Category: Devotional

Friday

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them.” Luke 6:32 (NIV)

Carl Wayne Stevens is better and able to be out of ICU. Please continue to pray for him and his family.

It’s time to start thinking and planning for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions. Sunday will begin the week of prayer for the LMCO.

Increased giving crucial to keep pace with record growth
While celebrating record growth and the largest number of missionaries under appointment in recent years, trustees of the IMB also heard some cautionary notes related to giving during their Nov. 10-11 board meeting in Houston. But some encouraging words from IMB president Jerry Rankin: “God has always proved His faithfulness through the giving of His people that His mission might be carried out around the world. Even in these austere economic times we must press forward in our vision to reach a lost world and be obedient to our Great Commission task.”

A challenge from
Jerry Rankin
The lost billions in the world are not just waiting to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are dying without Him. Will we be found faithful to GO TELL the story of Jesus through our gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®?

KOMpray
Kids on Mission Pray

Prayer requests

“Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,” Luke 18:16b

GIVE THANKS

What if you were an American in a foreign country? What would you do for Thanksgiving? None of your neighbors even know it’s a holiday. And no one has jellied cranberry sauce at the store!

The turkey may have to be a chicken and the pies baked in a tiny toaster oven. It doesn’t matter. Americans living in other countries find a way to celebrate Thanksgiving. I remember the year we got all of our American friends together. Everyone made something and we had a big feast. Better than the food? We all loved each other. We were thankful for the family of Christian friends God gave us…AND for the jellied cranberry sauce sent from America.

Christians living in foreign countries can feel lonely on holidays. Ask God to give them good friends. Lots of Christians will invite their neighbors over for dinner. Please pray that they will be able to tell their friends and their neighbors about how God provides for them. Pray that they will be able to talk about Jesus. Give thanks for everything God has done for you!

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

There aren’t a lot of Christians where I live, so good influences are hard to find. Pray that I can hold on to Christ as I minister to people because it is easy to be pulled down when trying to lift up others. RUTH ANNE, age 14, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I pray that I will meet new friends everywhere I go. And pray my grandfather’s hip to get healed very soon. JAROD, age 7 (South Asia)

Pray for my American friends

CHLOE, age 6 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray that my friends will become Christians. Pray for my sister and I to continue to learn French and Creole better. Pray for us to have a real fun time and to learn a lot at the schools we go to. Pray for my sister and me to meet and make more friends. SEAN, age 5, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray for the sick and poor and old and dying—that’s what I want you to do. ISAIAH, age 11 (Pacific Rim)

Please pray for my friends in Portugal to get to know Jesus. ELISABETH, age 10, (Western Europe)

I have some friends that are stuck in America because of visa problems. I miss them a lot and now I can’t see them until January. Please pray that they would be okay. KA, age 11 (East Asia)

In Indian families, the parents or grandparents are the head of the family. In our friend’s family, a woman is Christian and sharing to her husband; but the husband’s mom is a strong Hindu and against Christians. The man wants to be a Christian, but he will lose everything if he comes to God. Pray he will know God will provide if he believes and trusts in Him. Also pray that the man’s mom will come to Christ and accept them as Christians. AMANDA, age 12 (South Asia)

Reminder: Wednesday is the last day for bringing a toy for the migrant children or Christmas cards with stamps for the parish prisoners.

Randy Burnell Simpson
Simpson, Randy Burnell Kentwood First Baptist Church at 11 a.m.

Donald Emile McNabb
(December 1, 1938 – November 27, 2008)

Sign Guest Book

U.S. Veteran Died at 2:12AM on Thursday, November 27, 2008 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. He was a native and resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 69 years. Mr. McNabb was as U. S. Army veteran and general foreman with Asplunda. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Don Meadows. Interment Hutchinson Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by wife, Carolyn Pease McNabb, Kentwood, daughter, Bobbie Falco and her husband, David, Longview, TX, son, Joseph E. McNabb and his wife, Cindy, Grangeville, 2 step-daughters, Samantha Malone and her husband Scott, Carlyss, Robyn Fontenot, Houma, brother, Edgar M. McNabb and his wife, Kathryn, St. Helena Parish, sister-in-law, Eva McNabb, St. Helena Parish, 8 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by father, Edgar J. McNabb, mother, Helen Hutchinson McNabb Cossiboin, step-father, Joseph E. Cossiboin, brother, Bobby L. McNabb. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of St. Helena Parish Nursing Home for their care and assistance.

The prayers of MK’s took me to this devotional. I hope you can see the link between the prayers of children for the lost and the devotional.

Ready

THERE IS COMING a day that won’t be followed by another day…Are you ready…?

There is coming a day when this earth, and all that is in it will be burned up and destroyed…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when all that you have been taught about the comingof Christ will culminate with the actual event…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when your beliefs and those of your friends with whom you disagreed will be tested…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when your faith will be transformed into sight…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when sins that have not been covered by the blood of Christ will be revealed and reckoning will commence…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when your opportunities to have obeyed the gospel will be all be past…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when you and everyone around you will be judged, each one according to his/her own works…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when heaven and hell won’t be just future possibilities, but stark realities…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when the dead shall rise and your loved ones who died in the Lord will be waiting to be reunited with you…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when all of your talk about earthly things “not meaning so much” will be validated…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when those burdens that are pressing so hard upon you will be lifted…Are you ready?

There is coming a day when the path you are now walking is seen by all to be what it truly is…Are you ready? (Lance Cordle)

KneEmail: “Therefore, you must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” ( Matthew 24:44, ESV)

Posted by Mike Benson at October 27, 2008 2:32 PM

Have a great day!
Anna Lee

Thursday

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:18; cf. Jas. 4:16).

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I hope you are planning some time today listing all the reasons you are thankful. There are numerous reasons I could list for you, but you probable have heard most of them. I want to share two sites I have referred to lately. Join with these families in thanking God.
Emily Panter – http://emilypanter.blogspot.com/
Don Denton – http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/visitAPage.do (Type “dondenton” in the first box.)

The wake for Randy Simpson will be tonight from 6-9 P.M. and 8-11 A.M. tomorrow at FBC, Kentwood. The funeral service will be at 11 A.M. tomorrow morning at FBC.

Please continue to pray for the many families who are grieving in our area. We seem to have had more deaths than usual in the last week or so.

I just heard on the news that the oldest woman who lived to be 115 has passed away. She lived a long time, but death ended her earthly life.

Knowing that death comes to each of us one day, I’m including this devotional about Heaven. I trust it gives hope to those who need it today.

KneEmail by Mike Benson
Heaven

GOD HAS PROMISED to take away:

. DEATH: No more bedside vigils, anxious moments and the mixed feelings that force us to cry, “I hate to see her suffer; but, I cannot bear to say, ‘Goodbye.'”

. MOURNING: No more uncontrollable sobs of sorrow. No more hours of visitation at the funeral home. No more nights of lonely vexation. No more days of bitter-sweet memories.

. CRYING: No more tear-stained pillows of disappointment. No more blood-shot eyes of despair. No more fatigue or feeling washed out from the stress that is so unique to discouragement.

. PAIN: No more open wounds. No more surgery. No more children with tears streaming down their cheeks and the question, “Why?” in their eyes. No more teenagers struggling with their identity or with the rejection of their peers. No more disloyalty and divorce. No more broken hearts. No more shattered dreams (Dan Winkler).

“And god will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4).

Posted by Mike Benson at March 29, 2006 2:33 PM

Thank-you for reading The Prayer Link and praying. You make a difference to many people.
Anna Lee

Wednesday

Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions. 1 John 3:18 (NLT)

(This verse reminds me of the hymn, “Be Ye Doers of the Word”.)

Carl Wayne Stevens, a former resident of this area, is in ICU in Laurel. He has improved since being admitted. Please remember him in your prayers.

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Wednesday, November 26, 2008

“I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders” (Psalm 9:1, NASB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the International Prayer Strategy Office, thanking the Lord with you for His great wonders.

The turkey may be a chicken and the pies may be baked in a toaster oven, but many Americans living in China will most certainly celebrate Thanksgiving. They will thank the God of bounty who provides for them and their families in every way and who has called them into partnership with Him.

Team Corsica is hosting four traditional Thanksgiving meals. They have invited non-believing friends into their homes for food and fellowship. Corsicans love learning about the United States and her holidays. Last year, the team hosted three meals which led to a deepening of friendship with friends.

Missionaries serving in Lilongwe, Malawi, share, “We have so many things for which to be thankful. The government offers many freedoms, we have Christian friends and colleagues among nationals who are co-laborers in the task, and we have prayer partners who are faithful. Ask God to use this special holiday time to remind us of the greatest reason to give thanks and the reason to be about the Father’s business: that Jesus Christ is the one and only Way for us to have life abundant and eternal. Pray that we will see the opportunities God gives each day and have the courage to speak boldly about our Lord Jesus.”

Missionaries in the Central and Western Tanzania Cluster are having a prayer retreat. Pray for safe travel for all the missionaries who are attending. Also pray for the volunteers from Nevada who are working with the missionary children. Pray that the fellowship will be refreshing, the teachings challenging, and the preaching encouraging.

* Please pray that missionary homes be filled with the Spirit of God and His wisdom as guests ask questions.

* Praise God for abundantly providing protection, guidance and enabling to all who serve Him.

* Our missionaries humbly thank you for your prayers during this time of Thanksgiving!

If you know of young adults who are interested in being a part of International World Changers, the might want to consider an opportunity such as the one found at http://thetask.org/students/Projects/ProjectDetails.asp?JobID=89674.

Holly K sent her latest newsletter. She has complete five weeks of her eight weeks of training. God is using her in many ways, including making me rethink persecution of Christians. She has talents and a special heart that will make her as asset for her people group. Pray for her as she completes her training and returns to this area for Christmas. Then, she will be off to West Africa to serve as a MK teacher.

John “Johnny” Walter Hurst II

John “Johnny” Walter Hurst, II, age 53, passed away on November 22, 2008 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Hurst was a part-time well operator with the Tangipahoa Water District.

He leaves to cherish precious memories, his wife of 28 years, Lynne LeBlanc Hurst; sons, Ryan, Joshua, and Tanner Hurst; mother, Anne Hurst of Kentwood, LA; sisters and brothers-in-law, Nedra & Rick Carter of Laurel, Mississippi and Bonnie & Marc Impastato of Madisonville, LA; and other relatives and numerous friends. Preceded in death by his father, John Walter Hurst and niece Rebekah Carter.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend visitation at Harry McNeely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 from 8:30 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m. Officiating the service will be Bro. Joey Miller, pastor of Johnny’s home church, First Baptist in Kentwood and Bro. Rick Carter, associate pastor of First Baptist Church in Laurel, Mississippi. Interment will follow at Inspiration Park Memorial Gardens in Kentwood, LA. An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.harrymckneely.com

(The time of the graveside service should be approximately 12:30.)

Margaret Elizabeth McCann Abbott
A resident of Kentwood, she died at 11:15 a.m. Monday, Nov. 24, 2008, at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home. She was 83 and a native of Sheffield, Ala. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Greg Stewart and the Rev. Danny Smith. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. She is survived by four daughters and three sons-in-law, Ovelene and Ernest Spears and Jean and Jimmy Powers, all of Kentwood, Janice and Steve Hutchinson, of Cedarville, Ill., and Charlotte White, of Kentwood; two sons, James and Joseph Abbott, both of Kentwood; 23 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her first husband, Columbus Abbott; second husband, Charles Abbott Sr.; three sons, Timothy, Paul and Charles Abbott Jr.; daughter, Gennie Willie; and parents, Ellis and Jennie McCann. Pallbearers will be Steven Spears, Eric Brumfield, David Spears, Scott Abbott, Joseph Willie Jr. and Jimmy Powers Jr. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Robert Maslias “Bayboy” Rogers
A resident of Slaughter, he died Monday, Nov. 24, 2008, at his home. He was 58 and a retiree from the town of Slaughter with 26 years of service. Visiting at First Baptist Church, Slaughter, on Wednesday, Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m. Burial in the Rogers Family Cemetery, Norwood. Survived by his wife of 16 years, Donnis Rogers; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Phillip and Mandy Rogers, Kentwood, and Tyler Rogers, Slaughter; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Janice Belle and Joseph Beavers and Robbie and Charles George, all of Slaughter; and three grandchildren, Ethan Scott Rogers, Chelsea Renee Tatum and Blake M. Thibodaux. Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lesia Rogers. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Beavers, Joseph Beavers Jr., Chris George, Jacob Beavers, Benny Lindsey and Jerry Beavers. Honorary pallbearers are Phillip Rogers, Tyler Rogers, David Miller and Jason Causey. Memorial donations may be made to Charlet Funeral Home Inc. to defray funeral expenses. Share sympathies, condolences and memories at http://www.CharletFuneralHome.com.

Ray Tompkins
A retired machine operator with Paxon Polymer and a resident of Greensburg, he died at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008. He was 66, a native of Paradise, Mont., and a U.S. Air Force veteran. Graveside service at Days United Methodist Church Cemetery, Greensburg, on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 1 p.m. Survived by his wife, Katherine Tompkins; mother, Maxine Tompkins, of Plains, Mont.; three daughters, Sheila Simmons, of Osyka, Miss., Karen Barkman and husband Ken, of Picayune, Miss., and Amanda Hilton and husband Chris, of Greensburg; three sisters, Nancy Bradshaw, of Morgantown, N.C., Martha Good, of Paradise, and Rose DeNu, of San Jose, Calif.; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his father, Roy W. Tompkins; two brothers, Frank and Gary Tompkins; a sister, Betty Coy; and biological mother, Mona Sharp. He founded the North Helena Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Unit and served for eight years as fire chief. After retirement he ran his own bulldozer and backhoe business. Arrangements by McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Kentwood.

Last night, I was talking with a special older friend. We mentioned the numerous deaths in our community. I hope that as each family goes through the grieving process they will be able to call on God to be with them in their time of great need. The following devotional seems most appropriate, not only because of the holiday, but because of the many needs around us. I’m sure Mike Benson would be honored to know you retold his devotional to help someone at this season of their life.

Squeal
by Mike Benson

WE RAISED PIGS…

We raised about a thousand pigs a year. In one field we had two or three hundred little oinkers running around. Every day, at four in the morning, as I’d walk into the field to feed those guys, they’d scatter.

Once a little pig came up and began to chew on my foot, so I picked him up and began to pet him. Soon he wanted down. I said, “No, I’ll let you down when I’m ready.” At that moment, he let out a squeal such as I had never heard. In about two seconds, thirty mama pigs weighing five to six hundred pounds each were headed my way. I put him down and headed for the fence. I barely made it over, and all the mama pigs were snorting and walking back and forth, daring me to come back over and bother one of their kids. I look back at that and realize the little rascal wasn’t intimidated. He was out of control, but he wasn’t intimidated. Why? Because one squeal away he had resources. (Rod Cooper)

We can “squeal” (e.g., pray) and know that the God of the universe will employ His resources to meet our needs.

“Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer” (Psm. 61:1).

(Posted by Mike Benson at November 25, 2008 2:46 PM)

It’s okay to “squeal” for help. God is waiting to hear your call!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

… That you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Deuteronomy 30:20 (NIV)

Margaret Elizabeth McCann Abbott
(August 10, 1925 – November 24, 2008)
Died at 11:15AM on Monday, November 24, 2008 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home in Kentwood, LA. She was a native of Sherfield, AL and a resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 83 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. on Wednesday until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Greg Stewart and Rev. Danny Smith. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by 4 daughters, Ovelene Spears and her husband, Ernest, Kentwood, Jean Powers and her husband, Jimmy, Kentwood, Janice Hutchinson and her husband, Steve, Cedarville, IL, Charlotte White, Kentwood, 2 sons, James Abbott, Kentwood, Joseph Abbott, Kentwood, 23 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by 1st husband, Columbus Abbott, 2nd husband, Charles Abbott, Sr., 3 sons, Timothy Abbott, Paul Abbott, and Charles Abbott, Jr., daughter, Gennie Willie, parents, Ellis and Jennie McCann. Pallbearers will be Steven Spears, Eric Brumfield, David Spears, Scott Abbott, Joseph Willie, Jr., and Jimmy Powers, Jr.

FBC Reminders
*Christmas Toys for Migrant Children are due to the church office by Wednesday, Dec. 3rd.
*Christmas Cards with Stamps for parish prisoners are also due by Wednesday, Dec. 3rd.
*No AWANA meeting on Nov. 30th.
*”Men of the Bible” Bible study begins Dec. 7th in Friendship Circle Sunday school class.
*”Hope for the Hoidays”, a seminar for those dealing with loss, sorrow, loneliness, and grief will be at FBC, Kentwood on Dec. 11th at 6:30 P.M.

Partial
By Mike Benson

A CHICAGO BANK once asked for a letter of recommendation on a young Bostonian being considered for employment…

The Boston investment house could not say enough about the young man. His father, they wrote, was a Cabot; his mother was a Lowell. Further back was a happy blend of Saltonstalls, Peabodys, and others of Boston’s finest families. His recommendation was given without hesitation.

Several days later, the Chicago bank sent a note saying the information supplied was altogether inadequate. It read: “We are not contemplating using the young man for breeding purposes. Just for work.”

God is not a respector of persons either. He wants to use people from every family, nation, and race who want to work and serve for Him.

“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him” ( Acts 10:34-35).

Posted by Mike Benson at October 21, 2008 2:41 PM

Make the most of this day the Lord has given us. Today is the only day we will have this day!
Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (NIV)

We made a “flying” trip to Rome (Georgia) to be with Jason’s family. We enjoyed seeing all of them and doing some fun things together – feeding ducks, geese, and a swan at Berry College, seeing many, many deer at Berry College, putting together a 500 piece puzzle, eating and more eating, attending worship at West Rome Baptist church where we witnessed 15 baptisms and heard 3 awesome testimonies of thanksgiving, attending the reveal of an extreme makeover (by West Rome Baptist Church and XL (their alternative church) and witnessing the wedding of the lady whose family benefited from the makeover. Sunday was a day I’ll probably remember with chill bumps for a long time! That was all of top of receiving some hugs and kisses from some of the most special people in our lives!

You can read the story of the makeover in this online newspaper article.
http://news.mywebpal.com/partners/680/public/news937152.html
Take time to view the video. You will be amazed!
Many people said you needed to see the before and after pictures to really appreciate the love and work this family benefited from.

XL:http://www.xlwired.com/
West Rome Baptist Church:http://www.westrome.org/
There were approximately 1,000 in worship service yesterday morning. What a spirit of excitement about what God has done!

Some of you please call or email me and let me know what I missed here in Kentwood that needs to be shared on The Prayer Link. I have no current information at this time.

Jennie and Boyd also make it safely home today from a trip to Paris. Thank God for his traveling grace for our family over the last few days.

Read the updates on Emily Panter @ http://www.emilypanter.blogspot.com/. Continue to pray for Emily and her family.

You can read the updates on Don Denton @ http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewJournal.do?method=executeInit. Pray for this family too.

Ray Wilburn Tompkins
(March 7, 1942 – November 23, 2008)
U.S. Veteran Ray Wilburn Tompkins was born on March 7, 1942 and passed away at 10:37AM, Sunday, November 23, 2008 at his residence in Greensburg. He was the son of the late Roy and Mona Sharp Tompkins. Ray was 66 and a native of Paradise, MT. He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force where he was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Longevity Service Award.

He was survived by his wife, Mrs. Katherine Tompkins, Greensburg; 3 daughters, Shelia Simmons, Osyka, MS; Karen Barkman and husband, Kenneth, Carriere, MS; and Amanda Hilton and husband Christopher, Greensburg, LA; 2 sisters, Nancy Bradshaw, Morganton, NC & Rose DeNu, San Jose, CA; a half sister, Martha Good, Paradise, MT; step-mother, Mrs. Maxine Tompkins; 7 grandchildren & 2 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by parents, 2 brothers, James Frank Tompkins & Gary Wayne Tompkins; a half sister, Betty Lou Moore.

There will be a memorial service at a later date in the Day’s Cemetery, Liverpool.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to: Community Care Hospice, 1007 W. Thomas St.,Suite A, Hammond, LA 70403.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge of arrangements.

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

Chief John J. (Bacile) Polito, Sr.
(January 14, 1940 – November 23, 2008)
U.S. Veteran Died at 10:07 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2008 at his residence in Independence, LA. He was a native of Kenner, LA. Age 68 years. He was member of Independence Fire Department for 45 years where he served as chief for 37 years. He also served as an Alderman and was the current Mayor Pro-temp of Independence. He was the Chief of District #11 Volunteer Fire Department in Livingston Parish where he was responsible for chartering their department. He was a life member of the Louisiana State Fireman’s Association, a member of the Louisiana Municipal Association, an employee of Tangipahoa Parish Council, a member of the Advisory Committee for Central Tangipahoa Head Start, was an avid farmer and loved to spend time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Congetta Drago Polito, Independence; 2 daughters, Mary Polito Spencer and husband, Tommie, Independence and Patricia Polito Sparacello and husband, Sammy, Independence; 2 sons, John J. Polito, Jr. and wife, Dianna, Independence and Michael A. Polito and wife, Missy, Tickfaw; 7 grandchildren, Lauren Spencer Hardy and husband, Christopher, Jessica Polito, Brandi Polito, Sam Sparacello, Jr., Bridget Polito, Tommie “TJ” Spencer and Stephani Sparacello; 2 great-grandsons, Brayden Polito Carlisle and Christpher D. “CJ” Hardy, Jr.; 5 brothers, Nick Bacile, Jr., Baptist, John Bacile, Metairie, Anthony Bacile, Baton Rouge, Nace Bacile, Walker and Charles Bacile, Walker; sister, Camilla Bacile, Independence; numerous nieces and nephews, family and friends. Preceded in death by his brother, Vincent Polito; father, Joseph Polito; mother, Mary Mitra Polito Bacile; step-father, Nick Bacile, Sr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Religious Services at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Deacon Roger Navarra. Interment Colonial Cemetery, Independence, LA.

Courage

PETER CARTWRIGHT, A nineteenth-century, circuit-riding preacher, was an uncompromising man…

One Sunday morning when he was to preach, we was told that President Andrew Jackson was in the congregation. Cartwright was warned not to say anything out of line.

When Cartwright stood to preach, he said, “I understand that Andrew Jackson is here. I have been requested to be guarded in my remarks. Andrew Jackson will go to hell if he doesn’t repent.”

The congregation was shocked and wondered how the president would respond. After the service, President Jackson shook hands with Peter Cartwright and said, “Sir, if I had a regiment of men like you, I could whip the world.”

“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” ( Matt. 3:1-2).

I’m not sure my courage would be equal to that, but I pray for more courage to speak up with the appropriate words at the appropriate times.

Anna Lee

Friday

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19 (NIV)

Deacon Hospital Ministry:
Nov. 16-22: Bobby Raborn & Frankie Gehringer
Nov. 23 – Nov. 29: Andy Taylor & Mike Estay

Nursery Workers for Sunday, Nov. 23:
Carol Jean Conerly
Wanda Miller
Ora Lee Wilson
Lily Edwards

Community Thanksgiving Service
Sunday, Nov. 23 @ 6:30 P,M,
FBC, Kentwood
Message by Rev. Percy Frazier
Fellowship

“Hope for the Holidays”
Thursday, Dec. 11
Seminar dealing with loss, sorrow, loneliness, & grief

“Men of the Bible”
Begins , Sunday Dec. 7
Friendship Circle Sunday School Class
9:15 A.M,
You are invited to attend.

Current Projects due to church office by wed., Dec. 3rd:
Christmas Toys (new) for Migrant Children
Christmas Cards w/Stamps for Prisoners

KOMpray
(Kids on Mission Pray)

“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

GOOD NEWS NOW

A 15-year-old girl in Sri Lanka asked God to help her learn how to tell others about Jesus. Sri Lanka is an island nation in South Asia near India. God heard her prayer and gave her a chance to go to a class called “Good News Now.” She learned how to tell others about Jesus then went out to tell her friends and neighbors. She led more than 20 people to the Lord in just three months!

Not only that—she had a chance to tell all of her classmates in front of the entire school during story time. She shares the love of Jesus with her teachers and one of them is now a Christian. Please pray for this 15-year-old girl. Pray that she will keep on telling everyone about Jesus. Pray that many people will want to become Christians. And ask God to help this young girl teach new believers how to share their testimony too.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Pray that I will glorify God in all I do. ANDREW, age 15, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

My sister will get braces and she is afraid if she gets braces. Pray she will have a safe fit. TONYA, age 8 (South Asia)

Pray that the people of Kenya will accept and know God. Pray that all of the missionaries won’t to give up hope in God. Pray that Jesus will be with us.

The culture I live in is where some of the worst traffic in the world originates from. Our culture speaks Swahili and some are eager to see the Lord. Our culture is a culture of many ethnic groups, and people who are lost.

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

I have 2 friends who live in a village close to where I live who don’t know Jesus as their Savior. Please pray that TM and KJ will listen to the word of God and then give their lives over to Him. Thank you. REBEKAH, age 14 (West Africa)

Pray for my grandfather, K, he is not a believer! CHANG, age 10 (Pacific Rim)

Please pray for our people group. Many don’t know Jesus. Not many people know about them (our people group) or where they live. Also, please pray more people will come and help the people of our group. TH, age 9 (East Asia)

We are in the United States for a little while. Please pray for our family as we try and settle in and try to keep up with the school work that I am going to be missing. ROBERT, age 15, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray for everyone in Nepal because they are Hindu. Pray they will become Chrisitans. LEVI, age 11 (South Asia)

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Mike Benson

Hope

IN 1997 THE JOURNAL of the American Heart Association reported on some remarkable research…

According to the Chicago Tribune, Susan Everson of the Human Population Laboratory of the Public Health Institute in Berkeley, California, found that people who experienced high levels of despair had a 20 percent greater occurence of atherosclerosis — the narrowing of their arteries — than did optimistic people. “This is the same magnitude of increased risk that one sees in comparing a pack-a-day smoker to a non-smoker,” said Everson.

In other words, despair can be as bad for you as smoking a pack a day.
That is just one more reason to choose hope and and faith. The Christian life contributes to good health today, and eternal life tomorrow.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” ( 2 Cor. 4:16).

We all need hope. Pray for those who have to deal with lots of problems will not lose hope.
Anna Lee

Thursday

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear.” (Isaiah 59:1)

Several people have had good reports. We thank God for each one.

J.D. Smith was able to come home with medication for his treatment. Pray that will be sufficient to meet his needs.

Mrs. Margaret Callihan is home again. Pray for her as she adjusts to being back at home.

Glen Magee, Jr. continues to do very well following his back surgery in Florida as week. Thank God for this new process that may be able to help countless people.

Mr. Orin Davidson continues to be at rehab and is expected to be able to return to the Tolar household in the near future.

Mrs. Faye Price was not able to have her heart procedure. She will have heart surgery in a couple of weeks. Pray for her as she prepares for surgery.

Nedra Hurst Carter did not have her surgery yesterday because her brother had complications after his surgery Monday. Johnny’s colon surgery went well, but he had a stroke later and is in ICU. Please pray for the Hurst family during this difficult time.

Remember Barbara Hutchinson and Susan Rimes in your prayers. Susan will be returning to her normal schedule after burying her sister, Lisa Davis. Barbara will be facing the wake as funeral services for Mr. James Lee.

Pray for those who already started traveling or will do so in the next few days for their holiday activities. If you know of someone who might be alone for Thanksgiving, include them in your plans. You’ll be so glad you did.

KneEmail
Mike Benson

Important

IT WAS A 99 degree September day in San Antonio, when a 10-month-old baby girl was accidently locked inside a parked car by her aunt…

Frantically the mother and aunt ran around the auto in near hysteria, while a neighbor attempted to unlock the car with a clothes hanger. Soon the infant was turning purple and had foam on her mouth.

It had become a life-or-death situation when Fred Arriola, a wrecker driver, arrived on the scene. He grabbed a hammer and smashed the back window of the car to set her free.

Was he heralded a hero? “The lady was mad at me because I broke the window,” Arriola reported. “I just thought, What’s more important — the baby or the window?”

Most questions of priority are not between something important and something trivial; rather, between the important and the most important. (Craig Larson)

“…Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” ( Matt. 6:21).

Posted by Mike Benson at October 16, 2008 1:40 PM

Let’s make sure we think about what we give priority in our lives.

Don’t forget the share group at the Alford cabin tonight at 6:30. Jan Hammons will be giving the devotional. She always does a great job.
Anna Lee

Wednesday

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent.” (Isaiah 55:11)

Mary Broussard works with the Tangipahoa Parish School System and with me through the KHS PBS (Positive Behavior Support) team. Her brother, Stephen Broussard has liver failure and is hospitalized in Abbeville. Mary would appreciate prayers for the family, especially her 90 year old mother, as they face losing Stephen.

Here is an attached news story about a recent outreach in north Czech Republic.

Thank you for continuing to pray for peoples others have forgotten.

Thank you for pressing forward.

Blessings,

Boyd H.

Litvinov Outreach – Czech Republic

November 17, 2008

North of Prague, near the German border, is the industrial town of Litvinov. In Litvinov, the majority of Roma live in a section of the city called Janov. This ghetto is the run-down, neglected part of town, where no one wants to live or even visit.

In October, more than 300 extremists, held an unauthorized anti-Roma rally in downtown Litvinov. At the conclusion of the rally, the emotional mob marched and rode on horseback to the Janov neighborhood. They attacked local Roma with sticks and stones. Police successfully stopped the raid, but not before three police were injured.

Last week, IMB personnel visited the Janov neighborhood. They distributed tracts, brochures, and evangelistic CDs. They listened to the concerns and fears of residents. They prayed with family members.

“They came in here to our homes and treated us like dogs. We have lived here all our lives. What did they want us to do? What have we done to them?”, asked Petra, a 40-year old mother from Janov.

“Has anyone from the church visited your area since this took place?” asked the IMB missionary.

“No one knows we’re here, except those people (extremists),” commented Jan. “The government wants us to leave, but we have no place to go.”

Your prayers gave missionaries the courage to go into an unknown neighborhood. Your gifts and resources provided the means for missionaries to travel to another section of the country. Your prayers will provide the direction for future ministry in this area.

Thank you for your partnership and prayers. Thank you for your gifts and generosity to reach those who feel forgotten.

WEDNESDAY WINDOW ON THE WORLD – November 19, 2008
International Mission Board

APPLE DISTRICT OF INDONESIA. You asked God to bless a project intended to bring water to a village that had none, and He did. You prayed for S to have opportunities to share his faith, and God brought another person, J, to share as well. J got to stay in the village while the project was being done and began sharing Bible stories from day one. There is great interest in the stories, and S and J have been very encouraged by the openness of the community toward spiritual things. The water project has gone amazingly well, and phase one has been completed. Now more than 70 families have water available to them without having to carry it for long distances or waiting for it for hours. The community was totally behind the effort, and more than 100 men turned out every night from 7-12 p.m. to dig the trench for the pipe until the work was completed. Please pray for the continued openness of the community and for S and J to have more opportunities to share their faith. Pray for phase two to go well. Also pray for S’s father to come to faith.

DEAF OF URUGUAY. Jesus said that in this world we will have trouble, but we are to rejoice, for He has overcome the world. Troubles are falling hard on a deaf mother church in Montevideo, where leaders are being attacked, vicious rumors abound, and there is an active movement to close the church. Please pray for the faithful members and especially the leaders. Ask the Lord to give them wisdom, discernment and strength. Pray for the survival of the church, asking that it will come through this time of testing pure as gold, stronger than ever, and reaching thousands for the Lord.

BERLIN, GERMANY. Workers in Berlin are thrilled with a wonderful start to a new immigrant fellowship meeting. The meeting is held every two weeks on Sunday afternoon, and is led by four men. This is the first fellowship that is held in the mother tongue of the largest immigrant population, and is co-led by men who are immigrants from this large Muslim country. Thank the Lord for those who have attended and that the numbers are growing. Pray for the fellowship to be a safe place where people can come and hear in their mother tongue the good news of Jesus Christ. Pray that the Lord will lead and guide the four men who lead this fellowship. Thank Him for the unity that these men find in Christ. Give thanks also for those who give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, as some of that money was used to provide chorus books and Bibles in the mother tongue of this immigrant population.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. West Africa’s Financial Facilitators rely heavily on Internet and e-mail services to support missionaries who are spread over an area approximately the size of the United States. However, much of West Africa has an underdeveloped infrastructure. Additionally, some information is difficult to communicate appropriately by e-mail. Pray that the team of Financial Facilitators in West Africa will be able to communicate effectively with those whom they support and that they will have wisdom and discernment to know how best to share information.

Baptist Press
November 18, 2008

ENGLAND–Multicultural London: ‘capital of the world.’ http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29355

ENGLAND–Coffee shop prayer yields fruit in London.http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29356

ENGLAND–Vietnam refugee fulfills vow in London.http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29357

ENGLAND–Brit returns to a new mission field.http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29358

TENNESSEE–Huckabee: Social conservatives key to GOP’s future.http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29359

CALIFORNIA–Calif. Southern Baptists affirm Prop 8 support.http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29360

VIRGINIA–BGAV adopts reduced budget; Campolo criticizes Prop. 8.http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29361

ILLINOIS–Ill. Baptists increase CP giving again.http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29362

TENNESSEE–TN Baptists approve W. Africa mission.http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29363

VIRGINIA–London (Erich Bridges): End of ‘Christian civilization’?http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29364

KneEmail by Mike Benson

Identify

IN THE NEW York Times Magazine, Nancy V. Raine told a story she heard twenty-five years earlier from a friend named George…

In those days, work crews marked construction sites by putting out
smudge pots with open flames. George’s four-year-old daughter got
too close to one and her pants caught fire like the Straw Man’s
stuffing. The scars running the length and breadth of Sarah’s legs
looked like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. In the third grade she was
asked, “If you could have one wish, what would it be?” Sarah wrote:
“I want everyone to have legs like mine.”

When we suffer pain, we want others to understand. We want others to be like us so they can identify with us. We don’t want to be alone. God does understand. When Jesus became a man, he did something far more difficult than having legs like Sarah’s. (Craig Brian Larson)

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” ( John 1:14).

Posted by Mike Benson at October 14, 2008 12:54 PM

Face this day with a smile.
Anna Lee

Tuesday

KneEmail by Mike Benson

Common

TODAY WE MOURN the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years.

No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn’t always fair; and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;

I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I’m A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” ( Jas. 1:5).

Posted by Mike Benson at October 14, 2008 10:47 AM

I can relate to this. What about you?
Anna Lee

Monday

“Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony of God in them.” (1 John 5:10a GW)

Emily Panter is improving slowly. Read the latest posts on Emily Panter
http://www.emilypanter.blogspot.com/

Debbie Miller continues to improve. Thank-you for your many prayers for her.

Pray for Mr. J.D. Smith. He’s in North Oaks with some heart problems. Your prayers will be appreciated.

The church will still be accepting Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes today if you didn’t turn yours in yesterday.

KneEmail by Mike Benson

Jackpot

WHO HASN’T DREAMED of hitting the jackpot and buying a new car and taking the vacation of a lifetime…?

Not all that long ago, Nevada was the only place you could legally play the slots or poker, and New Hampshire had the only legal lottery.

By 1999, thirty-seven states had lotteries, and gambling was legal in some form in all but three states (Utah, Tennessee, and Hawaii). Collectively, we Americans now spend more on gambling then we do on movies. Gross revenues for gambling exceeded fifty billion dollars just nine years ago.

However, the cost to society is even greater. A University of Illinois study found that the social and criminal cost to states is three times as high as the profits gained from gambling. Between fifteen and twenty million of us are now in danger of becoming problem gamblers. (Brad Knickerbocker)

“Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” (Eph. 4:28).

Posted by Mike Benson at October 10, 2008 10:59 AM

Have a wonderful day!
Anna Lee