Sunday

For those who have a long drive to work, your sanctuary may be in your car with a CD player. It may mean posting a passage of Scripture near your steering wheel, where you can meditate and pray about it during the time that you drive.

It may mean reading your Bible during your lunch break at work.

It may mean taking the first ten minutes to read and pray in your office each morning.

It may mean putting your tennis shoes on and going for a walk with your Bible in hand.

It may mean sitting in your garage or workshop with a CD player to listen to sermons.

It’s not what the sanctuary looks like or where it is that matters. It’s what you do there that makes it a meaningful place. The sanctuary does not provide rest. What takes place there in the desert is what refreshes the inner man. (Steve Farrar)

“But you, when you pray, go into your room,

and when you have shut your door,

pray to your Father who is in the secret place;

and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:6

Posted by Mike Benson

Have a great Lord’d Day!

Anna Lee

Saturday

God showed his great love for us

by sending Christ to die for us

while we were still sinners.

~Romans 5:8 NLT~

Mason Carter’s surgery went well yesterday morning. Thank you for praying for him.

Harrell Sharkey continues to have additional tests to help identify his problem. Pray for a diagnosis so treatment can begin.

Jesse Dean was injured at work Thursday. Pray for him as he seeks relief from back pain.

Rev. Bobby Eads has been hospitalized for heart issues. He’s home now. Keep Bobbie and Suzie in your prayers.

Daddy was admitted to North Oaks last night. He had a lot of tests yesterday afternoon and night. Pray for Daddy and Momma as they are separated during this time. They are usually together 24 hours a day every day! This is the first time I can remember him being in the hospital overnight. It’s also difficult for Momma and Daddy because they are together 24 hours of every day and have been that way since Daddy retired.

Lerlene Allen Johnson

(June 18, 1926 – April 9, 2010)

A resident of Amite, died at 1 a.m. on Friday, April 9, 2010 at her residence. She was born June 18, 1926 in Amite and was 83 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until religious services at 12 Noon Monday. Services conducted by Bro. Marshall Wallace. Interment Briar Patch Cemetery, Loranger. Survived by daughter, Shearon J. Koleszar, Amite, 4 sons, Roger Johnson, Amite, Thearon Johnson, Amite, Wesley Johnson, Amite, and Galen Johnson, Amite, sister, Mary J. King, Amite, 12 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents, William and Mattie Ballard Allen, 3 brothers, Benjamin Allen, James Allen, and Charles Allen, granddaughter, Kristie Koleszar.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

WHEN SOMEONE HAS just become a Christian and started out in the Christian life, what advice would you give that person about Bible classes…?

Would you say, “Now the church has Bible classes every Sunday and Wednesday, but they aren’t really important. That the church assembles on Sunday night but you do not have to go if you do not want to”? Or would you say to a son or daughter, “I know that you would like to go today, but I want to read the paper, or I want to sleep late this morning, and I don’t think those Bible classes are to important anyway”?

What advice would you give…?

When we willfully neglect the services (as some are doing) we are telling our children and those around us that the church is not important to us. Our children may even feel the church is not important enough to become members of it. Then what could we say for ourselves? Could we say, “Lord, I did my best to teach them the true value of the church–I did this by going and taking them to every service?” via Main Street Monitor, Manchester, TN

“Jesus said to him,

‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart,

with all your soul,

and with all your mind.”

Matthew 22:37

Have a great weekend!

Anna Lee

Friday

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Friday, April 9, 2010

“Come, you blessed of My Father,

inherit the kingdom prepared for you

from the foundation of the world . . .

I was in prison and you came to Me.”

~Matthew 25:34,36b, NKVJ~

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, encouraging you to pray for ministry to prisoners.

Several years ago, a young Central Tibetan man, R, was wrongly accused of stealing and put into prison without any type of trial. His sisters are strong believers and shared quite a lot about Jesus with him, both before his incarceration and during visits to see him, but his religious background kept him in bondage. R recently experienced physical release from prison; pray that he, and all the Central Tibetans in Asia, will experience spiritual release from their traditional beliefs and live in the freedom of Christ.

B, who has been in a Somali prison since last year, was recently granted a release, in answer to your prayers. However, the head of the prison refuses to honor the court’s decision and let B go free. Please ask the Lord to move in the official’s heart, and pray that B’s actual release will come quickly. This official has also refused the release of other prisoners because of financial or political pressure.

IMB mobilizer Paul Lambach, who serves at the Equatorial Baptist Seminary in Belem-Para, asks prayer for these needs: “1) Give thanks that we had almost 20 in attendance at the Monday morning chapel at the men’s prison in Americano. Eight of those were first-time visitors interested in studying the Gospel of John. Leaders from two of the units are interested in starting our Basic Theology extension course in those units. 2) Thank the Lord that more than 20 people attended Tuesday morning chapel at Massafra Construction Supplies. Pray for seminary students to preach in this weekly chapel.”

* Please pray for Paul Lambach as he attempts to set up the first seminary extension in a men’s prison.

* Intercede for R to accept salvation and for B to be released without further delay.

* Ask God to show you how you can support local jail ministries

Pray for Mason Carter as he has sinus surgery at 11:00 this morning in McComb.

Pray for my daddy, Grant Smith. He’s not been feeling well this week and had to see a doctor yesterday evening.

Continue to pray for Ora Lee Wilson’s family. As the family was sitting with Barbara, Barbara’s husband had to receive medical treatment. Ora Lee’s aunt’s obituary is below.

Luzina Penton “Miss Dood” Branch
(July 17, 1925 – April 6, 2010)

LUZINA PENTON “Miss Dood” BRANCH, age 84

and a resident of the Hilltop Community died at 11:15 PM Tuesday at her residence. She was a member of the Hilltop Missionary Baptist Church and the widow of Delos Branch.

Survived by: Numerous nieces and nephews 3 sisters in law: Helen Branch of Hilltop Vergie Branch Mattie Penton both of Stateline She was also preceded in death by her parents John and Louisa Branch Penton; a sister Edwena Bedwell; 5 brothers Ancil Penton, William “Bill” Penton, Odean Penton, Wilson Penton and Edsel “Pete” Penton; a half brother J.E. Wheat.

Visitation at Crain Funeral Home from 5 PM until 9 PM Friday. Visitation will continue after 9 AM Saturday at Hilltop Missionary Baptist Church until time for the funeral service at 11 AM with Eld. Mark Hobgood, Eld. Edward Penton and Eld. Duane Ball officiating. Interment in the church cemetery. Obituaries can be viewed online at http://www.crainfh.com

Continue to pray for my Texas relatives. They are dealing with a brain tumor, three with Huntington’s disease, MS, etc. Pray they will continue to turn to God and realize He’s walking through their difficult journey with them.

CaringBridge

Helen Toney Basso
(July 18, 1930 – April 7, 2010)

A resident of Independence, LA, died at 10:45PM on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA after a battle with pneumonia. She was born July 18, 1930 in Independence, LA and was 79 years of age. Mrs. Basso was a retired caregiver at Hammond Developmental Center, Hammond. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. on Saturday April 10, 2010 until religious services at 11:30a.m. Saturday. Services conducted by Bro. Kenneth Istre. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. Survived by son and daughter-in-law, Calvin J. “Tugar” Basso, Jr. and Anne Liuzza Basso, Independence, 3 sisters, Pat Cleveland, Beulah Hoover and her husband, Leo, and Joyce Easley and her husband, Wilson, and family dog, Brody Basso. Preceded in death by husband, Calvin J. Basso, Sr., parents, Henry P. and Opal Bennett Toney, and brother, John H. Toney. Flowers are welcome or donations can be made to the Tangipahoa Council on Aging.

IS YOUR HOUSE A MESS?

I recently heard the following story:

“My daughter Michelle is the commander of a Coast Guard Cutter. When she gave my husband Bob a tour of her ship, he was impressed by the neatness of all decks.

“However, when Bob went to Michelle’s house with her, he couldn’t believe the disorganization. ‘Why is everything in its place on your ship,’ he asked, ‘but your house is such a mess?’

“‘My house,’ Michelle said, ‘does not take 30-degree rolls.’”

I found the story quite humorous, but it made me wonder. How often do others notice that things are just fine in our workplace, but not at home? Things may be “in its place” at work (and elsewhere), but at home things are “a mess.” One of the saddest passages in the Bible is found in I Samuel 8:1-3:

“Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel…But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.”

Here was Samuel – a great prophet, one of the greatest men in the Bible, arguably one of the godliest men in all of history, but his sons didn’t follow after his example. Some commentators have speculated that it was at least partly due to the fact that Samuel traveled around Israel fulfilling his responsibilities as a prophet (I Sam. 7:15-16), neglecting his family in the process.

It’s a problem that everyone who works struggles with, but especially preachers because we often view our work as being done “for God” so we feel justified in pouring more of our time and effort into our work. But there is always the danger — the temptation – that we may be neglecting things at home.

Early in my ministry, my wife used to complain, “You always have time for anybody else who comes to you with a problem, but you can’t find time for me.” There were times she was right. I felt compelled to make sure that everything was in order at “work”, but I sometimes allowed things at home to be a “mess.” I’m sure there were many times my children felt the same way. I would like to think that I’ve learned from my mistakes and have a better balance now.

My message today comes with an encouragement for all of you who work to make an assessment of your own. Are you more interested in keeping things in order at work than you are at home? May God help each of us as we strive to fulfill our God-given responsibilities to our spouses and children.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Please feel free to share your requests, praises, and updates so we can pray for you. Have a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“… You will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem,

in all Judea,

in Samaria,

and everywhere in the world.”

~Acts 1:8, CEV~

My cousin, Micah Tolleson (22)

Micah will be having surgery April 15th to remove a tumor that is located deep within the left side of his frontal lobe. The tumor was discovered just 4 weeks ago, the brain biopsy did show the tumor is benign, but the tumor must be removed nonetheless to relieve the pressure on his brain that has caused some major personality changes. Only 90% of the tumor will be removed, the tumor is too deeply imbedded in his brain to remove the entire tumor. He will be followed by a neurosurgeon for the rest of his life to follow the course of the tumor. Please pray for our family–Micah in particular–we are acting so brave, but our hearts are terrified. He will have residual side effects of right side weakness and a speech impediment. (Brenda Tolleson, Micah’s mother)

If you haven’t already been doing so, start today to focus on the meaning of the holiday we are celebrating. The Easter buttons distributed at church say “Easter means HE LIVES”. I pray each person who reads that will know that, but if you don’t, I pray you learn that now. Jesus is the reason for the Easter season!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“Don’t think only about your own affairs,

but be interested in others, too.”

~Philippians 2:4, TLB~

Trisha Wilson thanks you for supporting the Good News Bible Clubs they conducted at the local school. They have already been approved for next year. Pray they will be allowed to have more students next year. She also thanks you for praying for her as she spoke at MOPS. Her request for this week is for the Easter party she will host at her home for the children in school with her two older children. So far, she’s expecting to have 22 children Friday. Pray for good weather so they can go outside but mainly for little hearts to be open to the message of Easter.

Linda Hughes Benfield has been released by her doctor so she is free to drive and even return to work. Thank God for her good progress. Thank God for her family who helped take good care of her.

Wanda Cage is now home. Pray for her as she continues to recover and makes plans for treatment.

Pray for my sister, Carolyn, as she and her daughter fly to visit her other daughter and family tomorrow. This will be Carolyn’s first flight. She is very nervous.

CaringBridge

Please take time to read this Baptist Press article. It gives insight into losing a parent and insight into gaining a heavenly home while losing earthly family.

http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=32601

UNDERCOVER BOSS

I don’t know how many of you have watched the TV show “Undercover Boss”, but it is one that intrigues me. The show features a CEO of any given company who decides to go undercover and work as one of his men on the front lines. The purpose is to find out what problems there are and what the CEO can do to make it better. Now to some extent, this show seems a bit staged to me as the workers are almost always more than thrilled to be working for the company and they have unique, difficult situations that they open up about to this “stranger” filming a documentary, whether it be about dialysis or losing their home to a flood. But that aside, it is interesting to watch the reactions of people at the end of the show when they learn that the man that they serve, that they’ve never met, has spent the day working beside them. And everything they did and said was being observed by the man who pays their salary.

More often than not, the CEO is touched by how hard his employees work and they are rewarded. Some are rewarded with bigger job opportunities within the company. Some are given raises, some sent to school, some have foundations set up in their name. It reminds me so much of the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. The show for me, makes that passage come alive. I think a lot about God revealing himself to us at the end of our time and saying, “I was with you. I was watching you work and heard what you said. I was impressed with your work ethic. You work very hard. I know it hasn’t been easy, but I’m going to make things better for you now. You do an excellent job where you are at, but I would like you to take on more responsibility.”

This show is helpful in getting me to understand that passage. I’m afraid too often that I relate far too easily with the steward with one talent. I hope that God finds me neither afraid or lazy, but can warmly greet me in his “office” and say “Well done good and faithful servant!”

Charity Thomas
Johnson City, TN

(Charity Thomas is the daughter of Alan Smith who usually writes this devotional.)

Share the message of Easter this week.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Call to Me, and I will answer you,

and show you great and mighty things,

which you do not know.”

~Jeremiah 33:3~

Mrs. Mary Young’s surgery went well yesterday. She was able to go home to recuperate. Pray for this time to go well too.

Sim Bankston was able to leave North Oaks and is now home. Pray for him as he continues to recover.

Wanda Cage also was able to go home from the hospital. Keep her in your prayers too.

Carl F. Reed, Jr.
(October 11, 1922 – March 29, 2010)

Mr. Carl F. Reed, Jr. was born October 11, 1922 and passed away at 8:24 a.m., Monday, March 29, 2010 at Lane Regional Medical Center, Zachary, LA. Mr. Carl was 87, a native of Bastrop, LA and a resident of Jackson, LA.

He is survived by his brother, A. W. Reed and wife, Sandy, Kentwood and their children; Ken Roberts and wife, Kasey, Baton Rouge, and their children, Preston & Hallie; Cyndi Miller and husband, Eddie, Denham Springs, and their children, Darby, Tess & Reed; Brent Reed and wife Tara, Beaumont, TX and their child, Reagan.

Preceded in death by his parents, Carl F. Reed, Sr. and Rose Mizell Reed: sister, Dorothy Reed Dowling.

Masonic graveside funeral service will be held at Christ Church Cemetery, Bastrop, LA on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.

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

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

“But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.’ (Isaiah 43:1)

Thanks for praying today. Your prayers mean so much to so many.

Anna Lee

Friday

“You also must help us by prayer,

so that many will give thanks on our behalf

for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”

~2 Corinthians 1:11, ESV~

Mr. Billy Brabham started treatment Monday in Hammond. He’s doing well. Continue to pray for him and his family.

Pray for the Louisiana WMU as they meet at FBC, Covington tonight and tomorrow. May the WMU continue to have a big influence!

CaringBridge

Today’s devotional will give all of us an opportunity to think about those we meet and whether or not we take advantage of opportunities we have. I think this is true both stateside and “across the pond”, although it is probably more true there than here.

“The Second Setting” by Jennie A. Hatchel

http://larrymccrary.com/

Continue to pray for those who have been mentioned lately that have continuing needs and for those who are not listed, but who would benefit from your prayers. Have a fantastic Friday!

Anna Lee

Friday

Call to me and I will answer you.

I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things

that you could never figure out on your own.

~Jeremiah 33:3 (MSG)~

Micah Simpson

We are going to take Micah to the doctor at Children’s Hospital tomorrow morning for an
appointment for a check up on his extra rib.

Pray that everything will be okay.

Thanks, Marty & Gretchen Simpson

The Tolleson family received good news. Micah’s brain tumor in benign. He will soon be able to return to his normal routine. Thank you so much for praying for him. Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Mr. Billy Brabham will have a biopsy at 8:00 this morning. Please be in prayer.

Josephine Guzzardo Levatino
(August 25, 1926 – March 17, 2010)

A native and resident of Independence died on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge at the age of 83 years. Visitation at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, from 11 a.m. on Friday until religious services at 12 Noon Friday. Services conducted by Fr. Howard Adkins. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence. Survived by sister, Virginia G. Henderson and her husband, Buddy, Prairieville, 3 brothers, Sam Guzzardo and his wife, Jennie, Baton Rouge, Guy Guzzardo, Baton Rouge, Mike Guzzardo and his wife, Virginia, Tickfaw, sister-in-law, Phenie Guzzardo, step-daughter, Barbara L. Navarra and her husband, Roy, Independence. Preceded in death by husband, John Levatino, parents, John and Maggie Guzzardo, brother, Joe Guzzardo, sister-in-law, June Guzzardo.

Darrell Joseph Cuti
(May 26, 1981 – March 17, 2010)

Darrell Joseph Cuti was born May 26, 1981 and passed away at 12:25 p.m., Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at his residence. He was 28, a native of Jackson, MS and a resident of Amite.

Darrell is survived by his mother, Rickie C. Mullendore and husband, Paul, Amite; 2 sisters, Donna C. Kelsey and husband, Brennan, Amite and Marcy Cutrer and husband, Brian, Amite; 2 nieces, Kayla Kelsey and Nicole Cutrer both of Amite; 3 nephews, Brennan Kelsey, Bray Cutrer, and Keegan Kelsey all of Amite; grandmother, Mrs. Marcelle Cuti, Amite; step-sister, Lynette Edwards and husband, Keith, Wilmer; step-nieces and nephews, Allison, Elizabeth and Russell Edwards of Wilmer; and numerous aunts and uncles of who loved him dearly.

Preceded in death by his father, Salvador Cuti, Jr.; twin brother, Darren Cuti; grandfather, Sam Cuti; grandmother, Verdie Duncan; and cousin, Christopher Coon.

Visitation at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, March 20, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Rusty Durand officiating. Interment in Amite Memorial Gardens.

An on-line Guestbook and to view a Video tribute is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral home, Amite is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Bill Hood Automotive.

KneEmail

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

Mike Benson, Editor

WHEN THE X-RAY comes back and it doesn’t look good, remember…God is still faithful…

When you read that heart-breaking note from your mate, remember…God is still faithful.

When you hear the worst kind of news about one of your children, remember…God is still faithful.

He has not abandoned you, though you’re tempted to think He has. Charles Swindoll

“God is faithful,

by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord.”

1 Corinthians 1:9

This devotional is dedicated to my Texas relatives who have been through so many problems. It is their testimony and the testimony of many others who have faced lots of “valley” experiences.

Anna Lee

Saturday

As each part does its own special work,

it helps the other parts grow,

so that the whole body is healthy

and growing

and full of love.

~Ephesians 4:16b (NLT)~

Pray for Rev. Walter Mixon, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church (east of Amite), as he has heart concerns.

Continue to pray for Micah Tolleson (22) and his family. He has been sent home while they wait for results of the biopsy to determine the next step. As you pray for him, please pray for his parents and other family members who have continuing health issues of their own.

CaringBridge: Callie Cole (2 posts)

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole/journal

From Cheryl Hughes Green

Talked to Momma last night and Linda’s surgery to remove her gall bladder is today at 3:30. She should be dischared from the hospital and go to Momma and Daddy’s house tomorrow.

John’s face is still swollen pretty bad from his little surgery of his widsom teeth.

Thanks to everyone who has and are praying for our little family. Please also pray for our parents: Wilton & Sandra Hughes who have been with Linda and taking care of Philip during this time. Thanks again and God bless.

Virginia Goings Blades
(June 24, 1947 – March 11, 2010)

Died at 5:05 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at her residence in Walker. She was born June 24, 1947 in Franklinton and was 62 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. on Monday until religious services at 11 a.m. Monday. Interment will follow at Wilmer Cemetery. She is survived by 2 daughters, Sheila Dale Griffin and Michelle Blades Wirtz, 2 sons, Ricky Wayne Dykes and Joseph Scott Blades, 1 sister, Carolyn Ann Spears, 3 brothers, Buddy Joe Goings, Glen Spears, and Lynn Spears, 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Arthur L. Blades, mother, Vivian C. Spears, and father, Joseph D. Goings.

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

Expanding God’s work in Puerto Rico
Luis and Lourdes Rodriguez are missionaries for the North American Mission Board, responsible for planting churches in Puerto Rico. With a corps group of 15 they planted a, now thriving church in Coamo.
By John Correa

At the onset of his missionary career, pastor Luis Rodríguez and his wife, Lourdes Santiago, were dismayed at the lack of commitment from church members at the church they’d planted in Coamo, Puerto Rico. However, this apathy did not hamper the efforts of these Southern Baptists. Besides, from God’s divine perspective, this was only the beginning.

Luis remembers the challenges faced during those uncertain days after being sent by the Raham First Baptist Church of Santa Isabel to plant a new church in Coamo.

“When we arrived at Raham-Coamo, we noticed the believers there didn’t really have a commitment to come to the services,” said Rodriguez. “When we were on our way to a prayer service, they started calling to excuse themselves from coming to the service. In that moment I turned and looked at my wife and wondered if our efforts were really worth it. We began doubting if God was really involved.”

When Luis and Lourdes arrived at the small church for the prayer service, only one other couple had come to intercede for God’s work there – but a couple with a very special need.

“With great sorrow in our hearts, we found brother Carlos Santiago and his wife, Andrea, who was kneeling in prayer,” recalls Rodriguez. Andrea’s hair had fallen out due to the chemotherapy she was undergoing to fight her cancer.

“I looked at my wife, she looked at me, and the Lord spoke to my heart, saying, ‘For the love of that solitary life I’m sending you to Coamo. It’s one life, one soul. Don’t worry about the ones who made excuses and didn’t come.’”

Because of Andrea’s commitment, Luis and Lourdes were motivated to press on with God’s challenge of planting a church in Coamo. The result was the creation of the Raham Baptist Church in Coamo.

The name of the church, “Raham,” is the Hebrew word for “God has shown compassion.” This is precisely the spiritual gift that continues to be one of the driving forces behind Rodriguez’s work in Coamo.

Luis and Lourdes Rodriguez are missionaries for the North American Mission Board, responsible for planting churches in Puerto Rico. They are two of the some 5,300 missionaries in the United States, Canada and their territories supported by the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering® for North American Missions, and are among the NAMB missionaries featured as part of the annual Week of Prayer, March 7-14, 2010. This year’s theme is “Live with Urgency: Share God’s Transforming Power.” The 2010 Annie Armstrong Easter Offering’s goal is $70 million, 100 percent of which benefits missionaries like Rodriguez.

Luis, 46, was ordained as a Southern Baptist pastor in 2001 by his local church at the time, Raham Baptist Church of Santa Isabel. He came from a background in business, with a concentration in accounting – working up to a vice president’s job at the company where he worked for over 20 years.

Since becoming a missionary three years ago, he has completed coursework at Luther Rice Seminary in Puerto Rico, and is planning to continue his studies at the Baptist Seminary of Puerto Rico, through Liberty University.

“My decision to become a missionary wasn’t an easy decision. I faced all sorts of difficulties,” Luis says. “I quit a job with great benefits. Temptations came, uncertainty, good advice and bad advice. But God, who is rich in mercy, sustained me. My wife’s support was unconditional and awesome. I simply couldn’t resist what God wanted to do with me.

“One day in a prayer meeting I began asking God, ‘Lord, what do you want to do with me?’ After several months went by without the slightest involvement in the ministry, without a desire to continue pastoring, God sent us to Raham in Coamo, where, with a group of 15 people, we planted a church.”

Although the most predominant religious group in Puerto Rico is Roman Catholicism – about 85 percent of the population – the remaining 15 percent is made up various groups like Southern Baptists, who impact the culture through schools and universities, among other means.

Coamo is a city of approximately 39,500, located in the southern region of Puerto Rico. Three years ago, Luis Rodríguez and his church planting team also started a bilingual, Christian school – Coamo Christian Academy — to minister to local children and their parents.

Coamo Christian Academy has met with great approval in the community. Beginning with only four students in 2006, the school now has more than 40 enrolled.

Luis admits he couldn’t do the work without the support of Southern Baptists.

“Contributions given to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering® support me as a missionary in the work we are doing, and help us support the church to reach children and the parents who participate in this ministry. To God be the glory!”

Adalberto Muñoz, a member of Luis’ ministry team, spoke of Luis’ commitment and passion for the lost.

“When you talk to Luis and see him carry out his duties, when you see the fruit this ministry is bearing, there is no doubt that God really called Luis to serve in this capacity.

“Pastor Luis and members of Raham Baptist Church in Coamo have a genuine calling from God to the ministry, a sincere love for the Word, integrity, and commitment towards the community,” said Munoz. “It’s a church that inspires a lot of love. You feel you are in a wholesome environment full of love for God and for people.”

Commitment to prayer and keeping God’s Word have also inspired door-to-door evangelism, prayer walks, interactive team sports with non-Christians, radio talk shows, Bible studies in neighboring towns and the capital, and other activities such as “One Night with Christ,” during which sister churches interact to impact the Coamo community.

Rodriguez said his ministry’s most pressing need is adequate facilities and more space.

“The current facilities aren’t sufficient,” he says. “We have limited space, and if we don’t do something about it soon, the growth of our ministry will be adversely affected.”

Luis and wife Lourdes are the parents of three children, Victor, Luis and Lyanne Rodriguez Santiago.

John J. Correa is a writer living in Dacula, Georgia.

God is providing another beautiful day. Give Him back some of your day.

Anna Lee

Thursday

Your love for one another will prove to the world

that you are my disciples.

~John 13:35 (NLT)~

Mr. Billy Brabham has been having some problems that sent him to have medical tests. He will be meeting with an oncologist next Tuesday. Pray for him and his family as they determine future treatment.

My cousin, Micah (22), had surgery for the brain tumor. The doctor was not able to remove it. The family will be meeting with doctors to determine the next step. Please keep Micah and his family in your prayers.

Mr. “Cete” Dillon is doing well. The recent eye procedure seems to have helped. Keep him in your prayers. He and his caregiver, “Miss” Ruby, are taking turns taking care of each other.

CaringBridge

Anthony Justice Golman
(October 28, 2003 – March 9, 2010)

A resident of Roseland, died at 12:35 a.m. on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. He was born October 28, 2003 in Covington, LA and was 6 years of age. Visitation at Roseland Baptist Church from 6 p.m. on Thursday until religious services at 10 a.m. on Friday. Services conducted by Rev. Tommy Hicks. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. He is survived by his mother, Ashley Burch, Roseland; father, Anthony Golman, Independence; sister, Allie Golman, Roseland; maternal grandparents, Toni Ensign and Matthew Ensign, Roseland, Robert Burch, Tickfaw. Preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Willie Mae Golman; maternal great-grandmother, Pearl Burch.

AAEO

http://www.onmission.com/site/c.cnKHIPNuEoG/b.5818463/k.FDE2/

Reaching_a_vast_wilderness_of_lost_souls.htm

(I’m sorry the link is on two lines. You’ll need to copy and paste both in the address bar this time.)

Have a terrific Thursday!

Anna Lee

CLOSET

“Jesus said to him,

‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart,

with all your soul,

and with all your mind.”

Matthew 22:37

“God is faithful,

by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son,

Jesus Christ our Lord.”

1 Corinthians 1:9

Expanding God’s work in Puerto Rico Luis and Lourdes Rodriguez are missionaries for the North American Mission Board, responsible for planting churches in Puerto Rico. With a corps group of 15 they planted a, now thriving church in Coamo. By John Correa

Expanding God’s work in Puerto Rico
Luis and Lourdes Rodriguez are missionaries for the North American Mission Board, responsible for planting churches in Puerto Rico. With a corps group of 15 they planted a, now thriving church in Coamo.
By John Correa