Category: Family

Saturday

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,

patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness and self-control.

Against such things there is no law.

~Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)~

 

 

Jesse Dean has good news. He can now drive again! Pray for him as he continues to improve.

 

Big Ten from teamromany May 2008

1. Please continue to pray for the Silby family. The beginning of their orientation program was delayed due to illness at the training facility. Pray for them as they begin training soon. Pray that their time in orientation will equip and prepare them for ministry.

2. Wes and Tamara Banks and their two sons Wesley (8) and Coulter (4) will be joining teamromany in June. They will serve in Brailia, Romania. Thank God for these new team members. Pray for them as they transition to ministering among the Roma.

3. Please pray for Gayle as she leads a women’s conference in Romania this weekend. Pray for the Romany ladies from Insuretei who are attending. Pray that they will be enriched and equipped to serve.

4. Pray for the Hatchels as they lead a Disciple Now weekend in Brno, Czech Republic. They will have 18 first through 6th graders in their home. Pray that the weekend would be an encouragement to the MKs to listen to God’s call and respond in obedience.

5. Please pray for the Hills as they continue to make plans for FARM (our summer missions program), International World Changers, and Romany youth summer camp. Pray for volunteer teams who will serve with teamromany in Romania and the Czech Republic. Pray that their ministry will have an eternal impact.

6. Bob and Gayle will be attending Team Leader training in Prague in September. Prior to the event, they are expected to do a lot of preparation (reading, reports, etc.) Please pray for Bob as he studies and prepares for the training.

7. Please pray for Martin who attended church for the first time last Sunday night. Please pray for his salvation.

8. Pray for Mirela, a Romany Christian, who has begun dating a non-Christian young man. Please pray that she will make wise choices.

9. Last month Cornel represented our team at a Volunteer Symposium. Please pray for him as he follows up with contacts from the event who want to be more involved in our ministry.

10. Pray also for the Roma who took part in the training center ministry Cornel directed. Some of them are making plans to participate the FARM missions program this summer.

Answered Prayer:
Last month we asked for your prayers for the Hill’s granddaughter, Madison. We are excited to share with you that she is responding well to the newest medication. Her school year also ended well. Thank you for praying.

Also:
Please pray for Cornel and Erica as they make wedding plans. They ask you to specifically pray that they find a church in which to hold their wedding ceremony that will fit their budget and needs.

 

 

KOMpray

(Kids on Mission Pray)

Prayer requests

KOMpray May 9, 2008

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

BIBLE STORIES AT A BUSH SCHOOL

In the United States, school runs from about September through May. I guess we’re all used to it. But some countries-their schedule is very different. Schools in Western Zambia have three-terms. They go to school for three months and then have a month off. They were in class January, February, and March then were off for all of April. School started again in May for three more months. That means the children in Zambia are in school when your summer vacation starts.

Mbunda children just started their second term AND it is the beginning of winter! It can be really cold in the morning when they start their long walk to school. Many students leave at 6:30 in the morning and it is only 40 degrees outside. Little 5 year old Mbunda children walk on tiny footpaths through the bush to their rural schools.

Missionary Sky Scott has been teaching Bible stories to the Mbunda students at Kaale School. In late May, a volunteer family from Georgia will be coming to teach the Mbunda people near Sky’s home. This family will visit and prayerwalk at Kaale School. Pray for the Mbunda students to see Jesus in Sky and this family. Pray that the Lord will warm the hearts of the children with His love, and that many Mbunda children will believe in Jesus.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

My friend is a new believer. Three months after accepting Christ, his parents divorced. His life has totally changed and he’s going through this surrounded by non-believers. His parents don’t know Jesus and neither do most of his friends. Pray that my friend will keep studying the truth about God and trust Him in all matters of his faith. DUSTIN, age 13 (South Asia)

Please pray that people would listen to our talks (our stories about Jesus). Pray that the children’s group my mom leads would continue growing! Pray that my school influences wouldn’t be so awkward. JESSIE, age 13 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Pray for me to do good in school. And that I would not get embarrassed talking in front of people. ROSE, age 10 (Pacific Rim)

I am starting boarding school for the 9th grade. My parents will be in one country, my older brother will be in the United States, and I will be alone at the boarding school. I need lots of prayer. I know I’ll do great there, but I am still nervous. KARINA, age 13 (South Asia)

Pray for doing good in school and sharing my faith also. ELI, age 13 (Central, Eastern and Southern Africa)

Bettie Belle Muse Watson

Memorial service at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church, 3893 La. 440, Kentwood, at 1 p.m.

 

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28024

Read this Baptist Press article about a mother and find a local link.

 


THE BLESSING OF MOTHERS

A first grade teacher seated her students in a circle. She asked them what they wanted to be when they grew up. One by one, each child got up and announced, “I’d like to be a nurse like my mother,” or “I want to be a banker like my father,” or “I want to be a teacher like you, Miss Smith.”

The last child to speak was the most shy and timid little boy in the class. He said, “When I get big, I’m going to be a lion tamer in the circus. I’m going to face those animals with my whip and chair and make them leap through hoops of fire and obey all of my commands.” Seeing the disbelieving looks on the faces of his classmates that he could ever act so boldly or bravely, he was quick to reassure them, “Well, of course, I’ll have my mother with me.”

Many of us have had the self-confidence to accomplish great tasks because we knew that our mothers would be there to support us. In a couple of days, we will have a special opportunity to honor mothers. I think this is a valuable holiday because, if you are a mother, you will likely never much special recognition for the work that you do training your children to love God, teaching them compassion, instilling self-confidence within them, developing character and teaching morals. You will perhaps never be honored publicly, given a medal (or even a certificate), or be compensated monetarily. All that you do may go unnoticed and unappreciated at times.

Be assured, though, that there is great value in what you are doing. On Mother’s Day, may you receive the honor due you.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her.” (Prov. 31:28).

And be assured that someday you will receive the honor from your heavenly Father for the difference you make in the world.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

 

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Friday

“I sought the Lord, and He heard me.”

~Psalm 34:4a~

My family is very much in need of prayers in reguards to my husbands health and our finances everything always seems to come at us at once
Please Pray for us…
Thank You
Lori Singleton

Please continue to pray for Mr.Henry Harrison. Pray for “Miss” Emma, his wife and caregiver too.

Pray for Mr. Bully Schwartz, one of the oldest members of our church.

Susan Ann Westmoreland Todd
(July 6, 1946 – April 16, 2008)

Susan Ann Westmoreland Todd was released to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at the age of 61. She was the adored wife of James Ora Todd for over 40 years. She was the loving mother of James Madison Todd and his wife, Dana Todd, Huntersville, NC and grandmother of Joshua Todd and Noah Todd. She was the sister of Carol Beyerback, Kenner and Fred Westmoreland, Alexandria and the late Terri Giglio and Mary Brown. She was the daughter of the late Carol Vidross and Fred Westmoreland. A strong woman of faith whose purpose was to see the message of Christ spread throughout the world. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at First Baptist Church of Arcola on the evening of Friday, April 18, 2008 from 6:00PM until 9:00PM and after 8:00AM until funeral services at 10:00AM on Saturday, April 19, 2008 conducted by Rev. Bob Simpson. Interment will follow in First Baptist Church of Arcola Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Susan wished donations to be made to Baptist Missionary Bibles for distribution.

Ellis Sharpe, Sr.
(May 15, 1929 – April 16, 2008)

Died on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at Ocshner Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. He was a native and a resident of Independence, LA. Age 79 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 2:00 p.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Mitch Williams. Interment Durbin Cemetery, Independence, LA. He is survived by his 4 daughters, Cheryl Boudreaux and husband, Larry, Denham Springs, Glenda Sharpe, Denham Springs, Aimie Morehead, Hawaii and Regina Pruitt, Colorado; 2 sons, Ellis Sharpe, Jr. and wife, Marcy, Denham Springs and Roger Sharpe and wife, Ima Jean, Ponchatoula; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pearlie Rodriguez Sharpe; daughter, Faye Marie Sharpe; parents, Esco and Lillie Rainey Sharpe; brother, Joseph Sharpe; sister, Gertrude Rumfola.

William C. Peterson
(August 3, 1933 – April 16, 2008)

Mr. William C. Peterson died at his residence in Independence, La. at 8:09 AM on Wednesday, April 16, 2008. He was 74 years old, a native of Lorraine, Texas and a resident of Independence, La. Visitation at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home on Friday April 18, 2008 from 1:00PM until 3:00PM. The family will have Religious Services and Graveside Services on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at the Green Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, Sapulpa, Oklahoma. He is survived by his first wife Tish Fruge’, Gonzales, La., 3 Daughters; Vicki Lentz, Independence, Rhea Sawyer, St. Amant, Diana Peterson, Tulsa, Ok., Son; Lee Peterson, Greenville, S.C., Stepson; Lynn Flurry, Baton Rouge, Sister; Ann Nelson, Kellyville, OK., 8 Grandchildren; Amanda, Shelby, Brittney, Jenny, Corey, Brady, P.J., Allison, 5 Great-Grandchildren; Gage, Bryson, Hayden, Caden, Ryan. He was a member of the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers Union for 20+ years. Preceded in death by; Parents; H.C. and Willie Mae Peterson, 2nd Wife; Libby Flurry Peterson, 2 Sisters; Helen Garner, Frances Holmes and 1 Son; Ashley Durand Hudson.

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

April 18, 2008

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

“WORDLESS BOOK”

A 12-year-old boy in Colombia has been hospitalized with a chronic sickness. It is so bad that he needs surgery to get well. Before he went to the hospital, this little boy and his family went to the New Paradise Baptist Church; and the people of the church prayed for him to get well. A missionary met the little boy that day and saw that he was very sick. She encouraged his mom and dad to take him to the hospital. The missionary visited the 12-year-old in his hospital room and told him about Jesus by using the “wordless book.” **

The 12-year-old boy asked Jesus into his heart right then. Both of his parents have also asked Jesus to be their Savior. Please pray for this young boy that he will have the surgery he needs and get better soon. Ask God to help him and his parents to grow in what they understand about Jesus as they read the Bible and pray.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

Please pray that I can find new friends in my new neighborhood. JACK, age 10 (South Asia)

My best friend is Liza. She plays with me when there’s nobody to play outside. I go over to her house to play too. Lots of times we chase goats and piggies. Animals aren’t kept in cages or anything here, people just let them go wherever they want. At nighttime, people bring them back home. Liza’s mom’s pig just had four babies. Please pray that she can sell the baby pigs to get money for their family. MELODY, age 7 (West Africa)

Please ask God to help my friends and all the other people in the world to believe in God. KM, age 8 (East Asia)

Please pray for my friend, MK. I shared the gospel with her and she pretty much rejected everything I said. I know she wasn’t rejecting me but was rejecting Jesus. Please pray that God will keep working in her heart and that she will see the truth about Christianity. Pray for me to continue to be bold in sharing my faith with her and everyone else I happen to meet. ASHLEY, age 13 (Pacific Rim)

Several times each week, I go with my mom and dad to visit our Hausa friends. My friends and I like to play soccer and play in the sand. My friends have never heard that Jesus loves them. My mom and I sing with them and share Bible stories. My friends like to color a lot, so I share my crayons and we color pictures about the Bible stories. Please pray for my mom and dad as they share Bible stories with our friends. Please pray that my Hausa friends will come to know Jesus. Please pray that my friends will see what a difference God’s love can make. (My mommy wrote this…I don’t know how to write yet.) NOAH, age 2 (West Africa)

** HOW TO MAKE A WORDLESS BOOK

Has anyone every shown you the wordless book? I made one in Vacation Bible School when I was a little girl-that was a long time ago. Even before I was a little girl, a man named C. H. Spurgeon preached a sermon nearly 100 years ago and told the story of the wordless book. I don’t know how old it really is.

It’s pretty easy to make one yourself. Find some colored paper-one piece in gold, black, red, white and green. With the help of an adult, cut the paper just the right size-maybe you want a tiny book, so cut the paper 2 ½ x 5 inches; or for a bigger book, cut a regular 8 ½ x 11 inch page in half. Fold each piece in half so you have 2 ½ x 2 ½ inch squares or 4 ¼ x 5 ½ inch booklets. Tape or glue the pieces of paper together (gold to black, black to red, red to white, white to green) so that when you open it the gold is the first full page, black is the second, red third, white fourth, and green is the last page. You can make any kind of cover you would like. Me? I like the idea of a pretty purple cover-that just makes me think of Jesus, our Savior and King.

The story of the wordless book is the same as the evangelistic bracelets many Christians wear. The gold (or yellow) stands for God’s heavenly home, the black for the sin of our hearts that keep us separated from God. The red page reminds us that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead; and if we accept Jesus as Savior, He will make us clean. Yes, that’s the white page-You and me, knowing Jesus, and being forgiven and cleaned from all our sin! Finally, the green page helps us understand how important it is to grow. We want to learn more about Jesus so we need to read the Bible and pray every day. That’s how we grow!

I hope you have time to make a wordless book this week and I am praying you will share the story with your friends.

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


THE BUILDERS OF the Titanic were remiss in several areas and doomed the mighty vessel to the bottom of the ocean…

Their failures mimic our steps to apostasy. Their lessons are ours as we discover how Christians leave the Lord (Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 10:26-31).

First, their pride doomed the ship because they failed to develop contingency plans since they falsely believed it was unsinkable. We face equal peril when we believe we are immune from apostasy.

Second, the self-righteous pride of the owners of the Titanic led them to seek the minimum in safety standards. They did the least or less in every area of safety. Their malfeasance had no justification.

Five decades before the construction of the Titanic, the Great Eastern had scraped on an uncharted rock off the coast of Long Island. It had torn a hole in her skin nine feet wide and 83 feet long. However, she had an inner hull and was able to limp into port. No one was hurt. Inner hulls became more popular but the builders of the Titanic apparently saw it as unnecessary.

They cut many other safety standards. The most famous were the lifeboats. Regulations called for a ship of Titanic’s size to carry enough lifeboats for 962 even though she could carry over 3,500 passengers and crew. They should have been prepared to offer everyone a seat on the lifeboats.

“The owners and operators of steamships had for five decades taken larger and larger risks to save money – risks to which they had methodically blinded themselves.” 1/ This carelessness exacted a heavy price.

Do we trim or skirt safety standards in our Christian lives? Do we try to get by on the minimum? People do this without realizing it.

We reason there is a minimum that we can do and be pleasing to God. We rationalize that attending Sunday morning services and living a moral life are enough. While everyone else are just “super Christians,” they are just fine with what they are doing. Their delusion is disheartening.

The army that seeks the minimum in arming its soldiers will soon find their enemy raining the maximum in destruction upon them. The soldier who fails to properly arm himself because the gear is too heavy, faces grave danger in the battle. Good soldiers are very careful not to cut corners in their battle preparation because they know their lives depend on it.

Discipleship is not about maximums and minimums. Salvation is not meritorious. /2 We require the blood of Christ on our souls in order to be justified before God (Romans 5). We must “walk in the light as He is in the light” (1 John 1:7, NKJV). We are commanded to walk worthy of the “calling with which you were called” (Ephesians 4:1).

Trying to find a minimum, we seek salvation by works, rather than by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is not about attaining the minimum we can accomplish, it is about finding a way to do all we can for Christ (Matthew 22:37).

We cannot attend enough worship services, read our Bibles enough or be moral enough to merit salvation. However, seeking the minimum in the Christian life illustrates that we have little interest in Christ being the Lord of our lives. We can easily slip into the mindset that we want to be a Christian but that we do not want it to change our lives. However, if Christ is not on the throne of our hearts, Satan will fill the vacuum (1 Peter 5:8).

“Disinterested Christians reach the point where they are no longer bearing fruit and will be cut off from the vine (John 15:1-8). Faithfulness indicates allegiance, attitude, and direction in a life filled and flooded with God (Ephesians 3:19). Unfaithfulness leads to apostasy.” /3

Let us seek the maximum for Christ because he deserves it. (Richard Mansel)

1/ http://www.cuug.ab.ca/~branderr/risk_essay/titanic.html
2/ http://tinyurl.com/yrtthj
3/ http://tinyurl.com/3m69ow


“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away,to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame” (Heb. 6:4-6).

Thanks for your prayers for others each day. You mean so much to so many!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“In my distress I called upon the Lord,

and cried out to my God;

He heard my voice from His temple,

and my cry came before Him,

even to His ears.”

~Psalm 18:6~

 

 

 

Please continue to pray for Scott and Faith Hill, their extended families, and their friends in the loss of little Aaron.

Praise report from Selena Morgan on Kaden Underwood

Thank everyone for their prayers for Kaden Underwood. His heart surgery went well. He has had a wonderful recovery and is home a week earlier than expected. Thank you all so much for praying for him and his family through this very difficult time.

Jesse Dean

Dad is back at the hospital with a blood clot in his right lung. They are watching it closely and have him on medication. He will be there for at least 5 days. Please keep him in your prayers.

Thanks,

Jennifer

Jennie served as a MK teacher for two years in Santa Catarina.

SANTA CATARINA, BRAZIL (sahn-tah cah-tah-REE-nah). In February, you prayed for the need for more workers in the Frei Damiao “favela” (community), not knowing that during that same week, the entire community was attempting to recover from severe flooding that left 800 families homeless and sent water surging through other homes at heights of 5-6 feet. Local workers praise God that the Jardim Eldorado congregation and staff members at their community center (CADI) in Frei Damiao were able to provide immediate shelter for 60 families, feed more than 400 people three times a day for several days, and provide emergency first aid. Thanks to financial aid from the IMB disaster relief funds, families who still had homes and cooking facilities received food baskets, mattresses and cleaning supplies. Those whose homes were destroyed are receiving concrete blocks to rebuild a basic framework for their home. Staff members from the CADI and volunteers have worked long hours to match donations of clothing and furniture with the long lists of needs they compiled in the days following the flooding. God has provided opportunities during this crisis for Pastor R, his congregation, and new believers within the community to show Christ’s love to thousands. They ask you to pray that many lives will be permanently changed through Jesus as a result of these contacts.
http://ronalana.wordpress.com

PAKISTAN. R, an Urdu literacy teacher, has been facing threats and persecution recently. Last month you were specifically praying for the five students who said that they believed that Isa is who He says He is. R was trying to meet with each one individually to talk more about this truth. She was meeting with BB, one of the five, in BB’s home. BB’s husband came home while they were meeting, and he became very angry at R for being in his home and meeting with his wife. He told her that he knew what she was doing–trying to change his wife’s beliefs. He told her never to come back to his house again and that he knew where she lived. Please pray for BB to be safe, and pray that what she has learned about Isa will lead her to a saving faith in the one true God. Pray for some way that R may be able to see BB and make sure she is all right. Since this has happened, R has had to stop the Urdu class in that area. But God has already opened another door for a new class to be started in another area, this time with 16 women! These women are eager and excited to learn. Please pray that they will be excited and open to hearing stories from the Bible three days per week as well. http://www.go2southasia.org/

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Please lift up two semester student workers on the island of Mauritius. Pray that they will adjust well, form lasting friendships, build relationships with the university students with eternal results, and continue to seek the Lord daily. Pray that they will be encouraged by God through His Word and reminded of their call. Ask God to bless the ideas, visions and goals they instill in the lives of all whom they come in contact with, and pray that they will function well with the other workers on the island.

Christy Quin Wharton sent new pictures of her children. Let me know if you would like me to send them to you.

One of the coaches at school shared this:

Daily Rules from God for 2008


1. Wake Up!! Decide to have a good day. ‘Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.’ Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up!! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. ‘The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart.’ I Samuel 16:7

3. Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. ‘He who guards his lips guards his soul.’ Proverbs 13:3

4. Stand Up!!… For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. ‘Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good…’ Galatians 6:9-10

5. Look Up!!… To the Lord.
‘I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.’ Phillippians 4:13

6. Reach Up!!… For something higher. ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path.’
Proverbs 3:5-6

7. Lift Up!!… Your Prayers.
‘Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING.’
Philippians 4:6


God answers Knee-Mail.


Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Friday

Aaron Hill

Please begin now to pray for this baby, his family. and the medical staff who will minister to Aaron and his family today. God has touched many lives through the life of one sick little boy. Pray that no matter how the surgery turns out today, lives will continue to be touched and blessed. Pray Aaron and his family will feel the love, support, and encouragement of many people as well as the peace and endurance from God for whatever they face today.

I thank all of your for the many prayers you are lifting up for Aaron. Each message has truly blessed me today. We cherish each new friend we are making through this process (we can’t wait for Aaron to thank you himself for your prayers one day!), those of you whom we haven’t seen in years and those friends that we just haven’t seen since leaving for PA. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Aaron will be the second surgical case tomorrow. They anticipate coming to take him to the operating room about 10 a.m. We will spend the morning with him and let everyone know when the surgery begins. Please pray for the hands of the surgeons, for Aaron’s peace and pain, that intubation will be easy and all toxins will stay out of Aaron’s body, that the holes will be easily located and repaired, that Aaron will have no trouble coming off the bypass machine and that his heart will not misfire when it begins working again. Pray for healing after the surgery.

We love you all.

Billy Wilkinson

I saw Billy Wilkinson of Fluker last night. He continues to have treatments at Mary Bird Perkins in Baton Rouge. Please pray for him as he continues his treatments.


Paul D. Morel, DMD

Paul Douglas Morel, DMD, died April 1, 2008, at his residence.
Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hartman-Sharkey Funeral Home in McComb. Services are 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home chapel with Dr. David Millican officiating.

Dr. Morel was born April 26, 1958, in Pasadena, Calif. He was the son of Jo Blades Morel of Magnolia and the late Paul Francis Morel. He was a practicing dentist in Magnolia.

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

Prayer requests

April 4, 2008

“Let the little children come to Me, and don’t stop them,

because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,”

Luke 18:16b

EIGHT-HOURS TO THE OASIS… A team of volunteers went from the United States to West Africa to tell the Kanuri people about Jesus. They wanted to go prayerwalking-you know, praying while walking. You can walk through your neighborhood too and begin praying for your neighbors. Well, these volunteers wanted to pray for the Kanuri people. Sad to say, they weren’t allowed to go to some of the villages they hoped to visit. So, the missionaries took them on an eight-hour trip to a desert oasis. Make a picture in your mind-hot sun, huge sand dunes, and water for thirsty travelers! The volunteers were very excited about the trip. They planned to do some prayerwalking in the desert and definitely wanted to tell someone about Jesus.

Whew, eight-hours riding through the desert! At the oasis, they climbed to the top of huge dunes to look out and pray for the desert peoples. The volunteers asked God to show them people who wanted to hear about Jesus. Even before the volunteers left the United States, they thought about that. They used the church’s Vacation Bible School missions offering to buy some very special, small media players. They have four-hours of Bible stories on them-sort of like Sunday School lessons-from Creation through Jesus. The stories were in seven different languages so everyone could understand. Everyone who lives in the Saharan desert that is!

After praying on the sand dunes, the volunteers started back. And what did thy see? A camel caravan! Yes, they were in the middle of a caravan of 150 camels and 30 drivers. The camel drivers were excited to take the media players and listen to the stories in their language. Please pray for these camel drivers (kind of like West African cowboys). Pray for them to listen to the stories many times and become Christians. Pray that they will share the stories with their families and others they meet on the trail.

MORE PRAYER REQUESTS FROM MISSIONARY KIDS

My prayer request is that God will help me reach more and more hearts of people. LS, age 10 (East Asia)

Pray that other people would love me. THAD, age 5

Please pray that I would have more girls to play with in my neighborhood. DANIELLE, age 9 (Pacific Rim)

Dear God. Please help my great grandma to stay healthy. RAYMOND, age 7 (East Asia)

Please pray for my strength as I try to lose weight and exercise more. Pray that I will have faith that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. AP, age 15

Nanna was born with only half of a heart in Scarborough, East Toronto, Canada. Her church (Iglesia Bautiste Betel) prayed for her survival as a testimony to Jesus’ love for children and His power as the Great Physician to keep her alive. She has been alive longer than anyone else in her condition, but the more she grows, the more she needs a whole heart. Please pray that she will be put on a list to receive a heart transplant. Please ask Yahweh the Father to let this little vivacious girl with an infectious smile and lots of joy in the Lord continue to live as a testimony to Jesus’ love for children. NANNA, age 7 (Middle America and Caribbean)

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

LEADERSHIP OF THE Democratic Party in Michigan and Florida is in a quandary…

In the past, the presidential nomination process has been settled by the time their primaries were held. In an attempt to make their primaries more meaningful, they scheduled the events for an earlier date. The national party leaders warned them not to make those changes, or their votes would not be counted. The warnings went unheeded.

The closeness of the 2008 Democratic presidential campaign has surprised many. The delegates that would have been chosen in the Michigan and Florida primaries might have made a distinct difference. In hindsight, all wish that they had left the schedule alone. Now there is discussion about redoing the primaries. Many oppose such efforts, however, saying that rules can’t be changed after the fact. It will be interesting to see how all of this develops.

Attempting to change the rules is an ancient practice. Esau, described in Hebrews 12:16 as a “profane person” (NKJV), made an impulsive decision to sell his birthright in order to satisfy his physical hunger. Later he begged his father to reverse the blessing he had given to Jacob, or at least to pronounce a second blessing. His words in Genesis 27:38 reveal his desperate situation: “And Esau said to his father, ‘Have you only one blessing, my father? Bless me — me also, O my father!’ And Esau lifted up his voice and wept.” But it was too late. There was no blessing for one who had thought so little of his spiritual heritage. The rules would not be changed for Esau.

Similar desperation can be found in Matthew 7:21-23, words which will surprise many religious folks: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my father in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, cast out demons in your name, and done many wonders in your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!'”

God’s will had been given to these startled souls. They could have known and obeyed the will of God if they had so chosen. Instead they launched out on their own wisdom, doing whatever seemed right and religious to them. In the end they were lost because they had not obeyed God’s rules. No amount of pleading would change what God had laid down in scripture.

Let us learn from the mistakes others have made. Let us be thankful that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:2-4), and then let us be intent on knowing and doing those things. One thing is certain: We’re not going to change what God has said! (Tim Hall)


“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’

shall enter the kingdom of heaven,

but he who does the will of my father in heaven.

Many will say to me in that day,

‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name,

cast out demons in your name,

and done many wonders in your name?’

And then I will declare to them,

‘I never knew you; depart from me,

you who practice lawlessness!'”

~Matt. 7:21-23~

 

 

Have a great Friday!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“The Lord has heard my supplication;

the Lord will receive my prayer.”

~Psalm 6:9~

 

MISSIONARY PERSONAL NEEDS. Pray for Ramona Reese, IMB missionary to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and her family as they grieve the sudden loss of her mother in a car accident. Lift up Ramona and her family as decisions are made regarding her mother’s belongings. Pray for the grandchildren, who are taking it the hardest. Remember Ramona’s husband also as he is recovering from knee replacement surgery.

 

Please pray for my parents, Grant and Dot Smith of Roseland, as they undergo a number of medical tests.

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


I WEIGHED MYSELF one day recently…

I weighed a certain amount (nope, I am not going to tell, so don’t even ask!) on one scale. I guess I wanted a second opinion, so I weighed on another one. It showed me 20 pounds heavier than the first one did. (I liked the first one better; it must be doing a better job.) Therefore, just to see if I could get a majority ruling, I found a third one and weighed on it. It showed me 10 pounds heavier than the first scale, and 10 pounds lighter than the second scale. (I still liked the first one better.) To be honest, I do not know which one was right, so I just went with the one that pleased me the most.

Sadly, I believe that many religious people follow this same path. They try one religious organization, church or preacher, and then, they try another, which tells them something different, and maybe another that tells something totally different yet. They get confused, and then they just go to the one that pleases them most.

How can I know how much I truly weigh? I have to find a reliable scale, one that is calibrated properly and that is consistent with the true weight of what it weighs. While all three of the scales I used were different, the fact is that I did actually weigh a certain amount when I used those scales. All of them could have been wrong, or one right and two wrong (I know you figure the heaviest one was right), but only one could have been right.

Religiously, there is a truth that does not change. It is the truth that is God’s Word (John 17:17), and that truth is understandable. In the religious world, we may find all kinds of “interpretations,” sort of like the measurements of my weight on those scales. The fact is, however, that there is a truth that is sure and certain, and is right. If two or more people are teaching different things on a matter of doctrine or Scripture, then either all of those teachings are wrong, or one is right and the others are wrong. That is an unpopular sentiment in today’s world.

If we take it and think about it in terms of how much I weigh, it is not hard to understand. I have a true weight. However, it cannot be 20 pounds different from one measurement, and 10 pounds different from another and all three measurements be true. That just makes sense. For example, I cannot weigh 100 pounds (I wish!), 110 pounds and 120 pounds all at the same time. If three scales weigh me these weights, then at least two of them are wrong (I know what you are thinking, in my case all three would be wrong at these weights, although the three combined might come close-Ha,Ha!).

From the perspective of religion, we must go to the Bible, and allow it to speak as the authority of God. We need to use it as our spiritual scale, or measuring instrument. In the end, it will be that by which we are judged. It is truth in its purest form. We must measure by God’s measurements and not by ours.

I would like to lose some weight. However, just going from one scale to another that gives me a reading that pleases me more does not change my real weight. I want to go to heaven. Just changing to some other organization or preacher that tells me what I want to hear will not change the course I am on. Only obedience to the truth of God can do that. Be careful what measuring instrument you use to guide your life. (Dean Kelly)

“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17).

Be careful what measuring instrument you use to guide your life.

Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee

Monday Afternoon

Jesse Dean is doing much better. I just talked with Majel. She said the doctor may remove the drain tomorrow and allow Jesse to come home. Then, he will begin therapy again.

Thanks for your continued prayers for Jesse, Majel, and the other family members as well as the medical staff caring for Jesse. Just to let you know how special Jesse is – The doctor said this was the first time in 10 years he has seen the problem Jesse developed last week!

$7,667.85 has already been received on the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering at FBC, Kentwood. Our goal is $13,000.

Thursday

“But know that the Lord has set apart

for Himself him who is godly;

the Lord will hear when I call to Him.”

~Psalm 4:3~

Aaron Hill

Posting for Aaron

Frann

Thank you, Natalie, for reminding me of this verse.

‘Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.’ Matt. 6:26-27.

God is still feeding Aaron this evening. He has had a very quiet day, resting and draining fluid. The doctors haven’t decided on starting to feed him yet, but hopefully they will start some form of nutrition after night rounds. They had to cut the nitric up again on his breathing assistance, but it seems to make him more comfortable and for that we are glad. His heart rate and breathing is less labored and we are thankful for that as well.

We still struggle with patience. However, we are grateful and thankful for Aaron’s stability today and his small progress. Thinking about patience and Job today, I read a devotional on thankfulness. The text was Job 42:10- ‘And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” I am so thankful for everyone’s continued prayers for Aaron and hope that God will bless each of you twofold for praying for us-as friends

(NOTE: One of the families mentioned today may be familiar to many of you.)

Baptist Press

March 26, 2008

WASHINGTON–‘Living together’ a statistical risk, experts say. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27699

TENNESSEE–Churches help ease pain of flood victims. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27700

CZECH REPUBLIC–Kids help mom & dad evangelize Gypsies. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27701

NORTH CAROLINA–Gypsy outreach gets First Baptist boost. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27702

NEW ORLEANS–Prof lends expertise to martyrs documentary. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27703

KENTUCKY–Page warns against weak prayer lives. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27704

DALLAS–FIRST-PERSON (Tamara Quintana): About those prescription meds … http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=27705

Deacon Hospital Visitation

  • Jimmy Williams
  • James Rimes

Nursery Volunteers for Sunday, March 30th

  • Bobby Raborn
  • Wanda Miller
  • Susan Rimes
  • Paul Scott Schwartz

Church Council Meeting

  • Sunday, March 30 @ 4 P.M.
  • Room across from the Heritage Room

Birthday Celebration for Mrs. Mickey Cade’s 75th Birthday

  • Saturday, March 29th
  • 2 – 4 P.M.
  • Fellowship Hall
  • Your presence is your gift.

Migrant Health Kits

  • Soap, Washcloth, Shampoo, Comb, Deoderant, Toothpaste, Toothbrush
  • Place items in a gallon size Zip-loc bag.
  • The church will supply a Bible
  • Deadline: Wednewday, April 2

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

  • Our goal: $13,000.00
  • Received so far: $6,218.75

Boxes of Offering Envelopes

  • Available on the table underneah the soundroom stairs

AWANA Party

  • Sunday during AWANA time
  • Each child is to bring 6 candy-filled plastic eggs

Associational Missions Fair

  • April 19th – FBC in Amite
  • April 20th – Individual churches

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…”

(Philippians 2:10).
Mike Benson, Editor


LIGHT AND DARKNESS are common Biblical themes throughout Scripture…

They express vividly the chasm between Christ and Satan. We would all do well to mine its depths in our own personal study.

We understand clearly physical darkness and light. Sighted people witness it daily. Darkness, dawn, daylight and dusk frame our lives. They hide or irradiate our existence. The lessons from them are bountiful.

Someone steps out of physical darkness into light. The contrast is clear in our minds. We are in one or the other. When mixed in between, we characterize it as being shaded in darkness or some such phrase. However, we do not say they are standing clearly in the light. Sometimes, we ponder what they are hiding. We sense danger when someone is remaining partially shadowed in darkness.

Criminals, like some vicious animals, use darkness as a cloak to hide their predatory behavior. Rebels who seek a break from proper society often employ an air of darkness and mystery.

Darkness obscures truth and clarity, replacing them with confusion and deception. Shady deals are those that employ the latter to steal money from their victims.

God brought physical light into the world through Christ (Genesis 1:1-4; John 1:1-3). “God divided the light from the darkness” (Genesis 1:4, NKJV). The creation of light was an astounding moment that still reverberates.

God brought spiritual light to the world through Christ (John 1:1-5). “Jesus spoke again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life'” (John 8:12). Humanity will never be the same.

Christ throws open the shutters on the clandestine methods of Satan and his dark kingdom. Satan is the father of lies, an adversary that seeks to devour and deceive all of us (John 8:44; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:9). He remains shrouded in darkness leading people to think he is a fairy tale while empowering them to do his will. His deception leads billions astray (Matthew 7:13-14; Psalm 82:5; Proverbs 4:19).

Christ offers life through the light (John 1:4). The path to heaven opens up before us. “Your word is a lamp to my feet [a]nd a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). We learn of Christ through Scripture and it becomes the path to salvation (John 12:48; Romans 10:17).

James Stewart writes, “Christ is the redeemed man’s new environment. [The Christian] has been lifted out of the cramping restrictions of his earthly lot into a different sphere; the sphere of Christ…His spirit is breathing a nobler element. He is moving on a loftier plane.”

Salvation is only in Christ (John 14:6; Acts 2:47; Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews 9:11-15). “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). Grace through faith and the sprinkled blood of Christ saves us from Satan’s clutches (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:6-11).

Christians must be actively faithful and obedient to God’s Word (Ephesians 2:10; John 14:15). “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). We are to walk worthy of Christ every day as we show his light to the world (Ephesians 4:1; Matthew 5:14-16).

We cannot try to stand in darkness and in light simultaneously. It will only be shady and deceptive. Christ demands that we follow him exclusively.

Darkness brings death while light brings salvation. Which path

“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).


Tuesday

 

 

“I pray that from his glorious,

unlimited resources

he will give you mighty inner strength

through his Holy Spirit.”

~Ephesians 3:16 (NLT)~

 

 

Faith, Scott, and Aaron

Monday nightPlease pray for Faith & Scott. This is so difficult for them. Also pray for healing of Aaron

Frann Smith Clark

Well, Aaron only got 3 small bottles today and now he is cut off again. Ever since they started letting him try a bottle, his heart rate has been way up in the high 170s. They were also trying to wean down his heart medication (hoping to take out the medication line going directly into his heart tomorrow) and the nitric into his breathing tubes. He has been very agitated ever since. They have gone back to feeding him through his NG tube in the hopes that this will be easier for him. Even though he has been off narcotic pain relief for about 48 hours, they decided tonight to give him a dose of Fentanyl in the hopes of bringing his heart rate down and relaxing him some. We are very hopeful that this evens him out again. We really were hoping they would take out his pacer wires tomorrow, but with his heart rate so elevated, they may not do this.

We are glad they are being extra careful, but we keep hoping every day will be the day we get to hold him again. Please pray for Aaron’s heart rate, his peace and the continued healing of his heart. It is easy to forget sometimes that he is still a very sick little boy and that his body is still adjusting to its new heart.

Thanks to all of you-Faith


Carl Wayne Stevens

Carl Wayne continues to progress following his recent stroke. Pray he will continue to see progress in this process.

Jesse Dean

Jesse had a difficult day yesterday. Majel will continue to stay home with him even though her school resumes today. Please keep both of them in your prayers.

Seasonal Allergies

Pray for the many people who are having difficulties with seasonal allergies. I’ve been among that number, but am much better now. Some way to spend my Easter holidays! I love the beautiful weather and being outdoors, but the pollen gets the best of me! It seems like I would remember that from year to year and stay inside, but I can hardly wait for this time of the year. A few days outside brings a few days of misery inside!

Baptist Press

You will notice the first three articles are about the Roma, Boyd and Jennie’s people group. Baptist Press will release more Roma articles today and tomorrow.
March 24, 2008

ROMANIA–Missionaries make inroads with Roma Gypsies. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27685

BRAZIL–Same people group, different continent. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27686

VIRGINIA–Roma live on the fringes of society. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27687

WASHINGTON–ELECTION 08: Obama’s church printed pro-Hamas editorial. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27689

GEORGIA–New churches needed to combat ‘evangelistic deficit’ in U.S. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27691

TENNESSEE–$270,000 gift to aid Union students. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27688

KENTUCKY–FIRST-PERSON (Russell D. Moore): Should we miss our church graveyards? http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=27690

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

WHAT KID HASN’T dreamed about being Superman or Spiderman or (insert your favorite superhero)…?

It’s those superpowers: x-ray vision, super speed or strength. We can imagine all kinds of neat applications of such powers. But, alas, here we are, just ordinary, common folks with nothing any more extra special about us then anyone else. Really?

A group of Jesus’ disciples were once quite excited because of the powers they had received from Him. This group was the seventy Jesus had sent out in pairs to preach. When they returned to Jesus they were excited because “even the demons are subject to us in your name” (Luke 10:17). This was something for which people had marveled at Jesus (Mark 1:27-28). In that day demons were recognized as beings beyond human control. To be able to exercise authority over them demonstrated extra-human power. No wonder the disciples got excited.

Jesus’ response to that is surprising. If we are to rejoice about anything, He said, it should be that our “names are recorded in heaven.” That’s something worth being excited about. We tend to thrill at something that would set us apart from everyone else (isn’t that what makes a superhero a superhero?). The most thrilling thing is actually something that is available to everyone else, though not many find it (Matt. 7:13-14). Our names recorded in heaven is really what it’s all about. Although I still think x-ray vision would be pretty cool. (David Deffenbaugh; Bill McFarland)

“Behold, I give you the authority

to trample on serpents and scorpions,

and over all the power of the enemy,

and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Nevertheless do not rejoice in this,

that the spirits are subject to you,

but rather rejoice

because your names are written in heaven.”

~Luke 10:19-20~

 

Have a great day, but watch out for the pollen!
Anna Lee

Saturday

Jesse Dean

Jesse is home. He had a long day yesterday. Majel is scheduled to return to school Tuesday. Please continue to pray for both of them

Aaron Hill

Aaron’s echo this morning showed a little too much pressure in the right side of his heart. They had cut his nitric oxide in anticipation of extubating him today, but that was evidently too hard on his heart and lungs. Also, b/c his urine output has been low, he was getting rather swollen. They have now given him another diuretic to help him get rid of the extra fluid and have told us they are going to take things really slow to give him plenty of time to adjust. We are impatient (as is Aaron) b/c we really want to hold him again and the removal of the ventilator, chest tube, catheter, etc., are the steps we want to take in that direction. We know Aaron doesn’t like the tube down his nose/throat (he tries to cry but can’t make sound because of the tube), so that makes us anxious to get rid of it even more. We don’t like to see him hurt and hate that we can’t comfort him when he cries. We must pray for patience for ourselves and little Aaron as we wait for his body to be ready for these steps.

Happy Good Friday to everyone. Don’t forget to celebrate the reason for this Easter weekend!

Unnamed

Someone that David and I have known all our lives and most of you have know for many years has developed a serious health issue. Please pray for this individual.

Becki and the children made it safely home yesterday afternoon. Thanks for praying for them as they traveled. Pray for all those who have miles to travel and stops to make in the coming days.

Baptist Press – Thursday

TENNESSEE–Resurrection of Christ is the heart of the Gospel. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27672

TENNESSEE–Did Jesus really rise from the dead? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27673

NORTH CAROLINA–2 thieves represent mankind, pastor says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27674

GEORGIA–Proclaiming Easter’s message all year long. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27675

TEXAS–Judge dismisses suit against Southwestern. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27676

KENTUCKY–Mohler recovering from surgery. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27677

TENNESSEE–Extreme winter calls for quick response. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27678

WASHINGTON–LIFE DIGEST: Pro-lifers should avoid ‘Idol Gives Back,’ leader says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27679

TENNESSEE–Still hospitalized, prayer lifts UU duo. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27680

LOUISIANA–Jena embraces ‘whatever God wants.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27681

SOUTH CAROLINA–FIRST-PERSON (Frank Page): A 10-year evangelistic strategy. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27682

GEORGIA–FIRST-PERSON (Henry Blackaby): Resurrection power. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27683

Saturday

Carl Wayne Stevens has completed rehabilitation and is home. He has made a lot of progress since his stroke, but is still working to get better. Pray for his wife, Nora, and other family members as they work with Carl Wayne.

Tsuyako had surgery last night and she is doing okay. Apparently her appendix was about to burst. So praise the Lord she got to the doctor in time. Pray for her complete recovery and that she would know whose hand is in control.

Again, thank you for praying.
Love to you all,
Freda (Romania)

Big Ten from Teamromany – March 2008

1. Pray for Cornel as he is in the United States. Pray for him as he seeks a job and makes plans for his fall wedding. Pray for Cornel and Erica as they begin their new life together.
2. For the past three years Cornel has worked to establish church-based training modules. In Arad, he as worked with Pastor Damian to hold the modules in three locations. Please to pray for the lay leaders who have been trained in these areas. Pray that they would continue to minister faithfully.
3. Please pray for the that will again se participants of our FARM (Far Away Romany Missions) projectnd short-term missionaries from Romania to minister in areas of need this summer. Pray for the Hills as they are assuming much of the responsibility for this project. Pray for them as they select and train participants.
4. The Hatchels have been back in the Czech Republic for a week now. Pray for them in their transition. Pray for Boyd has he attends meeting in Budapest later this week. Pray for Jennie and the children as they homeschool. Pray for the Hatchels as they look for how God wants them to invest their time and efforts in this new term.
5. Thank God with us for Joe and Julie Silby who are responding to God’s call to missions. They are planning to join teamromany later this year. They will be presented to the IMB trustees for approval for appointment on the 9th of next month. Please pray for Joe and Julie and their children Ryan, Avery, and Hannah as they make plans to leave their home in Texas in obedience to God’s call.
6. Thank God for Jiri, a Czech lawyer who has been faithfully ministering in the Brno Romany community during the Hatchels’ absence.
7. Please pray for Hugo, a Romany believer in Brno who is raising his nephew due to the imprisonment of his brother and sister-in-law. Pray that as Hugo shares Christ’s love with his nephew and other family members, their lives will be transformed.
8. Daniel is serving on staff of a church in Virginia. Pray for him as he ministers to people in need and makes plans to return to Romania in June.
9. Pray for Rob and Jess Dixon in Nashville, Tennessee as they work with teamromany to develop small-business models for church planters in Romania.
10. Pray for our field. We are going through several transitions. Pray for Mark Edworthy as he provides leadership during these changes.

Hatchels Back in Brno

 

We’re back! We had a rough trip getting here with cancelled flights, bad weather delays and a malfunctioning plane that had to be replaced after we were already in line for take-off. We were exhausted, but glad to get back to “our” house. Our neighbor didn’t get the message asking her to turn on our heat so the first night back was COLD!!!! We piled under lots of blankets and slept in layers of clothing. In the last week we’ve unpacked, gotten our utilities re-connected, received our car tags and insurance and lots of other details of life.

Mallory and Miles’ Czech teachers have been very willing to work with us. Mallory and Miles are going to Czech public school a few hours a week for art, PE, and music. Mallory’s class has swimming for PE once a week. For everything else we’re homeschooling. Madison and Mason are also at home doing some preschool activities, coloring, and getting out as many toys as the possibly can.

The weather has been cold and dreary so we haven’t gotten to go to the park or get out very much. It’s been so damp that my clothes are taking forever to dry. I have about six loads hanging up that I’m still waiting on to dry.

Boyd is in Budapest for meetings for a few days. He’ll be back Friday.

We went to Czech church on Sunday and Boyd went to Romany Bible study. Lots of people were glad to see us. It was nice to have been missed.

Please pray for us as we continue to adjust and settle in. I’ve been sick several days and that’s made it a little harder.

Speaking of family, pray for Becki and the children, Braden and Peyton, as they drive from Roma, GA to Kentwood today. They will be spending the next week between Kentwood and Gonzales. Pray as Jason as he fends for himself at home.

Chrisy Haynes and the children, Abe, Aris, and Audrey will be in Kentwood visiting for a few days. They will be at church tomorrow, so many of you will be able to give them a hug and admire the beautiful children. Bro. Brady will not be with them. He will be in Alabama holding down this church position. Pray for him as he will also be fending for himself for the week.

 

Cleve Jerry Travis

(September 20, 1926 – March 12, 2008)

Died at 4:50AM on Thursday, March 12, 2008 at Veterans Administration Medical Center in Biloxi, MS. He was a native of St. Helena Parish, LA and a resident of Kiln, MS. Age 81 years. He was a WWII veteran of the U.S.M.C. serving with the 1st Marine Division on Palau and Okinawa Islands. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. on Tuesday and until religious services at 11 a.m Tuesday. Services conducted by Rev. Gibby McMillan. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by nieces, Cynthia Caparole, NY, Patricia Konopka, NY, Judy Easley, Prairieville, LA, nephews, Dennis Travis, Montpelier, LA, Cary Travis, Montpelier, LA, Brian Travis, Greensburg, LA, Anthony Konopka, NY, Walter Konopka, NY. Preceded in death by parents, Walter “Bud” Travis and Maude B. Travis, sister, Norma Konopka, brothers, Ray Travis and Kenneth Travis, nephew, Kenneth Travis, Jr. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Zion Baptist Church. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

DOES GOD KNOW ABOUT THIS?

 

There’s a couple in Arkansas who have given their six-year-old son strict instructions to come home from playing every afternoon no later than 5 p.m. He is allowed to play with his friends, but his parents are quite serious about his curfew. If he is not home by 5 p.m., they begin to worry and call around the neighborhood to find out where he is. The boy knows this, though, and is careful to arrive every day on time.

One April Monday, however, the day after Daylight Saving Time went into effect, the boy was late coming home. When he finally arrived, a few minutes before 6 p.m., his mother scolded him for being late. “You know you are to be home by five,” she said, “and here it is nearly six.”

Puzzled, the little boy pointed out the window. “But the light,” he protested, “the light; it’s the light that tells me when to come home.” Realizing what had happened, his mother smiled and gently explained that the day before the time had been changed, that everyone had reset their clocks and, now, the daylight lasted longer.

The boy’s eyes narrowed. “Does God know about this?” he asked suspiciously.

It’s easy to see why a young boy would ask such a question, but no matter what the circumstance prompting the question, the answer to “Does God know about this?” is always, “Yes, He knows.” David reflected on this quality of God in Psalm 139:

“Lord, you have examined me and know all about me. You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts before I think them. You know where I go and where I lie down. You know thoroughly everything I do. Lord, even before I say a word, you already know it. You are all around me — in front and in back — and have put your hand on me. Your knowledge is amazing to me; it is more than I can understand.” (Psalm 139:1-6)

At times, it is a bit frightening to realize that God knows so much about me, but ultimately it is a comforting thought — that someone knows so much about me, yet still loves me. Because God knows me so well, He knows my deepest needs. May you take comfort this day in the realization that God knows everything about you there is to know.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

He knows all about us, our strengths, our wants, our needs, etc. He knows, but He also want us to tell him. Be sure to do so today.

Have a great weekend.

Anna Lee