Category: Devotional

Monday

Jesus replied,

“The most important commandment is this:

‘Hear, O Israel!

The Lord our God is the one and only Lord.

And you must love the Lord your God

with all your heart,

all your soul,

all your mind,

and all your strength.’”

~Mark 12:29-30 (NLT)~

Urgent Prayer Request

Dear Prayer partners,

Please be in prayer for Kenny P. Kenny had a very serious accident at his home in the US on Sunday afternoon and fell from a ladder from two stories. He was rushed by ambulance to a local hospital. He has serious injuries to his back. He has injured several vertebras, one is injured extensively. There is the possibility of spinal damage. He is resting at a local hospital in ICU and will have an MRI on Monday morning and surgery on Monday afternoon. He is also expected to undergo a second surgery in two or three days following the initial surgery. He will be moved at a later date to a hospital that specializes in spinal rehab.

Kenny and his wife, Teri have been a great asset to our region. Each year they oversee the volunteers that come and minister to our children and us at our annual meetings. They have been doing this for many years. They have blessed our lives with their dedication in this special ministry to us all in CEE.

Please pray for God’s healing hands to touch Kenny’s back. Pray for Teri as she talks with doctors and as she is with Kenny. We have CEE colleagues that are with them right now so we will keep you posted as we hear.

Thank you for praying!

Melinda

http://www.rogerlrussellfamily.blogspot.com/

http://www.imbromania.rom

Joan Hagan had a better day yesterday. Please continue to remember her in your prayers.

The monthly share group meeting is at the Alford cabin Thursday at 6:30. You are invited to join the fellowship. Bucky Erwin will lead the devotional.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor

MARCH 24, 2008


THIS PAST WEEK, I learned that a young man, a freshman at Freed-Hardeman University drowned in the ocean while on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic…

Shane Ruiz was wading in the ocean with several friends on the last day of their mission trip, when a rough wave knocked him over and an undertow pulled him out to sea. Attempts were made to rescue him, but all attempts proved futile. This young man was in the Dominican Republic, along with several other fellow students, to teach a Vacation Bible School for children living there, and to work with a Children’s Home. After a long week of work, their schedule called for a trip to the ocean before returning home to the United States.

My first thoughts when I heard of this tragedy were the thoughts of a parent. I too, have a child at Freed-Hardeman, and I can only imagine what this young man’s parents must be going through. I would ask that you remember them in your prayers.

But my second thought was the last verse of a song we sometimes sing in our assemblies. The song is entitled, “Follow Me” and was written by Ira Stanpill in 1953. Here is the third verse of that song:

Oh, Jesus if I die upon a foreign field some day,
T’ would be no more than love demands, no less could I repay,
No greater love hath mortal man than for a friend to die,
These are the words he gently spoke to me.
If just a cup of water I place within your hand,
Then just a cup of water is all that I demand,
But if by death to living they can they glory see,
I’ll take my cross and follow close to Thee.

Now here’s the point of my article. This young man died while engaging in the work of the Lord. While many young people across our nation use their Spring Break to immerse themselves in immorality and drunken revelries, this young man spent the last week of his life trying to teach children about Jesus. While I am saddened by the events that ultimately occurred, I am thankful for the choice he made.

Friends, all of us, if we could choose, would want to leave this world while doing the work of the Lord. Even Balaam, the wicked, greedy prophet in the Old Testament prayed, “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my end be like his” (Num. 23:10).

But now, allow me to leave you with a question. If you were to die doing the work of the Lord, would you have to die on a Sunday morning only, between the hours of 10:30 and 11:30? Give it some thought. (Steve Higginbotham)

KneEmail: “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my end be like his” (Num. 23:10).

Bible reading for 05.12.08:

Articles about Shane:
1. http://www.christianchronicle.org/article2158288~Freed-Hardeman_student_presumed_drowned_on_mission_trip
2. http://brotherhoodnews.com/2008/03/20/campaigner-presumed-drowned-in-dominican-republic/
3. http://web.fhu.edu/NR/exeres/31DC34C5-7BC6-4E15-9DDD-BA50F27BB232,frameless.htm

Thank you for being there to pray each day. Your prayers mean so much to so many.

Please feel free to send praises, requests, and updates you wish to share.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“Love suffers long and is kind,

love…is not provoked,

[it] bears all things…endures all things”

~1 Cor. 13:4, 5, 7~

 

$11,925.30 has been given to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering so far. The offering will be closed out at the end of the month.

 

Joan Hagan made another trip to the emergency room. She went to Lakeview in Covington yesterday evening, but is back home. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

 

FBC Nursery Workers Today

  • Lesley Bridges
  • Brandy Glass
  • Matt Dean
  • Lalia Edwards

Deacon Hospital Ministry

  • Smiley Conerly
  • Roy Turner

Sunday School Leadership Meeting

  • Tuesday May 13
  • 7:00 P.M.
  • Fellowship Hall

Mother’s Day

  • Morning Schedule
  • No P.M. Activities

Parent/Child Dedication Day

  • Today
  • 10:30 Service

Donald John “Busty” Dieterich
In memory of the recent passing of Donald John “Busty” Dieterich, his family held a Life Celebration on Saturday, April 12, 2008, at 3 p.m. in Zachary followed by a reception in the Christian Life Center. The service was graciously officiated by pastors Eddie Morgan, Chris Thomas and Woody Markert. The very moving service included eulogies and readings from Tommy Dieterich, Debby Brian on behalf of Monica Brian, Casey Lee, Joana Dieterich and special DVD presentation by Angel’ Tetrick. The family would like to thank all those in attendance at the beautiful memorial and life celebration honoring this devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. A resident of Baker for more than 36 years, he passed away in the late evening hours of Friday, March 7, 2008, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center from complications related to double pneumonia and respiratory failure. He was 69, born Dec. 9, 1938. Don was a retired senior purchasing agent for Barnard & Burk Engineering, a U.S. Air Force veteran, a native of Amite and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed automobile restoration. He is survived by many family members who loved his humor, his love of life and passion for his family. He is survived by his wife, Shirley M. Dieterich; his four adult children by his previous wife, Patricia Leblanc Huertin: son, John Scott Dieterich and wife Joana Atkinson Dieterich, of Zachary, and three daughters, Marie Angél Tetrick, of Smyrna, Ga., Monica D. Brian and husband Tracy, of Zachary, and Sharon D. Price, of Baton Rouge. The love of his life, his dog, Daphne, currently resides in Zachary. Don’s siblings always held a very special place in his heart and life. He is also survived by his two sisters, Patsy Norton and husband Joe, of Gretna, and Jean Mitchell, of Metairie; and two brothers, Thomas and wife Peggy Sanders Dieterich, of Jackson, Miss., and the Rev. Eddie and wife Jackie B. Morgan, of Oakdale; the eight grandchildren who were truly a joy to his life, Casey Lee, Cody Tetrick, Lindy Babin, Laird, Aubin and Jude Brian and Mazie and Mary Scott Dieterich; his niece, Becky; and countless nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Peter Gemeth and Ora Mae Dunnington Dietrich; and brother, Earl G. Dieterich. There will be a plaque in his honor placed in the Amite Cemetery to acknowledge his generous donation of his body to LSU Health & Sciences Center for medical research. He will be missed! His children would also like to thank the entire Dieterich family for attending the family reunion held at the home of Monica and Tracy Brian following the private memorial service. Any additional donations in Don’s memory can be sent to the American Cancer Society and or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.


Louise McBride
“I fought a brave fight and I have kept the faith, and with the help of the Lord I was able to win the race. Now when times get hard and you can’t see your way, you just fall on your knees and began to pray; if you listen with your heart and not with your ear, you will hear a small whisper say I am still here.” Louise McBride, 76, a resident of Baton Rouge, wife and mother with a tender heart and a loving spirit, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2008, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center surrounded by her loving family after an extended illness. She is survived by her husband, Howard L. McBride, of Baton Rouge; five children, Larry Talbert, of New Orleans, Michael Talbert and wife Jana, of Cape Canaveral, Fla., Gaye Talbert and husband Bishop Draughn, of Osyka, Miss., Julia Hardy and husband James, of Beaumont, Texas, James Talbert and wife Patti, of Hot Springs, Ark.; stepdaughter, Donna Ratcliff and husband Bracey, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; stepsons, Gary McBride, of Kellseyville, Calif., and Larry McBride and wife Dorothy, of San Jose, Calif.; 10 grandchildren, five stepgrandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; sister, Linda Harrison, of Atlanta; and brother, David Long of Pineville. Visitation will be at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, on Monday, May 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visiting continues at the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, May 13, from 1 p.m. until service at 2 p.m. Entombment in Resthaven Gardens of Memory Mausoleum. Online guest book available at http://www.resthavenbatonrouge.com. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Christopher McCanless and Dr. Jeffrey Hyde, the Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center 5th floor west oncology nursing staff and the staff at Mary Byrd Perkins Cancer Center for their kindness and devotion during this very difficult time.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…”
(Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor

Legacy

HER WRITING CAREER spanned three decades, from the mid-1960’s through the mid-1990’s…

She wrote 12 books and received 16 honorary doctorate degrees. But 3 years before she died of cancer in 1996, popular humorist Erma Bombeck told an ABC TV interviewer that no matter how many columns she had written, her legacy would be her three children. “If I did a bad job with them,” she said, “then everything else [I] do isn’t very important.”

Bombeck had riches and fame and the goodwill of millions of readers, but she realized that her top priority was taking care of her children.

THOUGHTS: Although no parent can be guaranteed that his or her child will turn out to be a godly model citizen, those of us who are parents must start with Erma’s attitude. Our motivation is to provide spiritually, physically, and emotionally for our children. They will be our legacy. This means introducing them to the Savior, providing spiritual guidance, praying for them, and encouraging them to find mentors who can guide them in godly living. Sometimes it’s a battle. Often it’s expensive in time and toil. But the value of a child overshadows it all (Dave Branon).

“Train up a child in the way he should go,

and when he is old he will not depart from it”

Prov. 22:6; cf. Psm. 34:11-22; 3 John 1:4).


Celebrate Mother’s Day by thanking the Lord for the gift of life He provided you through your physical birth.

Happy Mother’s Day

Anna Lee


Friday

 

“Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer.

From the end of the earth I will cry to You.”

~Psalm 61:1-2a~

 

 

 

Tragedy Strikes in Arkansas
Just days after responding to areas in Virginia devastated by tornadoes, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team of crisis-trained chaplains deployed again, this time to Arkansas following tornadoes that left eight dead on May 2.

For the first time in the history of the Rapid Response Team chaplaincy ministry, the team is currently deployed responding to three separate tragedies at the same time, all of which were caused by tornadoes. Chaplains are still working with students at Union University in Jackson, Tenn., following the tornado that tore through the campus in February, in addition to the deployment that began last week in Virginia.

“There is so much pain and suffering caused by these storms, especially this year with the vast destruction of so many repeated tornadoes across large swaths of our country” said Jack Munday, director of the Rapid Response Team.

Days Earlier in Virginia …
In response to damage caused by six twisters that tore through Suffolk, Va., on April 30, the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (RRT) quickly deployed to the region. “RRT Chaplains were deployed to minister alongside Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Blessing,” says RRT Director Jack Munday. Samaritan’s Purse is a disaster relief organization also headed by Franklin Graham.

“We value our relationship with Samaritan’s Purse,” says Munday. “In most tragic situations like this, there are many needs: physical, emotional and spiritual. When our two groups work together, it allows us to respond in a comprehensive way to all of these needs.” The team also will work in collaboration with the Emergency Operation Center and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

 

MYANMAR. Vast rice crops were wiped out during the recent Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar. The Irrawaddy Delta is considered to be Myanmar’s rice bowl. Where will people buy rice? Prices skyrocket as limited food and water become urgent needs. Sickness often results after a disaster hits. Pray that adequate food can be secured for the people and that a cup of water in Jesus’ name will be given and received. Pray for God’s people to respond to those in need, and ask that the outpouring of compassion and aid will soften the hearts of many who have never known this kind of love and grace.

First Relief Supplies Trickle into Myanmar
By Staff of Baptist Press

Five days after a cyclone’s widespread devastation in Myanmar, the first two planeloads of United Nations relief supplies landed in the capital, Yangon, April 8. Observers fear the death toll could rise from 23,000 to more than 100,000 because safe supplies of drinking water and food are not available to large numbers of people.

Visas for relief workers, however, still have not been approved by the country’s military government.

A Southern Baptist relief effort is focusing on establishing reliable communications with partners in Myanmar, said Jeff Palmer, executive director of Baptist Global Response, a Southern Baptist international relief and development organization.

Cyclone Nargis wiped out much of Myanmar’s communications networks and has made it difficult even for the country’s own relief system to ascertain the extent of the damage. In addition to food and clean water, aid organizations expect that the most urgent needs will include plastic sheeting, water purification tablets, mosquito nets and emergency health kits.

The death toll stands at 22,980, with another 42,119 people missing, according to Myanmar’s state media. Up to 1 million people are homeless. Relief organizations are concerned about outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and illnesses such as diarrhea that often occur in the wake of natural disasters because of dirty water and poor sanitation.

“Our priority is now to establish reliable communication with partners in Myanmar,” Palmer said. “We hope to have some things in place communications-wise in a few days. From all our sources, we understand other organizations are also experiencing difficulty in responding.”

Southern Baptists have allocated an initial $100,000 to provide basic necessities for people affected by the cyclone, Palmer said. Once a comprehensive on-ground assessment of the situation can be made, relief efforts will proceed in partnership with key Myanmar nationals, who will be instrumental in any response Southern Baptists are able to implement.

“This looks to have the makings of a long-term response, so we want to lay a good foundation as we start,” Palmer said. “We are beginning to ready partners here in the U.S. in case Myanmar’s government decides to allow international aid groups to enter the country and we are able to mount a response from here.”

In the meantime, Palmer said, Southern Baptists can get involved in relief efforts for Myanmar’s people by doing the most important thing Christians can do: Praying that God would reveal His love to the country’s suffering multitudes.

“You can get involved right now by praying for those who are trying to recover from this disaster and those who are racing to help them restore their lives,” Palmer said. “Pray that God would open the doors to allow our trained disaster response people into the country. This is still a huge barrier.”


MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Missionaries serving among an unreached people group write: “In April, we asked you to pray as we prepared for the arrival of a new family, asking that everything would fall easily into place. God answered in a mighty way, and all the matters of childcare, housing, schooling for their children and language school for the parents have been accomplished! God just went before us and prepared visits, hearts and circumstances for His kingdom purposes to be accomplished for this young family. To Him be the glory! Please remember this family as they adjust to a new culture, language and way of life.”

Joan Hagan is having a concern that caused her to make a trip to the emergency room at North Oaks. Please pray for Joan as she works to overcome this problem.


Today’s devotional – http://www.devotions.net/devotions/05may/9.htm

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Thursday


“I tell you the truth,

unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies,

it remains only a single seed.

But if it dies,

it produces many seeds.”

~John 12:24 (NIV)~


Ms. Molly Carter

Mom had a stress test done today and passed it. The Dr. said all is clear with her heart. The last x-ray of her chest as we know as of now is fine. Depending on that last x-ray if it is all clear then she will come home tomrrow. I want to thank every one for praying. Lawana

Frances Gay

Frances Gay is sore and recovering from her fall, but has been able to go to work. She thanks you for praying for her. Please continue to do so.

International Mission Board

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. In the last several months, the citizens of South Africa have endured daily electrical power outages that have caused many problems. Equipment has been damaged, businesses have failed financially, and the traffic situation has worsened. There is also increased danger for nightly meetings such as cell-groups (home-based congregations) and Bible studies, as well as other ministries in which missionaries are involved. Pray for the country’s leaders to find realistic solutions to the current problems with daily power outages. Pray for missionaries’ safety as they continue with ministry while dealing with this difficult situation.

Bettie Belle Muse Watson
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 41:30. Bettie Belle was born in Pittsburg, Kan., on Sept. 12, 1925, and died Monday, May 5, 2008, after a lengthy illness. She is survived by daughter, Martha Watson, and son-in-law, Michael Stewart; daughter, Mary Watson; daughter, Irene Watson; son, Jim Watson, and daughter-in-law, Sylvia Lindsly Watson; and daughter, Pat Watson. Also survived by grandchildren, Suzanne and husband Steve Dumez, Jeffrey and wife Dawn Aucoin, Emily King, Melanie King and Jeremiah and wife Kristin Watson; and great-grandchildren, Kaylee Whitehead, André and Corinne Dumez, Avery and Madelyn Aucoin, and Noah Claire Watson. She was preceded in death by husband, Willie B. Watson; mother, Pearl Morgan; father, Bertram A. Muse; stepfathers, Sailor Harris and John Watson. Special thanks and love to Dr. Jed Lane Morris, her physician and friend. She was a talented and wise woman who loved children and life. She was compassionate and nurturing to all living things and always enjoyed learning new things. She was strong and independent and a mentor to many young people. She proved early on that you can have a career and a family and do both well. She was raised by her mother, Pearl Morgan Harris, and stepfather, Sailor Harris. For many years, during Bettie’s childhood, all three were circus performers and traveled throughout the United States. Bettie Belle was a child acrobat, once featured in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. Bettie Belle graduated from Kentwood High School in 1942 at age 16. She obtained her nursing education at McComb Infirmary and Vanderbilt University. As a registered nurse, she helped many people during her long nursing career, especially new mothers and babies in the delivery rooms and nurseries at Baton Rouge General Medical Center and Earl K. Long Hospital. During her life, she had many interests including reading, fishing, needlework, gardening, genealogy, crossword puzzles and raising chickens. Her sewing included beautiful embroidery, needlework, crochet and quilts, as well as clothing for herself and her children and grandchildren. When her world became smaller and smaller due to illness, she continued crocheting caps to send to the NICU and St. Jude. Her love and knowledge of nature was remarkable. One of her last wishes was for a world at peace, and now she is at peace with no more struggling for breath and no more pain. Ourso Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Memorial Service at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church, 3893 La. 440, Kentwood, on Saturday, May 10, at 1 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Jim Reid. The family will receive visitors at the church from 9 a.m. until service time. Memorial donations can be made to her church or to a charity of choice.

PRACTICING THE GOLDEN RULE


I read recently about one of the most touching moments in sports I’ve ever heard about. It took place at a women’s softball game on April 26. Central Washington and Western Oregon faced off against each other, with the winner to receive a bid to the NCAA’s Division II playoffs.

Sara Tucholsky, a Western Oregon player, came to the plate in the second inning with the score tied 0-0 and two runners on base . Sara had never hit a home run in her lifetime. However, things were about to change. She connected on a pitch and hit the ball over the center field fence. Due to her excitement, she missed first base. So she stopped and turned to go back to the base. But when she made the sudden stop and turn, she collapsed to the ground, having torn her ACL.

Her first base coach wanted to run out and help her, but if she touched Sara, she would have been counted out. As Sara lay on the ground, umpires conferred and determined that the best thing to do was to allow Western Oregon to substitute a pinch runner at first base (which would have canceled the home run).

The coach prepared to make the substitution when she heard a voice: “Excuse me, would it be OK if we carried her around and she touched each bag?'” You see, in softball, a teammate can’t touch a player while running the bases, but there’s no rule that says the opponents can’t touch her. So Mallory Holtman and Liz Wallace, two players on the opposing team offered to carry Sara around the bases so that her home run would not be counted as a single. These two players gently picked up Sara, and carried her around the bases, allowing her to tap each base along the way. After reaching home plate, these two girls handed Sara off to her own teammates.

When asked later why she did it, Mallory Holtman said, “Honestly, it’s one of those things that I hope anyone would do it for me…” In other words, she was practicing the “Golden Rule” “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

There’s not much I can add to a touching story like that. May it serve as an inspiration to find ways in your own life to look for people who could use a hand. When we are less concerned about “winning” than we are about helping others, we can truly begin to reflect Jesus Christ in our lives.

“Therefore, whatever you want men to do for you,

do also to them,

for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

~Matthew 7:12~


Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

I trust you will be looking for the way you can “carry someone around the bases” today.

Anna Lee

Wednesday

God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid

but a spirit of power

and love

and self-control.

~2 Timothy 1:7 (NCV)~

Ms. Molly Carter

Will you please add mom to the prayer list? she is in the hospital in LaComb. I will let you know tomorrow..
Thank you,
Lawana

Rebecca Blades

Rebecca is continuing to do very well. Yesterday, she had the wires removed from around her mouth. This was initially planned for six weeks after the accident, but happened in two and a half weeks. Rebecca’s family is so thankful for the many prayers on her behalf and request you keep praying.

Joan B. Hagan

Joan received a good report in Covington yesterday. Her best news is that she lost sixteen and a half pounds in eight days. Please continue to pray for Joan.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor

PLEASE DON’T QUIT attending the services of the church when the preacher offends you…

Allow me to be personal. There may be times when you think my approach in a sermon was unwise, my attitude unkind, and my content unworthy. I will try to improve. Please don’t quit, “For God so loved the world.”

Please don’t quit when a brother or sister offends you. We’ve all said things that have hurt others; let’s try to do better. Good people can sometimes be very insensitive and hurtful. Whatever you do, please don’t quit for, “they crucified Him…”

Please don’t quit participating in the work of the church when things don’t go your way. Your wisdom in a particular decision may have been best, but it was not the path taken by the church. Your idea may have been shot down, and that experience can be disheartening. Please don’t quit cooperating in the work of the church, for God will “render to every man according to his deeds.”

If you are one who has already quit the church, citing one of the reasons above or something related, please listen closely. We miss you. Many love you, and it breaks our hearts that you have chosen to leave. Why leave God because of what man may have done to you?

Repent.

Please come back. (Brent Smith)


“But as for you, brethren,

do not grow weary in doing good.”

~2 Thess. 3:13~


Tuesday

“As for me, I will call upon God,

and the Lord shall save me.

Evening and morning and at noon I will pray,

and cry aloud,

and He shall hear my voice.”

~Psalm 55:16-17~

 

 

Please pray for Frann Clark as she sees a doctor today about possible cataract surgery. Pray for her husband, Riley, as he requires more and more help on a daily basis.

Joan Hagan was able to get out of her house and about town for a while yesterday. She is recovering from her falls and her surgery at the same time. Please continue to pray for her.

Jesse Dean was able to be at church again Sunday. He is improving on a daily basis now. Please pray for continued improvement.

 

 

 

Melinda Russell shares an email from a relative.

 

Here is a note from M. Thank you for continuing to pray for her as she
 prepares to begin treatment.
 Melinda

Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 3:04 AM

Well, my dear friends we got some good news and some not so good news.
The good news is that the tumor is contained in the cervix and has not
spread to the surrounding tissue and there are no tumors anywhere else in
my body and the tumor is a stage 1. (PRAISE!!!)However, the tumor is a
neuro-endocrine tumor which is extremely aggressive and very rare. It is
so rare that less than 1% of all cervical cancers are of this type. So
the doctor wants to attack aggressively and radically…and so do I!!! He
believes that, most likely, cancer cells have already broken off from the
tumor and are running around in my body so he wants to start both
radiation and chemo at the same time. I am going to have 4-6 weeks of
daily radiation and for the chemo I will go into the hospital overnight
one night a week for the duration of the radiation. Then I will have the
same overnight chemo treatments every 21 days (at a much higher dose) for
3-4 months. I have an appointment with the doctor that does the radiation
next Monday, May 12 so I assume this will all start next week.

And then there is of course the great news that my God is bigger than
this tumor!!! I know that the next six months are going to be rough but
I am tough and I am going to get through this. I have a lot of living
left to do and I am not near done yet!!! I have all of you to love me,
support me, encourage me and pray for me so I know that I am not going
into this battle alone. Please remember me in all of your prayers!

My God is able!
Love you all,
M

 

GERMAN-BRAZILIANS OF BRAZIL. I. was 19 and known as a troublemaker in Herval when he became one of the first to accept believer’s baptism. He had lived there for only a few years before he earned the nickname of a renowned terrorist after an unsuccessful attempt to burn down the local high school when he received failing grades. As a high school dropout, I. did not have many opportunities to get ahead. He began working in the local shoe factory, but his reputation did not improve, as he continued to run with the wrong crowd, which was heavily involved in drugs. He returned to school and improved, passing in all subjects. Lately he has been struggling, and he finally shared with M. that he would not be coming to the meetings any longer. In three years, he had missed only two or three times. He shared that he was in the world again, doing drugs, and that he just could not keep coming while he was doing these things. He said, “I refuse to be a hypocrite. One day I plan on coming back to God, but right now I don’t have any way of stopping.” That night at the meeting, the story of the Prodigal Son was told and M. made an impassioned plea for I. not to do this. Both wept, and R. prayed over them as everyone sang “Agnus Dei” quietly. Please pray for I. to leave the things of this world and return to the Lord. http://www.onmissionwithgod.org/

 

 

HUNGARIANS OF WESTERN HUNGARY. Pray along with Baptist representatives Larry and Melinda Ewing in Gyor, Hungary, for Z, who said yes to Jesus five years ago and is a very dynamic believer in western Hungary. He wants to be bold for Jesus in sharing his faith on his university campus. Pray that he will be able to move on to a new level of faith and commitment in this area of his walk and bring many of his countrymen to faith in Christ. http://www.hope4hungary.com/

ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA. In the southwestern corner of the county, believers are experiencing a renewed energy and vision for sharing the gospel of God’s grace. Thank you for your prayers for those who attended the church-planting conference on the Gulf of Finland. God is answering. Please continue to pray for them, as they are a bold witness.

PARIS, FRANCE. The Ile de France Team writes: “This month, we will say goodbye to two short-term couples. Please pray for them as they start the next chapter of their lives. Pray as they seek housing, jobs, cars and other things they will need. Intercede for them also as they re-adjust to life back in the United States after two years in France. Pray for safe, uneventful travel for their final trip home. We are thankful for their service and look forward to seeing how God will use them in the future.”

KARACHI, PAKISTAN (kah-RAH-chee). In a city of 16-18 million people, there are government and private hospitals, community medical clinics, medical colleges and a university hospital servicing the people. Doctors and nurses work hard and often put themselves at great risk to care for patients. Often the best doctors and nurses leave the city for work in Diaspora communities worldwide. Please pray for the medical community in the city. Lift up the followers of Jesus within the medical community who are teaching, training, servicing, caring and praying for the sick. Pray for the colleagues, students and teachers with whom they work and the patients they care for who may have a different set of beliefs. May God bring healing into lives that have never known the true healing of the inner heart. http://www.go2southasia.org/

LAST FRONTIER. Please pray that Christian business owners and leaders will gain understanding in using their skills to gain access with integrity into restricted-access countries. Pray that they will gain access, as well, to large numbers of people who would not otherwise hear or see a Christian witness. Pray that they will seek and respond to God’s leading as they partner with those on the field who serve God and work to expand His kingdom

AIDS. Situated on the other side of the mountain near the Managa Academy in the northeast section of Swaziland is a community of displaced people due to the taking of land by a sugar company. Although these people have been relocated, they have made an effort to live productive lives. Unfortunately, in this community lives a 16-year-old boy who is caring for his brothers and sisters because both parents died of AIDS. Neighbors try to help as much as they can, but so many are caring for extended family members as well. Because of AIDS, there are many homes with children and youth caring for children. Pray that the many orphans in Swaziland will have someone to care for them. Pray for an intense awareness by the Swazis to the cause and problems of AIDS and the responsibility of protecting friends and family members. http://www.imb.org/AIDS/

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Missionaries Vivian and Ralph Boyle, who serve in Tanzania, ask: “Please pray for our adult daughter and her family, who are involved in a faith ministry in Montreal, Canada. They are struggling, yet see God working in the community and in an IMB church start that they pastor. Pray that our grandkids will enjoy their first time overseas (the family is involved in a ministry opportunity in Tanzania for three weeks in May) and that our fourth grandchild will be protected from any broken bones. He has osteogenesis imperfecta, a brittle-bones disease caused by a lack of collagen.”

KneEmail

 

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor

Robbed

 

I’VE OFTEN HEARD the title of this article spoken by a losing team following a ballgame with poor officiating…

However, yesterday this phrase took on a whole new meaning for me. Allow me to explain.

I was invited to present a seminar on Internet Safety at the Memorial Parkway church of Christ in Huntsville, Alabama. My good friend and former co-worker, Reed Swindle is one of the preacher’s there. I left Glasgow immediately following Sunday worship service and arrived in Huntsville, Alabama at 3:30 p.m. I arrived at the building as the doors were unlocked and I entered and went to Reed’s office. I sat and talked with Reed for approximately 5 minutes when a wide-eyed man suddenly appeared in Reed’s doorway. He had on a hooded sweat jacket, a cap, and a bandana covering his face like in the old Western movies. He pointed a gun at both of us and demanded all our money! Reed and I both laughed at him at first. I thought it was one of the kids in his youth group and he thought I had brought someone with me who was playing a joke. As he pointed the gun at our heads, it eventually dawned on both of us that this wasn’t a joke, and that he was serious. We gave him all the money we had and as he kept the gun trained on us, he said as he was about to leave, “I’m sorry I have to do this.” At that point, I didn’t know whether he was sorry for having robbed us, or if he was telling us he was sorry for what he was about to do. Fortunately, it was the former. The young man then fled the building and Reed called the police. Fifteen minutes later I had to begin presenting four lessons on Internet Safety. Actually, I don’t remember much of what I said. I probably owe the good brethren at Memorial Park a do-over (but good luck getting me back down there! Ha!). (By way of side note, when the detective asked me what kind of pistol the man had, I said, “Pistol? From what I could see, it looked more like a bazooka!)

It is amazing how many thoughts flash through your mind while an event like this happens to you. I can’t begin to share all of them with you, but I’ll share a couple thoughts that occurred to me immediately followed this incident.
I was reminded of how quickly and unexpectedly life can be taken from you. I can certainly tell you that when I woke up Sunday morning, I didn’t think I’d have someone pointing a gun at me before the day was over, but I did. It caused me to reflect on how many people awaken every morning, having no idea that this day will be their last day on earth. Some day we will all awaken to our last sunrise. Will we be prepared when the day arrives?
Also, moments after this man ran from the building, I recalled the words written by the Bible commentator, Matthew Henry. On one occasion in his life, he was robbed. That very evening, he recorded the following words in his journal as he gave thanks to God. “I thank Thee first because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth because it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed.” As bad as things may be, there are plenty of reasons to give thanks if one chooses to do so.

Well, I’m certainly thankful that things worked out as they did. Reed and I are both fine. I’m back safely in Glasgow with a renewed appreciation for a lot of blessings I take for granted. (Steve Higginbotham)

“In everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

~1 Thess. 5:18; cf. Jas. 4:16~

Monday

“Then he said to his disciples,

‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore,

to send out workers into his harvest field.’”

~Matthew 9:37-38, NKJV~

The children in the AWANA program last night showed how much they have learned. I am so proud of all of them!

Thanks to all who helped with the spaghetti fund raiser for the youth yesterday. I don’t know how much money was raised, but will let you know later.

Associational VBS Clinic

  • Tuesday, May 6
  • Spring Creek Baptist Church
  • 6:30 – Light Meal
  • 7:00 – Training Clinic
  • Volunteers still needed

Mother’s Day

  • Sunday, May 11
  • Parent/Child Dedication
    • Call the church office is you and your child would like to participate
  • No evening activities

Deacon Hospital Visitation

  • James Miller
  • Harrell Sharkey

Sunday School Leadership Meeting

  • Tuesday, May 13
  • 7:00 P.M.

Pearl Louise Mixon
(March 9, 1923 – May 3, 2008)

Died at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Baton Rouge. She was a native of Bolivar and a resident of Baton Rouge. Age 85 years. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Beulah Cemetery, Tangipahoa. She is survived by her 2 sisters, Norma Varnado, Kentwood, and Agnes Mitchell, Tallulah; 2 nieces, Mary Lee Blanchard, Amite and Carole Frey, Simpsonville, SC; 2 nephews, Michael Varnado and his wife, Barbara, Zachary, and Bill Varnado and his wife, Angela, Springfield. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Lula Crawford Mixon; brother, Hilton Mixon; sister, Tincie Hayden.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor


A STORY IS told of a man whose wife had deserted him for another man…

She had succeeded in taking away their children. The estranged husband had given into depression and lost his business. Broken hearted and ruined, he became obsessed with the enormity of his troubles and refused every offer of encouragement and hope. The day came when he heard a great sermon on Christ having been “in all points tempted like as we are,” but rather than being comforted he resented the sermon and told the preacher. “Yes, Jesus suffered many things, but he never had a wife and family stolen from him. He was never married, never had children, so that’s suffering he never knew.”

The preacher wisely responded, “You have seen an accomplished violinist play a great variety of music. There are only four strings on his violin, but they can produce both dances and dirges. The same four strings can cover the whole range. No, Jesus did not experience your trials in the same details, but he endured the broad range of disappointment, desertion, grief, pain, and even dying, so that the strings of his heart can vibrate with all the sad songs of life’s bitterest experiences.” (David Pharr)

“For we do not have a High Priest

who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,

but was in all points tempted as we are,

yet without sin.”

~Heb. 4:15~

Sunday

“But you shall receive power

when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;

and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem,

and in all Judea and Samaria,

and to the end of the earth.”

~Acts 1:8~

This is dedicated to all Sunday School teachers as well as the parents and grandparents who teach faithfully. Others will “stand on your shoulders” until the reach of your work is much further than you ever expected.

BASED ON AN IDEA OF MINE

Townsend, the developer of the laser, was once asked if he didn’t have a tremendous sense of achievement in all he had accomplished with his invention, such as methods for precision measurements, laser disc, and weapons technology.

He remarked, “Not really.” He said that he could easily identify with the beaver and relayed the following story:

A beaver and a chipmunk happened upon the Hoover Dam while out strolling one day. They were caught off-guard, completely overwhelmed with amazement and awe at the size and magnificence of this structure.

Once the beaver recovered, he remarked, “Well, actually, I didn’t build it myself, but it’s based upon an idea of mine.”

Like much of scientific advancement, I see spiritual growth as a building process. I took the spiritual training my parents gave me and have built upon it, and I expect my children to take the training that I give them and build upon that. I fully expect them to accomplish some great things in their lives, things that I may not have built myself, but which are based on spiritual principles which I have shared with them.

Paul was referring to this process when he said of Timothy, “I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” (I Timothy 1:5). I wonder if Lois and Eunice ever even imagined all that that little boy Timothy would accomplish in his lifetime?

You may not feel like you’re accomplishing much, but if you are instilling in your children (or others) a faith in God, who knows what they may accomplish in the years ahead!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolinav

Saturday

Plans go wrong for lack of advice;

many counselors bring success.

~Proverbs 15:22 (NLT)~

From Angela Shockley

Prayer request for all college students who are preparing for finals. Many students in the community begin testing Monday.

Pray for high school and college seniors as they take make plans for next step in their lives.

Joan Hagan is home after having some breathing problems following surgery. Her foot that was injured in fall last week is much better. Please keep her in your prayers.

Felix Estevan Irving Sr.
A resident of Morgan City, he died at 1:07 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2008, at Thibodaux Regional Medical following a long illness. He was 82, a native of Amite and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, receiving the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon, the Victory and the American Area and Radio Award. Visiting at Jones Funeral Home, Morgan City, on Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. until funeral rite at 10:30 a.m., the Rev. Chrispin F. Smith, officiating. The East St. Mary Veteran Funeral Squad will perform at the graveside service. Entombment in Morgan City Mausoleum. Preceded in death by his wife and parents. Survived by his son, Felix II and spouse Betty Irving, of Lawton, Okla.; daughter, Sharon Ann Irving, of Morgan City; brother, Eugene Sr. and spouse Sylvia Irving, of Hammond; sister, Rubie Mae Frazier, of Greensburg; uncle, Leroy “Brother” Tucker, of Amite; two aunts, Helen T. Rankin, of New Orleans, and Jennie T. Morris, of Los Angeles; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, two grandchildren, a great-grandchild, five godchildren and a close friend, Mozella Triggs, of Patterson. Donations may be made to U.A.E. Comprehensive Center for Prostate Cancer, Office of Development W.T.I., 530 3rd Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35294-3300.

Rapid Response Team Deploys

Following Virginia Tornadoes

The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team has deployed their crisis-trained chaplains in response to the tornadoes that tore through Virginia on April 28. According to news reports, the tornadoes damaged more than 140 homes and injured at least 200 people. The largest volume of damage is in Suffolk, Va., located in the South Hampton Roads area of southeastern Virginia.

“The deployment will be centered in Suffolk,” said Jack Munday, director of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. “We currently have two chaplains on-site in Virginia and are expecting that the number will increase over the coming days as we seek to meet the needs of those affected by these storms.”

The deployment will be in support of the Emergency Operation Center; the Virginia Department of Emergency Management; and Operation Blessing, based in Virginia Beach, Va.

Once again, the Rapid Response Team will work alongside Samaritan’s Purse, a disaster relief organization also headed by Franklin Graham. “We value our relationship with Samaritan’s Purse,” says Munday. “In most tragic situations like this, there are many needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual. When our two groups work together, it allows us to respond in a comprehensive way to all of these needs.”

This is the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team’s eighth deployment of 2008, following deployments to Jackson and Lafayette, Tenn., and Clinton, Ark., following the deadly tornadoes in the region; Northern Illinois University following the Valentine’s Day shooting of several students; Kenya, Africa (a training deployment educating pastors and church leaders in how to respond to the violence in their country earlier this year); and Piedmont and Delta, Mo., following flooding earlier this month.

Please pray:

* for the survivors of this tragedy
* for the chaplains who will be ministering on the scene
* that many will come to know Christ in the midst of sorrow

I hope you have some time today to read some of these articles.

Baptist Press

FLORIDA–Soldier killed with Bible nearby. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27973

CHINA–Jailed Chinese Christian faces new charges. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27974

TENNESSEE–Urgent action needed against CBS’ ‘Dexter.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27975

TENNESSEE–‘Expelled’ producer pleased with box office. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27976

ARKANSAS–Church lost, 7 killed in Ark. Storms. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27977

NICARAGUA–New homes in Nicaragua show Christ’s love. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27978

TENNESSEE–CULTURE DIGEST: Only 5% of adults tithed last year, Barna says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27979

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Kelly Boggs): Pop culture & teen stars. http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=27980


I don’t know who wrote this, but it was sent to me by Mr. K.K. Kennedy.


Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
J oy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of “Camp Complaining”
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To “thank” is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We’ll run the race with gratitude
X alting God most high
Y es, there’ll be good times and yes some will be bad, but…
Z ion waits in glory…where none are ever sad!

Be safe!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“And they continued steadfastly

in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship,

in the breaking of bread, and in prayers…

and the Lord added to the church daily

those who were being saved.”

~Acts 2:42-47~

Joan Hagan is hoping to be able to come home today.

Kenneth Birch has had gall bladder surgery and is already home. Pray for him as he recovers.

Mr. Henry Harris continues to be in ICU at North Oaks. Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.

Mike Nason is in Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge. Please remember to pray for him.


This email from my cousin’s wife was sent out yesterday. My aunt and uncle sent it onto me. Please continue to pray for M as she waits to hear about the body scan, as she takes college finals this week, and as she is a mother and wife.

Thank you for praying!

Melinda

I have had several e-mails over the last couple of days so if you are wondering what is happening with me I am unfortunately in a holding pattern. I had my full body scan last Friday which I thought went great. I was in and out very quickly. I have my appointment with the oncologist this coming Monday the 5th to get the results and he will tell me what is next. Please pray that the cancer is contained and has not spread. The worst part right now is just knowing that it is there and no one is doing anything to stop it yet!!!

I am in the middle of finals week at school and cramming like crazy! Please pray I can stay focused on my school work and not think about the cancer….I can not even begin to tell you how hard that is!

Thank you all so much…I love you all and I am strong and positive because I have Jesus and all of you!!!

M


Bobby Lee Kirby
Bobby Kirby died Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington. He was 78, a native of Osyka, Miss., and a resident of Greensburg. He worked as a machinist at Exxon for 10 years and worked at Gulfsouth in Ponchatoula for 17 years. Visitation at Amite Church of Christ, Amite, on Friday, May 2, from 9 a.m. until service at noon, conducted by Brother John Fulda. Interment in Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Myrtle Willis Kirby, of Greensburg; daughter, Carolyn Beth Kirby Blouin and husband Selwyn, of Gurley; daughter-in-law, Kathy Kirby; and four grandchildren, Katie Kirby, Zane Kirby, Lex Blouin and Beau and wife Andrea Merritt Blouin. He was preceded in death by his parents, John V. and Mamie Frazier Kirby; two brothers, Johnny Edward and Zelion Quinn; infant daughter, Madeline Gail Kirby; and son, Timothy Randall Kirby. Pallbearers will be Selwyn Blouin, Beau Blouin, Lex Blouin, Zane Kirby, Dennis Kirby and Bob Harvin. Honorary pallbearers are Carlton Drew, Roger Navarra and Emerson Newman. Bobby Kirby served in World War II as an airplane and engine mechanic in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Amite Church of Christ and on the board of directors of the Amite Church of Christ Daycare. Memorial donations may be made to The Crossroads Youth Ranch, 62300 Russell Town Road, Roseland, LA 70456 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Share sympathies, condolences, memories at http:// http://www.charletfuneralhome .com.

‘Saw Man’ Shares Jesus After Disasters
By Mickey Noah
VANDUSER, Mo. (BP)–As the guys on the Arkansas disaster chainsaw team — tired after a long day of working a recent Missouri storm — ate their dinner at a local Southern Baptist church, the big, burly man who came in was impossible to miss. Imagine John the Baptist with a Stihl chainsaw.

Dressed in blue denim, with a full, graying beard and huge hands, Tom Stanton dropped by their table and asked if they needed any chainsaws sharpened.

“The Saw Man,” as Stanton is called, didn’t have to ask twice. Any operator of a chainsaw knows that a dull chainsaw is useless, and sharpening chainsaws is a prickly job best left to experts. And The Saw Man is just that.

Stanton’s unique chainsaw-sharpening ministry is valuable to Southern Baptist disaster relief chainsaw teams who respond to ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and other disasters.

Stanton, 53, calls Deer River, Minn. — about 100 miles south of the Canadian border — home. Until last October, he pastored a small church there.

Now, his “day job” is running a shear/scissor sharpening business.

Stanton’s disaster relief ministry began 2001 when a major tornado hit Siren, Wis. The following day — after a sleepless night — he felt “called” to go to Wisconsin.

“I had no clue what I was going to do,” said Stanton, who first learned to sharpen chainsaws as an 18-year-old logger in Montana. “My first paycheck was a chainsaw.

“In Wisconsin, I found guys who didn’t know how to file chainsaws. So I volunteered and started sharpening. People came out of the woodwork. I sharpened chains with a file for three days until a preacher got me a 12-volt rotary tool. Then I sharpened for another 10 days.”

That was the beginning of Stanton’s chainsaw-sharpening ministry. He doesn’t know for sure but figures he’s sharpened thousands of chainsaws in the wake of disasters, including Hurricane Katrina. He doesn’t charge a penny.

Financially, how does Stanton cover his expenses? What about $3-plus-a-gallon gasoline for the Ford pickup truck he must drive to disasters? What about tools? Lodging? Food?

“God provides,” Stanton said. “The people are really generous with me.” He said God gave him his sharpening business back home, which provides most of his day-to-day financial needs.

“Through the years, God has provided for me miraculously with a small camper/trailer, a generator and even with my truck, given to me by a Christian friend from my hometown. Last year, someone gave me a GPS so I won’t get lost!”

These days, Stanton is too professional to use files or even his original rotary tool to sharpen saws. Now he uses a Dremel tool.

“Dremel Company now provides me with all my tools. In fact, I was invited to their plant in Racine, Wis., to teach their people how to use their tool.” With the Dremel device, Stanton does not have to remove the chain from the chainsaw to sharpen it, which saves significant time and effort.

During the first two weeks after Hurricane Katrina, someone estimated that Stanton sharpened 2,000 chainsaws in Louisiana and Mississippi. He worked as many as 20 hours a day.

“Since I can leave the chain right on the saw, I can pull up to a bunch of guys and easily sharpen 10 saws an hour,” Stanton said. “When I have someone to hand me the saws, I can do 16 an hour. Hand-filing takes up to 20 minutes apiece. This helps the disaster relief teams get back to work faster.”

Why would a man who’s had both hips replaced — and who last year suffered a heart attack requiring 10 stents — chase natural disasters around the country to sharpen chainsaws for strangers?

“It’s really hard for me to stand back and see somebody else hurting,” Stanton said. “I’ve been crippled up through the years. Since 1997, I haven’t been able to do much physically for people except for chainsaw sharpening. It’s a tremendous need.”

Stanton even has a Bible verse, Ecclesiastes 10: 9-10, that reflects his ministry: “… the one who cuts wood may be endangered by doing it. If the axe is dull, and one does not sharpen its edge, then one must exert more strength….”

“God has allowed me to see many people make professions of faith in Jesus Christ. I go to disasters, sharpen chainsaws and tell people how to avoid the world’s greatest disaster,” which Stanton says is rejecting Christ.

At a disaster site, Stanton witnesses to the public during the day as he sharpens their chainsaws. He gives out tracts and New Testaments from a five-gallon pail he calls the “Bucket of Hope.” At night, he sharpens chainsaws for disaster relief workers, including those from Southern Baptist teams — counseling, challenging and encouraging Christian men in their walks with God.

Stanton would like to see his chainsaw sharpening ministry go full-time.

“I’d love to go to fires, ice storms, snowstorms — do it full-time if the Lord opened up the door for it.”

He’s also eager to train others on the fine points of chainsaw sharpening. In fact, he’s taught two classes for the Mississippi Baptist Convention.

“I’d love to teach chainsaw sharpening as an evangelistic ministry to every association — just to equip people to get out there. I’m just praying that God will raise up more people to do what I do.”

Fritz Wilson, Florida Baptists’ director of disaster relief and recovery, has known Stanton for several years, working several hurricanes and other disasters with him. He calls Stanton a “super” Christian with a unique ministry.

“He comes in and sharpens our saws, and then goes out in the community and offers to sharpen anyone’s saw,” Wilson said. “Tom has a unique ministry and uses sharpening to parallel the Christian life and walk. He tells people that we can’t be good tools for Christ unless we stay sharp.”

In 2007 alone, the North American Mission Board tallied thousands of tree-removal jobs performed by disaster relief volunteers throughout the United States. While state Southern Baptist conventions provide the manpower and most equipment, NAMB coordinates multi-state disaster responses and partners with national relief groups like the American Red Cross and Salvation Army to ensure vital services reach the most critical-need areas quickly.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor


AT THE END of her first quarter at the university, Lenora came home and announced: “I am not going to church anymore…!”

Her parents were shocked. “Lenora, what happened?” wailed Mom. “You have all those awards for perfect attendance! And you’ve always seemed glad to worship God.”

“I no longer believe in God; he is a myth,” she replied bluntly. “Dr. Phillips has taught me the truth.”

“How did Dr. Phillips teach you that God is a myth?” asked her dad.

“It really wasn’t hard. He pointed out that apples do not grow in the Tigris-Euphrates Valley.”

“Well?” Lenora’s father was inquisitive.

“Dad.” Lenora was impatient. “That being true, the first story in the Bible, the creation story, is a myth. The Garden of Eden was in the Tigris-Euphrates Valley, so Eve could not have eaten an apple as the Bible says. And if that story is a myth, what not all the others?”

“Hold on a minute, Lenora. Let’s answer three questions. First, do we know the location of the Garden of Eden? No. Second, do we know the nature of the climate in the Garden? No. And third, what kind of fruit was forbidden? The Bible does not say. The myth here is the apple. Did Dr. Phillips read the Scriptures?”

Lenora shrugged her shoulders and walked away. To Lenora, her dad was a good, old-fashioned man. Dr. Phillips was her authority. Facts no longer mattered to her. She had decided that all truth is relative, and what she had come to believe was right for her. Nothing else mattered. (Robert L. Waggoner)

KneEmail: “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (Heb. 3:13).

Today is the National Day of Prayer. In Kentwood, the event will be celebrated at the City Hall monument at from 12:30 – 1:00 this afternoon. You are invited to attend and bring others with you. You can find more information at http://www.ndptf.org/home/home.html

If you are unable to attend a prayer rally, you can have prayer wherever you are. The main point is to pray for our great nation!

Anna Lee