Death Notice(s) – Page 264

Friday

“Then all this assembly shall know

that the Lord does not save with sword and spear;

for the battle is the Lord’s,

and He will give you into our hands.”

~1 Samuel 17:47~

Mr. Frankie Gehringer continues to improve from his recent heart problem. Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Please continue to pray for Richard Dunn as he battles dehydration as a side-effect of cancer treatment.

Would you put Bill Frazier on the prayer link. He is having problems with paralysis, and waiting at home for a neurosurgeon.

HELLO I WOULD ASK FOR EVERYONE TO PRAY FOR MY DAD WAYNE WESTMORELAND HE IS DEALING WITH SOME TRYING TIMES….THANK YOU,LISA

Mary Phillips Savage
Mary Phillips Savage, 91, of Lake Charles, died on Wednesday, July 23, 2008, in a local hospital. Mrs. Savage was born Jan. 10, 1917, in Marshall, Texas, to Roy Phillips and Amy Holmes. She graduated from Covington High School, attended Normal Teacher’s College in Natchitoches for two years and then finished her education in Lafayette. A teacher for 41 years, Mrs. Savage taught mostly first grade at a number of schools, including Vidrine, Starks, Sulphur, Washington State, Oregon State, Baton Rouge, Loranger and Amite. She married Levi F. Batte, of Vinton, in 1941, and together they had a daughter, Jan. In 1978, she married Bill Helm and in 1981, she married Louis J. Savage. She enjoyed bird watching, collecting rocks, square dancing and traveling. Mrs. Savage was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and over the years taught Sunday school, directed and participated in choirs and led prayer groups. She was preceded in death by her parents; all three husbands; brothers, John Robert Phillips, who was of Polk City, Fla., and William Phillips, who was of Los Angeles; sisters, Emma Nell Sherlock, who was of Los Angeles, and Helen Heidelburg, who was of Panama City, Fla. Mrs. Savage is survived by her daughter, Jan Batte Craven and husband Bruce Craven, of Moss Bluff; three stepdaughters, Linda Zemler and husband Gary, of Pittsburg, Texas, Nancy Smart and husband Steve, of Pineville, and Sally Foret, of Lake Charles; granddaughter, Virginia Chi and husband George, of League City, Texas; stepgrandchildren and their spouses, Scott Doherty and Sharon, Brent Doherty and Joy, Todd Doherty and Margaret, Bryan Smart and Stacey, Blair Clark and Bryant, Dr. Adam Foret and Catherine, and Dr. Ryan Foret and Elise; and 10 great-grandchildren. Her funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 25, in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel, Lake Charles. The Rev. Richard Humphries will officiate. Burial will follow in Big Woods Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday from 9 a.m. until the start of the service. Words of comfort to the family may be expressed online at http://www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.
Published in The Advocate on 7/25/2008

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

July 25, 2008

“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

They put on a play…

People go to many countries around the world to help missionaries. Recently, some people from Oklahoma went to South Africa. On Monday morning, they put on a play at a school for first through eighth graders. The play helped the children understand that Jesus is the answer to any problem they have with sin.

The principal really liked the play and the stories the young people shared, so he asked them to talk with his family. He has two daughters and a son. The visitors encouraged the principal’s family to really live as a Christian family-to have family prayer time and read the Bible together. The team prayed for the family too. Then the children spent time with some of the younger visitors. That’s when it happened!

The principal’s 11-year-old son accepted Christ. Isn’t that exciting? Pray that the family will grow in understanding Jesus and what He teaches in the Bible. Pray that they will find a church. Pray for the principal to show the love of Jesus to the children at his school.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please pray for Mozambique because people are drinking the water that is dirty. LUKE, age 8 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray for my friend RU. She is not a Christian. I pray that she will become a Christian and for RM too. Pray for my family. They are sad because we just came back from the USA. JOELLA, age 8 1/2 (South Asia)
Pray for my friends that they will have enough food and money to provide for their family. And when they come to my house that I will be able to get my school done and not stress out. LIBBY, age 14 (Pacific Rim)

I live in Mmabatho, South Africa. My prayer is for my Grandfather who has cancer. ANDY, age 12, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

My grandfather had a heart attack. Please pray for my brother–he has a cold. And also please pray for India. And pray for my family. It is hard to live in India. MARIAH, age 8 1/2 (South Asia)

I have a friend named Papa and he always plays with me. He runs around with me. We like to jump on the trampoline together and swing on the tire swing at my house. He has a big tire in his yard. We like to jump on it. We play on his bike, too. Papa said he doesn’t like his school. He wants to come to my school. Pray that Papa wouldn’t get hurt when he plays outside or get thorns in his foot. ETHAN, age 5 (West Africa)

Please pray for the poor people of Brazil. LYDIA, age 10 (South America)

Please pray for my adjustment to the USA for university and my family left here in South Africa. SARAH, age 18 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

AN ANSWER FROM THE FIELD
We prayed for rain in West Africa and it finally came. Thunder and lightning and pouring rain! The Forsythe kids woke up giggling, joining the shrieks of laughter of the Senegalese kids outside. They all jumped and splashed in the puddles-it was the first big rain in Fatick since last October. Thank you for praying for rain. The Sereer farmers can really do their work now. Ask God to send just the right amount of rain for a big crop of millet. Millet is like corn meal-if your mom bakes corn bread, she starts with corn meal. Millet is a very important food for the Sereer people.

My closing thought this morning is On Mission in Kentwood. We will be out in the community tomorrow morning. There’s something for everyone to do. Here’s what you can do:

Pray for us as we meet needs and pray for people in our community.
Tell us of needs (yard work, minor repairs, household tasks, fallen tree or limbs, etc.) you may be aware of that we can address. You may contact me or the church office (985-229-8111).
Join us at 8:00 for a very rewarding experience. We’ll have a task just right for you. You’ll be richly blessed!

Blessings,

Anna Lee

Thursday Afternoon

Mrs. Kathryn Kuss requests prayer for her granddaughter Kelsey Kuss, Kit’s daughter, who will be going to Guatemala and Honduras in a week on a mission trip. This is Kelsey’s second mission trip. Pray for Kelsey and the other short term volunteers and for those to whom they will be ministering.

Brazil Missionary Dies after Brief Illness
Baptist Press

By Staff

RICHMOND, Va. (BP)–Elaine Lambach, 49, a missionary serving in Brazil through the Southern Baptist International Mission Board, died after a brief illness July 14. Lambach, a mother of five, was serving in church and home outreach evangelism in the seaport city of Belém in northern Brazil. She died after being rushed to a hospital in the city.

She and her husband Paul have served on the mission field together 10 years. Paul is a church planter who teaches at the Agulha Baptist Bible Institute and the Equatorial Baptist Theological Seminary, where he is the head of the missions department.

Lambach’s death was the second to impact the South America region in just over a week. Gregory Gomez IV, a student missionary serving in Peru, was killed in a bus accident July 5.

Born Elaine Samples in Morristown, Tenn., Lambach worked in Memphis as a physical therapist at Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center, the Special Kids Program and Les Passees Children’s Rehabilitation Center. Lambach attended Walters State Community College in Morristown and Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn. She graduated from the University of Tennessee in Memphis with a degree in physical therapy.

In addition to her husband, Lambach is survived by her children: Joseph, serving in the military; Jonathan, a student at Union University in Jackson, Tenn.; David, a recent high school graduate; Rachel, 12; and Hannah, 9.

Funeral services are scheduled for July 26 at First Baptist Church in Morristown.

Reported by the Richmond bureau of Baptist Press.

Thursday

Put on the new self,

created to be like God

in true righteousness and holiness.

~Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)~

Mrs. Avis Sullivan continues to progress nicely following surgery. Please continue to pray for her.

Tyler Easley, grandson of Judy Easley, remains in Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. Please remember him and his family, especially Joffrey and Moira, in your prayers.

Mrs. Jimmie Shaw continues to improve since her recent fall. Pray for her as she goes through rehabilitation for a few days.

Cliff Titus has had some more difficult days lately. Pray for Cliff and Lauree as they deal with his continuing health issues.

Continue to pray for those who are battling cancer daily. Pray for strength and hope.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, July 23, 2008

“Blessed are you when people hate you…

on account of the Son of Man!

Rejoice in that day…for behold,

your reward is great in heaven”

(Luke 6:22-23a, ESV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, inviting you to pray for the people of Iran.

Fear is common for new believers in Iran. They do not know how to explain their new faith and are afraid of family response. Compounding the sense of isolation and fear is a reluctance to meet with other believers. “What if the others are only posing as believers and use information they find out about me to harm me?” Ask God to grant courage and boldness.

One Iranian Arab couple has refused to leave their country despite persecution, but remain in order to share the Good News. Pray for God’s protection over their lives.

V, on the other hand, is an Azeri of Iran who has had to flee and is not able to return to his family. He recently received a new version of the Bible in the Farsi language. He has found it much easier to read and has been sharing it with others.

MR is a Sorani-speaking Kurdish man from a key western city in Iran and leader of a small group of Kurdish believers. Recently MR was thrown in jail for his faith. The authorities tell him that he may be in jail for as long as six months. They also say that if he will discontinue his Christian activities and also expose other believers, his time in jail will be reduced. Please pray for MR to remain faithful and strong during his time in jail. Pray that he will fully experience the peace of God. Often during times of persecution, God calls out new leaders. Pray for believers to be attentive to His call during MR’s imprisonment.

* Please pray that these experiences will result in the growth of the church in Iran.

* Ask that the hearts of Iranian believers will be stirred to reach their people.

* Pray that these believers will rejoice in persecution for great is their reward.

On Mission is Kentwood in this Saturday. It’s not too late to sign up to participate in some way. There’s something for everyone. If you know of a project that needs our attention, please contact me or the church office.

Continue to pray for the children’s sports camp at church. Pray for safety and fun, but mostly for growth in relationships with God. Thank God for the young people from Simpson and Kentwood who gave of themselves to run the camp this week.

I just received an email from Jennie. She and the children are now home. Boyd remains with the International World Changers and will get them to the airport for the return trip home. Thank God for the opportunities of the last two weeks to impact the lives of the Roma. Remember there is a seven hour time difference, so pray today for the travelers as they return home tomorrow. Pray for Bro. Brady Haynes as he continues to minister to and influence the young adults in Birmingham. Thank God so many were willing to give of themselves to take the news of Jesus to an often overlooked people group.

Boyd Alton Bennett
A native and resident of Central, he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, July 23, 2008. He was 82. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mildred N. Bennett; daughter, Janice B. Carpenter, Deville; son, David Bennett and wife Lois, Baton Rouge; brother, Levi and wife Elaine Bennett; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Laura Lee and Whitey Waters, of Central, Bobbie and Pete Neyland, of Baker, Marguerite Baudin, of Kentwood, and Louise and Barzie Fletcher, San Angelo, Texas; seven grandchildren, Ralph Carpenter Jr., Amanda Carpenter Cooksey, Eric Bennett, David Bennett, James Bennett, Lisa Bennett Langley and Michelle Bennett White; and eight great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his father, James Bennett; mother, Margaret “Maggie” Browning Bennett; three sisters, Inez Ward, Annie Martin and Flarrie Baudin; and son-in-law, Ralph Carpenter. He was a retired route salesman for Holsum Bakery. He served during World War II in the 409th Quartermaster Depot Company as a cook. He was a member of the Central Masonic Lodge. In 1976, he was one of the founding members of the Central Volunteer Fire Department and in 1969, he was a Boy Scout leader. He was instrumental in the building and opening of Central Private School in 1968. He was a member of Zoar Baptist Church. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Friday, July 25, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation resumes at the funeral home on Saturday from 8 a.m. until religious service at 10 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Danny Smith, pastor of Spring Creek Baptist Church in Kentwood. Interment in Zoar Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ralph Carpenter Jr., Brandon Cooksey, Eric Bennett, David A. Bennett, James Bennett and Mike Neyland. Honorary pallbearers are Joseph White and Aaron Langley. Special thanks to Hospice of Baton Rouge and Dr. Say. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Baton Rouge, the American Heart Association or Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area.
Published in The Advocate on 7/24/2008

GETTING OLDER (part 4)

George Burns once said, “Tennis is a game for young people. Until age 25, you can play singles. From there until age 35, you should play doubles. I won’t tell you my age, but when I played, there were 28 people on the court — just on my side of the net.”

I’ve talked some about the fears we have related to getting older. But, I want to close out this series by looking at the positive aspect of aging. In Proverbs 20:29, Solomon wrote, “The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head.” The Bible has for us several examples of elderly people who refused to believe their usefulness was over just because they weren’t young anymore, who served God well despite their advancing years.

One of the greatest examples is found in the book of Joshua. Caleb was 85 years old. He had served the Lord faithfully for his entire lifetime. When he was 40, he, along with eleven other soldiers, sneaked into the land of Canaan to spy out the land that God had promised them. What they saw was frightening and ten of the soldiers concluded there was no chance of victory. Joshua and Caleb were the two faithful spies who stood firm in their conviction that God could give them Canaan despite the giants in the land.

Then for the next 40 years, that unbelieving nation wandered in the wilderness until Caleb and Joshua were the only adults left. Joshua led the Israelites in conquering the land of Canaan and Caleb had fought valiantly in securing the land. But by the time we get to the 14th chapter of the book of Joshua, Caleb is an old man — 85 years old. You would think he was ready to sit out on that porch swing, but listen to him:

“And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as he said, these forty-five years, ever since the Lord spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as I was on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said.” (Joshua 14:10-12).

At the age of 85, Caleb was still looking for ways to serve God; he asked for a mountain full of giants to conquer. It was the most difficult spot in the whole land to be conquered. He deliberately chose the hardest task. Now if anyone in that nation had earned the right to retire and live the rest of his days in comfort, it was Caleb. But, he wasn’t ready for the shelf; he wanted a mountain.

What was his secret? There are several things that I think stand out. He was a man who obviously had a positive attitude and faith in God. It’s easy to become negative as we get older, looking back on “the good old days”. But Caleb refused to be negative. He had a positive faith in God. God said, “Even to your old age, I am he, and even to gray hairs I will carry you.” (Isaiah 46:4). Caleb truly believed that, that God is in control at every stage of our lives.

Here was a man who had a divine purpose. He was in his eighties, but he believed that God had something important for him to do. And he believed that with God’s help he could do it. He was a man who looked for ways to serve God despite his advancing age. There are tasks that an older Christian can do that a younger Christian just simply isn’t equipped to do.

But, above all else, Caleb was obedient to the Lord. It’s difficult for a person to obey God in his old age if he doesn’t establish a pattern of obedience in his earlier years. But it can be done. The important thing is to continue to give yourself to the Lord no matter what your age.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

The important thing is to continue to give yourself to the Lord no matter what your age.

I think that statement deserves an”Amen”!

AMEN!

Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

Christopher B. “Chris” Phillips
(September 13, 1988 – July 20, 2008)

Christopher B. “Chris” Phillips was born September 13, 1988 and passed away July 20, 2008 due to an automobile accident. He was 19, a native of Hammond and a resident of Roseland. Chris was a boilermaker and a member of Pro Bull Riders Association. Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, Tuesday, July 22, 2008 from 5:00PM until 9:00PM and Wednesday, July 23, 2008 from 8:00AM until Religious Services at 10:00AM in the Funeral Home Chapel. Services will be conducted by Rev. Starrett Cleveland. Interment in the Pine Ridge Cemetery. Chris is survived by his Parents; Charles & Linda Easley Phillips of Roseland, a Sister; Victoria “Vicki” Phillips Braase and her husband, Dusty of Roseland and a nephew; Jayden Braase of Roseland. He was preceded in death by Maternal Grandparents; Wilton & Louise Easley and Paternal Grandparents; Malvin & Annie Lea Duggan. An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com. McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggin-Gentry Ford.

Monday

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him,

that if we ask anything according to His will,

He hears us.

And if we know that He hears us,

whatever we ask,

we know that we have the petitions

that we have asked of Him.”

~1 John 5:14-15~

Pray for Mr. Frankie Gehringer as he has surgery today at SWMC to implant a pacemaker.

From the I.M.B.:

LAST FRONTIER. How long has it been since you have seen your mother? Days? Weeks? Years? A worker was visiting with a local worker and inquired about his family. His heart was touched when he heard this story: Because of hardships and uncertain times, this man was separated from his mother at the age of 4. The mother lives in a restricted-access country and the son in a neighboring country. In the last 10 years, mother and son have had some contact and even two face-to-face visits. The country where he lives has plenty of food, but his mother’s home is facing extreme conditions that make it difficult to secure her daily needs. He received word from his mother to come and see her. Her son sadly tells that he is not able to make the trip. He knows her situation is difficult, and he desires to do what he can to meet her needs. He has asked a fellow worker to go in his place. They are gathering items to take to the family. While the travel has always been difficult, the road may be closed for an indefinite time due to regulations from officials. Please join this partner in asking that our Provider will make the way clear and open for the visit. Ask for special blessings on the traveler as well as the mother. Pray that the traveler will have the opportunity to share God’s Story and love with the mother during their short visit.

AIDS. N grew up in the Thunzini community in Swaziland and attended the Thunzini Baptist Church. Her mother was not married to her father but later married an older man and moved to South Africa. Like most Africans, N’s mother and stepfather rented extra rooms in their house. One of the renters was a young man they trusted. During the 2007 school break (December/January) the young man tricked N into taking something to his room. While in the room, he attacked N, raped her and told her not to tell anyone or he would kill her. Five months later, N is 13 years old and pregnant. A study of the U.N. Children’s Fun confirms that one out of three Swazi women has suffered some form of sexual abuse as a child. Now N is one of those statistics that may include AIDS. One wonders when the nightmare of continual abuse and AIDS will end. Unfortunately, for some it is just beginning. Pray for N’s health as she deals with a pregnancy, and pray that she will not have contacted the HIV virus through this encounter. Pray for the many female children/youth/adults in Swaziland who deal with the fear of abuse on a regular basis. http://www.imb.org/AIDS/

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. A missionary writes: “One family on our team has been in the process of adopting a baby for more than a year now. They have been waiting for one committee to meet that has to approve their adoption, but the committee members are dragging their feet. They were first supposed to meet in May, then in June, and now they say it will be at the end of July. Please pray that they will actually meet at the end of July. This family has been here this term for over four years, and they are ready to head back to the United States to get recharged and reenergized. Please pray that this committee will meet quickly. Also pray that the family will trust the Lord and His plan and not be anxious!”

The devil sent thousands of little enemies to disrupt Sunday School yesterday morning. There were fleas in the ladies’ classrooms that meet in the basement. Several ladies had a number of bites and had to go home. Others had to move to different locations for classes to continue. Worship service continued as planned with no problems that I am aware of. Last night, I spoke with several of the ladies who were the most affected. They were all doing much better. Pray the problem will be completely cleared before that area is used again.

Explanation: The little enemies were left by a stray dog that entered the church when a serviceman was working at the church.

Maj. Bernard Richard “Ben” Williams Jr.
Williams Jr., Maj. Bernard Richard ‘Ben’ (USAF, ret.) Osyka Baptist Church, Osyka, Miss., from 2 P.M. until the funeral at 6 p.m.
Published in The Advocate on 7/21/2008

Sportscamp

FBC, Kentwood
Monday – Friday this week
8:30 – Noon
Grades K – 6
Fee: $10.00

Please be in prayer for all the children who will attend the camp and for the youth from Simpson Baptist Church who will be leading the camp.
Marvelous Monday at FBC, Kentwood

Tonight at 7 P.M.
Preaching – Dr. J.P. Miles
Music – Bro. Dennie Walker
Piano – Mr. Bob Raborn
Nursery available

Deacons for the week at FBC, Kentwood

Mr. James Miller
Mr. Harrell Sharkey

Sunday Night

Christopher B. “Chris” Phillips
(September 13, 1988 – July 20, 2008)

Christopher B. “Chris” Phillips was born September 13, 1988 and passed away July 20, 2008 due to the result of an automobile accident. He was 19, a native of Hammond and a resident of Roseland. Chris was a boilermaker and a member of Pro Bull Riders Association. He is survived by his Parents; Charles & Linda Easley Phillips of Roseland, a Sister; Victoria “Vicki” Phillips Braase and husband Dusty of Roseland and a nephew; Jayden Braase of Roseland. He was preceded in death by Maternal Grandparents; Wilton & Louise Easley and Paternal Grandparents; Malvin & Annie Lea Duggan. Visitation is incomplete but an on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com. McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggin-Gentry Ford

Sunday Afternoon

The internet was down this morning. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to post this morning.

Joan Hagan received a good report from her tests Wednesday. She will see her surgeon on August 4th. Please pray for Joan daily.

Mr. Frankie Gehringer is still in ICU at McComb. He received a temporary pacemaker already, but will receive a permanent pacemaker in the morning. Please continue to remember Mr. Frankie and his family in your prayers.

Mrs. Faye Price continues to rest at home as suggested by the doctor. She will see her doctor again Tuesday. Please continue to remember her in your prayers.

Tyler Easley, Judy Easley’s new grandson, is still hospitalized in Baton Rouge. He continues to gain a little weight and is learning how to take nourishment. Please continue to pray for little Tyler and his family during this time.

The sports camp for children in grades K-6 will begin in the morning at 8:30. It’s not too late to enroll boys and girls for this week of activities and Bible study.

Chris Phillips, a 2006 graduate of Sumner, was killed early this morning in an automobile accident. Please pray for his family and friends.

Saturday Afternoon

Mrs. Avis Sullivan is doing well today. She was up and walking early this morning. Please continue to remember “Miss” Avis in your prayers.

Major Bernard “Ben” Richard Williams, Jr.,

USAF, Ret.

Bernard Richard Williams, Jr., age 84, died peaceably on Friday, July 18, 2008 at his home in Osyka, Mississippi, from pancreatic cancer. Born to Bernard Richard Williams, Sr. and Ruby Dean Ott Williams and reared in Osyka, Ben graduated from Osyka High School in 1940 at the age of 16. After attending Copiah-Lincoln Junior College for one year, he enrolled at Louisiana State University, the “The Old War Skule” that he dearly loved for the remainder of his life.

After the US entered World War II, Ben promptly volunteered and was inducted as a flying cadet into the U.S. Army Air Corps, the forerunner of the USAF, in 1942. He learned to fly an airplane before he learned to drive an automobile. He was called to active duty in 1943 and served as a fighter pilot with combat missions in Pisa, Italy. While ferrying a plane to Italy via South America, he narrowly escaped death from a mid-air collision landing for which he was recognized for his skill in crash landing the aircraft and the survival of his crew. While home on leave in August, 1945, with his next mission scheduled for the invasion of Japan, the A bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Ben returned to LSU and graduated in 1951 with a BS degree in agriculture and as a distinguished military graduate. He also received a regular commission as a 2nd Lt. in the USAF in 1951 and became a test pilot for aircrafts sent to Korea during the Conflict. Ben returned again to his beloved LSU as an ROTC instructor from 1958-62, also earning his MS degree in Horticulture. During the Cold War, he was on alert in Labrador and Cape Cod, an assignment he would characterize as the most stressful. Ben volunteered to serve in a top secret unit called Stray Goose during the Vietnam Conflict, with his first combat mission being flown on Christmas Eve night, 1966. After serving 3 combat tours in Vietnam, he retired in 1969 as a Major. In his military career he logged12,000 flying hours and survived 500 combat missions.

Ben worked for the Mississippi Game and Fish Commission in public relations with Paul Ott from 1969-73, writing many environmental and wildlife television spots and publications. In 1974 he returned one more time to LSU as a PhD student and on the staff of the LSU Horticulture Department where he specialized in poinsettia research. Desiring to give his children the opportunity to be raised in his beloved Osyka, he moved his family there in 1980 and continued his research at the LSU Experiment Station in Robert, LA. After his final retirement in 1985, he planted and produced peaches and blueberries on his farm in Osyka.

He served 25 years as a trustee on the Board of Directors of the Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, the longest serving trustee, and was very proud to be part of the growth of the facility. Following in the footsteps of his father, he was a member of the Masonic Rising Glory Lodge #315. He had been a member of Osyka Baptist Church since he was 9 years old.

Preceding him in death are his parents and brother, Dr. Kenneth Ott Williams. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Linda Shanks Williams; son, Bernard Richard Williams, III and his wife, Rachel, and their daughters, Sydney Ellen and Caroline; daughter, Lou Ellen Williams; daughter, Kay W. Knight and her husband, Scott, and her daughter, Adrienne LaFrance; sister-in-law, Dr. Nancy Burrow Williams.

A service of celebration of his life will be held on Monday, July 21, 2008 at Osyka Baptist Church with visitation from 2-6 PM and services at 6 PM and burial in the Osyka Cemetery. Arrangements are provided by Hartman-Sharkey Funeral Home. Services will be conducted by Dr. Milton Kliesch, pastor of Osyka Baptist.

Memorials may be sent to the Osyka Veterans Park, Inc., P.O. Box 402, Osyka, MS 39657 or to the Computer Fund, Osyka Baptist Church, P.O. Box 152, Osyka, MS 39657.

Special thanks go to the compassionate professionals at Community Hospice and to Ben’s sister-in-law, Patsy S. Rice, who so gently cared for him during the last weeks of his life. When word of Ben’s illness spread, friends from the East to West Coast of our great nation came to reminisce and pay homage to their fellow soldier, classmate, teacher, and mentor. His cousins, in-laws, nieces, and other relatives, too numerous to name, provided comfort and attended to his needs. The family wishes to thank everyone for the support and love shown to us. May God bless each of you.

Saturday

“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~

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Friday, July 18, 2008

“And in every work that he began

in the service of the house of God…

he did it with all his heart,

and prospered.”

~2 Chronicles 31:21, KJV~

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, asking you to pray for volunteer teams serving in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

During the month of July, several volunteer teams will minister through events, such as prayerwalking, Scripture distribution, sports evangelism, and English ministries. Already, a team from Alabama served in Kharkov, Ukraine, sharing Jesus through Backyard Bible Clubs and helping with construction projects at the church.

A group from Arkansas is now in Irbeet, Sverdlovskaya oblast on a construction project, serving through July 25. The Prague Mega-City Team of the Czech Republic is sponsoring a City Day Camp (July 19-26) as well as English Camp Benecko 2008 in the mountains north of Prague.

Volunteers from Mississippi will minister through medical teams in Kharkov, Ukraine, this coming week. Pray that the Ukrainian believers working alongside the volunteer team will build strong relationships with nonbelievers.

The small Baptist church in Puspokladany, Hungary will hold a sports camp. Please pray that the Lord will use this camp to strengthen ongoing friendships from past projects. Pray, also, that it will be an encouragement to the eight-member church as they serve as salt and light in this town of 17,000.

Another project with volunteers from North Carolina runs July 19-31. Team Bratislava in Slovakia will reach out to young and old alike with activities, including English courses, sports and games, and community work projects.

From July 22-31, youth from across Kamchatka, Russian Federation, will come together for a Wilderness Camp at the base of two volcanoes outside of Petropavlovsk. Activities will include daily opportunities for Bible study and worship, as well as exploring nature, rock climbing, and hiking to the top of a volcano. Pray especially for the youth who will attend; they will be from various backgrounds, ranging from “church kids” to children from the local orphanage.

* Please pray for these volunteers serving in Central and Eastern Europe as they serve Jesus with their whole hearts.

(Of course, every team serving in Central and Eastern Europe is not listed. One such team is a group of 75 International World Changers from Brady Haynes church in Birmingham. Pray for them as they minister to the Roma (Gypsies). Brady is a former youth minister of FBC, Kentwood. He will be working with Team Romany which includes the Hatchel family.)

Major Bernard “Ben” R. Williams, Jr., USAF Retired, of Osyka, died peacefully at his home on Friday, July 18, 2008, from pancreatic cancer. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 21, at Osyka Baptist Church from 2-6 PM and services will follow at 6 PM. Burial will be at Osyka Cemetery.

(Ben was the husband of Linda Williams who has worked in the Pupil Appraisal section of the Tangipahoa Parish School System for many years. Please be in prayer for Linda and her family.)

Baptist Press

July 18, 2008

CHINA–Olympic torch ventures to China’s last frontier. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28495

CHINA–China pastor, wife forced from home, living on streets. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28496

MISSOURI–McCain raises public profile of pro-life views. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28497

KENTUCKY–Builder helps churches enlarge their passion. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28498

WASHINGTON–LIFE DIGEST: Mother eliminates children to gain cancer-free baby. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28499

TENNESSEE–Church to vote on Sutton retirement. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28500

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): The election & the Supreme Court. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28501

CALIFORNIA–FIRST-PERSON (David Jeremiah): Assurance of salvation. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28502

GETTING OLDER (part 3)

Children touring a retirement home were asked by a resident if they had any questions. “Yes,” one girl said. “How old are you?”

“I’m 98,” she replied proudly.

Clearly impressed, the child’s eyes grew wide with wonder. “Did you start at one?”

In the last couple of TFTD messages, I’ve talked about our fears of growing older. I suggested that one reason we’re afraid of growing older is that many of us live in a culture that glorifies youth. Another reason we’re afraid of growing old is because of our concept of old age. We have a tendency to think of old people in a nursing home who are poor, isolated, sick, unhappy, and senile. It’s no wonder we find the prospect of growing old unattractive! But it’s an unfair evaluation. Yes, there are some old people who find it necessary to live in nursing homes. And some do become senile, although it’s a very small percentage (about 8 percent). But I really believe that most elderly people are about as happy as they were when they were younger people. If you find a cantankerous old man, chances are he was a cantankerous young man, too!

One perspective on age was offered by an elderly man who said, “Now it takes me longer to rest than it does to get tired. Often I have to sight against something to see if I’m moving….All my younger years I bemoaned the fact I was so short. Now every morning when I waken and everything hurts, I can be grateful. If I was tall, there would be so much more to hurt.”

But then as we heard it said so often, “Old age isn’t so bad when you consider the alternative!” So, what about it? Is growing old a good thing or a bad thing? Is it something to dread or something to look forward to? Well, that all depends.

At the end of the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon begins to draw some conclusions from his observations about what’s really important in this life. He says, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’.” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

Solomon says, “Follow God while you are young.” And that’s important. It’s important that those of you who are young to make a conscious decision to commit yourselves to God, to surrender yourselves to his will, to faithfully obey God’s instructions beginning right now while you’re still young.

But there’s a part of us when we’re young that wants to say, “What’s the rush? Why not wait until you’ve sown a few wild oats? Why not wait thirty or forty years until you’ve had a lot of fun doing things your own way and then turn to God? That way you get the best of both worlds.”

Solomon doesn’t waste time answering that kind of reasoning. He says to remember God “before the difficult days come”. When we’re young, it’s easy to think we’ll be young forever. Our bodies play tricks on us, trying to convince us that we’ll always feel just as good as we do when we’re young. But, of all the pains that we have to deal with as we get older, the ones that hurt the most are the regrets of things we’ve done. I’ve never known anyone who is old who said, “I should have disobeyed God more when I was young. I missed out on a lot!” I’ve known many older people, though, who have said, “If I had listened to God when I was young, it would have saved me a lot of heartache.”

“The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.” (Proverbs 16:31)

(to be continued)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Alan Smith certainly passed on some words of widsom today. I hope you will apply them to your life and share them with others.

Anna Lee

Friday

God knew what he was doing

from the very beginning.

He decided from the outset to shape the lives

of those who love him

along the same lines as the life of his Son. . . .

We see the original and intended shape

of our lives there in him.

Romans 8:29 (MSG)

You were asked to pray for Brett Erickson, the young man from LaPlace who was in the military base in Afghanistan where nine Americans were killed Sunday. Brett was able to email his mother to say he was okay. Thank you for praying for this family. Pray for our military as they serve around the world to provide for our freedom.

Eleanor Morris is better. Please continue to pray for her.

Danny Esch has improved. Pray for continued improvement as he goes through rehabilitation.

Pray for Mrs. Avis Sullivan as she has surgery today at North Oaks.

The wake for Mrs. Inez Lea will continue today at Line Creek Baptist Church from 8 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Friday. Please continue to pray for the family.

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray
July 18, 2008

“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

A GIRL NAMED BO

Bo is a sweet girl of 12. She lives with her loving, encouraging father and gentle grandmother. Bo has a good home environment. Our family was overjoyed when we learned that she came to know Jesus. We had been visiting in the United States and found out about her salvation when we got back to Thailand. Praise the Lord! Our job now is to disciple Bo and three other new believers who are also children. Every Sunday, we take them to a Northern Thai church. We enjoy giving a ride to other curious kids too. We teach them how Christians should act and think. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will teach them all things and will remind them of everything Jesus has said to them (John 14:26). Pray that God will give us wisdom as we train these four to be a witness to their friends and family.

Pray for Bo that she will not let anyone look down on her because she is young, but may she set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12) ADRIAN, teen (Pacific Rim)

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS
Please pray for my grandmother to get better.
HB, age 12 (East Asia)

Please pray for our family as we minister to people in Mozambique. WILL (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I would like people to pray for the people in Niger to become Christians. BRADY, age 10 (West Africa)

Prayer request: We need friends in our neighborhood. EMMA, age 8, and HATTIE, age 10 (Pacific Rim)

Pray for my friends, Hank and Nicolas. ETHAN, age 9 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Nursery Workers during Worship – July 20

Susan Rimes
Wanda Miller

FAITHSTRONG

Children’s Sports Camp
July 21-25
8:30 – 12 Noon
FBC, Kentwood
Children who completed grades K-6
$10.00
Sign-up

Beth Moore Living Proof Live 2008

FBC, Kentwood
August 1 – 6:30-9:00 & Aug. 2 -8:30 – Noon
$25.00

Marvelous Monday – July 21

J.P. Miles – preaching
Dennis Walker – music
Bob Raborn – piano

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
ONE OF THE great concerns for many churches is how to keep our young people after they have left home to begin their own lives…

Statistics indicate that we are losing a large percentage of young people during their college years when they are on their own and free to make their own choices. Even among those who remain faithful during those years, it is not uncommon for some of these to marry (often outside of the faith) and either leave the Lord’s church or drop out of religion altogether.

I am often asked what we can do to keep our young people. My answer to that question is simple…reach them and teach them! Reach them by showing an interest in them as valued individuals. Once having reached them, teach them that God has a plan for their lives. Many people in our world are wandering without definite spiritual direction. Young people need to know that God has something in mind for them now and in their future.

It’s a shame that so many young people grow up without specific spiritual instruction. Yet, the opportunities for spiritual preparation are unlimited! We provide Bible classes on Sunday morning and Wednesday night, Vacation Bible School, gospel meetings, summer youth programs as well as youth rallies, and weekly preaching. If necessary, we could provide more opportunities. The problem is not the lack of opportunity, but the lack of parental influence and direction. We make sure our young people have the best secular opportunities, but fail to encourage them to participate in spiritual activities that are designed to promote their eternal welfare.

When we lose our youth, we lose the future! No church can exist longer than its youngest generation. Want to do some great mission work? Start with the youth group and help prepare them for the future.

Reach them…teach them…and we will keep them! (Gary Knuckles)

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deut. 6:6-9; Prov. 22:6).

Have a blessed day!

Anna Lee