Devotional – Page 235 – The Prayer Link

Tuesday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

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

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

A reason for giving: Gabriel’s story

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Southern Baptists supporting partnerships

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

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

Southern Baptists closing the gap

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

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

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

Reproduce

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus is the reason for the season!
Anna Lee

Monday

“He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” Deuteronomy 32:4

Let’s pray for Mrs. Faye Price to be a little better than she was yesterday. Small “steps” in the right direction would be very welcomed. I’ll post an update later.

Majel Dean’s sister and brother-in-law are both doing well. Thank-you for your prayers for them.

Pray for those who will attend the grief seminar Thursday. Pray each speaker has the right words for those who are listening. Continue to pray for the many who have experienced the loss of a loved one lately. If you need more information, please contact Jan Hammons or FBC.

Pray for the children of FBC as they prepare to present “Miracle on Main Street” next Sunday night at 6 P.M. “Main Street” arrived at church yesterday afternoon. Thanks to Peggy Alford and others who created the scenery. Thanks to Wendy A. Fowler and others who had worked with the children to prepare for next week’s presentation. You are invited to attend next Sunday at 6 P.M.

Deacons for the week: Jimmy Tolar and Lloyd Hayden

Now that the Week of Prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is officially over, I thought I would share some information about various missions in different parts of the world. I hope you enjoy learning more about international missions. Each one is supported through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. 100% of the money given goes directly to missions.

Drive-thru missions
When people line up for the car ferry from Europe to North Africa, they often get more than a boat ride. They can get a copy of the New Testament. When these Bible portions at $3 each are multiplied enough for a mass distribution, the cost can run between $15,725 and $17,550. It’s a price paid in full by the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and from other participating agencies.

Behind the scenes, project volunteers from several countries form an assembly line, boxing up packets for distribution to motorists. Each packet contains a copy of the New Testament, which motorists can choose in one of four languages: French, Kabyle Berber, Arabic and Chawic [shaw-wee] Berber. A copy of the JESUS film and other materials complete the packet.

Given this drive-thru ordering system, it wouldn’t be too unusual for someone to say, “I’ll have a Kabyle Berber Bible to go, please.”

Even without the window, many such orders are filled. Motorists who take these materials into North Africa can read about Jesus’ love for them and thus satisfy their hunger and thirst after righteousness.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Monday, December 8, 2008

“Now Jesus has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:26b, HCSB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, praying with you for those who need to understand the true sacrifice.

Eid al-Adha, the Islamic Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated on December 8 (or when the new moon is sighted) this year. Also known as Korbani Eid, Bakra Eid, or Eid Kbir, every Muslim who is financially able will sacrifice their best sheep, goat, cow or camel in commemoration of the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son for Allah. The sacrificial ritual is followed closely because Muslims believe it will atone for the sins of the people in their household.

The meat is divided into three portions, two of which are shared with the poor, and their neighbors or relatives. It is very important to share with the poor so that no impoverished Muslim is left without sacrificial food during this holiday. The third portion is for the immediate family.

Eid al-Adha provides one of the greatest redemptive analogies in Muslim culture. Scripture tells us,”Then the Angel of the LORD called to Abraham . . . and said, ‘By Myself I have sworn, says the LORD: Because you have done this thing and have not withheld your only son, I will indeed bless you and make your offspring as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. . . . And all the nations of the earth will be blessed by your offspring because you have obeyed My command’” (Genesis 22:15-18, HCSB).

* Please pray for Muslims across Northern Africa and the Middle East, West Africa, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific Rim that their hearts will yearn for an explanation of true sacrifice.

* Ask God to open doors of opportunity for believers to explain that Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice for their sins.

* Bow in gratitude to Jesus who removes our sin and brings us abundant joy.

DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING?

There’s a Hasidic story about a rabbi who crossed a village square every morning on his way to the temple to pray. One morning, a large Russian Cossack soldier, who happened to be in a vile mood, accosted him, saying, “Hey, rabbi, where are you going?”

The rabbi simply said, “I don’t know.”

This infuriated the soldier. “What do you mean, you don’t know? Every morning for twenty-five years you have crossed the village square and gone to the temple to pray. Don’t fool with me. Why are you telling me you don’t know?” He grabbed the old rabbi by the coat and dragged him off to jail.

Just as the Cossack was about to push him into the cell, the rabbi turned to him, and softly said, “You see, I didn’t know.”

James taught those of us who are Christians to live in such a way that “we don’t know where we are going”. He put it this way:

“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:13-14)

There’s nothing wrong with making plans, but we need to remember that there is much that may happen in the future that we don’t know about right now, and things may happen that we don’t have much control over. We have only to look back over our lives to see how things in the past often turned out very much different than we thought they would.

What James says is true — death could come at any moment. Or Christ could return. Or any of a hundred other things — good or bad — could happen to us shortly. So where am I going? I don’t know. But as long as God is with me, it doesn’t really matter.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

This devotional thought was very thought provoking for someone who likes to plan the month, week, and day like me. My written schedule seems necessary to accomplish what I see as important. Pray I will be more open to what God has for me. Pray for others who seem to function best with a planned out schedule.

Have a marvelous Monday!
Anna Lee

Sunday

Go, therefore, 12 and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. 13 And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” – Matthew 28: 19-20

Continue to pray for Mrs. Faye Price, the medical staff, and the family. I’ll post an update before I go to Sunday School.

http://www.hope4cee.org/index.php
If you haven’t explored this site lately, you might want to.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions
2008 Theme – Go Tell the Story of Jesus

Watch this video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMDidl0WPMg

Day 8
Urban Poor of Brazil

It’s 9:20 P.M. when Eric Reese maneuvers his truck through the dirt roads of a slum in Rio de Janeiro. With frequent shootouts, prostitution, and drug trafficking in the streets, the favelas (slums) are a rough place to share the Gospel. He taps on the ceiling light of his Chevy pickup as he drives. It’s a signal to everyone outside the cab that he’s not a threat.

“In these communities, it’s an ugly evil you’ve got to deal with,” Eric says, “but you’ve got to deal with it. We can’t stand here and let these people shoot and kill each other without the Gospel being preached.”

Seeing past the violence and corruption is a challenge for the Reeses. But the self-destruction that keeps some from receiving Christ is precisely what compels the Georgia natives to share.

“Communicating the gospel with these folks cannot wait until tomorrow,” Eric says. “You’ve got to share it with them today because you don’t know what their tomorrow holds.”

Pray:
Ask God to use the difficult conditions in Rio de Janeiro’s slums to show people their need for a Savior. Pray for Eric and Ramona’s personal safety as they work to share the Gospel in this dangerous place.

For more information go to http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=5750&LanguageID=1709.

KneEmail
Catalog

TIS THE SEASON to receive catalogs in the mail….
Every trip to the mailbox ends with an armload of slick holiday catalogs. Each one claims to offer me something I need–immediately. “Don’t wait!” “Limited offer!” “Order now!”

The lure works. I open the pages to discover what I didn’t know I needed. Sure enough, I see things that suddenly seem essential, even though a few minutes earlier I didn’t know they existed. Manufacturers use catalog illustrations to create desire for their products.

In a way, Christians are God’s catalogs. We are His illustration to the world of what He has to offer. His work in our lives makes us a picture of qualities that people may not know they need or want until they see them at work in us.

As you browse holiday catalogs, consider what the “catalog” of your life says about God. Do people see qualities in you that make them long for God? (Julie Ackerman Link)

“You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men” ( 2 Cor. 3:2).

Posted by Mike Benson at November 14, 2008 11:34 AM

“You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men” ( 2 Cor. 3:2).
That’s why we have to “Go Tell the Story of Jesus” with our words and our actions.
Anna Lee

Friday

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20, NKJV).

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

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

We Made It HOME…… 🙂

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Before I end this update, please pray for

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

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

love,

Diane

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KneEmail
Willful

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a fantastic Friday!
Anna Lee

Thursday

“And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, but as it is written: ‘To whom He was not announced, they shall see; and those who have not heard shall understand.’”(Romans 15:20-21)

Mrs. Faye Price has had a difficult day. She is not critical, but she is not stable. Virginia said they would get through this with your prayers. Keep on praying. (The family is in the ICU waiting room at North Oaks.)

Mrs. Carolyn Easley of the New Zion community has had some health issues recently. Pray for her as she tries to get well to help with the Lottie Moon Christmas Tea.

Bonnie Kelsey told us Mr. Charley Kuss has had a spell or two. He’s home and doing about the same. Keep Mr. Charley and “Miss” Kathryn in your thoughts and prayers.

Jimmy Harrell continues to have concerns about his vision. He was scheduled for another procedure this morning.

Go Tell the Story of Jesus
Week of Prayer for International Missions & the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
Quilombolas of Brazil

A When Ivanilson Costa arrived in Tombo to teach Quilombola children, he was the sole Christian in the Brazilian village. For 10 months, Costa prayed for someone to help him share Christ.

God answered Costa’s prayers in December 2005 when missionaries Keith and Deborah Jefferson, of Texas, visited.

“Before they arrived, it was almost prohibited to speak words of Christianity,” Ivanilson says, “and now we preach openly.”

Keith estimates more than 2,800 Quilombola villages are spread across 23 of Brazil’s 26 states. The villages, established as safe havens for runaway slaves in the 17th century, are still safely tucked away from civilization in Brazil’s remote interior.

But the same isolation that served to protect the Quilombolas from slave owners in the 1600s has also shielded them from hearing the Gospel.

“There will never be enough missionaries to reach the lost people groups of Brazil, so we’re here to encourage, challenge and help the Brazilians to reach the people groups of Brazil,” Keith says.

Ask God to touch Brazilian believers’ hearts for the sake of sharing Jesus with the Quilombola. Pray also that those who hear the Gospel message will accept Christ’s free gift of salvation.

Pray:

Ask God to touch Brazilian believers’ hearts for the sake of sharing Jesus with the Quilombola. Pray also that those who hear the Gospel message will accept Christ’s free gift of salvation.

http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=5747&LanguageID=1709

David Robert Kashin
(Died December 3, 2008)
David Robert Kashin, 53, passed away at 8:43AM, Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at his residence in Montpelier. He is a native of Norvelt, PA.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

TWO VERY DIFFERENT HOLIDAYS

I heard about a teacher who asked the children in her class about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. She thought it might be effective to inch toward its meaning by having them playfully correct some wrong ideas.

“Now let me think,” she began. “Thanksgiving. That’s the day when we think about all the stuff we have. And how we want more things than anybody else has. And how we don’t care about anybody but ourselves. And . . .”

“No!” the preschool kids were starting to chorus! “No-o-o!”

Then one little guy in the middle of the pack looked up and chirped, “That’s not Thanksgiving, Miss Michelle. That’s Christmas!”

As we begin the transition in this country from Thanksgiving to Christmas, there does indeed seem to be a world of difference in the way these two holidays are viewed. Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays left which has not been ruined by commercialism. It is still a relatively “pure” time of giving thanks to God for our bountiful blessings. Christmas, on the other hand…….

What should be a time when we are able to take great joy in giving to others (for “it is more blessed to give than to receive”, Acts 20:35) and a time to remember the great gift that God has given us through Jesus Christ, has (for many) turned instead to a stressful, hectic time when we are focused on ourselves and our wants

Allow me to make a suggestion based on an ancient Jewish practice. The Jews had a day set aside, like our day of Thanksgiving, to remember how God had blessed them as a nation and taken care of them in their darkest hour. Purim was a day of “gladness and feasting…and for sending presents to one another.” (Esther 9:19).

However, there was one major difference in their practice and ours (though there shouldn’t be). Their thanksgiving resulted in gift giving, but not just to friends and family. They had a practice of “sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor.” (Esther 9:22).

This past week, we all had opportunity to give thanks to God for how He has blessed us. We need to remember that with blessings come responsibilities — and we have a responsibility to use our blessings to God’s glory. In the weeks ahead, may you truly know the joy of using your blessings not merely to make your family happy, but to share with others around you who are in need.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” 2 Chronicles 20:17 (NLT)

Mrs. Faye Price: “Miss” Faye will have heart surgery at North Oaks today. The surgery will be lengthy. Pray for the medical staff as they care for her and the family as they wait. “Miss” Faye has peace about the outcome of the surgery. Thank God for granting her this peace.

Don Denton is scheduled to fly home to Denver Friday. His dad will go with him in the medical plane. Don’s family will begin the drive tomorrow. Today will be a day of taking care of all the details that are needed for this long anticipated trip. Pray for the family to have a good day with few problems. Thank God for the snow that Joshua has enjoyed. Pray for those driving and those flying. Thank God this trip hope will be possible for Don and his family.

Emily Panter is doing better and better. Friends decorated her home for Christmas while the children got to visit their mother for the first time over the weekend. Thank God for the many “little steps” of progress Emily has made to get to this point. Thank God for the many friends, family members, and strangers who have helped this family during a very difficult time. Thank Him for standing by and providing strength and faith for the family during these weeks.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions
Day 4 – Imbabura Quichua of Ecuador

At 12,000 feet in the Ecuadorian Andes, Quichua farmers bring their sheep, pigs and cows to former New Mexico ranchers Darrell and Rogene Musick. But they get a lot more than pesticide, medicine and nutritional advice. Farmers hear the Gospel message related through some of life’s most basic elements: water, salt and light.

“We say, ‘Let me tell you what God thinks about this,’” Darrell says. “And because they’re people of the land, they really identify with these agricultural concepts.”

Through this gateway, the Musicks and local believers have seen approximately 40 house churches and Bible studies started among the 300,000 Quichua of northern Ecuador. The teams are led by Gabriel Mugmal, a national believer who was once nearly burned to death for sharing his faith.

“He literally took the Great Commission in Matthew 28, that it was his responsibility to go to other communities and just talk to them,” Darrell says.

Because you give:
“The money that supports us comes through churches that may not be able to physically go, but they have God’s blessing through their special offerings,” Darrell says. “One hundred percent of that money goes to the field so that everyone will know about Christ.”

(For additional information, go to http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=5746&LanguageID=1709.)

Baptist Press
December 2, 2008

WEST AFRICA–Remote African villagers welcome U.S. church. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29436

GEORGIA–Christmas tree reflects NAMB-state partnership. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29437

CALIFORNIA–Acclaimed preacher Frank Pollard dies. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29438

LOUISIANA–CP yields ‘incredible opportunity,’ pastor says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29439

TENNESSEE–CP giving 0.16% behind ’07 pace. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29440

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Keith Manuel): Ministry can be messy. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29441

Mary Louise Osborn Hyde
Visitation at Roseland Baptist Church from 9 a.m. on Wednesday until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA.

Martha Lee Rick Anthony Lanier
(October 23, 1957 – December 2, 2008)
Martha Lee Rick Anthony Lanier was born October 23, 1957 and passed away at 6:30AM, Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at her residence in Husser, LA. She was 51, and a native of Amite. Martha was the daughter of the late Monroe S. and Mary Abernathy Rick.

She is survived by her husband, Bill Lanier, Husser; 2 sons, Adam Wayne Anthony, Ponchatoula, & Byrun Gene Anthony, Sr. and wife, Cindy, Amite; 3 grandchildren, Mason Langley Anthony, Byrun Gene Anthony, Jr. & Annabell Anthony; 2 sister, Melinda Howes, Husser, & Mary Ann Cox and husband, Jim, Husser; 3 brothers, Monroe “Buster” Rick and wife, Julie, Tickfaw, Michael Rick, Hammond, & Mitchell Rick and wife Terri, Robert and numerous other extended family.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Shelton “Red” Anthony, a sister, Marilyn Rick “Sunshine” Dugar.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday, December 4, 2008 from 6:00PM until 9:00PM and on Friday, December 5, 2008 from 8:00AM until Religious Services at 10:00AM in the funeral home Chapel with Rev. Kent Newell officiating. Interment in the Lee Hill Cemetery, Folsom, LA.

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

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

Relate

CHILDREN DO NOT always learn in the schoolroom how to treat one another with dignity and affection…

You can’t diagram respect, forgiveness, or servanthood. It isn’t found in any encyclopedia that I know of. It is observed and then put into motion.

The way in which an effective father relates to the children’s mother is of incalculable significance. The children watch and are strangely warmed when they see husband and wife embrace and kiss one another. Something tells them that this is a sign of security: all is well in our home. Furthermore, they begin to formulate within their own hearts an understanding of how men treat their wives and how a wife will respond. (Gordon MacDonald)

KneEmail: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her” ( Eph. 5:25).

(Posted by Mike Benson at October 30, 2008 4:11 PM)

There are many things children learn by observation as they grow up. Pray for parents as they set the example for what a loving, Christian home should be. Pray for children to focus on the good qualities they see in their parents and steer away from the qualities that would not be beneficial to them when they establish their own home.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

People who cover over their sins will not prosper. But if they confess and forsake them, they will receive mercy. Proverbs 28:13 (NLT)

Don Denton will be able to return to his home in Denver at the end of the week. He has been hospitalized for more than nine weeks. Thank God for the miracles of his improvement. Pray for safety for his wife and son as they drive home and for the medical plane that will fly him home.

During the weekend Emily Panter was able to see her children for the first time in almost two months. Her trach has been removed. She’s eating some and walking some. She has a regular room. There’s hope she will be able to go home soon. Thank God for the miracle of her recovery.

Mrs. Faye Price will have heart surgery tomorrow at North Oaks. Pray for her and her family as they prepare for Wednesday.

Mr. Morris Easley has been hospitalized at Greensburg due to an infection. Pray for him and for those caring for him.

Majel Dean’s sister and brother-in-law are both having medical issues. They are in the Jackson, MS area. Pray for them as they help each other through difficult days.

Barabara Bennett Gaines continues to work through recovery from complications of surgery. Pray for her as she continues to improve. Barbara one of Steve Bennett’s sisters.

Baptist Press
December 1, 2008

INDIA–Mumbai’s people ‘numbed’ by attacks, need prayer. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29429

WASHINGTON–Obama stands firm on ‘gay rights’ support. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29430

SWAZILAND–Myths worsen AIDS pandemic, workers say. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29431

SOUTH AFRICA–Caring ministry brings baby ‘from death to life.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29432

TEXAS–GuideStone exec responds to market conditions. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29433

RHODE ISLAND–SBTS’ Bruce Ware is ETS’ new president. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29434

VIRGINIA–FIRST-PERSON (Paul Chitwood): History suggests sacrifice for Lottie Moon offering needed now. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29435

Week of Prayer for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions
Ethnic ministries, Brazil

One of the first things Virginians Phil and Donya Kesler noticed when they moved to Rio de Janeiro in 2006 was the international connections the city offered—produce shops managed by Chinese workers and Arabic mosques and churches were all just a short distance from their home.

As an ethnic ministries coordinator, Phil travels throughout the country training Brazilian missionaries in cross-cultural outreach. It’s a perfect fit with Phil’s natural gift for language. He can read, write and speak Portuguese, Arabic, French, Chinese and Spanish.

Phil and Donya teach a specific method for church planting known as “Churches Multiplying Churches.” The idea is to start a new church while simultaneously training local believers to assume leadership roles. Once the church is established, missionaries can move on to begin work in another area.

“Brazil is the next major country, we believe, to send waves of missionaries to help [spread] the Gospel from the unreached places in Brazil to the farthest nations on earth,” Phil says.

Because you give:

“We would like to thank Southern Baptists for your prayers—which are essential for keeping us in the field—but also for your generous giving that makes it possible for us to recruit, mobilize, train and equip Brazilian missionaries as well as strategic partners,” Phil says.

For more on the Keslers and ethnic ministries, Brazil:

PHOTO GALLERY – Ethnic ministries, Brazil

FEATURE – Churches Multiplying Churches: Keslers bridge culture, language gap among Brazil’s immigrants (659 words)

SIDEBAR – Phil and Donya Kesler: Helping churches multiply churches in Brazil (468 words)

SIDEBAR – Not too young to share: Missionary’s children take lead in sharing Gospel with peers
(524 words)

(You may use http://www.imb.org/main/pray/page.asp?StoryID=5745&LanguageID=1709 in you want to read the feature and sidebars listed above.)

More missionaries are being added to the rolls of the IMB. You may be interested to know the statistics in the following article:
TODAY’S PRAYER
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
DECEMBER 1, 2008

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

WORLD LEADERS. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Please pray today for Prime Minister Ephraim Inoni of Cameroon (western Africa, between Nigeria and Chad).

A note from Ed Cox, director of the IMB’s International Prayer Strategy Office:

Thank you so much for your faithful intercession each month for the many conferences and events hosted by the International Mission Board. May God’s blessings abound . . .

Intercede for the 69 new missionary candidates who will be attending the Dec. 9-12 Candidate Conference. Ask the Lord to bless them with safe travel to Richmond, to guard their children from illness and accidents during their absence, to reveal His perfect plan for their lives, and to bless the consultants with an extra ounce of His wisdom. May each candidate leave Richmond with a clear understanding of where God would have him/her serve Him . . .

Please pray for the ISC Debriefing Conference scheduled for Dec. 10-14. Seventy-four returning journeyman, ISCers and Masters missionaries who recently completed their two- to three-year terms of overseas ministries will be reuniting at the IMB’s International Learning Center for a time of celebration, worship, debriefing and equipping for future ministry. May these days together be especially blessed for these precious servants . . .

Thank the Lord for the 256 missionaries who will be commissioned today, Dec. 17, for their overseas ministry assignments. They have successfully completed their eight-week field personnel orientation and will be departing very shortly. Please lift them and their families up before the Lord as they say their goodbyes. Several of the participants are still awaiting reception of their visas. And some of them have homes to sell prior to departure. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated. May the Lord show Himself mighty on their behalf . . .

In closing, I would like to ask you to pray for God’s blessings on the IMB staff as they serve you and our missionaries with faithful and caring hearts. May they sense God’s loving presence each step along the way . . .

KneEmail by Mike Benson
Enslaved

YOU’VE READ STORIES of lottery winners who are more miserable a few years after winning than they were before…

The wealth they dreamed would bring happiness didn’t. Not even close.

At the airport, Hugh Maclellan Jr. saw an acquaintance who looked troubled.

“What’s the matter?” Hugh asked.

The man sighed. “I thought I was finally going to have a weekend to myself. But now I have to go supervise repairs on my house in Florida.” Dejected, he sat waiting to take off in his private jet.

Here’s a man with everything he needs, with what most people dream of; yet he couldn’t even enjoy his weekend. He was enslaved by his possessions. We think we own our possessions, but too often they own us. Nothing makes a journey more difficult than a heavy backpack filled with nice but unnecessary things. Pilgrims travel light. (Randy Alcorn)

“And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” ( Luke 12:15).

Posted by Mike Benson at November 12, 2008 3:10 PM

Sometimes my “backpack” begins to get heavy with nonessentials. What about your “backpack”?
Anna Lee

Monday

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)

Pray for Mrs. Faye Price and her family as they prepare for her heart surgery which is scheduled for Wednesday.

Continue to pray for the many families who are experiencing depression, loneliness, or grief during the holiday season.

Pray for our military as they continue to serve to protect us and many others around the world.

INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD

Monday, December 1, 2008

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, asking you to pray for believers around the world who need the power and sound mind of the Lord.

As you watched international news over the Thanksgiving holiday, you saw reports of the massacre in Mumbai, India, and the political protests in Thailand that resulted in the closure of the Bangkok airport. Did these events draw you to prayer? Allow the Lord to prompt you to pray for Christians who have opportunity to speak words of peace to those who are terrified and confused by the uproar in the country of India. Intercede for those workers who may be inconvenienced by political turmoil in Thailand—not that they would avoid the inconveniences but that they would be instruments of God’s grace to their community, demonstrating patience and understanding.

In recent months, Muslim-background believer leaders from Mumbai have traveled to other Indian states to minister to flood victims. They have boldly shared their faith and explained why they are ‘masihi’ (believers in the Messiah-Jesus). Rejoice and pray for these genuine, committed men of integrity, and praise God for the way He has worked in their hearts. Ask God to use these leaders to train others in Mumbai in effectively reaching their neighborhoods during these days of crisis and emotional distress.

Numerous volunteer teams plan to travel to Thailand over Christmas break. They will perform skits, offer musical programs, teach English, and distribute God’s Word. Many volunteers are on tight schedules and interruptions in travel will jeopardize their availability to serve.

* Please pray now for volunteer teams, asking God to minimize their travel complications in order to maximize their ministry opportunities.

* Intercede for India and all swept up in the Mumbai tragedy that hearts will be comforted and peace restored through the Spirit of God.

* Ask God to give you His eyes to see and ears to hear each time you watch the news.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions
GO TELL the story of Jesus

Day 2 – Aymara of Peru
Unlike many of the world’s lost, not having the opportunity to “hear” about Jesus isn’t the problem for Peru’s Aymara people.

“Everybody here has heard about Jesus—everybody,” explains Florida native Rick Martinez, who serves among the Aymara in the high plains of the Andes Mountains with his wife, Kelly, from Tennessee.

When Catholic missionaries first brought the Gospel to Peru hundreds of years ago, the Aymara blended it with their animistic traditions. The result is a folk Catholicism that reveres both God and natural “spirits”—not saving faith in Jesus.

Rick and Kelly separate worship of creation and Creator by presenting an undiluted Gospel message through simple Bible studies coupled with the JESUS film. They’ve launched three new churches so far. It’s a good start, but only a beginning.

“My ultimate vision is to see Aymara going out with a heart for their own people,” Rick says. “Once that starts to happen, I don’t think it will ever stop.”

Pray:

Ask God to raise up young Aymaran believers who have a passion for sharing the Gospel with their own people. Pray that the Holy Spirit will move the Aymara beyond spiritual apathy and that churches will be planted in the cities of Huancané and Moho.

Mary Louise Osborn-Hyde
(September 24, 1924 – November 28, 2008)
Died at 8:33AM on Friday, November 28, 2008 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was a native of Blox, TX, a resident of Amite, LA, and a former resident of Roseland, LA . Age 84 years. Visitation at Roseland Baptist Church from 9 a.m. on Wednesday until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA. Survived by husband, W. Sanford Hyde, Chesbrough, daughter, Holly Ruth Osborn Mauterer, Amite, 4 sons, Retus W. Osborn, IV, Hermon, ME, Lyman H. Osborn, Roseland, Stephen D. Osborn, San Antonio, TX, Philip W. Osborn, Mobile, AL, 1 brother, Harry D. McIntyre, Jr., Enon and 7 grandchildren. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

KneEmail
Mike Benson

Enslaved

YOU’VE READ STORIES of lottery winners who are more miserable a few years after winning than they were before…

The wealth they dreamed would bring happiness didn’t. Not even close.

At the airport, Hugh Maclellan Jr. saw an acquaintance who looked troubled.

“What’s the matter?” Hugh asked.

“And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” ( Luke 12:15).

(Posted by Mike Benson at November 12, 2008 3:10 PM)

It’s back to school today. Pray for the faculty, staff, and student body at schools throughout the area.
Anna Lee

“I will celebrate and be joyful because you, LORD, have saved me.” (Psalm 35:9, CEV).

GO TELL the story of Jesus
Week of Prayer for International Missions
November 30 – December 7, 2008
Focus: South America
Goal: $170 million
FBC, Kentwood Goal: $18,500

Day 1
Indigenous of Colombia
From missions field to missionary force—that’s the dream of Fernando and Brenda Larzabal for the South American nation of Colombia.

“The Gospel has been in Colombia for more than 150 years,” Fernando says. “Our problem is that the average Colombian Christian has the perception that missions belongs to somebody else. But missions belongs to the local church.”

That’s why the Larzabals are working to mobilize Colombian churches for the sake of evangelizing the country’s indigenous tribes.

Isolated from the Gospel by remote locales, social prejudice and insurgent armies, more than 60 of these tribes have no knowledge of Jesus Christ. Most are animists, spirit-worshippers who live in fear of failing to appease gods they can neither know nor love.

“Without God there is slavery,” Fernando says. “Without Christ there is fear and that’s what they breathe day in and day out.”

Pray:

Pray that more Colombian churches will grasp their Great Commission calling and respond to the indigenous tribes’ need for the Gospel. Ask the Lord to give Fernando and Brenda wisdom as they choose where to invest their time and energy.

For pictures: http://www.imb.org/main/downloads/page.asp?StoryID=6944&LanguageID=1709

Good news on two people we have been praying for!
– Don Denton will be able to go home (Denver) via a medical airplane by the end of the week. Don will have been hospitalized 73 days by them. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dondenton
– Emily Panter has developed problems shortly after giving birth to a new baby and has been hospitalized at Baylor. She was moved to a room and allowed to see her children (and the children to see her) for the first time in more than five weeks. http://emilypanter.blogspot.com/

Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Mary Louise Osborn-Hyde are still incomplete. Some of you may know her husband, Mr. Sanford Hyde, even if you didn’t know this sweet lady.

FBC, Kentwood
– Deacons for the week: Larry Miller and Henry McKenzie
– Nursery workers today: Laura DeBlanc, Gail Brister, and Stephanie McKenzie
– Ordination of Harrell Hoffstadt at 6 P.M. tonight
– Dec. 2 – Supper for the deacons and their wives at Don’s Seafood in Hammond at 7 P.M.
– Dec. 3 – Deadline for toys for migrants and Christmas cards w/stamps for prisoners
– Dec. 4 – Friendship Circle Christmas Party at Dean House at 6 P.M.
– Dec. 5 – Children’s bonfire and hayride @ 6:30 P.M. at Cutrer home
– Dec. 7 – Deacon/Widow banquet following morning worship
– Dec. 7 – AWANA Birthday Party for Jesus
– Dec. 7 – New study, “Men of the Bible”, begins in Friendship Circle Sunday School Class
– Dec. 11 – “Hope for the Holidays” @ 6:30 P.M. (loss, sorrow, loneliness, & grief)
– Dec. 13 – Lottie Moon Tea @ New Zion @ 2 P.M.
– Dec. 14 – “Miracle on Main Street” @ 6 P.M. by children’s choir
– Dec. 21 – “Jesus,Our Emmanuel” @ 7 P.M. by sanctuary choir

KneEmail
Mike Benson

Love

NEWSPAPER COLUMNIST and minister George Crane tells of a wife who came into his office full of hatred toward her husband…

“I do not only want to get rid of him; I want to get even. Before I divorce him, I want to hurt him as much as he has me.”

Dr. Crane suggested an ingenious plan. “Go home and act as if you really loved your husband. Tell him how much he means to you. Praise him for every decent trait. Go out of your way to be as kind, considerate, and generous as possible. Spare no efforts to please him, to enjoy him. Make him believe you love him. After you’ve convinced him of your undying love and that you cannot live without him, then drop the bomb. Tell him that you’re getting a divorce. That will really hurt him.”

With revenge in her eyes, she smiled and exclaimed, “Beautiful, beautiful! Will he ever be surprised!”

And she did it with enthusiasm. Acting “as if.” For two months she showed love, kindness, listening, giving, reinforcing, sharing, etc.

When she didn’t return, Crane called, “Are you ready now to go through with the divorce?”

?!” she exclaimed. “Never! I discovered I really do love him.”

THOUGHT: Her actions changed her feelings. Motion resulted in emotion. The ability to love is established not so much by fervent promise as often repeated deeds. (J. Allan Peterson)

KneEmail: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her” ( Eph. 5:25); “That they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children” ( Titus 2:4).

Posted by Mike Benson at November 11, 2008 3:32 PM

Have a great Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee

Saturday

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, . . . being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:3-6)

Update on Don Denton:

Pictures….from Thanksgiving Day! We have several pictures from our wonderful Day. It was Don’s first day from a hospital in 64 days!

Joshua was not sure that he was really going to see his daddy outside of the hospital. To a 4 year old two months is like 10 thousand years.

But when Joshua saw his daddy in the van, that child could have sprouted wings and flown to the car. Joshua was elated with joy! As I watched the two of them, tears flowed from me. The reality of Don leaving the hospital was actually happening.

Our day was a day sitting around the table just basking in the moment. It was a precious site to us. WE savored every moment.

As much as we tried to prepare Joshua for his daddy having to go back to the hospital, it still was very difficult.

But now we are counting down and only 6 days left till we come home to Bolivar and 7 for Don.

We still have a long road ahead of us once we get home. Don is looking forward to returning back to work. He misses his students, his teaching and his peers.

Please pray that upon our leaving Rochester that the weather will be good for traveling by plane and by car.

We have allot of work to do to the house to get it ready for Don.

* I need some volunteers to help me with making these adjustments. I will have the supplies. I would appreciate anyone who may have some time to help me.
* There is one more request that I have and this one is for Joshua. Joshua does not realize that his daddy will not be able to put up Christmas lights this year. I know this is probably a “wishlist” request. But I would welcome anyone who might be willing to help me with this too.

Since this will be our first Christmas staying in Bolivar this year, it would be really special to have some Christmas lights. We have them in our attic, I just would need some help putting them up.

Well just to be home will feel wonderful. We continue to be so grateful for you all and your kindness to us.

Love and blessings

Diane
( http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dondenton)

Two of the recent updates on Emily Panter from http://emilypanter.blogspot.com/.

Thursday, November 27, 2008
THANKSGIVING
I called Luke just now and told him to tell Emily that we’re celebrating her life today! We know that many of you, just like us, have had losses—God doesn’t always answer our prayers with a “yes.” He does what glorifies Himself the most. But today, we have so much to praise and thank God for. And we’re praising Him and thanking Him for Emily’s life.
Luke said Emily had a good night. She has tolerated the cap on her trach for over 24 hours now!! YIPPEEE!! In fact, they changed out her trach this morning and it has helped her coughing alot, Luke said. He said she’s also eating well today. We don’t know what the plan is yet about Emily getting to stay off of the vent, etc. But….for where we are…we’re grateful!

Father,
We just want to praise and thank You for choosing life for Emily. Thank You for blessing Luke and her children and her extended family this way. Thank You for glorifying Yourself through her life. We come in agreement as her friends and family glorifying Your holy name—You’ve done all things well. We trust Your heart, Father. We love You!! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I Chronicles 16:34
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
Posted by Emily Panter at 11:44 AM 6 comments
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Quiet Night
I just talked to Luke and he said Emily has had a restful day. Her coughing has subsided considerably. She also still has the cap on the trach (which means the vent is off) and is doing well with that. Mike & Jonathan (Emily’s dad & brother) had gotten there and they had just left to go to Jeff & Kim’s, I believe.
Please pray that Emily does well all night long. Pray that her cough goes away completely. And pray that she endures the cap on the trach for 24 hours.

Psalm 17:8
“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.”

Pray for the many families who have lost loved ones recently. The list is long!

Eddie Joe Blanchard Sr.
Blanchard Sr., Eddie Joe Assembly of God of Kentwood at 10 a.m.

McNabb, Donald E. (Funeral Notice) – McNabb, Donald E. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, at 2 p.m.

Herman Ray Harris
Harris, Herman Ray Graveside service at Tickfaw Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Bates School Road, Osyka, Miss., at noon.

Communicator

SCIENTISTS AGREE THAT the universe is constantly communicating with us…

When we hear this, most of us imagine some half-crazed researcher spending decades listening to static noise from outer space, waiting for some abnormal yet distinct pattern or variance.

For example, the 1997 movie Contact, based on Sagan’s 1985 book, gave us a glamorized version of the legitimate search for extraterrestrial intelligence. In it, Ellie (played by Jodie Foster) is monitoring radio waves and signals from outer space, listening for some sort of ordered, encrypted sequece in the midst of static. She and other scientists eventually decipher a signal that is, as they describe it, “not local.” As a result, they surmise that a complex, ordered pattern “can only come from an intelligent source.”

Such communication can be found in our everyday existence. Consider the fact that the blueprint for who we are is intricately coded within the DNA molecules of each of our bodies. In other words, the DNA contained in every cell within your body contains information. It’s filled with “instructions” — complex, coded information. Obviously, information can’t be communicated unless there’s a communicator — and in this case, an intelligent Communicator — delivering the information. (Alex McFarland)

“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God'” (Psm. 14:1).

Start praying for your contribution to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions. The week of prayer begins tomorrow.
Anna Lee