Ralph Anthony
(Died October 18, 2008)
Ralph Anthony, 43, passed away Saturday, October 18, 2008 at his residence in Greensburg.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time.
An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com
McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.
“Blessed be God,
who has not turned away my prayer,
nor His mercy from me!”
~Psalm 66:20~
Debbie Miller has not had any additional problems in the last couple of days. Pray she continues to be better and will be able to see a specialist soon.
From Sue Minor/Tucker:
Please pray for my son-inlaw’s mother Norma Handley who is in ICU at North Oaks and on a ventilator at this time. Please also remember all of her family as they go through this time with her. Please pray for comfort for her and healing if it be God’s will and pray for strength and peace for the family in knowing that God is with them always. Thank you so much for praying.
We had a great group for the share group meeting Thursday night. On of the things we did was pray for the election. Don’t forget to unite with Christians across the country as they pray at 8 P.M. (our time zone). There’s power in prayer!
OnMission in Kentwood will be a week from today. Join us as we serve together in Jesus’ name.
James L. Akins
(February 16, 1940 – October 17, 2008)
James L. Akins was born on February 16, 1940 and passed away at 12:30AM, Friday, October 17, 2008 at Cannon Hospice, Elmwood Campus in New Orleans. Mr. James was 68, a native of Winnsboro, SC and a resident of Greensburg. He was the son of the late James & Lillie Woods Akins.He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Helen N. Akins, Greensburg; 2 loving daughters, Shelia Prescott, McComb, MS & Capri Lewis, Ridgeway, SC; a loving son, Wayne Akins, Greensburg; 4 sisters, Colleen Carter, Jessup, GA, Cassie Lee Rumore, Tampa, FL, Mary Akins, Winnsboro, SC & Laura Mae LeGrand, Winnsboro, SC; a brother, Marshall Akins, Hopewell, VA; 7 Grandchildren, Mark Prescott, Jr., Kristen Akins, Jonathan Akins, Crystle Akins, Crustle Akins, Frannie Akins, & Cameron Akins; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Leonise Leonard, Marrero, LA; and numerous nieces & nephews.
He was also preceded in death by 2 sons, Randy James Akins & Frankie Ladd Akins; and a grandson, Frankie “Dude” Akins.
Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday October 21, 2008 from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 2:00PM in the Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Paul Taylor officiating. Interment in the Greensburg 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.
INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Friday, October 17, 2008
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12: 1-2a, NKJV)
Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, joining you in prayer for the nations.
India’s middle class is growing and is becoming very economically powerful. As their power and influence grows, they are beginning to question some of the “old ways,” practices that their parents and grandparents took for granted. The younger generation is seeking something to bring more meaning, more significance to their lives. But with only one true evangelical Christian to approximately 6 million people, the Bride of Christ needs to look at how she is dealing with their search. The corporate world is certainly making an impact. Consumerism has hit India hard. Indians are responding, seeing if the affluence that the West loves so well is what brings happiness. Do you wonder what idol will hold more bondage over the Indians as time continues? Will it be Shiva, Krishna, Ram or Ganesh? Or will it be money? Pray to Almighty God that none of these will prevail, but that Indians will turn to Jesus, finding their true significance through serving Him. Ask God to stir His church to respond in ways that give India’s young middle class a better option–a life surrendered to Jesus.
In these difficult economic times, is there any wonder what idol holds bondage over many of us in the United States? As we pray for the nations, pray also for those in our own country who are struggling with fear and concern. Pray that they will place their trust wholly in the Lord.
* Please pray for the salvation of many young middle class adults in India.
* Pray they will run their race with endurance.
* Intercede for yourself and fellow Christians that we will all keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
October 2008
Meeting Needs in the Caribbean
Chaplains from the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) arrived Oct. 6 on Grand Turk Island in response to a request by area pastors. Hurricane Ike ripped through the Turks and Caicos Islands on Sept. 7 as a Category 4 storm with 135-mph winds, damaging as much as 95 percent of the housing on Grand Turk, the governing seat of the 25,000-resident British territory. Grand Turk Island is located in the Caribbean, and is approximately 6.9 square miles in size.
Even in the short time they have been there, chaplains are making a big impact. The RRT has trained 14 pastors and church leaders, prayed with 365 people, and led four people to Christ for the first time. They are working in conjunction with a team from Samaritan s Purse. Learn more »
The Long Road to Recovery
Rampant chaos and trauma have overwhelmed police officers in the areas damaged by Hurricane Ike in Texas and Louisiana, but officers are too busy helping others to give themselves time to heal. Trained Rapid Response Team chaplains visited local police departments and spent time with officers who are depressed and downtrodden in the aftermath of the storm.
Altogether, 16 Rapid Response Team chaplains are working 24/7 to minister to victims of Hurricane Ike. They have counseled approximately 350 people and will remain in the area for weeks, visiting homes, hospitals and damaged areas and bringing the healing love of Jesus Christ with their presence. Read the rest of the article »
Please help
By supporting the Rapid Response Team, you can help us respond to emergencies like Hurricane Ike and tell of the One who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3, NIV). Thank you for your prayers. We also greatly value your financial support.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Anna Lee
James L. Akins
(February 16, 1940 – October 17, 2008)
James L. Akins was born on February 16, 1940 and passed away at 12:30AM, Friday, October 17, 2008 at Cannon Hospice, Elmwood Campus in New Orleans. Mr. James was 68, a native of Winnsboro, SC and a resident of Greensburg. He was the son of the late James & Lillie Woods Akins.He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Helen N. Akins, Greensburg; 2 loving daughters, Shelia Prescott, McComb, MS & Capri Lewis, Ridgeway, SC; a loving son, Wayne Akins, Greensburg; 4 sisters, Colleen Carter, Jessup, GA, Cassie Lee Rumore, Tampa, FL, Mary Akins, Winnsboro, SC & Laura Mae LeGrand, Winnsboro, SC; a brother, Marshall Akins, Hopewell, VA; 7 Grandchildren, Mark Prescott, Jr., Kristen Akins, Jonathan Akins, Crystle Akins, Crustle Akins, Frannie Akins, & Cameron Akins; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Leonise Leonard, Marrero, LA; and numerous nieces & nephews.
He was also preceded in death by 2 sons, Randy James Akins & Frankie Ladd Akins; and a grandson, Frankie “Dude” Akins.
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.
“All men shall fear,
and shall declare the work of God;
for they shall wisely consider His doing.”
~Psalm 64:9~
Mr. Phillip Harrell is home. Please continue to pray for Mr. Phillip and “Miss” Annie Bell.
Debbie Miller is still undergoing tests at North Oaks. Pray for a diagnosis so treatment can begin.
JAPAN. Please pray for a small house church meeting in Shizuoka, Japan. The group has been meeting together and has been receiving training on being believers, being church, and being witnesses for Christ in their own communities. Please pray that the training will take root and that multiplication of disciples will be the result. Pray that they will “catch a vision” for reaching their own people even without the assistance of a missionary.
ONESTORY: WEST AFRICA. When IMB missionaries in the West Africa region came together recently for their annual meeting, they participated in small-group sessions led by their “OneStory” missionary colleagues. These OneStory missionaries demonstrated how they use stories from the Bible, told in a simple way, to bring the lost to Christ. One missionary in Senegal reports: “Since this meeting, we’ve been inspired to practice Bible storying on a more daily basis and have had several wonderful opportunities to share Christ. Please pray for the Muslims of Senegal to come to know Jesus through these stories and for us to obey the Holy Spirit’s leading in sharing these stories every day.”
MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. As a final summer fling before school started, a 9-year-old MK set up a “store” outside the elevators of her apartment building. Her goal was to catch neighbors as they came home from work, hoping they would buy some of the beads and things she had made. Not to miss an opportunity, she also brought gospel tracts down with her. She confessed later to her parents that she had some help with the tracts. Some of her little Hindu friends decided they should grab the tracts and start helping to hand them out. A couple of the boys even distributed them around the parking lot on their bicycles. It seems like God intends to be known, and He uses a number of different ways of delivering His Message! What’s your delivery method? Please thank God for this young girl’s faith and desire to share the gospel with the lost. Pray that she will have the privilege of leading those young friends who helped her to receive Jesus as Savior. Ask God to honor her efforts with a harvest in their apartment complex.
William Reagan “Bill” Gallagher
(April 4, 1951 – October 13, 2008)
U.S. Veteran William Reagan “Bill” Gallagher was born April 4, 1951 and passed away October 13, 2008 in Amite, La. Bill was 57, and a native of North Riverside, Illinois and a resident of Amite. He was the son of the late Dudley Michael Gallagher and Mary Harriot Reagan.
He is survived by his wife, Glenda Russum Gallagher, Amite; 3 daughters, Jennifer Gallagher, Phenix City, Al., Megan Gallagher, Baton Rouge, and Emily Gallagher, Murfreesoboro, Tn.; 2 step-daughters, Brittany Kennedy, El Paso, Tx. and Ann Kennedy, Amite; a brother , Michael Gallagher and wife, Diane, of Opelousas, La.; 4 sisters, Jean Alford and husband, Jack, of Orlando, Fl., Patti Helm and husband Tom, of Austin, Tx., Peggy Isby and husband John, Alaska, and Kay Herrick and husband Bob, San Jose’, Ca.
A private Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
Donations may be made in Bill’s honor to Make A Wish Foundation or Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness.
McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.
An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com
FIRST-PERSON:
An Opportunity in Hard Times
By Joe McKeever
Baptist Press
NEW ORLEANS (BP)–An absolutely fool-proof way to stress yourself out is by staying glued to the television newscasts about the economy. “Wall Street dropped another 700 points today!” “Here is our panel of experts to tell you why the news is just going to get worse!” “Big Plants, Inc., is laying off another 4,000 employees!”
Oh great. Just what I needed to hear.
That’ll send your blood pressure through the ceiling, no matter your situation, but particularly if you are a heavy investor in stocks.
You’re not? Don’t be too sure. If you have a retirement account with some agency somewhere, you might be one of those (like me) who is being severely affected by the free-falling stock market. The headline on the front of Friday’s The Times-Picayune newspaper asked, “How Low Can It Go?”
Frankly, I don’t want to know.
Twenty years ago, when the market did a sort of “correction” — we’ll be generous and call it that — I recall someone asking either Ted Turner or Donald Trump, one of those big boys, “You lost a billion dollars. What do you have to say?”
He answered, “It was a paper loss. I’m not selling anything today. I’ll still be here tomorrow and first thing you know, I’ll have it all back.”
And that’s precisely what happened.
My neighbors, Bill and Sandra, are both retired from long careers in the commercial world, and this is scaring the daylights out of them.
A news report this week indicated that 80 percent of Americans say the economy is stressing them out.
The funny thing about this craziness in the economy is that we’re told the actual businesses of America are just fine. What is driving the roller-coasterness of Wall Street is a little thing called fear.
Remember FDR telling the nation at his 1933 inauguration, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”? He was right then, and it appears that’s the problem today.
Novices like me are perplexed at how the stock market rises and falls based on fears. The Fed chairman makes some statement about the future, and depending on whether he was optimistic or pessimistic, the market fluctuates. We laymen would like to think the people handling our investments are knowledgeable about the true value of stocks and not given to reacting to the latest whim.
Apparently that confidence is poorly placed. It would appear our stock brokers don’t know much more than the rest of us, but wet their index finger in the morning and poke it heavenward to see which way the winds are blowing before risking the billions of dollars entrusted to them.
Jean Chatzky, a frequent authority on money matters for the networks, urges that we not “make the financial channel our home page.” That is, quit running to see what your stocks did every day. “Check on them once a week or so,” she said.
For what this is worth, here are my own personal conclusions:
— The people in the pews this Sunday need to hear the pastor deliver a word from God. That word would include commands like, “Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven … (Matthew 6:19-20).
The pastor will want to remind the people of the best bad-news text in all the Bible, Habakkuk 3:17-19: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will triumph in the LORD ….”
— This crisis gives the pastor an opportunity to speak to the faith of the people in the pews.
“You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound” (Psalm 4:7). Three kinds of joy are referenced here: Superficial (grain = money); artificial (new wine); and beneficial (the Lord’s presence). Only one of the three is constant and dependable. The other two are fleeting and of limited value.
— So, maybe the Lord wanted some of us to work a little longer before retiring. Perhaps He was not too excited about His people parking in the rocking chair on the front porch when He had more work for us to do.
Margaret and I are having that discussion since my employment at the Baptist Association of Greater New Orleans comes to a dead halt next April 30. Since my retirement fund at GuideStone has lost some 40 percent from its peak a couple of years ago, ideally, I’d like to leave it alone for two more years before even touching it. Give it time to replenish itself.
So, that means, like a lot of others in the same boat, I will keep on working. Doing what is the big question, of course, and the subject of my frequent prayers to the Father.
— The Father is not particularly worried about any of this. He knows what He is doing and is not perplexed about matters that stress us out.
Sometimes when church members have found themselves in the difficult position of losing good jobs in their middle years — what should be their peak-earning period — as their pastor, I have counseled them to be strong and go forward. “It’s tough right now and it’s going to be hard getting through this. But I guarantee you, the day will come when you will look back and give thanks to the Lord for the experience and the lessons you learned.” (As my dad used to say about his six children, ‘I wouldn’t take a million dollars for any one of them, and I wouldn’t give you a dime for another!’ That’s how you will feel about this difficult and trying time.)
Randy and Charlene were reminiscing with some of us about that very subject recently. When a new owner took over the factories Randy was managing, he suddenly found himself without a job. One day, he heard Paul Harvey talking about ServiceMaster, the home-and-office cleaning business. Randy looked into it, decided this was the right thing for him, and bought the franchise for our area of the state. To raise the money, he sold his boat and borrowed money from family members.
Eventually — a lot of personal sacrifices and hard work were involved, I’m confident — this business became one of ServiceMaster’s great success stories. In fact, Randy McCall has spoken at the national meetings of their franchisees, giving his and Charlene’s testimony.
As the story goes,
the guest preacher arrived at the airport and was greeted by the church member who had been assigned as his driver. On the drive back to the church, the layman poured out his fears over the way the country is going, despair over the decline in morals, and disgust in the lack of leadership in high places. “Don’t you agree?” he asked the visiting preacher.
“I expect you may be right,” the man of God said. “But let me remind you, the last time I checked despair was still a sin and hope a virture.”
Good reminder for us today. “Why are you cast down, O my soul? Hope thou in the Lord.” (Psalm 42:5).
Joe McKeever is director of missions of the Baptist Association of Greater New Orleans.
Have a tremendous Tuesday!
Anna Lee
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
always in every prayer of mine
making request for you all with joy,
for your fellowship in the gospel
rom the first day until now.”
~Philippians 1:3-5~
Please pray for our children, Deloy and Debbie. They are on a mission field overseas at this time. There are in a group of seven…pray for all of them.
This is a special trip requested by the Foreign Mission Board. They will return Oct. 21. Thank you and God bless each of you.
Ann Chapman
Leola M. Martinez Guthrie Prescia
(Died October 12, 2008)
Passed away October 12, 2008 at 12:20 A.M. in Hammond, La. at Belle Maison Nursing Home. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. Arrangements have been entrusted to McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home in Amite.
Mrs. Ann Chapman shared this:
Excuse me, Are you Jesus?’
A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago . They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night’s dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly-missed boarding.
ALL BUT ONE!!! He paused, took a deep breath , got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been
overturned.He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.
He was glad he did.
The 16-year-old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her; no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.
When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, ‘Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?’ She nodded through her tears.. He continued on with, ‘I hope we didn’t spoil your day too badly.’
As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, ‘Mister…..’ He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, ‘Are you Jesus?’
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: ‘Are you Jesus?’ Do people mistake you for Jesus? That’s our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It’s actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.
You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked up you and me on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.
The share group will meet at the cabin Thursday night at 6:30. Please consider joining us for food, fellowship, and a devotional.
Don’t let the devil make this a miserable Monday!
Anna Lee
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
~Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)~
Thank God for good test results several people have received lately.
Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell may be a little better, but Mr. Phillip Harrell is now sick. Pray for this special couple.
Since this is a football night, begin to pray for the safety of the students and good sportsmanship by players and fans.
Prayer requests from H.K. as she prepares for 8 weeks in Richmond:
* The people of Senegal – for open hearts and receptive ears
* The family I will be working with in Senegal – safety and good health
* My younger brother as he prepares to head back to Iraq in a month
* My grandmother as she recovers from major surgery
* Safe travel for me and my friends to Virginia
Velta Morris‘ blog says she is thankful to be feeling much better. Thank God for her progress since surgery.
INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Friday, October 10, 2008
“. . . Great and amazing are your deeds,
O Lord God the Almighty!”
(Revelation 15:3a, ESV)
Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, asking you to pray for deaf ministry in five varied locations.
GH met the Sign His Love Deaf Team in Kyoto Japan, and said, “All they want to do is talk about Jesus–Jesus this and Jesus that. I think it’s totally rude for them to talk about Jesus all the time.” Later, GH received a full-color “Messiah” animated life-of-Christ book as well as the “JESUS” video in Japanese Sign Language. “I have read the ‘Messiah’ book almost three times. I’m beginning to see how all these stories go together. God is really amazing!”
For Guatemalan deaf church planters, some of whom work Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., for just a few dollars monthly, the challenge is to find transportation and time to visit unsaved deaf Guatemalans. These dedicated servants do not ask for financial help but look to the Lord for His provision.
Stacy and Jeremy Parks of the Ecuador Deaf Team ask for open doors and a place for the deaf to worship in Quito, Ecuador. Also pray for the new home missionary who will be appointed by the Ecuador Baptist Convention to work with the deaf.
Intercede for the beginning of a church in a school for the deaf in Durban, South Africa, and for the start of a work among deaf members in other Durban churches. A local Christian and IMB missionaries from Johannesburg are meeting with the Durban Urban Evangelism Team to try to establish a deaf ministry.
The West Africa Engagement Team has been assigned a new task: to research the deaf of Nigeria and any ministries that reach out to the deaf population there. Please pray that God will give them fruitful contacts.
* Please pray for work to expand among the Deaf around the world.
* Thank God for existing ministries and committed workers.
* Ask the Lord to soften your heart to those in your community who need to experience God’s great and amazing deeds.
Mattie Grace Meades
(January 11, 1947 – October 9, 2008)
Died on Thursday, October 9, 2008 at her residence in Kentwood, LA. She was a native of Pumpkin Center, LA. Age 61 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. on Saturday until religious services at 1 p.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Percy M. Frasier. Interment Jerusalem Baptist Church Cemetery, Pumpkin Center, LA. Survived by 1 sister, Doris Monteleone, Hammond, 2 brothers, Jerry Meades, Prairieville, and John Meades, Walker, numerous nices and nephews, extended family, Bobbie Gill, Tiffany and Kenny Gill, Debbie White, Michelle Anthony, Carol Gill, and Brenda Gilbert. Preceded in death by, parents, Jack and Ada Meades, 2 sisters, Joyce Madere, Betty Scott, 5 brothers, Leon Meades, Donald Meades, Floyd Meades, Robert Meades, and Lonnie Meades.
Have a fantastic Friday!
Anna Lee
“O You who hear prayer,
to You all flesh will come.”
~Psalm 65:2~
ONESTORY: WEST AFRICA. Judy Miller, the West Africa OneStory Team leader, reports: “Recently one of my tasks has been to prepare for our newest team arriving soon, which is assigned to the Konyanke people of Guinea. Brittany and Amanda will be arriving in October, and it’s been fun researching and exploring their assignment area. They will be located in one of the remaining forest areas in West Africa. It’s our most remote assignment to date, with some of the roughest roads I have traveled. While only 400 miles away, it’s a 14-hour drive over the course of two days. My four-wheel driving skills have increased drastically. One week the road was so bad–with so many tractor trailers in the ditch and blocking the road–that we had to turn around with only half of our objectives completed. Pray for Brittany and Amanda as they prepare to commit two to three years of their lives to the salvation of the Konyanke people of Guinea.”
LUGBARA OF N.W. UGANDA, N.E. CONGO AND SOUTHERN SUDAN (loog-BAR-ah). J is an older man who was saved in 2006. Recently he shared his concerns about his wife’s health. She has a headache and chest pain, and she is feverish. He said this is because she was poisoned in 1979. This may have been though some witchcraft or through an actual chemical poisoning. Every 1-3 years, these same symptoms return. J says that he cannot seek medical attention for her since the poison will react to treatment and she will die. The fear and confusion is obvious on his face. For J, the obvious answer is to use traditional healing methods, which are bathing in motor oil, cutting the skin with a razor blade, and rubbing the body with certain herbs. Cursing, poisoning, and spiritual powers are daily concerns for the Lugbara. Please pray for the spiritual breakthrough needed to apply the truth of God’s Word to these situations. Give thanks to the Lord that J is open to sharing these struggles and seeing how the Word of God applies. Pray for discussions on these issues to continue.
NAIROBI, KENYA (ny-ROH-bee). In the Kariadudu slum of Nairobi, six male tailors eke out a living working together in a room approximately 10 feet by 10 feet. These men do not know Christ as their personal Savior, but they are interested and want to hear the Word of God. They want to know about Jesus so they can be saved. Pray that their hearts will be open to the Good News they will hear each week, and pray that they will readily accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.
MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Please pray for the “West Africa Medical Manual” to be finished soon. This is needed for our missionary personnel in West Africa who live in villages and other remote areas where there is no medical care available. Pray that they can have a helpful manual with correct medical treatments, dosages and recommendations.
MUSLIMS: PRAYING BEYOND THE WALL. Azerbaijan is a former Soviet republic located in the Caucasus Mountain region on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. After more than 40 years of communist rule, the more than 6 million Azeri Muslims hunger to know truth. Pray for the Holy Spirit to soften Azeri hearts to His Word and His servants. Pray that they will recognize and believe the truth when they hear it. http://btw.imb.org/
Nathan D. Hyde
(January 4, 1945 – October 6, 2008)
Nathan D. Hyde was born on January 4, 1945 and passed away at 10:13PM, Monday, October 6, 2008 at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX. He was 63, a native of Chesbrough, LA. and a resident of Duson, LA. Nathan was the son of the late Isaac & Lillian Spears Hyde.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy R. Hyde, Duson, LA; 2 daughters, Wanda Smith & husband, Aubrey “Scooter”, Chesbrough, LA. and Stacey Hollier & husband Shayne, Scott, LA.; 2 sons, Nathan Daniel Hyde, II, Lafayette, LA. & Dewayne Hyde, Amite, LA.; a sister, Lillian Brumfield, Chesbrough, LA.; a brother, Ernie Hyde, Amite, LA.; 5 grandchildren, Michael D. Smith, Meghan D. Smith, Dylon J. Hollier, Hanna R. Hollier, & Savanna G. Hollier.
Preceded in death also by a son, John “Clay” Hyde; 4 brothers; Joe, Fernie, Marvin & Jerry Hyde.
Nathan was a graduate of Southeastern LA University, a Vietnam War Veteran Hero and was portrayed as the character “Nate” in the book Hamburger Hill.
He also was an avid hunter, golfer, pool shooter & loved traveling, but most of all enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.
Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday, October 10, 2008 from 9:00AM until Religious Services at the Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00PM with the Rev. Kirk Comeaux, officiating. Interment in the Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough with military honors.
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.
SIN WILL TAKE YOU FURTHER
The following “urban legend” has been around since 1999:
A Vermont native, Ronald Demuth, found himself in a difficult position. While touring the Eagle’s Rock African Safari (Zoo) with a group from Russia, Mr. Demuth went overboard to show them one of America’s many marvels. He demonstrated the effectiveness of “Crazy Glue”… the hard way.
Apparently, Mr. Demuth wanted to demonstrate just how good the adhesive was, so he put about 3 ounces of the adhesive in the palms of his hands, and jokingly placed them on the buttocks of a passing rhino. The rhino, a resident of the zoo for thirteen years, was not initially startled. However, once it became aware of being stuck to Mr. Demuth, it began to panic and ran around the petting area wildly making Mr. Demuth an unintended passenger.
“Sally [the rhino] hasn’t been feeling well lately. She had been very constipated. We had just given her a laxative and some depressants to relax her bowels, when Mr. Demuth played his juvenile prank,” said James Douglass, caretaker. During Sally’s tirade two fences were destroyed, a shed wall was gored, and a number of small animals escaped. Also, during the stampede, three pygmy goats and one duck were stomped to death.
As for Demuth, it took a team of medics and zoo caretakers’ to remove his hands from her buttocks. First, the animal had to be captured and calmed down. However, during this process the laxatives began to take hold and Mr. Demuth was repeatedly showered with over 30 gallons of rhino diarrhea. “It was tricky. We had to calm her down, while at the same time shield our faces from being pelted with rhino dung. I guess you could say that Mr. Demuth was into it up to his neck.
Once she was under control, we had three people with shovels working to keep an air passage open for Mr. Demuth. We were able to tranquilize her and apply a solvent to remove his hands from her rear,” said Douglass. “I don’t think he’ll be playing with Crazy Glue for a while.”
The first time I heard this story (and thought it was true), I remember thinking, “What in the world was Mr. Demuth thinking????” Lest I be too harsh and critical, though, I have to remember all the times in my life when I have “attached” myself to something sinful. The results were just as disastrous, and I have often found myself wondering, “What was I thinking?” The truth is, I really wasn’t thinking at all.
That’s the very nature of sin. We “attach” ourselves, thinking we can always quit whenever we want to. We don’t even consider what the consequences will be. I appreciate this quote by an unknown author: “Sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay.”
I almost didn’t use the story above because of it being so disgusting. But then I realized that it is nothing compared to the disgusting things that sin leads us to do in our own lives. Perhaps we need to be reminded every now and then of just how disgusting the results of sin can be.
“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15)
To what (or whom) have you attached yourself?
Have a great day!
Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Have a terrific Thursday!
Anna Lee
Very early in the morning,
while it was still dark,
Jesus got up,
left the house and went off to a solitary place,
where he prayed.
~Mark 1:35 (NIV)~
Please continue to pray for Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell and Mrs. Faye Price. They both have had doctor appointments this week and are continuing treatment. Your prayers will be appreciated.
Mrs. Mary Nell Kliesch is recovering well following her surgery. Continue to pray for her.
Please pray for Mr. Kenneth Dillon, band director at KHS. He’s in North Oaks.
Update on Callie Jo Burnette:
….She is still on the breathing machine and comotized. They say she is fighting the virus and getting a little better each day, but still in critical condition. Debbie finally left the hospital Saturday to go home and get a bath and a change of clothes. Keep praying for her. Thanks Nessie for sending this out. I believe God will pull her through this, she is young and strong.
Message from Holly Kliesch:
Hello friends! …The address is hollysafricanadventures.blogspot.com.
Thank you for your prayers and support. Right now I’m just getting ready to head to training in Richmond, Va. I leave on Oct. 20. The eight weeks I will spend there can be pretty tiring and busy! But I’m excited to be starting on this big adventure.
God bless,
Holly Kliesch
Alvin N. “Bubbie” Stevens
(September 21, 1951 – October 3, 2008)
Alvin N. “Bubbie” Stevens, Jr., 57 years old, died Friday, October 3, 2008 at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Joyce Lamonica Stevens of Independence; his mother, Audrey “Sook” Stevens; his sister, Brenda S. Catalanotto; his niece, Christy Catalanotto; all of Amite; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe and Rose Lamonica; his sister-in-law, Kathy Lamonica; his uncle and aunt, Sonny and Rosalie Garofalo; cousins Larry, Jody, Todd, Ronnie, Michael, Dusty, Ryan and Fallyn Garofalo and the little cousin on the way who will be his namesake, Wyatt Alvin Garofalo; all of Independence. He was preceded in death by his father, Alvin “Pee Wee” Stevens; his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Stevens; and his maternal grandparents, Desiree and Mary Bass Bennett. Bubbie was a very loving and caring man who was also dearly loved by his entire family. As per his wishes, Bubbie was cremated and no official service was held.
Nathan Hyde
(Died October 6, 2008)
Nathan Hyde passed away Monday, October 6, 2008 at M D Anderson Hospital, Houston, TX.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time.
An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com
Debra Johnstone “Debi” Gallagher
(June 16, 1952 – October 4, 2008)
Debra “Debi” Johnstone Gallagher was born on June 16, 1952, and passed away at 9:35PM, Saturday, October 4, 2008 at her daughter’s residence in Greer, SC. She was 56, a native of Bossier City, LA and resident of Crystal Springs, MS. Debi was the daughter of the late Dow & Mildred Johnstone.
She is survived by 2 daughters, Jessica Gallagher Baker, and husband, Trey, Southaven, MS & Whitney Gallagher Coe, and husband, Phil, Greer, SC; a son, James Edward “Jed” Gallagher,II, and wife, Courtney, Amite, LA; a brother, Richard Johnstone, and wife, Donna, Atlanta, GA; former husband, James Edward “Jimmy” Gallagher, Amite, LA.; 2 grandchildren, Caleb & Abbi Baker.
She was also preceded in death by her sister, Linda Johnstone Gulledge, and brother-in-law, Kenneth Gulledge.
Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, October 11, 2008, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at the Funeral Home Chapel at 12:00 NOON. Interment in the Wilmer Baptist 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
Tonight will be the last night of revival services at FBC, Kentwood. The emphasis tonight is on youth, but all are promised a meaningful service. Six-thirty is the time for the service to begin.
WEDNESDAY WINDOW ON THE WORLD
October 8, 2008
KABYLE BERBERS OF ALGERIA AND FRANCE (kuh-BEEL BER-bers). Friends who have recently returned from vacation in Algeria report that the church they visited is alive, well and growing! Those brothers and sisters preparing for baptism had inscribed their names and their village of origin on a list that was posted at the entrance to the church–testifying that people were coming from the “four corners of Kabylia” to attend. The library was well stocked with Christian materials, and the service was so vital that the Holy Spirit’s presence was almost palpable! Praise God for His faithful answers to your prayers for His church in Algeria. Please continue to persevere in lifting up pastors, believers and seekers, expecting an outpouring of God’s Spirit and growth of His kingdom! http://www.experiencename.com/
MADAGASCAR, INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS. A missionary family drives five hours from where they currently are studying the Malagasy language to get a taste of what life will be like for them when they move to a city near an unreached people group, the Tanala. God called missionaries Jeremy and Angela Newton and their three young boys more than a year ago to share the gospel with Madagascar’s Tanala people group. After the long drive on rough roads, they settle down. They begin to absorb all that they experienced during the day. As they both pray, even the rats prancing around on the hotel ceiling do not mute what they know God is telling them. Watching the sunrise in the early morning, Jeremy and Angela are convicted of their call to work with the Tanala people. They discover that the Tanala live out in the rain forest, not in the city where they originally anticipated living, and that they must go to them. God has convicted them that living in the rain forest among the Tanala tribe may be the best way to show them Jesus. Yes, they know it will be isolated, lonely and rough, but the Newtons are confident that God will provide and bless as they move forward in obedience. Pray for the Newtons as they complete language study, asking that it will be free of distractions and that they will find language partners. Pray for all the “unknowns” that will accompany the move into the area of the Tanala to become known and to be overcome.
KURDS OF IRAN. Please pray for S, a Kurd from the western Iranian city of K. Recently S was taken by the secret police of his country for his evangelistic efforts for the gospel. The authorities have charged him with crimes against his country and against the dominant religion of his country. He has been beaten severely and is suffering greatly from this bad treatment. No one else in his family is a believer. Thus far he has not been allowed visitors, although he has been able to speak a few times on the telephone. Pray that S will be encouraged by the prayers of many brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray that those S whom has evangelized and is discipling will grow stronger in their faith during this time of suffering. Pray that the church among the Kurds of Iran will grow as a result of this situation. doulos@comcast.net; http://centralasia.imb.org/
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Anna Lee
“Let every soul
be subject to the governing authorities. . . .
whoever resists the authority
resists the ordinance of God.”
~Romans 13:1a, 2a, NKJV~
Nancy Stokes shares this:
ONE MINUTE EACH NIGHT
This is the scariest election we as Christians have ever faced and from the looks of the polls, the Christians aren’t voting Christian values. We all need to be on our knees.
Do you believe we can take God at His word? Call upon His name, then stand back and watch His wonders to behold. This scripture gives us, as Christians, ownership of this land and the ability to call upon God to heal it. I challenge you to do so. We have never been mor e desperate than now for God to heal our land. This election is the scariest I remember in my lifetime.2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
During WWII, there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace. This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped. There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America. The United States of America and our citizens need prayer more than ever!!!
If you would like to participate: each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central, 7:00 PM Mountain, 6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, for peace in the world, the up-coming el ection, that the Bible will remain the basis for the laws governing our land and that Christianity will grow in the U.S.
If you know anyone who would like to participate, please pass this along. Someone said if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have.
Thank You. Please pass this on to anyone who you think will want to join us.
‘The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.’ -Albert Einstein
ONE MINUTE EACH NIGHT
Virginia Massey Guy
Mrs. Virginia Massey Guy was born on Oct. 9, 1936, and passed away at 6:25 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008, at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg. She was 71, a native of Water Valley, Miss., a resident of Greensburg, and a former resident of Denham Springs. Virginia was the daughter of the late Buck and Viola Massey. She is survived by two grandchildren, Cara Nicole Guy and fiancé Adam Brose, and Kenneth “Kenny” Guy III, all Denham Springs; a brother, Roy Massey Sr. and wife Jenny, Baton Rouge; two sisters-in-law, Linda Guy Phillips, Greensburg, and Dean Guy Noto and husband Victor, Independence; a great-grandson, Daron Brose, Denham Springs; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Guy Sr.; a son, Kenneth “Kenny” Guy Jr.; and a brother, Billy Massey. Visitation will be at the Day’s United Methodist Church, Liverpool, on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 1 p.m. until religious service at 2:30 p.m., with the Rev. Larry Robertson, officiating. Interment in the Greensburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Virginia M. Guy Memorial Fund, c/o McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, 60100 Westway Drive, Amite, LA 70422. McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com.
Revival Services at FBC, Kentwood
Have a super Sunday!
Anna Lee
Be careful how you think;
your life is shaped by your thoughts.
Proverbs 4:23 (GNT)
My sister is working on an update on Callie Jo Burnette. Keep praying for her and her family.
Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell continues to have a very difficult time with her inner ear problem. She spent some time in the emergency room at North Oaks Thursday. Please continue to pray for her and Mr. Phillip.
Pray for Jason Alford as he has his first day in a couple of months without crutches. Continue to pray for him as he continues physical therapy.
Pray for Debra Bush and her family as the memorial service for her husband is held this morning at 10:00 at First Baptist Church, Kentwood.
Kathleen Lowe
(November 5, 1948 – October 2, 2008)
Kathleen Lowe was born November 5, 1948 and passed away at 1:16PM, on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at the Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite. Kathleen was 59, a native of Amarillo, TX and a resident of Amite. She is survived by her aunt, Kaye Matthews, Amite.
Funeral 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.
Revival services will begin in the morning at FBC, Kentwood. Sunday’s worship services begin at 10;30 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Come and bring a friend or family member.
ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS
The following insightful piece appears in “Chicken Soup For the Kids’ Soul”:
My dad says I am ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS. I wonder if I really am.
To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Sarah says you need to have beautiful long, curly hair like she has. I don’t.
To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Justin says you must have perfectly straight white teeth like he has. I don’t.
To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Jessica says you can’t have any of those little brown dots on your face called freckles. I do.
To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Mark says you have to be the smartest kid in the seventh-grade class. I’m not.
To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Stephen says you have to be able to tell the funniest jokes in the school. I don’t.
To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Lauren says you need to live in the nicest neighborhood in town and in the prettiest house. I don’t.
To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Matthew says you can only wear the coolest clothes and the most popular shoes. I don’t.
To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Samantha says you need to come from a perfect family. I don’t.
But every night at bedtime my dad gives me a big hug and says, “You are ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS, and I love you.”
My dad must know something my friends don’t.
–Carla O’Brien
We all need to be reminded from time to time of that which makes us beautiful. We look for beauty in the clothes we wear or the make-up or the tan. True beauty is found much deeper.
“Do not let your adornment be merely outward — arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel — rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” (I Peter 3:3-4)
Have a great day!
Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Blessings,
Anna Lee
The Prayer Link 
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