Devotional – Page 238 – The Prayer Link

Thursday

Mr. James Lee Hutchinson is in North Oaks with pneumonia. Please be in prayer for him, his family, and the medical staff caring for him.

Debbie Miller is home and resting, but doing fine. Thank you for your continued prayers for her as she recovers from her pacemaker procedure.

Mrs. Della McDaniel is getting around a little. Keep praying for her.

Mrs. Parmys Stegall is now in rehab in St. Tammany. Mr. Bob has postponed his eye surgery. Please keep both of them in your prayers.

THE VALUE IS IN THE OWNER

The story is told of an American tourist in Paris who picked up an amber necklace in a trinket shop. When he arrived at New York and went through customs he was shocked at the high duty he had to pay for the necklace. So when he came home, he spoke with a jeweler and the jeweler told him he would give $25,000 for the necklace. The man was stunned and suspected that there was a reason for the offer. So he took the necklace to an expert who appraised it at an astronomical amount.

When he asked the appraiser what made the necklace so valuable, he told him to look into the magnifying glass and see for himself. When he placed his eye next to the glass, he saw an inscription which read: “From Napoleon Bonaparte to Josephine.” It was the name on the necklace that gave it extraordinary worth.

We have no intrinsic value — that is to say, we are not of great value because of who we are or what we’ve accomplished. Our value is determined by the One who bought us and owns us. Those of us who are Christians have the name of Christ “stamped” on our lives to remind us who we are and whose we are. Knowledge of this truth causes us to rethink what we do with our lives.

For example, if you have an old pair of ragged tennis shoes, you may think nothing of getting out in a muddy garden to do some work. But if you’re wearing an expensive pair of dress shoes, you’ll be hesitant to wear them in the mud. The value of what you’re wearing will keep you from going certain places and doing certain things.

Paul says that’s why we as Christians should avoid sexual immorality (as well as other misuses of the body). If our bodies were of little value (as some believe), we would think nothing of “dragging them through the mud.” But knowing the value of our bodies, we’re forced to think twice about where we go and what we do.

“For your were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (I Cor. 6:20).

Look closely at the inscription on your life. You’ll notice the name of the One who bought you and owns you. Your value just went up!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a terrific Thursday!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

Keep Debbie Miller in your thoughts and prayers today. She enters the hospital at 9:30 and has the pacemaker procedure at 11:30. Your prayer for Debbie and the family will be appreciated.

Written late last night:
Today is Monday, October 27th. Please pray for me, my sister Beth and my Dad. The time has come to remove life support and give my mother (Judy Carruth) over to God. The thoughts, prayers circles and calls over the last week have meant more than words can say. At the end of it all, there is a power greater than we are and we are leaning on his everlasting strength and guidance for as long as it takes. Thank you to all of you who have kept our family in your thoughs and prayers.
Becky C. Lindsay

Thank you for all of your prayers. I am sure they have been answered in one way because I know he is in heaven. Please continue to pray for our family as we mourn our loss that we may find our way without him.
Adra Johnson (Loranger)

A family has a prayer of thanksgiving because of a good report they received concerning their son. Join with them in thanking God for his blessing of good health in this child’s life.

Greenlaw Baptist Churchhas two more revival services at 7 P.M. You are invited to attend.

Thoughts from a young friend, Holly K:
Freedom from fear
This morning, during my devotional time, I was reading todays entry in “Voices of the Faithful” by Beth Moore. The story was about a village in Central Africa. They had put ash on the roads leading into and out of their village because they believed it kept out a demon that killed people. The verse for today was Hebrews 2:14-15 — “He himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage.”

Jesus frees us from the fear of death! Because he came to Earth and died, we have no reason to fear death. Please pray that the people of Africa would come to know that Jesus can free them from their fear of spirits and death. Pray that they would realize that through Jesus and a saving relationship with him, they have no reason to fear. Jesus tells us in John that he is the resurrection and the life and that if we believe in him we will never die!

Saturday

If you wait for perfect conditions,

you will never get anything done.

Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NLT)

Update from Frann Clark:

My cataract surgeries were scheduled for Oct. 16 & 30. They did the one on Oct. 16 & all went great. The following Tuesday (21) the clinic called my daughter & asked if we could be there the next afternoon to do the right eye. I went for the day after checkup yesterday & he said that it was fine. Some pressure involving the right eye so he gave me drops & said to come back in a week.

Please pray that the pressure problem will be solved.

Tuesday, I hope to go to Jennings to see Riley at the VA home. Please pray for safe travel. I am still not able to drive but maybe soon.

God Bless You
Frann

Today’s the day! On Mission in Kentwood will meet at FBC, Kentwood at 8:00 this morning to complete acts of ministry in Kentwood. If you want a real blessing, take part in this ministry.

U.S. Condemns Beating of China Pastor’s Sons
By Staff of Baptist Press
BEIJING (BP)–The United States has voiced grave concern over the brutal beating Oct. 16 of “Pastor Bike” Zhang Mingxuan’s two sons by public security officials in China.

State Department spokesman Robert Wood released a statement Oct. 23 that specifically highlighted the “continuing official harassment of Pastor Zhang, … including his arbitrary detention and the forced relocation of his family.” The State Department called on the Chinese government to release Zhang immediately, permit his family members to return home, condemn the violent acts committed against his sons and bring the individuals responsible for the persecution to justice.

The statement came the day after two congressmen, Frank R. Wolf, R.-Va., and Christopher Smith, R.-N.J., issued a joint letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, asking her to call for Zhang’s release and demand that the damages inflicted upon his family be rectified. Both congressmen met with Zhang and his wife in Beijing this past July and heard firsthand about the abuses Christians in China suffer at the hands of Public Security Bureau officials.

Pastor Zhang was traveling when his family was attacked and efforts to contact him had been unsuccessful. On Oct. 22, however, he called his eldest son to say he was being detained by public security officers but was not allowed to tell anyone where or in what conditions he was being held, according to a report from the human rights group China Aid Association (chinaaid.org). Zhang’s wife and sister also reportedly have been detained in a Beijing hotel.

In order to receive medical reimbursement for his injuries, PSB officials coerced Pastor Bike’s eldest son, Zhang Jian, to sign a statement that he received only minor injuries in the beating, China Aid reported. Hospital records, however, indicated he received severe injuries that required complicated surgery.

On Oct. 10, police sealed the door of the house church where Zhang Mingxuan preaches and blocked it with two truckloads of garbage, even though the government just weeks earlier had given the church permission to meet, China Aid reported. Pastor Bike has been arrested 26 times, beaten and evicted from his home numerous times because of his faith.

China Aid, on the web at http://www.chinaaid.org, said it is assisting Zhang Jian and his family with medical expenses, legal help and other needs and urged concerned citizens to contact the Chinese Embassy by writing to 2201 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007 or by calling 202-338-6688.

Compiled by Baptist Press assistant editor Mark Kelly.

If you are a collector of “stuff” (old stuff, new stuff, cheap stuff, inexpensive stuff), this devotional will make you think. (David and I are guilty of collecting the old, inexpensive “stuff”!)

TREASURE OR TRASH?

Years ago, there was a woman who went browsing through an antique store. While she was there, she found a piano that she fell in love with. It was a magnificent old mahogany upright with beautiful carvings across the front. Inside the top was a beautiful hand detailed painting along the back along with the serial number and name of the original maker. It had been made in 1901. It had a warm full tone and so she thought all it needed was to be tuned.

So she bought the piano, brought it home and called a piano restoration specialist to come out to tune it. But it didn’t take him long to determine that the pinblock had been “doped.” He explained to the woman that old pianos “die” when the pinblock dries out because the pinblock can’t keep the pins tight when they’re tuned. When this happens, if someone wants to sell a piano in this condition, they will sometimes dope it, which means they lay the piano on its back and pour a mixture of anti-freeze and water around the pins to swell the pinblock. Sometimes, it will add some life to an aging piano; in this case, it ruined it.

The woman was so disappointed and so angry that she put the piano outside her home and made a sign for it that said “Free: 500 pounds of firewood”. What she thought was a treasure had turned to trash.

Have you ever had something like that happen to you? You find something that you love, something you think is going your life so much better, but shortly after you get it, it’s destined for the trash pile. How many of you have corners in your garages and basements and attics where you keep all those so-called treasures? Yard sale lawn mowers that can’t cut a lick of grass, one of those slicer-dicers you thought your kitchen just couldn’t do without, maybe even your collection of 8-track tapes – now there’s a treasure!

We pursue many things in life hoping to gain a wonderful treasure. We spend our lives in the pursuit of “things.” But there are moments when we’re forced to stop and ask ourselves, “Is what I have really such a treasure, or is it nothing but trash?” The apostle Paul was a man who once faced this difficult question. Here’s the conclusion he came to:

“But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:7-8)

Paul says, “At one time, I had it all. But the things that I used to think were important, I have weighed them, I have evaluated them, and I have come to the conclusion that they are absolute garbage compared to what I have in Jesus Christ.”

What were those “things”? In the first few verses of Philippians 3, Paul sets forth his credentials as a Jewish leader. Paul says, “If you were to look at me, you would assume, ‘Here is a man who has it all. He has prestige, he has honor, he has power. He has everything that a man could possibly want.'”

But, again, “What things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.” Everything he had as a Jew that he considered to be important, he re-evaluated and came to the conclusion that it really wasn’t all that important. “Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” (3:8).

Now I understand that generally the things that are important to us are not the same things that were important to Paul, but they are “things” nonetheless. Maybe we enjoy living in our dream house. Maybe new clothes or jewelry excites us, maybe a new computer, maybe a new car. Maybe making it big in sports is our pride, maybe being popular and well-liked. Maybe those awards we’ve hung on our walls. But when you take all these things and you compare them to our blessings in Jesus Christ, they’re a pile of garbage, and we need to understand that.

Take a look around you. What do you see — treasure or trash?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Trusting you have “the real treasure” in your live,

Anna Lee

Friday

“Bear one another’s burdens,

and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

~Galatians 6:2~

Please keep Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Harrell in your prayers. They both continue to have health issues.

Please continue to pray for the many people who have health issues.

It a fall Friday night, so pray for everyone involved in high school football events in our area. Many people participate in one way or another. Many miles are traveled to and from games. Pray for safety of all tonight. Pray Christians will be a strong witness at football games and other athletic events. You never know when or who you might influence someone.

Plan to participate in On Mission in Kentwood tomorrow morning. You can make a difference right here in Kentwood! Meet at FBC at 8 A.M. If you cannot attend, please pray for those who will be working.

Kidnappers Demand Ransom
for California Pastor
By Mickey Noah

TIJUANA, Mexico (BP)–Kidnappers are demanding $1 million for the safe return of Manuel Jesus Tec, a Southern Baptist pastor in San Diego who was kidnapped in Tijuana, Mexico, around 5 a.m. Oct. 21.

Tec, who lives in Tijuana, was driving across the border with his wife and one of his sons when gunmen stopped his car and forcibly abducted him. His wife and son were unhurt.

The pastor’s older son, Johnny Tec, who also is a pastor, said his father’s kidnappers have called the family three times, demanding a $1 million ransom, according to Richard F. Vera, multi-ethnic evangelism specialist for the California Southern Baptist Convention and a colleague of Manuel Tec.

“Johnny stated the last time the kidnappers called, they were very menacing and threatened to take Manuel’s life unless the family responded right away,” Vera said. “The family is projecting a strength and a trust in Christ that is admirable. They believe they will see Pastor Manuel Tec again.”

Tec is pastor of a new church plant in San Diego, Iglesia Familiar Amor y Vida, according to Hugo Campos, Hispanic ministries director for the San Diego Baptist Association and the Vision San Diego outreach in conjunction with the Strategic Focus Cities initiative of the North American Mission Board, the California convention, the San Diego association and local SBC churches.

Campos, who spoke to the Tec family on Wednesday, said the family now believes the kidnapping is a case of mistaken identity and that the pastor — thought to be around 60 — will be released once the kidnappers realize that.

“There’s a lot of praying going on all over the place,” Campos said.

(Mickey Noah is a writer for the North American Mission Board.)

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

HANDING OUT TRACTS

A 9-year-old missionary kid (MK) set up a “store” outside the elevators of her apartment building. She wanted to catch neighbors when they came home from work. She wanted them to buy some of her beads and craft projects. She didn’t want to miss any opportunity. So she put gospel tracts on the table too. She confessed later to her parents that she had some help with the tracts.

Some of her Hindu friends grabbed the tracts and handed them out. A couple of the boys even went outside on their bicycles. They gave away the tracts in the apartment parking lot. God wants everyone to know Him. He will use a little girl to tell others about His love at her store. Or He will get non-Christians to give away the story of Jesus in a little book.

How do you tell others about Jesus? Please thank God for this young girl’s faith and desire to share the gospel with the lost. Pray that she will get to lead her young friends to receive Jesus as Savior. Ask God to honor her efforts with a harvest in their apartment complex.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please pray for the people in Mozambique to be healthy and help the people to be strong. Pray that they will have Lots of water. Make them like the food that they eat in their Life. The kids have a good time at school. Help my pets be healthy. The End. ABIGAIL, age 6, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray for my neighbors to be become Christians and my piano teacher to become a Christian. EMILY, age 11 (Central Asia)

Dear God, thank you for our friends and our family. Please help us to make more Christians in our country. Thank you for the food and thank you for our teachers. I hope we can get along with friends. Amen. GM, age 8 (East Asia)

We live in a huge city, full of crime. Please pray for our safety as we travel different places around the city for work and school. Pray for my dad’s ministry in the township of Soweto. Many people are in cults and many worship their ancestors. There are 4 million people in Soweto and many areas do not have any evangelical churches! Pray that God will open their hearts to the gospel so that they can know Jesus as Savior, Lord and Friend! JOSHUWA, age 5, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Some of my national friends’ parents push them too much on good grades. Some ids in my class at my school are on probation (like when your mom and dad put you on restriction or tell you can’t go to a friend’s house). As my brother gets older, I hope he picks good friends and not bad stuff. Please pray for my friends and my brother. BELLE, age 9 (South Asia)

A week ago I was discussing with my friends if Jesus was the father’s son or not. I talked to them for a while and gave them a French copy of the Word to look at, then my dad came in and told them to ask their parents if it was OK if they watched the film. So the next day our friends watched the Jesus film. I would like you to pray for my friends. Well I will talk to you later. Your friend, NOAH, age 12 (West Africa)

6th grade at Faith Academy is a big change. Pray that I will be comforted in problems and that I will make the right choices. JOY, age 11 (Pacific Rim)

Please pray that the boys and girls get more toys. Pray they get more food because they are very poor. Please pray for the people to have better houses. CALEB, age 6 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

I need to improve my memory. I would like you to pray for I need a confidence boost. Pray for my family too. THOMAS, age 12 (South Asia)

THE MIND OF CHRIST

I heard once about a man who went to the doctor after weeks of symptoms. The doctor examined him carefully, then called the patient’s wife privately into his office. He said to her, “Your husband is suffering from a rare form of anemia. Without treatment, he’ll be dead in a few weeks. The good news is, it can be treated with proper nutrition.”

“You will need to get up early every morning and fix your husband a hot breakfast-pancakes, bacon and eggs, the works. He’ll need a home-cooked lunch every day, and then an old-fashioned meat-and-potato dinner every evening. It would be especially helpful if you could bake frequently. Cakes, pies, homemade bread-these are the things that will allow your husband to live.

“One more thing. His immune system is weak, so it’s important that your home be kept spotless at all times. I can’t impress upon you just how important this is. If you don’t do these things, your husband is going to die. Do you have any questions?” The wife said, “No.”

The doctor said, “Do you want to break the news to him, or shall I?” The wife said, “I’ll do it.”

She walked back into the examination room. Her husband, sensing the seriousness of his illness, said to her, “It’s bad, isn’t it?” She nodded, tears welled up in her eyes. He asked her, “What’s going to happen to me?”

And, with a sob, his wife blurted out, “The doctor says you’re gonna die!”

While I would like to think that those of us who are husbands and wives would be willing to serve our mates in a situation like that, the truth of the matter is that we don’t really get too excited about the opportunity to serve someone else.

Paul says in Philippians 2:5 to, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”. And the “mind” or “attitude that Paul tells the Philippian Christians to take on is the attitude of selflessness, humility, service. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambi¬tion or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4). The attitude a Christian should have is one that focuses on the needs and interests of others.

That’s not something that comes naturally. When Christ came into this world, he brought into being a whole new approach to relationships with people. Listen to what he said to his disciples one day when they were arguing among themselves regarding who was to be greatest in his kingdom:

“You now that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28).

Jesus says that in the Gentile world, in the world around us, there’s very little humility. People operate basically out of selfish motives. They have little or no interest in helping others to reach their goals — except when it might benefit themselves. The name of the game is to get power and authority and then to exercise that power and authority.

But that’s not how Christians are supposed to act. And Christ did more than just teach us that truth. He lived it out as well. He demands nothing of us that he wasn’t willing to demonstrate himself.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Likewise the Spirit

also helps in our weaknesses.

For we do not know

what we should pray for as we ought,

but the Spirit Himself makes intercession

for us with groanings

which cannot be uttered.”

~Romans 8:26~

Pray for Holly Kliesch as she travels to Richmond tomorrow for eight weeks of training before going to West Africa to be a teacher for MK’s.

Answered Prayers!!!

Mr. Phillip Harrell and Debbie Miller were both hospitalized last Sunday, but are home and planning to attend church services today.

Susan Marie Roussell McLin
(February 12, 1965 – October 18, 2008)

Susan Marie Roussell McLin was born on February 12, 1965 and passed away at 8:10PM, Saturday, October 18, 2008 at her residence. She was 43, a native of Chalmette and a resident of Tickfaw. She is the dauaghter of Gloria Hardy Roussell of Tickfaw and the late Sidney Joseph Roussell, Sr.

Susan is survived by her husband of 20 years, Charles E. McLin, Jr., Tickfaw; a son, Charles E. “Chas” McLin, III, Tickfaw; her mother, Gloria Hardy Roussell, Tickfaw; 2 borthers, Sidney Joseph Roussell, Jr. Pensacola, FL & Richard Eugene Roussell, Slidell; father-in-law & mother-in-law, Charles E, & Donna M. McLin, Sr., Ponchatoula.

Also preceded in death by a sister, Bettie Ann Roussell Keys Boisdore.

Visitation wil be held on Tuesday, October 21, 20008 at the Arcola Bapatist Church, Arcola, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 3:00PM at the Church with Rev. Bob Simpson officiating. Interment in the Arcola Baptist Church Cemetery.

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

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

James L. Akins
(February 16, 1940 – October 17, 2008)

James L. Akins, a master craftsman, was born on February 16, 1940 and passed away at 12:30AM, Friday, October 17, 2008 at Cannon Hospice, Elmwood Campus in New Orleans. Mr. James was 68, a native of Winnsboro, SC and a resident of Greensburg for 14 years. He was the son of the late Jimmie & Lillie Woods Akins.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Helen N. Akins, Greensburg; a loving daughter, Shelia Prescott, McComb, MS; a loving son, Wayne Akins, Greensburg; a daughter, Capri Lewis, Ridgeway, SC; 4 sisters, Colleen Carter, Jesup, GA, Cassie Lee Rumore, Tampa, FL, Mary Akins, Winnsboro, SC & Laura Mae LeGrand, Winnsboro, SC; a brother, Marshall Akins, Hopewell, VA; 7 Grandchildren, Mark Prescott, Jr., Kristen Akins, Johnathan Fergerson, Crystal Veld, Crystal Akins, Frannie Akins, & Cameron Akins; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Leonise Leonard, Marrero, LA; an aunt, Mrs. Doreas Floyd, Winnsboro, SC; numerous nieces, nephews & friends; and his beloved dog, Rex Ochoa Akins.

He was also preceded in death by 2 sons, Randy James Akins & Frankie Ladd Akins; and a grandson, Frankie “Dude” Akins.

Pallbearers will be Theodore Pace, Red Skelton, Bubbie St. Alexander, Harris Naquin, Sr., Harris Naquin, Jr. & Jim Tingle. Honorary Pallbearers are Wayne Akins, Mark Prescott, Jr., Johnathan Fergerson, Leslie “Henry” Day & Alvin Naquin, Sr.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Tuesday October 21, 2008 from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 2:00PM in the Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Paul Taylor officiating. Interment in the Greensburg Cemetery.

The family would like to thank everyone who touched James’ life. Also our gratitude to the Denham family for their heartfelt generosity, Thank You.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the James L. Akins Memorial Fund %McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, 60100 Westway Drive, Amite, La. 70422.

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.

Emerson C. Newman
(February 2, 1930 – October 17, 2008)

U.S. Veteran Mr. Emerson C. Newman was born February 2, 1930 and passed away at 4:05PM, Friday, October 17, 2008 at the G. V (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, MS. He was 78, a native of St. Francisville and a resident of Greensburg. Mr. Emerson was the son of the late Jesse Bernard, Sr. & Mary Calvit Newman. He also was a U. S. Air Force Veteran of the Korean Conflict.

He is survived by 3 daughters; Suzanne Newman Travis and husband, Bobby, Kentwood, Donna Jean Newman Black, Hammond, & Mala Fran Newman Schott and husband, John, Tickfaw; a son, Eric Newman, Baton Rouge; 10 Grandchildren, Ross, Craig, Carson, & Michelle Travis, Tyler & Chelsea Black, Rachel & Ashley Newman, Elizabeth & Joseph Schott.

Also preceded in death by his wife, Jean Fortenberry Newman; 2 brothers, Jesse B. Newman, Jr. & a infant Newman Boy; a sister, Bernadine Bradford.

Visitation at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, Sunday, October 19, 2008 from 6:00PM until 9:00PM and on Monday, October 20,2008 from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 2:00PM at the Wesley’s Chapel Methodist Church, Darlington, with Rev. LaMarylis Cotten officiating. Interment in the Wesley’s Chapel Church Cemetery.

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

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

FBC, Kentwood Information

WMU meets at 4 P.M. today.

On Mission in Kentwood

Saturday, October 25
8:00 A.M.
Ministry projects in Kentwood

Deacon Hospital Visitation

Tom Tolar
Raymond Cutrer

Nursery Workers Today

Gretchen Simpson
Jill Brister
Sharon Martin

Nursing Home Visitation – Tuesday @ 10 A.M.

Sr. Adult Eat-Out @ Charlies in Springfield

Bus leaves church @ 10:30 A.M.
Sign-up sheet

Revival DVD’s

All 5 services
$2.00
Call the church office to place your order.

Georgia Barnette State Offering

Received so far – $4279.00

Operation Christmas Child

Project of Samaritan’s Purse
Christmas Gifts for needy children worldwide
Deadline – November 16

Bible Character & Trunk or Treat

October 26
Call church office to include your vehicle.

Happy Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

SEARCHING FOR GOD

No doubt, you have received a sweepstakes notice at some time from American Family Publishers. You know how it works. You look over their magazine bargains — and the chance to buy a few for your office or waiting room. In return, they give you the opportunity to win large amounts of money.

In 1997, their mailing list included the Bushnell Assembly of God in Bushnell, Florida. The computer somehow twisted the name of the church and a sweepstakes notice addressed to “God of Bushnell” was sent to the church address.

The letter read, “Dear God, We’re searching for you. You’ve been positively identified as our $11,000,000 mystery millionaire!”

The letter went on to say, “What an incredible fortune there would be for God! Imagine the looks you’d get from neighbors. But don’t just sit there, God, come forward now and claim your prize!”

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they truly were searching for God? If they sensed what Pascal called a “God-shaped void” in their lives and realized their need to come to know God and to understand what God could do for them? If they understood that the “prize” God offers is so much greater than the prize they were offering?

The good news is that God is not hiding and that those who truly are searching for him can find him.

“From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.'” (Acts 17:26-28a, NIV)

It is humorous that someone would be searching for God in order to give him 11 million dollars. He owns the “cattle on a thousand hills” (Psa. 50:10) and needs nothing. But he has blessings beyond measure for those who would seek him out. May you be counted among those who “reach out for him and find him.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thursday

“But certainly God has heard me;

He has attended to the voice of my prayer.” ~Psalm 66:19~

Debbie Miller is home, but doesn’t have a diagnosis yet. Pray for her as she awaits an appointment that may help determine her health problem. She is very thankful for your prayers and concern for her.

Mr. Phillip and Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell are both improving. They hope to be back in church Sunday. Please keep them in your prayers.

Frann S. Clark:

Having cataract surgery this morning (Thursday)

in Lake Charles. Didn’t knw until late yesterday afternoon that it would be at 6 am. Had an IVIG yesterday from 7:30 am until about 4:30 pm. Too tired to e-mail when I got home.

Pray for peace for me and skillful hands of those doing the procedure.

I wi;; have to go to LC tomorrow and next Thursday for followups.

Right eye wil be Oct. 30

Update on Charlie Banks:

Below is the latest update on Wes Bank’s father. Thank you for praying for him and the whole family as he recovers. Also attached is a picture of Wes’ parents. Please also continue to pray for Adrian, the young man that cause the accident that he will come to know the Lord as his Savior.

Melinda

Hey ya’ll,This is another update on Dad! He is doing great! Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Wes, Tamara and the boys were out of town last week with meetings in Prague, Czech Republic. Mom and Dad were in good hands, while we were away. They had meals provided by other M’s in the area and they were visited by some Romanian friends.

Now dad is able to wear pants and both shoes. He is also able to put just a little pressure on the toes of the injured leg. They have removed all bandages from the incisions. He still has the Velcro brace and he is still using the walker.

The doctor called today and set up an appointment for an x-ray next Tuesday (October 21). Once the doctor sees the x-rays, he will evaluate Dad and let us know when he can fly home. We are hopeful that it will be by the end of next week, but we have to wait and see.

We thank you again for remembering us during this time.

Pryr needs:

*Dad’s continued healing and recovery
*Doctor’s evaluation
*Details for flight arrangements
*Justice in legal matters
*Salvation for Adrian

Psalm 20
The Banks

Send a Message to Billy
Graham for His 90th Birthday
By Staff

Baptist Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Do you have a story about how Billy Graham’s ministry has impacted your life? If so, his friends and family members would like to hear it — and then deliver your story to the evangelist, who turns 90 on Nov. 7.

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has set up a website — BillyGraham90.com — where people can send Graham stories, birthday greetings or simply a note of thanks to the man who likely has preached the Gospel to more people than anyone in history. (Messages to Graham also can be mailed to: Billy Graham’s 90th Birthday, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201.) The deadline for submissions is Nov. 1. The website also has materials to help churches promote the opportunity.

“My father is a humble man who would never expect to be honored and recognized like this on his birthday,” Franklin Graham, the evangelist’s eldest son, said in a news release. “We urge all who made a commitment to Jesus Christ through my father’s ministry to share your story or simple greeting, as nothing could uplift him more on this special day.”

The news release added that “all who have been personally touched by an aspect of Billy Graham’s ministry are welcome and encouraged … to share a greeting or a personal story about his ministry they feel would encourage Mr. Graham at this milestone.”

All of the birthday messages to Graham will be compiled in books and presented to him during a tribute dinner with friends and family members.

The website already has posted some of the messages.

“Back around 1957 you were in Richmond, Va., in a Crusade, I felt the Holy Spirit and went forward and rededicated my life,” one message reads. “I have never been the same. I started reading my Bible and over all these years have fallen more and more in love with the Lord. God Bless You.”

In 60-plus years of ministry, Graham has preached the Gospel in person to nearly 215 million people, according to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Compiled by Michael Foust, assistant editor of Baptist Press.

SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD

I heard about a group of Geography students who studied the Seven Wonders of the World. At the end of that section, they students were asked to list what they each considered to be the Seven Wonders of the World. Though there was some disagreement, the following got the most votes: Egypt’s Great Pyramid, the Taj Mahal, the Grand Canyon, the Panama Canal, the Empire State Building, St. Peter’s Basilica and China’s Great Wall.

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student, a quiet girl, hadn’t turned in her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The quiet girl replied, “Yes, a little. I couldn’t quite make up my mind because there were so many.”

The teacher said, “Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help.” The girl hesitated, then read, “I think the Seven Wonders of the World are to touch and to taste, to see and to hear . . . ” She hesitated a little, “and then to run and to laugh and to love.”

It is far too easy for us to look at the exploits of man and refer to them as “wonders” while we overlook all that God has done, regarding them as merely “ordinary.” May you be reminded today of those things which are truly wondrous.

“I will remember the works of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds…..Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders.” (Psalm 77:11-14a)

Praise be to “the God who does wonders”!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thanks for praying today. You mean so much to so many!

Have a great Thursday!

Don’t forget the share group at 6:30 tonight.

Anna Lee

Monday

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

always in every prayer of mine

making request for you all with joy,

for your fellowship in the gospel

rom the first day until now.”

~Philippians 1:3-5~

Please pray for our children, Deloy and Debbie. They are on a mission field overseas at this time. There are in a group of seven…pray for all of them.
This is a special trip requested by the Foreign Mission Board. They will return Oct. 21. Thank you and God bless each of you.
Ann Chapman

Leola M. Martinez Guthrie Prescia
(Died October 12, 2008)

Passed away October 12, 2008 at 12:20 A.M. in Hammond, La. at Belle Maison Nursing Home. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. Arrangements have been entrusted to McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home in Amite.

Mrs. Ann Chapman shared this:

Excuse me, Are you Jesus?’

A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago . They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night’s dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly-missed boarding.

ALL BUT ONE!!! He paused, took a deep breath , got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been
overturned.

He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.

He was glad he did.

The 16-year-old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her; no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.

The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.

When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, ‘Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?’ She nodded through her tears.. He continued on with, ‘I hope we didn’t spoil your day too badly.’

As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, ‘Mister…..’ He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, ‘Are you Jesus?’

He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: ‘Are you Jesus?’ Do people mistake you for Jesus? That’s our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.

If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It’s actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.

You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked up you and me on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.

The share group will meet at the cabin Thursday night at 6:30. Please consider joining us for food, fellowship, and a devotional.

Don’t let the devil make this a miserable Monday!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“O You who hear prayer,

to You all flesh will come.”

~Psalm 65:2~

ONESTORY: WEST AFRICA. Judy Miller, the West Africa OneStory Team leader, reports: “Recently one of my tasks has been to prepare for our newest team arriving soon, which is assigned to the Konyanke people of Guinea. Brittany and Amanda will be arriving in October, and it’s been fun researching and exploring their assignment area. They will be located in one of the remaining forest areas in West Africa. It’s our most remote assignment to date, with some of the roughest roads I have traveled. While only 400 miles away, it’s a 14-hour drive over the course of two days. My four-wheel driving skills have increased drastically. One week the road was so bad–with so many tractor trailers in the ditch and blocking the road–that we had to turn around with only half of our objectives completed. Pray for Brittany and Amanda as they prepare to commit two to three years of their lives to the salvation of the Konyanke people of Guinea.”

LUGBARA OF N.W. UGANDA, N.E. CONGO AND SOUTHERN SUDAN (loog-BAR-ah). J is an older man who was saved in 2006. Recently he shared his concerns about his wife’s health. She has a headache and chest pain, and she is feverish. He said this is because she was poisoned in 1979. This may have been though some witchcraft or through an actual chemical poisoning. Every 1-3 years, these same symptoms return. J says that he cannot seek medical attention for her since the poison will react to treatment and she will die. The fear and confusion is obvious on his face. For J, the obvious answer is to use traditional healing methods, which are bathing in motor oil, cutting the skin with a razor blade, and rubbing the body with certain herbs. Cursing, poisoning, and spiritual powers are daily concerns for the Lugbara. Please pray for the spiritual breakthrough needed to apply the truth of God’s Word to these situations. Give thanks to the Lord that J is open to sharing these struggles and seeing how the Word of God applies. Pray for discussions on these issues to continue.

NAIROBI, KENYA (ny-ROH-bee). In the Kariadudu slum of Nairobi, six male tailors eke out a living working together in a room approximately 10 feet by 10 feet. These men do not know Christ as their personal Savior, but they are interested and want to hear the Word of God. They want to know about Jesus so they can be saved. Pray that their hearts will be open to the Good News they will hear each week, and pray that they will readily accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Please pray for the “West Africa Medical Manual” to be finished soon. This is needed for our missionary personnel in West Africa who live in villages and other remote areas where there is no medical care available. Pray that they can have a helpful manual with correct medical treatments, dosages and recommendations.

MUSLIMS: PRAYING BEYOND THE WALL. Azerbaijan is a former Soviet republic located in the Caucasus Mountain region on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. After more than 40 years of communist rule, the more than 6 million Azeri Muslims hunger to know truth. Pray for the Holy Spirit to soften Azeri hearts to His Word and His servants. Pray that they will recognize and believe the truth when they hear it. http://btw.imb.org/

Nathan D. Hyde
(January 4, 1945 – October 6, 2008)

Nathan D. Hyde was born on January 4, 1945 and passed away at 10:13PM, Monday, October 6, 2008 at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX. He was 63, a native of Chesbrough, LA. and a resident of Duson, LA. Nathan was the son of the late Isaac & Lillian Spears Hyde.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy R. Hyde, Duson, LA; 2 daughters, Wanda Smith & husband, Aubrey “Scooter”, Chesbrough, LA. and Stacey Hollier & husband Shayne, Scott, LA.; 2 sons, Nathan Daniel Hyde, II, Lafayette, LA. & Dewayne Hyde, Amite, LA.; a sister, Lillian Brumfield, Chesbrough, LA.; a brother, Ernie Hyde, Amite, LA.; 5 grandchildren, Michael D. Smith, Meghan D. Smith, Dylon J. Hollier, Hanna R. Hollier, & Savanna G. Hollier.

Preceded in death also by a son, John “Clay” Hyde; 4 brothers; Joe, Fernie, Marvin & Jerry Hyde.

Nathan was a graduate of Southeastern LA University, a Vietnam War Veteran Hero and was portrayed as the character “Nate” in the book Hamburger Hill.

He also was an avid hunter, golfer, pool shooter & loved traveling, but most of all enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday, October 10, 2008 from 9:00AM until Religious Services at the Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00PM with the Rev. Kirk Comeaux, officiating. Interment in the Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough with military honors.

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

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

SIN WILL TAKE YOU FURTHER

The following “urban legend” has been around since 1999:

A Vermont native, Ronald Demuth, found himself in a difficult position. While touring the Eagle’s Rock African Safari (Zoo) with a group from Russia, Mr. Demuth went overboard to show them one of America’s many marvels. He demonstrated the effectiveness of “Crazy Glue”… the hard way.

Apparently, Mr. Demuth wanted to demonstrate just how good the adhesive was, so he put about 3 ounces of the adhesive in the palms of his hands, and jokingly placed them on the buttocks of a passing rhino. The rhino, a resident of the zoo for thirteen years, was not initially startled. However, once it became aware of being stuck to Mr. Demuth, it began to panic and ran around the petting area wildly making Mr. Demuth an unintended passenger.

“Sally [the rhino] hasn’t been feeling well lately. She had been very constipated. We had just given her a laxative and some depressants to relax her bowels, when Mr. Demuth played his juvenile prank,” said James Douglass, caretaker. During Sally’s tirade two fences were destroyed, a shed wall was gored, and a number of small animals escaped. Also, during the stampede, three pygmy goats and one duck were stomped to death.

As for Demuth, it took a team of medics and zoo caretakers’ to remove his hands from her buttocks. First, the animal had to be captured and calmed down. However, during this process the laxatives began to take hold and Mr. Demuth was repeatedly showered with over 30 gallons of rhino diarrhea. “It was tricky. We had to calm her down, while at the same time shield our faces from being pelted with rhino dung. I guess you could say that Mr. Demuth was into it up to his neck.

Once she was under control, we had three people with shovels working to keep an air passage open for Mr. Demuth. We were able to tranquilize her and apply a solvent to remove his hands from her rear,” said Douglass. “I don’t think he’ll be playing with Crazy Glue for a while.”

The first time I heard this story (and thought it was true), I remember thinking, “What in the world was Mr. Demuth thinking????” Lest I be too harsh and critical, though, I have to remember all the times in my life when I have “attached” myself to something sinful. The results were just as disastrous, and I have often found myself wondering, “What was I thinking?” The truth is, I really wasn’t thinking at all.

That’s the very nature of sin. We “attach” ourselves, thinking we can always quit whenever we want to. We don’t even consider what the consequences will be. I appreciate this quote by an unknown author: “Sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay.”

I almost didn’t use the story above because of it being so disgusting. But then I realized that it is nothing compared to the disgusting things that sin leads us to do in our own lives. Perhaps we need to be reminded every now and then of just how disgusting the results of sin can be.

“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15)

To what (or whom) have you attached yourself?

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a terrific Thursday!

Anna Lee

Saturday

Be careful how you think;

your life is shaped by your thoughts.

Proverbs 4:23 (GNT)

My sister is working on an update on Callie Jo Burnette. Keep praying for her and her family.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell continues to have a very difficult time with her inner ear problem. She spent some time in the emergency room at North Oaks Thursday. Please continue to pray for her and Mr. Phillip.

Pray for Jason Alford as he has his first day in a couple of months without crutches. Continue to pray for him as he continues physical therapy.

Pray for Debra Bush and her family as the memorial service for her husband is held this morning at 10:00 at First Baptist Church, Kentwood.

Kathleen Lowe
(November 5, 1948 – October 2, 2008)

Kathleen Lowe was born November 5, 1948 and passed away at 1:16PM, on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at the Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite. Kathleen was 59, a native of Amarillo, TX and a resident of Amite. She is survived by her aunt, Kaye Matthews, Amite.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

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

Revival services will begin in the morning at FBC, Kentwood. Sunday’s worship services begin at 10;30 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Come and bring a friend or family member.

ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS

The following insightful piece appears in “Chicken Soup For the Kids’ Soul”:

My dad says I am ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS. I wonder if I really am.

To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Sarah says you need to have beautiful long, curly hair like she has. I don’t.

To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Justin says you must have perfectly straight white teeth like he has. I don’t.

To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Jessica says you can’t have any of those little brown dots on your face called freckles. I do.

To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Mark says you have to be the smartest kid in the seventh-grade class. I’m not.

To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Stephen says you have to be able to tell the funniest jokes in the school. I don’t.

To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Lauren says you need to live in the nicest neighborhood in town and in the prettiest house. I don’t.

To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Matthew says you can only wear the coolest clothes and the most popular shoes. I don’t.

To be ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS…
Samantha says you need to come from a perfect family. I don’t.

But every night at bedtime my dad gives me a big hug and says, “You are ENORMOUSLY GORGEOUS, and I love you.”

My dad must know something my friends don’t.

–Carla O’Brien

We all need to be reminded from time to time of that which makes us beautiful. We look for beauty in the clothes we wear or the make-up or the tan. True beauty is found much deeper.

“Do not let your adornment be merely outward — arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel — rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” (I Peter 3:3-4)

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Blessings,

Anna Lee

Friday

“For the Son of Man

is come to seek and to save

that which was lost.”

~Luke 19:10, KJV~

Please pray for Cliff and Lauree Titus. Cliff has had one of those difficult weeks as he fights pain.

Update on Charlie Banks

Friends, family and countrymen… Lend me your ear!

We realize a few days have passed since our last update. We haven’t forgotten you all — our faithful prayer partners, friends and family. We praise God that you are still remembering us and we are thankful for the encouragement, comfort and laughter that each of you bring to us.

Yesterday, Dad had his stitches removed. His incisions look good and so far no infection. Praise the Lord for no infection. The physical therapist comes 2-3 times a week. He really works Dad. With the exercise and extra time in a bed, Dad’s arthritis is bothering him in his right hip. Please pray that he would be able to bear this pain. Pray that his pain would be eased at this time. Pray that he would remain patient. He keeps saying, “Shouldn’t I be doing more?” We remind him that he must take “baby steps” to recover. Your emails and calls always help lift his spirit. He can be reached at 770-478-8907. We are seven hours ahead and usually stay up until 10:30-11.
This morning we awoke to find Mimi sick. She had diarrhea all night and now she is vomiting. Pray for quick healing for her and that no one else will get sick in our home. She is an amazingly strong women, both emotionally and spiritually. However, I know that she is remaining strong for Dad and needs much prayer for her well-being as well. Pray for Mimi’s continued strength physical, emotional and spiritual as she returns home.

One good thing we have seen through this ordeal… Well, many good things, but we will share one right now. The young man who hit us, Adrian, is not a believer of Jesus Christ. Wes has continued to serve and show God’s kindness to him in every meeting. When they met with the lawyer this week, we learned that he was driving with a suspended license and no insurance. This young man has a lot against him. He could face prison depending on how the law rules. This is not our desire. God spared Dad’s life, as well as all of our family. We pray that God will spare this young man and that he would learn responsibility through this ordeal. We can all say that God has given us many chances. Wes had dinner with Adrian on Monday evening he and shared his life testimony with Adrian. We pray that each meeting with Adrian will bring him closer to a relationship with Jesus. Even if he has no hope for the coming things in his future — Christ is waiting to give him Hope and a new future. Pray for Adrian.

You’ve asked… Our spirits are well. It is an up and down journey. Yes, we trust God in all things. Some days are harder than others. Each of us seems to experience the lows, questions and doubts at different times. Keep praying that God will lead us to His Word that is full of promises. I remember when I had my accident — God surrounded me with His Word daily. If a scripture stands out to you about this time, please pass it on to us.

We praise God for you.

Vessels 4 Christ, Tamara for the Banks family
Team Romany /IMB
Www.teamromany.com

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

CONFUSED ABOUT WORSHIP

There is a huge problem in South Africa among the Zulu males. They are really confused about worshiping God. There are lots of ways to worship God-we sing hymns and choruses, we pray, we serve God because we love Him. These are just some of the ways we worship God. But in South Africa the problem is much bigger than what song to sing.

Many Zulu males think it is okay to worship their ancestors and consult witchdoctors for every sort of problem. So they call themselves ‘Christians’ while worshiping other gods. The Old Testament teaches us in the Ten Commandments, “Do not have other gods besides Me.” (Exodus 20:3, HCSB)

As Christians, it is not okay to worship anyone or anything except God. These Zulu men are causing problems in some churches in South Africa. Please pray for the churches that they will study the Bible and know what God says. Pray for the people that they will worship only God. Ask God to help these confused Zulu men understand that they should only worship Him. Pray that they will repent and stop worshiping their ancestors and trusting the witchdoctors.

Also pray for schooling, that parents will have wisdom to choose the right school for their children and that their children will shine for Jesus in these schools. SARAH, age 18, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please pray for me. This is my last year at highschool…pray that I will have patience and will persevere. Pray about my decision on which college I should go to. Please pray for my family, too, that they will not give up on reaching the unreached. The work can be stressful. HOPE, age 17, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

About 8 million people live in Johannesburg, South Africa. They live in big modern homes, block homes or squatter areas. People from many parts of South Africa and many other countries live here. They speak more than a dozen languages. Pray for safety- there is lots of crime. Pray for leaders to be developed in the small church. BEN, age 11, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Please pray that I’d be a strong witness to the girls on my soccer team. Ask God to help me get through the rest of homeschool without feeling too lonely.

CALLIE, age 17, (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray that my cat will be OK. Pray for my “chowkidar,” his wife and their new baby. You say that like CHOKE-ee-dahr. A “chowkidar” is someone who watches over things at your house. And pray that everybody in all the hospitals in the world will be OK. JACK, age 10 (South Asia)

Pray for my school, Mountainview. MARIAH, age 8 (Pacific Rim)

Pray for me that I will make new friends in my country when I move. CALEB, age 11 (Pacific Rim)

I am praying for my friend that lives in Thailand. He is not a Christian. Thailand is very hot, hot and hot-and a lot of fun.

Please pray that God will help the people in Maltu to know about Jesus. DAVID, age 7 (Pacific Rim)

Shared by Mr. K.K. Kennedy:

Top 10 Predictions No Matter Who Wins the Election 1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

ISN’T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CONTROL?!!

Ruth Evangeline Owen
A resident of Amite, she died at 4:05 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008, at her home. She was 97 and a native of Athens, Ill. She is survived by two daughters, Freda E. Owen, and Carleen O. Vining and husband David, all of Amite; son, Eugene K. Owen and wife Judy, Cleveland, Miss.; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene W. Owen. Private services will be held at a later date. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

October 2, 2008

TEXAS–Galveston residents cope with Ike’s clout. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29048

TEXAS–Houston’s Baptist centers meet post-Ike needs. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29049

TENNESSEE–SBC finishes ahead of budget, CP down slightly. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29050

KANSAS–Church sees CP’s spiritual dimension. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29051

INDIANA–Ind. Baptists celebrate half-century mark. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29052

ALABAMA–Baptist family appears on BBC reality show. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29053

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Rebecca Ingram Powell): ‘It’s a pleasure waiting on you.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29054

Cottage Prayer Meetings Tonight:

Judy Fowler
David and Anna Lee Alford

READ THE SIGNS CAREFULLY

Three Irishmen, Paddy, Sean and Shamus, having left the pub a wee late one night, found themselves on the road which led past the old graveyard.

“Come have a look over here,” says Paddy, “it’s Michael O’Grady’s grave, God bless his soul. He lived to the ripe old age of 87. Good blood, those O’Grady’s!”

“That’s nothing,” says Sean. “Here’s one named Patrick O’Toole, it says here that he was 95 when he died. Aye, those O’Tooles are a hardy bunch, they are!”

Just then, Shamus yells out, “Forget him, here’s a fella that lived to be 145 years old!”

“What was his name?” ask Paddy and Sean.

Shamus stumbles around a bit, awkwardly lights a match to see what else is written on the stone marker, and exclaims, “Miles, to Dublin!”

Signs are valuable, but only if we understand what they were intended to mean. I am reminded of a time when some Jews came to Jesus looking for a sign:

“Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. He answered and said to them, ‘When it is evening you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red”; and in the morning, “It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.” Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.’ ” (Matt. 16:1-3)

What were the “signs of the times” that the Jewish leaders could not discern? I think they were the signs — the miracles — Jesus performed. They said that they wanted a sign, but they had already been given many. And even when they were given the greatest sign of all — the resurrection of Jesus Christ — they would fail to understand its significance.

We have the signs of Christ written down to point us to the fact the he was indeed the Son of God (John 20:30-31). Read the signs carefully.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Have a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee