Death Notice(s) – Page 266

Saturday Additions

Mrs. Marie Sims passed away. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. Please be in prayer for them.

Elisabeth H. Sanders is in the hospital awaiting the birth of her new baby today. Pray all goes well for Elisabeth and the baby boy.

Saturday

“Hear my prayer, O Lord;

listen to my plea!

Answer me

because you are faithful and righteous.”

Psalm 143:1

(Holy Bible, New Living Translation)

Update on Mrs. Marie Sims from Mary Criswell:

. . . . Marie was having problems with fluid building up in her lungs and had to be placed on a ventilator. This was an unexpected turn. Judy needs special support during this time.

Please continue to pray for Grant Matherne, six year old great grandson of Mrs. Hazel Smith, as he continues his treatments.

Ritchie, husband of my cousin Suzan in Texas, got a better report on his colon cancer than he did previously. Pray for them as Richie continues treatments.

FBC will have no Sunday night worship this month due to Marvelous Mondays which will be held at 7:00 during July.

From Mrs. Ann Chapman:

. . . . my brother, Charles Abernathy, Pearl River, LA passed away
last night. His wife Betty Ruth Breeland grew up in the Roseland &
Spring Creek area. Charles was an Amite High School graduate. He was 79.
His funeral will be Monday. Arrangements are as follows:
First Baptist Church, Pearl River, LA
Wake: 9:00 – 12:00 noon
Funeral: 12:00 noon
Burial: 3:00 pm at Roseland-Arcola Cemetery
Please pray for Betty and their children, Russell and Barbara and our
family. Our Heavenly Circle is getting larger.
God bless each of you.
Ann Chapman

Gary McNabb
(September 2, 1964 – July 2, 2008)

Gary McNabb
Gary “Suede” McNabb, 43, passed away at 8:59PM, on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge. He was a native of Brandon, MS and a resident of Pine Grove. He was the son of Gene and Sara McNabb of Pine Grove. He was a Member of the Pipeliners Union Local #798. Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Sunday, July 6, 2008 from 6:00PM until 9:00PM and on Monday, July 7, 2008, at the Shiloh Baptist Church, Pine Grove, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM. Services conducted by Rev. Laverne King. Interment in the Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery. Survived by: Wife, Vicki Oliphant McNabb-Loranger, Step-Son, Chance Tycer-Loranger, Parents, Gene & Sara McNabb-Pine Grove, Sister, Gail Domingue & husband, Edward-Greensburg,. 4 Brothers, Calvin McNabb-Pine Grove, Bryan McNabb & wife, Beverly-Albany, Waylon McNabb-Pine Grove, and John McNabb & wife, Paula-Montpelier. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, & friends. Preceded in death by: Brother, Alton “Bud” McNabb. An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com. Funeral Home is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins-Gentry Ford.

Bobby McDaniel, Sr.
(Died July 3, 2008)

Mr. Bobby McDaniel, Sr. died at 11:35AM, July 3, 2008 at the Flannery Oaks Guest House in Baton Rouge. Arrangements are incomplete but the guest book may be signed at this time.

Mrs. Marie H. Wallace
(March 17, 1929 – July 4, 2008)

Mrs. Marie H. Wallace, 79, passed away at 9:15AM, July 4, 2008 at the Tangi Pines Nursing Home in Amite. She was a native of Tangipahoa Parish and a resident of Independence. Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM, Monday, July 7, 2008 until Religious Services at the Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00PM, conducted by Bro. Felix Howell. Interment in the Howell Cemetery (west of Natalbany). She was the daughter of the late Avery & Bertha Stafford Holden. She is survived by her Daughter, Margie Nell Howell-Independence, 2 Sons: Billy Roy Wallace, Sr.-Amite, Larry Wallace, I-Amite, 18 Grandchildren, 42 Great-Grandchildren, and 3 Great Great-Grandchildren. Mrs. Marie was preceded in death by her Parents Avery & Bertha Stafford Holden, Husband: Clyde Wallace, Son: Marvin Dale Wallace, Sr., Daughter: Peggy Jean Wallace Hose An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com. The Funeral Home is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W next to Coggins -Gentry Ford.

The Meaning of the 4th in 3 Words

Baptist Press

By Rick Lance

A silly story is told about a little boy asking his father a question, “Dad, do they have the Fourth of July in England?” “Yes, oh yes, son they do have a fourth of July in England. They just don’t celebrate it.” In a way, that apocryphal teasing exchange between a father and his son summarizes the uniqueness of the Fourth of July for Americans. It is a uniquely American holiday.

The Fourth of July in all other countries is a date on a calendar, just like any other. There is no reason at all for the British or French or Chinese or Russians or Brazilians to celebrate the Fourth of July. But in America there are many reasons. I can think of at least three of them.

The Fourth of July reminds us of our history, or at least it should. It is the day set aside as the punctual moment in history when the United States of America declared its independence from the British crown. It was not the beginning of the story or the actual end of the relationship, but it is a point in time when Americans can celebrate their birth as a nation.

Every Fourth of July in Charlottesville, Va., the largest number of people on a single day take the oath of allegiance as American citizens. This must be a sight to behold, and it would have made the founders proud. They would nod and say, “Now that is America.”

Our history is not a perfect story. There was a Civil War fought between the states over differing perspectives concerning what freedom means. Lincoln would call the nation back to the Declaration of Independence to remind Americans that all people are created equal by God.

In the 20th century, following two world wars, America would examine itself the hard way and come to the conclusion that liberty and justice are for all people. There would be ugly scenes where some radicals would not accept this view as a vision of what the nation should become. Now that sentiment lingers in the minds and hearts of a fading number of citizens who cannot understand the true meaning of freedom.

The Fourth of July has come to mean more than a day to celebrate a historical event. It is more than just about history; it is a focus on liberty. The American narrative, although not a perfect one, is really about liberty and freedom. With all of our outcries of dissent today and with the personalities literally shouting at each other on talk shows, we sometimes forget that we live in a country where this kind of expression can be offered.

One night recently, I was remoting through the channels on my television and parked a few minutes to listen to the debate between two rather animated guests on a talk show and found myself amused by the sparring between them. As the program was coming to a close for this particular segment, the host thanked the guests and they both smiled at each other and shook hands as if they had just played a round of golf together.

This is just one illustration of something people outside our nation sometimes cannot understand. In America, dissent is almost a sport. Most of the time — not all times for sure — it is good-natured and a reflection of the citizens in a high-tech dialogue. The Fourth of July underscores that freedom. It is precious indeed!

For Christians, true freedom is found in Christ Himself. “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” That is a higher and holier concept of freedom we should celebrate every day of our lives. But on the Fourth of July, we can pause and thank God for liberty that comes from the laws of the land, no matter how imperfect they may be.

Yes, the Fourth of July is about history, our history. It also about liberty, our liberty, but is also is about responsibility. Reportedly, following the Constitutional Convention, the irascible old Ben Franklin was asked what kind of government had been created. He replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” Our history and our liberty carry a heavy sense of responsibility.

Every generation has a price to pay for the liberty we enjoy. Sadly, for some it was the ultimate sacrifice of the giving of one’s life, such as in World War II, in the Pacific or in Europe. For most Americans, the price is exercising responsible citizenship such as voting. I still have trouble understanding why some people never bother to register and vote. It is almost un-American.

History, liberty and responsibility are the three words which come to my mind as we celebrate the Fourth of July. Americans aren’t better than any other people in the world. But for providential reasons, we have been blessed with a history that tells our story, a story of liberty and responsibility. Perhaps Viktor Frankl was right when he said, “Americans need a Statue of Responsibility on the west coast to balance the Statue of Liberty on the east coast.” That was one European who may have understood us better than we understand ourselves.

Rick Lance is executive director and a state missionary with the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions.

Be sure God has a special place in your activities this weekend.

Anna Lee

Friday

Suppose a brother or sister

is without clothes and daily food.

If one of you says to him,

“Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,”

but does nothing about his physical needs,

what good is it?

James 2:15-16 (NIV)

Mrs. Marie Sims is doing better. She continues to be watched in ICU at North Oaks. Please be in prayer for her and her family.

Pray for Jimmy Tolar as he prepares for surgery early next week.

Dear Praying Friends,

This prayer letter will be of a different kind. We have had some great adventures lately, but we need your help in prayer. We have gone to look over the ministries and the town of Craiova; we have seen the ministries of others in the area around Craiova, and we even have a line on an interesting place to stay until December when we could move into the Wagstaff’s apartment while they are gone. We have seen all of this, but we have not discerned the Lord’s will concerning our involvement.

I awoke early this morning and went to prayer, and stopped for breakfast before continuing to seek Him, but—–‘it must have been something I ate (perhaps the aged milk on my cereal)” because I have been ill all day. Therefore, we have no answer from the Lord yet. Would you help us? Please go to the Lord on our behalf, and ask Him to reveal His will concerning this question—

“Should we leave Bucuresti and move to Craiova to involve ourselves in that local ministry? We need to be able to give an answer soon.

This is the most practical use of a prayer network that I can think of—when we need to know an answer, we join together to pray for the Lord to reveal His will. Thank you for praying and for serving Him in this way. We need you. All our love to you and your’s, Bob Craig

Update from the McKinney mission trip to Romania:

Thank you for asking! It was the most wonderful yet. Parkway has partnered with a church in Bucharest for three years to plant a church in the village of Odobesti. The small group of believers there are now like close friends so it was wonderful to worship with them, go door to door again, and then do a VBS for the children on Mon. & Tues. We got to see the renovated church building that Parkway funded. On Wed. & Thurs. we worked with another mission church in Bucharest, evangelizing in the surrounding neighborhoods and at a Roma apartment complex where they teach writing & reading (from the Bible) and play Bible games with the children. (I thought of Boyd & Jennie so much because I know they had probably been there.) Friday we went to a new village where the mission church is hoping to plant a church. They had us go door to door to visit with people to get a “feel” for the village…”ripe unto harvest.” It was wonderful to get to see God advancing His Kingdom there. . . Thanks again for your prayers. In His Love, Dianne

Delores Elaine Walker Larin
(October 23, 1932 – July 1, 2008)

Dolores Elaine Walker Larin died July 1st, 2008, at age 75. She is survived by brother and sister-in-law, Dannie E. Walker, Jr. and Iris Walker, brother Wade Walker, nieces Shannon Walker Parker, Darlene Walker Brecher, Joy Walker Garbett, Jan Walker Bennett, Donna Morgan Varnado, Angie Walker Wilson, and a nephew Bryan Morgan. She is also survived by two great-nieces, five great-nephews and a great-great nephew. She was preceded in death by her husband Julius C. Larin, Jr., her parents Dannie E. Walker, Sr. and Myrtie McDaniel Walker, a sister and brother-in-law Nancy Juana Walker Morgan and Devon Morgan. Services will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until time of the funeral at 11 :00 a.m. on July 3, 2008, with Father Peter Hammett and Rev. Ray Varnado officiating. Interment will be in the Walker Cemetery, Wilmer, Louisiana. Pallbearers are Lavell Parker, Ronald Brecher, Christian Garbett, Gary Bennett, Bryan Morgan, and Bart Wilson. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Holy Family Catholic Church, 1318 Bickham Street, Franklinton, LA 70438 or Lakeshore Hospice, 2659 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, LA 70471.

Douglas Milton Baham
(April 21, 1942 – July 2, 2008)

Died at 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at his residence near Greensburg, LA. He was a native of Independence, LA. Age 66 years. Visitation at Red Bluff Baptist Church, Greensburg, from 9 a.m. on Friday until religious services at 1 p.m. Friday. Services conducted by Rev. Starrett Cleveland. Interment Red Bluff Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Survived by 4 daughters, Julie O’Brien, Greensburg, Lisa Baham, Walker, Jennifer Baham, New Orleans, Tonya Baham, New Roads, 2 sons, Pee-Wee Baham and his wife, Renee, Greensburg, Mitchell Baham and his wife, Lynn, Albany, 4 step-children, Cindy Williams and her husband, Larry, Denham Springs, Donnelle Cresie, Denham Springs, Polly Gerald, Denham Springs, Eugene Baham, Denham Springs, 5 sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Mabel and Chuck McMaree, Greensburg, Dollie and Albert Frazier, Greensburg, Ella and Walter Welch, Greensburg, Albert and Shirley Rodriguez, Holden, Dewitt and Theresa Effler, Frost, 24 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and numerous step-grandchildren. Preceded in death by wife, Julia Ann Baham. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Bobby McDaniel, Sr.
(Died July 3, 2008)

Mr. Bobby McDaniel, Sr. died at 11:35AM, July 3, 2008 at the Flannery Oaks Guest House in Baton Rouge. Arrangements are incomplete but the guest book may be signed at this time.

Gary McNabb
(Died July 2, 2008)

Mr. Gary McNabb died at 8:59PM, Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge. Arrangements are incomplete but the guest book may be signed at this time.

Deacons for the Week

June 29-July 5

Larry Miller
Henry McKenkie

July 6-July 12

Jimmy Tolar
Lloyd Hayden

Nursery Workers for Sunday, July 6

Lesley Bridges
Brandy Glass
Lalia Edwards

New Sunday School Year begins Sunday, Sept. 7th

Marvelous Mondays begin at 7 P.M. each Monday in July

July 7th: Youth -> Student Life Camp

July 21-25 – Children’s Sports Camp at FBC, Kentwood

September 29-Oct. 4 – Senior Adult Trip – Jubilee Conference in Gatlinburg

July 13 – Baby shower for Colbye Erwin

Answering the Call to Minister Hope
Even with soaring gas prices – they came. In fact, they came from all across the United States, more than 250 of them, stepping out of their comfort zones, putting aside their own day to day challenges. But they’ll tell you they came because they felt “called” to do so.

From June 23-26, men and women with a compelling desire to bring hope to people in the midst of crisis gathered at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, N.C. to answer that call.

Some came from service in disaster related areas, seeking training to better provide emotional and spiritual care as a RRT Chaplain. Others came to better understand the pressing needs of hard-hit communities and to be part of the solution, as God would lead.

Extending the Arms of Mercy
Following historic floods that have left large swaths of devastation and despair across the Midwest, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team of crisis-trained chaplains has deployed to Terra Haute, Ind., Baraboo, Wis., and Cedar Falls, Iowa. They have also deployed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Chaplains began working in Terra Haute early last week, on the heels of a similar deployment to Columbus, Ind. Teams arrived in Iowa and Wisconsin on Saturday. The chaplains currently ministering in the cities are talking and praying with victims of the floods and making contact with local church and civic leaders.

“When the flood waters came, they washed away much more than possessions,” says Jack Munday, director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. “It’s our mission to bring a light and a hope to those who have seen nothing but darkness since the rain first began to fall.

KOMpray

(Kids on Mission Pray)

July 4, 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

SAY WHAT?

There they were-25 smiling faces looking up at the teacher. Twenty-five children learning to say “my name is” but it sounded a lot more like “mayonnaise!” These children live at the Children’s Home near Petropavlovsk in the Russian Federation. I know you’re asking it-say what? How in the world to you say Petropavlovsk? Okay. That’s what the children were thinking when their English teachers were asking them to say “my name is.”

Let’s see if we can do it-Pe-tro (like your dog or cat rowing a boat-pet-row) pav (like your pet’s foot with a ‘v’ at the end–pawv) lovsk (like…like…like I can’t think of a thing! But it’s a little like loaves of bread with a ‘k’ on the end-loavesk). Pet-row-pawv-loavesk-Petropavlovsk!

HER GIFT TO GOD

There are a lot of Chinese people living in Canada. I went to http://www.peoplegroups.info and found out that 568,453 people from China live in thirteen Canadian provinces. A province is kind of like a state here in the US.

One of those half a million Chinese is a young girl who told her mother that she wanted to give an offering at church. She’s a Christian. After adding up all her money, she had $2.24. The girl told her mom that she would give one half. How much is that? Half of $2 is $1; half of 24 cents is 12 cents-so she was going to give $1.24. Okay, enough math!

The very next week, the little girl told her mother she wanted to give another offering. Mom asked, “How much will you give this week?”

To her mother’s surprise, the girl responded, “I want to give it all!” Then she told her mom about a memory verse she had learned, “The wildflower doesn’t need to spend money and the birds-God gives them food.” Find Luke 12:22-28 in your Bible to read what Jesus said.

Chinese Christians in Canada are sometimes tempted by money and all the nice stuff they can buy. That’s just like you and me. We can be tempted to want the newest game or clothes. Pray for the Chinese Christians at Truth Baptist Church and Abundant Life Chinese Baptist Church that they will come to God with the faith of a child. Pray that all of us will be willing to “give it all” to God.

Thank God for America and the many freedoms we have. Thank Him for those so willing to fight for freedom today and in our past. May God continue to bless America. May American honor God by living for Him on a daily basis.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

When will you ever learn that

“believing” is useless

without doing what God wants you to?

Faith that does not result in good deeds

is not real faith.

James 2:20 (LB)

Pray for Mrs. Marie Sims as the doctors at North Oaks try to determine her problem and the best treatment.

Please continue to pray for Curt Martin and his family in the loss of his dad.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Blake and Dawnya Kimbrough, who serve among the Nyika people of Zambia, write: “This month, we will welcome our fourth child into our family! We ask you to pray for a good delivery, a healthy baby boy, and a smooth transition as we adjust to having a new family member. We also ask you to pray for the Bible study groups meeting in Luwalizi and Katete villages, as we will be away from Zambia for over a month to have the baby. Pray that the new believers will continue meeting as a group, evangelizing, and growing in their walk with the Lord.”

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, July 2, 2008

“Nicodemus said to Him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?'” (John 3:4, NKJV)

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, rejoicing with you in new birth.

To be an 81-year-old man in a Wassulu village means that you have passed the life expectancy of a man in the village by approximately 35 years. To be the oldest man in a Wassulu village who accepts Christ as His Lord and Savior at age 81 means that you will open the door for others as well. Praise God for this man’s recent salvation and for the years he has left to share his testimony.

The West Africa Engagement Team shares this wonderful news: “Six years ago, God led us to our ‘village brother’ who has helped us facilitate many volunteer teams. He has heard about Jesus countless times. We were surprised when he recently asked if he could share a thought during our Bible storying time in a village. He said, ‘If you read the Bible every day and follow what it says, I think your way will be easy to go to heaven. It’s not just for reading, but God wants you to live it and teach it to your children. If you read it, you know that God sent Jesus to show the way. If you can’t read it, ask someone to help you; you will understand. You must read it and follow the way; it’s the way to God. Even if you’re busy, take just five minutes and you’ll learn. Teach your children-it’s your responsibility. They are the next generation, and they deserve to hear the Truth.’ Our hearts leaped with joy as we realized what he was really saying! According to his profession of faith to us that day, praise God for our new brother in Christ.

* Please pray for others to accept the new birth Jesus offers.

* Thank God for His redeeming grace.

* Intercede for your family members who do not yet know Him.

1st Marvelous Monday at FBC, Kentwood – June, 2008

Keith Rhodes – Speaking
Chris Wales – Music
Bob Raborn – Piano

Delores Elaine Walker Larin
(October 23, 1932 – July 1, 2008)

I predict this devotional will bring a smile to your face. Then, it will bring some serious thought as you consider your actions.

DON’T SHOW UP EMPTY-HANDED

Joe and Mike had not seen each other in many years. After meeting, they had a long talk trying to fill in the gap of those years by telling about their lives. Finally, Joe invited Mike to visit him in his new apartment.

“I’ve got a wife and three kids and I’d love to have you visit us.”

“Great. Where do you live?”

“Here’s the address. And there’s plenty of parking behind the apartment. Park and come around to the front door, kick it open with your foot, go to the elevator and press the button with your left elbow, then enter! When you reach the sixth floor, go down the hall until you see my name on the door. Then press the doorbell with your right elbow and I’ll let you in.”

“Good. But tell me… what is all this business of kicking the front door open, then pressing buttons with my right, then my left elbow?”

“Surely, you’re not coming empty-handed!”

As we approach God, surely we do not attempt to come to Him empty-handed. Listen to these instructions given to the Jews in the Law of Moses:

“Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God in the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Tabernacles; and they shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you.” (Deut. 16:16-17)

God has blessed us richly in so many ways. He wants us — no, He expects us — to bring a gift when we come to Him. We should not appear before the Lord empty-handed. Are your hands full?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Happy Wednesday!

Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

Visitation for Mr. Edward Martin, father of Curt Martin, will be Tuesday evening from 6:00 – 9:00 at Lietz-Eagen Funeral Home, 4747 Veteran’s Blvd., in New Orleans. Please keep the family in your prayers.

Monday

“It shall come to pass that before they call,

I will answer;

and while they are still speaking,

I will hear.”

~Isaiah 65:24~

The grands returned from Glorieta today. They were tired but excited. My daughter-in-law Rhonda and her daughter Stacy returned to TX. Rhonda has been with me this past week and she was a great help.

Please pray for Riley as he adjusts to the VA home in Jennings and for me as I am now alone and adjust to the new medications and physical problems.

Thank you for always being there to pray.
Frann Smith Clark

Joseph M. Sitman Jr.
A native and resident of Greensburg, he died at 11:59 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2008, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was 88 and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having served in England and France. Upon his discharge from the Army, he joined his father and mother in running the family business, Joseph M. Sitman General Merchandise store. Later he, his brother, Alphy, and his brother-in-law, Holland Addison, took over the business when his father and mother retired. He was active in their business until a few years ago when he retired. Visitation at Greensburg United Methodist Church, Greensburg, on Tuesday, July 1, from 11 a.m. until religious service at 2 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Lamrylis Cotten. Interment in Greensburg Cemetery. Survived by his wife, Iris Tillery Sitman, Baton Rouge; daughter, Diane G. Sitman, Baton Rouge; sister, Evelyn S. Addison, Jackson, Miss.; niece, Kay Sitman Morgan, Amite; and two nephews, Richard “Dickie” Sitman, Greensburg, and Dr. H.M. “Mac” Addison Jr., Jackson, Miss. Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph M. Sr. and Betty Burton Sitman; brother, Alphy F. and wife Odette Easley Sitman; nephew, John Randall “Randy” Sitman; and brother-in-law, H. M. Addison. Pallbearers will be Richard “Dickie” Sitman, Dr. H.M. “Mac” Addison, Joe Morgan, Lee Morgan, Boone Sitman and Leslie Bryer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greensburg United Methodist Church or a charity of choice. Arrangements by McKneely Funeral Home of Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Danny Miller, 73, a resident of Magnolia and the Lewiston community near Kentwood, La., died June 27, 2008, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond.

Arrangements are incomplete with Hartman-Sharkey Funeral Home of McComb in charge.

MB Leaders Remember

Missions Champ Alma Hunt

IMB leadership warmly remembered missions champion Alma Hunt, 98, following her death June 14. The retired executive secretary of Woman’s Missionary Union had worked with the IMB as a full-time volunteer encouraging Baptist women’s ministries overseas, helping establish missions-support programs and encouraging missionaries. “She deeply loved missionaries,” said Gordon Fort, vice president for the IMB’s overseas operations. “There was nothing she wouldn’t do if she thought it would be helpful for our missionaries.”

That included standing in for Fort’s parents when he was appointed a missionary and they were unable to travel from Africa to be with him. “She had promised me years before that if I was ever appointed as a missionary that she would be there, and she kept that promise,” he said. “Miss Alma … had a global vision that inspired women around the world to take responsibility for leading Baptists in giving priority to missions,” said IMB President Jerry Rankin. In 1997 the IMB gave Hunt the title of “Honorary Emeritus Missionary” for her years of dedicated and selfless missions support.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
THE BUILDERS OF the Titanic were remiss in several areas and doomed the mighty vessel to the bottom of the ocean…

Their failures mimic our steps to apostasy. Their lessons are ours as we discover how Christians leave the Lord (Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 10:26-31).

We examined how their pride and inattentive safety measures felled the great ship.

Third, they had a weak foundation. Experts who study the Titanic’s hull tell us that it was excessively brittle. It was very high in sulfur content, which means that today, the Titanic “would never get out of the yard.”

While the shipbuilders constructed the Titanic out of the best materials available to them, it was still insufficient for the impact of the iceberg. While they were not negligent in the utilization of the steel, the point remains that when it faced the dangers before them, it failed to protect them.

Christians often fail to establish a firm foundation so when the storms arise their defenses are inadequate. By their standards, their armor is sufficient. However, the spiritual condition of our lives invalidates our standards.

Paul discusses the spiritual armor in Ephesians 6:11-17. However, he begins in the previous verse laying the foundation of what would follow. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). We “gird our waists with truth,” put on a “breastplate of righteousness” and the “helmet of salvation” and take up the “shield of faith” and the “sword of the spirit” (Ephesians 6:11-17).

Inadequately suited, we render useless the armor of God. When we go into battle with a lackluster faith, knowledge and Christian walk, we cannot expect our armor to protect us. Our own abilities will be insufficient to make up the difference. Therefore, we must be secure in the Lord’s armor or our best intentions or abilities will be futile. Rationalizations are useless to stop the “fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:16).

Fourth, they ignored the warnings. The Titanic crew had received several transmitted warnings about icebergs in the North Atlantic. They failed to heed them.1

When we are weakening spiritually, we hear warnings from Scripture, sermons and other Christians, but we rationalize them away because we can handle it alone.

Fifth, small leaks sunk the Titanic. Six small slits that totaled less than twelve square feet sunk the mighty vessel.2

Likewise, no one leaves the Lord in one motion. Instead, we leave incrementally. The tears in our armor are small but Satan’s arrows still find their openings (Hebrews 3:12). Remember, small steps soon become miles.

Sixth, the pleas of the Titanic failed to bring help. The nearest ship had her radio off. Later, the Carpathia came after the ship had sunk.

When people are wasting away spiritually, we must be attentive to their needs. Their cries for help, often silent, are there for those who will listen and perceive (Philippians 2:4).

Seventh, the series of failures of the owners and crew of the Titanic led to the death of 1,523 people. When we apostatize, we lead others away from God. In truth, no one goes to heaven or hell alone. Our examples speak volumes to others following our steps (1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 4:17-24).

Christians can leave God and be lost. Nothing sadder can occur in the life of a Christian. The loss is staggering. However, it never happens in a vacuum. We consciously cause the apostasy through neglect and sin. May we always remain attentive to prevent faith decay. (Richard Mansel)
_______
1/ http://www.titanic-titanic.com/warnings.shtml
2/ http://www.titanic-online.com/index.php4?page=334

“Above all, taking the shield of faith

with which you will be able to quench

all the fiery darts of the wicked one.”

~Eph. 6:16~

Thank you for being there to pray each day. Please let me know how we can pray for you.

Anna Lee

Sunday Afternoon

Curt Martin’s dad from LaPlace passed away Friday night. Please be in prayer for the Edward Martin family. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Sunday

“Finally, brethren, pray for us,

that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified,

just as it is with you.”

~2 Thessalonians 3:1~

On Mission in Kentwood had another rewarding day. Each person who participated was richly blessed. Several projects were completed for members of our church, but most were for people who are not members. What a fantastic outreach!

Pray for Mrs. Parmys Stegall as she continues to heal from a broken shoulder. She has a good attitude concerning her present limitations.

Pray for Mrs. Susie Wales as she continues to have tests checking for heart problems. She hasn’t let that slow her down and as her usual fun spirit.

Pray for Richard Dunn. He has a two week wait before more tests and treatment. As you pray for Richard, pray for Cathy and the other family members.

Coming soon: Baby shower for Colby Erwin on July 13th

Joy Ann Moore
(February 16, 1935 – June 28, 2008)

Died at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at her residence in Independence. She was a native of Grenada, MS. Age 73 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8 a.m. on Monday until religious services at 11 a.m. Monday. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland. She is survived by her 6 children, Ottress E. Moore, Jr. and his wife, Debbie, Nancy Mannino and her husband Angelo, Michael Moore and his wife, Betty, Linda Moore, Vickie Moore, and Cindy Moore, all of Independence, 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, sister, Ann Delvisco, Baton Rouge. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ottress E. Moore, Sr., parents, Godfrey and Katherine Smith, twin great- granddaughters, Lillian and Leah, 2 sisters, Shirley Giroir, and Jean Costanza. Pallbearers will be Bryan Mannino, Brandon Santangelo, Scottie Mannino, Tommy Brumfield, Buffa Moore, Cliff Moore and an honorary pallbearer, Brett Brumfield.

Decision Magazine Weekly E-mail Devotional
June 24, 2008

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.

Do what it says. …

The man who looks intently

into the perfect law that gives freedom,

and continues to do this,

not forgetting what he has heard,

but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does”
(James 1:22,25, NIV).

A Word From Billy Graham »

Solomon had religion. He built the greatest temple the world has ever known. … But God warns through Isaiah the Prophet, “Bring no more futile sacrifices; Incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies–I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting” (Isaiah 1:13).

Some of you have religion, but you … do not know Christ for yourself. You have depended on your parents’ religion, or you have depended on a church relationship, or you have depended on a religious exercise that you went through. But somehow, deep in your heart, you know that you are a long way from God and that sin is in your heart. Religion without a personal encounter with Christ will not save your soul or bring the peace that your soul longs for.

… Solomon said, “Fear God and keep His commandments. — For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). … His experience and experiments led him back to God. He said, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). You need to find real pleasure, real joy, real satisfaction, in Jesus Christ.

I hope you have the real pleasure, real joy, and real satisfaction that is found in Jesus Christ.

Anna Lee

Friday Afternoon

Gary Schiro is progressing well following his heart valve replacement at North Oaks. Please keep Gary and Peggy in your prayers as Gary continues to recover from surgery. Thank God for Gary’s progress so far.

Mrs. Lula Mae Will is now home and wearing a back brace. Pray for her and her caregivers in the next few weeks. Continue to thank God her injuries were not any worse. (Mrs. Will is Beth Brabham’s aunt.)

Leo Hurst
(December 15, 1924 – June 26, 2008)

Died at 9:30PM on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at his residence at Look Out, LA near Greensburg, LA. He was a native of Osyka, MS. Age 83 years. Visitation at Red Bluff Baptist Church, Greensburg, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Starrett Cleveland. Interment Red Bluff Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Survived by son, Macky Hurst, Henrietta, TX, 2 sisters, Eunice Gill, Greensburg, Louise Miller, Greensburg, brother, Ray Hurst, Greensburg, 4 grandchildren, Cody Hurst, Henrietta, TX, Wacey Hurst, Henrietta, TX, Clint Hurst, St. Francisville, and Jessica Hurst, Queensbury, NY, 2 great-grandchildren, Kayden Hurst and Sally Hurst. Preceded in death by parents, Lucy Lee and mcKinley Hurst, brother, Kennon Hurst. Pallbearers will be Jack Anderson, Mike Fitzhugh, Kenny Hurst, Jimmy Miller, Louis Gill, and Terry Smith. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Friday

Each of you should look not only to your own interests,

but also to the interests of others.

~Philippians 2:4 (NIV)~

Mrs. Lula Mae Will is out of intensive care and in a room. Pray for her as she continues to recover from her accident.

Chuck Pittman has completed his round of treatment. Pray for him as her waits three months before tests to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. Waiting is harder than doing something for most of us. Pray for Chuck as he waits.

Pray for the eight new parish principals as they move into their schools and begin the transition process.

On Mission in Kentwood will be tomorrow. It’s not too late to sign up to work or for work to be done at your home. Either way, you will be blessed! You can contact me or the church office.

Albert Edward Buras, Jr.
(March 18, 1951 – June 25, 2008)

Died at 9:35PM on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center in Independence, LA. He was a native of New Orleans, LA and a resident of Amite, LA. Age 57 years. Mr. Buras was manager of Florida Parish Co-Op in Amite. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 5 p.m. on Monday until memorial services at 6 p.m. Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Mike Hegwood. Survived by spouse, Judie Anne Hunter Buras, Amite, son, Trey Buras and his fiancee’, Kassandra, New Mexico, brother, Larry Buras, Chalmette, grandson, Kaxton Buras, New Mexico, step-daughter Amber Hardy and her husband, Tommy, Loranger, step-son, Jason Cook and his fiancee’, Michelle, Hamilton Ontario, CA, close family friend, Mary Zaumbrecker, Simmsport. Preceded in death by son, Brandon “Binki” Buras, parents, Albert E. Buras, Sr. and Bertha Buras, and granddaughter, Bryntly Buras. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.

Vivian Womack
(November 20, 1908 – June 24, 2008)

Died at 9:00AM on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at her residence in Greensburg, LA. She was a native and lifelong resident of St. Helena Parish. Age 99 years. Mrs. Womack had 43 years of service with the St. Helena School System as a teacher and supervisor of teachers. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. on Saturday until religious services at 2 p.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Joe Baugh. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Survived by nieces and nephews, Preceded in death by her husband, Richard Lee Womack, parents, N. Hayden and Lena Morgan Singleton, 4 sisters, Leota Singleton Hornsby, Estelle Singleton Bond, Lora Singleton Lindsey, and Ruth Singleton Highbaugh, 1 brother, Nelson M. Singleton, niece, Victoria Singleton, 5 nephews, James H. Bond, Nelson Lindsey, Douglas Hornsby, Charles “Butch” Hornsby, and Randy Singleton.

KOM pray

(Kids on Mission Pray)

June 27, 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

HER GIFT TO GOD

The very next week, the little girl told her mother she wanted to give another offering. Mom asked, “How much will you give this week?”

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS
Right now, people are very open. So, one of my prayer requests is that all the people in our city will hear before they stop being so open. There about 7 million people in our city. And also, pray that I would not be so embarrassed to tell people about God.
MICHELLE, age 10 ½ (East Asia)

Please pray that I will have courage to tell my best friend about Jesus.
ADRIANN, age 8 (East Asia)

Pray for my friend who lives right by me. She is 14, and I want to share the gospel with her, but I don’t know the story of Christ in Pulaar yet. I plan on getting a Pulaar Bible, so I can learn and eventually share with her.

Help me to know Jesus better. Pray for me to have a good friend in our town. Help me to learn Thai. DAWSON, age 7 (Pacific Rim)

Dear God,
Thank You for my family, my country, and my friends. I ask you to work deep in my brother’s heart. Please help my friend know what to do about dating. I pray that her boyfriend will love You too. In Jesus’ name, Amen. MARISSA, age 11 (South America)

DWELLING IN GOD’S HOUSE

I read recently about a lady who had just moved from an apartment to a house in the same small town. One day at the grocery store, she used the last of her personalized checks bearing her old address. The cashier examined the check and asked if all the information on it was correct. The shopper assured her that it was correct, and the cashier started to put the check in the cash drawer. But then she inquired again if everything was accurate.

“Why do you ask?” the shopper responded.

“Because,” she replied, “my husband and I moved to this apartment yesterday, and I don’t remember seeing you at breakfast.”

Busted! This woman could have gone to any other store in the town and told them that was still her address and no one would have suspected a thing. But there was no way to fool this cashier because she lived there herself.

It’s much the same way with our spiritual lives. It’s easy to fool a lot of folks. “How’s your prayer life?” Couldn’t be better! “How’s your walk in Christ?” It’s fine. No problems at all!

But I wonder if there are times when we’ve moved away from God without telling anyone. They don’t know we’ve moved. For all they know, everything’s fine. But we can’t fool God. “Things are great? That’s funny, because I don’t remember seeing you at breakfast.”

One of the most well-known of all scriptures is Psalm 23. You’ve heard it recited hundreds of times, as have I. But I wonder if all these years I’ve misunderstood the very last phrase. You see, I’ve always understood David to take assurance in the knowledge that there is an eternal home waiting for him. But could it be instead that David was making a promise of his commitment to stay close to God?

“I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6b)

Others may think we still dwell there. But has God seen us around lately? May God strengthen us in our resolve to dwell with Him all the days of our lives, so that we may dwell with Him for all eternity.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I have a similar story to that of the cashier. About thirty years ago David and I asked a man about where he attended church. He told us Roseland Baptist Church, not knowing that was our church. When asked again, he still said Roseland Baptist Church and added that he sang in the choir. I played the piano and David sang in the choir. He wasn’t at Roseland!

May we all be able to give honest answers when questioned about our faith and our church attendance. I have often thought about that man. He knew he should be in church and knew which one was closest to his house, but he didn’t attend there or anywhere else. I wish we could have helped to cause a change in his life, but I don’t think that happened.

Anna Lee