Category: Family

Sunday

“Dear friends,

let us continue to love one another,

for love comes from God.

Anyone who loves

is born of God and knows God.”

~1 John 4:7 NLT~



Jimmy and Retia Dukes

Thats what friends are for:

We often think and say this but it is true. Whether it is a starbucks card, getting a pool pump, or just calling to check on you when things happen, or whatever, you know what I am saying. Like when you get slipped 60$ by a patient who knows you don’t have to have this money but did it from his heart listening to God. Or when another patient who connects with someone 30min from home, at a garden store no less and talks of booneville, Dr. Dukes and his parents and then shows up to your office with a tomato plant for your mom. Like I said that is what friends are for and my family has been blessed with them and we are thankful for all of you. Still fairly overwhelming after 4 weeks, not just this sureal tragedy, but the outpouring of love an prayer to the Father. I often think I dont need anyone, but this has disproven that. We need each other and we need Him. Isnt it funny that the greatest commandments are to Love Him and to love others!

Does that ever trip anyone else out, that the creator of the universe, the all knower, the all powerful one and only true God cares for us and came near to us and wants relationship with us. He listens to us as we pour out our hearts and empty ourselves to Him for Jimmy and Retia Dukes. May he answer our prayer as we ask for complete healing and recovery for them.

I can count on about 3 hands the number of doctors I like, dentist, sorry Ken and Catherine and Jeff and Bo, are even fewer and further between, mostly cause the pain they inflict on me. but doctors bother me more because I am one. This last month I have been on the other side and hope that I listen more better, sorry big O for the grammer, and communicate more and better than the ones I have had to deal with from this side. I am praying for my attitude but I must say pray with me. They have not communicated at all, it is like pulling teeth.

Mom, is opening her eyes and responding. she stayed awake today for over 8 hours and interacted with me some shaking her head yes or no, respectively and correctly depending on what I asked her. She moved her feet at command, both feet. However, she is still far from out of the woods. Please, Please, Please, be ever fervent in your prayers as this time is as crucial as the first 3 weeks before she showed signs of life. She needs to continue to progress, moving and keeping her airway open and breathing on her on when they cap her tracheostomy. They did that today about 5mins and she did about as well as expected for someone who has not had to breath without aid for 4 weeks. Please pray for healing of wounds a 3×5 cm decubitus on her sacrum and other lesser skin wounds and that she would be protected from other infection. Pray for dad as he continues to heal. Pray for his spirit to be full of peace and joy from the Father as he worries about mom and finances. Pray for the logistics of the surgery to come and at some point movement back to Orlando. Pray for strength for rehab. Again, Jason and I thank the tens of thousands of you who are praying and our God is faithful to hear the prayer of those He loves and who love Him.

Duct tape can’t fix this: My wife fixed our pool pump today in the middle of a torental downpour. I think she used the whole roll but it worked. But only our God can fix this situation. Keep praying.

I thought the last two days about the overwhelming response mom and dad have recieved and wondered why? It made me think of effect, affect and infect. They have lived their lives transparently loving on others as God has loved them and in the process they have effected: Made an effective difference in, changed them cared for them and showed kindness and encouragement and Loved them. They have affected: Like when you put the cream on the affected area. The poison oak is what affected your skin. They have touched others and affected them they have made them better. They have also infected them: with the affect of their effect they have gotten into the heads and hearts of all us and made all of us act differently even if it is just when we are around them. They have changed so many lives and I am thankful to be one of them. Praise be to my God for my mom and dad. May we all have an effect, affect and infectiveness on others as we let Him live through us.

Dr. Kelly, president of the New Orleans Baptist Seminary, has set up a fund for mom and dads recovery. It will be used for bills after all insurance has run out. If there is any money left over it will be used for a sholarship fund in their name. The only way dad would have it, to think of students and their benefit, as they have been in the forefront of his mind always. If you care to give contact the Seminary on the web or by phone and they will help you give tax deductibly. Oh yeah since I feel like I am giving a commercial BUY Jasons book it is coming soon.



Don Denton

Don is still stable and that we are so thankful for. We will meet with the neurosurgeon Sunday afternoon to go over the details of the surgery.

What we know is this. Don will have a meningial biopsy of the brain on Monday afternoon. This surgery will take from 3 to 6 hours depending on what they find. If it goes into six hours, they will be also putting a shunt in and that will mean two surgerys.

This is a difficult surgery. He will know more tomorrow about what to expect. Once Don is out of surgery, he will be in ICU till he is stable.

Today is seven days we have been in St. Louis. We miss home again and we miss our friends and church. Don is still having headaches, nausea and he usually does not keep down what he drinks for liquids. Today his blood pressure went pretty low.

So Monday will be a big day with the surgery. I will not be able to post probably until last Monday night. If anything should change between now and Monday I will post it.

Please pray for a successful surgery with no complications. Brain surgery as you know is risky. We are praying that his neurosurgeon will have wisdom. We are praying for good results and a diagnosis. We so need a diagnosis so they can treat this disease in the best possible way.

Today was a very long day for us. I am pretty emotional today. I find that when I get the sleep I need it really makes a difference.

One other thing I would ask you to pray for. Joshua’s birthday is the 15th of this month. I am asking God to get us through this time, so that Joshua will not have to endure a difficult birthday this year. We are hoping to do life as normal as possible especially for his birthday.

Don is so grateful to you all for all that you have done for us and all that you continue to do to help us. I am too. We are so grateful for God’s mercy and goodness to us. We are holding onto the hope that is in Christ. I believe that we are going to get past this.

I am thankful to you our family and friends for your precious love extended to us. We are so blessed. And for those of you who I don’t know that post on caringbridge. Thank you for your committment to praying for us and for you precious words of hope and peace. Thank you for each of you. You have been the “Christ” to us. Your words of hope and encouragment are a healing balm to my soul. I could not make it through this without all of you walking with us through this.

Bless you!


Pray for my former student, Cindy, as she has heart surgery tomorrow. Pray for peace of mind as she submits her health to surgeons.


Thanks for your prayers and concerns for my mother. She is back to where she was before her hospitalization two weeks ago. Please continue to pray for Momma and Daddy as they care for each other daily.

Dakota Brooke, grandson of another former student, is doing better. He is still less than two weeks old and in NICU still, but progressing – baby steps! Please continue to pray.


Greg Corkern, husband of yet another former student, has been released from the hospital. Pray for him as he makes changes in his life to help with his heart problems.

Prayer concerns for IMB personnel in Romania

Dear Prayer Partners,

Donna Brown is at the CEE ladies retreat right now in Krakow Poland. So hopefully the May prayer calendar will be sent out the beginning of next week. Pray for the ladies as they studying God’s Word and enjoy the time together. (Jennie drove a group of ladies from her area to the same retreat)

I do have a few prayer requests you can pray for while waiting for it.

Please continue to pray for Larry and Peggy Carnes as they seek God’s direction in their lives. They are back in the US in Gastonia NC (at the church where Frank and Mary Alice Fox atten). Peggy has been to the neurosurgeon and he says she will probably have to have surgery on the cervical vertebrae (upper neck) before the lower. She had a spinal block on the upper part on last Thursday and had one on the lower back two days ago and another on the lower back after 2 weeks. The doctor is trying to avoid lower back surgery, but we will see. Please continue to pray for Peggy during this process. Samuel and Maricatherine are finishing up homeschooling. (The Carnes family shared a duplex with the Hatchels in Bucharest.)

I have not received an update from Floyd and Freda Angeletti. (The have a daughter who lives in McComb.) They are in Harrisburg PA. Freda was to have had test at John Hopkins last Thursday. Please pray for her as she finds out if she will have to have more surgery. Also pray for them to know where the Lord wants them to serve him next.

I heard from Bob and Diane Wagstaff this morning. They are currently on stateside assignment. They are due to return to Romania July 10th. They have been busy speaking at different conferences. The latest were in LA and AR. The next one in about two weeks will be in Washington state. They ask for prayer for the South Carolina team that is currently in Craiova Romania ministering with Bob and Margie Craig and the Romanian team they work with. Also pray for Bob and Diane as they finish up medical tests during the next week so they can be cleared to return to Romania. They also wrote “we are praising God that Raul and Ana and Kevin and Michelle, our Canadian missionary co-workers, all returned to Romania safely and that they (the Canadians) raised 93% of the support they felt they needed while they were in Canada for three months. Our other praise is that our son, Pete seems to be settling into his life and teaching job in South Korea in spite of the fact that the food is a challenge for him. Also we are thankful for the opportunity to visit my sister and Adela (Romanian), whom we took to America with us in 1995 before and after our conference in WA.” Roger and I are hoping to see them before they return to Romania.

Please continue to pray for a job for Roger. We learned yesterday the job he interviewed for three weeks ago he did not get. We know the Lord has the perfect job for Roger but of course I am ready for Roger to have it now. J He has kept busy working on items inside and outside the house. Yesterday and today Roger is in San Antonio attending an organic church conference with a pastor friend. We are also on baby watch. Our daughter-in-law could have her baby anytime. Her due date is May 17th. I am hoping Kelly has the baby before Mother’s day. Jordan and Kyle have finals at Union University the third week of May. Pray they can stay focused as they study and finish up the semester.

Thank you for praying for these prayer requests and for the work God is doing in and through his missionaries in Romania.

Love,

Melinda

(Melinda and Roger just complete their service in Romania and are making their home in Texas near family members.)



“Down by the Creek Bank” will be presented by the children’s choir of FBC, Kentwood tonight at 6 P.M. If you remember the presentation by that name of twenty-five years ago, you will be delighted to know the musical is the same, just a different generation of children presenting it. Come and support the children and the adults who have worked with them.


KneEmail

Mike Benson

Encourage

abmk.jpgMARY KAY ASH encouraged her employees at Mary Kay with a an attitude of celebration and blessing…

She signed hundreds of birthday cards offering free lunch and a free movie. She commemorated employees’ “blessed events” such as weddings and babies with personal gifts. She put flowers and white tablecloths in the company cafeteria, and perfume and makeup (Mary Kay brand, of course) in the rest rooms. A sign outside her office read “Department of Sunshine and Rainbows.” Her credo was “Appreciation is the oil that makes things run.” Ash realized that constant verbal and physical demonstrations of encouragement are necessary for the achievement of ambitious goals and to make employees feel truly valued.

Moses knew the encouraging power of encouragement. When the desert sands seemed unending, when food became scarce, and when internal dissidents threatened to undermine the organization’s purpose (“Let’s return to Egypt!), Moses reminded the Israelites of their goal, a “land of milk and honey” that truly existed, even if they had never seen it. (Lorin Wolfe)

“…Encourage one another daily….”

~ Hebrews 3:13; cf. 10:24~

Have a great SONday!

Anna Lee

Friday

“One handful of peaceful repose is better

than two fistfuls of worried work….”

~Ecclesiastes 4:6 MSG~




My mother, Dot Smith, began physical therapy yesterday. Hopefully, with time, she will be less “wobbly”. Continue to pray for my mom and my dad.


Don Denton

Here we are at Thurday evening and tomorrow Don will tapper down to 2.5mg. I spoke with his neurologist today and he wants Don to continue to taper down.

We knew this was going to be a rough time, but we had no idea what that really meant. At least I did not. I just want this all to go away and we have our life back. And at the same time, I know there are others who are going through so much of a deeper loss. It does not make our suffering less, it just really helps me stay focused with the perspective that I need to have. I get lost in this and want to just “be the victim”. Or for that matter feel really sorry for myself.

I am thankful to God that we have Don. Our anniversary is tomorrow and all I can think of is that I want my precious husband to get well again. I hope to see the day that he can get up in the morning and be free of this awful disease.

His level of headache pain is staying at a steady upper level of pain. He is taking more pain meds. He now has intermittent fever.

In speaking with the doctor, we have decided that if Don’s fever rises to 101 and/or his headache pain or other symptoms get worse, I will take him into the ER in Springfield.

Tonight he had 99.8 fever. These are all signs of what is going on with the inflammation in his brain.

The good thing is that he is able to eat some. And he is taking regular fluids.

I feel numb again. Partly because the last few nights I have been up to 3 and 4am in the morning. One night up with Don and last night up with him and trying to pack just in case.

I am praying for the following:

Don continue to hold his own until Monday. None of our doctors are on call this weekend.

Pray that we won’t have to take him in the middle of the night. That is so hard on him, myself and Josh.

We do have people waiting for when we need them. Thank you God for these precious people who are coming to our aid.

I have been unsucessful with getting Don’s nausea meds approved for him to take on a regular basis.

We are so close to where we need to be for them to do this surgery and Don’s surgeon is back from vacation on Monday.

I am going to do dishes and then go to bed. Thank you so much for who you are to us.

Diane






Jimmy and Retia Dukes

< my God is so big >

Today I bought Mom a Grande Black Iced Tea, sweetened with classic sugar, light on the ice. We have been getting one together at least once a week, if not more, for quite some time now. It is her drink of choice from Starbuck’s and House Blend Cafe (except at House Blend Cafe it is a “bigger” made with English Breakfast tea and sweetened).

I bought her one today, because I wanted to, and because I wanted to tell her it was sitting there in her room waiting for her to wake up and drink it.

She didn’t wake up to drink it…yet. I left it and the straw next to the card that arrived for her today. You open the card and it plays the song “Day by Day.” Good song. I like the DC Talk version better.

When I wheeled Dad down to visit Mom this morning, she didn’t open her eyes at all. She did do something Dad and I thought was remarkable. Jen had called my phone and left a message of the kids singing a song for “Ammaw.” The song is called “My God Is So Big.” I played the message for Mom.

While it was playing, her facial expression was visibly different. Pensive you might say. Intently listening. Especially when Abby, her little Abby (she is pretty much a small version of Mom) blurted out the words to the song when the rest of the kids had finished. She followed her version with this very clear directive: “Love you Ammaw! Wake up!!! Come play!”

Even Ella joined in. She’s so advanced for almost 5 months old. She laughed on cue to be recorded. Seriously, she happened to laugh after Abby said what she said and it was caught on the message. Ammaw definitely, visibly, leaned ever so slightly – like not 3 inches, only about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch or so – but it was a lean toward the sound.

When Drew (a friend who was passing through town) and I visited her at 5, she did open her eyes. Only for about a second, and only about an eighth of an inch, but she did. She didn’t open them again, she didn’t respond to anything else, and she’s still in a coma, but she opened her eyes briefly. The neuro-surgeon again today told us to be hopeful. She is making positive steps. They are small, but they are positive.

A friend of ours bought Mom an iPod Shuffle for me to load with some music and clip to her pillow case and stick in her ears for her to listen to. When Mom would be over at the house with Jen, there would often be a playlist of music playing. Mom really liked it. That’s what I loaded on there – about 60 songs or so. It’s been playing in her ears since about 5 today. Hope she likes it.

Hopefully the hope of each song will echo deep into her bruised head. Hopefully it will remind her of the hope we have because of the God who came near, who was not far away when the accident occurred. He was near. Very near. As He is to us all.

The day was up and down for us. Dad really seemed to appreciate seeing Mom this morning. After getting settled back into his room, several things happened that were kind of downers.

1 – The case worker told me that neither Mom nor Dad got accepted to the long-term care facility we had looked into. Last week, we were disappointed because the one that had been so highly recommended ended up being out of network for their insurance. The next one we looked into, which is in network, denied admittance to both of them this morning. They said Dad had progressed too much to qualify for long term care, and Mom was not a case they wanted to take on. Come one, Dad – quit getting better why don’t you!?

I was bummed. I could tell Dad was, too. They would have shared a room and been well taken care of.

So, we are researching two other options. Referrals have been written already for one of the other two. And, I will tour the other one in the morning at 9am. I pray that one of these will work out. One of them would allow Mom and Dad to be in the same building, but not in the same room. The other one would put them into two different facilities about 15 minutes from each other. We don’t want that, but we may have to go with it. Reason why? Because Mom and Dad’s health issues are very different. Mom needs brain attention. Dad needs bone attention. It’s all good. We just want the best care for each of them.

2 – We found out the insurance will not pay a dime toward transporting them back to Orlando once Dad can walk. We were bummed, cause I think Dad really wants to get them both back there once he is able to bear weight on his legs.

3 – I told Dad about them both getting denied to the facility we thought they would settle in by the end of this week. I think getting into that next facility will bring some evidence for progress to Dad for both Mom and him. That would be good.

They are moving Mom out of ICU some time Friday. They say she is stable enough to step down from ICU. It’s sort of strange to hear that about a person who is in a coma. However, she is breathing on her on. She is handling the food from the feeding tube now. She is not responding to commands at all. But, she would get great treatment there that would move her toward waking up and beginning rehab.

Dad really is doing well. I mean, he can’t bear weight on either leg for another 3 to 5 weeks. He can’t take off his collar for another 3 to 5 weeks. His left wrist (he is left-handed) will have to be re-broken and repaired eventually. But, his ribs are healing. His lung is not collapsed anymore. His upper left arm has been surgically repaired and is healing. His lower legs have been surgically repaired and are healing. And, his “road rash” is healing very, very well. That was a concern to the doctors. If you see him now compared to just a week ago, you can see why they denied him for long-term acute care. He will have to go to a “skilled nursing facility” next. We are looking for one connected with a hospital here.

Mom has not had a fever for over 24 hours. THAT’S HUGE!!! She had really been struggling with one. The doctors thought she was struggling with some infections. So far the one infection they did discover is being attacked and looks like it’s losing. Her one bedsore she had developed is almost gone. And her swelling in her arms and legs has gone way, way down. We are thankful. Still in a coma, but making progress.

While I was out getting Dad his afternoon latte today, a song from the shuffle I was listening to played in the car that really means a lot to me. I heard it the 1st time at a friend’s funeral as a celebration of the great God we serve and the hope we have in His coming. It floored me. Broke me. I wept and wept. I guess the weight of everything and the difficulty with logistics and the emotional high of being home this weekend coupled with the low of not being here with Mom and Dad and Erik all came to a head. It was a moment of pause and a moment of reminder and a moment to cry. Very necessary.

The song is called “Days of Elijah.” Very powerful. At one point, the bridge builds up as Twila Paris and the resounding choir behind her keep repeating, “There is no God like Jehova.” And there isn’t.

Our God is so big. His love is so big. He loved us first and hasn’t stopped. No matter what we face in life, we can trust that He loves us and holds us. After all, the havoc wreaked from what happened in the garden continues today, and it wasn’t his fault. He keeps showing us His love everyday that He so clearly demonstrated when He reaped at the cross what we had sown in the garden.

The promise of abundant life doesn’t mean an abundance of easy. He never promised safety. Our safety is not central to what He is up to. Our security is. We can rest in Him, His strength, His might, His love, no matter what. And we must not let the bigness of circumstances cause us to forget how big He really is.

That’s why the kids’ message on my phone that I played for Mom was so meaningful. For Mom, and for me. The words of the song they sang on that message are:

my God is so big
so strong and so mighty
there‘s nothing my God cannot do

my God is so big
so strong and so mighty
there‘s nothing my God cannot do

the mountains are His
the valleys are His
and everything in between too

my God is so big
so strong and so mighty
there‘s nothing my God cannot do

Thanks for reminding us of that Caleb and Katey and Abby, and even Ella.

I fly home tomorrow afternoon and come back Sunday night. Erik comes in for the weekend. I know he has struggled not being here. I am thankful he has been with his family, though.

Speaking of his family, his sweet wife is an amazing writer and blogs fairly regularly. Click here to read some of her latest posts. Very cool. Erik and I are very thankful for our wives. Erin and Jen are amazing.

Please pray for Mom’s healing and Dad’s continued progress. Please pray for the next step to be clear within the next few days. We know they will be transferred by early next week. Just trying to finalize where.

We love yall. Thanks for doing life with us through all of this.

-jason

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
THE PRIMARY PURPOSE for controlling our speech is to prevent harm…
But controlling our words also has personal advantages for us. The main advantage is that people will respect us.
Just think of how you react differently to a person who goes on and on and talks in circles and one who chooses her words carefully and is succinct. How much respect do you have for the fast-talking used-car salesman, the wisecracking comedian, the politician who speaks out of both sides of his mouth or even the revivalist who enchants crowds with volume and energy? We put people of many words in the category marked “con artists.” Now, consider people whom you genuinely respect–perhaps a teacher, a counselor, a grandparent. Aren’t they people who speak carefully, using well-chosen words? We put people of few words in the category marked “wise.”
“The fool multiplies words.”
Ecclesiastes 10:14; cf. 10:10; 6:11; Prov. 17:28
I hope you finish you workweek well and move into a great weekend. Thanks for being there to pray!
Anna Lee

Tuesday

“There’s far more here than meets the eye.

The things we see now are here today,

gone tomorrow.

But the things we can’t see now will last forever.”

~2 Corinthians 4:18 MSG~

Pray for Chance O’Hern while he is hospitalized this week. Pray for Alice as she stays with him and makes decisions.


Pray for my family as we continue to search for a diagnosis of Momma’s problems.



Don Denton

Tomorrow will be Don’s last day on 5mg. He will start 2.5 on Wednesday and will be completely off of the steroids this weekend. Yes!

Today has been a difficult day in that he is very tired, and more headaches today. Tonight he was not able to eat much at all and he was not able to eat lunch earlier as well.

On a positive note I believe that he is going to make it to this weekend. We then will keep praying that he can make it to surgery week. His admit date at Barnes-Jewish is May 4th. They will do further testing including an MRI to look at comparisons. And then sometime that week they will do the biopsy.

This Thursday is our wedding anniversary. I can’t tell you what this means in so many ways. Last October I did not think I would see this day. Although Don is too weak to go out and celebrate or do the usually things we would do to celebrate our anniversary, it does not matter.

This kind of event in ones life changes everything. Perspective on what is important changes too. Someone asked me today how has this changed me. There is allot to be said about that, but most important is that we have each other. We celebrate how far we have come and the journey together. WE will also celebrate the past, the now and our future together. It is a good thing in the Denton house that we can celebrate and we have so much to be thankful for.

It would be so nice to have some time to get away but I believe that day will come for us.

Don’s doctor up in St. Louis said he has only had one patient not relapse. I believe he is going to have to add Don to that list. Yes!

Just a note about the cat and then important prayer requests.

Funny thing, Saturday night the fire assistant chief called me. I had left a message about getting advice on getting a cat down from the tree.

This man came out to our house. He himself climbed up in our tree and coaxed the cat down with him and it took an hour. I was amazed.

I asked him why would he do this. He said he loves animals. He loves kids more. He lost his first child at a very young age. He now has a little girl. When he heard this was our son’s favorite cat, he could not say no. I just love how God reminds me that knows the number of hairs on our head. He knows everything. God celebrates his creation and he takes delight in us. Nothing is too small to God.

Please pray:

Don”s body will adjust to being off of steroids
and he will not be in allot of pain.

Pray that he will be able to eat.

Pray that he can make it to May 4th admit date.

Pray for Joshua. He knows his daddy is getting weaker. He can see it.

Pray that I will have the wisdom to make the right choices when it comes to questions, etc. with the doctors.

Please pray that I will have the wisdom and discernment to keep persistant with fighting the insurance company, that is how it feels. It in and of itself is a full time job.

One more big thing, Don needs this medication for nausea. The doctor has upped the dosage from 4mg to 8mg. to help him. The insurance company will only pay for 12 per RX. I think that is every 7 days. This makes it so difficult for Don. I have called and the doctors have called and the insurance company refuses to pay.

This makes me so mad and sad. I am furious that an insurance company can get away with dictating course of treatment. And sad that Don knows this an so he holds out on taking his medication. I so want to write a book when all of this is said and done. I don’t understand how this can happen in our country.

I am going to call the insurance company again, tomorrow and insist that they put it in writing to me that they will not cover what Don needs. If I have to I will take this further. The reason they would not pay for him to have more , is that he is not pregnant. Yep. That is correct.
This medication is for nausea and used for women who are pregnant and other uses too. The time it takes to do this kind of legwork, can be overwhelming. So pray for me too. I need it.

On a good note, I can see the end in sight and we are praying that Don can make it to the May 4th date.

I can see where prayer is working in a miraculous way. I have more hope and I believe we are going to find answers and that this will be treatable.

Bless you our family and friends.
Diane

Associational VBS Workshop at FBC, Kentwood tonight at 6:30.

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
THERE ARE AT least three levels of listening:
1. No listening or nonlistening: This person has no awareness of the need to listen or to use a set of skills related to listening. He is not hearing impaired, so he believes he is a listener.
2. Focused listening: This listener is the type you do in polite conversation. The listener looks at the speaker with interest and doesn’t interrupt him. Most people prefer to speak, so focused listening is greatly valued and appreciated.
3. Active listening: This type of listener will paraphrase or summarize what the other is speaking and it helps the speaker feel more deeply connected. This type of listening fosters trust, communicates caring, and invites open dialogue. Also it can clarify miscommunication and resolve conflict. (Dallas and Nancy Demmitt)
“So then, my beloved brethren,
let every man be swift to hear,
slow to speak,
slow to wrath.”
James 1:19
Haven’t you heard that God gave us two ears and one mouth?
Thanks so much for praying for the needs listed each day. You mean so much to so many.
Anna Lee

Monday

“But certainly God has heard me;

He has attended to the voice of my prayer.”

~Psalm 66:19~

Ora Lee Wilson shared that Dwayne’s niece will have surgery this summer. The doctors have determined passing out had nothing to do with the tumor. It was God’s way to get the family to take Annie Ford to the doctor while there was still plenty of time!


Majel Dean said Jesse’s sister, Patsy, is home, but still in need of our prayers.


Betty Simpson asked for prayer for Kay Simpson who was schedule to have surgery.


Please continue to pray for Mrs. Faye Price and her family. “Miss” Faye still has many health issus that are being addressed daily.


My mother, Dot Smith, continues to have tests done. Some problems are being addressed already. She will be better when the issues are all identified and addressed. Thank you for praying for her and for us as we take turns sitting with her.


Please add Rae Baker and her family to the prayer list. She has been in hospice and they have called the family to be with her. Thank you very much. Pam (Sellers)

< Pop saw Ella >
Yesterday afternoon, my wife, Jen, and her sister, Lindsey, and my youngest child, Ella, flew into town to see Mom and Dad and me for two days. I had dropped Chris off at the airport Saturday morning and headed in to be with Dad and Mom. Thanks to Chris for coming up to just be here with me. He was a huge help to me as well as with Mom and Dad.

I was excited, to say the least, to see Jen. We have not been apart from each other this long since we were married over 10 years ago. It was amazing to see her and Ella and Linds (or Dindy as her nieces and nephew call her). They flew in and we went straight to the hospital.

We don’t recommend bringing a four-month-old into a hospital, especially a trauma-care hospital. We typically avoid any medical facility when our kids are below a year old anyway.

But this was different.

Pop has teared up every time we have talked about Erik’s kids and my kids. He and Mom have been blessed with 8 grand-kids. Wow – when we all get together, it is a blast. Mom and Dad moved to Orlando about 21 months ago now, and they have become a daily part of my family’s life. Mom and Jen have become more than in-laws, and Mom means more to Jen than just the sweet “Ammaw” that helps with her grandkids. They have become friends. Jen misses her so. And the kids run to the door when Pop shows up, too.

That’s why this was different. We wanted Pop to see his little Ella. We wanted him to bask in the sunshine of her budding personality. And he did.

She loves his voice. Who doesn’t? His voice is soothing, inspiring, firm, and tender all at the same time. And when he speaks, Ella is captivated. Pop’s heart welled up to see Ella. He teared up when Jen leaned over to give an I-don’t-want-to-hurt-you hug. It meant a lot.

They don’t let babies in the ICU, or we would have taken her in to see Mom. Jen and Lindsey got to see her, though.

It is not easy seeing her right now. It wasn’t easy for them. You can tell it’s Mom. However, with the swelling and the tracheotomy and the shaved head and her beautiful, brown eyes closed, it makes you miss her even more.

She did open her eyes again while they were in there. Only for a brief moment, but she opened them.

I spoke with her doctor last night. He assured me that her opening her eyes for us yesterday, as well as the one time Mom opened her eyes for him earlier yesterday, was a very, very positive sign. What will determine how significant it was (whether it was a small response or just a reflex) will be if she continues to do it.

She did.

This morning, Jen and I were at her bedside, and she opened her left eye again. We had been talking to her, and she coughed up some stuff into the tube of her tracheotomy. We asked the nurse to suction the tube. When she did, Mom opened her left eye from the commotion. We hope it wasn’t just a reflex. We hope that she was taking a peak at who it was disturbing her, poking a tube down her throat and suctioning gunk out. We hope she was responding, even if it was, “Who am I gonna knock out for making my throat hurt after I wake up from this mess?” Any response – we’ll take it. She opened that left eye and peaked out.

We told her we love her so much. Jen has been watering Mom’s tomato plant back home. She updated Mom that there were some buds developing, and that the plant is now touching the roof of their back porch. Mom has a green thumb when it comes to tomato plants. I can’t wait to see her eating one of her tomatoes.

We told her Jimmy Dukes loves her so much. He was resting this morning. He was pretty tuckered out from a tough night’s sleep. Pop got a little disoriented last night and took his neck collar off and tried to get out of bed. Thankfully, he didn’t hurt himself. The nurses reminded him where he was.

He was embarrassed, so don’t tell him I told you. Seriously, pray for him as those fractured bones and his big-time road-rashed skin on his arm and leg continue to heal. He really looks forward to the day he can take off that #&@$% neck collar and can start putting weight on his legs (he doesn’t like the neck collar very much if you can’t tell).

Please keep praying for Mom. The doctors discovered an infection yesterday, which they are treating her for with a specific medicine. They don’t think it will be a big deal. Also, please pray for her skin to be protected. There is always great risk of skin breaking down when you are in a bed for that long. The nurses are working hard to prevent that. And, pray for her to wake up and be interactive. We are hopeful for the day.

While we know there is a real possibility she will deal with some long-term disabilities from the accident, we simply long to see her eyes and hear her voice again. She is an extremely beautiful and confident and compassionate woman. We have seen her beauty, we have been strengthened by her confidence, and we have been inspired by her compassion all of our lives. We are hopeful to witness her being herself again soon.

As for Pop – our time together has been rich. While I am not thankful for the reason I am here, I am more than thankful for being here with my Dad. He is one of my best friends. I listen to his voice and his wisdom. I am thankful that Ella is captivated by his voice, too. I am thankful he got to see her. I can’t wait for Mom and him to see all their grandkids.

Love yall. I will try to update tomorrow evening. Tomorrow is a big day logistically. I have meetings in the morning and afternoon about Mom and Dad’s benefits, the accident, insurance, and where they will be transferred next. Thanks for your prayers on that stuff, too.

-jason


William Sanford Hyde
(October 24, 1926 – April 20, 2009)

U.S. Veteran Died at 12:50 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2009 at his residence in Chesbrough, LA. He was a native of Chesbrough, LA, a retired teacher, and a U. S. Army veteran of WWII. Age 82 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Services conducted by Rev. Gary Weiborg. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough, LA. Survived by 4 daughters, Beverly Carroll, Erwinville, Brenda Hyde, Chesbrough, Julie Holton, Wilmer, Katherine Schultz, Chesbrough, 2 sons, William Dale Hyde, Wilmer, John Hyde, Chesbrough, 1 sister, Mildred Crain, Roseland, numerous granchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by 1st wife, Lyra Lawrence Hyde, 2nd wife, Mary Louise Osborn Hyde, daughter, Violet Darlene Hyde, brothers, Huey Hyde and Douglas Hyde.

This was one kind, gently man!

As you can see, staying at the hospital will have an effect the timing of my posts. I’ll get to the computer when I can. Thanks for understanding.

Anna Lee

Sunday

“All men shall fear,

and shall declare the work of God;

for they shall wisely consider His doing.”

~Psalm 64:9~

Please continue to pray for Momma and for my sisters and me as we take turns sitting with her.  She is in roon 4115 at North Oaks.

Don Denton

Today Don dropped down to 5mg of steroids and so far so good.

He has been very neauseated today.  But he is tolerating it and he was able to eat today.

. . .

thanks
Diane

SEREER OF SENEGAL AND THE GAMBIA (suh-RARE). Last month you prayed for
the Operation Christmas Child boxes’ distribution, when the IMB
missionary team and their partnering church presented the good news of
God’s love to more than 1,500 children and their families. Each of the
children also took home a storybook that begins with Creation and leads
to Christ. Pray for those who heard and are reading this book, asking
that God will stir in their hearts the desire to know more and that He
will lead them to those who can answer their questions. Pray that
through this, all the members of the household will have the
opportunity to be touched by the love of God given through His Son.



DEAF OF SOUTH AFRICA. “We rejoiced to hear that Deaf students at the
Filadepfia school continue to meet every Sunday and worship the Lord
with or without adult leadership,” writes the Deaf Evangelism Team.
“They keep practicing and reviewing the Bible stories they have
learned. Thank the Lord for the students’ steady hunger for God’s Word,
and pray that they will remember the stories well so they will be eager
to share with others.”



SOLI OF ZAMBIA (SOHL-ee). Missionary Kevin Rodgers took a trip to
Luangwa recently to do some teaching, and a baptism followed. Before
the baptism, he had each of the people share their testimony. One woman
shared that one day while she was just working at her home, she heard
the sound of a motor and felt drawn to go and see what it was. She saw
this white man coming in a boat. He was speaking in her language but
about something she had never heard before–having a relationship with
Jesus and how Jesus could change your life. She knew that there had
never been a time in her life when she had repented of her sins, for
she was a prostitute. That day, a few weeks ago, she prayed to receive
Christ. This past week, she was among the 12 who were baptized. Pray
for this group to continue to grow in their relationship with Christ.
Pray that they will reach out to others and share all that they are
learning. Pray for this woman in particular and the others to break
free from the strongholds in their lives. http://easternharvestteam.blogspot.com/



OBIE OF EAST ASIA (oh-BEE). D has no desire at this time to believe in
God or even to hear about the one true God. When her older brother
became a Christian, her parents became very angry with him. They were
upset that he would no longer worship their ancestors. This left a
lasting impression on D. She said that she would not go against her
parents’ wishes after seeing how much trouble her brother encountered
for following Jesus. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it”
(Mark 8:35, NIV). Pray that D will see a need in her life for Jesus.
Ask God to change her heart. Pray that she will have the courage to
follow Jesus despite persecution from her family.



LAST FRONTIER. What can we share about one Last Frontier people group?
Their daily needs are in short supply. Their medical needs go unmet.
Family members do not trust each other. Their freedom to travel at will
is limited. They know that their future is not bright. Possession of a
Bible will most likely result in a prison term. Gathering with other
believers is forbidden, as is sharing a story about God’s love. Knowing
these things, there are many requests we can make to our Father for
these people. But this week, please ask the Father to give the
believers among this people group joy. Pray that they will find His joy
in the everyday activities of life. Ask that they will experience His
joy as they work, as they seek to meet their daily needs, and as they
seek to worship Him even as it risks their personal freedom and lives.
May this thought be in their hearts: “You give him blessings forever;
You cheer him with joy in Your presence” (Psalm 21:6, HCSB).







INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD
Friday, April 17, 2009

“Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership
have righteousness and lawlessness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14a, NASB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global
Prayer Strategy, asking you to pray for godly marriage partnerships.

The Maldive Islands have one of the highest divorce rates in the
world (90 percent). Traditionally, weddings have been considered less
significant than birth, puberty or funeral rites. Ask God to send
additional godly families to live and minister in the Maldives as an
example of His design for marriage.

Married believers in Iran also strive to overcome deeply rooted
cultural norms. The way of Christ is a sharp contrast to the Islamic
worldview in which Persians are raised. Pray for husbands and wives,
fathers and mothers, asking that they will respond to all situations in
a Christ-like manner. Ask God to help them know how to live out their
faith appropriately in their homes and in the society.

Prayer requests take many forms, but the following two almost make
you want to help the individuals move from China to Niger or vice versa!

Three women in China sat, discussing how they desired to be married
but how the church was “slim pickings” when it came to available men.
Please pray that many more men will come to Christ and that women like
these three will wait patiently for a Christian husband.

Across the continents in Niger of Africa, there are Zerma men who
are following Jesus. Some of them have not married yet, but really want
to do so. There is a lot of pressure to get married and have children.
Ask God to show them what He wants marriage to be. Pray that these men
will be strong and not give in to the temptations of the world.

* Please pray fervently for godly partners to be found for those
longing to marry, resulting in relationships that demonstrate God’s
righteousness.

* Intercede for single Christians that they live in holiness and purity.


* If you are married, pray with your spouse and ask God to make your marriage a powerful testimony of His character.



KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee
should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
 
“IS IT REALLY possible for a
person to KNOW the truth…?”
 
There are so many opinions about what
the Bible teaches. “Is truth even attainable in the religious realm?”
 
These are common questions
today.  Consider a few observations from
Scripture:

  1. How can a person be expected to
    OBEY (    Hebrews
    5:8-9    ) Christ if he is incapable of knowing
    what constitutes obedience to Christ?

  2. How can a person be expected to
    ABIDE IN (    John
    8:31    ) the word of Christ if he is unable to
    learn and know Christ’s teaching?

  3. How can a person be expected to
    PROVE (    1 Thessalonians
    5:21    ; cf. 1 John
    4:1    ) what the Bible says if the truth cannot be
    distinguished from error?

  4. How can a person be expected to
    CONTEND (    Jude 3) earnestly for the truth if the truth is
    unattainable?

  5. How can a person be expected to
    BEWARE (    Matthew
    7:15    ; cf. 2 John
    7    ) of false teachers if there is no discernible
    way of telling whether or not they are teaching error?

  6. How can a person be expected to
    SPEAK (    Ephesians
    4:15    ) the truth in love if he is unable to
    differentiate between truth and error?

Yes, we can know the truth.  (Mike Benson at: http://www.forthright.net/)

“And you shall know the
truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32; cf. 2 Timothy
3:13-17).
Have a great Lord’s day!
Anna Lee

Saturday

“Look around at the nations; look and be amazed!

For I am doing something in your own day,

something you wouldn’t believe

even if someone told you about it.”

~Habakkuk 1:5 NLT~


Please pray for Momma, Dot Smith of Roseland. She was admitted to the hospital because of several health issus. So far, the doctors have determined she has had a small stroke.




Pray for one of my former studentsw, Cindy Knight Edwards. She will soon have heart surgery and would appreciate your prayers.


Rachel O’Brian, daughter of Joan Hagan, has a food injuy. Joan fell and has multiple sprains, but no broken bones. Please keep these two in your prayers.


Chance O’Hern

“Chance will be admitted on Monday (20th). They are going to give him iv treatments for two days then cath him. I dont have a time yet. Please pray for him. I am praying God will deliver him from this and we can avoid heparin shots. I also ask you to pray that God will keep me strong through this for my children. (the two girls also)”


Don Denton

We arrived back from St. Louis this evening late.

I am seeing some things happen which clearly are from everyone praying. Our spirits have been so low at times as you all know.

We are into seven months with still no end results, but something is happening and I have to just say it. Just a few days ago, I thought I was going to have to take Don to the ER he was doing so poorly.

Don was in testing most of the day today and this was pretty intense stuff. He did not get sick. He did not get a headache. And he was able to make the trip home. He is exhausted, but amazingly he did not get a headache today. That is clearly God. Clearly.

I have seen this man so pale, weak, headaches and sick, sick , so sick he has not been able to eat for two days. And today, he ate and again, I have to say NO headache.

Thank you God. And something else amazing happened today. Actually a blessing beyond what we could have imagined.

The insurance company is no longer paying for some things, such as Don’s physical therapy. A very important test that cost $400., which we just don’t have. I have shared with you all our medical debt. It is very scary and the truth is we don’t know how we are going to get through this.

But someone provided for this test. As so many of you have reached out to us in this way. So many of you have sacrificed for us.
I can’t put into words, how this has so ministered to us. During this entire journey as we have not known and especially me since I have been handling everything now. I did not know at each turn, how on earth were we going to make this financially. I still don’t know. But everytime a need has come up some precious soul has touched us in a way that has humbled us, blessed us and meet a need.

It has been the hardest thing for me to share these kinds of things meaning our needs, mostly because of my pride and my not wanting to share. I have been hoping I would not have to share. I know it is pride.

This would be hard for most people I believe. So bear with me too. It is a place where God is teaching me some things.

Well, our precious family and friends, I will leave you tonight peaceful, thankful and so grateful for what God has done for us this day and everyday.

Well one more thing. There are people out there that continue to feed us, especially when I am so tired, or I have just gotten back from another long trip, or a day with doctors. People who think of my son, and bring homemade cookies, or muffins. People who touch us in these ways that so minister to us. People who fix my screen. I keep thinking I can do this and it is embarrassing at times that I have to ask. Again, God teaching me.

And then those who open their homes to us. Those who take care of our child, and our animals. Those who fix my flush and my garbage disposal that backed up in my new dishwasher just last week. Those who are taking care of us in so many ways. There are you precious people who give to us and I continue to learn how to receive knowing my God loves and Josh, Don and I.

Those who write letters and everyone who prays daily for us. We are changed people, I say it again. Thank you our family and friends. Thank you!

Good night
Diane





Rhonda Varnado Dugas
(February 24, 1953 – April 16, 2009)

Rhonda Varnado Dugas

“He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.” – Psalm 91:15. Rhonda V. Dugas passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at her residence in Greensburg, LA. She was a native of Greensburg, LA. Age 56 years.

Visitation at Red Bluff Baptist Church, Greensburg, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 12 Noon Monday, April 20, 2009. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Stewart. Interment Red Bluff Cemetery, Greensburg, LA.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister who will be missed by her family which include her husband, Stevie Dugas, Greensburg; daughter, Jennifer Butler, Kentwood; son, Michael Dugas and wife, Cherie, Denham Springs; 4 grandchildren, Dara Butler, Dylan Butler, Josey Butler and Pryce Dugas; 3 sisters, Betty Stewart, Baton Rouge, Sandra Perkins, Clinton, and Cindy Young, St. Francisville; 4 brothers, Jerry Varnado, Greensburg, Jimmy Varnado, Kentwood, Robert Varnado, Greensburg, and Frank Varnado, Greensburg.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Audrey Varnado.

Pallbearers will be Cory, Benji, Eric, Tyler and Jason Varnado and Terry Day Smith. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dylan and Josey Butler and Pryce Dugas.


Monday

“God reigns over the nations;

God sits on His holy throne.”

~Psalm 47:8~

From Sue Minor/Tucker

I am emailing to ask prayer for my Mom and my step-father (Ruby and Aubrey Stokes), both of them are in North Oaks Medical Center. They had a incident on Saturday morning where Mr. Aubrey started to fall and Mama tried to help him and they both ended up on the floor and couldn’t get up and were not found for several hours when my nephew went to check on them. Mr. Aubrey was taken to the hospital and admitted for tests but Mama refused to go, then my brother and sister came home from Houston and talked my Mom into going to the E. R. this morning and she was found to have pneumonia and admitted to the hospital (both of them have been sick this week and Mama was found to have bronchitus on Wednesday and now it has turned into pneumonia). So I would appreciate all of your prayers for them both. Thanks.

Pray for Mrs. JoAnn (Thomas) Carter. She will have surgery tomorrow at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge.

Pray for Mrs. Faye Price as she is at Kentwood Manor for a while.

Orin Davidson is at home with Naomi Tolar again. Pray for her as she cares for her dad daily.

Continue to pray for Mrs. Annie Belle Harrell as she hopefully learns something helpful as a result of recent tests.

Mike and Kelly Graham Prescott have a new baby born Friday at Woman’s Hospital. Allie Mikel Prescott has a dislocated hip, but otherwise is fine. Pray for them as this problem is addressed.

My niece has a new baby that was born Friday at North Oaks. Ashlyn Jade Stuart was born to Josh and Casey Stuart. Ashlyn has a big brother Aaron. They are at home in Independence. Josh will resume duties as a Marine very soon.

Tickets are now available at the church office for The Power of the Cross which will be presented in two weeks. Contact the church office (229-8111) for more information.

Pray for others as they have various appointments scheduled today or in the coming week.

Jared Prescott

Ruby Dillon

Frank Erwin

Miranda M. Erwin

Grant Smith

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
I HAVE TO confess that initially this passage made me scratch my head…
Based upon what is recorded earlier in Matthew 3, John’s question to the Lord in Matthew 11 really didn’t make sense. It appeared, at least on the surface, as something of a biblical contradiction.

Chapter 3 says Jesus came to John for baptism (3:13). John objected at first, but Jesus convinced him otherwise and the immersion took place (3:16a). Scripture then records that the heavens opened up and the Spirit descended in the likeness of a dove. At that same moment, the Father declared, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (3:16b-17; cf. Mark 1:10-11).

Whatever doubts John might have had about Jesus prior to this occasion, they must have been erased, for he was in the presence of the Godhead (Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9) and had incontrovertible evidence as to the identity of Jesus. And yet, when you get to chapter 11, John (now in prison) sends a rather puzzling question to the Lord. He asks (via a messenger), “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” (11:3).

What?! Wait a minute! “Are You the Coming One…?!” How can Jesus not be the One?! John, have you somehow forgotten about what you saw and heard back at the baptism? Are you suffering from some type of self-induced amnesia? Has imprisonment clouded your mental faculties? Of course Jesus is the Coming One!

Evidently John, like many of his Jewish peers (Acts 1:6), held certain preconceptions about the Messiah. He was looking for a king like David of old. He was looking for a military figure who would overthrow the yoke of Roman tyranny and oppression. He was looking for a political entity who would restore the kingdom to its former glory.

From John’s skewed vantage point, Jesus didn’t exactly fit with his Messianic expectations. Instead of initiating zealous political rallies and instigating a coup against Caesar, the Lord humbly moved among the common people of His day, teaching them and healing their sick. Instead of courting the Jewish hierarchy, Jesus bumped elbows with the unsavory elements of society (9:10; 11:19; 21:32). Instead of delivering his cousin and forerunner (John 1:23, 30, 33-34) from incarceration, He–for some unknown reason–allowed him to languish in a first-century jail cell! John embraced the tradition view of the Messiah and couldn’t reconcile the Lord with his longstanding bias.

“Are You the Coming One…?” I hear doubt and confusion in John’s question, despite what he had seen and heard back in chapter 3 at Jesus’ baptism.

It occurs to me that John is not the only person who has ever looked at the Lord through the lens of prejudice and predisposition. Often times I hear statements to this effect, “Jesus NEVER called names. (He didn’t? John 8:42-47). “Jesus was NEVER blunt with folks.” (He wasn’t? Matthew 8:22; 15:16; 21-28; Mark 2:1-5; 9:14-32; Luke 17:11-19). “Jesus NEVER got angry.” (He didn’t? John 2:13-16; Luke 19:45-46; Mark 3:6). “Jesus NEVER taught baptism was necessary for salvation.” (He didn’t? Hebrews 1:1-2; Matthew Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:1-4; 1 Peter 3:21). Folks view the Lord in light of how they’ve been raised or what their “pastor” or parents have taught them, and not in harmony with what the Word actually says about Him. He’s a product of long-standing oral tradition and not the actual Coming One revealed in the Bible.

Dear reader, I urge you to carefully study what Scripture says about Jesus. Cast off the shackles of preconception and get to know (1 John 2:3, 4; 5:20; John 1:10; 14:7; Acts 13:27; Philippians 3:10) the real Messiah. What you want Him to be, what you expect Him to be, and what He IS may not be the same thing. (Mike Benson at: http://www.forthright.net/)

“Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” (11:3).


Have a marvelous Monday!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“He has shaped each person in turn;

now he watches everything we do.”

~Psalm 33:15 MSG~



Daddy’s procedure went well yesterday. Thank-you for praying for him.

Baptist Press

March 18, 2009

WASHINGTON–U.S. endorses U.N. homosexuality declaration. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30090

WASHINGTON–Obama’s first judicial nominee once ruled against Christ’s name in prayers. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30091

WASHINGTON–Boxer urges U.S. to OK controversial kids treaty. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30092

ALABAMA–‘What if?’ focuses Pastors Conf. on Great Commission. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30093

ALABAMA–Seafarers & campers get youthful ministry. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30094

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Michael Foust): When discussing cloning, let’s be honest. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30095



Elva Mae Townsend Tycer
(July 21, 1922 – March 18, 2009)

Died at 8:10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at The Hospice House in Hammond. She was a native of Columbia, MS and a resident of Montpelier. Age 86 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2009. Services conducted by Rev. Reggie Ogea. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite. She is survived by her 3 sons, Arthur Ray Tycer, Meridianville, AL, James Herndon Tycer, Montpelier and Lindsay Townsend Tycer, Mechanicsville, VA; 3 sisters, Iva Lee Dunaway, Spartanburg, SC, Nell Lanier, Hammond and Dorothy Forshag, Hammond; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Tycer; parents, Carl and Mary Powell Townsend; 2 brothers, Shelby Ray Townsend and James Townsend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation, 16013 Halbert Lane, Hammond, LA 70403.


Frederick Andrew Yarborough passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at St. Helena Nursing Home. He was born Dec. 18, 1924, to Joseph and Rebecca McKinney Yarborough. He is survived by sons, James and William Yarborough, of Greensburg; daughters, Jody Yarborough, of Hammond, Norma Travis, of Denham Springs, and Becky Richhart, of Mooresville, Ind.; brother, Roulan Yarborough, of Greenwell Springs; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. He was a member of Day’s Methodist Church, an alumni of LSU, a dairyman and former manager of Kentwood Dairy Co-op and Gulf Dairy Inc. He was also a proud Merchant Marine. Visitation at Day’s Methodist Church, Liverpool, on Sunday, March 22, from noon until memorial service at 2 p.m. Preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Wilkinson Yarborough; two sons, Ricky and Franklin Joseph Yarborough; parents, Joseph and Rebecca Yarborough; and sisters, Louise Batte and Marguerite Travis. Special thanks to Community Care Hospice and St. Helena Nursing Home staffs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, Community Care Hospice in Hammond or Day’s Cemetery Fund.
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KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
REMEMBER “LONESOME DOVE,” television’s blockbuster mini-series…?
It was the saga of two men, Woodrow Call and Gus McCray. Both strong. Stronger together. Men with rock solid commitments to each other. To be sure, both were stubborn eccentrics. They called each other into question regularly, but they never questioned the friendship. They knew, at the soul level, the one would gladly die for the other. They’d ride through any storm for each other. Come **** or high water. “Ah giv’ him mah word,” became the bottom line of the relationship. And a big chunk of America watched–fascinated, tainted perhaps with cynical disbelief, but touched with unspoken longing–as Woodrow Call dragged the body of Gus McCray three thousand miles to bury him “‘neath the pecan trees at the picnic place ’cause…Ah giv’ him mah word.” Period.
America may have questioned it. Jacob wouldn’t have. Seems to me I recall the old patriarch asking his son to swear he’d bury his bones back over the long miles to bury him at home “with my fathers.” And Joseph did it without flinching. Even though it took and act of Congress (okay, Pharaoh) to do it (see Genesis 47:29-31, 50:1-14). There’s something to it, isn’t there? There was something between two men who understood each other. And others stood around in awe, watching one man move a whole community, “a very great company,” just to fill out a relationship. Joseph might have been heard to declare in Western Hebrew, “Ah giv’ him mah word.” I find myself longing for that kind of commitment in a friendship. To give it and receive it. Don’t you? (Stu Webber)
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).

Enjoy a little sunshine provided by the Son.
Anna Lee

Wednesday


“Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord.

As long as I live I’ll wholeheartedly obey.”

~Psalm 119:33 LB~

Frank Smith

I received three updates on Frank Smith – one from his wife, one from his daughter, and one from a friend. All three said he was doing very well. I’ll post the one from his wife.

. . . . I apologize for not sending in an update on Frank yesterday. His surgery went amazing. The Dr. only had to remove one disc and replaced with bone fragment and a metal plate with screws. I brought him home at 4:00 p.m. Monday and he had a pain free night. His throat is a little sore but nothing to complain about. He did not have to have any pain meds through the night.
I went through 3 back surgeries with him and I can tell you medicine technology has come a long way in 15 years. Thank you all for the power of prayer, I am sure that is what brought him through so good and also the skilled hands of the surgeon.
We love all of you and thanks to all for the prayers.
Sue Smith

Grant Smith

My dad, Grant Smith, will have an outpatient procedure today in Hammond. Pray for him and the medical staff caring for him today.

Thank You For Life!

from Emily Panter by Emily Panter

I was privileged last week to celebrate another year that God has given me. It was a very special birthday, and I can’t help but think that I have learned to appreciate every single day He gives me to watch my children grow a little bit bigger and to see them figuring new things out. I am so grateful for every hug I am able to enjoy from them and from Luke, my tangible rock, who had to endure so much this past year. I hope we can all realize that each day we are given is a day that we remain useful for God’s kingdom. I hope that even on those ‘bad’ days we can all still appreciate that life is beautiful. He was so wonderful to give us so many pleasures in life. What a gift it is to experience it with our senses, our thoughts, our emotions, and our memories. Let me encourage you to give someone a hug today and tell them that you are glad that they are here, and that you have the joy of knowing them.


Baptist Press

March 17, 2009

WASHINGTON–Ban on embryo destruction funds renewed for time-being. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30083

GEORGIA–Ga. may pass nation’s 1st embryo adoption law. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30084

LOUISIANA–Patrick of Ireland: an evangelical hero. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30085

TENNESSEE–RESOURCE: Mother of special needs child offers hope to others. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30087

TENNESSEE–Faith plays little role in Christian parenting. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30088

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Gene C. Fant Jr.): Why worldview matters. http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=30089


Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

Annie Armstrong

Annie Walker Armstrong was the first corresponding secretary of Woman’s Missionary Union. Born on July 11, 1850, in Baltimore, Maryland, to a prominent family active in Baptist life, Annie accompanied her mother to the missionary meetings of Woman’s Mission to Woman where she learned the importance of giving and praying for missions. Having a heart for home missions, Annie worked with Indians, immigrants, Blacks, and children. In 1882, Annie helped organize the Woman’s Baptist Home Mission Society of Maryland. She was this society’s first president.

Missions work among women’s groups had grown as an endeavor in other states as well. In conjunction with the Southern Baptist Convention of 1888, women from 12 states met on May 14 in Richmond, Virginia and formed the Executive Committee of Woman’s Mission Societies, Auxiliary to the Southern Baptist Convention. Annie Armstrong was elected corresponding secretary, a position equivalent to executive director today. In 1890 the name Woman’s Missionary Union was adopted. Annie Armstrong served as corresponding secretary until 1906 and always refused a salary for the work she did through WMU to further the gospel. In 1934 the offering that was collected annually for the Home Mission Board was renamed the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for Home Missions. Annie Armstrong died on December 20, 1938, the year of WMU’s 50th anniversary.

WMU events that occurred during the tenure of Annie Armstrong:

1) WMU recommended that churches adopt a graded system of missionary education with organizations for all age levels, beginning with Baby Bands. (1899)
2) WMU began the process of legal incorporation. (1906)
3) WMU began publishing literature for sale. (1906)
4) The organization became officially named Woman’s Missionary Union, Auxiliary to Southern Baptist Convention. (1890)
5) WMU adopted Sunbeam work at the request of the Foreign Mission Board. (1896)
6) The motto “Go Forward” was chosen. (1888)

The SWAP Shop was one think I missed being about to support when the Hatchels where at NOBTS for the last stateside assignment. I’m thankful it is now open and look forward to being able to contribute to the needs of the seminary students again.
NOBTS S.W.A.P. Shop Reopens, Provides Boost for Seminarians
March 12, 2009
By:Gary D. Myers
Baptist Press

NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary students and student families have a new place to “shop” on campus. Best of all, it is a place without price tags.

On Jan. 30, NOBTS President Chuck Kelley cut the ribbon on the seminary’s brand new S.W.A.P. (Surplus with a Purpose) Shop. The shop is designed to meet immediate needs for seminarians free of charge. Since 1989 the S.W.A.P. Shop has helped students outfit their apartments, clothe their families and make ends meet. The ministry relies entirely on donated items.

Hurricane Katrina forced the closure of the S.W.A.P. Shop. The shop’s original location, flooded by Katrina, was damaged beyond repair. Now the S.W.A.P. Shop is once again open ready to serve the seminary community.

Thanks in part to a generous hurricane recovery gift from the Georgia Baptist Convention, a new metal building was built at the rear of campus to house the S.W.A.P. Shop. And with the slumping economy, the reopening could not come at a better time.

“The S.W.A.P. Shop is one of my favorite things to reopen after Katrina,” Kelley said. “Georgia Baptists are the ones who made this possible. We want to dedicate this with the promise Paul gave us under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the book of Philippians: ‘My God shall supply all of your needs out of His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’”

“Thank you for God’s pantry which is being opened once again for the needs of our seminary family,” he continued. “We thank Georgia Baptists. We are celebrating God’s faithfulness to the NOBTS family.”

Filled with gently worn children’s clothes, men’s suits, toys, dishes, books and small appliances, the S.W.A.P. Shop provides a vital link between Southern Baptist churches and the seminary family. Churches and individual church members have long helped students meet their basic needs by donating quality used items.

“The S.W.A.P. Shop is an exciting ministry that provides for the practical, day-to-day needs of our campus family, and our students have been waiting expectantly for its reopening,” said NOBTS Dean of Students Craig Garrett. “ Through the generosity of the Georgia Baptist Convention, which funded the building, and the countless donors of everyday items, our students are now able to give and receive the sorts of things that make a difference in their quality of life.”

“I’ve heard countless stories of God’s provision through the S.W.A.P. Shop in the past, and I look forward to witnessing many more to come,” he said.

The metal building took six months to complete and offers 1200 square feet of space.

Kelley closed the ceremony with a prayer of blessing. He also prayed for those who will donate items to the S.W.A.P. Shop and for the students who will benefit from the gifts.

ARE YOU STARTING TO FORGET?

There’s a beautiful story about a little boy who couldn’t wait for his new baby sister to come home from the hospital. He couldn’t wait to be near her, to talk to her. But his parents didn’t want him to be left alone with her. After all he was only four years old, so they wanted to supervise his visits. He kept begging to be alone with her, so one night his parents finally relented. The boy tiptoed into her room, stood next to his sister’s crib and said: “Tell me about God – I’m starting to forget.”

There are times when we as adults get so caught up in the “rat race” and all of our responsibilities. Perhaps we need to go to the children around us and say, “Tell me about God — I’m starting to forget.”

There are weeks when we’ve been dealing with irate customers and heavy traffic. We need to fellowship with the saints and worship God together because “I’m starting to forget.”

There are weeks when we’ve had to focus on crying babies, the paying of bills and doctors’ appointments. We need the reminder of the Lord’s Supper to see God’s love and grace because “I’m starting to forget.”

There are days when we’re so caught up in deadlines at work and getting the kids to soccer practice, days when we need to slow down a bit and spend time with God in prayer because “I’m starting to forget.”

“Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life.” (Deuteronomy 4:9)

Are you starting to forget? Ask someone to tell you about God once more.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Thank-you for praying. You make a difference!

Anna Lee

Monday

“Our fathers trusted in You;

they trusted, and You delivered them.

They cried to You, and were delivered;

they trusted in You, and were not ashamed.”

~Psalm 22:4-5~

Continue to pray for Mrs. Faye Price. Last week was another week of ups and downs. “Miss” Faye may be moving to Kentwood Manor in the near future.

Mr. Clifton Womack has had some health issues lately. Please be in prayer for him.

Robbie Lynn C. Kirby will have back surgery Thursday in Jackson. Please begin to pray for her now.


Ora Lee Wilson is home and doing well. Pray for her as she continues to recover from receiving a pacemaker.

Pray for our granddaughter, Peyton Alford, as she sees a specialist today to evaluate her situation from her injuries last week at church.

Pray for Erlo LaBauve and his family as he has a biopsy tomorrow. Erlo is Sharon Martin’s dad.

Sowing Together for Harvest

by Geoff Hammond

Dr. Geoff Hammond

View/Download Video

You’ve probably experienced it. The storm rolled in without warning. You made a dash for inside. Maybe you were too late and got soaked. Maybe you made it with seconds to spare. Either way, you moved with urgency, knowing what would happen if you didn’t!

Try to imagine the consequences that face more than 251 million people in North America who are lost. Very few would debate that North America is a mission field. Open today’s newspaper or your Web browser to a news page, and you’ll see evidence of lives in sin and sorrow.

People need Jesus Christ! Jesus died on the cross for each person living in this land, but so many have never heard or responded to the good news of Jesus Christ. Many are putting their trust in money and in man, and are learning the disappointment of doing so. They are truly caught in a great storm—hopeless—unless we tell them about Jesus and they decide to run into His loving arms. Christians know our trust and hope is in Jesus alone. We must sow down the gospel together to ensure that there is a harvest of souls won for Christ.

The task before us requires urgency. No procrastination. No excuses. Just bold and determined dedication in word and deed. This is a spiritual battle that we cannot lose!

Jesus gives us the mandate to go, but He also says we need to do it together. We must sow together for harvest, sharing the gospel with everyone, everywhere, and by every means possible. More than 5,600 North American missionaries are working alongside your church in the field, sowing with a passion and commitment to serve Christ in all they do. They are reaping a great harvest; however, more missionaries are needed if we are to fulfill the Great Commission.

Your generous gifts to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering® allow us to saturate the fields with seeds of the gospel for God’s glory. Our goal this year is $65 million—a truly God-size goal, but one that can be reached as Southern Baptists see the mission field that is North America and join us in living with urgency, sowing together for harvest.

As you participate in this North American Missions Emphasis, I urge you to do more than just watch and listen. Please pray fervently for North American missionaries. Please give generously to North American missions through the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering. Please join us this urgent mission of sowing together for harvest!

FBC Deacons for the Week

James Miller

Harrell Sharkey

Migrant Health Kits (Due April 1st)

Place the following items in a gallon size zip-loc bag.

Shampoo

Comb

Deodorant

Soap

Washcloth

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

The church will provide a Bible.


“The Power of the Cross”

Easter Drama Musical

April 5-7, 2009

FBC, Kentood

Tickets will be available soon.

Initial construction work day – March 14th

Mission Canada

June 24-July 3

KneEmail
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor
DR. PEDRO ARA Sarria perfected a technique for preserving the body and applied it to Argentina’s Eva Peron…
The embalmed body was kept intact but, for political reasons, was moved from place to place. It went from his laboratory in Buenos Aries to a military camp, to a dusty storeroom in Bonn, Germany, to a secret grave in Milan, Italy, to an attic in Madrid, back to a chapel in Argentina, and finally to a family tomb.
What happens to our bodies after we die may not be very important. What happens to the spirit is very important. Whether our bodies are buried, cremated, lost in an explosion, or buried at sea, it makes no difference. The real concern is that the soul be at home with God.
“And many of those who sleep
in the dust of the earth shall awake,
some to everlasting life,
some to shame and everlasting contempt.”
~Daniel 12:2~

Thanks for being there and praying. Your prayers mean so much to so many. Please send any requests you wish to share here. Have a wonderful week.

Anna Lee