, asked, “Pawpaw why don’t you buy 50-pound weights?” He answered, “Why buy weights when you can lift 50-pound boxes of nails in the comfort of your own home?” He was a longstanding member of the First Baptist Church of Hazlehurst, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and choir member. He was also a Mason and Shriner for many years. He was a loving husband and father and will be greatly missed, not only for his giving spirit and loving heart, but also for his colorful storytelling. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Claiborne Harrell Sr.; brother, Claiborne Harrell Jr.; sisters, Lilly Mae McGlathery and Bonnie Jean Hove; wife, Emily Viola Stringfield Harrell; and son, John Bruce Harrell. He is survived by a son, William C. “Bill” Harrell and wife Dodie; granddaughters, Bonnie Jean Harrell, of Brandon, Miss., Emily Elizabeth “Beth,” Jordan and husband Ed, of Carter, Miss., and Jennifer Ann Cora and husband Chris, of Byram, Miss.; grandson, William Claiborne Harrell II and wife Wendy, of Hazlehurst; seven great-grandchildren, Georgia and Johnna Jordan, Anna Katherine and Emily Anne Harrell, and Morgan, Lexi and Paxton Cora; and a brother, James Edward Harrell, of Kentwood.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
What is the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®?

Southern Baptist churches collect the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for the sole purpose of supporting international missions. Every penny of the offering goes to the International Mission Board’s overseas budget, thus supporting our missionaries and their work.
What is the goal for this year’s offering?

The goal for the 2008 offering is $170 million.
What is the 2008 theme?

The 2008 theme, “GO TELL the story of Jesus,” recalls for us the most powerful story ever told: the story of Jesus. Yet thousands of people groups remain in spiritual darkness, and no one is planting churches among them. How will they hear the story of Jesus? Closing this gap will require an unprecedented missionary force partnering with churches like yours. Their going means our giving as never before. God has provided the resources. Will we be found faithful?
What part of the world is being spotlighted this year?

During 2008 the International Mission Board is focusing on the South America region. Many think South America has been reached with the Gospel. Yet there is a prevailing lostness that will surprise most of us. This continent holds some of the remotest, darkest places on the face of the earth. In fact, nearly 94 percent of the total population remains locked in a spiritual prison! Missionaries are hindered by physical barriers, government restrictions and dangerous warring groups. But there is hope, as missionaries partner with national believers to reach the unreached.

CHOOSING A NAME

Someone has come up with the following “Rules For Choosing a Superhero Name”:

1. Don’t call yourself by your real name. (e.g., Ms. Jenny Pinchuck, The Amazing Stevie Foster).

2. Don’t call yourself by someone else’s real name. (e.g., Mr. Teddy Kennedy, Captain Tom Cruise).

3. Choose a name that suggests power, heroism and prowess. (e.g., Captain Power, Thunderman, Mr. Invincible, Justiceman).

4. Don’t be too modest. (e.g., Mr. Pretty Good, Captain So-So, Fairly Incredibleman).

5. But don’t labor the point. (e.g., Mr. So-Powerful-Don’t-Even-Think-About-It-Buddy).

6. Don’t choose a name detrimental to your crime fighting image. (e.g., Captain Spongecake, Mr. Silly, Yellow Streak, Captain Evil).

7. Don’t choose the name of an existing Superhero unless you have lots of money and enjoy fighting litigation instead of supervillains.

8. It’s no use calling yourself Captain Invincible if your only power is control over Hostess Twinkies and you suffer from a congenital hole-in-the-heart condition. It’s just asking for trouble.

9. Don’t call yourself the Invisible Boy if you’re not.

10. Don’t give away important information in your name. (e.g. The Glass Jaw, Captain Vulnerable To Strontium 90).

11. Don’t call yourself The Green Avenger if you wear an orange costume. You’ll confuse people.

Choosing a name is an important responsibility. Those of us who are parents can remember spending hours and hours reading books filled with baby names, discussing this name and that before deciding on just the right name. Even after much forethought, one of my children was named at birth and re-named a couple of hours later because the first name just didn’t seem to fit her.

Not surprisingly, names in the Bible are regarded as important. Names that were chosen may tell us something about the child or his birth (Isaac — “laughter”, Benjamin — “son of the right hand”, Esau — “hairy”). Some names were changed to signal a drastic change in one’s life (Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel, Saul to Paul).

A name is important because it’s not just a word — it’s who you are. Your name is your character, the essence of who you are and what you stand for.

You may not be able to change your given name (at least, not without a lot of expense and trouble), but you can change what people think about when they hear that name. That’s why Solomon wrote:

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.” (Prov. 22:1a)

You are choosing your name by how you live. Choose wisely!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith (a.k.a. Captain Mediocre)
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Wednesday Afternoon

Kermit Decel Varnado
(June 14, 1920 – December 10, 2008)
Kermit Decel Varnado of Amite passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2008. He was born on June 14, 1920 in Kentwood to Arie Maude Dykes Varnado and Mannie Mansfield Varnado. He was the youngest of 7 children. He retired from the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Louisiana State Penitentiary-Angola after 34 years of service. During his tenure he was the Farm Director in charge of all State Prison Farms. He was also one of the founding fathers of the Angola Prison Rodeo. Upon his retirement he raised Brahma cattle, was a bus driver for the Mater Dolorosa Catholic Elementary School, and later was employed by Hood Motor Co. in Amite. He was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Husser and the Knights of Columbus, Mater Dolorosa Council in Independence. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Hazel Sharp Varnado and son, Gary Ray Varnado. He is survived by his son, Sidney E. Varnado, grandson, Anthony “Tony” Varnado and his wife, Donna and one granddaughter, Sydney “Shea” Varnado. He is also survived by two great grandchildren, Callie Elisabeth and Wm. Hunter Varnado. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. on Friday. Religious Services at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Husser, at 11 a.m. Friday. Interment St. Dominic Cemetery, Husser.

Tuesday

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NLT)

Update on Mrs. Faye Price:
My grandmother is still progressing well, but her kidneys are still not functioning and the Dr. is saying she is in renal failure. So she will have dialysis early in the morning, it will take 3 to 4 hrs to complete this treatment. Continue to pray for God’s will with this outcome and allow this treatment to make the kidney to start functioning properly, also continue to pray for everyone’s strength and health during this time
Thanks
Laura

Phyllis Vernon, a teacher at KHS, passed out yesterday morning hitting her head. She was taken by ambulance to North Oaks. The last report I got was they were still waiting for test results. Pray for her medical issue to be quickly and properly addressed. Thank God she was able to get help in a timely manner.

Don Denton and his family are enjoying the first few days at home and adjusting to physical therapy, etc. The family is very appreciative of your prayers. Don has a long way to go, so keep on praying. Don’t parents will be leaving Friday for their home. They have been with Don’s family for 2 1/2 months and very much appreciated.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dondenton

Emily Panter is going two steps forward and one step back, but that means her situationis getting better. Please continue to pray for this family. Emily’s hope is to be home on the 20th, the birthday of one of her children. The good news is that she may be able to go home by the end of this week. Thank-you for your many prayers for this family too.
http://emilypanter.blogspot.com/2008/12/quick-answer-to-prayer.html

Lasse A. Grundstrom, Jr.
(July 17, 1944 – December 7, 2008)
U.S. Veteran Lasse A. Grundstrom, Jr. was born on November 17, 1944 and passed away at 6:00PM, Sunday, December 7, 2008 at his residence in Greensburg. He was 64 and a native of Port Sulpher, LA. Lasse was the son of the late Lasse A. & Rita Dominique Grundstrom, Sr. He was a Veteran of the US Navy where he was a Navy Seal.

He is survived by his 2 daughters, Shannon G. Tauzin and husband, Ryan P., Luling, LA & Sheri’ G. LeBlanc and husband, Rod, Jr., Amite; 2 sons, Shane E. Grundstrom, Covington & Lasse A. “Skooter” Grundstrom, III and wife, Kim, Virginia Beach, VA; Children’s mother, Sissy Grundstrom, Amite; a sister, Leah G. Bell, Slidell; 2 brothers, Larry Lee Grundstrom & Lester John Grundstrom both of Pace, FL.; grandchildren Jordan, Harley, Rafe & Rendon Tauzin, Luling, LA, Destin, Dace & Tre’ LeBlanc, Amite, Cody & Savanna Grundstrom, Covington, Ayrian & Paige Grundstrom, Virginia Beach, VA; also numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Lasse A. & Rita Dominique Grundstrom, Sr.

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.

I saw this video Wednesday and Sunday. I’m sharing it for those of you who have not seen it.

A reason for giving: Gabriel’s story

If you think the story of Jesus has reached every corner of South America after generations of missionary work, talk to Gabriel Mugmal.

His idol-worshipping neighbors almost burned him alive for preaching the Gospel.

Gabriel boldly shared his new faith house to house with other Quichua villagers high in the Andes Mountains of northern Ecuador. He challenged them to stop the idol worship that permeated the area. They demanded that Gabriel renounce his words. When he refused, villagers dragged Gabriel and his family to the center of town and prepared to burn them.

But Gabriel wasn’t afraid and began preaching from Genesis. And when he had finished, the mood of the crowd had changed.

A local priest, moved by his willingness to die for Jesus, raised Gabriel’s Bible in his hand. “The Word of God shall be preached throughout the world,” the priest said. “Keep preaching the Gospel so that everyone can know Christ.”

As the crowd began to disperse, 10 families stayed behind. “How can we receive Christ?” they asked.

That was 25 years ago. Today, more than 250 villagers worship less than 200 yards from the site where Gabriel was nearly martyred. What’s more, Gabriel and those he has led to Christ have started 30 Bible studies and churches in other villages dotting the Andes.

Southern Baptists supporting partnerships

“He took the Great Commission in Matthew 28 literally,” says Southern Baptist missionary Darrell Musick, who partners with Gabriel and other local leaders to spread the Gospel among the Quichua people. Musick and his wife, Rogene, met Gabriel in 2004 when he knocked on their door after walking hours across mountain trails. “God has sent me here,” he told them. “I want you to train me to lead my people to Jesus.” They did and have since trained more than 200 other Quichua believers in church planting and discipleship.

But missionaries in South America and all around the world need another strategic partner like Gabriel: you. They’re looking for prayer warriors to undergird their ministries, for strategically involved churches to help them reach those who’ve never heard the Gospel, for God-called servants to join them on the field as new missionaries. And they need your financial support through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.

Southern Baptists closing the gap

More than 3,340 of the world’s nearly 11,600 people groups continue to live and die in spiritual darkness. Among these least reached peoples there are few, if any, evangelical Christians, and no one working to plant new churches. Closing this gap will require a growing missionary force partnering with stateside churches, national Baptists and other Great Commission Christian groups.

Sending the unprecedented number of missionaries God is calling will require extraordinary giving on behalf of Southern Baptists. The task is doable; God has given us the resources. Will we be found faithful?

Willing to Sacrifice: Gabriel’s Story Part 2
See Gabriel’s story on video

Reproduce

AVC_Con_Moore.jpgIN NOVEMBER 1965, Lieutenant Colonel Harold “Hal” Moore Jr. and the U.S. Seventh Cavalry’s First Battalion were engaged in one of the opening battles of the Vietnam War…

Surrounded by an estimated 4,000 North Vietnamese regulars at a jungle clearing called Landing Zone X-Ray, Moore’s 450 soldiers were taking searing fire from all sides. Even with crucial American air support, his outnumbered troops faced annihilation. Moore was determined that his men would survive, however, and he directed a heroic defense in what proved to be one of the fiercest battles of the war. He and his soldiers repulsed repeated assaults and inflicted severe casualties on the enemy until his battalion was finally relieved by reinforcements. The dramatic story is told in the 1992 best seller, We Were Soldiers Once…and Young, which was made into an acclaimed motion picture.

Moore won the army’s highest award, the Distinguished Service Cross, and eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant general. He was renowned for his superb leadership skills. A scene in the movie captured his foresight and grasp of leadership principles when Moore’s character a squad leader who had been unceremoniously “killed” in a training exercise. “You are dead,” Moore declared. “Now, who do you have ready to take your place?” The scene reflects both the reality of warfare and a key element of leadership: great leaders always prepare to reproduce and multiply themselves. (Harry L. Reeder III with Rod Gragg)

Elder in the Lord’s church…whom are you training to fill your position when you are gone?

“And you shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and show them the way in which they must walk and the work they must do” ( Exo. 18:20).

Posted by Mike Benson at December 2, 2008 12:39 PM

Choir member, whom are you training to fill your position when you are gone?
Sunday School teacher, whom are you training to fill your position when you are gone?
Deacon, whom are you training to fill your position when you are gone?
Musician, whom are you training to fill your position when you are gone?
Committee members, whom are you training to fill your position when you are gone?
etc.

Jesus is the reason for the season!
Anna Lee

Saturday

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

It’s too early to get an update on Mrs. Faye Price. I’ll post something later.

Emily Panter: Emily continues to improve. She’s eating better and walking more. Keep praying.

Update on the Don and Diane Denton family:

Another amazing day in the Denton household today! Don arrived in Bolivar today at about 2pm.

It was a most beautiful sight to see. And to top it off, he did not get sick on the flight and on top of that was not sick at all today.

WE waited anxiously, Joshua jumping and squirming with joy. We actually saw the plane coming and the video started rolling. The pilot let us come out to the plane and we took many pictures of smiling faces and lots of tears. These are the most happy tears we have had in 2.5 months.

There was a time that we thought this day would not come. We were being told by the doctors that it would be a miracle if this day came for us. Back when Don was in ICU, one nurse asked me if I believed in God. He said that they would give Don all the tools to help his body to make it through this and then it was up to God. This nurse told me that I needed to pray and ask everyone to pray for Don. That was about 2 months ago. Many of these days where spent in a dark room waiting. As I have thought through this journey, it has been a journey of “waiting” Waiting for the headache to go away, waiting for Don to be able to talk again, waiting for test results, waiting for insurance decisions, waiting for housing, waiting for change, waiting for good news, waiting on God. Things we hope for, things we pour our heart out to God for sometimes don’t ever seem to come. There is great loss and grief. Loss of dreams, loss of time, loss of laughter and life together as we knew it. Waiting comes in many forms.

The other theme for me throughout this journey has been ” Believe”.

Believe that God is able. Believe even when the doctors are not hopeful. Believe in our God who says I will never leave you or forsake you. Even when there is no change. It is the waiting that is the hardest. It is in the waiting that darkness seems to overwhelm one. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is Believe when we can’t see. Even when our emotions are depleated and we are so discouraged, we can Believe, not in our ability but in God’s.

It is not an easy thing to wait. It is in that waiting that we need each other to hold onto. I have found in the waiting God’s people waiting too. WE pray and hope and wait. Thank you for waiting with us. Thank you for taking this journey with us. Thank you for your words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for your honesty and allowing me to be honest with my struggle.

And we continue to wait, waiting for further change of improvement, waiting and praying asking how are we going to get through this new phase of healing. WE will. That is the hope that we have not in us, but in Christ.

We are truly seeing a miracle today. The fact that Don is home and carries on conversations as if nothing ever happened is pretty amazing.

I felt compelled to share this with you all. I don’t know why.

I have more prayer requests.

* This one is for me. I have to confess that as happy as I am and I am elated at Don being home, I am exhausted as well. I have been a “single mom” for 2.5 months now. Please pray for me that I will have the wisdom and strength that I need and that I will be present with them both.
* Pray for Julia’s foot that she twisted.
* Pray that Don will continue improving.

Another thing I need to say is that in coming home and finding the nice surprises, I got so carried away in the emotion. Please know that during this very long journey, I have forgotten to say thank you to so many people who have reached out to us when we were in Springfield hospital for those 25 days. So please bear with me as my memory is not what it should be.

We have a very busy week this next week. I will keep you posted.

Visitation Times

I will post visitation days and times for those of you who would like to come and see Don. Once we get schedule for rehab. He would love see you.

Blessings to you our family and friends.

Diane

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

TONS OF PRAYER

The Xhosa (pronounced KOH-sah) people live in South Africa. They’re very traditional, they dress in certain ways, believe certain things…very strongly…and their language is one of the hardest to learn. So their culture and people are really hard to reach. They believe in a Creator God but also count on “shamans” (medicine men/women). The Xhosa will go talk to the shaman when they are sick or think they have been cursed.

Missionaries Mike and Amy Boone work with about 40 Xhosa children and youth. Several kids have accepted Jesus, but their moms and dads just aren’t interested.

The Boone’s daughter told us about the Xhosa people and said, “I ask for prayer for my family and their ministry. My brother and I go to a school where things are not very Christian. My school needs tons of prayer…so please pray for us, our ministry, and that God can continue to reach the Xhosa people. Thank you.” GRACE, age 14, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

My culture is normal like a typical American’s culture. Please pray for the youth of South Africa SARAH, age 13, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray that I may have an opportunity to tell the Good News to the people that live in my neighborhood. ANNDREA, age 11 (Pacific Rim)

I pray that all would hunger and thirst for Jesus Christ. NATHANIEL, age 10, (Central Asia)

My family and I are in language school for Kiswahili. After language school we will move to work with an unreached people group. Please pray that my family will adjust to life in Africa.

LINDY, age 12 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Dear God, please help my older sister in college in the U.S. Please help there be foreign children in my city that are my age. Please help my parents learn the language quickly. Please help the people in my city learn about God. Please help me in school. In Jesus’ name. Amen. HR, age 10 (East Asia)

I live in a very dirty place, with lots of people. Some may be nice and some may not be. Please pray for my Indian friend, Dove, who became a Christian when I told her. But she moved away. And please pray that my brothers and sisters will become Christians. TABI, age 9 (South Asia)

Please pray for: Open doors, wisdom in how to reach out, direction for me in choosing a college, good leadership for my class at Rift Valley Academy, unity for our class. MICAH, age 17 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray I’ll have strength in my walk with Christ as I go to school in an environment that is really sinful and worldly. Pray that the Bible studies that we have will grow and continue to lead to Christ. KAYLA, age 15, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
Day 7 – REAP North, Peru

Going into mountain and jungle villages, missionaries Larry and Nancy Jackson endure bumpy, unpaved roads and 10-hour boat rides to plant churches in Peru.

The Jacksons, from North Carolina, hold out hope that a Southern Baptist church will feel led to adopt each people group they research. Through REAP (Rapid Entry Advance Plan) North, the couple, in the International Mission Board’s Masters Program, helps churches connect with people groups in Peru and Bolivia. Masters missionaries are those 50 or older who commit to at least two or three years of overseas service.

Today more than 25 churches have promised to invest their efforts in approximately 15 areas with the Jacksons. Fanning out from the more evangelized city centers, Larry will continue researching and contacting people groups on the edges of darkness to connect Baptists with the lost of South America.

Because you give:
“You can see your money at work when you look at us because that’s how we’re funded,” Larry says. “When you give money, people’s lives are changed. If you want to come to Peru, I’ll show you.”

Calling an ‘Undeniable,
Irresistible’ Force
By Chris Watts

ROME (Baptist Press)

Calling, to me, is a funny thing.

In my experience, God’s call comes upon you with a furious intensity and drowns you in an incredible desire to do something huge and glorious, something that is completely beyond the measure of your own abilities.

It changes your path completely and thrusts you into a new and unknown world where utter reliance on the plan and providence of God is an absolute necessity. After a time, though, once the realities and routines of this new world have set in, some of that initial intensity fades a bit, and the calling evolves into the stabilizing foundation upon which every facet of your new life is built.

It never diminishes in its strength or importance, but rather than a sword with which to storm the walls of a lost world, calling becomes more of a compass for staying true to your path. I believe this evolution is necessitated by the fact that “the calling” serves two distinct roles.

People contentedly strolling along in an easy and comfortable life often need something violent and fierce to move them powerfully and awaken them to the harsh realities of a lost and dying world. Our Baptist cocoon often insulates us from the pain and hopelessness of a world without Christ.

Some of us, me included, need to be slapped pretty hard to see things clearly and hear the voice of God. Often it seems that change never comes to those who can stand to live without it. This initial calling causes us to be dissatisfied with anything else. It is undeniable and irresistible.

However, once you start down that path, you are confronted on a daily basis with these hard realities. You no longer need to be awakened; you need to be sustained. This life is incredibly difficult. A missionary must make the conscious decision every day that this lifestyle is still worth it. “The calling,” always lurking in the background, often gives you the strength to keep trudging forward.

This doesn’t mean the passion diminishes. On the contrary, the passion for the work grows as you witness with your own eyes the incredible ways in which God is at work in the world, as you see lives being transformed and you sense the intense pain in the hearts of those around you. You begin to understand the power of the Gospel and you long to see people receive the love of Christ.

I am convinced that this job to which I have been called is the greatest, hardest and most worthwhile way in which I could spend my life. And until I am called, kicking and screaming, to something else, there is nothing that could make me quit.

(Chris Watts and his wife, Colleen, serve as Southern Baptist missionaries in Rome. Originally from Georgia, they were appointed in 2000 and have a 1-year-old-son named Cotton.)

Rosalie Ranatza Capdeboscq
(February 24, 1915 – December 5, 2008)
Died at 4:15AM on Friday, December 5, 2008 at Landmark Nursing Home in Hammond, LA. She was a native of Plaquemine Parish, LA and a lifelong resident of Husser, LA. Age 93 years. Visitation at St. Dominic Catholic Church, Husser, from 9 a.m. on Tuesday until religious services at 11 a.m .Tuesday. Services conducted by Fr. Chris Romain. Interment St. Dominic Mausoleum, Husser, LA. Survived by Daughter, Gloria Capdeboscq St. Pe’, Dallas, TX, 4 sons, Camille B. Capdeboscq, Jr., DDS, Tickfaw, Henry A. Capdeboscq, Sr., Husser, James J. Capdeboscq, Sr., Hammond, Richard J. Capdeboscq, Husser, 1 sister, Marie DiMicelli, new Orleans, 15 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Camille B. Capdeboscq, Sr., Sister, Camille Jennings. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Coming in 7 days: Lottie Moon Christmas Tea @ New Zion Baptist Church @ 2 P.M.
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Lottie Moon and the beginning of international missions focus in Southern Baptist Churches. It is also a time to teach our young girls and women more about missions while being entertained with young talent and enjoying special teas and Lottie’s special tea cakes. If you need more information, I can direct you to the proper people to talk with. The bottom line is: I hope you will attend!

Have a great weekend!
Anna Lee

Friday

“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; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20, NKJV).

Pray for Holly K. as she completes her preparations for service in western Africa and returns home for a few weeks before leaving the States early next year. I think God has big plans for her as she serves Him.

God is so God! You’ve been praying for Don Denton who formerly served at First Baptist Church, Independence. Here is last night’s update:

We Made It HOME…… 🙂

Meaning Joshua, Don’s mom and myself…yeah!

Leaving Rochester today and saying goodbye to new friends – Arwin, Mike, Lydia, Ben, Anaka and Miles is the sad part. They took us in an befriended us and cared for us and just loved us. Dorothy, Arwin’s aunt who also is a very wise women and so giving I will miss too. I will also miss the incredible experience we had at Mayo. The nurses and doctors were wonderful. It is an amazing place to be when one is sick. Joshua will miss Lydia and the Nature Center and Lego Land.

WE started our trip this morning with a car packed to the ceiling. Forty-seven days – five people living life at Mayo – a very, very full car.

I might add snowing this morning and 12degrees. A few challenges before we started and the first two hours of our trip. Don’s mom slipped on the icy snow and twisted her ankle. Please pray for her. She is hurting this evening. She is an amazing women and I love her so much. Both Don’s mom and dad have been with us from the beginning and we are so grateful to them.

Well….snow kept falling to the point that many times along our route the first two hours this morning the conditions were almost “white out” conditions for driving. You could tell that I was not from that part of the country, but my brother Roger said that I would have driven home in 20 degree below zero and white out conditions. He was right. And then the sun begin to break through the clouds on into Iowa. We had a really good rest of the trip home.

Don and his dad will be leaving in the morning from Rochester and will arrive in Bolivar early afternoon. I expect Don to be exhausted and very tired from this trip. He will need to rest as soon as he gets home. Please pray for him.

I can’t end this journal entry without telling you about the most incredible experience we had upon arriving home this evening about 7:45pm. I hope I can do it justice for what we experienced. As I am sharing this with you even now, my emotions overcome me with the incredible gift of love that was awaiting us.

As we turned down our street and came closer to our home we realized that our front porch columns were wrapped in Christmas lights – Tim and Melissa Roberts doing. And upon driving into our driveway a big “Welcome Home” sign made by Barbara Smith was on our garage door. Then we were greeted by Tim, Melissa, Elijah and Ryan with happy tears. As we entered our house through our garage and walked up our new step made by Rick Barnhouse into our kitchen and a house that was spotlessly clean and sprinkled with precious Christmas decorations. And a refrigerator that was full of groceries and a yard that did not have one “fall” leaf in it- compliments of John Smashy. And Mary Ann Smashy had the best homemade soup and snacks waiting for and Barbara Smith had wonderful treats for us and Elijah had this sweet little gift on Joshua’s bed for him. Gail Roberts litterly dusted all of my greenery and cleaned my house along with two of Melissa’s friends- Rebecca. Two churches University Heights and Wellspring Fellowship donated money to help with groceries. And then Lisa Manis and Solomon came to give us hug and brought a very special ornament that Solomon made for our tree that they are going to provide for us. Lauren Drennon and Mike Novak have cared for our dog as well and they are so very special to us.

Can you see why I am so overwhelmed with tears. We have never in our life experienced such love, care, support and kindness in our life. We have been blessed beyond what we could ever have imagined. So many of you which I have not named have given and continue to do for us in a way through the SBU fund which has meet a real need.

As you can imagine with Don being at Cox South Hospital for 25 days and Mayo 47 days and our having to live in Rochester and my not working has been devastating. You, God’s people have poured out your love to us in ways that truly humble us.

We have the strength for this day and we are strengthened by God’s people. I hope to thank each one of you personally for what you have done for us.

Before I end this update, please pray for

* Don and his dad’s trip home tomorrow. Pray that Don will not get sick from traveling.
* Pray for Don’s mom and her ankle.
* Pray that we will be able to get all of Don’s appts for doctors here scheduled
* I will be starting back to work this next week. Don will not be able to keep Joshua. a I am looking for someone to come in a few times a week to take care of Joshua. If anyone knows of a student, etc., please call me at 417-399-8520. This will be a “paid” position.

Blessings to you our friends and family. I am going to sleep in my own bed tonight, yes!

love,

Diane

If you are not crying now, go to http://emilypanter.blogspot.com/2008/11/one-week-ago-today.html and read the latest updates on Emily Panter.

God has blessed those who serve him and answered many prayers on behalf of Don and Emily. I don’t know either family, just some connections, but an glad to had had the opportunity to stay updated and pray for these families.

Barbara Bennett Gaines of Roseland had surgery last month. Since then, she had had some complications and some additional concerns. Pray for her as these concerns are investigated.

Joanna Catalanotta Goynes, also of Roseland, developed some concerns in the course of pre-op medical tests. She and her family would appreciated your prayers for them.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
Week of Prayer – Day 6
REAP North, Peru

Going into mountain and jungle villages, missionaries Larry and Nancy Jackson endure bumpy, unpaved roads and 10-hour boat rides to plant churches in Peru.

For photos and additional information, please go to http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=5748&LanguageID=1709.

Jacqueline Jacob Viola
(November 28, 1935 – December 3, 2008)
Jacqueline Jacob Viola, 73, a native Independence, passed away at her home in Independence, on Wednesday, December 3, 2008. She was born in LaPlace, LA on November 28, 1935. Survived by her husband, Casimo Russell Viola, Independence, 4 daughters, Marilyn Calcagno, Independence, Cheryl Santangelo, Independence, Karen Forrest, Hammond, and Julia Dephllips, Albany. 2 sons, Russell Viola, Independence, and Jerry Viola, Independence. 2 sisters, Audrey Lewis, Laurel, MS and Francis Edwards, Albany. 2 brothers, James Jacob, LaPlace and Jerry Jacob, LaPlace. Grandchildren, Vanessa Tallo, Vincent Calcagno, Jr., Julie Ponder, Jennifer and Johnnie Santangelo, Whitney and Courtney Viola, Jocelyn and David Forrest, Jeremy, Jacy, and Jared Viola, Joshua and Kristen DePhillips. Great-Grandchildren, Brady and Seth Tallo. She was loved by a very dear friend, Bea Rost. Preceded in death by mother, Ester Marie Granier Jacob, father, Rosemond Jacob, and a brother, Lloyd Jacob. Visitation at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, from 9:30 a.m. on Friday and until religious services at 11 a.m. Friday. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

David Robert “Caveman” Kashin, Sr.
(July 9, 1955 – December 3, 2008)
David Robert “Caveman” Kashin, Sr. was born on July 9, 1955 and passed away at 8:43AM, Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at his residence in Montpelier. He is a native of Norvelt, PA. David was a welder and handyman who could fix just about anything. He was the son of the late Andrew James & Ann Kashin.

David “Caveman” is survived by his companion of 20 years, Sandra “Sandy” Culbreath, Montpelier; 2 sons, David Robert Kashin, Jr., and Brandon Culbreath both of Greensburg, PA; a daughter, Cathy Lea Culbreath, Greensburg, PA; 3 brothers, James “Jim” Kashin, Monroe, PA, Robert “Bob” Kashin, Greensburg, PA and William “Bill” Kashin, New Station, PA; 4 grandchildren.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday, December 5, 2008 from 1:00PM until Religious Services at the Funeral Home Chapel at 3:00PM with Rev. Darryl Miller officiating. Interment in the Montpelier Cemetery.

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

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

KneEmail
Willful

I HEARD THE screams long before I could see him, but as I wheeled my grocery cart around to the next aisle of the store, there he was…

With angry tears streaming out of squinty eyes, the little boy was shouting, “Gimme it!” His mom glanced at me for a moment. I won’t debate the merits of her actions, but, embarrassed and worn down, she grabbed the cheap trinket and tossed it into her cart.

I think I recognized that kid. He looked a lot like me. Yes, I’ve often been the willful child. And sometimes I’ve even pleaded with God, “Why not? Why can’t I have it?” On occasion, God’s given me what I wanted, but not because I wore Him down. No, I think He wanted me to see what happens when I put myself in charge.

THOUGHT: What we think is best is not necessarily the best that God desires for us. (Cindy Hess Kesper)

KneEmail: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” ( Isa. 55:8-9).

Posted by Mike Benson at November 17, 2008 4:22 PM

Have a fantastic Friday!
Anna Lee